Traditional Chinese medicine enhances myocardial metabolism during heart failure.

The prognosis of various cardiovascular diseases eventually leads to heart failure (HF). An energy metabolism disorder of cardiomyocytes is important in explaining the molecular basis of HF; this will aid global research regarding treatment options for HF from the perspective of myocardial metabolism. There are many drugs to improve myocardial metabolism for the treatment of HF, including angiotensin receptor blocker-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. Although Western medicine has made considerable progress in HF therapy, the morbidity and mortality of the disease remain high. Therefore, HF has attracted attention from researchers worldwide. In recent years, the application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in HF treatment has been gradually accepted, and many studies have investigated the mechanism whereby TCM improves myocardial metabolism; the TCMs studied include Danshen yin, Fufang Danshen dripping pill, and Shenmai injection. This enables the clinical application of TCM in the treatment of HF by improving myocardial metabolism. We systematically reviewed the efficacy of TCM for improving myocardial metabolism during HF as well as the pharmacological effects of active TCM ingredients on the cardiovascular system and the potential mechanisms underlying their ability to improve myocardial metabolism. The results indicate that TCM may serve as a complementary and alternative approach for the prevention of HF. However, further rigorously designed randomized controlled trials are warranted to assess the effect of TCM on long-term hard endpoints in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Identification of risk factors for poor language outcome in surgical resection of glioma involving the arcuate fasciculus: an observational study.

The arcuate fasciculus is a critical component of the neural substrate of human language function. Surgical resection of glioma adjacent to the arcuate fasciculus likely damages this region. In this study, we evaluated the outcome of surgical resection of glioma adjacent to the arcuate fasciculus under the guidance of magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging, and we aimed to identify the risk factors for postoperative linguistic deficit. In total, 54 patients with primary glioma adjacent to the arcuate fasciculus were included in this observational study. These patients comprised 38 men and 16 women (aged 43 ± 11 years). All patients underwent surgical resenction of glioma under the guidance of magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging. Intraoperative images were updated when necessary for further resection. The gross total resection rate of the 54 patients increased from 38.9% to 70.4% by intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Preoperative language function and glioma-to-arcuate fasciculus distance were associated with poor language outcome. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that glioma-to-arcuate fasciculus distance was the major independent risk factor for poor outcome. The cutoff point of glioma-to-arcuate fasciculus distance for poor outcome was 3.2 mm. These findings suggest that intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging combined with diffusion tensor imaging of the arcuate fasciculus can help optimize tumor resection and result in the least damage to the arcuate fasciculus. Notably, glioma-to-arcuate fasciculus distance is a key independent risk factor for poor postoperative language outcome. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, China (approval No. S2014-096-01) on October 11, 2014.

Herbalogical study on Liangmianzhen (Zanthoxyli Radix) / 中国中药杂志

Liangmianzhen(Zanthoxyli Radix) has long been used as medicine. The current medicinal parts are different from those in the ancient. As recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopeia, the medicinal part is root. However, in ancient works, the medicinal parts include root, stem, leaf, and fruit. In an attempt to find the historical basis that stem is a reasonable medicinal part, the herbalogical study was carried out on this medicinal based on the formal names, synonyms, original plant, medicinal parts, habitat of the medicinal plant, producing area, processing and preparation methods, efficacy, and indications recorded in ancient Chinese materia medica and local gazetteers. The results showed that Liangmianzhen was firstly recorded as a medicinal in Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica with the formal name of "Manjiao". "Manjiao" was adopted from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty when it was changed to "Rudijinniu", the name originating from the folk in the south of the Five Ridges. Now, the formal name is "Liangmianzhen", which was firstly recorded in Wuxuan County Gazetteer in 1914 and then as a synonym in the Updated Records of Picking Herbs in the South of the Five Ridges. According to the formal names, synonyms, and the descriptions of the original plant, the medicinal plants of Liang-mianzhen have the characteristics of shrub-like young seedlings, vine adult seedlings, corymbiform thyrsus, stems with thorns, amphitropous golden-yellow roots with horn-like branches, and thorns on both sides of the leaves. Thus, "Manjiao", "Rudijinniu", and "Liangmianzhen" were from the same species of Zanthoxylum nitidum(Rutaceae), which was also verified based on the growth environment, habitat, processing and preparation methods, efficacy, and indications. In ancient times, the stem and root were the main medicinal parts and leaves and fruits were also used. However, in the Chinese Pharmacopeia, root is recorded as the only medicinal part, which is obviously inconsistent with the records in the ancient classics. In light of the limited medicinal resources for Liang-mianzhen, other medicinal parts of Z. nitidum is recommended. This study clarified the medicinal parts of Z. nitidum in history. It is recommended that the stem be added to the medicinal parts of Z. nitidum in the next edition of Chinese Pharmacopeia.

Intraoperative visualisation of functional structures facilitates safe frameless stereotactic biopsy in the motor eloquent regions of the brain.

BACKGROUND: For stereotactic brain biopsy involving motor eloquent regions, the surgical objective is to enhance diagnostic yield and preserve neurological function. To achieve this aim, we implemented functional neuro-navigation and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) into the biopsy procedure. The impact of this integrated technique on the surgical outcome and postoperative neurological function was investigated and evaluated. METHOD: Thirty nine patients with lesions involving motor eloquent structures underwent frameless stereotactic biopsy assisted by functional neuro-navigation and iMRI. Intraoperative visualisation was realised by integrating anatomical and functional information into a navigation framework to improve biopsy trajectories and preserve eloquent structures. iMRI was conducted to guarantee the biopsy accuracy and detect intraoperative complications. The perioperative change of motor function and biopsy error before and after iMRI were recorded, and the role of functional information in trajectory selection and the relationship between the distance from sampling site to nearby eloquent structures and the neurological deterioration were further analyzed. RESULTS: Functional neuro-navigation helped modify the original trajectories and sampling sites in 35.90% (16/39) of cases to avoid the damage of eloquent structures. Even though all the lesions were high-risk of causing neurological deficits, no significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative muscle strength. After data analysis, 3mm was supposed to be the safe distance for avoiding transient neurological deterioration. During surgery, the use of iMRI significantly reduced the biopsy errors (p = 0.042) and potentially increased the diagnostic yield from 84.62% (33/39) to 94.87% (37/39). Moreover, iMRI detected intraoperative haemorrhage in 5.13% (2/39) of patients, all of them benefited from the intraoperative strategies based on iMRI findings. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative visualisation of functional structures could be a feasible, safe and effective technique. Combined with intraoperative high-field MRI, it contributed to enhance the biopsy accuracy and lower neurological complications in stereotactic brain biopsy involving motor eloquent areas.

Intraoperative high-field magnetic resonance imaging, multimodal neuronavigation, and intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring-guided surgery for treating supratentorial cavernomas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the beneficial effects of intraoperative high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), multimodal neuronavigation, and intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring-guided surgery for treating supratentorial cavernomas. METHODS: Twelve patients with 13 supratentorial cavernomas were prospectively enrolled and operated while using a 1.5 T intraoperative MRI, multimodal neuronavigation, and intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring. All cavernomas were deeply located in subcortical areas or involved critical areas. Intraoperative high-field MRIs were obtained for the intraoperative "visualization" of surrounding eloquent structures, "brain shift" corrections, and navigational plan updates. RESULTS: All cavernomas were successfully resected with guidance from intraoperative MRI, multimodal neuronavigation, and intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring. In 5 cases with supratentorial cavernomas, intraoperative "brain shift" severely deterred locating of the lesions; however, intraoperative MRI facilitated precise locating of these lesions. During long-term (>3 months) follow-up, some or all presenting signs and symptoms improved or resolved in 4 cases, but were unchanged in 7 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative high-field MRI, multimodal neuronavigation, and intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring are helpful in surgeries for the treatment of small deeply seated subcortical cavernomas.

[Application of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging and multimodal navigation in surgical resection of glioblastoma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) and multimodal navigation in surgical resection of glioblastoma. METHODS: Between February 2009 and July 2010, 76 glioblastoma patients underwent surgical resection guided by iMRI and multimodal navigation. The cohort consisted of 43 male and 33 female patients, with a mean age of 49 years (range: 14-79 years). Rates of gross total resection (GTR) and extent of resection (EoR) were calculated at first and final iMRI scans.Pearson χ(2) test was used to compare the rates of GTR. RESULTS: iMRI and multimodal navigation were successfully implemented in all cases. Rates of GTR were misestimated by neurosurgeons in 24 cases (31.6%), which were confirmed by first iMRI. Total tumor resection were achieved in 20 cases (26.3%) as a result of iMRI scan, increasing the rates of gross total resection from 52.6% to 78.9% (χ(2) = 11.692, P = 0.001). Extent of resection in 28 patients who underwent further tumor resection were increased from 81.5% to 98.1%, leading to the overall extent of resection improved from 92.3% to 98.4%. At 3-month follow-up, 3 cases (3.9%) developed permanent neurologic deficits. The mean clinical follow-up was 15.6 months (range 3.0-45.0 months). The 2-year overall survival rate was 19.7%. The median progression-free survival of gross total resection group was 12 months (95% CI: 10.1-13.9 months), compared with 9 months (95%CI: 7.9-10.1 months) of the subtotal resection group (χ(2) = 4.756, P = 0.029). The overall survival of gross total resection group was 16 months (95% CI: 13.7-18.3 months), compared with 12 months (95% CI: 9.7-14.3 months) of the subtotal resection group (χ(2) = 7.885, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Combined with multimodal navigation, iMRI helps maximize surgical resection of glioblastoma, preserving neurological function while increasing progression-free survival and overall survival.

[Integration of metabolism images into multimodal neuronavigation for frameless stereotaxy].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of integration of metabolism images into multimodal neuronavigation for frameless stereotactic biopsy. METHODS: From January to December 2012, 32 patients with brain lesions underwent frameless stereotactic biopsy guided by positron emission tomograph (PET) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS)-based multimodal neuronavigation and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI). The cohort consisted of 16 male and 16 female patients, with a mean age of 45 years (range: 7 - 62 years). Biopsy targets were identified according to PET and (1)H-MRS. Biopsy was performed with Varioguide frameless biopsy system. Diagnostic yield and complications were assessed. RESULTS: Metabolism images-based multimodal neuronavigation and iMRI were successfully implemented in all cases. iMRI confirmed accuracy of biopsy targets. All the specimens obtained pathological diagnosis, the diagnostic yield was 100%. In 1 patient, iMRI found small hematoma (< 5 ml), surgical evacuation wasn't needed with intraoperative complication rate 3.1%. With the help of multimodal neuronavigation, no patients had new or worsened neurologic deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Integration of metabolism images into multimodal neuronavigation provide not only anatomical, but also metabolic and functional information for frameless stereotaxy, increasing diagnostic yield and avoiding postoperative neurologic deficits.

[Implementation of VarioGuide in stereotactic brain biopsy: a preliminary experience].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical value of VarioGuide in stereotactic brain biopsy. METHODS: Fifteen patients with brain lesions underwent frameless stereotactic brain biopsy guided by VarioGuide and multimodal neuronavigation. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) was used to confirm the accuracy of biopsy. And the VarioGuide-related adverse events, operative duration, surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were recorded respectively. RESULTS: In all patients, VarioGuide and multimodal neuronavigation were successfully integrated into the biopsy procedure. No VarioGuide-related adverse events were reported. The mean operative duration was (65 ± 8) min. The biopsy accuracy was confirmed by iMRI in all cases. And the postoperative histological diagnostic rate was 100%. No mortality and morbidity occurred postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The combined approach of VarioGuide and multimodal neuronavigation is accurate, safe and efficient. It may improve the histological diagnostic rate without postoperative neurological deficits in stereotactic brain biopsy.

[Influences of high-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging on the extent of resection in low-grade gliomas].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influences of high-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) on the extent of resection (EoR) in low-grade gliomas. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with low-grade gliomas underwent microsurgeries under the guidance of high-field iMRI and functional neuro-navigation. The rates of gross total removal and EoR were recorded after initial and final iMRI scans and neurological performances were evaluated peri-operatively and at follow-up. RESULTS: iMRI and functional neuronavigation were successfully performed in all patients. Initial iMRI found that the rates of gross total removal were misestimated in 21 cases (35.6%). In 17 cases (28.8%), initial iMRI revealed resectable residual tumors and further resection achieved gross total removal in 8 cases (13.6%). iMRI boosted the level of EoR from 90% ± 15% to 94% ± 12% (P < 0.001) in all cases and from 78% ± 17% to 91% ± 12% in 17 cases undergoing further tumor resections. At 3-month follow-up, 2 cases (3.4%) developed neurological deficits. CONCLUSION: The combination of iMRI and functional neuronavigation helped maximize safe tumor resection in low-grade gliomas.