Effect of Kangaroo Mother Care on Cerebral Hemodynamics in Preterm Neonates Assessed by Transcranial Doppler Sonography in Middle Cerebral Artery

Objective: To study the effect of KMC in premature newborns on cerebral hemodynamics in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) using transcranial doppler sonography. Methods: In this descriptive study, 40 clinically stable preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of our institute and undergoing Kangaroo mother care (KMC) were enrolled. Physiological and cerebral blood flow parameters of MCA were obtained by using transcranial doppler sonography at baseline, at 60 minutes of KMC, and after 60 minutes of stopping KMC. Results: Of the 40 enrolled neonates (24 males), the mean (SD) birth weight, gestation age, and postnatal age were 1698.25 (495.44) g, 33.00 (1.67) wk, and 6.80 (4.51) days, respectively. The mean (SD) cerebral blood flow velocities increased (peak systolic velocity (PSV), P=0.03; end diastolic velocity, P<0.001; mean velocity, P<0.001) and doppler indices decreased (resistive index, P=0.001; pulsatility index, P<0.001) significantly; whereas, heart rate (P<0.001) decreased but SpO2 (P=0.001) and mean blood pressure (P=0.003) increased significantly at 60 minutes of KMC as compared to baseline. Sixty minutes after stopping KMC, all parameters (except PSV) were higher than baseline, indicating post KMC effect. Conclusion: KMC improves cerebral hemodynamics in clinically stable preterm neonates.

Cerebral blood flow autoregulation and cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with cerebral small vessel disease and depression / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the cerebral blood flow autoregulation and cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and depression.Methods:Eighty patients who were treated in Dalian Municipal Central Hospital Affiliated with Dalian University of Technology from May 2020 to may 2021 were selected and divided into observation group and control group according to the existence of depression. Transcranial Doppler sonography combined with standing and lying position test, breath holding test and breath exchange test were used to observe the "w" wave slope, the "w" wave slope, the "w" wave velocity and the "w" wave velocity cerebral blood flow velocity difference, breath holding index, pulsation index (PI) change rate before and after breath holding, resistance index (RI) change rate before and after breath holding, mean velocity (Vm), PI, RI change rate before and after breath exchange. The correlation between depression score and blood flow index was analyzed.Results:There were 38 and 29 patients occurred "w" wave in the control group and observation group respectively, and the rate were 95.0% (38/40) and 72.5% (29/40) respectively ( χ2 = 7.44, P = 0.006). The slope of "w" descending branch of Vm and the slope of "w" ascending branch of Vm in the observation group were smaller than those of the control group respectively: (1.26 ± 0.23) cm/s vs. (2.45 ± 1.00) cm/s, (1.38 ± 0.71) cm/s vs. (2.56 ± 0.77) cm/s, the difference of which had statistical meanings ( P<0.05). The difference of cerebral blood flow velocity of Vm after different positions in the observation group was higher than that in the control group significantly: (7.20 ± 3.07) cm/s vs. (2.93 ± 1.46) cm/s ( P<0.05). The breath holding index PI change rate, RI change rate before and after breath holding test in the observation group were lower than those in the control group statistically: (0.88 ± 0.33)% vs. (1.49 ± 0.27)%, (14.42 ± 9.31)% vs. (21.51 ± 8.79)%, (11.07 ± 1.70)% vs. (15.31 ± 6.73)% ( P<0.05). The change rates of Vm, PI and RI in the observation group before and after ventilation were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between depression score and "w" wave slope (Vm), breath holding index, Vm change rate before and after ventilation, and a positive correlation between depression score and cerebral blood flow velocity difference (Vm) in supine and upright position with statistical meanings ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Depression could lead to the decline of cerebral blood flow autoregulation and cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with SVD. And with the aggravation of depression, the decline of cerebral blood flow autoregulation and cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with SVD is more serious.

Effects of recombinant human erythropoietin on cerebral blood flow in preterm infants: arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging evaluation / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) on cerebral blood flow (CBF) in preterm infants using arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Methods:From September 2021 to June 2022, preterm infants (gestational age ≤32 weeks, birth weight ≤1 500 g) admitted to NICU of our hospital within 24 h after birth were randomly assigned into rhEPO group and control group for this prospective study. The rhEPO group was given rhEPO (500 IU/kg iv, once every other day for 2 weeks) within 72 h after birth plus symptomatic supportive treatment. The control group received same amount of normal saline injection. Both groups received brain MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging and ASL at adjusted gestational age of 35~37 weeks and CBF values of interested areas were measured.Results:A total of 85 infants were enrolled, including 40 in the rhEPO group and 45 in the control group. No significant differences existed in the incidences of periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, focal white matter injury and extensive white matter injury between the two groups ( P>0.05). The CBF values [ml/(100 g·min)] of frontal cortex [left 15.1±3.9 vs. 17.9±3.1, right 15.9 (12.5, 17.8) vs. 18.1(16.1,20.2)], temporal cortex [left 15.8±4.3 vs. 18.6±3.8, right 16.3(13.2,19.4) vs. 18.1(15.7,19.7)], occipital cortex (left 15.8±6.1 vs. 18.8±3.3, right 16.8±5.5 vs. 19.3±4.8), basal ganglia (left 24.7±7.2 vs. 28.7±6.2, right 26.0±7.9 vs. 29.3±6.4) and thalamus (left 32.7±11.8 vs. 37.9±8.6, right 32.1±11.6 vs. 37.6±10.2) in the rhEPO group were significantly lower than the control group ( P<0.05). No significant differences existed of CBF value at the parietal cortex between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Early application of rhEPO can reduce CBF in premature infants, which may be related to the neuro-protective effects of EPO.

Influence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia on cerebral blood flow in preterm infants: a prospective study based on arterial spin labeling / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate local cerebral blood perfusion in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) based on cerebral blood flow (CBF) values of arterial spin labeling (ASL).@*METHODS@#A prospective study was conducted on 90 preterm infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks and a birth weight of <1 500 g who were born in the Department of Obstetrics and admitted to the Department of Neonatology in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2021 to June 2022. All of the infants underwent cranial MRI and ASL at the corrected gestational age of 35-40 weeks. According to the presence or absence of BPD, they were divided into a BPD group with 45 infants and a non-BPD group with 45 infants. The two groups were compared in terms of the CBF values of the same regions of interest (frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, thalamus, and basal ganglia) on ASL image.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the non-BPD group, the BPD group had a significantly lower 1-minute Apgar score, a significantly longer duration of assisted ventilation, and a significantly higher incidence rate of fetal distress (P<0.05). After control for the confounding factors such as corrected age and age at the time of cranial MRI by multiple linear regression analysis, compared with the non-BPD group, the BPD group still had higher CBF values of the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, basal ganglia, and thalamus at both sides (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#BPD can increase cerebral blood perfusion in preterm infants, which might be associated with hypoxia and a long duration of assisted ventilation in the early stage.

Case Report: Arterial Spin Labeling Perfusion MRI Contribution for Clinical Implementation of Brain Disease

@#Currently, ASL is widely used as an additional breakthrough sequence in MRI due to acquiring reliable results. The case report aims to prove the efficacy and effectiveness of a quantitative method of ASL sequence through the calculation of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) on CBF maps in different cases. ASL sequence has been done on four patients with different cases. Then, the authors put 2 regions of interest (ROI) for measurement in normal and different regions on CBF maps and then calculated the average value result from CBF maps. ASL has been proven as a reliable and breakthrough sequence in MRI for detecting brain disease with a non-invasive method through the calculation of CBF value. ASL should be used as an additional protocol in brain examinations because it allows radiologists to assess the significance of CBF values using a quantitative method that is more reliable and non-invasiv

Soybean isoflavones alleviate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats by inhibiting ferroptosis and inflammatory cascade reaction / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mechanism that mediates the effect of soybean isoflavones (SI) against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in light of the regulation of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), ferroptosis, inflammatory response and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability.@*METHODS@#A total of 120 male SD rats were equally randomized into sham-operated group (Sham group), cerebral I/R injury group and SI pretreatment group (SI group). Focal cerebral I/R injury was induced in the latter two groups using a modified monofilament occlusion technique, and the intraoperative changes of real-time cerebral cortex blood flow were monitored using a laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF). The postoperative changes of cerebral pathological morphology and the ultrastructure of the neurons and the BBB were observed with optical and transmission electron microscopy. The neurological deficits of the rats was assessed, and the severities of cerebral infarction, brain edema and BBB disruption were quantified. The contents of Fe2+, GSH, MDA and MPO in the ischemic penumbra were determined with spectrophotometric tests. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1βwere analyzed using ELISA, and the expressions of GPX4, MMP-9 and occludin around the lesion were detected with Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.@*RESULTS@#The rCBF was sharply reduced in the rats in I/R group and SI group after successful insertion of the monofilament. Compared with those in Sham group, the rats in I/R group showed significantly increased neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarction volume, brain water content and Evans blue permeability (P < 0.01), decreased Fe2+ level, increased MDA level, decreased GSH content and GPX4 expression (P < 0.01), increased MPO content and serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β (P < 0.01), increased MMP-9 expression and lowered occludin expression (P < 0.01). All these changes were significantly ameliorated in rats pretreated with IS prior to I/R injury (P < 0.05 or 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#SI preconditioning reduces cerebral I/R injury in rats possibly by improving rCBF, inhibiting ferroptosis and inflammatory response and protecting the BBB.

Cerebral hemodynamic monitoring and risk factors of severe intraventricular hemorrhage in extremely and very preterm infants: a case control study / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the risk factors, cerebral hemodynamics and clinical outcomes of extremely and very preterm infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).Methods:From January 2019 to December 2019, premature infants with gestational age (GA) <32 w admitted to our hospital were assigned into severe IVH group and non-severe IVH group. Risk factors for severe IVH were analyzed. According to clinical outcomes, severe IVH group was further assigned into improvement subgroup and no-improvement subgroup. Cerebral hemodynamic parameters were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 346 eligible neonates were enrolled in this study. The incidence of severe IVH was 11.0% (38 cases). The incidences of Grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ IVH were 8.7% (30/346) and 2.3% (8/346), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CA < 28 w ( OR=4.365, 95% CI 1.055~18.054), 5 min Apgar score ≤7 ( OR=8.749, 95% CI 2.214~36.042), chorioamnionitis ( OR=3.245, 95% CI 1.127～9.344), PaCO 2 fluctuation within 1 h >25 mmHg ( OR=7.728, 95% CI 1.738~80.907) and vasoactive drugs usage ( OR=10.883, 95% CI 3.746~31.621) were the risk factors of severe IVH. 20 cases in severe IVH group were improved at discharge and 12 cases showed no improvement at discharge. Improvement subgroup showed quicker reduction of the middle cerebral artery flow resistance and faster recovery of the mean flow velocity than the no-improvement subgroup. Conclusions:GA <28 w, 5 min Apgar score ≤7, chorioamnionitis, PaCO 2 fluctuation within 1 h >25 mmHg and vasoactive drugs usage are risk factors of severe IVH in extremely and very preterm infants. Cerebral hemodynamic monitoring may provide initial assessment for the clinical outcomes for severe IVH.

Study of the relationship between regional cerebral saturation and pCO2 changes during mechanical ventilation to evaluate modifications in cerebral perfusion in a newborn piglet model

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) could be a useful continuous, non-invasive technique for monitoring the effect of partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) fluctuations in the cerebral circulation during ventilation. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of NIRS to detect acute changes in cerebral blood flow following PaCO2 fluctuations after confirming the autoregulation physiology in piglets. Fourteen piglets (<72 h of life) were studied. Mean arterial blood pressure, oxygen saturation, pH, glycemia, hemoglobin, electrolytes, and temperature were monitored. Eight animals were used to evaluate brain autoregulation, assessing superior cava vein Doppler as a proxy of cerebral blood flow changing mean arterial blood pressure. Another 6 animals were used to assess hypercapnia generated by decreasing ventilatory settings and complementary CO2 through the ventilator circuit and hypocapnia due to increasing ventilatory settings. Cerebral blood flow was determined by jugular vein blood flow by Doppler and continuously monitored with NIRS. A decrease in PaCO2 was observed after hyperventilation (47.6±2.4 to 29.0±4.9 mmHg). An increase in PaCO2 was observed after hypoventilation (48.5±5.5 to 90.4±25.1 mmHg). A decrease in cerebral blood flow after hyperventilation (21.8±10.4 to 15.1±11.0 mL/min) and an increase after hypoventilation (23.4±8.4 to 38.3±10.5 mL/min) were detected by Doppler ultrasound. A significant correlation was found between cerebral oxygenation and Doppler-derived parameters of blood flow and PaCO2. Although cerebral NIRS monitoring is mainly used to detect changes in regional brain oxygenation, modifications in cerebral blood flow following experimental PaCO2 changes were detected in newborn piglets when no other important variables were modified.

Application of multiple post labeling delay time arterial spin labeling imaging in the quantitative blood flow analysis of brain subregions in healthy adults / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To explore the normal ranges of perfusion parameters between cerebral hemisphere, cerebellar hemisphere and brain anatomical subregions (56 pairs) in different gender and age groups with multiple post labeling delay time (Multi-PLD) arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging.Methods:From November 2020 to December 2020, 42 healthy adult volunteers (Male 25, Female 17) were recruited to perform 7 PLD ASL imaging, including 21 young adults (15 males and 6 females, aged 23—35 years) and 21 seniors (10 males and 11 females, aged 36—74 years). The data was processed offline by Cereflow software to obtain arterial arrival time (ATT) and corrected cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) perfusion parameters. SimpleITK standardization function was used to standardize the calculated perfusion image according to the anatomical automatic labeling (AAL) template. Therefore, CBF, ATT, CBV perfusion values of brain subregions were obtained. Paired samples t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, independent samples t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the differences of perfusion parameters in the cerebral hemisphere, the cerebellar hemisphere, brain subregions depending on side, gender and age. Pearson correlation analysis was used to compare the correlations of perfusion parameters with age. Results:CBF in 62.5% (35/56) subregions and CBV in 44.6% (25/56) subregions were higher in right side than those in left side. ATT in most brain anatomical subregions (16/56) were higher in left side. The CBF [(35.30±8.31) vs. (34.34±7.53) ml·100g -1·min -1, P=0.021], CBV [(0.47±0.11) vs. (0.45±0.09) ml/100g, P<0.001], ATT [(1.30±0.10) vs. (1.24±0.11) s, P<0.001] in left cerebellar hemisphere were higher than that of right side. The CBF (28/56) of cerebral hemisphere, cerebellar hemisphere and brain subregions was higher in females than that in males, while ATT in 83.9% (47/56) subregions was lower than that in males (all P<0.05). CBV in female subjects was higher only in 5 brain regions (superior occipital gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, inferior occipital gyrus, superior parietal gyrus and cerebelum_7b) (all P<0.05). In young subjects, CBF in 44.6% (25/56) subregions and CBV in 33.9% (19/56) subregions were higher than those in the senior group (all P<0.05). The ATT in most subregions in young group were lower than those in senior group, but the difference was statistically significant only in rectus gyrus ( P=0.026) and paracentral lobule ( P=0.006). The CBF ( r=-0.430, P=0.005) and CBV ( r=-0.327, P=0.035) of cerebral hemisphere were negatively correlated with age. The CBF (24/25, r range:-0.497 —-0.343, all P<0.05) and CBV (16/19, r range:-0.474 —-0.322, all P<0.05) in most subregions were negatively correlated with age, while ATT was positively correlated (gyrus rectus: r=0.311, P=0.045; paracentral lobule: r=0.392, P=0.010). Conclusions:Multi-PLD ASL imaging could be applied for quantitative analysis of brain perfusion. The perfusion parameters of anatomical subregions are different depending on side, gender, and age.

Effect of combination of acupuncture and psychological intervention on attention, response inhibition and cerebral blood flow in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical curative effect on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and explore the relevant mechanism of acupuncture in treatment.@*METHODS@#A total of 100 ADHD children were randomized into an observation group (50 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (50 cases, 1 case dropped off). In the control group, the routine psychological intervention was used. In the observation group, on the base of the treatment as the control group, acupuncture was applied to Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), etc., once daily, for 3 months. The Cambridge neuropsychological tests automated battery (CANTAB) was adopted to evaluate attention and response inhibition in two groups before and after treatment. Digi-Lite color transcranial Doppler was used to measure cerebral arterial blood velocity. The therapeutic effect was compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Regarding evaluation of attention, the mean delay time in the observation group after treatment was shorter than that before treatment and that in the control group separately (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture combined with psychological intervention may improve attention and response inhibition in ADHD children, which is possibly related to the regulation of cerebral blood flow.

The impact of masticatory dysfunction caused by occlusal disharmony on cognitive function / 口腔疾病防治

@#As the world’s population ages, age-related cognitive decline and dementia are becoming important challenges for geriatric care. Despite the ongoing search for solutions to address cognitive decline, effective interventions have not yet been established. There is increasing evidence from clinical, epidemiological, and animal studies that masticatory dysfunction due to occlusal disharmony is a risk factor for cognitive decline and an increased incidence of dementia. The mechanisms may involve altered nutritional intake, decreased cerebral blood flow, chronic stress, and hippocampal morphological function. These findings suggest that maintaining and adequately restoring the entire masticatory system has a positive impact for the prevention of cognitive decline.

Correlation between pulsatility index of medial cerebri artery and cognitive function in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2

Background: Cognitive impairment is prevalent among cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) is a major risk factor of CVD. Gold standard used for diagnosing vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) required a combination of neurophysiological approach and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The Neurosonological approach, involving measuring the pulsatility index (PI) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) using Trans Cranial Doppler (TCD) could be applied as an affordable alternative to predict VCI. The objective of this study was to revealed the correlation between PI MCS and cognitive function among DMT2 patients.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey in patients with DMT2 visiting Neurology and Endocrine Outpatient Clinics at Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Manado General Hospital, who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sixty (60) subjects were examined by TCD with 2 MHz to assess the hypo-perfusion level. Their cognitive were assessed with the Indonesian version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa-Ina).Results: Right and left MCA median PI was 1.1 (IQR 0.9-1.4) and 1.0 (IQR 0.9-1.2) consecutively. MoCa-Ina median score was approximately 25 (IQR 22-26). Boxplot graph showed left PI MCA median score was higher in patients with normal cognitive function compared with cognitive impairment. Authors could not reach any significant statistical difference between PI MCA score and its correlation with cognitive function (p>0.05).Conclusions: Majority of patients with DMT2 have PI MCA score within normal range. Cognitive function among patient with DMT2 was mostly impaired. There is no correlation between PI MCA with cognitive function of patients with DMT2.

Identification of separation phenomenon during brain death determination of potential organ donor and analysis of relative factors

Background: With analyzing the incongruent phenomenon of electrical active and cerebral blood flow in brain death determination and screening the related factors, offer correct explanations and countermeasure to ensure the successful implementation of donation after brain death.Methods: Relevant clinical data of potential brain death organ donors were prospectively collected between June 2018 and May 2019. The related parameters of neurological examination, laboratory examination and neuroimaging examination during the period of brain death determination were dynamically recorded. Separation phenomenon was used as grouping factors to screen the factors related to separation phenomena through univariate and multivariate analysis.Results: According to the inclusion criteria, 127 patients were included in the study. Among 22 patients (17.3%) with incongruent phenomenon, 17 (77.3%) had electrical silence earlier than cerebral blood flow arrest, and 9 (22.7%) had cerebral blood flow arrest earlier than electrical silence. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that age <14 years (OR=6.25, 95%CI 1.21-32.22, p=0.028),  SBP≥140 mmHg (OR=7.43, 95%CI 1.62-33.99, p=0.010), primary brainstem injury (OR=15.89, 95%CI 3.04-82.93, p=0.006), spontaneous respiratory arrest time ≤72 hours (OR=11.96, 95%CI 1.59-89.78, p=0.009) and decompression craniotomy(unilateral or bilateral) (OR=16.28, 95%CI 2.25-117.73, p=0.001) were associated with separation phenomenon..Conclusions: Separation phenomenon is a common during the confirmation test of brain death determination in China, and should be correctly recognized. To adopt corresponding measures according to risk factors is useful for successful implementation of donation after brain death.

Arterial spin labeling imaging in evaluation of cerebral blood flow in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective: To explore the feasibility of arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging in assessment of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis. Methods: Plain MR, DWI, three dimensional time of flight (3D-TOF) and ASL scanning were performed in 30 patients with unilateral internal carotid artery stenosis. Then the patients were divided into mild stenosis, moderate stenosis and severe stenosis cases according to 3D-TOF imaging. CBF of basal ganglia, centrum semiovale, anterior watershed, frontal lobe and temporal lobe were calculated and compared between the healthy side and the affected side. Results: One side internal carotid artery stenosis was mild in 11 cases, moderate in 9 cases and severe in 10 cases. There was no significant difference of CBF between the healthy side and the affected side of basal ganglia, centrum semiovale, anterior watershed, frontal lobe nor temporal lobe in patients with mild and moderate stenosis (all P> 0.05), while CBF of healthy side of each brain area in patients with severe stenosis were all higher than in the affected side (all P< 0.05). CBF value decreased with the increase of stenosis degree and negatively correlated with the latter (r=-0.966, P< 0.001). Conclusion: ASL can quantitatively and accurately evaluate CBF in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis, which is of great significance for guiding clinical treatment and evaluating curative effect.

Assessment of changes in perfusion after radiotherapy for brain metastasis using three-dimensional arterial spin labeling / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective: This study aimed to quantitatively analyze changes in blood perfusion in brain metastases (BMs), normal brain areas, and peritumor edema areas during radiotherapy (RT) using three-dimensional arterial spin labeling (3D-ASL) in BMs patients. The associations between perfusion changes in the three brain regions and RT dose gradients need to be established to provide a reference for individualized RT for BMs patients. Methods: MR-simulated location images of 26 BMs patients before and after RT were collected (including enhanced T1W images and perfusion maps of 3D-ASL; BMs tumor target areas were identified using enhanced T1W images and perfusion information was obtained from 3D-ASL). The high signal areas of BMs on contrast-enhanced T1W images, normal brain areas, and peritumor edema areas were defined as regions of interest (ROIs). The changes and correlation of the mean maximum cross-sectional area and mean maximum cerebral blood flow (CBF) in BMs tumor target areas before and after RT were assessed. Changes in CBF values in the three ROIs under different dose gradients were analyzed. Results: The mean maximum cross-sectional area and CBF values of BMs decreased by 26.46% and 29.64%, respectively, after RT (both P50 Gy dose gradients were 33.75%, 24.61%, and 27.55%, respectively (all P50 Gy, the decreasing CBF rates after RT were 7.65%, 11.12%, 18.42%, 20.23%, 19.79%, and 17.89%, respectively (all P<0.05). The decreasing CBF rates in peritumor edema areas increased as dose gradients increased after RT. The perfusion changes in BMs after RT were more notable than those in normal brain areas and peritumor edema areas. Conclusions: Thus, 3D-ASL can objectively reflect changes in perfusion in BMs, normal brain areas, and peritumor edema areas. Based on changes in CBF, it is recommended to control the dose administered to normal brain areas to <30 Gy, whereas high doses

Research progresses of arterial spin labeling imaging in mild cognitive impairment / 中国医学影像技术

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the pathogenesis of AD is still unclear. Cerebral blood flow is an important indicator of brain function. Various causes lead to decreased regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and damage brain. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI is an imaging technology that measure rCBF by magnetizing hydrogen protons in labeled arterial blood as endogenous tracers. The progresses of ASL imaging in early diagnosis and monitoring progression as well as evaluation on therapeutic effects of MCI were reviewed in this article.

Efficacy of Acupuncture Combined with Local Anesthesia in Ischemic Stroke Patients with Carotid Artery Stenting: A Prospective Randomized Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy of electro-acupuncture (EA) or transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on perioperative cerebral blood flow (CBF) and neurological function in ischemic stroke (IS) patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS).@*METHODS@#In total, 124 consecutive IS patients were randomly allocated to the EA, TEAS, and sham groups (groups A, T, and S; 41, 42, and 41 cases, respectively) by software-derived random-number sequence. Groups A and T received EA and TEAS, respectively, at the Shuigou (GV 26) and Baihui (GV 20), Hegu (LI4) and Waiguan (TE 5) acupoints. Group S received sham EA. The stimulation was started from 30 min before surgery until the end of the operation. The primary outcome was the CBF at 30 min after surgery, which was measured by transcranial Doppler sonography. The secondary outcomes included hyperperfusion incidence and neurological function. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and General Evaluation Scale (GES) scores were recorded at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively.@*RESULTS@#Mean CBF velocity at 30 min after surgery in groups A and T was much lower than that in Group S (P < 0.05); the incidence of hyperperfusion in Groups A and T was also lower than that in group S (P <0.05). Acupuncture was an independent factor associated with reduced incidence of hyperperfusion (OR=0.042; 95% CI: 0.002-0.785; =0.034). NIHSS and GES scores improved significantly at 1 week postoperatively in Groups A and T than in Group S (P < 0.05). Relative to Group S, groups A and T exhibited significantly lower incidences of moderate pain, as well as higher incidences of satisfaction with anesthesia, at 1 day postoperatively (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#EA or TEAS administered in combination with local anesthesia during CAS can inhibit transient increases in CBF, reduce the incidence of postoperative hyperperfusion, and improve neurological function. (Registration No. ChiCTR-IOR-15007447).

Effect of injecting mouse nerve growth factor in different ways on motor development, cerebral hemodynamics and biochemical metabolism in children with cerebral palsy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effect of acupoint injection and intramuscular injection with mouse nerve growth factor (mNGF) on gross motor function development of children with cerebral palsy (CP), and explore the treatment mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 63 children with CP were randomly divided into an observation group (32 cases, 4 cases dropped off ) and a control group (31 cases, 3 cases dropped off). Based on the routine rehabilitation therapy, the control group received intramuscular injection of mNGF(18 µg/2 mL), and the observation group received acupoint injection of mNGF at Xinshu (BL 15), Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), Sanjiaoshu (BL 22), Shenting (GV 24), Baihui (GV 20), Fengfu (GV 16), Dazhui (GV 14), etc. Of them, 5-6 acupoints alternately were selected each time, and each acupoint was given 0.3-0.5 mL, totally 18 µg/2 mL. Both treatment were carried out once every other day for six months. Before and after treatment, the children's development of brain function was assessed using gross motor function classification system (GMFCS). Before treatment (T), after 2 (T), 4 (T) and 6 (T) months of treatment, the motor function was evaluated by gross motor function measure (GMFM-88). The systolic peak velocity (Vs), mean velocity (Vm) and vascular resistance index (RI) of anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) were measured, and the level of N-acetyl aspartate acid (NAA), choline (Cho), lactate (Lac) and creatine (Cr) from the basal ganglia, thalamus and periventricular white mater were detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) technology with MAGNETOM Skyra3.0T magnetic resonance imaging system before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#Compared with before treatment, the GMFCS classification of the observation group after treatment was significantly improved (0.05), however, the observation group had a 3.142 times of feasibility for good gross motor function development by more than level 1 compared to the control group (<0.05). After 2, 4, and 6 months of treatment, the GMFM-88 scores of the two groups showed an upward trend (<0.01), and the increase of the observation group was greater than that of the control group (<0.05). Compared with before treatment, in the ACA and MCA, the Vs and Vm increased, RI decreased in both groups after treatment (<0.01), and in the brain, NAA/Cr increased, Cho/Cr and Lac/Cr decreased (<0.01), and after treatment, the Vs, Vm of ACA and MCA and NAA/Cr of brain in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (<0.05), and the RI of ACA and MCA and Cho/Cr and Lac/Cr of brain in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The mNGF acupoint injection has a better effect on the gross motor function in the children with cerebral palsy compared with the intramuscular injection, and the mechanism may be associated with exhibiting the double effects of acupoint effect and the targeting therapy of drug, which can effectively improve the cerebral hemodynamics and the metabolism of cerebral nervous substances.

Normal-pressure hydrocephalus: A critical review / Hidrocefalia de pressão normal: uma revisão crítica

ABSTRACT. Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a potentially reversible syndrome characterized by enlarged cerebral ventricles (ventriculomegaly), cognitive impairment, gait apraxia and urinary incontinence. A critical review of the concept, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of both idiopathic and secondary NPH was conducted. We searched Medline and PubMed databases from January 2012 to December 2018 using the keywords "normal-pressure hydrocephalus" / "idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus" / "secondary normal-pressure hydrocephalus" / "NPH" / "ventriculoperitoneal shunt". The initial search produced 341 hits. After careful selection, a total of 54 articles were chosen and additional relevant studies were included during the process of writing this article. NPH is an important cause of potentially reversible dementia, frequent falls and recurrent urinary infections in the elderly. The clinical and imaging features of NPH may be incomplete or nonspecific, posing a diagnostic challenge for medical doctors and often requiring expert assessment to minimize unsuccessful surgical treatments. Recent advances resulting from the use of non-invasive MRI methods for quantifying cerebral blood flow, in particular arterial spin-labeling (ASL), and the frequent association of NPH and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), offer new avenues to understand and treat NPH.

RESUMO. A hidrocefalia de pressão normal (HPN) é uma síndrome potencialmente reversível marcada por ventrículos cerebrais alargados (ventriculomegalia), declínio cognitivo, apraxia da marcha e incontinência urinária. Revisar criticamente o conceito, a fisiopatologia, o diagnóstico e o tratamento da HPN idiopática e secundária. Os autores acessaram as bases de dados Medline e Pubmed entre janeiro de 2012 e dezembro de 2018, utilizando as palavras-chave "normal-pressure hydrocephalus" / "idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus" / "secondary normal-pressure hydrocephalus" / "NPH" / "ventriculoperitoneal shunt". A busca inicial resultou em 341 artigos. Após cuidadosa seleção, 54 estudos foram escolhidos e pesquisas adicionais foram incluídas durante o processo de elaboração do manuscrito. A HPN é uma importante causa de demência potencialmente reversível, quedas frequentes e infecção urinária recorrente em idosos. As características clínicas e de imagem da HPN podem ser incompletas ou inespecíficas, de modo que este se torna um diagnóstico difícil para médicos. Não raro uma avaliação por especialista é necessária, visando minimizar tratamentos cirúrgicos ineficazes. Avanços recentes advindos do uso não invasivo de ressonância magnética para quantificação do fluxo sanguíneo cerebral, em particular arterial spin-labeling (ASL), assim como a usual associação entre HPN e apneia obstrutiva do sono representam novos meios de entender e de tratar a HPN.

Three-dimensional pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling assessment of imaging progress in acute ischemic stroke with unilateral middle cerebral artery stenosis / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To assess the value of three-dimensional pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling(3D-pcASL)in assessment of imaging progress in acute ischemic stroke with unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis. Methods MRI data of 31 patients of acute ischemic stroke with unilateral MCA stenosis were analyzed retrospectively. According to the whole brain DWI characteristics at the time of admission and within 7 days after admission, the patients were divided into progressive group (n=20) and non-progressive group (n=11). 3D-pcASL with post-labeling delay (PLD) of 1.5 s and 2.5 s were performed. The value of blood flow of collateral circulation (ΔCBF) in bilateral (involved side and healthy side) brain regions,including frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital cortices, anterior watershed, internal watershed, posterior watershed and basal ganglia were measured and compared between 2 groups. ROC curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of each region's ΔCBF at involved side in diagnosis of imaging progress of acute ischemic stroke with unilateral MCA stenosis. Results Progress group had significantly lower ΔCBF value in the posterior watershed of both sides compared with non-progressive group (both P<0.05). The area under ROC curve (AUC) of ΔCBF value in posterior watershed at involved side was 0.750, the sensitivity and specificity was 0.85 and 0.64, while in internal watershed were 0.709, 0.95 and 0.55, respectively. Conclusion 3D-pcASL can estimate the compensatory status of collateral circulation in acute ischemic stroke patients with unilateral MCA stenosis, being helpful to early diagnosis of imaging progress of acute ischemic stroke.