HADHA promotes glioma progression by accelerating MDM2-mediated p53 ubiquitination.

Glioma represents a notoriously aggressive and malignant tumor that targets the central nervous system, with a poor prognosis for patients. In this research, we set out to examine the role of hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase trifunctional multienzyme complex subunit alpha (HADHA) in glioma, its clinical significance, as well as its potential biological mechanisms. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry staining to assess the expression level of HADHA in glioma tissues. We also evaluated the correlation between HADHA expression and patient survival using the Kaplan-Meier method. To determine the role of HADHA in glioma cells, we conducted loss-of-function assays in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we utilized co-immunoprecipitation and protein stability assays to investigate the potential mechanisms involving HADHA, MDM2, and p53 in glioma. Our research findings indicate that gliomas exhibit high levels of HADHA. Clinically, high expression of HADHA suggests an increased risk of malignant tumors, recurrence, and reduced survival rates. Functionally, knocking down HADHA can lead to decreased proliferation, enhanced apoptosis, and inhibited migration of glioma cells. Mechanistically, HADHA accelerates MDM2-mediated p53 ubiquitination through interaction with MDM2. Consistently, MDM2 knockdown or overexpression of p53 can attenuate the promoting effect of HADHA overexpression on the malignant progression of glioma. We have discovered a novel role of HADHA in promoting MDM2-mediated p53 ubiquitination, which contributes to the progression of glioma. This finding provides a new perspective to understand the pathogenesis of glioma and offers a potential target for developing innovative therapeutic strategies.

TC and LDL-C are negatively correlated with bone mineral density in patients with osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships of multiple lipid metabolism indicators and bone turnover markers (BTMs) with bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis, in order to identify high-risk populations. METHODS: A total of 380 patients were recruited and their general information was collected. Linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze the correlation of these indicators with BMD and osteoporosis. RESULTS: Lipid metabolism indices and BTMs exhibited varying degrees of positive or negative correlation with BMD. Elevated levels of triglycerides (r = -0.204, P = 0.004), total cholesterol (TC) (r = -0.244, P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (r = -0.256, P < 0.001), apoprotein B (r = -0.292, P < 0.001) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) (r = -0.221, P = 0.002) in women were associated with a reduction in BMD. This relationship persisted even after adjusting for confounding factors and in the subgroup analysis of elderly women. In males, TC (r = 0.159, P = 0.033), LDL-C (r = 0.187, P = 0.012), apoprotein B (r = 0.157, P = 0.035), and Lp-PLA2 (r = 0.168, P = 0.024) exhibited a positive correlation with BMD, while free fatty acid (FFA) (r = -0.153, P = 0.041) was negatively correlated with BMD. However, after adjusting for confounding factors, only FFA remained negatively correlated with BMD, which was not observed in the age subgroup analysis. Furthermore, elevated levels of TC and LDL-C in elderly women were positively associated with the risk of osteoporosis or low bone mass. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of TC and LDL-C not only indicate a decrease in BMD in females but also positively correlate with the occurrence of osteoporosis and low bone mass in elderly females.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Nasal Corticosteroids in COVID-19-Related Olfactory Dysfunction: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Olfactory disturbance is one of the main symptoms of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Various olfactory disorders caused by viral infections are treated with nasal corticosteroids. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nasal corticosteroids in the treatment of olfactory disorders caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. DATA SOURCES: We searched the Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases for clinical trials of nasal corticosteroids for treating COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction. REVIEW METHODS: We assessed the effect of nasal corticosteroids on olfactory function in COVID-19-affected individuals using a Meta-analysis of published studies, considering the number of patients who fully recovered from olfactory dysfunction, olfactory scores following treatment, and olfactory recovery time. RESULTS: Seven studies involving 930 patients were analyzed. The Meta-analysis results revealed that the olfactory score of the experimental group was 1.40 points higher than that of the control group (standardized mean difference [MD]: 1.40, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.34-2.47, P < .00001). However, the differences in the outcomes of cure rate (risk ratio: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.89-1.69, P = .21) and recovery time (MD: -1.78, 95% CI: -7.36 to 3.81, P = .53) were not statistically significant. Only 1 study reported adverse effects of nasal steroid treatment, namely tension, anger, and stomach irritation. CONCLUSION: Although nasal steroid therapy does not result in significant adverse effects, it proves ineffective in the treatment of COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction.

Identification and characterization of extrachromosomal circular DNA in age-related osteoporosis.

Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) was once thought to mainly exist in tumour cells, although it was later shown to be ubiquitous in healthy tissues as well. However, the characteristics and properties of eccDNA in healthy tissue or non-cancer tissue are not well understood. This study first analyses the properties, possible formation mechanisms and potential functions of eccDNA in osteoporotic or normal bone tissue. We used circle-seq to demonstrate the expression spectrum of the eccDNA in the bone tissue. A bioinformatics analysis was performed for the differentially expressed eccDNA, and it enriched the Hippo signalling pathway, PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, Ras signal-ling pathway and other signalling pathways that are closely related to osteoporosis (OP). Then, we used real-time polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing to assess human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and obtained the base sequence of the eccDNA cyclization site. Overall, eccDNAs in bone tissue are common and may play a significant role in pathways connected to age-related osteoporosis progression.

A predictive model for the recurrence of intracranial aneurysms following coil embolization.

Objective: This study aimed to identify risk factors for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) recurrence and establish a predictive model to aid evaluation. Methods: A total of 302 patients with 312 IAs undergoing coil embolization between September 2017 and October 2022 were divided into two groups based on digital subtraction angiography follow-up. Clinical characteristics, operation-related factors, and morphologies were measured. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify the risk factors. Hazard ratios (HRs) were used to score points, and a predictive model was established. The test cohorts consisted of 51 IAs. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to determine the cutoff values and area under the curves (AUCs). A Delong test was performed to compare the AUCs. Results: Diameter maximum (D max) (p < 0.001, HR = 1.221), Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC) II or III (p = 0.004, HR = 2.852), and ruptured status (p < 0.001, HR = 7.782) were independent risk factors for the recurrence of IAs. A predictive model was established: D max + 2 * RROC (II or III; yes = 1, no = 0) + 6 * ruptured status (yes = 1; no = 0). The AUC of the predictive model (0.818) was significantly higher than those of D max (0.704), RROC (II or III) (0.645), and rupture status (0.683), respectively (Delong test, p < 0.05). The cutoff values of the predictive model and D max were 9.75 points and 6.65 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The D max, RROC (II or III), and ruptured status could independently predict the recurrence of IAs after coil embolization. Our model could aid in practical evaluations.

Animal Models of Ischemic Stroke with Different Forms of Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion.

Ischemic stroke is a common type of stroke that significantly affects human well-being and quality of life. In order to further characterize the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and develop new treatment strategies, ischemic stroke models with controllable and consistent response to potential clinical treatments are urgently needed. The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model is currently the most widely used animal model of ischemic stroke. This review discusses various methods for constructing the MCAO model and compares their advantages and disadvantages in order to provide better approaches for studying ischemic stroke.

Comparison of the Effects of Metformin and Thiazolidinediones on Bone Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Studies have shown that people with diabetes have a high risk of osteoporosis and fractures. The effect of diabetic medications on bone disease cannot be ignored. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of two types of glucose-lowering drugs, metformin and thiazolidinediones (TZD), on bone mineral density and bone metabolism in patients with diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis were prospectively registered on PROSPERO, and the registration number is CRD42022320884. Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify clinical trials comparing the effects of metformin and thiazolidinediones on bone metabolism in patients with diabetes. The literature was screened by inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two assessors independently assessed the quality of the identified studies and extracted relevant data. RESULTS: Seven studies involving 1656 patients were finally included. Our results showed that the metformin group had a 2.77% (SMD = 2.77, 95%CI [2.11, 3.43]; p < 0.00001) higher bone mineral density (BMD) than the thiazolidinedione group until 52 weeks; however, between 52 and 76 weeks, the metformin group had a 0.83% (SMD = -0.83, 95%CI: [-3.56, -0.45]; p = 0.01) lower BMD. The C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) were decreased by 18.46% (MD = -18.46, 95%CI: [-27.98, -8.94], p = 0.0001) and 9.94% (MD = -9.94, 95%CI: [-16.92, -2.96], p = 0.005) in the metformin group compared with the TZD group.

Prognostic capacity of the systemic inflammation response index for functional outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and functional outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed involving all consecutive aSAH patients admitted to our institution. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was performed to determine the functional outcomes of all patients at 3 months after aSAH. Results were categorized as favorable (mRS score 0-2) and unfavorable (mRS score 3-6). Univariate and multivariate logistic regressive analyses were utilized to identify the prognostic significance of SIRI. To minimize the effects of confounding factors, patients were stratified according to the optimal cut-off value of SIRI with propensity score matching (PSM). Further subgroup analysis was conducted to verify the consistency of our findings and Pearson's correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between SIRI and the severity of aSAH. Results: In this study, 350 patients were enrolled and 126 (36.0%) of them suffered unfavorable outcomes. The SIRI of 5.36 × 109/L was identified as the optimal cut-off value. Two score-matched cohorts (n = 100 in each group) obtained from PSM with low SIRI and high SIRI were used for analysis. A significantly higher unfavorable functional outcome rate was observed in patients with high SIRI before and after PSM (p < 0.001 and 0.017, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that SIRI value ≥ 5.36 × 109/L was an independent risk factor for poor outcomes (OR 3.05 95% CI 1.37-6.78, p = 0.006) after adjusting for possible confounders. A identical result was discovered in the PSM cohort. In ROC analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) of SIRI was 0.774 which shown a better predictive value than other inflammatory markers observed in previous similar studies. Pearson's correlation analysis proved the positive association between SIRI and aSAH severity. Conclusions: Elevated SIRI at admission is associated with worse clinical status and poorer functional outcomes among patients with aSAH. SIRI is a useful inflammatory marker with prognostic value for functional outcomes after aSAH.

Morphological evaluation of the risk of posterior communicating artery aneurysm rupture: a mirror aneurysm model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to use morphological parameters of mirror posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms to evaluate aneurysm rupture risk. METHODS: The morphological parameters of 45 pairs of ruptured mirror PCoA aneurysms were analyzed. Conditional univariate and multivariate logistic regression of the following paired morphological parameters was performed: aneurysm with a daughter sac, aneurysm height, aneurysm width, neck width, internal carotid artery diameter, PCoA diameter, flow angle, PCoA angle, aspect ratio, bottleneck factor, size ratio, height/width ratio, fetal posterior cerebral artery, and aneurysm with height > width. A scoring system was established according to the odds ratios (ORs). The receiver operating characteristic was used to test the prediction accuracy of this scoring system in the authors' database of 523 PCoA aneurysms and the threshold value was used to define higher risk. RESULTS: Aneurysm width (OR 1.676, p = 0.014), aneurysm with daughter sac (OR 7.775, p = 0.016), and aneurysm with height > width (OR 9.067, p = 0.012) were independent risk factors for rupture. The scoring system consisted of aneurysm width (1 point per mm), aneurysm with a daughter sac (5 points), and aneurysm with height > width (5 points). The area under the curve (AUC) of the scoring system was 0.842, and its threshold value was 7.97. A score ≥ 8 points was defined as higher risk. The AUC using this definition was 0.802. CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysm width, aneurysms with height > width, and aneurysms with a daughter sac were independent risk factors for PCoA aneurysm rupture. The scoring system devised in this study accurately predicts rupture risk.

Corrigendum: Efficacy of umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells for COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.923286.].

Relationship between the Blood Urea Nitrogen to Creatinine Ratio and In-Hospital Mortality in Non-Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients: Based on Propensity Score Matching Method.

(1) Background: To explore the correlation between the blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio (UCR) and in-hospital mortality in non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. (2) Methods: Specific clinical information was collected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Ⅳ (MIMIC-Ⅳ) database. The optimal cut-off value of the UCR was calculated with ROC curve analysis conducted using the maximum Youden index for the prediction of survival status. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were also carried out to assess the prognostic significance of UCR, and the Kaplan−Meier (K−M) analysis was conducted to draw the survival curves. Then, the 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was applied to improve the reliability of the research results while balancing the unintended influence of underlying confounders. (3) Results: This retrospective cohort study included 961 patients. The optimal cut-off value of the UCR for in-hospital mortality was 27.208. The PSM was performed to identify 92 pairs of score-matched patients, with balanced differences exhibited for nearly all variables. According to the K−M analysis, those patients with a UCR of more than 27.208 showed a significantly higher level of in-hospital mortality compared to the patients with a UCR of less than 27.208 (p < 0.05). After the adjustment for possible confounders, those patients whose UCR was more than 27.208 still had a significantly higher level of in-hospital mortality than the patients whose UCR was less than 27.208, as revealed by the multivariable logistic regression analysis (OR = 3.783, 95% CI: 1.959~7.305, p < 0.001). Similarly, the in-hospital mortality remained substantially higher for those patients in the higher UCR group than for the patients in the lower UCR group after PSM. (4) Conclusion: A higher level of the UCR was evidently associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality, which made the ratio useful as a prognostic predictor of clinical outcomes for those patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage.

A predictive model using risk factor categories for hospital-acquired pneumonia in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Objectives: To identify risk factors for hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and establish a predictive model to aid evaluation. Methods: The cohorts of 253 aSAH patients were divided into the HAP group (n = 64) and the non-HAP group (n = 189). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify risk factors. A logistic model (Model-Logit) was established based on the independent risk factors. We used risk factor categories to develop a model (Model-Cat). Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to determine the cutoff values. Areas under the curves (AUCs) were calculated to assess the accuracy of models and single factors. The Delong test was performed to compare the AUCs. Results: The multivariate logistic analysis showed that the age [p = 0.012, odds ratio (OR) = 1.059, confidence interval (CI) = 1.013-1.107], blood glucose (BG; >7.22 mmol/L; p = 0.011, OR = 2.781, CI = 1.263-6.119), red blood distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD; p = 0.024, OR = 1.118, CI = 1.015-1.231), and Glasgow coma scale (GCS; p < 0.001, OR = 0.710, CI = 0.633-0.798) were independent risk factors. The Model-Logit was as follows: Logit(P) = -5.467 + 0.057 * Age + 1.023 * BG (>7.22 mmol/L, yes = 1, no = 0) + 0.111 * RDW-SD-0.342 * GCS. The AUCs values of the Model-Logit, GCS, age, BG (>7.22 mmol/L), and RDW-SD were 0.865, 0.819, 0.634, 0.698, and 0.625, respectively. For clinical use, the Model-Cat was established. In the Model-Cat, the AUCs for GCS, age, BG, and RDW-SD were 0.850, 0.760, 0.700, 0.641, and 0.564, respectively. The AUCs of the Model-Logit were insignificantly higher than the Model-Cat (Delong test, p = 0.157). The total points from -3 to 4 and 5 to 14 were classified as low- and high-risk levels, respectively. Conclusions: Age, BG (> 7.22 mmol/L), GCS, and RDW-SD were independent risk factors for HAP in aSAH patients. The Model-Cat was convenient for practical evaluation. The aSAH patients with total points from 5 to 14 had a high risk for HAP, suggesting the need for more attention during treatment.

Clip-reinforced wrapping using the Y-shaped temporalis fascia technique for intracranial aneurysms.

Objectives: This study aims to identify the effectiveness of the clip-reinforced wrapping using the Y-shaped temporalis fascia (CRYST) technique for treating intracranial aneurysms (IAs). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed five patients with ruptured IAs treated using the CRYST technique from July 2016 to May 2021. Three patients had blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) (one with intraoperative rupture), and two had anterior communicating artery (AcoA) aneurysms (one with intraoperative rupture). All patients had intraoperative indocyanine green angiography, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was reviewed 10-14 days after surgery. At 1 year postoperatively, three patients (two BBAs and one AcoA aneurysm) underwent DSA and two patients (one BBA and one AcoA aneurysm) underwent computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Results: Two aneurysms ruptured intraoperatively during the clipping, and no severe complications occurred. No patients had neurological deficits after surgery, and they had good outcomes. Four DSAs showed no aneurysms and no significant stenosis of the parent artery 10-14 days after surgery. One patient had mild stenosis of the parent artery on DSA 10 days after surgery; the stenosis improved on DSA 1 year after surgery. No other aneurysms recurred, and parent arteries were clear on CTA or DSA 1 year after surgery. Conclusions: Combining our accumulated experience in the work and literature, we described the CRYST technique to treat intractable IAs with specific morphologies and irregular wall structures in our patients. All outcomes and follow-up results were favorable.

Integration of molecular pathology with histopathology to accurately evaluate the biological behaviour of WHO grade 2 meningiomas and patient prognosis.

PURPOSE: A molecular pathological grading method was tested in WHO grade 2 meningiomas to judge whether this molecular grading can more accurately evaluate meningioma biological behaviour. METHODS: The medical records and paraffin-embedded tissues of surgically resected WHO grade 2 meningioma patients in our department from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2020, were collected. The molecular pathological risk grading suggested by Sahm et al. was adopted and the patients were graded as low, intermediate and high risk. Progression-free survival (PFS), malignant progression-free survival (MPFS) and overall survival (OS) were analysed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the relationship between molecular risk grading and patient survival. RESULTS: Of the 98 patients, 13 (13.2%) were graded as low risk, 63 patients (64.3%) were graded as intermediate risk, and 22 patients (22.4%) were graded as high risk. With increasing molecular risk grade, the rates of tumour recurrence, malignant progression and mortality increased significantly (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that molecular risk grading was negatively associated with PFS (HR 0.018, 95% CI 0.003-0.092), MPFS (HR 0.040, 95% CI 0.006-0.266) and OS (HR 0.088, 95% CI 0.016-0.472) (P < 0.01), and gross total resection (Simpson grade I-III) significantly prolonged PFS (HR 5.882, 95% CI 2.538-13.699) and OS (HR 2.611, 95% CI 1.117-7.299) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sahm et al.'s molecular risk grading can further refine the classification of WHO grade 2 meningiomas and more accurately evaluate their biological behaviour and patient prognosis.

Risk factors for the rupture of mirror middle cerebral artery aneurysm using computer-assisted semiautomated measurement and hemodynamic analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the morphologic and hemodynamic risk factor of mirror middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 40 paired mirror MCA aneurysms. Aneurysms were divided into ruptured and unruptured groups. Seventeen morphological and nine hemodynamic parameters were measured using computer-assisted semiautomated measurement (CASAM) and computer flow dynamic (CFD) simulation. We performed a paired t-test (for normally distributed data) or a paired Wilcoxon rank-sum (for non-normally distributed data) to analyze all parameters between the groups. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis identified independent risk factors. The receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed to acquire the area under the curve (AUC) and the cutoff values of the independent risk factors. RESULTS: There were significant differences in morphological and hemodynamic parameters between the ruptured and unruptured mirror aneurysms. The multivariate logistic analysis showed that the greater size (odds ratio [OR] = 9.807, p = 0.003), smaller neck diameter (OR = 0.285, p = 0.018) and maximum oscillatory shear index (OSI) (OR = 0.000001, p = 0.046) were independently correlated with aneurysm rupture. AUCs for size, N. and maximum OSI were 0.794, 0.695, and 0.701, respectively. The cutoff values of the size, neck diameter, and maximum OSI were 6.30, 5.07, and 0.356437, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Morphology and hemodynamics can help predict aneurysm rupture risks. The more significant size, smaller neck diameter and maximum OSI were independent risk factors for the rupture of MCA aneurysms. The variables could aid practical risk evaluation.

Relationship between the Hemoglobin-to-Red Cell Distribution Width Ratio and All-Cause Mortality in Septic Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Based on Propensity Score Matching Method.

(1) Objective: To reveal the correlation between the hemoglobin-to-red cell distribution width ratio (HRR) and all-cause mortality (ACM) among the septic patients with atrial fibrillation. (2) Methods: Specific clinical information was collected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The optimal cut-off value of HRR was calculated through ROC curve analysis conducted by using the maximum Youden index for the prediction of survival status. In addition, univariable and multivariable Cox regressive analyses were carried out to assess the prognostic significance of HRR and the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis was conducted to draw the survival curves. Then, the 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was adopted to improve the reliability of research result while balancing the unintended influence of underlying confounders. (3) Results: There were 9228 patients participating in this retrospective cohort study. The optimal cut-off value of the HRR was determined as 5.877 for in-hospital mortality. The PSM was performed to identify 2931 pairs of score-matched patients, with balanced differences exhibited by nearly all variables. According to the K-M analysis, those patients with a lower HRR than 5.877 showed a significantly higher level of in-hospital mortality, 28-day mortality, and 90-day mortality, compared to the patients with HRR ≥ 5.877 (p < 0.001). After the adjustment of possible confounders, those patients whose HRR was below 5.877 had a significantly higher level of in-hospital mortality than the patients with HRR ≥ 5.877, as revealed by the multivariable Cox regression analysis (HR = 1.142, 95%CI: 1.210−1.648, p < 0.001). Similarly, the ACM remained substantially higher in those patients with a lower HRR than in the patients with higher HRR after PSM. (4) Conclusion: A lower HRR (<5.877) was evidently associated with an increased risk of ACM, which made it applicable as a prognostic predictor of clinical outcomes for those septic patients with atrial fibrillation.

The therapeutic effect of capsaicin on oropharyngeal dysphagia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Capsaicin is a specific agonist of TRPV1 (multimodal sensory receptor), which improves oropharyngeal dysphagia by increasing sensory input from the oropharynx and hypopharynx and by increasing repetitive stimulation of the cerebral cortex. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of capsaicin on swallowing disorders in stroke patients and the elderly. Method: We searched Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases. We used the Mesh terms search database to screen all clinical trials that complied with the inclusion criteria. Studies were subjected to literature screening, quality assessment, and data extraction to remove studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria. After literature screening, quality assessment, and data extraction, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the included study were performed. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis were prospectively registered on PROSPERO under registration number CRD42022313958. Five high-quality randomized controlled trials were ultimately included. The results of our meta-analysis showed a more significant reduction in swallowing function score change in the capsaicin group compared to the control group [SMD = -1.30, 95% CI: (-2.35, -0.25), P = 0.01] and on the Water swallowing test the improvement was significantly higher in the capsaicin group [RR = 2.46, 95% CI: (1.73, 3.50), P < 0.0001]. Conclusions: Although the results of our meta-analysis showed that capsaicin improved swallowing function, most studies had an unclear bias and included few studies. More studies are needed to support this in the future. Systematic review registration: www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=304061, identifier: 304061.

Prognostic significance of combined score of fibrinogen and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio for functional outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Objective: To explore the relationship between fibrinogen and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (F-NLR) score and functional outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Method: A retrospective study was conducted that involved all consecutive patients with aSAH admitted to our institution from March 2018 to October 2021. Factors, such as demographics, comorbidities, clinical characteristics, neuroradiological data, and laboratory parameters, were collected from institutional databases. All patients achieved neurological assessment using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 3 months after discharge to clarify the functional outcomes. The results were classified as favorable (mRS score 0-2) and unfavorable (mRS score 3-6). Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify the relevant factors between inflammatory markers and functional outcomes after aSAH. Subsequently, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the predicting performance of variables. A propensity score match (PSM) was performed to correct imbalances in patients' baseline characteristics. Results: Finally, 256 patients with aSAH were included in the study cohort. A total of 94 (36.7%) patients had an unfavorable outcome. F-NLR scores were 0 [interquartile range (IQR) 0-1] and 1 (IQR 1-2) in patients with favorable and unfavorable outcomes, respectively (p < 0.001). After adjustment, the F-NLR score on admission remained significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with aSAH. In the multivariable analysis, the F-NLR score was regarded as an independent risk factor of unfavorable outcomes [odds ratio (OR) 3.113, 95% CI 1.755-5.523, p < 0.001]. In ROC analysis, the optimal cutoff value of the F-NLR score was 0.5 points. Two cohorts (n = 86 in each group) obtained from PSM with low F-NLR scores (0 points) and high F-NLR scores (1-2 points) were used for analysis. A significantly higher unfavorable functional outcome rate was observed in patients with high F-NLR scores (33.7 vs. 9.3%, p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) values of F-NLR scores before and after PSM were 0.767 and 0.712, respectively. Conclusion: Fibrinogen and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio score was an independent risk parameter associated with unfavorable functional outcomes at 3 months after aSAH. A higher F-NLR score predicts the occurrence of poor functional outcomes.

Efficacy of umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells for COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: A major challenge for COVID-19 therapy is dysregulated immune response associated with the disease. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) may be a promising candidate for COVID-19 treatment owing to their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory functions. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of UC-MSCs inpatients with COVID-19. Method: Medline, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched to collect clinical trials concerning UC-MSCs for the treatment of COVID-19. After literature screening, quality assessment, and data extraction, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the included study were performed. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis were prospectively registered on PROSPERO, and the registration number is CRD42022304061. After screening, 10 studies involving 293 patients with COVID-19 were eventually included. Our meta-analysis results showed that UC-MSCs can reduce mortality (relative risk [RR] =0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.38, 0.95], P=0.03) in COVID-19 patients. No significant correlation was observed between adverse events and UC-MSC treatment (RR=0.85, 95% CI: [0.65, 1.10], P=0.22; RR=1.00, 95%CI: [0.64, 1.58], P=1.00). In addition, treatment with UC-MSCs was found to suppress inflammation and improve pulmonary symptoms. Conclusions: UC-MSCs hold promise as a safe and effective treatment for COVID-19. Systematic Review Registartion: PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022304061.

A predictive hemodynamic model based on risk factors for ruptured mirror aneurysms.

Objectives: To identify hemodynamic risk factors for intracranial aneurysm rupture and establish a predictive model to aid evaluation. Methods: We analyzed the hemodynamic parameters of 91 pairs of ruptured mirror aneurysms. A conditional univariate analysis was used for the continuous variables. A conditional multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors. Differences where p < 0.05 were statistically significant. A predictive model was established based on independent risk factors. Odds ratios (ORs) were used to score points. The validation cohort consisted of 189 aneurysms. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to determine the cutoff values and area under the curves (AUCs) of the predictive model and independent risk factors. Results: The conditional multivariate logistic analysis showed that the low shear area (LSA) (OR = 70.322, p = 0.044, CI = 1.112-4,445.256), mean combined hemodynamic parameter (CHP) (>0.087) (OR = 3.171, p = 0.034, CI = 1.089-9.236), and wall shear stress gradient (WSSG) ratio (>893.180) (OR = 5.740, p = 0.003, CI = 1.950-16.898) were independent risk factors. A prediction model was established: 23*LSA + 1*CHP mean (>0.087: yes = 1, no = 0) + 2 * WSSG ratio (>893.180: yes = 1, no = 0). The AUC values of the predictive model, LSA, mean CHP (>0.087), and WSSG ratio (>893.180) were 0.748, 0.700, 0.654, and 0.703, respectively. The predictive model and LSA cutoff values were 1.283 and 0.016, respectively. In the validation cohort, the predictive model, LSA, CHP (>0.087), and WSSG ratio (>893.180) were 0.736, 0.702, 0.689, and 0.706, respectively. Conclusions: LSA, CHP (>0.087), and WSSG ratio (>893.180) were independent risk factors for aneurysm rupture. Our predictive model could aid practical evaluation.