evaluation of upper limb sense of position in healthy individuals and patients after stroke

The aims of this study were to develop and evaluate reliability of a quantitative assessment tool for upper limb sense of position on the horizontal plane. We evaluated 15 healthy individuals (controls) and 9 stroke patients. A robotic device passively moved one arm of the blindfolded participant who had to actively move his/her opposite hand to the mirror location in the workspace. Upper-limb's position was evaluated by a digital camera. The position of the passive hand was compared with the active hand's 'mirror' position. Performance metrics were then computed to measure the mean absolute errors, error variability, spatial contraction/expansion, and systematic shifts. No significant differences were observed between dominant and non-dominant active arms of controls. All performance parameters of the post-stroke group differed significantly from those of controls. This tool can provide a quantitative measure of upper limb sense of position, therefore allowing detection of changes due to rehabilitation

Changing perspectives on the internationalization of R&D and innovation by multinational enterprises: a review of the literature

Internationalization of R&D and innovation by Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) has undergone a gradual and comprehensive change in perspective over the past 50 years. From sporadic works in the late 1950s and in the 1960s, it became a systematically analysed topic in the 1970s, starting with pioneering reports and “foundation texts”. Our review unfolds the theoretical and empirical evolution of the literature from dyadic interpretations of centralization versus decentralization of R&D by MNEs to more comprehensive frameworks, wherein established MNEs from Advanced Economies still play a pivotal role, but new players and places also emerge in the global generation and diffusion of knowledge. Hence views of R&D internationalization increasingly rely on concepts, ideas and methods from IB and other related disciplines such as industrial organization, international economics and economic geography. Two main findings are highlighted. First, scholarly research pays an increasing attention to the network-like characteristics of international R&D activities. Second, different streams of literature have emphasized the role of location- specific factors in R&D internationalization. The increasing emphasis on these aspects has created new research opportunities in some key areas, including inter alia: cross-border knowledge sourcing strategies, changes in the geography of R&D and innovation, and the international fragmentation of production and R&D activities

Evaluation of upper limb sense of position in healthy individuals and patients after stroke.

The aims of this study were to develop and evaluate reliability of a quantitative assessment tool for upper limb sense of position on the horizontal plane. We evaluated 15 healthy individuals (controls) and 9 stroke patients. A robotic device passively moved one arm of the blindfolded participant who had to actively move his/her opposite hand to the mirror location in the workspace. Upper-limb's position was evaluated by a digital camera. The position of the passive hand was compared with the active hand's 'mirror' position. Performance metrics were then computed to measure the mean absolute errors, error variability, spatial contraction/expansion, and systematic shifts. No significant differences were observed between dominant and non-dominant active arms of controls. All performance parameters of the post-stroke group differed significantly from those of controls. This tool can provide a quantitative measure of upper limb sense of position, therefore allowing detection of changes due to rehabilitation

Thalamic stroke mimicking frontotemporal dementia: a case report

Background: The behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is characterized by changes of personality, social behavior and cognition and relies on a neurodegenerative process. However, vascular lesions affecting subcortical structures may result in a clinical syndrome resembling bvFTD. Objective: To describe a case of thalamic stroke resulting in frontal dementia. Case report: A 58-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of behavioral and cognitive changes formerly diagnosed as bvFTD. In 2010, he suddenly presented loss of consciousness and in the next days he developed amnesia, apathy and personality changes. Toxicological exams, CSF analysis and CT scan were normal at admission. Neuropsychological tests showed an impairment of executive functions and amnesia. He was referred to our Center in 2011. Behavioral disturbances and cognitive dysfunctions were already improved since the onset, and at six-month follow-up neuropsychological test showed a further recovery of cognitive functions. Brain MRI showed a left thalamic infarct. Conclusions: The sudden onset and the improvement of clinical signs suggest a vascular origin of the syndrome. The FTD-like picture is attributable to a disruption of the fronto-subcortical circuits at the level of the striatum or the anterior thalamic peduncle. Vascular dementia should be considered in differential diagnosis of bvFTD