Detection of acute cerebral hemorrhage in rabbits by magnetic induction

Acute cerebral hemorrhage (ACH) is an important clinical problem that is often monitored and studied with expensive devices such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. These devices are not readily available in economically underdeveloped regions of the world, emergency departments, and emergency zones. We have developed a less expensive tool for non-contact monitoring of ACH. The system measures the magnetic induction phase shift (MIPS) between the electromagnetic signals on two coils. ACH was induced in 6 experimental rabbits and edema was induced in 4 control rabbits by stereotactic methods, and their intracranial pressure and heart rate were monitored for 1 h. Signals were continuously monitored for up to 1 h at an exciting frequency of 10.7 MHz. Autologous blood was administered to the experimental group, and saline to the control group (1 to 3 mL) by injection of 1-mL every 5 min. The results showed a significant increase in MIPS as a function of the injection volume, but the heart rate was stable. In the experimental (ACH) group, there was a statistically significant positive correlation of the intracranial pressure and MIPS. The change of MIPS was greater in the ACH group than in the control group. This high-sensitivity system could detect a 1-mL change in blood volume. The MIPS was significantly related to the intracranial pressure. This observation suggests that the method could be valuable for detecting early warning signs in emergency medicine and critical care units.

Surveillance of risk factors from imported cases of falciparum malaria in Sichuan, China.

With a sharp increase of the number of imported cases of falciparum malaria, the potential risk of the reemergent transmission of this kind of malaria is approaching imminently in Sichuan Province, China, where falciparum malaria had completely been eliminated by the 1960s. It has been of concern whether the epidemic would appear again, because there still exist malaria vectors and vulnerable populations in Sichuan. By undertaking surveillance on 31 cases returning from the endemic areas with falciparum malaria, and on their family members and neighbors, we have not found out any introduced case of falciparum malaria who was contracted from the imported ones. The vector monitoring results suggested that the use of insecticide-impregnated bednets interfered with malaria vectorial capacity and expectation of infective life. The epidemiological characteristics of the imported cases and reasons why no consequent malaria case was detected were analysed at dynastic level in detail.