High-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging in ischemic stroke and carotid artery atherosclerotic stenosis: A review.

Ischemic stroke is a significant burden on human health worldwide. Carotid Atherosclerosis stenosis plays an important role in the comprehensive assessment and prevention of ischemic stroke patients. High-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as a successful technique for assessing carotid atherosclerosis stenosis. This advanced imaging modality has shown promise in effectively displaying a wide range of characteristics associated with the condition, leading to a comprehensive evaluation. High-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging not only enables a comprehensive evaluation of the instability of carotid atherosclerosis stenosis plaques but also provides valuable information for understanding the pathogenesis and predicting the prognosis of ischemic stroke patients. The purpose of this article is to review the application of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in ischemic stroke and carotid atherosclerotic stenosis.

Corrigendum: Anomalous papillary muscle insertion into the mitral valve leaflet in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: a lip nevus sign in echocardiography.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1292142.].

The impact and management of internet-based public opinion dissemination during emergencies: A case study of Baidu News during the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency has had a huge impact worldwide. We analyzed news headlines and keywords from the initial period of COVID-19, and explored the dissemination timeline of news related to the epidemic, and the impact of Internet-based media on the public using lifecycle theory and agenda-setting theory. We aimed to explore the impact of Baidu news headlines on public attention during the first wave of COVID-19, as well as the management mechanism of regulatory departments for social public opinion. METHODS: We searched Baidu News using the keywords "Novel Coronavirus" and "COVID-19" from 8 January to 21 February 2020, a total of 45 days, and used Python V3.6 to extract news samples during the first wave of the epidemic. We used text analysis software to structurally process captured news topics and content summaries, applied VOSviewer V6.19 and Ucinet V6.0 to examine key aspects of the data. RESULTS: We analyzed the impact of Baidu News headlines on social opinion during the first wave of COVID-19 in the budding, spread, and outbreak stage of the information lifecycle. From clustering visualization and social network analysis perspectives, we explored the characteristics of Baidu News during the initial stage of the COVID-19. The results indicated that agenda-setting coverage through online media helped to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19. The findings revealed that news reporting generated a high level of public attention toward a specific emergency event. CONCLUSIONS: The public requires accurate and objective information on the progress of COVID-19 through Baidu News headlines to inform their planning for the epidemic. Meanwhile, government can enhance the management mechanism of news dissemination, correct false and inaccurate news, and guide public opinion in a positive direction. In addition, timely official announcements on the progress of the COVID-19 outbreak and responses to matters of public concern can help calm tensions and maintain social stability.

Effect of moisture content on larval gut microbiome and the conversion of pig manure by black soldier fly.

The study investigated the influence of varied moisture levels in pig manure on the gut microbiome of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and their waste conversion efficiency. This encompassed alterations in nutrient components of both BSFL and pig manure, diversity and characterization of the BSFL gut microbiota, and the reciprocal effects between the BSFL gut microbiota and their growth performance and nutrient composition. Additionally, the investigation delved into the changes in the bacterial community and the presence of potential pathogenic bacteria in pig manure. An initial mixture of fresh pig manure and wheat bran was prepared with a 60 % moisture content (Group A). Distilled water was subsequently added to adjust the moisture levels, resulting in mixtures with 65 % (Group B), 70 % (Group C), and 75 % (Group D) moisture content. Each group underwent BSFL digestion over ten days. Groups C (3.87 ± 0.05 mg/worm) and D (3.97 ± 0.08 mg/worm) showed significantly higher bioconversion efficiencies and enhanced BSFL growth compared to Groups A (2.66 ± 0.21 mg/worm) and B (3.09 ± 0.09 mg/worm) (P < 0.05). A 75 % moisture level was identified as ideal, positively influencing fecal conversion efficiency (FCE) (9.57 ± 0.14 %), crude fat intake (8.92 ± 0.56 %), protein (46.60 ± 0.54 %), and total phosphorus (1.37 ± 0.08 %) from pig manure, and subsequent nutrient accumulation in BSFLs. A decline in larval crude ash content indicated higher organic matter and an increased pig manure conversion rate with elevated moisture. High-throughput sequencing and diversity analyses confirmed different moisture contents influenced the BSFL gut microbiota. Bacteroidetes (32.7-62.0 %), Proteobacteria (6.8-29.3 %), Firmicutes (5.8-23.4 %), and Actinobacteria (1.9-29.0 %) were predominant phyla. A 75 % moisture content significantly impacted the BSFL biomass conversion and growth performance. Additionally, Larval feces met non-hazardous fertilizer standards, according to NY-525 (2012).

Anomalous papillary muscle insertion into the mitral valve leaflet in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: a lip nevus sign in echocardiography.

Background: Anomalous papillary muscle (APM) insertion into the mitral valve leaflet is rare but clinically important in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). In this study, we report the detection rate of APM insertion into the mitral valve using preoperative imaging modalities and the surgical outcomes of the patients. Methods: By retrospectively reviewing the clinical records of patients with HOCM who underwent surgical treatment by a single operation group at our center from January 2020 to June 2023, patients with APM insertion into the mitral valve leaflet were identified. Baseline data, image characteristics, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Results: The incidence of APM insertion into the mitral valve leaflet was 5.1% (8/157). The insertion site was located at A3 in six cases, which was more common than at A2 (n = 2). Preoperative echocardiography was used to identify two patients (25%) with APM insertion. We observed a particular echocardiographic feature for APM in HOCM patients, which was noted as a "lip nevus sign", with a higher detection rate (62.5%). All patients successfully underwent septal myectomy with concomitant APM excision or mitral valve replacement via the transaortic (n = 5) or transmitral (n = 3) approach. The mean age was 49.0 ± 17.4 years and seven patients (87.5%) were female. Interventricular septum thickness (17.0 mm vs. 13.3 mm, P = 0.012) and left ventricular outflow gradient (117.5 mmHg vs. 7.5 mmHg, P = 0.012) were significantly decreased after surgery. Residual outflow obstruction, systolic anterior motion, and ≥3+ mitral regurgitation were negative. During the follow-up of 26.2 ± 12.2 months, there were no reported operations, adverse events, mitral regurgitation aggravations, recurrences of outflow obstruction, or instances of SAM. Conclusions: Papillary muscles inserted into the mitral valve leaflet are a subtype of subvalvular malformation in HOCM that requires surgical correction. The lip nevus sign on echocardiography is a characteristic of APM insertion in HOCM and may improve the preoperative detection rate. Adequate myectomy with anomalous papillary muscle excision has achieved good results in reducing the outflow gradient and eliminating mitral regurgitation, with good outcomes at short-to-intermediate follow-up.

Hemodynamics combined with inflammatory indicators exploring relationships between ischemic stroke and symptomatic middle cerebral artery atherosclerotic stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is a major cause of ischemic stroke, and high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) can be used to assess the plaque characteristics of ICAS. This study combined HR-VWI, hemodynamics, and peripheral blood inflammatory indicators to investigate the role of these factors in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS) and their inter-relationships. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with atherosclerotic middle cerebral artery stenosis were recruited retrospectively from June 2018 to July 2022. Plaque enhancement was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, and the degree of plaque enhancement was graded according to the plaque-to-pituitary stalk contrast ratio (CR). Computational fluid dynamics models were constructed, and then hemodynamic parameters, including wall shear stress (WSS) and pressure ratio (PR), were measured and recorded. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors that can predict sICAS. In addition, the correlation analysis between the plaque characteristics on HR-VWI, hemodynamic parameters, and peripheral blood inflammatory indicators was performed to investigate the interrelationships between these factors. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included. A higher proportion of plaque enhancement, maximum WSS, and WSS ratio (WSSR) were significantly associated with sICAS. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only the WSSR was an independent risk factor for sICAS. The correlation analysis revealed that both the CR and plaque burden showed linear positive correlation with the WSSR (R = 0.411, P = 0.022; R = 0.474, P = 0.007, respectively), and showed linear negative correlation with the lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (R = 0.382, P = 0.031; R = 0.716, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The plaque enhancement and WSSR were significantly associated with sICAS, WSSR was an independent risk factor for sICAS. Plaque enhancement and plaque burden showed linear correlation with the WSSR and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR). Hemodynamics and inflammation combined to promote plaque progression.

Inhibition of xCT by sulfasalazine alleviates the depression-like behavior of adult male mice subjected to maternal separation stress.

Maternal separation (MS) can induce emotional disorders. Our previous study reported that MS resulted in depression-like behavior. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of xCT in depression-like behavior in adult mice subjected to MS stress. Pups were divided into the control group, the control + sulfasalazine (SSZ, 75 mg/kg/day, i.p.) group, the MS group, and the MS+SSZ group. After MS, all pups were raised until PD60. Then, the depression-like behavior was detected by the novelty suppressed feeding (NSF) test, the forced swimming test (FST), and the tail suspension test (TST). The synaptic plasticity was examined by electrophysiological recordings and molecular biotechnology. The data showed that, compared with the control group, the mice in the MS group presented depression-like behavior, impairment of long-term potentiation (LTP), a reduction in the number of astrocytes, and activation of the microglia. Moreover, the expression of xCT was increased in the prefrontal cortex of MS mice, the EAAT2 and the Group Ⅱ metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2/3) were decreased, and the level of pro-inflammatory factors was increased in the prefrontal cortex. After the administration with SSZ, the depression-like behavior and the impairment of LTP were alleviated, the number of astrocytes was increased, and the microglial activation was inhibited. Moreover, the levels of EAAT2 and mGluR2/3 were ameliorated, the over-activation of the microglia was mitigated, and the levels of glutamate and pro-inflammatory factors were decreased. In conclusion, the inhibition of xCT by SSZ could alleviate depression-like behavior partly via modulating the homeostasis of the glutamate system and dampening neuroinflammation.

VEGF-A in serum protects against memory impairment in APP/PS1 transgenic mice by blocking neutrophil infiltration.

Activation of innate immunity in the brain is a prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study investigated the regulation of innate immunity by wild-type serum injection in a transgenic AD mouse model. We found that treatment with wild-type mouse serum significantly reduced the number of neutrophils and microglial reactivity in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. Mimicking this effect, neutrophil depletion via Ly6G neutralizing antibodies resulted in improvements in AD brain functions. Serum proteomic analysis identified vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) as factors enriched in serum samples, which are crucial for neutrophil migration and chemotaxis, leukocyte migration, and cell chemotaxis. Exogenous VEGF-A reversed amyloid ß (Aß)-induced decreases in cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) and increases in CXCL1 in vitro and blocked neutrophil infiltration into the AD brain. Endothelial Cdk5 overexpression conferred an inhibitory effect on CXCL1 and neutrophil infiltration, thereby restoring memory abilities in APP/PS1 mice. Our findings uncover a previously unknown link between blood-derived VEGF signaling and neutrophil infiltration and support targeting endothelial Cdk5 signaling as a potential therapeutic strategy for AD.

Qualitative and quantitative plaque enhancement on high-resolution vessel wall imaging predicts symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is a major cause of ischemic stroke (IS), and high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) can be used to assess the plaque characteristics of ICAS. This study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively assess plaque enhancement of ICAS and to investigate the relationship between plaque enhancement, plaque morphological features, and IS. METHODS: Data from adult patients with ICAS from April 2018 to July 2022 were retrospectively collected, and all patients underwent HR-VWI examination. Plaque enhancement was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed, and the plaque-to-pituitary stalk contrast ratio (CR) indicated the degree of plaque enhancement. Plaque characteristics, such as plaque burden and area, were quantitatively measured using HR-VWI. Furthermore, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the ability of CR to discriminate plaque enhancement. The patients were divided into a symptomatic ICAS group and an asymptomatic ICAS group according to the clinical and imaging characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate which factors were significantly associated with plaque enhancement and symptomatic ICAS. The plaque burden and CR were compared using linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 91 patients with ICAS were enrolled in this study. ICAS plaque burden was significantly associated with plaque enhancement (p = .037), and plaque burden was linearly positively correlated with CR (R = 0.357, p = .001). ROC analysis showed that the cutoff value of CR for plaque enhancement was 0.56 (specificity of 81.8%). Both plaque enhancement and plaque burden were significantly associated with symptomatic ICAS, and only plaque enhancement was an independent risk factor after multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Plaque burden was an independent risk factor for plaque enhancement and showed a linear positive correlation with CR. The cutoff value of CR for plaque enhancement was 0.56, and CR ≥ 0.56 was significantly associated with symptomatic ICAS, which was independently associated with plaque enhancement.

Colorimetric sensor for Cr (VI) by oxidative etching of gold nanotetrapods at room temperature.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is highly carcinogenic and mutagenic, which is seriously harmful to human health. Hence, it is important to create a probe that can detect Cr(VI) effectively. In this work, gold nanotetrapods (Au NTPs) were applied in colorimetric detection for the first time. Based on the oxidative etching principle of Cr(VI) on Au NTPs, a sensitive and multicolor response detection method for Cr(VI) was established. The oxidative etching of Au NTPs by Cr(VI) resulted in the blue shift of plasmon resonance absorption peak of Au NTPs with the change of morphology. As the etching progress processed, Au NTPs solution exhibited obvious color changes from gray-green to blue-violet and then to pink. This multicolor response design is very convenient for naked-eye detection. The limit of detection (LOD) of Cr(VI) is 3 nM for the naked eyes and 0.5 nM for UV-vis spectrum, both of which are lower than the toxicity level of Cr(VI) (0.2 µM) set by United States Environmental Protection Agency. This sensing method exhibits good linearity between the wavelength shift and Cr(VI) concentration in the range of 0.5 nM to 8 nM. The detection results of Cr(VI) in actual environmental samples demonstrate that the Au NTPs colorimetric probe (Au-N-Probe) is expected to be applied to the detection of Cr(VI) in water environmental samples such as lake water and industrial wastewater.

One-step rapid colorimetric detection of K+ using silver nanoparticles modified by crown ether.

Urinary potassium is an important parameter in clinical health diagnosis. Rapid and convenient detection of potassium ions (K+) in urine is essential for personal healthcare and health management. Here, crown ether (4-aminodibenzo-18-crown-6, ADC) modified silver nanoparticles (ADC-Ag NPs) were successfully prepared for one-step rapid colorimetric detection of urinary potassium. The detection mechanism is as follows: due to the matching sizes of the diameter of K+ and the cavity in crown ether 6, K+ is encapsulated between the cavities of two crown ethers, resulting in the clumping of ADC-Ag NPs and the color of the solution being altered. The colorimetric detection method has a fast response and is completed within 20 minutes. It also shows good selectivity and interference immunity. The lowest detectable concentration is 20 µM with the naked eye and 2.16 µM for UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. A good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9931) between the absorption intensity ratio and K+ concentration (0-100 µM) indicates that this colorimetric probe can be used to detect K+. The method was also applied for quantitative analysis of K+ in real urine samples with recovery between 116 and 120%.

Superhydrophilic quaternized calcium alginate based aerogel membrane for oil-water separation and removal of bacteria and dyes.

In recent years, frequent oil spills and increasing industrial wastewater discharge have caused serious water pollution problems. In addition, there are often microbial and dye pollutants in oil-containing wastewater. The development of materials that can simultaneously treat these three pollutants is very important for the safe treatment and recovery of wastewater. In this work, a modified calcium alginate-based aerogel membrane (CTW) was prepared through sol spraying, Ca2+ crosslinking and freeze drying by using tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBA) quaternary ammonium salt modified sodium alginate (SA) as raw material and waterborne polyurethane (WPU) as adhesive. The results show that CTW membrane has super hydrophilic and underwater super-oleophobic properties, and can realize the separation oil-water emulsions under gravity, with the separation efficiency of >99 %. CTW membrane can also remove bacteria and dye such as Congo red from water by filtration, with removal rates of 100 % and 99 % respectively. The filtration results of mixed wastewater show that CTW membrane can realize one-step separation of oil, bacteria and dye in wastewater, and can also be recycled, having potential application prospect.

Research on model design and operation mechanism of enterprise blockchain digital system.

Emerging technologies such as blockchain have accelerated the digitization of a variety of industries, improved the operational efficiency of enterprises, and promoted in-depth integration of digital technology with the real economy. Blockchain has characteristics that include distributed storage, peer-to-peer transmission, strong confidentiality, and easy traceability. This article introduces blockchain into an enterprise's information management system with the aim of breaking the enterprise's digital barriers by using technologies such as distributed ledgers, smart contracts, and asymmetric encryption, thus improving the security and applicability of the enterprise data assets. This article explores the characteristics and security of three types of blockchain in depth, designs the model framework of the blockchain digital system (BDS) based on industry needs, and analyzes the functions and the operating mechanisms of each level of the system in detail. Finally, based on the characteristics of public blockchain, consortium blockchain, and private blockchain, three typical application scenarios in which the BDS can be used are selected, and the article discusses how E-retail supply chains, virtual power plants, and carbon trading platforms can realize digital management using the BDS, thus providing a practical basis for construction and application of the BDS.

The clinical presentation and treatment of an invasive conjunctival squamous spindle cell carcinoma.

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia represents neoplastic epithelial abnormalities of conjunctiva and cornea, ranging from squamous dysplasia to invasive squamous cell carcinoma and is both sight- and life-threatening. Squamous spindle cell carcinoma (SSCC) of conjunctiva is a rare variant with distinct behavior which is thought to be more locally aggressive. We describe an 83-year-old woman with a progressively enlarging huge SSCC in her right eye over the past 2 years. The tumor bulged out with local invasion into intraocular and orbital cavities. Wide excision of the tumor with frozen section control was performed. After surgery, topical 0.03% mitomycin C was given as adjuvant therapy. At 40-month follow-up, the lesion site showed no evidence of local recurrence. This case provides a valuable and complete experience of the clinical presentation for the progression and treatment of this rare disease.

Synthesis of SiO2 Nanoparticle Epoxy Resin Composite and Silicone-Containing Epoxy Resin for Coatings.

Due to its unique properties, including strong adhesion force, high heat resistivity, high insulation properties, and strong mechanical properties, epoxy resin is the most commonly used material for a variety of applications, including adhesives, electronic devices for coatings, and somewhere as a matrix for reinforcement of composites as a fiber network. To boost their properties, different other materials are also inserted in their structure and made its composites; silicon is one of them. Corrosion is serious for marine equipment and causes economic loss. To overcome such issues, different types of coating materials are developed. In this review, current methods for coatings of different materials using a silicon dioxide epoxy nanocomposite are discussed in diversity with the currently followed synthetic routes for the preparation of nanosilica epoxy composites and enhanced properties.

The lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio predicts intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis plaque instability.

Background and purpose: Gadolinium enhancement on high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) is an imaging marker of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) plaque instability. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between hematological inflammatory indicators and the enhancement of ICAS plaques and to search for hematological indicators that can predict ICAS plaque instability. Methods: Consecutive adult patients diagnosed with ICAS from April 2018 to December 2021 were recruited retrospectively, and every patient underwent HR-VWI. Plaque enhancement was measured qualitatively and quantitatively. The plaque-to-pituitary stalk contrast ratio (CR) indicated the degree of plaque enhancement. Clinical and laboratory data, including the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII), were recorded. The hematological inflammatory indicators were compared between ICAS patients with and without plaque enhancement and between patients with and without symptomatic plaque. The hematological inflammatory indicators and the CR were compared using linear regression. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the discriminative abilities of the inflammatory indicators to predict plaque instability. Results: Fifty-nine patients were included. The NLR, SII and LMR were significantly correlated with plaque enhancement. The LMR was independently associated with plaque enhancement, and a linear negative correlation was observed between the LMR and CR (R = 0.716, P < 0.001). The NLR, LMR, plaque enhancement and CR were significantly associated with symptomatic ICAS, and the LMR and plaque enhancement were independent risk factors for symptomatic ICAS. The optimal cutoff value of the admission LMR to distinguish symptomatic plaque from asymptomatic plaque was 4.0 (80.0% sensitivity and 70.6% specificity). Conclusion: The LMR was independently associated with ICAS plaque enhancement and showed a linear negative correlation with CR. The LMR and plaque enhancement were independent risk factors for symptomatic ICAS. An LMR ≤ 4.0 may predict ICAS plaque instability.

The dysfunction of mGluRIIs is involved in the disorder of hippocampal neural network in diabetic mice model.

Cognitive dysfunction is a high incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the relationship between DM-induced cognitive defect and neuronal network oscillations is still unknown. In this study, adult male C57BL/6 J mice were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to duplicate DM. After 12 weeks, local field potentials were recorded in the perforant fiber pathway (PP) and dentate gyrus (DG) regions. Data showed that mice in the STZ group exhibited impairment of spatial learning and memory by the Morris Water Maze test. The low gamma (LG) and high gamma (HG) power were increased in the PP and DG areas of the STZ group. Moreover, the phase synchronization and the information flow at theta and LG rhythms between the PP and DG areas were decreased, and the theta-LG phase-amplitude coupling strength was markedly reduced in the PP region, DG region, and the PP-DG pathway in the STZ group. Additionally, the concentration of glutamate was increased by the high-performance liquid chromatography. Moreover, the NR2B and PSD95 expressions were markedly reduced, and the Akt/GSK-3ß pathway was inhibited. Interestingly, the expressions of mGluRIIs (mGluR2 and mGluR3) were significantly decreased. The reduction of mGluRIIs may limit their function, such as restricting presynaptic glutamate release and reversing the dysfunction of NR2B via Akt/GSK-3ß signaling pathway. In conclusion, our data suggest that DM alters the hippocampal neural network partly related to the dysfunction of mGluRIIs.

Design and Optimisation of an Enterprise Digital Management System Based on IoT Monitoring.

Modern enterprise management is developing rapidly, and one of the most important components of enterprise management is enterprise digital management. In this paper, the research background of enterprise digital management system is firstly elaborated, current situation of enterprise digital management work in enterprises is elaborated, then the current situation of the system research and development at home and abroad is also analysed and outlined in detail, and finally, according to the actual enterprise digital management situation of enterprises, combined with the system method of software development and corresponding technology, the new system design requirements of enterprises based on Internet of Things are proposed. Simulations show that the overall design and module design of the system in this paper are well managed, a system interface diagram can be given, and the database table structure and entity class diagram are applied to elaborate the database design.

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Is Associated With Circumferential Wall Enhancement of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm.

Background and Purpose: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) predicts clinical outcomes in patients with stroke. Aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) on high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (HR-VWI) is an inflammation marker for intracranial aneurysm (IA). This study aims to evaluate the association of NLR as a peripheral blood inflammatory marker with circumferential AWE in patients with IA. Methods: We analyzed data of consecutive patients harboring IAs between September 2017 and December 2021 at our institution. The peripheral blood inflammatory indicators were compared between patients with ruptured and unruptured IAs. The presence of circumferential AWE in unruptured IA was identified and quantitatively measured using the aneurysm-to-pituitary stalk contrast ratio (CRstalk) on HR-VWI. We used the optimal cutoff value of 0.5 for CRstalk to differentiate circumferential AWE in unruptured IAs. We assessed the relationship of clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics with circumferential AWE and CRstalk ≥0.5 in unruptured IAs. Results: The study group was composed of one hundred and twenty-five patients with 142 IAs. NLR level at admission was significantly higher in patients with ruptured IAs than those with unruptured IAs (7.55 vs. 1.81; P < 0.001). AWE on HR-VWI was present in 30 patients with unruptured IAs (38.5%), including 12 with focal AWE and 18 with circumferential AWE. NLR (odds ratio (OR), 2.168; 95% CI, 1.149-4.088) and size (odds ratio, 1.370; 95% CI, 1.126-1.667) were independently associated with circumferential AWE in unruptured IA. NLR was also independently associated with circumferential AWE in small unruptured IA (<7 mm). Furthermore, NLR level at admission was associated with CRstalk ≥.5 in patients with unruptured IA. The optimal cutoff value of NLR for circumferential AWE was 1.86. Conclusion: NLR is a valuable peripheral blood inflammatory marker is more often in the rupture status of IA and was associated with circumferential AWE on HR-VWI in unruptured IA.

Circumferential wall enhancement with contrast ratio measurement in unruptured intracranial aneurysm for aneurysm instability.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysm wall enhancement on high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) may represent vessel wall inflammation for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). Further evidence for the role of circumferential aneurysm wall enhancement (CAWE) in evaluating the instability of UIAs is required, especially in small aneurysms (<7 mm). METHODS: We analyzed patients with saccular UIAs who prospectively underwent HR-VWI on a 3.0 T MRI scanner in our center from September 2017 to August 2021. The presence of AWE was identified and quantitatively measured using the aneurysm-to-pituitary stalk contrast ratio (CRstalk) with maximal signal intensity value. The PHASES and ELAPSS scores were used to assess the risk of aneurysm rupture and growth. We evaluated the association of CAWE and CRstalk value with intracranial aneurysm instability. RESULTS: One hundred patients with 109 saccular UIAs were included in this study. Eighty-three UIAs (76.1%) had a size smaller than 7 mm. PHASES and ELAPSS scores were significantly higher in UIAs with CAWE than in UIAs without CAWE (p < .01). The association of CAWE with PHASES and ELAPSS scores remained in small UIAs (<7 mm). The optimal cutoff value of CRstalk for CAWE was 0.5. PHASES and ELAPSS scores were significantly higher in UIAs with CRstalk ≥0.5 than in UIAs with CRstalk <0.5 (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: CAWE on HR-VWI is a valuable imaging marker for aneurysm instability in UIAs. CRstalk value ≥0.5 may be associated with a higher risk of intracranial aneurysm rupture and growth.