Preliminary analysis of mRNA and microRNA differential expression profiles in spinal cord regeneration of Gekko japonicus after tail amputation / 解剖学报

Objective To analyze the expression changes of related mRNA and microRNA(miRNA)during spinal cord regeneration after tail amputation of Gekko japonicus, and to explore the biological effects of differentially expressed mRNA and miRNA during spinal cord regeneration. Methods Fifty Gekko japonicus, the tail amputation model of Gekko japonicus was constructed, divided into normal group, 15 days tail amputation group, and 25 days tail amputation group, 5 in each group, repeat the experiment 3 times, 5 spare. Samples of each group were collected, RNA of each group was extracted and high-throughput sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis identifies differentially expressed mRNA and miRNA between groups, Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis of differentially expressed mRNA functional annotations, and construction of miRNA and mRNA gene regulatory networks related to spinal cord regeneration. Results The differential expression of mRNA and miRNA in the normal and newborn spinal cords of Gekko japonicus was analyzed by sequencing. The 15 days and 25 days tail amputation groups identified 538 and 510 differential mRNA expressions and 446, 127 differential miRNA expressions, respectively. GO analysis found that the differentially expressed mRNA aggregated in biological processes related to cell proliferation and neurodevelopment. In the spinal cord regeneration-related miRNA and its target gene regulatory network, 21 mRNA expression was down-regulated in the 15 days tail amputation group, which was regulated negatively by 41 up-regulated miRNAs; 12 mRNA expression was up-regulated and was regulated by 29 down-regulated miRNAs. In the 25 days tail amputation group, 8 mRNA expression was down-regulated and regulated negatively by 10 up-regulated miRNAs; 20 mRNA expression was up-regulated and regulated by 32 down-regulated miRNAs. Conclusion Through the analysis of the differential expression of miRNA and mRNA in the regenerated spinal cord of Gekko japonicus, the expression changes of mRNA and miRNA in spinal cord regeneration were initially revealed, which provided experimental data for elucidating the molecular mechanism of spinal cord regeneration.

Kinematic simulation of lower limb joints with local Euler angles / 解剖学报

Objective To explore the parameters and effects of local Euler angle in the kinematic simulation of lower limb joints. Methods The hip, femur, patella, tibia, fibula and foot bones were segmented and reconstructed based on one set of computed tomographic (CT) data. The virtual models were imported into 3DSMax for smoothing, optimization, axis regulation and other processing. Models were imported into Unity3D after being processed, and the hip, knee, ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints were simulated with local Euler angle. The scripts were tested to adjust the relevant parameters. The documents were released as executable documents. Results The movement of hip, knee, ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints could be simulated as real movement without exceeding the range of articular fossa (- 170°- 170° in flexion and extension, -30°-80° in abduction and adduction, -40°-60° in rotation of hip joint; 0-140 degrees in flexion of knee joint; -60°-55°in flexion and extension and -30°-20° in varus and evagination of ankle joint; -40°-30° in flexion and extension of metatarsophanlangeal joint). Conclusion The local Euler angle used in Unity3D based on "parent-children" relationship is adapt to simulate the real range of single and whole motion of lower limb joints.

Current Status of Etiology, Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations and Imagings for COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a transmissible respiratory disease that was initially reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. With the alarming levels of COVID-19 spread worldwide, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. Over the past several months, chest CT has played a vital role in early identification, disease severity assessment, and dynamic disease course monitoring of COVID-19. The published data has enriched our knowledge on the etiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and pathologic findings of COVID-19. Additionally, as the imaging spectrum of the disease continues to be defined, extrapulmonary infections or other complications will require further attention. This review aims to provide an updated framework and essential knowledge with which radiologists can better understand COVID-19.

Infection Control and Management Strategy for COVID-19 in the Radiology Department: Focusing on Experiences from China

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new infectious disease rapidly spreading around the world, raising global public health concerns. Radiological examinations play a crucial role in the early diagnosis and follow-up of COVID-19. Cross infection among patients and radiographers can occur in radiology departments due to the close and frequent contact of radiographers with confirmed or potentially infected patients in a relatively confined room during radiological workflow. This article outlines our experience in the emergency management procedure and infection control of the radiology department during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Tube Voltage, DNA Double-Strand Breaks, and Image Quality in Coronary CT Angiography

Objective@#To evaluate the effects of tube voltage on image quality in coronary CT angiography (CCTA), the estimated radiationdose, and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in peripheral blood lymphocytes to optimize the use of CCTA in the era of lowradiation doses. @*Materials and Methods@#This study included 240 patients who were divided into 2 groups according to the DNA DSB analysismethods, i.e., immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Each group was subdivided into 4 subgroups: thosereceiving CCTA only with different tube voltages of 120, 100, 80, or 70 kVp. Objective and subjective image quality wasevaluated by analysis of variance. Radiation dosages were also recorded and compared. @*Results@#There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics between the 2 groups and 4 subgroups in eachgroup (all p > 0.05). As tube voltage decreased, both image quality and radiation dose decreased gradually and significantly.After CCTA, γ-H2AX foci and mean fluorescence intensity in the 120-, 100-, 80-, and 70-kVp groups increased by 0.14, 0.09,0.07, and 0.06 foci per cell and 21.26, 9.13, 8.10, and 7.13 (all p 0.05). @*Conclusion@#The 100-kVp tube voltage may be optimal for CCTA when weighing DNA DSBs against the estimated radiationdose and image quality, with further reductions in tube voltage being unnecessary for CCTA.

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve in Patients with Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Left Coronary Sinus

Magnetic resonance imaging features and differential diagnosis of multiple gliomas / 医学研究生学报

Objective The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns of multiple gliomas are insufficiently understood because the related studies are rarely reported and mostly with small-size samples. This article summarizes the MR manifestations of multiple gliomas, analyzes their imaging features and proposes some diagnostic ideas. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 303 cases of diffuse glioma pathologically confirmed in our hospital from January 2014 to December 2018, including 240 cases of solitary (79.2%) and 63 cases of multiple gliomas (20.8%). We analyzed the MRI manifestations, summarized the MRI patterns, and investigated the differential diagnosis of multiple gliomas. Results According to the growth patterns, 4 of the 63 cases of multiple gliomas were classified as multicentric and the other 59 as multifocal glioma, and of the 59 cases of multifocal glioma, 35 spread along the white matter fiber bundle, 24 along the subependymal and small vessel space, 6 along the meningia-subarachnoid space, and 41 in a mode of direct invasion. The manifestations of cortical involvement included cortical tubers (37.2% [16/43]), multiple cortical tubers with high-intensity signals on T2WI, diffuse cortical swelling (44.2% [19/43]), frontal cortical swelling with high-intensity signals on T2FLAIR, and enhancement along the cortex (37.2% [16/43]). Interfocal heterogeneity was observed in 45 of 63 cases (71.4%). The imaging features of the lesions were classified into 5 types: metastasis (69.8%), granulomatosis (4.8%), abscess (12.7%), encephalitis (6.3%) and metabolic encephalopathy (6.3%). Conclusion The specific MRI presentations of multiple gliomas are cortical involvement and interfocal heterogeneity. The 5 MRI features of multiple gliomas may help improve the differential diagnosis of the lesions.

CT diagnosis and differential diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE gene fusions / 医学研究生学报

Objective XPll.2/TFE RCC is an independent subtype of renal cell carcinoma, which is rare. The aim of this study is to investigate the CT features of Xp11.2/TFE RCC and improve the accuracy of diagnosis. MethodsCT findings of 30 cases from August 2009 to September 2017 of Xp11.2/TFE RCC from Eastern War Zone General Hospital, including location, density, edge, enhancement degree, lymphatic metastasis and others. They were analyzed respectively and compared with those of ccRCC. ResultsThe differences in CT values between tumors and renal cortex and renal medulla was statistically significant different phases (PP< 0.01). Most of patients with Xp11.2/TFE RCC are younger, about (36.4±17.7) years old. Females are more common, accounting for about 70% compared with ccRCC(50%). CT plan scan showed slightly higher density, about (45.2±8.9)HU vs (34.1±4.4)HU, high calcification rate, about 46.7% % vs 10.0% and CT scan with contrast agent showed gradual enhancement. The difference all were statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusion XPll.2/ has certain CT characteristics. Combined with CT and clinical manifestation of patients, it is helpful to improve the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis.

Cardiac magnetic resonance for assessment of cardiac structure and function after renal transplantation in patients with end-stage renal disease / 医学研究生学报

Objective Few clinical studies have been reported on the reversibility of uremic cardiomyopathy (UC) after renal transplantation. This article aimed to investigate the cardiac structure and function of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing renal transplantation using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods This study included 38 ESRD patients undergoing renal transplantation in the National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command, from September 2015 to February 2017. All the patients received initial CMR examination at 1－2 days before renal transplantation and during the postoperative follow-up. At the median follow-up time of 3.5 (3.4-3.7), 7.0 (3.7-9.5) and 8.4 (7.1-12.7) months, we recorded the CMR parameters, including the left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), end-systolic volume (LVESV), end-diastolic mass (LVEDM), end-systolic mass (LVESM), ejection fraction (LVEF), and native myocardial T1 relaxation time, and compared the parameters obtained before and after surgery. Results Twenty-five of the patients completed the postoperative follow-up, who averaged 27.5 years of age, with no history of diabetes mellitus or ischemic heart disease, and treated by dialysis for 1.7 (1.5-2.2) years. At 7.0 months after renal transplantation, as compared with the baseline, the patients showed significant decreases in the LVEDV ([96.7 ± 22.8] vs [83.4 ± 17.4] mL/m², P < 0.05), LVESV ([44.3 ± 14.8] vs [33.0 ± 10.9] mL/m², P < 0.05) and LVEDM ([67.1 ± 24.2] vs [59.0 ± 17.0] mL/m², P < 0.05), but an increase in the LVEF ([54.1 ± 10.6] % vs [60.9 ± 9.6] %, P < 0.01). The LVEDV and LVESV were also remarkably lower at 3.5 and 8.4 months than the baseline (P < 0.001), and so were the left ventricular at basal, mid, apical and global native T1 relaxation times at 3.5, 7.0 and 8.4 months (P < 0.05). Conclusion For young ESRD patients with no history of diabetes mellitus or ischemic heart disease and on short-term dialysis, left ventricular dilatation, systolic dysfunction and diffuse myocardial fibrosis are reversible after renal transplantation. Native T1 relaxation time can be used as a sensitive indicator to evaluate the degree of diffuse myocardial fibrosis in ESRD patients.

Functional Evaluation of Transplanted Kidneys with Reduced Field-of-View Diffusion-Weighted Imaging at 3T

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of reduced field-of-view diffusion-weighted imaging (rFOV DWI) with multi-b values to detect functional variability in transplanted kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a 3T MRI scanner, multi-b rFOV DWI of transplanted kidney or native kidney was performed in 40 renal transplantation recipients and 18 healthy volunteers. The patients were stratified, according to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): Group 1, eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2; Group 2, eGFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2; Group 3, eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Total apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCT), perfusion-free ADC (ADCD) and perfusion fraction (FP) of kidneys were calculated and compared among the four groups. Correlations between the imaging results and eGFR were assessed. RESULTS: All volunteers had eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, while 16, 16, and 8 patients were included in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the renal cortex, ADCT was higher in Group 1 ([1.65 ± 0.13] × 10−3 mm2/s) than Group 3 ([1.44 ± 0.11] × 10−3 mm2/s) (p < 0.05), and the inter-group differences of FP values were significant (all p < 0.05) (0.330 ± 0.024, 0.309 ± 0.019, 0.278 ± 0.033, and 0.250 ± 0.028 for control group, Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Renal cortical ADCT, ADCD, FP, and renal medullary ADCT and FP correlated positively with eGFR (r = 0.596, 0.403, 0.711, 0.341, and 0.323, respectively; all p < 0.05). When using 0.278 as the cutoff value, renal cortical FP had a sensitivity of 97.1% and a specificity of 66.7% for predicting decreased renal function. CONCLUSION: Multi-b rFOV DWI presents transplanted kidneys with high resolution, which is a promising functional tool for non-invasively monitoring function of transplanted kidneys.

Artificial intelligence in radiology / 医学研究生学报

Breakthrough in the development of artificial intelligence in Radiology attributes to the advances in deep-learning algorithms, increasing computing power and improved availability of large datasets, and also contributes to the advance of intelligent medicine. This review describes the history, significance and research process of artificial intelligence in Radiology, and comments the pitfalls and perspective of the field.

Magnetic Resonance Gd-RGD Imaging Study of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with High and Low Metastatic Potential before and after Human Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Intervention / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Biotherapy based on human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is currently the focus of research, especially in the field of autologous stem cell transplantation. A novel type of metastasis-associated magnetic resonance (MR) molecular imaging probe was constructed, and the changes in metastasis and proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before and after BMSC intervention were observed through MR imaging (MRI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Metastasis-associated MR molecular imaging probe, integrin αvβ3ligand cRGD-PEG-DGL-DTPA-Gd (Gd-RGD), were constructed. After human BMSC intervention was performed for 6 weeks, tumor weight inhibition rates were calculated, and the RGD molecular probe was imaged through MRI with molecular imaging agent Gd-DTPA as control. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in the MRI experiment were used as semi-quantitative indicators. Polymerase chain reaction method was performed to detect proliferation- and metastasis-associated indicators, transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ1), osteopontin (OPN), and integrin subunit αvand β3.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The highest tumor weight inhibition rates were observed 3 weeks after the BMSC transplantation. The MR Gd-RGD in the HCC tissues after the BMSC intervention showed less enhancement than Gd-DTPA. The Gd-DTPA MRI of control group had higher SNR and CNR than Gd-RGD MRI in the experimental groups (P < 0.05). For high metastatic potential hepatocellular carcinoma (MHCC97-H), significant differences were observed in the SNRs and CNRs of Gd-RGD MRI before and after the BMSC intervention (P < 0.05). For low metastatic potential hepatocellular carcinoma (MHCC97-L), the CNRs of Gd-RGD MRI were statistically different before and after BMSC intervention (P < 0.05). With regard to MHCC97-H, OPN, β3, and TGFβ1 expression significantly decreased after BMSC intervention (P < 0.05). In MHCC97-L and OPN, β3, TGFβ1, and αv expression after BMSC intervention decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The CNR index of MRI is a good indicator for distinguishing high- and low-metastatic potential HCC tissues. After BMSC transplantation of MRI through the two kinds of tracer, the SNR and CNR indexes can distinguish two kinds of high and low metastatic potential HCC tissues, and Gd-RGD imaging is more suitable in distinguishing the metastatic potential changes through BMSC intervention.</p>

Comparison of Positron Emission Tomography Using 2-18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose and 3-deoxy-3-18F-fluorothymidine in Lung Cancer Imaging / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The detection of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) that may potentially develop into a malignant lesion is essential for early clinical interventions. However, grading classification based on computed tomography (CT) imaging results remains a significant challenge. The 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT imaging produces both false-positive and false-negative findings for the diagnosis of SPNs. In this study, we compared 18F-FDG and 3-deoxy-3-[18F]-fluorothymidine (18F-FLT) in lung cancer PET/CT imaging.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The binding ratios of the two tracers to A549 lung cancer cells were calculated. The mouse lung cancer model was established (n = 12), and micro-PET/CT analysis using the two tracers was performed. Images using the two tracers were collected from 55 lung cancer patients with SPNs. The correlation among the cell-tracer binding ratios, standardized uptake values (SUVs), and Ki-67 proliferation marker expression were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The cell-tracer binding ratio for the A549 cells using the 18F-FDG was greater than the ratio using 18F-FLT (P < 0.05). The Ki-67 expression showed a significant positive correlation with the 18F-FLT binding ratio (r = 0.824, P< 0.01). The tumor-to-nontumor uptake ratio of 18F-FDG imaging in xenografts was higher than that of 18F-FLT imaging. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and the accuracy of 18F-FDG for lung cancer were 89%, 67%, and 73%, respectively. Moreover, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and the accuracy of 18F-FLT for lung cancer were 71%, 79%, and 76%, respectively. There was an obvious positive correlation between the lung cancer Ki-67 expression and the mean maximum SUV of 18F-FDG and 18F-FLT (r = 0.658, P< 0.05 and r = 0.724, P< 0.01, respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The 18F-FDG uptake ratio is higher than that of 18F-FLT in A549 cells at the cellular level. 18F-FLT imaging might be superior for the quantitative diagnosis of lung tumor tissue and could distinguish lung cancer nodules from other SPNs.</p>

Features of Computed Tomography Perfusion of Mediastinal Lymphadenopathies: a Pathology-based Retrospective Study / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the features of various mediastinal lymphadenopathies using computed tomography perfusion (CTP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CTP parameters (CTPs) of the selected mediastinal nodes from 59 patients with pathology-proven malignant lymph nodes and of those from 29 patients with clinically diagnosed or pathology-proven inflammatory lymphadenopathies were collected. Patients were divided into subgroups by etiology and phase of primary disease, including different pathological malignant nodes and diverse inflammatory nodes. CTPs were defined as blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT), permeability (PMB), and time to peak (TTP). Differences of CTPs were compared between malignant and benign nodes, and among subgroups, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the mediastinum, no significant differences of CTPs were found between malignant and benign groups (all P>0.05), the same for subgroups of malignant nodes (all P>0.05). Acute lymphadenitis had higher BF and BV than chronic inflammatory, lymphoid tuberculosis, sarcoidosis and malignant nodes. The BF of malignant nodes was markedly slower than that of acute lymphadenitis (P=0.01), but faster than chronic inflammatory nodes (P=0.04) and sarcoidosis (P=0.03), with no significant difference compared with lymphoid tuberculosis. Pneumonia-complicated lymphoid tuberculosis showed the longest MTT while sarcoidosis displayed the shortest MTT, and inflammatory nodes, lymphoid tuberculosis without complicated pneumonia and malignant nodes had moderate MTT.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CTPs show promising potential in distinguishing various lymphadenopathies in the mediastinum, but more studies are needed to improve their specificity.</p>

128-slice Dual-source Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Image Quality and Radiation Dose of Prospectively Electrocardiogram-triggered Sequential Scan Compared with Retrospectively Electrocardiogram-gated Spiral Scan / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Objective To evaluate the image quality (IQ) and radiation dose of 128-slice dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) coronary angiography using prospectively electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered sequential scan mode compared with ECG-gated spiral scan mode in a population with atrial fibrillation. Methods Thirty-two patients with suspected coronary artery disease and permanent atrial fibrillation referred for a second-generation 128-slice DSCT coronary angiography were included in the prospective study. Of them, 17 patients (sequential group) were randomly selected to use a prospectively ECG-triggered sequential scan, while the other 15 patients (spiral group) used a retrospectively ECG-gated spiral scan. The IQ was assessed by two readers independently, using a four-point grading scale from excel-lent (grade 1) to non-assessable (grade 4), based on the American Heart Association 15-segment model. IQ of each segment and effective dose of each patient were compared between the two groups. Results The mean heart rate (HR) of the sequential group was 96±27 beats per minute (bpm) with a variation range of 73±25 bpm, while the mean HR of the spiral group was 86±22 bpm with a variationrange of 65±24 bpm. Both of the mean HR (t=1.91, P=0.243) and HR variation range (t=0.950, P=0.350) had no significant difference between the two groups. In per-segment analysis, IQ of the sequential group vs. spiral group was rated as excellent (grade 1) in 190/244 (78%) vs. 177/217 (82%) by reader1 and 197/245 (80%) vs. 174/214 (81%) by reader2, as non-assessable (grade 4) in 4/244 (2%) vs. 2/217 (1%) by reader1 and 6/245 (2%) vs. 4/214 (2%) by reader2. Overall averaged IQ per-patient in the sequential and spiral group showed equally good (1.27±0.19 vs. 1.25±0.22, Z=-0.834, P=0.404). The effective radiation dose of the sequential group reduced significantly compared with the spiral group (4.88±1.77 mSv vs. 10.20±3.64 mSv; t=-5.372, P=0.000). Conclusion Compared with retrospectively ECG-gated spiral scan, prospectively ECG-triggered sequential DSCT coronary angiography provides similarly diagnostically valuable images in patients with atrial fibrillation and significantly reduces radiation dose.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles for cancer theranostic drug delivery / 药学学报

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles as drug carrier have become the new hot point in the field of biomedical application in recent years. This review focuses on the more recent developments and achievements on experimental design aspect of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with cancer diagnosis and therapy. The key advances of functionalization strategies of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with controlled release, tumor targeting and overcoming multidrug resistance are discussed in particular. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles as unique delivery systems have the potential to provide significantly a sound platform for cancer theranostic application.

Expression of TBX3 mRNA and its role in the pathogenesis and metastasis of breast cancer / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the role of TBX3 gene in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The total RNA of 51 fresh breast cancer tissues and the corresponding adjacent tissues were extracted and reverse transcribed into cDNA to detect the expression of TBX3 mRNA by real-time PCR. The correlation between TBX3 mRNA expression and the clinicopathologic parameters in relation to breast cancer metastasis was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared to that in the adjacent tissues, the expression of TBX3 mRNA was markedly increased in breast cancer tissues. TBX3 mRNA expression was significantly higher in metastatic breast cancer than in non-metastatic tumors.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Increased expression of TBX3 mRNA suggests the involvement of TBX3 in the pathogenesis and metastasis of breast cancer.</p>

Resting functional MRI with default mode-based functional connectivity analysis for localization of epileptic activity / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Using the functional connectivity analysis based on the underlying neurophysiological characteristic that epileptic discharges can induce change of brain default mode, to develop a technique for epileptogenic localization using functional MRI (fMRI) without simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A data-driven method that jointly employed independent component analysis and functional connectivity analysis was used for the resting functional MRI data analysis of 12 focal epileptic patients. The independent components were ranged according to the coefficients of the negative correlation between independent component time course and the signal temporal course in the region of posterior cingulate cortex. The results were comparatively studied with simultaneous EEG-fMRI.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the 10 successful results from 12 patients underwent EEG-fMRI examination, the outcomes of eight subjects were concordant with pathological foci. While the results of all 10 patients processed by data-driven method were concordant with pathological foci, besides the other patients who failed to perform EEG-fMRI examination. Meanwhile, the default mode was well mapped in all patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The default mode-based functional connectivity analysis can localize the epileptogenic foci effectively without simultaneous EEG, besides to detect the default mode of epileptic patients.</p>

Computer tomography appearances of the enterocutaneous fistula classification / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the computer tomography(CT) appearances of the enterocutaneous fistula classification.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CT scan was performed on 754 patients with enterocutaneous fistula, which were divided into tube fistula and labiate fistula according to clinic classification, and the appearances of CT scan were analyzed respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Five hundreds and eighteen patients (68.6%) were diagnosed as tube fistula, and CT appearance of which was a duct formed between internal hole and external hole. Two hundreds and thirty-six patients (31.4%) were diagnosed as labiate fistula,and CT appearance of which was a large external hole like labium.The basic appearance of intestine and celiac cavity in enterocutaneous fistula was inflammatory focus. The incidence of abscesses in tube fistula was higher than that in labiate fistula (P<0.01). The intestinal inflammation was more common in labiate fistula than that in tube fistula (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There are characteristic CT appearances in enterocutaneous fistula and CT scan is useful for classification of enterocutaneous fistula.</p>

Effects of zinc supplementation on zinc and calcium levels in serum and tissue in burned rats / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of zinc supplementation on zinc and calcium levels in serum and tissue in burned rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty SD rats were randomly divided into C group (control group without scald, n = 8), and N, W, H groups (each consisting of 24 rats), in which the rats were exposed to scalding resulting in partial thickness burns covering 15% of the total body surface area on the back, and then they were fed with diets containing zinc 40 microg/g in N and W groups, and 80 microg/g in H group. A cream containing zinc 761.1 microg/g was applied on the wound in W group at the same time. Eight rats of each group were sacrificed on day 1, 3 and 7 after scald respectively. Venous blood and samples of liver, femur and scald skin were harvested. Zinc and calcium contents in serum and tissues were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The serum Zn(2+) levels in N, W groups were lower than C group, however, it was obviously higher in H group (up to 16.2 micromol/L) on day 1 after scald. The liver Zn(2+) showed an increasing tendency in all groups, while Ca(2+) level declined in H group, but increased in N, W group. The bone Zn(2+) and Ca(2+) levels showed a progressive declination in all groups from day 1 to 7 after scald. The changes were more obviously in N group than H group (P < 0.05). The Zn(2+) content of the scalded skin increased obviously in H group on first day after scald and in W group on 7th day after scald. The Ca(2+) contents of scalded skin showed marked increases in all groups, especially in N group, but least in W group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There are obvious changes in Zn(2+) and Ca(2+) contents of serum and tissues after scald injury and zinc supplementation. The effects of zinc supplementation on calcium level in the tissue need to be further studied.</p>