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ObjectiveDelayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is an independent risk factor for poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and is multifactorial in etiology. While prior studies have suggested a role for matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in early brain injury after SAH, its contribution to the pathophysiology of DCI is unclear.MethodsIn the first experiment, wild‐type (WT) and MMP‐9−/− mice were subjected to sham or endovascular perforation SAH surgery. In separate experiments, WT and MMP‐9−/−mice were administered vehicle or minocycline either pre‐ or post‐SAH. All mice underwent assessment of multiple components of DCI including vasospasm, neurobehavioral function, and microvessel thrombosis. In another experiment, rabbits were subjected to sham or cisterna magna injection SAH surgery, and administered vehicle or minocycline followed by vasospasm assessment.Results MMP‐9 expression and activity was increased after SAH. Genetic (MMP‐9−/− mice) and pharmacological (pre‐SAH minocycline administration) inhibition of MMP‐9 resulted in decreased vasospasm and neurobehavioral deficits. A therapeutically feasible strategy of post‐SAH administration of minocycline resulted in attenuation of multiple components of DCI. Minocycline administration to MMP‐9−/− mice did not yield additional protection. Consistent with experiments in mice, both pre‐ and post‐SAH administration of minocycline attenuated SAH‐induced vasospasm in rabbits.Interpretation MMP‐9 is a key player in the pathogenesis of DCI. The consistent attenuation of multiple components of DCI with both pre‐ and post‐SAH administration of minocycline across different species and experimental models of SAH, combined with the excellent safety profile of minocycline in humans suggest that a clinical trial in SAH patients is warranted.

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The literature about service learning in planning education contains a wealth of insights from practitioners at large research universities in urban settings. Very little has been written about experiences in rural areas. The Environmental Studies Department at St. Lawrence University has experimented with several strategies for service learning in rural northern New York. As a type of service learning, the research seminar offers several advantages over conventional internships and community-based independent study. These advantages are critical in rural areas of sparse population, where few agencies exist. Case studies involving conservation easements, community planning, and historical preservation demonstrate that some agencies derive real benefits from service learning. The case studies also illustrate the following lessons: the research seminar can engage a variety of planning issues and organizations; it is helpful, though not necessary, if sponsoring organizations articulate needs, but they should not anticipate preferred results from research; university staff should pay close attention to the sociopolitical context of participating agencies and ensure that students are fully immersed in the community; and service learning can make tangible contributions to the quality of rural life, thereby making these areas more attractive for residents who wish to stay.

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