Objective To compare the differences between the schizophrenics with negative and positive symptoms on prefrontal lobe and thalamus by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H-MRS). Methods 58 negative subtype and 51 positive subtype schizophrenics were examined at prefrontal lobe and thalamus by multivoxel 1H-MRS before antipsychotic treatment The N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds ( Cho), and creatine compounds (Cr) were measured and the ratios of NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr were determined. Results On right thalamus,the NAA/Cr ratio in negative subtype patients ( 1.40 ± 0.29 ) demonstrated lower than that in positive subtype ( 1.62 ± 0.33 ), the same phenomenon were appeared on male, female, non-first-episode, with-medicine and without-medicine patients (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01 ). The Cho/Cr ratio on right thalamus in negative subtype of female,non-first-episode,without-medicine schizophrenics were lower than those in positive subtype (P ＜ 0.05 ).On left prefrontal lobe,left thalamus and right thalamus, the NAA/Cr ratios both in negative subtype and positive subtype schizophrenics were significantly negatively related with age of onset(P＜0. 05 or 0.01 ). In negative subtype schizophrenics,the Cho/Cr ratio on right thalamus was positively related with age of onset ( r = 0. 25, P ＜0.05 ). In negative subtype schizophrenics of non-first-episode, without-medicine, the correlation was negative between the NAA/Cr ratio and the course of disease( r= -0.48, -0.46, P＜0.05 ) ,and was positive between Cho/Cr ratio and the course of disease on right thalamus( r= 0.58,0.56, P＜ 0.01 ). Conlusion Compared with positive subtype schizophrenics,negative subtype schizophrenics have greater impairments on 1 H-MRS on right thalamus. The course of disease has greater effects on 1 H-MRS in negative subtype schizophrenics.

Skull recognition is a new method of biometrics recognition. A skull recognition algorithm is presented in this paper by Quadratic rational Bezier curve fitting which accurately describes the feature of skull edge; the experiment results based on skull x-ray image show the correctness of this method.
Algorithms ; Artifacts ; Humans ; Pattern Recognition, Automated ; methods ; Radiographic Image Enhancement ; methods ; Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Skull ; diagnostic imaging

Biometric recognition methods for human identification have received researchers' attention. Seeing that the prominent characteristics of skull biometrics are not affected by facial expression and illumination, we present a new approach compounded of several features. Firstly, comparing the crania included angle; secondly, sampling the edge as the skull feature and analyzing the skull feature in multi-resolution; lastly, calculating the crania cavity area and regularizing the recognition rules. This method supports human identification in cases not only ante mortem but also postmortem.
Algorithms ; Cephalometry ; methods ; Humans ; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Radiography ; Skull ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging

BACKGROUND: The morbidity of cervical spondylosis complicated with osteoporosis is rather high in senile patients, which affects the life quality.OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effects of gushukang, the Chinese herbal patent for kidney tonification on senile cervical spondylosis complicated with osteoporosis.DESIGN: Random control study based on patients.SETTING: Orthopedics department in a provincial hospital of traditional Chinese medicine.PARTICIPANTS: Fifty cases of senile cervical spondylosis complicated with osteoporosis collected from the inpatients and outpatients in Henan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from .June 2002 to December 2003.METHODS: Fifty cases of senile cervical spondylosis complicated with osteoporosis were randomized into experimental group(30 cases) and the control(20 cases) . In experimental group, gushukang was prescribed, 10 g/time and twice a day. In the control, jingfukang was prescribed, 6 g/time,twice per day. The course of treatment was 6 months.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To observe the improvement of therapeutic effects, X-ray manifestation, bone density, serum calcium and phosphorus before and after treatment in two groups.RESULTS: The therapeutic effects were obtained in both groups. The effective rate was 93％ in treatment group, better than the control (75％) ( P ＜ 0.05). Concerning to remote ultrasonic conductive speed in radius(SOS), it was(3 934 ± 125) and(3 990 ± 105) m/s before and after treatment respectively in experimental group; and was(3 935 ± 110) and(3 940 ± 123) m/s in the control, indicating significant difference( P ＜ 0. 05) . The difference in SOS before and after treatment in the control was not significant ( P ＞ 0.05).There was no remarkable difference in serum calcium and phosphorus before and after treatment in two groups( P ＞ 0.05).CONCLUSION: Gushukang, Chinese herbal patent for kidney tonification,provides better therapeutic effects on senile cervical spondylosis complicated with osteoporosis.