Comprehensive Analysis on Prognostic Signature Based on T Cell-Mediated Tumor Killing Related Genes in Gastric Cancer.

Although immunotherapy is a valuable treatment for gastric cancer (GC), identifying the patients who would benefit most from this approach presents a challenge. In this study, GC patients were divided into two subtypes by consensus clustering according to T cell-mediated tumor killing related genes (TTKRGs), and there were significant differences in tumor-infiltrating immune cells, signaling pathways, and gene expression of immunomodulators and inhibitory immune checkpoints between the two subtypes. Then, we developed an individualized signature based on TTKRGs, and its clinical and predictive value in GC patients for chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic responses was assessed. We confirmed the expression levels of signature genes in GC tumor tissue using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Additionally, to improve the accuracy of GC prognosis predictions, we established a nomogram. We further identified some compounds as sensitive drugs targeting GC risk groups. The signature showed significant predictive ability across RNA-seq, microarray, and qRT-PCR cohorts, which could assist in predicting survival, immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic outcomes in GC patients.

Prognosis and Prediction of Asymptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage After Endovascular Thrombectomy: A Multi-Center Study.

PURPOSE: The impact of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (aICH) on functional outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) remains unclear, and tools for forecasting this complication are lacking. We aim to evaluate the clinical relevance of aICH and establish a prediction model. METHODS: Data of patients who received EVT for acute anterior-circulation large vessel occlusion in 3 comprehensive hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. Asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was defined as any hemorrhage detected after EVT that did not fulfill the definition of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the impact of aICH on 90-day functional outcomes and identify the predictors of aICH, which were then used to establish a prediction model. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the model were evaluated. RESULTS: This study included 460 patients, among whom 152 (33.0%) developed aICH after EVT. Asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was negatively associated with 90-day excellent outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.414, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.230-0.745, p=0.003) and good outcome (adjusted OR: 0.603, 95% CI: 0.374-0.971, p=0.037), but not with mortality (adjusted OR: 1.110, 95% CI: 0.611-2.017, p=0.732) after adjusted for other predictors of functional outcome. Pre-stroke anticoagulant therapy (OR: 2.233, 95% CI: 1.073-4.647, p=0.032), Alberta stroke program early CT score (OR: 0.842, 95% CI: 0.754-0.939, p=0.002), site of occlusion (internal carotid artery occlusion as the reference; M1 segment of middle cerebral artery occlusion, OR: 2.827, 95% CI: 1.409-5.674, p=0.003; tandem occlusion, OR: 3.928, 95% CI: 1.752-8.806, p=0.001), intravenous thrombolysis (OR: 2.091, 95% CI: 1.362-3.209, p=0.001), and successful recanalization (OR: 0.383, 95% CI: 0.213-0.689, p=0.001) were identified as the predictors of aICH, which were incorporated into a nomogram model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.707 (95% CI: 0.657-0.757), and the calibration plot demonstrated good consistency between actual observed and predicted probability of aICH. Decision curve analysis showed that patients might benefit from the model. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was negatively associated with favorable functional outcome after EVT. We established a nomogram model for predicting aICH, which requires external clinical validation. CLINICAL IMPACT: The impact of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after endovascular thrombectomy on mid-term functional outcome has been controversial. We found that asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage may also decreased the likelihood of 90-day favourable functional outcome after endovascular thrombectomy, supporting the notion that asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage at the acute stage may not be benign. Moreover, we established a prediction model for this complication, which may improve clinical evaluation and management of patients who would receive endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion.

Joint Effects Between CDKN2B/P15 Methylation and Environmental Factors on the Susceptibility to Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of gastric cancer has long been at a high level in China, seriously affecting the health of Chinese people. AIMS: This case‒control study was performed to identify gene methylation biomarkers of gastric cancer susceptibility. METHODS: A total of 393 gastric cancer cases and 397 controls were included in this study. Gene methylation in peripheral blood leukocytes was detected by a methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting method, and the Helicobacter pylori antibody presence was semi-quantified in serum by ELISA. RESULTS: Individuals with total methylation of CDKN2B/P15 had a 1.883-fold (95%CI: 1.166-3.040, P = 0.010) risk of gastric cancer compared with unmethylated individuals. Individuals with both CDKN2B/P15 and NEUROG1 methylation had a higher risk of gastric cancer (OR = 2.147, 95% CI: 1.137-4.073, P = 0.019). The interaction between CDKN2B/P15 and NEUROG1 total methylation on gastric cancer risk was affected by the pattern of adjustment. In addition, the joint effects between CDKN2B/P15 total methylation and environmental factors, such as freshwater fish intake (OR = 6.403, 95% CI = 2.970-13.802, P < 0.001), irregular diet (OR = 5.186, 95% CI = 2.559-10.510, P < 0.001), unsanitary water intake (OR = 2.238, 95% CI = 1.144-4.378, P = 0.019), smoking (OR = 2.421, 95% CI = 1.456-4.026, P = 0.001), alcohol consumption(OR = 2.163, 95% CI = 1.309-3.576, P = 0.003), and garlic intake(OR = 0.373, 95% CI = 0.196-0.709, P = 0.003) on GC risk were observed, respectively. However, CDKN2B/P15 and NEUROG1 total methylation were not associated with gastric cancer prognosis. CONCLUSION: CDKN2B/P15 methylation in peripheral blood may be a potential biomarker for evaluating susceptibility to gastric cancer. The joint effects between CDKN2B/P15 methylation and environmental factors may also contribute to gastric cancer susceptibility.

Circularly Polarized Ultra-Wideband Antenna for Uni-Traveling-Carrier Photodiode Terahertz Source.

This paper proposes a circularly polarized ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna for a Uni-Traveling-Carrier Photodiode (UTC-PD) to meet the growing demand for bandwidth and polarization diversity in terahertz (THz) communication. In the design of the UTC-PD integrated antenna, the planar electrodes of the chip are directly integrated with the antenna to simplify the integration process. However, this integration introduces new problems, such as asymmetry inside the spiral antenna, which leads to a deterioration in the corresponding high-frequency performance. To address this issue, the antenna's structure is optimized, and a lens is integrated to enhance directivity and eliminate surface waves. As a result, the proposed antenna achieves a 100-1500 GHz (175%) impedance bandwidth and a 150-720 GHz (131%) axial ratio bandwidth for the UTC-PD. The maximum gain of the antenna is 21.05 dBi at 1 THz.

[Design and validation of a novel knee biomechanical test method].

A novel structural dynamics test method and device were designed to test the biomechanical effects of dynamic axial loading on knee cartilage and meniscus. Firstly, the maximum acceleration signal-to-noise ratio of the experimental device was calculated by applying axial dynamic load to the experimental device under unloaded condition with different force hammers. Then the experimental samples were divided into non-specimen group (no specimen loaded), sham specimen group (loaded with polypropylene samples) and bovine knee joint specimen group (loaded with bovine knee joint samples) for testing. The test results show that the experimental device and method can provide stable axial dynamic load, and the experimental results have good repeatability. The final results confirm that the dynamic characteristics of experimental samples can be distinguished effectively by this device. The experimental method proposed in this study provides a new way to further study the biomechanical mechanism of knee joint structural response under axial dynamic load.

Risk and Prognosis of Second Primary Cancers among Ovarian Cancer Patients, Based on SEER Database.

The purposes of the present study were to elucidate the risk and prognostic effect of second primary cancers (SPCs) development, as well as the factors influencing the prognosis of OC patients with SPCs. A statistically significant increase in SPCs risk was observed among OC patients during 2004-2015. The independent factors were used to construct the SPCs-prediction nomogram and the OS-prediction nomogram. Both nomogram were subjected to internal validation and performed well. OC patients with SPCs have a better prognosis than patients without SPCs. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to reduce confounding.

Risk factors associated with cardiovascular mortality among gastric cancer patients: a population-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients were found at a high risk of death from cardiovascular disease. This study aims to assess cardiovascular mortality risk and identify the potential risk factors associated with cardiovascular mortality among gastric cancer patients. METHODS: Gastric cancer patients were collected from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database during 1975-2016. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated to compare cardiovascular mortality rates between gastric cancer patients and the general US population. Univariable Cox analysis and multivariable stepwise Cox analysis were adopted to identify the potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease death after gastric cancer diagnosis. RESULTS: There were 10 886 cardiovascular disease deaths identified among 165 433 individuals with gastric cancer observed for 410207.20 person-years. Gastric cancer patients were at a higher cardiovascular disease mortality risk (standardized mortality ratio = 3.35, 95% confidence interval: 3.24-3.47, P < 0.05). The study showed that older age at diagnosis (>80 years vs. 0-69 years, hazard ratio = 7.05, 95% confidence interval: 6.66-7.46, P < 0.001; 70-80 years vs. 0-69 years, hazard ratio = 3.35, 95% confidence interval: 3.19-3.53, P < 0.001), male sex (vs. female, hazard ratio = 1.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.33-1.45, P < 0.001), black race (vs. white, hazard ratio = 1.31, 95% confidence interval: 1.24-1.38, P < 0.001), without a partner (divorced/separated vs. married/partnered, hazard ratio = 1.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-1.45, P < 0.001; single vs. married/partnered, hazard ratio = 1.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.12-1.29, P < 0.001; widowed vs. married/partnered, hazard ratio = 1.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.34-1.48, P < 0.001), living in the northern plains (vs. pacific coast, hazard ratio = 1.23, 95% confidence interval: 1.16-1.29, P < 0.001) and surgery not performed (vs. performed, hazard ratio = 1.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.61-1.79, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease death. Compared with patients with localized stage, distant staged patients were less likely to die of cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio = 0.88, 95% confidence interval: 0.83-0.94, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Gastric cancer patients were at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease death. Older age at diagnosis, male sex, black race, without a partner, living in the northern plains and surgery not performed were significantly associated with cardiovascular disease death after gastric cancer diagnosis.

A pilot study of viscoelastic agent to prevent recurrent vitreous hemorrhage after vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the possibilty of preventing recurrent vitreous hemorrhage (RVH) after vitrectomy in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients with unabsorbed vitreous hemorrhage (VH) by intravitreal injection of viscoelastic agent (VA) at the end of the surgery and compared its effect with triamcinolone acetonide (TA). METHODS: This was a pilot prospective, observational study. PDR patients with VH who underwent vitrectomy were assigned to 3 groups according to the tamponade applicated at the end of the surgery, including VA group (intravitreally injected 1 ml VA if the retina was prone to bleed during the operation), TA group (intravitreally injected 2 mg TA when there was much exudates), or balanced salt solution (BSS) group (no tamponade). Then postoperative follow-up was performed routinely until 6 months after surgery. The primary outcome was the incidence of RVH, secondary outcome were the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and introcular pressure (IOP). Cataract formation and other complication were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 68 eyes, from 68 patients, were included. 18,18,32 eyes were enrolled in the VA group, TA group and BSS group, respectively. The integral incidence of RVH after vitrectomy was 5.6%, 5.6% and 12.5% respectively (P = 0.602). There was no early RVH in VA or TA group, whereas 3 early RVHs were identified in BSS group, however there was no significant difference (P = 0.171). Every group had one late RVH case. In all groups, final BCVA showed significant improvement compared to baseline. BCVA at any postoperative visit showed no significant differences among 3 groups. Mean IOP was higher 1 week after surgery in VA group compared with the other groups; however, in other times the differences were not significant. No cataract formation and other complication was noted in 3 groups. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of VA or TA at the end of vitrectomy for PDR patients with unabsorbed VH tend to reduce the incidence of early RVH after vitrectomy similarly. As VA was preferred to applicate in the eyes that were prone to bleed, intravitreal injection of VA at the end of vitrectomy might be a promising method for preventing RVH in PDR patients.

Association of ZNF331 and WIF1 methylation in peripheral blood leukocytes with the risk and prognosis of gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) DNA methylation may serve as a surrogate marker to evaluate the susceptibility to and prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). In this study, blood-derived DNA methylation levels of two tumour-related genes, namely, ZNF331 and WIF1, and their impacts on the risk and prognosis of GC were evaluated. METHODS: In total, 398 GC cases and 397 controls were recruited for the study. Then, all cases were followed up for 5 years. ZNF331 and WIF1 promoter methylation status in PBLs was measured using a methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting method. Logistic and Cox regression models were used to analyse the correlation between gene methylation and the risk and prognosis of GC. Confounders were balanced through propensity score (PS) matching. RESULTS: High ZNF331 methylation significantly decreased GC risk after PS adjustment (OR = 0.580, 95% CI: 0.375-0.898, P = 0.015), which also presented in males (OR = 0.577, 95% CI: 0.343-0.970, P = 0.038). However, WIF1 methylation was not associated with GC risk. Additionally, significant combined effects between ZNF331 methylation and the intake of green vegetables and garlic were observed (OR = 0.073, 95% CI: 0.027-0.196, P < 0.001 and OR = 0.138, 95% CI: 0.080-0.238, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, ZNF331 and WIF1 methylation had no impact on the prognosis of GC. CONCLUSION: ZNF331 methylation in PBLs may affect GC risk in combination with the consumption of green vegetables and garlic and may act as a potential biomarker of GC.

The risk and prognosis of secondary primary malignancy in lung cancer: a population-based study.

Aim: To assess and predict risk and prognosis of lung cancer (LC) patients with second primary malignancy (SPM). Methods: LC patients diagnosed from 1992 to 2016 were obtained through the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Standardized incidence ratios were calculated to evaluate SPM risk. Cox regression and competing risk models were applied to assess the factors associated with overall survival, SPM development and LC-specific survival. Nomograms were built to predict SPM probability and overall survival. Results & conclusion: LC patients remain at higher risk of SPM even though the incidence declines. Patients with SPM have a better prognosis than patients without SPM. The consistency indexes for nomograms of SPM probability and overall survival are 0.605 (95% CI: 0.598-0.611) and 0.644 (95% CI: 0.638-0.650), respectively.

Lay abstract One of the noteworthy complications in cancer survivors is the development of a second primary malignancy (SPM). This study included lung cancer (LC) patients diagnosed from 1992 to 2016 obtained through the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The authors found that the incidence of SPM in LC has declined. LC patients have a higher risk of a subsequent cancer compared with the general population, especially with regard to digestive, respiratory and urinary system cancers. In this sample, the authors also found that the prognosis of LC patients with SPM is better than that of those without SPM. Finally, this study evaluated the factors influencing the prognosis of SPM patients.

Ultrastructural study of closed macular hole- preliminary application of a novel high magnification module combining with OCT.

BACKGROUND: As a novel high magnification module (HMM) combining with OCT (OCT-HMM) is able to detect the microstructure of retina, we apply it to explore the ultrastructure of the macula after closure of the idiopathic macular hole (IMH) by surgery. METHODS: This is an observational case series study in which patients with full-thickness IMHs who had undergone successful macular closure by vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling and healthy subjects were recruited. After comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, the images of macular area were obtained and collected by professional operators using OCT-HMM. Then images were independently analyzed by 4 masked vitreoretinal specialists. RESULTS: A total of 24 IMH eyes and 42 healthy eyes were examined. HMM images were obtained in 10 IMH eyes. Among them, 4 eyes whose macula closed completely with recovery of photoreceptor layer presented a dark arc nasal to the fovea, oriented to the optic, and the notch of arc faced temporally. Six eyes in which the macula closed incompletely with photoreceptor cells loss revealed a dark ring with uneven bright spots inside. The other 14 eyes failed to obtain clear images by OCT-HMM. The contra lateral eyes of the patients and the healthy subjects' eyes succeeded to obtain the HMM images which displayed evenly grey background thickly covered with tiny bright dots that was in similar size and evenly and widely distributed and there no dark arc or ring. OCT B-scan and IR images could be acquired in all of the IMH and healthy eyes. CONCLUSION: The preliminary application of HMM has supplied us a brand-new insight into the microstructure of closed IMH. A dark arc sign could be detected with OCT-HMM in the macula which was functionally closed after surgery that was probably the healing mark on a microstructure photoreceptors level. Its existence and shape indicated that the functional closure followed by a retinal displacement mainly horizontally from temporal side to nasal side but not symmetric centripetally.

Association between the methylation of the STAT1 and SOCS3 in peripheral blood and gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification that can promote the development of various cancers. The STAT1 and SOCS3 have been observed to be hypermethylated in tumor tissues and peripheral blood. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the methylation status of the STAT1 and SOCS3 in peripheral blood and gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: This hospital-based case-control study involved 372 patients with GC and 379 controls. The methylation status of the STAT1 and SOCS3 was semiquantitatively determined using the methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting method. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the STAT1 and SOCS3 methylation status and GC susceptibility. Moreover, propensity scores were used to control confounding factors. RESULTS: Compared with negative methylation, the positive methylation of SOCS3 significantly increased the risk of GC (ORa  = 1.820, 95% CI: 1.247-2.658, P = 0.002). This trend was also found via stratified analysis, and methylation positivity of the SOCS3 significantly increased the risk of GC in the < 60 years group, in the ≥ 60 years group, and in the positive Helicobacter pylori infection group (ORa  = 1.654, 95% CI: 1.029-2.660, P = 0.038; ORa  = 1.957, 95% CI: 1.136-3.376, P = 0.016; ORa  = 2.084, 95% CI: 1.270-3.422, P = 0.004, respectively). Additionally, no significant association was found between STAT1 methylation and GC risk (ORa  = 0.646, 95% CI: 0.363-1.147, P = 0.135). This study found that the interaction between the methylation status of STAT1 and SOCS3 and environmental factors did not have an impact on GC risk. CONCLUSION: SOCS3 methylation may serve as a new potential biomarker for GC susceptibility.

Angiogenic and inflammatory biomarker levels in aqueous humor and vitreous of neovascular glaucoma and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To explore the relationships between the aqueous and vitreous levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), interleukin-8 (IL-8), placental growth factor (PlGF) and erythropoietin (EPO) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and neovascular glaucoma (NVG). METHODS: Aqueous and vitreous samples were obtained from patients with PDR and NVG during surgery. Aqueous and vitreous concentrations of VEGF-A, IL-8, PlGF and EPO were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: No correlation between the aqueous and vitreous levels of VEGF-A, IL-8, PlGF or EPO was found in both the PDR and the NVG eyes. Aqueous VEGF-A was significantly higher in the NVG group (317.55 ± 36.25 pg/ml, n = 15) than that in the PDR group (256.23 ± 46.11 pg/ml, n = 17, P < 0.001). The level of VEGF-A in aqueous (317.55 ± 36.25 pg/ml, n = 15) was significantly higher than that in vitreous (224.74 ± 60.32 pg/ml, n = 15, P < 0.001) in NVG patients. The level of IL-8 in aqueous (76.55 ± 10.88 pg/ml, n = 17) was significantly higher than that in vitreous (63.55 ± 10.74 pg/ml, n = 17, P = 0.001) in PDR patients. The level of EPO in aqueous (18.62 ± 2.87 mIU/ml, n = 15) was significantly higher than that in vitreous (15.97 ± 3.11 mIU/ml, n = 15, P = 0.022) in NVG patients. The ratio of aqueous versus vitreous for VEGF-A was significantly higher in the NVG group (1.475 ± 0.289, n = 15) than that in the PDR group (0.996 ± 0.227, n = 17, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Aqueous levels of VEGF-A, IL-8, PlGF and EPO do not correlate with vitreous levels of those proteins. The relationship between protein levels in aqueous humor and vitreous might be dependent on different disease status or protein types investigated.

Combined effect between WT1 methylation and Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, and alcohol consumption on the risk of gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral blood leukocyte DNA methylation status has been proposed to be a surrogate marker for evaluating susceptibility to gastric cancer (GC). Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection, smoking, and alcohol consumption are known to induce gene methylation. A case-control study was performed to investigate the interactions between the methylation of two candidate genes and H pylori infection, smoking, and alcohol consumption in the risk of GC. METHODS: A total of 400 GC cases and 402 controls were included in this study. The methylation status of WT1 and IGF2 was semiquantitatively determined by using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting assays. H pylori IgG antibodies were detected by ELISA method. RESULTS: Based on the area under the curve (AUC), 0% methylated DNA and 0.5% methylated DNA were used as the cutoff values for WT1 and IGF2, respectively. WT1 methylation was significantly associated with increased GC risk (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.09-2.51, P = .019), especially in males (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.10-2.95, P = .019) and older individuals (≥60 years) (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.15-3.57, P = .014). A significant combination was observed between WT1 methylation and H pylori infection, alcohol consumption, and smoking for the risk of GC (ORc  = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.47-3.55, P = .003, ORc  = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.37-3.51, P = .001, ORc  = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.39-3.51, P = .001, respectively). However, no association between IGF2 methylation and the risk of GC was found in this study. CONCLUSIONS: WT1 methylation may serve as a new potential biomarker for GC susceptibility and can combine with H pylori infection, smoking, and alcohol consumption to influence GC risk.

Curcumin Alleviates Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, and Promotes Behavioral Recovery After Traumatic Brain Injury.

BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress after traumatic brain injury (TBI) can further lead to neuronal apoptosis, which plays a crucial role in the process of neuron death. Curcumin, which is derived from the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant, has multiple pharmacological effects. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate whether curcumin treatment has neuroprotective effects after TBI, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. METHODS: A total of 124 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Sham group, TBI group, TBI+Vehicle group, and TBI+Curcumin group. The TBI mice model used in this study was constructed with TBI device induced by compressed gas, and 50 mg/kg curcumin was injected intraperitoneally 15 minutes after TBI. Then, the blood-brain barrier permeability, cerebral edema, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis-related protein, and behavioral tests of neurological function were utilized to evaluate the protective effect of curcumin after TBI. RESULTS: Curcumin treatment markedly alleviated post-trauma cerebral edema and blood-brain barrier integrity, and suppressed neuronal apoptosis, reduced mitochondrial injury and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Moreover, curcumin also attenuates TBI-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress in brain tissue and improves cognitive dysfunction after TBI. CONCLUSION: These data provide substantial evidence that curcumin has neuroprotective effects in animal TBI models, possibly through the inhibition of inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

Modulating Brain Activity with Invasive Brain-Computer Interface: A Narrative Review.

Brain-computer interface (BCI) can be used as a real-time bidirectional information gateway between the brain and machines. In particular, rapid progress in invasive BCI, propelled by recent developments in electrode materials, miniature and power-efficient electronics, and neural signal decoding technologies has attracted wide attention. In this review, we first introduce the concepts of neuronal signal decoding and encoding that are fundamental for information exchanges in BCI. Then, we review the history and recent advances in invasive BCI, particularly through studies using neural signals for controlling external devices on one hand, and modulating brain activity on the other hand. Specifically, regarding modulating brain activity, we focus on two types of techniques, applying electrical stimulation to cortical and deep brain tissues, respectively. Finally, we discuss the related ethical issues concerning the clinical application of this emerging technology.

Low-Dose Ketamine-Induced Deficits in Arbitrary Visuomotor Mapping in Monkeys.

Ketamine, an NMDA antagonist, is widely used in clinical settings. Recently, low-dose ketamine has gained attention because of its promising role as a rapid antidepressant. However, the effects of low-dose ketamine on brain function, particularly higher cognitive functions of primate brains, are not fully understood. In this study, we used two macaques as subjects and found that acute low-dose ketamine administration significantly impaired the ability for arbitrary visuomotor mapping (AVM), a form of associative learning (AL) essential for flexible behaviors, including executions of learned stimuli-response contingency or learning of new contingencies. We conducted in-depth analyses and identified intrinsic characteristics of these ketamine-induced functional deficits, including lowered accuracy, prolonged time for planning and movement execution, increased tendency to make errors when visual cues are changed from trial to trial, and stronger impact on combining associative learning and another key higher cognitive function, working memory (WM). Our results shed new light on how associative learning relies on the NMDA-mediated synaptic transmission of the brain and contribute to a better understanding of the potential acute side effects of low-dose ketamine on cognition, which can help facilitate its safe usage in medical practice.

A Nomogram for Predicting Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage after Endovascular Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) is a devastating complication of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). We aim to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting sICH in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective analysis on collected data from patients undergoing EVT for LVO in the anterior circulation between January 2018 and December 2021. Forward stepwise logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of sICH and establish a nomogram. The discrimination and calibration of the model was accessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) and calibration plot. The model was internally validated using bootstrap and 5-fold cross-validation. RESULTS: 243 patients were included, among whom 23 developed sICH (9.5%). After multivariate logistic regression, baseline glucose level (odds ratio [OR], 1.16; p = 0.022), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (OR, 0.44; p < 0.001), regional Leptomeningeal Collateral score (OR, 0.74; p < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of sICH, which were then incorporated into a predictive nomogram. The ROC curve of the model showed good discriminative ability with an AUC of 0.856 (95% CI: 0.785-0.928). The calibration plot of the model demonstrated good consistency between the actual observed and the predicted probability of sICH. The model was internally validated by using bootstrap (1000 resamples) with an AUC of 0.835 (95%CI: 0.782-0.887) and 5-fold cross-validation with an AUC of 0.831 (95%CI: 0.775-0.887). CONCLUSION: Our model is a reliable tool to predict sICH after EVT. Although the model was internally validated, further external validation is also warranted.

Clot Meniscus Sign Is Associated With Thrombus Permeability and Choice of Mechanical Thrombectomy Technique in Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion.

Background and Purpose: The method of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is related to vascular anatomy and stroke etiology. Meniscus sign and thrombus permeability as imaging markers may be instructive for the selection of MT. This study aims to clarify the relationship among meniscus sign, thrombus permeability, and choice of MT in patients with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion. Materials and Methods: A total of 111 patients with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) who underwent MT were retrospectively analyzed. Clot meniscus sign was defined as the appearance of meniscoid/edge-like or single- or double-wall contrast channels besides or around insular blood clots. The radiographic, clinical, and surgical data of patients with MCAO with or without meniscus sign were compared. Results: The meniscus sign positive group (n = 26) has higher thrombus permeability (HUs) (26.92 ± 9.69 vs. 22.84 ± 7.88, p = 0.031) than those without it. Shorter puncture-to-recanalization (P2R) time (65.5 vs. 88, p = 0.012), higher complete recanalization rate (85.71 vs. 33.33%, p < 0.01), and better clinical outcome (p < 0.01) were obtained by selecting contact aspiration (CA) over stent retriever (SR) in patients with positive meniscus sign. In patients with negative meniscus sign, there was no significant difference in clinical outcome after receiving CA or SR. Conclusion: Patients with MCAO with positive meniscus sign have higher thrombus permeability and are more suitable for CA to acquire better clinical outcomes.