轻度阿尔茨海默病患者脑功能网络度中心度改变的初步研究

目的:利用度中心度(degree centrality,DC)的方法探讨轻度阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer's disease,AD)患者及遗忘型轻度认知功能障碍(amnestic mild cognitive impairment,aMCI)患者在静息态下脑功能网络连接属性的改变。方法:收集12例轻度AD患者、12例aMCI患者和15名健康老年志愿者(normal control,NC组)参加试验。所有受试者均行简易精神状态检查量表(mini-mental state examination,MMSE)及其他系列量表测试,评估其认知水平,并采集静息态功能MRI数据,经预处理和后处理计算出全脑DC值图,采用双样本t检验进行组间比较,分别检测轻度AD组与NC组、aMCI组与NC组间DC分布图间的统计学差异。结果:与NC组相比,轻度AD患者DC值减低的脑区主要分布在左侧眶部额下回、左侧额中回、左侧额下回、左侧后扣带回及右侧后扣带回;aMCI患者则分布于右侧楔前叶、左侧楔叶、右侧楔叶、右侧枕上回、右侧枕中回、左侧颞上回及右侧角回脑区DC值较NC组减低,而右侧前扣带回、左侧海马、左侧胼胝体压部的DC值较NC组升高。结论:基于静息态功能MRI数据的DC分析观察到轻度AD患者及aMCI患者在一些脑区发生了功能连接改变,DC作为一种新的基于体素水平描述脑网络属性的方法,可能对理解AD病理机制及观察其脑网络属性的改变提供了一个新视角。     

采用基于纤维束示踪的空间统计分析方法观察阿尔茨海默病患者的脑白质改变

目的:采用基于纤维束空间统计分析(TBSS)法观察阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer's disease,AD)患者弥散张量改变,以研究其全脑白质纤维束损害的特点。方法:选取24例AD患者和21例非神经系统疾病患者(对照者),对全脑进行DTI序列扫描。采用FSL软件内的TBSS软件包,对被试的DTI扫描数据进行预处理后,对AD患者及对照者的部分各向异性分数(FA)、图像进行基于体素的全脑非参数统计学比较。结果:与对照者相比,AD患者FA值明显减低的脑区包括穹窿和双侧额上回、额中回、左侧额下回白质束及双侧颞中回、右侧颞上回、左侧颞下回、左侧楔叶、右侧扣带束前部、胼胝体膝部、左侧扣带束后部、左侧海马白质束、右侧海马旁回白质束,而双侧丘脑及中脑皮质脊髓束FA值显著降低(P<0.05)。结论:采用TBSS分析方法具有相对客观性,本研究提示AD患者存在明显的白质束损伤,且范围累及较广,对了解AD脑白质异常的潜在神经生物学机制有重要价值。     

左旋甲状腺素对甲状腺功能减退症患者脑默认网络静息态功能连接的影响

目的研究甲状腺功能减退症(简称甲减)患者在左旋甲状腺激素(L-T4)替代治疗前后,默认网络脑区静息态脑功能连接的改变。方法运用静息态功能磁共振(rsf MRI)技术检测14例初诊成人原发性甲减患者在左旋甲状腺素替代治疗前后及15例健康对照的静息态脑功能连接强度。结果利用基于种子的分析方法显示,健康对照组前后两次扫描双侧丘脑与后扣带回/楔前叶的功能连接强度差异无统计学意义;甲减组治疗后扫描时,双侧丘脑的丘脑枕区域与后扣带回/楔前叶之间的功能连接强度较治疗前出现显著性下降(左侧:P=0.007,右侧:P=0.001)。结论甲减患者双侧丘脑与后扣带回/楔前叶之间静息态脑功能连接强度在左旋甲状腺素替代治疗后较治疗前显著降低。     

扩散张量成像观察遗忘型轻度认知障碍患者联合纤维束

目的 通过磁共振扩散张量成像(DTI)探讨遗忘型轻度认知障碍(aMCI)患者联合纤维束FA值和ADC值的变化特点,评价DTI对aMCI的诊断及aMCI与AD鉴别诊断的应用价值.方法 对20例aMCI患者(aMCI组)、20例AD患者(AD组)及20名正常对照者(对照组)行DTI扫描,以额枕下束、胼胝体膝部及压部、上纵束Ⅱ、扣带束作为感兴趣区(ROI)测FA值和ADC值.结果 aMCI组与NC组比较额枕下束和扣带束FA值差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);aMCI组与AD组比较扣带束FA值差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 aMCI患者额枕下束、扣带束FA值的异常改变,提示DTI检查可作为aMCI的一个诊断指标.aMCI患者与AD患者扣带束FA值有差异,有助于aMCI与AD的鉴别诊断.     

扩散张量成像评价轻度阿尔茨海默病患者脑白质微观结构损害及内侧颞叶萎缩

目的 采用DTI和内侧颞叶萎缩(MTA)视觉评分评价轻度阿尔茨海默病(AD)患者脑白质微观结构改变及其MTA状况,并观察两者与认知功能的关系.方法 运用DTI技术ROI测量方法对轻度AD患者23例(AD组)及正常老年人21名(NC组)的16个ROI进行平均扩散率(MD值)及部分FA值测量,同时用MTA视觉评分方法对MTA状况进行评估,采用独立样本t检验及典型相关分析观察两者与认知功能的关系.结果 与NC组对比,AD组双侧海马旁回、双侧后扣带回、双侧下纵束及双侧下额枕束FA值明显减低,双侧海马旁回、双侧后扣带回、双侧下额枕束、左侧下纵束、左侧钩束MD值明显升高,MTA明显.脑白质部分区域DTI指数及双侧MTA评分与认知功能相关.结论 DTI能探测轻度AD患者脑白质微观结构异常;采用MTA评分方法可区分轻度AD与正常老年人;综合应用DTI技术及MTA评分方法可为诊断轻度AD提供更多辅助信息.     

帕金森病静息态脑默认状态网络的观察

目的 应用功能连接MR成像技术观察帕金森病(PD)患者静息态脑默认状态网络的改变.方法 选择14例PD患者和14名健康志愿者,以双侧后扣带回作为种子点,分别进行静息态脑功能磁共振扫描,分析PD患者与健康志愿者的脑功能连接情况和差异. 结果与健康志愿组相比,PD患者的一些脑区存在异常功能连接,具体表现为:左顶下小叶、右侧楔前叶、前额叶中内侧、左侧颞上回等脑区与后扣带回功能连接减低;左侧小脑半球、左侧中央后回、左侧顶上小叶、左侧楔前叶、右侧颞下回、右侧楔叶、右侧舌回、左侧颞中回等脑区与后扣带回功能连接增强. 结论 静息态下帕金森病患者默认状态网络内脑区间的连接功能存在异常.     

静息态功能MRI观察首发轻-中度抑郁症患者默认网络功能连接北大核心CSCD

目的采用静息态功能MRI(rs-fMRI)观察首发轻-中度抑郁症患者默认网络(DMN)功能特点,探讨功能连接异常脑区与临床表现等的相关性。方法采集24例首发轻-中度抑郁症患者(抑郁症组)和22名健康人(对照组)的颅脑rs-fMRI数据。以内侧前额叶皮质(mPFC)及后扣带回皮质(PCC)为种子点,行全脑功能连接分析。采用Pearson相关性分析评价抑郁症组差异脑区功能连接与17项汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD-17)总评分及病程的相关性。结果相比对照组,抑郁症组mPFC与双侧小脑后叶、右侧前扣带回、右侧额下回眶部及左侧楔前叶功能连接减弱(K均>54,P均<0.05),与右侧额下回岛盖部功能连接增强(K>54,P<0.05);抑郁症组PCC与双侧额中回眶部、双侧壳核及左侧额上回背外侧功能连接减弱(K均>54,P均<0.05),与左侧颞中回、双侧角回及右侧楔前叶功能连接增强(K均>54,P均<0.05)。抑郁症患者mPFC与左侧楔前叶间功能连接减弱、PCC与左侧额中回眶部功能连接减弱均与病程呈负相关(r=-0.42、-0.46,P均<0.05);mPFC与右侧前扣带回功能连接减弱与病程呈正相关(r=0.49,P<0.05);功能连接异常脑区均与HAMD-17评分无显著相关(P均>0.05)。结论首发轻-中度抑郁症患者存在DMN内、外脑区功能连接异常,其中部分与病程相关。     

生理性进食之后静息态fMRI脑功能连接的变化

目的探讨生理性进食之后静息态脑功能连接的变化。材料与方法 42名健康被试按照人口统计学特征平衡分为三组。为了增加胃肠活动的差异,三组分别服用多潘立酮、奥替溴铵、安慰剂。所有被试均给予标准实验早餐,于空腹、早餐后、餐后2h及午餐前行静息态功能磁共振(functional MRI,fMRI)检查。数据分析采用扣带回后部-楔前叶作为种子点,计算全脑功能连接,并采用重复测量ANOVA分析在时间与药物因素上具有显著差异的脑区,并提取其功能连接Z值,进行事后检验。结果时间主效应:右侧眶额回/壳核/丘脑、右侧缘上回和右侧岛盖的功能连接在时间因素上有显著差异(P0.05)。药物主效应:右侧楔前叶、左侧颞中回、左侧舌回、右侧颞中回、右侧额上回、双侧眶额回、左侧额中回的功能连接在药物因素上有显著差异(P0.05)。结论静息态fMRI健康被试生理性进食前后,奖赏系统、右侧丘脑和躯体感觉区的功能连接会发生变化,并且呈现右侧偏侧化优势;胃动力药物对上述脑区的变化无影响。为常规fMRI实验中被试进食状态对实验结果的潜在影响提供了分析依据。     

颞叶癫痫患者rs-fMRI功能连接及其与记忆功能关系的研究

目的:分析颞叶癫痫患者静息态磁共振(rest-f MRI)功能连接及其与记忆功能之间的关系,探讨其脑功能连接的异常及其对记忆障碍诊治的应用价值。方法:对16例颞叶癫痫患者(癫痫组)和与之相匹配的16例健康对照者(对照组)进行静息态脑功能成像和记忆功能测评,比较2组间的脑区差异,分析与记忆功能相关的脑区。结果:癫痫组与对照组比较,海马与全脑功能连接增高的脑区有:左侧旁中央小叶、左侧中央前回、左侧中央后回、左侧前运动皮质和辅助运动区、左侧内侧额叶等;减低的脑区有:右侧小脑、左侧颞上回等。癫痫组海马与全脑功能连接与记忆商呈正相关的脑区有:双侧前扣带回、双侧楔前叶/后扣带回等;呈负相关的脑区有:左侧额下回、左侧中央后回等。结论:左侧旁中央小叶、左侧中央前回、左侧中央后回、左侧前运动皮质和辅助运动区、左侧内侧额叶等脑区可能构成颞叶癫痫患者的癫痫网络,在癫痫发生和发展过程中起重要作用;右侧小脑、左侧颞上回等脑区的功能异常可能与颞叶癫痫患者认知功能损伤有关。双侧前扣带回、双侧楔前叶/后扣带回、左侧额下回、左侧中央后回等脑区与海马之间的功能连接与记忆相关,其对记忆功能具有潜在临床预测价值。     

静息态功能磁共振和纤维追踪技术在单纯脊髓受累型多发性硬化患者的临床应用

目的联合应用静息态功能磁共振成像(resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging,RS-fMRI)和纤维追踪技术探索单纯脊髓受累的多发性硬化患者(multiple sclerosis patients with simple spinal cord involvement,MS-SSCI)脑部功能和脑白质完整性是否有改变。材料与方法利用RS-fMRI比较22例MS-SSCI及22例年龄、性别相匹配的健康对照组的基础脑活动,将组间有差异的区域作为感兴趣区,利用纤维追踪技术重建穿过这些区域的白质纤维束,比较两组之间纤维束的部分各向异性(FA)和表观弥散系数(ADC),最后将MS-SSCI组感兴趣区低频振幅(amplitude of low frequency fluctuation,ALFF)、FA、ADC分别与临床扩展残疾状态量表(expanded disability states scale,EDSS)评分进行Pearson相关分析。结果与健康对照组相比,MS-SSCI组右侧海马ALFF值明显减低,左侧额中回、左侧后扣带回、右侧枕中回ALFF值明显增高(双样本t检验,经AlphaSim校正,P＜0.01,体素大小＞40),MS-SSCI组右侧海马FA值(t右侧海马=2.099, P右侧海马=0.042)和ADC值(t右侧海马=－2.053,P右侧海马=0.047)存在明显差异;MS-SSCI左侧后扣带回ALFF值与EDSS显著相关,结构变化参数与EDSS间无明显相关性(P＞0.05)。结论 MS-SSCI脑内存在功能和结构异常,功能改变与认知障碍密切相关。     

Migraine and genetic and acquired vasculopathies

It is remarkable that migraine is a prominent part of the phenotype of several genetic vasculopathies, including cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leucoencephalopathy (CADASIL), retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy (RVCL) and hereditary infantile hemiparessis, retinal arteriolar tortuosity and leukoencephalopahty (HIHRATL). The mechanisms by which these genetic vasculopathies give rise to migraine are still unclear. Common genetic susceptibility, increased susceptibility to cortical spreading depression (CSD) and vascular endothelial dysfunction are among the possible explanations. The relation between migraine and acquired vasculopathies such as ischaemic stroke and coronary heart disease has long been established, further supporting a role of the (cerebral) blood vessels in migraine. This review focuses on genetic and acquired vasculopathies associated with migraine. We speculate how genetic and acquired vascular mechanisms might be involved in migraine.     

Fibrinogen and fibrin structure and functions

Fibrinogen molecules are comprised of two sets of disulfide-bridged Aalpha-, Bbeta-, and gamma-chains. Each molecule contains two outer D domains connected to a central E domain by a coiled-coil segment. Fibrin is formed after thrombin cleavage of fibrinopeptide A (FPA) from fibrinogen Aalpha-chains, thus initiating fibrin polymerization. Double-stranded fibrils form through end-to-middle domain (D:E) associations, and concomitant lateral fibril associations and branching create a clot network. Fibrin assembly facilitates intermolecular antiparallel C-terminal alignment of gamma-chain pairs, which are then covalently 'cross-linked' by factor XIII ('plasma protransglutaminase') or XIIIa to form 'gamma-dimers'. In addition to its primary role of providing scaffolding for the intravascular thrombus and also accounting for important clot viscoelastic properties, fibrin(ogen) participates in other biologic functions involving unique binding sites, some of which become exposed as a consequence of fibrin formation. This review provides details about fibrinogen and fibrin structure, and correlates this information with biological functions that include: (i) suppression of plasma factor XIII-mediated cross-linking activity in blood by binding the factor XIII A2B2 complex. (ii) Non-substrate thrombin binding to fibrin, termed antithrombin I (AT-I), which down-regulates thrombin generation in clotting blood. (iii) Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA)-stimulated plasminogen activation by fibrin that results from formation of a ternary tPA-plasminogen-fibrin complex. Binding of inhibitors such as alpha2-antiplasmin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-2, lipoprotein(a), or histidine-rich glycoprotein, impairs plasminogen activation. (iv) Enhanced interactions with the extracellular matrix by binding of fibronectin to fibrin(ogen). (v) Molecular and cellular interactions of fibrin beta15-42. This sequence binds to heparin and mediates platelet and endothelial cell spreading, fibroblast proliferation, and capillary tube formation. Interactions between beta15-42 and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, an endothelial cell receptor, also promote capillary tube formation and angiogenesis. These activities are enhanced by binding of growth factors like fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cytokines like interleukin (IL)-1. (vi) Fibrinogen binding to the platelet alpha(IIb)beta3 receptor, which is important for incorporating platelets into a developing thrombus. (vii) Leukocyte binding to fibrin(ogen) via integrin alpha(M)beta2 (Mac-1), which is a high affinity receptor on stimulated monocytes and neutrophils.     

Telemedicine and teleradiology technologies and applications

Summary. Telemedicine and teleradiology hold the key for improving future health care delivery. In this paper we first review current communication and computer technologies used in telemedicine and teleradiology. Five examples in teleradiology applications are given including hospital-integrated picture archiving and communication systems, tele-neuro-imaging, telemammography, university consortium teleradiology service, and teleradiology for second opinion. Parameters important to teleradiology applications like costs, image quality, system reliability, and turn around time are considered. Data security is discussed, including patient confidentiality and image authenticity-which will be a major issue in future teleradiology applications.     

创伤高血糖与感染和MODS早期诊断和干预

本文详细介绍了创伤后血糖应激适度理论,以及高血糖与感染和多器官功能不全综合征的关系;提出涉及胰岛B细胞功能不全的MODS实验诊断新方案和极化液个体化干预新措施,可早期发现创伤MODS、降低感染率及MODS发生率和病死率。     

腹膜后纤维化与肾积水发生关系的临床研究

目的：探讨腹膜后纤维化（RPF）导致肾积水的原因及诊治经验。方法：回顾分析2004年1月—2010年12月24例腹膜后纤维化致肾积水患者的诊治资料。结果：（1）RPF患者常见首发症状为腰背痛或腹痛（69.2%）;（2）红细胞沉降率（ESR）增快和血清IgG4升高最常见。超声检查仅提示上尿路积水。RPF的静脉肾盂造影（IVP）和CT尿路成像（CTU）表现具有特征性。IVP肾盂输尿管显影不良时,CTU能较清晰的显示上尿路影像。CT扫描发现腹膜后软组织肿块9例（37.5%）,优于超声检查;（3）输尿管松解和腹腔化手术治疗22例;行肾切除术1例;行输尿管置双J管术1例。最终确诊为继发性RPF8例,其中4例为术前诊断,3例为术中腹膜后软组织肿块冷冻活检证实,1例为术后病理证实;（4）特发性RPF手术后肾积水均获长期缓解,而继发性RPF的预后取决于原发疾病及其治疗方案。结论：影像学检查是诊断RPF的重要手段,CTU优于超声检查和IVP。输尿管松解和腹腔化手术可以使特发性RPF输尿管梗阻得到长期的缓解,术中对肿块进行冷冻活检有助于鉴别特发性和继发性RPF,及时调整治疗方案。     

探讨儿童慢性顽固性咳嗽与支原体感染的关系及临床治疗观察

目的探讨儿童慢性顽固性咳嗽与肺炎支原体（MP）感染的关系及临床疗效观察。方法采用回顾性研究方法对于现将2005年3月至2008年3月在我院的55例确诊慢性顽固性咳嗽患儿,主要表现为肺炎支原体感染为临床特点进行分析,并进一步临床治疗研究。结果①临床特点：在55例确诊慢性咳嗽的患儿中,以慢性顽固性咳嗽为主要症状。58％（32／55）的病例无肺部体征;②外周血：85％（47／55）的病例外周血变化不大,WBC（4—10）×10 9／L之间,嗜酸性粒细胞增多;③特别检查：47．27％（26／55）肺炎支原体IgM（MP—IgM）抗体阳性,83．64％（46／55）PeR技术检测肺炎支原体特异性DNA;④X光报告为多种形式。结论肺炎支原体（MP）感染是引起儿童慢性顽固性咳嗽的病因之一,对儿童慢性咳嗽,特别是顽固性咳嗽的诊治中应更加重视。     

Acetaminophen and acetylcysteine dose and duration: Past,present and future

Abstract

Acetylcysteine has been utilized successfully in the treatment of acetaminophen overdose since the 1970s. Although prospective trials as to efficacy and safety of acetylcysteine were conducted, there were no randomized controlled trials. This commentary addresses the reasons for this, and the background to choice of dose of acetylcysteine utilized in the oral and IV dosing regimens. Nomograms to predict possible hepatotoxicity based upon time of ingestion of acetaminophen were developed from a relatively arbitrary definition of toxicity as an aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (ALT/AST) greater than 1000 IU/L. While these have proved generally useful, patients still continue to develop hepatic damage after acetaminophen overdose, particularly if they present late after ingestion. The optimum management of these patients remains unclear, and one area of uncertainty is the dose and duration of acetylcysteine in various circumstances. This article discusses the issues that need to be elucidated to better target changes in acetylcysteine dose. The potential for measurements of other markers to improve treatment selection is the subject of further research.     

Physician and Nurse Practitioner Teamwork and Job Satisfaction: Gender and Profession

Designing interprofessional primary care teams composed of physicians and nurse practitioners (NPs) is a national priority. We assessed how profession and gender affect teamwork and job satisfaction among primary care physicians and NPs by using survey data from 186 physicians and 398 NPs practicing in New York State. Our regression models show profession (NP vs physician) moderates the associations of gender with teamwork and job satisfaction. Among NPs, men had higher job satisfaction than women. Among physicians, women had higher job satisfaction than men. Our results can benefit interprofessional primary care teams to optimize their professional and gender mix.