D-mannose alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration through glutamine metabolism.

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a multifaceted condition characterized by heterogeneity, wherein the balance between catabolism and anabolism in the extracellular matrix of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells plays a central role. Presently, the available treatments primarily focus on relieving symptoms associated with IVDD without offering an effective cure targeting its underlying pathophysiological processes. D-mannose (referred to as mannose) has demonstrated anti-catabolic properties in various diseases.

Risk factors involved in the formation of multiple intracranial aneurysms.

Background: Although several risk factors of the multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIAs) formation has been reported, the results are controversial. We aimed to find out the risk factors of MIAs formation by analyzing our clinic data combined with a meta-analysis.

Material And Methods: A retrospective review work of medical records for the patients with aneurysms was undertaken.

Decreased numbers of circulating endothelial progenitor cells are associated with hyperglycemia in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Hyperglycemia reduces the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells, accelerates their senescence and impairs their function. However, the relationship between blood glucose levels and endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood of patients with traumatic brain injury is unclear. In this study, 101 traumatic brain injury patients admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital or the Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, China, were enrolled from April 2005 to March 2007.

Dynamic changes in growth factor levels over a 7-day period predict the functional outcomes of traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in poor functional outcomes and death, and overall outcomes are varied. Growth factors, such as angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), play important roles in the neurological functions. This study investigated the relationship between serum growth factor levels and long-term outcomes after TBI.

[Molecular mechanism of AtGA3OX1 and AtGA3OX2 genes affecting secondary wall thickening in stems in Arabidopsis].

Bioactive gibberellins (GAs) are a type of important plant growth regulators, which play the key roles in multiple processes, such as seed germination, leaf expansion, flowering, fruit bearing, and stem development. Its biosynthesis is regulated by a variety of enzymes including gibberellin 3-oxidase that is a key rate-limiting enzyme. In Arabidopsis, gibberellin 3-oxidase consists of four members, of which AtGA3OX1 and AtGA3OX2 are highly expressed in stems, suggesting the potential roles in the stem development played by the two genes.

[Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging-guided functional neuronavigation plus intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring for microsurgical resection of lesions involving hand motor area].

Objective: To explore the methods and applications of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI)-guided functional neuronavigation plus intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) for microsurgical resection of lesions involving hand motor area.

Methods: A total of 16 patients with brain lesions adjacent to hand motor area were recruited from January 2011 to April 2012. All of them underwent neuronavigator-assisted microsurgery.

[Application of high-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging in stereotactic aspiration and drainage of hypertensive hematomas].

Objective: To explore the application values of high-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in stereotactic aspiration and drainage of hypertensive hematomas.

Methods: During a period of August 2011 to January 2012, 11 patients with hypertensive hemorrhage were examined preoperatively by conventional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with 1.5T intraoperative MRI system (Signa HDi, GE, USA) at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital.

[Positron emission tomography plus VEEG in the localization of epileptic foci in negative-MRI interact epilepsy].

Objective: To explore the application value of positron emission tomography (PET) in the localization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-negative epileptogenic focus.

Methods: Brain images of 18fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) and 13N-NH3·H2O-PET, MRI and video electroencephalography (VEEG) were obtained in 65 patients. Preoperative and postoperative localizations were compared in MRI-negative patients.

[Applications of blood oxygenation level dependent-functional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging and intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring in secondary epileptic surgery in M1 area].

Objective: To explore the applications of blood oxygenation level dependent-functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (Co-SEP), motor evoked potentials (MEP) and electrocorticogram (ECoG) in secondary epileptic surgery of primary motor area (M1).

Methods: In 19 patients, preoperative BOLD-fMRI were performed to display the relationship between active zone, fiber bundle and epileptogenic lesions. Besides, Co-SEP, MEP and ECoG were also carried out intra-operatively to direct the resection of epileptogenic lesion and epileptogenic focus.

[Localization of epileptic foci in frontal lobe epilepsy and its surgical therapy].

Objective: To analyze the clinical data and pre-operative examination results of frontal lobe epilepsy and combine with intra-operative intracranial electrical record in order to localize epileptic foci and to direct surgical therapy.

Methods: Preoperative EEG record and MRI scan were performed in 23 patients with refractory frontal lobe epilepsy. Among them, 17 patients received interictal 18F-FDG-PET-CT, 11 received MEG examination, 2 received functional MRI, 10 received surgical operation and intra-operative intracranial electrical record.

[Stereotactic resection of small intracerebral lesions in motor cortex using blood oxygen level depended functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging fusion guidance].

Objective: To explore the effect of stereotactic resection of small intracerebral lesions located in the motor cortex using blood oxygen level depended functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) fusion guidance.

Methods: Fifteen patients with lesions in posterior frontal lobe to anterior central gyrus, 1.5-3 cm in diameter, underwent combined three-dimensional (3D) enhancement MRI with BOLD-fMRI, and DTI.

Therapeutic effect of nimodipine on experimental brain injury.

Objective: To study the therapeutic effect of nimodipine on experimental brain injury.

Methods: Experimental and control rabbits were subjected to a closed head injury. In one group nimodipine was given intravenously and the effect evaluated by electron microscopy, brain water content, calcium levels, transcranial Doppler, and intracranial pressure monitoring.