Effectiveness of technology-based stroke interventions to improve upper limb functioning in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) representing 69% of stroke incidence. Technology-based interventions offer potential for improving motor function and rehabilitation adherence; however, their impact in LMICs remains unknown.

Objective: To measure the efficacy of technological interventions compared to conventional physical rehabilitation in improving post- stroke upper limb motor function in LMICs.

Risk and impact of stroke across 38 countries and territories of the Americas from 1990 to 2021: a population-based trends analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

Background: Despite substantial declines in burden over time, stroke remains a public health threat in the Americas. This study aimed to assess the current magnitude, trends, and disparities in the estimates of stroke burden by sex and age in the Americas from 1990 to 2021.

Methods: Estimates from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2021 were used to analyze incidence, prevalence, mortality, years of life lost due to premature death, years lived with disabilities, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by stroke and its major subtypes stratified by age, and sex in the Americas from 1990 to 2021.

Attitudes of Neurologists Toward Serum Neurofilament Light-Chain Testing in the Management of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis with Cognitive Impairment.

Cognitive impairment has an impact upon the function and quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). High-serum neurofilament light-chain (sNfL) levels predict disease progression and are also associated with impaired cognitive performance. This study aimed to assess the attitudes of neurologists toward sNfL testing as regards making therapeutic decisions in clinically and radiologically stable patients experiencing cognitive decline.

Investigating tissue factor pathway inhibitor and other protease and protease inhibitors and their association with major adverse aortic events in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by the proteolytic breakdown of the extracellular matrix, leading to dilatation of the aorta and increased risk of rupture. Biomarkers that can predict major adverse aortic events (MAAEs) are needed to risk stratify patients for more rigorous medical treatment and potential earlier surgical intervention.

Objectives: The primary objective was to identify the association between baseline levels of these biomarkers and MAAEs over a period of 5 years.

Cost evaluation of acute ischemic stroke in Latin America: a multicentric study.

Background: Current literature highlights a gap in precise stroke cost data for Latin America. This study measures the real costs associated with acute ischemic stroke care in Latin America using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC). The findings aim to lay a solid foundation for adopting value-based healthcare (VBHC) strategies in the region.