A shelf-stable, freeze-dried platelet product shows promise in treating TBI by reinforcing damaged blood vessels and reducing cerebral edema.

The aim of this randomized, controlled, double-blind multicenter trial was to compare the safety and efficacy of globus pallidus internus (GPi) and subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with Meige syndrome (MeS). Additionally, the authors explored the optimal site of DBS and identified predictors of clinical outcomes.

The primary outcome was improvement in motor function as assessed by the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS). The secondary outcomes included mood, global cognitive function, and quality of life (QOL). The optimal stimulation site for DBS was investigated using Lead-DBS.

A total of 62 patients with MeS were randomized to receive GPi-DBS (n = 31) or STN-DBS (n = 31), and all completed the 1-year follow-up. In the GPi-DBS group, the mean improvement rates in BFMDRS movement scores were 54.9%, 57.3%, and 59.7% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. In the STN-DBS group, the corresponding rates were 57.1%, 59.0%, and 59.9%. There was no significant difference in the efficacy of motor symptoms, depression, anxiety, and QOL between the two groups during follow-up. The total electrical energy delivered in the GPi-DBS group was significantly greater than that in the STN-DBS group. The adverse event rates were comparable between the GPi-DBS (16.1%) and STN-DBS (12.9%) groups (p 0.99). The “sweet spot” for GPi-DBS was found to be located in the posterolateral dorsal pallidum (ρ = 0.76, p = 0.001), while the sweet spot for STN-DBS was found to be situated in the dorsal subthalamic nucleus (ρ = 0.66, p = 0.005).

OBJECTIVE Magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is increasingly recognized as an effective treatment option for patients with medication-refractory essential tremor (ET). Indirect coordinates of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus, as well as the dentato-rubro-thalamic tract (DRTT) originating from the ipsilateral dentate nucleus, known as the “nondecussating DRTT” (nd-DRTT), are commonly used as targets for sonication. Anatomically, the DRTT originating from the contralateral dentate nucleus, referred to as the “decussating DRTT” (d-DRTT), constitutes the predominant component of the two fiber populations. However, the d-DRTT is rarely visualized using conventional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) because of the technical challenges associated with resolving crossing fiber orientations. Probabilistic tractography enables the differentiation of crossing fibers, thus allowing for visualization of both the d-DRTT and nd-DRTT. Authors of this study aimed to evaluate whether the d-DRTT delineated by probabilistic tractography represents an anatomical target more important than indirect coordinates or the nd-DRTT. METHODS Consecutive patients with medically refractory ET who underwent unilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy at a single institution between May 2022 and August 2024 were analyzed. Tremor severity was assessed using the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor Part B, and the percentage improvement at 3 months after treatment was calculated as an indicator of functional recovery. Probabilistic tractography of the DRTT was performed post hoc using preoperative diffusion MRI and Bayesian modeling (BedpostX) and probabilistic tracking (ProbtrackX). The distances between the sonicated lesion as detected on postoperative MRI and each of the following were compared: indirect coordinates, nd-DRTT, and d-DRTT. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients with a peak lesion temperature ≥ 55°C. Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationships between distance metrics and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Probabilistic tractography successfully visualized the d-DRTT in all 28 patients included in the study. The d-DRTT was more lateral than both the indirect coordinate and the nd-DRTT (p < 0.01 for both), with a nonsignificant tendency for a more anterior position relative to the nd-DRTT (p = 0.054). Among the patients with a peak lesion temperature ≥ 55°C, the distance between the sonicated lesion and the d-DRTT showed a strong correlation with clinical outcomes, whereas that between the lesion and nd-DRTT showed a moderate correlation; the indirect coordinates showed no significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS Probabilistic tractography successfully visualized the d-DRTT, and its location appears to capture the “tremor-relevant” neural pathway more accurately than either the indirect coordinate or the nd-DRTT.

Can weight-loss drugs like semaglutide prevent Alzheimer’s? New research reveals GLP-1 drugs reduce amyloid and tau proteins in the brain.

A systematic review suggested that drugs targeting amyloid beta appeared to have no clinically meaningful positive effects, sparking swift backlash from Alzheimer’s disease experts.

— Study under fire for mixing data on failed and new anti-amyloid therapies to draw conclusions.