The clinical use of the alpha-4 integrin antagonist natalizumab may be associated with reactivation of other viruses, according to a study conducted in Ireland (Lonergan et al. J Neurovirol 2009; epublished August 9, 2009).
Neurology
CIHR, Quebec and France collaborate on Alzheimer disease research
October 6, 2009The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR, www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca), in conjunction with the province of Quebec and France, has launched a new funding program for innovative projects in Alzheimers disease research. CIHR will commit $600,000, Quebec $800,000 and France $1.1 million over the next three years to the program. A joint request for applications is currently being developed.
Acupuncture: some benefit for migraine, tension headache
September 8, 2009Two Cochrane reviews have concluded that acupuncture may be a nonpharmacological option as prophylaxis for patients with migraine or tension-type headaches.
Cognitive side effects more common with topiramate
September 8, 2009A retrospective analysis of antiepileptic drug use has found that subjective reports of cognitive side effects were more common with topiramate compared to other agents (Arif et al. Epilepsy Behav 2008; epublished November 13, 2008).
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Chronic pain common in obese elderly
September 8, 2009The U.S. Einstein Aging Study reports that a majority of the elderly living in the community have chronic pain (McCarthy et al. J Am Geriatr Soc 2008; epublished November 19, 2008). The study surveyed 840 people aged >70 years (average 80 years). Chronic pain was defined as pain of at least moderate severity (>4 on a 10-point scale) at least some of the time in the previous 3 months.
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