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Purpose of ReviewThis review aims to provide an overview of neuroinflammation in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, including recent findings on the mechanisms and cellular players involved in the inflammatory response to brain injury.Recent FindingsNeuroinflammation is a crucial process following acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS). In AIS, neuroinflammation is initiated within minutes of the ischemia onset and continues for several days. In HS, neuroinflammation is initiated by blood byproducts in the subarachnoid space and/or brain parenchyma. In both cases, neuroinflammation is characterized by the activation of resident immune cells, such as microglia and astrocytes, and infiltration of peripheral immune cells, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species. These inflammatory mediators contribute to blood-brain barrier disruption, neuronal damage, and cerebral edema, promoting neuronal apoptosis and impairing neuroplasticity, ultimately exacerbating the neurologic deficit. However, neuroinflammation can also have beneficial effects by clearing cellular debris and promoting tissue repair. The role of neuroinflammation in AIS and ICH is complex and multifaceted, and further research is necessary to develop effective therapies that target this process. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) will be the HS subtype addressed in this review.SummaryNeuroinflammation is a significant contributor to brain tissue damage following AIS and HS. Understanding the mechanisms and cellular players involved in neuroinflammation is essential for developing effective therapies to reduce secondary injury and improve stroke outcomes. Recent findings have provided new insights into the pathophysiology of neuroinflammation, highlighting the potential for targeting specific cytokines, chemokines, and glial cells as therapeutic strategies.

Background: Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a common and serious complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Though many clinical trials have looked at therapies for DCI and vasospasm in aSAH, along with reducing rebleeding risks, none have led to improving outcomes in this patient population. We present an up-to-date review of the pathophysiology of DCI and its association with early brain injury (EBI). Recent Findings: Recent studies have demonstrated that EBI, as opposed to delayed brain injury, is the main contributor to downstream pathophysiological mechanisms that play a role in the development of DCI. New predictive models, including advanced monitoring and neuroimaging techniques, can help detect EBI and improve the clinical management of aSAH patients. Summary: EBI, the severity of subarachnoid hemorrhage, and physiological/imaging markers can serve as indicators for potential early therapeutics in aSAH. The microcellular milieu and hemodynamic pathomechanisms should remain a focus of researchers and clinicians. With the advancement in understanding the pathophysiology of DCI, we are hopeful that we will make strides toward better outcomes for this unique patient population.

The Eastern Mediterranean Sea, rich in environmental and cultural heritage, faces increasing threats from emerging contaminants like toxic metals and phthalates. This study evaluates their occurrence across 40 Lebanese Mediterranean coastal hotspots using advanced techniques such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Widespread contamination was detected in both water and sediments near landfills, sewage discharges, and industrial areas. Metal concentrations varied, with chromium (Cr) reaching 20.3 µg/L, arsenic (As) 12.1 µg/L, and lead (Pb) 30.6 µg/L, indicating pollution from urban and industrial activities. Manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were within safe limits, while selenium (Se) and arsenic posed ecological risks. Among 13 phthalates, diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was the most prevalent, ranging from 15.57 to 72.88 µg/L. Sediments showed elevated calcium, strontium, and barium levels, exceeding safety thresholds. Statistical analysis revealed correlations between contaminants and spatial variability driven by industrial, agricultural, and urban activities. These findings highlight the need for proper regulations and routine monitoring to protect marine ecosystems and public health.

Purpose of ReviewStroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The annual incidence of new or recurrent stroke is approximately 795,000 cases per year in the United States, of which 87% are ischemic in nature. In addition to the management of modifiable high-risk factors to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke, antithrombotic agents (antiplatelets and anticoagulants) play an important role in secondary stroke prevention. This review will discuss the published literature on the use of antiplatelets and anticoagulants in secondary prevention of acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), including their pharmacology, efficacy, and adverse effects. We will also highlight the role of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in secondary stroke prevention, along with supporting literature.Recent FindingsSingle antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) with aspirin or clopidogrel reduces the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke or TIA. However, as shown in recent trials, short-term DAPT with aspirin and clopidogrel or ticagrelor for 21–30 days is more effective than SAPT in patients with minor acute non-cardioembolic stroke or high-risk TIA. Although short-term DAPT is highly effective in preventing recurrent stroke, a more prolonged course can increase bleeding risks without additional benefit. DAPT for 90 days, followed by aspirin monotherapy for patients with large vessel intracranial atherosclerotic disease, is suitable for secondary stroke prevention. However, patients need to be monitored for both minor (e.g., bruising) and major (e.g., intracranial) bleeding complications. Conversely, oral warfarin and newer direct oral anticoagulant (DOACs) such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban are the agents of choice for secondary stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular cardioembolic strokes. DOACs may be preferred over warfarin due to decreased bleeding risks, including ICH, lack of need for international normalized ratio monitoring, no dietary restrictions, and limited drug-drug interactions.SummaryThe choice between different antiplatelets and anticoagulants for prevention of ischemic stroke depends on the underlying stroke mechanism, cytochrome P450 2C19 polymorphisms, bleeding risk profile, compliance, drug tolerance, and drug resistance. Physicians must carefully weigh each patient's relative benefits and bleeding risks before initiating an antiplatelet/anticoagulant treatment regimen. Further studies are warranted to study the optimal duration of DAPT in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis since the benefit is most pronounced in the short term while the bleeding risk remains high during the extended duration of therapy.

Recurrent exposures to a pathogenic antigen remodel the CD8 + T cell compartment and generate a functional memory repertoire that is polyclonal and complex. At the clonotype level, the response to the conserved influenza antigen, M1 58–66 has been well characterized in healthy individuals, but not in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy or with aberrant immunity, such as those with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Here we show that patients with JIA have a reduced number of M1 58–66 specific RS/RA clonotypes, indicating decreased clonal richness and, as a result, have lower repertoire diversity. By using a rank-frequency approach to analyze the distribution of the repertoire, we found several characteristics of the JIA T cell repertoire to be akin to repertoires seen in healthy adults, including an amplified RS/RA-specific antigen response, representing greater clonal unevenness. Unlike mature repertoires, however, there is more fluctuation in clonotype distribution, less clonotype stability, and more variable IFNy response of the M1 58–66 specific RS/RA clonotypes in JIA. This indicates that functional clonal expansion is altered in patients with JIA on immunosuppressive therapies. We propose that the response to the influenza M1 58–66 epitope described here is a general phenomenon for JIA patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, and that the changes in clonal richness and unevenness indicate a retarded and uneven generation of a mature immune response.

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort or pain, accompanied by alterations in bowel habits. Its exact pathophysiology remains unclear, but mental health problems are recognized as a major risk factor. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence of IBS among medical students and explore its association with various factors, including comorbid mental health issues. Methods This multicentric cross-sectional study employed an online self-administered questionnaire, distributed among medical students from 27 faculties of medicine across seven countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Universities were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Possible associates were evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire for adult IBS. Results A total of 8,275 medical students completed the questionnaire, with 40.1% diagnosed with IBS according to the Rome IV criteria. Adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed significant associates of IBS, including female gender (AOR = 1.56, p  < 0.001), enrollment in the third academic year (AOR = 1.23, p  = 0.003) or higher (AOR = 1.44, p  = 0.001), lack of regular exercise (AOR = 1.18, p  = 0.003), and living alone or on campus (AOR = 1.18, p  = 0.006). Additionally, a history of food or drug hypersensitivity (AOR = 1.49, p  < 0.001) and overweight or obesity (AOR = 1.19, p  = 0.002) were significantly associated with IBS. Medical students experiencing depression (AOR = 2.38, p  < 0.001) and anxiety (AOR = 1.91, p  < 0.001) were found to be more susceptible to developing IBS. Conclusion IBS is a prevalent health issue among medical students. Nearly 40% of them suffered from IBS. In addition to certain personal and academic factors, increased rates of depression and anxiety among medical students in the Middle East and North Africa are associated with a higher probability of developing IBS.

We analyzed the prevalence of anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies (AMA) in adult- and juvenile-onset myositis longitudinal cohorts and investigated phenotypic differences in myositis patients with AMA. We screened sera from myositis patients including 619 adult- and 371 juvenile-onset dermatomyositis (DM, JDM), polymyositis (PM, JPM), inclusion body myositis (IBM), or amyopathic DM patients and from healthy controls, including 164 adults and 92 children, for AMA by ELISA. Clinical characteristics were compared between myositis patients with and without AMA. AMA were present in 5% of adult myositis patients (16 of 216 DM, 10 of 222 PM, 4 of 140 IBM, 1 of 19 amyopathic DM), 1% of juvenile myositis patients (3 of 302 JDM, 1 of 25 JPM), and 1% of both adult and juvenile healthy controls. In patients with adult-onset myositis, AMA were associated with persistent muscle weakness, Raynaud’s phenomenon, dysphagia, and cardiomyopathy. Adult myositis patients with AMA may have more severe or treatment refractory disease, as they more frequently received glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulin. In juvenile myositis, children with AMA often had falling episodes and dysphagia, but no other clinical features or medications were significantly associated with AMA. AMA are present in 5% of adult myositis patients and associated with cardiomyopathy, dysphagia, and other signs of severe disease. The prevalence of AMA is not increased in patients with juvenile myositis compared to age-matched healthy controls. Our data suggest that the presence of AMA in adult myositis patients should prompt screening for cardiac and swallowing involvement. Key Points• Approximately 5% of a large North American cohort of adult myositis patients have anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies.• Adults with anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies often have chronic weakness, Raynaud’s, dysphagia, cardiomyopathy, and more severe disease.• Anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies are rare in juvenile myositis and not associated with a specific clinical phenotype.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1306490.].

The transition from pediatric to adult health care is often a challenging process due to multiple interwoven complexities, especially for children with chronic medical conditions. Health care transition (HCT) is a process of moving from a pediatric to an adult model of health care with or without a transfer to a new clinician. This paper focuses on what is known about HCT for youth and young adults (Y/YA) with rheumatic diseases within a larger context of HCT recommendations. HCT barriers for youth, families, and providers and current evidence for a structured HCT processes are reviewed. Practical advice is offered on how to approach transition for Y/YA, what tools are available to assist in a successful transition process, and what are the areas of future research that are needed to improve the HCT evidence base.

BackgroundEndovascular therapy (EVT) stands as an established and effective intervention for acute ischemic stroke in patients harboring tandem lesions (TLs). However, the optimal anesthetic strategy for EVT in TL patients remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the impact of distinct anesthetic techniques on outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients presenting with TLs.MethodsPatient-level data, encompassing cases from 16 diverse centers, were aggregated for individuals with anterior circulation TLs treated between January 2015 and December 2020. A stratification based on anesthetic technique was conducted to distinguish between general anesthesia (GA) and procedural sedation (PS). Multivariable logistic regression models were built to discern the association between anesthetic approach and outcomes, including the favorable functional outcome defined as 90-day modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 0–2, ordinal shift in mRS, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), any hemorrhage, successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score ≥2b), excellent recanalization (mTICI 3), first pass effect (FPE), early neurological improvement (ENI), door-to-groin and recanalization times, intrahospital mortality, and 90-day mortality.ResultsAmong 691 patients from 16 centers, 595 patients (GA 38.7%, PS 61.3%) were included in the final analysis. There were no significant differences noted in the door-to-groin time (80 (46–117.5) mins vs 54 (21–100), P=0.607) and groin to recanalization time (59 (39.5–85.5) mins vs 54 (38–81), P=0.836) among the groups. The odds of a favorable functional outcome (36.6% vs 52.6%; adjusted OR (aOR) 0.56, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.84, P=0.005) and a favorable shift in the 90-day mRS (aOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.99, P=0.041) were lower in the GA group. No differences were noted for sICH (3.9% vs 4.7%, P=0.38), successful recanalization (89.1% vs 86.5%, P=0.13), excellent recanalization (48.5% vs 50.3%, P=0.462), FPE (53.6% vs 63.4%, P=0.05), ENI (38.9% vs 38.8%, P=0.138), and 90-day mortality (20.3% vs 16.3%, P=0.525). An interaction was noted for favorable functional outcome between the type of anesthesia and the baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) (P=0.033), degree of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis (P<0.001), and ICA stenting (P<0.001), and intraparenchymal hematoma between the type of anesthesia and intravenous thrombolysis (P=0.019). In a subgroup analysis, PS showed better functional outcomes in patients with age ≤70 years, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score <15, and acute ICA stenting.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the preference for PS not only aligns with comparable procedural safety but is also associated with superior functional outcomes. These results prompt a re-evaluation of current anesthesia practices in EVT, urging clinicians to consider patient-specific characteristics when determining the optimal anesthetic strategy for this patient population.