DISCOntinuation of disease-modifying therapies in MS: The DISCOMS extension trial.

Background: In the DISCOMS (DISCOntinuation of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS)) randomized clinical trial, we could not demonstrate that discontinuing MS DMTs in older, stable adults was not inferior to continuing DMTs. Relapses were rare in both groups, and most new disease activity was one to two new brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions unassociated with clinical changes.

Objective/aims: Describe results of the DISCOMS extension study.

Ventral tegmental area amylin / calcitonin receptor signaling suppresses feeding and weight gain in female rats.

The pancreatic peptide amylin promotes negative energy balance in part through activation of amylin receptors (AmyRs) expressed in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), but studies have been limited to male rodents. We evaluated whether VTA amylin signaling governs feeding and body weight in female rats. Indeed, pharmacological VTA AmyR activation suppressed chow intake and body weight in females.

The mitochondrial genome of the pentastome parasite Hett, 1915 (Raillietiellida; Raillietiellidae) with notes on its phylogenetic position.

In this study we sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome of the invasive reptile parasite using Illumina DNA sequencing. The length of the mitogenome was 15,320 bp and had a GC content of 33.1%.

Cephalopod-omics: Emerging Fields and Technologies in Cephalopod Biology.

Few animal groups can claim the level of wonder that cephalopods instill in the minds of researchers and the general public. Much of cephalopod biology, however, remains unexplored: the largest invertebrate brain, difficult husbandry conditions, and complex (meta-)genomes, among many other things, have hindered progress in addressing key questions. However, recent technological advancements in sequencing, imaging, and genetic manipulation have opened new avenues for exploring the biology of these extraordinary animals.

Risk of new disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis who continue or discontinue disease-modifying therapies (DISCOMS): a multicentre, randomised, single-blind, phase 4, non-inferiority trial.

Background: Multiple sclerosis typically has onset in young adults and new disease activity diminishes with age. Most clinical trials of disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis have not enrolled individuals older than 55 years. Observational studies suggest that risk of return of disease activity after discontinuation of a disease-modifying therapies is greatest in younger patients with recent relapses or MRI activity.