Upfront vascular imaging in acute stroke: Impact on thrombectomy transfer time at a primary stroke center.

OBJECTIVES: Early cerebral arterial imaging is currently only recommended in the subgroup of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients suspected of having large vessel occlusion (LVO). There is limited data on the impact of early cerebrovascular imaging in all suspected AIS patients presenting within 24 h of symptom onset and the impact on door in-door out (DIDO) time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In January 2020, our Primary Stroke Center implemented a protocol to perform upfront head and neck CT angiography (CTA) with initial non-contrast CT head for all suspected ischemic stroke patients screening positive for BE-FAST stroke symptoms within 24 h from last known normal time. We retrospectively reviewed IV alteplase and thrombectomy-eligible patients before (January 1-December 31, 2019) and after protocol implementation (January 1, 2020-June 30, 2022). RESULTS: Of 86 patients meeting study criteria, up-front CTA was associated with significant reductions in door-to-CTA start (median 37 vs 15 min, p = 0.003), door-to-CTA result (median 83 vs 52 min, p = 0.023) and DIDO times (median 150 vs 106 min, p = 0.023). There was no significant difference in door-to-needle time before and after protocol implementation (median 48 vs 43 min, p = 0.450). CONCLUSION: Up-front cerebrovascular imaging with CTA in suspected AIS patients presenting within 24 h resulted in shorter DIDO times without delaying door-to-needle times. Primary Stroke Centers should consider this approach to detect LVO early and expedite patient transport to thrombectomy capable centers.

Does Systemic Metformin Have a Role in Treating Melasma?

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common pigmentary condition that affects the patients' quality of life and all the prescribed treatment options till now are not satisfactory, especially in dark-skinned patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of systemic metformin (1,000 mg and 500 mg) combined with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling versus TCA alone in the treatment of melasma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 60 melasma patients divided into 3 groups: Group A received systemic metformin (1000 mg/d), Group B received systemic metformin (500 mg/d) and Group C received placebo. The 3 treatment groups were treated by TCA 25% over the whole face bimonthly for a total of 6 sessions. Melasma area and severity index (MASI), and Melasma impact Quality of life Scale (MELASQOL) were used to assess the outcome. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in the MASI, and the MELASQOL in the 3 studied groups after treatment with significantly better improvement in Group (A) than Group (C) ( p = .045). CONCLUSION: Systemic metformin is a safe and promising therapeutic option for treating melasma.

Tissue Clock Beyond Time Clock: Endovascular Thrombectomy for Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Beyond 24 Hours.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Randomized trials proved the benefits of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for select patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) within 24 hours of last-known-well (LKW). Recent data suggest that LVO patients may benefit from MT beyond 24 hours. This study reports the safety and outcomes of MT beyond 24 hours of LKW compared to standard medical therapy (SMT). METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of LVO patients presented to 11 comprehensive stroke centers in the United States beyond 24 hours from LKW between January 2015 and December 2021. We assessed 90-day outcomes using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS: Of 334 patients presented with LVO beyond 24 hours, 64% received MT and 36% received SMT only. Patients who received MT were older (67±15 vs. 64±15 years, P=0.047) and had a higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; 16±7 vs.10±9, P<0.001). Successful recanalization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score 2b-3) was achieved in 83%, and 5.6% had symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage compared to 2.5% in the SMT group (P=0.19). MT was associated with mRS 0-2 at 90 days (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.73, P=0.026), less mortality (34% vs. 63%, P<0.001), and better discharge NIHSS (P<0.001) compared to SMT in patients with baseline NIHSS ≥6. This treatment benefit remained after matching both groups. Age (aOR 0.94, P<0.001), baseline NIHSS (aOR 0.91, P=0.017), Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography (ASPECTS) score ≥8 (aOR 3.06, P=0.041), and collaterals scores (aOR 1.41, P=0.027) were associated with 90-day functional independence. CONCLUSION: In patients with salvageable brain tissue, MT for LVO beyond 24 hours appears to improve outcomes compared to SMT, especially in patients with severe strokes. Patients' age, ASPECTS, collaterals, and baseline NIHSS score should be considered before discounting MT merely based on LKW.

Endovascular thrombectomy beyond 24 hours from last known well: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Different studies have demonstrated the benefit of endovascular treatment (EVT) up to 24 hours after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) onset. Recent cohort observational studies suggest that patients with large vessel occlusion AIS may benefit from EVT beyond 24 hours from the last known well (LKW) when adequately selected. We aimed to examine the safety and efficacy of EVT beyond 24 hours from LKW using a meta-analysis of all the literature available. METHODS: A systematic search from inception to April 2023 was conducted for studies including AIS patients with EVT beyond 24 hours from LKW in Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Outcomes of interest included favorable functional outcome (90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0-2), successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b-3), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and 90-day mortality. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Twelve studies with 894 patients were included. The rate of favorable functional outcome was 40% (95% CI 31% to 49%; I2=76%). The rate of successful reperfusion was 83% (95% CI 80% to 85%; I2=0%). The sICH rate was 7% (95% CI 5% to 9%; I2=0%) and the 90-day mortality rate was 28% (95% CI 24% to 33%; I2=0%). There was no significant difference in favorable outcomes (OR=0.69; 95% CI 0.41 to 1.14) and 90-day mortality (OR=1.35; 95% CI 0.90 to 2.00) among patients who underwent EVT <24 hours versus >24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: EVT beyond 24 hours from LKW may achieve favorable clinical outcomes and high reperfusion rates, with acceptable intracranial hemorrhage rates in selected patients. Considering the current certainty of the evidence and heterogenous individual study results, larger prospective trials are warranted.

Reocclusion after successful endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment (EVT) is the standard of care for selected patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the available data on: (1) incidence, predictors, and outcomes of patients with reocclusion after successful EVT for AIS and, (2) the characteristics, complications, and outcomes of patients with reocclusion treated with repeated EVT (rEVT) within 30 days of the first procedure. METHODS: PubMed was searched (between January 2012 and April 2021) to identify studies reporting reocclusion following successful EVT (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b) in patients with AIS due to LVO. Pooled incidence of reocclusion per 100 patients with successful recanalization following EVT was calculated using a random-effects model with Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. Extracted incidences of reocclusion according to etiology and use of intravenous thrombolysis were pooled using random-effects meta-analytic models. RESULTS: A total of 840 studies was identified and seven studies qualified for the quantitative analysis, which described 91 same-vessel reocclusions occurring within the first 7 days after treatment among 2067 patients (4.9%; 95% CI 3% to 7%, I2=70.2%). Large vessel atherosclerosis was associated with an increased risk of reocclusion (OR=3.44, 95% CI 1.12 to 10.61, I2=50%). We identified 90 patients treated with rEVT for recurrent LVO, described in five studies. The rates of procedural complications, mortality, and unfavorable functional outcome at 3 months were 18.0%, 18.9%, and 60.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In cohorts of patients with AIS due to LVO, 5% of patients experienced reocclusion within 7 days after successful EVT. Repeated EVT can be a safe and effective treatment for selected patients with reocclusion.

Circulating redox status in sheep naturally infected with Trichophyton verrucosum.

Trichophyton verrucosum is a zoophilic dermatophyte that causes skin inflammation. The present study aimed to evaluate the redox status in the blood of sheep clinically infected with T. verrucosum. According to clinical and mycological investigations, 48 juvenile male Balady sheep were selected in their natural habitat and divided into four groups depending on the lesion size: mild (MID), moderate (MOD), severe (SEV) T. verrucosum infection, and healthy control groups. Compared to the controls, plasma superoxide anion increased (P < 0.05) in both MOD and SEV but total peroxides (TPx) gradually increased (P < 0.05) in MID followed by MOD and SEV. Superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were higher (P < 0.05) in MID and lower (P < 0.05) in MOD and SEV than in controls, but SEV showed lower TAC than MOD. Malondialdehyde (MDA, a lipid peroxide marker) increased (P < 0.05) in SEV than in controls, but protein carbonyl (PC, a protein peroxidation marker) was augmented (P < 0.05) as lesions progressed from mild to severe. The oxidative stress index (TPx/TAC ratio) progressively increased (P < 0.05) in MOD and SEV. The correlation of PC was positive with TPx and negative with TAC (P < 0.01). In conclusion, sheep infection with T. verrucosum is characterized by increased TPx and decreased TAC in plasma depending on the lesion area. The redox status is shifted towards the oxidizing state, particularly in MOD and SEV cases. This results in a condition of OS, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Impact of Geographical Location on the Gut Microbiota Profile in Egyptian Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study.

Purpose: To investigate the compositional and functional characteristics of T1DM-associated gut microbiota in two Egyptian cities and to study the geographical locality effects. Patients and Methods: This case-control study included 32 children with controlled T1DM and 16 controls, selected from two different regions of Egypt. The gut microbiota of both diabetic and control children was analyzed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing; this was done using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Results: Consistent findings among the diabetic children included significantly lower alpha diversity than the control children, as well as a lower mean Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, and reduced proportions of Firmicutes and the genera Prevotella and Ruminococcus. In the diabetic children, there were also significantly enriched representations of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria and the genera Lactobacilli, Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium. When comparing the two diabetic groups, the Ismailia group (IsDM) was found to have a significantly higher F/B ratio and diversity indices, with resultant differences at the functional level. Conclusion: There are a number of consistent changes in the microbiota profile characterizing the diabetic groups irrespective of the geographical location including significantly lower alpha diversity, mean Firmicutes/ Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, and reduced proportions of Firmicutes and genera Prevotella and Ruminococcus. There are also significantly enriched representations of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria and genera Lactobacilli, Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium pointing to the greater driving power of the disease.

Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale Implementation of an Urban County Severity-Based Stroke Triage Protocol: Impact and Outcomes on a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Screening scales are recommended to assist field-based triage of acute stroke patients to designated stroke centers. Cincinnati prehospital stroke scale (CPSS) is a commonly used prehospital stroke screening tool and has been validated to identify large vessel occlusion (LVO). This study addresses the impact of county-based CPSS implementation to triage suspected LVO patients to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dekalb County in Atlanta, Georgia, implemented CPSS-based protocol with score of 3 and last seen normal time < 24 h mandating transfer to the nearest CSC if the added bypass time was <15 min. Frequency of stroke codes, LVO, IV-tPA use, and thrombectomy treatment were compared six months before and after protocol change (November 1, 2020). RESULTS: During the study period, 907 stroke patients presented to the CSC by EMS, including 289 (32%) with CPSS score 3. There was an increase in monthly ischemic stroke volume (pre-16 ± 2 vs.19 ± 3 p = 0.03), LVO (pre-4.3 ± 1.7 vs. post-7.0 ± 2.4; p = 0.03), EVT (pre-15% vs. post-30%; p = 0.001), without significant increase in stroke mimic volume or delay in mean time from last seen normal to IV-tPA (pre-165 ± 66, post-158 ± 49 min; p = 0.35). CPSS score 3 was associated with increased likelihood of LVO diagnosis (OR 8.5, 95% CI 5.0-14.4; p = 0.001) and decreased the likelihood of stroke mimics (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50-0.88; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: CPSS is a quick, easy to implement, and reliable prehospital severity scale for EMS to triage LVO to CSC without delaying IV-tPA treatment or significantly increasing stroke mimics.

Challenge in the Pathological Diagnosis of the Follicular- Patterned Thyroid Lesions.

BACKGROUND: The follicular-patterned thyroid lesions (FPTLs) include hyperplastic nodules (HN), follicular adenoma (FA), non-invasive follicular neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), follicular carcinoma (FC), and the follicular variant of papillary carcinoma (FVPTC). Sometimes the pathologists cannot accurately separate these lesions from each others on a histological basis. AIMS: To evaluate the utility of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of FPTLs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis, incorporating 83 cases of histologically confirmed FPTLs out of which 20 carcinomas, 51 benign FPTLs (38 HN and 13 FA), and 12NIFTP were separated from each others using four immunostains (HBME-1, CK19, Galectin-3, and CD56). RESULTS: We found statistically significantly more frequent expression of HBME-1, CK19, Galectin-3 proteins in carcinomas as compared to benign FPTLs (p = <0.01). HBME-1 and Galectin-3 were the most sensitive markers for the diagnosis of malignant FPTLs (75%). Galectin-3 was the most specific marker for the diagnosis of carcinoma (90.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The histomorphological features remain the cornerstone of the diagnosis of FPTN. Although HBME-1, Galectin-3, and CK19 immunostains have some diagnostic value in the separation of malignant from benign FPTLs, they are variably expressed in the benign and malignant FPTLs. No single immunostain has sufficient sensitivity and specificity and therefore their diagnostic use is controversial. Future studies are mandated to find more reliable markers that can separate between benign and malignant FPTLs.

Acute Reperfusion Therapies for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

The field of acute stroke treatment has made tremendous progress in reducing the overall burden of disability. Understanding the pathophysiology of acute ischemic injury, neuroimaging to quantify the extent of penumbra and infarction, and acute stroke reperfusion therapies have together contributed to these advancements. In this review we highlight advancements in reperfusion therapies for acute ischemic stroke.

Repeated Mechanical Endovascular Thrombectomy for Recurrent Large Vessel Occlusion: A Multicenter Experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is now the standard of care for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. However, little is known about the frequency and outcomes of repeat MT (rMT) for patients with recurrent LVO. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter cohort of patients who underwent rMT at 6 tertiary institutions in the United States between March 2016 and March 2020. Procedural, imaging, and outcome data were evaluated. Outcome at discharge was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: Of 3059 patients treated with MT during the study period, 56 (1.8%) underwent at least 1 rMT. Fifty-four (96%) patients were analyzed; median age was 64 years. The median time interval between index MT and rMT was 2 days; 35 of 54 patients (65%) experienced recurrent LVO during the index hospitalization. The mechanism of stroke was cardioembolism in 30 patients (56%), intracranial atherosclerosis in 4 patients (7%), extracranial atherosclerosis in 2 patients (4%), and other causes in 18 patients (33%). A final TICI recanalization score of 2b or 3 was achieved in all 54 patients during index MT (100%) and in 51 of 54 patients (94%) during rMT. Thirty-two of 54 patients (59%) experienced recurrent LVO of a previously treated artery, mostly the pretreated left MCA (23 patients, 73%). Fifty of the 54 patients (93%) had a documented discharge modified Rankin Scale after rMT: 15 (30%) had minimal or no disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2), 25 (50%) had moderate to severe disability (modified Rankin Scale score 3-5), and 10 (20%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Almost 2% of patients treated with MT experience recurrent LVO, usually of a previously treated artery during the same hospitalization. Repeat MT seems to be safe and effective for attaining vessel recanalization, and good outcome can be expected in 30% of patients.

Anti-Toxoplasma IgG Level in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Does It Affect Glycemic Control?

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an important opportunistic parasite which can leads to severe complications, even death in immuno-deficient patients. Diabetes is a systemic disease; considers an important factor that increases susceptibility and risk of various infections in the host by affecting the host's immune system. The aim of the current study was to determine possible relations between toxoplasma IgG antibodies titer and the level of glycemic control and vascular complications in type 2 diabetic patients. In this case control study, serum for 122 samples was analyzed using ELISA for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma- IgG-antibodies (Abs) in both type 2 diabetic patients (62) and controls (60). A1c titer (level of diabetic control) was estimated in all diabetic cases. Full history and examination were performed after all contributors' consents. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG-Abs were detected in 56.45 % of diabetic patients and in 36.67% of the controls. Toxoplasmosis was significantly found more prevalent in diabetics associated with hypertension than controls (P=0.005). Among diabetics, patients with positive anti T. gondii IgG have significant long duration of diabetes versus those with negative anti T. gondii IgG (7.14±2.962 vs.3.26±1.583 years, respectively; P < 0.001). No relations were found between types of diabetic vascular complication, level of glycemic control based on HbA1c level and occurrence of toxoplasmosis. We concluded that despite of high prevalence of anti T. gondii IgG in diabetic patients, it has no relation to diabetic complication and glycemic control.

M2BPGi for assessing liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C treated with direct-acting antivirals.

BACKGROUND: Assessing liver fibrosis is important for predicting the efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and patient prognosis. Non-invasive techniques to assess liver fibrosis are becoming important. Recently, serum Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) was identified as a non-invasive marker of liver fibrosis. AIM: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of M2BPGi in assessing liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treated with DAAs. METHODS: From December 2017 to August 2018, 80 treatment-naïve adult patients with CHC who were eligible for DAAs therapy were consecutively enrolled in this observational cohort study. For 12 weeks, 65 patients were treated with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir, and 15 patients were treated with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir and a weight-based dose of ribavirin at knowledge and technology association for hepatitis C management clinic, Cairo, Egypt. We measured serum M2BPGi levels, PAPAS index, fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score and liver stiffness measurements (LSM) at baseline and 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Serum M2BPGi levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: All patients achieved sustained virologic response (SVR12) (100%). Serum M2BPGi levels, LSM, FIB-4 score and PAPAS index decreased significantly at SVR12 (P < 0.05). Serum M2BPGi levels correlated positively with LSM at baseline and SVR12 (P < 0.001). At baseline, compared with the FIB-4 score and PAPAS index, M2BPGi was the best marker to distinguish patients with grade F4 fibrosis (AUC = 0.801, P < 0.001), patients with grade F2 from grade F0-1 fibrosis (AUC = 0.713, P = 0.012), patients with grade F3-4 from grade F0-2 fibrosis (AUC = 0.730, P < 0.001), and patients with grade F2-4 from grade F0-1 fibrosis (AUC = 0.763, P < 0.001). At SVR12, M2BPGi had the greatest AUCs for differentiating patients with grade F4 fibrosis (AUC = 0.844, P < 0.001), patients with grade F3 from grade F0-2 fibrosis (AUC = 0.893, P = 0.002), patients with grade F3-4 from grade F0-2 fibrosis (AUC = 0.891, P < 0.001), and patients with grade F2-4 from grade F0-1 fibrosis (AUC = 0.750, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: M2BPGi is a reliable marker for the non-invasive assessment and prediction of liver fibrosis regression in patients with CHC who achieved an SVR with DAAs therapy.

Talin-1; other than a potential marker for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Talin-1 was previously proposed as a potential novel biomarker for HCC diagnosis but with limited and inconsistent data. We aimed to study the possible role of talin-1 in diagnosis and prognostic stratification of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-six patients were recruited and classified into three groups; 1) cirrhosis group: 40 patients with liver cirrhosis, 2) HCC group: 40 patients with HCC, 3) control group: 16 healthy volunteers with matched age and sex. Serum talin-1 level was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The highest levels of talin-1 were observed among the HCC group followed by cirrhosis then control groups (p = 0.000). In the HCC group, a significant correlation was found between talin-1 and each of multifocal HCC (p = 0.013), portal vein invasion (p = 0.022) and presence of ascites (p = 0.001), while no significant correlation was detected with tumour foci size (p = 0.605). For HCC detection, talin-1 had AUC = 0.858, 100% sensitivity and 65% specificity, while AFP had AUC = 1.000, 100% sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: Talin-1 is a potential marker for diagnosis and prognostic assessment of HCC. Further studies are needed to investigate the ultimate diagnostic and prognostic utility of serum talin-1.

Tales of a department: how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed Detroit's Henry Ford Hospital, Department of Neurology-part I: the surge.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the way healthcare systems operate around the world. The major hurdles faced have been availability of personal protective equipment, intensive care unit beds, ventilators, treatments and medical personnel. Detroit, Michigan has been an epidemic 'hotspot' in the USA with Wayne County among the hardest hit counties in the nation. The Department of Neurology at Henry Ford Hospital, in the heart of Detroit, has responded effectively to the pandemic by altering many aspects of its operations. The rapid engagement of the department and enhanced utilisation of teleneurology were two of the pivotal elements in the successful response to the pandemic. In this review, we describe the transformation our department has undergone, as it relates to its infrastructure redesigning, coverage restructuring, redeployment strategies, medical education adaptations and novel research initiatives.

Does a diabetic retinopathy educational program raise awareness among elderly diabetic patients?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Diabetic retinopathy is a serious and common complication of diabetes that causes irreversible blindness. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding diabetic retinopathy among patients attending a diabetic clinic and identify the effect of an educational program about diabetic retinopathy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred diabetic patients were recruited from the outpatient's diabetic clinic, Assiut University hospitals, Egypt. Quasi-experimental (pretest-posttest) research design was applied using a structured interview questionnaire; including socio-demographic data, assessment of the patients' knowledge, attitude, and practices toward diabetic retinopathy. RESULTS: The mean score of knowledge and attitude showed significant improvement (5.3 and 15.1, respectively in pretest vs 16.7 and 16.8, respectively in posttest) among the diabetic patients (p<0.001). From multivariate linear regression model; the predictors for knowledge score were educational level, family history of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy and hypertension. Likewise, attitude score predictors were age, residence, and smoking. Predictors for practice score were hypertension, blood sugar level, and weight. CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant relationship between educational level and mean knowledge score. The diabetic education program significantly helped to improve awareness of patients in relation to diabetic retinopathy.

Impact of Ginkgo biloba extract and magnetized water on the survival rate and functional capabilities of pancreatic ß-cells in type 2 diabetic rat model.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a widely distributed disease that affects large population worldwide. This study aimed to verify the role of Ginkgo biloba (GB) extract and magnetized water (MW) on the survival rate and functional capabilities of pancreatic ß-cells in type 2 diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: T2D was induced by feeding the rats on a high-fat diet (20% fat, 45% carbohydrate, 22% protein) for eight weeks followed by intra-peritoneal injection of a single low dose of streptozotocin (25mg/Kg). Forty rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=10 rats) as follows: non treated control and three diabetic groups. One diabetic group served as a positive control (diabetic), while the other two groups were orally administered with water extract of GB leaves (0.11 g/kg/day) and MW (600 gauss) for four weeks, respectively. RESULTS: The ß-cell mass and insulin expression in these cells increased markedly after both treatments, particularly in GB treated group. In addition, the immune-expression of the two antioxidant enzymes; glutathione and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in the pancreatic tissue demonstrated a down-regulation in GB and MW treated groups as compared with the diabetic group. CONCLUSION: A four-week treatment of GB and MW protected pancreatic ß-cell cells and improved their insulin expression and antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic rats.

Does vitamin D status correlate with insulin resistance in obese prediabetic patients? An Egyptian multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The link between Vitamin-D deficiency and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is well-established. Since prediabetic obese populations have the greatest risk to develop to T2D, it was important in our study to examine serum 25(OH) D3 concentration among prediabetic obese patients and to evaluate the correlation between serum level of vitamin D and BMI, FBS, HOMA IR and HbA1c among prediabetes patients. METHODS: A multicenter case control study was carried out among 101 prediabetic persons & 50 controls, after obtaining consent from subjects and clearance from institutional ethics committee. Serum vitamin D level, Plasma levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting insulin levels were measured by ELISA in both groups enrolled in the study. RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin-D deficiency/insufficiency was (73.3%) (n = 74) among 101 prediabetic obese individuals. Also, A significant inverse correlation was observed between vitamin D levels & body mass index(r = - 0.28, P = 0.004); fasting blood sugar (r = - 0.22, P = 0.002); HOMA insulin resistance (r = - 0.25 P = 0.01); HbA1C (r = - 0.2, P= 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency exists among obese prediabetic individuals and there is significant inverse correlation between BMI, FBS, HOMA IR, HbA1c and vitamin D level.

Coagulation markers and echocardiography predict atrial fibrillation, malignancy or recurrent stroke after cryptogenic stroke.

We evaluated the utility of left atrial volume index (LAVI) and markers of coagulation and hemostatic activation (MOCHA) in cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients to identify those more likely to have subsequent diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF), malignancy or recurrent stroke during follow-up.Consecutive CS patients who met embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) who underwent transthoracic echocardiography and outpatient cardiac monitoring following stroke were identified from the Emory cardiac registry. In a subset of consecutive patients, d-dimer, prothrombin fragment 1.2, thrombin-antithrombin complex and fibrin monomer (MOCHA panel) were obtained ≥2 weeks post-stroke and repeated ≥4 weeks later if abnormal; abnormal MOCHA panel was defined as ≥2 elevated markers which did not normalize when repeated. We assessed the predictive abilities of LAVI and the MOCHA panel to identify patients with subsequent diagnosis of AF, malignancy, recurrent stroke or the composite outcome during follow-up.Of 94 CS patients (mean age 64 ± 15 years, 54% female, 63% non-white, mean follow-up 1.4 ± 0.8 years) who underwent prolonged cardiac monitoring, 15 (16%) had new AF. Severe LA enlargement (vs normal) was associated with AF (P < .06). In 42 CS patients with MOCHA panel testing (mean follow-up 1.1 ± 0.6 years), 14 (33%) had the composite outcome and all had abnormal MOCHA. ROC analysis showed LAVI and abnormal MOCHA together outperformed either test alone with good predictive ability for the composite outcome (AUC 0.84).We report the novel use of the MOCHA panel in CS patients to identify a subgroup of patients more likely to have occult AF, occult malignancy or recurrent stroke during follow-up. A normal MOCHA panel identified a subgroup of CS patients at low risk for recurrent stroke on antiplatelet therapy. Further study is warranted to evaluate whether the combination of an elevated LAVI and abnormal MOCHA panel identifies a subgroup of CS patients who may benefit from early anticoagulation for secondary stroke prevention.