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Chocolate for Primary Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation

In a large, population-based, prospective cohort study of Danish people aged 50-64 years, researchers found that chocolate intake was inversely related to incidental rates of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

Homeopathic Remedies and Dietary Supplements in 2018: Weighing Benefits and Risks

More than half of Americans are using supplements or over-the-counter medications. Practitioners need to understand how their patients are using supplements and be able to provide accurate, factual advice on dietary supplements and homeopathic preparations. This article will evaluate each category for benefits and risks and provide details on how to research each product for available information. In addition, the article will assess various recommendations, including examples in weight loss, energy enhancement, and performance products.

Oral Anticoagulant-associated ICH

Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most dangerous and feared complication of oral anticoagulation and leads to a high mortality. Debate continues about the relative risk of hemorrhage with two classes of oral anticoagulants.

A Biomarker to Help With Neurologic Prognosis After Cardiac Arrest

Determining the prognosis of neurological outcome after cardiac arrest is notoriously difficult. Neurofilament light chain is a new potential biomarker, for which elevated levels in the spinal fluid or blood indicate axonal injury in several neurological diseases.

Are Women More Prone to Brain Injury Than Men When Playing Soccer?

Repeated subconcussive injuries to the brain, such as “heading” the ball in soccer, result in more severe injury and slower recovery in women compared to men.

Idiopathic Adult-onset Laryngeal Dystonia

Researchers demonstrated that isolated laryngeal dystonia in an Italian population can spread to contiguous regions, thus expanding knowledge of dystonia spread and phenomenology of this rare form of dystonia.

Zika-associated vs. Non-Zika Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with Zika virus is similar to non-Zika virus cases in terms of severity of illness and prognosis around long-term recovery and disability.

Comparison of Two Apheresis Techniques for Treating Relapses in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

Based on a large study of patients in a national registry, investigators reported similar efficacy when comparing the two apheresis techniques: plasma exchange vs. immunoadsorption for the treatment of relapses in NMOSD. Early initiation of apheresis was associated with better outcomes.

Baloxavir Marboxil Tablets (Xofluza)

For the first time in nearly 20 years, the FDA has approved a new antiviral drug for the treatment of influenza.

Does CPAP Improve the Sex Lives of People With Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Among men using CPAP, prior noncontrolled case series have suggested an improvement in sexual function, albeit primarily among subjects who reported prior sexual difficulties. Although hormonal effects have been implicated in obstructive sleep apnea, no one has confirmed that low testosterone is a consequence of sleep-disordered breathing or that testosterone can rise with the use of CPAP. However, factors that clearly can improve with CPAP, such as weight gain and poor sleep quality, have shown a definite relationship to testosterone levels.