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Idiopathic Adult-onset Laryngeal Dystonia
Researchers demonstrated that isolated laryngeal dystonia in an Italian population can spread to contiguous regions, thus expanding knowledge of dystonia spread and phenomenology of this rare form of dystonia.
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Zika-associated vs. Non-Zika Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with Zika virus is similar to non-Zika virus cases in terms of severity of illness and prognosis around long-term recovery and disability.
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Comparison of Two Apheresis Techniques for Treating Relapses in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders
Based on a large study of patients in a national registry, investigators reported similar efficacy when comparing the two apheresis techniques: plasma exchange vs. immunoadsorption for the treatment of relapses in NMOSD. Early initiation of apheresis was associated with better outcomes.
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Baloxavir Marboxil Tablets (Xofluza)
For the first time in nearly 20 years, the FDA has approved a new antiviral drug for the treatment of influenza.
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Does CPAP Improve the Sex Lives of People With Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Among men using CPAP, prior noncontrolled case series have suggested an improvement in sexual function, albeit primarily among subjects who reported prior sexual difficulties. Although hormonal effects have been implicated in obstructive sleep apnea, no one has confirmed that low testosterone is a consequence of sleep-disordered breathing or that testosterone can rise with the use of CPAP. However, factors that clearly can improve with CPAP, such as weight gain and poor sleep quality, have shown a definite relationship to testosterone levels.
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LDL Cholesterol: How Low Do We Go?
A meta-analysis of 29 cholesterol-lowering outcome studies with baseline average low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels ≤ 70 mg/dL showed consistent major adverse cardiovascular event risk reductions down to average LDL levels of 21 mg/dL without any increase in adverse events.
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Primary Headaches: Look, Listen, and Diagnose Rather Than Image
The diagnosis of primary headache disorders by a computerized and clinical paradigm can predict a baseline prevalence of intracranial abnormalities on brain imaging. Some historical “red flags” in children with headaches, including morning headaches and occipital pain, are not associated with increased intracranial abnormalities.
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Prophylactic Antibiotics for Acute Aspiration
Researchers compared outcomes in patients with aspiration pneumonitis who received prophylactic antibiotics during the first two days after macroaspiration to patients who received only supportive care during this time. Among 200 patients meeting the acute aspiration pneumonitis case definition, antimicrobial prophylaxis was not associated with improvement in mortality.
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Infections Associated With Travel to the United States
Infectious illness is common in travelers from other countries visiting the United States. Skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal illness are most likely, but specific geographic illnesses such as Lyme disease also occur.
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A Review of Updated Guidelines Regarding Bradycardia and Cardiac Conduction Delay
The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society have established updated guidelines on the evaluation and management of patients with bradycardia and conduction delays. Many key elements remain largely unchanged from prior guideline recommendations on pacemakers published in 2008 and 2012, but there also are important new definitions, recommendations, and areas of emphasis.