天幕脑膜瘤的影像学分型及显微手术治疗

目的 探讨天幕脑膜瘤的影像学分型及手术效果。方法 回顾性分析2018年1月至2019年12月显微手术治疗的31例天幕脑膜瘤的临床资料。按影像学资料分型:前内侧型（Ⅰ型）、前外侧型（Ⅱ型）、内中型（Ⅲ型）、后内侧型（Ⅳ型）、后外侧型（Ⅴ型）；根据肿瘤生长方向分为幕上型、幕下型、幕上下型。依据肿瘤分型选择合适手术入路。结果 31例中，Ⅰ型3例 ，Ⅱ型5例，Ⅲ型3例，Ⅳ型8例，Ⅴ型12例；幕上型6例，幕下型19例，幕上下型6例；Simpson分级Ⅰ级切除23例，Ⅱ级5例，Ⅳ级3例。无手术死亡病例。31例术后随访3~18个月；2例部分切除术后行伽玛刀治疗，复查MRI未见肿瘤增长；1例部分切除术后13个月复查MRI显示肿瘤进展，但无新发症状，动态复查MRI随访观察；所有病人术后均恢复良好，KPS评分≥70分。结论 天幕脑膜瘤手术入路的选择必须依据肿瘤的位置、大小及生长方向综合分析，个体化设计。选择合适的手术入路、熟悉掌握运用局部显微解剖关系、术中尽量避免过度牵拉造成肿瘤周围组织及血管损伤、最大程度减少手术并发症，是取得良好手术效果的关键。     

Early life Adversity,functional connectivity and cognitive performance in Schizophrenia: The mediating role of IL-6

ObjectiveExposure to childhood trauma (CT) is associated with cognitive impairment in schizophrenia, and deficits in social cognition in particular. Here, we sought to test whether IL-6 mediated the association between CT and social cognition both directly, and sequentially via altered default mode network (DMN) connectivity.MethodsThree-hundred-and-eleven participants (104 patients and 207 healthy participants) were included, with MRI data acquired in a subset of n = 147. CT was measured using the childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ). IL-6 was measured in both plasma and in toll like receptor (TLR) stimulated whole blood. The CANTAB emotion recognition task (ERT) was administered to assess social cognition, and cortical connectivity was assessed based on resting DMN connectivity.ResultsHigher IL-6 levels, measured both in plasma and in toll-like receptor (TLR-2) stimulated blood, were significantly correlated with higher CTQ scores and lower cognitive and social cognitive function. Plasma IL-6 was further observed to partly mediate the association between higher CT scores and lower emotion recognition performance (CTQ total: β_indirect −0.0234, 95% CI: −0.0573 to −0.0074; CTQ physical neglect: β_indirect = −0.0316, 95% CI: −0.0741 to −0.0049). Finally, sequential mediation was observed between plasma IL-6 levels and DMN connectivity in mediating the effects of higher CTQ on lower social cognitive function (β_indirect = −0.0618, 95% CI: −0.1523 to −0.285).ConclusionThis work suggests that previous associations between CT and social cognition may be partly mediated via an increased inflammatory response. IL-6′s association with changes in DMN activity further suggest at least one cortical network via which CT related effects on cognition may be transmitted.     

Imaging of regional pain syndromes; from syndromes to conditions using imaging?

Musculoskeletal regional pain syndromes often lead to patient referrals in general and rheumatological practice. Detailed history taking and clinical examination can in most cases reveal the cause for pain and direct the subsequent management of the conditions. Yet, when in doubt, imaging methods have to support the clinical assessment.This paper presents the underlying pathologies of the most frequently encountered regional pain syndromes and the role of musculoskeletal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in their visualization. It presents data, where available, on diagnostic accuracy and comparisons with gold standards.The article stresses the advantages and disadvantages of the analyzed imaging modalities and suggests the future research agenda.     

The sensitivity of ct scans in diagnosing occult femoral neck fractures

Non-displaced hip fractures can be difficult to diagnose on plain film radiographs. When there is ongoing clinical suspicion of an occult fracture, further imaging is obtained. We investigated the sensitivity of computed tomography (CT) scans in detecting these fractures and the delays to surgery that three-dimensional imaging causes. We identified 78 CT scans performed for possible hip fractures over the past 3 years with the presence and absence of a fracture recorded. Based on subsequent imaging, the accuracy of CT scans was determined. CT scanning yielded sensitivity was 86% and specificity 98% for occult hip fracture (OHF). The median delay to definitive diagnosis was 37 h. Our results demonstrate that CT scan does not bear sufficient sensitivity to detect all OHFs. We therefore recommend that MRI should be offered when a fracture is suspected. CT scans should be reserved for when MRI is not available, but a negative scan should be confirmed with subsequent MRI.     

Neurophysiological adaptations to spaceflight and simulated microgravity

Changes in physiological functions after spaceflight and simulated spaceflight involve several mechanisms. Microgravity is one of them and it can be partially reproduced with models, such as head down bed rest (HDBR). Yet, only a few studies have investigated in detail the complexity of neurophysiological systems and their integration to maintain homeostasis. Central nervous system changes have been studied both in their structural and functional component with advanced techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance (fMRI), showing the main involvement of the cerebellum, cortical sensorimotor, and somatosensory areas, as well as vestibular-related pathways. Analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) led to contrasting results, mainly due to the different factors affecting brain activity. The study of corticospinal excitability may enable a deeper understanding of countermeasures' effect, since greater excitability has been shown being correlated with better preservation of functions. Less is known about somatosensory evoked potentials and peripheral nerve function, yet they may be involved in a homeostatic mechanism fundamental to thermoregulation. Extending the knowledge of such alterations during simulated microgravity may be useful not only for space exploration, but for its application in clinical conditions and for life on Earth, as well.     

THE EFFECT OF REPETITIVE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON THE MOTOR EVOKED HEMODYNAMIC RESPONSES

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of short-term repetitive electrical stimulation (rES training session) on the motor-evoked hemodynamic responses. The fMRI echo-planar images (EPI) were recorded before and after the rES training. The right median nerve (MN) was stimulated during rES. The rES training resulted in a significant increase in activity in a number of supraspinal regions, including sensorimotor and associative cortical areas. On the subcortical level, the effect was also found in the cerebellum, the midbrain, and the thalamus. Possible mechanisms of the neuronal plastic changes observed after rES, and memory processes involved in learning are discussed.     

Risk of stroke in imaging-proven subclavian steal syndrome

To determine the risk of stroke in patients with subclavian steal syndrome (SSS). We identified 165 patients with imaging-proven SSS from two hospitals. Demographic, clinical and imaging data were retrospectively collected. Patients were followed up for stroke events. Stroke occurred in 43 patients with a median follow-up of 28 months. Seven of these cases were identified prospectively and 36 cases retrospectively. On multivariate analysis, presence of symptoms at presentation (p = 0.029) was a significant predictor of stroke. Presence of symptoms at presentation predicted stroke in imaging-proven SSS.