Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of internal decompression based on white matter tract preservation in the treatment of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction(MMCAI).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 54 patients with MMCAI.Patients were divided into a study group(n=26)and a control group(n=28)according to the surgical approach.Patients in the study group underwent preoperative fusion of CT,CTP,DWI,and DTI imaging data within a neuronavigation system.This fusion visualized the spatial relationships between the infarct core(IC),ischemic penumbra,and the corticospinal tract(CST).Subsequently,IC resection combined with decompressive craniectomy(DC)was performed while protecting the CST.Patients in the control group underwent DC alone.Key outcome measures included:changes in fractional anisotropy(FA)within the affected CST projection area at 1 month postoperatively;and 6-month postoperative mRS score,mortality,and surgical complications at 6 months postoperatively.Results At 1 month postoperatively,FA in the affected CST projection area were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group(0.092±0.013 vs.0.082±0.008,P<0.05).At the 6-month follow-up,the postoperative mRS score in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group[2.3(1.3,4.5)vs.3.9(2.4,5.5),P<0.05]and a lower mortality rate(11.5%vs.39.3%,P<0.05)compared to the control group.However,there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of postoperative intracranial hemorrhage,intracranial infection,or epilepsy(P>0.05).Conclusion Internal decompression based on white matter tract protection combined with DC can reduce mortality and contribute to improving function outcomes in patients with MMCAI.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of infarct core resection combined with decompressive craniectomy(DC)based on corticospinal tract(CST)protection in the treatment of massive cerebral infarction(MCI)with malignant brain edema.Methods This study retrospectively enrolled MCI patients with malignant brain edema who underwent internal decompression combined with DC at Xingtai Central Hospital from January 2021 to June 2024.The enrolled patients were divided into a control group and an experimental group base on the intracranial internal decompression method used.All patients underwent CT perfusion(CTP),CT angiography(CTA),diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI),and diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)within 24 h of admission.Preoperative imaging data was automatically processed using an artificial intelligence diagnostic system.For the experimental group,the imaging data was fused within a neuro-navigation system preoperatively to visualize the spatial relationships between the infarct core,ischemic penumbra,and CST and infarct core resection combined with DC was performed while protecting the CST through neuro-navigation.The control group underwent anterior temporal lobectomy combined with DC.Baseline and clinical data were collected from both groups,including gender,age,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,diabetes,hypertension,hyperlipidemia,hyperhomocysteinemia,atrial fibrillation history,responsible occluded vessel(internal carotid artery,middle cerebral artery),preoperative infarct volume on DWI,preoperative ischemic penumbra volume,preoperative the National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score,time from onset to surgery,intraoperative procedure duration,intraoperative blood loss,preoperative and 1-month postoperative fraction anisotropy(FA)values of the CST on the affected side,modified Rankin scale(mRS)score at 6 months postoperatively,and surgery-related complications within 1 month postoperatively(intracranial hemorrhage[operative site oozing,hemorrhagic transformation]and intracranial infection[surgical incision site infection,empyema,brain abscess,meningitis]).6-month follow-up after surgery were conducted through outpatient visit or telephone calls and prognosis of patients was evaluated using the mRS(with mRS of 0-3 defined as good prognosis,4-6 as poor prognosis,and 6 indicating death).The effectiveness indicators included FA value of the affected CST at 1 month postoperatively,good prognosis rate after surgery at 6 months,and 6-month mortality rate after surgery.The safety indicators included the incidence rates of surgical complications(intracranial hemorrhage and infection)within 1 month postoperatively.Based on preoperative DTI images,all patients were further divided into a CST-intact(infarct core did not invade CST,CST morphology intact or deformed/shifted)and a CST-damaged(infarct core invaded CST,CST disrupted or interrupted)subgroup for analysis.Results A total of 62patients(37 males,25 females,age 49-60 years,mean[55±4]years)were enrolled in this study.With 28 patients in the experimental group and 34 in the control group.(1)No significant differences were found in baseline or clinical data between the experimental and control groups(all P＞0.05),and the reoperative FA values of the affected CST were showed no significant differences(P=0.588).(2)The efficacy and safety metrics were evaluated.For the efficacy indices,at 1 month after the surgery,FA values of the affected CST increased significantly compared to preoperative values in both groups(0.409±0.051 vs.0.312±0.052 in the experimental group,and,0.381±0.048 vs.0.319±0.049 in control group;both P＜0.05),and the FA value was significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group(0.409±0.051 vs.0.381±0.048,P=0.030).At the 6-month follow-ups,the good prognosis rate was significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group(39.3％[11/28]vs.14.7％[5/34],P=0.028).No significant difference in the 6-month mortality rate were observed between the two groups(P=0.787).For the safety indices,no significant differences were found in the incidence rates of intracranial hemorrhage or intracranial infection within 1 month postoperatively between the two groups(both P＞0.05).(3)For further subgroup analysis,no significant differences were found in baseline or clinical data between the CST-damaged subgroup and the CST-intact subgroup in both the experimental and control groups(all P＞0.05).In CST-intact subgroup,FA values of the affected CST increased significantly at 1 month postoperatively compared to preoperatively in the study group(0.428±0.047 vs.0.342±0.045,P＜0.05)and the control group(0.401±0.051 vs.0.347±0.048,P＜0.05).While in the CST-damaged subgroup,no significant differences were found in FA value of the affected CST 1 month postoperatively compared with that preoperatively in both the experimental and control groups(bothP＞0.05).A significantly higher FA values 1 month postoperatively(0.428±0.047 vs.0.401±0.051,P=0.036)and good prognosis rate(9/12 vs.4/16,P=0.020)were observed in the CST-intact subgroup of the experimental group comparing with that of the control group,while there was no statistically significant difference in the 6-month mortality rate between the groups within the CST-intact subgroup(P=1.000).There were no statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in both efficacy and safety indices within the CST-damaged subgroup(all P＞0.05).Conclusions Infarct core resection combining DC with CST protection demonstrates superior neurological functional improvement in comparison with anterior temporal lobectomy combining DC in treating MCI with malignant brain edema,particularly for patients with an intact CST before surgery(as indicated in patients'preoperative imaging results).This(infarct core resection combining DC with CST protection)approach does not increase the incidence of surgical complications.Prospective large sample controlled studies are required for further validation.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of infarct core resection combined with decompressive craniectomy(DC)based on corticospinal tract(CST)protection in the treatment of massive cerebral infarction(MCI)with malignant brain edema.Methods This study retrospectively enrolled MCI patients with malignant brain edema who underwent internal decompression combined with DC at Xingtai Central Hospital from January 2021 to June 2024.The enrolled patients were divided into a control group and an experimental group base on the intracranial internal decompression method used.All patients underwent CT perfusion(CTP),CT angiography(CTA),diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI),and diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)within 24 h of admission.Preoperative imaging data was automatically processed using an artificial intelligence diagnostic system.For the experimental group,the imaging data was fused within a neuro-navigation system preoperatively to visualize the spatial relationships between the infarct core,ischemic penumbra,and CST and infarct core resection combined with DC was performed while protecting the CST through neuro-navigation.The control group underwent anterior temporal lobectomy combined with DC.Baseline and clinical data were collected from both groups,including gender,age,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,diabetes,hypertension,hyperlipidemia,hyperhomocysteinemia,atrial fibrillation history,responsible occluded vessel(internal carotid artery,middle cerebral artery),preoperative infarct volume on DWI,preoperative ischemic penumbra volume,preoperative the National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score,time from onset to surgery,intraoperative procedure duration,intraoperative blood loss,preoperative and 1-month postoperative fraction anisotropy(FA)values of the CST on the affected side,modified Rankin scale(mRS)score at 6 months postoperatively,and surgery-related complications within 1 month postoperatively(intracranial hemorrhage[operative site oozing,hemorrhagic transformation]and intracranial infection[surgical incision site infection,empyema,brain abscess,meningitis]).6-month follow-up after surgery were conducted through outpatient visit or telephone calls and prognosis of patients was evaluated using the mRS(with mRS of 0-3 defined as good prognosis,4-6 as poor prognosis,and 6 indicating death).The effectiveness indicators included FA value of the affected CST at 1 month postoperatively,good prognosis rate after surgery at 6 months,and 6-month mortality rate after surgery.The safety indicators included the incidence rates of surgical complications(intracranial hemorrhage and infection)within 1 month postoperatively.Based on preoperative DTI images,all patients were further divided into a CST-intact(infarct core did not invade CST,CST morphology intact or deformed/shifted)and a CST-damaged(infarct core invaded CST,CST disrupted or interrupted)subgroup for analysis.Results A total of 62patients(37 males,25 females,age 49-60 years,mean[55±4]years)were enrolled in this study.With 28 patients in the experimental group and 34 in the control group.(1)No significant differences were found in baseline or clinical data between the experimental and control groups(all P＞0.05),and the reoperative FA values of the affected CST were showed no significant differences(P=0.588).(2)The efficacy and safety metrics were evaluated.For the efficacy indices,at 1 month after the surgery,FA values of the affected CST increased significantly compared to preoperative values in both groups(0.409±0.051 vs.0.312±0.052 in the experimental group,and,0.381±0.048 vs.0.319±0.049 in control group;both P＜0.05),and the FA value was significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group(0.409±0.051 vs.0.381±0.048,P=0.030).At the 6-month follow-ups,the good prognosis rate was significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group(39.3％[11/28]vs.14.7％[5/34],P=0.028).No significant difference in the 6-month mortality rate were observed between the two groups(P=0.787).For the safety indices,no significant differences were found in the incidence rates of intracranial hemorrhage or intracranial infection within 1 month postoperatively between the two groups(both P＞0.05).(3)For further subgroup analysis,no significant differences were found in baseline or clinical data between the CST-damaged subgroup and the CST-intact subgroup in both the experimental and control groups(all P＞0.05).In CST-intact subgroup,FA values of the affected CST increased significantly at 1 month postoperatively compared to preoperatively in the study group(0.428±0.047 vs.0.342±0.045,P＜0.05)and the control group(0.401±0.051 vs.0.347±0.048,P＜0.05).While in the CST-damaged subgroup,no significant differences were found in FA value of the affected CST 1 month postoperatively compared with that preoperatively in both the experimental and control groups(bothP＞0.05).A significantly higher FA values 1 month postoperatively(0.428±0.047 vs.0.401±0.051,P=0.036)and good prognosis rate(9/12 vs.4/16,P=0.020)were observed in the CST-intact subgroup of the experimental group comparing with that of the control group,while there was no statistically significant difference in the 6-month mortality rate between the groups within the CST-intact subgroup(P=1.000).There were no statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in both efficacy and safety indices within the CST-damaged subgroup(all P＞0.05).Conclusions Infarct core resection combining DC with CST protection demonstrates superior neurological functional improvement in comparison with anterior temporal lobectomy combining DC in treating MCI with malignant brain edema,particularly for patients with an intact CST before surgery(as indicated in patients'preoperative imaging results).This(infarct core resection combining DC with CST protection)approach does not increase the incidence of surgical complications.Prospective large sample controlled studies are required for further validation.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of internal decompression based on white matter tract preservation in the treatment of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction(MMCAI).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 54 patients with MMCAI.Patients were divided into a study group(n=26)and a control group(n=28)according to the surgical approach.Patients in the study group underwent preoperative fusion of CT,CTP,DWI,and DTI imaging data within a neuronavigation system.This fusion visualized the spatial relationships between the infarct core(IC),ischemic penumbra,and the corticospinal tract(CST).Subsequently,IC resection combined with decompressive craniectomy(DC)was performed while protecting the CST.Patients in the control group underwent DC alone.Key outcome measures included:changes in fractional anisotropy(FA)within the affected CST projection area at 1 month postoperatively;and 6-month postoperative mRS score,mortality,and surgical complications at 6 months postoperatively.Results At 1 month postoperatively,FA in the affected CST projection area were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group(0.092±0.013 vs.0.082±0.008,P<0.05).At the 6-month follow-up,the postoperative mRS score in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group[2.3(1.3,4.5)vs.3.9(2.4,5.5),P<0.05]and a lower mortality rate(11.5%vs.39.3%,P<0.05)compared to the control group.However,there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of postoperative intracranial hemorrhage,intracranial infection,or epilepsy(P>0.05).Conclusion Internal decompression based on white matter tract protection combined with DC can reduce mortality and contribute to improving function outcomes in patients with MMCAI.

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of water extract of Mori Folium （MLE） on oxidative stress in adipose tissue of type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） mice and explore its mechanism. MethodTwenty-four male db/db mice were randomly divided into model group， metformin group， low-dose MLE （MLE-L） group， and high-dose MLE （MLE-H） group according to their body weight and blood glucose， with six mice in each group， and other six C57BLKS/JGpt wild littermate mice were selected as normal group. The mice in the metformin group were given 200 mg·kg^-1 metformin suspension， and the mice in the MLE-L and MLE-H groups were respectively given 2 g·kg^-1 and 4 g·kg^-1 MLE， while the mice in the normal group and model group were given the same dose of deionized water by daily gavage for eight weeks. Body weight， subcutaneous fat index， fasting blood glucose （FBG）， and oral glucose tolerance level （OGTT） of the mice were detected， and serum superoxide dismutase （SOD）， glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）， and malondialdehyde （MDA） were measured. The expression levels of silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1） and NADPH oxidase type 4 （NOX4） protein in subcutaneous adipose tissue of the mice were detected by Western blot. ResultThe FBG level， OGTT， and subcutaneous fat index of T2DM mice were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01） after administration of MLE compared with the blank group. The contents of serum SOD and GSH were significantly increased， while the level of oxidative stress damage marker MDA was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The expression of SIRT1 protein in adipose tissue was significantly increased， while the expression of NOX4 protein was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionMLE can ameliorate T2DM by alleviating oxidative stress in adipose tissue of T2DM mice and reducing blood glucose.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects of Mori Folium extract （MLE） on the kidney of db/db diabetic mice and its mechanism. MethodTwenty-four male C57BLKS/JGpt-Leprdb/Leprdb （db/db） mice were randomly divided into model group， metformin group， low-dose group of MLE （MLE-L）， and high-dose group of MLE （MLE-H） according to their fasting blood glucose （FBG）， with six mice in each group， and other six C57BLKS/JGpt wild littermate （m/m） mice were selected as normal group. The mice in the drug administration groups were given corresponding drugs by gavage， and the mice in the normal group and model group were given the same dose of deionized water by gavage once a day for continuous eight weeks. Body weight， bilateral kidney weight， and FBG were measured， and an oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） was performed. The pathological changes in the kidney tissue of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and periodic acid-silver （PAS） staining， and serum creatinine （SCr） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN） levels were detected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） in serum and urinary microalbumin （U-mAlb） of mice. The expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）， and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 （NF-κB p65） protein in kidney tissue of mice were tested by Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group， the body weight， absolute renal weight， FBG， and the area under the curve （AUC） of OGTT of mice in the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the levels of SCr， BUN， and U-mAlb， as well as TNF-α and IL-6 in serum were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The glomerular basement membrane in the kidney tissue of mice was thicker， with obvious inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein expression levels of TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in the kidney tissue of mice were increased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， there was no statistical difference in the body weight of mice in each drug administration group. The absolute renal weight of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups was significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The FBG levels of mice in the metformin， MLE-L， and MLE-H groups started to decrease after treatment for four to eight weeks （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The AUC of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The levels of SCr， BUN， and U-mAlb of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and those of SCr and U-mAlb of mice in the MLE-L group were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The renal tissue pathology of mice in each drug administration group was improved to varying degrees， and the protein expression levels of TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in the MLE-H group were decreased significantly （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionMLE can improve the renal structure and function of db/db diabetic mice， and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Esophageal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system in China. Currently, surgical resection is the main treatment for localized and resectable esophageal cancer. Minimally invasive treatment of esophageal cancer has the advantages of small trauma, neat incision, less pain, quick postoperative recovery, low postoperative complication incidence and mortality, and the treatment effect is comparable to traditional open surgery. Therefore, minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer has gradually become the mainstream choice for esophageal surgery. Various minimally invasive treatment approaches for esophageal cancer have correspon-dingly different indications, advantages and disadvantages. With the continuous development of minimally invasive technology, the shortcomings of various minimally invasive surgical approaches have been continuously overcome, which has brought about the diversification of minimally invasive treatment options. The authors comb the latest research progress at home and abroad, discuss and summarize the current application of minimally invasive techniques in esophageal surgery, hoping to provide references for the clinical minimally invasive treatment of esophageal cancer.

The human brain undergoes rapid development during childhood, with significant improvement in a wide spectrum of cognitive and affective functions. Mapping domain- and age-specific brain activity patterns has important implications for characterizing the development of children’s cognitive and affective functions. The current mainstay of brain templates is primarily derived from structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and thus is not ideal for mapping children’s cognitive and affective brain development. By integrating task-dependent functional MRI data from a large sample of 250 children (aged 7 to 12) across multiple domains and the latest easy-to-use and transparent preprocessing workflow, we here created a set of age-specific brain functional activity maps across four domains: attention, executive function, emotion, and risky decision-making. Moreover, we developed a toolbox named Developmental Brain Functional Activity maps across multiple domains that enables researchers to visualize and download domain- and age-specific brain activity maps for various needs. This toolbox and maps have been released on the Neuroimaging Informatics Tools and Resources Clearinghouse website (http://www.nitrc.org/projects/dbfa). Our study provides domain- and age-specific brain activity maps for future developmental neuroimaging studies in both healthy and clinical populations.