Neurology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Siponimod and Cognition in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: EXPAND Secondary Analyses.
To investigate the effects of siponimod on cognitive processing speed in patients with secondary progressive (SP) multiple sclerosis (MS), by means of a predefined exploratory and post hoc analysis of the Exploring the Efficacy and Safety of Siponimod in Patients With Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (EXPAND) study, a randomized controlled trial comparing siponimod and placebo. ⋯ This study provides Class II evidence that, for patients with SPMS, siponimod had a significant benefit on cognitive processing speed.
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To explore whether hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and neurologic symptoms have evidence of CNS infection, inflammation, and injury using CSF biomarker measurements. ⋯ Our results in patients with COVID-19 and neurologic symptoms suggest an unusual pattern of marked CSF inflammation in which soluble markers were increased but white cell response and other immunologic features typical of CNS viral infections were absent. While our initial hypothesis centered on CNS SARS-CoV-2 invasion, we could not convincingly detect SARS-CoV-2 as the underlying driver of CNS inflammation. These features distinguish COVID-19 CSF from other viral CNS infections and raise fundamental questions about the CNS pathobiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Academic Neurology Departments must confront the challenges of developing a diverse workforce, reducing inequity and discrimination within academia, and providing neurologic care for an increasingly diverse society. A neurology diversity officer should have a specific role and associated title within a neurology department as well as a mandate to focus their efforts on issues of equity, diversity and inclusion that affect staff, trainees and faculty. This role is expansive and works across departmental missions but it has many challenges related to structural intolerance and cultural gaps. ⋯ We delineate the role and duties of the neurology diversity officer and provide a guide to departmental leaders on how to assess qualifications and evaluate progress. Finally, we describe the elements necessary for success. A neurology diversity officer should have the financial, administrative and emotional support of leadership in order for them to carry out their mission and to truly have a positive influence.
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Observational Study
Accuracy of Calculated Free Valproate Levels in Adult Patients With Status Epilepticus.
To test the accuracy of an equation in adult patients with status epilepticus that calculates the free concentration of serum valproic acid (fVPA) from the total concentration of serum valproic acid (tVPA) and serum albumin. ⋯ Calculated fVPA is inaccurate when using the proposed equation in adult patients with status epilepticus, calling for drug monitoring based on measured fVPA in this context.
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To describe risk and risk factors of epilepsy after hospitalization for brain infection in adults in Sweden. ⋯ This study provides Class II evidence that in adults, brain infection is associated with an increased risk of subsequent epilepsy.