Intravenous branched-chain amino acid administration for the acute treatment of hepatic encephalopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a severe complication of acute hepatic failure requiring urgent critical care management. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine have been investigated as potential treatments to improve outcomes in patients with acute HE. However, the effectiveness of BCAA administration during the acute phase remains unclear.

Clinical practice guidelines for multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease 2023 in Japan.

Background: The previous Japanese clinical practice guidelines for multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) were published in 2017. Recently, for the first time in 6 years, the MS and NMOSD guideline development committee revised the Japanese guidelines for MS, NMOSD, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).

Methods: The committee utilized the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system based on the "Minds Handbook for Clinical Practice Guideline Development 2020 Ver.

Live Streaming of the Professor's Ward Rounds in Undergraduate Neurology Education: Usability Study.

Background: Although neurology department ward rounds are among the most important medical education exercises in Japan, they have several issues. Patients may find it unpleasant to undergo repeated neurological tests, especially when in the presence of several students. Only the front row of students can closely observe the examination findings; moreover, students were prohibited from contacting patients altogether during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interleukin-6 Signaling Blockade Induces Regulatory Plasmablasts in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder.

Background And Objectives: Interleukin-6 receptor antibodies (IL-6R Abs), including satralizumab, are increasingly used to prevent relapse for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). However, the detailed mechanism of action of this treatment on the lymphocyte phenotype remains unclear. This study focused on B cells in patients with NMOSD, hypothesizing that IL-6R Ab enables B cells to acquire regulatory functions by producing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

Efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil for steroid reduction in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a prospective cohort study.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune inflammatory disease that can affect multiple generations and cause complications with long-term prednisolone treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in preventing NMOSD relapse while reducing prednisolone dosage. The trial involved nine patients with NMOSD who received MMF along with prednisolone dose reduction.