Neurology
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Comparative Study
Optical coherence tomography helps differentiate neuromyelitis optica and MS optic neuropathies.
To evaluate the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and macular volume in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum patients using optical coherence tomography (OCT). ⋯ Optical coherence tomography (OCT) shows more severe retinal damage after optic neuritis (ON) episodes in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) than in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Identification of substantial retinal nerve fiber layer loss (>15 microm) after ON in a non-multiple sclerosis patient should prompt consideration of an NMO spectrum condition. OCT may be a useful tool for the evaluation of patients with NMO.
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Sensory neuropathy is a common problem in HIV-infected patients and is the dose-limiting toxicity of stavudine. Affordable methods of predicting neuropathy risk are needed to guide prescribing in countries where some use of stavudine remains an economic necessity. We therefore aimed to identify factors predictive of neuropathy risk before antiretroviral use. ⋯ Stavudine neuropathy risk increases with patient age and height. Prioritizing older and taller patients for alternative agents would be an inexpensive strategy to reduce neuropathy rates in countries where the burden of HIV disease limits treatment options.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Very Early Constraint-Induced Movement during Stroke Rehabilitation (VECTORS): A single-center RCT.
Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is among the most developed training approaches for motor restoration of the upper extremity (UE). ⋯ Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) was equally as effective but not superior to an equal dose of traditional therapy during inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Higher intensity CIMT resulted in less motor improvement at 90 days, indicating an inverse dose-response relationship. Motor intervention trials should control for dose, and higher doses of motor training cannot be assumed to be more beneficial, particularly early after stroke.
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Multicenter Study
Laterality and location influence catamenial seizure expression in women with partial epilepsy.
The temporal distribution of seizures in women with localization-related epilepsy occurs periodically according to a model "clock" with the peak phase of occurrence corresponding to menstrual onset. The location and laterality of the epileptic lesion as well as patient age may affect periodicity. ⋯ Circalunar rhythms of seizures in women, and therefore, possibly strategies of hormonal treatments of catamenial epilepsy, vary with the neuroanatomic substrate of the seizure focus.