1.Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in the evaluation of blood-brain barrier permeability following acute cerebral ischemia in rats
Weiyuan HUANG ; Jianjun LI ; Gang WU ; Mengmeng LI ; Kai YANG ; Shanxi GUO ; Daoying GENG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2017;51(3):226-232
Objective To investigate the dynamic changes of blood-brain barrier(BBB) permeability after acute cerebral ischemia in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) by dynamic contrast-enhanced(DCE)-MRI. Methods Sixty MCAO rat models were established by suture-occlusion method. All rats were divided randomly into twelve groups with different ischemia duration (3 hours, 6 hours, permanent) and reperfusion times (2, 6, 12 and 24 hours after reperfusion). Each group was examined by MRI at the time points. The BBB permeability parameters(Ktrans, Ve, Kep, rKtrans, rVe, rKep) were calculated by Siemens workstation and compared with Evans blue(EB) extravasation results. Multivariate analysis of variance (M-ANOVA), one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA), Pearson analysis were respectively used to verify the influences of ischemia duration and reperfusion time on BBB permeability parameters, EB extravasation and relationships between parameters. Results In 3 hours and 6 hours ischemia duration groups, change of BBB permeability after reperfusion appeared biphasic. At 2 hours and 6 hours after reperfusion, BBB permeability increased, while rKtrans values and rVe values rose and rKep values dropped. BBB permeability decreased at 12 hours and increased again at 24 hours after reperfusion. The highest BBB permeability was observed at 6 hours after reperfusion. However, BBB permeability in permanent ischemia groups had uniphasic change, as its increase was rather mild as ischemia time went on. rKtrans values(1.99± 0.79)were positively correlated with rVe values(2.88 ± 1.78) (r=0.93, P<0.01) and negatively correlated with rKep values(0.66 ± 0.21) (r=-0.84, P<0.01). The negative correlation between rVe values and rKep valueswas also significant(r=- 0.80, P<0.01). EB extravasation results were consistent with MRI findings. Conclusions BBB permeability change was biphasic in reperfusion groups, while it was uniphasic in permanent ischemia groups. DCE-MRI may accurately reflect the changes of BBB permeability after acute cerebral ischemia. Both ischemic duration and reperfusion time had influences on BBB permeability. With prolongation of ischemic time, the duration of BBB permeability increase became shorter, BBB damage appeared earlier, with increased degree of ischemic damage.
2.Quantitative Analysis of Small Airway Wall Thickness in Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Using CT
Mengmeng JI ; Hequn GENG ; Fei YANG ; Xiaolong ZHU ; Dianjun ZOU ; Shujun CUI
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2015;(3):195-199
PurposeTo measure the areas and diameter lines of bronchi at acute exacerbation and at remission period in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using CT, and to explore the correlation between the two periods and evaluate the comprehensive assessment in diagnosing COPD exacerbation.Materials and Methods Fifty-two COPD patients were scanned with 64-row spiral CT on chest and PFT at acute exacerbation and at remission period. The areas and diameter lines of apical segmental and the sub-segmental bronchi of the right upper lobe in the patients were measured at the two periods, including indicators such as wall thickness (WT), thickness-diameter ratio (TDR), wall area (WA), percentage of wall area (WA%). The differences of those indicators at the two periods were compared with such factors of COPD comprehensive assessment as forced expiratory volume at the first second% (FEV1%), percentage of forced expiratory volume in first second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), COPD assessment test (CAT), modified medical research council questionnaire (mMRC) for assessing the severity of breathlessness, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD). Results The patients had significant differences between acute exacerbation period and remission period in the indicators of COPD comprehensive assessment like FEV1%, FEV1/FVC, CAT, mMRC and 6MWD (t=-4.119,-2.583, 4.012, 3.321 and-3.892,P<0.05). Compared with those at remission period, the WT, TDR, WA and WA% of sub-segmental bronchi were all higher at acute exacerbation period (t=3.025, 2.341, 2.204 and 2.124, P<0.05); only TDR of segmental bronchi showed significant difference between the two periods (t=2.990,P<0.05). The correlation of sub-segmental bronchi with FEV1%, FEV1/FVC, CAT, mMRC and 6MWD was more significant than that of segmental bronchi with those indicators at the two periods.Conclusion The COPD comprehensive assessment can help diagnose COPD at acute exacerbation period; MSCT shows the remodeling of segmental and sub-segmental bronchi and the changes on the airway wall, and the quantitative measurement of sub-segmental bronchi has correlation with the differences of indicators in the comprehensive assessment; COPD comprehensive assessment seems to be more valuable than PFT in the estimation of COPD at acute exacerbation.
3.Neonatal linear IgA bullous dermatosis
Guangwen YIN ; Mengmeng GENG ; Yan CUI ; Shoumin ZHANG ; Dongqin LI ; Xiuyong CHENG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2023;56(2):146-148
A 10-day-old male infant presented with skin erythema and blisters for 6 days. Skin examination showed scattered or confluent erythema all over the body, tense blisters of varying sizes on the normal skin or an erythematous base, and some blisters were ulcerated and erosive; bloody bullae and erythematous erosive patches could be seen on the oral mucosa. Histopathological examination revealed subepidermal blisters, and there were some neutrophils and a few eosinophils in the blisters. Direct immunofluorescence assay showed homogeneous linear IgA and granular C3 deposits along the basement membrane zone, without IgG deposits. The diagnosis of neonatal linear IgA bullous dermatosis was confirmed. After comprehensive treatments including nutritional support and anti-infection treatment, skin erythema and blisters subsided, and the mucosal damage was attenuated. The telephone follow-up 16 months after discharge showed that the infant was in good general condition with normal growth and development, and the oral mucosal lesions had subsided and healed, without new skin lesions.
4.The predictive value of combined detection of serum ANGPTL8 and VCAM-1 levels for cerebral vasospasm after intracranial aneurysm embolization
Mengmeng WEI ; Zhikun LV ; Guozhen LI ; Xueyan HU ; Qianqian XU ; Jing GUO ; Biao GENG
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2023;31(12):1133-1136
Objective The combined detection of serum angiopoietin-like protein 8(ANGPTL8)and Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1)levels was analyzed for the predictive value of cerebral vasospasm(CVS)after intracranial aneurysm embolization.Methods A total of 196 patients who underwent intracranial aneurysm embolization in our hospital from March 2019-March 2022 were selected as the study subjects,99 patients with CVS were in the CVS group,and 97 patients without CVS were in the non CVS group.Serum ANGPTL8 and VCAM-1 levels were detected by ELISA;the correlation between serum ANGPTL8 and VCAM-1 levels was analyzed by Pearson method,Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of CVS in patients undergoing intracranial aneurysm embolization;ROC curve was used to analyze the serum levels of ANGPTL8 and VCAM-1 to predict the cutoff value of CVS in patients undergoing intracranial aneurysm embolization;four grid table method was used to analyze the predictive value of ANGPTL8,VCAM-1 and their combination on the occurrence of CVS in patients undergoing intracranial aneurysm embolization.Results The differences between CVS and non-CVS groups were statistically significant in hypertension,Hunt-Hess grade,and Glasgow coma(GCS)scores(P<0.05).The serum ANGPTL8 and VCAM-1 levels in the CVS group were significantly higher than those in the non-CVS group(P<0.05).There was a positive correlation between serum ANGPTL8 and VCAM-1(r=0.468,P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that high level of ANGPTL8(OR=3.652,95%CI:1.434-9.302),high level of VCAM-1(OR=2.619,95%CI:1.212-5.658),Hunt Hess grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ(OR=1.927,95%CI:1.104-3.362),GCS score of 3-8(OR=2.813,95%CI:1.257-6.295)were independent risk factors for CVS in patients undergoing intracranial aneurysm embolization.The AUC of serum ANGPTL8 level in predicting CVS in patients undergoing intracranial aneurysm embolization was 0.844,and the cut-off value was 189.233 U/L;the AUC of serum VCAM-1 level in predicting CVS in patients undergoing intracranial aneurysm embolization was 0.795,and the cutoff value was 17.984 mg/L.The accuracy,sensitivity and specificity of the combined prediction for CVS were 89.81%,93.94%and 85.57%,respectively,which were obviously higher than those of the single prediction.Conclusion The serum levels of ANGPTL8 and VCAM-1 in CVS group are obviously higher than those in non CVS group.The combination of the two has a high predictive value for CVS after intracranial aneurysm embolization.
5.Application of skin temperature monitoring in early warning of radiodermatitis risks during postoperative radiotherapy for female breast cancer
Yanhong ZHOU ; Wenhui GENG ; Mengmeng LI ; Yang GAO ; Lei LI ; Junpu YIN ; Zhikun LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2024;44(2):127-132
Objective:To analyze the correlation between the skin temperature changes in the radiation area and the occurrence of radiodermatitis during postoperative radiotherapy for female breast cancer and to explore the application value of skin temperature monitoring in the early warning of radiodermatitis risks.Methods:A total of 103 patients who received three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy after radical mastectomy in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University were continuously enrolled from May to November, 2022 in this study. Their skin temperature in the radiation area and radiodermatitis were recorded weekly. The relationships between relative skin temperature differences and different grades of radiodermatitis were determined. The optimal cut-off values for grade ≥ radiodermatitis were calculated, and the predictive effect was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Furthermore, the radiodermatitis risks under different skin temperatures were compared using binary logistic regression.Results:There was a positive correlation between the skin temperature in the radiation field and the grade of radiodermatitis. The optimal cut-off values for the average relative skin temperature difference of the chest wall (under 40 Gy/20 fractions), the maximum relative skin temperature difference of the chest wall (under 40 Gy/20 fractions), and the relative skin temperature difference of the supraclavicular block (under 30 Gy/15 fractions) were 0.45℃, 0.55℃, 0.15℃, respectively. The patients were divided into low- and high-risk groups based on the optimal cut-off values (0.45℃, 0.55℃, and 0.15℃). Binary logistic regression result showed that the risks of grade ≥ 2 radiodermatitis in the high-risk group were 5.71, 4.29, and 5.15 times those in the low-risk group, respectively ( OR = 5.71, 95% CI 1.81-17.99, P = 0.003; OR = 4.29, 95% CI 1.65-11.12, P = 0.003; OR = 5.15, 95% CI 2.16-12.31, P < 0.001). Conclusions:Skin temperature monitoring using medical infrared thermometers can be used to effectively predict the occurrence of grade ≥ 2 radiodermatitis. The skin temperature changes in the radiotherapy area should be closely observed. The risk of grade ≥ 2 radiodermatitis will increase when the mean and maximum relative temperature differences of the chest wall increase by 0.45℃ and 0.55℃, respectively under 40 Gy/20 fractions of radiotherapy or when the relative temperature differences of the supraclavicular block increases by 0.15℃ under 30 Gy/15 fractions of radiotherapy.
6.Textual Analysis of Classical Prescription Yangweitang Based on Ancient Literature
Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Yiping WANG ; Mengmeng GENG ; Lujun ZHU ; Wenxin WEI ; Bingqi WEI ; Wenli SHI ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(12):147-157
The classical prescription Yangweitang, derived from Zhengzhi Zhunsheng, is specialized in treating syndromes of chill and fever due to exogenous pathogens, inner-cooling, and malaria, and it has been included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formulas (the First Batch) published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in 2018. Through bibliographical research, the relevant ancient books and modern documents were systematically sorted out, and it was found that there were many prescriptions related to the Yangweitang from Zhengzhi Zhunsheng. They were interwoven with Yangweitang from Zhengzhi Zhunsheng and widely used in clinical practice. In order to clarify their history and evolution, this paper combed the historical origin of Yangweitang and its related prescriptions and conducted textual analysis on key information such as semantic composition, herb origin, processing method, and efficacy. A total of 896 pieces of data on Yangweitang from Zhengzhi Zhunsheng were collected. 26 pieces of effective data were included after the screening, involving 17 ancient TCM books. Then, a total of 28 pieces of data on prescriptions related to the Yangweitang from Zhengzhi Zhunsheng were included, involving 23 ancient TCM books for reference. The textual analysis showed that Yangweitang originated from the Renshen Yangweitang recorded in Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang in the Song dynasty. Based on the original formula, medical experts from later generations have modified it into many different versions. A comparative analysis showed that Yangweitang from different generations had similar compositions, and the herb origin and processing method were basically clear. The recommended prescriptions are as follows: 37.3 g of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex(fried with ginger juice), and frying with rice water Atractlodis Rhizoma, 27.98 g of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum, 18.65 g of Pogostemon cablin leaf, Tsaoko Fructus, Poria, and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and 9.33 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. They could be ground into a coarse powder, with 14.92 g for every dose, and they could be orally taken after being decocted with 450 mL of water, 7 g of fresh ginger, and 2 g of Mume Fructus to 270 mL in warm conditions. Yangweitang from Zhengzhi Zhunsheng has the effect of warming the middle and releasing the external, and it can treat many syndromes including spleen and stomach disharmony caused by chill and fever due to exogenous pathogens and inner-cooling, as well as all kinds of malaria. Modern clinical applications mainly focus on chronic atrophic gastritis and other digestive system diseases.
7.Textual Research on Classical Formula Juanbitang
Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jinyan ZHANG ; Jialei CAO ; Hejia WAN ; Tongyi HUANG ; Mengmeng GENG ; Bingqi WEI ; Bingxiang MA ; Yajing HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):190-197
This paper discussed the historic evolution of Juanbitang and similar decoctions, clarified the historic development of Yangshi Juanbitang and Chengshi Juanbitang, and probed into the key information of the meaning, original plants, processing methods, and modern dosage and usage of Chengshi Juanbitang. A total of 267 pieces of relevant information were collected from ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) books, among which 53 pieces of effective data were included in this study. The results showed that both Chenshi Juanbitang and Yangshi Juanbitang were originated from Duhuo Jishengtang recoded in the Important Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergency (Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang). According to the standard of "1 qian roughly equals 3.73 g" in the measurement system of the Qing Dynasty, we suggest Chenshi Juanbitang is composed of 3.73 g Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, 3.73 g Angelicae Pubescentis Radix, 3.73 g Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, 11.19 g Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 11.19 g Mori Ramulus, 2.61 g Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 1.87 g Cinnamomi Cortex, 1.87 g stir-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 7.46 g Piperis Kadsurae Caulis, 2.98 g Olibanum, and 2.98 g Aucklandiae Radix, which should be decocted with 600 mL water to reach a volume of 300 mL. The decoction should be taken 3 times a day before meals. Juanbitang, a classical formula specialized for treating impediment diseases, has the effects of dispelling wind, removing dryness, and alleviating impediment to relieve pain. It can be used for treating vexing pain in body, spasm of nape and back, and heaviness in waists and legs. Modern studies have shown that Juanbitang can be used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, knee osteoarthritis, and periarthritis of shoulder. The above results served as a reference for the future development of Juanbitang.