No abstract available.
Neurophysiology*

Our survival and wellness require a balance between optimism and pessimism. Undue pessimism makes life miserable; however, excessive optimism can lead to dangerously risky behaviors. A review and synthesis of the literature on the neurophysiology subserving these two worldviews suggests that optimism and pessimism are differentially associated with the two cerebral hemispheres. High self-esteem, a cheerful attitude that tends to look at the positive aspects of a given situation, as well as an optimistic belief in a bright future are associated with physiological activity in the left-hemisphere (LH). In contrast, a gloomy viewpoint, an inclination to focus on the negative part and exaggerate its significance, low self-esteem as well as a pessimistic view on what the future holds are interlinked with neurophysiological processes in the right-hemisphere (RH). This hemispheric asymmetry in mediating optimistic and pessimistic outlooks is rooted in several biological and functional differences between the two hemispheres. The RH mediation of a watchful and inhibitive mode weaves a sense of insecurity that generates and supports pessimistic thought patterns. Conversely, the LH mediation of an active mode and the positive feedback it receives through its motor dexterity breed a sense of confidence in one's ability to manage life's challenges, and optimism about the future.
Cerebrum ; Depression ; Functional Laterality ; Negotiating ; Neurophysiology

Cough reflex is a vital protective mechanism against aspiration, but when dysregulated, it can become hypersensitive. In fact, chronic cough is a significant medical problem with a high degree of morbidity. Recently, a unifying paradigm of cough hypersensitivity syndrome has been proposed. It represents a clinical entity in which chronic cough is a major presenting problem, regardless of the underlying condition. Although it remains a theoretical construct, emerging evidence suggests that aberrant neurophysiology is the common etiology of this syndrome. Recent success in randomized clinical trials using a P2X3 receptor antagonist is the first major advance in the therapeutics of cough in the past 30 years; it at last provides a strategy for treating intractable cough as well as an invaluable tool for dissecting the mechanism underpinning cough hypersensitivity. Additionally, several cough measurement tools have been validated for use and will help assess the clinical relevance of cough in various underlying conditions. Along with this paradigm shift, our understanding of cough mechanisms has improved during the past decades, allowing us to continue to take more steps forward in the future.
Cough* ; Hypersensitivity* ; Neurophysiology ; Receptors, Purinergic P2X3 ; Reflex

Dendrites ; physiology ; History, 20th Century ; Neurophysiology ; history

Before the 1970s there was no way to quantify the severity of head injury in groups of patients, but over the last two decades, medical care of the head-injured patient has evolved to a level at which clinical management decisions are based on actual measurement of relevant physiological variables and application of sound scientific principles. One of the most important reasons of such a progress is developments in medical technology. The technology has developed in a manner that now allows improved imaging of the brain as well as accurate measurement of variables such as intracranial pressure, cerebral blood flow, and brain electrical activity, all of which combine to greatly enhance the clinician's ability to monitor the injured brain. The author can not provide all the informations of advances that have taken place, or a comprehensive description of state-of-the-art technology hear, because of limited spaces. It is only hoped that this paper would afford a useful reference for those seeking newer concepts in diagnosis of head injury.
Brain ; Craniocerebral Trauma* ; Diagnosis* ; Head* ; Hope ; Humans ; Intracranial Pressure ; Neurophysiology

Olfactory processing involves a large number of central olfactory structures, interconnected with each other in complex fashion, and incorporating both feed forward and feed back interaction. Thus understanding how these structures in odor acquisition, perception, and memory perform functional roles is a central question in olfactory disorders that can only be addressed using a combination of approaches, including neuroimaging, neurophysiology and behavioral analyses. Recent whole-brain imaging studies have shown that multiple diverse neural structures become activated during tasks involving olfactory stimulation. This article reviews the current understanding of anatomy, sensory physiology of central olfactory structures. Especially the sensory physiology of main olfactory bulb, pyriform cortex, and orbitofrontal cortex will be emphasized here.
Memory ; Neuroimaging ; Neurophysiology ; Odors ; Olfactory Bulb ; Olfactory Pathways* ; Physiology ; Smell

The author reviewed the relationship between psychotherapy and ego growth from psychoanalytic point of view. The effect of psychotherapy represents itself in ego growth. To illustrate this claim, the author reviewed Freud's concept on the effect of psychotherapy first and the concepts discussed in literatures after Freud. The main stance of this paper is that the effect of psychotherapy manifests itself in ego growth through therapeutic relationships. The author deduced that since the major part of the therapeutic process takes place unconsciously, one is unaware of his/her ego growth. Through psychotherapy, the immature part of the personality, which stoped growing in the course of development, starts to grow. It may be the ego growth either through gaining insight or the growth derived from the therapeutic relationship with the analyst. Mental illness can be looked upon as the loss of human nature, and the remedy lies in recovering the human nature. The lost human nature is recovered when one is in a therapeutic environment, that is very much maternal in nature. Psychotherapy may result in some changes in brain physiology or neurochemistry. It may take some time to bring about anatomical changes of the brain. If this assumption is correct that psychotherapy inflicts anatomical changes of the brain for it's positive effects, it should be accomplished through a long period of working-through of the problem. Some studies on this theme of neurophysiology and anatomical research are already in process and I hope to be able to explain the processes of psychotherapy in the near future.
Brain ; Ego ; Hope ; Human Characteristics ; Neurochemistry ; Neurophysiology ; Physiology ; Psychotherapy*

Pain and pain control are important to the dental profession because the general perception of the public is that dental treatment and pain go hand in hand. Successful dental treatment requires that the source of pain be detected. If the origin of pain is not found, inappropriate dental care and, ultimately, extraction may result. Pain experienced before, during, or after endodontic therapy is a serious concern to both patients and endodontists, and the variability of discomfort presents a challenge in terms of diagnostic methods, endodontic therapy, and endodontic knowledge. This review will help clinicians understand the basic neurophysiology of pulpal pain and other painful conditions of the dental pulp that are not well understood.
Dental Care ; Dental Pulp ; Hand ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Neurophysiology ; Pulpitis

The function of erythropoietin (EPO) is recognized as a stimulator for proliferation of red blood cell (RBC), however,recent studies have showed that EPO and EPO-R are widely distributed in nervous system, which indicates that it may also have important functions in nervous system. Studies proved its neuroprotective effects, especially in ischemic-hypoxic nerve tissues. These effects are mainly activated through several signal transduction pathway downstream and multiple mechanisms are involved. As a neuroprotective factor, EPO has been investigated in the clinical studies, which may lead to the clinical application in the future.
Erythropoietin ; metabolism ; physiology ; Humans ; Neurophysiology ; Neuroprotective Agents ; Signal Transduction

Changes in cerebral blood flow influence not only the metabolism of the brain but alo brain bulk and hence intracranial pressure. Changes in intracranial dynamics are fundamental to neuroanesthetic practice, and therefore intracranial pressure.
BRAIN ; NEUROPHYSIOLOGY ; INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE ; HYPOXIA, BRAIN ; INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION ; PROPOFOL ; SEVOFLURANE