Anxiety Network of Brain Function in Patients with Acute Cerebral Infarction

Objective: To explore the characteristics of brain functional network with anxiety in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Methods: A total of 39 patients with acute cerebral infarction by cranial magnetic resonance examination were included, and all the patients were scored by the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. The anxiety scale is scored by a professional psychiatrist. There are a total of 14 items, including anxiety, nervousness, fear, insomnia, cognitive function, depressed mood, somatic anxiety, sensory system, etc. The total score ≥ 29 points may be severe;≥21 points, there must be obvious;≥14 points, there must be anxiety;a score of more than 7 may indicate anxiety. If the score is less than 7, there are no anxiety symptoms. All patients within 24 to 72 hours, complete the head examination magnetic resonance, computerized calculation of the DWI sequence images, according to the results of the calculation to superimpose the image of the lesion, image reconstruction in space, and carry out Binarization, defining the value of lesions as 1, and the value of non as 0. All lesions are superimposed into one image and integrated. The relationship between the lesions in this superimposed image and anxiety after cerebral infarction was analyzed. Results: The lesions were basically concentrated around the lateral ventricle, and they were mainly concentrated around the lateral ventricle. Conclusion: Patients with acute cerebral infarction in the lateral ventricle or basal ganglia are more prone to post-stroke anxiety. This has a certain evaluation value for the prognosis of future cerebral infarction, and has a certain understanding of the exploration of complications, and has a certain understanding of the exploration of complications.

Silent brain infarctions and leuko-araiosis in Chinese patients with first-ever acute lacunar strokes

We report on silent brain infarction (SBI) and leuko- araiosis (LA) of 23 patients with clinically diagnosed “first-ever” acute ischemic lacunar stroke. The lacunar syndromes were pure motor hemiparesis (10), pure sensory syndrome (2), ataxic hemiparesis (3), dysarthria clumsy hand syndrome (3), and sensory- motor deficit (5). Nineteen out of the 23 patients presented with completed strokes on arrival to the hospital, and 4 (17%) developed evolving-stroke within 24 hours of stroke onset. A lacune corresponded to the acute stroke could be found in all patients on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in 18 (78%) on brain computed tomography (CT). MRI showed additional subclinical or asymptomatic “silent brain infarctions or lacunes” (SBI) in 19 (83%) of 23 patients, and leuko-araiosis (LA) of moderate to severe degree (> grade 2) was present in 61% of patients although dementia was absent. Hypertension is the risk factor in 78% of cases followed by diabetes mellitus, smoking, and elevated plasma cholesterol level. Independence of the types of lacunar syndromes, patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus are associated with high grade LA. None with normal blood pressure and plasma glucose had grade 3 or grade 4 LA (p < 0.05). In conclusion, evolving-stroke occurs in one- fifth of patients with “first-ever” lacunar infarct within the first 24 hours of stroke onset. SBI was found in 83% of cases. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are associated with additional SBI and high grade LA. The severity of leuko-araiosis per se dictates the cerebrovascular risks.

Clinical study of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating congestive heart failure

Objectives To observe the efficacy and safety of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(rh-BNP) on patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating congestive heart failure.Methods 40 patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by congestive heart failure were randomly divided into control group and treatment group of 20 cases.The control group,15 cases of acute anterior myocardial infarction,5 cases of acute inferior wall myocardial infarction, 15 males and 5 females,aged 55-70 years,mean age 58±12 years;treated 16 cases of acute anterior myocardial infarction,4 cases of acute myocardial infarction,16 males and 4 females,aged 56-70 years,mean age 59±11 years;two groups of age,gender,severity of disease and vascular lesions no significant difference and comparable(P】0.05).Conventional group were given aspirin,clopidogrel, statins,Inotropic,diuretic and vasodilator therapy.In the con- ventional treatment group based on the use of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(new bios,Tibet Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd.Chengdu Nuodikang biopharmaceutical production, usage:1.5μg/Kg intravenous injection(impact), then 0.0075μg-0.01μg/(kg·min)infusion rate).Continuous medication 72 h.The clinical symptoms observed for 3 days in patients before treatment and after treatment,heart rate,blood pressure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),brain natriuretic peptide(BNP) levels were measured.Results In control group,8 cases markedly effect,5 cases effect and 7 cases no effect,the total effective rate was 65%;In treatment group,13 cases markedly effect,6 cases effect and 1 cases no effect,the total effective rate was 95%,compared with two groups P New bios treatment group significantly increased cardiac index(CI) in patients with heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) than the control group(all P【0.05),further reduce the levels of tumor necrosis (TNF-α) and brain natriuretic peptide(BNP).Conclusions rh-BNP can improve symptoms and heart function,reduced plasma tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) and BNP levels of acute myocardial infarction patients with congestive heart failure,the treatment safe and reliable.As small sample size observed,larger sample to be accumulated to further evaluate its efficacy and safety.

Clinical Efficacy of Recombinant Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction After On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intravenous recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(rhBNP)in patients with acute myocardial infarction after on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG).Methods:40 cases of coronary heart disease,left ventricular ejection fraction<50%and(plasma brain natriuretic peptide in type N terminal)NT-proBNP>300 pg/ml underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups,experimental group of 20 patients after operation on the basis of conventional therapy plus recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide treatment(first loading dose of 1.5μg/kg intravenously,to maintain dose of 0.01μg/kg/min continuous infusion of 72h),20 cases of the control group was given routine treatment,observe two groups of patients before and after treatment of blood pressure,heart rate,urine volume,blood creatinine and NT-proBNP,and to observe the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),echocardiography and the length of time the index.Results:the experimental group after treatment,urine volume,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),cardiac index(CI)was significantly higher than that before treatment,the serum creatinine,plasma N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide(NTproBNP),the content of serum troponin T peptide(cT nT),creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK MB)was significantly lower than before treatment.Conclusion:Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide can improve cardiac and renal function in patients with acute period of acute myocardial infarction underwent coronary artery bypass surgery,shorten the hospitalization time,and it is safe and feasible.

EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON β-EP CONTENT IN THE BRAIN TISSUE OF RATS WITH ACUTE CEREBRAL INFARCTION

Objective: To study the mechanisms of acupuncture in treatment of acute cerebral infarction. Methods: 90 SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=10), model group (n=40) and electroacupuncture (EA) group (n=40). Shuigou (GV 26), bilateral Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) were stimulated with EA for 20 min. Acute cerebral infarction (ACI) was produced by blocking blood flow of the cerebral middle artery. Changes of β EP content in the brain tissue after ACI and EA were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results: 24 hour after ACI, plasma β EP content increased significantly to 1120.41±33.79 ng/L from 401.72±266.47 ng/L before ACL. While after acupuncutre, the increased β EP content lowered evidently in comparison with that of model group but was close to that of normal group. Conclusion: Acupuncture may adjust the neuroendocrine disturbance in rats with acute cerebral infarction to minimize the injury of the brain tissue.

Effect of DF-521 on functional recovery of nerve defect in patients with acute brain infarction

Objective To observe the effect of DF 521 on acute brain infarction and its’ safety.Method Patients were randomly divided into DF 521 group and control group.Neurological defect scoring were done before and after treatment.Clinical effect was evaluated.Result Total effective rate was more favorable in DF 521 group than that in control group(P<0.01).Conclusion DF 521 is effective in treating brain infarction without inducing significant adverse effects.

Effect of brain reflex instrument combined with acupuncture on convalescent neurotrophic status and nerve cell apoptosis in patients with cerebral infarction

Objective:To study the effect of brain reflex instrument combined with acupuncture on convalescent neurotrophic status and nerve cell apoptosis in patients with cerebral infarction. Methods:A total of 116 patients with convalescent cerebral infarction who were treated in Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University between October 2014 and December 2016 were selected and randomly divided into two groups, intervention group received brain reflex instrument combined with acupuncture intervention + conventional intervention, and the control group only received conventional intervention. Serum levels of neurotrophic cytokines, monoamine neurotransmitter, and nerve cell apoptosis molecules were detected before intervention as well as 10, 20 and 30 d after intervention.Results:Serum BDNF, VEGF, bFGF, NE, E, 5-HIAA, DOPAC, HVA and Bcl-2 levels of both groups 10, 20 and 30 d after intervention were significantly higher than those before intervention while sFas, sFasL and sTRAIL levels were significantly lower than those before intervention, and serum BDNF, VEGF, bFGF, NE, E, 5-HIAA, DOPAC, HVA and Bcl-2 levels of intervention group 10, 20 and 30 d after intervention were significantly higher than those of control group while sFas, sFasL and sTRAIL levels were significantly lower than those of control group.Conclusions: Brain reflex instrument combined with acupuncture can significantly improve the convalescent neurotrophic status and nerve cell apoptosis in patients with cerebral infarction.

Influence of ginkgolide combined with edaravone on the brain function of elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction and its preventive effect on ischemia reperfusion injury

Objective: To explore the influence of ginkgolide combined with edaravone on the brain function of elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction and its preventive effect on ischemia reperfusion injury. Methods: A total of 126 patients with acute cerebral infarction who were treated in Dazhou Central Hospital between February 2016 and May 2017 were divided into the control group (n=67) and ginkgolide group (n=59) according to different therapies. Control group received routine intravenous thrombolysis + edaravone therapy, and ginkgolide group received routine intravenous thrombolysis + edaravone + ginkgolide therapy. The differences in brain function and nerve ischemia reperfusion injury extent were compared between the two groups. Results: At T1 and T2, serum nerve function indexes NT-proBNP and NSE levels of ginkgolide group were lower than those of control group whereas BDNF levels were higher than those of control group;serum inflammatory mediators MCP-1, NF-κB, CRP and TNF-α levels were lower than those of control group;serum apoptosis molecules caspase-3 and Bax levels were lower than those of control group whereas Bcl-2 levels were higher than those of control group. Conclusion: Ginkgolide combined with edaravone therapy on the basis of intravenous thrombolysis can effectively optimize the brain function and alleviate the ischemia reperfusion injury caused by inflammatory response and apoptosisis in elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction.

The influence of tirofiban on the troponin, brain natriuretic peptide, heart function in patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction after PCI

Objective:To observe the influence of tirofiban on the troponin, brain natriuretic peptide, heart function in patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction after PCI and provide scientific basis for treatment of acute myocardial infarction.Methods:A total of 100 cases of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage patients in our hospital were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups: the control group (50 cases) and the observation group (50 cases). The conventional treatment of PCI was performed on both groups. Tirofiban injection was given to the observation group on the basis of conventional treatment. cTnI, BNP and echocardiography parameters (LVEF, LVEDD, LVESD) were detected before and after treatment.Results:The comparison of cTnI in the two groups before operation was not statistically significant. cTnI in the 2 groups increased 12 h and 24 h after operation. But the cTnI in observation group (0.10±0.23) ng/mL decreased more significantly than that in control group (0.24±0.31) ng/mL, the difference was considered to be statistically significant. The comparison of BNP in the two groups before operation was not statistically significant. BNP in the 2 groups decreased obviously 7 d and 30 d after operation. BNP in observation group decreased more significantly than that in control group and the difference was considered to be statistically significant LVEF in the observation group increased significantly compared with that in control group 7 d after operation. The comparison of LVEDD, LVESD were not considered to be statistically significant. LVEDD and LVESD in the observation group were lower than that in control group obviously 30 d after operation. While the LVEF in the observation group was still higher than that in the control group. The comparsion was considered to be statistically significant.Conclusion:Tirofiban can improve the troponin, brain natriuretic peptide, heart function in patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction after PCI. It can also decrease the heart injury as well as helping the recovery of heart function.

Effect of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide on serum inflammatory factors, neuroendocrine hormones and cardiac function in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with heart failure

Objective:To investigate the effect of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on inflammatory factors, neuroendocrine hormones and cardiac function indexes in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with heart failure.Methods:A total of91 cases of acute myocardial infarction with heart failure patients were divided into the control group (n=44) and observation group (n=47) according to the random data table, two groups of patients were given conventional treatment, based on this, the control group was given intravenous infusion of Nitroglycerin Injection treatment, the observation group received intravenous injection of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide treatment, compared serum inflammatory factors, neuroendocrine hormone and cardiac function and other indexes of two groups before and after treatment.Results: there was no significant difference between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the levels of TNF-α, hs-CRP, IL-6, MCP-1, LVESD and LVEDD in the two groups were significantly lower than those within the group before treatment, and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group;The two groups after treatment LVEF levels were significantly higher than those in the group before treatment, and the observation group was significantly higher than that of control group;the observation group after treatment PRA, Ang II and ALD and NE levels were significantly lower than those before treatment, and was significantly lower than the control group after treatment, the difference was significant, PRA, Ang, ALD and NE levels of control group before and after the treatment was no significant difference.Conclusion:recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction with heart failure can effectively reduce the serum inflammatory factors and neuroendocrine hormone levels, improve heart function, and have a certain clinical value.

CONTRAST STUDY ON CT AND BA IN DIAGNOSIS OF PATIENTS WITH ATHEROTHROMBOTIC BRAIN INFARCTION

Objectives: To explore applied value on CT and BA in diagnosis of patients with athero-thrombotic brain infarction. Methods :CT and BA were examined in 246 patients with atherothrombotic brain infarction. Results:The different change of CT and BA were showed in 246 patients with atherothrombotic brain infarction. Conclusions: There were separately different advantage and shortcoming in CT and BA in diagnosis of atherothrombotic brain infarction. The value of clinical application of BA was important in diagnosis of atherothrombotic brain infarction.

Neuroprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning in focal cerebral infarction: relationship with upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor

Neuroprotection by ischemic preconditioning has been confirmed by many studies, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we performed cerebral ischemic pre- conditioning in rats by simulating a transient ischemic attack twice （each a 20-minute occlusion of the middle cerebral artery） before inducing focal cerebral infarction （2 hour occlusion-reper- fusion in the same artery）. We also explored the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning. Seven days after ocdusion-reperfusion, tetrazolium chloride staining and immunohistochemistry revealed that the infarct volume was significantly smaller in the group that underwent preconditioning than in the model group. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor immunoreactivity was considerably greater in the hippocampal CA3 region of preconditioned rats than model rats. Our results suggest that the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning on focal cerebral infarction are associated with upregulation of vascu- lar endothelial growth factor.

Morphology of platelet Golgi apparatus and their significance after acute cerebral infarction

Blood samples were harvested from the antecubital vein of 20 fasting patients with acute cerebral infarction at 1, 7 and 15 days after onset to prepare blood platelet suspension. Fasting antecubital vein blood was collected from an additional 20 normal adults as controls. Under transmission elec- tron microscope, platelet Golgi tubules and vesicles became significantly thickened, enlarged, and irregular after acute cerebral infarction. Alpha granules in platelets significantly reduced in number, especially 1 day after cerebral infarction. Under immunoelectron microscopy, a few alpha granules aggregated around Golgi tubules and vesicles after infarction. These results suggested that platelet Golgi apparatus displayed significant morphological changes, which were possibly associated with enhanced synthetic and secretory functions of activated platelets after acute cerebral infarction. This study used Golgi apparatus blocking agent Brefeldin A to block Golgi apparatus in an aim to study the effects of Golgi apparatus on CD40L expression on the surface of activated platelets. Flow cytometry revealed that CD40L expression on activated platelet surfaces decreased significantly when Golgi apparatus was blocked, which indicated that Golgi apparatus participated in the syn- thesis and transport of CD40L to the platelet surface.

Therapeutic effect of nerve growth factor on cerebral infarction in dogs using the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

A model of focal cerebral ischemic infarction was established in dogs through middle cerebral artery occlusion of the right side.Thirty minutes after occlusion,models were injected with nerve growth factor adjacent to the infarct locus.The therapeutic effect of nerve growth factor against cerebral infarction was assessed using the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio,a quantitative index of diffusion-weighted MRI.At 6 hours,24 hours,7 days and 3 months after modeling,the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio was significantly reduced after treatment with nerve growth factor. Hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunohistochemistry,electron microscopy and neurological function scores showed that infarct defects were slightly reduced and neurological function significantly improved after nerve growth factor treatment.This result was consistent with diffusion-weighted MRI measurements.Experimental findings indicate that nerve growth factor can protect against cerebral infarction,and that the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio of diffusion-weighted MRI can be used to evaluate the therapeutic effect.

Effects of different frequencies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the recovery of upper limb motor dysfunction in patients with subacute cerebral infarction

Studies have confirmed that low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can decrease the activity of cortical neurons, and high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can increase the excitability of cortical neurons. However, there are few studies concerning the use of different frequencies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the recovery of upper-limb motor function after cerebral infarction. We hypothesized that different frequencies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with cerebral infarction would produce different effects on the recovery of upper-limb motor function. This study enrolled 127 patients with upper-limb dysfunction during the subacute phase of cerebral infarction. These patients were randomly assigned to three groups. The low-frequency group comprised 42 patients who were treated with 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the contralateral hemisphere primary motor cortex （M1）. The high-frequency group comprised 43 patients who were treated with 10 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on ipsilateral M1. Finally, the sham group comprised 42 patients who were treated with 10 Hz of false stimulation on ipsilateral M1. A total of 135 seconds of stimulation was applied in the sham group and high-frequency group. At 2 weeks after treatment, cortical latency of motor-evoked potentials and central motor conduction time were significantly lower compared with before treatment. Moreover, motor function scores were significantly improved. The above indices for the low- and high-frequency groups were significantly different compared with the sham group. However, there was no significant difference between the low- and high-frequency groups. The results show that low- and high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can similarly improve upper-limb motor function in patients with cerebral infarction.

Resuscitating acupuncture therapy for glucose metabolism in acute cerebral infarction of basal ganglia

BACKGROUND： Acupuncture can improve motor function in patients with cerebral infarction, and activate brain glucose metabolism in relevant brain areas. However, the association between encephalic region activation and acupuncture, as well as the clinical significance of activation remain unclear. OBJECTIVE： Through the use of positron emission tomography-computed tomography （PET-CT）, acute cerebral infarction patients were analyzed for global cerebral metabolism, cerebral infarction focus, peripheral edema, and pyramidal tract pathway changes, which were directly related to clinical symptoms. The influence of resuscitating acupuncture on cerebral glucose metabolism was analyzed in patients with acute cerebral infarction in basal ganglia. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTNG： Randomized, controlled, clinical trials were performed from March 2007 to October 2008 at the PET-CT Center of the General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, China. PARTICIPANTS： Twelve patients with acute basal ganglia infarction were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Chinese Medicine Hospital, and Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Chinese People＇s Armed Police Force. METHODS： The cerebral infarcted patients were randomly assigned to acupuncture and control groups. In addition to routine treatment, the acupuncture group was treated by acupuncture at the main acupoints for resuscitation [Neiguan （PC 6）, Renzhong （DU 26）, and Sanyinjiao （SP 6）], while the control group received routine treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Before and after treatment, patients with acute cerebral infarction were evaluated for global brain, cerebral infarction focus, and surrounding edema and glucose metabolism in encephalic region of pyramidal tract conduction by 18-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose for PET-CT imaging. RESULTS： The resuscitating acupuncture therapy can significantly activate the metabolism of global brain, infarction center and surrounding edema in patients with cerebral infarction in basal ganglia, also has effects on the activation of glucose metabolism in the encephalic regions of pyramidal tract pathway （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Resuscitating acupuncture was superior to routine treatment for significantly activating glucose metabolism in patients with acute cerebral basal ganglia infarction.

Effect of extracranial electric stimulation at cerebellar fastigial nucleus on serum C-reactive protein of patients with acute cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND： Some reports indicate that electric and/or chemical stimulation at various brain sites of experimental animals can raise regional cerebral blood flow and improve cerebral circulation; however, its mechanism is still unclear.OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of electric stimulation at cerebellar fastigial nucleus on serum C-reactive protein of patients with acute cerebral infarction.DESIGN： Non-randomized synchronized contrast study.SETTING： The Second People＇s Hospital of Xinxiang City.PARTICIPANTS： A total of 54 patients with acute cerebral infarction were selected from the Department of Neurology, the Second People＇s Hospital of Xinxiang from December 2005 to December 2006. There were 31 males and 23 females, and their ages ranged from 56 to 80 years. All patients met the diagnostic criteria of the Fourth National Cerebrovascular Academic Meeting, were finally diagnosed by using CT examination,and provided the confirmed consent. Based on therapeutic demands, patients were divided into electric stimulation group and routine treatment group with 27 cases in each group. In addition, 21 healthy subjects,including 11 males and 10 females and aging 53 - 78 years, were selected as the control group. All the subjects in the control group did not have any histories of cerebrovascular diseases and severe body diseases.METHODS： Based on routine drug therapy, patients in the electric stimulation group were also treated by using CVFT-010M cerebral circulation function therapeutic device （made in Shanghai）. Electrode was fixed at bilateral mastoid in the first group and at extensible sides of upper limbs in the second group. Electric stimulation was given twice a day and lasted for 30 minutes each time. Ten days were regarded as a course.Parameters of device： mode Ⅲ, frequency 198%, and intensity 90% - 110% （bionic current）. Patients in the routine treatment group received the routine drug treatment. Content of serum C-reactive protein was measured in both electric stimulation group and routine treatment group before treatment and at 20 days after treatment, while in the control group on the exact day of health examination by using immunization.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Level of serum C-reactive protein in the three groups.RESULTS： All 54 patients with acute cerebral infarction and 21 healthy subjects were involved in the final analysis. Level of serum C-reactive protein was higher in both electric stimulation group and routine treatment group than that in the control group before treatment （P 〈 0.01）. While, level of serum C-reactive protein was lower in the electric stimulation group than that in the routine treatment group after electric stimulation at cerebellar fastigial nucleus （P 〈 0.01）.CONCLUSION： Electric stimulation at cerebellar fastigial nucleus can decrease level of serum C-reactive protein in patients with acute cerebral infarction, and this may be one of the therapeutic mechanisms for curing acute cerebral infarction.

Correspondence of CT perfusion imaging to pathological manifestations in rabbit models of hyperacute cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND： Could the infarction be diagnosed quickly and accurately at the acute stage by CT perfusion imaging （CTPI） technology？ Whether the images of CTPI will correspond with the pathological changes or not？ All the questions need to be solved by experimental and clinical studies. OBJECTIVE： To reveal the rules of perfusion map changes and guide the early diagnosis of hyperacute cerebral infarction by analyzing the correlation of CTPI with pathological manifestations for hyperacute cerebral infarction. DESIGN： A randomized controlled animal experiment. SETTING： Experimental Center of Medical Radiology, Longgang Central Hospital of Shenzhen City. MATERIALS： Forty-two adult New Zealand rabbits of （2.6±0.5） kg, either male or female, were randomly divided into experimental group （n =36） and control group （n =6）. Six rabbits in the experimental group were observed after ischemia for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 hours respectively, and 1 rabbit in the control group was observed at each corresponding time point. METHODS： The experiments were carried out in the Experimental Center of Medical Radiology, Longgang Central Hospital of Shenzhen City from March 2003 to July 2004. Rabbit models of cerebral infarction were established by modified O＇Brein method. （1） The rabbits in the experimental group were scanned at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 hours after ischemia respectively. The dynamic CT scan slice was 13 mm from the anterior edge of the frontal cortex, and six fake color functional images were obtained, including cerebral blood flow map （CBF map）, cerebral blood volume map （CBV map）, peak to enhancement map （PE map）, flow without vessels map, time to peak map （TP map）, time to start map （TS map）. The manifestations and changes of the functional maps in different interval were observed. （2） Bilateral symmetric ranges of interest （ROI） were drawn separately on the CBF map, CBV map, TP map and TS map. The blood flow parameters of focal and contralateral cerebral tissues could be obtained to calculate relative cerebral blood flow （rCBF, rCBF=focal CBF/contralateral CBF）, relative cerebral blood volume （rCBV, rCBV= focal CBV/contralateral CBV）, a relative time to peak （rTP, rTP= focal TP - contralateral TP）, a relative time to start （rTS, rTS= focal TP - contralateral TP）. （3） The perfusion maps were input into AutoCAD software. The percents of ischemic cores and peri-ischemic areas accounting for contralateral cerebral hemisphere were calculated. （4） The animals were anesthetized and killed, then the cerebellum and low brain stem were taken out. The brain tissues were cut on coronal plane at 14 mm from the anterior edge of the frontal cortex, a 2-mm piece anterior to the incision, and a 3-mm piece posterior to the incision. The anterior piece was fixed, stained and observed. A 1-mm slice was cut from the front of the posterior piece tissues as electron microscope sample, the remnant was fixed and then taken out, and the location and size of stained ＂white＂ areas were observed as the reference for electron microscope sample. （5） The correlation between CTPI and pathological manifestations was observed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： （1） Laws of time and spatial changes of ischemic areas; （2） Pathological changes of the ischemic tissues; （3） Correspondency between CTPI and pathological manifestations. RESULTS： （1） Laws of time and spatial changes of ischemic areas： Relative ischemic-core areas were consistent in each perfusion map, increased incessantly along with the ischemic times. Relative peri-ischemic areas were inconsistent in each perfusion map, on CBF map from 1 to 6 hours after ischemia, the area of ischemic core increased from （1.503±0.523）% to （7.125± 1.054）%, the ascending trend occurred. But the peri-ischemic areas showed a descending trend on CBF map, the areas decreased from （8.960±0.719）% to （5.445 ± 0.884）% from 0.5 to 6 hours; The relative areas were the largest one on TP maps, the average value was （32.796±3.029）% at 0.5 hour after ischemia happening （60.540±1.683）% at 6 hours. The trend of ischemic areas was increased. No obvious change was observed on TS maps. （2） Pathological changes of the ischemic tissues： Under light microscope, there was no obvious change at 0.5- 2 hours after ischemia, edema at 3 hours, karyopycnosis at 4 hours and eosinophilous changes at 6 hours; Under electron microscope, there was edema in ischemic cores within 4 hours after ischemia, whereas karyopycnosis or structure vanished after 4 hours; Edema was observed in peri-ischemic areas. （3） Correlation between CTPI and pathological manifestations： On CTPI maps, the ischemic core was blue on CBF and CBV maps, black on TP and TS maps. Along with the ischemic times, the rCBF and rCBV decreased, whereas the rTP and rTS prolonged. Hemodynamic parameters were not significantly different within 2 hours of ischemia and 2 hours after ischemia. The rTP and rTS became 0 after 1 and 2 hours respectively. On CTPI maps the peri-ischemic area was red on CBF and CBV maps, red and yellow on TS maps, red on TP maps. Along with the ischemic times, the rCBF decreased, and the lowest level was always at about 20%, whereas the rTP and rTS prolonged. CONCLUSION： （1） CTPI manifestations corresponded well with pathological findings, and it is a sensitive, stable and reliable technique to diagnose hyperacute cerebral infarction. （2） TP map was more sensitive than CBF map and TS map in exhibiting the peri-ischemic areas, thus TP maps could be a good choice for observing peri-ischemic areas.

Correlation between carotid atherosclerosis and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND： Some researches demonstrate that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein may be a risk factor to cause carotid atherosclerosis in patients with cerebral infarction. Inflammatory reaction may participate in formation of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the correlation between levels of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction accompanied with carotid atherosclerosis. DESIGN： Contrast observation between two groups. SETTING： Department of Neurology, Zhenzhou Hospital, Shenyang Medical College. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 102 patients with acute cerebral infarction regarded as cerebral infarction group were selected from Department of Neurology, Shenzhou Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College from February 2005 to September 2006. There were 55 males and 47 females and their ages ranged from 55 to 86 years. All patients met the variously diagnostic points of cerebral infarction established by the Fourth National Cerebrovascular Disease Academic Meeting and were finally diagnosed with CT or MRI examination. Illness course was in an acute phase. A total of 96 healthy subjects were regarded as control group, including 51 males and 45 females aged from 48 to 78 years. All accepted subjects provided the confirmed consent. METHODS： ① Patients in the cerebral infarction group received carotid ultrasound Doppler examination and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein detection within 72 hours after onset. IMMAGE immune biochemical system and latex reinforcement particle-enhanced nephelometric ilnmunoassay （PENIA） were used for quantitative detection of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. ② Healthy subjects in the control group received the same detection. SEQUOIA512 color Doppler ultrasound （Siemens Company, USA） was used to detect carotid artery of all subjects so as to observe intima media thickness of artery and formation of artery atherosclerostic plaques. If artery atherosclerostic plaques were formed, their properties and amounts were determined based on the characteristics of light-echo signals. Evaluating criteria： Intima media thickness of artery was the vertical dimension from crossed face between lumen and tunica intima to crossed face between tunica media and tunica adventitia. Intima media thickness ≤ 0.9 into was regarded as normal; 0.9 inm 〈 intima media thickness ≤ 1.2 inm was regarded as thickening; when local eminence thickening was processed towards to lumen, the intima media thickness was more than 1.2 into and plaque of tunica intima was formed at the same time. Properties of plaque were classified into 4 types： steady low-echo lipid malacoplakia, equal-echo fiber plaque, strong-echo or sound-imaging calcification hard plaque and unsteady-echo ulcer mixed plaque. Fiber plaque and calcification hard plaque were steady but malacoplakia and mixed plaque were unsteady. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Thickness of tunica media, characteristics of plaque and level of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in carotid artery in two groups. RESULTS： All 102 patients with cerebral infarction and 96 healthy subjects were involved in the final analysis. ①Comparisons of level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein： Level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in normal tunica media was higher in the cerebral infarction group [（4.66±1.55） mg/L] than the control group [（3.49±1.24） mg/L, t =2.541, P 〈 0.05]. In addition, level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with thickening tunica media and plaque was not significantly different between the cerebral infarction group and the control group （P 〉 0.05）. ② Correlation between various degrees of vascular lesion and level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the cerebral infarction group： Level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was statistically significantly higher in patients with thickening tunica media [（8.16±2.42） mg/L] than patients with normal tunica media [（4.66±1.55） mg/L, t =4.132, P 〈 0.01]. In addition, level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was statistically significantly higher in patients with carotid plaque [（12.08±3.85） mg/L] than patients with normal tunica media （t =5.994, P 〈 0.01） and thickening tunica media （t =4.197, P 〈 0.01）. ③ Levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with various kinds of carotid plaque： Level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was statistically significantly higher in patients with unsteady carotid plaque [（13.54±2.62） mg/L] than patients with steady carotid plaque [（8.61±3.71） mg/L, t =2.002, P 〈 0.05]. That was to say level of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients who suffered acute cerebral infarction combined with carotid atherosclerosis especially carotid plaque was higher than that in those patients who did not have carotid lesions. This suggested that serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein had a certain correlation with onset of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction. CONCLUSION： Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein certainly correlates with onset of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction, while inflammatory reaction may participate in formation of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction.

Ipsilateral versus bilateral limb-training in promoting the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells following cerebral infarction in rats

We investigated the effects of ipsilateral versus bilateral limb-training on promotion of endogenous neural stem cells in the peripheral infarct zone and the corresponding cerebral region in the unaffected hemisphere of rats with cerebral infarction. Middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in Wistar rats. The rat forelimb on the unaffected side was either wrapped up with tape to force the use of the paretic forelimb in rats or not braked to allow bilateral forelimbs to participate in training. Daily training consisted of mesh drum training, balance beam training, and stick rolling training for a total of 40 minutes, once per day. Control rats received no training. At 14 days after functional training, rats receiving bilateral limb-training exhibited milder neurological impairment than that in the ipsilateral limb-training group or the control group. The number of nestin/glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive and nestin/microtubule-associated protein 2-positive cells in the peripheral infarct zone and in the corresponding cerebral region in the unaffected hemisphere was significantly higher in rats receiving bilateral limb-training than in rats receiving ipsilateral limb-training. These data suggest that bilateral limb-training can promote the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells in the bilateral hemispheres after cerebral infarction and accelerate the recovery of neurologic function. In addition, bilateral limb-training produces better therapeutic effects than ipsilateral limb-training.