Clinical and brain functional correlates of instrumental rigidity measurement in Parkinson's disease.

Rigidity, a cardinal symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD), remains challenging to assess objectively. A torque-angle instrument was developed to quantify muscle tone, providing two parameters: bias difference and elastic coefficient. This study aimed to investigate the association of the instrument-measured rigidity with clinical assessments and brain function.

Stereoisomerism-dependent gelation and crystal structures of glycosylated -methylbromomaleimide-based supramolecular hydrogels.

In this study, we developed glycosylated -methylbromomaleimide-based supramolecular hydrogels exhibiting colour change along with gel-sol transition and found that the stereoisomerism of the saccharide residue affects their gelation ability. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the molecular packing and hydrogen-bonding networks contributed by the saccharide residues. Interestingly, it was found that water molecules were incorporated into the hydrogen-bonding network in the crystals of the compounds that showed gelation ability.

Dapagliflozin for the treatment of collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy.

Collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy is a rare, incurable kidney disease characterized by severe proteinuria and extensive type III collagen deposition in mesangial and subendothelial spaces. To date, no effective treatment has yet been reported. A 45-year-old Japanese woman was treated daily with 10 mg dapagliflozin.

Kinematics of Trapeziometacarpal Joint During First Dorsal Interosseous Maneuver in Osteoarthritic Patients: An Imaging Study Using Real-Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasonography.

Purpose: First dorsal interosseous (FDI) exercise is a dynamic stability exercise recommended for patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMC-OA), although its biomechanical efficacy has only been examined in healthy subjects. This study used real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography to elucidate the kinematic effects of the FDI maneuver used for the treatment of TMC-OA.

Methods: Using a real-time MRI protocol developed for continuous imaging of TMC movements, TMC joints were examined in 10 end-stage patients with TMC-OA and 10 thumbs of five healthy volunteers while performing FDI maneuvers.

Peripheral Neuropathy in Systemic Sclerosis with Proximal Nerve Involvement: Diagnostic Challenges and Response to Corticosteroid Therapy.

Peripheral neuropathy is a complication in systemic sclerosis that is occasionally encountered in clinical settings. The mechanisms underlying this condition remain unclear and treatment strategies have not yet been established, making management challenging. Here, we report a case of peripheral neuropathy associated with systemic sclerosis that was successfully treated with corticosteroid therapy despite the absence of conventional inflammatory findings on histopathology or blood tests.