Transient ischemic attack during smoking: The thrombotic state of erythrocytes and platelets illustrated visually.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is an important predictor of future ischemic events, including stroke. Due to the typically brief period of neurologic dysfunction, patients often overlook the importance of reporting a TIA. We have recently shown that platelet activation plays an important role in TIA pathology.

Platelet hyperactivity and fibrin clot structure in transient ischemic attack individuals in the presence of metabolic syndrome: a microscopy and thromboelastography study.

Background: Strokes are commonly preceded by transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). TIA is often associated with metabolic syndrome (causing chronic inflammation), resulting in a proinflammatory- and procoagulant-environment. The aim of this study was to determine whether platelet- and fibrin network-morphology or coagulation profiles of individuals that suffered a TIA in the presence of metabolic syndrome was altered when compared to healthy individuals.

Eryptosis as a marker of Parkinson's disease.

A major trend in recent Parkinson's disease (PD) research is the investigation of biological markers that could help in identifying at-risk individuals or to track disease progression and response to therapies. Central to this is the knowledge that inflammation is a known hallmark of PD and of many other degenerative diseases. In the current work, we focus on inflammatory signalling in PD, using a systems approach that allows us to look at the disease in a more holistic way.

Comparison of platelet ultrastructure and elastic properties in thrombo-embolic ischemic stroke and smoking using atomic force and scanning electron microscopy.

Thrombo-embolic ischemic stroke is a serious and debilitating disease, and it remains the second most common cause of death worldwide. Tobacco smoke exposure continues to be responsible for preventable deaths around the world, and is a major risk factor for stroke. Platelets play a fundamental role in clotting, and their pathophysiological functioning is present in smokers and stroke patients, resulting in a pro-thrombotic state.

Thromboembolic ischemic stroke and the presence of necrotic platelets: a scanning electron microscopy investigation.

Stroke is one of the most debilitating diseases worldwide, with its occurrence increasing in Western societies. Central to the pathogenesis of thromboembolic stroke is the involvement of platelets. During thromboembolic events, nucleated cells undergo cell death, and platelets are also affected by parameters causing these incidents.

A descriptive investigation of the ultrastructure of fibrin networks in thrombo-embolic ischemic stroke.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Formation of a fibrin clot is controlled by a group of tightly regulated plasma proteases and cofactors and a change in the fibrin fiber formation causes an alteration in clot morphology. This plays an important role during thrombotic events.