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IntroductionCerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is associated with symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage. Biomarkers of clinically silent bleeding events, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ferritin and iron, might provide novel measures of disease presence and severity.MethodsWe performed an exploratory study comparing CSF iron, ferritin, and other metal levels in patients with CAA, control subjects (CS) and patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Ferritin was measured using a latex fixation test; metal analyses were performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.ResultsCAA patients (n = 10) had higher levels of CSF iron than the AD (n = 20) and CS (n = 10) groups (medians 23.42, 15.48 and 17.71 μg/L, respectively, p = 0.0015); the difference between CAA and AD groups was significant in unadjusted and age-adjusted analyses. We observed a difference in CSF ferritin (medians 10.10, 7.77 and 8.01 ng/ml, for CAA, AD and CS groups, respectively, p = 0.01); the difference between the CAA and AD groups was significant in unadjusted, but not age-adjusted, analyses. We also observed differences between the CAA and AD groups in CSF nickel and cobalt (unadjusted analyses).ConclusionsIn this exploratory study, we provide preliminary evidence for a distinct CSF metallomic profile in patients with CAA. Replication and validation of these results in larger cohorts is needed.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized pathologically by amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition in brain parenchyma and blood vessels (as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)) and by neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau. Compelling genetic and biomarker evidence supports Aβ as the root cause of AD. We previously reported human transmission of Aβ pathology and CAA in relatively young adults who had died of iatrogenic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (iCJD) after childhood treatment with cadaver-derived pituitary growth hormone (c-hGH) contaminated with both CJD prions and Aβ seeds. This raised the possibility that c-hGH recipients who did not die from iCJD may eventually develop AD. Here we describe recipients who developed dementia and biomarker changes within the phenotypic spectrum of AD, suggesting that AD, like CJD, has environmentally acquired (iatrogenic) forms as well as late-onset sporadic and early-onset inherited forms. Although iatrogenic AD may be rare, and there is no suggestion that Aβ can be transmitted between individuals in activities of daily life, its recognition emphasizes the need to review measures to prevent accidental transmissions via other medical and surgical procedures. As propagating Aβ assemblies may exhibit structural diversity akin to conventional prions, it is possible that therapeutic strategies targeting disease-related assemblies may lead to selection of minor components and development of resistance. A small number of patients who received growth hormone preparations contaminated with seeds of the amyloid-beta protein developed Alzheimer’s disease many years after treatment.

In the last 6 years, following the first pathological description of presumed amyloid-beta (Aβ) transmission in humans (in 2015) and subsequent experimental confirmation (in 2018), clinical cases of iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)—attributed to the transmission of Aβ seeds—have been increasingly recognised and reported. This newly described form of CAA is associated with early disease onset (typically in the third to fifth decade), and often presents with intracerebral haemorrhage, but also seizures and cognitive impairment. Although assumed to be rare, it is important that clinicians remain vigilant for potential cases, particularly as the optimal management, prognosis, true incidence and public health implications remain unknown. This review summarises our current understanding of the clinical spectrum of iatrogenic CAA and provides a diagnostic framework for clinicians. We provide clinical details for three patients with pathological evidence of iatrogenic CAA and present a summary of the published cases to date (n=20), identified following a systematic review. Our aims are: (1) To describe the clinical features of iatrogenic CAA, highlighting important similarities and differences between iatrogenic and sporadic CAA; and (2) To discuss potential approaches for investigation and diagnosis, including suggested diagnostic criteria for iatrogenic CAA.

MOOCs support the global need of learning resources with large impact through online access and no geographical boundaries. However, pedagogical design limitations in MOOCs are known to result in passive role of the learner, lack of learner connect and engagement, limited interactivity with course content and peers, all of which result in low completion rates. In this paper, we present the goals of a learner-centric MOOC (LCM) model aimed towards addressing some of the critical pedagogical challenges of MOOCs and exhibit the use of the model through its primary implementation phase. The LCM model collates and translates all integral pedagogical elements of a MOOC into a learnercentric dimension to promote active learner participation and enhanced engagement with learning content and peers through fostered interactions. To demonstrate the primary use and effectiveness of the model, it has been adopted in the design and conduct of 15 different MOOCs, which were offered through two different MOOC providers. Initial empirical evidence has been presented for the effectiveness of the model towards improved learner participation through several measures, including completion rates, engagement of participants with LCM elements and perception of learners on the usefulness of the model and its adoption. The average completion rate for 15 LCMs was found to be 36.35 ± 25.61, 95% CI: 10.74–61.96%, which is significantly higher than the completion rates reported in literature. The average persistent rates, defined as the rate of completion for active learners, was 59.38% for LCMs. The model elements were also found to be effective in engaging learners in formative assessment activities and meaningful peer discussions on the forum. The learners’ perception on the adoption of the LCM model voiced several pedagogical benefits of the model which were categorized into themes. These included enhanced learner motivation and engagement with content, enhanced interactivity and peer learning, formative assessment and feedback, and catering to diversity. These themes directly aligned with desired pedagogical outcomes of the model to address some of the existing limitations of MOOCs.

BackgroundFew studies have investigated patient-reported non-motor outcomes after stroke in young adults. We aimed to assess their prevalence and patterns in this population to identify unmet needs.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included consecutive patients (aged <55) admitted to University College London (UCL) Hospitals Hyperacute Stroke Unit with ischaemic stroke or intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) between 2017 and 2020. At 6 months, we collected data on eight non-motor domains (anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, pain interference, reduced social participation, bowel and bladder dysfunction). We assessed outcome co-occurrence, compared prevalence by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (favourable: 0–1 versus unfavourable: 2–5), and performed multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of each adverse outcome and high non-motor outcome burden (≥3 adverse outcomes).ResultsWe included 493/527 (94%) eligible patients (median age 48, IQR 41–52; 33% female; 82% ischaemic stroke). Fatigue (55%) reduced social participation (47%) and sleep disturbance (46%) were most common. Prevalence rates did not differ significantly by mRS score. 91% reported ≥1 adverse outcome; 27% reported ≥4. Anxiety was predicted by ICH (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.11 to 3.33; p=0.019) and higher education levels (per decile increase in education deprivation, OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.22; p=0.012). Pain interference was predicted by admission stroke severity (per National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 10-point increase, OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.25; p=0.025).ConclusionsAdverse non-motor outcomes are common in young adults 6 months post-stroke, even in those with an mRS score of 0–1 (indicating a favourable functional recovery). Furthermore, non-motor outcomes rarely occur in isolation, highlighting the need for early and comprehensive screening, recognition and management.

Background and purpose An increasing number of cases of iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) have now been reported worldwide. Proposed diagnostic criteria require a history of medical intervention with potential for amyloid‐β transmission, for example those using cadaveric dura mater or requiring instrumentation of the brain or spinal cord. Clinical presentation occurs after an appropriate latency (usually three or four decades); to date, most patients with iatrogenic CAA have had ‘early‐onset’ disease (compared to sporadic, age‐related, CAA), as a consequence of childhood procedures. Results We describe five cases of possible iatrogenic CAA in adults presenting in later life (aged 65 years and older); all had prior neurosurgical interventions and presented after a latency suggestive of iatrogenic disease (range 30–39 years). Use of cadaveric dura mater was confirmed in one case, and highly likely in the remainder. Conclusion The presentation of iatrogenic CAA in older adults widens the known potential spectrum of this disease and highlights the difficulties of making the diagnosis in this age group, and particularly in differentiating iatrogenic from sporadic CAA. Increased vigilance for cases presenting at an older age is essential for furthering our understanding of the clinical phenotype and broader implications of iatrogenic CAA.

ObjectiveTo define the neuropsychological and neuroimaging characteristics of classical infratentorial superficial siderosis (iSS), a rare but disabling disorder defined by hemosiderin deposition affecting the superficial layers of the cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord, usually associated with a slowly progressive neurological syndrome of deafness, ataxia and myelopathy.MethodsWe present the detailed neuropsychological and neuroimaging findings in 16 patients with iSS (mean age 57 years; 6 female).ResultsCognitive impairment was present in 8/16 (50%) of patients: executive dysfunction was the most prevalent (44%), followed by impairment of visual recognition memory (27%); other cognitive domains were largely spared. Disease symptom duration was significantly correlated with the number of cognitive domains impaired (r = 0.59, p = 0.011). Mood disorders were also common (anxiety 62%, depression 38%, both 69%) but not associated with disease symptom duration. MRI findings revealed siderosis was not only in infratentorial brain regions, but also in characteristic widespread symmetrical supratentorial brain regions, independent of disease duration and degree of cognitive impairment. The presence of small vessel disease markers was very low and did not account for the cognitive impairment observed.ConclusionNeuropsychological disturbances are common in iSS and need to be routinely investigated. The lack of association between the anatomical extent of hemosiderin and cognitive impairment or disease duration suggests that hemosiderin itself is not directly neurotoxic. Additional biomarkers of iSS disease severity and progression are needed for future research and clinical trials.

Atomoxetine is a noradrenaline-specific reuptake inhibitor used clinically for the treatment of childhood and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Studies in human volunteers and patient groups have shown that atomoxetine improves stop-signal reaction time (SSRT) performance, an effect consistent with a reduction in motor impulsivity. However, ADHD is a heterogeneous disorder and it is of interest to determine whether atomoxetine is similarly effective against other forms of impulsivity, as well as the attentional impairment present in certain subtypes of ADHD. The present study examined the effects of atomoxetine on impulsivity using an analogous SSRT task in rats and two additional tests of impulsivity; delay discounting of reward and the five-choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT), the latter providing an added assessment of sustained visual attention. Atomoxetine produced a significant dose-dependent speeding of SSRT. In addition, atomoxetine produced a selective, dose-dependent decrease in premature responding on the 5CSRTT. Finally, on the delay-discounting task, atomoxetine significantly decreased impulsivity by increasing preference for the large-value reward across increasing delay. These findings conclusively demonstrate that atomoxetine decreases several distinct forms of impulsivity in rats. The apparent contrast of these effects with stimulant drugs such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, which generally act to increase impulsivity on the 5CSRTT, may provide new insights into the mechanisms of action of stimulant and nonstimulant drugs in ADHD.