The rupture risk of intracranial saccular aneurysm: a case-control study based on a three-dimensional computed tomography angiography model.

Background: Assessing the risk of rupture in intracranial aneurysms is crucial. Advancements in medical imaging now allow for three-dimensional (3D) assessments of aneurysms, providing a more detailed understanding of their morphology and associated risks. This study aimed to compare the 3D morphological parameters of ruptured and unruptured intracranial saccular aneurysms (ISAs) using computed tomography angiography (CTA) and to analyze risk factors linked to ISA rupture. Methods: This retrospective case-control study included patients diagnosed with ISAs via CTA, for which data were sourced from both the Emergency Department and Inpatient Unit in The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University. The patients were categorized into rupture and unrupture groups. We used 3D-Slicer (version 5.2.2, Slicer Community) to construct morphological models of the ISAs and their parent arteries. These models facilitated assessments of intracranial aneurysmal volume (IAV), aneurysmal surface area (ASA), and maximum sectional area (MSA). Differences in 3D morphological parameters between ruptured and unruptured ISAs were then analyzed. For statistical analysis, we first performed single factor analysis on the data, constructed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve one by one with statistically significant parameters, and screened out ROC curves that met the sample requirements. Second, we performed multiparameter logistic regression analysis to construct a ROC curve model and analyzed its predictive performance. Results: The analysis encompassed 97 patients comprising 97 ISAs diagnosed from March 2016 to March 2022. Significant differences in morphological parameters were observed between the rupture and unrupture groups (P<0.05), including IAV, ASA, MSA, IAV/diameter (IAV/D), IAV/neck width (IAV/N), MSA/diameter (MSA/D), MSA/neck width (MSA/N), ASA/neck width (ASA/N), and ASA/MSA. It was found that the IAV, ASA, and MSA values of the rupture group were larger than those of the unrupture group. Meanwhile, the IAV/D, IAV/N, MSA/D, MSA/N, and ASA/N values were larger in the rupture group, while ASA/MSA and ASA/IAV were smaller. Conclusions: This study underscores the significance of specific morphological indicators, such as ASA/N and ASA/MSA, in predicting the rupture risk of ISAs. The IAV, MSA, and ASA parameters, especially in relation to diameter and neck width, provide crucial insights into the rupture potential of ISAs.

Prediction of Changes in Tumor Regression during Radiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Using the Computed Tomography-Based Radiomics.

This work aimed to explore the application value of computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics in predicting changes in tumor regression during radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In this work, 144 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2021 were selected. The patients were divided into a radiosensitive group (79 cases) and an insensitive group (65 cases) according to the tumor volume shrinkage during radiotherapy. The 3D Slicer 4.10.2 software was used to delineate the tumor region of interest (ROI), and a total of 1223 radiomics features were extracted using the radiomics module under the software. After between-group and within-group consistency tests, one-way ANOVA, and LASSO dimensionality reduction, three omics features were finally selected for the establishment of predictive models. At the same time, the age, gender, tumor T stage and N stage, hemoglobin, and albumin of the patients were collected to establish a clinical prediction model. The results showed that compared with logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and AdaBoost models, the SVM model based on CT radiomics features had the best performance in predicting tumor regression changes during tumor radiotherapy (training group area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC): 0.840 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.764-0.916); validation group: AUC: 0.810 (95% CI: 0.676-0.944)). Compared with the supported vector machine (SVM) prediction model based on clinical features, the SVM model based on radiomics features had better performance in predicting the change of retraction during tumor radiotherapy (training group: omics feature SVM model AUC: 0.84, clinical feature SVM model: 0.78; validation group: omics feature SVM model AUC: 0.8, clinical feature SVM model: 0.58, P = 0.044). Based on the radiomics characteristics and clinical characteristics of patients, a nomo prediction map was established, and the calibration curve shows good consistency, which can be visualized to assist clinical judgment. In this work, the prediction model composed of CT-based radiomic features combined with clinical features can accurately predict withdrawal changes during tumor radiotherapy, ensuring the accuracy of treatment planning, and minimizing the number of CT scans during radiotherapy.

Topologic Reorganization of White Matter Connectivity Networks in Early-Blind Adolescents.

Blindness studies are important models for the comprehension of human brain development and reorganization, after visual deprivation early in life. To investigate the global and local topologic alterations and to identify specific reorganized neural patterns in early-blind adolescents (EBAs), we applied diffusion tensor tractography and graph theory to establish and analyze the white matter connectivity networks in 21 EBAs and 22 age- and sex-matched normal-sighted controls (NSCs). The network profiles were compared between the groups using a linear regression model, and the associations between clinical variables and network profiles were analyzed. Graph theory analysis revealed "small-world" attributes in the structural connection networks of both EBA and NSC cohorts. The EBA cohort exhibited significant lower network density and global and local efficiency, as well as significantly elevated shortest path length, compared to the NSC group. The network efficiencies were markedly reduced in the EBA cohort, with the largest alterations in the default-mode, visual, and limbic areas. Moreover, decreased regional efficiency and increased nodal path length in some visual and default-mode areas were strongly associated with the period of blindness in EBA cohort, suggesting that the function of these areas would gradually weaken in the early-blind brains. Additionally, the differences in hub distribution between the two groups were mainly within the occipital and frontal areas, suggesting that neural reorganization occurred in these brain regions after early visual deprivation during adolescence. This study revealed that the EBA brain structural network undergoes both convergent and divergent topologic reorganizations to circumvent early visual deprivation. Our research will add to the growing knowledge of underlying neural mechanisms that govern brain reorganization and development, under conditions of early visual deprivation.

Grey Matter Hypertrophy and Atrophy in Early-Blind Adolescents: A Surface-Based Morphometric Study.

Objective: This study is aimed at exploring the regional changes in brain cortical morphology (thickness, volume, and surface area) in the early-blind adolescents (EBAs) by using the surface-based morphometric (SBM) method. Methods: High-resolution structural T1-weighted images (T1WI) of 23 early-blind adolescents (EBAs) and 21 age- and gender-matched normal-sighted controls (NSCs) were acquired. Structural indices, including cortical thickness (CT), cortical volume (CV), and surface area (SA), were analyzed by using FreeSurfer software, and the correlations between structural indices and the blindness duration were computed by Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Compared to controls, EBAs had significantly reduced CV and SA mainly in the primary visual cortex (V1) and decreased CV in the left vision-related cortices (r-MFC). There were no regions that EBAs had a significantly larger CV or SA than NSCs. EBAs had significantly increased CT in the V1 and strongly involved the visual cortex (right lateral occipital gyrus, LOG.R) and the left superior temporal gyrus (STG.L), while it had decreased CT in the left superior parietal lobule (SPL.L) and the right lingual gyrus (LING.R). Additionally, no correlation was found between cortical morphometric measures and clinical variables in the EBA group. Conclusions: SBM is a useful method for detecting human brain structural abnormalities in blindness. The results showed that these structural abnormalities in the visual cortex and visual-related areas outside the occipital cortex in the EBAs not only may be influenced by neurodevelopment, degeneration, plasticity, and so on but also involved the interaction of these factors after the early visual deprivation.

Contrast-Enhanced CT-Based Radiomics for the Differentiation of Nodular Goiter from Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Thyroid Nodules.

Background: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and nodular goiter (NG) represent the most commonly malignant and benign diseases of thyroid nodules and are often confused in diagnosis. CT examination has a certain diagnostic value for the diagnosis of suspected malignant thyroid nodules. The application of machine learning to radiomics features provides a new diagnostic approach, which has been widely used in ultrasound examination of the thyroid, but there are few literatures on CT examination. Purpose: To explore the efficacy of a diagnostic model aided by machine learning for preoperative differentiation of nodular goiter and papillary thyroid carcinoma thyroid nodules on the basis of 3D arterial-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) features. Materials and Methods: We collected the data of 193 NG and 214 PTC thyroid nodules from 407 patients in CT examinations. Together with the pathologist findings and radiology diagnosis, we built a radiomics model using the 1218 features extracted from the arterial phase of CECT images. By comparing the diagnostic performance of the radiomics model with that of the clinical diagnosis, we assessed the performance of the radiomics model. Results: The radiomics model was developed based on multivariable logistic regression with the optimal 12 radiomics features after feature dimension reduction. The radiomics model performed well on the classification accuracy of the PTC and NG thyroid nodules in the training group and validation group. Conclusion: The radiomics model based on the 3D arterial phase of CECT features performed better than the group of experienced radiologists in differentiating NG and PTC thyroid nodules.

Identification of a Novel Signature Predicting Overall Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly heterogeneous tumor with a high incidence and poor prognosis. Therefore, effective predictive models are needed to evaluate patient outcomes and optimize treatment. Methods: Robust Rank Aggregation (RRA) method was used to identify highly robust differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) between HNSCC and normal tissue in 9 GEO and TCGA datasets. Univariate Cox regression analysis and Lasso Cox regression analysis were performed to identify DEGs related to the Overall survival (OS) and to construct a prognostic gene signature (HNSCCSig). External validation was performed using GSE65858 dataset. Moreover, comprehensive bioinformatics analyses were used to identify the association between HNSCCSig and tumor immune environment. Results: A total of 257 reliable DEGs were identified by differentially analysis result of TCGA and GSE65858 datasets. The HNSCCSig including 7 mRNAs (SLURP1, SCARA5, CLDN10, MYH11, CXCL13, HLF, and ITGA3) were developed and validated to identify high-risk group who had a worse OS than low-risk group in TCGA and GSE65858 datasets. Cox regression analysis showed that the HNSCCSig could independently predict OS in both the TCGA and the GSE65858 datasets. Further research demonstrated that the infiltration bundance of CD8 + T cells, B cells, neutrophils, and NK cells were significantly lower in the high-risk group. A nomogram was also constructed by combining the HNSCCSig and clinical characters. Conclusion: We established and validated the HNSCCSig consisting of SLURP1, SCARA5, CLDN10, MYH11, CXCL13, HLF, and ITGA3. A nomogram combining HNSCCSig and some clinical parameters was constructed to identify high-risk HNSCC-patients with poor prognosis.

A Tumor-Infiltration CD8+ T Cell-Based Gene Signature for Facilitating the Prognosis and Estimation of Immunization Responses in HPV+ Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer.

BACKGROUND: CD8+ T cells, which play a vital role in response to adaptive immunity, are closely related to the immunization responses to kill tumor cells. Understanding the effects exerted by tumor-infiltrated CD8+ T cells in HPV+ and HPV- head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients is critical for predicting their prognosis as well as their responses towards immunization-related therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HNSCC single cell transcriptome was used to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on CD8+ T cells. A gene signature associated with CD8+ T cells was built and verified with the cancer genome atlas dataset with a view to predicting the prognosis of HNSCC patients. Risk scores were calculated for HNSCC cases and categorized into either high- or low-risk cohorts. The prognosis-correlated data of the risk scores were analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multi-variate Cox regression plots. In addition, the possibility of using the genetic profiles to predict responses toward immunization-related therapy was explored. RESULTS: From the DEGs screened from the sequencing of single-cell RNA, a gene signature of 4 genes (ACAP1, ANKRD28, C12orf75, and M6PR) were identified. It was seen that these genes could predict overall survival in HPV+ HNSCC patients. In addition, high- and low-risk HPV+ HNSCC patients showed marked differences in their CD8+ T-cell infiltration due to immunization when clinical characteristics were taken into consideration. This correlated with their immunization therapy responses. CONCLUSIONS: Our work provides insights into explaining the restricted responses of current immunization checkpoint inhibiting substances in HPV+ HNSCC patients. A novel genetic signature to predict the prognosis and immunization-correlated therapeutic responses is presented. This will provide potential new therapeutic opportunities for HPV+ HNSCC patients.

Overexpression of CKS2 is associated with a poor prognosis and promotes cell proliferation and invasion in breast cancer.

Growing evidence indicates that cyclin dependent kinases regulatory subunit 2 (CKS2) serves an essential role in the regulation of multiple cellular processes in diverse human cancer types. The present study investigated the contribution of CKS2 to breast cancer (BC) progression. In the present study, CKS2 expression in BC was detected using Oncomine and The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The association between expression levels and clinical features was explored using Kaplan­Meier plotter and the Breast Cancer Gene­Expression Miner Version 4.0 (bc­GenExMiner) online database. In addition, the roles of CKS2 in BC progression were examined. It was identified that CKS2 expression was significantly increased in BC tissues at the mRNA and protein levels. Bc­GenExMiner demonstrated that high CKS2 expression was associated with a positive estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, nodal status and basal­like status. High CKS2 expression was markedly associated with poor overall survival, relapse­free survival, and distant metastasis­free survival in patients with BC. Moreover, functional assays revealed that CKS2 inhibition suppressed cell proliferation and invasion ability in vitro and reduced tumor growth in vivo. Thus, the present findings suggested that CKS2 may act as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of BC.

Alterations of the Brain Microstructure and Corresponding Functional Connectivity in Early-Blind Adolescents.

Although evidence from studies on blind adults indicates that visual deprivation early in life leads to structural and functional disruption and reorganization of the brain, whether young blind people show similar patterns remains unknown. Therefore, this study is aimed at exploring the structural and functional alterations of the brain of early-blind adolescents (EBAs) compared to normal-sighted controls (NSCs) and investigating the effects of residual light perception on brain microstructure and function in EBAs. We obtained magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 23 EBAs (8 with residual light perception (LPs), 15 without light perception (NLPs)) and 21 NSCs (age range 11-19 years old). Whole-brain voxel-based analyses of diffusion tensor imaging metrics and region-of-interest analyses of resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) were performed to compare patterns of brain microstructure and the corresponding RSFC between the groups. The results showed that structural disruptions of LPs and NLPs were mainly located in the occipital visual pathway. Compared with NLPs, LPs showed increased fractional anisotropy (FA) in the superior frontal gyrus and reduced diffusivity in the caudate nucleus. Moreover, the correlations between FA of the occipital cortices or mean diffusivity of the lingual gyrus and age were consistent with the development trajectory of the brain in NSCs, but inconsistent or even opposite in EBAs. Additionally, we found functional, but not structural, reorganization in NLPs compared with NSCs, suggesting that functional neuroplasticity occurs earlier than structural neuroplasticity in EBAs. Altogether, these findings provided new insights into the mechanisms underlying the neural reorganization of the brain in adolescents with early visual deprivation.

Cerebral activation effects of acupuncture at Yanglinquan(GB34) point acquired using resting-state fMRI.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the central mechanism of acupuncture points for regional homogeneity(ReHo) of resting state in brain function after acupuncture at GB34. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were enrolled, which included 4 males and 6 females, aged 20-34 years old with median age of 23. The GE Signa HDxt 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging were performed before (control group) and after acupuncture at GB34, and differences of different brain ReHo of 2 groups by statistical parametric mapping (SPM8) software and ReHo data processing methods were analyzed. The statistically different brain regions were obtained by false discovery rate corrected (FDR-Corrected). RESULTS: Compared with control group, the anterior cingulated gyrus, left temporal gyrus, right inferior parietal lobule, right frontal gyrus were enhanced ReHo after acupuncture at GB34. The left thalamus, right insular cortex, left inferior frontal gyrus, right anterior cingulate were decreased ReHo after acupuncture at GB34. CONCLUSION: It is demonstrated that the signal synchronization change ReHo in different brain regions including cognitive, motor, default network, limbic system and other parts of encephalic region after acupuncture at GB34, suggesting that the central mechanism of acupuncture at GB34 is the result of all levels of the combined effects of brain networks.

Altered gray matter volume and functional connectivity of the motor network in young divers.

BACKGROUND: Motor learning and professional sports training can induce plastic changes in brain structures that are associated with distinct training demands. OBJECTIVE: To testify the hypothesis of that regional gray matter structures in the motor-related cortex and its functional connectivity (FC) are altered in young divers. METHODS: We undertook T1-voxel-based morphometry (VBM) structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in groups of diving athletes (DAs) and demographically-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Gray matter volume was lower in some regions in Das. By selecting the five most reduced regions, i.e. superior frontal gyrus, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), insula, hippocampus, and cerebellum posterior lobe, as regions of interest (ROIs) for FC analysis, results showed that DAs had greater FC between the inferior temporal gyrus and superior frontal gyrus, OFC and cerebellum posterior lobe. Conversely, the divers had lesser FC between OFC and putamen, superior frontal gyrus and caudate. CONCLUSIONS: VBM differences suggest that diving training entails more effective synaptic and/or neuronal pruning processes in motor structures. Indeed, cortical volumetric decreases in the DAs group are associated with increased FC among certain motor-related regions. We conclude that motor learning in adolescence alters brain structure in association with changes in FC between the relevant cortical and subcortical regions.

Protection of retinal ganglion cells against optic nerve injury by induction of ischemic preconditioning.

AIM: To explore if ischemic preconditioning (IPC) can enhance the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after optic nerve axotomy. METHODS: Twenty-four hours prior to retinal ischemia 60min or axotomy, IPC was applied for ten minutes in groups of (n=72) animals. The survival of RGCs, the cellular expression of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and the numbers of retinal microglia in the different groups were quantified at 7 and 14d post-injury. The cellular expression of HSP27 and HSP70 and changes in the numbers of retinal microglia were quantified to detect the possible mechanism of the protection of the IPC. RESULTS: Ten minutes of IPC promoted RGC survival in both the optic nerve injury (IPC-ONT) and the retinal ischemia 60min (IPC-IR60) groups, examined at 7d and 14d post-injury. Microglial proliferation showed little correlation with the extent of benefit effects of IPC on the rescue of RGCs. The number of HSP27-positive RGCs was significantly higher in the IPC-ONT group than in the sham IPC-ONT group, although the percentage of HSP27-positive RGCs did not significantly differ between groups. For the IPC-IR60 group, neither the number nor the percentage of the HSP27-positive RGCs differed significantly between the IPC and the sham-operated groups. The number of HSP70-positive RGCs was significantly higher for both the IPC-ONT and the IPC-IR60 experimental groups, but the percentages did not differ. CONCLUSION: The induction of IPC enhances the survival of RGCs against both axotomy and retinal ischemia.

Reduction of Interhemispheric Functional Brain Connectivity in Early Blindness: A Resting-State fMRI Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the resting-state interhemispheric functional connectivity in early blindness by using voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen early blind patients (EB group) and sixteen age- and gender-matched sighted control volunteers (SC group) were recruited in this study. We used VMHC to identify brain areas with significant differences in functional connectivity between different groups and used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to calculate the individual gray matter volume (GMV). RESULTS: VMHC analysis showed a significantly lower connectivity in primary visual cortex, visual association cortex, and somatosensory association cortex in EB group compared to sighted controls. Additionally, VBM analysis revealed that GMV was reduced in the left lateral calcarine cortices in EB group compared to sighted controls, while it was increased in the left lateral middle occipital gyri. Statistical analysis showed the duration of blindness negatively correlated with VMHC in the bilateral middle frontal gyri, middle temporal gyri, and inferior temporal gyri. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings help elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of EB. The interhemispheric functional connectivity was impaired in EB patients. Additionally, the middle frontal gyri, middle temporal gyri, and inferior temporal gyri may be potential target regions for rehabilitation.

Finite element analysis of auditory characteristics in patients with middle ear diseases.

CONCLUSION: This study validates that a finite element model of the human ossicular chain and tympanic membrane can be used as an effective surgical assessment tool in clinics. OBJECTIVE: The present study was performed to investigate the application of a finite element model of ossicular chain and tympanic membrane for fabrication of individualized artificial ossicles. METHODS: Twenty patients (20 ears) who underwent surgery for middle ear disease (n = 20) and 10 healthy controls (10 ears) were enrolled in the hospital. Computed tomography (CT) and pure tone audiometry were performed before and after surgery. A finite element model was developed using CT scans, and correlation analysis was conducted between stapes displacement and surgical methods. An audiometric test was also performed for 14 patients before and after surgery. RESULTS: Stapes displacement in the healthy group (average = 3.31 × 10-5 mm) was significantly greater than that in the impaired group (average = 1.41 × 10-6 mm) prior to surgery. After surgery, the average displacement in the impaired group was 2.55 × 10-6 mm, which represented a significant improvement. For the patients who underwent the audiometric test, 10 improved hearing after surgery, and stapes displacement increased in nine of these 10 patients.

The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Prediction of Minimally Conscious State After Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a simple and feasible model of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for prediction of minimally conscious state in unconscious patients (≥2 weeks) after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: MRI examinations were performed in 73 patients 4.5 weeks ± 1.6 (range, 2-8 weeks) after TBI. Brain lesions on MRI, age, sex, cause of injury, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, and decompressive craniectomy were retrospectively analyzed. Outcome was assessed at 12 months from the onset of TBI. RESULTS: Of 73 patients, 39 were minimally conscious and 34 were unconscious at the endpoint. Binary logistic regression demonstrated that cause of injury (P = 0.036), GCS score (P = 0.011), and lesions of the thalamus (P = 0.002) and brainstem (P = 0.012) shown on MRI were closely associated with the outcome of minimally conscious state. The overall correct prediction of the logistic model was 90.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of MRI findings and other clinical data offers neurosurgeons substantial information about primary and secondary injuries of the patients with TBI, which allows a more accurate prediction of prognosis than a single GCS score or MRI findings alone. The regression model established in this study is simple and effective in predicting long-term unconscious state and minimally conscious state in patients after severe TBI.

Bladder Paraganglioma: Clinicopathology and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Five Patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinicopathology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of bladder paraganglioma, an extremely rare clinical entity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients with bladder paraganglioma (3 males and 2 females, 27-52 years old) were retrospectively reviewed. All cases underwent baseline MRI and contrast-enhanced scans, and three cases underwent diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and cystoscopy. Cases were immunohistochemically examined with neuroendocrine markers (chromogranin and synaptophysin) and Ki-67, and histology was reviewed by a pathologist. RESULTS: Three cases exhibited painless gross hematuria, including one case with hypertension, whereas two cases were asymptomatic. One of the three patients who underwent cystoscopy was negative. The tumors were round (n = 1) or oval (n = 4) and located in the anterior wall (n = 1), posterior wall (n = 1), lateral wall (n = 2) or trigone (n = 1). All tumors were located in the submucosal or lamina propria. Four cases presented with well-circumscribed margins, whereas one case was poorly circumscribed. All tumors exhibited slight hyperintensity on T1-weighted images (T1WI) and hyperintensity with "salt and pepper" appearance on T2-weighted images (T2WI). DWI indicated strong hyperintensity, and all cases exhibited conspicuous enhancement after intravenous gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) injection. Pathological evaluation confirmed paraganglioma. CONCLUSION: MRI plays an important role in the preoperative diagnosis of bladder paraganglioma. This rare condition has a characteristic round or oval appearance, located in the submucosal area, with slight hyperintensity on T1WI and hyperintensity with "salt and pepper" appearance on T2WI. DWI indicated strong hyperintensity and conspicuous enhancement on contrast-enhanced scans.

Cerebral activation effects of acupuncture using Zusanli (ST36) and Yanglingquan (GB34) points based on Regional Homogeneity indices: A resting-state fMRI study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to observe the cerebral activation effects of acupuncturing the Zusanli (ST36) plusYanglingquan (GB34) points in young healthy volunteers based on Regional Homogeneity (ReHo) indices. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were enrolled, including 4 males and 6 females between the ages 20 and 34 years with a median age of 23 years. Magnetic resonance imaging (GE Signa HDxt 3.0T) was performed in four groups: Before acupuncture (Control Group), after acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36 Group), after acupuncture at Yanglingquan (GB34 Group) and after acupuncture at both Zusanli and Yanglingquan (Compatibility Group). Differences in the brain ReHo indices of the 4 groups were analyzed by statistical parametric mapping (SPM8) and ReHo data processing methods. The significantly different brain regions were obtained using a false discovery rate correction (FDR-Corrected). RESULTS: The ReHo indices revealed that the main significant effect was in the Compatibility Group. Compared with the resting state of the Control Group, the ReHo values of the Compatibility Group increased in the right middle frontal gyrus (BA8, 9), left superior temporal areas (BA22), ventral anterior cingulate area (BA24) and right inferior parietal lobe (BA40); in contrast, the ReHo values decreased in the left thalamus, right insular cortex (BA13), left inferior frontal lobe (BA9) and right dorsal anterior cingulate area (BA32). Our analysis showed that the Compatibility Group had higher ReHo values than the left inferior parietal lobule (BA40) and right frontal cortex (BA6) of the ST36 Group and the posterior lobe of the right cerebellum, dorsal anterior cingulate (BA32), left and right middle frontal gyrus (BA46, BA9), left precuneus (BA7), right inferior parietal love (BA40) of the GB34 Group. CONCLUSION: The results of our neuroimaging study suggest that the combination of acupoints could more widely activate areas of the brain compared to a single acupoint. Additionally, the combination of acupoints can activate some new brain areas and generate new curative effects.

[Risk factors and preventive steps for nasosinusitis after radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the risk factors and preventive steps of nasosinusitis after radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHOD: Two hundreds and thirtyone NPC patients were retrospectively analysed. RESULT: Among 231 NPC patients, 98 patients (42.4%) had nasosinusitis before radiotherapy, 165 patients (66.7%) suffered from nasosinusitis after radiotherapy. The rate of nasosinusitis in NPC patients with high T stage and nasalcavity anatomical aberrance was higher than in others (P = 0.014, CR = 1. 973; P = 0. 034, OR = 2.156), and the rate of nasosinusitis in NPC patients with nasopharynx therapy was low (P = 0.008, OR = 0.675), most patients with nasosinusitis before radiotherapy had not any improve after radiotherapy,and effected the effect of radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: To reduce nasosinusitis after radiotherapy and improve patients quality of life, we suggest that nasopharyngeal cavity therapy should be carried out during and after irradiation for NPC patients, especially for those patients with high T stage and nasalcavity anatomical aberrance, and for those who had nasosinusitis before radiotherapy.