Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and physical wellbeing of patients with motor neuron disease and other neuromuscular disease.

Background And Aims: During the COVID-19 pandemic, vulnerable populations faced worsening mental and physical well-being due to limited access to support systems and diverted health resources during lockdowns. Individuals with chronic neurological disorders including motor neuron disease (MND), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) were at considerable risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms. The present study aimed to examine the psychological and physical impact of lockdowns on individuals with MND and other chronic neuromuscular disorders (non-MND).

Optimism in inclusion body myositis: a double-blind randomised controlled phase III trial investigating the effect of sirolimus on disease progression in patients with IBM as measured by the IBM Functional Rating Scale.

Objectives: Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a complex inflammatory muscle disease in adults over 40, with histological features of autoinflammation, cell stress and autophagic abnormalities, and marked clinically by relentless progression with no effective disease-modifying therapy. Sirolimus (rapamycin) may help maintain function by inhibiting T effector cells, preserving T regulatory cells, inducing autophagy, and improving mitochondrial function. This international trial follows a phase II pilot study.

The Neonatal Microbiome: Implications for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Neurodegenerations.

Most brain development occurs in the "first 1000 days", a critical period from conception to a child's second birthday. Critical brain processes that occur during this time include synaptogenesis, myelination, neural pruning, and the formation of functioning neuronal circuits. Perturbations during the first 1000 days likely contribute to later-life neurodegenerative disease, including sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Mesenteric Ischemia During Intra-Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation Therapy: Case Series.

Intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) are commonly used circulatory support devices. Mesenteric ischemia is a serious and poorly studied complication of IABP use. Here, we examine six cases of mesenteric ischemia associated with IABPs from a single urban academic medical center.