ObjectiveTo analyze the causes of unrelieved epilepsy thoroughly in children with isolated focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) based on MRI.MethodsRetrospective analysis of MRI and clinical data of 21 children with isolated FCD during July 2014 to January 2018, which confirmed by pathology and unrelieved thoroughly after operation performed, the pathological types and MRI signs were analyzed, as well as the frequency of different MRI signs in FCD of each pathological type. Analyzed the possible factors of surgical failure.ResultsAmong the 21 cases, there were 15 males and 6 females, with an average age of (5.7±0.3) years and an average course of disease of (3.4±0.5) years.MRI signs of this part of the children were mainly manifested by blurred focal gray matter boundaries, abnormal cortical structure changes (thickening and/or thinning), transmantle signs (abnormal cone signals extending from subcortical white matter to the ventricle) and abnormal gray matter signals, which were similar to MRI signs of FCD with satisfactory postoperative epilepsy control. 17 cases (80.9%) appeared epileptic discharge after operation in the EEG monitoring area 2 weeks to 6 months, FCD type I and type Ⅱ accounted for 35.3%, 64.7% respectively. During intraoperative EEG monitoring, no epileptiform discharge was observed in the transmantle sign region in 6 cases, and the region was retained, and only the surrounding abnormal discharge cortex was removed, complete removal of the tansmantle sign and surrounding abnormal discharge area was performed in 2 cases, and different degrees of epileptic epilepsy were observed in both methods.ConclusionMRI signs of isolated FCD with unrelieved epilepsy after operation were nonspecific, there were still epilepsy of varying degrees after all epileptogenic lesions have been removed, the cause may be related to potential epileptic factors.
ObjectiveTo explore the value of high-resolution Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging in predicting the surgical effect of Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) in children.MethodsThe MRI and clinical data of 143 children with FCD confirmed by surgery and pathology in Qilu Children’s Hospital of Shandong University from July 2013 to July 2018 were analyzed retrospectively, and the MRI signs were analyzed, and the patients were grouped according to different signs to analyze the satisfaction of postoperative epilepsy control in each group.ResultsAmong the 9 groups of children, MRI signs in the group with better postoperative epilepsy control were those with obvious focal gray matter blurring and cortical thickening and combined with Transmantle sign. The MRI signs in the group with poor postoperative results were mild focal gray matter blurring and cortical structure thinning, and those with abnormal sulcus and gyrus morphology, the postoperative effect of patients with only abnormal sulci and gyrus as the main MRI manifestations was significantly better than those with other signs, and the above differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).ConclusionThe high-resolution MRI of children with FCD had a certain specificity, and it is feasible to predict the satisfaction of postoperative epilepsy control from the perspective of MRI signs, which is an important indicator of surgical prognosis.
ObjectiveTo explore the microscopic character and clinical pathological feature of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD).Methods51 cases were collected from January 2015 to September 2018 in the 988th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the People’s Libereation Army. Pathology with FCD of their diseased brain tissue was classified according to the classification standard by the International Anti-Epilepsy Union (ILAE) in 2011. Epileptic seizure characteristics were analysed in different types.ResultsFCD I was 23 cases (45.1%). FCD II was 11 (21.6%). FCD III was 17 (33.3%). Ia was the most common type (23.5%, 12/51). Neurons were arranged into microcolumnar structures in Ia. NF expression in immunohistochemistry was characteristic. It was close to the neuron like line or waterfall. The second type was Ⅲa (15.7%, 8/51). Hippocampal sclerosis was given priority to CA4 area pyramidal cells to reduce or disappear. Three types all happened in bilateral cerebral hemisphere. There was no statistical difference. Temporal lobe was significantly more than frontal lobe. More than 50% of the cases occurredepilepsy before the age of 18. The main manifestation was partial onset seizures and secondary body stiffness clonus. The onset age and history of epilepsy in patients with FCD Ⅲ were earlier than those in the other two types. On image the positive rate of I type was 78.3% and that of Ⅱ and Ⅲ was both 100%.ConclusionFCD is a common pathological feature of epilepsy patients. Carefully pathologic examination is the premise of accurate classification of each subtype. Ⅲ type is different from Ⅰ and Ⅱ type in epileptic seizures.
Objective To study the clinical results of focal debridement and primary internal fixation with CD rod in treatment of multisegmental spinaltuberculosis.Methods From July 1999 to November 2002, 16 patients with multisegmental spinal tuberculosis were given focal debridement and primary internal fixation with CD rod trans sick vertebra. There were 9 males and 7 females, aging from 21 to 59 years. The course of disease was 2 to 11 months. The locations of lesion were T 6T 11 in 11 patients and T 10 -L2 in 5 patients.The involved vertebral bodies were 3 segments in 13 patients, 4 or more than 4 segments in 3 patients. There were 5 cases of Pott’s paralysis (according to Frankel classification system: 3 cases of degree C, 2 cases of degree D) and 4 cases of kyphosis and 2 cases of collapse. Focal debridement and internal fixation was performed in 1 or 2 incisions according to concrete conditions. Results All patients were followed up 11 months (6 months-3years), spinal tuberculosis was completely cured and the grafted bones were fused in all 16 patients. All patients obtainedprimary healing of the incision. Postoperative complication met with cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 1 case. After 6 months, 5 cases of paraplegia recovered. The kyphosis was corrected partly. No loose and dislocation of the nails and rods was found. Conclusion Focal debridement and primary internal fixation with CD rod can stabilize involved spinal segments, prevent and correct local deformity,and improve its curative ratio and fused ratio of grafted bone.
To evaluate the appl ication value of internal fixation of spinal column by posterior approach and extraperitioneal bilateral focal debridement for the treatment of tuberculosis of lumbosacral vertebral body. Methods From March 2000 to February 2005, 16 cases of spinal tuberculosis in L3-S1 were treated with internal fixation of spinal column by posterior approach and extraperitioneal bilateral focal debridement. Sixteen cases included 11 males and 5 females, and the age was 21-56 years. The locations of spinal tuberculosis were L3 in 4 cases, L4 in 6, L5 in 4, and S1 in 2. The course of disease averaged 13 monthes (range 6 monthes to 6 years). The ESR of all cases was greater than 20 mm/h (average40 mm/h); WBC was normal in 14 cases, and a l ittle high in 2 cases. The X-ray picture showed narrow intervertebral space in 5 cases, compressed body of vertebra in 7 cases, and destroyed 2 consecutive vertebra and its sclerotin was condupl icate in 1 case. All cases were abscess in major psoas muscle. The CT showed destruction of bone, abscess-formation and dead bone in body of vertebra of 16 cases. The abscess were found in vertebral canal in 5 cases and dura mater of spinal cord and spinal nerve root crushed in 2 cases. The MRI showed destruction of bone, abscess-formation and hibateral abscess in major psoas muscle in 11 cases. The abscess were found in vertebral canal and dura mater of spinal cord and spinal nerve root crushed in 6 cases. The therapy of pasid was treated after operation in all the cases. Results Incision healed by first intention in 16 cases; and disruption of wound occurred and heal ing was achieved after symptomatic treatment in 1 case. Sixteen cases were followed up 2-5 years (29 months on average). Among all the cases, anaesthesia in double thigh was found in 3 cases, adynamia of dorsiflexion in foot in 1 case, gatism in 1 case; after 2 weeks the symptoms were vanished. Indirect hernia of fold inguen were found in 1 case after 2 years, and the patient refused operation for age and was no longer followed up. Fuzzy, exsic and acerb in eyes were foundin 6 cases, hearing disturbance were found in 2 cases, and symptoms were vanished after medication adjustment. Low-grade fever and lumbar myalgia were found in 1 case and cured after staying in bed and medication adjustment. All ESR were normal, synostosis of lumbosacral vertebral body was found in 13 cases, kyphosis in 1 case. Conclusion Internal fixation of spinal column by posterior approach and extraperitioneal bilateral focal debridement is safe and available way for the treatment of tuberculosis of lumbosacral vertebral body, it can save the times of operation, shorten period and enhance effect of treatment.
ObjectiveTo observe and compare the epileptic seizures, EEG changes and adverse reactions of perampanel and levetiracetam monotherapy in children with focal epilepsy. To explore the efficacy and safety of Perampanel monotherapy in the treatment of focal epilepsy and its relationship with miR-106b and autophagy related protein pathwaynide monotherapy in the treatment of focal epilepsy. Methods A total of 74 children with focal epilepsy in Xuzhou Children’s Hospital from March 2021 to December 2023 were selected as the research objects, all of whom were randomly divided into perampanel group and levetiracetam group. They were treated with perampanel and levetiracetam respectively. The clinical seizures, epileptiform discharges of EEG and adverse reactions were recorded and compared between the two groups. 2 mL of fasting peripheral blood were collected from the two groups of children in the morning, and the RNA of lymphocytes in the blood sample was extracted, the expression of miR-106b in peripheral blood lymphocytes of children was detected by qRT-PCR amplification, the levels of autophagy related protein Beclin-1, LC3-Ⅱ and p62 in the peripheral blood of children were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results There was no significant difference in age, gender, BMI, course of disease, seizure frequency, epileptiform discharge index of EEG between the two groups (P>0.05). Seizure control: After treatment, the total effective rate and retention rate were 81.1% (30/37) and 78.4% (29/37) in the perampanel group and 59.5% (22/37) and 56.8% (21/37) in the levetiracetam group, respectively. The total effective rate in the perampanel group was higher than that in the levetiracetam group, with statistical difference (P<0.05). The retention rate in the perampanel group at 12 months was higher than that in the levetiracetam group, with statistical difference (P<0.05). EEG improvement: after treatment, the control improvement rate and total improvement rate of EEG in perampanel group were 32.4% (12/37) and 78.4% (29/37), and the control improvement rate and total improvement rate of EEG in levetiracetam group were 16.2% (6/37) and 56.8% (21/37), respectively, with statistical difference between the two groups (P<0.05). EEG in perampanel group was significantly improved. Adverse reactions: the incidence of adverse reactions in the perampanel group and Levetiracetam group was 10.8% (4/37) vs 24.3% (9/37). There was no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). MiR-106b and autophagy related proteins: the expression of miR-106b, Beclin-1, LC3-Ⅱ in perampanel group was significantly decreased compared with that before treatment, with statistical differences (P<0.05). The expression of p62 was also increased compared with that before treatment, with obvious differences (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of miR-106b, Beclin-1, LC3-Ⅱ, p62 between levetiracetam group and perampanel group (P>0.05). Conclusion The clinical efficacy of perampanel as the first choice for the treatment of children with focal epilepsy is better than levetiracetam, which can effectively control seizures, improve the EEG of children, and has a low incidence of drug-related adverse events. Perampanel may exert antiepileptic effect by affecting miR-106b and autophagy related proteins.
Heart sounds are critical for early detection of cardiovascular diseases, yet existing studies mostly focus on traditional signal segmentation, feature extraction, and shallow classifiers, which often fail to sufficiently capture the dynamic and nonlinear characteristics of heart sounds, limit recognition of complex heart sound patterns, and are sensitive to data imbalance, resulting in poor classification performance. To address these limitations, this study proposes a novel heart sound classification method that integrates improved Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC) for feature extraction with a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a deep Transformer model. In the preprocessing stage, a Butterworth filter is applied for denoising, and continuous heart sound signals are directly processed without segmenting the cardiac cycles, allowing the improved MFCC features to better capture dynamic characteristics. These features are then fed into a CNN for feature learning, followed by global average pooling (GAP) to reduce model complexity and mitigate overfitting. Lastly, a deep Transformer module is employed to further extract and fuse features, completing the heart sound classification. To handle data imbalance, the model uses focal loss as the objective function. Experiments on two public datasets demonstrate that the proposed method performs effectively in both binary and multi-class classification tasks. This approach enables efficient classification of continuous heart sound signals, provides a reference methodology for future heart sound research for disease classification, and supports the development of wearable devices and home monitoring systems.
Cenobamate is one of the latest antiseizure medications (ASMs) developed for the treatment of focal onset seizures in adult patients. Cenobamate is characterized by a peculiar pharmacology. The mechanisms responsible for its anti-seizure activity include enhancement of the inactivated state of voltage-gated sodium channels with blockade of the persistent sodium current and positive allosteric modulation of GABAa receptors at a non-benzodiazepine binding site. Studies showed that cenobamate appears to be an effective treatment for focal epilepsy, showing reductions in seizure frequency, increased responder rates, and high rates of seizure freedom, and is well tolerated and safe. This article reviews the mechanism, pharmacokinetic characteristics, clinical efficacy, and safety of cenobamate as a novel anti-seizure drug
Objective To approach the enhancing patterns of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) under contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and improve the recognition on diagnosis for FNH by contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Methods The clinical data of 12 patients with histologically proved FNHs having accepted contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination from May 2007 to February 2009 in West China Hospital of Sichuan University were retroptectively analyzed, and related literatures were reviewed. Results All FNHs were rapidly enhanced in arterial phase and spoke-wheel-like sign was detected in 9/12 lesions. Slightly hyper-enhancement or iso-enhancement were showed in 11/12 lesions, while 1/12 lesions showed hypo-enhancement in late phase. Conclusion Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can display the dynamic blood perfusion of FNH, especially spoke-wheel-like arterial flow in early arterial phase, which is of great value for the diagnosis of FNH.
Objective To investigate the value of a new double action MR contrast agent——Gd-BOPTA in the diagnosis of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) of the liver with correlation of pathology. Methods Dedicated MRI scans were performed for 5 patients suspected to have liver FNH on clinical and imaging basis (six lesions). The MR imaging protocol included axial T1W and T2W plain scan, coronal T2 weighted imaging, 3D MRCP, Gd-BOPTA enhanced LAVA dynamic tri-phasic acquisitions (scanning at 15 s, 55 s and 90 s respectively), enhanced 2D T1W scan, enhanced LAVA in delay phase (at 5 and 10 min) and in the hepatobiliary phase (at 40 and 80 min). The imaging features on each MR sequence were compared with surgical and pathological findings. Results Six lesions in 5 FNH patients were all correctly diagnosed (5 conformed by surgery and 1 by needle biopsy). ①The hemodynamic phase: The parenchyma of 5 lesions were markedly enhanced in the arterial phase, being isointense or slight hypointense in both the portal venous and delay phases, while 1 lesion was isointense in all phases except being slight hyperintense in the arterial phase; The central scar of 5 lesions were not enhanced in the dynamic phase, but showed delayed enhancement. ②The hepatobiliary (excretory) phase: The parenchyma of all 6 lesions were slight hyperintense or isointense, and tree-like bile ducts with hyperintensity were seen within one lesion. The scar showed no enhancement. ③Pathology: The parenchyma was consisted of disarranged normal hepatocytes but with cytoedema, lack of portal tracts and cholestatic change. The central scar showed rich fibrous tissue, a very thick-walled arteriole, proliferative bile ducts, infiltration of inflammatory cells and myxomatous changes. Conclusion As a dual-phase MR contrast agent capable of depicting both the hemodynamic attributes and hepatobiliary excretion, Gd-BOPTA enhanced MRI can reflect the pathological features of FNH and reach a high diagnostic accuracy.