The goal of the study was to examine the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes in a Tunisian sample of patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and normal controls, and to compare the results with the findings from the literature. A hospital-based case-control study of two groups (58 patients with AD, 71 controls) was conducted. Patients received a detailed clinical history, neurological examination, neuropsychological testing and brain imaging. A neurological examination and the Arabic version of the Mini-Mental State Examination were made for controls. Genotyping was performed using the PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. There were no statistical differences in age (p = 0.05) and gender (p = 0.046) between the two groups. The APOE ε4/4 genotype was over represented in the AD group in comparison with the controls (13.3 vs. 2.8%). A significant increased risk of AD among APOE ε4 allele carriers was observed. The odds ratio for the association of AD patients with homozygous and heterozygous ε4 allele was, respectively, 5.40 (1.35-21.48) and 2.90 (1.27-6.62). Our results in addition to previously published genetic studies suggest that AD disease is multifactor in origin. Ethnicity, genetic and environmental factors contribute to AD risk in different ethnic groups.

Epigenetics refers broadly to processes that influence medium to long‐term gene expression by changing the readability and accessibility of the genetic code. The Neurobiology Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) recently convened a Task Force to explore and disseminate advances in epigenetics to better understand their role and intersection with genetics and the neurobiology of epilepsies and their co‐morbidities, and to accelerate translation of these findings into the development of better therapies. Here, we provide a topic primer on epigenetics, explaining the key processes and findings to date in experimental and human epilepsy. We review the growing list of genes with epigenetic functions that have been linked with epilepsy in humans. We consider potential practical applications, including using epigenetic signals as biomarkers for tissue‐ and biofluid‐based diagnostics and the prospects for developing epigenetic‐based treatments for epilepsy. We include a glossary of terms, FAQs and other supports to facilitate a broad understanding of the topic for the non‐expert. Last, we review the limitations, research gaps and the next challenges. In summary, epigenetic processes represent important mechanisms controlling the activity of genes, providing opportunities for insight into disease mechanisms, biomarkers and novel therapies for epilepsy.

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus is defined as a lupus-like syndrome temporally related to a drug exposure. We report a 34-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis who developed, while being treated with interferon β-1a, myalgia and associated with wrist synovitis. Clinical and immunologic investigations were in favor of systemic lupus erythematosus. Interferon therapy was maintained. Under corticosteroids and antipaludeen treatment, the patient did not develop any other lupic manifestations.

Our model of twin affiliations between advanced epilepsy surgery programs in a developed country and starting programs in a developing country, using Internet technology, can be a model for collaboration in other countries.