Efficacy and mechanism of scalp acupuncture for spastic cerebral palsy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of scalp acupuncture for spastic cerebral palsy (CP), and to explore its possible mechanism based on brain white matter fiber bundles, nerve growth related proteins and inflammatory cytokines.@*METHODS@#A total of 90 children with spastic CP were randomly divided into a scalp acupuncture group and a sham scalp acupuncture group, 45 cases in each group. The children in the two groups were treated with conventional comprehensive rehabilitation treatment. The children in the scalp acupuncture group were treated with scalp acupuncture at the parietal temporal anterior oblique line, parietal temporal posterior oblique line on the affected side, and parietal midline. The children in the sham scalp acupuncture group were treated with scalp acupuncture at 1 cun next to the above point lines. The needles were kept for 30 min, once a day, 5 days a week, for 12 weeks. Before and after treatment, the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) indexes of magnetic resonance (FA values of corticospinal tract [CST], anterior limb of internal capsule [ICAL], posterior limb of internal capsule [ICPL], genu of internal capsule [ICGL], genu of corpus callosum [GCC], body of corpus callosum [BCC] and splenium of corpus callosum [SCC]), serum levels of nerve growth related proteins (neuron-specific enolase [NSE], glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], myelin basic protein [MBP], ubiquitin carboxy terminal hydrolase-L1 [UCH-L1]) and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 33 [IL-33], tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α]), cerebral hemodynamic indexes (mean blood flow velocity [Vm], systolic peak flow velocity [Vs] and resistance index [RI], pulsatility index [PI] of cerebral artery), surface electromyography (SEMG) signal indexes (root mean square [RMS] values of rectus femoris, hamstring muscles, gastrocnemius muscles, tibialis anterior muscles), gross motor function measure-88 (GMFM-88) score, modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score, ability of daily living (ADL) score were observed in the two groups. The clinical effect of the two groups was compared.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the FA value of each fiber bundle, Vm, Vs, GMFM-88 scores and ADL scores in the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the above indexes in the scalp acupuncture group were higher than those in the sham scalp acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of NSE, GFAP, MBP, UCH-L1, IL-33, TNF-α as well as RI, PI, MAS scores and RMS values of each muscle were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the above indexes in the scalp acupuncture group were lower than those in the sham scalp acupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 95.6% (43/45) in the scalp acupuncture group, which was higher than 82.2% (37/45) in the sham scalp acupuncture group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Scalp acupuncture could effectively treat spastic CP, improve the cerebral hemodynamics and gross motor function, reduce muscle tension and spasticity, and improve the ability of daily life. The mechanism may be related to repairing the white matter fiber bundles and regulating the levels of nerve growth related proteins and inflammatory cytokines.

Nuevos conceptos en neuromodulación cerebral: rol de DTI y estimulación de tractos / New concepts in brain neuromodulation: role of DTI and tract stimulation

Introducción: La estimulación cerebral profunda es una técnica difundida y validada para eltratamiento de múltiples dolencias neurológicas y psiquiátricas, entre ellas el temblor esencial. Objetivo: Evaluar si existe un correlato clínico-anatómico, para un paciente con TE, entre la mejor estimulación lograda y los tractos involucrados. Para esto se realiza una descripción de la técnica utilizada, incluyendo el procesamiento de imágenes necesario. Material y métodos: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 53 años de edad, con una historia de 23 años de temblor esencial progresivo e incapacitante. Se realizó un implante de DBS bilateral en Vim. Se realizó un post procesamiento de imágenes con un método desarrollado por nuestro equipo a través del cual se permitió evaluar gráficamente el área de estimulación cerebral y sus relaciones con los tractos implicados en la patología (dento-rubro-talámico, haz piramidal y haz lemniscal). Resultados: El paciente presentó una mejoría del 55% medido por escala de temblor de Tolosa. Se obtuvo una correlación anatómica y funcional de lo esperado según imágenes y la respuesta clínica del paciente. Se constataron efectos adversos cuando la estimulación implicaba fibras del haz piramidal y lemniscal, presentando los mejores efectos clínicos cuando el haz dento-rubro-talámico era influenciado por el área de acción del campo eléctrico. Conclusiones: En este reporte mostramos la aplicabilidad de DTI y tractografía para explicar los efectos de la programación de los pacientes con estimulación cerebral profunda.

Introduction: Deep brain stimulation is a widespread and validated technique for the treatment of multiple neurological and psychiatric disorders, including essential tremor. Objective: To evaluate if there is a clinical-anatomical correlate, for a patient with essential tremor, between the best stimulation achieved and the tracts involved. For this, a description of the technique used is made, including the necessary image processing. Methods: We present the case of a 53-year-old patient with a 23-year history of progressive and disabling essential tremor. A bilateral DBS implant was performed on Vim. We performed a post-processing of images with a method developed by our team through which we were able to graphically evaluate the area of brain stimulation and its relationships with the tracts involved in the pathology (dento-rubro-thalamic tract, pyramidal tract and lemniscal tract). Conclusions: In this report we showed the applicability of DTI and tractography to explain the clinical effects of the programming features in patients with deep brain stimulation.

Structural magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging study on white matter in left-and right-handed adults / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To explore the differences of macrostructural and microstructural and their correlations in brain white matter (WM) between left-and right-handed adults.Methods Structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were performed on twenty-three left-handed (LH) and thirty-two right-handed (RH) healthy subjects.The WM volume,fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were mearsured and compared between the two groups by using the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and voxel-based analysis (VBA) methods.Results (1) LH adults showed lower WM volume than RH adults in bilateral splenium of corpus callosum (SC) (Left:x=-15,y=-57,z =13.5,t=-5.160;Right:x=18,y=-42,z=12,t=-3.654;P＜0.001).Compared with the RH adults,the FA values in WM of the left postcentral gyrus (PoCG) (x =-24,y =-46,z =54) and the above left insula (INS) (x =-36,y =-12,z =20) increased (P＜ 0.001),as well as the average FA values,the average length and number of streamlines in WM tracts increased (P＜0.05) in LH adults.Compared with the RH adults,the MD values in the right HIP (x=24,y=-34,z=-2) decreased(P＜0.001),as well as the average MD values decreased,and the average length in WM tracts increased (P＜0.05) in LH adults.(2)There was positive correlation between FA and the volume of right splenium of corpus callosum in LH and RH adults (LH:r=0.716,RH:r=0.471,P＜0.05).There was negative correlation between FA and MD in the left PoCG (LH:r=-0.769,RH:r=-0.841),left INS (LH:r=-0.775,RH:r=-0.744) and right HIP (LH:r=-0.842,RH:r=-0.742) in LH and RH adults (all P＜0.05).Conclusion There are differences in both macrostructure and microstructure of white matter in several brain regions and WM tracts between left-handed and right-handed people,and correlations between these measures were also observed.

A panel of clinical and neuropathological features of cerebrovascular disease through the novel neuroimaging methods / Um painel de características clínicas e neuropatológicas da doença cerebrovascular através dos novos métodos de neuroimagem

ABSTRACT. The last decade has witnessed substantial progress in acquiring diagnostic biomarkers for the diagnostic workup of cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Advanced neuroimaging methods not only provide a strategic contribution for the differential diagnosis of vascular dementia (VaD) and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), but also help elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms ultimately leading to small vessel disease (SVD) throughout its course. Objective: In this review, the novel imaging methods, both structural and metabolic, were summarized and their impact on the diagnostic workup of age-related CVD was analysed. Methods: An electronic search between January 2010 and 2017 was carried out on PubMed/MEDLINE, Institute for Scientific Information Web of Knowledge and EMBASE. Results: The use of full functional multimodality in simultaneous Magnetic Resonance (MR)/Positron emission tomography (PET) may potentially improve the clinical characterization of VCI-VaD; for structural imaging, MRI at 3.0 T enables higher-resolution scanning with greater imaging matrices, thinner slices and more detail on the anatomical structure of vascular lesions. Conclusion: Although the importance of most of these techniques in the clinical setting has yet to be recognized, there is great expectancy in achieving earlier and more refined therapeutic interventions for the effective management of VCI-VaD.

RESUMO. A última década vem testemunhando avanços substanciais na aquisição de marcadores biológicos para o diagnóstico da doença cerebrovascular (DCV). Os métodos de neuroimagem avançados não apenas fornecem uma contribuição estratégica para o diagnóstico diferencial do comprometimento cognitivo vascular (VCI) e demência vascular (VaD), mas contribuem substancialmente na elucidação dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos relacionados à doença de vasos pequenos (SVD) e sua progressão clínica. Objetivo: Nesta revisão, métodos de imagem estruturais e metabólicos foram descritos e sua importância diagnóstica analisada, particularmente na investigação da CVD relacionada ao envelhecimento. Métodos: uma pesquisa eletrônica de janeiro de 2010 a 2017 foi realizada através do PubMed/MEDLINE, do Instituto de Informação Científica Web of Knowledge e da EMBASE. Resultados: O emprego de estudos de multimodalidade plenamente funcional com Ressonância Magnética (MR)/ Tomografia por Emissão de Pósitrons (PET) representa uma janela para a caracterização clínica mais detalhada da VCI-VaD; com relação à neuroimagem estrutural, a ressonância magnética em 3,0 T vem permitindo varreduras com maior resolução e matrizes de imagem mais elevadas, cortes mais delgados e maior detalhamento anatômico das lesões vasculares. Conclusão: Embora a importância da maior parte dessas técnicas no cenário clínico aguarde reconhecimento, há uma grande expectativa de que o seu uso favoreça intervenções terapêuticas progressivamente mais precoces e refinadas para o gerenciamento efetivo do VCI-VaD.

Diffusion tensor imaging of brain white matter in rats with ischemia reperfusion injury and its behavioral changes / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the changes of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in the cerebral white matter of rats with ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods Adult SD rats were randomly divided into two groups,sham operation group and model group.The model of ischemia reperfusion injury was made by the Koizumi suture method to occlude the middle cerebral artery.Application of Zea-Longa score was carried out to determine the establishment of modeling,and the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) was used to evaluate the neurological deficit of rats.The Rotarod test instrument was used to observe the motor function of rats by using Rotarod fatigue balance signs,and the DTI sequence scanning observation of brain white matter nerve fiber damage was determined by using Brook 7.0T small animal magnetic resonance imaging system.Track Vis software was used to analyze the distribution of cerebral white matter nerve fibers,and the relative number of nerve fibers in the areas of ROI (region of interest,ROI),sensorimotor areas and striatum were calculated.Results The results showed varying degrees of neurological impairment in rats 2 h after cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury,and the Zea-Longa score and the mNSS score were gradually reduced at the 1 d,7 d and 14 d after ischemia reperfusion injury.The time of rats retaining on the rotating rod was shortened at the 7 d and 14 d after ischemia reperfusion injury.At the ischemic lateral,nerve fibers decreased significantly,and the number of sensory nerve fiber connections in the sensorimotor areas to striatum was reduced.Nissl staining showed that the cytoplasm of neurons in the sensorimotor cortex and striatum of the ischemic lateral were disappeared and the Nissl bodies were decreased.Conclusions The nerve fibers of sensory motor cortex connecting to striatum were damaged by ischemia reperfusion injury.

Diffusion tensor imaging study on white matter structure in children with autism spectrum disorder / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To explore the white matter microstructural change between autism spectrum disorder(ASD) children and the healthy controls and it's correlation with the age and the clinical symptoms.Methods Thirty-three patients with ASD and thirty-three healthy controls (HC) matched for sex-,age-and handedness underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans.Use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule(ADOS) and the Neuropsychological Development Inventory for Children Aged 0-6 Years Old (SLAS) to assess the clinical symptoms.Use tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) based on fiber skeleton to analyze the fractional anisotropy (FA) of the whole brain DTI then to identify the differentiated brain regions.And analyze the correlation with age and clinical symptoms.Results (1) FA value of the body of corpus callosum (BCC) (x =-10,y =11,z =26;P=0.0012),left posterior limb of internal capsule (LPLI) (x =-23,y =-11,z =12;P＜0.01),left anterior corona radiata (LACR) (x =-28,y =28,z =16;P＜ 0.01),lift superior corona radiata(LSCR) (x=-27,y=-1,z=21;P=0.0017) was significantly lower in ASD group.(2) There was a positive correlation between the FA value of LPLI and the LACR,LSCR with age among the ASD group(r=0.436,P=0.012;r=0.443,P=0.010;r=0.475,P=0.005).There was a negative correlation between the FA value of the BCC,LPLI and the LACR,LSCR with the age among the HC children.(3) There was a correlation between the LPLI with the score of A DOS (communication:r=0.406,P=0.025;communication+social behavior:r=0.377,P=0.039;restrictive interests and repetitive behaviors:r=0.375,P=0.041) and SLAS (gross motor:r=-0.409,P=0.024),There was a correlation between the LSCR with the score of the SLAS (gross motor:r=-0.539,P=0.002,adaptive capacity:r=-0.373,P=0.041,mental age:r=-0.388,P=0.034).Conclusion The brain white matter microstructure change of BCC,LPLI,LACR,LSCR may be the pathophysiological basis of ASD.The development trend of brain white matter structure varied with age in ASD children is different from that of normal children.Brain white matter microstructure of the LPLI,LSCR is correlation with ASD symptoms.

Brain Micro-structural Alterations of Cough Syrup Abuse Addiction Patients Containing Codeine Under Resting State / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

[Objective]To investigate the micro-structural alterations within whole brain white matter(WM) in cough syrup abuse addiction patients containing codeine,and to explore the correlation between aberrant WH and abuse time of cough medicine abuse patients.[Methods]Thirty cough syrup abuse addiction patients containing codeine and 30 controls participated in the study. Structural changes in FA and(mean diffusivity)MD were examined in cough syrup abuse addiction patients containing codeine which derived from DTI tractography. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to compare the mean FA value and duration of cough syrup abuse addiction in patients.[Results]Cough syrup abuse addiction patients containing codeine had lower FA value in bilateral anterior limb of internal capsule(ALIC)and higher MD in the bilateral hippocampus and insula,right anterior cingulate cortex(ACC)and superior temporal gyrus,compared to the controls. Cough syrup abuse addiction group also had positive correlation between mean FAvalues and duration of cough syrup abuse addiction in patients.[Conclusion]Micro-structural alterations within whole brain white matter(WM)are found in cough syrup abuse addiction patients containing codeine. This disturbance progresses as duration increases of cough syrup abuse addiction in patients.

Diffusion tensor imaging study on white matter structure in children with autism spectrum disorder / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To explore the white matter microstructural change between autism spectrum disorder(ASD) children and the healthy controls and it's correlation with the age and the clinical symptoms.Methods Thirty-three patients with ASD and thirty-three healthy controls (HC) matched for sex-,age-and handedness underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans.Use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule(ADOS) and the Neuropsychological Development Inventory for Children Aged 0-6 Years Old (SLAS) to assess the clinical symptoms.Use tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) based on fiber skeleton to analyze the fractional anisotropy (FA) of the whole brain DTI then to identify the differentiated brain regions.And analyze the correlation with age and clinical symptoms.Results (1) FA value of the body of corpus callosum (BCC) (x =-10,y =11,z =26;P=0.0012),left posterior limb of internal capsule (LPLI) (x =-23,y =-11,z =12;P＜0.01),left anterior corona radiata (LACR) (x =-28,y =28,z =16;P＜ 0.01),lift superior corona radiata(LSCR) (x=-27,y=-1,z=21;P=0.0017) was significantly lower in ASD group.(2) There was a positive correlation between the FA value of LPLI and the LACR,LSCR with age among the ASD group(r=0.436,P=0.012;r=0.443,P=0.010;r=0.475,P=0.005).There was a negative correlation between the FA value of the BCC,LPLI and the LACR,LSCR with the age among the HC children.(3) There was a correlation between the LPLI with the score of A DOS (communication:r=0.406,P=0.025;communication+social behavior:r=0.377,P=0.039;restrictive interests and repetitive behaviors:r=0.375,P=0.041) and SLAS (gross motor:r=-0.409,P=0.024),There was a correlation between the LSCR with the score of the SLAS (gross motor:r=-0.539,P=0.002,adaptive capacity:r=-0.373,P=0.041,mental age:r=-0.388,P=0.034).Conclusion The brain white matter microstructure change of BCC,LPLI,LACR,LSCR may be the pathophysiological basis of ASD.The development trend of brain white matter structure varied with age in ASD children is different from that of normal children.Brain white matter microstructure of the LPLI,LSCR is correlation with ASD symptoms.

Optimal Factors of Diffusion Tensor Imaging Predicting Corticospinal Tract Injury in Patients with Brain Tumors

OBJECTIVE: To identify the optimal factors in diffusion tensor imaging for predicting corticospinal tract (CST) injury caused by brain tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 33 patients with motor weakness and 64 patients with normal motor function. The movement of the CST, minimum distance between the CST and the tumor, and relative fractional anisotropy (rFA) of the CST on diffusion tensor imaging, were compared between patients with motor weakness and normal function. Logistic regression analysis was used to obtain the optimal factor predicting motor weakness. RESULTS: In patients with motor weakness, the displacement (8.44 ± 6.64 mm) of the CST (p = 0.009), minimum distance (3.98 ± 7.49 mm) between the CST and tumor (p < 0.001), and rFA (0.83 ± 0.11) of the CST (p < 0.001) were significantly different from those of the normal group (4.64 ± 6.65 mm, 14.87 ± 12.04 mm, and 0.98 ± 0.05, respectively) (p = 0.009, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001). The frequencies of patients with the CST passing through the tumor (6%, p = 0.002), CST close to the tumor (23%, p < 0.001), CST close to a malignant tumor (high grade glioma, metastasis, or lymphoma) (19%, p < 0.001), and CST passing through infiltrating edema (19%, p < 0.001) in the motor weakness group, were significantly different from those of the patients with normal motor function (0, 8, 1, and 10%, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that decreased rFA and CST close to a malignant tumor were effective variables related to motor weakness. CONCLUSION: Decreased fractional anisotropy, combined with closeness of a malignant tumor to the CST, is the optimal factor in predicting CST injury caused by a brain tumor.

ADHD and Cerebellar Vermis Tumor: DTI Analysis of an Incidental Finding

The increase in number of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for investigation of neurological diseases in childhood and adolescence leads to increase of incidental findings of central nervous system (CNS) tumors in these stages of life. Among MRI techniques, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have been increasingly used in brain studies. These images are based on random motion of water molecules in the body, which can change depending on constitution and geometry of biological tissues, as well as the existence of pathologies. This paper reports the use of DTI and DWI to evaluation of a CNS tumor incidentally detected in a patient diagnosed previously with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He was diagnosed at age 9 and has been treated with medicines and psycho-pedagogical therapies. At age 15 a MRI detected a cerebellar vermis tumor with a volume of 2 cm3 . Due to parental decision, the patient did not undergo any surgical intervention. During the follow-up period we did not observe significant changes in tumor size or diffusion directions in the tumor and surrounding brain tissues. The main brain tracts presented normal diffusion patterns, both in terms of size and geometry. The DTI analysis showed that lesion was quite homogeneous and isotropic, with no significant restriction of diffusion. There also were no significant diffusion pattern changes in other regions of the brain which possibly could be related to ADHD. So, given the characteristics of lesion and the patient's clinical symptoms, it cannot be directly related to ADHD.

O maior número de exames de Ressonância Magnética (RM) para a investigação de doenças neurológicas na infância e adolescência leva a um aumento de achados incidentais de tumores do Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC) nessas fases da vida. Dentre as técnicas de RM, imagens ponderadas por difusão (DWI) e do tensor de difusão (DTI) vêm sendo cada vez mais empregadas em exames exploratórios. Essas imagens são baseadas no movimento randômico das moléculas de água no organismo, que varia em função da constituição e geometria dos tecidos biológicos, bem como da existência de patologias. Este trabalho relata o emprego das DWI e DTI para avaliação de um tumor no SNC detectado de forma incidental em um paciente com diagnóstico prévio de Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção (TDAH). Ele recebeu esse diagnóstico aos 9 anos, sendo tratado com medicações e suporte psicopedagógico. Aos 15 anos a RM apontou um tumor de 2 cm3 no vermis cerebelar. Por decisão dos pais, não houve qualquer intervenção cirúrgica. Durante o período de acompanhamento não foram observadas mudanças no tamanho do tumor ou direção de difusão na lesão e nas estruturas ao seu redor. Os principais tratos cerebrais apresentaram padrões de difusão normais, em termos de tamanho e geometria. A análise das DTI mostrou que a lesão era bastante homogênea e isotrópica, não apresentando restrição à difusão. Não foram encontradas alterações significantes na difusão em outras regiões do cérebro. Assim, dadas as características da lesão e as manifestações clínicas, não relacionamos o tumor diretamente ao TDAH.

The Study of the diffusion tensor imaging in patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia caused by neurovascular compression / 实用医学杂志

Objective Toexplore the application value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in evaluating evaluation offunctional changes of the in patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia caused (PTN) by neurovascular compression. Methods 40 unilateral PTN patients and 40 healthy volunteers were enrolled in ourstudy.They allAll patients underwent the general sequences and DTI ,and then to measured the ADC and FA values of the trigeminal nerves. Results (1) Compared with contralateral side (0.408 ± 0.054)and bilateral sides in control group(0.423 ± 0.057), FA value of the ipsilateral side in PTN group(0.330 ± 0.056) was significant lower (P< 0.05)compared with the contralateral side (0.408 ± 0.054) and bilateral sides in control group (0.423 ± 0.057).The ADC value of ipsilateralside (2.052 ± 0.473)× 10-3 mm2/s was significantly higher (P < 0.05) thancompared withthe contralateral side (1.541 ± 0.266) ×10-3 mm2/s and bilateral sides in control group(1.431 ± 0.308) ×10-3 mm2/s. (2) An There's a nnegative correlation was found (r = -0.613,P < 0.001) between the loss of FA and the increase of ADC (r = -0.613,P < 0.001). Conclusion DTI could be used to evaluate the changes of neuratrophy and demyelination ,so it canmight be used of in diagnosis and treatment of PTNin further way.

Evaluation of the Differences of Myocardial Fibers between Acute and Chronic Myocardial Infarction: Application of Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Rhesus Monkey Model

OBJECTIVE: To understand microstructural changes after myocardial infarction (MI), we evaluated myocardial fibers of rhesus monkeys during acute or chronic MI, and identified the differences of myocardial fibers between acute and chronic MI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six fixed hearts of rhesus monkeys with left anterior descending coronary artery ligation for 1 hour or 84 days were scanned by diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA) and helix angle (HA). RESULTS: Comparing with acute MI monkeys (FA: 0.59 ± 0.02; ADC: 5.0 ± 0.6 × 10(-4) mm2/s; HA: 94.5 ± 4.4°), chronic MI monkeys showed remarkably decreased FA value (0.26 ± 0.03), increased ADC value (7.8 ± 0.8 × 10(-4) mm2/s), decreased HA transmural range (49.5 ± 4.6°) and serious defects on endocardium in infarcted regions. The HA in infarcted regions shifted to more components of negative left-handed helix in chronic MI monkeys (-38.3 ± 5.0°-11.2 ± 4.3°) than in acute MI monkeys (-41.4 ± 5.1°-53.1 ± 3.7°), but the HA in remote regions shifted to more components of positive right-handed helix in chronic MI monkeys (-43.8 ± 2.7°-66.5 ± 4.9°) than in acute MI monkeys (-59.5 ± 3.4°-64.9 ± 4.3°). CONCLUSION: Diffusion tensor MRI method helps to quantify differences of mechanical microstructure and water diffusion of myocardial fibers between acute and chronic MI monkey's models.

DTI and DTT in evaluation of effect of childbearing history on female pelvic floor muscles / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigates the feasibility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion tensor tracking (DTT) for evaluation of the effect of childbearing history on female pelvic floor muscles. Methods Forty-six healthy females were divided into two groups: nulliparous and primiparous. MR conventional sequences and DTI were acquired. The optimized FA threshold value was obtained by regulating the FA to fiber tracking. The two groups were compared in terms of ADC, FA, VRA and T2-WT. Results (1)The DTT of FA 0.18 got the highest score in fiber tracking . ( 2 ) The ADC of nulliparous subjects and the subjects who had given birth were (1.24 ± 0.11) ×10-3 mm2/s, (1.33 ± 0.11) ×10-3 mm2/s (P = 0.017). There were no statistical differences in FA, VRA and T2-WT between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions The optimized FA threshold of fiber tracking in pelvic floor muscles is 0.18. DTI and DTT may be used to evaluate the effect of childbearing history on female pelvic floor muscles.

Association of Dysphagia With Supratentorial Lesions in Patients With Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke

OBJECTIVE: To determine the supratentorial area associated with poststroke dysphagia, we assessed the diffusion tensor images (DTI) in subacute stroke patients with supratentorial lesions. METHODS: We included 31 patients with a first episode of infarction in the middle cerebral artery territory. Each subject underwent brain DTI as well as a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and patients divided were into the dysphagia and non-dysphagia groups. Clinical dysphagia scale (CDS) scores were compared between the two groups. The corticospinal tract volume (TV), fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated for 11 regions of interest in the supratentorial area—primary motor cortex, primary somatosensory cortex, supplementary motor cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, parieto-occipital cortex, insular cortex, posterior limb of the internal capsule, thalamus, and basal ganglia (putamen and caudate nucleus). DTI parameters were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Among the 31 subjects, 17 were diagnosed with dysphagia by VFSS. Mean TVs were similar across the two groups. Significant inter-group differences were observed in two DTI values: the FA value in the contra-lesional primary motor cortex and the ADC value in the bilateral posterior limbs of the internal capsule (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The FA value in the primary motor cortex on the contra-lesional side and the ADC value in the bilateral PLIC can be associated with dysphagia in middle cerebral artery stroke.

Multimodality Imaging Approach in Alzheimer disease. Part I: Structural MRI, Functional MRI, Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Magnetization Transfer Imaging / Abordagem e multimodalidade de imagem em doença de Alzheimer. Parte I: RM estrutural, RMI funcional, tensor de difusão e transferência de magnetização de imagens

ABSTRACT The authors make a complete review of the potential clinical applications of traditional and novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in the evaluation of patients with Alzheimer's disease, including structural MRI, functional MRI, diffusion tension imaging and magnetization transfer imaging.

RESUMO Os autores fazem uma revisão complete das potenciais aplicações clínicas de técnicas tradicional e inovadoras de ressonância magnética na avaliação de pacientes com doença de Alzheimer, incluindo ressonância magnética estrutural, técnicas funcionais de ressonância magnética, técnica de "diffusion tensor imaging" e imagem de transferência magnética.

The study of diffusion tensor imaging and cognitive function in patients with asymptomatic mild traumat-ic brain injury / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Objective To explore the features of white matter in DTI in patients with asymptomatic mild traumat?ic brain injury(mTBI)and their correlation with the cognitive features. Methods The DTI data and cognitive function data were obtained from 36 mTBI patients and 36 health controls. The fractional anisotropy (FA) pictures were ana?lyzed by voxel-based analysis. The FA value differences of the two groups were analyzed by using t test. The values of FA were extracted from the abnormal regions of mTBI patients. Correlation analyses were performed on the association of extracted FA value with P300 latency,P300 amplitude,the scores of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, Hamilton Anxiey Scale,age and education(P>0.05). Results Compared with controls, mTBI patients had significant reduction of FA in the right medial frontal gyrus, bilateral postcentral gyrus, left precune?us, right posterior cingutate and right superior temporal gyrus(P<0.01,FDR correction). There were no significant correlations between extracted FA value and all clinical characteristics in mTBI patients. Conclusions Patients with mTBI have white matter microstructural damage and cognitive impairment.

Control de calidad en imagen por resonancia magnética: evaluación de parámetros de calidad en protocolos de neuroimagen / Quality control in magnetic resonance imaging: evaluation of quality parameters in neuroimaging protocols

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in neuroimaging due to the development of sequences that provide insight into structural and functional aspects of the brain, such as DTI and functional magnetic resonance (fMRI). Analysis of the images in neuroimaging is of a quantitative nature, which requires that the images be of a high quality. To ensure delivery of this required high quality image, a quality control protocol designed exclusively for neuroimaging has been developed. This protocol covers the evaluation of 5 quality parameters: geometric accuracy, image uniformity, SNR, slice position and slice thickness. MRI images were acquired of 3 mannequins, analyzing the images according to the methodology proposed for each parameter. The results have been mixed, in some parameters results obtained have been satisfactory and in others not. It is recommended that this proposed protocol be carried out respecting the methodology and taking into account the considerations cited in this article.

La resonancia magnética juega un rol muy importante en neuroimagen debido al desarrollo de secuencias que permiten conocer aspectos estructurales y funcionales del cerebro, tales como la DTI y la resonancia magnética funcional. El análisis de las imágenes en neuroimagen es de carácter cuantitativo, esto requiere que las imágenes sean de una elevada calidad. Con el fin de asegurar la obtención de esta elevada calidad de imagen requerida se ha elaborado un protocolo de control de calidad exclusivamente diseñado para neuroimagen. Este protocolo abarca la evaluación de 5 parámetros de calidad: exactitud geométrica, uniformidad de imagen, SNR, posición del corte y espesor del corte. Se han adquirido las imágenes por resonancia magnética de 3 maniquíes, analizando las imágenes de acuerdo a la metodología propuesta para cada parámetro. Los resultados han sido variados, en algunos parámetros se han obtenido resultados satisfactorios y en otros no. Se recomienda llevar a cabo este protocolo propuesto respetando la metodología y tomando en cuenta las consideraciones que se citan en este trabajo.

Characteristics of Brains in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Structure, Function and Connectivity across the Lifespan

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs). Over the past decade, neuroimaging studies have provided considerable insights underlying neurobiological mechanisms of ASD. In this review, we introduce recent findings from brain imaging studies to characterize the brains of ASD across the human lifespan. Results of structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies dealing with total brain volume, regional brain structure and cortical area are summarized. Using task-based functional MRI (fMRI), many studies have shown dysfunctional activation in critical areas of social communication and RRBs. We also describe several data to show abnormal connectivity in the ASD brains. Finally, we suggest the possible strategies to study ASD brains in the future.

Application of 9. 4 T of DTT in the diagnosis of cerebral gliomas of SD rat / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the 9 . 4 T of DTT in the diagnosis of SD rat C6 cerebral gliomas model about the change of CST on tumor progression and pathology confirmed. Methods ①10 μl C6 cell suspension of 106 cells number were implanted into the right caudate nucleus of brain hemisphere of 20 adult male SD rat with ster-eotactic technique. ②Application of 9. 4 T of DTT and DTI, meanwhile the routine T1-weighted imaging(T1WI), T2-weighted imaging(T2WI), contrast-enhanced T1WI,FLAIR imaging and diffusion tensor of the brain were ac-quired. Anatomic relationship between cerebral glioma and surrounding white matter fiber tracts was analyzed and measured the values of FA and MD in different areas on fractional anisotropic ( FA) map, color-coded directional map, three-dimensional (3D) white matter fiber tracts map, then stained with routine HE. Results All of SD rat C6 cerebral gliomas models 3 D white matter fiber tracts map by means of FA maps of DTI were successfully comple-ted. Apparently significant differences of FA values were found in solid tumor, surrounding edema, compared with normal white matter regions ( P0.05);there were significant differences of MD values between solid tumor, surrounding edema and normal white matter region ( P<0.05 ) . Conclusion The 9 . 4 T of DTT offers the optimal visualization of An-atomic relationship between cerebral glioma and surrounding white matter fiber tracts in the different periods of the tumor moder.

Diffusion tensor imaging studies in vascular disease: a review of the literature / Estudos com tensor de difusão na doença vascular: uma revisão da literatura

Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is often present in old age and may be associated with microstructural pathologyof white matter (WM) and cognitive dysfunction. The current review investigated the relationship between CVD, cognitive status and WM integrity as assessed by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods: DTI studies were searched on ISI and Pubmed databases from 2002 to 2012. Results: Studies evidenced DTI changes in WM as associated with vascular disease and provide increasing support for DTI as a valuable method for early detection of CVD. Conclusion: DTI parameters canserve as important biomarkers in monitoring vascular disease progression and treatment response and may represent asurrogate marker of WM tract integrity.

A doença cérebro-vascular (DCV) está frequentemente presente na idade avançada, podendo se associar à patologia microscópica da substância branca (SB) e à disfunção cognitiva. A presente revisão investiga a relação entre DCV, status cognitivo e a integridade da SB, através da avaliação pelo tensor de difusão (DTI). Métodos: Os estudos em DTI foram selecionados a partir das bases ISI e Pubmed entre 2002 a 2012. Resultados: Os estudos evidenciaram alterações do DTI na SB associadas à doença vascular e fornecem evidencia importante para o DTI como um método valioso para a detecção precoce da DCV. Conclusão: Os parâmetros do DTI podem servir como importantes biomarcadores na monitoração da doença vascular quanto a sua progressão e resposta terapêutica e parecem representar um marcador substituto da integridade da SB.