Journal of the neurological sciences
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The neuroprotective effects of neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) on stroke lesions were assessed longitudinally in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) using MRI. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=16, 250±20g) underwent permanent MCAo surgery with cerebral blood flow (CBF) monitored by laser doppler flowmetry at ipsilateral side of bregma for 20min post-occlusion. A single 50μl bolus dose of NRG-1 or vehicle was administered into the left internal carotid artery immediately prior to MCAo. ⋯ In particular, ischemic infarction was not usually observed in the cortex of NRG-1 treated rats with mild ischemia at 3 and 48h post-occlusion. Histological results validated the imaging findings and demonstrated that NRG-1 treated rats had fewer injured neurons in peri-infarct areas 48h post-ischemia. In summary, the neuroprotective effect of NRG-1 in the pMCAo stroke model was demonstrated by prevention of ischemic lesion expansion, reduced infarct volume and protection of neurons from ischemic damage.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy and safety of NABOTA in post-stroke upper limb spasticity: a phase 3 multicenter, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.
Botulinum toxin A is widely used in the clinics to reduce spasticity and improve upper limb function for post-stroke patients. Efficacy and safety of a new botulinum toxin type A, NABOTA (DWP450) in post-stroke upper limb spasticity was evaluated in comparison with Botox (onabotulinum toxin A). A total of 197 patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity were included in this study and randomly assigned to NABOTA group (n=99) or Botox group (n=98). ⋯ Both groups showed significant improvements regarding MAS of all injected muscles, DAS, and Caregiver Burden Scale at all follow-up periods. There were no significant differences in all secondary outcome measures between the two groups. NABOTA demonstrated non-inferior efficacy and safety for improving upper limb spasticity in stroke patients compared to Botox.
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Observational Study
Use of the King-Devick test for sideline concussion screening in junior rugby league.
To determine whether the King-Devick (K-D) test used as a sideline test in junior rugby league players over 12 matches in a domestic competition season could identify witnessed and incidentally identified episodes of concussion. ⋯ The K-D test was quickly and easily administered making it a practical sideline tool as part of the continuum of concussion assessment tools for junior rugby league players.
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Ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) has been established as a potential biomarker of neuronal damage. There is not much information about the effects of white matter lesions (WMLs) on serum and urine UCH-L1 levels in white matter disease patients. This study was aimed to assess whether serum or urine UCH-L1 levels are a reliable marker of brain damage in patients with WMLs. ⋯ These findings suggest that serum UCH-L1 levels may serve as a novel biomarker for neuronal damage from WMLs, especially S-WMLs.
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We sought to evaluate the potential enhanced fibrinolytic and antiplatelet activity of dabigatran etexilate (DE) due to decreased thrombin levels in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack and non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). ⋯ Our findings indicate that DE might affect platelet function and fibrinolysis and highlight the potential role of ETP as an alternative option in DE monitoring. The intensity and clinical relevance of DE antiplatelet and fibrinolytic effects require further investigation.