Larkin Maloney (taxpuma60)
Here, we review the neurodegenerative pathways that are plausible targets for the development of novel therapies that could prevent the development or modify the progression of acquired epilepsy, and the supporting published experimental and clinical evidence.Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability with no current treatment addressing post-stroke disability. The complex pathophysiology of stroke and the brain's limited potential for regeneration prevents sufficient endogenous repair for complete recovery. While engineered materials provide an exciting opportunity to augment endogenous repair in conjunction with other therapies that address post-stroke disability, much of the preclinical work in this arena is still in its infancy. Biomaterials can be used to enhance drug- or stem cell-sustained and targeted delivery. Moreover, materials can act as extracellular matrix-mimics and augment a pro-repair environment by addressing astrogliosis, inflammation, neurogenesis, axonal sprouting, and angiogenesis. Lastly, there is a growing need to elucidate stroke repair mechanisms to identify novel targets to inform material design for brain repair after stroke.Puberty is a remarkable period of postnatal development culminating in reproductive capacity. Biological changes of puberty are accompanied by social and emotional changes including psychosexual development. Developmental changes of adolescence are influenced by numerous biological, psychological and social influences. Work to date has identified associations between disrupted puberty (i.e. delayed, incomplete or absent) and psychosexual development. This brief review summarizes our current understanding of the psychosexual effects of delayed puberty and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (Kallmann syndrome). The importance of psychosocial support and transitional care is highlighted and future directions are discussed.The field of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is evolving fast, and best practice advice is essential for regulation and standardisation of diagnostic testing. The previous ESHRE guidelines on best practice for preimplantation genetic diagnosis, published in 2005 and 2011, are considered outdated and the development of new papers outlining recommendations for good practice in PGT was necessary. The current updated version of the recommendations for good practice is, similar to the 2011 version, split into four documents, one of which covers the organisation of a PGT centre. The other documents focus on the different technical aspects of embryo biopsy, PGT for monogenic/single-gene defects (PGT-M) and PGT for chromosomal structural rearrangements/aneuploidies (PGT-SR/PGT-A). The current document outlines the steps prior to starting a PGT cycle, with details on patient inclusion and exclusion, and counselling and information provision. Also, recommendations are provided on the follow-up of PGT pregnancies and babies. Finally, some further recommendations are made on the practical organisation of an IVF/PGT centre, including basic requirements, transport PGT and quality management. This document, together with the documents on embryo biopsy, PGT-M and PGT-SR/PGT-A, should assist everyone interested in PGT in developing the best laboratory and clinical practice possible.Objective Given the increasing burden of repetitive intravitreal injections in diabetic macular oedema (DMO) treatment, non-invasive markers of treatment outcome are needed. C188-9 Hence, we aimed to examine retinal oximetry parameters as markers of need for intravitreal aflibercept in patients with DMO. Methods This study was based on data from a 12-month clinical trial including 35 eyes of 25 patients with centre involving DMO. Retinal oximetry, visual acuity (VA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were performed at baseline (BL). Patients then received 3 monthly injections of aflibercept followed by focal/grid laser photocoagulation. From month 4 (M4) through 12 (M12), patie