Neurology
RSSArticles
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Treatment of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy With Pembrolizumab
These authors evaluated the effect of pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody that functions as a down-regulator of PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1), on patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. In five of eight treated patients, clinical stabilization or improvement was seen in association with reduced cerebrospinal fluid JC viral load. This is the first reported effective treatment for this disease with a therapeutic agent targeting the JC virus.
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Tau PET Is Promising as a Diagnostic Agent in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Former NFL players with symptoms consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy had increased tau tracer uptake that was associated with years of playing football but not with cognitive or neuropsychological measures.
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Late Sunsets, Sleep Deprivation, and Adverse Outcomes
All living organisms have 24-hour circadian rhythms. A body of evidence is accumulating that chronic disruption of this important rhythm may result in poor health outcomes. These negative consequences of disrupted circadian rhythms might be prevented by modifying work and sleep schedules.
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Neuropathy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus may be associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric syndromes, including peripheral neuropathy, mostly sensorimotor types. However, all parts of the peripheral and central nervous system may be affected, and careful and repeated neurological evaluation is important.
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Eculizumab Shows Benefit in a Treatment Trial of NOSD
In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of aquaporin-4 antibody-positive patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, eculizumab demonstrated a decrease in the risk of a relapse. Patients could continue their other stable-dose immune suppressive therapies while enrolled in the trial.
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Hydrogel Capsules (Plenity)
Hydrogel capsules provide a nonsystemic alternative as an aid to weight management.
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The Right Ventricle During Heart Failure With Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
A retrospective longitudinal study of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction shows that right ventricular function deteriorates more rapidly than left ventricular function and is associated with increased mortality.
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New Insights Into Young Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients
A retrospective contemporary review of STEMI patients younger than 35 years of age shows that these patients are predominantly overweight men who smoke (some abuse drugs and present with dyslipidemia).
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Similar Long-Term Outcomes for Stenting and Endarterectomy for Carotid Stenosis
Researchers conducted a pooled analysis of four large, randomized, controlled trials designed to assess the relative efficacy of carotid artery stenting vs. carotid endarterectomy for treatment of symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.
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Avoid Surprise Migraine Triggers
The degree of unexpectedness or “surprisal” associated with known migraine triggers is a predictor of headache attacks. Social avoidance behavior is positively correlated with headache disability, pain, and depression, but there is a negative correlation between headache pain endurance and anxiety.