Study on the treatment of cerebral infarction with Chinese medicine Shenmajingfu granule by network pharmacology / 药学实践杂志

Objective To explore the material basis and mechanism of the Chinese medicine Shenmajingfu granules in the treatment of cerebral infarction. Methods The potential active ingredients and targets of Shenmajingfu granules were retrieved through TCMSP, ETCM database and TCM Database. The related target genes of cerebral infarction were searched from OMIM database. The common targets of Shenmajingfu granules and cerebral infarction were obtained by the intersection method. Cytoscape was used to construct active components of Shenmajingfu granules-targets network. Protein-protein interaction network was constructed by STRING software. DAVID database was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Results The 183 potential active ingredients of Shenmajingfu granules were screened out. 1785 potential targets were screened in the TCMSP database, including 30 targets related to cerebral infarction. These target genes were mainly involved in the inflammatory response and apoptosis process, involving the TNF signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway and NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusion The therapeutic effect of Shenmajingfu granules on cerebral infarction may be related to the regulation of inflammatory response, improvement of impaired neurological function and protection of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Comparison on Rat Models of Acute Cerebral Infarction Due to Stasis Combined with Toxin Complicated with Cerebral-cardiac Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe and compare the electrocardiogram index， myocardial morphology， and connexin 43 （Cx43） expression of two rat models of acute cerebral infarction （ACI） due to stasis combined with toxin complicated with cerebral-cardiac syndrome （CCS）， and to provide experimental evidence for the research on the occurrence mechanism of cardiac diseases induced by ACI and the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CCS. MethodSixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomized into six groups （n=10）： normal ， syndrome of stasis combined with toxin induced by carrageenin combined with dry yeast （CA/Y）， multi-infarct induced by micro-embolism （ME）， middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO）， CA/Y+ME， and CA/Y+MCAO groups. The model of syndrome of stasis combined with toxin was established by intraperitoneal injection with carrageenan （CA） at 10 mg·kg-1 on the first day and subcutaneous injection with dry yeast （Y） suspension （2 mg·kg-1） on the second day of modeling. Twenty-four hours after the modeling of ACI， the electrocardiograms （ECGs） of rats in each group were collected and the number/percentage （%） of abnormal ECG was calculated. The infarct area of the brain was evaluated by 2，3，5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride （TTC） staining， and myocardial injury was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Immumohistochemical staining and Western blot were employed to determine the expression of Cx43 in the myocardium. ResultA certain number of rats in each model group presented abnormal ECG. Compared with the normal group and CA/Y group， CA/Y+MCAO group had the highest rate of abnormal ECG （P<0.01）. Compared with the normal， CA/Y， ME， and CA/Y+ME groups， the CA/Y+ME and CA/Y+MCAO groups showed decreased amplitudes of P-wave and T-wave， shortened P-R interval， and extended Q-T interval， which were particularly obvious in the CA/Y+MCAO group （P<0.05， P<0.01） and in accordance with the cerebral infarction area and pathological changes. The expression of Cx43 was up-regulated in both CA/Y+ME and CA/Y+MCAO groups， especially in the CA/Y+MCAO group （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe two rat models of ACI due to stasis combined with toxin complicated with CCS can be used to study the mechanism of heart diseases caused by cerebrovascular diseases and the therapeutic effects of Chinese medicines with the functions of resolving stasis and detoxifying. Moreover， the CA/Y+MCAO method has higher abnormal electrocardiogram rate， severer myocardial pathological injury， and higher expression of Cx43 protein. The models can be chosen according to specific experimental purpose.

Related factors of post-stroke depression in patients with cerebral infarction during hospitalization in rehabilitation department / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectTo explore the risk factors related to the intensity of post-stroke depression in patients with cerebral infarction during hospitalization in the rehabilitation department. MethodsThe hospital consultation records of cerebral infarction patients in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital from December, 2019 to February, 2023 were reviewed from the hospital information system, and those who were diagnosed as depression visited the department of psychology were selected. It was collected including general information of sexes, ages, education levels, matrimony; medical features of course, location, affected side, sensory disorders, aphasia, agrypnia, dysphagia, hand-shoulder syndrome, constipation; functioning of muscle strength and Brunnstrom stages; and scores of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Balance (FMA-B), modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Patients with HAMD scores ≤ 20 were as the low group, and those > 20 were as the high group. ResultA total of 2 403 hospitalized stroke patients were included, out of which 269 patients with cerebral infarction were diagnosed as depression and visited the department of psychology; while 103 cases were in the low group and 166 cases were in the high group. The incidence of constipation was less, and the incidence of dysphagia and shoulder-hand syndrome was higher in the high group (χ2 > 5.379, P < 0.05), with weaker strength of iliopsoas muscle and quadriceps muscle, earlier of Brunnstrom stage of lower extremities and hands, and worse scores of NIHSS, MMSE, FMA, FMA-B and MBI (|Z| > 2.020, t > 2.171, P < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that constipation (OR = 0.435), quadriceps muscle strength (OR = 0.782) and dysphagia (OR = 2.602) related to the intensity of post-stroke depression in convalescent patients (P < 0.05). ConclusionPost-stroke dysphagia and poor quadriceps muscle strength may exacerbate post-stroke depression; however, constipation may not.

Radiodensidad de la arteria cerebral media y su correlación con el nivel de hemoglobina en pacientes con y sin infarto cerebral residentes a gran altitud

Introducción. El signo de la arteria cerebral media (ACM) hiperdensa evaluada por tomografía simple permite predecir la enfermedad vascular cerebral isquémica (EVCi) con oclusión de un gran vaso, sin embargo, es frecuente identificar este signo en pobladores con niveles altos de hemoglobina sin clínica de EVCi. Objetivos. Evaluar la correlación entre la radiodensidad de la ACM y el nivel de hemoglobina en pacientes con y sin EVCi, residentes en una ciudad a gran altitud. Métodos. Estudio observacional analítico, se incluyeron personas residentes de Cusco (ubicada a 3300 msnm) que acudían al servicio de emergencia y se les realizó una tomografía cerebral, presentando o no clínica de EVCi. Se realizó la medición de la radiodensidad de la ACM y se correlacionó con el nivel de hemoglobina. Resultados. Se incluyeron 279 pacientes, el promedio de hemoglobina fue de 15,1 mg/dL y desviación estándar (DE) de 2,5 mg/dL, en los controles se identificó una correlación significativa (r = 0,425, p<0,01) entre la radiodensidad de la ACM con el nivel de hemoglobina. En los casos con EVCi derechos, la radiodensidad de la ACM derecha fue de 46,9 (DE = 7,7 UH) y de la izquierda fue de 46,1 (DE = 6,6 UH), sin que existan diferencias estadísticas (p = 0,24). Tampoco se encontró diferencias en los casos con EVCi izquierdos. Conclusión. Sí existe una correlación entre la radiodensidad de la ACM con el nivel de hemoglobina en los pobladores que viven a gran altitud, sin embargo, no se logró demostrar diferencias significativas entre la radiodensidad entre las ACM afectada y la contralateral en los casos de un EVCi.

Introduction. The sign of the hyperdense middle cerebral artery (MCA) evaluated by simple tomography allows predicting ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICD) with occlusion of a large vessel, however, it is common to identify this sign in residents with high hemoglobin levels without symptoms of ICD. Objectives. To evaluate the correlation between the radiodensity of the MCA and the hemoglobin level in patients with and without ICD, residing in a high-altitude city. Methods. Analytical observational study, including people residing in Cusco (located at 3300 masl) who attended the emergency service and underwent a brain tomography, presenting or not ICD symptoms. ACM radiodensity was measured and correlated with the hemoglobin level. Results. 279 patients were included, the average hemoglobin was 15.1 and standard deviation (DE) of 2.5 mg/dL, in the controls a significant correlation was identified (r = 0.425, p<0.01) between the radiodensity of the MCA with the hemoglobin level. In the cases with right ICD, the radiodensity of the right MCA was 46.9 (DE = 7.7 HU) and of the left it was 46.1 (DE = 6.6 HU), with no statistical differences (p=0 ,24). No differences were found in the cases with left ICD either. Conclusion. There is a correlation between the radiodensity of the MCA with the hemoglobin level in the inhabitants who live at high altitudes, however, it is not possible to demonstrate significant differences between the radiodensity between the affected MCA and the contralateral one in the cases of an ICD.

Acute headache attributed to ischemic stroke: assessment of its characteristics and associated factors / Cefaleia aguda atribuída ao acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico: avaliação das características e fatores associados

Abstract Background It is estimated that headache attributed to ischemic stroke occurs in 7.4% to 34% of the cases. Despite its frequency, this headache has been little studied in terms of its risk factors and characteristics. Objective To assess the frequency and clinical characteristics of headache attributed to ischemic stroke and the factors associated with its occurrence. Methods The present was a cross-sectional study which included patients consecutively admitted within 72 hours of the onset of ischemic stroke. A semi-structured questionnaire was used. The patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Results A total of 221 patients were included, 68.2% of whom were male, and the mean age was of 68.2 ± 13.8 years. The frequency of headache attributed to ischemic stroke was of 24.9% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 19.6-31.1%). The headache had a median duration of 21 hours and most frequently began at the same time as the focal deficit (45.3%), with a gradual onset (83%). It was of moderate intensity, pulsatile (45.3%), bilateral (54.6%), and presented a similar pattern to that of tension-type headache (53.6%). Headache attributed to stroke was significantly associated with previous tension-type headache, and previous migraine with and without aura (logistic regression). Conclusion Headache attributed to stroke is common, with a pattern similar to that of tension-type headache, and it is associated with a history of tension-type and migraine headaches.

Resumo Antecedentes A cefaleia atribuída ao acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCi) tem uma frequência de 7,4% a 34% dos casos. Apesar de ser considerada frequente, esta cefaleia ainda é pouco estudada em termos de seus fatores de risco e características. Objetivo Avaliar a frequência e as características clínicas da cefaleia atribuída ao AVCi e os fatores associados com a sua ocorrência. Métodos Este foi um estudo transversal que incluiu pacientes admitidos consecutivamente com até 72 horas do início do AVCi. Foi utilizado um questionário semiestruturado. Os pacientes realizaram ressonância magnética. Resultados Foram incluídos 221 pacientes, 68,2% dos quais eram do sexo masculino, e com idade média de 68,2 ± 13,8 anos. A frequência da cefaleia atribuída ao AVCi foi de 24,9% (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]: 19,6-31,1%). A duração mediana da cefaleia foi de 21 horas, e ela se iniciou com mais frequência ao mesmo tempo em que o déficit focal (45,3%), teve instalação gradual (83%), foi de moderada intensidade, pulsátil (45,3%), bilateral (54,6%) e teve um padrão semelhante ao da cefaleia de tipo tensional (53,6%). A cefaleia atribuída ao AVCi esteve significativamente associada à cefaleia de tipo tensional prévia, e à migrânea com e sem aura prévias (regressão logística). Conclusão A cefaleia atribuída ao AVCi é frequente, tem padrão mais habitual semelhante ao da cefaleia de tipo tensional, e está associada aos antecedentes de cefaleia de tipo tensional e migrânea.

Tratamiento con rituximab en 2 pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico pediátrico

Introducción . El LES pediátrico (LESp) representa el 15% de todos los pacientes con LES. La afectación renal y neuropsiquiátrica es más agresivo en el LESp, siendo la afectación de un solo órgano la forma clínica de aparición más común. Formas de presentación como infarto cerebral y serositis son manifestaciones poco frecuentes en el LESp. El tratamiento de un LESp no difiere al de las formas adultas y el arsenal terapéutico es el mismo. El rituximab (RTX) es un agente biológico utilizado a nivel mundial en LES con excelentes resultados, sin embargo, aún no existe consenso sobre su eficacia real en LESp. Objetivos . Presentación de 2 casos de LESp con infarto cerebral y serositis como forma de presentación, que no respondieron a la terapia convencional pero sí a RTX. Métodos . Reporte de caso, con descripción del cuadro clínico, método diagnóstico y forma de tratamiento. Resultados. Primer caso: mujer de 16 años que consulta por cefalea progresiva con crisis tónico-clónica. La tomografía cerebral mostró un infarto cerebral frontoparietal izquierdo. En el examen físico se encontró livedo reticularis en miembros inferiores, dolor articular, caída del cabello y úlceras orales. Las pruebas revelaron anemia normocítica, trombocitopenia, disminución del complemento, 1/320 ANA con patrón homogéneo, 3.200 mg de proteína en muestra de orina de 24 horas y anticuerpos antifosfolipídicos negativos. Se realizó diagnóstico de LESp con compromiso renal, neurológico y hematológico, decidiendo uso de metilprednisolona 1 g EV diario durante 3 días, para luego pasar a ciclofosfamida 1 g EV mensual por 6 meses. Después de 3 meses persisten proteinuria, fatiga y artralgias. Por este motivo, se decidió utilizar rituximab a una dosis de 375 mg / m2 en días 1 y 15 cada 6 meses. Tras 4 infusiones, la proteinuria desapareció, así como las artralgias y malestar general. Actualmente mantiene scores SLEDAI-2K en remisión, con dosis bajas de prednisona. Segundo caso: niño de 10 años, presentó dolor abdominal difuso con distensión asociada de inicio más o menos abrupto. Se agregó cansancio, dificultad para respirar y palpitaciones. Una radiografía simple de abdomen no mostró niveles hidroaéreos, pero la placa torácica demostró derrame pleural bilateral con agrandamiento de la silueta cardíaca. Un ecocardiograma y una ecografía abdominal reveló derrame pericárdico y ascitis respectivamente. Al examen físico se observó palidez general, edema translúcido de miembros inferiores, roce pericárdico y disminución del soplo vesicular en ambas bases pulmonares. Las pruebas de laboratorio mostraron leucopenia, linfopenia, anemia normocítica, reactantes de fase aguda elevados, ANA 1/560, anti-ADN 280 U / mL, complemento disminuido, transaminasas elevadas, urea y creatinina normales. Se diagnosticó LESp y se pulsó con metilprednisolona 30 mg / kg / dosis durante 4 días, para luego pasar a micofenolato 600 mg / m2 diarios. Inicialmente hubo mejoría, pero después de 2 meses reapareció la serositis inicial. Se decidió usar rituximab 375 mg / m2. Después de la segunda infusión la serositis desapareció, normalizándose valores de hemograma, complemento y transaminasas. Actualmente se encuentra en remisión, con dosis bajas de prednisona. Conclusión . Los casos presentados debutaron con infarto cerebral y serositis, mostraron ANA elevados títulos y disminución del complemento. Ambos casos mejoraron con rituximab tras el fracaso a ciclofosfamida y micofenolato. Se obtuvo el consentimiento informado de los padres y los pacientes.

Introduction . Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) represents 15% of all SLE patients. Renal and neuropsychiatric involvement are more aggressive in pSLE, and single organ involvement is the most commonly found clinical form. Conditions such as cerebral infarction and serositis are unusual manifestation of pSLE. Therapy for pSLE is not different from that for the adult forms, and the therapy armamentarium is the same. Rituximab (RTX) is a worldwide used biological for SLE, with excellent results; however, there is still no consensus with respect to is real efficacy in pSLE. Objectives . Presentation of two pSLE cases with cerebral infarction and serositis as main characteristics, who did not respond to conventional therapy, but who did respond to RTX. Methods . Case report, describing the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and therapy approach used. Results . First case: This is a sixteen-year-old girl who was brought because of progressing headache and a tonic-clonic crisis. The brain CT scan showed a left frontoparietal cerebral infarction. Physical examination revealed livedo reticularis in both legs, joint pain, hair loss, and mouth ulcers. Laboratory tests revealed normocytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, reduced complement, 1/320 ANA with a homogeneous pattern, 3.200 mg 24-hour proteinuria, and negative anti-phospholipidic antibodies. A pSLE diagnosis was made, with renal, neurologic, and hematologic involvement, so it was decided to use methylprednisolone, 1 gram IV per day for three days, and then switch to cyclophosphamide 1 g IV per month for 6 months. After three months, proteinuria, fatigue, and arthralgia persisted. For this reason, it was decided to administer rituximab, 375 mg/m2 in days 1 and 15, every six months. After four infusions, proteinuria, joint pain and malaise all disappeared. Nowadays this patient maintains SLEDAI-K scores in remission, and she is also receiving low-dose prednisone. Second case: This is a ten-year-old boy, who presented with abrupt diffuse abdominal pain associated with (abdominal) distention. Other manifestations were tiredness, shortness of breath, and palpitations. A plain abdomen X-ray film did not show hydro-aerial levels, but the chest X-ray film showed bilateral pleural effusion, and enlarged cardiac silhouette. Cardiac ultrasonography and abdominal ultrasonography revealed pericardial effusion and ascites, respectively. Findings in physical examination showed pallor translucid edema of the legs, pericardial throbbing, and reduced respiratory sounds in both pulmonary bases. Laboratory tests revealed leukopenia, lymphopenia, normocytic anemia, elevated acute phase reactants, ANA 1/560, anti-DNA 280 U/mL, reduced complement, elevated transaminases, and normal urea and creatinine. pSLE was diagnosed, and therapy instituted was methylprednisolone 30 mg/Kg/dose for 4 days, then it was switched to mycophenolate 600 mg/m2 per day. There was improvement initially, but after two months, serositis reappeared. Then it was decided to start rituximab 375 mg/m2. After the second infusion, serositis disappeared, and CBC, complement, and transaminase values returned to normal. Nowadays the patient is in remission, and he is receiving low-dose prednisone. Conclusión . Both presented cases featured cerebral infarction and serositis. They also showed high ANA titers and reduced complement. Both patients improved their condition with rituximab after failure with cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate. Informed consent from both parents and patients was obtained.

Research progress on the roles of neurovascular unit in stroke-induced immunosuppression / 浙江大学学报·医学版

A complex pathophysiological mechanism is involved in brain injury following cerebral infarction. The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a complex multi-cellular structure consisting of neurons, endothelial cells, pericyte, astrocyte, microglia and extracellular matrix, etc. The dyshomeostasis of NVU directly participates in the regulation of inflammatory immune process. The components of NVU promote inflammatory overreaction and synergize with the overactivation of autonomic nervous system to initiate stroke-induced immunodepression (SIID). SIID can alleviate the damage caused by inflammation, however, it also makes stroke patients more susceptible to infection, leading to systemic damage. This article reviews the mechanism of SIID and the roles of NVU in SIID, to provide a perspective for reperfusion, prognosis and immunomodulatory therapy of cerebral infarction.

Effects of zhongfeng cutong moxibustion on motor function and corticospinal tract in the patients with motor dysfunction during the recovery period of cerebral infarction / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the effects of zhongfeng cutong moxibustion (moxibustion therapy for unblocking and treating stroke) on the motor function and the structure of corticospinal tract (CST) in the patients with motor dysfunction during the recovery period of cerebral infarction, and to explore the central mechanism of this moxibustion therapy for improving the motor function.@*METHODS@#Fifty patients with motor dysfunction during the recovery period of cerebral infarction were randomly divided into an observation group (25 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (25 cases, 1 case dropped out). The patients in both groups underwent the conventional basic treatment. In the control group, acupuncture was applied to Baihui (GV 20) and Shuigou (GV 26), as well as Chize (LU 5), Neiguan (PC 6), Weizhong (BL 40) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) etc. on the affected side. Besides the intervention of the control group, in the observation group, zhongfeng cutong moxibustion therapy was combined at Baihui (GV 20), Shenque (CV 8) and bilateral Zusanli (ST 36). Both acupuncture and moxibustion therapies were delivered once daily, 5 times a week, for 2 weeks. The scores of Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA) and National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The diffusion tensor imaging technique was used to observe the fractional anisotropy (FA) of CST at the bilateral whole segment, the cerebral cortex, the posterior limb of the internal capsule and the cerebral peduncle before and after treatment in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The scores of the upper and the lower limbs of FMA, as well as the total FMA score swere increased after treatment when compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), the upper limb FMA score and the total FMA score in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and NIHSS scores of the two groups were dropped compared with those before treatment (P<0.01). FA of CST at the bilateral sides of the posterior limb of the internal capsule and the whole segment on the focal side was improved in comparison with that before treatment in the observation group (P<0.05), and FA of CST at the healthy side of the whole segment was higher than that before treatment in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Zhongfeng cutong moxibustion improves motor function and reduces neurological deficits in the patients with motor dysfunction during the recovery period of cerebral infarction, which may be related to enhancing the remodeling of white matter fiber bundles in the corticospinal tract on the focal side of the whole segment and the bilateral posterior limb of the internal capsule.

A Case of Successful Cognitive Rehabilitation in the Chronic Stage of Right Middle Cerebral Artery Territory Infarction：The Application of Guidance on Internal Methods, Including Time Pressure Management / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Few reports have yet investigated adequate cognitive rehabilitation for patients with chronic cognitive disorder. In this report, we describe a case of cognitive rehabilitation 10 months after onset of cerebral infarction in the right middle cerebral artery region, resulting in a good outcome. The patient was a 44-year-old right-handed male, with primary symptoms of inattention and left hemispatial neglect. The patient had not undergone any neuropsychological evaluations or cognitive rehabilitation until 10 months after disease onset. After 30 days of both direct attention training and metacognitive strategy training, including time pressure management, improvement of his cognitive disorder was achieved. The teaching of internal methods to improve metacognition with a high level of evidence was effective even 10 months after onset. Furthermore, it is important for therapists who provide cognitive rehabilitation using metacognitive strategy training to understand patients' remaining functions based on neuropsychological assessment, and to consider and teach compensatory methods so that they can be effectively used by patients in situations of daily life.

A Case of Successful Cognitive Rehabilitation in the Chronic Stage of Right Middle Cerebral Artery Territory Infarction：The Application of Guidance on Internal Methods, Including Time Pressure Management / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Few reports have yet investigated adequate cognitive rehabilitation for patients with chronic cognitive disorder. In this report, we describe a case of cognitive rehabilitation 10 months after onset of cerebral infarction in the right middle cerebral artery region, resulting in a good outcome. The patient was a 44-year-old right-handed male, with primary symptoms of inattention and left hemispatial neglect. The patient had not undergone any neuropsychological evaluations or cognitive rehabilitation until 10 months after disease onset. After 30 days of both direct attention training and metacognitive strategy training, including time pressure management, improvement of his cognitive disorder was achieved. The teaching of internal methods to improve metacognition with a high level of evidence was effective even 10 months after onset. Furthermore, it is important for therapists who provide cognitive rehabilitation using metacognitive strategy training to understand patients' remaining functions based on neuropsychological assessment, and to consider and teach compensatory methods so that they can be effectively used by patients in situations of daily life.

Imaging predictors of malignant cerebral edema in patients with acute ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Malignant cerebral edema can lead to increased intracranial pressure, rapid deterioration of neurological function, and even the formation of cerebral hernia. It has the characteristics of high mortality and disability rates, and is a common cause of poor prognosis in patients with acute massive cerebral infarction. Early decompressive craniectomy can effectively improve the neurological outcomes of patients with malignant cerebral edema. Therefore, early prediction of malignant cerebral edema is crucial. This article reviews the formation mechanism and related imaging manifestations of malignant cerebral edema, in order to provide reference and assistance for the early diagnosis and reasonable treatment of malignant cerebral edema after massive cerebral infarction.

Effect of insular involvement on the outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of insular involvement on the outcomes of patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke.Methods:Patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Neurology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University from January 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively included. Demographic data, vascular risk factors, clinical and laboratory data, as well as treatment and outcomes were collected. Firstly, the correlation between the insular involvement and the outcomes was investigated, and then the bootstrap method was used to clarify the mediating role of infarct volume between the insular involvement and the poor outcomes.Results:A total of 450 patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke were enrolled, among whom 79 cases (17.6%) had insular involvement and 41 (9.1%) had left insular involvement. There were 111 (24.7%) with poor outcomes, including 5 (1.1%) died. Compared to the non-insular involvement group, the insular involvement group had a higher proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation, shorter onset to door time, higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission, larger infarct volume, and higher proportion of patients with poor outcomes (all P<0.05). In addition, patients with left insular involvement were younger than those with right insular involvement, had a higher baseline NIHSS score, a lower proportion of patients with minor stroke (NIHSS score ≤8), and had a longer onset to door time (all P<0.05). Compared to the good outcome group, the poor outcome group was older, with a higher proportion of female patients, higher systolic blood pressure, blood glucose, NLR, and NIHSS scores at admission, larger infarct volume, and a higher proportion of patients with insular involvement (all P<0.05). Mediation analysis suggested that the mediating effect of infarct volume between the insular involvement and the poor outcomes was significant (95% confidence interval 0.033-0.230; P=0.008). Conclusions:insular involvement in patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke is associated with the poor outcomes, and this association may be mediated by infarct volume. Patients with left insular involvement may have more severe symptoms than those with right insular involvement, but there is no significant difference in the outcomes.

Clinical Efficacy of Huanglian Jiedutang in Adjuvant Treatment of Acute Cerebral Infarction Complicated with Gastric Motility Disorder / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy of Huanglian Jiedutang as an adjunctive treatment for acute cerebral infarction complicated with gastric motility disorder. MethodSixty patients with acute cerebral infarction complicated with gastric motility disorder with fire toxin syndrome were randomly divided into a western medicine control group （control group） and a traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） combined treatment group （observation group）， with 30 cases in each group. The control group received basic treatment for cerebral infarction and relevant western medical symptomatic treatment based on the patients' gastrointestinal symptoms. The observation group received Huanglian Jiedutang in addition to the treatment provided to the control group. The treatment course was 7 days. Neurological deficit scores and gastrointestinal dysfunction scores were assessed in both groups before treatment and on the 4th and 7th days of treatment. Gastrointestinal electrographic parameters， serum citrulline （CIT）， and motilin （MTL） levels were measured in both groups before treatment and on the 7th day of treatment. Clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. ResultCompared with the baseline in both groups， the neurological deficit scores and gastrointestinal dysfunction scores were significantly reduced on the 4th and 7th days of treatment （P<0.05）. The reductions in these scores were more significant on the 7th day compared with those on the 4th day of treatment （P<0.05）. On the 4th and 7th days of treatment， the observation group showed a significantly greater reduction in neurological deficit scores and gastrointestinal dysfunction scores compared with the control group （P<0.05）. On the 7th day of treatment， compared with the baseline， both groups showed a significant increase in gastric antral and gastric body electric wave amplitudes as well as serum CIT and MTL levels （P<0.05）， and there were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of gastric antral and gastric body electric waves. On the 7th day of treatment， compared with the control group， the observation group had a significant increase in gastric antral and gastric body electric wave amplitudes as well as serum CIT and MTL levels （P<0.05）， and there were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of gastric antral and gastric body electric waves. After 7 days of treatment， the total effective rate in the observation group was 90.00% （27/30）， higher than 76.67% （23/30） in the control group， but the difference was not statistically significant. ConclusionAdjunctive treatment with Huanglian Jiedutang can effectively improve the symptoms of neurological function impairment and gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with acute cerebral infarction complicated with gastric motility disorder， increase gastric antral and gastric body electric wave amplitudes， improve gastric motility disorder， and increase serum CIT and MTL levels， thereby improving the imbalanced secretion function of the gastrointestinal tract.

Characteristics of intestinal flora in patients with cerebral infarction complicated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#The intestinal microbial characteristics of patients with simple cerebral infarction (CI) and CI complicated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (CI-T2DM) are still not clear. This study aims to analyze the differences in the variable characteristics of intestinal flora between patients simply with CI and CI-T2DM.@*METHODS@#This study retrospectively collected the patients who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University from September 2021 to September 2022. The patients were divided into a CI group (n=12) and a CI-T2DM group (n=12). Simultaneously, 12 healthy people were selected as a control group. Total DNA was extracted from feces specimens. Illumina Novaseq sequencing platform was used for metagenomic sequencing. The Knead Data software, Kraken2 software, and Bracken software were applied for sequencing analysis.@*RESULTS@#At phylum level, the average ratio of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria in the CI-T2DM group were 33.07%, 54.80%, and 7.00%, respectively. In the CI group, the ratios of each were 14.03%, 69.62%, and 11.13%, respectively, while in the control group, the ratios were 50.99%, 37.67%, and 5.24%, respectively. There was significant differences in the distribution of Firmicutes (F=6.130, P=0.011) among the 3 groups. At the family level, compared with the CI group, the relative abundance of Eubacteriaceae (t=8.062, P<0.001) in the CI-T2DM group was significantly increased, while Corynebacteriaceae (t=4.471, P<0.001), Methanobacteriaceae (t=3.406, P=0.003), and Pseudomonadaceae (t=2.352, P=0.028) were decreased significantly. At the genus level, compared with the CI group, there was a relative abundance of Cutibacterium (t=6.242, P<0.001), Eubacterium (t=8.448, P<0.001), and Blautia (t=3.442, P=0.002) in the CI-T2DM group which was significantly increased. In terms of Methanobrevibacter (t=3.466, P=0.002), Pyramidobacter (t=2.846, P=0.009) and Pseudomonas (t=2.352, P=0.028), their distributions were decreased significantly in the CI-T2DM group. At the species level, compared with the CI group, the relative abundance of Cutibacterium acnes (t=6.242, P<0.001) in the CI-T2DM group was significantly increased, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa (t=2.352, P=0.028) was decreased significantly. Still at the genus level, linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis showed that the distributions of Pseudomonas and Blautia were determined to be the most significantly different between the CI-T2DM and the CI group. At the species level, the total number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the 3 groups was 1 491. There were 169, 221, and 192 kinds of OTUs unique to the CI-T2DM, CI, and control group, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#From phylum level to species level, the composition of intestinal flora in the patients with CI-T2DM is different from those in the patients simply with CI. The change in the proportion of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteus compared with the healthy population is an important feature of intestinal flora imbalance in the patients with CI and with CI-T2DM. Attention should be paid to the differential distribution of Bacteroides monocytogenes and butyrate producing bacteria.

Research progress of fibroblast growth factor in nervous system diseases / 浙江大学学报·医学版

Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) are a group of structurally related polypeptides which constitute an elaborate signaling system with their receptors. Evidence accumulated in the years suggests that the FGF family plays a key role in the repair of central nervous system injury. The main protective mechanisms include activating the expression of PI3K-Akt, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) and other signals; inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis; regulating neuronal differentiation and neuronal excitability as well as participating in protection of neurovascular units and nerve function repair. This paper comprehensively summarizes the latest research progress in FGF signaling related to diseases of the central nervous system such as cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and depression, aiming to provide scientific basis and reference for the development of innovative FGF drugs for the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases.

Study on the relationship between the risk of Parkinson's disease complicated with cerebral infarction and the serum level of tyrosine hydroxylase and its potential influencing factors / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To explore the relationship between serum levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the risk of cerebral infarction in Parkinson's patients. Methods A total of 129 patients with confirmed Parkinson's disease who were hospitalized in our hospital were selected, among the 58 patients had Parkinson's disease complicated with cerebral infarction (complicated with cerebral infarction group), and the remaining 71 patients had Parkinson's disease alone (control group). Blood TH levels and other potential related information were collected retrospectively at the time of diagnosis. Comparative analysis of data was performed using SPSS software. Results Comparing the serum TH expression levels in patients with Parkinson's disease and patients with cerebral infarction at admission , the serum TH level in patients with cerebral infarction was lower. Results also showed that the levels of CRP, IL-6, MDA, and Hcy were higher in patients with cerebral infarction, while PON-1 level was lower. In addition, patients with cerebral infarction had lower motor ability (higher UPDRS Ⅲ score). Further regression analysis was carried out with the occurrence of Parkinson's disease complicated with cerebral infarction as the dependent variable and the potential influencing factors as the independent variable. The results indicated that factors such as low expression of TH, high expression of inflammatory factors, and high expression of oxidative stress factors were positively correlated with the risk of complications of the two diseases. Conclusion The low expression of TH, inflammatory state and high oxidative stress state are the potential risk factors for Parkinson's disease complicated with cerebral infarction, which deserves clinical attention.

A Retrospective Study on the Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medical Syndromes in 3088 Cases of Atherosclerotic Cerebral Infarction / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome and the evolution of pathogenesis in different stages of atherosclerotic thrombotic cerebral infarction （ATCI）. MethodsClinical data of 3088 ATCI patients from 8 hospitals in 6 provinces and cities were collected from the hospital information system during January 1， 2015 to December 31， 2019. After staging and counting clinical symptoms， common factors were extracted using the principal component analysis method in factor analysis. Cluster analysis was then carried out on the basis of the factor analysis. The results of the combination of the evidence element identification， cluster analysis and expert discussion were used to discuss the evidence of the different disease stages of atherosclerotic cerebral infarction. ResultsOf the 3088 ATCI patients included， 2290 cases were in the acute phase and 798 in the non-acute phase. Excluding the main symptoms of ischaemic stroke， such as numbness and weakness of limbs， unfavourable movement， unfavourable speech and dizziness， we identified 84 indicators with a frequency ≥5% of the four diagnostic information variables. Of these， 36 indicators were observed in the acute phase and 35 in the non-acute phase. Factor analysis extracted 14 common factors from each phase. We selected factors with a loading coefficient ＞0.3 for evidence determination. These 14 groups of common factors were used as variables for clustering. After clustering， the acute， non-acute phase were each divided into 5 categories. Based on a combination of clinical practice and expert opinion， the symptoms identified in the acute period were syndrome of deficiency of both qi and yin， syndrome of blockade of wind-phlegm-static blood （36.07%）， syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis （20.74%）， syndrome of upward disturbance of wind-fire （15.15%）， syndrome of stirring wind due to yin deficiency （9.43%）， and syndrome of spleen deficiency and liver hyperactivity （3.80%）. In the non-acute phase， the symptoms were qi and yin deficiency with syndrome of qi stagnation and blood stasis （45.49%）， syndrome of deficiency of both qi and yin （20.05%）， syndrome of qi stagnation and blood stasis （16.42%）， spleen-kidney deficiency syndrome （8.52%）， and syndrome of hyperactivity of liver yang （4.89%）. ConclusionThe acute phase of AICI is mainly characterized by blood stasis， fire， internal wind， hyperactivity of yang， qi deficiency and yin deficiency， while the non-acute phase is characterized by yin deficiency， qi deficiency， blood stasis and qi stagnation. The main pathomechanism of ATCI involves deficiency of qi and yin， as well as obstruction of the channels by phlegm and blood stasis， and the fundamental pathomechanism is deficiency of qi and yin.

Effect of Zuogui Jiangtang Tongmai Prescription on SCFAs/GPR43/GLP-1/GLP-1R Signaling Pathway in Rats with Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with Cerebral Infarction / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Tongmai prescription （ZJT） in the treatment of diabetes mellitus complicated with cerebral infarction （DM-CI） in rats based on the short-chain fatty acids （SCFAs）/G protein-coupled receptor 43 （GPR43）/glucagon-like peptide-1 （GLP-1）/GLP-1 receptor （GLP-1R） signaling pathway. MethodSixty SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group， model group， low- and high-dose ZJT groups （12， 24 g·kg-1）， western medicine group （140 mg·kg-1 pioglitazone metformin tablets + 27 mg·kg-1 enteric-coated aspirin tablets）. Except for the sham operation group， all other groups were fed a high-sugar high-fat diet for 4 weeks and then subjected to intraperitoneal injection of 1% streptozotocin at 35 mg·kg-1 combined with middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） to establish a DM-CI rat model. The corresponding interventions were performed with distilled water， low-dose ZJT， high-dose ZJT， pioglitazone metformin tablets， and enteric-coated aspirin tablets. After surgery， National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale （NIHSS） scoring and triphenyltetrazolium chloride （TTC） staining to measure the rat's cerebral infarct volume were carried out. Random blood glucose levels were measured， and hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe histopathological changes in rat brain tissues. Gas chromatography was employed to detect the content of SCFAs in the cecum contents. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was adopted to measure serum GLP-1 level. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of GPR43 in rat ileal tissues and GLP-1R in the ischemic brain tissues. ResultCompared with the sham operation group， the model group showed significantly increased NIHSS scores， random blood glucose levels， and cerebral infarct volumes （P<0.01）， and significantly decreased SCFAs content， GLP-1 levels， and GPR43 and GLP-1R protein expression （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the high-dose ZJT group and the western medicine group exhibited significantly reduced NIHSS scores， random blood glucose levels， and cerebral infarct volumes （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and significantly increased SCFAs content， GLP-1 levels， and GPR43 and GLP-1R protein expression （P<0.01）. ConclusionZJT can improve glucose metabolism disorder and reduce neurological damage in DM-CI rats， and its mechanism may be related to the increase in SCFAs content and the upregulation of the GPR43/GLP-1/GLP-1R signaling pathway.

Multiple cerebral infarction complicated with vascular Parkinsonism on cognitive function in patients / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the influence of patients with multiple cerebral infarction complicated with vascular Parkinsonism (VaP) on cognitive function, and to provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with multiple cerebral infarction complicated with VaP. Methods A toatl of 206 patients with multiple cerebral infarction admitted to Ningde municipal hospital of ningde normal university from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected and divided into VaP group (n=58) and control group (n=148) according to whether they were complicated with VaP. Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) was used to evaluate the cognitive function of patients. The scale included 8 cognitive domains including attention and concentration, executive function, memory, language, visual structure skills, abstract thinking, calculation and orientation. Pearson was used to analyze the correlation between VaP and MoCA score in patients with multiple cerebral infarction. Age, sex, years of education, white matter disease, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease and other vascular risk factors were compared between the two groups. The independent risk factors for VaP in multiple cerebral infarction were analyzed by multiple linear regression. Results MoCA score in VaP group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). In terms of each item, scores of attention and concentration, memory, language and computation in VaP group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that attention and concentration, memory, language and computational scores were correlated with VaP in patients with multiple cerebral infarction (r=-0.475, -0.314 , -0.302 , -0.389, P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in white matter lesions, lesion sites in left hemisphere and frontal lobe, diabetes mellitus and carotid artery plaque (P<0.05).White matter lesions (OR=2.571), diabetes mellitus (OR=2.369) and lesion location in the left hemisphere (OR=2.958) were independent risk factors for VaP in patients with multiple cerebral infarction (P<0.05). Conclusion The risk of VaP in multiple cerebral infarction is high, which is related to the cognitive function of patients. Early intervention such as brain function training should be given to patients with white matter lesions, diabetes and lesions in the left hemisphere. , can significantly improve patients' cognitive function and reduce the occurrence of VaP.

Preliminary exploration of endovascular treatment for cerebral infarction caused by middle cerebral artery stenosis with hypoperfusion in the blood supply area of the lenticulostriate artery / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the necessity, safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment for cerebral infarction caused by middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis with hypoperfusion in the blood supply area of the lenticulostriate artery.Methods:The clinical and surgical data of patients with MCA atherosclerotic disease who underwent endovascular treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2014 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 6 patients with cerebral infarction caused by MCA stenosis with hypoperfusion in the blood supply area of the lenticulostriate artery were selected. The preoperative and postoperative clinical imaging characteristics, perioperative complications and follow-up of these 6 patients were summarized and evaluated.Results:After the endovascular treatment, the imaging of the lenticulostriate artery in all the 6 patients was clearer than that before the operation, and the number of main trunks of the lenticulostriate artery shown by imaging in 2 patients was more than that before operation. The computer tomography perfusion of 6 patients after the endovascular treatment showed that perfusion in the supply area of the lenticulostriate artery was significantly improved compared with pre-operation. No stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and death occurred during the perioperative period. The time of clinical follow-up was 360 (322, 495) days, and there were no stroke, TIA or death occurring in the corresponding artery. All the 6 patients underwent imaging follow-up, of which 3 patients underwent digital subtraction angiography and 3 underwent CT angiography. The lumen of the target vessels showed patency in all patients.Conclusions:With rigorous imaging evaluation, endovascular treatment may be safe and effective for cerebral infarction caused by MCA stenosis with hypoperfusion in the blood supply area of the lenticulostriate artery.