Objective To explore the perihematomal perfusion typing and spot sign on computed tomography angiography (CTA) source images in order to assist in individualizing therapeutic decisions for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage by possibly forecasting perihematomal ischemia and hematoma enlargement.
Methods We examined 58 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage by computed tomography perfusion and CTA within 6 hours after symptom onset. Hematoma volumes were determined from non-contrast CT images and compared between first and second CT images. The perfusion of hematoma region and perihematoma region was evaluated for presence or absence of the perihematomal penumbra. Three kinds of perihematoma perfusion typing were defined according to the perfusion of hematoma region and perihematoma region. CTA source images was reviewed to make sure presence or absence of the spot sign.
Results Finally, 53 patients (34 males, 19 females) were enrolled in our study according to exclusion criteria. Finally, 21 patients were classified into the normal group, 23 patients were classified into the mild group, and 9 patients were classified into the severe group. There were significant differences in hematoma size between the presence and absence of the perihematomal penumbra group (P<0.05). Thirteen (24.5%) patients presented with spot sign. Hematoma expansion occurred in 15 (28.3%) patients on follow-up. In which 12 patients were with spot sign. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for expansion were 80.0%, 97.4%, 92.3%, and 92.5%, respectively.
Conclusion In acute intracerebral hemorrhage patients, the perihematoma perfusion typing and CTA spot sign provide more radiological information that might assist in individualizing therapeutic decisions for patients by possibly forecasting perihematomal ischemia and hematoma enlargement.

Objective To investigate flow patterns at carotid bifurcation in vivo by combining computational fluid dynamics(CFD)and MR angiography imaging.Methods Seven subjects underwent contrast-enhanced MR angiography of carotid artery in Siemens 3.0 T MR.Flow patterns of the carotid artery bifurcation were calculated and visualized by combining MR vascular imaging post-processing and CFD. Results The flow patterns of the carotid bifurcations in 7 subjects were varied with different phases of a cardiac cycle.The turbulent flow and back flow occurred at bifurcation and proximal of internal carotid artery (ICA)and external carotid artery(ECA),their occurrence and conformation were varied with different phase of a cardiac cycle.The turbulent flow and back flow faded out quickly when the blood flow to the distal of ICA and ECA.Conclusion CFD combined with MR angiography can be utilized to visualize the cyclical change of flow patterns of carotid bifurcation with different phases of a cardiac cycle.

ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of hemodynamic alternation surrounding the hematoma in the acute stage of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in rats.MethodsSeventy male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into ICH group and sham operated group, which were microinjected with 40 μl fresh autologous blood or saline into the right caudatum respectively. The each group was divided into 7 subgroups at 1h,3h,6h,12h,24h,48h and 72h after the ICH. CT perfusion imaging in measurements of regional cerebral blood flow adjacent to hematomas was performed. The ratios of side to side were measured at the regions around the hematomas by personal computer aided mapping. So the parameters of regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF), regional cerebral blood volume(rCBV) and mean transit time(MTT) were calculated respectively.ResultsThe rCBF and rCBV adjacent to the hematomas were lower than those of the outer region pronouncedly. The alternation of rCBF around the hematoma were fluctuated, which reduced to the valley at 1h after ICH, and then gradually returned to the peaks at 6h and 24h after ICH. In the meantime, the rCBV around the hematoma reduced to the valley at 1h after ICH, and then gradually increased to the peak at 24h after ICH.ConclusionThe abnormal hemodynamic changes can be found in the perihematomal region after ICH. The alternation of rCBF around the hematomas are fluctuated, but the changes of rCBV remain continuous increase. The mass effect of hematoma, intracranial hypertension caused by the mass effect of hematoma, and the autoregulation of cerebral blood flow motivated by the initial depression of cerebral blood flow play a very important role in the changes of cerebral blood flow.

Objective To explore the DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats exposed to sodium arsenite. Methods Thirty-two Wistar rats, weighing 180 - 200 g, equal male and female, were randomly divided into 4 groups, 8 in each group. Sodium arsenite 0(control) ,0.05,0.15,0.45 mg/L were given through drinking water for 30 days. Body weight and drinking water consumption were measured every day. Blood were collected and DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes was examined by single cell gel electrophoresis.Results The increase of body mass[( 121.00 ± 38.57), ( 120.62 ± 42.80), ( 125.38 ± 48.68)g]and water intake [(36.9 ± 6.2), (37.9 ± 5.8), (39.3 ± 4.2)ml/d]in 0.05,0.15,0.45 mg/L sodium arsenite groups were compared with the control group[( 119.25 ± 47.27)g, (38.4 ± 5.1 )ml/d], and the difference were not significant (F = 0.040,0.828, all P ＞ 0.05). The tail ratios[46.25%(185/400) ,57.00%(228/400),64.00%(256/400)], tail lengths [(32.89 ± 17.18), (58.74 ± 36.28), (77.55 ± 35.73 ) μm]and tail moments [(6.29 ± 3.74), ( 11.20 ± 9.64),(17.30 ± 12.60)μm]in 0.05,0.15,0.45 mg/L sodium arsenite groups were significantly higher than those of the control group[39.25%(157/400), (18.73 ± 15.83),(2.61 ± 1.05)μm, all P ＜ 0.01], and the tail ratios,tail lengths and tail moments in lymphocytes increased with increased doses of arsenic concentration. Conclusions Low doses of arsenic exposure can induce DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats.

OBJECTIVETo study clinical and imaging features of hypothalamic hamartoma in children.

METHODSImaging findings and clinical manifestations of 38 children with hypothalamic hamartomas were retrospectively reviewed. The patients included 25 boys and 13 girls, ranging in age of onset from 1 month to 15 years. All the 38 patients were examined with pre-contrast and post-contrast T1 weighted MR imaging and with non-contrast T2 weighted MR imaging. Meanwhile, 10 patients received CT scan. Hypothalamic hamartomas were confimed by pathologic examinations in the 38 patients.

RESULTSGelastic epilepsy, precocious puberty, other types of epilepsy and disturbance of intelligence were main manifestations in the 38 patients. Gelastic epilepsy was found as an initial clinical symptom in 17 cases, precocious puberty in 13 cases and other types of epilepsy in 8 cases. All masses were located in the suprasellar and interpeduncular cistern. They showed iso-density on CT scan, and homogeneous signal iso-intense to gray matter on T1 and T2 weighted MR images. With contrast MR images, there was no enhancement in the mass. The size or pedunculation of the mass was not correlated with clinical features.

CONCLUSIONSHypothalamic hamartoma may be characterized by precocious puberty and/or gelastic epilepsy and specific imaging findings mentioned above.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Hamartoma ; complications ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Humans ; Hypothalamic Neoplasms ; complications ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Infant ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

ObjectiveTo develop a stable model of focal cerebral infarction in rat to study the curative effect of neural stem cells transplantation.MethodsThirty-seven rats were selected which were divided into two groups in random, experimental group and control group. The focal infarction model was developed by the ligation of the left middle cerebral artery followed by the ligation of the ipsilateral common carotid artery and the temporary clip occlusion of the contralateral common carotid artery for 1.5 h. The operation adopted minimally invasive craniotomy though temporal bone. The model was evaluated by examining the neurologic deficits, ink perfusion, TTC staining and Magnetic Resonance imaging.ResultsAll the rats were in good condition after the operation, the mortality rate was 6.25% after 4 weeks. Ink perfusion and TTC staining confirmed that the ischemia was confined to the cortex. The areas of infarction measured 83.52 mm3 by Magnetic Resonance imaging after 4 weeks.ConclusionA stable focal cerebral infarction model can be achieved by minimally invasive craniotomy. It is superior for its homogeneity of infarction volume and site, and its low mortality. It can be used for the study of transplantation of neural stem cells.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficiency of Spanishneedles Herb eye drops in treating perimenopausal xerophthalmia in rabbits.

METHODTotally 36 rabbits (36 right eyes) were ovariectomized, and 2 months later divided into three groups: the experimental group (group A, n = 12) given Spanishneedles Herb eye drops, the control group (group B, n = 12) given PBS and the model group (group C, n = 12) given no drug. The Schirmer I test (SIT), fluorescent (FL), total tear protein, diastase activity, lactoferrin and lysozyme contents and confocal scanning microscopy were performed at before the treatment and at 1 w, 2 w, 1 mo, 2 mo after the treatment.

RESULTBefore the treatment, There was no significant difference in SIT, FL, total tear protein, lysozyme, lactoferrin and amylase activity between two groups. Two months later after the treatment, both the group B and the group A showed differences degrees of changes in SIT, FL, total tear protein, lysozyme, lactoferrin and amylase activity compared with that before the treatment, with statistical differences (P < 0.05); At each time point, both groups revealed statistical differences in SIT, FL, total tear protein, lysozyme, lactoferrin and amylase activity (1 < 0.05). Two months later alter the treatment, densities of basal epithelial cells and inflammatory cells in the group A were (4 122 ±416) cells/mm2 and (339 ± 131) cells/mm2, while that in the group B were (3 343 ± 424) cells/mm2 and (49 ± 17) cells/mm2, with statistical differences between them (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSpanishneedles Herb eye drops could effectively treat perimenopausal xerophthalmia in rabbit caused by sex hormones decline.

Animals ; Asteraceae ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Ophthalmic Solutions ; administration & dosage ; Perimenopause ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Tears ; secretion ; Xerophthalmia ; drug therapy ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the prevention efficiency of spanishneedles herb eye drops on rabbit model with dry eye syndrome caused by sex hormones decline in peri-menopause. Methods Totally 26 rabbits ( 26 right eyes) with dry eye model were studied,and divided into two groups:group A ( the control group, n=12) and group B ( the spanishneedles herb eye drops group, n=12) ,another two rabbits were used as normal control.The Schirmer I tests (SIT), and corneal fluorescein ( FL) were detected, and the total protein content in tear, amylase activity, lactoferrin and lysozyme contents were measured and confocal scanning microscopy were performed at pre-therapy and 1 week,2 weeks,1 month,2 months after therapy,respectively. Results There were no significant difference in the total proteins,lysozyme,lactoferrin and amylase activity between two groups at pre-therapy (P>0.05).After 2 months treatment, there were statistical differences in all items of group A(P<0.05), and SIT, FL in group B(P<0.05).There were significant differences in all indexes between group A and B at 1 wk,2wk,1mo,2mo after therapy.After 2 months treatment,the mean numbers of corneal basal cell in the group B were significantly lower(3 452±422)than those in the group A ( 4 104 ± 568 ) ( P<0. 05 ) . The mean numbers of the inflammatory cells in the group B ( 42 ± 18 ) were significantly lower than those in the group A(208±69)( P<0.05). Conclusion Spanishneedles herb eye drops has significant prevention effect on dry eye syndrome caused by sex hormones decline in peri-menopause.

· AIM: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of anterior lens capsule inclusion in combined trabeculectomy and cataract surgery in preventing scar formation of the filtering bleb in rabbit model.· METHODS: Twerty-Four eyes (12 rabbits) with glaucoma model were studied, anterior lens capsule inclusion in trabeculectomy with the small-incision cataract surgery were performed on all right eyes (experimental group) and no implants were applicator in trabeculectomy with the small-incision cataract surgery on all left eyes (control group). These operated eyes were followed up from day 1 to 6 months postoperatively. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured and filtering blebs were observed after surgery. Other main outcome measures: cornea、conjunctiva、formation of the anterior chamber, anterior chamber depth、inflammatory reaction、achievement ratio of operation and complications were analyzed. On week 1, 2, 4, 12 and 24 after surgery the animal were killed in batch. Tissue was harvested from the bleb area and was made pathological section. HE staining、light microscope and micro photo analysis technique were applied to observe the cytological and histopathologic characteristics of the filtering tunnels.· RESULTS: There were significant differences between the two groups on IOP (1, 2, 4 weeks)、filtration bleb, achievement ratio of operation and complications. In experimental group, at the first month postoperatively, anterior lens capsule absorption started with inflammatory characteristics. The peak of inflammatory reaction occurred 1 week after operation and all the cells in the filtrating tunnel disappeared 6month after surgery. The fibroblast proliferation in control group occurred at I week and the filtrating tunnel closed with angiogenesis at 1 month after surgery. Fibroblast proliferation started 1week after surgery with no statistical difference during the time course (P ＞0.05). Significant statistical differences were observed by comparing the fibro blasts numbers per unit area in the filtrating tunnel in experimental group and those in control groups (P＜0.05).· CONCLUSION: Anterior lens capsule was totally absorbed at 6 months postoperatively. Anterior lens capsule inclusion in trabeculectomy with cataract surgery can possibly control intraocular pressure effectively, long-term sustainability of functional filtration bleb, inhibition of the proliferation of fibroblasts and opening of the filtrating pathway in the experimental animal models were satisfied. Compared to the control group, anterior lens capsule application has less complication.

Objective To study the change and the significance of T-lymphocyte immune function in peripheral blood in population living in arsenic-contaminated area. Methods Fifty-three cases of patients with arsenism symptoms were selected into experimental group, inhabitants who had no chronic arsenism symptoms into control group in the endemic area of Shuocheng District, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province in 2006. Vein blood samples were taken and analyzed with SAP assay to measure the percentage of CD3+ ,CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. Results It was found that the percentage of CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ [(41.89 ± 11.58)%, (25.60 ± 9.05)% and 1.02 ± 0.41] in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group [(68.38 ± 7.23)%, (39.17± 4.28)% ,1.69 ± 0.56, t = 13.61,18.72,14.79, all P < 0.05], while there was no statistical differences of CD8+ [(25.30 ± 6.85)%] compared to the control group[(23.54 ± 8.35)%,t = 3.07,P > 0.05]. The gender-related effect of arsenic on CD4+ and CD8+ was found by multiple linear step regression analysis(t = - 3.05, - 4.30, all P < 0.05). In case group, there were no statistical differences in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+[(40.65±10.06)%, (24.48 ± 6.29)%, (24.52 ± 8.16)%,0.98 ± 0.25] between males and females [(43.07±12.96)%, (26.77±3.12)%, (26.50 ±9.32)%, 1.07 ±0.41, t = - 0.76,3.05,0.30,2.10, all P > 0.05]. Conclusions The immune function of T-lymphocytes of patients with chronic arsenism has been suppressed. It is of active significance to detect T-lymphocyte subpopulation in peripheral vein in patients with chronic arsenism aiming at estimating the function of cell immune and providing early diagnosis index.