URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01994720.

At present, it is necessary to identify specific biochemical, molecular, and genetic markers that can reliably aid in screening digestive cancer and correlate with the degree of disease development. Has-miR-129-5p is a small, non-coding molecule of RNA, circulating in plasma, gastric juice, and other biological fluids; it plays a protective role in tumoral growth, metastasis, etc. Furthermore, it is involved in various diseases, from the development of digestive cancer in cases of downregulation to neurodegenerative diseases and depression. Methods: We examined meta-analyses, research, and studies related to miR-129-5-p involved in digestive cancer and its implications in cancer processes, as well as metastasis, and described its implications in neurological diseases. Conclusions: Our review outlines that miR-129-5p is a significant controller of different pathways, genes, and proteins and influences different diseases. Some important pathways include the WNT and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways; their dysregulation results in digestive neoplasia and neurodegenerative diseases.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a non-specific inflammatory marker, correlated with the severity and prognosis of ischemic stroke. We performed a retrospective study in which were included 81 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke admitted between January and July 2017 in the Department of Neurology, Sibiu Emergency Clinical Hospital. CRP values were classified on three levels (0 - 5 mg / L, 5 - 50 mg / l and] 50 mg / l). We examined the correlation between CRP levels according to the type of ischemic (lacunar / territorial) stroke, the degree of motor deficit (quantified by the mRC scale), the associated risk factors and the mortality rate. PCR values above 50 mg / L were found in patients with territorial stroke (15%). Moderate motor deficits predominate, with PCR values ranging from 5-50 mg / L. The most important risk factors found in the patients included in our study were hypertension and atherosclerosis. We made correlations between these risk factors and the PCR values. In most cases with these two risk factors were recorded a mean PCR value (5-50 mg / L).For atherosclerosis the results were statistically significant, p = 0.021. Most patients (56%) had CRP levels ranging from 5 to 50 mg / L. These values recorded highest death rates. PCR it is an important marker of inflammation and it is important to be determined in all patients with acute ischemic stroke, especially which is thought to be correlated with the prognosis of these patients.

No abstract

We present a case of 42-year-old woman without significant medical history, admitted in our clinic for painful neck stiffness, aggravated by emotions and stress relieved during sleep, accompanied by sweating, predominantly lower limbs weakness. The symptoms insidiously appeared one month prior presentation. On neurological examination we found painful paravertebral and laterocervical muscle contracture and spastic paraparesis. Laboratory tests included the analysis of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD65) and anti-Borrelia antibodies, carcinoma antigens (CA 125, CA 15-3) which were found negative. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis found positive oligoclonal bands with a slight increase of IgG component. Other tests including thyroid function were found normal. Brain and spinal MRI examinations showed no changes. Methylprednisolone, baclofen and carbamazepine were administered without a significant improvement. After 4 months from the first admission, the patient returns with increased symptoms for which plasma exchange achieved a slight improvement of motor deficit and rigidity. Stiff person syndrome is thought to be triggered by anti-GAD antibodies that limit the GABA receptor activity, although about 10 to 40% of the patients do not shows these antibodies in the serum.