Localization and Network Connectivity of Lesions Causing Limb Ataxia in Patients With Stroke.

Background And Objectives: Ataxia is primarily considered to originate from the cerebellum. However, it can manifest without obvious cerebellar damage, such as in anterior circulation stroke, leaving the mechanisms of ataxia unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether stroke lesions causing limb ataxia localize to a common brain network.

Healthcare resource utilization patterns in psoriasis patients using biologic and conventional treatments in Finland.

Introduction And Aim: Psoriasis vulgaris is associated with a significant healthcare burden, which increases over time as the disease progresses. The aim of this retrospective, population-based registry study was to characterize healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in patients with psoriasis using biologics and oral immunosuppressants (conventionals) in Finland.

Materials And Methods: The study cohort included all patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis vulgaris in the secondary healthcare setting between 2012-2018, who initiated a biologic (n=1,297) or conventional (n=4,753) treatment between 2013-2017.

GPi-DBS-induced brain metabolic activation in cervical dystonia.

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus interna (GPi) is a highly efficacious treatment for cervical dystonia, but its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Here, we investigate the brain metabolic effects of GPi-DBS in cervical dystonia.

Methods: Eleven patients with GPi-DBS underwent brain 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging during stimulation on and off.

Poly(2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) Hydrogel-Based Microneedles for Metformin Release.

The release of metformin, a drug used in the treatment of cancer and diabetes, from poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), pHEMA, hydrogel-based microneedle patches is demonstrated in vitro. Tuning the composition of the pHEMA hydrogels enables preparation of robust microneedle patches with mechanical properties such that they would penetrate skin (insertion force of a single microneedle to be ≈40 N). Swelling experiments conducted at 20, 35, and 60 °C show temperature-dependent degrees of swelling and diffusion kinetics.