Objective To observe the effect of piperine (PA) on experimental gallstone formation in the gallbladder of C57BL/6 mice. Methods 3 dietary groups of C57BL/6 with 10 mice each group were allocated as control (normal mice chow),lithogenic (1% cholesterol diet) and PA (1% cholesterol diet + PA 30 mg/kg body weight) group respectively for 4 weeks. The expression of Scp2 gene in liver tissue was measured by RT-PCR and the bile lipid contents was measured chemically,the cholesterol saturation index (CSI) was calculated by Carey’s method. Results Cholesterol crystals and stones were found in 10/10 and 9/10 gallbladders respectively in lithogenic group,but not found in control and PA groups. Comparing with the lithogenic group,the expression of Scp2 gene in liver tissue and CSI in the gallbladder bile were significantly decreased in PA group. Conclusions PA inhibit the experimental gallstone formation induced by high cholesterol feeding in C57BL/6 mice,with simultaneous decreasing of both the Scp2 gene expression in the liver tissue and the CSI value in the gallbladder bile. The further study of the preventive effect of gallstong formation of PA,whether or not related to the above results,is strongly suggested.

Purpose To summarize the CT features and clinical characteristics of atypical primary fallopian tube cancer (PCFT) and ovarian cystadenocarcinoma (OCA), in order to improved the diagnosis. Materials and Methods CT findings and clinical data of 12 patients with atypical PCFT (PCFT group) and 20 patients with OCA (OCA group) were retrospectively studied. All patients were confirmed by pathology. Serum CA125 level, clinical characteristics and CT features of two groups were compared. Results Serum CA125 level of PCFT group and OCA group were (486.13±23.89) U/ml and (1606.94±62.86) U/ml, respectively. There was statistic difference between the two groups (P<0.01). There was significant differences on vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge between the two groups (P<0.01). There were 4 cases with solid mass, 8 cases with cystic solid mass in PCFT group. And in OCA group, 16 cases with cystic solid mass and 4 cases with cystic mass were revealed, which showed statistic differences between the two groups (P<0.05). Some other findings also showed statistic differences including the diameter of ovarian vein on the affected side, the diameter of the round ligament of uterus on the affected side, tumor volume, and CT values of the mass in venous phase and delay phase (P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, there were no statistic significance in the size of metastatic lymph nodes, the mean CT value of the mass on plain scan and in the arterial phase (P>0.05). Conclusion Clinical findings of serum CA125 level, vaginal bleeding, and vaginal discharge combine with imaging findings of diameter of the ovarian vein in the affected side, diameter of ipsilateral round ligament of uterus, tumor volume, CT values of the mass in venous and delay phase would be the key points for differential diagnosis of PCFT and OCA.

Objective To investigate the radiation dose differences of DTS,DR and CT in diagnostic imaging of the skeletal system and analyze the sensitivity and specificity of each modality in skeletal disease diagnosis.Methods 100 relevant patients with skeletal diseases were randomly selected,who were performed with DR,DTS and CT from Feb 2010 to Mar 2012.They were divided into three groups,respectively as the DR group,the DTS group and the CT group.The complete information including DR,DTS,CT data and the final clinical diagnosis were collected and the statistical analysis after comparing radiation dose of DR,DTS and CT examination.Two experienced experts evaluated the image of three examinations and made judgments.ROC curves of reader A and B were made by using the final clinical diagnosis as gold standard.Results The average absorbed dose and effective dose of DR,DTS,CT group were [(1.9±1.8)mGy,(0.03±0.03) mSv)],[(3.5±1.5)mGy,(0.05±0.02) mSv)],[(397.7 ± 106.0) mGy· cm、(5.60 ± 1.50) mSy] respectively.The difference among the three groups was analyzed by one-way ANOVA test(F =1377,P ＜ 0.05) and had statistically significant(P ＜ 0.05).ROC curve was drawn through analyzing lesion detection credibility of three groups.The Az values of reader A and B was (0.870 ± 0.035,0.966 ± 0.018,0.974 ± 0.015) and (0.852 ± 0.038,0.951 ± 0.021,0.959 ±0.019)respectively.Do the Z-test to these examinations' area under ROC curve of lesion detection credibility.Between DR and DTS or DR and CT,there was statistically significant(P ＜ 0.05).While for CT and DTS,there was not statistically significant.The two readers' sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing skeletal lesion with DR,DTS and CT were investigated using the x2 test:CT and DTS were no statistical significance,CT and DR were statistically significant (x2 =4.833,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Radiation dose of DTS only accounts for about 1％ of CT examination.While its sensitivity and specificity can meet the requirements for clinical diagnosis as CT.If the DR diagnosis is unclear or suspected,DTS should be the first recommended modality used for skeletal diagnosis with lower radiation dose.

Objective To compare the iodine contrast agent dosage,radiation dose and image quality in CT pulmonary angiogra-phy (CTPA)with low tube voltage and high tube current in 64-slice spiral CT.Methods 60 patients with suspected pulmonary em-bolism in our hospital were randomly chosen and divided into three groups:Group Ⅰ:20 patients,using 120 kV,180 mA,contrast dose of 70 mL.Group Ⅱ:20 patients,using 100 kV,280 mA,contrast dose of 50 mL.Group Ⅲ:20 patients,using 80 kV,automat-ic tube current modulation techniques (300-500 mA),comparative dose of 30 mL.CT values and image noise of three pulmonary central areas and a segment branch were measured in each group.Objective indicators,subjective image quality assessment,CT dose index volume (CTDIvol),dose-length product (DLP)and effective absorbed dose (ED)were compared in three groups to evaluate the value of low kV,high mA with low-contrast dose in CTPA.Analysis of variance and t-test was used for data analysis.Results Compared with those of the standard method of CTPA,all pulmonary dry in two groups of low dose were well displayed.There was no statistical significance between each two groups in image quality score (P > 0.05),but was statistical significance in CT values, noise,SNR and CNR (P < 0.01).The CT radiation dose,CTDIvol and DLP of Group Ⅱ and Group Ⅲ were significantly lower than those of Group Ⅰ (P < 0.01).Conclusion Compared with traditional methods,low dose contrast agent injections under 80 kV could reduce the dose of contrast agent and the effect of hardening artifacts due to contrast agent in superior vena cava on right pul-monary artery.It is helpful to reduce the risk of contrast induced nephropathy and reduce patients’exposure to X-ray radiation.

Objective To evaluate the differences in image quality and radiation dose in the neck CTA between low tube voltage scanning method combined with exact calculation of contrast dosage and conventional scanning methods.Methods Ninety patients who had undergone neck CTA examination from October 2012 to June 2013 were prospectively selected to perform study.Patients were randomly divided into Group A,B and C,each with 30 cases.Tube voltage and contrast amount were,respectively,120 kV and 70-80 ml for Group A (conventional group),100 kV and exact calculation for Group B,80 kV and exact calculation for Group C.Using ANOVA test,radiation dose,contrast amount,CNR were statistically analyzed among three groups.Subjective evaluations were made of image quality by two experienced radiologists based on a 5-point system.Results The effective doses in Group B and C were (4.5 ± 0.7) mSv and (2.1 ± 0.4) mSv,respectively,significantly lower than (6.6 ± 0.9) mSv in Group A,with statistically significant difference(F =72.4,P ＜ 0.05).The amounts of contrast were significantly lower in Group B and C than that in Group A,which respectively were (73.2 ± 8.2) ml for Group A and (48.2 ± 5.1) for Group B and (48.6 ± 5.4) ml for Group C,with statistically significant difference (F =56.8,P ＜ 0.05).CNRs increased respectively by 42.2％ in Group B and by 42.2％ in Group C compared with Group A,with statistically significant difference (F =72.6,P ＜ 0.05).Venous artifact images were found in 10 patients of Group A,having different effects on image quality,whereas in Group B and C,there were not vein artifacts to found.Conclusions The low tube voltage (80 kV) scanning method combined with exact calculation of contrast features not only significantly lower radiation dose and lower contrast amount used,but also improved image quality in comparison with conventional method.

Objective To compare the efficacy of spectral CT imaging and 64 slice CT in assessment of carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque.Methods Thirty-eight patients with carotid plaque were detected retrospectively in this study (plaque,n=46) by using spectral CT.The composition of atherosclerotic plaque was measured by iodine-based images,lipid-based images with spectral CT imaging.Intraplaque hemorrhae,lipid components were also evaluated on spectral CT imaging and compared with pathology and specimen.Statistical comparison was performed with the Kappa value,independent-sample t test and exact test.Results The degree of carotid artery stenosis was (63.3 ±3.1)％ on spectral CT imaging whereas (61.6 ± 3.8) ％ on 64 slice CT.Two imaging modalities were in good consistency in evaluation of the degree of stenosis (Kappa=0.993,P＜0.01).There was no statistical difference in detecting fibrous cap rupture on spectral CT imaging and 64 slice CT (12 plaques vs 11 plaques,respectively,P＞0.05).Furthermore,spectral CT imaging showed 11 plaques within intraplaque hemorrhage,however,no case was found on 64 slice CT (P＜0.05).The plaque iodine concentration were (6.365 ± 1.937) and (1.573 ±0.776) mg/cm3 with or without internal hemorrhage(t=16.39,P＜0.05).Spectral CT imaging showed 9 plaques within intraplaque liquid whereas only 2 plaques showed intraplaque liquid on 64 slice CT (P＜0.05).Twenty-eight plaques within calcification in the plaque were found on spectrl CT imaging and 27 on 64 slice CT(P＞0.05).Conclusion Spectral CT imaging is a reliable tool in detecting intraplaque hemor-rhage and liquid component.

ObjectiveTo analyze the seroepidemiologic of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and evaluate antibiotics medication of some positive patients by follow-up. Methods Serodia-MycolⅡ particle agglutination assay was used to detect serum antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae in 3 134 clinically suspected infections. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was determined and seroepidemiologic was analyzed by results of the test, including positive antibody rates in whole subjects, in male or female groups, in different seasons or age groups as well as in different sources. Evaluate antibiotics medication of some positive patients by follow-up. The average days of medication were counted, different antibiotics medication and medication effect were analyzed. Results In 3 134 serum samples from clinically suspected Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections, 350 ( 11.2％ ) were tested with positive antibodies. The positive antibody rate in female patients was 12. 3％ ( 198/1 604), which was higher than 9. 9％ ( 152/1 530) in males (X2 =4. 58,P ＜0. 05). The peak season was found in the fourth quarter (October-December) with 13.2％ of positive antibody and the highest positive rate (32. 8％, 45/137 ) was found in school aged (5 -9 years old )children. Samples from pediatrics clinic and ward were tested to have highest positive rates ( 27. 9％ and 26. 5％, respectively ), comparing that from other sources. Infection due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae was identified in 28％ (7/25) of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients, which is higher than other diseases. Based on the follow-up of 91 antibody positive patients, between 5 to 120 days ( mean 24. 2 days )were counted from appearance of clinical symptoms to clinic visiting/testing. 71 of 91 (78. 0％ ) patients was medicated with macrolide antibiotics, 4 (4. 4％ ) with quinolones, 4 (4. 4％ ) with cephalosporin, and the rest 12 ( 13.2％ ) patients were medicated with other antibiotics or only symptomatic treatment. The average period of antibiotics medication was between 3 to 21 days (mean 8. 2 days). Medication effect results by follow-up were cure in 35 ( 38. 5％ ), improvement in 50 (54. 9％ ), and poor responses in 6 (6. 6％ ).ConclusionsMycoplasma pneumoniae positive rate in female patients was higher than in males, and peak rate was found in the fourth quarter and in school aged children. Samples from pediatrics clinic and ward were tested to have highest positive rates. Physicians could choose first line antibiotics according to laboratory test results of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and gain good effect.

Objective To study the X-ray imaging characteristics of gouty arthritis. Methods The X-ray plates from gouty arthritis were analyzed. Results The gouty arthritis usually occurred in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The X-ray findings were dissymmetric swellings of soft tissue,bony erosion defect with sharp and hard edge,narrowed joint space and irregular articular surface,emergence of fiber stiffness,even joint malformations and sublimation or dislocation, associated with hyperosteogeny and nearby osteoporosis. Conclusion Diversification was presented in X-ray findings of gouty arthritis, which could be easily confused with other single or multiple bone joint diseases. As a result, accurate diagnosis should be based on careful analysis about X-ray findings.

Objective To evaluate the CT features of primary adrenal lymphoma and its relationship with pathology.Methods Pathologically proven primary adrenal lymphoma 6 cases were reviewed.There were 4 males and 2 females.The age was 18-62 years,average age was 51 years.5 cases was single tomur in unilateral,1 case was bilateral disease.The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain,abdominal discomfort.All patients had CT scan and were treated surgically.Results CT scan showed the characters of adrenal little low-density soft tissue mass:the maximum diameter of 3-11 cm,irregularly shaped or ovalshaped,multi-state a clear,homogeneous or slightly inhomogeneous density,CT value was 30-40 HU.Lesions could be embedded or close to blood vessels and the ipsilateral kidney.The lesions were not enhanced arterial phase enhancement,CT value was 39-50 HU.The lesions showed vein phase of mild to moderate enhancement,CT value was 47-66 HU.At the delay of continuing to strengthen phase,CT value was 60-78 HU.The pathology charaters showed that:Diffuse of tumor cells under light microscope dense,more uniform size,and a large,granular chromatin,tumor stromal components was relatively small.There was no significant bleeding,necrosis and calcification.one lesion showed sheet,tumor cell necrosis.Conclusions CT scan characteristics and pathological features of primary adrenal lymphoma might have a certain correlation.

Objective To evaluate the CT image features of urinary tract inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) for use in clinical and differential diagnosis.Methods Eight pathologically proven IMT cases were retrospectively analyzed in this study.There were six female patients and two male patients.Patient average age was 35 (13-62) years.The main clinical manifestations were hematuria and urination pain.Tumors were found in the bladder in 5 cases,in ureter in 2 cases and in urethra in 1 case.All the 8 cases accepted CT scan five of which had contrast enhanced CT scan.The imaging features were then analyzed.Results Of the IMT in bladder,CT scan showed a cauliflower like bladder tumor or round soft tissue mass with even or uneven density of 11.5-36.0 HU.Three tunors were accompanied with necrosis.Four cases had associated adjacent bladder wall thickening and two cases were found with fuzzy surrounding fat space.Ureteral lesions in two cases showed a solid mass with smooth edges and even density of 40.3 HU compared to the surrounding muscle.The urethral lesions had clear mass realm of 17.5-22.6 HU accompanied with calcification.Enhanced CT scan showed that homogeneous or heterogeneous mild to moderate enhancement was found in the tumor.Delayed phase showed consistant enhancement of 102.7-118.6 HU.Conclusion Tumor CT imaging features,particularly the significant and consistant enhancement in delayed phase,provide important information for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the urinary tract IMT.