Archives of neurology
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Archives of neurology · Apr 2009
Comparative Study Clinical TrialEffect of anti-CD25 antibody daclizumab in the inhibition of inflammation and stabilization of disease progression in multiple sclerosis.
Several questions arise concerning the use of the anti-CD25 antibody daclizumab to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). ⋯ Daclizumab monotherapy is effective in most patients who experienced persistent MS disease activity with interferon beta therapy. Interferon beta-daclizumab combination therapy or higher dosages of daclizumab may be necessary to achieve optimal therapeutic response in all patients. Biomarkers may identify patients with suboptimal response to daclizumab monotherapy. Administration among a large patient sample during a longer period is needed to fully define the safety and long-term efficacy of daclizumab as treatment for high-inflammatory MS.
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Alzheimer disease (AD) is associated with cognitive decline and increased incidence of seizures. Seizure activity in AD has been widely interpreted as a secondary process resulting from advanced stages of neurodegeneration, perhaps in combination with other age-related factors. ⋯ Here we review recent experimental data demonstrating that high levels of beta-amyloid in the brain can cause epileptiform activity and cognitive deficits in transgenic mouse models of AD. We conclude that beta-amyloid peptides may contribute to cognitive decline in AD by eliciting similar aberrant neuronal activity in humans and discuss potential clinical and therapeutic implications of this hypothesis.
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Archives of neurology · Apr 2009
Diffusion abnormalities in the primary sensorimotor pathways in writer's cramp.
To determine whether there are diffusion abnormalities along the fibers connecting sensorimotor regions, including the primary sensorimotor areas and the striatum, in patients with writer's cramp using voxel-based diffusion analysis and fiber tracking. Recent studies have shown structural changes in these regions in writer's cramp. ⋯ Diffusion abnormalities are present in fiber tracts connecting the primary sensorimotor areas with subcortical structures in writer's cramp. These abnormalities strengthen the role of the corticosubcortical pathways in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of writer's cramp.