Archives of neurology
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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.
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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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Archives of neurology · Mar 2009
Cerebrospinal fluid {beta}-amyloid 42 and tau proteins as biomarkers of Alzheimer-type pathologic changes in the brain.
There is a clear need to develop an objective diagnostic test for Alzheimer disease (AD). Changes in the levels of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tau protein and beta-amyloid 42 (Abeta42) peptide in patients with AD have been well documented, but the relationship between these biomarkers and neuropathologic changes in the brain is not established. ⋯ Cerebrospinal fluid Abeta42 and tau proteins are biomarkers of AD-associated pathologic changes in the brain. The combination of abnormally low CSF Abeta42 level and abnormally high CSF tau level predicted the presence of AD pathologic features with high accuracy. This combination assay may be helpful in diagnosing the presence of AD pathologic changes in the brain.