Aaron S. Zelikovich

Nov 20, 2024 | nature.com | Aaron S. Zelikovich |Krista Vandenborne |Abhinandan Batra |Robert Sufit |Alexander B. Willis |Alexis R. Demonbreun | +3 more

Weekly Steroids in Muscular Dystrophy (WSiMD) was a pilot study to evaluate once weekly prednisone in patients with Limb Girdle and Becker muscular dystrophy (LGMD and BMD, respectively). At study endpoint, there were trends towards increased lean mass, reduced fat mass, reduced creatine kinase and improved motor function. The investigation was motivated by studies in mouse muscular dystrophy models in which once weekly glucocorticoid exposure enhanced muscle strength and reduced fibrosis. WSiMD participants provided blood samples for aptamer serum profiling at baseline and after 6 months of weekly steroids. A subset completed magnetic resonance (MR) evaluation of muscle at study onset and endpoint. At baseline compared to age and sex-matched healthy controls, the aggregate serum protein profile in the WSiMD cohort was dominated by muscle proteins, reflecting leak of muscle proteins into serum. Disease status produced more proteins differentially present in serum compared to steroid-treatment effect. Nonetheless, a response to prednisone was discernable in the WSiMD cohort, even at this low dose. Glucocorticoids decreased muscle proteins and increased certain immune process- and matrix-associated proteins. Muscle MR fat fraction showed trends with functional status. The prednisone-responsive markers could be used in larger trial of prednisone efficacy.

Nov 30, 2023 | blogs.neurology.org | Aaron S. Zelikovich

The Epilepsy Foundation is spearheading a “public awareness campaign to reduce the stigma associated with epilepsy” as part of November National Epilepsy Awareness Month. One in ten people will have at least one seizure during their lifetime. Four percent of Americans will develop epilepsy, leading to 3.4 million people in the United States with epilepsy, many of whom are taken care of by neurology trainees.

Oct 26, 2023 | blogs.neurology.org | Aaron S. Zelikovich

Sunday, October 29th is World Stroke Awareness Day hosted by the World Stroke Organization. Neurology residents are on the front lines of stroke care. Strokes can present in many ways reflecting the many different etiologies and treatments. This month we will review stroke cases published in the Neurology® Resident and Fellow Section to highlight the impact that trainees have on stroke management. Two Teaching NeuroImages from 2006 highlighted the utility of CT scans and MRIs in stroke care.

Sep 28, 2023 | blogs.neurology.org | Aaron S. Zelikovich

September is childhood cancer awareness month. To raise awareness for pediatric neuro-oncology, this month we will review prior Neurology® Resident & Fellow articles that discuss the field of neuro-oncology, including a Pearls & Oy-sters case about germinomas and several Teaching NeuroImages.

Aug 31, 2023 | blogs.neurology.org | Aaron S. Zelikovich

The life cycle of a neurology trainee starts when a medical student applies to residency. After matching into neurology residency, completing their residency training program, and either pursuing a fellowship or becoming a practicing neurologist upon graduation, they can assist the next generation of trainees. In August, medical students and senior residents begin considering the next phase of their training or practice.