Relationship between ultrasound parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and intrauterine fetal distress

BACKGROUND By comprehensively analyzing the blood flow parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries,doctors can more accurately identify fetal intrauterine distress,as well as assess its severity,so that timely interventions can be implemented to safeguard the health and safety of the fetus.AIM To identify the relationship between ultrasound parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and intrauterine distress.METHODS Clinical data of pregnant women admitted between January 2021 and January 2023 were collected and divided into the observation and control groups(n=50 each),according to the presence or absence of intrauterine distress.The ultrasound hemodynamic parameters of the uterine artery(UtA),fetal middle cerebral artery(MCA),and umbilical artery(UmA)were compared with neonatal outcomes and occurrence of intrauterine distress in the two groups.RESULTS Comparison of ultrasonic hemodynamic parameters,resistance index(RI),pulsatility index(PI),and systolic maximal blood flow velocity of UmA compared to diastolic blood flow velocity(S/D),revealed higher values of fetal MCA,PI,and S/D of UmA in pregnant women with UtA compared to controls(P<0.05),while there was no difference between the two groups in terms of RI(P<0.05)The incidence of a neonatal Apgar score of 8-10 points was lower in the observation group(66.7%)than in the control group(90.0%),and neonatal weight(2675.5±27.6 g)was lower than in the control group(3117.5±31.2 g).Further,cesarean section rate was higher in the observation group(70.0%)than in the control group(11.7%),and preterm labor rate was higher in the observation group(40.0%)than in the control group(10.0%).The incidence of fetal distress,neonatal growth restriction and neonatal asphyxia were also higher in the observation group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Fetal MCA,UmA,and maternal UtA hemodynamic abnormalities all develop in pregnant women with intrauterine distress during late pregnancy,which suggests that clinical attention should be paid to them,and monitoring should be strengthened to provide guidance for clinical intervention.

Predicting Endometrium Receptivity with Parameters of Spiral Artery Blood Flow

In order To evaluate whether the parameters of spiral artery blood flow, as measured by transvaginal color Doppler, may be used to assess endometrium receptivity prior to embryo transfer (ET), a retrospective study of 94 infertile women who had undergone ART treatments with different outcomes (pregnant or nonpregnant) was done. Subendometrial blood flow was evaluated. The resistance index (RI), systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) and pulsatility index (PI) were significantly lower in those who achieved pregnancy as compared with those who did not: 0.62±0.04 vs 0.68±0.04 (P<0.001), 2.66±0.33 vs 3.19±0.39 (P<0.01) and 1.15±0.17 vs 1.34±0.22 (P<0.05), respectively. Furthermore, when RI>0.72, PI>1.6, and S/D>3.6, no pregnancy occurred. These data suggest that the parameters of spiral artery blood flow could be used as a new assay in predicting endometrial receptivity before ET.

Clinical Efficacy of Modified Erchen Decoction on Cervical Spondylotic Vertebral Arteriopathy with Stagnation and Blockade of Phlegm-dampness Syndrome and Effects on Cerebral Blood Flow Parameters

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Modified Erchen Decoction on cervical spondylotic vertebral arteriopathy with stagnation and blockade of phlegm-dampness syndrome and effects on cerebral blood flow parameters. METHODS: A total of 80 cervical spondylotic vertebral arteriopathy(CSA) patients with stagnation and blockade of phlegmdampness syndrome admitted to our hospital from October 2016 to April 2017 were selected and randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 40 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with Modified Erchen Decoction and the control group was given conventional treatment with Western medicine. After 4 weeks of treatment, the main clinical symptoms and signs(vertigo, neck and shoulder pain, headache, psychological and social adjustment, daily life and work) and cerebral blood flow parameters [the peak values of intracranial vertebral-basal artery diastolic blood flow velocity(Vd) and systolic blood flow velocity(Vp)] were compared between the 2 groups. The total clinical effective rate and adverse reactions during treatment were also compared. RESULTS: After treatment, the total effective rate of the observation group was 90.0%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group(77.5%). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P < 0.05). After treatment, The scores of vertigo, neck and shoulder pain, headache, psychology and society adaptation, daily life and work were significantly increased(P < 0.05), and the above scores of the observation group were increased more obviously. The difference between the groups was statistically significant(P < 0.05). After treatment, the levels of Vd and Vp were significantly increased(P < 0.05), and the increase of the above indexes was more obvious in the observation group. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant(P < 0.05). There were no significant abnormalities in blood routine, urine routine, liver function and renal function. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the 2 groups.(P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The treatment of vertebral artery type cervical spondylopathy with stagnation and blockade of phlegm-dampness syndrome by Modified Erchen Decoction can effectively relieve the main clinical symptoms and signs, improve cerebral blood flow parameters, and improve the peak values of vertebral-basal artery diastolic blood flow velocity(Vd) and systolic blood flow velocity(Vp), which is safe and effective, and helps to promote the recovery of cervical function.

Effects of Electro-acupuncture Preconditioning on Focal Cere bral Blood Flow in Artery and Vein of Rats with Middle Cere bral Artery Occlusion

Objective:To investigate the effects of electro-acupuncture preconditioning on focal cerebral blood flow(CBF)in artery and vein of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO),and to provide experimental evidences for primary prevention of ischemic stroke.Method:Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats(two months old)were divided into 3 groups:electro-acupuncture preconditioning group(EA group),ischemia group(Is group)and Dazhui and Baihui sham group(six rats per group).The rats in the EA group were given electro-acupuncture preconditioning at Dazhui and Baihui with 2/15 density wave current for 30 minutes per day,5 days consecutively.After preconditioning,enhanced laser speckle contrast analysis was implemented to get false color images before making middle cerebral ischemia occlusion model.Then getting false color images two hours during ischemia by laser speckle contrast analysis again.Result:④Relative CBF in focal cortical artery:There were significant differences at every time point in EA group and Is group(P<0.01,P<0.05)comparing with that before occlusion respectively.Compared with that before ischemia,there was significant difference at 120 min after ischemia in sham group(P<0.05);compared with that at 30 min after occlusion,there was significant difference at every time point in EA group from the time point 60 min after occlusion;there was significant difference at every time point in EA group and Is group(P<0.05)comparing with sham group;Compared with sham group,there was significant difference at 30min and 60 min after ischemia in EA group(P<0.05).④Relative CBF in focal cortical vein:There was significant difference at every time point in sham group comparing with that before occlusion(P<0.05);compared with that before occlusion,there was significant difference from 45 min after occlusion in EA group(P<0.05);compared with that before occlusion,there was significant difference from 105 min after occlusion in sham group(P<0.05);there was significant difference at 120 min after occlusion comparing with 60 min after occlusion in EA group;compared with sham group,there was significant difference at every time point in EA group and Is group(except 30 min after occlusion)(P<0.05),respectively;compared with Is group,there was significant difference at 30,45,60 min after occlusion in EA group(P<0.05).④The infarct brain volume detected 24 h after reperfusion in EA group was significantly smaller comparing with that in Is group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Electro-acupuncture preconditioning could increase CBF velocity in artery and vein of focal cortex in rats with MCAO,which also had time-dependence.Additionally,electro-acupuncture preconditioning could decrease the infarct volume detected 24h after reperfusion,which possibly was correlated with the blood supply in ischemic penumbra.

Curative Effects of Warming Needle Moxibustion Combined with Manipulation Massage on Cervical Spondylotic Vertebral Arteriopathy and Its Influence on the Cerebral Blood Flow Parameters and Cervical Vertebral Function

OBJECTIVE: To explore the curative effects of warming needle moxibustion combined with manipulation massage on cervical spondylotic vertebral arteriopathy and its influence on the cerebral blood flow and cervical vertebra function. METHODS: A total of 84 patients with cervical spondylotic vertebral arteriopathy admitted to our hospital from February 2016 to June 2017 were selected, and all patients were divided into an observation group (n=42) and a control group (n=42) according to the random number table method. The patients in the control group were given conventional western treatment, and the patients in the observation group were treated with warming needle moxibustion combined with manipulation massage on the basis of the control group. After 4 weeks of treatment, the changes of main clinical symptoms (vertigo, headache, neck and shoulder pain, tinnitus), cervical function (clinical symptoms, clinical examination, daily life action) and cerebral blood flow parameters (average blood flow velocity of left vertebral artery, right vertebral artery and basilar artery) of the 2 groups were observed, and the clinical efficacy of the 2 groups were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The scores of vertigo, headache, neck and shoulder pain and tinnitus in the 2 groups were all significantly lower than before treatment (P < 0.05), and the clinical symptom scores in the observation group were significantly lower after treatment (P < 0.05);After treatment, the scores of clinical symptoms, clinical examination and daily life action in the 2 groups were significantly higher than those before treatment (P < 0.05), and the increase of cervical vertebral function score in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P < 0.05);The mean blood flow velocity of the left vertebral artery, right vertebral artery and the basilar artery in the 2 groups after treatment were significantly higher than before treatment (P < 0.05), and the increase of the above cerebral blood flow parameters in the observation group were higher than the control group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 92.9% in the observation group and 76.2% in the control group after treatment, and the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Warming needle moxibustion combined with manipulation massage can quickly relieve the clinical symptoms of patients with cervical spondylotic vertebral arteriopathy, improve the cervical function and cerebral blood flow parameters, increase the vertebrobasilar artery blood flow, and promote the recovery of the disease.

Abnormal volumetric brain morphometry and cerebral blood flow in adolescents with depression

BACKGROUND Prior research has demonstrated that the brains of adolescents with depression exhibit distinct structural alterations.However,preliminary studies have documented the pathophysiological changes in certain brain regions,such as the cerebellum,highlighting a need for further research to support the current understanding of this disease.AIM To study brain changes in depressed adolescents.METHODS This study enrolled 34 adolescents with depression and 34 age-,sex-,and education-level-matched healthy control(HC)individuals.Structural and functional alterations were identified when comparing the brains of these two participant groups through voxel-based morphometry and cerebral blood flow(CBF)analysis,respectively.Associations between identified brain alterations and the severity of depressive symptoms were explored through Pearson correlation analyses.RESULTS The cerebellum,superior frontal gyrus,cingulate gyrus,pallidum,middle frontal gyrus,angular gyrus,thalamus,precentral gyrus,inferior temporal gyrus,superior temporal gyrus,inferior frontal gyrus,and supplementary motor areas of adolescents with depression showed an increase in brain volume compared to HC individuals.These patients with depression further presented with a pronounced drop in CBF in the left pallidum(group=98,and peak t=-4.4324),together with increased CBF in the right percental gyrus(PerCG)(group=90,and peak t=4.5382).In addition,17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores were significantly correlated with the increased volume in the opercular portion of the left inferior frontal gyrus(r=-0.5231,P<0.01).CONCLUSION The right PerCG showed structural and CBF changes,indicating that research on this part of the brain could offer insight into the pathophysiological causes of impaired cognition.

Therapeutic effects of different durations of acupuncture on rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion

Acupuncture is regarded as an effective therapy for cerebral ischemia. Different acupuncture ma- nipulations and durations may result in different therapeutic effects. In the present study, the Neig uan （PC6） acupoint of rats with occluded middle cerebral arteries was needled at a fixed frequency （3 Hz） with different durations, i.e., 5, 60 and 180 seconds under a twisting-rotating acupuncture method. Results showed that different durations of acupuncture had different therapeutic effects, with 60 seconds yielding a better therapeutic effect than the other two groups. This duration of treatment demonstrated rapid cerebral blood flow, encouraging recovery of neurological function, and small cerebral infarct volume. Experimental findings indicated that under 3 Hz frequency, the treatment of needling Neiguan for 60 seconds is effective for ischemic stroke.

Electroacupuncture induces acute changes in cerebral cortical mi RNA profile, improves cerebral blood flow and alleviates neurological deficits in a rat model of stroke

Electroacupuncture has been shown to improve cerebral blood flow in animal models of stroke. However, it is unclear whether electroacupuncture alters mi RNA expression in the cortex. In this study, we examined changes in the cerebral cortical mi RNA profile, cerebral blood flow and neurological function induced by electroacupuncture in a rat model of stroke. Electroacupuncture was performed at Renzhong（GV26） and Neiguan（PC6）, with a frequency of 2 Hz, continuous wave, current intensity of 3.0 m A, and stimulation time of 1 minute. Electroacupuncture increased cerebral blood flow and alleviated neurological impairment in the rats. mi RNA microarray profiling revealed that the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway, which links cell proliferation with stroke, was most significantly affected by electroacupuncture. Electroacupuncture induced changes in expression of rno-mi R-206-3p, rno-mi R-3473, rno-mi R-6216 and rno-mi R-494-3p, and these changes were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our findings suggest that changes in cell proliferation-associated mi RNA expression induced by electroacupuncture might be associated with the improved cerebral blood supply and functional recovery following stroke.

Evaluation of changes of intracranial blood flow after carotid artery stenting using digital subtraction angiography flow assessment

AIM: To evaluate the changes of intracranial blood flow after carotid artery stenting(CAS), using the flow assessment application "Flow-Insight", which was developed in our department.METHODS: Twenty patients treated by CAS participated in this study. We analyzed the change in concentration of the contrast media at the anterior-posterior and profile view image with the flow assessment application "Flow-Insight". And we compared the results with N-isopropyl-p-[123I] iodoamphetamine-single-photon emission computed tomography(IMP SPECT) performed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: From this study, 200% of the parameter "blood flow" change in the post/pre-treatment is suggested as the critical line of the hyperperfusion syndrome arise. Although the observed blood flow increase in the digital subtraction angiography system did not strongly correlate with the rate of increase of SPECT, the "Flow-Insight" reflected the rate of change of the vessels well. However, for patients with reduced reserve blood flow before CAS, a highly elevated site was in agreement with the site analysis results. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the cerebral angiography flow assessment application was able to more finely reveal hyperperfusion regions in the brain after CAS compared to SPECT.

Superficial Temporal Artery to Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass and Endovascular Parent Artery Occlusion in the Treatment of Giant Intracranial Aneurysms

The authors are reporting on a study drawn from unpublished dissertation done by the corresponding author when he completed his neurosurgical training in Paris, France in 2004, few years before the advent of flow diverters. The study was a retrospective review of giant intracranial aneurysms treated by superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass combined with endovascular occlusion of the parent artery. From 1990 to 2003, 29 consecutive cases of giant cerebral aneurysms, not suitable to selective treatment were managed in that way. Twenty-one medical records had enough data to allow objective evaluation. Sixteen female and five male patients bearing 21 giant aneurysms were involved. Their mean age was 46 years. The aneurysm was revealed by mass effect in 13 cases and subarachnoid hemorrhage in one case. On admission 19 patients presented with unruptured aneurysms and two have sustained a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The balloon occlusion test before the bypass operation was not tolerated in 18 patients. The treatment was completed in 19 patients and 17 of them had parent artery occlusion with latex detachable balloons. The only death of the series occurred before the endovascular treatment. The mean follow-up period was 30 months. After completion of the treatment, 16 (84%) patients had no symptom. Aneurysm recanalization or rupture was not observed after the parent artery occlusion. With the combination of superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass + endovascular parent artery occlusion, 90% of giant intracranial aneurysms untreatable selectively were permanently excluded with a good outcome in 95%.

Enhancing hippocampal blood flow after cerebral ischemia and vasodilating basilar arteries:in vivo and in vitro neuroprotective effect of antihypertensive DDPH

1-（2,6-Dimethylphenoxy）-2-（3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylamino）-propane hydrochloride （DDPH） is a novel antihypertensive agent based on structural characteristics of mexiletine and verapamine. We investigated the effect of DDPH on vasodilatation and neuroprotection in a rat model of cerebral ischemiain vivo, and a rabbit model of isolated basilar arteriesin vitro. Our results show that DDPH （10 mg/kg） significantly increased hippocampal blood flowin vivo in cerebral ischemic rats, and exerted dose-dependent relaxation of isolated basilar arteries contracted by histamine or KCl in thein vitro rabbit model. DDPH （3 × 10–5 M） also inhibited histamine-stimulated extracellular calcium inlfux and intracellular calcium release. Our ifndings suggest that DDPH has a vasodilative effect bothin vivo andin vitro, which mediates a neuropro-tective effect on ischemic nerve tissue.

Characterization of cerebral blood flow dynamics with multiscale entropy

Based on the laser speckle contrast imaging(LSCI)and the multiscale entropy(MSE),we study in this work the blood flow dynamics at the levels of cerebral veins and the surrounding network of microcerebral vessels.We discuss how the phenylephrine-related acute peripheral bypertension is refected in the cerebral circulation and show that the observed changes are scale dependent,and they are signifcantly more pronounced in microcerebral vessels,while the macrocerebral dynamics does not demonstrate authentic inter-group distinctions.We also consider the permeability of blood-brain barrier(BBB)and study its opening caused by sound exposure.We show that alterations associated with the BBB opening can be revealed by the analysis of blood flow at the level of macrocerebral vessels.

EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE AT FENGCHI POINT (GB 20) ON CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW

Blood velocity in the vertebral artery and the basilar artery was observed before and after acupuncture at Fengchi point (GB 20) in 97 patients by transcranial Doppler ultrasonic detecting. The results showed that the blood velocity in patients with either high or low blood flow had significant changes after acupuncture (P【 0.001).

Pulsed arterial spin labeling effectively and dynamically observes changes in cerebral blood flow after mild traumatic brain injury

Cerebral blood flow is strongly associated with brain function, and is the main symptom and diagnostic basis for a variety of encephalopathies. However, changes in cerebral blood flow after mild traumatic brain injury remain poorly understood. This study sought to observe changes in cerebral blood flow in different regions after mild traumatic brain injury using pulsed arterial spin labeling. Our results demonstrate maximal cerebral blood flow in gray matter and minimal in the white matter of patients with mild traumatic brain injury. At the acute and subacute stages, cerebral blood flow was reduced in the occipital lobe, parietal lobe, central region, subcutaneous region, and frontal lobe. Cerebral blood flow was restored at the chronic stage. At the acute, subacute, and chronic stages, changes in cerebral blood flow were not apparent in the insula. Cerebral blood flow in the temporal lobe and limbic lobe diminished at the acute and subacute stages, but was restored at the chronic stage. These findings suggest that pulsed arterial spin labeling can precisely measure cerebral blood flow in various brain regions, and may play a reference role in evaluating a patient＇s condition and judging prognosis after traumatic brain injury.

Relationship of gelatinases-tight junction proteins and blood-brain barrier permeability in the early stage of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion

Gelatinases matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 have been shown to mediate claudin-5 and occludin degradation, and play an important regulatory role in blood-brain barrier permeability. This study established a rat model of 1.5-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion with reperfusion. Protein expression levels of claudin-5 and occludin gradually decreased in the early stage of reperfusion, which corresponded to the increase of the gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9. In addition, rats that received treatment with matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor N-[（2R）-2-（hydroxamidocarbonylmethyl）-4-methylpenthanoyl]-L- tryptophan methylamide （GM6001） showed a significant reduction in Evans blue leakage and an inhibition of claudin-5 and occludin protein degradation in striatal tissue. These data indicate that matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9-mediated claudin-5 and occludin degradation is an important reason for blood-brain barrier leakage in the early stage of reperfusion. The leakage of the blood-brain barrier was present due to gelatinases-mediated degradation of claudin-5 and occludin proteins. We hypothesized that the timely closure of the structural component of the blood-brain barrier （tight junction proteins） is of importance.

3D-ASL联合3D-TOF MRA评估单侧颈内动脉闭塞后脑灌注状态的应用研究

目的分析磁共振三维动脉自旋标记(3D ASL)联合三维时间飞跃法磁共振血管成像(3D-TOF MRA)技术在评估单侧颈内动脉(ICA)慢性闭塞后脑灌注状态的应用价值。方法回顾性研究2018年1月至2022年3月南京中医药大学连云港附属医院脑病科收治的单侧ICA闭塞患者40例,其中男24例,女16例,年龄(52.4±16.9)岁。均行常规MRI序列、3D ASL及3D-TOF MRA序列检查,3D ASL标记后延迟时间(PLD)2525 ms,依据3D-TOF MRA序列显示有无前交通动脉(ACoA)及后交通动脉(PCoA)开放、大脑前动脉(ACA)及大脑后动脉(PCA)偏侧优势分为侧支循环组(23例)和对照组(17例)。通过脑血流量(CBF)伪彩图分别测量额叶、顶叶、颞叶、脑室旁白质区以及基底节区CBF值。行两独立样本t检验。结果入组患者中,左侧ICA闭塞22例,右侧ICA闭塞18例。侧支循环组额叶、顶叶、颞叶、侧脑室旁白质区及基底节区CBF值分别为(42.14±6.75)ml/min×100 g、(41.47±6.91)ml/min×100 g、(42.85±7.14)ml/min×100 g、(36.82±7.06)ml/min×100 g、(37.87±7.25)ml/min×100 g,均高于对照组的(32.09±7.25)ml/min×100 g、(31.16±7.32)ml/min×100 g、(32.53±7.56)ml/min×100 g、(29.37±6.27)ml/min×100 g、(28.45±6.87)ml/min×100 g,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论磁共振3D ASL联合3D-TOF MRA技术,可用于评估单侧ICA闭塞后侧支循环建立及脑灌注状态,为患者临床治疗方案选择以及预后评估提供影像依据。

Xenon-enhanced CT assessment of cerebral blood flow in stroke-in-progress patients with unilateral internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery stenosis

Carotid or cerebral artery stenosis resulting in low perfusion is a major cause of ischemic stroke.Understanding the unique hemodynamic features in each patient undergoing a stroke-in-progress（SIP） and the correlation between progression and cerebral blood flow（CBF） status would help in the diagnosis and treatment of individual patients.We used xenonenhanced CT（Xe-CT） to examine cerebral perfusion in patients with or without SIP（30 patients/group）,recruited from October 2009 to October 2010.Only SIP patients with unilateral stenosis in the internal or middle cerebral artery were recruited.The occurrence of watershed infarction was higher in the SIP group than in the non-SIP group（P ＆lt;0.05）.In the SIP group,larger hypoperfused areas were found around the lesions than in the non-SIP group.In the SIP group,the CBF values in the ipsilateral areas were significantly lower than those in corresponding regions on the contralateral side.CBF values in the contralateral hemisphere were significantly lower in the SIP group than in the non-SIP group.In SIP patients,infarctions were surrounded by larger hypoperfused areas than in non-SIP patients.These larger hypoperfused areas may result in pathological damage to the brain that is responsible for the progression of stroke.

Limb remote ischemic postconditioning protects integrity of the blood-brain barrier after stroke

Integrity of the blood-brain barrier structure is essential for maintaining the internal environment of the brain.Development of cerebral infarction and brain edema is strongly associated with blood-brain barrier leakage.Therefore,studies have suggested that protecting the blood-brain barrier may be an effective method for treating acute stroke.To examine this possibility,stroke model rats were established by middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion.Remote ischemic postconditioning was immediately induced by three cycles of 10-minute ischemia/10-minute reperfusion of bilateral hind limbs at the beginning of middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion.Neurological function of rat models was evaluated using Zea Longa’s method.Permeability of the blood-brain barrier was assessed by Evans blue leakage.Infarct volume and brain edema were evaluated using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining.Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and claudin-5 m RNA was determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and claudin-5 protein was measured by western blot assay.The number of matrix metalloproteinase-9-and claudin-5-positive cells was analyzed using immunohistochemistry.Our results showed that remote ischemic postconditioning alleviated disruption of the blood-brain barrier,reduced infarct volume and edema,decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 m RNA and protein and the number of positive cells,increased expression of claudin-5 m RNA and protein and the number of positive cells,and remarkably improved neurological function.These findings confirm that by suppressing expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and claudin-5 induced by acute ischemia/reperfusion,remote ischemic postconditioning reduces blood-brain barrier injury,mitigates ischemic injury,and exerts protective effects on the brain.

CAS and CEA in the Treatment of Severe Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis

Objective:To explore the clinical value of carotid artery stent implantation(CAS)and carotid endarterectomy(CEA)in the treatment of patients with severe internal carotid artery stenosis.Methods:88 patients with severe carotid artery stenosis who underwent CAS and CEA in the First People's Hospital of Changde City(hereafter referred as "our hospital")from January 2018 to December 2020 were selected as the research objects and divided into CAS group(n=43)and CEA group(n=45).To understand the clinical application value and feasibility of the two surgical schemes by comparing the general situation,cerebral blood flow,MMSE scale,MOCA scale score and serum miR-145,IGF1R levels of the two surgical schemes.Conclusions:CAS and CEA in the treatment of patients with severe internal carotid artery stenosis,have good curative effect,can effectively improve the patient's cerebral blood flow,regulate serum miR-145,IGF 1R levels,promote the recovery of cognitive function,but relatively speaking,the incidence of stroke and hypotension after CAS is higher,and the incidence of hypertension after CEA is higher.

Predicting Acute Mountain Sickness Using Regional Sea-Level Cerebral Blood Flow

Objective To investigate the role of sea-level cerebral blood flow(CBF)in predicting acute mountain sickness(AMS)using three-dimensional pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling(3D-pCASL).Methods Forty-eight healthy volunteers reached an altitude of 3,650 m by air after undergoing a head magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)including 3D-pCASL at sea level.The CBF values of the bilateral anterior cerebral artery(ACA),middle cerebral artery(MCA),posterior cerebral artery(PCA),and posterior inferior cerebellar artery(PICA)territories and the laterality index(LI)of CBF were compared between the AMS and non-AMS groups.Statistical analyses were performed to determine the relationship between CBF and AMS,and the predictive performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Results The mean cortical CBF in women(81.65±2.69 mL/100 g/min)was higher than that in men(74.35±2.12 mL/100 g/min)(P<0.05).In men,the cortical CBF values in the bilateral ACA,PCA,PICA,and right MCA were higher in patients with AMS than in those without.Cortical CBF in the right PCA best predicted AMS(AUC=0.818).In women,the LI of CBF in the ACA was different between the AMS and non-AMS groups and predicted AMS with an AUC of 0.753.Conclusion Although the mechanism and prediction of AMS are quite complicated,higher cortical CBF at sea level,especially the CBF of the posterior circulatory system,may be used for prediction in male volunteers using non-invasive 3D-pCASL.