Related factors of cognitive impairment after stroke

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment after stroke associates with various factors, such as age, educational years, etc. Besides concerning about the recovery of limb function after stroke, we should also focus on the rehabilitation of cognition. Moreover, we'd better pay attention to the control of all the risk factors of stroke, and improve the quality of life in stroke patients. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors that affect cognitive impairment after stroke. DESIGN: A related factors analysis. SETTINGS: Department of Neurology of Dalian Port Hospital and Dalian Second People's Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Totally 148 stroke inpatients were selected from Department of Neurology, Dalian Port Hospital and Dalian Second People's Hospital from April 2004 to December 2005, including 100 males and 48 females, aging 45-75 years with an average age of (67±8) years; Their educational years ranged 2-10 years with an average of (6.1±3.7) years; The disease course ranged 15-30 days; All were right-handed. Inclusive criteria: All were accorded with the diagnostic standard set by the Fourth National Academic Meeting for Cerebrovascular Disease; Confirmed by CT or MRI; Informed consents were obtained from all the subjects. METHODS: After the disease conditions were stable, the patients were assessed with Wechsler memory scale (WMS) and Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST). WMS included forward and backward recitation of numbers and short-term memory (verbal memory, visual recognition). The number of times for correct and wrong classifications in WCST and the time to complete the trail making tests A and B were recorded. The focal volume, area and layer were recorded at 24 hours after admission. The general data of the patients were recorded, including name, sex, age, educational years, history of hypertension, history of diabetes mellitus. Electroencepalograph (EEG) was examined to record the wave shape, blood lipids were detected, and the cognition related indexes were analyzed with the Pearson correlation analysis. The correlation between cognitive indexes after stroke and the influencing factors were analyzed with multiple linear regression analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① Correlation between cognitive indexes and imaging indexes; ② Influencing factors for cognitive indexes after stroke. RESULTS: All the 148 stroke patients were involved in the analysis of results. ① Correlation between cognitive indexes and CT indexes: There were obvious negative correlations between numerical symbol and focal layer (r =-0.234, P < 0.05), as well as between verbal memory and the focal area and volume (r =-0.363, -0.279, P < 0.05); Trail making test A had obvious positive correlation with focal area and volume (r =0.256, 0.256, P < 0.05). Results of multiple linear regression analysis: Correct classification was correlated with triglyceride (partial wave and θ wave (partial regression coefficient=0.231-0.908, P < 0.05); Verbal memory was correlated with EEG α wave, focal volume, sex, educational years and diabetes mellitus (partial regression coefficient=0.219-1.017, P < 0.05-0.01). Visual recognition had correlation with educational years and hypertension (partial regression coefficient=0.326, -1.163, P < 0.01). Trail making tests A and B were correlated with focal volume (partial regression coefficient=4.680, -18.561, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The factors that affect the cognitive function after stroke include sex, age, educational years, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, triglyceride, EEG wave shape, and the focal area, volume and layer     

Using rare earth element tracers and neutron activation analysis to study rill erosion process.

Spatially averaged soil erosion data provide little information on the process of rill erosion. The dynamically varied data on the temporal and spatial distributions in the rill erosion process are needed to better understand the erosion process and reveal its innate characteristics. The objectives of this study were to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of rare earth element (REE) tracers and the neutron activation analysis (NAA) method on the study of the rill erosion process and to reveal quantitatively the relationships and characteristics of temporal and spatial distributions of sediment yield in rill erosion. Four REEs were used to study the changeable process of rill erosion at 4 slope positions. Four water inflow rates were applied to a 0.3 x 5 m soil bed at 3 slopes of 10.5%, 15.8% and 21.2% in scouring experiments. All of the runoff was collected in the experiment. Each sample was air-dried and well mixed. Then 20 g of each sample was sieved through 100-mesh and about a 50 mg sample was weighed for analysis of the four elemental compositions by NAA. Results indicate that the REE tracers and NAA method can be used to not only quantitatively determine soil erosion amounts on different slope segments, but also to reveal the changeable process of rill erosion amount. All of the relative errors of the experimental results were less than 25%, which is considered satisfactory on the study of rill erosion process.     

Abdominal nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in a university hospital in Taiwan from 1997 to 2003.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Abdominal nontuberculous mycobacterial infection is a rare condition. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)-associated peritonitis is the most common manifestation of infection due to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). There are limited data on the clinical manifestations of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection. This study investigated the diagnostic features, clinical presentation, mycobacteriology, treatment and outcome of all abdominal NTM infections treated over a 7-year period at a major teaching hospital in Taiwan. METHODS: The medical records of all patients with a diagnosis of abdominal NTM infection from January 1997 through to December 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: All 11 patients with abdominal NTM infections identified during the 7-year period were included. Among these patients, six were male and five were female, with a mean age of 64.5 years. The disease manifested as peritonitis (9 patients, 82%), splenic abscess (1, 9%), or perirenal abscess (1, 9%). Most patients (73%) had underlying malignancy, most often hepatoma (45%). Immunocompromised status (liver cirrhosis, malignancy, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) was noted in 10 patients (91%). None of our patients who developed NTM peritonitis had received CAPD. The peritoneal fluid appearance varied considerably, with no particular predominance of clear, turbid, bloody, or chylous findings. Rapidly growing mycobacteria were the major etiology (46%) of abdominal NTM infection, and Mycobacterium abscessus played a major role (27%). Overall, eight patients died, and only one patient survived longer than 1 year. Seven patients (64%) died before diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Abdominal NTM infection is frequently overlooked because of its rarity and nonspecific symptoms, with consequent delays in diagnosis and treatment. In immunocompromised patients with ascites from any cause (liver cirrhosis, malignant ascites, etc.), NTM peritonitis should be considered early in the differential diagnosis of symptoms including fever, abdominal pain and weight loss. The poor prognosis of abdominal NTM infection appears to be related to the severity of underlying conditions, most often malignancy.     

Microsurgical resection of ventral foramen magnum meningiomas via a far-lateral suboccipital approach

BACKGROUND: In recent years some reports have been published propagating microsurgical resection of ventral foramen magnum meningiomas (VFMMs). Operative approaches to these lesions have been studied by various authors, but remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the operative technique and outcome in patients with VFMMs who had been treated via a far lateral suboccipital approach. DESIGN: Retrospectively clinic case investigation. SETTING: Department of Neurosurgery, the Ninth People's Hospital, Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. PARTICIPANTS: Between January 1997 and June 2003, 10 patients were treated surgically with VFMMs in Department of Neurosurgery, the Ninth People's Hospital, Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. In the series of 10 patients, ages ranged from 37 to 72 years, mean (53±10) years, were consisted of 6 males and 4 females. All the subjects were informed of the treatment plan and agreed to join the experiment. Early symptoms included headache and upper cervical pain. The time between the first occurrence of symptoms and the diagnosis ranged from 6 months to 17 months, mean (10.3±3.4) months. Main presenting symptoms were unilateral upper extremity sensory and motor deficits in 6 cases, swallowing difficulties in 2 and spastic quadriparesis in 2. VFMMs were demonstrated as round by the computed tomographic (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in all patients. The maximum diameter of tumors ranged from 2 to 4 cm, mean (2.55±0.57) cm, including 2 cm in one case, 2.0-3.0 cm in six and 3.0-4.0 cm in three. METHODS: ①All tumors were removed via the far lateral suboccipital approach. Resection of the posterior 5 mm of the condyle was necessary in one patient whose tumors' diameter were 2 cm. The patient was situated in the lateral decubitus position. The head was fixed in a Mayfield headrest. A C-shaped incision made behind the ear 2 cm medial to the mastoid process, turning vertically down to the level C4, to expose the extradural segment of the vertebral artery (VA). After the dura was opened longitudinally behind VA entry point, the tumor was revealed to identify the complete cranial nerves and the intracranial VA under magnification of the surgical microscope. Every attempt should be made to keep the arachnoid and the dentate ligament was sectioned. Then the tumor was debulked significantly, and dissected away from the cranial nerves and the blood vessels with microsurgical techniques. If it was risk to dissect tumor from the vertebral artery, its branches, or any cranial nerve, the progression was discontinued and portion of the tumor was left behind. After resection of the tumor, the site of its attachment was coagulated and the involved layer of dura was resected. ②The degree of tumor resection was classified based on Al-Mefty's grade into three categories: gross-total resection: excision of the dural attachment and drilling of adjacent bone; near-total resection: a few millimeters of insulated and cauterized tumor were left on the vertebral artery or other vital; subtotal resection: more than 50% of the tumor mass were removed. ③All patients underwent clinical examination for lower cranial nerves or long tract deficits on the first day postoperatively. CT or MRI and neurological examinations were performed at 3 months of follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Operative effect. RESULTS: All ten patients with VFMMs were treated via a far lateral suboccipital approach. Gross total resection was achieved in 6 patients, near-total resection was carried out in 2 and subtotal resection in 2 patients. One patients died in the postoperative period due to acute respiratory distress syndrome, five patients kept normal neurological status, whereas other four patients suffered from lower cranial nerve deficits and aspiration pneumonia was observed in two of them. The data of following up for 3 months showed that 2 patients still had lower cranial nerve deficit and others recovered from their illness. No tumor relapse or increment was found in CT or MRI scans. CONCLUSION: Most of VFMMs could be totally removed via a far lateral suboccipital approach with or without resection of the occipital condyle according to the tumor size, allowing most of these patients to achieve a good outcome in a 3 months follow-up.     

基底动脉缝隙连接蛋白的分布

目的：探讨正常脑血管缝隙连接蛋白的分布。方法：采用RT—PCR、免疫组化方法测定多种缝隙连接蛋白在大白兔基底动脉的表达。结果：(1)RT—PCR发现大白兔基底动脉血管组织中至少存在Xx45、Cx43、Cx40和Cx37四种缝隙连接蛋白mRNA表达；(2)免疫组化证实Cx45和Cx43主要分布于血管内皮，平滑肌细胞间末见Cx45和Cx43的染色。结论：大白兔基底动脉血管组织存在丰富的缝隙连接蛋白的表达，与体内其它弹力血管相比，缝隙连接蛋白的分布模式有其特殊性。     

Expression of CⅡTA Gene in Five Human Malignant Hematological Cell Lines and Its Significance

The role of MHC class Ⅱ transactivator (CⅡTA) in constitutive or IFN-γ inducib|e expression of HLA molecules in human malignant hematological cell lines was investigated. The expression of HLA molecules and CⅡTA protein was detected by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The expression of CⅡTA gene was determined by RT-PCR. The capability of peripheral blood T cell reaction stimulated by tumor cells was monitored by mixed lymphocyte reaction. It was found that the HLA Ⅱ-positive tumor cells expressed the CⅡTA quite well, andthe expression of HLA Ⅰ＋Ⅱ was increased in the tumor cells with constitutive or inducible expression of CⅡTA after induced by IFN-γ. The tumor cells which did not express CⅡTA after in-duced by IFN-γ were not response to the expression of HLA Ⅱ promoted by IFN-γ. It suggests a correlation between the inability of some malignant hematological cell lines in response to IFN-γ for HLA expression and the deficiency in the inducible expression of CⅡTA, indicating CⅡTA might take part in the regu|ation of HLA Ⅰ＋Ⅱ expression in the tumor cells, which might p|ay an important role in tumor immunologic escape.     

马齿苋降血脂的单向质反应开放型序贯分析

目的　考察 3种不同剂型马齿苋的降血脂作用。方法　采用最新的四氧嘧啶快速静脉注射法建立高脂血症病理模型 ,选择单向质反应开放型序贯试验和自身前后对照分析进行治疗试验 ,并对作用强度与有效成分含量关系进行了考察。结果　马齿苋鲜汁、籽汁、煮汁均能降低血脂 ,且作用鲜汁 >籽汁 >煮汁 (P <0 .0 1) ,VE含量马齿苋籽汁 >鲜汁 >煮汁 ,VC含量马齿苋鲜汁 >煮汁 >籽汁 ,作用强度与有效成分含量分布相一致。结论　根据研究目的进行药物评价或药物筛选首选序贯试验最好     

1336例病残儿医学鉴定结果分析

目的探讨泰安市病残儿的病因及优生对策。方法对泰安市连续四年经医学鉴定确诊的1336例病残儿进行分析。结果病残儿重出现最高的为神经系统疾病，为613例，占病残儿总数的45．88％，其次为五官疾病222例，第三为心血管畸形146例。造成以上病残的原因有遗传因素、环境因素及产时因素。结论必须大力开展优生优育咨询，加强孕期保健，提高产科质量，做好婴幼儿监护。     

神经精神性狼疮临床资料分析

目的探讨神经精神性狼疮的临床特点。方法以神经精神性狼疮或狼疮脑病为检索词,检索2000年~2006年国内公开发表的中文文献,选取其中有关临床分析及诊断的文献进行临床分析。结果神经精神性狼疮发生率占系统性红斑狼疮患者的15.1%,男女性别比约为1∶12,平均年龄31岁。神经精神症状以头痛(40.4%),癫痫发作(32.9%),意识障碍(21.8%),精神行为异常(12.8%)最多见;其他临床症状有发热(62.2%),关节疼痛(46.0%),面部红斑或皮肤损害(34.7%),肾损害(20.7%);脑电图约61%异常,颅脑CT有45.8%局灶或弥漫异常,MRI有66.7%弥漫性异常;抗核抗体阳性率49.2%,抗双链DNA阳性率33.4%。结论神经精神性狼疮以青年女性多见,常累及全身多系统和器官,诊断主要依据临床表现,影像学、血清抗体检查有一定参考价值,但特异性不高。