Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy, safety and possible neuroimaging mechanism of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of refractory migraine.Methods:Thirty patients with refractory migraine were selected from the Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from October 2022 to August 2023. The patients were randomly divided into dTMS group ( n=10), rTMS group ( n=10) and sham stimulation group ( n=10). The dTMS group was treated with H7 coil and the rTMS group with "8" coil, and the sham stimulation group was treated with sham stimulation rTMS with the frequency of 10 Hz. The stimulation site was the contralateral primary motor cortex (M1) of headache, which was treated for 2 weeks (3 600 pulses per time, 5 times per week, 10 times in total). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) evaluations were performed before treatment, on the first day after treatment, and 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment. The resting-state functional magnetic resonance images of the 3 groups of patients before and after treatment were collected and analyzed by MATLAB2018b, SPM12 and RESTPLUS softwares, and the brain regions with different regional homogeneity (ReHo) before and after treatment were obtained. The general clinical data and scale scoring data were analyzed and processed by SPSS 26.0 version software. Results:There were significant differences in VAS scores among the dTMS group (before treatment 6.70±0.68, the first day after treatment 5.60±0.70, 1 month after treatment 5.00±0.82, 3 months after treatment 3.50±0.85, 6 months after treatment 3.90±1.45), the rTMS group (before treatment 6.90±0.74, the first day after treatment 5.90±0.74, 1 month after treatment 5.30±0.82, 3 months after treatment 5.30±0.82, 6 months after treatment 6.80±0.63) and the sham stimulation group (before treatment 6.60±0.97, the first day after treatment 6.70±0.95, 1 month after treatment 6.90±1.10, 3 months after treatment 6.70±0.68, 6 months after treatment 7.10±0.88; F=16.054, P<0.001), VAS scores among different time points ( F=34.292, P<0.001), and the interaction between groups and time ( F=24.136, P<0.001). Compared with those before treatment, VAS scores in the dTMS group and the rTMS group decreased on the first day after treatment, 1 month and 3 months after treatment (all P<0.05); VAS scores decreased in the dTMS group 6 months after treatment ( P<0.05). Compared with the sham stimulation group, the VAS scores of the dTMS group were lower at the same time points after treatment (all P<0.05), and the VAS scores of the rTMS group were lower on the first day after treatment, 1 month and 3 months after treatment (all P<0.05). Compared with the rTMS group, VAS scores were lower at 3 and 6 months after dTMS treatment (both P<0.05). There were significant differences in HIT-6 scores among groups ( F=13.173, P<0.001), HIT-6 scores among different time points ( F=60.788, P<0.001), and interaction between groups and time ( F=35.576, P<0.001). Compared with those before treatment, the HIT-6 scores in the dTMS group decreased on the first day after treatment ( P<0.05); the HIT-6 scores in the dTMS group and the rTMS group decreased 1 month and 3 months after treatment (both P<0.05); the HIT-6 scores decreased in the dTMS group 6 months after treatment ( P<0.05). Compared with the sham stimulation group, the HIT-6 scores were lower in the dTMS group at the same time points after treatment (all P<0.05), and the HIT-6 scores were lower in the rTMS group at 1 and 3 months after treatment (both P<0.05). Compared with the rTMS group, HIT-6 scores were lower at 3 and 6 months after dTMS treatment (both P<0.05). Analysis of ReHo results: compared with those before treatment, the ReHo values of the right cerebellar angle area 1 increased in the dTMS group and the sham stimulation group, decreased in the rTMS group. The ReHo values of the right middle occipital gyrus, left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus and right cerebellar area 8 increased in the dTMS group, but decreased in the rTMS group and the sham stimulation group. The ReHo values of the left precentral gyrus and left superior temporal gyrus decreased in the dTMS group, while those in the rTMS group and the sham stimulation group increased. There were no obvious adverse reactions in the 3 groups during the treatment and follow-up period. Conclusions:dTMS and rTMS may help to improve the headache degree and quality of life of patients with refractory migraine, and they are safe, which may be related to the changes of brain network in the right cerebellar angle area 1, right middle occipital gyrus, left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, left precentral gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus and right cerebellar area 8.

Purpose To explore the clinical and imaging characteristics of central nervous system candidiasis due to Candida albicans in immunocompetent infants children.Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on immunocompetent children with central nervous system candidiasis diagnosed at Beijing Children's Hospital,Capital Medical University from October 2012 to October 2022,and their clinical and MRI characteristics were analyzed.Results Among the 26 enrolled children,88.5%(23 cases)were under one year old,and 88.5%(23 cases)had high-risk factors.Premature birth was the most common high-risk factor(16 cases,61.5%).All 26 cases had positive MRI examinations,with the main manifestations being meningeal thickening and enhancement(25 cases,96.2%),57.7%(15 cases)involving the skull base meninges,23.1%(six cases)involving the cranial nerves,intracranial localized granulomas(16 cases,61.5%),hydrocephalus(14 cases,53.8%),cerebral infarction(four cases,15.4%),subdural effusion(six cases,23.1%)and cerebral abscess(two cases,7.7%);13 cases of magnetic resonance angiography and magnetic resonance venography examinations were performed,and 10 cases of magnetic resonance angiography abnormalities were found,mainly due to thinning,narrowing or reduced branches of the arterial trunk,and one case of magnetic resonance venography transverse sinus thrombosis.Conclusion Central nervous system candidiasis mostly exists in children younger than one year old.MR imaging shows a more characteristic invasion of the skull base,often causing enhancement of the skull base meninges and cranial nerves,as well as localized granulomas and hydrocephalus.Imaging examination is of great significance for early diagnosis.

Purpose To explore the clinical and imaging characteristics of central nervous system candidiasis due to Candida albicans in immunocompetent infants children.Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on immunocompetent children with central nervous system candidiasis diagnosed at Beijing Children's Hospital,Capital Medical University from October 2012 to October 2022,and their clinical and MRI characteristics were analyzed.Results Among the 26 enrolled children,88.5%(23 cases)were under one year old,and 88.5%(23 cases)had high-risk factors.Premature birth was the most common high-risk factor(16 cases,61.5%).All 26 cases had positive MRI examinations,with the main manifestations being meningeal thickening and enhancement(25 cases,96.2%),57.7%(15 cases)involving the skull base meninges,23.1%(six cases)involving the cranial nerves,intracranial localized granulomas(16 cases,61.5%),hydrocephalus(14 cases,53.8%),cerebral infarction(four cases,15.4%),subdural effusion(six cases,23.1%)and cerebral abscess(two cases,7.7%);13 cases of magnetic resonance angiography and magnetic resonance venography examinations were performed,and 10 cases of magnetic resonance angiography abnormalities were found,mainly due to thinning,narrowing or reduced branches of the arterial trunk,and one case of magnetic resonance venography transverse sinus thrombosis.Conclusion Central nervous system candidiasis mostly exists in children younger than one year old.MR imaging shows a more characteristic invasion of the skull base,often causing enhancement of the skull base meninges and cranial nerves,as well as localized granulomas and hydrocephalus.Imaging examination is of great significance for early diagnosis.

BACKGROUND:Cognitive impairment is the most common complication after stroke,and its severity is closely related to the patient's prognosis.The prognosis of patients can be significantly improved if the severity of their cognitive impairment is recognized and targeted early.OBJECTIVE:To initially explore potential biomarkers affecting the progression of post-stroke cognitive impairment,thereby providing a richer and unique reference for the study of their pathophysiological mechanisms.METHODS:Using ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry,non-targeted metabolomics analysis was conducted on serum samples from patients with mild and moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment to identify differential metabolites between the two groups.To further validate the diagnostic efficacy of the differential metabolites,the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate their accuracy and sensitivity in distinguishing disease severity.In addition,pathway analysis was conducted on the differential metabolites.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There were significant differences in metabolic profiles between patients with mild and moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment,and 9 differential metabolites were screened by the receiver operating characteristic curve.(2)Differential metabolite pathway analysis revealed that the metabolic pathways affecting disease progression in patients with mild-to-moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment included tryptophan metabolism,D-amino acid metabolism,biotin metabolism,retinol metabolism,aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis,lysine degradation,protein digestion and uptake,pyrimidine metabolism,cysteine and methionine metabolism,ABC transporter proteins,amino acid biosynthesis,and 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism.To conclude,9 potential biomarkers affecting disease progression in patients with mild-to-moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment have been identified,involving 12 metabolic pathways including tryptophan metabolism,D-amino acid metabolism and retinol metabolism.

BACKGROUND:Cognitive impairment is the most common complication after stroke,and its severity is closely related to the patient's prognosis.The prognosis of patients can be significantly improved if the severity of their cognitive impairment is recognized and targeted early.OBJECTIVE:To initially explore potential biomarkers affecting the progression of post-stroke cognitive impairment,thereby providing a richer and unique reference for the study of their pathophysiological mechanisms.METHODS:Using ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry,non-targeted metabolomics analysis was conducted on serum samples from patients with mild and moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment to identify differential metabolites between the two groups.To further validate the diagnostic efficacy of the differential metabolites,the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate their accuracy and sensitivity in distinguishing disease severity.In addition,pathway analysis was conducted on the differential metabolites.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There were significant differences in metabolic profiles between patients with mild and moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment,and 9 differential metabolites were screened by the receiver operating characteristic curve.(2)Differential metabolite pathway analysis revealed that the metabolic pathways affecting disease progression in patients with mild-to-moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment included tryptophan metabolism,D-amino acid metabolism,biotin metabolism,retinol metabolism,aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis,lysine degradation,protein digestion and uptake,pyrimidine metabolism,cysteine and methionine metabolism,ABC transporter proteins,amino acid biosynthesis,and 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism.To conclude,9 potential biomarkers affecting disease progression in patients with mild-to-moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment have been identified,involving 12 metabolic pathways including tryptophan metabolism,D-amino acid metabolism and retinol metabolism.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy, safety and possible neuroimaging mechanism of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of refractory migraine.Methods:Thirty patients with refractory migraine were selected from the Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from October 2022 to August 2023. The patients were randomly divided into dTMS group ( n=10), rTMS group ( n=10) and sham stimulation group ( n=10). The dTMS group was treated with H7 coil and the rTMS group with "8" coil, and the sham stimulation group was treated with sham stimulation rTMS with the frequency of 10 Hz. The stimulation site was the contralateral primary motor cortex (M1) of headache, which was treated for 2 weeks (3 600 pulses per time, 5 times per week, 10 times in total). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) evaluations were performed before treatment, on the first day after treatment, and 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment. The resting-state functional magnetic resonance images of the 3 groups of patients before and after treatment were collected and analyzed by MATLAB2018b, SPM12 and RESTPLUS softwares, and the brain regions with different regional homogeneity (ReHo) before and after treatment were obtained. The general clinical data and scale scoring data were analyzed and processed by SPSS 26.0 version software. Results:There were significant differences in VAS scores among the dTMS group (before treatment 6.70±0.68, the first day after treatment 5.60±0.70, 1 month after treatment 5.00±0.82, 3 months after treatment 3.50±0.85, 6 months after treatment 3.90±1.45), the rTMS group (before treatment 6.90±0.74, the first day after treatment 5.90±0.74, 1 month after treatment 5.30±0.82, 3 months after treatment 5.30±0.82, 6 months after treatment 6.80±0.63) and the sham stimulation group (before treatment 6.60±0.97, the first day after treatment 6.70±0.95, 1 month after treatment 6.90±1.10, 3 months after treatment 6.70±0.68, 6 months after treatment 7.10±0.88; F=16.054, P<0.001), VAS scores among different time points ( F=34.292, P<0.001), and the interaction between groups and time ( F=24.136, P<0.001). Compared with those before treatment, VAS scores in the dTMS group and the rTMS group decreased on the first day after treatment, 1 month and 3 months after treatment (all P<0.05); VAS scores decreased in the dTMS group 6 months after treatment ( P<0.05). Compared with the sham stimulation group, the VAS scores of the dTMS group were lower at the same time points after treatment (all P<0.05), and the VAS scores of the rTMS group were lower on the first day after treatment, 1 month and 3 months after treatment (all P<0.05). Compared with the rTMS group, VAS scores were lower at 3 and 6 months after dTMS treatment (both P<0.05). There were significant differences in HIT-6 scores among groups ( F=13.173, P<0.001), HIT-6 scores among different time points ( F=60.788, P<0.001), and interaction between groups and time ( F=35.576, P<0.001). Compared with those before treatment, the HIT-6 scores in the dTMS group decreased on the first day after treatment ( P<0.05); the HIT-6 scores in the dTMS group and the rTMS group decreased 1 month and 3 months after treatment (both P<0.05); the HIT-6 scores decreased in the dTMS group 6 months after treatment ( P<0.05). Compared with the sham stimulation group, the HIT-6 scores were lower in the dTMS group at the same time points after treatment (all P<0.05), and the HIT-6 scores were lower in the rTMS group at 1 and 3 months after treatment (both P<0.05). Compared with the rTMS group, HIT-6 scores were lower at 3 and 6 months after dTMS treatment (both P<0.05). Analysis of ReHo results: compared with those before treatment, the ReHo values of the right cerebellar angle area 1 increased in the dTMS group and the sham stimulation group, decreased in the rTMS group. The ReHo values of the right middle occipital gyrus, left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus and right cerebellar area 8 increased in the dTMS group, but decreased in the rTMS group and the sham stimulation group. The ReHo values of the left precentral gyrus and left superior temporal gyrus decreased in the dTMS group, while those in the rTMS group and the sham stimulation group increased. There were no obvious adverse reactions in the 3 groups during the treatment and follow-up period. Conclusions:dTMS and rTMS may help to improve the headache degree and quality of life of patients with refractory migraine, and they are safe, which may be related to the changes of brain network in the right cerebellar angle area 1, right middle occipital gyrus, left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, left precentral gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus and right cerebellar area 8.

Purpose To summarize the clinical and imaging features of neonatal herpes simplex encephalitis(NHSE).Materials and Methods Clinical and imaging data of 5 NHSE from January 2016 to June 2023 in Beijing Children's Hospital,Capital Medical University were retrospectively collected.All five children underwent MRI examinations,with three of them undergoing enhanced scanning simultaneously.Two children had previously undergone CT scans.The location,density/signal,enhancement characteristics as well as follow-up imaging changes of the lesions were reviewed.Results The main clinical manifestations of NHSE were fever(5 cases)and seizure(4 cases),sometimes accompanied by herpes(2 cases).Imaging examinations in NHSE typically presented with symmetric(1 case)or diffuse/multifocal(4 cases)lesions in bilateral cerebral hemispheres,along with involvement of the bilateral thalamus(5 cases).Early CT scans showed either no abnormalities(1 case)or extensive areas of low density(1 case).MRI examinations usually demonstrated restricted diffusion of acute phase lesions(3 cases)and significant leptomeningeal enhancement in affected areas(3 cases).Intracranial lesions often led to the diffuse atrophy of brain parenchyma and polycystic encephalomalacia(3 cases),indicating a poor prognosis.Conclusion The clinical manifestations of NHSE are nonspecific.Early MRI examinations are of great value for accurate diagnosis and disease evaluation.

Objective:To analyze high-risk factors for poor neurological prognosis in full-term neonatal purulent meningitis based on clinical and brain MRI features.Methods:This study was a case-control study. The clinical and brain MRI data of 79 neonates with purulent meningitis were retrospectively collected at Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2016 to January 2022. Follow-up assessments including growth and development, as well as neurological sequelae, were conducted over a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. The patients were divided into two groups with good ( n=49) and poor prognosis ( n=30) according to follow-up results. Chi-square tests were used to compare clinical and brain MRI features between the two groups, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the high-risk factors for poor neurologic prognosis in full-term neonates with purulent meningitis. Results:There were statistically differences between two groups regarding the incidence of seizures, early-onset manifestations, positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, CSF white cell counts, and CSF protein concentration ( P<0.05). Statistically differences were also found in the occurrence rates of ependymitis, obvious ventricular dilatation/hydrocephalus, spotty and patchy brain injury/hemorrhage, and destructive lesions within the brain parenchyma ( P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that seizures ( OR=5.722, 95% CI 1.126-29.072, P=0.035), early-onset neonatal purulent meningitis ( OR=3.657, 95% CI 1.073-12.459, P=0.038), ependymitis ( OR=8.851, 95% CI 1.169-67.017, P=0.035), obvious ventricular dilatation/hydrocephalus ( OR=12.675, 95% CI 1.085-148.110, P=0.043), and destructive lesions within the brain parenchyma ( OR=16.370, 95% CI 1.575-170.175, P=0.019) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis. Conclusions:The occurrence of seizures, early-onset manifestations as well as ependymitis, obvious ventricular dilatation/hydrocephalus, and destructive lesions within the brain parenchyma on MRI are high-risk factors for poor prognosis in the full-term neonate with purulent meningitis.

Objective To investigate the CT manifestations and clinical features of thymic lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma(LELC)in children.Methods The CT findings and clinical features of 5 children with LELC confirmed by pathology were analyzed retrospectively,and relevant literatures were reviewed.Results All the five children showed a large soft tissue mass(a few punctuate calcifications in 3 cases)in the anterior and middle mediastinum,which was lobulated.After enhancement,the tumor showed signifi-cant heterogeneous enhancement with cystic,necrosis,compressing,surrounding and invading adjacent structures.Twenty-one children with LELC were searched in literatures.Conclusion Thymic LELC in children usually occurs in adolescent boys aged 10-16 years.Those children usually go to the doctor with symptoms of tumor compression or invasion of adjacent structures.LELC shows advanced clinical stage with poor prognosis.CT enhancement can accurately display the lesion and invasion of adjacent structures,and guide clinical staging and treatment.

Objective To systematically evaluate brain parenchymal and vascular changes after neonatal arterial ischaemic stroke(AIS)using nonenhanced brain neurovascular MR sequences.Methods MR imaging data of 57 children with AIS(＜28 days old at the time of diagnosis)were analyzed retrospectively,including[susceptibility weighted imaging(SWI),magnetic resonance angiography(MRA),magnetic resonance venography(MRV)]sequences and conventional brain sequences[T1 WI,T2 WI,diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)].The imaging features and alteration trend of different sequences in different periods were summarized and studied.Results Vessels increased or decreased in number and enlarged or reduced in diameter within the infarction area,which presented a mixed-pattern,while the periphery showed increased only by using the nonenhanced brain vascular sequence.During the first 9 days after the onset of symptoms,the signals of T1 WI and T2 WI within the infarction area gradually stabilized,and most signals of DWI returned to normal.MRA,MRV,and SWI sequences showed a minimal change of diameter and number of vessels within the infarction area and its surroundings,which directed that neonatal AIS may had transient and dramatic brain injury and blood flow alteration.Conclusion The nonenhanced neurovascular sequence of brain MR can comprehensively display the alteration of brain parenchymal signals and vascular trends after neonatal AIS,providing the possibility for early clinical rapid and effective evaluation.