1.Sclera Vessel Segmentation Based on Fusion Filtering and Reflection Suppression
Ming-Xuan FAN ; Zong-Qing MA ; Chu-Xiang GAO ; Yi-Xuan SHI ; Zi-Hang ZHANG ; Zhe-Xuan JIA ; Fan FAN ; Guo-Liang HUANG ; Jiang ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1195-1206
ObjectiveIn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the foundational doctrine that the eyes reflect the essence of the internal viscera establishes ocular observation as a cornerstone of diagnostic practice. Specifically, the morphological characteristics and coloration variations of the scleral microvasculature serve as critical clinical indicators for assessing the dynamic balance of Qi and Blood, as well as the pathological status of internal organs. Historically, however, TCM eye diagnosis has relied predominantly on the subjective clinical experience and visual acuity of individual practitioners, leading to inherent challenges in standardization and reproducibility. While automated computer-aided diagnostic systems offer a promising solution, existing vessel segmentation algorithms encounter significant domain-specific bottlenecks when applied to scleral imagery. These challenges primarily stem from the highly reflective and moist nature of the ocular surface, which generates severe reflective interference. Furthermore, the inherent low contrast of fine capillary networks against complex background textures, compounded by non-uniform illumination, frequently results in high false-positive rates, misdetections, and severe vessel fragmentation. To address these critical limitations and advance the objective quantification of TCM diagnostics, this paper proposes a novel, highly robust sclera vessel segmentation framework that innovatively integrates Frangi-Sato dual-filter adaptive enhancement with pixel-level reflection detection. MethodsThe proposed methodology systematically addresses the segmentation pipeline through three synergistic stages. First, to overcome the structural limitations of single-filter approaches, a multi-scale weighted fusion strategy is meticulously designed to harness the complementary extraction capabilities of both Frangi and Sato filters. This adaptive enhancement optimally balances the preservation of main vessel trunk continuity with the heightened sensitivity required for delineating delicate, low-contrast peripheral capillaries. Second, to tackle the persistent issue of reflective highlights, a sophisticated multi-feature synergistic reflection detection module is introduced. By jointly analyzing local information entropy, gradient field variations, and intensity statistical distributions, this module achieves precise, pixel-level identification and elimination of reflective artifacts without compromising the underlying vascular structures. Finally, a dual-level adaptive thresholding strategy, featuring an innovative “core protection” mechanism, is implemented. This critical step effectively suppresses complex background noise while rigorously preserving the structural and topological integrity of the intricate vessel network, preventing the structural breaks often seen in conventional binarization methods. ResultsThe efficacy of the proposed framework was rigorously evaluated using both self-constructed clinical datasets specifically acquired for TCM research and standardized public datasets. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method consistently outperforms state-of-the-art traditional approaches and contemporary deep learning models. Specifically, the proposed method achieves a Dice similarity coefficient of approximately 0.71 on the private clinical dataset, and secures the best performance across the majority of quantitative metrics on both datasets. Notably, the framework exhibits exceptional robustness and generalization capabilities in highly challenging scenarios characterized by intense reflective interference, low signal-to-noise ratios, and cross-domain image variations. ConclusionThis study successfully realizes the high-integrity, automated segmentation of scleral vessel networks under complex clinical imaging conditions. By overcoming the fundamental algorithmic challenges of reflection interference and micro-vessel loss, the proposed methodology provides potential support for the digitization, objective standardization, and intelligent advancement of modern TCM eye diagnosis systems.
2.Sclera Vessel Segmentation Based on Fusion Filtering and Reflection Suppression
Ming-Xuan FAN ; Zong-Qing MA ; Chu-Xiang GAO ; Yi-Xuan SHI ; Zi-Hang ZHANG ; Zhe-Xuan JIA ; Fan FAN ; Guo-Liang HUANG ; Jiang ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1195-1206
ObjectiveIn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the foundational doctrine that the eyes reflect the essence of the internal viscera establishes ocular observation as a cornerstone of diagnostic practice. Specifically, the morphological characteristics and coloration variations of the scleral microvasculature serve as critical clinical indicators for assessing the dynamic balance of Qi and Blood, as well as the pathological status of internal organs. Historically, however, TCM eye diagnosis has relied predominantly on the subjective clinical experience and visual acuity of individual practitioners, leading to inherent challenges in standardization and reproducibility. While automated computer-aided diagnostic systems offer a promising solution, existing vessel segmentation algorithms encounter significant domain-specific bottlenecks when applied to scleral imagery. These challenges primarily stem from the highly reflective and moist nature of the ocular surface, which generates severe reflective interference. Furthermore, the inherent low contrast of fine capillary networks against complex background textures, compounded by non-uniform illumination, frequently results in high false-positive rates, misdetections, and severe vessel fragmentation. To address these critical limitations and advance the objective quantification of TCM diagnostics, this paper proposes a novel, highly robust sclera vessel segmentation framework that innovatively integrates Frangi-Sato dual-filter adaptive enhancement with pixel-level reflection detection. MethodsThe proposed methodology systematically addresses the segmentation pipeline through three synergistic stages. First, to overcome the structural limitations of single-filter approaches, a multi-scale weighted fusion strategy is meticulously designed to harness the complementary extraction capabilities of both Frangi and Sato filters. This adaptive enhancement optimally balances the preservation of main vessel trunk continuity with the heightened sensitivity required for delineating delicate, low-contrast peripheral capillaries. Second, to tackle the persistent issue of reflective highlights, a sophisticated multi-feature synergistic reflection detection module is introduced. By jointly analyzing local information entropy, gradient field variations, and intensity statistical distributions, this module achieves precise, pixel-level identification and elimination of reflective artifacts without compromising the underlying vascular structures. Finally, a dual-level adaptive thresholding strategy, featuring an innovative “core protection” mechanism, is implemented. This critical step effectively suppresses complex background noise while rigorously preserving the structural and topological integrity of the intricate vessel network, preventing the structural breaks often seen in conventional binarization methods. ResultsThe efficacy of the proposed framework was rigorously evaluated using both self-constructed clinical datasets specifically acquired for TCM research and standardized public datasets. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method consistently outperforms state-of-the-art traditional approaches and contemporary deep learning models. Specifically, the proposed method achieves a Dice similarity coefficient of approximately 0.71 on the private clinical dataset, and secures the best performance across the majority of quantitative metrics on both datasets. Notably, the framework exhibits exceptional robustness and generalization capabilities in highly challenging scenarios characterized by intense reflective interference, low signal-to-noise ratios, and cross-domain image variations. ConclusionThis study successfully realizes the high-integrity, automated segmentation of scleral vessel networks under complex clinical imaging conditions. By overcoming the fundamental algorithmic challenges of reflection interference and micro-vessel loss, the proposed methodology provides potential support for the digitization, objective standardization, and intelligent advancement of modern TCM eye diagnosis systems.
3.Impact of 0.05% cyclosporine eye drops on postoperative ocular surface recovery following pterygium excision with limbal stem cell transplantation
Huifang LIAN ; Qiuhong WEI ; Weisong MA ; Weina GAO ; Chu WANG ; Rong ZHANG ; Chengwen YANG ; Jingjing CAI
International Eye Science 2025;25(12):2056-2060
AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of 0.05% cyclosporine eye drops in promoting ocular surface recovery following pterygium excision combined with autologous corneal limbal stem cell transplantation.METHODS:This study is a prospective randomized controlled trial, selecting 104 cases(104 eyes)of primary pterygium with monocular onset admitted to Baoding First Central Hospital from September 2023 to September 2024 as the initial sample. The patients were divided into an experimental group and a control group using a random number table method, with 52 eyes in each group. Both groups underwent pterygium excision and autologous corneal limbal stem cell transplantation performed by the same surgeon. The control group received tobramycin dexamethasone eye drops combined with 0.3% sodium hyaluronate eye drops, while the experimental group was additionally treated with 0.05% cyclosporine eye drops. The corneal epithelial repair status, ocular surface function [corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score, Schirmer I test(SIt), break-up time of tear film(BUT)] at preoperative and postoperative time points(1 and 3 mo), and dry eye symptoms [ocular surface disease index(OSDI), standard patient evaluation of eye dryness(SPEED)scores]. Additionally, the recurrence rate and postoperative complications were recorded.RESULTS: During the follow-up period, there was 1 case of loss to follow-up in both the experimental group and the control group, with lost to follow-up rate of 1.9%. Finally, 51 cases in each group completed all followed-up. No statistically significant difference was observed in preoperative general characteristics of patients between the two groups(P>0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference in corneal epithelial repair time or suture removal time(all P>0.05). At 1 mo postoperatively, the SIt and BUT decreased in both groups compared to preoperative levels, with the experimental group showing higher values than the control group(all P<0.05). FL scores increased compared to preoperative levels but were lower in the experimental group(all P<0.05). By 3 mo, the SIt, BUT and FL score of the control group were not statistically different from preoperative levels(all P>0.05), whereas the experimental group showed increased SIt and BUT, which were higher than the control group, and reduced FL scores, and decreased FL scores, which was lower than the control group(all P<0.05). At 3 mo postoperatively, both groups showed increased SIt and BUT compared to 1-month values, with the experimental group outperforming the control group(all P<0.05). FL scores decreased in both groups compared to 1-month values, with the experimental group maintaining lower scores(P<0.05). At 1 mo postoperatively, OSDI and SPEED scores were higher than preoperative levels, with the experimental group higher than the control group(all P<0.05); at 3 mo postoperatively, the scores returned to preoperative level(all P>0.05), and the OSDI and SPEED scores of the control group increased and higher than those of the experiment group(all P<0.05); at 3 mo postoperatively, the OSDI and SPEED scores decreased when compared with 1-month preoperative level, and the experiment group was lower than the control group(all P<0.05). There was no difference in the total incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups(P>0.05). According to the statistics of 6 mo follow-up after operation, there was no recurrence in the experimental group, and the recurrence rate was 11.8% in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Adjunctive use of 0.05% cyclosporine eye drops after pterygium excision with limbal stem cell transplantation enhances ocular surface recovery, reduces dry eye symptoms, and lowers recurrence rates without compromising corneal epithelial healing or safety.
4.Tiaowei Jiannao acupuncture for post-ischemic stroke insomnia: a randomized controlled trial.
Run ZHANG ; Xinwang CHEN ; Mengyu WANG ; Wenming CHU ; Lihua WU ; Jing GAO ; Peidong LIU ; Ce SHI ; Liyuan LIU ; Bingzhen LI ; Miaomiao JI ; Yayong HE
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(10):1405-1413
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the efficacy and safety of Tiaowei Jiannao acupuncture (acupuncture for regulating defensive qi and nourishing brain) for post-ischemic stroke insomnia (PISI).
METHODS:
A total of 96 patients with PISI were randomized into an acupuncture group (32 cases, 1 case was excluded), a medication group (32 cases, 1 case dropped out, 1 case was excluded) and a sham-acupuncture group (32 cases, 1 case dropped out, 1 case was excluded). In the acupuncture group, Tiaowei Jiannao acupuncture was applied at bilateral Shenmai (BL62), Zhaohai (KI6), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3), and Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Yintang (GV24+), Shenting (GV24), once a day, 1-day interval was taken after 6-day treatment, for 3 weeks totally. In the medication group, eszopiclone tablet was given orally, 1-3 mg a time, once a day for 3 weeks. In the sham-acupuncture group, non-invasive sham acupuncture was applied, the acupoint selection, frequency and course of treatment were the same as the acupuncture group. Before treatment, after 2,3 weeks of treatment, the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), self-rating sleep scale (SRSS), National Institutes of Health Stroke scale (NIHSS), Hamilton depression scale-17 (HAMD-17) were observed; before and after treatment, the sleep parameters were recorded using polysomnography (PSG); and the efficacy and safety were evaluated after treatment in the 3 groups.
RESULTS:
After 2,3 weeks of treatment, the scores of PSQI, HAMD-17 and SRSS in the acupuncture group and the medication group, as well as the SRSS scores in the sham-acupuncture group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05); after 2 weeks of treatment, the NIHSS score in the acupuncture group was decreased compared with that before treatment (P<0.05); after 3 weeks of treatment, the NIHSS scores in the acupuncture group, the medication group and the sham-acupuncture group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). After 3 weeks of treatment, the scores of PSQI, SRSS, HAMD-17 and NIHSS in the acupuncture group and the medication group, as well as the NIHSS score in the sham-acupuncture group were decreased compared with those after 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). After 2,3 weeks of treatment, the scores of PSQI, SRSS and HAMD-17 in the acupuncture group and the medication group were lower than those in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05), the NIHSS scores in the acupuncture group were lower than those in the medication group and the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05); after 3 weeks of treatment, HAMD-17 score in the acupuncture group was lower than that in the medication group (P<0.05), the NIHSS score in the medication group was lower than that in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, after treatment, the total sleep time was prolonged (P<0.05), the wake after sleep onset, sleep latency, and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep latency were shortened (P<0.05), the sleep efficiency was improved (P<0.05), the number of awakenings was reduced (P<0.05), the percentage of rapid eye movement (REM%) and the percentage of NREM stage 1 (N1%) were decreased (P<0.05), the percentage of NREM stage 2 (N2%) and the percentage of NREM stage 3 (N3%) were increased (P<0.05) in the acupuncture group and the medication group; the sleep latency was shortened in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, the PSG indexes in the acupuncture group and the medication group were superior to those in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05); in the acupuncture group, the number of awakenings was less than that in the medication group (P<0.05), the REM% and N1% were lower than those in the medication group (P<0.05), the N2% and N3% were higher than those in the medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate were 93.5% (29/31) and 90.0% (27/30) in the acupuncture group and the medication group respectively, which were higher than 10.0% (3/30) in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05). There was no serious adverse events in any of the 3 groups.
CONCLUSION
Tiaowei Jiannao acupuncture improves the insomnia symptoms in patients with ischemic stroke, improves the quality of sleep, increases the deep sleep, promotes the recovery of neurological function, and relieves the depression. It is effective and safe for the treatment of PISI.
Humans
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Acupuncture Therapy
;
Male
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Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/physiopathology*
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Acupuncture Points
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Treatment Outcome
;
Adult
;
Ischemic Stroke/complications*
;
Stroke/complications*
;
Sleep
5.Research Trends,Hot Spots and Prospects of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Promoting Regeneration and Repair
Ming ZHANG ; Yufeng GUO ; Ning GAO ; Peichu ZHANG ; Xinqiao CHU ; Yingxin SUN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(5):1277-1286
Objective To analyze the literature on acupuncture and moxibustion in promoting regeneration and repair published at home and abroad based on bibliometrics to identify the current status,hotspots,and trends of research in this field.Methods Chinese and English literature related to acupuncture and moxibustion in promoting regeneration and repair published in China Knowledge Network(CNKI)and Web of Science(WOS)Core Collection were visualized and analyzed using VOSviewer and Citespace software.Results Since the inception of the database to June 30,2024,1651 and 1437 documents were published in Chinese and English,respectively,showing a fluctuating upward trend over the past 20 years,with China being the country with the highest number of publications,Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine being the research institution with the highest number of publications in the CNKI database,and Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine being the research institutions with the highest number of publications in the WOS database.The keyword analysis revealed that the research hotspot of acupuncture and moxibustion in promoting regeneration and repair focused on acupuncture therapies based on electroacupuncture,acupuncture and moxibustion,as well as research targets based on the brain,spinal cord and gastrointestinal mucosa,and the future research trend would be centered on the mechanism of action,focusing on the value of more acupuncture therapies in diseases such as spinal cord injury and ulcerative colitis.Conclusion In recent years,the research field of acupuncture and moxibustion in promoting regeneration and repair has developed rapidly,and various research teams have achieved rich results.The research hotspots have shown a diversified and deeper trend,and the application of acupuncture and moxibustion in promoting regeneration and repair has a broad prospect,and it is expected to provide more effective therapeutic means for the clinic.
6.Effect of brain-computer interface combined with upper limb rehabilitation robot on upper limb function of stroke patients
Xuan LIU ; Ling GAO ; Fengming CHU ; Jie CHEN ; Ming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(6):703-710
Objective To explore the effect of motor imagery brain-computer interface(BCI)combined with upper limb rehabilita-tion robot on upper limb function of stroke patients.Methods From May to December,2024,45 stroke inpatients from Xuzhou Rehabilitation Hospital and Xuzhou Central Hospital were recruited and randomly divided into BCI group(n=15),robot group(n=15)and combined group(n=15).All the groups received conventional rehabilitation therapy.On this basis,the BCI group received motor imagery based BCI training,the robot group received upper extremity rehabilitation robot training,and the com-bined group received BCI combined with upper extremity rehabilitation robot training.They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities(FMA-UE),Action Research Arm Test(ARAT)and modified Barthel Index(MBI)before and four weeks after treatment,while they were measured delta-alpha ratio(DAR)using the quantitative electroencephalogram.Results The intra-group effect(F>101.870,P<0.001)and interaction effect(F>7.891,P<0.001)were significant in the scores of FMA-UE,ARAT and MBI,and DAR.Post Hoc test showed that all the indexes were better in the combined group than in BCI group and the robot group(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference in the indexes between BCI group and the robot group(P>0.05).Conclusion BCI combined with upper limb rehabilitation robot can promote the recovery of upper limb function and ac-tivities of daily living of stroke patients.
7.The effect of Qing-Xin-Jie-Yu Granule on arteriovenous bypass thrombosis formation and ADP-induced platelet aggregation in rats
Chenchen HE ; Jianghan QI ; Chenyi WEI ; Qiaoyan CAI ; Zhuye GAO ; Ling ZHANG ; Jianfeng CHU
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(1):184-189
Objective To observe the effect of Qing-Xin-Jie-Yu granule(QXJYG)on the formation of thrombosis in the rat model of arteriovenous bypass thrombosis and the adenosine diphosphate(ADP)-induced platelet aggregation.Methods Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group,model group,clopidogrel positive control group,QXJYG low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose groups,with 6 rats in each group.The dose of clopidogrel positive control group was 6.74 mg/(kg?d),the dosages of QXJYG in low,medium and high groups were 0.99,1.98,3.96 g/(kg?d),respectively,normal control group and model group were given equal volume of distilled water,and continuous prophylactic intragastric administration for 14 days,once a day.One hour after the final administration,the rats were anesthetized,and the arteriovenous bypass thrombosis model was established by using a polyethylene tube as the arteriovenous bypass bridge(except control group).The thrombus was extracted after 15 min and its weight was weighed by 1/10,000th precision electronic balance.The levels of thromboxane B2(TXB2)and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α)in plasma were determined by ELISA kits.The rate of platelet aggregation induced by ADP in each group was measured using a microplate reader by turbidimetric method.Results Compared with the control group,the weight of arteriovenous bypass thrombus was significantly higher,the level of TXB2 in plasma was significantly higher,while the level of 6-keto-PGF1α was significantly lower,and platelet aggregation was significantly higher after ADP induction in the model group(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the weight of arteriovenous bypass thrombosis in clopidogrel positive control group and QXJYG dose groups was significantly decreased(P<0.05);the inhibition rate of thrombosis formation was 53.80%,23.96%,33.63%,and 32.59%,respectively.The content of TXB2 in plasma was significantly decreased,the content of 6-keto-PGF1α was significantly increased;additionally,the platelet aggregation rate induced by ADP was reduced in clopidogrel positive control group and QXJYG group.Meanwhile,there was a dose-dependence between different doses in QXJYY group(P<0.05),and the inhibition rate of platelet aggregation was 86.90%,26.17%,38.87%,54.48%,respectively.Conclusion QXJYG can prevent thrombosis formation in the rat model of arteriovenous bypass thrombosis and inhibit platelet aggregation induced by ADP.
8.Clinical efficacy of testicular fascial compartment decompression in the treatment of testicular torsion in children
Peng XU ; Yun ZHOU ; Rong JIA ; Can QI ; Linmeng SHI ; Jingda GAO ; Dengwei CHU ; Xu GAO
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(2):220-224
Objective To compare the efficacy of testicular repositioning and fixation combined with decompression of the testicular fascial compartment (testicular leucotomy+sheath flap repair) versus conventional testicular repositioning and fixation in surgery for testicular torsion in children. Methods Fifty-six patients with testicular torsion admitted to Hebei Provincial Children's Hospital from January 2019 to October 2023 were selected and divided into the observation group (26 cases) and the control group (30 cases),and the observation group was treated with testicular reorientation and fixation+testicular fascial compartment decompression,while the control group was treated with conventional testicular reorientation and fixation. There was no statistically significant difference in the age and left and right sides of the patients in the two groups (P>0.05). The intraop-erative bleeding,postoperative testicular atrophy,the presence of postoperative scrotal infection and postoperative hospitalization time of the two groups were compared. Results All patients successfully completed the operation without intraoperative complications. There was no statistically significant difference between the observation group and the control group in terms of intraoperative bleeding,postoperative scrotal infection rate and postoperative hospitalization time (P>0.05);the postoperative testicular atrophy rate of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Testicular restoration and fixation+testicular fascial compartment decompression can effectively reduce the pressure of testicular fascial compartment,reduce the ischemia-reperfusion injury of testis,and reduce the occurrence of testicular atrophy,which is safe and effective in the treatment of testicular torsion in children.
9.Application and evaluation of carbon dioxide euthanasia system in experimental teaching of Medical Immunology
Xiang GAO ; Yuan LIU ; Jing LOU ; Yintong XUE ; Yan LI ; Jie HAO ; Lijun WANG ; Ziyuan WANG ; Yinchao MA ; Ming CHU ; Yuedan WANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(8):2003-2006,2011
Experimental teaching is an important component of the course Medical Immunology,which requires the use of experimental animals and the execution of experimental animals by medical students.By applying the carbon dioxide euthanasia system,it can effectively reduce the pain of experimental animals,ensure their welfare,and meet ethical requirements.It can also improve the efficiency of experimental teaching in Medical Immunology,reduce environmental pollution,and promote medical students to estab-lish scientific values and worldviews that pay attention to experimental animals and respect life,which is conducive to becoming future medical service talents.In the experimental teaching of Medical Immunology,the appropriate application of carbon dioxide euthanasia system combined with effective ideological and political construction of the curriculum can further implement the Party's educational policy of cultivating morality and talents,and lay a good foundation for cultivating medical talents with comprehensive knowledge,high skills and excellent quality.
10.Analysis of the influencing factors of early neurological deterioration and short-term prognosis in minor acute ischemic stroke patients
Longsheng CHU ; Xianjun HUANG ; Chenglei WANG ; Bohao WEI ; Yuepei GAO ; Ameng LI ; Ke YANG ; Junfeng XU ; Xianjin SHANG ; Zhiming ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(8):524-536
Objective To investigate the influencing factors associated with early neurological deterioration(END)in patients with minor acute ischemic stroke(mAIS),develop a clinical prediction model for END,and identify independent risk factors for 90-day neurological functional outcomes after stroke.Methods mAIS patients admitted consecutively to the Department of Neurology,Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College(the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College),from July 2023 to July 2024 were retrospectively collected.A minor ischemic stroke was defined as acute ischemic stroke with a National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score≤5 on admission.Baseline,clinical,and imaging data of all mAIS patients were collected and recorded,including demographic information(age,sex),past medical history(hypertension,diabetes mellitus,hyperlipidemia,coronary heart disease,atrial fibrillation),smoking history,alcohol consumption,baseline blood pressure,pre-onset modified Rankin scale(mRS),NIHSS scores at admission and during hospitalization(24 hours,48 hours,72 hours after admission),motor component subscore of the NIHSS scores,NIHSS scores at discharge,trial of Org 10172 in acute stroke treatment(TOAST)classification,laboratory indicators(fasting blood glucose,hemoglobin A1c[HbA1c],total cholesterol,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein,low-density lipoprotein),clinical treatment information(intravenous thrombolysis,mono antiplatelet therapy,dual antiplatelet therapy,anticoagulation therapy)and length of stay.The status of stenosis and occlusion in the culprit vessel were assessed based on imaging results.Mild-to-moderate stenosis was defined as a stenosis rate of 0%to 69%,severe stenosis as a stenosis rate of 70%to 99%,and occlusion as complete interruption of the supplying artery.END was defined as an increase in NIHSS score of ≥2 points from baseline within 72 hours after admission,combined with an increase of at least 1 point in the motor score compared to the score at admission.Prognosis was assessed via telephone follow-ups at 90-day after onset using mRS score,with an mRS score ≤ 2 indicating a favorable outcome and an mRS score>2 indicating a poor outcome.Variables with P<0.05 in the univariate analysis were incorporated into multivariate Logistic regression analysis to identify the independent risk factors for END in mAIS patients.A nomogram model was constructed,and calibration curves along with decision curve analysis were plotted to evaluate the model's goodness-of-fit and clinical utility.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with poor 90-day functional outcome after mAIS.Results(1)A total of 826 patients were included,aged 33-94 years,with a median age of 67(57,76)years.There were 571 males and 255 females.The NIHSS score at admission ranged from 0 to 5,with a median NIHSS score at admission of 3(2,4).The NIHSS motor subscore at admission ranged from 0 to 5,with a median baseline NIHSS motor score of 2(0,2).Among them,119 patients(14.4%)were in the END group and 707 patients(85.6%)were included in the non-END group.At 90days after stroke,744 patients(90.1%)had a favorable outcome,while 82 patients(9.9%)had a poor outcome.(2)Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between the END group and the non-END group in terms of HbA1c,fasting blood glucose,baseline NIHSS score,baseline NIHSS motor subscore,history of alcohol consumption,diabetes mellitus,culprit vessel stenosis and occlusion,and TOAST classification(all P<0.05).Statistically significant differences were observed between the favorable outcome group and the poor outcome group in HbA1c,fasting blood glucose,incidence of END,baseline NIHSS score,discharge NIHSS score,culprit vessel stenosis and occlusion,TOAST classification,and history of alcohol consumption(all P<0.05).(3)Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that mAIS patients with severe stenosis of the culprit vessel(OR,5.88,95%CI2.32-14.91,P<0.01),occlusion of the culprit vessel(OR,5.74,95%CI 2.25-14.62,P<0.01),history of alcohol consumption(OR,5.59,95%CI3.41-9.17,P<0.01),elevated HbA1c(OR,1.67,95%CI 1.35-2.08,P<0.01),and higher baseline NIHSS motor score(OR,1.43,95%CI 1.08-1.89,P=0.012)had an increased risk of END.A higher discharge NIHSS score(OR,2.59,95%CI 1.89-3.57,P<0.01)and the occurrence of END(OR,18.42,95%CI 5.13-66.18,P<0.01)were associated with poor 90-day functional outcome after mAIS.(4)The nomogram model constructed based on independent risk factors of END in mAIS patients demonstrated an AUC of 0.78(95%CI 0.73-0.83)for predicting END,with a sensitivity of 0.8 and a specificity of 0.7.The model showed good calibration,and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated good agreement between predicted and observed values(P=0.333).Decision curve analysis revealed that the model provided a high net benefit across a range of high-risk thresholds(0.1-0.7),suggesting its potential clinical utility.Conclusions Severe stenosis of the culprit vessel,occlusion of the culprit vessel,glycated hemoglobin levels,baseline NIHSS motor subscale scores,and history of alcohol consumption are independent risk factors for END in patients with mAIS.The nomogram model constructed based on these factors demonstrated good predictive performance.END and NIHSS scores at discharge are independent predictors of poor 90-day outcomes in patients with mAIS.

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