Phase 2 randomized placebo controlled double blind study to assess the efficacy and safety of tecfidera in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (TEALS Study): Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT Compliant).

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder of the human motor system. Neuroinflammation appears to be an important modulator of disease progression in ALS. Specifically, reduction of regulatory T cell (Treg) levels, along with an increase in pro-inflammatory effector T cells, macrophage activation and upregulation of co-stimulatory pathways have all been associated with a rapid disease course in ALS.

Readability and Missing Data Rates in CAHPS 2.0 Medicare Survey in African American and White Medicare Respondents.

PURPOSE: Examine associations between readability of survey items and missing data rates in a sample of White and African American (AA) Medicare enrollees in managed care plans. METHODS: Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider and Systems (CAHPS(®)) 2.0 health plan survey data collected from 139,284 respondents (127,524, Whites and 11,760, AAs) in 321 health plans.