Factor XII contact activation can be prevented by targeting 2 unique patches in its epidermal growth factor-like 1 domain with a nanobody.

Background: Factor (F)XII triggers contact activation by binding to foreign surfaces, with the epidermal growth factor-like 1 (EGF-1) domain being the primary binding site. Blocking FXII surface-binding might hold therapeutic value to prevent medical device-induced thrombosis.

Objectives: To unravel and prevent EGF-1-mediated FXII surface-binding with a variable domain of heavy chain-only antibody (VH).

Improving our understanding on the clinical role of plasmin-mediated von Willebrand factor degradation.

Purpose Of Review: Von Willebrand factor (VWF) plays a pivotal role in primary hemostasis. A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with a ThromboSpondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) is primarily responsible for cleaving ultra-large VWF multimers into smaller, less adhesive forms. However, plasmin has also been shown to cleave VWF multimers.

An overview of the worldwide distribution of mutations in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with significant genetic influence. The gene is a major genetic contributor, particularly the Gly2019Ser mutation. This focused review investigates the global distribution of mutations, with emphasis on Gly2019Ser and other pathogenic variants.

Plasmin-cleaved von Willebrand factor as a biomarker for microvascular thrombosis.

von Willebrand factor (VWF) is an essential contributor to microvascular thrombosis. Physiological cleavage by ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) limits its prothrombotic properties, explaining why ADAMTS13 deficiency leads to attacks of microthrombosis in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). We previously reported that plasminogen activation takes place during TTP attacks in these patients.

Deep brain stimulation for movement disorders treatment in Africa: The current status, outcomes, and challenges.

Movement disorders (MDs), a diverse group of neurological conditions characterized by abnormal and involuntary movements, have a profound impact on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic intervention, offering relief from symptoms and improved quality of life. By implanting electrodes in specific brain regions and connecting them to a pulse generator, DBS modulates aberrant neural activity underlying these disorders.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Dystonia: Experience of a Moroccan University Hospital.

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established procedure that provides long-term symptom control of the third most common movement disorder: dystonia. In this study, we aim to report the experience of Ibn Rochd University Hospital in the treatment of dystonia using DBS of the globus pallidus internus, which represents an exceptional challenge for a developing country such as Morocco.

Methods: Since 2013, we selected five eligible candidates for DBS surgery at the university hospital Ibn Rochd.

RBD and hyposmia in Moroccan patients with a synucleinopathy: prevalence and the timing of occurrence in a large cohort.

Introduction: Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) and hyposmia are common in synucleinopathies and they tend to occur in connection to the prodromal development of these disorders. In this study, we sought to determine the prevalence of RBD and hyposmia and the timeline of their occurrence in a large cohort of Moroccan patients.

Methods: We recruited 774 consecutive patients with synucleinopathy and tauopathy at Ibn Rochd University Hospital of Casablanca.

Parkinson's disease research in Morocco: a review.

To quantify and provide an overview on the scientific productivity made by Moroccan academics in the research on Parkinson's disease (PD) and parkinsonism. Scientific articles, in either English or French, were gathered from published literature in three recognized databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus. We identified 95 published papers from which 39 articles have been extracted after removing inadequate publications and duplications between databases.

Factor XII Explored with AlphaFold - Opportunities for Selective Drug Development.

Medical device associated thrombosis is an important clinical problem. This type of thrombosis can result from Factor XII (FXII) binding to non-natural surface materials and subsequent activation of the contact pathway. This drives the development of new therapeutic strategies to block this pathway and information on the structural properties of FXII should catalyse this quest.

Microlyse: a thrombolytic agent that targets VWF for clearance of microvascular thrombosis.

Thrombotic microangiopathies are hallmarked by attacks of disseminated microvascular thrombosis. In thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), this is caused by a rise in thrombogenic ultra-large von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers because of ADAMTS13 deficiency. We previously reported that systemic plasminogen activation is therapeutic in a TTP mouse model.

Targeted SERPIN (TaSER): A dual-action antithrombotic agent that targets platelets for SERPIN delivery.

Background: Occlusive thrombi are not homogeneous in composition. The core of a thrombus is rich in activated platelets and fibrin while the outer shell contains resting platelets. This core is inaccessible to plasma proteins.

Aspirin withdrawal: A risk factor for ischemic stroke severity.

Introduction: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) cessation, is suggestive of a rebound phenomenon laying the ground for ischemic stroke (IS) re-occurrence but nothing is known about its implication for IS severity (ISS). Thus, the aim of our study is to examine whether or not aspirin withdrawal is a risk factor for ISS.

Patients And Methods: This study, recruited patients having presented an IS in the following 2 weeks of ASA withdrawal, matched with treatment free cases.

Isolated generalized myoclonus immune-mediated by SARS-CoV-2: an illustrative videotaped case.

Myoclonus in the context of COVID-19 is an increasingly recognized condition. The occurrence in an ICU context in hypoxic patients, with metabolic disorders, taking several types of medication, makes difficult to establish a precise cause. Also, the implication of SARS-CoV-2 by direct invasion of the CNS or by immune-mediated phenomena is not yet clear.

No impact of confinement during COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety and depression in Parkinsonian patients.

Background: Governments around the world have imposed varied containment measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 infection. The psychological impact could be highly negative in patients with neurologic condition like Parkinson's Disease (PD).

Methods: We prospectively evaluated symptoms of depression and anxiety in 50 (26 females; mean age at 60.

Othello syndrome in Parkinson's disease: A diagnostic emergency of an underestimated condition.

Othello syndrome (OS) is a type of delusional jealousy, characterized by the false absolute certainty of the infidelity of a partner. This syndrome is not uncommon in Parkinson's Disease (PD), appearing as side effect of Dopaminergic Agonists (DA) therapy. We analyze the observations of five patients with OS, diagnosed in a series of 250 consecutive PD patients during two years.

Assessment of eligibility for thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke patients in Morocco.

Introduction: intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) is an approved treatment for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). However, its use remains low. We aimed to assess the eligibility of thrombolysis for our patients with AIS before implementing this treatment method in our teaching hospital.