Effects of synergistic action on rheological and thermal properties of potato starch complexes co-gelatinized with caffeic acid and squash polysaccharides extracted with water and subcritical water

In order to broaden the application range of squash polysaccharide (WESP/SWESP) and caffeic acid (CAA) and improve the quality of potato starch (PS) products, the effects of WESP/SWESP and CAA on the gelatinization, rheology, thermodynamics, microstructure and in vitro digestion of PS were investigated. Meanwhile, the synergistic effect of WESP/SWESP and CAA on PS was further analyzed. Differently, due to WESP and SWESP had different monosaccharide composition and structure, they had different effects on the system. Pasting properties results showed that the presence of WESP/SWESP and CAA significantly reduced the peak viscosity, trough viscosity, breakdown viscosity and final viscosity of PS, especially under the combined action. In rheological tests, all sample gels belonged to the pseudoplastic fluids and weak gel system (tan δ < 1). Besides, thermodynamic properties revealed that WESP/SWESP and CAA synergistic effect had better retrogradation delay effect. In the ternary system, WESP/SWESP, CAA and PS can form a new network structure and improve the stability of the gel system. In addition, the results of infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy exhibited that the ternary system can promote the accumulation and winding of the spiral structure of PS chain, and make the structure of PS gel network more orderly and stable. Furthermore, compared with PS gel, the ternary system had lower RDS and higher SDS and RS content, suggesting that the addition of WESP/SWESP and CAA at the same time was more conducive to reducing the hydrolysis rate of PS. This work revealed the interaction between WESP/SWESP, CAA and PS, which improved the physicochemical and digestive properties of PS. It will provide a theoretical basis for improving the quality of potato starch-related products and developing functional foods.

Regional white matter hyperintensity volume predicts persistent cognitive impairment in acute lacunar infarct patients

Background

White matter hyperintensity (WMH) is often described in acute lacunar stroke (ALS) patients. However, the specific relationship between regional WMH volume and persistent cognitive impairment remains unclear.

Methods

We enrolled patients with ALS who were hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 2020 and November 2022. All patients were assessed for global cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale at 14 ± 2 days and 6 months after the onset of ALS. Manifestations of chronic cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) were assessed via MRI scan. The distributions of regional WMH were segmented, and their relationship with cognitive impairment was evaluated.

Results

A total of 129 patients were enrolled. Baseline frontal WMH volume (OR = 1.18, P = 0.04) was an independent risk factor for long-term cognitive impairment after ALS. Furthermore, the presence of WMH at the genu of the corpus callosum (GCC) at baseline (OR = 3.1, P = 0.033) was strongly associated with persistent cognitive decline. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that depression (OR = 6.252, P = 0.029), NIHSS score (OR = 1.24, P = 0.011), and albumin at admission (OR = 0.841, P = 0.032) were also important determinants of long-term cognitive impairment after ALS.

Conclusions

Our study found that WMH, especially frontal WMH volume and the presence of WMH at the GCC at baseline, independently contributed to long-term cognitive decline in ALS patients. This study provides new evidence of the clinical relationship between regional WMH volume and cognitive impairment in ALS patients.

Comparative effectiveness and safety of antibiotic prophylaxis during induction chemotherapy in children with acute leukaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Bacterial infections are common during induction therapy in children and adolescents with acute leukaemia and may cause infection-related mortality.

AIM

To determine the efficacy and safety of prophylactic antibiotics in paediatric patients with acute leukaemia receiving induction chemotherapy.

METHODS

From three English databases and four Chinese databases, we searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies that compared prophylactic antibiotics to placebo, no prophylaxis, or that compared one antibiotic versus another in paediatric patients with acute leukaemia undergoing induction chemotherapy. Two reviewers independently screened the studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the certainty of evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).

FINDINGS

Two RCTs and ten cohort studies were finally included. For children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, antibiotic prophylaxis, including levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, or other antibiotics, probably reduced bacteraemia (risk ratio (RR): 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33-0.60; moderate certainty) without significantly increasing Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) or invasive fungal infection. Levofloxacin reduced the CDI rate (RR: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.62; high certainty). Ciprofloxacin prophylaxis probably reduced infection-related mortality (RR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.01-0.97; moderate certainty). In children with acute myeloid leukaemia, ciprofloxacin plus vancomycin may reduce febrile neutropenia (RR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.66-0.94; low certainty). Individual studies indicated that prophylaxis increased antibiotic exposure but reduced non-preventive antibiotic exposure.

CONCLUSION

In children with acute leukaemia undergoing induction therapy, antibiotic prophylaxis may improve the bacterial infection and mortality.

A new nomogram including total cerebral small vessel disease burden for individualized prediction of early-onset depression in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Objectives

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of total cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) on early-onset depression after acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and to develop a new nomogram including total CSVD burden to predict early-onset post-stroke depression (PSD).

Methods

We continuously enrolled patients with AIS who were hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between October 2017 and June 2019. All patients were assessed for depressive symptoms using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) at 14 ± 2 days after the onset of AIS. The diagnosis for depression was made according to the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Version 5 (DSM-5). The demographic and clinical data were collected including total CSVD burden. On the basis of a multivariate logistic model, the independent factors of early-onset PSD were identified and the predictive nomogram was generated. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by Harrell's concordance index (C-index) and calibration plot.

Results

A total of 346 patients were enrolled. When contrasted to a 0 score of total CSVD burden, the score ≥2 (moderate to severe total CSVD burden) was an independent risk factor for early-onset PSD. Besides, gender, cognitive impairments, baseline Barthel Index (BI), and plasma fibrinogen were independently associated with early-onset PSD. The nomogram based on all these five independent risk factors was developed and validated with an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0.780. In addition, the calibration plot revealed an adequate fit of the nomogram in predicting the risk of early-onset depression in patients with AIS.

Conclusions

Our study found the total CSVD burden score of 2–4 points was an independent risk factor of early-onset PSD. The proposed nomogram based on total CSVD burden, gender, cognitive impairments, baseline BI, and plasma fibrinogen concentration gave rise to a more accurate and more comprehensive prediction for early-onset PSD.

How do cardiovascular risk factors correlate with post-stroke cognitive function: Directly or indirectly through stroke severity?

Objectives

Cognitive impairment may affect one-third of stroke survivors. Cardiovascular risk factors and stroke severity were known to be associated with cognitive function after stroke. However, it is unclear whether cardiovascular risk factors directly affect cognition after stroke, indirectly affect cognition by changing stroke severity, or both. Moreover, the effect of a combination of hypertension and diabetes mellitus was conflicting. We aimed to investigate the multiple direct and indirect associations and inspire potential intervention strategies.

Materials and methods

From February 2020 to January 2021, 350 individuals received cognitive tests within 7 days after incident stroke. Cognitive tests were performed using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A moderated mediation model was constructed to test the indirect associations between cardiovascular and demographic risk factors and cognition mediated through stroke severity, the direct associations between risk factors and cognition, and the moderating effects of hypertension and diabetes.

Results

Age (estimate, -0.112), atrial fibrillation (estimate, -4.092), and stroke severity (estimate, -1.994) were directly associated with lower cognitive function after stroke. Vascular disease (estimate, 1.951) and male sex (estimate, 2.502) were directly associated with better cognition after stroke. Higher education level was associated with better cognition directly (estimate, 1.341) and indirectly (estimate, 0.227) through stroke severity. The combination of hypertension decreased the magnitude of the negative association between atrial fibrillation and cognition (estimate, from -4.092 to -3.580).

Conclusion

This is the first Chinese study exploring the moderated and mediating associations between cardiovascular risk factors, stroke severity, and cognitive function after stroke. Age, female sex, and atrial fibrillation were directly associated with lower cognition after stroke. The combination of hypertension might have a positive effect on cognition.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a better predictor of post-thrombolytic functional outcome in patients with previous antiplatelet therapy

Background

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important biomarker of inflammation and plays a pivotal role in predicting the clinical prognosis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, the mechanism of inflammation influencing the outcome of patients with ischemic stroke are unknown.

Aims

We aim to investigate the association between hsCRP and mRS in 194 eligible patients by therapy-stratified analyses.

Methods

The modification effects of antiplatelet therapy on the association between mRS and different exposure variables were analyzed. The retained variables were analyzed in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to discriminate patients with poor outcome.

Results

hsCRP was positively correlated with mRS in therapy-stratified analyses. There was a statistical modification effect of antiplatelet therapy on the association of hsCRP and mRS (P for interaction = 0.0101). The discriminative effect of poor outcome was further verified by ROC curve analyses (AUC_with from 0.758 to 0.872, AUC_without from 0.709 to 0.713).

Conclusions

hsCRP is correlated with the clinical outcome of patients treated with IVrt-PA, and may be a better predictor of post-thrombolytic functional outcome in patients with previous antiplatelet therapy than in non-used patients.

Interleukin-18 mediated inflammatory brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage in male mice

Interleukin-18 (IL-18), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is thought to be associated with inflammation in many neurological diseases such as ischemic stroke and poststroke depression, but the role of IL-18 in inflammatory injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear. In this study, we established the ICH model in male mice and found that IL-18 expression including protein and mRNA levels was significantly increased in brain tissues after ICH. Meanwhile, exogenous IL-18 exacerbated cerebral hematoma and neurological deficits following ICH. In the IL-18 knockout group, the size of hematoma and neurological functions after ICH was decreased compared with the wild-type group, suggesting the critical role of IL-18 on the modulation of brain injury after ICH. Importantly, exogenous IL-18 increased microglial activation in brain tissues after ICH. Furthermore, IL-18 knockout resulted in the reduction of activated microglia after ICH. These results indicated that IL-18 may regulate the inflammatory response after ICH through the activation of microglia. Thus, IL-18 is expected to be a promising therapeutic target for secondary brain injury after ICH.

Association Between Autoimmune Diseases and Spontaneous Cervicocranial Arterial Dissection

A series of biopsies and reports showed autoimmune diseases might be involved in the process of local inflammation related to spontaneous cervicocranial arterial dissection (SCCAD) occurrence. This retrospective case-control study examined the association between SCCADs and autoimmune diseases in patients and control subjects from 2014 to 2020. SCCAD patients and age/sex-matched control subjects were recruited, and clinical data were collected. SCCAD was confirmed by digital subtraction angiography or high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. The study included 215 SCCAD patients and 430 control subjects. Totally, 135 (62.8%) of the 215 cases were found SCCAD in the anterior circulation, 26 (12.0%) patients involved multiple vessels. Autoimmune disease occurred in 27 (12.6%) cases with SCCAD and 4 (0.9%) control subjects (p<0.001). A conditional multivariable logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio for SCCAD among patients with a history of autoimmune disease, adjusting for hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking. After adjustment, autoimmune diseases were associated with SCCAD (p<0.001). After sub-analysis by a similar modeling strategy, significant associations were still observed in different subgroups, such as female group and male group as well as intramural hematoma (IMH) group and Non-IHM group. The association of SCCAD with autoimmune disease suggested that autoimmune mechanisms may be involved in some etiologies of SCCAD.

Total magnetic resonance imaging of cerebral small vessel disease burden predicts dysphagia in patients with a single recent small subcortical infarct

Background

This study was performed to identify the association between the total magnetic resonance imaging burden of small vessel disease and the occurrence of post-stroke dysphagia in patients with a single recent small subcortical infarct (RSSI).

Methods

We retrospectively identified all patients with a magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed single RSSI. The water-swallowing test and volume-viscosity swallow test were performed within the first 24 h following admission to assess swallowing. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from our stroke database. Based on brain magnetic resonance imaging, we independently rated the presence of cerebral microbleeds, lacunes, white matter hyperintensities and enlarged perivascular spaces. The presence of each small vessel disease feature was summed to determine the total small vessel disease burden, ranging from 0 to 4.

Results

In total, 308 patients with a single RSSI were enrolled. Overall, 54 (17.5%) were diagnosed with post-stroke dysphagia. The risk factors related to post-stroke dysphagia included the following: older age, higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores, higher C-reactive protein level and higher fibrinogen level. Based on multiple logistic regression, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores and total small vessel disease burden were independent risk factors of post-stroke dysphagia in patients with a single RSSI, after adjusting for age, gender, history of hypertension, C-reactive protein level and fibrinogen level.

Conclusions

Dysphagia in patients with a single RSSI was associated with a more severe total small vessel disease burden as reflected by MRI. Total MRI of cerebral small vessel disease burden may predict dysphagia in these patients. Furthermore, more severe total small vessel disease burden was associated with systemic inflammation.

High serum complement component C4 as a unique predictor of unfavorable outcomes in diabetic stroke

Previous studies demonstrated that diabetic stroke patients had a poor prognosis and excess complement system activation in the peripheral blood. In this study, the association of serum complement levels with the prognosis of diabetic stroke was examined. Patients with acute ischemic stroke were recruited and were divided into two groups according to their history of diabetes. Baseline data on the admission, including C3 and C4 were collected. Neurologic function at discharge was the primary outcome and was quantified by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). A total of 426 patients with acute ischemic stroke (116 diabetic strokes and 310 non-diabetic strokes) were recruited in this study. There were significant differences between the two groups in hypertension, coronary disease, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, C4, and mortality rates. Furthermore, the values of complement protein levels were divided into tertiles. In the diabetic stroke group, serum C4 level at the acute phase in the upper third was independently associated with NIHSS score at discharge and concurrent infection. These associations were not significant in non-diabetic stroke. High serum C4 level at admission, as a unique significant predictor, was associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes in the diabetic stroke, independently of traditional risk factors.

Predictive Model of Dysphagia and Brain Lesion-Symptom Mapping in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and purpose: Early recognition and management of post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) based on MRI may reduce the incidence of complications. Combining clinical symptoms with applications of MRI, we aimed to identify the risk factors of PSD, develop a prediction scale with high accuracy and map key dysphagia brain areas.

Methods: A total of 275 acute ischemic stroke patients were enrolled in this study, and 113 (41.1%) patients were diagnosed with PSD. All patients underwent the water-swallowing test (WST) and volume-viscosity swallow test (V-VST) within first 24 h following admission to assess swallowing. Vascular factors were evaluated and MRI brain scans were obtained within 3 days after symptom onset for each participant admitted to the hospital. T-test, chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test were used to investigate the associations of various patient characteristics with dysphagia, and multivariable logistic regression models were used to construct a prediction scale. Scale accuracy was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. We extracted white matter hyperintensities for each patient as potential brain lesions. Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) was used to identify key brain areas for dysphagia.

Results: Risk factors related with PSD were older age, history of atrial fibrillation, higher fasting blood glucose, NIH stroke scale, TOAST classification, progressive stroke, middle cerebral artery lesion and anterior cerebral artery lesion. Three variables with most significant associations, including NIH stroke scale, TOAST classification and progressive stroke, combined with age and gender, were used to construct a dysphagia prediction scale with high accuracy (AUC = 0.86). VLSM identified left inferior parietal gyrus as a key brain region for PSD.

Conclusion: Risk factors of PSD were identified and a predictive model of dysphagia was constructed intelligently and automatically. The left inferior parietal gyrus was identified as a key brain area for dysphagia, which provides a new symptom-based treatment target for early rehabilitation in the future.

Better Screening Value of Sylvian Fissure Ratio on Cognitive Decline Among Female Compared to Male: An Observational Study in Elderly Patients With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease in Soochow

Background: Cognitive decline (CD) occurs frequently in elderly patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). In China, elderly patients are more likely to enter healthcare in community hospitals where no magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is available. This study aimed to explore the screening value of Sylvian fissure ratio (SFR) on CD and compare its gender difference from community-transferred patients.

Methods: We performed a single-center, observational study (collected between April 1, 2016, and March 1, 2019) to evaluate the association between Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and SFR in 203 eligible community-transferred patients. Baseline characteristics of patients were collected during hospitalization. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to estimate the effect of variables on MoCA, and interactions between select variables were analyzed in different models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the discriminative effect of SFR to severe CD.

Results: We identified that a meaningful SFR cutoff of 0.05 had important screening value (likelihood ratio test, p = 0.067) on CD. The ratio had a lower screen value in males when compared to females (adjusted β, −5.54; 95% CI, −8.78 to −2.30 vs. adjusted β, −1.01; 95% CI, −2.84 to 0.82). The gender difference was further verified by ROC curve analysis, in which this discriminative effect was more potent in females (from 0.878 to 0.948) compared to males (from 0.838 to 0.837).

Conclusion: An SFR of 0.05 may be more useful to distinguish CD in female patients with CSVD than male patients in whom the syndrome is suspected clinically.

A Chinese CADASIL Family with a Novel Mutation on Exon 10 of Notch3 Gene

BACKGROUND

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), which is caused by the Notch3 gene mutation, has its unique clinical and imaging characteristics. Here we present a Chinese family with a novel mutation on exon 10 of Notch3 gene.

METHODS

Clinical and MRI data of the three patients in the family during the 7-year follow-up were collected. The CADASIL Scale Score was calculated to evaluate the disease risk of the three patients at their first admission or clinic visit. Five family members underwent genetic test.

RESULTS

Genetic test confirmed the diagnosis of CADASIL in this family. A novel mutation of p.C533S on exon 10 of Notch3 gene was detected. The CADASIL score of the proband and her sister was both 17 and that of her brother was 14.

CONCLUSIONS

Our report not only expands the mutation spectrum of Notch3 gene in CADASIL, but also shows the distinct heterogeneity of CADASIL patients in the same family with the same mutation.

Predictive Value of Serum Creatinine/Cystatin C in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients under Nutritional Intervention

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

As a very common risk of adverse outcomes of the ischemic stroke patients, sarcopenia is associated with infectious complications and higher mortality. The goal of this retrospective study is to explore the predictive value of serum Cr/CysC ratio in acute ischemic stroke patients receiving nutritional intervention.

METHODS

We reviewed adult patients with AIS from December 2019 to February 2020. Patients with acute kidney injury were excluded and all patients received nutritional intervention during a 3-month follow-up period. We collected baseline data at admission including creatinine and cystatin C. The primary poor outcome was major disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 4) at 3 months after AIS.

RESULTS

A total of 217 patients with AIS were identified for this study. Serum Cr/CysC ratio was significantly correlated with NIHSS at discharge, 1-month modified Rankin Scale score, and 3-month modified Rankin Scale score. During 3 months, 34 (15.70%) patients had a poor outcome after AIS and 11 (5.10%) patients died within 30 days. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, serum Cr/CysC ratio at admission was independently associated with 3-month poor outcomes (OR: 0.953, 95% CI: 0.921-0.986, p = .006) and 30-day mortality (OR: 0.953, 95% CI: 0.921-0.986, p = .006).

CONCLUSION

As a blood biochemical indexes reflecting the muscle mass and aiding in risk stratification, Cr/CysC ratio at admission could be used as a predictor of 30-day mortality and long-term poor prognosis in AIS patients.

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Outcome of Stroke by Cervicocranial Arterial Dissection

Background and Purpose: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is positively associated with poor prognosis in patients with cerebral infarction. The goal of this prospective study is to explore the predictive value of NLR in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by cervicocranial arterial dissection (CCAD).

Methods: Ninety-nine patients with AIS caused by CCAD met criteria for inclusion and exclusion were selected for this study. We collected baseline data on the admission including NLR. The primary poor outcome was major disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 3) or death at 3 months after AIS.

Results: A total of 20 (20.2%) patients had a poor outcome at 3 months after AIS. According to the 3-month outcome, the patients were divided into two groups and univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted. Among the risk factors, elevated NLR levels were independently associated with 3-month poor outcomes. Further, we made the ROC curve to evaluate the predictive value of NLR level on prognosis. The area under the curve was 0.79 and a cut-off value of NLR was 2.97 for differentiating the poor outcome. We divided patients into groups according to the cut-off value. Patients with high NLR have a higher risk of poor outcome than those with low NLR (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: As an inflammatory marker, elevated NLR levels were associated with 3-month poor outcome in AIS caused by CCAD.

Diagnostic performances of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in acute ischemic stroke caused by cervicocranial arterial dissection

BACKGROUND

Inflammation plays an important role in the initiation and progression of cervicocranial arterial dissection (CCAD). New inflammatory indices derived from full cell blood count may be associated with increased risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by CCAD. The goal of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performances of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) in CCAD.

METHOD

We retrospectively analyzed 52 patients with AIS caused by CCAD from emergency room (group I), 51 patients with CCAD from emergency room or clinic(group II) and 52 controls (group III), age and sex matched. Data were collected on the admission including NLR and LMR.

RESULTS

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and LMR have significant differences among three groups, especially in group I vs both groups II and III (P < .001). There was a negative correlation between admission NLR and LMR. Low LMR level and high NLR level may be associated with severity of AIS caused by CCAD and significantly predict AIS in CCAD. The area under the curve of NLR and LMR were 0.77 and 0.71, respectively, on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The optimal cutoff values of NLR and LMR that best discriminated AIS were 2.35 (81% sensitivity and 63% specificity) and 3.67 (64% sensitivity and 77% specificity).

CONCLUSIONS

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and LMR may contribute to the diagnostic evaluation and prompt immediate therapy in patients with CCAD.

Association Between Plasma Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 and Plaque Vulnerability in TIA Patients With Unilateral Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis

Background: Plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) has emerged as a novel biomarker for coronary atherosclerosis. However, the association between Lp-PLA2 and plaque vulnerability in atherosclerosis of cervicocerebral arteries remains poorly defined, especially for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). We aimed to investigate the association between Lp-PLA2 and plaque vulnerability in transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients with unilateral middle cerebral artery stenoses (MCAs).

Methods: In this study, a total of 207 patients were enrolled from April 2017 to April 2020. Clinical data were collected, and MCA plaques were examined with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI). Baseline characteristics of patients were collected during hospitalization. Statistical comparisons were performed using Pearson's chi-squared test, Mann–Whitney U test, and the Breslow–Day/Tarone's test for the determination of heterogeneity in different age strata. Multivariate binary logistic analysis was used to investigate the potential independent predictors that were highly correlated to plaque vulnerability.

Results: The results showed that a high Lp-PLA2 level (>221 ng/ml) was associated with plaque vulnerability in TIA patients with unilateral MCAs. High Lp-PLA2 was independently associated with plaque vulnerability in patients ≤ 60 years old [multivariate adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 9.854; 95% CI, 2.458–39.501] but not in patients >60 years old (multivariate adjusted OR = 1.901; 95% CI, 0.640–5.650). Predictors of plaque vulnerability in different age strata were also different.

Conclusion: Lp-PLA2 levels may be correlated to plaque vulnerability in TIA patients with unilateral MCAs and might be a diagnostic biomarker for plaque vulnerability in this kind of patients, especially for ones aged ≤ 60 years old.

[Recidives of Mycetoma after Amputation in Dakar (Senegal)]

The treatment of fungal mycetoma is essentially surgical. This carcinological-like surgery consists of amputation in case of bone involvement. The recurrences after amputation are rare and address the problem of the operative indication. We report 5 cases of recurrence of fungal black-grain mycetoma after amputation of leg or thigh. Case 1: a 52-year-old patient with a mycetoma of the knee evolving for 8 years. There is no history of surgery. A thigh amputation with ganglion dissection is performed. One year after the surgical procedure, the patient presents a recurrence on the amputation stump and on the lymph node dissection site. An indication of hip disarticulation is made and performed 17 months after amputation. Case 2: a 25-year-old patient who has a black-grain mycetoma of the foot with osteitis evolving since 10 years. A leg amputation was performed. The patient had a recurrence at the popliteal level at 15 months postoperatively. An indication of amputation of the thigh is posed and refused by the patient. Case 3: a30-year-old woman with black-grain mycetoma of the knee with bone involvement for more than 10 years. A thigh amputation was performed and at nine months postoperativeshe presented a recurrence in the amputation stump. She was lost of sight despite the decision of surgical revision. Case 4: a 43-year-old patient operated on his foot and leg mycetoma at least 5 timesbefore amputation in 2000. The recurrence occurred one year after amputation. 18 years after amputation, a new surgical procedure was difficult due to extension of the lesions in the pelvis. Case 5: a 50-year-old female patient operated in Mauritania in 2012 (thigh amputation for mycetoma of the knee). She presented a recurrence on the amputation stump in 2018. An indication of disarticulation of the hip was posed and refused by the patient. These recurrences were testified by to the persistence of grains on the preserved segment. They pose the problem of the level of amputation and therefore of preoperative planning. Good preoperative planning allows optimization of the surgical procedure and avoids certain recurrences.

[Menopausal symptoms and quality of life of hormone receptor positive breast cancer patients at different endocrine therapy time]

Objective: To explore the menopausal symptoms and quality of life of hormone receptor positive (HR+ ) breast cancer patients at different endocrine therapy time. Methods: The HR+ breast cancer patients who were pathologically confirmed from 2011 to 2017 in the Sichuan Cancer Hospital were divided into three groups according to endocrine therapy time (<12 months, 12~36 months, >36 months) and analyzed by a cross-sectional study. The Menopausal symptoms and quality of life of these patients were measured using the modified Kupperman scale and the functional assessment of cancer therapy-breast cancer (FACT-B) scale. The differences of menopausal symptoms among different time groups and drug groups were analyzed by Chi-square test. The differences of quality of life and the effects of menopausal symptoms on quality of life were tested by covariance and multiple linear regression analyses. Results: The average score of menopausal symptom of 167 patients was 14.5±7.6 and the prevalence rate was 87.4% (146/167). Among all of the menopausal symptoms, the prevalence rate of insomnia was the highest (73.7%, 123/167). Besides insomnia and excitement, hot flashes was more prevalent in selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) users (64.8%, 79/122) , while osteoarthritis was more prevalent in aromatase inhibitor (AI) users (62.2%, 28/45). The total score of FACT-B of Patients was 104.5±15.5, and the compliance rate was up to 89.8% (150/167). However, the condition of each dimension was different, the compliance rates of social/ family and functional dimension were lowest, which were 73.0% (122/167) and 50.9% (85/167), respectively. The menopausal symptoms of patients at different time groups were 15.0±1.3, 14.0±6.9, 14.5±7.4, respectively, and the total score of FACT-B of patients at different time groups were 102.7±17.8, 105.0±12.9, 105.6±16.7, respectively, without significant differences (both P>0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that menopausal symptoms impaired the quality of life of SERM users during the endocrine therapeutic period. The standardized regression coefficients of three time groups were -0.67, -0.30, -0.50, respectively, with the lowest effect on 12~36 months group. Conclusion: HR+ breast cancer patients will have a poor function recovery and social/ family return, who need more attention. Menopausal symptoms are common problems during endocrine therapy, and active measures should be taken to improve patients' quality of life.

[Pulmonary Metastase of a Knee Mycetoma in Senegal]

Mycetoma is transmitted by thorns infected. The commonest site for mycetoma is the foot. The primary pulmonary are rare and usually secondary to other primary site. We report a case of pulmonary fungal mycetoma secondary to primary site in the knee. We do a review of the literature and we discuss the way of dissemination.

[Association of plasma leptin levels and soluble leptin receptor with breast cancer]

Objective: To explore the association between plasma leptin (LEP) levels, soluble leptin receptor(SLR), free leptin index and breast cancer. Methods: 245 new female cases of primary breast cancer confirmed by histopathology examination were sequentially recruited into the study. A total of 245 age-matched healthy women were enrolled as controls during the same period. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect the demographic information of the subjects. Blood samples were collected and the levels of LEP and SLR in plasma were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The differences of LEP, SLR and FLI expression between control and cases group, as well as different breast cancer subtypes and TNM stages were compared using t-test and ANOVA after stratification by menopause status. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the contributions of the three indexes to the risk of breast cancer. Results: Females in both cases and control group were (50.7 ± 9.4) years old. The level of SLR and FLI (P(50)(P(25),P(75))) in premenopausal women were 18.4 (11.2, 28.7), 0.5 (0.4, 0.6) μg/L in case group and 27.7 (19.2, 43.4), 0.3 (0.3, 0.4) μg/L in control group (P<0.001). While the level of postmenopausal women in case group were 20.3 (12.8, 31.8), 0.5 (0.4, 0.6) μ g/L (P<0.001), and 30.1 (18.8, 40.5), 0.3 (0.3, 0.5) μg/L in control group (P<0.001), respectively. After adjustment for confounding factors and BMI, the relationship between FLI and breast cancer remained significant for both pre- and postmenopausal women while the association between SLR and breast cancer was significant only in premenopausal women. Compared with the lowest level of SLR, higer levels of SLR is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer (premenopausal women, OR=0.10, 95% CI: 0.04-0.29, P(trend)<0.001). Compared with the lowest level of FLI, FLI at higher levels is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (premenopausal women, OR=7.14, 95% CI: 2.86-17.83, P(trend)<0.001; postmenopausal women, OR=8.10, 95% CI: 2.85-22.98, P(trend)<0.001). No significant association between LEP and breast cancer or association between the three indexes and breast cancer subtypes and TNM stages was found (P>0.05). Conclusion: SLR may be a protective factor for breast cancer while FLI may increase the risk of breast cancer.

[Applying decision trees to establish risk rating model of breast cancer incidence based on non-genetic factors among Southwest China females]

Objective: To estimate incident probability and establish risk rating model of breast cancer incidence under different combinations of non-genetic factors among Southwest China females, applying the decision trees. Methods: From 2014 to 2015, a total of 783 cases, which were pathologically diagnosed as primary breast cancer, were sequentially collected from West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Sichuan Province People's Hospital. 3, 879(excluding 36 samples with missing data) controls were randomly selected and matched by area of residence and age. Classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm was applied to construct breast cancer risk rating model according to non-genetic factors. 5 test sets were randomly selected for model validation. Results: BI-RADS classes, menopausal status, age, history of benign breast disease, menarche age, age of first delivery and number of live births were identified as risk factors and included in the risk rating model of breast cancer incidence. Among these factors, BI-RADS classes, menopausal status and age were the most important. The risk rating model developed were vitrificated by 5 test sets, and the average sensitivity, positive predictive value, accuracy were 95.60%, 92.26%, 97.93%, respectively. Conclusions: Breast cancer risk rating model constructed by decision trees was valid and reliable. The model could be used as the basic tool of breast cancer risk assessment among Southwest China females.