Apparent diffusion coefficient of diffusion-weighted imaging in evaluation of cervical intervertebral disc degeneration : an observational study with 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging

Aims. To investigate the correlation between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and cervical intervertebral disc degeneration in adult symptomatic patients. Methods. A total of 52 symptomatic and 40 healthy volunteers were included. DWI and routine MRI examinations were performed to their cervical spines. The cervical discs (from C2-C3 to C6-C7) were graded according to the Pfirrmann grading system, and ADC values of the nucleus pulposus (NP) were measured. Differences of the ADC values between different genders and anatomic levels were analyzed; the correlation between the ADC value and the Pfirrmann grade was investigated. The cut-off ADC values of each Pfirrmann grade were calculated. Results. The mean ADC value of the NP decreased with increasing Pfirrmann grade (I–V) upon both patients and asymptotic volunteers. The ADC value decreased descendingly from C2-C3 to C5-C6 (P<0.05) and then increased at C6-C7 (P<0.05). Additionally, the comparison of the ADC values between different genders achieved statistical significance at each anatomical level (P<0.05), except at C6-C7 (P<0.05). Significant negative correlations between the ADC value and either age or Pfirrmann grade were observed. Conclusions. Our preliminary findings suggest that the ADC value obtained by DWI can provide a reliable indicator to evaluate the cervical disc degeneration

Apparent Diffusion Coefficient of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Evaluation of Cervical Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: An Observational Study with 3.0 T Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Aims. To investigate the correlation between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and cervical intervertebral disc degeneration in adult symptomatic patients. Methods. A total of 52 symptomatic and 40 healthy volunteers were included. DWI and routine MRI examinations were performed to their cervical spines. The cervical discs (from C2-C3 to C6-C7) were graded according to the Pfirrmann grading system, and ADC values of the nucleus pulposus (NP) were measured. Differences of the ADC values between different genders and anatomic levels were analyzed; the correlation between the ADC value and the Pfirrmann grade was investigated. The cut-off ADC values of each Pfirrmann grade were calculated. Results. The mean ADC value of the NP decreased with increasing Pfirrmann grade (I–V) upon both patients and asymptotic volunteers. The ADC value decreased descendingly from C2-C3 to C5-C6 (P0.05). Significant negative correlations between the ADC value and either age or Pfirrmann grade were observed. Conclusions. Our preliminary findings suggest that the ADC value obtained by DWI can provide a reliable indicator to evaluate the cervical disc degeneration

Effects of Island-Coated PVdF-HFP Composite Separator on the Performance of Commercial Lithium-ion Batteries

The widespread industrialization of high-energy density commercial lithium-ion batteries has long been challenged by issues of safety and efficiency stemming from uncontrollable lithium dendritic growths. Here, an island-coated composite separator has been fabricated using a pre-swelling process with water-based dispersions to address the issue of dendrite growth. The pre-swelling of the polymer particle surface balances the contradiction between the high crystallinity and electrolyte compatibility showing high electrolyte wettability and electrolyte uptake ability. Furthermore, the point-to-point surface structure can balance the high interfacial adhesion of electrodes and anti-deformation ability well, which is beneficial for preventing ripple-shaped and pot-shaped deformation, smoothing the solid particle morphology of the electrode and achieving a steady interfacial structure for lithium diffusion in cells. This new strategy constructs a non-continuous novel structure, achieving greatly improved dendrite growth suppressing and cell interface stabilization. This paper has opened up a new method for the development of low cost, simple process and easy industry of the lithium-ion pouch cell with improved quality and efficiency

Intravenous Anesthetic Protects Hepatocyte from Reactive Oxygen Species-Induced Cellular Apoptosis during Liver Transplantation In Vivo

Background. Liver transplantation leads to liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, resulting in early graft dysfunction and failure. Exacerbations of oxidative stress and inflammatory response are key processes in the development of liver I/R injury. Intravenous anesthetic propofol potent effects on free radical scavenging and protects livers against I/R injury. However, the role and mechanism of propofol-mediated hepatic protection in liver transplantation is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of propofol postconditioning in the liver I/R injury after liver transplantation. Methods. Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into six groups: rats receiving either sham operation or orthotopic autologous liver transplantation (OALT) in the absence or presence of propofol (high dose and low dose) postconditioning or intralipid control or VAS2870 (Nox2 special inhibitor). Eight hours after OALT or sham operation, parameters of organ injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, and NADPH-associated proteins were assessed. Results. After OALT, severe liver pathological injury was observed that was associated with increases of serum AST and ALT, which were attenuated by propofol postconditioning. In addition, especially high dose of propofol postconditioning reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, TLR4, and NF-κB inflammatory pathway, accompanied with decrease of neutrophil elastase activity, MPO activity, 8-isoprotane, p47phox and gp91phox protein expressions, and increase of SOD activity. Inhibition of Nox2 by VAS2870 conferred similar protective effects in liver transplantation. Conclusion. Liver transplantation leads to severe inflammation and oxidative stress with NADPH oxidase activation. Propofol postconditioning reduces liver I/R injury after liver transplantation partly via inhibiting NADPH oxidase Nox2 and the subsequent inflammation and oxidative stress