Predictive power of abnormal electroencephalogram for post-cerebral infarction depression.

Electroencephalography is a sensitive indicator for measuring brain condition, and can reflect early changes in brain function and severity of cerebral ischemia. However, it is not yet known whether electroencephalography can predict development of post-cerebral infarction depression. A total of 321 patients with ischemic stroke underwent electroencephalography and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale assessment to analyze the relationship between electroencephalography and post-cerebral infarction depression.

Neurotropin® alleviates hippocampal neuron damage through a HIF-1α/MAPK pathway.

Aims: The main purpose was to verify the potent capacity of Neurotropin® against neuronal damage in hippocampus and to explore its underlying mechanisms.

Methods: HT22 cells were treated with 40 μmol/L Aβ in the presence of various concentrations of Neurotropin® or in its absence. The cell viability was assessed with a CCK-8 assay, and flow cytometry was used to measure cell apoptosis, intracellular ROS levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential.

Pharmaceutical properties of calycosin, the major bioactive isoflavonoid in the dry root extract of Radix astragali.

Context: Radix astragali (Fabaceae astragalus propinquus Schischkin) is a Chinese medicinal herb traditionally used for the treatment of several diseases. Calycosin is the major bioactive chemical in the dry root extract of this medical plant.

Objective: This work presents a brief overview of recent reports on the potential effects of calycosin on several diseases and the possible mechanisms of action of this chemical.

[Clinical study of susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in lacunar cerebral infarction].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical application of susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (SWAN) in lacunar cerebral infarction imaging.

Methods: Forty-two cases of lacunar cerebral infarction, including 18 complicated by high blood pressure, 4 by type 2 diabetes and 12 by both high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, underwent examinations with SWAN and conventional MRI sequences (including GRE sequence T(1) and T(2), T(2) gradient echo, T(2) FLAIR, DWI). The imaging data were analyzed in comparison with the clinical data of the patients.

[Relationship between cystatin C and cerebral infarction].

Objective: To study the relationship between cystatin C and cerebral infarction and explore the role of cystatin C in the protection against cerebral infarction.

Method: Eighty-three patients with cerebral infarction and 71 randomly selected age- and gender-matched patients in the Department of Neurology (control group) were enrolled in this study. Fasting whole blood (3 ml) was obtained from the patients in both groups and the sera were separated to determine the levels of cystatin C using particle reinforced immunoturbidimetric assay.

[Comparative assessment of clinical features and imaging findings for patients with vascular parkinsonism and idiopathic Parkinson's disease].

Objective: To compare the differences of clinical features and imaging findings between vascular parkinsonism (VP) and idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD).

Method: The clinical features and imaging findings from 54 patients with VP and 53 patients with PD were compared.

Results: The main clinical manifestations of patients with VP were hemiplegia, rigidity and bulbar palsy with obviously pyramidal tract system damage and less rest tremor.