Safety and efficacy of ceftriaxone for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a multi-stage, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Glutamate excitotoxicity might contribute to the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In animal models, decreased excitatory aminoacid transporter 2 (EAAT2) overexpression delays disease onset and prolongs survival, and ceftriaxone increases EAAT2 activity. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of ceftriaxone for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a combined phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trial.

Design and initial results of a multi-phase randomized trial of ceftriaxone in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Objectives: Ceftriaxone increases expression of the astrocytic glutamate transporter, EAAT2, which might protect from glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. A trial using a novel three stage nonstop design, incorporating Phases I-III, tested ceftriaxone in ALS. Stage 1 determined the cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone in subjects with ALS.

Diagnostic accuracy of laxative-free computed tomographic colonography for detection of adenomatous polyps in asymptomatic adults: a prospective evaluation.

Background: Colon screening by optical colonoscopy (OC) or computed tomographic colonography (CTC) requires a laxative bowel preparation, which inhibits screening participation.

Objective: To assess the performance of detecting adenomas 6 mm or larger and patient experience of laxative-free, computer-aided CTC.

Design: Prospective test comparison of laxative-free CTC and OC.

Video capsule endoscopy.

Purpose Of Review: The small bowel has been a difficult organ for gastroenterologists to evaluate. Small bowel radiographs and CT scanning have not had a high diagnostic rate, especially in patients presenting with small bowel bleeding. The video capsule "endoscope" has allowed for the direct visualization of the small bowel mucosa.