1. The relationship between the expression of tumor matrix-metalloproteinase
and the characteristics of magnetic resonance imaging of human gliomas. J
Biomed Res, 2010; 24(2):124-131
Lihua Liu, Ming Zhang, Yuan Wang, Min Li
Center of Image, the First Affilliated Hospital to Medical College of Xi'an
Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
Abstract: Objective: To investigate the relationship between the expression level of
matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) with the pathological grades and MRI
characteristics of human gliomas. Methods: Prior pre- and post-contrast enhancement
MRI was performed on 31 patients with gliomas, which were confirmed by
post-operational pathology. The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were determined
by immunohistochemical staining in both a low grading group (grades I and II, n = 20)
and high grading group (grades III and IV, n = 11). Results: Compared to the low
grading group, the expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, as well as the tumor edema
index (EI), enhanced percentage (EP) and maximum diameters were significantly
greater in the high grading group. MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression were correlated
with the tumor EI, EP and the maximum diameters. There were no differences in
MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression between the unclear border definition group and the
clear border definition group, whereas the MMPs expression levels were greater in the
heterogeneous signal group than in the homogeneous signal group. Conclusion: The
expression level of MMPs is correlated with the invasion ability of human gliomas.
The MRI parameters, such as tumor EI, EP, maximum diameter, and signal
heterogeneity technically reflect the expression level of MMPs, and can be used to
estimate the tumor's malignant behavior, thus providing the guidance for clinical
therapies.
http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=jbr100205&flag=1
2. Applications of multislice CT angiography in the surgical clipping and
endovascular coiling of intracranial aneurysms. J Biomed Res, 2010;
24(6):467-473
Wenhua Chena, Yilin Yangb, Wei Xinga, Ya Pengb, Jianguo Qiua, Zhongming Hea, Qi
Wanga
a
Department of Radiology, bDepartments of Neurosurgery, the Third Affiliated
Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, China.
Abstract: Prompt diagnosis and therapy of aneurysms are critical for patients with
nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The aim of our study was to assess
the clinical usefulness of multislice computed tomography angiography (CTA) in the
surgical and endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. A total of 195 cases
with 206 intracranial aneurysms underwent CTA. Fifty (24%) aneurysms underwent
surgical clipping while 156 (76%) aneurysms underwent endovascular coiling. In the
five missed aneurysms at digital substraction angiography and the nine aneurysms
with mass intracerebral hematomas, surgical treatment was successfully performed
based on 16-slice CTA alone, and the other 36 aneurysms were clipped on the main
basis of the CTA. The intraoperative findings correlated well with the CTA findings
and all aneurysms were clipped successfully. Sixteen-slice CTA image information
has been shown to determine the choice of aneurysm therapy and assist the surgical
and endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.
http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=jbr100608&flag=1
3. Apparent diffusion coefficient in normal and abnormal pattern of
intervertebral lumbar discs: initial experience. J Biomed Res, 2011;
25(3):197-203
Gang Niu, Xuewen Yu, Jian Yang, Rong Wang, Shaojuan Zhang, Youmin Guo
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, the First Hospital of Medical School, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to compare the relationship of
morphologically defined non-bulging/herniated, bulging and herniated intervertebral
lumbar discs with quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Thirty-two
healthy volunteers and 28 patients with back pain or sciatica were examined by MRI.
All intervertebral lumbar discs from L1 to S1 were classified according to
morphological abnormality and degenerated grades. The ADC values of nucleus
pulposus (NP) were measured and recorded. The significant differences about mean
ADC values of NP were found between non-bulging/herniated discs and bulging discs
as well as herniated discs (P < 0.05), whereas there were no significant differences in
ADC values between bulging and herniated discs (P > 0.05). Moreover, statistically
significant relationship was found in the mean ADC values of NP between
"non-bulging/herniated and non-degenerated discs" and "non-bulging/herniated
degenerated discs" as well as herniated discs (P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis
between ADC value and disc level revealed an inverse correlation (r = -0.18). The
ADC map of the NP is a potentially useful tool for the quantitative assessment of
componential and molecular alterations accompanied with lumbar disc abnormalities.
http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=jbr110307&flag=1
4. Evaluation of computed tomography obstruction index in guiding
therapeutic decisions and monitoring percutanous catheter fragmentation in
massive pulmonary embolism. J Biomed Res, 2011; 25(6):431-437
Tongfu Yu, Mei Yuan, Qingbo Zhang, Haibing Shi, Dehang Wang
Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical
University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China.
Abstract: In the present study, we evaluated computed tomography pulmonary
angiography (CTPA) in guiding therapeutic decisions and monitoring patients
undergoing percutaneous catheter fragmentation in acute massive pulmonary
embolism. From Jan 2003 to Dec 2009, 35 patients were diagnosed with acute
massive pulmonary embolism by CTPA (T0) and treated with percutaneous catheter
fragmentation. The severity was assessed by CT obstruction index (Qanadli index)
and compared with Miller index. CTPA, oxygen saturation (SaO2) and pulmonary
artery pressure were performed as follow-up index. The mean percentage of Qanadli
index was (55±13)% (range, 40%-75%), and Miller index was (62±15)% (range,
45%–85%). Correlations between them were statistically significant (r = 0.867, P <
0.0001). The Qanadli index showed significant reduction [T0: (55±13)%; T1:
(12±10)%; P < 0.001] in 33 patients. Significant correlation was observed between the
Qanadli index, SaO2 (r = 0.934), and pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.813). The
Qanadli index provides an accurate method for distinguishing massive pulmonary
embolism from sub-massive pulmonary embolism. It can be used to determine
therapeutic options and monitor clinical outcomes.
http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=JBR110608&flag=1
5. PET imaging for receptor occupancy: meditations on calculation and
simplification. J Biomed Res, 2012; 26(2):69-76
Yumin Zhang, Gerard B. Fox
Translational Sciences, Global Pharmaceutical R & D, Abbott Laboratories,
Abbott Park, IL 60064, USA.
Abstract: This invited mini-review briefly summarizes procedures and challenges of
measuring receptor occupancy with positron emission tomography. Instead of
describing the detailed analytic procedures of in vivo ligand-receptor imaging, the
authors provide a pragmatic approach, along with personal perspectives, for
conducting positron emission tomography imaging for receptor occupancy, and
systematically elucidate the mathematics of receptor occupancy calculations in
practical ways that can be understood with elementary algebra. The authors also share
insights regarding positron emission tomography imaging for receptor occupancy to
facilitate applications for the development of drugs targeting receptors in the central
nervous system.
http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=JBR120201&flag=1