Applicability of [18F]FDG/PET for investigating rosmarinic acid preconditioning efficacy in a global stroke model in mice

ABSTRACT Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive nuclear imaging technique that uses radiotracers to track cell activity. The radiopharmaceutical 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose ([18F] FDG) is most commonly used in nuclear medicine for the diagnosis of various diseases, including stroke. A stroke is a serious condition with high mortality and morbidity rates. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a promising therapeutic agent that exerts neuroprotective effects against various neurological diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the applicability of [18F]FDG/PET for investigating the neuroprotective effects of RA in case of a global stroke model in mice. The [18F]FDG/PET technique facilitates the observation of ischemia and reperfusion injuries in the brain. Moreover, the recovery of glucose metabolism in three specific brain regions, the striatum, superior colliculus, and inferior colliculus, was observed after preconditioning with RA. It was concluded that the [18F]FDG/PET technique may be useful for stroke diagnosis and the assessment of treatment response. In addition, a long-term longitudinal study using biochemical analysis in conjunction with functional imaging may provide further conclusive results regarding the effect of RA on cerebral ischemia.

The Effectiveness of the Use of "Special Grip Toothbrushes" on Dental Hygiene for Indonesian Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Objective: To find out the effectiveness of specially made brushes with special grips for use by groups of ischemic stroke sufferers for oral hygiene. Material and Methods: A sample of 30 stroke patients were taken at the Makassar Stroke Center, Indonesia, with criteria for extreme hemisphere ischemic stroke patients and willing to participate in the study and fill out informed consent. Brush making with a special grip design (modified brush) with Clay mixed material. The oral hygiene assessment procedure of the sample using a modified toothbrush was done in 3 stages before the brush, after brush and on the seventh day. Oral and oral hygiene was measured using the index of Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S). The oral hygiene assessment procedure was done in 3 stages before the brush, after brush and on the seventh day. To find out the difference in effectiveness before and after the intervention was analyzed using the paired t test. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The highest percentage of stroke patients were female (53.3%), aged 40-60 years (66.7%) with an education level below junior high school (56.7%). There is a difference in the average OHIS score before and after using a special grip toothbrush (p<0.01). Conclusion: A special grip toothbrush that is used for Stroke sufferers can help to clean his teeth and mouth.

The role of diffusion-weighted and fluid attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis and timing of acute ischemic stroke

Background: Ischemic stroke causes serious long-term disability and a great number of economic losses. Thrombolytic therapy is used only if the time of stroke onset was <4.5 hours. However, new categories such as wake-up and day un-witnessed strokes, patients unable to tell exact time of last seen well. The importance of study is to use diffusion weighted/Fluid attenuated inversion recovery (DWI/FLAIR) mismatch as a radiological marker which can help to identify patients with lacunar and non-lacunar stroke within 4.5 hours of onset and use it to determine whether patients with unknown onset stroke qualify for thrombolytic therapy or not. Patients and methods: prospective cohort study was conducted on 72 patients with known time of symptoms onset, imaged within 24 hours from stroke onset. Patients underwent the admission Computed tomography CT and magnetic resonance scans (DWI and FLAIR only) with time gap was no longer than one hour. The presences of lesions in the neuroradiological modalities were assessed in correlation with the duration of the stroke.Results: The time from stroke onsetto neuroimaging was significantly shorter with ischemic lesions visible in DWI/FLAIR mismatch group when compared to other modalities. The DWI/FLAIR was characterized by global specificity 100%, sensitivity 91.9%, PPV 100% and NPV 92.1%. It succeeded to diagnose 12 patients with lacunar stroke before 4.5 hours from the stroke onset.Conclusion: The presence of acute ischemic lesions only in DWI/FLAIR mismatch group can help to identify both lacunar and non-lacunar stroke patients who are within 4.5 hours' time window for intravenous thrombolysis

Paraoxonase-1 polymorphisms and cerebral ischemic stroke: a pilot study in mexican patients / Caracterización polimórfica de la paraoxonasa-1 en el infarto cerebral aterotrombótico de una poblacion mexicana: estudio piloto

Abstract Background: The serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) associated to HDL presents two common polymorphisms in the positions 192 and 55. These polymorphisms are considered determinant of the capacity of HDL to protect LDL from their oxidative modification. In this context, the PON1 genotype has been associated with cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. Objective: To determine the allelic and genotypic frequencies of PON1 L55M and Q192R as well as the enzymatic activities of PON1 in subjects with and without atherothrombotic stroke. Methods: There were included 28 people with atherothrombotic stroke and 29 without stroke. The genotyping was carried out by PCR-RFLP and the phenotyping by measurement of the activities of paraoxonase and arylesterase in serum. Results: For the polymorphism Q192R, the allelic frequencies (Q/R) were 0.46/0.54 and 0.48/0.52 (p= 0.843) for the control group and the group with stroke, respectively. While for the polymorphism L55M, the allelic frequencies (L/M) were 0.81/0.19 for the control group, and 0.78/0.22 for the group with stroke (p= 0.610). The activity levels of paraoxonase were not significantly different between the control and stroke groups (450 vs. 348 UI/mL, p= 0.093) While the activity levels of arylesterase were significantly different between the studied groups (90 vs. 70 UI/mL, p= 0.001); however, upon adjustment by multiple linear regression, it was not longer significant. Conclusion: The polymorphisms Q192R and L55M, and the paraoxonase activity of PON1 are not risk factors for atherothrombotic stroke according to the results of this study.

Resumen Introducción: La paraoxonasa-1 (PON1) sérica asociada a las HDL presenta dos polimorfismos comunes en las posiciones 192 y 55. Estos polimorfismos se consideran determinantes para la capacidad de las HDL de proteger a las LDL de su modificación oxidativa. En este contexto, el genotipo de PON1 se ha asociado con enfermedades cerebrovasculares, que incluyen el infarto cerebral. Objetivo: Determinar las frecuencias alélicas y genotípicas de PON1-L55M y PON1- Q192R, así como las actividades enzimáticas de PON1 en sujetos con y sin infarto cerebral aterotrombótico. Métodos: Se incluyeron 28 personas con infarto cerebral aterotrombótico y 29 sin infarto. Las genotipificaciones se realizaron mediante PCR-RFLP y las fenotipificaciones mediante la medición de las actividades paraoxonasa y arilesterasa en suero. Resultados: Para el polimorfismo Q192R, las frecuencias alélicas (Q/R) fueron 0.46/0.54 y 0.48/0.52 (p= 0.843) para el grupo control y el grupo con infarto, respectivamente. Mientras que para el polimorfismo L55M, las frecuencias alélicas (L/M) fueron 0.81/0.19 para el grupo control y 0.78/0.22 para el grupo con infarto (p= 0.610). Los niveles de actividad paraoxonasa no fueron significativamente diferentes entre los grupos control y con infarto (450 vs. 348 Ul/mL, p= 0.093). Mientras que los niveles de actividad arilesterasa fueron significativamente diferentes entre los grupos estudiados (90 vs. 70 Ul/mL, p= 0.001), sin embargo, al ajustarla por regresión lineal múltiple, dejo de ser significativa. Conclusión: Los polimorfismos Q192R y L55M, y la actividad paraoxonasa de la PON1 no son factores de riesgo para el infarto cerebral aterotrombótico en este estudio.

Could infarct location predict the long-term functional outcome in childhood arterial ischemic stroke? / ¿Puede la localización del infarto predecir el resultado funcional a largo plazo en el ictus isquémico arterial pediátrico?

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the influence of infarct location on long-term functional outcome following a first-ever arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in non-neonate children. Method: The MRIs of 39 children with AIS (median age 5.38 years; 36% girls; mean follow-up time 5.87 years) were prospectively evaluated. Infarct location was classified as the absence or presence of subcortical involvement. Functional outcome was measured using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) for children after the follow-up assessment. We utilized multivariate logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for the outcome while adjusting for age, sex, infarct size and middle cerebral artery territory involvement (significance < 0.05). Results: Both infarcts ≥ 4% of total brain volume (OR 9.92; CI 1.76 - 55.9; p 0.009) and the presence of subcortical involvement (OR 8.36; CI 1.76 - 53.6; p 0.025) independently increased the risk of marked functional impairment (mRS 3 to 5). Conclusion: Infarct extension and location can help predict the extent of disability after childhood AIS.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Para explorar la influencia de la localización del infarto sobre los resultados funcionales a largo plazo después de un primer ictus isquémico arterial (IIA) en ninos posterior a la edad neonatal. Métodos: Se evaluaron de forma prospectiva imágenes por RM de 39 ninos con IIA (mediana de edad: 5,38 años; 36% ninas; seguimiento promedio: 5,87 anos). La localización del infarto fue clasificada como ausencia o presencia de compromiso subcortical. El resultado funcional fue medido utilizando la escala modificada de Rankin (mRS) para ninos en una evaluación al final del seguimiento. Utilizamos modelos de regresión logística multivariada para estimar los odds ratios (ORs) para el resultado ajustado para la edad, sexo, tamaño del infarto y compromiso del territorio vascular de la arteria cerebral media (significancia < 0,05). Resultados: Tanto el tamaño del infarto > 4% del volumen encefálico total (OR 9,92; IC 1,76-55,9; p 0,009) como la presencia de compromiso subcortical (OR 8,36; IC 1,76-53,6; p 0,025) incrementaron independientemente el riesgo de presentar marcado compromiso funcional (mRS 3 a 5). Conclusión: La extensión y localización del infarto pueden ayudar a predecir la magnitud de la discapacidad posterior a un IIA durante la niñez.

Tratamiento neuroendovascular del ictus cerebral: reporte de caso / Neuroendovascular treatment of cerebral stroke: case report

El ictus cerebral isquémico es una de las principales patologías crónicas de mayor prevalencia a nivel mundial, con tasas altas de mortalidad y discapacidad. El campo de la neurocirugía endovascular se ha incorporado al manejo de enfermedades vasculares, siendo una de las opciones más efectivas para su tratamiento por el impacto que tiene sobre la vida y autonomía del paciente. Se presenta a continuación el reporte de caso del primer paciente con tratamiento neuroendovascular para ictus cerebral realizado en el país. Paciente masculino de 62 años que inicia con signos clínicos de afasia, hemiplejía derecha, de 7 horas de evolución. Al examen neurológico con puntaje NIHSS de 16 puntos, con RMN con lesiones isquémicas agudas multifocales en región cortical del lóbulo frontal y parietal izquierda, cápsula interna y núcleo lenticular ipsilateral. Se decide realizar tratamiento endovascular de rescate cerebral. Se realizan tomas angiográficas observando trombos a nivel de rama témporo-parietal de la ACM y ramas distales de ACA derecha. Se realiza trombólisis química intraarterial superselectiva con rTPA, logrando recanalización satisfactoria TICI 2b. Paciente cursó hospitalización durante 3 días; a su egreso con puntaje NIHSS de 5 puntos y a los 30 días de 1 punto. El tratamiento neuroendovascular de ictus cerebral es una alternativa efectiva en pacientes que ingresan fuera del periodo de ventana para manejo convencional con rTPA IV o que tiene contraindicación para su administración...(AU)

Ischemic cerebral stroke is one of the major chronic pathologies with great prevalence worldwide, with high rates of mortality and disability. The field of endovascular neurosurgery has been incorporated into the management of vascular diseases, being one of the most effective options for its treatment because of the impact it has on the life and autonomy of the patient. This is the case report of the first patient with the neuroendovascular treatment for cerebral stroke performed in our country and is presented below. A 62-year-old male patient who started with clinical signs of aphasia and right hemiplegia presented with 7 hours of evolution. On neurological examination he scored 16 point at NIHSS and had multifocal acute ischemic lesions in the cortical region of the frontal lobe and left parietal lobe, internal capsule and ipsilateral lenticular nucleus on MRI. It was decided to perform endovascular treatment of cerebral rescue. Angiographicaly we observed thrombi at the level of temporomandibular branch of the MCA and distal branches of right ACA. Superselective intra-arterial chemical thrombolysis was performed with rTPA, achieving satisfactory recanalization TICI 2b. Patient was hospitalized for 3 days; at his exit he was with NIHSS score of 5 points and the 30 days scored was of 1 point. Cerebrovascular neurosurveillance is an effective alternative in patients entering outside the window period for conventional management with rTPA IV or when it is contraindicated for administration...(AU)

Role of cyclooxygenase-2 in Trypanosoma cruzi survival in the early stages of parasite host-cell interaction

Chagas disease, caused by the intracellular protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a serious health problem in Latin America. During this parasitic infection, the heart is one of the major organs affected. The pathogenesis of tissue remodelling, particularly regarding cardiomyocyte behaviour after parasite infection and the molecular mechanisms that occur immediately following parasite entry into host cells are not yet completely understood. When cells are infected with T. cruzi, they develop an inflammatory response, in which cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyses rate-limiting steps in the arachidonic acid pathway. However, how the parasite interaction modulates COX-2 activity is poorly understood. In this study, the H9c2 cell line was used as our model and we investigated cellular and biochemical aspects during the initial 48 h of parasitic infection. Oscillatory activity of COX-2 was observed, which correlated with the control of the pro-inflammatory environment in infected cells. Interestingly, subcellular trafficking was also verified, correlated with the control of Cox-2 mRNA or the activated COX-2 protein in cells, which is directly connected with the assemble of stress granules structures. Our collective findings suggest that in the very early stage of the T. cruzi-host cell interaction, the parasite is able to modulate the cellular metabolism in order to survives.

Effects of Special Mouth Care with an Aroma Solution on Oral Status and Oral Cavity Microorganism Growth in Elderly Stroke Patients

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the effect of oral care with an aroma solution on oral status and oral cavity microorganism growth in elderly patients with stroke. METHODS: A non-equivalent control group, with a pretest-posttest design was used in this study. The participants were assigned to the experimental group (n=30) that received oral care with an aroma solution or the control group (n=31) that received 0.9% saline solution. To identify the effect of the experimental treatments, objective/subjective assessments of oral status and oral cavity microorganism growth were performed using the oral assessment guide, oral perception guide, and oral swab culture. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and t-test with the SPSS version 21.0 program. RESULTS: The objective oral status was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (t= -3.64, p<.001). There was no significant difference between the subjective oral status of the experimental group and control groups (t= -1.24, p=.109). Oral microorganism growth was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (t= -7.39, p<.001). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that special mouth care using an aroma solution could be an effective oral health nursing intervention for elderly patients with stroke.

Canine model of ischemic stroke with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion: clinical features, magnetic resonance imaging, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry

The purpose of this study was to identify time-related changes in clinical, MRI, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical findings associated with ischemic stroke in dogs. Additionally, the association of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and tissue levels of interleukin (IL)-6 with clinical prognosis was assessed. Ischemic stroke was induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in nine healthy experimental dogs. The dogs were divided into three groups according to survival time and duration of the experimental period: group A (survived only 1 day), group B (1-week experimental period), and group C (2-week experimental period). Neurologic status was evaluated daily. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed according to a predetermined schedule. Concentration of IL-6 in CSF was measured serially after ischemic stroke. Postmortem examination was performed for all experimental dogs. During histopathological examination, variable degrees of cavitation and necrosis due to neuronal cytopathic effects, such as pyknotic nuclei and cytoplasmic shrinkage, were observed on the affected side of the cerebral cortex in all dogs. Immunohistochemistry specific for IL-6 showed increased expression in the ischemic lesions. CSF IL-6 concentrations and ischemic lesion volumes 1 day after ischemic stroke were significantly higher in group A compared to groups B and C.

Language-specific Dysgraphia in Korean Patients with Right Brain Stroke: Influence of Unilateral Spatial Neglect

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between Korean language-specific dysgraphia and unilateral spatial neglect in 31 right brain stroke patients. All patients were tested for writing errors in spontaneous writing, dictation, and copying tests. The dysgraphia was classified into visuospatial omission, visuospatial destruction, syllabic tilting, stroke omission, stroke addition, and stroke tilting. Twenty-three (77.4%) of the 31 patients made dysgraphia and 18 (58.1%) demonstrated unilateral spatial neglect. The visuospatial omission was the most common dysgraphia followed by stroke addition and omission errors. The highest number of errors was made in the copying and the least was in the spontaneous writing test. Patients with unilateral spatial neglect made a significantly higher number of dysgraphia in the copying test than those without. We identified specific dysgraphia features such as a right side space omission and a vertical stroke addition in Korean right brain stroke patients. In conclusion, unilateral spatial neglect influences copy writing system of Korean language in patients with right brain stroke.

Language-specific Dysgraphia in Korean Patients with Right Brain Stroke: Influence of Unilateral Spatial Neglect

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between Korean language-specific dysgraphia and unilateral spatial neglect in 31 right brain stroke patients. All patients were tested for writing errors in spontaneous writing, dictation, and copying tests. The dysgraphia was classified into visuospatial omission, visuospatial destruction, syllabic tilting, stroke omission, stroke addition, and stroke tilting. Twenty-three (77.4%) of the 31 patients made dysgraphia and 18 (58.1%) demonstrated unilateral spatial neglect. The visuospatial omission was the most common dysgraphia followed by stroke addition and omission errors. The highest number of errors was made in the copying and the least was in the spontaneous writing test. Patients with unilateral spatial neglect made a significantly higher number of dysgraphia in the copying test than those without. We identified specific dysgraphia features such as a right side space omission and a vertical stroke addition in Korean right brain stroke patients. In conclusion, unilateral spatial neglect influences copy writing system of Korean language in patients with right brain stroke.

Current concepts on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) perfusion-diffusion assessment in acute ischaemic stroke: a review & an update for the clinicians.

Recently, several medical societies published joint statements about imaging recommendations for acute stroke and transient ischaemic attack patients. In following with these published guidelines, we considered it appropriate to present a brief, practical and updated review of the most relevant concepts on the MRI assessment of acute stroke. Basic principles of the clinical interpretation of diffusion, perfusion, and MRI angiography (as part of a global MRI protocol) are discussed with accompanying images for each sequence. Brief comments on incidence and differential diagnosis are also included, together with limitations of the techniques and levels of evidence. The purpose of this article is to present knowledge that can be applied in day-to-day clinical practice in specialized stroke units or emergency rooms to attend patients with acute ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack according to international standards.

Identification of Subgroups with Lower Level of Stroke Knowledge Using Decision-tree Analysis

PURPOSE: This study was performed to explore levels of stroke knowledge and identify subgroups with lower levels of stroke knowledge among adults in Korea. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was used and data were collected in 2012. A national sample of 990 Koreans aged 20 to 74 years participated in this study. Knowledge of risk factors, warning signs, and first action for stroke were surveyed using face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics and decision tree analysis were performed using SPSS WIN 20.0 and Answer Tree 3.1. RESULTS: Mean score for stroke risk factor knowledge was 7.7 out of 10. The least recognized risk factor was diabetes and four subgroups with lower levels of knowledge were identified. Score for knowledge of stroke warning signs was 3.6 out of 6. The least recognized warning sign was sudden severe headache and six subgroups with lower levels of knowledge were identified. The first action for stroke was recognized by 65.7 percent of participants and four subgroups with lower levels of knowledge were identified. CONCLUSION: Multi-faceted education should be designed to improve stroke knowledge among Korean adults, particularly focusing on subgroups with lower levels of knowledge and less recognition of items in this study.

Tooth Loss May Predict Poor Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Adults without Dementia or Stroke: The PRESENT Project

Periodontal disease is a potential predictor of stroke and cognitive impairment. However, this association is unclear in adults aged 50 yr and above without a history of stroke or dementia. We evaluated the association between the number of teeth lost, indicating periodontal disease, and cognitive impairment in community-dwelling adults without any history of dementia or stroke. Dental examinations were performed on 438 adults older than 50 yr (315 females, mean age 63+/-7.8 yr; 123 males, mean age 61.5+/-8.5 yr) between January 2009 and December 2010. In the unadjusted analysis, odds ratios (OR) of cognitive impairment based on MMSE score were 2.46 (95% CI, 1.38-4.39) and 2.7 (95% CI, 1.57-4.64) for subjects who had lost 6-10 teeth and those who had lost more than 10 teeth, respectively, when compared with subjects who had lost 0-5 teeth. After adjusting for age, education level, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking, the relationship remained significant (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.08-3.69, P=0.027 for those with 6-10 teeth lost; OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.27-4.02, P=0.006 for those with more than 10 teeth lost). The number of teeth lost is correlated with cognitive impairment among community-dwelling adults aged 50 and above without any medical history of stroke or dementia.

Tooth Loss Is Associated with Brain White Matter Change and Silent Infarction among Adults without Dementia and Stroke

Periodontal disease is a predictor of stroke and cognitive impairment. The association between the number of lost teeth (an indicator of periodontal disease) and silent infarcts and cerebral white matter changes on brain CT was investigated in community-dwelling adults without dementia or stroke. Dental examination and CT were performed in 438 stroke- and dementia-free subjects older than 50 yr (mean age, 63 +/- 7.9 yr), who were recruited for an early health check-up program as part of the Prevention of Stroke and Dementia (PRESENT) project between 2009 and 2010. In unadjusted analyses, the odds ratio (OR) for silent cerebral infarcts and cerebral white matter changes for subjects with 6-10 and > 10 lost teeth was 2.3 (95% CI, 1.38-4.39; P = 0.006) and 4.2 (95% CI, 1.57-5.64; P < 0.001), respectively, as compared to subjects with 0-5 lost teeth. After adjustment for age, education, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and smoking, the ORs were 1.7 (95% CI, 1.08-3.69; P = 0.12) and 3.9 (95% CI, 1.27-5.02; P < 0.001), respectively. These findings suggest that severe tooth loss may be a predictor of silent cerebral infarcts and cerebral white matter changes in community-dwelling, stroke- and dementia-free adults.

Efectos de los antidepresivos en la recuperación motora poststroke / The Effects of Antidepressants on Post-stroke Motor Recovery

Las innovaciones en el tratamiento del accidente cerebrovascular descendieron la mortalidad y morbilidad de esta patología. No obstante, aún conforman la segunda causa de muerte en el mundo, y la primera de discapacidad. Se intentó evaluar la evidencia obtenida en los últimos años sobre el efecto de los antidepresivos en la rehabilitación poststroke, de forma independiente a su efecto sobre los trastornos depresivos. Publicaciones de ensayos aleatorizados comparando maprotilina vs. placebo vs. fluoxetina, placebo vs. nortriptilina vs. fluoxetina y placebo vs. fluoxetina, arrojaron datos alentadores acerca de la mayor mejora en la performance motora y en la capacidad de desarrollar las actividades de la vida diaria al utilizar nortriptilina y fluoxetina, no así maprotilina, en un tratamiento de 3 meses asociados a rehabilitación física. Un estudio retrospectivo basado con una amplia población en estudio presentó datos desalentadores donde el uso de distintos antidepresivos se asocia a aumento del tiempo de estadía de los pacientes en los centros de rehabilitación y menores grados de evolución favorable. Los mecanismos por los que los antidepresivos podrían colaborar en la rehabilitación funcional de los pacientes abarcan desde la facilitación motora, hasta los efectos antiinflamatorios, pasando por efectos neurotróficos, antiapoptóticos e inductores de mayor neuroplasticidad. No obstante, no se ha logrado obtener evidencia contundente sobre la utilidad de los mismos en la recuperación poststroke, siendo necesario realizar ensayos que abarquen poblaciones mayores y más selectas y analicen variables independientes más específicas

Advances in the treatment of stroke have enabled to reduce the mortality and morbidity of this pathology. However, they still represent the second cause of death worlwide and the first cause of impairment. The author analyzes the evidenced gathered over the past years about the effects of antidepressants on post-stroke recovery, irrespectively of their effect on depressive disorders. The literature published on randomized trials comparing maprotiline vs. placebo vs. fluoxetine, placebo vs. nortriptyline vs. fluoxetine and placebo vs. fluoxeting has provided encouraging data with regards the best improvement in motor performance and the ability to conduct daily activities when using nortriptyline and fluoxetine, although not maprotiline, in a 3-month treatment for physical rehabilitation. a retrospective study based on a wide study population provided discouraging data given that the use of the different antidepressants is associated to an increase in the hospitalization time of the patients at rehabilitation sites, as well as to lower degrees of favorable recovery. The mechanisms by which antidepressants might contribute to the functional recovery of patients range from motor facilitation to anti-inflammatory effects, including neurotrophins, anti-apoptotic drugs, and drugs inducing to a higher level of neuroplsticity. However, no convincing evidence has been obtained on the usefulness of such mechanisms for post-stroke recovery, for which trials involving wider populations, which analyze independent and more specific variables are needed

Educational levels and the functional dependence of ischemic stroke survivors / Nível de escolaridade e dependência funcional em sobreviventes de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico

We evaluated the functional dependence of stroke survivors from the Study of Stroke Mortality and Morbidity, using the Rankin Scale. Out of 355 ischemic stroke survivors (with a mean age of 67.9 years), 40% had some functional dependence at 28 days and 34.4% had some functional dependence at 6 months. Most predictors of physical dependence were identified at 28 days. These predictors were: low levels of education [illiterate vs. > 8 years of education, multivariate odds ratio (OR) = 3.7; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.60-8.54] and anatomical stroke location (total anterior circulation infarct, OR = 16.9; 95%CI: 2.93-97.49). Low levels of education and ischemic brain injury influenced functional dependence in these stroke survivors. Our findings reinforce the necessity of developing strategies for the rehabilitation of stroke patients, more especially in formulating specific strategies for care and treatment of stroke survivors with low socioeconomic status.

Foi avaliada a dependência funcional em sobreviventes de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) do Estudo da Mortalidade e Morbidade do Acidente Vascular Cerebral, utilizando a Escala de Rankin. De 355 sobreviventes com AVC isquêmico (idade média de 67,9 anos), 40% tinham dependência funcional em 28 dias e 34,4% em 6 meses. Os principais indicadores de dependência física foram identificados em 28 dias, e eram: baixa escolaridade (analfabetos vs. > 8 anos de educação, RC = 3,7; IC95%: 1,60-8,54) e localização do AVC (infarto circulação total anterior, RC = 16,9; IC95%: 2,93-97,49). Baixo nível educacional e insulto cerebral isquêmico influenciaram o grau de dependência funcional nesses sobreviventes de AVC. Nossos achados reforçam a necessidade de desenvolvimento de estratégias para reabilitação de pacientes com AVC e formulação de estratégias específicas de atenção e tratamento para essas pessoas, especialmente na população com baixo nível socioeconômico.

A topographic study on the evaluation of speech and language in the acute phase of a first stroke / Um estudo topográfico da avaliação de fala e linguagem na fase aguda de um primeiro infarto cerebral

Evaluation of speech and language may help in localization of site and extension of brain lesions, particularly in the absence of other neurological signs or radiologically defined injuries. OBJECTIVE: To verify what language tasks are best correlated to which brain regions, in order to develop a test for neurologists in emergency settings. METHOD: Thirty-seven adult first-stroke patients were submitted to cognitive and language tests, and then paired with thirty-seven healthy controls. Patients underwent CT and/or MRI for topographic correlation with test results (p<0.05). RESULTS: All tests were able to distinguish patients from controls, but only word/sentence repetition, naming, ideomotor praxis and, non-significantly, comprehension and counting 1-20 predicted left hemisphere lesions. Repetition was related to perisylvian structures, comprehension to the posterior portion of the middle cerebral artery territory, and fluency to frontal lesions, while naming was accurate only for lesion side. CONCLUSION: Language and cognitive tasks can help in the localization of acute stroke lesions.

Avaliação de fala e linguagem pode ajudar na localização do sítio e da extensão de lesões cerebrais, especialmente quando ausentes outros sinais neurológicos ou radiológicos. OBJETIVO: Verificar quais tarefas linguísticas se correlacionam melhor com quais regiões cerebrais, a fim de desenvolver um teste para uso pelos neurologistas em emergências. MÉTODO: 37 pacientes e 37 controles pareados passaram por avaliação linguístico-cognitiva. Pacientes foram submetidos a TC e/ou RM para correlação topográfica com os resultados da avaliação (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Todos os testes diferenciaram pacientes de controles, mas apenas os de repetição de palavras/sentenças, nomeação, praxia ideomotora e, de forma não-significativa, compreensão e contagem 1-20 puderam predizer lesões no hemisfério esquerdo. Os testes de repetição estavam relacionados com estruturas perisylvianas, compreensão com a porção posterior do território da artéria cerebral média, e fluência com regiões frontais, enquanto os de nomeação localizavam apenas o lado das lesões. CONCLUSÃO: Testes linguístico-cognitivos podem ajudar a localizar infartos cerebrais agudos.

Estimulação magnética transcraniana e aplicabilidade clínica: perspectivas na conduta terapêutica neuropsiquiátrica / Transcranial magnetic stimulation and clinical applicability: perspectives in neuropsychiatric therapeutics

Estimulação magnética transcraniana (EMT) é uma técnica conhecida desde o começo dos anos 90 e que atualmentetem ganhado destaque devido a sua segurança e possível aplicabilidade para tratar diversas patologias neuropsiquiátricas refratárias. A fim de clarificar os possíveis usos da EMT e suas variações no campo da clínica como forma de tratamento, procedemos à revisão da literatura selecionando os artigos nas áreas em que a técnica de EMT já tem sido largamente utilizada,a saber: AVC, Dor, Doença de Parkinson e Depressão. Essas doenças possuem elevada morbidade, possuindo grandesimplicações na qualidade de vida devido ao elevado grau de incapacidade associado e ao fato de ainda carecerem de métodos terapêuticos totalmente eficientes. Nesse contexto, a EMT emerge como ferramenta promissora, apresentando bons resultados, os quais fornecem margem para aplicações diretas na prática clínica. É necessário, todavia, o desenvolvimento de mais estudos randomizados, para se padronizar e aperfeiçoar as abordagensdessa técnica no tratamento de tais patologias...

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a technique that emerged in the 90s and has currently become recognized for its safety and potential applicability in the treatment of neuropsychiatry diseases. To clarify the possible uses of TMS and its variations in the clinical scope as a treatment, weproceeded a literature review selecting articles in the areas where the technique of TMS has already been widely used: Stroke, Pain, Parkinson’s Disease and Depression. These diseases have high morbidity, with large implications for the quality of life due to the high degree of disability and the fact that we still lack of fully efficient therapeutic methods. In this context, EMT emerges as a promising tool with amazing results, which provide scope for direct applications in clinical practice. However, the developmentof more randomized studies is necessary, in order to standardizeand improve the approaches of this technique in the treatment of such pathologies...