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Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive neuropathological condition characterized by the temporary or permanent impairment of spinal cord function, resulting in motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunctions. Based on the principles of evidence-based medicine, the development of clinical practice guidelines of integrated Chinese and western medicine rehabilitation for SCI can provide clinicians with a comprehensive and standardized framework for SCI treatment and rehabilitation. This scientific, standardized and unified practice guideline covers the technical scope, normative references documents, terms and definitions, SCI classifications and clinical diagnosis, rehabilitation assessment, rehabilitation diagnosis and treatment program and treatment of common complications, etc. Rehabilitation assessment of SCI mainly includes sensory examination, motor examination, motor or sensory function rating, quality of life assessment, functional assessment and psychological function assessment (stress assessment, cognitive function assessment, and emotional state assessment). Rehabilitation diagnosis and treatment program of SCI mainly includes early treatment principles, drug therapy, physical therapy (muscle strength training, balance and gait training, aerobic exercise, electrical stimulation and other therapies), occupational therapy (joint range of motion training, activities of daily living training, resting motor skill training, upper limb function training and wheelchair skills training), assistive devices, traditional Chinese medicine therapy, including single drug therapy (ligustrazine, salvia miltiorrhiza injection, roasted nux vomica, etc.) and compound therapy (salvia miltiorrhiza ligustrazine injection, Buyang Huanwu decoction, Huoxue Tongdu decoction, erxian decoction, Yiqi Huoxue decoction and self-formulated decoction, etc.), acupuncture therapy and other therapies (new drug therapy, cell therapy, neuromodulation technology and brain-spine interface technology). Common complications of SCI include autonomic hyperreflexia, deep vein thrombosis, heterotopic ossification, orthostatic hypotension, pressure ulcers and urinary tract infection. This guideline can provide guidance for all kinds of rehabilitation institutions at all levels as well as the department of orthopedics and traumatology of traditional Chinese medicine, department of orthopedics of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion department, Tuina department and rehabilitation medicine department in the hospitals of traditional Chinese medicine or general hospitals in China to perform SCI clinical diagnosis, rehabilitation assessment, rehabilitation treatment and treatment of common complications, with good clinical applicability, safety and effectiveness.

Background and objectives: Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a debilitating facial pain disorder, often necessitating surgical interventions when medication proves insufficient. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is an established therapeutic option. Limited studies explored the feasibility of a third SRS procedure. Our study investigates the safety and efficacy of a third SRS procedure for recurrent TN. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis across multiple centers using databases collected prospectively. Pain status was evaluated utilizing the BNI Pain Intensity Scales. The Kaplan–Meier method was employed to estimate the time to recurrence, with group comparisons conducted using log-rank tests. Associations were explored using Chi-square and logistic regression models. Results: Ten institutions contributed with a total of 35 patients. A third SRS revealed sustained effectiveness with a pain control rate of 82.7%. The median time to recurrence was 35.5 months. New sensory dysfunction following the third procedure occurred in 22% of patients who had preserved sensory function after the second procedure. When considering those who developed sensory dysfunction after the second procedure, 40% of the entire cohort was affected. There were no significant differences in pain recurrence intervals among the three procedures. A meta-analysis, combining data from previous studies, showed that 89.6% of patients achieved some degree of pain control after a third SRS, with 27.4% experiencing new sensory dysfunction and a median time to recurrence of 31.6 months. Conclusion: Our study, the largest on the topic, affirms the sustained effectiveness of a third SRS for TN, providing comparable pain relief to initial procedures. Notably, an extended pain-free interval after the third SRS session was observed. Facial sensory dysfunction emerged as the primary side effect. Larger studies are warranted to explore correlations with demographics and treatment parameters for a comprehensive understanding of repeat SRS in managing recurrent TN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory functions of organs of the head and neck allow humans to interact with the environment and establish social bonds. With aging, smell, taste, vision, and hearing decline. Evidence suggests that accelerated impairment in sensory abilities can reflect a shift from healthy to pathological aging, including the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurological disorders. While the drivers of early sensory alteration in AD are not elucidated, insults such as trauma and infections can affect sensory function. Herein, we review the involvement of the major head and neck sensory systems in AD, with emphasis on microbes exploiting sensory pathways to enter the brain (the "gateway" hypothesis) and the potential feedback loop by which sensory function may be impacted by central nervous system infection. We emphasize detection of sensory changes as first-line surveillance in senior adults to identify and remove potential insults, like microbial infections, that could precipitate brain pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) of various origins are the most widely investigated type of stem cells in clinical trials. We report a treatment comparison of two adult sources of autologous MSCs regarding safety and efficacy in established spinal cord injury (SCI). Materials and Methods: In this Phase I/II open-label two-arm study, patients were divided into two groups. The first group was treated with autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSC), while the second was treated with autologous adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AT-MSC). Safety and outcomes were assessed in both groups for 24 months post-treatment initiation using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS). Results: Both groups showed no serious treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). AIS-assessed outcomes pointed to sensory and motor improvements in patients of both groups. Patients who received AT-MSCs showed better sensory and motor function improvement than those who received BM-MSCs. One patient in the AT-MSCs group regained the ability to walk after years of disability. Conclusions: Intrathecal injection of autologous AT-MSCs and autologous BM-MSC appears to be safe, with a possible advantage in the AT-MSCs treatment option regarding efficacy over BM-MSCs. Future clinical trials investigating larger sample sizes are warranted for wider use of this treatment modality in clinical practice. Furthermore, earlier use of cellular therapy intervention for SCI patients is predicted to improve the benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive research suggests that COVID-19 infection can lead to persistent changes in taste and smell perception. These sensory changes have the potential to exert lasting impacts on dietary choices, nutrition, and body weight. This study aims to explore COVID-related shifts in dietary intake among New Zealand university students. We conducted a survey involving 340 university students who had experienced COVID-19 infection between 2022 and 2023. Participants reported any changes in eating behavior since before the pandemic and were asked to complete a 24-h food record. Participants’ total daily energy intake, macronutrient intake, and composition were then compared with data collected from a similar cohort before the COVID-19 pandemic, spanning from 2017 to 2019. Dietary outcomes were compared using MANCOVA while controlling for individual age, gender, ethnicity, and BMI. Approximately 25% of participants reported experiencing sensory alterations with COVID-19, with those participants more likely to report changes in their experience of sweet tastes but not salty or fatty foods. Analyses of the pre- and post-COVID cohorts revealed that participants in the post-COVID group exhibited significantly higher consumption of protein and sodium. Understanding the long-term impact of COVID-19 infection may offer crucial insights into the role of chemosensory perception in dietary behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hallux valgus (HV), one of the most common forefoot deformities, may increase mechanical loading on the lateral side of the foot, leading to hyperkeratosis in these areas and deterioration of plantar sensation. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between plantar sensation and clinical and functional parameters, such as HV severity, foot posture, gait, and balance in individuals with HV. Materials and Methods: A total of 29 participants were recruited for the study. The following measurements were taken: the HV angle with a universal goniometer, hallux pain with the Visual Analog Scale, plantar cutaneous sensation with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, clinical status of the forefoot with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AO-FAS) Hallux-Metatarsophalangeal (MTP)-Interphalangeal (IP) Scale, foot posture with the Foot Posture Index (FPI), postural sway with a force platform, and temporospatial gait parameters with an electronic walkway. Spearman correlation analysis was applied to investigate the relationship between the parameters. Results: Although age and plantar forefoot sensation were moderately correlated (p=001; r=0.63), the HV angle and pain intensity were not associated with any of the sensory parameters (p>0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed that plantar forefoot sensation worsened as the patients' age increased. It is believed that pressure neuropathy may be the reason why HV patients' forefoot sensitivity deteriorates with age in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive research suggests that COVID-19 infection can lead to persistent changes in taste and smell perception. These sensory changes have the potential to exert lasting impacts on dietary choices, nutrition, and body weight. This study aims to explore COVID-related shifts in dietary intake among New Zealand university students. We conducted a survey involving 340 university students who had experienced COVID-19 infection between 2022 and 2023. Participants reported any changes in eating behavior since before the pandemic and were asked to complete a 24-h food record. Participants’ total daily energy intake, macronutrient intake, and composition were then compared with data collected from a similar cohort before the COVID-19 pandemic, spanning from 2017 to 2019. Dietary outcomes were compared using MANCOVA while controlling for individual age, gender, ethnicity, and BMI. Approximately 25% of participants reported experiencing sensory alterations with COVID-19, with those participants more likely to report changes in their experience of sweet tastes but not salty or fatty foods. Analyses of the pre- and post-COVID cohorts revealed that participants in the post-COVID group exhibited significantly higher consumption of protein and sodium. Understanding the long-term impact of COVID-19 infection may offer crucial insights into the role of chemosensory perception in dietary behavior.

The initial symptoms of cognitive dysfunction disease are insidious, and most of the cognitive dysfunction diseases will be in the stage of dementia with no effective treatment when the symptoms are discovered. Therefore, it is crucial to explore simple and easy-to-check warning signals of cognitive dysfunction diseases and carry out timely and effective interventions for the prevention and treatment of cognitive dysfunction diseases. A large number of studies have shown that sensory dysfunction is of great value in the early diagnosis, assessment and treatment of cognitive dysfunction. However, at present, cognitive function screening in China mostly relies on neuropsychological tests, highly sensitive sensory indicators such as smell and hearing were not included. This paper concluded that further detecting the sensory function status of the elderly on the basis of neuropsychological testing will greatly improve the accuracy of cognitive dysfunction disease screening, clarified the value of sensory dysfunctions such as smell, hearing, vision, and taste in the early diagnosis and treatment of cognitive dysfunction diseases by the review and analysis of previous literature, in order to provide new ideas for clinical work.

Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy (HSAN) are a group of rare inherited disorders that comprises a varied set of disorders which mainly present with sensory dysfunction and deficits in autonomic functions, along with other associated manifestations. This case report describes the case of a four-year-old male child, who was referred to the department of Paediatric Neurology and Pedodontics due to loss of multiple teeth and drooling of saliva, coupled with multiple oral ulcers that worsened over time. During the assessment, sensory and autonomic abnormalities were observed, while the remaining systems were normal. Following a strong clinical suspicion and the involvement of a geneticist, a genetic analysis yielded the diagnosis of HSAN V. Given its rarity and varied presentation, reporting this case would help to open discussions on diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas involved in treating these children, which usually comprises a multidisciplinary team, consisting mainly of dental and neurology departments.

Sexual dysfunction can be caused by impaired neurotransmission from the peripheral to the central nervous system. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the input of sensory information from the peripheral genital area and investigate the control mechanisms in the spinal cord to clarify the pathological basis of sensory abnormalities in the genital area. However, an in vivo evaluation system for the spinal cord–penile neurotransmission mechanism has not yet been developed. Here, urethane-anesthetized rats were used to evaluate neuronal firing induced by innocuous or nociceptive stimulation of the penis using extracellular recording or patch-clamp techniques in the lumbosacral spinal dorsal horn and electrophysiological evaluation in the peripheral pelvic nerves. As a result, innocuous and nociceptive stimuli-evoked neuronal firing was successfully recorded in the deep and superficial spinal dorsal horns, respectively. The innocuous stimuli-evoked nerve firing was also recorded in the pelvic nerve. These firings were suppressed by lidocaine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a successful quantitative evaluation of penile stimuli-evoked neuronal firing. This method is not only useful for analyzing the pathological basis of spinal cord–penile neurotransmission in sexual dysfunction but also provides a useful evaluation system in the search for new treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tibetan medicine Ruyi Zhenbao Pills (RZPs) in the treatment of patients with motor and sensory dysfunction after stroke. Methods: A total of 120 convalescent stroke patients hospitalized in the Rehabilitation Department of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from June 2017 to December 2019 were enrolled in this trial. Patients were assigned to control (60 cases) and research (60 cases) groups by computer random assignment. All patients received internal treatment and modern rehabilitation training. On this basis, the research group was given oral RZPs for 4 weeks, while the control group was given oral placebo. The primary outcome was motor function of the affected side evaluated by simplified Fugl-Meyer Motion Assessment Scale (FMA-M). The secondary outcomes included sensory function, activity of daily living (ADL), quality of life, balance function, and pain, which were assessed by Fugl-Meyer Sensory Assessment Scale (FMA-S), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Special Scale of the Quality of Life (SS-QOL), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), respectively. All of the assessments were performed before treatment, and 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Vital signs, liver and kidney functions, routine blood test, blood coagulation profile, and routine urinalysis of patients were monitored. Results: After 4-week treatment, the FMA-M, BBS and FMA-S scores in the research group significantly increased compared with the control group (P<0.05). At 8-week follow-up, the BBS and MBI scores in the research group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups in the SS-QOL and VAS scores at 4 and 8 weeks (P>0.05). Moreover, after treatment, there was no significant difference in vital signs, liver and kidney functions, blood coagulation function, blood routine and urinalysis between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: RZPs improved limb motor, balance, and sensory functions of stroke patients during recovery period with good safety. (Trial registration No. NCT04029701) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy (HSAN) are a group of rare inherited disorders that comprises a varied set of disorders which mainly present with sensory dysfunction and deficits in autonomic functions, along with other associated manifestations. This case report describes the case of a four-year-old male child, who was referred to the department of Paediatric Neurology and Pedodontics due to loss of multiple teeth and drooling of saliva, coupled with multiple oral ulcers that worsened over time. During the assessment, sensory and autonomic abnormalities were observed, while the remaining systems were normal. Following a strong clinical suspicion and the involvement of a geneticist, a genetic analysis yielded the diagnosis of HSAN V. Given its rarity and varied presentation, reporting this case would help to open discussions on diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas involved in treating these children, which usually comprises a multidisciplinary team, consisting mainly of dental and neurology departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cyst enucleation, which extracts only the tumor with the application of Carnoy’s solution (CS), has been suggested as a conservative treatment with a low recurrence rate and morbidity. However, there has been a concern that CS’s contact with inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) can cause neurons to degenerate and cause sensory dysfunction. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the neurosensory function after surgical treatment with or without the application of CS. Methods While controlling the effects of sex, age, follow-up period, and invasion size of the tumor, we performed the binary logistic regression analysis to examine whether or not the sensory function of the patients who were treated with CS (n = 19) for the cyst enucleation procedure was significantly different from those who were not treated with CS (n = 58) at the end of the follow-up period. Results The logistic regression result showed that the use of CS was not significantly related to the normalness of sensory function at the end of the follow-up period. Rather, the invasion size of the cyst was significantly associated with sensory dysfunction. Conclusions CS may be used for patients who are diagnosed with OKC and UAM without much fear of its impact on sensory dysfunction. However, a small number of patients who were treated with CS experienced severe sensory damage and did not recover at the end of the follow-up period, suggesting the need for further analysis of these patients.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a worldwide demyelinating polyradiculopathy and polyneuropathy. Currently, there is no specific drug for GBS, and established treatment is generally based on immune-modulating treatment with plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin in combination with supportive care. This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of integrated Chinese and Western medicine for acute GBS treatment.

Objectives: To compare sensory processing and mealtime problem behaviors among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing controls, and to examine the relationship between atypical sensory processing and eating problems in children with ASD. Methods: 50 children (4–10 years) with a diagnosis of ASD as per DSM-5 were recruited from the pediatric psychology clinic of a tertiary care center in India. The Brief Assessment of Mealtime Behavior in Children (BAMBIC) and the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) were administered to measure feeding and sensory processing problems, respectively. Parents were interviewed about their child's dietary intake using a 3-day dietary recall. Results: The ASD group showed greater mealtime behavior problems than the control group and had significantly higher total scores on the BAMBIC (P<0.001), and on two of the three subscales including food refusal (P<0.001) and disruptive behavior (P<0.001). The ASD group, relative to the neurotypical children, showed atypical response on majority of the subscales of the short sensory profile including tactile sensitivity (P<0.001), taste sensitivity (P<0.001), movement sensitivity (P<0.001), under responsiveness (P<0.001), auditory filtering (P<0.001), low weak/energy (P=0.02), and visual/auditory sensitivity (P<0.001). Conclusions: The study underscores the need for detailed evaluation of sensory processing and feeding problems of children with ASD so that the interventions can be tailored to address their unique sensory characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic disruptions to animal sensory ecology are as old as our species. But what about the effect on human sensory ecology? Human sensory dysfunction is increasing globally at great economic and health costs (mental, physical, and social). Contemporary sensory problems are directly tied to human behavioral changes and activity as well as anthropogenic pollution. The evolutionary sensory ecology and anthropogenic disruptions to three human senses (vision, audition, olfaction) are examined along with the economic and health costs of functionally reduced senses and demographic risk factors contributing to impairment. The primary goals of the paper are (a) to sew an evolutionary and ecological thread through clinical narratives on sensory dysfunction that highlights the impact of the built environment on the senses, and (b) to highlight structural, demographic, and environmental injustices that create sensory inequities in risk and that promote health disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory dysfunction is characterized by difficulty in receiving, processing, and integrating sensory stimuli, resulting in an unusual response to sensory stimulations. An altered sensory reactivity is observed in a large number of people with autism spectrum disorder. The aims of this study were to determine: a) the relationship between the severity of autistic disorder and sensory dysfunctions; b) the relationship between different sensory modalities; c) the relationship between age and functioning on sensory modalities; d) the modalities in which respondents have the most pronounced sensory dysfunctions. The sample included 60 participants with autism spectrum disorder, aged 11 to 26. The adolescent and adult sensory profile (The Adolescent / Adult Sensory Profile, Brown & Dunn, 2002) was used to measure sensory responses of the subjects. For the purposes of determining the severity of autistic disorder, a PDD-MRS scale was used (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Mental Retardation Scale, PDD-MRS, Kraijer & de Bildt, 2005). The results obtained show that in young people with autism spectrum disorder there is no statistically significant relationship between the severity of autistic disorder and the sensory dysfunction. Almost all sensory modalities were mutually correlated significantly. Significant correlations were missing between the participants` age and the altered sensory responses. The results show that subjects achieved significantly higher scores on the Activity Engagement subscale compared with all other subscales, which leads us to conclude that the participants from our sample had the most difficulty in adjusting their activity level to the demands of everyday situations. These findings have significant practical implications, both on the planning and realization of sensory interventions in these individuals, as well as on the need to harmonize the characteristics of the environment in which they reside, the tasks delegated to them, and their sensory specifcities.

ObjectiveSensory processing is the ability to capture, elaborate, and integrate information through the five senses and is impaired in over 90% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The ASD population shows hyper–hypo sensitiveness to sensory stimuli that can generate alteration in information processing, affecting cognitive and social responses to daily life situations. Structured and semi-structured interviews are generally used for ASD assessment, and the evaluation relies on the examiner’s subjectivity and expertise, which can lead to misleading outcomes. Recently, there has been a growing need for more objective, reliable, and valid diagnostic measures, such as biomarkers, to distinguish typical from atypical functioning and to reliably track the progression of the illness, helping to diagnose ASD. Implicit measures and ecological valid settings have been showing high accuracy on predicting outcomes and correctly classifying populations in categories.MethodsTwo experiments investigated whether sensory processing can discriminate between ASD and typical development (TD) populations using electrodermal activity (EDA) in two multimodal virtual environments (VE): forest VE and city VE. In the first experiment, 24 children with ASD diagnosis and 30 TDs participated in both virtual experiences, and changes in EDA have been recorded before and during the presentation of visual, auditive, and olfactive stimuli. In the second experiment, 40 children have been added to test the model of experiment 1.ResultsThe first exploratory results on EDA comparison models showed that the integration of visual, auditive, and olfactive stimuli in the forest environment provided higher accuracy (90.3%) on sensory dysfunction discrimination than specific stimuli. In the second experiment, 92 subjects experienced the forest VE, and results on 72 subjects showed that stimuli integration achieved an accuracy of 83.33%. The final confirmatory test set (n = 20) achieved 85% accuracy, simulating a real application of the models. Further relevant result concerns the visual stimuli condition in the first experiment, which achieved 84.6% of accuracy in recognizing ASD sensory dysfunction.ConclusionAccording to our studies’ results, implicit measures, such as EDA, and ecological valid settings can represent valid quantitative methods, along with traditional assessment measures, to classify ASD population, enhancing knowledge on the development of relevant specific treatments.

Background: Cyst enucleation, which extracts only the tumor with the application of Carnoy's solution (CS), has been suggested as a conservative treatment with a low recurrence rate and morbidity. However, there has been a concern that CS's contact with inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) can cause neurons to degenerate and cause sensory dysfunction. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the neurosensory function after surgical treatment with or without the application of CS. Methods: While controlling the effects of sex, age, follow-up period, and invasion size of the tumor, we performed the binary logistic regression analysis to examine whether or not the sensory function of the patients who were treated with CS (n = 19) for the cyst enucleation procedure was significantly different from those who were not treated with CS (n = 58) at the end of the follow-up period. Results: The logistic regression result showed that the use of CS was not significantly related to the normalness of sensory function at the end of the follow-up period. Rather, the invasion size of the cyst was significantly associated with sensory dysfunction. Conclusions: CS may be used for patients who are diagnosed with OKC and UAM without much fear of its impact on sensory dysfunction. However, a small number of patients who were treated with CS experienced severe sensory damage and did not recover at the end of the follow-up period, suggesting the need for further analysis of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sensory processing is the ability to capture, elaborate, and integrate information through the five senses and is impaired in over 90% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The ASD population shows hyper–hypo sensitiveness to sensory stimuli that can generate alteration in information processing, affecting cognitive and social responses to daily life situations. Structured and semi-structured interviews are generally used for ASD assessment, and the evaluation relies on the examiner's subjectivity and expertise, which can lead to misleading outcomes. Recently, there has been a growing need for more objective, reliable, and valid diagnostic measures, such as biomarkers, to distinguish typical from atypical functioning and to reliably track the progression of the illness, helping to diagnose ASD. Implicit measures and ecological valid settings have been showing high accuracy on predicting outcomes and correctly classifying populations in categories. Methods: Two experiments investigated whether sensory processing can discriminate between ASD and typical development (TD) populations using electrodermal activity (EDA) in two multimodal virtual environments (VE): forest VE and city VE. In the first experiment, 24 children with ASD diagnosis and 30 TDs participated in both virtual experiences, and changes in EDA have been recorded before and during the presentation of visual, auditive, and olfactive stimuli. In the second experiment, 40 children have been added to test the model of experiment 1. Results: The first exploratory results on EDA comparison models showed that the integration of visual, auditive, and olfactive stimuli in the forest environment provided higher accuracy (90.3%) on sensory dysfunction discrimination than specific stimuli. In the second experiment, 92 subjects experienced the forest VE, and results on 72 subjects showed that stimuli integration achieved an accuracy of 83.33%. The final confirmatory test set (n = 20) achieved 85% accuracy, simulating a real application of the models. Further relevant result concerns the visual stimuli condition in the first experiment, which achieved 84.6% of accuracy in recognizing ASD sensory dysfunction. Conclusion: According to our studies' results, implicit measures, such as EDA, and ecological valid settings can represent valid quantitative methods, along with traditional assessment measures, to classify ASD population, enhancing knowledge on the development of relevant specific treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The use of connective tissue grafts is a proven, effective treatment modality. This study examines whether harvesting connective tissue grafts from the palate causes persistent sensory dysfunction. Methods and Materials: Fourteen patients who had received at least 1 graft were included. Neurosensory tests at the palate performed postoperatively included minimal 2-point discrimination, soft-touch discrimination, pin-tactile discrimination, and thermal discrimination. Measurements were taken at 3 sites each: 5, 10, and 15 mm from the palatal tissue margin at canines, premolars, and first molars. Results: Eight patients had 1 graft, and 6 patients had 2 grafts harvested from their palate. Twelve patients had never noticed any dysfunction. Two patients reported a persistent numbness or a rough palatal surface. Statistically significant differences between donor sites and nondonor sites were shown by 2-point discrimination 5 mm from the margin of canines (6.57 mm ± 3.79 mm at donor sites and 4.71 mm ± 4.14 mm at nondonor sites, P = .01). Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences between donor sites and nondonor sites for measurements taken 5 and 10 mm from the margin of all included teeth (P = .02). Conclusions: Some sensory changes can occur after graft harvesting from the palate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Mirror-image pain may occur in the presence of a one-sided peripheral nerve lesion leading to a similar distribution of pain on the contralateral side of the body ("mirrored"). Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is a neuropathic pain syndrome due to entrapment of terminal branches of intercostal nerves T7–12 in the abdominal wall and sometimes presents bilaterally. This study aims to address specifics of bilateral ACNES and to determine potential differences in clinical presentation and treatment outcomes when compared with the unilateral form of ACNES. Methods: Electronic patient files and questionnaires of a case series of patients who were evaluated for chronic abdominal wall pain in a single center were analyzed using standard statistical methods. Results: Between June 1, 2011 and September 1, 2016, 1116 patients were diagnosed with ACNES, of which a total of 146 (13%) with bilateral ACNES were identified (female, n = 114, 78 %; median (range) age 36 (1181) years). Average NRS (Numeric Rating Scale; 0–10) scores were similar (median (range) NRS scores 6 (0–10) although peak NRS scores were significantly higher in the bilateral group (9 (5–10) vs 8 (2–10); p=0.02). After a median of 26 months (1–68), the proportion of patients with bilateral ACNES reporting treatment success was 61%. Conclusions: One in eight patients with ACNES has bilateral abdominal wall pain. Characteristics are similar to unilateral ACNES cases. Further studies aimed at underlying mechanisms in mirror image pain pathogenesis could provide a more targeted approach in the management of this neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Prenatal alcohol exposure on somatosensory barrel cortex of mice was investigated. • No distortion to the barrel cortices was observed in the treated mice at early adulthood. • No significant differences in the measures of the posterior medial barrel subfield. • Size of barrels in specific rows were significantly reduced by prenatal alcohol exposure. Abstract Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) have impaired sensory processing skills as a result of neurodevelopmental anomalies. The somatosensory barrel field of rodent brain is a readily accessible model for studying the effects of alcohol exposure. Within the barrel field, the posterior medial barrel subfield (PMBSF) receives sensory inputs from the large vibrissae on the contralateral face. This study reports on the consequence of prenatal exposure to alcohol on the somatosensory cortices of mice later in life. Two control groups, a sucrose and a non-treated control, were also examined. At postnatal day (PND) 56 the cerebral hemisphere of mice from each group were processed for cytochrome oxidase reactivity. In contrast to previous studies, there were no significant differences in the mean areas of: (I) the PMBSF enclosure, (II) the PMBSF barrels, (III) the individual PMBSF barrels and (IV) the septal portion of the PMBSF in the alcohol group compared to the controls. However barrel sizes in rows D and E in the alcohol group were significantly reduced, indicating an alcohol-induced damage on the barrel development and which may reduce the amount of the cortex devoted to processing somatosensory input– a common defect seen in children with FASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Chronic tongue injury model using silk suture was first established and described. • Our model revealed region specific localization of MPO, MMP2, TNFα, NGF and TRPV1. • Prolonged injury may contribute altered neuronal function on antero-ventral tongue. • Our model is useful to unravel pathological mechanism of neuropathic pain like BMS. Abstract Objectives Chronic injury in tongue causes the variety of reactions in the oral cavity, frequently leading to its functional and structural disintegrity including inflammation and sensory dysfunction, but its detailed profiles were not elucidated yet. One of the chronically injured tongue such as tongue piercing, as a pathological aspect, is currently popular among younger people but may be associated with severe side effects, leading to pathophysiological complications. However, the pathophysiological aspects and related cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying tongue injury are not clearly understood. Design In this study, we designed an experimental model system using C57BL/6 male mice that mimics a chronically injured situation by penetrating the middle part of tongue with silk suture. After 5 and 10 days mice were sacrificed and tongues were collected and processed for histological evaluation and immunohistochemistry. Results We found that the anterior tongue showed localization of neuro-inflammatory signaling molecules such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nerve growth factor, and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) without any apparent inflammation in temporal manner. In addition, the signal for AM1-43, an activity-dependent nerve terminal probe, decreased within the fungiform papillae on the anterior tongue after injury. Conclusions These results implied that the distinct localizations of inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophin would contribute altered sensory function in anterior tongue following the chronic injury. Our study indicates the possible pathophysiologic mechanism underlying neuro-inflammation following chronically injury of tongue. In addition, it could be cautiously postulated that mechanical injury should be avoided to prevent chronic pain disorders from being triggered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Auditory and visual dysfunctions are key pathophysiological features of schizophrenia (Sz). Therefore, remedial interventions that directly target such impairments could potentially drive gains in higher-order cognition (e.g., memory, executive functions, emotion processing), symptoms and functional outcome, in addition to improving sensory abilities in this population. Here, we reviewed available sensory-targeted cognitive training (S-TCT) programs that were investigated so far in Sz patients. Area covered: A systematic review of the literature was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-seven relevant records were included. The superiority of S-TCT over control conditions on higher-order cognition measures was repeatedly demonstrated, but mostly lost significance at later endpoints of evaluation. Clinical symptoms and functional outcome were improved in a minority of studies. S-TCT interventions were associated with the relative normalization of several neurobiological biomarkers of neuroplasticity and sensory mechanisms. Expert commentary: S-TCT, although time-intensive, is a cost-efficient, safe and promising technique for Sz treatment. Its efficacy on higher-order cognition opens a critical window for clinical and functional improvement. The biological impact of S-TCT may allow for the identification of therapeutic biomarkers to further precision-medicine. Additional research is required to investigate the long-term effects of S-TCT, optimal training parameters and potential confounding factors associated with the illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective To observe the difference in clinical efficacy between governor vessel-unblocking and mind-regulating acupuncture therapy combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy and simply conventional rehabilitation therapy for sensory and motor dysfunction of patients with spinal cord injury. Methods Forty patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) were randomly assigned into rehabilitation combined with acupuncture group (group A) and rehabilitation group (group B), with 20 patients in each group. In group A, governor vessel-unblocking and mind-regulating acupuncture therapy combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy was adopted, and Băihuì (百会 GV 20), Fēngfŭ (风府 GV 16), Dàzhuī (大椎 GV 14), Zhìyáng (至阳 GV 9), Mìngmén (命门 GV 4) and Yāoyángguān (腰阳关 GV 3) were adopted as the main acupoints. Conventional rehabilitation therapy was also applied, including the rehabilitation training of joint, motion, respiration, urinary bladder and intestinal tract. In group B, conventional rehabilitation therapy was adopted as same as the group A. Treatment in the two groups was conducted for once a day, 6 times a week, and 12 weeks in total. ASIA motor score (MS), ASIA sensory score (SS) and activity of daily living (ADL) score of patients in the two groups were observed before and after the treatment. Results Before treatment, the differences in MS, SS and ADL score of patients in the two groups were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05), and the results were comparable. After treatment, MS, SS and ADL score of patients in the two groups were all higher than that before the treatment (all P < 0.05), and MS, SS and ADL score of the patients in group A were all higher than that in group B (all P < 0.05). Conclusion The curative effect of governor vessel-unblocking and mind-regulating acupuncture therapy combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy was superior to that of simply conventional rehabilitation therapy in the treatment of sensory and motor dysfunction of the patients with SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The sexual experience is shaped by sensory function; with aging, sensory dysfunction may interfere with sexuality and sexual behavior between partners. Specifically, older adults with age-related sensory dysfunction may have less sexual activity than those with better sensory function. In addition, since sexual desire and attraction rests in part upon sensory function, sensory dysfunction may also be associated with less sexual motivation. Aim To test the association between sexual activity and motivation in older adults and their sensory dysfunction. Methods Sensory dysfunction was measured both by global sensory impairment (a validated measure of dysfunction shared among the 5 classic senses: olfaction, vision, taste, touch, hearing) and by total sensory burden (cumulative sensory loss). Sexual activity was quantified by frequency and type of sexual behavior. Sexual motivation was measured by the frequency of sexual ideation and the importance of sex to the respondent. We used cross-sectional data from a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older adults (aged 57–85 years) in the United States (National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, N = 3,005) in logistic regression analyses. Outcomes Sexual activity, sexual motivation, and satisfaction with the sexual relationship were self-reported. Results Older adults with sensory dysfunction were less likely to be sexually active—an association that persisted when accounting for other factors that also affected sexual activity (age, gender, partnered status, mental and physical health, and relationship satisfaction). Nonetheless, sensory dysfunction did not impair sexual motivation, nor affect the physical and emotional satisfaction with the sexual relationship. Among currently sexually active older adults, sensory dysfunction did not affect the frequency of sex or the type of sexual activity (foreplay, vaginal intercourse, or oral sex). These results were the same for 2 different measures of sensory dysfunction. Clinical Translation This is the first nationally representative study of sexuality and multisensory dysfunction in community-dwelling older adults. 4 of the 5 classic senses were measured with objective tests, and hearing was rated by interviewers in the context of their conversation. Medical and health care interventions that can reduce the burden of sensory dysfunction may improve older adults’ sexual experience. Conclusions Sensory dysfunction is associated with sexual inactivity, but not with sexual motivation. Among those who are sexually active, sensory dysfunction did not interfere with sexual expression. Improving the sexual experience of older adults requires a focus on sensory dysfunction as an impediment to sexual activity given that older adults remain sexually motivated. Zhong S, Pinto JM, Wroblewski KE, et al. Sensory Dysfunction and Sexuality in the U.S. Population of Older Adults. J Sex Med 2018;15:502–509. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory dysfunction is a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and abnormalities with sensory responsivity and processing can be extremely debilitating to ASD patients and their families. However, relatively little is known about the underlying neuroanatomical and neurophysiological factors that lead to sensory abnormalities in ASD. Investigation into these aspects of ASD could lead to significant advancements in our general knowledge about ASD, as well as provide targets for treatment and inform diagnostic procedures. Thus, the current study aimed to measure the covariation of volumes of brain structures (i.e., structural magnetic resonance imaging) that may be involved in abnormal sensory processing, in order to infer connectivity of these brain regions. Specifically, we quantified the structural covariation of sensory-related cerebral cortical structures, in addition to the cerebellum and amygdala by computing partial correlations between the structural volumes of these structures. These analyses were performed in participants with ASD (n = 36), as well as typically developing peers (n = 32). Results showed decreased structural covariation between sensory-related cortical structures, especially between the left and right cerebral hemispheres, in participants with ASD. In contrast, these same participants presented with increased structural covariation of structures in the right cerebral hemisphere. Additionally, sensory-related cerebral structures exhibited decreased structural covariation with functionally identified cerebellar networks. Also, the left amygdala showed significantly increased structural covariation with cerebral structures related to visual processing. Taken together, these results may suggest several patterns of altered connectivity both within and between cerebral cortices and other brain structures that may be related to sensory processing.

Sensory dysfunction is a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and abnormalities with sensory responsivity and processing can be extremely debilitating to ASD patients and their families. However, relatively little is known about the underlying neuroanatomical and neurophysiological factors that lead to sensory abnormalities in ASD. Investigation into these aspects of ASD could lead to significant advancements in our general knowledge about ASD, as well as provide targets for treatment and inform diagnostic procedures. Thus, the current study aimed to measure the covariation of volumes of brain structures (i.e., structural magnetic resonance imaging) that may be involved in abnormal sensory processing, in order to infer connectivity of these brain regions. Specifically, we quantified the structural covariation of sensory-related cerebral cortical structures, in addition to the cerebellum and amygdala by computing partial correlations between the structural volumes of these structures. These analyses were performed in participants with ASD (n = 36), as well as typically developing peers (n = 32). Results showed decreased structural covariation between sensory-related cortical structures, especially between the left and right cerebral hemispheres, in participants with ASD. In contrast, these same participants presented with increased structural covariation of structures in the right cerebral hemisphere. Additionally, sensory-related cerebral structures exhibited decreased structural covariation with functionally identified cerebellar networks. Also, the left amygdala showed significantly increased structural covariation with cerebral structures related to visual processing. Taken together, these results may suggest several patterns of altered connectivity both within and between cerebral cortices and other brain structures that may be related to sensory processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altered sensory functioning is often observed in individuals with SHANK3 related Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS). Compared to typically developing individuals and individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, it has been suggested that there are distinctive features of sensory functioning in PMS. More hyporeactivity symptoms and less hyperreactivity and sensory seeking behaviour are seen, particularly in the auditory domain. Hypersensitivity to touch, possible overheating or turning red easily and reduced pain response are often seen. In this paper the current literature on sensory functioning in PMS is reviewed and recommendations for caregivers, based on consensus within the European PMS consortium, are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We investigated neural correlates of visual motion (VM) processing in psychosis. • fMRI was recorded during three VM conditions with decreasing predictability. • For patients, activity of temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) was reduced during VM. • Patients had increased TPJ connections to frontal areas but not to sensory regions. • We discussed these correlates of VM in light of a potential marker for psychosis. Psychotic symptoms may be traced back to sensory sensitivity. Thereby, visual motion (VM) processing particularly has been suggested to be impaired in schizophrenia (SCZ). In healthy brains, VM underlies predictive processing within hierarchically structured systems. However, less is known about predictive VM processing in SCZ. Therefore, we performed fMRI during a VM paradigm with three conditions of varying predictability, i.e., Predictable-, Random-, and Arbitrary motion. The study sample comprised 17 SCZ patients and 23 healthy controls. We calculated general linear model (GLM) analysis to assess group differences in VM processing across motion conditions. Here, we identified significantly lower activity in right temporoparietal junction (TPJ) for SCZ patients. Therefore, right TPJ was set as seed for connectivity analyses. For patients, across conditions we identified increased connections to higher regions, namely medial prefrontal cortex, or paracingulate gyrus. Healthy subjects activated sensory regions as area V5, or superior parietal lobule. Reduced TPJ activity may reflect both a failure in the bottom-up flow of visual information and a decrease of signal processing as consequence of increased top-down input from frontal areas. In sum, these altered neural patterns provide a framework for future studies focusing on predictive VM processing to identify potential biomarkers of psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder resulting from degeneration of the substantia nigra and the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway. Most treatments are geared toward the management and relief of motor symptoms in Parkinson's patients; however, as the disease progresses, various complications can be observed. Non-motor symptoms (NMS) may arise simply from the disease itself and are highly destructive to quality of life. These symptoms include mood disorders, cognitive dysfunction, pain, sensory dysfunction, and dysautonomia. Though it is undisputed that many NMS may appear years or even decades prior to the clinical diagnosis of PD, the focus of this review will be the overt motor phase of the condition. As such, the focus of this paper is to review the major NMS found in PD patients status post-diagnosis, their etiology, as well as treatment options available for the individual NMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preclinical and clinical studies show that gastrointestinal ( GI) inflammation can evoke sensory changes occasionally far from the original inflammatory site. Animal models of colitis with either trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid ( TNBS) or mustard oil ( MO) produce distinct patterns of somatic and visceral sensory changes. We evaluated the effects of four doses of i.v. vincristine 150 μg kg−1 (total of 600 μg kg−1) treatment on the somatic (thermal nociceptive threshold) and colonic (morphological) changes induced by TNBS or MO in rats. TNBS and MO groups were further submitted to vincristine or saline pretreatments. TNBS induced somatic hypersensitivity, while MO induced somatic hyposensitivity ( P < 0.05) when compared to the saline and ethanol control groups. Vincristine per se induced somatic hypersensitivity ( P < 0.05). This effect was enhanced by TNBS and reversed by MO treatments. Although vincristine increased the colitis area (colonic weight length−1 ratio) and the Morris' score in TNBS-treated rats, it did not alter the colitis area and even lowered the Morris' score in MO-treated rats. Compared to the saline (control) group, vincristine did not alter the colonic microscopic pattern. However, such lesions scores are higher ( P < 0.05) in colitis groups induced by TNBS and MO, pretreated or not with vincristine. In conclusion, the somatic changes induced by different models of experimental colitis are diverse and modulated differently by vincristine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which describes the treatment complications of sensory nerve dysfunction in patients with hallux valgus. The researchers aim to quantify nerve dysfunction in hallux valgus patients to evaluate the trauma of surgery or the correction of the deformity. The findings indicate that preoperative sensory deficits exist but can be improved after operative correction of the hallux valgus deformity.

Abstract: Objective: To identify peripheral nerve abnormalities in hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) due to mutations in the spastin gene (spastic paraplegia 4, SPG4) using standard nerve conduction (NCS) and novel tests of axonal excitability. Methods: Eleven patients with known mutations in spastin were assessed with NCS for the upper and lower limbs, and axonal excitability testing on the median nerve. Results: Standard nerve conduction studies revealed a sensorimotor neuropathy in two patients. Excitability studies on median motor axons showed an isolated abnormality (increased strength-duration time constant), but those on sensory axons were normal in nine patients with normal routine nerve conduction studies. Conclusions: Peripheral neuropathy occurs in HSP patients with SPG4 mutations, but axonal excitability studies provide limited additional evidence for subclinical peripheral nerve dysfunction, and add little further to standard nerve conduction studies. Significance: The features of HSP due to SPG4 mutations include sensorimotor polyneuropathy. The value of excitability studies is limited in individual patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Abstract: Objective: The use of radial artery conduits in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is associated with improved long-term patency and patient survival rates as compared with saphenous vein conduits. Despite increasing popularity, relative incidence of local harvest-site complications and subjective perception of adverse long-term sequelae remain poorly described. Methods: To allow for direct comparison, we investigated a consecutive series of patients in whom both the radial artery and the saphenous vein had been harvested for isolated CABG during a 36-month period. Patients were identified from a prospective database that collects baseline clinical information. The patients’ own perceptions were assessed by a standardized direct telephone survey regarding any persistent functional impairment from their arm and leg operation sites. Results: Out of 1756 CABG patients during the study period, 168 (10%) were eligible (78% men, median age: 60.1±9.6 years, range: 29.6–82.4 years). Of these, 123 (73%) could be contacted and interviewed at a median follow-up time of 2.5±0.9 years. Surgical wound complications at harvest sites (arms and legs) had occurred in 3% and 12%, respectively, and persistent symptoms (arms and legs) were self-reported as follows: chronic pain (5% and 8%), numbness (32% and 34%) and paresthesia/dysesthesia (14% and 7%). Overall, 39% of the patients reported persistent discomfort at the arm and 39% at the leg. Both sites were simultaneously affected in 21% (P =n.s., paired testing). Logistic regression modeling showed that patients with adverse long-term sequelae were younger (P <0.005), had a higher body mass index (P <0.05) and a lower EuroSCORE (P <0.001) at the time of operation (EuroSCORE, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation). Perioperative wound complications, however, did not predict persistence of symptoms. Conclusions: Persistent harvest-site discomfort occurs with astonishing frequency after CABG surgery and affects arms and legs equally. Although usually considered a minor complication, long-term limitation to quality of life may be substantial, particularly in younger and relatively healthy patients. Thus, harvest-site discomfort clearly belongs to the list of possible post-CABG complications of which patients need to be aware. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]