Endovascular thrombectomy in wake-up stroke guided by arterial spin-labeling and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery versus diffusion-weighted imaging mismatch on MRI.

OBJECTIVE: This purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and safety of utilizing the arterial spin-labeling (ASL) combined with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) combined with DWI double mismatch in the endovascular treatment of patients diagnosed with wake-up stroke (WUS). METHODS: In this single-center trial, patients diagnosed with WUS underwent thrombectomy if acute ischemic lesions were observed on DWI indicating large precerebral circulation occlusion. Patients with no significant parenchymal hypersignal on FLAIR and ASL imaging showing a hypoperfusion tissue to infarct core volume ratio of at least 1.2 were included. The participants were divided into groups receiving endovascular thrombectomy plus medical therapy or medical therapy alone, based on their subjective preference. Functional outcomes were assessed using the ordinal score on the modified Rankin scale (mRs) at 90 days, along with the rate of functional independence. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 77 patients were included, comprising 38 patients in the endovascular therapy group and 39 patients in the medical therapy group. The endovascular therapy group exhibited more favorable changes in the distribution of functional prognosis measured by mRs at 90 days, compared to the medical therapy group (adjusted common odds ratio, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.03 to 10.26; P < 0.01). Additionally, the endovascular therapy group had a higher proportion of patients achieving functional independence (odds ratio, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.36 to 11.81; P < 0.01). Importantly, there were no significant differences observed in the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage or mortality rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Guided by the ASL-DWI and FLAIR-DWI double mismatch, endovascular thrombectomy combined with standard medical treatment appears to yield superior functional outcomes in patients with WUS and large vessel occlusion compared to standard medical treatment alone.

Sub-60-fs mode-locked Tm,Ho:CaYLuAlO4 laser at 2.05†µm.

Tm,Ho:CaYLuAlO4 (Tm,Ho:CALYLO) crystal has wide emission spectra both for π-polarization and σ-polarization, showing significant potential for the generation of ultrashort pulses. Here, a widely tunable and passively mode-locked laser operation based on Tm,Ho:CALYLO crystal under two polarizations was demonstrated for what we believe to be the first time ever. For π-polarization, a maximum output power of 1.52 W and a tuning range of 255.3 nm were achieved in the continuous wave (CW) regime. In the mode-locked regime, a pulse duration of 68 fs and an average output power of 228 mW were achieved upon GaSb-based semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM). As for σ-polarization, a broader tuning range of 267.1 nm was realized, leading to the shorter pulse duration of 58 fs at 79.7 MHz repetition rate.

Mitophagy in Alzheimer's Disease: A Bibliometric Analysis from 2007 to 2022.

Background: The investigation of mitophagy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains relatively underexplored in bibliometric analysis. Objective: To delve into the progress of mitophagy, offering a comprehensive overview of research trends and frontiers for researchers. Methods: Basic bibliometric information, targets, and target-drug-clinical trial-disease extracted from publications identified in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2007 to 2022 were assessed using bibliometric software. Results: The study encompassed 5,146 publications, displaying a consistent 16-year upward trajectory. The United States emerged as the foremost contributor in publications, with the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease being the most prolific journal. P. Hemachandra Reddy, George Perry, and Xiongwei Zhu are the top 3 most prolific authors. PINK1 and Parkin exhibited an upward trend in the last 6 years. Keywords (e.g., insulin, aging, epilepsy, tauopathy, and mitochondrial quality control) have recently emerged as focal points of interest within the past 3 years. "Mitochondrial dysfunction" is among the top terms in disease clustering. The top 10 drugs/molecules (e.g., curcumin, insulin, and melatonin) were summarized, accompanied by their clinical trials and related targets. Conclusions: This study presents a comprehensive overview of the mitophagy research landscape in AD over the past 16 years, underscoring mitophagy as an emerging molecular mechanism and a crucial focal point for potential drug in AD. This study pioneers the inclusion of targets and their correlations with drugs, clinical trials, and diseases in bibliometric analysis, providing valuable insights and inspiration for scholars and readers of JADR interested in understanding the potential mechanisms and clinical trials in AD.

Spectroscopy and efficient laser performances of a Tm,Ho:CaY0.9Lu0.1AlO4 crystal.

We report on the spectral properties and laser performances of a novel, to the best of our knowledge, Tm,Ho:CaY0.9Lu0.1AlO4 (Tm,Ho:CYLA) crystal. The polarized absorption spectra, luminescence spectra, and fluorescence lifetime are systematically investigated, presenting a broad and smooth luminescence band. Furthermore, a maximum continuous wave (CW) laser output power of 0.51 W at 2092 nm is obtained under an absorbed pump power of 2.89 W, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 20.4%. The beam quality factors (M2) are measured to be 1.04 in both the x and y axes. A tuning range of 123.4 nm, from 2017.8 nm to 2141.2 nm, is achieved in the CW regime by using a birefringent filter (BF). A stable passively Q switched Tm,Ho:CYLA laser employing Cr2+:ZnSe as a saturable absorber (SA) is realized for the first time, delivering the shortest pulse width of 560 ns with a transmittance of 1%. The results indicate that the Tm,Ho:CYLA crystal is an excellent laser medium for generating high-efficiency laser at ∼2 µm and has a potential in ultrafast laser generation.

miR-218-5p and miR-320a-5p as Biomarkers for Brain Disorders: Focus on the Major Depressive Disorder and Parkinson's Disease.

Depression is one of the early and most persistent non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), which remains ignored, resulting in the underdiagnosis of PD. Unfortunately, scarce studies and the non-availability of diagnostic strategies cause countless complications, highlighting the need for appropriate diagnostic biomarkers. Recently, brain-enriched miRNAs regulating vital neurological functions have been proposed as potent biomarkers for therapeutic strategies. Therefore, the present study is aimed to identify the brain-enriched miR-218-5p and miR-320-5p in the serum of the Chinese depressed PD patients (n = 51) than healthy controls (n = 51) to identify their potency as biomarkers. For this purpose, depressive PD patients were recruited based on HAMA and HAMD scores and miR-218-5p and miR-320-5p and IL-6, and S100B levels were analyzed using real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and ELISA assay, respectively. In silico analysis was performed to identify key biological pathways and hub genes involved in the psychopathology of depression in PD. Here, we found significantly downregulated miR-218-5p and miR-320-5p following higher levels of IL-6 and S100B in depressed PD patients than in control (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis revealed that both miRNAs were negatively correlated with HAMA and HAMD, and IL-6 scores, along with a positive correlation with PD duration and LEDD medication. ROC analysis showed AUC above 75% in both miRNAs in depressed PD patients, and in silico analysis revealed that both miRNA's targets regulate key neurological pathways such as axon guidance, dopaminergic synapse, and circadian rhythm. Additional analysis revealed PIK3R1, ATRX, BM1, PCDHA10, XRCC5, PPP1CB, MLLT3, CBL, PCDHA4, PLCG1, YWHAZ, CDH2, AGO3, PCDHA3, and PCDHA11 as hub-genes in PPI network. In summary, our findings show that miR-218-5p and miR-320-5p can be utilized as future biomarkers for depression in PD patients, which may aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Risk factors for early neurologic deterioration in single small subcortical infarction without carrier artery stenosis: predictors at the early stage.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the epidemiological features and explore the potential risk factors for early neurological deterioration (END) in patients with acute single small subcortical infarction (SSSI) who underwent antiplatelet therapy without carotid artery stenosis. MATERIALS & METHODS: Patients with SSSI, as confirmed by cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), who were hospitalized within 48 h after the onset of symptoms were enrolled. END was mainly defined as increment in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of ≥ 2 points or any new neurological deficit. Poor functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of > 2 points at 3-month after the onset. The association of END with multiple indicators was assessed at the early stage of admission using multivariate logistic regression analysis, and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 280 patients were enrolled from June 2020 to May 2021, of whom, END occurred in 44 (15.7%) patients (median age, 64 years; 70.5% male), while END occurred during sleep in 28 (63.6%) patients. History of hypertension (aOR: 4.82, p = 0.001), infarction in internal capsule (aOR: 3.35, p = 0.001), and elevated level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; aOR: 0.036, p = 0.0016) were significantly associated with the risk of END. Patients with END (aOR: 5.74, p = 0.002), history of diabetes (aOR: 2.61, p = 0.020), and higher NIHSS scores at discharge (per 1-score increase, aOR: 1.29, p = 0.026) were associated with the poor functional outcome at 3-month after the onset. CONCLUSION: Patients with a history of hypertension, infarction in internal capsule or a higher level of LDL-C were found to be at a higher risk of END.

Network localization of transient global amnesia beyond the hippocampus.

BACKGROUND: Transient global amnesia is common in the older adult, but the cause and mechanism remain unclear. Focal brain lesions allow for causal links between the lesion location and resulting symptoms, and we based on the reported TGA-causing lesions and used lesion network mapping to explore the causal neuroanatomical substrate of TGA. METHODS: Fifty-one cases of transient global amnesias with DWI lesions from the literature were identified, and clinical data were extracted and analyzed. Next, we mapped each lesion volume onto a reference brain and computed the network of regions functionally connected to each lesion location using a large normative connectome dataset. RESULTS: Lesions primarily occurred in the hippocampus, and in addition to the hippocampus, there are also other locations of TGA-causing lesions such as the cingulate gyrus, anterior thalamic nucleus (ATN), putamen, caudate nucleus, corpus callosum, fornix. More than 90% of TGA-causing lesions inside the hippocampus were functionally connected with the default mode network (DMN). CONCLUSION: Structural abnormality in the hippocampus was the most consistently reported in TGA, and besides the hippocampus, lesions occurring at several other brain locations also could cause TGA. The DMN may also be involved in the pathophysiology of TGA. According to the clinical and neuroimaging characteristics, TGA may be a syndrome with multiple causes and cannot be treated simply as a subtype of TIA.

GaInSn liquid nanospheres as a saturable absorber for Q-switched pulse generation at 639 nm.

Liquid metals, which possess the superiority of low cost, shape-reconfigurability, and excellent optoelectronic properties, have been applied in various fields, such as flexible electronics, superconductivity, and coolants. In this paper, high-quality GaInSn liquid nanospheres synthesized by the ultrasonic method are applied for nonlinear optics and laser switches. The saturation absorption property derived from localized surface plasmon resonance at 639 nm is studied based on the open-aperture Z-scan technique, exhibiting a modulation depth of ∼35.5% and a saturation fluence of ∼21.75 mJ/cm2, respectively. The as-prepared GaInSn liquid nanospheres are also successfully utilized as a saturable absorber to achieve a stable Q-switched Pr:YLF laser at 639 nm. The output pulse width can reach ∼280 ns with a pulse repetition rate of ∼174.8 kHz. Our results suggest that GaInSn liquid nanospheres are a candidate material for generating visible laser pulses, which is of great interest for potential applications in visible nonlinear optics.

Effect of Lanthanum Oxide Addition on Microstructure and Wear Performance of Iron-Chromium Alloy Manufactured by Laser Direct Deposition Additive Manufacturing.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has become increasingly common, and its use in various industries is increasing. However, the microstructure, friction and wear performance of metals made by AM, such as the inexpensive and relatively good-performing iron-chromium alloys, require further investigation. Generally, adding rare earth elements can effectively improve the performance of AM alloys, such as tensile strength, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, creep resistance, etc. This work aims to study the variation of microstructure, friction and wear properties of laser additive manufacturing processed iron-chromium alloys after adding different mass fractions of La2O3. The observations obtained by scanning electron microscopy showed that, with the addition of La2O3, the microstructure of AM alloy becomes more uniform and the grains are significantly refined. It is found by friction test that the running-in period is significantly shortened after the addition of La2O3. The coefficient of friction is reduced to a minimum of 0.68. Compared with AM alloys without La2O3, the wear rate of AM alloys with La2O3 is significantly reduced, with a maximum reduction of 38%. Using an optical microscope to observe the surface morphology of the wear scar, it is found that, after adding rare earth oxide, the wear mechanisms changed from adhesive wear and abrasive wear to abrasive wear, with the spalling of hard particles at the same time.

Nonlinear optical properties and passively Q-switched laser application of a layered molybdenum carbide at 639 nm.

Molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) exhibits enormous potential applications in various optoelectronic and photonic fields due to its remarkably electrical and optical characteristics. Here, we fabricate a high-quality Mo2C film by the radio frequency magnetron sputtering deposition method. The nonlinear optical response and ultrafast dynamics are thoroughly studied based on open-aperture Z-scan and nondegenerate pump-probe experimental measurements. The open-aperture Z-scan experimental result exhibits a modulation depth of 8.5% and a saturation fluence of 0.28 mJ/cm2. Simultaneously, the relaxation time constant is fitted by a biexponential decay function, showing an ultrafast intraband carrier recovery time of 0.58 ps at 530 nm. Consequently, by employing the Mo2C film as a saturable absorber (SA), stable Q-switched Pr:YLF laser pulses with the shortest pulse width of 160 ns are generated at 639 nm. Our experimental results demonstrate excellent nonlinear optical properties of the layered Mo2C in the visible region and will further advance their potential applications in visible nonlinear optics.

Artery of Percheron Occlusion in China: A Case Report and Chinese Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: The artery of Percheron (AOP) is a rare anatomical variant in which bilateral paramedian thalami are supplied by a single vascular branch arising from the P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery. We present a case of AOP occlusion presenting as loss of consciousness and summarize the literature in Chinese to find the clinical characteristics. CASE REPORT: An 83-year-old woman was found unconscious for 1 day at home and was sent to the hospital the next day. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging on day 1 of the patient showed a recent bilateral paramedian thalamic infarction. Simultaneously, magnetic resonance angiography found evident artery stenosis of the right P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery, suggesting that the patient was diagnosed with AOP occlusion. Since the patient has missed the best time for thrombolytic therapy, anticoagulant therapy was given immediately; as the patient was then found to have pulmonary infections, antibiotic therapy was also initiated. The neurological status of this patient improved very slow. In about 2 weeks, the patient becomes more conscious but still could not speak or move. CONCLUSION: Our report suggests that unusual mood disorder and language disorder of aged patients might indicate the AOP occlusion, and cerebral imaging of magnetic resonance imaging (better with magnetic resonance angiography) should be performed to establish the diagnosis of AOP occlusion. The fast and accurate diagnosis of stroke because of AOP occlusion could best benefit the patients.

The association between restless leg syndrome and anxiety in Parkinson's disease: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To shed light on the association between restless leg syndrome (RLS) and anxiety in Parkinson's disease (PD) population. METHODS: This was a case-control study including 129 PD participants with and without anxiety who presented to the Aerospace Center Hospital in Beijing, China. Anxiety was evaluated by using the Beck Anxiety Index score. RLS was assessed using the minimal diagnostic criteria of the International Restless Legs Study Group and RLS symptom frequency and treatment. We then examined the relationship between RLS and anxiety by logistic regression models and subgroup as well as interaction analyses. RESULTS: The proportion of RLS in PD with anxiety was significantly higher in the PD without anxiety (p < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression models indicated that PD participants with RLS had a 5.98-fold higher risk of anxiety in PD than those without RLS (OR, 6.98; 95% CI, 2.77-17.59). Subgroup analyses indicated that PD with RLS tended to be associated with a greater risk of anxiety in all stratified subgroups (adjusted ORs >1). Furthermore, the interaction analyses revealed no interactive role in the association between RLS and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The present case-control study suggests that RLS is an independent risk factor for anxiety in PD patients. Early attention and targeted treatment for RLS may be necessary for mood management in PD. Larger prospective cohort studies are wanted to validate these findings.

The antihypertensive effect of remote ischemic conditioning in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Purpose: Limb remote ischemic conditioning (LRIC) may be an effective method to control hypertension. This study investigated whether LRIC decreases blood pressure by regulating the hypertensive inflammatory response in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Method: The SHR and aged-matched Wistar rats with different ages were randomly assigned to the SHR group, SHR+LRIC group, Wistar group, and Wistar + LRIC group. LRIC was conducted by tightening a tourniquet around the upper thigh and releasing it for three cycles daily (10 mins x3 cycles). Blood pressure, the percentage of monocytes and T lymphocytes, and the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood were analyzed. Results: The blood pressure of SHR was significantly higher than that of age-matched Wistar rats. LRIC decreased blood pressure in SHR at different ages (4, 8, and 16 weeks old), but had no effect on the blood pressure in Wistar rats. Flow cytometry analysis showed that blood monocytes and CD8 T cells of SHR were higher than those of Wistar rats. LRIC significantly decreased the percentage of monocytes and CD8 T cells in SHR. Consistent with the changes of immune cells, the levels of plasma IL-6 and TNF-α in SHR were also higher. And LRIC attenuated the plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels in SHR. Conclusion: LRIC may decreased the blood pressure via modulation of the inflammatory response in SHR.

Perioperative Bilateral Medial Medullary Infarction With "Snake Eyes Appearance": A Case Report.

Perioperative bilateral medial medullary infarction (BMMI) cases mimicking acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) under general anesthesia have not been reported. We describe a patient who suffered flaccid quadriplegia and could not wean from mechanical ventilation after emergence from general anesthesia in cardiac surgery. A diagnosis of AMAN was considered, but intravenous immunoglobulin showed little efficacy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the patient later revealed BMMI with "snake eyes appearance," and he was found to have severe vertebral artery stenosis. Considering the association between severe coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular stenosis, we highlight the significance of preoperative evaluation and comprehensive management of the cerebrovascular system for certain patients.

Heart Rate Variability Analysis in Episodic Migraine: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: It has been reported that autonomic nervous dysfunction is more prevalent in migraineurs. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a commonly used method to evaluate the cardiac autonomic nervous function modulation. However, HRV changes in migraine are still contradictory. The main objective of this study was to explore the potential HRV change patterns in episodic migraine (EM) and whether there were differences in HRV between EM ictal period and the interictal period. Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study including 18 patients with EM and 18 age- and sex-matched controls. The characteristics of demographics, some lifestyle factors, and psychological conditions were assessed at baseline. HRVs including time-domain analysis and frequency-domain analysis were performed in all participants. HRV analyses in migraine were recorded not only in the interictal period but also in the ictal period. Results: All the HRV parameters showed a decreased trend in migraine than controls. Time-domain parameters standard deviation of all NN intervals in 24 h (SDNN) and triangular index were significantly lower in the migraine ictal period than controls separately (SDNN, 56.94 ± 22.09 ± 7.76 vs. 135.78 ± 35.16, p < 0.001; triangular index, 12.61 ± 3.20 vs. 22.11 ± 6.90, p < 0.001). Frequency-domain parameter low-frequency power was also lower in the migraine ictal period than controls (351.28 ± 206.71 vs. 559.61 ± 281.24, p = 0.02). SDNN was much lower in the migraine ictal period than migraine interictal period (56.94 ± 22.09 vs. 115.94 ± 46.88, p < 0.001). HRV changes during migraine interictal period did not differ from the control group. The correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between visual analog scale and HRV parameters in the migraine ictal period (p = 0.04). Conclusions: The present cross-sectional study indicates that HRV was significantly decreased in EM population especially during the migraine ictal period, which means unbalance of autonomic system in EM. Perhaps larger prospective cohort studies are wanted to validate these findings.

Alterations in Cerebral Hemodynamics During Microgravity: A Literature Review.

Most reported neurological symptoms that happen after exposure to microgravity could be originated from alterations in cerebral hemodynamics. The complicated mechanisms involved in the process of hemodynamics and the disparate experimental protocols designed to study the process may have contributed to the discrepancies in results between studies and the lack of consensus among researchers. This literature review examines spaceflight and ground-based studies of cerebral hemodynamics and aims to summarize the underlying physiological mechanisms that are altered in cerebral hemodynamics during microgravity. We reviewed studies that were published before July 2020 and sought to provide a comprehensive summary of the physiological or pathological theories of hemodynamics and to arrive at firm conclusions from incongruous results that were reported in those related articles. We give plausible explanations of inconsistent results on factors including intracranial pressure, cerebral blood flow, and cerebrovascular autoregulation. Although there are no definitive data to confirm how cerebral hemodynamics changes during microgravity, every discrepancy in results was interpreted by existing theories, which were derived from physiological and pathological processes. We conclude that microgravity-induced alterations of hemodynamics at the brain level are multifaceted. Factors including duration, partial pressures of carbon dioxide, and individual adaptability contribute to this process and are unpredictable. With a growing understanding of this hemodynamics model, additional factors will likely be considered. Aiming for a full understanding of the physiological and/or pathological changes of hemodynamics will enable researchers to investigate its cellular and molecular mechanisms in future studies, which are desperately needed.

External Validation of the WORSEN Score for Prediction the Deterioration of Acute Ischemic Stroke in a Chinese Population.

Background: Early neurological deterioration (END) has been recognized as a serious neurological complication after acute ischemic stroke. However, to date, the WORSEN score was the only one scoring system specifically developed to detect END events in acute ischemic stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the WORSEN score's utility in China, and to determine the potential predictors of END in acute stroke patients. Methods: Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Neurology, Aerospace Center Hospital between March 2015 to February 2017 were recruited into the study's cohort and divided into two groups: patients with and without END. END was defined as either an increase in two or more NIHSS points, an increment of at least one point in motor power or a description of fluctuating of clinical symptoms in medical reports during the first 7 days after admission. Severe END was defined as an increase of NIHSS ≥ 4 points from baseline during the first 7 days after admission. Results: Three hundred fifty four patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in the present study and 67.5% were male. END occurred in 90 of these patients and severe END occurred in 55 of these patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that an initial NIHSS score ≥8, diameter of infarction, striatocapsular infarction, and TOAST type of large arterial atherosclerosis were independent predictors for END. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the WORSEN score for the prediction of END was 0.80 (95%CI 0.75-0.84), with a sensitivity of 62.22%, a specificity of 88.26%, positive predictive values of 64.37% and negative predictive values of 87.27%. Meanwhile, the AUC of the WORSEN score for the prediction of severe END was 0.82 (95%CI 0.78-0.86), with a sensitivity of 70.91%, specificity of 83.95%, positive predictive values of 44.83% and negative predictive values of 94.01%. Conclusion: END is a relatively common neurological complication in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Our findings showed that the WORSEN score had a good predictive value for identifying patients with END in a Chinese population. Moving forward, multi-center studies are required for further validations.

Left Atrial Enlargement and the Risk of Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.

Background: The association between left atrial size and the risk of stroke has not been fully understood. We performed a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to determine whether left atrial enlargement (LAE) is associated with an increased risk of stroke. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library through May 2019. Prospective cohort studies were included if they reported hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of stroke with respect to LAE. All meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Results: Six studies involving 66,007 participants and 3,549 stroke events were included. Compared with patients without LAE, those with LAE had an increased risk of stroke (adjusted HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.36-2.07). There was also a graded association with stroke relating to LAE (adjusted HR for mild LAE 1.50, 95% CI 0.98-2.28; moderate LAE 1.40, 95% CI 1.12-1.75; and severe LAE 1.59, 95% CI 1.33-1.90). Furthermore, for each increase of 1 cm in left atrial diameter, the odds of stroke were increased by 24% (adjusted HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03-1.50). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that LAE is associated with an increased and graded risk of stroke.

Early diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin levels for catheter-related blood stream infection in first-ever acute ischemic stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: The traditional approaches for diagnosing catheter-related bloodstream infection(CRBSI) is time consuming, which could not meet the clinical requirement. Our aim was to investigate the value of serum procalcitonin(PCT) in predicting CRBSI in first-ever acute ischemic stroke patients with central venous catheters (CVCs). METHODS: This was a retrospective study. First-ever acute ischemic stroke patients hospitalized in neurological intensive care unit(NICU) of Aerospace Center Hospital and NICU of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital during January 2010 and December 2017 with clinically suspected CRBSI were enrolled. Peripheral blood white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophils percentage(NE%), the levels of serum PCT, dwell time of catheterization and outcome of the patients were collected. According to the diagnosis of CRBSI or not, they were divided into CRBSI group and no CRBSI group. We used receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) to evaluate the value of serum PCT levels in predicting CRBSI in patients with clinically suspected CRBSI. RESULTS: Forty-five patients with suspected CRBSI were included in this study, and 13 patients were diagnosed with CRBSI. Comparing to those in no CRBSI group, the maximum body temperature (Tmax) (p = 0.036) and the PCT levels (P = 0.013) in CRBSI group were both significantly higher. The area under ROC of the serum PCT levels and the Tmax to predict the CRBSI were 0.803 (0.95CI,0.660-0.946) and 0.680 (0.95CI,0.529-0.832) respectively. The PCT cut-off value was 0.780 ng/ml, with the sensitivity 69.23%, specificity 87.50%, positive predictive values 69.23% and negative predictive values 87.50%. CONCLUSION: It could be helpful to adopt PCT as a rapid diagnostic biomarker for first-ever acute stroke patients with suspected CRBSI.

The protective effect of persistent trigeminal artery in patients with ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Almost all case reports related to persistent trigeminal artery indicated that the existence of persistent trigeminal artery may increase the risk of ischemic stroke. However our case demonstrated that the persistent trigeminal artery may also play a protective role in preventing severe ischemic stroke by functioning as collateral circulation. CASE PRESENTATION: We reported a patient with left internal carotid artery occlusion with persistent trigeminal artery manifesting only as a minor acute ischemia stroke exhibiting acute onset of dizziness and difficulty in walking. Brain MRI showed two small areas of restricted diffusion on diffusion-weighted imaging in the left hemisphere. The digital subtraction angiography showed his left middle cerebral artery and bilateral anterior cerebral artery were supplied by the basilar artery via a persistent trigeminal artery. Furthermore, CT perfusion showed no remarkable difference between the two hemispheres. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent trigeminal artery may have a protective role in the setting of an acquired occlusion of homolateral internal carotid artery. Therefore, it is important to fully assess the presence of the persistent trigeminal artery in acute ischemic stroke.