Myotonic dystrophy type 1 alters muscle twitch properties, spinal reflexes, and perturbation-induced trans-cortical reflexes.

Background: Neurophysiologic biomarkers are needed for clinical trials of therapies for myotonic dystrophy (DM1). We characterized muscle properties, spinal reflexes (H-reflexes), and trans-cortical long-latency reflexes (LLRs) in a cohort with mild/moderate DM1.

Methods: Twenty-four people with DM1 and 25 matched controls underwent assessment of tibial nerve H-reflexes and soleus muscle twitch properties.

Reduced prevalence of obesity in children with primary fructose malabsorption: a multicentre, retrospective cohort study.

Background: Studies in animals and in man have demonstrated that excessive consumption of fructose can cause all components of the metabolic syndrome.

Objective: To investigate the impact of a condition resulting in decreased absorption of fructose, on obesity.

Methods: In a multicentre study, we analyzed a cohort of paediatric patients with suspected primary fructose malabsorption (FM).

Additional validation of the pain medication questionnaire in a heterogeneous sample of chronic pain patients.

The present study represents the next stage in the development of a psychometrically sound, self-report screening tool used for assessing the potential pain-medication-misuse risk. A revised Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ) was initially designed to successfully evaluate such risk. A subsequent series of two additional studies further documented the clinical utility of the PMQ.