Associations between isomers and alternatives of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and fasting blood glucose / 环境与职业医学

Background Previous research indicated that isomers and alternatives of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) probably disturb glucose metabolism; however, current epidemiological evidence on the associations of PFAS with fasting blood glucose is inconsistent. Besides, studies on the joint association of multiple components of PFAS and fasting blood glucose as well as the key component are scarce. Objective To evaluate the associations of PFAS isomers and alternatives with fasting blood glucose and their joint effects, as well as identify the key component among population without glucose metabolism problems. Methods We selected 923 adults without glucose metabolism problems or missing data from the Isomers of C8 Health Project in China (2015—2016). Serum PFAS isomers and alternatives and fasting blood glucose were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and automatic biochemical analyzer. We applied multiple linear regression to explore the associations of 16 pollutants which were detected among over 80% participants with fasting blood glucose. Meanwhile, we utilized qgcomp and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models to explore the joint effects of PFAS isomers and alternatives mixture on target outcome indicators and identify the key component. Results The average age among the 923 participants in this study was (62.4±13.8) years old, including 472 men (51.1%) and 451 women (48.9%). Among selected PFAS isomers and alternatives, the highest serum concentration was ∑3+4+5m-PFOS (perfluoro-3/4/5-methylheptanesulfonate) with a median concentration of 10.20 ng·mL−1. The concentrations of linear perfluorooctane sulfonate (n-PFOS, 9.61 ng·mL−1), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, 4.55 ng·mL−1), linear perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (n-PFHxS, 2.48 ng·mL−1), 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ethersulfonic acid (6:2 Cl-PFESA, 1.90 ng·mL−1), perfluoro-6-methylheptanesulfonate (iso-PFOS, 1.85 ng·mL−1), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA, 1.81 ng·mL−1), perfluorinated n-nonanoic acid (PFNA, 1.39 ng·mL−1), and perfluoro-1-methylheptanesulfonate (1m-PFOS, 1.27 ng·mL−1) were higher than 1.00 ng·mL−1. After being adjusted for selected confounders, PFAS isomers and alternatives were positively associated with fasting blood glucose. With 1 ln unit concentration increment of 6:2 Cl-PFESA and PFNA, the estimated changes of fasting blood glucose were 0.18 (95%CI: 0.13, 0.23) mmol·L−1 and 0.24 (95%CI: 0.18, 0.30) mmol·L−1, respectively. The multi-pollutant models indicated a joint association of PFAS isomers and alternatives mixture with fasting blood glucose. The BKMR models reveals that as the quantiles of mixture elevated from the 50th to the 75th percentile, the values of fasting blood glucose increased 0.25 (95%CI: 0.21, 0.30) mmol·L−1, and the posterior inclusion probability of PFNA was 0.92, implying that PFNA was the key component. Conclusion PFAS isomers and alternatives are positively associated with fasting blood glucose. PFNA is the key component of the joint association.

An antigen self-assembled and dendritic cell-targeted nanovaccine for enhanced immunity against cancer

The rise of nanotechnology has opened new horizons for cancer immunotherapy. However, most nanovaccines fabricated with nanomaterials suffer from carrier-related concerns, including low drug loading capacity, unpredictable metabolism, and potential systemic toxicity, which bring obstacles for their clinical translation. Herein, we developed an antigen self-assembled nanovaccine, which was resulted from a simple acryloyl modification of the antigen to induce self-assembly. Furthermore, a dendritic cell targeting head mannose monomer and a mevalonate pathway inhibitor zoledronic acid (Zol) were integrated or absorbed onto the nanoparticles (denoted as MEAO-Z) to intensify the immune response. The synthesized nanovaccine with a diameter of around 70 nm showed successful lymph node transportation, high dendritic cell internalization, promoted costimulatory molecule expression, and preferable antigen cross-presentation. In virtue of the above superiorities, MEAO-Z induced remarkably higher titers of serum antibody, stronger cytotoxic T lymphocyte immune responses and IFN-γ secretion than free antigen and adjuvants. In vivo, MEAO-Z significantly suppressed EG7-OVA tumor growth and prolonged the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. These results indicated the translation promise of our self-assembled nanovaccine for immune potentiation and cancer immunotherapy.

Nutrition in times of crisis: A qualitative study in Siargao Island, Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives@#Despite the public-health significance of both malnutrition and crises, little has been done to explore the convergence of the two domains and develop ways to improve policies and practices, especially in rural communities. This article remedies that knowledge gap by focusing on nutrition-related changes, responses, and practices during crisis situations in Siargao Island, Philippines, using the COVID-19 pandemic as a backdrop.@*Methods@#Forty-six (46) semi-structured interviews were conducted among parents, caregivers, local health workers, and local officials of Del Carmen, Siargao Island. Principles of thematic analysis were applied to data analysis using NVivo 12. Afterwards, the preliminary data were presented in a virtual validation session with the local community and stakeholders.@*Results@#Despite the high prevalence of malnutrition amid a backdrop of economic and nutritional difficulties, the community members generally viewed their children as healthy. Rice remained (disproportionately) central to people’s diets; possible alternatives like root crops were considered emergency foods only and not culturally acceptable as staples, in spite of their cheap and ubiquitous nature. Lastly, the economic and financial repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have also negatively affected the community members’ overall nutrition and food sources.@*Conclusion@#More efforts should be directed toward encouraging the consumption of root vegetables and fruits as rice alternatives in everyday diet—a costeffective strategy that would also promote dietary diversification. More importantly, nutrition responses should consider local food systems in terms of specific local economies and geographies, while health promotion efforts should engage with local notions of ‘health’ and ‘nutrition’ and encourage community participation in (re)designing policy interventions.

Comparative metabolomics provides novel insights into the basis of petiole color differences in celery (Apiumgraveolens L.) / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Plant metabolites are important for plant development and human health. Plants of celery (Apiumgraveolens L.) with different-colored petioles have been formed in the course of long-term evolution. However, the composition, content distribution, and mechanisms of accumulation of metabolites in different-colored petioles remain elusive. Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), 1159 metabolites, including 100 lipids, 72 organic acids and derivatives, 83 phenylpropanoids and polyketides, and several alkaloids and terpenoids, were quantified in four celery cultivars, each with a different petiole color. There were significant differences in the types and contents of metabolites in celery with different-colored petioles, with the most striking difference between green celery and purple celery, followed by white celery and green celery. Annotated analysis of metabolic pathways showed that the metabolites of the different-colored petioles were significantly enriched in biosynthetic pathways such as anthocyanin, flavonoid, and chlorophyll pathways, suggesting that these metabolic pathways may play a key role in determining petiole color in celery. The content of chlorophyll in green celery was significantly higher than that in other celery cultivars, yellow celery was rich in carotenoids, and the content of anthocyanin in purple celery was significantly higher than that in the other celery cultivars. The color of the celery petioles was significantly correlated with the content of related metabolites. Among the four celery cultivars, the metabolites of the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway were enriched in purple celery. The results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) suggested that the differential expression of the chalcone synthase (CHS) gene in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway might affect the biosynthesis of anthocyanin in celery. In addition, HPLC analysis revealed that cyanidin is the main pigment in purple celery. This study explored the differences in the types and contents of metabolites in celery cultivars with different-colored petioles and identified key substances for color formation. The results provide a theoretical basis and technical support for genetic improvement of celery petiole color.

Different neurons in the basal forebrain regulate sleep-wake / 中华神经科杂志

The basal forebrain is a heterogeneous structure at the base of the brain that participates in the regulation of sleep-wake, cognition, consciousness, and attention. Previous studies have suggested that these functions are mainly mediated by cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain. With advances in research techniques, the understanding of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, as well as GABAergic neurons and glutamatergic neurons, is deepened. The role of different neurons in the basal forebrain in the regulation of sleep-wake is summarized in this article. GABAergic neurons play a key role in promoting wakefulness, cholinergic neurons play an important role in sleep-wake homeostasis, and glutamatergic neurons provide excitation signals to other neurons.

Different neurons in the basal forebrain regulate sleep?wake / 中华神经科杂志

The basal forebrain is a heterogeneous structure at the base of the brain that participates in the regulation of sleep?wake, cognition, consciousness, and attention. Previous studies have suggested that these functions are mainly mediated by cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain. With advances in research techniques, the understanding of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, as well as GABAergic neurons and glutamatergic neurons, is deepened. The role of different neurons in the basal forebrain in the regulation of sleep?wake is summarized in this article. GABAergic neurons play a key role in promoting wakefulness, cholinergic neurons play an important role in sleep?wake homeostasis, and glutamatergic neurons provide excitation signals to other neurons.

The study on the association of long-term ambient fine particulate matters exposure and elevated blood pressure in children / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the association of long-term ambient fine particulate matters (PM2.5) exposure with elevated blood pressure in children.@*Methods@#From April 2012 to June 2013, we used cluster randomized sampling method to investigate 9 354 children aged 5-17 years old from 68 primary and middle schools in the seven Northeastern Cities (Shenyang, Dalian, Fushun, Anshan, Benxi, Liaoyang and Dandong) in Liaoning Province, and measured their blood pressure (BP). A spatial statistical model nested by aerosol optical depth (AOD) was used to inverse PM2.5 concentrations. Generalized additive model was used to quantify the association between PM2.5 exposure and blood pressure in children. To examine the associations, two-level regression model was used to evaluate individual characteristics′ modifying effect on the health influence of PM2.5.@*Results@#The prevalence of hypertension in children was 13.78% (1 289/9 354). The results showed that there was an associations between hypertension and pollutants, and the multivariable regression analysis indicated that the increase in mean systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and the OR of hypertension associated with a 10 μg/m3 increase for PM2.5 were 3.12 (95%CI: 2.71-3.54) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), 1.45 (95%CI:1.12-1.78) mmHg, and 1.55 (95%CI: 1.10-2.19), respectively. Compared with non-breastfeeding children (OR=2.10, 95%CI: 1.39-3.17), children who were breastfeeding (OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.00-2.20) exhibited consistently weaker effects, and the interaction effect of P value was 0.002.@*Conclusion@#Study findings indicate that long-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased arterial BP and hypertension among the children. Breastfeeding may reduce this association.

The application value of situational simulation teaching in the trainee teaching of cardiovascular medicine / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective To explore the value of situational simulation teaching in the in the trainee teaching of cardiovascular medicine. Methods 7-year students of Beijing university of traditional Chinese medicine in the 2016-2017 school year were divided into experimental group and control group, with 50 students in each group. Situational simulation teaching was used in the experimental group while the control group carried out regular teaching. Student self-assessment questionnaire and clinical test were used to evaluate teaching effect. SPSS 21.0 was used for statistical processing, and t-test was used for comparison between groups. Results Student self-assessment questionnaire showed that, the scores of study interest, theoretical knowledge, thinking, clinical practical ability and the overall satisfaction in the experimental group were significantly higher than that in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); As to clinical test, theory knowledge and case analysis assessment in the experimental group were higher than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Situational simulation teaching is helpful to improve the clinical comprehensive ability of students.

MRI-based brain atrophy and lesion index assessment of whole-brain structural changes during aging / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To assess the value of brain atrophy and lesion index(BALI),based on magnetic resonance imaging(M RI),in the evaluation of brain aging. Methods 169 healthy older adults were divided into five age groups(40-49,50-59,60-69,70-79,and 80-89 years).MRI scans were evaluated by the 3.0T GE signa and the BALI rating schemes,based on the T1 weighted(T1WI),T2 weighted(T2WI),and T2 weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery(T2-FLAIR),and T2*weighted gradient-recalled echo(T2 * GRE)images were recorded. Results Based on T1WI,T2WI,T2-FLAIR and T2 * GRE,total scores of BALI increased with age,and showed significant differences between the five age groups(F= 35.35,42.87,46.57,and 54.15,respectively;all P= 0.000).In addition,BALI scores from each sequence were correlated with age(T1WI:r=0.71;T2WI:r=0.73;T2-FLAIR:r=0.73;T2*GRE:r=0.77;all P<0.01).Furthermore,T2*GRE was most sensitive to microbleeds and T2-FLAIR revealed a greater level of deep white matter(χ2 =53.47,P= 0.000)and periventricular lesions(χ2 =29.93,P=0.000)than other sequences. Conclusions The T1WI,T2WI, T2-FLAIR and T2 * GRE,BALI scores can be used to assess whole brain structural changes with aging and provide semi-quantitative indicators for the assessment of brain health.

Prenatal ultrasound assessment for fetal structural abnormalities / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of prenatal ultrasound for fetal structural abnormalities.Methods The clinical data of 3 101 fetus with structural malformations, diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound and confi rmed after induced labor, and 856 cases of missed diagnosis were analyzed. All these data were collected in Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Tangshan City from January 2010 to June 2014. The types and number of fetal structural abnormalities were recorded. The rates of detection and missed diagnosis for the fetal structural abnormalities were calculated and the reasons for missed diagnosis were analyzed.ResultsA total of 3101 cases (4 171 positions) were diagnosed as fetal structural abnormalities by prenatal ultrasound. The detection rate was 11.51‰ (3 101/269 501). There were 856 cases (947 positions) of fetal structural abnormalities were missed, and the missed diagnosis rate was 3.18‰ (856/269 501). The incidence of fetal structural abmormalities was 14.68‰ (3 957/269 501). In terms of anatomy systems, the top five were cardiovascular system abnormalities (851 cases), the central nervous system abnormalities (691 cases), facial abnormalities (562 cases), urinary system abnormalities (476 cases), and respiratory system abnormalities (134 cases). In terms of single abnormalities, the top five were cleft lip and palate (549 cases), ventricular septal defect (519 cases), hydronephrosis (331 cases), spina bifi da (212 cases), and atrial-ventricular septal defect (163 cases). The top five of missed deformities were polydactylia/symphysodactylia (285 cases), ear deformities (108 cases), hypospadias (93 cases), foot abnormalities (92cases), and ventricular septal defect (52 cases).Conclusions There is a high detection rate for fetal structural abnormalities with prenatal ultrasound. Prenatal ultrasound is an indispensable means for the diagnosis of fetal malformation, but it also has some limitations. There is a high rate of missed diagnosis for polydactylia/symphysodactylia, microtia, and hypospadias.

Resting-state functional connectivity in post-stroke expressive aphasia：a preliminary study / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To analyze the resting-state functional connectivity of the left posterior inferior frontal gyrus in normal subjects with functional MRI and to investigate its preliminary application in post-stroke aphasia.Methods Eleven male patients with post-stroke aphasia and 11 male normal subjects were recruited in this study.Resting-state fMRI data were obtained with GE 1.5 T Twin speed MR Scanner.The fMRI data were processed with SPM2, AFNI and Matlab programs.Based on the results of previous fMRI study with category member generation task , the region of interest ( ROI ) was created in the left posterior inferior frontal gyrus The time course correlations between the ROI and other voxels within whole brain were analyzed.Intra-and inter-group analysis was performed with single sample t-test and two sample t-test.Results Brain regions showed positive resting-state functional connectivity with the ROI in normal subjects including left inferior/middle frontal gyrus , left premotor cortex , left precuneus , left insula , left putamen, right inferior frontal gyrus, right cerebellum and bilateral inferior parietal lobules (voxels 33-809, t=5.80-23.55,P<0.005,uncorrected).Brain regions functionally connected with the ROI in patients with post-stroke aphasia included left inferior/middle frontal gyrus , left premotor cortex , left precuneus , left inferior parietal lobules and right inferior frontal gyrus ( voxels 34-833, t =5.08-20.34, P<0.005, uncorrected ).The left fusiform gyrus was the only region showed significantly decreased functional connectivity with the ROI in the patients group (voxels 84,t=6.25,P<0.005, uncorrected).Conclusions The neural network related to language output exists in normal subjects at the resting-state.Resting-state functional connectivity can be used to investigate the neural mechanism of development and restoration of post-stroke aphasia.

Blood Oxygen Level Dependent MRI of Normal Kidney and Its Correlation with Physiological Indexes / 天津医药

Objective To explore the characteristics of blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in healthy native kidneys. To investigate the relationship between BOLD-MRI and common physiological in-dexes. Methods GE 3.0T MRI scanner and Torsopa phased-array coil were employed to acquire renal coronal T1WI and BOLD image. Ninety patients who were ruled out chronic kidney diseases underwent BOLD-MRI with T2*-spoiled gradient recalled echo (T2*SPGR) sequence. BOLD images were analyzed on R2*map software. Cortical and medullary R2*values were analyzed in bilateral kidneys and in different gender. Different regional R2*values in cortex and medulla were also ana-lyzed. Physiological indices including age, body height and weight, body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA), estimat-ed glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were recorded. Correlation between R2*value and physiological indices were analyzed. Results Bilateral renal cortical R2*values [left (16.56±1.40) Hz and right (16.66±1.28)Hz, respectively] were less than val-ues in medulla [left (28.82±3.71)Hz and right (28.36±3.72)Hz, respectively]. Female and male cortical R2*values [female (16.55±1.30Hz) and male (16.66±1.38)Hz, respectively] were also less than corresponding values in medulla [female (28.46± 3.64) Hz and male (28.70±3.78) Hz, respectively]. In bilateral renal medullary region, R2*values in low pole (27.29±3.05) Hz was less than values in middle (29.32±3.47) Hz and upper pole (29.16±4.21)Hz (F=15.184, P<0.001). Age was positive-ly correlated with R2* values in medulla (r =0.284, P =0.002). However, eGFR was negatively correlated with medullary R2*value (r=-0.232, P=0.007). Conclusion R2*values reflected the levels of renal partial pressure of oxygen and as-sessed the degree of renal ischemia. BOLD MRI could offer a simple, convenient and noninvasive method for to evaluate renal oxygen metabolism in cortex and medulla.

Correlation of the indices of susceptibility weighted imaging and perfusion imaging with the expression of microvessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor in astrocytic tumor / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To detect the correlation of the expression of microvessel density(MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with the semi-quantivative indices of susceptibility weighted imaging(SWI) and perfusion imaging (PI)in astrocytic tumor.Methods SWI and PI were performed in 98 patients with varing grades of astrocytic tumors.According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of central nervous system tumors and grading criteria:8 cases of pilocytic astrocytoma (grade Ⅰ,1 case of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (grade Ⅱ),23 cases of astrocytoma (grade Ⅱ),22 cases of anaplastic astrocytoma (grade Ⅲ) and 44 cases of glioblastoma (grade Ⅳ) were included.Intra-tumor susceptibility hypo intensity area (ITSHIA) acquired by SWI was observed and semi-quantitative data were calculated.Maximum relative rCBV values of solid part of the tumor (rCBVintra),surrounding area of tumor (rCBVperi) were calculated.The MVD and VEGF expression were quantified from the excised tumor tissues and were correlated with PI and SWI indices.Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to assess the difference of the MVD and VEGF in different grade astrocytic tumor.Results The MVD count (r =0.550,P ＜ 0.01) and VEGF expression(r =0.456,P ＜ 0.01) were positively correlated with pathologic grading of astrocytic tumor.Spearman correlation analysis indicated that semi-quantivative indictors of SWI (r =0.340 to 0.497,P＜0.01),as well as rCBVintra(r =0.467,P ＜0.01) and rrCBVperi(r =0.374,P ＜0.01)of PI were positively correlated with MVD.All indices of SWI (r =0.202 to 0.334,P ＜ 0.01),except for ITSHIA frequency and ITSHIA area ratio score,were correlated with VEGF expression,while the rCBVintra (r =0.301,P ＜ 0.01) and rCBVperi (r =0.311,P ＜ 0.01) of PI were positively correlated with VEGF.Conclusion The indices of PI and SWI are obviously correlated with MVD and VEGF in astrocytic tumor.PI and SWI could be effective in evaluating angiogenesis preoperatively.

Altered functional connectivity of insula in schizophrenia using functional magnetic resonance imaging / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To investigate the insula and its related network of schizophrenia patients and its correlation to behavior performance with functional magnetic resonance imaging.Methods Fourteen patients with paranoid schizophrenia and sixteen normal subjects received blood oxygenation level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging(BOLD-fMRI) examinations based on resting state and digital 2-back working memory task.The fMRI data were processed and analyzed with SPM2,AFNI and Matlab software packages (thresholded at P =0.005,uncorrected).Medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC,BA10) was placed as region of interest (ROI).Results The functional connectivity positively or negatively correlated with MPFC was lower for patient group than that for control group in resting and task states.In resting state,the brain areas negatively correlated with MPFC mainly included the bilateral superior temporal gyrus (BA22),cuneus (BA 18/19),inferior parietal lobule (BA40),right parahippocampus for patient group and the bilateral insula/superior temporal gyrus(BA22),inferior parietal lobule(BA40),paracentral lobule,parahippocampus for control group.The brain areas positively correlated with MPFC mainly included the pineal gland areas for patient group and the left anterior nucleus thalamus,bilateral medial superior frontal gyrus (BA6),right inferior corpus callosum (BA34) and the cerebellar vermis for control group in resting state.In 2-back task,the brain areas negatively correlated with MPFC mainly included the right cerebellar hemisphere,left superior parietal lobule/precuneus (BA7),left superior frontal gyrus (BA6) for patient group and the left medial dorsal thalamus,bilateral lateral premotor area (BA6),left inferior parietal lobule/precuneus (BA7),right cerebellar hemisphere for control group.The accuracy of reaction was lower in patient group than that in control group((78.30 ± 8.76) ％ vs (89.89 ± 8.05) ％,P =0.01) and the correlation between the accuracy and the left medial dorsal thalamus had statistical significance (r =-0.52,P =0.04).Conclusion The altered functional connectivitv of the bilateral insula and its related network indicates functional disintegration of the limbic system in patients with schizophrenia.Widespreadly reduced functional connectivity and the functional disconnection of left medial dorsal thalamus mav be one of the reasons for poor behavior performance in schizophrenia patients.

Influence of tube voltage on CT attenuation, radiation dose,and image quality:phantom study / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To assess the influence of tube current and tube voltage on the CT attenuation,radiation dose,and image quality.Methods A total of 113 saline solutions with decreasing dilution of contrast medium (370 mg I/ml) was produced.MDCT scan was performed with 15 series of different settings of tube current and tube voltage.CT attenuations with 15 series of different settings were all measured,and influence of tube current and tube voltage on CT attenuations was analyzed.CT dose index (CTDIvol) was recorded.The CT attenuations with different tube voltage and current were compared with one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test.The correlation of CT attenuation with different tube voltage and the influence of tube voltage and current on radiation dose and image quality were tested by correlation analysis.Results Tube current (250,200,150,100,and 50 mA) had no significant effect on CT attenuation (F =0.001,0.008,0.075,P ＞ 0.05),while tube voltage (120,100,and 80 kV) had significant effect (H =17.906,17.906,13.527,20.124,23.563,P ＜ 0.05).The correlation between CT attenuation and tube voltage was determined with equation:CT attenuatio N100 kV =1.561 × CT attenuatio N120kv + 4.0818,CT attenuatio N80kV =1.2131 × CT attenuatio N120kv + 0.9283.The influence of tube voltage on radiation dose and image quality was also analyzed,and equations were also obtained:N120 kV =-5.9771Ln(D120 kV) + 25.412,N100 kV =--10.544Ln (D100 kV) + 36.262,N80 kV =-25.326Ln(D80kv) +62.816.According to the results of relationship among CT attenuation,radiation dose,and image quality,lower tube voltage with higher tube current can reduce the radiation dose.Conclusions Lower tube voltage can reduce the radiation dose.However,CT attenuation was influenced,and correction should be done with the equations.

An optimized voxel-based morphometry study in the evaluation of brain structural abnormalities in anisometropic amblyopia patients / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To investigate possible neural mechanism of anisometropic amblyopia by analysing the whole brain volume changes both in grey matter and white matter using optimized voxel-based morphometry (VBM).Methods Twelve anisometropic amblyopia patients and 12 age,gender and handedness matched healthy volunteers underwent 3-dimensional (3D) fast spoiled gradient echo (FSPGR)sequence scanning on 1.5 Tesla MR system.Raw data was processed and analyzed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM)5.ResultsCompared to healthy controls,the grey matter exhibiting significantly decreased volume in patients included right cuneus,bilateral occipital gyrus,right middle frontal gyrus,left middle temporal gyrus,right superior temporal gyrus,right precuneus,and middle part of right cingulate gyrus ( clusters ＞ 10).The grey matter showing increased volume in patients included right cerebellum,right parahippocampal gyrus,left precentral gyrus,and left superior frontal gyrus (clusters ＞ 10).The white matter volume in bilateral optic radiation and internal capsule,especially right optic radiation,decreased significantly in patient group (clusters ＞ 10 ).No white matter showed significantly increased volume in patient group.ConclusionVBM can be used to investigate the changes of grey matter volume and white matter volume in the whole brain of anisometropic amblyopia children,it provides a method to illustrate the presumed neuro-mechanism from a morphologic point of view.

Correlation between novelty seeking personality of healthy young individuals and fractional anisotropy value of white matter / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To study the correlation between novelty seeking(NS) personality of healthy young individuals and fractional anisotropy (FA) with voxel-based analysis (VBA) of diffusion tensor imaging(DTI),and explore the microstructure of white matter of personality.Methods Total 333 healthy right handed volunteers completed the Chinese version of the TPQ and the Beck Depression Inventory(BDI),and then finished 3D T1 structure scan,DTI scan.All preprocessed DTI datum was analyzed with SPM8 soft ware in partial correlation analysis,using age and depression scores as controlled variable.The correlation studied between NS and FA (a voxel significance threshold P ＜ 0.001 and a cluster extent threshold of 30 voxels).Results NS score of men and women were 14.55 ± 4.66 and 14.08 ± 5.42 points,and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (t =0.81,P=0.46).BDI score of men were higher than that of women (t =3.10,P=0.002),which were 9.23 ± 7.90 and 6.76 ± 5.79 points respectively.NS correlated negatively with FA of the right inferior frontal gyrus,and the right supramarg(i)nal gyrus(P ＜ 0.001).Conclusion NS personality has specific microstructure background of white matter.

Differential Diagnosis of Axillary Inflammatory and Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rabbit Models by Using Diffusion-Weighted Imaging: Compared with Conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

OBJECTIVE: This experiment aims to determine the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the differentiation of axillary inflammatory lymph nodes from metastatic lymph nodes in rabbit models in comparison with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conventional MRI and DWI were performed at 4 weeks after successful inoculation into the forty female New Zealand white rabbits' mammary glands. The size-based and signal-intensity-based criteria and the relative apparent diffusion coefficient (rADC) value were compared between the axillary inflammatory lymph nodes and metastatic lymph nodes, with histopathological findings as the reference standard. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the aforementioned criteria and rADC value in differentiating the axillary inflammatory lymph nodes from metastatic lymph nodes. RESULTS: Thirty-two axillary inflammatory lymph nodes and 46 metastatic ones were successfully isolated and taken into pathological analysis. The differences of the aforementioned criteria between the two groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, the rADC value of the inflammatory lymph nodes (0.9 +/- 0.14) was higher than that of metastatic ones (0.7 +/- 0.18), with significant difference (p = 0.016). When the rADC value was chosen as 0.80, the area under the ROC curve is greater than all other criteria, and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for differentiating two groups were 86.2%, 79.3%, 81.2%, 84.2%, and 85.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Diffusion-weighted imaging is a promising new technique for differentiating axillary inflammatory lymph nodes from metastatic lymph nodes. Compared with routine magnetic resonance sequences, DWI could provide more useful physiological and functional information for diagnosis.

Using double inversion recovery sequence for the diagnosis of hippocampal sclerosis at 3.0 T MR / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the imaging feature of hippocampal sclerosis (HS), and evaluate the diagnostic value of double inversion recovery (DIR) sequence at 3.0 T MR for its diagnosis. Methods Twelve patients with unilateral HS proven by pathology and 12 healthy volunteers were enrolled. All patients received DIR, fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T2 TSE sequences scans on oblique coronal plane vertical to the hippocampal axis on a 3.0 T MR scanner. Regions of interest (ROI) were set respectively in ipsilateral and contralateral hippocampi hippocampi in patients with HS, and the bilateral hippocampi in healthy volunteneers were placed respectively. Signal to noise ratio (SNR), contrast to noise ratio (CNR), ratio of signal intensity (RSI) and asymmetry index (AI) of each ROI in all hippocampi were calculated and compared among the three sequences. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way ANOVA. Results On DIR images, ipsilateral hippocampal lesions demonstrated extremely high signal intensity. Relative signal intensity of ipsilateral hippocampal lesions, contralateral hippocampi and the hippocampi in control groups healthy volunteneers were 1.50±0.05, 1.26±0.03, 1.18±0.05 (F=172.609,P=0.000), respectively. SNR of ipsilateral hippocampal lesions on DIR, FLAIR and T2 TSE sequences were 84.13±16.62, 50.90±12.38, 63.25±15.46 (F=15.185,P=0.000), respectively. CNR of hippocampus were 13.72±3.73, 6.67±3.02, 7.33±3.65 (F=14.985,P=0.000), respectively.In HS patients, RSI and AI of the ipsilateral hippocampal lesions and contralateral hippocampi among the three sequences did not show statistically significant difference(P=0.078). Conclusions HS manifests extremely high signal intensity on DIR images. On DIR images, the SNR and CNR of HS were higher than those on conventional MR sequences which provide valuable information for the diagnosis of HS.

Behavioral study of internet gaming addiction in adolescents / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To explore the facilitative mechanism of the behavioral improvement resulting from gaming experience in internet gaming addicts. Methods Seventeen gaming addicts and twenty normal subjects were involved in the study, and their behavioral performance were evaluated by using the revised paradigm of event-related design. Results 1. Mean reaction times (RTs) under valid and invalid cue conditions were ( (614.27 ± 85.25)ms,(645.4±80.24)ms)and ((710.24 ± 131.42)ms,(765.53 ± 142. 53)ms) respectively. There were statistically significant differences of mean RTs within each group (P < 0. 05 ) and between the two groups (P < 0.01 ). 2. There were statistically significant differences of mean RTs on three cue levels between addiction group (online game picture(643.65 ±90.82) ms,neutral face picture(616. 73 ±82. 19)ms,neutral picture(629. 21 ± 78.20)ms) and control group(game picture (744. 54 ± 140. 42) ms, neutral face picture ( 727. 98 ± 142.26)ms, neutral picture(741. 13 ±138. 21)ms, P<0.05).3. There were statistically significant differences on trends of mean RTs on three cue levels of addiction group between valid cue condition ( online game picture (619. 02 ± 91.00) ms,neutral face picture (604.90 ±90. 71 )ms,neutral picture (618.87 ±77.85)ms) and invalid cue con-dition( online game picture ( 668. 28 ± 86. 27 ) ms, neutral face picture ( 628. 56 ± 73. 53 ) ms, neutral picture (639.54 ±79. 54) ms, P<0. 05). Conclusion Both exogenous and endogenous attention orientation are improved in internet gaming addicts. Enhancement of endogenous attention function resulting from gaming experience might be greater than that of exogenous attention.