Olfactory Impairment and Hippocampal Volume in a Chinese MCI Clinical Sample.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between olfactory function and hippocampal volume in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: We enrolled a total of 31 MCI patients and 9 normal control subjects. All participants underwent 3.0 T-magnetic resonance imaging scanning. The scan results were processed using GE ADW4.6 processing software and V0xar 3D workstation to acquire the hippocampal volume. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) was used to evaluate the olfactory function of MCI patients. The correlations of UPSIT score with hippocampal volume and hippocampal head volume were evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. RESULTS: MCI patients had significantly smaller left (2.78±0.50 vs. 3.19±0.31 cm(3)) and right (2.97±0.42 vs. 3.31±0.25 cm(3)) hippocampal volumes compared with normal controls (P<0.05). In addition, patients with olfactory dysfunction had smaller volumes of the hippocampus (left hippocampal volume, 2.57±0.39 vs. 3.23±0.40 cm(3); right hippocampal volume, 2.86±0.43 vs. 3.22±0.30 cm(3)) and hippocampal head (left hippocampal head volume, 1.18±0.16 vs. 1.53±0.25 cm(3); right hippocampal head volume, 1.25±0.22 vs. 1.54±0.22 cm(3)) compared with those with normal olfactory function (P<0.05). No significant difference in the hippocampal body volume and hippocampal tail volume was found between MCI patients with olfactory loss and those with normal olfactory function. The UPSIT score was significantly positively correlated with left hippocampal volume (r=0.55, P<0.05), right hippocampal volume (r=0.42, P<0.05), left hippocampal head volume (r=0.53, P<0.05), and right hippocampal head volume (r=0.45, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Olfactory function correlates well with hippocampal volume among patients with MCI.

[Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging-guided functional neuronavigation plus intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring for microsurgical resection of lesions involving hand motor area].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the methods and applications of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI)-guided functional neuronavigation plus intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) for microsurgical resection of lesions involving hand motor area. METHODS: A total of 16 patients with brain lesions adjacent to hand motor area were recruited from January 2011 to April 2012. All of them underwent neuronavigator-assisted microsurgery. Also IONM was conducted to further map hand motor area and epileptogenic focus. High-field iMRI was employed to update the anatomical and functional imaging date and verify the extent of lesion resection. RESULTS: Brain shifting during the functional neuronavigation was corrected by iMRI in 5 patients. Finally, total lesion resection was achieved in 13 cases and subtotal resection in 3 cases. At Months 3-12 post-operation, hand motor function improved (n = 10) or remained unchanged (n = 6). None of them had persistent neurological deficit. The postoperative seizure improvement achieved Enge II level or above in 9 cases of brain lesions complicated with secondary epilepsy. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative MRI, functional neuronavigation and neurophysiological monitoring technique are complementary in microsurgery of brain lesions involving hand motor area. Combined use of these techniques can obtain precise location of lesions and hand motor functional structures and allow a maximum resection of lesion and minimization of postoperative neurological deficits.

[Screening, enzyme activity and genomic analysis of Paenibacillus silvae CH2]. / 类芽孢杆菌CH2çš„ç­›é€‰ã€é ¶æ´»æ€§åŠå ¨åŸºå› ç»„åˆ†æž.

Mangrove soil is a reliable source for screening cellulose-degrading bacteria due to the high diversity of microbes. To effectively utilize crop straw resources, a cellulolytic bacterium, Paenibacillus silvae strain CH2 was isolated from mangrove soil. We determined the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and filter paper assay (FPA) activities of CH2 at different incubation times, NaCl concentrations, pH and temperatures, estimated the degradation efficiencies of rice and maize straw by CH2, sequenced and analyzed the whole genome of CH2. The results showed that along with the increases of incubation time, NaCl concentration, pH and temperature, the CMC and FPA activities increased first and then decreased . The highest CMC and FPA activities were observed at incubation time of 72-84 h, NaCl concentration of 6.0 g·L-1, pH of 7 and temperature of 36 ℃. Degradation of straw assays revealed that CH2 could effectively degrade rice and maize straw. At 0 g·L-1 NaCl (the control), the 10-day degradation rates of rice and maize straw were 30.4% and 47.0%, respectively. In the presence of 15 g·L-1 NaCl, the degradation rates were not significantly different from the control, indicating that CH2 had a high tolerance to salts. The whole genome of P. silvae CH2 was 6797325 bp, containing 6312 coding genes. P. silvae CH2 contained multiple genes encoding cellulose and hemicellulose degrading enzymes. These enzymes mainly belonged to the GH family, including endo-1,4-ß-xylanase, Xylan 1,4-ß-xylosidase, ß-glucosidase, and endoglucanase. The results indicated that the bacterium had the potential to be used in crop straw degradation.

[Positron emission tomography plus VEEG in the localization of epileptic foci in negative-MRI interact epilepsy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of positron emission tomography (PET) in the localization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-negative epileptogenic focus. METHODS: Brain images of 18fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) and 13N-NH3·H2O-PET, MRI and video electroencephalography (VEEG) were obtained in 65 patients. Preoperative and postoperative localizations were compared in MRI-negative patients. And the results of PET and VEEG were compared between the MRI-positive and MRI-negative groups. RESULTS: MRI scans were normal in 26 cases and abnormal in 35 cases. Sixty-one patients had interictal epileptiform discharge on VEEG (brain regions, n = 12; multiple brain areas, n = 16; hemisphere, n = 13; unspecified location, n = 20) and interictal PET imaging (brain regions, n = 23; multiple brain areas, n = 28; hemisphere, n = 5; unspecified location, n = 6). And 17 MRI-negative patients underwent operations and 12 of them reached the Engels I-II level standard. Both PET and VEEG were compared between the MRI-positive and MRI-negative groups. No significant differences existed between two group (P < 0.05). A comparison of PET and VEEG showed statistical significance in two group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PET imaging is both sensitive and effective in the detection and localization of epileptogenic foci. Especially for MRI-negative cases, it is an indispensable tool of localizing epileptogenic foci.

[Application of high-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging in stereotactic aspiration and drainage of hypertensive hematomas].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application values of high-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in stereotactic aspiration and drainage of hypertensive hematomas. METHODS: During a period of August 2011 to January 2012, 11 patients with hypertensive hemorrhage were examined preoperatively by conventional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with 1.5T intraoperative MRI system (Signa HDi, GE, USA) at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital. The anatomic relationship of corticospinal tract (CST) and hematoma was used for the operative planning with the neuronavigation planning workstation (iPlan Cranial 3.0 software, BrainLab, Germany) for 3D reconstruction. During stereotactic surgery, intraoperative MRI scan was performed. According to the clearance rate of hematomas, the operators decided to finish the operation or update the operative planning to continue hematoma removal. All patients were reexamined by conventional MRI and DTI at Week 3 postoperation. Then comparative analysis was performed for the preoperative and postoperative integrity of CST. RESULTS: No death or severe complications occurred. All patients showed improvement of motor function and the postoperative integrity of CST. CONCLUSION: The intracranial condition may be monitored effectively by intraoperative MRI throughout surgery so as to increase the rate of hematoma removal and reduce the postoperative complications.

[Applications of blood oxygenation level dependent-functional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging and intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring in secondary epileptic surgery in M1 area].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the applications of blood oxygenation level dependent-functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (Co-SEP), motor evoked potentials (MEP) and electrocorticogram (ECoG) in secondary epileptic surgery of primary motor area (M1). METHODS: In 19 patients, preoperative BOLD-fMRI were performed to display the relationship between active zone, fiber bundle and epileptogenic lesions. Besides, Co-SEP, MEP and ECoG were also carried out intra-operatively to direct the resection of epileptogenic lesion and epileptogenic focus. At the same time, the nervous functions were protected as much as possible. Then fMRI was performed again to ensure that the post-operative nervous function was excellent. RESULTS: In preoperative BOLD-fMRI and DTI examinations, active zone and fiber bundle could be seen at the edge of lesions (n = 12); range reduced, become deformed or removed (n = 6); glioma epileptogenic lesion was close-up with M1 (n = 1). The central sulcus was confirmed by Co-SEP in all cases. And two cases were inconsistent with anatomical location; Stimulating precentral gyrus, MEP were elicited post-operatively from orbicularis oris, muscle of thenar, hypothenar muscle or flexor digitorum brevis. Under the monitoring of ECoG, spike-wave was monitored in all cases. Of these, epileptogenic focus was in M1 (n = 15). After treatment, spike-wave were reduced significantly or disappeared. At a post-operative follow-up of 6 - 12 months, seizure improvement has achieved Engel III level or above (n = 18). On re-examinations of BOLD-fMRI and DTI, active zone became bigger than before and fiber bundle was symmetric with opposite side. Two of 19 cases had transient motor aphasia incompletely or hemiparesis. No permanent neurological dysfunction occurred. There was no relapse in cases of glioma. CONCLUSION: BOLD-fMRI and Co-SEP, MEP and ECoG are complementary in M1 of secondary epilepsy surgery. It is effective to preserve nervous functions and enhance the quality of life for patients with epilepsy.

[Localization of epileptic foci in frontal lobe epilepsy and its surgical therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical data and pre-operative examination results of frontal lobe epilepsy and combine with intra-operative intracranial electrical record in order to localize epileptic foci and to direct surgical therapy. METHODS: Preoperative EEG record and MRI scan were performed in 23 patients with refractory frontal lobe epilepsy. Among them, 17 patients received interictal 18F-FDG-PET-CT, 11 received MEG examination, 2 received functional MRI, 10 received surgical operation and intra-operative intracranial electrical record. RESULTS: The positive predictive value of clinical features of epileptic seizure, interictal EEG, ictal EEG, MRI and PET-CT were 56.52%, 56.52%, 60.87%, 54.55% and 94.12% respectively. Their consistent results helped to confirm the epileptogenic zone. MEG was more accurate than EEG. ECoE and VEEG monitoring was significant for operative guidance. CONCLUSION: A series of examinations is necessary for the diagnosis of epileptogenic zone of frontal lobe epilepsy. The surgical outcome is related to the accuracy of epileptic foci localization and the removal of epileptogenic zone.

Patient with Epilepsy Caused by the Spontaneous Rupture of an Intracerebral Dermoid Cyst.

BACKGROUND: This is a rare case of a patient presenting with epileptic seizures and headaches who was diagnosed with spontaneous intracerebral dermoid cyst rupture via radiographic imagery, and rupture was confirmed via a pathology report. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the case of a woman aged 26 years who presented with a history of chronic headache for 9 years without other symptoms, and progressive worsening of her headache had occurred for 1 month prior to admission. Radiologic examination showed a large mass located in the left temporal fossa and a large amount of homogeneous matter in the subarachnoid space of the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere, then the tumor was completely excised. A left pterional craniotomy was conducted under general anesthesia for removal of the tumor, and pathological examination showed a dermoid cyst. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss the clinical and radiologic features, as well as the treatment of this patient.

[Effects of acupuncture on kidney morphological structure and expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA in rats with spontaneous hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To explore mechanism of acupuncture for renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) in hypertension rats. METHODS: Twenty-four 24-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomly divided into a model group, a perindopril group and an acupuncture group, eight cases in each one. In the acupuncture group, with rats tied up, electroacupuncture was applied at bilateral "Quchi" (LI 11) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) under mild vibration of needle handle for 20 min, once a day. In the perindopril group, perindopril (0.4 mg/kg) suspension liquid was applied for intragastric administration, once a day. In the model group, rats were tied up for 20 min a day without any treatment. Eight same-age same-race Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats with normal blood pressure were taken as a control group, which was given with free diet but no treatment. The treatment was reuqired for six weeks. The systolic blood pressure of caudal artery was tested. Kidney morphological structure was observed by HE coloration. Deposition optical density of type I and III collagen in kidney was tested by immunohistochemistry. Expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) mRNA was tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, the blood pressure was significantly decreased in the acupuncture group (P < 0.01), the damage of kidney morphology was minor, positive depositional area of type I and III collagen was obviously decreased (both P < 0.05), and the expression of semi-quantitative analysis of TGF-beta1 mRNA was decreased (P < 0.05), which had similar effect as western medication perindopril. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at "Quchi" (LI 11) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) probably intervenes the process of RIF by reducing synthesis of kidney type I , III collagen and restraining expression of TGF-beta1.