Biological correlates of treatment resistant depression: a review of peripheral biomarkers.

Introduction: Many patients fail to respond to multiple antidepressant interventions, being defined as "treatment-resistant depression" (TRD) patients. TRD is usually associated with increased severity and chronicity of symptoms, increased risk of comorbidity, and higher suicide rates, which make the clinical management challenging. Efforts to distinguish between TRD patients and those who will respond to treatment have been unfruitful so far. Several studies have tried to identify the biological, psychopathological, and psychosocial correlates of depression, with particular attention to the inflammatory system. In this paper we aim to review available studies assessing the full range of biomarkers in TRD patients in order to reshape TRD definition and improve its diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Methods: We searched the most relevant medical databases and included studies reporting original data on possible biomarkers of TRD. The keywords "treatment resistant depression" or "TRD" matched with "biomarker," "inflammation," "hormone," "cytokine" or "biological marker" were entered in PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and SCOPUS databases. Articles were included if they included a comparison with healthy controls (HC). Results: Of the 1878 papers identified, 35 were included in the present study. Higher plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were detected in TRD patients compared to HC. While only a few studies on cortisol have been found, four papers showed elevated levels of C-reactive protein among these patients and four articles focused on immunological cells. Altered kynurenine metabolism in TRD patients was reported in two studies, while contrasting results were found with regard to BDNF. Conclusion: Only a few biological alterations correlate with TRD. TNF-α seems to be the most relevant biomarker to discriminate TRD patients from both HC and treatment-responsive MDD patients. Moreover, several discrepancies among studies have been found, due to methodological differences and the lack of a standardized diagnostic definition of TRD.

Deep learning for asbestos counting.

The PCM (phase contrast microscopy) method for asbestos counting needs special sample treatments, hence it is time consuming and rather expensive. As an alternative, we implemented a deep learning procedure on images directly acquired from the untreated airborne samples using standard Mixed Cellulose Ester (MCE) filters. Several samples with a mix of chrysotile and crocidolite with different concentration loads have been prepared. Using a 20x objective lens coupled with a backlight illumination system a number of 140 images were collected from these samples, which along with additional 13 highly fibre loaded artificial images constituted the database. About 7500 fibres were manually recognised and annotated following the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) fibre counting Method 7400 as input for the training and validation of the model. The best trained model provides a total precision of 0.84 with F1-Score of 0.77 at a confidence of 0.64. A further post-detection refinement to ignore detected fibres < 5 µm in length improves the final precision. This method can be considered as a reliable and competent alternative to conventional PCM.

A new approach to deposit homogeneous samples of asbestos fibres for toxicological tests in vitro.

In this paper we describe the results obtained with a novel method to prepare depositions of asbestos fibres for toxicological tests in vitro. The technique is based on a micro-dispenser, working as an inkjet printer, able to deposit micro-sized droplets from a suspension of fibres in a liquid medium; we used here a highly evaporating liquid (ethanol) to reduce the experimental time, however other solvents could be used. Both the amount and spatial distribution of fibres on the substrate can be controlled by adjusting the parameters of the micro-dispenser such as deposition area, deposition time, uniformity and volume of the deposited liquid. Statistical analysis of images obtained by optical and scanning electron microscopy shows that this technique produces an extremely homogeneous distribution of fibers. Specifically, the number of deposited single fibres is maximized (up to 20 times), a feature that is essential when performing viability tests where agglomerated or untangled fibrous particles need to be avoided.

Incidence and case-fatality rate of stroke in General Villegas, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The EstEPA population study.

OBJECTIVES: Stroke epidemiology varies among different populations. The burden of stroke is high in low- and middle-income countries. Reliable population data is needed to assess the impact of stroke and to develop policies aimed to improve stroke care in our region. EstEPA is a population-based project assessing prevalence, incidence, mortality and burden of stroke in General Villegas Department, Buenos Aires, Argentina (pop=30,864 inhabitants). We determined incidence of stroke (first-ever and recurrent stroke) and stroke case-fatality rate from 2017 to 2020. METHODS: First-ever strokes, recurrent strokes and transient ischemic attacks were ascertained and case-fatality rate was obtained. Diagnoses were based on standard AHA/WHO definitions. Study population included all persons residing in General Villegas during the three-year period. Hospitals, households, nursing homes, death certificates and several overlapping sources were surveyed. RESULTS: We assessed 92,592 person-years. There were 155 cerebrovascular events aged 70 years (SD ± 13 years), of which 115 were first-ever strokes (74%), 21 recurrent strokes (13.5%) and 19 transient ischemic attacks (12.5%). The crude overall incidence rate of first-ever strokes was 124.2 per 100,000 population (86.9 per 100,000 [95% CI 58.5-115.2] when standardized by WHO World population and 109.7 per 100,000 [95% CI 89.7-129.8] when standardized by Argentine population) and 317.0 per 100,000 population in subjects older than 40 years. Case fatality rate at 30 days of first-ever strokes was 27%. CONCLUSION: In this population-based comprehensive stroke epidemiological study in Argentina, first-ever stroke incidence in an urban population was 124.2 per 100,000 population (86.9 per 100,000 adjusted by the WHO World population). This is lower than the incidence in other countries in the region and similar to a recent incidence study in Argentina. It is also comparable to reported incidence in most middle- and high-income countries. Stroke case-fatality rate was comparable to other population-based Latin-American studies.

Recomendaciones en el abordaje del hematoma intracerebral espontáneo durante la internación / Recommendations for the management of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage during hospitalization

Resumen El accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) constituye la principal causa de discapacidad de origen neuro- lógico en los adultos mayores a 40 años y la cuarta causa de muerte en Argentina. En los últimos diez años las publicaciones indexadas relacionadas al tratamiento del ACV isquémico fueron más numerosas que las de ACV hemorrágico. El objetivo de este material es proporcionar recomendaciones locales y actualiza- das del abordaje de pacientes con hematoma intraparenquimatoso espontáneo durante la internación. Para la redacción de este manuscrito se convocó a especialistas en esta enfermedad que conformaron grupos de trabajo. Se plantearon 10 tópicos centrales expresados como epidemiologia, atención inicial, imágenes, tratamiento de la presión arterial, reversión de antitrombóticos, indicación de cirugía, profilaxis anticonvulsivante, pronóstico, prevención de complicaciones y reinicio de antitrombóticos. De cada tópico se plantearon mediante preguntas PICO los interrogantes más frecuentes de la práctica diaria. Luego de una revisión sistemática de la literatura, se generaron recomendaciones evaluadas mediante sistema GRADE y consensuadas entre autores y pacientes.

Abstract Stroke is the leading cause of neurological disability in people over 40 years of age and the fourth leading cause of death in Argentina. In the last ten years, the indexed publications related to the treatment of ischemic stroke were more numerous than those of hemorrhagic stroke. The objective of this material is to provide local and updated recommendations for the management of patients with spontaneous intracere- bral hemorrhage during hospitalization. For the writing of this manuscript, diferent specialists were convened to form working groups. Ten central topics expressed as epidemiology, initial care, imaging, blood pressure treatment, reversal of antithrombotics, indication for surgery, seizure prophylaxis, prognosis, prevention of complications and resumption of antithrombotics were raised. For each topic, the most frequent questions of daily practice were raised through PICO questions. After a systematic review of the literature, recommendations were generated, evaluated using the GRADE system and agreed between authors and patients.

[Recommendations For The Management Of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage During Hospitalization]. / Recomendaciones en el Abordaje del Hematoma Intracerebral Espontáneo Durante la Internación.

Stroke is the leading cause of neurological disability in people over 40 years of age and the fourth leading cause of death in Argentina. In the last ten years, the indexed publications related to the treatment of ischemic stroke were more numerous than those of hemorrhagic stroke. The objective of this material is to provide local and updated recommendations for the management of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage during hospitalization. For the writing of this manuscript, diferent specialists were convened to form working groups. Ten central topics expressed as epidemiology, initial care, imaging, blood pressure treatment, reversal of antithrombotics, indication for surgery, seizure prophylaxis, prognosis, prevention of complications and resumption of antithrombotics were raised. For each topic, the most frequent questions of daily practice were raised through PICO questions. After a systematic review of the literature, recommendations were generated, evaluated using the GRADE system and agreed between authors and patients.

El accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) constituye la principal causa de discapacidad de origen neurológico en los adultos mayores a 40 años y la cuarta causa de muerte en Argentina. En los últimos diez años las publicaciones indexadas relacionadas al tratamiento del ACV isquémico fueron más numerosas que las de ACV hemorrágico. El objetivo de este material es proporcionar recomendaciones locales y actualizadas del abordaje de pacientes con hematoma intraparenquimatoso espontáneo durante la internación. Para la redacción de este manuscrito se convocó a especialistas en esta enfermedad que conformaron grupos de trabajo. Se plantearon 10 tópicos centrales expresados como epidemiologia, atención inicial, imágenes, tratamiento de la presión arterial, reversión de antitrombóticos, indicación de cirugía, profilaxis anticonvulsivante, pronóstico, prevención de complicaciones y reinicio de antitrombóticos. De cada tópico se plantearon mediante preguntas PICO los interrogantes más frecuentes de la práctica diaria. Luego de una revisión sistemática de la literatura, se generaron recomendaciones evaluadas mediante sistema GRADE y consensuadas entre autores y pacientes.

Uso y resultados de la fibrinolisis intravenosa en una unidad cerebrovascular / Use and results of intravenous fibrinolysis in a stroke unit

Resumen La fibrinólisis intravenosa con activador del plasminógeno tisular recombinante (rTPA) y la utilización de unidades cerradas, demostraron disminuir sustancialmente la morbimortalidad en pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular isquémico (ACVi). Sin embargo, los datos publicados en Argentina son escasos. Describimos la experiencia en la utilización de fibrinólisis en pacientes con ACVi agudo antes y después de la implementación de una unidad cerebrovascular (UCV) en un Centro Integral de Neurología Vascular de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires durante 17 años. Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de pacientes consecutivos tratados con rTPA entre enero 2003 y diciembre 2019. Se evaluaron tiempos de tratamiento, de internación, complicaciones post tratamiento y discapacidad a 3 meses. Para su análisis se evaluaron los períodos pre y post apertura de la UCV, período 1 (P1 de 2003-2011) y P2 (2012 -2019). Se realizó fibrinolisis intravenosa en 182 pacientes. La apertura de UCV resultó en aumento del porcentaje de fibrinólisis sobre el total de los ACVi ingresados (4% en P1 vs. 10% en P2, p < 0.001), acortamiento del tiempo puerta-aguja (75 minutos en P1 vs. 53 minutos en P2, p < 0.00001) y mayor proporción de pacientes tratados dentro de los 60 minutos del ingreso hospitalario (36% en P1 vs. 76% en P2, p < 0.00001). Además, hubo reducción de la mediana de internación de 9 días en P1 a 5 días en P2 (p < 0.00001). En conclusión, la UCV parece optimizar la utilización de fibrinólisis en el ACVi agudo, aumentando el porcentaje de pacientes tratados, reduciendo el tiempo puerta-aguja y disminuyendo el de internación.

Abstract Intravenous fibrinolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) and use of stroke units improve morbidity and mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, data published in Argentina are scarce. We describe the experience in the use of fibrinolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) before and after the implementation of a stroke unit in a Comprehensive Stroke Center in Buenos Aires during the last 17 years. Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated with rTPA between January 2003 and December 2019. Treatment times, hospitalization time, post-treatment complications and disability at 3 months were evaluated. For the analysis, the pre and post opening periods of the stroke unit were evaluated, Period 1 (P1, from 2003 to 2011) and Period 2 (P2, from 2012 to 2019). Intravenous fibrinolysis was performed in 182 patients. Opening of the stroke unit resulted in an increase in the percentage of fibrinolysis over the total number of admitted strokes (4% in P1 vs. 10% in P2, p < 0.001), shortening of the door-to-needle time (75 minutes in P1 vs. 53 minutes in P2, p < 0.00001) and higher proportion of patients treated within 60 minutes of hospital admission (36% in P1 vs. 76% in P2, p < 0.00001). In addition, there was a reduction in the median hospital stay from 9 days in P1 to 5 days in P2 (p < 0.00001). In conclusion, stroke units seem to optimize the use of fibrinolysis in acute stroke, increasing the percentage of patients treated, reducing door-to-needle time, and reducing hospitalization time.

[Use and results of intravenous fibrinolysis in a stroke unit]. / Uso y resultados de la fibrinolisis intravenosa en una unidad cerebrovascular.

Intravenous fibrinolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) and use of stroke units improve morbidity and mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, data published in Argentina are scarce. We describe the experience in the use of fibrinolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) before and after the implementation of a stroke unit in a Comprehensive Stroke Center in Buenos Aires during the last 17 years. Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated with rTPA between January 2003 and December 2019. Treatment times, hospitalization time, post-treatment complications and disability at 3 months were evaluated. For the analysis, the pre and post opening periods of the stroke unit were evaluated, Period 1 (P1, from 2003 to 2011) and Period 2 (P2, from 2012 to 2019). Intravenous fibrinolysis was performed in 182 patients. Opening of the stroke unit resulted in an increase in the percentage of fibrinolysis over the total number of admitted strokes (4% in P1 vs. 10% in P2, p < 0.001), shortening of the door-to-needle time (75 minutes in P1 vs. 53 minutes in P2, p < 0.00001) and higher proportion of patients treated within 60 minutes of hospital admission (36% in P1 vs. 76% in P2, p < 0.00001). In addition, there was a reduction in the median hospital stay from 9 days in P1 to 5 days in P2 (p < 0.00001). In conclusion, stroke units seem to optimize the use of fibrinolysis in acute stroke, increasing the percentage of patients treated, reducing door-to-needle time, and reducing hospitalization time.

La fibrinólisis intravenosa con activador del plasminógeno tisular recombinante (rTPA) y la utilización de unidades cerradas, demostraron disminuir sustancialmente la morbimortalidad en pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular isquémico (ACVi). Sin embargo, los datos publicados en Argentina son escasos. Describimos la experiencia en la utilización de fibrinólisis en pacientes con ACVi agudo antes y después de la implementación de una unidad cerebrovascular (UCV) en un Centro Integral de Neurología Vascular de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires durante 17 años. Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de pacientes consecutivos tratados con rTPA entre enero 2003 y diciembre 2019. Se evaluaron tiempos de tratamiento, de internación, complicaciones post tratamiento y discapacidad a 3 meses. Para su análisis se evaluaron los períodos pre y post apertura de la UCV, período 1 (P1 de 2003-2011) y P2 (2012 -2019). Se realizó fibrinolisis intravenosa en 182 pacientes. La apertura de UCV resultó en aumento del porcentaje de fibrinólisis sobre el total de los ACVi ingresados (4% en P1 vs. 10% en P2, p < 0.001), acortamiento del tiempo puerta-aguja (75 minutos en P1 vs. 53 minutos en P2, p < 0.00001) y mayor proporción de pacientes tratados dentro de los 60 minutos del ingreso hospitalario (36% en P1 vs. 76% en P2, p < 0.00001). Además, hubo reducción de la me diana de internación de 9 días en P1 a 5 días en P2 (p < 0.00001). En conclusión, la UCV parece optimizar la utilización de fibrinólisis en el ACVi agudo, aumentando el porcentaje de pacientes tratados, reduciendo el tiempo puerta-aguja y disminuyendo el de internación.

Mechanical thrombectomy for reperfusion of acute ischemic stroke in a Stroke Unit in Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: Stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Reperfusion therapy with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) was first implemented in 1996. More recently, endovascular reperfusion with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) demonstrated a robust beneficial effect, extending the 4.5 h time window. In our country, there are difficulties to achieve the implementation of both procedures. Our purpose is to report the early experience of a Comprehensive Stroke Center in the use of MT for acute stroke. METHODS: Analysis of consecutive patients from January 2015 to September 2018, who received reperfusion treatment with MT. Demographic data, treatment times, previous use of IV-tPA, site of obstruction, recanalization, outcomes and disability after stroke were assessed. RESULTS: We admitted 891 patients with acute ischemic stroke during this period. Ninety-seven received IV-tPA (11%) and 27 were treated with MT (3%). In the MT group, mean age was 66.0±14.5 years. Median NIHSS before MT was 20 (range:14‒24). The most prevalent etiology was cardioembolic stroke (52%). Prior to MT, 16 of 27 patients (59%) received IV-tPA. Previous tPA treatment did not affect onset to recanalization time or door-to-puncture time. For MT, door-to-puncture time was 104±50 minutes and onset to recanalization was 289±153 minutes. Successful recanalization (mTICI grade 2b/3) was achieved in 21 patients (78%). At three-month follow-up, the median NIHSS was 5 (range:4‒15) and mRS was 0‒2 in 37%, and ≥3 in 63%. CONCLUSIONS: With adequate logistics and strict selection criteria, MT can be implemented in our population with results like those reported in large clinical trials.

Mechanical thrombectomy for reperfusion of acute ischemic stroke in a Stroke Unit in Argentina / Trombectomía mecánica para la reperfusión en el accidente cerebrovascular agudo en una Unidad Cerebrovascular de Argentina

Abstract Stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Reperfusion therapy with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) was first implemented in 1996. More recently, endovascular reperfusion with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) demonstrated a robust beneficial effect, extending the 4.5 h time window. In our country, there are difficulties to achieve the implementation of both procedures. Objective: Our purpose is to report the early experience of a Comprehensive Stroke Center in the use of MT for acute stroke. Methods: Analysis of consecutive patients from January 2015 to September 2018, who received reperfusion treatment with MT. Demographic data, treatment times, previous use of IV-tPA, site of obstruction, recanalization, outcomes and disability after stroke were assessed. Results: We admitted 891 patients with acute ischemic stroke during this period. Ninety-seven received IV-tPA (11%) and 27 were treated with MT (3%). In the MT group, mean age was 66.0±14.5 years. Median NIHSS before MT was 20 (range:14‒24). The most prevalent etiology was cardioembolic stroke (52%). Prior to MT, 16 of 27 patients (59%) received IV-tPA. Previous tPA treatment did not affect onset to recanalization time or door-to-puncture time. For MT, door-to-puncture time was 104±50 minutes and onset to recanalization was 289±153 minutes. Successful recanalization (mTICI grade 2b/3) was achieved in 21 patients (78%). At three-month follow-up, the median NIHSS was 5 (range:4‒15) and mRS was 0‒2 in 37%, and ≥3 in 63%. Conclusions: With adequate logistics and strict selection criteria, MT can be implemented in our population with results like those reported in large clinical trials.

Resumen El accidente cerebrovascular isquémico (ACVi) es una importante causa de morbi-mortalidad a nivel mundial. La reperfusión con trombólisis endovenosa es utilizada desde 1996. Más recientemente, la reperfusión con trombectomía mecánica (TM) ha demostrado un beneficio consistente extendiendo la ventana terapéutica. En nuestro país existen dificultades para que su implementación sea una práctica habitual. Objetivo: Reportamos la experiencia de un Centro Integral de Neurología Vascular en el uso de TM como tratamiento del ACVi agudo. Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes consecutivos desde enero 2015 a septiembre 2018, que recibieron reperfusión con TM. Se registraron datos demográficos, tiempos de tratamiento, uso de rtPA, sitio de obstrucción, recanalización, severidad del evento y discapacidad. Resultados: Se evaluaron 891 pacientes con ACVi en este periodo. 97 recibieron rtPA (11%) y 27 recibieron TM (3%). En el grupo TM, la edad promedio fue 66 años (±14.5). Mediana de NIHSS previo a TM: 20 (RIC 14‒24). La etiología más frecuente fue cardioembolia (52%). Previo a TM, 16 pacientes (59%) recibieron rtPA endovenoso. No hallamos efecto del rtPA en tiempo de recanalización por TM o tiempo puerta-punción. Para la TM, el tiempo puerta-punción fue 104±50 minutos y el tiempo entre inicio de síntomas-recanalización fue 289±153 minutos. En 21 pacientes (78%) se logró recanalización exitosa (TICI 2B/3). En el seguimiento a tres meses, el mRS fue 0‒2 en el 37% y ≥3 en el 63%. Conclusión: Una logística adecuada y un estricto criterio de selección ha posibilitado el uso de TM en nuestra población, obteniendo resultados similares a aquellos reportados en los estudios clínicos publicados.

A Population-Based Survey of Stroke Knowledge in Argentina: The SIFHON Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Information about stroke awareness in Latin America is scant. We conducted a large population survey in Argentina to assess stroke knowledge. METHODS: We distributed 110,000 multiple-choice anonymous questionnaires using the house distribution system of a bottled water dispensing company. The survey assessed demographic characteristics and stroke knowledge. RESULTS: A total of 12,710 surveys were returned (12%). Even though 95% of the respondents reported some prior information about stroke, only 37% had adequate knowledge based on prespecified criteria. The Spanish acronym for accidente cerebrovascular, was the most frequently identified name for stroke. Sixty nine percent of respondents were able to identify stroke main risk factors and only 29% knew about transient ischemic attacks. If a hypothetical scenario of stroke was presented, 63% knew the existence of a time-dependent treatment, 25% would call an ambulance, and 50% would go to an emergency room by own means. A lower degree of knowledge was present in young, single, and nonuniversity men. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest stroke awareness survey in a Spanish-speaking population. There was good recognition of some basic facts of stroke. However, the population had poor knowledge of prevalence and severity of the disease, transient ischemic attacks, and treatment availability.

Detection of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Subclavian Arteries of Subjects with Vascular Risk Factors and Normal Carotid Ultrasound.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Most risk scores that use imaging methods to determine the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis assess the carotid and coronary arteries. The value of assessing subclavian arteries to improve the predictive capacity of traditional imaging studies is not known. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied subjects without cardiac, cerebral, or peripheral vascular symptoms and normal carotid ultrasound. They had at least 1 traditional vascular risk factor. We assessed prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques in the right subclavian artery. RESULTS: We studied 625 subjects aged 54 ± 12. Most participants had 1 vascular risk factor. Using the Framingham Heart Study score, 62% were categorized as low risk, 29% intermediate risk, and 9% high risk. A total of 169 subjects (27%) had atheromatous plaques in the right subclavian artery. The prevalence of this finding was greater in women than in men (64% versus 36%, P < .00001) and was greater in subjects older than 54 years than in younger individuals (72% versus 28%, P < .00001). Plaques in the subclavian artery were present in 27% of subjects with high risk, 34% with intermediate risk, and 24% with low risk. CONCLUSIONS: Plaques in subclavian arteries are often detected in asymptomatic subjects with vascular risk factors and normal carotid arteries even with low vascular risk scores. Study of the subclavian arteries appears as a simple strategy for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis. Its role for improving cardiovascular risk scales and predicting coronary and cerebrovascular events needs to be further explored.

[Post-stroke epilepsy]. / Epilepsia asociada al accidente cerebrovascular.

Stroke is the most common cause of seizures and epilepsy in population stuies of adults. Seizures occur within 24 hours of the stroke in a high percent of patients. The pathogenesis of these early-onset seizures may be related to local ion shifts and release of high levels of excitotoxic neurotransmitters in the area of ischemic injury. The risk of late-onset seizures may increase over time, an underlying permanent lesion that leads to persistent chnges in neuronal excitability appears to be responsible for late-onset seizures after stroke. The most consistently identified risk factors for acute and late post-stroke seizures are stroke severity and cortical location. Most seizures following stroke are focal at onset, but secondary generalization is common, particularly in patients with late-onset seizures. Status epilepticus is relatively uncommon. The efficacy of antiepileptic drugs for these post-stroke seizures has not been rigorously assessed in controlled trials, although most seizures can be controlled with a single agent. Given the relatively low frequency of recurrent seizures after stroke, and an absence of absolute predictors of poststroke epilepsy, the decision of when to treat patients for a post-stroke seizure is difficult.

Epilepsia asociada al accidente cerebrovascular / Post-stroke epilepsy

El accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) es la causa más común de convulsiones y epilepsia observada en estudios poblacionales de adultos. Las convulsiones ocurren dentro de las 24 horas posteriores al ACV en un alto porcentaje de pacientes. La patogénesis de estas convulsiones de inicio temprano puede estar relacionada con cambios iónicos locales y liberación de altos niveles de neurotransmisores excito-tóxicos en el área lesionada. Una lesión permanente con cambios en la excitabilidad neuronal parece ser responsable de convulsiones de inicio tardío después del ACV. Los factores de riesgo más comúnmente identificados con el comienzo agudo o tardío de las convulsiones post ACV son la gravedad y la localización cortical. La mayoría de las convulsiones post ACV son focales al inicio pero pueden generalizarse secundariamente, el estatus epiléptico es poco frecuente. La eficacia de las drogas antiepilépticas para estas convulsiones no ha sido rigurosamente evaluada en estudios controlados, aunque la mayoría de las convulsiones pueden ser controladas con un solo agente. Dada la frecuencia relativamente baja de convulsiones recurrentes después del ACV y la ausencia de predictores absolutos de epilepsia post ACV, la decisión de cuándo tratar a los pacientes con una convulsión después de un ACV es difícil.

Stroke is the most common cause of seizures and epilepsy in population stuies of adults. Seizures occur within 24 hours of the stroke in a high percent of patients. The pathogenesis of these early-onset seizures may be related to local ion shifts and release of high levels of excitotoxic neurotransmitters in the area of ischemic injury. The risk of late-onset seizures may increase over time, an underlying permanent lesion that leads to persistent chnges in neuronal excitability appears to be responsible for late-onset seizures after stroke. The most consistently identified risk factors for acute and late post-stroke seizures are stroke severity and cortical location. Most seizures following stroke are focal at onset, but secondary generalization is common, particularly in patients with late-onset seizures. Status epilepticus is relatively uncommon. The efficacy of antiepileptic drugs for these post-stroke seizures has not been rigorously assessed in controlled trials, although most seizures can be controlled with a single agent. Given the relatively low frequency of recurrent seizures after stroke, and an absence of absolute predictors of poststroke epilepsy, the decision of when to treat patients for a post-stroke seizure is difficult.

Cortical Spreading Depression and Ischemia in Neurocritical Patients.

Spreading depolarization in cerebral cortex is associated with swelling of neurons, distortion of dendritic spines, massive ion translocation with a large change of the slow electrical potential, and silencing of brain electrical activity. The term spreading depression represents a wave of spontaneous activity of the electrocorticogram that propagates through contiguous cerebral gray matter at a characteristic velocity. Spreading depression is a consequence of cortical spreading depolarization. Therefore, spreading depolarization is not always accompanied by spreading depression and the terms are not synonymous.

Spontaneous Cystic Arteriovenous Malformation-A Novel Treatment Alternative.

BACKGROUND: Brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM) is a life-threatening vascular congenital malformation due to the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. The formation of a spontaneous cyst within a BAVM, without history of hemorrhage or gamma knife surgery, is rare and has an unknown pathophysiology. We suggest a novel theory of spontaneous cystic BAVM formation, subsequently treated with endovascular embolization followed by surgery with a favorable long-term outcome. METHODS: Review of the literature using PUBMED database and comparison between clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging studies, and treatment options. RESULTS: The high flow causing a shear stress over the drainage vein may be responsible for venous ectasia and thus incrementing hydrostatic intranidal pressure causing a serous effusion that develops into a pseudocyst. We hypothesize that hemodynamic factors may be responsible for both origin and growth of such cystic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment allowed us to achieve cyst volume reduction by managing its unique flow characteristics. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of combined treatment with endovascular and surgical approach of a cystic BAVM.

Mineralogical Characterization and Dissolution Experiments in Gamble's Solution of Tremolitic Amphibole from Passo di Caldenno (Sondrio, Italy).

In nature, asbestos is often associated with minerals and other non-asbestiform morphologies thought to be harmless, but not much is known about the potential toxic effects of these phases. Therefore, the characterization of natural assemblages should not be limited to asbestos fibers only. This paper combines a multi-analytical characterization of asbestos from Valmalenco (Italy) with data from dissolution experiments conducted in a simulated interstitial lung fluid (Gamble's solution), and a detailed dimensional study that compares the particle population before and after this interaction. The sample is identified as a tremolitic amphibole, exhibiting a predominance of fiber and prismatic habits at lower magnification, but a bladed habit at higher magnification. The results show that at different magnification, the dimensional and habit distributions are notably different. After the dissolution experiments, the sample showed rounded edges and pyramid-shaped dissolution pits. Chemical analyses suggested that a nearly stoichiometric logarithmic loss of Si and Mg occurred associated with a relatively intense release of Ca in the first 24 h, whereas Fe was probably redeposited on the fiber surfaces. A rearrangement of the more frequent habits and dimensions was recorded after the dissolution experiment, with a peculiar increase of the proportion of elongated mineral particles.

Cortical Spreading Depression and Ischemia in Neurocritical Patients.

Spreading depolarization in cerebral cortex is associated with swelling of neurons, distortion of dendritic spines, massive ion translocation with a large change of the slow electrical potential, and silencing of brain electrical activity. The term spreading depression represents a wave of spontaneous activity of the electrocorticogram that propagates through contiguous cerebral gray matter at a characteristic velocity. Spreading depression is a consequence of cortical spreading depolarization. Therefore, spreading depolarization is not always accompanied by spreading depression and the terms are not synonymous.

Left atrial appendage occlusion with Amplatzer Cardio Plug is an acceptable therapeutic option for prevention of stroke recurrence in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and contraindication or failure of oral anticoagulation with acenocumarol.

UNLABELLED: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) appears as a therapeutic option for some atrial fibrillation patients not suitable for oral anticoagulation because an increased hemorrhagic risk or recurrent ischemic events despite anticoagulant treatment. METHODS: Report of consecutive atrial fibrillation patients treated with LAAO with Amplatzer Cardio Plug because contraindication or failure of oral anticoagulation with acenocumarol. CHA2DS2VASC, HAS-BLED, NIHSS, mRS, procedural complications and outcome were assessed. Seven patients (73 ± 6 year-old) were treated after intracerebral (n = 5) and gastrointestinal (n = 1) hemorrhages or ischemic stroke recurrence while on acenocumarol (n = 1). RESULTS: Mean follow up was 18 months. Baseline CHA2DS2Vasc y HAS-BLED scores were 5.6 ± 0.7 and 4.1 ± 0.3 respectively. There were no strokes or deaths. There was only one non-serious adverse event. CONCLUSION: LAAO with ACP appears as a feasible therapeutic option for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and failure or contraindication to acenocumarol.