Post-acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia aggravates destruction of the blood-brain barrier

Post-acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia increases the risk of hemorrhagic transformation,which is associated with blood-brain barrier disruption.Brain microvascular endothelial cells are a major component of the blood-brain barrier.Intercellular mitochondrial transfer has emerged as a novel paradigm for repairing cells with mitochondrial dysfunction.In this study,we first investigated whether mitochondrial transfer exists between brain microvascular endothelial cells,and then investigated the effects of post-acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia on mitochondrial transfer between brain microvascular endothelial cells.We found that healthy brain microvascular endothelial cells can transfer intact mitochondria to oxygen glucose deprivation-injured brain microvascular endothelial cells.However,post-oxygen glucose deprivation hyperglycemia hindered mitochondrial transfer and exacerbated mitochondrial dysfunction.We established an in vitro brain microvascular endothelial cell model of the blood-brain barrier.We found that post-acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia reduced the overall energy metabolism levels of brain microvascular endothelial cells and increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier.In a clinical study,we retrospectively analyzed the relationship between post-acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia and the severity of hemorrhagic transformation.We found that post-acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia serves as an independent predictor of severe hemorrhagic transformation.These findings suggest that post-acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia can aggravate disruption of the blood-brain barrier by inhibiting mitochondrial transfer.

Non-coding RNAs in acute ischemic stroke:from brain to periphery

Acute ischemic stroke is a clinical emergency and a condition with high morbidity,mortality,and disability.Accurate predictive,diagnostic,and prognostic biomarkers and effective therapeutic targets for acute ischemic stroke remain undetermined.With innovations in high-throughput gene sequencing analysis,many aberrantly expressed non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs)in the brain and peripheral blood after acute ischemic stroke have been found in clinical samples and experimental models.Differentially expressed ncRNAs in the post-stroke brain were demonstrated to play vital roles in pathological processes,leading to neuroprotection or deterioration,thus ncRNAs can serve as therapeutic targets in acute ischemic stroke.Moreover,distinctly expressed ncRNAs in the peripheral blood can be used as biomarkers for acute ischemic stroke prediction,diagnosis,and prognosis.In particular,ncRNAs in peripheral immune cells were recently shown to be involved in the peripheral and brain immune response after acute ischemic stroke.In this review,we consolidate the latest progress of research into the roles of ncRNAs(microRNAs,long ncRNAs,and circular RNAs)in the pathological processes of acute ischemic stroke–induced brain damage,as well as the potential of these ncRNAs to act as biomarkers for acute ischemic stroke prediction,diagnosis,and prognosis.Findings from this review will provide novel ideas for the clinical application of ncRNAs in acute ischemic stroke.

Relationship between serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels and cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND Acute ischemic stroke(AIS)is a significant global health issue with increasing incidence owing to aging populations and rising cardiovascular risk factors.In addition to physical impairments,AIS frequently leads to neuropsychiatric co-mplications,such as cognitive impairment,anxiety,and depressive symptoms,which adversely affect patients’quality of life and rehabilitation.Neutrophil ge-latinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL)has emerged as a potential biomarker for various conditions,including AIS.This study investigated the association bet-ween serum NGAL levels at admission and neuropsychiatric complications in patients with AIS.neuropsychiatric complications in patients with AIS.METHODS Between January 2022 and December 2023,150 patients with AIS were enrolled.Serum NGAL levels were measured at admission using an enzyme-linked immu-nosorbent assay.Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination,while anxiety and depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at discharge.The relationship between serum NGAL levels and cognitive impairment,anxiety,and depressive symptoms was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression,adjusted for potential con-founders of age,sex,body mass index,smoking status,hypertension,diabetes mellitus,dyslipidemia,previous stroke,and stroke severity.RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 65.4±10.2 years,and 58%were males.Prevalence rates of cognitive impairment,anxiety,and depressive symptoms at discharge were 34.7%,28.0%,and 32.0%,respectively.Serum NGAL levels were significantly higher in patients with cognitive impairment(median:5.6 ng/mL vs 3.2 ng/mL,P<0.001),anxiety(median:5.1 ng/mL vs 3.5 ng/mL,P=0.002),and depressive symptoms(median:5.4 ng/mL vs 3.3 ng/mL,P<0.001),compared to those without these conditions.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher serum NGAL levels at admission were independently associated with cognitive impairment[odds ratio(OR)=1.42,95%confidence interval(CI):1.18-1.71,P<0.001],anxiety(OR=1.28,95%CI:1.09-1.51,P=0.003),and depressive symptoms(OR=1.39,95%CI:1.16-1.67,P<0.001)after adjusting for potential confounders.CONCLUSION Elevated serum NGAL levels were independently associated with cognitive impairment,anxiety,and depressive symptoms in patients with AIS;and may function as potential biomarkers for patients at risk.

Stroke:Evolution of newer treatment modalities for acute ischemic stroke

Acute ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.Restoration of cerebral blood flow to affected ischemic areas has been the cornerstone of therapy for patients for eligible patients as early diagnosis and treatment have shown improved outcomes.However,there has been a paradigm shift in the management approach over the last decade,and with the emphasis currently directed toward including newer modalities such as neuroprotection,stem cell treatment,magnetic stimulation,anti-apoptotic drugs,delayed recanali-zation,and utilization of artificial intelligence for early diagnosis and suggesting algorithm-based management protocols.

Identification of risk factors and construction of a nomogram predictive model for post-stroke infection in patients with acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND Post-stroke infection is the most common complication of stroke and poses a huge threat to patients.In addition to prolonging the hospitalization time and increasing the medical burden,post-stroke infection also significantly increases the risk of disease and death.Clarifying the risk factors for post-stroke infection in patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS)is of great significance.It can guide clinical practice to perform corresponding prevention and control work early,minimizing the risk of stroke-related infections and ensuring favorable disease outcomes.AIM To explore the risk factors for post-stroke infection in patients with AIS and to construct a nomogram predictive model.METHODS The clinical data of 206 patients with AIS admitted to our hospital between April 2020 and April 2023 were retrospectively collected.Baseline data and post-stroke infection status of all study subjects were assessed,and the risk factors for poststroke infection in patients with AIS were analyzed.RESULTS Totally,48 patients with AIS developed stroke,with an infection rate of 23.3%.Age,diabetes,disturbance of consciousness,high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score at admission,invasive operation,and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)were risk factors for post-stroke infection in patients with AIS(P<0.05).A nomogram prediction model was constructed with a C-index of 0.891,reflecting the good potential clinical efficacy of the nomogram prediction model.The calibration curve also showed good consistency between the actual observations and nomogram predictions.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.891(95%confidence interval:0.839–0.942),showing predictive value for post-stroke infection.When the optimal cutoff value was selected,the sensitivity and specificity were 87.5%and 79.7%,respectively.CONCLUSION Age,diabetes,disturbance of consciousness,NIHSS score at admission,invasive surgery,and COPD are risk factors for post-stroke infection following AIS.The nomogram prediction model established based on these factors exhibits high discrimination and accuracy.

Application of Time-Tracking Platform in the Reperfusion Treatment of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke in Primary Hospitals

Objective To explore the application effect of time tracking platform in improving the reperfusion treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke in primary hospitals. Methods and Results Patients with acute ischemic stroke who carried out emergency intravenous thrombolysis and arterial thrombectomy in our hospital in 2021, 2022 and 2023 were selected. The time tracking mode was implemented, and the patients were recorded at each time node of the hospital and the whole-process digital management was conducted. Compared the mean DNT (Door to Needle Time) of intravenous thrombolysis in emergency stroke patients in 2021, 2022 and 2023, the total number of hospital cases within 4.5 h of onset, the total number of thrombolysis cases within 4.5 h of onset, the number of intravenous thrombolysis in 60 minutes of acute ischemic stroke, and the number of thrombolysis cases. The results show that from 2021 to 2023 our emergency stroke patients with intravenous thrombolysis average DNT shortened year by year, to the hospital within 4.5 h after the onset of the difference is statistically significant (all P < 0.05) conclusion through the application of stroke time tracking platform, is beneficial to shorten the treatment time of each link, can effectively reduce the hospital time delay, improve the rate of thrombolysis, improve the reperfusion of stroke centers in primary hospitals.

The Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Dropping Pill Combined with Butylphthalide Capsule on Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients after Acute Ischemic Stroke and Its Impact on Serum Cytokines

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of Ginkgo biloba extract dropping pills combined with butylphthalide capsules on cognitive dysfunction in patients after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and its impact on serum cytokines CRP, IL-6, and Hcy. Methods: This study selected 76 patients with cognitive dysfunction after ischemic stroke who were hospitalized at Zhuji People’s Hospital from January 2023 to January 2024. The patients were divided into two groups. The control group was treated with butylphthalide capsules, while the combination group received Ginkgo biloba extract dropping pills in addition to the treatment given to the control group. The neurological function, cognitive function, activities of daily living, and levels of serum cytokines CRP, IL-6, and Hcy were compared between the two groups after 1 month and 3 months of treatment. Results: The NIHSS scores, MMSE scores, ADL scores, and levels of CRP, IL-6, and Hcy in both groups showed statistically significant differences compared to before treatment (P Conclusion: The combination of Ginkgo biloba extract dropping pills and butylphthalide capsules has a better therapeutic effect on cognitive dysfunction in patients after ischemic stroke. It can improve the neurological function and cognitive function of patients, enhance their ability to perform daily activities, and reduce inflammatory responses.

Platelet-to-neutrophil ratio predicts hemorrhagic transformation and unfavorable outcomes in acute ischemic stroke with intravenous thrombolysis

BACKGROUND Acute ischemic stroke(AIS)retains a notable stance in global disease burden,with thrombolysis via recombinant tissue plasminogen activator(rtPA)serving as a viable management approach,albeit with variable outcomes and the potential for complications like hemorrhagic transformation(HT).The platelet-to-neutrophil ratio(P/NR)has been considered for its potential prognostic value in AIS,yet its capacity to predict outcomes following rtPA administration demands further exploration.AIM To elucidate the prognostic utility of P/NR in predicting HT and clinical outcomes following intravenous rtPA administration in AIS patients.METHODS Data from 418 AIS patients treated with intravenous rtPA at Thammasat University Hospital from January 2018 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The relationship between P/NR and clinical outcomes[early neurological deterioration(E-ND),HT,delayed ND(D-ND),and 3-mo outcomes]was scrutinized.RESULTS Notable variables,such as age,diabetes,and stroke history,exhibited statistical disparities when comparing patients with and without E-ND,HT,D-ND,and 3-mo outcomes.P/NR prognostication revealed an optimal cutoff of 43.4 with a 60.3%sensitivity and a 52.5%specificity for 90-d outcomes.P/NR prognostic accuracy was statistically significant for 90-d outcomes[area under the curve(AUC)=0.562],D-ND(AUC=0.584),and HT(AUC=0.607).CONCLUSION P/NR demonstrated an association with adverse 3-mo clinical outcomes,HT,and D-ND in AIS patients post-rtPA administration,indicating its potential as a predictive tool for complications and prognoses.This infers that a diminished P/NR may serve as a novel prognostic indicator,assisting clinicians in identifying AIS patients at elevated risk for unfavorable outcomes following rtPA therapy.

The effect of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction on inflammatory factors and oxidative stress in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Objective:To study the clinical efficacy of Huanglian Jiedu decoction in treating acute ischemic stroke(AIS)and its effects on inflammatory factors and oxidative stress.Method:A total of 53 patients with AIS were recruited as the study subjects and randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group using a random number table method.The control group consisted of 26 patients and the treatment group consisted of 27 patients.The control group received conventional Western medicine treatment.The control group received routine Western medicine treatment,while the treatment group received Huanglian Jiedu decoction based on the control group,with 14 days as a course of treatment.The effects of Huanglian Jiedu decoction on neurological function and activities of daily living were evaluated using the National Institute of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)and activities of daily living(ADL)scores.The effects of Huanglian Jiedu decoction on inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress were evaluated by detecting interleukin-4(IL-4),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),transforming growth factorβ(TGF-β),total antioxidative capacity(T-AOC),malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and catalase(CAT)levels.Results:After treatment with Huanglian Jiedu Decoction,the ALD scores of AIS patients in both groups increased,while the NISHH scores decreased,suggesting that Huanglian Jiedu Decoction has therapeutic effects on AIS patients.It also reduces the levels of serum IL-6,TNF-α,MDA in AIS patients and increases the levels of IL-4,TGF-β,CAT,SOD,T-AOC,suggesting that Huanglian Jiedu decoction can improve the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities of AIS patients.Conclusion:Huanglian Jiedu decoction can help AIS patients recover their neurological function,increase their capacity for self-care in daily life,and strengthen the body’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant defenses.

The Effect of the Early Application of Tirofiban on Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) after Intravenous Thrombolysis with Urokinase

Objective:Discussion and analysis of the effect of the early application of Tirofiban on acute ischemic stroke(AIS)after intravenous thrombolysis with urokinase.Method:The subjects of this study are 40 patients with AIS admitted at the Yibin Fourth People’s Hospital,of which were computer-randomized into a control group(20 cases,with regular urokinase intravenous thrombolysis therapy)and a research group(20 cases,combined with early Tirofiban treatment)from January 2018 to December 2022.The intervention outcomes between these two groups were compared and analyzed.Result:The blood platelet-related parameters before treatment had no statistical difference between the two groups(P>0.05),but the research group was higher than that of the control group after treatment(P<0.05).The Barthel index before treatment in both groups had no statistical difference(P>0.05),but the research group was higher than that of the control group after treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion:Early Tirofiban treatment for patients with AIS after intravenous thrombolysis with urokinase could effectively regulate the blood platelet-related parameters,hence improving treatment benefits and living capacity for patients,with definite clinical benefits.

Characteristic metabolic and microbial profiles in acute ischemic stroke patients with phlegm-heat pattern

Objective:To explore the characteristics of plasma metabolites,feces gut microbiota and the crosstalk between gut microbiota and host metabolism in patients with acute ischemic stroke and phlegm-heat pattern(AIS-PHP).Methods:The metabolic and microbiome profiles of 20 AIS-PHP patients and 20 healthy controls(HCs)were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)-based metabolomics and 16s rDNA sequencing,respectively.The covariation between LC-MS/MS-based metabolite data and 16s rDNA sequence data was presented.Results:Distinct alterations in the plasma metabolic phenotype of AIS-PHP patients were found,in which 16 metabolites differed significantly between the AIS-PHP patients and the HCs.These metabolites represented 17 different metabolic pathways,including amino acid metabolism,lipid metabolism,and nucleotide metabolism.Additionally,significant alterations of gut microbiota composition and taxon were revealed at the phylum level between the AIS-PHP patients and the HCs.In AIS-PHP,Bacteroidetes,Firmicutes,and Proteobacteria dominated.Moreover,some microbes that differed between the 2 groups manifested a sole association with certain metabolites,such as the connection between Bacteroides and inosine and between Lachnospiraceae_unclassified and hypoxanthine.Conclusion:The present study preliminarily investigated the metabolomic and gut microbiome characteristics of AIS-PHP patient indicators.The link between metabolic and microbial dysbiosis in AIS-PHP sheds new light on the function of gut microbiota and associated metabolomics in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Mechanical thrombectomy and postoperative complications after acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion

Acute ischemic stroke is one of the common discases in Chinese,among which acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion(AIS-LVO)has thc most serious complications and has the risk of death.Studies have shown that reperfusion is a first-line treatment for the effective rescue of ischemic brain tissue,usually mainly by mechanical|hrombectomy(MT),supplemented by intravenous thrombolysis.However,there are still complications after large blood vessel occlusion and MT.such as blecding and infection at the puncture point,vasospasm,vascular dissection,subarachnoid hemorrhage,hcmonhagic transfomation,reembolization,and massive cerebral infarction,ctc.The high risk factors and corresponding measures of complications after MT by revicwing the rescarch analysis.

Image-based visualization of stents in mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke:Preliminary findings from a series of cases

BACKGROUND Mechanical thrombectomy is the most effective treatment for great cerebral artery embolization within a set time window.Typically,an arteriogram does not show the localization of the stent after release and whether a thrombus is captured or not.Thus,improving the visualization of a stent in interventional therapy will be helpful for clinicians.AIM To analyze stent imaging findings to enhance clinicians’understanding of a special circumstance,wherein a Solitaire AB retrievable stent was visible during the imaging of a thrombus capture that improved the success rate of stent-based mechanical thrombectomy.METHODS This was a retrospective study with four acute ischemic stroke(AIS)patients who underwent stent-based mechanical thrombectomy.RESULTS Patient 1 was a 64-year-old man admitted after 5 h of confusion;angiography revealed basilar artery occlusion.We inserted a stent into the left posterior cerebral artery-P2 segment and visualized the expanded stent that successfully captured a thrombus.Patient 2 was a 74-year-old man admitted with confusion,which lasted approximately 3 h.Angiography revealed a left middle cerebral artery(MCA)-M1 segment occlusion.A stent was deployed in the distal M2 segment,and we could visualize the stent by capturing the thrombus.Patient 3 was a 74-year-old woman admitted after experiencing left hemiplegia for 3 h.We deployed a stent at the distal right MCAM2 segment,and the developing stent captured a large thrombus.Patient 4 was an 82-year-old man who presented with confusion for 3 h.A developing stent was placed in the distal left MCA-M1 segment,which captured a large thrombus and several fragmented thrombi.CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge,this is the first report of stent imaging in patients with AIS.We demonstrated the usefulness and substantial potential of stent imaging in stent-based mechanical thrombectomy for AIS.

Perspectives on potential neuroprotective role of albumin in acute ischemic stroke

Albumin is the most abundant protein in plasma and is synthesized primarily in the liver.It has a variety of biological roles,such as increasing colloid osmotic pressure, and performing antioxidant, anti-inflam-matory,and substance transportation functions.Several studies have confirmed that albumin has neuroprotective effects and it has been used in the treatment of cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure.In this review we focus on the neuroprotective effects of albumin in ischemic stroke,such as the reduction of cerebral edema, antioxidant effects, protection of neuronal cell membranes, and increased cerebral blood flow. In addition, we summarize preclinical and clinical studies of albumin in ischemic stroke. We believe that the neuroprotective role of albumin should be re-investigated in the era of reperfusion therapy.

Early intravenous administration of tirofiban is recommended in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with alteplase:a meta-analysis

Background:The occurrence of early neurological deterioration following intravenous thrombolysis(IVT)is considered a particularly ominous clinical event and is strongly correlated with poor outcomes.Initiating tirofiban within 24 h after IVT has been suggested as a better treatment option to achieve long-term functional outcomes.However,the rationality of this remedy is a controversial.The purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of early intravenous tirofiban administration after IVT in patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods:Databases including PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science were searched for clinical trials on early tirofiban implementation after IVT in patients with AIS from inception to September 2022.Odds ratios(ORs)were generated for dichotomous variants via meta-analysis using STATA 17.0 MP.Results:Five clinical trials with 725 patients were eligible.The study outcomes demonstrated that early tirofiban administration after IVT was not associated with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage(OR,0.78;95%confidence interval(CI),0.22–2.74;P=0.70),asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage(OR,1.11;95%CI,0.52–2.37;P=0.80),systemic bleeding(OR,0.97;95%CI,0.42–2.23;P=0.94),and death(OR,1.05;95%CI,0.47–2.31;P=0.91),but may reduce the incidence of early neurological deterioration(OR,0.09;95%CI,0.02–0.50;P=0.01),and was significantly associated with 90-day excellent(modified Rankin scale score 0–1)(OR,2.01;95%CI,1.35–3.02;P=0.00)and favorable(modified Rankin scale score 0–2)(OR,2.30;95%CI,1.63–3.23;P=0.00)functional outcomes.Conclusion:The early intravenous administration of tirofiban after IVT in patients with AIS may be a safe and effective treatment strategy that improves long-term neurological functional outcomes without increasing the risk of adverse events.

Different strategies for ultra-early reperfusion therapy in anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke safety and effectiveness of the comparative observation

Background:To compare the safety and effectiveness of direct mechanical thrombectomy and bridging therapy for stroke with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion within 4.5 hours of onset.Methods:Retrospectively collected from 66 patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Neurology of Tongliao Hospital and Xuanwu Hospital from August 2019 to November 2021 within 4.5 hours.According to the different recanalization methods,30 patients were assigned to the direct thrombectomy treatment group,and 36 patients in the bridging treatment group(i.e.,the intravenous thrombolysis bridging mechanical thrombectomy treatment group).The primary outcome measure was the neurological outcome at the onset of 90d.Secondary outcome measures were intraoperative vascular recanalization and reperfusion,and the US National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 hours after surgery.The primary safety indicators are intracranial hemorrhage,including symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and non-symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage,and 90d mortality.Results:The direct thrombectomy group had lower body mass index,hypertension and baseline Alberta early computed tomography score than the bridging treatment group,and longer time from onset to visit than the bridging group(206.5(119.5,256.25)min vs.150.5(25.205,212.75)min),the above difference were statistically significant(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in successful vascular reperfusion(93%vs.89%),24 hours postoperative National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score(11(5,18)vs.11(5,20)),intracranial hemorrhage(11%vs.14%),symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage(7%vs.17%),90d mRS0 to 2 points(43%vs.36%)and 90d mortality(23%vs.22%)(P>0.05).Conclusion:Similar clinical efficacy and safety of direct mechanical thrombectomy and bridging therapy for acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusive stroke within 4.5 hours of onset,direct thrombectomy can be used as an alternative scheme for acute anterior circulation intracranial large artery occlusive stroke.

Diffusion kurtosis imaging of microstructural changes in brain tissue affected by acute ischemic stroke in different locations

The location of an acute ischemic stroke is associated with its prognosis. The widely used Gaussian model-based parameter, apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC), cannot reveal microstructural changes in different locations or the degree of infarction. This prospective observational study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Xiamen Second Hospital, China(approval No. 2014002).Diffusion kurtosis imaging(DKI) was used to detect 199 lesions in 156 patients with acute ischemic stroke(61 males and 95 females), mean age 63.15 ± 12.34 years. A total of 199 lesions were located in the periventricular white matter(n = 52), corpus callosum(n = 14), cerebellum(n = 29), basal ganglia and thalamus(n = 21), brainstem(n = 21) and gray-white matter junctions(n = 62). Percentage changes of apparent diffusion coefficient(ΔADC) and DKI-derived indices(fractional anisotropy [ΔFA], mean diffusivity [ΔMD], axial diffusivity [ΔD_a], radial diffusivity ΔDr, mean kurtosis [ΔMK], axial kurtosis [ΔK_a], and radial kurtosis [ΔK_r]) of each lesion were computed relative to the normal contralateral region. The results showed that(1) there was no significant difference in ΔADC, ΔMD, ΔD_a or ΔD_r among almost all locations.(2) There was significant difference in ΔMK among almost all locations(except basal ganglia and thalamus vs. brain stem; basal ganglia and thalamus vs. gray-white matter junctions; and brainstem vs. gray-white matter junctions.(3) The degree of change in diffusional kurtosis in descending order was as follows: corpus callosum > periventricular white matter > brainstem > gray-white matter junctions > basal ganglia and thalamus > cerebellum. In conclusion, DKI could reveal the differences in microstructure changes among various locations affected by acute ischemic stroke, and performed better than diffusivity among all groups.

Application of retrievable Solitaire AB stents in the endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke

Purpose: Retrievable stents are widely used in acute ischemic stroke(AIS); however, the results remain unclear in Chinese patients. This study aimed to explore the usefulness of Solitaire AB stents in AIS. Materials and Methods: Seventy-three AIS patients treated with Solitaire AB stents for thrombectomy of large artery occlusion of anterior circulation in January 2014-June 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Recanalization was assessed with the Thrombolysis In Cerebral Ischemia(TICI) scale. Clinical outcomes were assessed according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) and the modified Rankin Scale(mRS). Operation-related complications were recorded. The main factors affecting successful recanalization with Solitaire AB were analyzed. Results: The 73 patients enrolled included 39 males and 34 females(median age of 59 [31-78] years); 77 Solitaire AB stents were used. The initial recanalization rate with Solitaire AB as the first thrombectomy method was 53.42%(39/73; recanalization group). Among the 34 patients with failed stent retrieval, 32 underwent other treatments; the final arterial recanalization rate was 89.04%(65/73). Perioperative embolization events and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage(sICH) occurred in 5 and 8 patients, respectively. The mean NIHSS score was 9.12±3.86 one week after thrombectomy, significantly lower compared with admission values. In 31 patients(42.47%), NIHSS score decreased by >8. Good functional independence(mRS score≤2) was achieved in 39 patients(53.42%) at 90 days; 12 patients(16.44%) died. Compared with the recanalization group, the remaining patients showed lower AF and higher LAA percentages. Conclusion: Solitaire AB stents are useful in the endovascular treatment of AIS.

Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method for acute ischemic stroke： a meta-analysis of safety and efficacy

OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method for treating acute ischemic stroke.DATA SOURCES： We retrieved relevant randomized controlled trials involving Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture for treatment of acute ischemic stroke. The China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Weipu Information Resources System, Wanfang Medical Data System, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Cochrane Library, and Pub Med were searched from June 2006 to March 2016.DATA SELECTION： We analyzed randomized and semi-randomized clinical controlled trials that compared Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture with various control treatments, such as conventional drugs or other acupuncture therapies, for treatment of acute ischemic stroke. The quality of articles was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions（Version 5.1）, and the study was carried out using Cochrane system assessment methods. Rev Man 5.2 was used for the meta-analysis of the included studies.OUTCOME MEASURES： The mortality rate, disability rate, activities of daily living（Barthel Index）, and clinical efficacy were observed.RESULTS： Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. The meta-analysis showed that between Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture and the control treatment, Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture reduced the disability rate [risk ratio（RR） = 0.51, 95% confidence interval（CI） = 0.27-0.98, z = 2.03, P 〈 0.05], elevated the activities of daily living（weighted mean difference = 12.23, 95% CI： 3.66-20.08, z = 2.80, P 〈 0.005）, and had greater clinical efficacy（RR = 1.61, 95% CI： 1.23-2.09, z = 3.53, P 〈 0.0004）. However, there was no significant difference in mortality rate（RR = 0.61, 95% CI： 0.15-2.45, z = 0.70, P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： The Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method is effective and safe for acute ischemic stroke. However, there was selective bias in this study, and the likelihood of measurement bias is high. Thus, more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to provide reliable evidence of the efficacy and safety of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

Artificial intelligence software for assessing brain ischemic penumbra/core infarction on computed tomography perfusion:A real-world accuracy study

BACKGROUND With the increasingly extensive application of artificial intelligence(AI)in medical systems,the accuracy of AI in medical diagnosis in the real world deserves attention and objective evaluation.AIM To investigate the accuracy of AI diagnostic software(Shukun)in assessing ischemic penumbra/core infarction in acute ischemic stroke patients due to large vessel occlusion.METHODS From November 2021 to March 2022,consecutive acute stroke patients with large vessel occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy(MT)post-Shukun AI penumbra assessment were included.Computed tomography angiography(CTA)and perfusion exams were analyzed by AI,reviewed by senior neurointerventional experts.In the case of divergences among the three experts,discussions were held to reach a final conclusion.When the results of AI were inconsistent with the neurointerventional experts’diagnosis,the diagnosis by AI was considered inaccurate.RESULTS A total of 22 patients were included in the study.The vascular recanalization rate was 90.9%,and 63.6%of patients had modified Rankin scale scores of 0-2 at the 3-month follow-up.The computed tomography(CT)perfusion diagnosis by Shukun(AI)was confirmed to be invalid in 3 patients(inaccuracy rate:13.6%).CONCLUSION AI(Shukun)has limits in assessing ischemic penumbra.Integrating clinical and imaging data(CT,CTA,and even magnetic resonance imaging)is crucial for MT decision-making.