Search

The article discusses a study on the role of interleukin (IL)-17 in brain inflammation after stroke. It references the study "Pivotal Role of Cerebral Interleukin-17-Producing γδT Cells in the Delayed Phase of Ischemic Brain Injury," by T. Shichita et al. in the 2009 issue of "Nature Medicine." The study cites the failure of IL-17 to directly induce neural cell apoptosis, unlike IL-1. According to senior author Akihiko Yoshimura, the study suggests some potential therapeutic pathways that can reduce the secondary inflammation after stroke.

The article discusses research on intravenous alteplase, the first-line of treatment for ischemic stroke. It references the study "Comparison of Intravenous Alteplase With a Combined Intravenous-Endovascular Approach in Patients With Stroke and Confirmed Arterial Occlusion (RECANALISE Study): A Prospective Cohort Study," by Mikael Mazighi et al in the 2009 issue of the periodical "Lancet Neurology." The findings suggest that the treatment results in better clinical outcomes if it is used in combination with intra-arterial alteplase and thrombectomy.

The article discusses research on the potential for the changes in retinal microvasculature to serve as indicator of lacunar stroke. It references the study "Retinal Microvasculature in Acute Lacunar Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study," by Richard I. Lindley et al published in the 2009 issue of the periodical "Lancet Neurology." The cross-sectional study involved patients with acute ischemic stroke in Australia and Singapore. The researchers found increased retinal microvascular signs in acute lacunar stroke patients compared to non-lacunar stroke patients.

The article discusses research on the discovery of an intentional motor phantom limb in a 64-year old woman who had a stroke. It references a study by Asaid Khateb et al published in "Annals of Neurology." The patient reported that she sees the phantom limb and was able to experience a relief from an itch when she used it to scratch her head. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results revealed that intentional movement of the phantom limb activates the premotor and motor areas of her brain and its visual and sensory cortices.

Reports that a rat model can demonstrate how existing arteries widen and lengthen in the region surrounding the area of ischemia caused by the induction of an experimental 'mini-stroke.' Details of the study by Ling Wei et al at the Washington University School of Medicine; How the study contributes to the understanding of angiogenesis in the peri-infarct tissue surrounding an ischemic infarct in cerebral cortex, according to Randolph Nudo of the University of Kansas Medical Center. INSET: Amphetamines help restore speech after stroke.

Reports on a study which suggests that pp60, one of a family of signalling molecules known as src kinases, may be a therapeutic target to prevent cerebral ischemia after stroke. Effect of a pp60 inhibitor on mice; Outlook for the clinical use of src kinase inhibitors.

Discusses mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Patients with embolic stroke; Study by Emelia Benjamin of the Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts, United States; Review of echocardiograms; Other studies.

Focuses on the therapeutic potential of snake venoms for acute stroke and thrombosis. Snake venom proteins that inhibit blood coagulation; Study on ancrod, a protease from the venom of the Malayian pit viper; Effect of ancrod on patients with stroke; Fibrinolytic agents in snake venom; Clinical use of disintegrins; Use of notexin to treat ptosis.