Neurological research
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Neurological research · Jun 2014
Case ReportsAre they too old? Surgical treatment for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression in patients aged 65 years and older.
We aimed to assess the efficacy of surgical decompression of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) in patients ≧65 years and review our multidisciplinary surgical decision-making process. ⋯ With careful patient selection, surgery may achieve long duration of ambulation in patients ≧65 years with MESCC.
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Neurological research · May 2014
ReviewThrombolysis and reperfusion: advanced understanding of early management strategies in acute ischemic stroke.
Currently, intravenous (IV) thrombolysis within 3 hours from stroke onset is the only approved treatment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Although effective, the definition of therapeutic time window and appropriate patient selection still remains controversial. ⋯ In this article, we review the safety and efficacy of IV thrombolysis in AIS as it pertains to the optimal time window, the selection of eligible patients, and in combination with endovascular treatment. Combined clinical application of IV thrombolysis and endovascular therapy may improve the therapeutic outcomes for AIS patients.
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Neurological research · May 2014
Poor outcome prediction by burst suppression ratio in adults with post-anoxic coma without hypothermia.
Burst suppression ratio (BSR) is a quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) parameter. The purpose of our study was to compare the accuracy of BSR when compared to other EEG parameters in predicting poor outcomes in adults who sustained post-anoxic coma while not being subjected to therapeutic hypothermia. ⋯ BSR may be a better predictor in prognosticating poor outcomes in patients with post-anoxic coma who do not undergo therapeutic hypothermia when compared to other qEEG parameters.
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Neurological research · May 2014
Small interfering RNA directed against CTMP reduces acute traumatic brain injury in a mouse model by activating Akt.
Protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), which is phosphorylated and activated by upstream activators, exerts critical neuroprotective effects by phosphorylating downstream targets after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Studies on the regulation of Akt will be crucial for our understanding of neuronal survival. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of carboxyl-terminal modulator protein (CTMP) on phosphorylation of Akt and neurological function in a mouse model of TBI. ⋯ We conclude that Akt is phosphorylated and translocated to nucleus after TBI to exert neuroprotective effects. However, CTMP is simultaneously triggered to inhibit the phosphorylation of Akt. Inhibition of CTMP by siRNA improves the recovery of neurological functions after TBI.
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Numerous acute ischemic stroke trials have recently published detailed results, providing an opportunity to consider the role of collaterals in stroke pathophysiology and their influential effect on patient outcomes. Safety and Efficacy of NeuroFlo Technology in Ischemic Stroke (SENTIS), the largest randomized controlled trial of device therapy to date, tested the potential augmentation of collateral perfusion. SYNTHESIS Expansion, Mechanical Retrieval and Recanalization of Stroke Clots Using Embolectomy (MR RESCUE), and Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS) III chronicled the saga of endovascular therapy trialed against medical treatment for acute ischemic stroke. ⋯ Similarly, collaterals have been recognized to influence recanalization, reperfusion, hemorrhagic transformation, and subsequent neurological outcomes after stroke. Collateral lessons may be gleaned from these trials, to expand consideration of overall study results and perhaps most importantly, alter ongoing and new trials in development. Detailed analyses of available information on collaterals from these trials demonstrate that collaterals may be more influential than the choice of treatment modality or intervention.