This research introduces a new method to analyze the diffusion information of human brain. By use of the multi b value diffusion data and a new algorithm, a new diffusion parameter (Rd) was computed, and a new image was reconstructed. Through quantitative research on the brains of 25 normal adults, the new method can improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) apparently and distinguish the different brain tissues effectively, compared to the apparent diffusion coefficient. The new method can improve the sensitivity to diffusion.
Adult ; Algorithms ; Brain ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sensitivity and Specificity

ObjectiveTo discuss the feasibility and safety of anterior pedicle screw (APS) fixation in treatment of lower cervical spine injuries.MethodsA total of 10 patients with lower cervical spine injuries were treated with APS fixation.All the patients received preoperative cervical CT scans,and then three-dimensional model was reconstructed by using Mimics software to measure the screw placement parameters (insertion point,screw placement angle,screw length and diameter).All APS fixations were performed through anterior cervical approach,and then centrums antetheca and bilateral outer edges were exposed to distinguish the vertebral end plates.Screw insertion was strictly operated under the fluoroscopic assistance and preoperative screw placement parameters.The postoperative efficacy of APS fixation was evaluated by radiologist and other orthopedist via anteroposterior and lateral radiation,CT scan,three-dimensional model reconstruction and MRI.A follow-up was carried out at 1,3,6 and 12 months after operation.ResultsExcept for one screw for C4 and one for C7,another 24 crews for C3-C7 were successfully inserted.Postoperative CT scan demonstrated four screws breaking the outer vertebral wall.Except for one patient suddenly died from acute myocardial infarction one week after operation,the other nine patients received follow-up.Of three trauma patients,one patient at Grade A did not get improvement but with no aggravation and two achieved improvement for 2-3 grades according to Frankel grade.Among six non-trauma patients,spinal function score by JOA was averagely elevated to 13.4 points,with improvement rate of 60.7％ according to Hirabayashi method.There were no serious complications except for two patients of dysphagia among the patients who were followed up. Conclusions APS fixation is feasible for lower cervical spine injuries.The keys to successful screw insertion are preoperative measurement of individualized screw insertion parameters and appropriate application of intraoperative fluoroscope technique.

Objective: This study collected and analyzed data from patients with microtia in multiple clinical centers to obtain the incidence characteristics of microtia in Chinese. Methods: Data from 746 patients with microtia were collected from six hospitals, including theThird Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hunan Provincial People′s Hospital, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Weihai Municipal Hospital, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2016 to December 2017. These data included the results of physical examination and the results of auxiliary examination such as electrocardiogram, chest CT, and abdominal ultrasound. Then, the accompanying malformations of the microtia were statistically analyzed and discussed. Data were entered and processed using SPSS 19.0 statistical software. The relationship between microtia deformities and associated malformations was analyzed by Pearson χ² test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 746 patients with microtia were included, including 513 males and 233 females, aged 5-27 years old. There were 678 cases of unilateral microtia, 68 cases of bilateral microtia; 128 cases of Ⅰ degree, 564 cases of Ⅱ degree, and 54 cases of Ⅲ degree. In addition, 336 cases (45%) were associated with dysplasia of other systems. Detected anomalies were 321 cases of the ear, face, and neck, 261 cases of musculoskeletal system and 76 cases of cardiovascular system, 30 cases of anomalies of the urogenital system, eye, 27 cases of respiratory system, 7 cases of central nervous system, 5 case of digestive system and 1case of diaphragmatic hernia. The proportion of male and female with microtia was 47.0% (241/513) and 40.8% (95/233), respectively, and there was no significant difference in between (χ²=2.493, P=0.114); The composition ratios of unilateral and bilateral associated malformations were 45.7% (310/678) and 38.2% (26/68 ), and there was no significant difference in between (χ²=1.400, P=0.237); The composition ratios of Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ degree-associated malformations were 39.8% (51/128), 42.6% (240/564), and 83.3% (45/54), and the difference was statistically significant (χ²= 34.794, P<0.001). Conclusions Microtia has significant clinical heterogeneity with a higher proportion of associated malformations. A higher incidence of associated deformities in patients with severe microtia was observed. Systematic examination is required, which will be helpful to clinical therapy and etiology analysis.