Early antiplatelet therapy used for acute ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage

In this editorial we comment on the article published by Zhang et al in the recent issue of World Journal of Clinical Cases.We evaluate their claims on the benefit of use of Aspirin in the early management of patients with ischemic stroke.We also comment on their contention of using aspirin in the early management of patients with intracranial hemorrhage,a practice not seen in modern medicine.Large clinical trials such as the International Stroke Trial and the Chinese Acute Stroke Trial have shown the benefit of Aspirin use within 48 h of patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.The findings were corroborated in the open-label trial performed by Zhang et al in a smaller sample group of 25 patients where they showed improvement in functional scores at 90 days without an increase in adverse events.As such,this intervention is also recommended by the American Heart Association stroke guidelines from 2021.With regard to Intracranial hemorrhage,traditional practice has been to discontinue or avoid antiplatelet therapy in these patient groups.However,no studies have been done to evaluate this management strategy that is more borne out of the mechanism behind Aspirin’s effect on the coagulation pathway.Zhang et al evaluate the benefits of Aspirin on patients with low-volume intracranial hemorrhage,i.e.,less than 30 mL on computed tomo-graphy imaging,and show no increase in mortality.The caveat of this finding is that all outcomes were pooled into one group for results,and the number of patients was low.While more studies with larger patient groups are required,the data from Zhang et al suggests that patients with small-volume intracranial hemorrhages may benefit from Aspirin administration in the acute phase of management.

Stem cell-based ischemic stroke therapy:Novel modifications and clinical challenges

Ischemic stroke(IS)causes severe disability and high mortality worldwide.Stem cell(SC)therapy exhibits unique therapeutic potential for IS that differs from current treatments.SC’s cell homing,differentiation and paracrine abilities give hope for neuroprotection.Recent studies on SC modification have enhanced therapeutic effects for IS,including gene transfection,nanoparticle modification,biomaterial modification and pretreatment.Thesemethods improve survival rate,homing,neural differentiation,and paracrine abilities in ischemic areas.However,many problems must be resolved before SC therapy can be clinically applied.These issues include production quality and quantity,stability during transportation and storage,as well as usage regulations.Herein,we reviewed the brief pathogenesis of IS,the“multi-mechanism”advantages of SCs for treating IS,various SC modification methods,and SC therapy challenges.We aim to uncover the potential and overcome the challenges of using SCs for treating IS and convey innovative ideas for modifying SCs.

The advantages of multi-level omics research on stem cell-based therapies for ischemic stroke

Stem cell transplantation is a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. However, despite many years of preclinical research, the application of stem cells is still limited to the clinical trial stage. Although stem cell therapy can be highly beneficial in promoting functional recovery, the precise mechanisms of action that are responsible for this effect have yet to be fully elucidated. Omics analysis provides us with a new perspective to investigate the physiological mechanisms and multiple functions of stem cells in ischemic stroke. Transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses have become important tools for discovering biomarkers and analyzing molecular changes under pathological conditions. Omics analysis could help us to identify new pathways mediated by stem cells for the treatment of ischemic stroke via stem cell therapy, thereby facilitating the translation of stem cell therapies into clinical use. In this review, we summarize the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and discuss recent progress in the development of stem cell therapies for the treatment of ischemic stroke by applying multi-level omics. We also discuss changes in RNAs, proteins, and metabolites in the cerebral tissues and body fluids under stroke conditions and following stem cell treatment, and summarize the regulatory factors that play a key role in stem cell therapy. The exploration of stem cell therapy at the molecular level will facilitate the clinical application of stem cells and provide new treatment possibilities for the complete recovery of neurological function in patients with ischemic stroke.

Virtual Reality-Based Mirror Therapy for Upper Extremity Function among Stroke Patients:A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

[Objectives]To investigate the evidence-based effect of virtual reality-based mirror therapy system(VR-MT)on upper extremity function among stroke patients.[Methods]A systematic electronic searching of the Medline,PubMed,Web of Science and CNKI was initially performed up to June 10,2024.The risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using RevMan 5.4 software based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews.The random-effects model or fixed-effects models was employed to estimate the standardized mean difference(SMD).The subgroup analyses were conducted exploring theVR-MT type(immersive or non-immersive)and comparing with MT or control group.[Results]In total 8 studies with a total of 273 stroke patients were included in this review.The pooled analysis of these trials showed a statistically significant enhancement inFMA-UE scores(6 studies,SMD=0.72,[95%CI 0.37 to 1.06];P<0.0001,I^(2)=31%)and Box and Block Test(BBT)(3 studies,SMD=0.49,[95%C/0.05 to 0.93];P=0.03,I^(2)=0%),rather than Manual Function Test(MFT)scores(3 studies,SMD=0.38,[95%CI-0.09 to 0.84];P=0.11,I^(2)=0%)following the application of reality-based mirror therapy.Additionally,the subgroup analysis results indicated that immersive VR-MT can significantly improve FMA-UE(5studies,SMD=0.73,[95%CI 0.24 to 1.23];P=0.004,I^(2)=43%).In contrast,the overall effect of non-immersive VR-MT was non-significant(2 studies,SMD=0.33,[95%CI-0.69 to 1.34];P=0.53,I^(2)=72%).[Conclusions]In this systematic review and meta-analysis,our findings indicate that immersiveVR-MT has the potential to improve upper extremity function among stroke patients.

Effects of Acupuncture and Tuina Combined with Rehabilitation Therapy on Oxidative Stress Response and Motor Function in Stroke Hemiplegia Patients

Objective:To explore the effects of acupuncture and tuina combined with rehabilitation therapy on oxidative stress response and motor function in stroke hemiplegia patients.Methods:Sixty stroke hemiplegia patients were randomly divided into observation and control groups,with 30 cases each.The control group received conventional rehabilitation therapy,while the observation group also underwent acupuncture and tuina.After 8 weeks of treatment,oxidative stress indicators[malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)],neurological deficit scores(NIHSS),Fugl-Meyer motor function scores(FMA),and activities of daily living(Barthel Index)were compared between the two groups.Results:Before treatment,there were no significant differences in MDA,NIHSS scores,FMA scores,and Barthel Index between the two groups(P>0.05).After 8 weeks,the observation group had lower MDA and NIHSS scores,but higher SOD,GSH-Px,FMA scores,and Barthel Index compared to the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture and tuina combined with rehabilitation therapy can effectively improve oxidative stress levels,promote neurological recovery,enhance motor function,and improve daily living activities in stroke hemiplegia patients.This combined therapy is recommended for clinical application.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Modern Rehabilitation Training Improves the Spasticity and Motor Function of Hemiplegia after Stroke

Objective:To analyze the impact of comprehensive rehabilitation therapy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)(based on modern rehabilitation training)on the spasticity and motor function in stroke patients with hemiplegia.Methods:Seventy-nine stroke and hemiplegia patients admitted to the hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 were selected and randomly divided into a control group(39 cases)using modern rehabilitation training,and an observation group combined with comprehensive TCM rehabilitation therapy(40 cases),over 1 month.The clinical index data of the two groups were compared.Results:There were differences in the clinical index data between the two groups.The total effective rate after 2 treatment in the observation group(92.50%)was higher than that of the control group(74.36%)(χ^(2)=4.727,P<0.05).All central sensitization inventory(CSI)and stroke quality of life(PRO)scores in both groups were lower after treatment,with the observation group having lower scores as compared to the control group(P<0.05).The scores of FMA(upper limbs,lower limbs),Barthel index scores,and Functional Ambulation Categories(FAC)scores of both groups increased after treatment,with the observation group having higher scores as compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Comprehensive TCM rehabilitation therapy had a significant therapeutic effect on patients with hemiplegia after stroke.It improved the patient’s spasticity,limb movement,and walking function.Their daily living abilities and quality of life were also enhanced.

Efficacy and safety of aspirin antiplatelet therapy within 48 h of symptom onset in patients with acute stroke

BACKGROUND Aspirin is a widely used antiplatelet agent that reduces the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke and other vascular events.However,the optimal timing and dose of aspirin initiation after an acute stroke remain controversial.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of aspirin antiplatelet therapy within 48 h of symptom onset in patients with acute stroke.METHODS We conducted a randomized,open-label,controlled trial in 60 patients with acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke who were admitted to our hospital within 24 h of symptom onset.Patients were randomly assigned to receive either aspirin 300 mg daily or no aspirin within 48 h of stroke onset.The primary outcome was the occurrence of recurrent stroke,myocardial infarction,or vascular death within 90 d.The secondary outcomes were functional outcomes at 90 d measured using the modified Rankin Scale(mRS),incidence of bleeding complications,and mortality rate.RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 67.8 years and 55%of them were male.The median time from stroke onset to randomization was 12 h.The baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two groups.The primary outcome occurred in 6.7%of patients in the aspirin group and 16.7%of patients in the no aspirin group(relative risk=0.40,95%confidence interval:0.12-1.31,P=0.13).The mRS score at 90 d was significantly lower in the aspirin group than in the no aspirin group(median,2 vs 3,respectively;P=0.04).The incidence of bleeding complications was similar between the groups(6.7%vs 6.7%,P=1.00).The mortality rates were also comparable between the two groups(10%vs 13.3%,P=0.69).CONCLUSION Aspirin use is associated with favorable functional outcomes but does not significantly reduce the risk of recurrent vascular events.Its acceptable safety profile is comparable to that of no aspirin.Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings.

Machine learning applications in stroke medicine:advancements,challenges,and future prospectives

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide,necessitating the development of advanced technologies to improve its diagnosis,treatment,and patient outcomes.In recent years,machine learning techniques have emerged as promising tools in stroke medicine,enabling efficient analysis of large-scale datasets and facilitating personalized and precision medicine approaches.This abstract provides a comprehensive overview of machine learning’s applications,challenges,and future directions in stroke medicine.Recently introduced machine learning algorithms have been extensively employed in all the fields of stroke medicine.Machine learning models have demonstrated remarkable accuracy in imaging analysis,diagnosing stroke subtypes,risk stratifications,guiding medical treatment,and predicting patient prognosis.Despite the tremendous potential of machine learning in stroke medicine,several challenges must be addressed.These include the need for standardized and interoperable data collection,robust model validation and generalization,and the ethical considerations surrounding privacy and bias.In addition,integrating machine learning models into clinical workflows and establishing regulatory frameworks are critical for ensuring their widespread adoption and impact in routine stroke care.Machine learning promises to revolutionize stroke medicine by enabling precise diagnosis,tailored treatment selection,and improved prognostication.Continued research and collaboration among clinicians,researchers,and technologists are essential for overcoming challenges and realizing the full potential of machine learning in stroke care,ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes and quality of life.This review aims to summarize all the current implications of machine learning in stroke diagnosis,treatment,and prognostic evaluation.At the same time,another purpose of this paper is to explore all the future perspectives these techniques can provide in combating this disabling disease.

Mechanism of inflammatory response and therapeutic effects of stem cells in ischemic stroke:current evidence and future perspectives

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide,with an increasing trend and tendency for onset at a younger age.China,in particular,bears a high burden of stroke cases.In recent years,the inflammatory response after stroke has become a research hotspot:understanding the role of inflammatory response in tissue damage and repair following ischemic stroke is an important direction for its treatment.This review summarizes several major cells involved in the inflammatory response following ischemic stroke,including microglia,neutrophils,monocytes,lymphocytes,and astrocytes.Additionally,we have also highlighted the recent progress in various treatments for ischemic stroke,particularly in the field of stem cell therapy.Overall,understanding the complex interactions between inflammation and ischemic stroke can provide valuable insights for developing treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.Stem cell therapy may potentially become an important component of ischemic stroke treatment.

Promising use of metformin in treating neurological disorders:biomarker-guided therapies

Neurological disorders are a diverse group of conditions that affect the nervous system and include neurodegenerative diseases(Alzheimer’s disease,multiple sclerosis,Parkinson’s disease,Huntington’s disease),cerebrovascular conditions(stroke),and neurodevelopmental disorders(autism spectrum disorder).Although they affect millions of individuals around the world,only a limited number of effective treatment options are available today.Since most neurological disorders express mitochondria-related metabolic perturbations,metformin,a biguanide type II antidiabetic drug,has attracted a lot of attention to be repurposed to treat neurological disorders by correcting their perturbed energy metabolism.However,controversial research emerges regarding the beneficial/detrimental effects of metformin on these neurological disorders.Given that most neurological disorders have complex etiology in their pathophysiology and are influenced by various risk factors such as aging,lifestyle,genetics,and environment,it is important to identify perturbed molecular functions that can be targeted by metformin in these neurological disorders.These molecules can then be used as biomarkers to stratify subpopulations of patients who show distinct molecular/pathological properties and can respond to metformin treatment,ultimately developing targeted therapy.In this review,we will discuss mitochondria-related metabolic perturbations and impaired molecular pathways in these neurological disorders and how these can be used as biomarkers to guide metformin-responsive treatment for the targeted therapy to treat neurological disorders.

Application value research of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke

BACKGROUND Stroke is a common disabling disease,whether it is ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke,both can result in neuronal damage,leading to various manifestations of neurological dysfunction.AIM To explore of the application value of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke.METHODS This study selected 86 patients with swallowing disorders after stroke admitted to our rehabilitation department from February 2022 to December 2023 as research subjects.They were divided into a control group(n=43)and an observation group(n=43)according to the treatment.The control group received swallowing rehabilitation training,while the observation group received swallowing treatment device in addition to the training.Both groups underwent continuous intervention for two courses of treatment.RESULTS The total effective rate in the observation group(93.02%)was higher than that in the control group(76.74%)(P=0.035).After intervention,the oral transit time,swallowing response time,pharyngeal transit time,and laryngeal closure time decreased in both groups compared to before intervention.In the observation group,the oral transit time,swallowing response time,and pharyngeal transit time were shorter than those in the control group after intervention.However,the laryngeal closure time after intervention in the observation group was compared with that in the control group(P=0.142).After intervention,average amplitude value and duration of the genioglossus muscle group during empty swallowing and swallowing 5 mL of water are reduced compared to before intervention in both groups.After intervention,the scores of the chin-tuck swallowing exercise and the Standardized Swallowing Assessment are both reduced compared to pre-intervention levels in both groups.However,the observation group scores lower than the control group after intervention.Additionally,the Functional Oral Intake Scale scores of both groups are increased after intervention compared to pre-intervention levels,with the observation group scoring higher than the control group after intervention(P<0.001).The cumulative incidence of complications in the observation group is 9.30%,which is lower than the 27.91%in the control group(P=0.027).CONCLUSION The combination of swallowing therapy equipment with swallowing rehabilitation training can improve the muscle movement level of the genioglossus muscle group,enhance swallowing function,and prevent the occurrence of swallowing-related complications after stroke.

Progress in Application of CBT Therapy in Patients with Post-stroke Mental Disorders

The application effects of CBT therapy in patients with post-stroke mental disorders were summarized to better understand the application effects of CBT therapy in patients with post-stroke mental disorders,so as to provide reference suggestions for better providing psychological treatment to patients with post-stroke mental disorders.

Bat-derived oligopeptide LE6 inhibits the contact-kinin pathway and harbors anti-thromboinflammation and stroke potential

Thrombosis and inflammation are primary contributors to the onset and progression of ischemic stroke.The contact-kinin pathway,initiated by plasma kallikrein(PK)and activated factor XII(FXIIa),functions bidirectionally with the coagulation and inflammation cascades,providing a novel target for therapeutic drug development in ischemic stroke.In this study,we identified a bat-derived oligopeptide from Myotis myotis(Borkhausen,1797),designated LE6(Leu-Ser-Glu-Glu-Pro-Glu,702 Da),with considerable potential in stroke therapy due to its effects on the contact kinin pathway.Notably,LE6 demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on PK and FXIIa,with inhibition constants of 43.97μmol/L and 6.37μmol/L,respectively.In vitro analyses revealed that LE6 prolonged plasma recalcification time and activated partial thromboplastin time.In murine models,LE6 effectively inhibited carrageenan-induced mouse tail thrombosis,FeCl3-induced carotid artery thrombosis,and photochemically induced intracerebral thrombosis.Furthermore,LE6 significantly decreased inflammation and stroke injury in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion models.Notably,the low toxicity,hemolytic activity,and bleeding risk of LE6,along with its synthetic simplicity,underscore its clinical applicability.In conclusion,as an inhibitor of FXIIa and PK,LE6 offers potential therapeutic benefits in stroke treatment by mitigating inflammation and preventing thrombus formation.

Different strategies for ultra-early reperfusion therapy in anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke safety and effectiveness of the comparative observation

Background:To compare the safety and effectiveness of direct mechanical thrombectomy and bridging therapy for stroke with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion within 4.5 hours of onset.Methods:Retrospectively collected from 66 patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Neurology of Tongliao Hospital and Xuanwu Hospital from August 2019 to November 2021 within 4.5 hours.According to the different recanalization methods,30 patients were assigned to the direct thrombectomy treatment group,and 36 patients in the bridging treatment group(i.e.,the intravenous thrombolysis bridging mechanical thrombectomy treatment group).The primary outcome measure was the neurological outcome at the onset of 90d.Secondary outcome measures were intraoperative vascular recanalization and reperfusion,and the US National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 hours after surgery.The primary safety indicators are intracranial hemorrhage,including symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and non-symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage,and 90d mortality.Results:The direct thrombectomy group had lower body mass index,hypertension and baseline Alberta early computed tomography score than the bridging treatment group,and longer time from onset to visit than the bridging group(206.5(119.5,256.25)min vs.150.5(25.205,212.75)min),the above difference were statistically significant(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in successful vascular reperfusion(93%vs.89%),24 hours postoperative National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score(11(5,18)vs.11(5,20)),intracranial hemorrhage(11%vs.14%),symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage(7%vs.17%),90d mRS0 to 2 points(43%vs.36%)and 90d mortality(23%vs.22%)(P>0.05).Conclusion:Similar clinical efficacy and safety of direct mechanical thrombectomy and bridging therapy for acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusive stroke within 4.5 hours of onset,direct thrombectomy can be used as an alternative scheme for acute anterior circulation intracranial large artery occlusive stroke.

Stroke:Evolution of newer treatment modalities for acute ischemic stroke

Acute ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.Restoration of cerebral blood flow to affected ischemic areas has been the cornerstone of therapy for patients for eligible patients as early diagnosis and treatment have shown improved outcomes.However,there has been a paradigm shift in the management approach over the last decade,and with the emphasis currently directed toward including newer modalities such as neuroprotection,stem cell treatment,magnetic stimulation,anti-apoptotic drugs,delayed recanali-zation,and utilization of artificial intelligence for early diagnosis and suggesting algorithm-based management protocols.

Study on the treatment of dysphagia after stroke with electromyographic biofeedback intensive training

BACKGROUND Dysphagia,or swallowing disorder,is a common complication following stroke,significantly impacting patients'quality of life.Electromyographic biofeedback(EMGBF)therapy has emerged as a potential rehabilitation technique to improve swallowing function,but its efficacy in comparison with conventional treatments remains to be further explored.AIM To investigate the effects of different treatment intensities of EMGBF on swallowing function and motor speed after stroke.METHODS The participants were divided into three groups,all of which received routine neurological drug therapy and motor function rehabilitation training.On the basis of routine swallowing disorder training,the EMGBF group received additional EMGBF training,while the enhanced EMGBF group received two additional training sessions.Four weeks before and after treatment,the degree of swallowing disorder was evaluated using the degree of swallowing disorder score(VGF)and the Rosenbek penetration-aspiration scale(PAS).RESULTS Initially,there was no significant difference in VGF and PAS scores among the groups(P>0.05).After four weeks,all groups showed significant improvement in both VGF scores and PAS scores.Furthermore,the standardized swallowing assessment and videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale scores also improved significantly post-treatment,indicating enhanced swallowing function and motor function of the hyoid-bone laryngeal complex,particularly in the intensive EMGBF group.CONCLUSION EMGBF training is more effective than traditional swallowing training in improving swallowing function and the movement rate of the hyoid laryngeal complex in patients with post-stroke dysphagia.

Treatment of Post-stroke Dysphagia by VitalStim Therapy Coupled with Conventional Swallowing Training

To investigate the effects of VitalStim therapy coupled with conventional swallowing training on recovery of post-stroke dysphagia,a total of 120 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomly and evenly divided into three groups：conventional swallowing therapy group,VitalStim therapy group,and VitalStim therapy plus conventional swallowing therapy group.Prior to and after the treatment,signals of surface electromyography（sEMG） of swallowing muscles were detected,swallowing function was evaluated by using the Standardized Swallowing Assessment（SSA） and Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study（VFSS） tests,and swallowing-related quality of life（SWAL-QOL） was evaluated using the SWAL-QOL questionnaire.There were significant differences in sEMG value,SSA,VFSS,and SWAL-QOL scores in each group between prior to and after treatment.After 4-week treatment,sEMG value,SSA,VFSS and SWAL-QOL scores were significantly greater in the VitalStim therapy plus conventional swallowing training group than in the conventional swallowing training group and VitalStim therapy group,but no significant difference existed between conventional swallowing therapy group and VitalStim therapy group.It was concluded that VitalStim therapy coupled with conventional swallowing training was conducive to recovery of post-stroke dysphagia.

Constraint-induced movement therapy in treatment of acute and sub-acute stroke: a meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE： The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy in acute and sub-acute stroke. DATA SOURCES： The key words were stroke, cerebrovascular accident, constraint-induced therapy, forced use, and randomized controlled trial. The databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, Weipu Information Resources System, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Med- line, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, were searched for studies on randomized controlled trials for treating acute or sub-acute stroke published before March 2016. DATA SELECTION： We retrieved relevant randomized controlled trials that compared constraint-induced movement therapy in treatment of acute or sub-acute stroke with traditional rehabilitation therapy （tradi- tional occupational therapy）. Patients were older than 18 years, had disease courses less than 6 months, and were evaluated with at least one upper extremity function scale. Study quality was evaluated, and data that met the criteria were extracted. Stata 11.0 software was used for the meta-analysis. OUTCOME MEASURES： Fugl-Meyer motor assessment of the arm, the action research-arm test, a motor activity log for amount of use and quality of movement, the Wolf motor function test, and a modified Bar- thel index. RESULTS： A total of 16 prospective randomized controlled trials （379 patients in the constraint-induced movement-therapy group and 359 in the control group） met inclusion criteria. Analysis showed significant mean differences in favor of constraint-induced movement therapy for the Fugl-Meyer motor assessment of the arm （weighted mean difference （WMD） = 10.822; 95% confidence intervals （95% CI）： 7.419-14.226）, the action research-arm test （WMD = 10.718; 95% CI： 5.704-15.733）, the motor activity log for amount of use and quality of movement （WMD = 0.812; 95% CI： 0.331-1.293） and the modified Barthel index （WMD = 10.706; 95% CI： 4.417-16.966）. CONCLUSION： Constraint-induced movement therapy may be more beneficial than traditional rehabili- tation therapy for improving upper limb function after acute or sub-acute stroke.

Speech and language therapy for aphasia following subacute stroke

The aim of this study was to investigate the time window, duration and intensity of optimal speech and language therapy applied to aphasic patients with subacute stroke in our hospital. The study consisted of 33 patients being hospitalized for stroke rehabilitation in our hospital with first stroke but without previous history of speech and language therapy. Sixteen sessions of impairment-based speech and language therapy were applied to the patients, 30-60 minutes per day, 2 days a week, for 8 successive weeks. Aphasia assess- ment in stroke patients was performed with Giilhane Aphasia Test-2 before and after treatment. Compared with before treatment, fluency of speech, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, oral motor evaluation, automatic speech, repetition and naming were improved after treatment. This suggests that 16 seesions of speech and language therapy, 30-60 minutes per day, 2 days a week, for 8 successive weeks, are effective in the treatment of aphasic patients with subacute stroke.

Who benefits from percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale vs medical therapy for stroke prevention? In-depth and updated metaanalysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND A few randomized clinical trials(RCT) and their meta-analyses have found patent foramen ovale closure(PFOC) to be beneficial in prevention of stroke compared to medical therapy. Whether the benefit is extended across all groups of patients remains unclear.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PFOC vs medical therapy in different groups of patients presenting with stroke, we performed this meta-analysis of RCTs.METHODS Electronic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, CINAHL and ProQuest Central and manual search were performed from inception through September 2018 for RCTs. Ischemic stroke(IS), transient ischemic attack(TIA), a composite of IS, TIA and systemic embolism(SE), mortality, major bleeding,atrial fibrillation(AF) and procedural complications were the major outcomes.Random-effects model was used to perform analyses.RESULTS Meta-analysis of 6 RCTs including 3560 patients showed that the PFOC,compared to medical therapy reduced the risk of IS [odds ratio: 0.34; 95%confidence interval: 0.15-0.78; P = 0.01] and the composite of IS, TIA and SE [0.55(0.32-0.93); P = 0.02] and increased the AF risk [4.79(2.35-9.77); P < 0.0001]. No statistical difference was observed in the risk of TIA [0.86(0.54-1.38); P = 0.54],mortality [0.74(0.28-1.93); P = 0.53] and major bleeding [0.81(0.42-1.56); P = 0.53]between two strategies. Subgroup analyses showed that compared to medical therapy, PFOC reduced the risk of stroke in persons who were males, ≤ 45 years of age and had large shunt or atrial septal aneurysm.CONCLUSION In certain groups of patients presenting with stroke, PFOC is beneficial in preventing future stroke compared to medical therapy.