Comparison of craniotomy and decompressive craniectomy for acute subdural hematoma -a Meta-Analysis of comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) necessitates urgent surgical intervention. Craniotomy (CO) and decompressive craniectomy (DC) are the two main surgical procedures for ASDH evacuation. This meta-analysis is to compare the clinical outcomes between the CO and DC procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JS9/C513, Supplemental Digital Content 2, http://links.lww.com/JS9/C514) Statement protocol and AMSTAR, Supplemental Digital Content 3, http://links.lww.com/JS9/C515 (Assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews) guideline. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. Comparative studies reporting the outcomes of the CO and DC procedures in patients with ASDH were included. RESULTS: A total of 15 articles with 4853 patients (2531 [52.2%] receiving CO and 2322 [47.8%] receiving DC) were included in this meta-analysis. DC was associated with higher mortality (31.5% vs. 40.6%, odds ratio [OR]=0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43 to 0.77) and rate of patients with poorer neurological outcomes (54.3% vs. 72.7%; OR=0.43, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.67) compared to CO. The meta-regression model identified the comparability of preoperative severity as the only potential source of heterogeneity. When the preoperative severity was comparable between the two procedures, the mortality (CO 35.5% vs. DC 38.1%, OR=0.80, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.02) and the proportion of patients with poorer neurological outcomes (CO 64.8% vs. DC 66.0%; OR=0.82, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.16) were both similar. Reoperation rates were similar between the two procedures (CO 16.1% vs. DC 16.0%; OR=0.95, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.48). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis reveals that DC is associated with higher mortality and poorer neurological outcomes in ASDH compared to CO. Notably, this difference in outcomes might be driven by baseline patient severity, as the significance of surgical choice diminishes after adjusting for this factor. Our findings challenge previous opinions regarding the superiority of CO over DC and underscore the importance of considering patient-specific characteristics when making surgical decisions. This insight offers guidance for surgeons in making decisions tailored to the specific conditions of their patients.

FYN as an emerging biological biomarker for prognosis and potential therapeutic target in LGG.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the expression, clinical significance, and functional mechanism of FYN in lower-grade gliomas (LGG). METHODS: The mRNA and protein expression of FYN in LGG tissues were detected using databases including OncoLnc, GEPIA, and Human protein atlas (HPA). The UCSC Xena browser, TIMER, STRING and Metascape databases were used to investigate Kaplan-Meier survival curves, correlations between FYN expression and various types of immune cell infiltration, protein interaction network and possible functional mechanism. RESULTS: FYN expression in LGG, IDH mutation or 1p19q co-deletion subgroup was significantly higher than in corresponding control groups (p < 0.05). Patients with higher FYN expression had longer overall survival (p < 0.05). Male or no 1p19q co-deletion groups with higher FYN expression also had longer overall survival (p < 0.05). FYN expression had close correlation with infiltrating levels of cell purity, CD4+T cells, macrophages, and CD8+T cells (p < 0.05). Protein interaction network result showed correlation among FYN, SH2D1A, LCK, CAV1, SRC, CBL and PTK2. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that FYN and its related genes mainly participated in bacterial invasion of epithelial cells and natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity. Peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation, negative regulation of anoikis, immune effector process, transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway, and negative regulation of protein modification process may be the critical biological process. CONCLUSIONS: FYN is up-expressed in LGG and related to its good prognosis. It participated in tumor pathophysiological processes and may be a therapeutic target for LGG.

Electroacupuncture improves cognitive function in a rat model of mild traumatic brain injury by regulating the SIRT-1/PGC-1α/mitochondrial pathway.

BACKGROUND: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common neurological trauma that can lead to cognitive impairment. The sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) pathway has been reported to have neuroprotective effects in rats with craniocerebral injury. We evaluated potential mechanisms underlying electroacupuncture-mediated recovery of cognitive function after mTBI, focusing on the SIRT-1/PGC-1α/mitochondrial pathway. METHODS: We included forty 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats in this study. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: controlled cortical impactor (CCI, n = 10), sham operation (sham, n = 10), electroacupuncture-treated CCI (CCI+EA, n = 10), and electroacupuncture-treated sham (sham+EA, n = 10) group. Randomization was performed by assigning a random number to each rat and using a random number table. The mTBI rat model was established using a controllable cortical impactor. Electroacupuncture therapy was performed on the back of rats, by inserting acupuncture needles to the specific acupoints and setting appropriate parameters for treatment. We evaluated spatial learning and memory functions with the Morris water maze test. We performed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) determination, and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I (MRCC I) determination on rat hippocampal tissue. We analyzed SIRT-1/PGC-1α expression levels and the results of mitochondrial function assays, and compared differences between groups using bilateral Student's t -tests. RESULTS: Compared with the sham group, SIRT-1/PGC-1α expression was downregulated in the hippocampus of CCI group ( P <0.01). Although this expression was upregulated following electroacupuncture, it did not reach the levels observed in the sham group ( P <0.05). Compared with the sham group, MRCC I and ATP levels in the CCI group were significantly reduced, and increased after electroacupuncture ( P <0.01). In the Morris water maze, electroacupuncture reduced the incubation period of rats and increased average speed and number of crossing platforms ( P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture may improve cognitive function in the mTBI rat model by regulating the SIRT-1/PGC-1α/mitochondrial pathway.

Altered intrinsic brain activity in patients with neuropathic pain after brachial plexus avulsion.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate brain activity changes in patients suffering from neuropathic pain (NP) following brachial plexus avulsion (BPA). METHODS: Fifteen patients with NP following BPA and eight healthy participants (HP) were recruited for this study. All participants underwent examination using resting-state functional MRI. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were calculated and compared between the BPA group, left-BPA subgroup, right-BPA subgroup, and the HP group using independent samples t-tests. RESULTS: In the BPA group, there were notable increases in ALFF/ReHo observed in the left rolandic operculum, insula, and supramarginal gyrus, while decreases were observed in the left paracentral lobule, fusiform gyrus, calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, lingual gyrus, precuneus, as well as the bilateral anterior/median cingulate and paracingulate gyri, supplementary motor area, and cerebellum. In the left-BPA subgroup, elevated ALFF/ReHo levels were identified in the left middle/inferior frontal gyri, rolandic operculum, and supramarginal gyrus, with corresponding decreases in the left calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, inferior occipital gyrus, fusiform gyrus, lingual gyrus, as well as the bilateral anterior/median cingulate and paracingulate gyri, postcentral gyri, supplementary motor area, paracentral lobules, and cerebellum. The right-BPA subgroup displayed increased ALFF/ReHo in the left frontal lobe, rolandic operculum, insula, fusiform gyrus, and lingual gyrus, as well as the right cerebellum. Conversely, decreases in ALFF/ReHo were observed in the bilateral anterior/median cingulate and paracingulate gyri, calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, cuneus, and occipital lobes. CONCLUSIONS: The NP after BPA caused spontaneous activity changes in brain regions associated with linguistic, visual, somatosensory, and motor coordination and processing function. The majority of these abnormal areas were situated in the left cerebral hemisphere, while the effect of cingulate gyri and cerebellum seemed to be bilateral.

A rs-fMRI study of functional connectivity changes between thalamus and postcentral gyrus in patients with neuropathic pain after brachial plexus avulsion.

BACKGROUND: The neuropathic pain (NPP) after brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) is common and difficult to cure, and thalamus and postcentral gyrus have been accepted to be the key nodes of mechanisms and pathways for pain. However, little attention has been paid on the thalamus-postcentral gyrus functional connectivity changes in NP patients after BPA. METHODS: Eighteen patients with NPP after BPA and twenty age and gender matched healthy controls were enrolled and underwent resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) scans in this study. The Pearson's r-value of functional connection (bilateral thalamus and postcentral gyrus as regions of interest) was generated and examined using two sample t-test. The linear regression analysis was used to select possible related factors, and multiple linear regression of the possible predictors was used to identify the variables that significantly predicted Visual Analogue Score (VAS). RESULTS: The standardized Pearson r-values of the left thalamus-right thalamus, left thalamus-left postcentral gyrus, left thalamus-right postcentral gyrus, right thalamus-left postcentral gyrus and right thalamus-right postcentral gyrus in the control group were 0.759 ± 0.242, 0.358 ± 0.297, 0.383 ± 0.270, 0.317 ± 0.295 and 0.333 ± 0.304, respectively. And the corresponding standardized Pearson r-values in patients group were 0.510 ± 0.224,0.305 ± 0.212,0.281 ± 0.225,0.333 ± 0.193 and 0.333 ± 0.210, respectively. The functional connectivity strength of the left thalamus-right thalamus in control group was significantly higher than that in the patients group (P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that the functional connectivity strength of the left thalamus-right thalamus was negatively correlated with the patients' VAS score (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: NPP patients after BPA had a significant pain-related bilateral thalamus functional connection reorganization, with the purpose to limit the pain signal inputs within the unilateral cerebral hemisphere.

Aquaporin-4 as a New Potential Molecular Biomarker for Prognosis of Low-Grade Glioma: Comprehensive Analysis Based on Online Platforms.

OBJECTIVE: Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a significant factor in transcellular and transepithelial water movement, and abnormal expression of AQP4 has been detected in many types of tumors. The purpose of this study was to explore its role in low-grade gliomas (LGG) using freely available online bioinformatics tools. METHODS: OncoLnc database was used to analyze Cox coefficients and compare AQP4 expression between various types of tumors; Tumor Immune Estimation Resource database and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis were used to compare gene expression between LGG and normal tissues; University of California Santa Cruz Xena browser generated Kaplan-Meier survival curves in the LGG cohort in The Cancer Genome Atlas and subgroups; LinkedOmics database screened the most relevant genes based on Pearson correlation coefficient; Gene Ontology Biological Process and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis were performed through gene set enrichment analysis to explore possible molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: LGG had higher AQP4 expression compared with normal tissues and ranked first among 21 different types of cancer (P < 0.05). The oligodendroglioma group had the lowest AQP4 expression and the longest overall survival (OS) (P < 0.05). LGG with astrocytoma, isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation, or 1p/19q codeletion had lower AQP4 expression and longer OS (P < 0.001). LGG with lower AQP4 expression, without 1p/19q codeletion, without chemotherapy, and with or without radiation therapy had longer OS (P < 0.05). AQP4 and coexpressed genes were involved in complex biological processes in LGG, including regulation of neurotransmitter level, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway, cell adhesion molecules, and others. CONCLUSIONS: AQP4 is a prognostic marker in LGG and its subgroups. Patients with lower AQP4 expression may have longer OS.

Clinical features and surgical outcomes of spinal epidural angiolipomas.

To discuss the clinical features and surgical outcomes of spinal epidural angiolipomas. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with spinal epidural angiolipomas who were performed microsurgery between January 2003 and December 2017. The diagnosis of spinal angiolipomas was based on pathological criteria. Modified McCormick classification was applied to evaluate neurological function. There were 11 females and 9 males with ages ranged from 38 to 74 years. Fourteen lesions were located in the thoracic region, 4 in the lumbar, 1 in the lumbosacral, and 1 in the thoracolumbar region. Patients presented with nonspecific symptoms and the duration of symptoms ranged from 1 to 168 months with a mean 21.3 months. 11 cases exhibited isointense on T1-weighted imaging(T1WI) and hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging(T2WI). The other 9 cases exhibited hyperintense on T1WI and T2WI imaging. Gross total resection (GTR) was performed in 19 patients, and subtotal resection (STR) was performed in 1 patient. Postoperatively, all patients showed a recovery or improvement of neurological functions except the STR patient. There was no recurrence or regrowth of the residual lesions observed on magnetic resonance images (MRI). Usually, spinal epidural angiolipomas have two types of MRI manifestations depending on the ratio of fat to vessels. Total resection of spinal epidural angiolipoma is possible regardless of it is infiltrative or not. Postoperative radiotherapy is not recommended for subtotal resection patients. A favorable functional outcome can be expected if the patient performed early surgery.

A Water-Soluble Highly Oxidizing Cobalt Molecular Catalyst Designed for Bioinspired Water Oxidation.

Herein, we present a stable water-soluble cobalt complex supported by a dianionic 2,2'-([2,2'-bipyridine]-6,6'-diyl)bis(propan-2-ol) ligand scaffold, which is a rare example of a high-oxidation species, as demonstrated by structural, spectroscopic and theoretical data. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that the CoIV center of the mononuclear complex in the solid state resides in the high spin state (sextet, S=5/2). The complex can effectively catalyze water oxidation via a single-site water nucleophilic attack pathway with an overpotential of only 360 mV in a phosphate buffer with a pH of 6. The key intermediate toward water oxidation was speculated based on theoretical calculations and was identified by in situ spectroelectrochemical experiments. The results are important regarding the accessibility of high-oxidation state metal species in synthetic models for achieving robust and reactive oxidation catalysis.

Surgical management of spinal "Subpial" lipomas.

BACKGROUND: This study reports five cases of subpial lipomas via a new grouping method with respect to the cases' distinctive magnetic resonance imaging characteristics to provide insight into the management of this entity. METHOD: From January 2013 to December 2014, five cases of pathologically diagnosed subpial lipomas that received surgical treatment in our department were included. The clinical histories and medical records were carefully reviewed, and the radiological characteristics were periodically inspected after surgery. The preoperative radiology and symptoms were reviewed with regard to outcome. RESULTS: All five patients were confirmed as having lipomas based on their histological results. Total removal was achieved in one patient only, with partial removal in the other four patients. Neurological deterioration was observed in all patients immediately after surgery, with a typically lower McCormick score. Two of the patients returned to preoperative level one year later. Based on radiological traits, the lipomas could be divided into "simple" and "invasive." The syrinx formation and neurological recovery were different between these two kinds of lipoma. CONCLUSION: Surgery for subpial lipomas without dysraphisms is frequently accompanied by neurological deterioration, temporally or permanently. Thus, this new classification of subpial lipomas into "simple" and "invasive" based on radiological traits may be valuable for making better surgical decisions.

A Heterobimetallic AuIII -PtII Photocatalyst for Water Reduction to Hydrogen.

A supramolecular complex, [Au(C^N^C)(C≡CC6 H4 C≡C)Pt(terpy)]+ , has been synthesized as a photocatalyst for water reduction. This compound consists of a cyclometalated alkyne-gold(III) photosensitizer and a platinum(II) terpyridine complex bridged through a central phenylethynyl group.

Pediatric intramedullary schwannoma with syringomyelia: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary schwannomas without neurofibromatosis are exceedingly rare. They are rarer in children with only 8 cases reported so far. The association of intramedullary schwannomas with syringomyelia is also rare. Here, we present a case of intramedullary schwannoma with syringomyelia treated surgically in an 9-year-old boy. CASE PRESENTATION: We reviewed the clinical course of a 9-year-old boy, who presented with both lower extremity weakness of 6-month duration. Neurophysical examination revealed a decreased sensation below the T10 dermatome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an well-demarcated intramedullary lesion located at the level of T8 vertebra with isointensity on T2WI and hypointensity on T1WI, which was homogeneous enhanced after gadolinium injection. There was associated syringomyelia extending from T7 down to the level of T10. A mild scoliotic deformity was also observed. The lesion was totally resected after an T7-T8 laminoplasty. Histopathological findings were consistent with schwannoma. Postoperative MRI did not reveal the presence of a residual tumor with syringomyelia reducted. By 2 weeks after treatment, the patient had experienced nearly complete recovery. Management with external bracing was performed on this patient for 3 months after surgery to prevent spinal deformity. However, mild spinal kyphosis occurred 5 months after surgery, and a progressive postoperative spinal kyphosis was observed during these 3 years of follow-up. Continued conservative management with observation was performed as there is no association with functional decline and impairment in health-related quality-of-life measures. CONCLUSION: Although extremely rare and uncommonly associated with syringomyelia, schwannomas need to be considered in the preoperative diagnosis of solitary intramedullary tumors in children as total resection can be achieved improving surgical outcome; Pediatric patients should be monitored closely for the development of spinal deformity following resection of intramedullary schwannoma, particularly possessing preoperative scoliotic deformity and/or tumor-associated syringomyelia.

Visible-Light-Driven Hydrogen Production and Polymerization using Triarylboron-Functionalized Iridium(III) Complexes.

The development of novel iridium(III) complexes has continued as an important area of research owing to their highly tunable photophysical properties and versatile applications. In this report, three heteroleptic dimesitylboron-containing iridium(III) complexes, [Ir(p-B-ppy)2 (N^N)]+ {p-B-ppy=2-(4-dimesitylborylphenyl)pyridine; N^N=dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz) (1), dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq) (2), and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) (3)}, were prepared and fully characterized electrochemically, photophysically, and computationally. Altering the conjugated length of the N^N ligands allowed us to tailor the photophysical properties of these complexes, especially their luminescence wavelength, which could be adjusted from λ=583 to 631 nm in CH2 Cl2 . All three complexes were evaluated as visible-light-absorbing sensitizers for the photogeneration of hydrogen from water and as photocatalysts for the photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate. The results showed that all of them were active in both photochemical reactions. High activity for the photosensitizer (over 1158 turnover numbers with 1) was observed, and the system generated hydrogen even after 20 h. Additionally, poly(methyl methacrylate) with a relatively narrow molecular-weight distribution was obtained if an initiator (i.e., ethyl α-bromophenylacetate) was used. The living character of the photoinduced polymerization was confirmed on the basis of successful chain-extension experiments.

Three-dimensional Fluoroscopy-based Navigation for the Pedicle Screw Placement in Patients with Primary Invasive Spinal Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Although pedicle screw placement (PSP) is a well-established technique for spine surgery, the treatment of patients with primary invasive spinal tumor (PIST) has high surgical risks secondary to destroyed pedicles. Intraoperative three-dimensional fluoroscopy-based navigation (ITFN) system permits safe and accurate instrumentation of the spine with the advantage of obtaining intraoperative real-time three-dimensional images and automatic registration. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of PSP using ITFN system for patients afflicted with PIST in the thoracic spine. METHODS: Fifty-one patients diagnosed with PISTs were retrospectively analyzed, and 157 pedicles screws were implanted in 23 patients using the free-hand technique (free-hand group) and 197 pedicle screws were implanted in 28 patients using the ITFN system (ITFN group). Modified classification of Gertzbein and Robbins was used to evaluate the accuracy of PSP, and McCormick classification was applied for assessment of neurological function. Demographic data and factors affecting accuracy of screw insertion were compared using independent t-test while comparison of accuracy of screw insertion between the two groups was analyzed with Chi-square test. RESULTS: Of 51 patients, 39 demonstrated improved neurological status and the other 12 patients reported that symptoms remained the same. In the free-hand group, 145 screws (92.4%) were Grade I, 9 screws (5.7%) were Grade II, and 3 screws (1.9%) were Grade III. In the ITFN group, 192 screws (97.4%) were Grade I, 5 screws (2.6%) were Grade II, and no Grade III screw was detected. Statistical analysis showed that the accuracies of pedicle screws in the two groups are significantly different (χ2 = 4.981, P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The treatments of PISTs include total tumor resection and reconstruction of spine stability. The ITFN system provides a high accuracy of pedicle screw placement.

[Microsurgical treatment for giant invasive spinal schwannoma assisted by three-dimensional navigation].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical experience of microsurgical treatment for giant invasive spinal schwannoma assisted by three-dimensional navigation. METHODS: A total of 15 cases of giant invasive spinal schwannoma were retrospectively analyzed from 2013 to 2014 in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital.All patients were performed microsurgery assisted by three-dimensional navigation and were followed up for at least 12 months.A modified McCormick Scale was used to assess the patients' neurologic status and change. RESULTS: Four lesions were in the cervical region, 3 in the sacral, 2 each in the cervicothoracic, lumbar and thoracic regions, 1 each in the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral regions.A total of 28 pedicle screws were placed satisfactorily in the 5 patients with spinal instability.No severe complications were encountered.Gross total resection was performed in 13 of the 15 patients, and subtotal resection performed in 2 patients.Satisfactory decompression was achieved in all patients for neural compression.Postoperative clinical symptoms were improved in all patients, and none of the patients showed loosening or displacement of the implants. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional navigation provides great help for neurosurgeons in surgical treatment of giant invasive spinal schwannoma, and it has great potential in raising the intraoperative localization accuracy, reducing operational damage and surgical complications.Total resection is suggested for giant invasive spinal schwannoma; if not, total resection of the intraspinal portion is recommended.

Recurrent intracranial meningioma with multiple pulmonary metastases: A case report.

Meningiomas are slow-growing tumors, which are generally considered to be benign and rarely metastasize. Although cases of extracranial metastatic meningioma have previously been reported, multiple pulmonary metastases from a benign intracranial meningioma is particularly rare. In the present report, a case of recurrent transitional meningioma with multiple lung nodules, which were demonstrated to be metastatic meningioma, is presented. A 54-year-old female patient received surgical resection of the tumor located in the left base of the middle cranial fossa in 2006. Post-surgery pathological examination indicated a transitional meningioma of World Health Organization grade I. The tumor recurred at the original site 1 year and 3 months later and was completely surgically removed once again. Radiotherapy was administered following the second surgery. Gamma Knife was used to remove the recurrent tumor 18 months following the second surgery. Simultaneously, a chest computed tomography scan revealed multiple pulmonary nodules, which were demonstrated to be metastatic meningioma following wedge resection of the superior lobe of the right lung. The clinical behavior of meningioma does not always correlate with the classification of meningioma. A higher rate of cellular proliferation is not essential for extracranial metastasis, and an individual meningioma of any type may metastasize. Comprehensive examinations should be performed for patients with a history of recurrent intracranial meningioma to detect any distant metastases as early as possible, even when the primary tumor is benign.

[Reorganization of brain cortex after spinal cord injury based on functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the reorganization of brain cortex on spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques and elucidate its recurring patterns so as to provide theoretic rationales for SCI treatment. METHODS: We designed different tasks for 9 SCI patients and 10 normal subjects. The tasks were named block design and it was divided into rest period (R) and stimulating period (S). All subjects underwent fMRI scan while they were performing the tasks. RESULTS: A significant reorganization occurred on brain cortex of SCI patients after spinal cord injury. This phenomenon changed with elapsing time after spinal cord injury. CONCLUSION: Brain cortex undergoes reorganization after spinal cord injury, especially primary sensory and motor cortex.

[Preoperative location of major language functional cerebral areas using functional magnetic resonance imaging].

OBJECTIVE: To design a set of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) tasks to activate the major Chinese language functional areas. METHODS: Eight volunteers and 3 patients received fMRI studies with the tasks of semantic judgment, word reading and listening comprehension. Brain activation map of each task was obtained after standard fMRI data processing. RESULTS: The fMRI examination with 3 tasks activated middle frontal gyrus (BA 9), Broca area and Wernicke area respectively. CONCLUSION: A set of fMRI examinations, including semantic judgment, word reading and listening comprehension, can activate the major Chinese language functional areas steadily and may be used as a preoperative localizer of language areas.

Separation and recovery of lead from a low concentration solution of lead(II) and zinc(II) using the hydrolysis production of poly styrene-co-maleic anhydride.

The PbZn separation/preconcentration technique, based on the complex formation reaction of Pb(II) and Zn(II), using a copolymer poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (PSMA), without adding any carrier element was developed. The effects of several experimental parameters such as solution pH, temperature and adsorption time were studied. The experimental results show that the PSMA resin-Pb equilibrium was achieved in 2 min and the Pb(II) loading capacity is up to 641.62 mg g(-1) in aqueous solution under optimum conditions, which is much higher than the Zn(II) loading capacity within 80 min. The adsorption test for Pb(II) indicates that PSMA can recover Pb(II) from a mixed solution of Pb(II), Zn(II) and light metals such as Ca(II) and Mg(II) with higher adsorption rate and larger selective coefficient. A further study indicates that PSMA as chelating resins recovering Pb(II) can be regenerated via mineral acid (6M H(2)SO(4)). PSMA was synthesized by radical polymerization and tested as an adsorbent for the selective recovery of Pb(II). In addition, the formation procedure and structure of Pb-PSMA complex were also studied. Both the PSMA and the Pb-PSMA complex were characterized by means of FTIR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS).

[Contaminative features of heavy metals for tidal sediment cores in Tianjin Bohai Bay].

Three sediment cores were collected in Nov. of 2003 from Dagu estuary to Qikou estuary. The grain size, TOC and heavy metal contents of core sediments were analyzed in order to study the geochemical characteristics, contamination features and the spatial and vertical distribution characters for heavy metals of tidal zones in Bohai Bay. The grain size of tidal sediments becomes finer from north to south. Ultrafine, fine and power sand are the main compositions in the sediment of Dagu and Duliujian estuary. The sediment of Qikou estuary is mainly composed by power and ultrafine sand. The vertical distribution trends of three sediment cores indicate that the grain-size becomes bigger from the bottom to the upper. The distribution of Fe, Al, Mn contents has distinct negative correlation with the grain-size of sediment, that is to say, the fine-grained sediments have higher contents of Fe, Al, Mn. Pb, Zn and Cd are the dominating contaminative elements in tidal sediments of Bohai Bay. Their contents are higher than the corresponding environmental background values, indicating of the anthropogenic enrichment.

Risk assessment of heavy metals in soils and vegetables around non-ferrous metals mining and smelting sites, Baiyin, China.

A field survey was conducted to investigate the metal and arsenic contamination in soils and vegetables on four villages (Shuichuan (SCH), Beiwan (BWA), Dongwan (DWA) and Wufe (WFE)) located along, Baiyin, China, and to evaluate the possible health risks to local population through foodchain. Results show that the most significantly contaminated soils occurred upstream at SCH where Cd, Cu and As concentrations exceeded maximum allowable concentrations for Chinese agricultural soil. Further downstream the degree of contamination semi-systematically decreased in concentrations of metal. Generally, the leafy vegetables were more heavily contaminated than non-leafy vegetables. Chinese cabbage is the most severely contaminated, the concentrations of Cd exceeded the maximum permit levels (0.05 mg/kg) by 4.5 times. Bio-accumulate factor also shows that an entry of Cd to food chain plants is the greatest potential. Furthermore, the estimated daily intake amounts of the considered toxic elements (Cd, Pb and Cu) from the vegetables grown at SCH and BWA and DWA have exceeded the recommended dietary allowance levels. Thus, the vegetables grown in three villages above, which affected by Baiyin mining and smelting have a health hazard for human consumption.