Objective To explore the accuracy and practical significance of the 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the liver and the abdominal blood vessels based on the data of 64-slice spiral computerized tomography (64S-SCT). Methods The 2D images of the liver and the abdominal blood vessels were collected after TLC-scanning with 64S-SCT. The 3D images of the liver, hepatic internal duct system and the abdominal blood vessels were reconstructed by the medical image processing system. The volume of the 3D reconstructed liver was compared with that of the actual liver measured by the 64S-SCT, and the portal vein of the reconstructed liver model was compared with that reconstructed by the Mxview workstation based on the 64S-SCT data. Results The 3D models of the liver, hepatic internal duct system and abdominal blood vessels were vivid, and could be revolved and observed at any direction. The spatial relationship among main intrahepatic ducts was clearly displayed. The actual liver volume and the condition of the intrahepatic ducts were accurately demonstrated. The reconstructed liver, the branches of the hepatic artery and portal vein, and the abdominal blood vessels were simultaneously displayed by adjusting the transparency of the liver model. The portal vein of the reconstructed liver model completely matched that reconstructed by the Mxview workstation based on the 64S-SCT data. Conclusions The 3D models of the liver, hepatic internal duct system and abdominal blood vessels reflect the human anatomy structure, and provide reliable virtual organs and vessel system for virtual liver surgery.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation between ABO blood type gene and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

METHODSABO blood types were determined using glass sheet method in 96 children with ADHD and their parents. O gene was identified using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism in patients with A or B blood type. Haplotype-based haplotype relative risk (HHRR), transmission-disequilibrium test (TDT) and Chi-square test were used to examine the association between ABO gene and ADHD.

RESULTSTDT results showed significant differences in the allele of ABO between the 96 children with ADHD and within-family controls (chi2=6.017, df=2, P< 0.05). Chi-square test results showed differences in the allele of A and B (chi2=3.289, df=1, P=0.07) as well as O and B (chi2=3.629, df=1, P=0.057 ) between ADHD children and within-family controls. The frequencies of O and A genes were higher than that of B gene in ADHD children.

CONCLUSIONSThere was correlation between ABO blood type gene and ADHD in children. The risk of ADHD is increased in the presence of alleles O and A, but the risk is reduced in the presence of allele B.

ABO Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Adolescent ; Alleles ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity ; blood ; genetics ; Child ; Female ; Haplotypes ; Humans ; Male

BACKGROUNDPulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD) and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) remains a challenging complex congenital heart disease nowadays. In the present study, we aimed to develop a two-stage surgical method and to evaluate outcomes of this method in managing PA-VSD and MAPCAs.

METHODSBetween December 2003 and December 2008, 7 female and 4 male patients between the age of 5 and 10 years who were suffering from PA-VSD and MAPCAs were selected and recruited. The native pulmonary artery trunks were absent in all patients; the lungs were solely supplied by major aortopulmonary collaterals, and the numbers of supplied lung segments ranged from 15 to 20 (17.9 +/- 1.6). There were a total of 43 MAPCAs in all the patients (3 - 5 (3.9 +/- 0.7) MAPCAs per patient). The accumulated Nakata index was (222.9 +/- 29.9) mm(2)/m(2) (ranged from 182 to 272). All the patients underwent two sequential operations. Stage one included left major aortopulmonary collateral unifocalization and modified Blalock-Taussig shunt from left posterior lateral thoracotomy; stage two comprised right unifocalization, ligation of the shunt, followed by ventricular septal defect closure and right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction assisted with cardiopulmonary bypass from midline sternotomy.

RESULTSAll the patients survived the initial surgery, but one of them died of low cardiac output syndrome on the third day after the second operation. Postoperative complications included pneumonia in one case and capillary leak syndrome in another. Postoperative oxygen saturation maintained about 95% - 100%, which was significantly higher than pre-operation (P < 0.01). During the follow-up period of 3 - 51 (25.4 +/- 15.2) months, there were no late death and no need for re-intervention. All the patients enjoyed their lives with good conditions.

CONCLUSIONSThis two-stage complete repair strategy was well-tolerated and effective with good outcome, thus offering an alternative surgical approach in the treatment of PA-VSD and MAPCAs.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; surgery ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Pulmonary Artery ; abnormalities ; Pulmonary Atresia ; surgery ; Thoracotomy ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: Interleukin (IL)-13, a Th2-type cytokine, plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of asthma through its direct effects on airway smooth muscles. A naturally occurring IL-13 polymorphism, R110Q, is strongly associated with increased total serum IgE levels and asthma. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether the IL-13 R110Q variant would display different biochemical properties or altered functions in comparison with wild-type (WT) IL-13 in cultured human bronchial smooth muscle cells (hBSMCs). METHODS: Culture supernatants and cell proteins were collected from cultured hBSMCs that were treated with 50 ng/mL IL-13 or IL-13 R110Q for 24 hours. Eotaxin released into hBSMC culture medium was determined by ELISA. The expression levels of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI) alpha-chain, smooth muscle-specific actin alpha chain (alpha-SMA), smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SmMHC), and calreticulin in the cells were measured on Western blots. RESULTS: Compared with WT IL-13, treatment with the IL-13 R110Q variant resulted in a significant increase in eotaxin release as well as significant, although modest, increases in the expression levels of alpha-SMA, SmMHC, calreticulin, and FcepsilonRI alpha-chain. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggenst that the IL-13 R110Q variant may enhance enhanced functional activities in hBSMCs.
Actins ; Asthma ; Calreticulin ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Interleukin-13 ; Interleukins ; Muscle, Smooth ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; Myosin Heavy Chains ; Proteins

PURPOSE: Interleukin (IL)-13, a Th2-type cytokine, plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of asthma through its direct effects on airway smooth muscles. A naturally occurring IL-13 polymorphism, R110Q, is strongly associated with increased total serum IgE levels and asthma. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether the IL-13 R110Q variant would display different biochemical properties or altered functions in comparison with wild-type (WT) IL-13 in cultured human bronchial smooth muscle cells (hBSMCs). METHODS: Culture supernatants and cell proteins were collected from cultured hBSMCs that were treated with 50 ng/mL IL-13 or IL-13 R110Q for 24 hours. Eotaxin released into hBSMC culture medium was determined by ELISA. The expression levels of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI) alpha-chain, smooth muscle-specific actin alpha chain (alpha-SMA), smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SmMHC), and calreticulin in the cells were measured on Western blots. RESULTS: Compared with WT IL-13, treatment with the IL-13 R110Q variant resulted in a significant increase in eotaxin release as well as significant, although modest, increases in the expression levels of alpha-SMA, SmMHC, calreticulin, and FcepsilonRI alpha-chain. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggenst that the IL-13 R110Q variant may enhance enhanced functional activities in hBSMCs.
Actins ; Asthma ; Calreticulin ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Interleukin-13 ; Interleukins ; Muscle, Smooth ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; Myosin Heavy Chains ; Proteins

OBJECTIVETo study the surgery plan and simulation effect of the three dimensional (3D) hepatic virtual operation based on the data of 64-slice helical CT scanning and to probe the feasibility of the virtual operation based on the FreeForm Modeling System.

METHODSThe volunteer liver was scanned to collect two dimensional (2D) DICOM data of 64-slice helical CT scanning and the 3D hepatic and intrahepatic vessels model were reconstructed by MIMICS software. The reconstructed liver, the intrahepatic vessels model and the artificial tumor models were output into the FreeForm Modeling System in the STL format. The device PHANTOM with the characterization of dynamo-feedback was applied to make the operation on the 3D hepatic.

RESULTSThe spatial relationship between the tumour and the intrahepatic vessels were clearly observed by rotation and enlargement of the target. According to the operation principle, the left lobe of liver resection was simulated by manipulating the device PHANToM. Through the liver transparence surface, the intrahepatic vessels were easily distinguished. The operation procedure was accord with the clinic hepatic surgery. Meanwhile, during the operation, by adjusting the incision objective intensity, the dynamo-feedback intensity was definitely touched.

CONCLUSIONSBy using the FreeForm Modeling System,the hepatic operation procedure can be simulated ahead of time. The operation complication in the practical surgery can be anticipated and the individualization operation schema can be reasonable instituted.

Adult ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Liver ; diagnostic imaging ; Liver Neoplasms ; surgery ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods ; User-Computer Interface

Objective:To discuss the effect of liraglutide on glycemic control and reduction of cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MS).Methods:Sixty-three cases with newly diagnosed T2DM (HbA1c 7.5%-11%) and MS were selected, and randomly divided 1∶1 into metformin group (0.85 g,oral administration, two times a day) and liraglutide group (1.2 mg, subcutaneous injection, one time a day).The primary endpoint was change in metabolic parameters.Results:Sixty patients completed the study.There was a reduction in weight,body mass index,waist circumference,fasting glycemia,HbA1c, total and LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides in both groups(P<0.01).Liraglutide was superior to metformin in reducing weight, BMI, and waist circumference (P<0.05).There was no adverse effect in two groups.Conclusions:Liraglutide is associated with improved glycemic control and reduction of cardiometabolic risk factors in newly diagnosed T2DM and the MS.

BACKGROUNDRight minithoracotomy (RM) has been proven to be a safe and effective approach for mitral valve surgery, but the differences of artificial chordae technique between RM and median sternotomy (MS) were seldom reported. Here, we compared the outcomes of modified artificial chordae technique for mitral regurgitation (MR) through RM or MS approaches.

METHODSOne hundred and eighteen consecutive adult patients who received mitral valve repair with artificial chordae and annuloplasty for MR through RM (n = 58) or MS (n = 60) from January 2006 to January 2015 were analyzed.

RESULTSAll of the selected patients underwent mitral valve repair successfully without any complication during the surgery. There was no significant difference between RM group and MS group in cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp time, and early postoperative complications. However, compared with the MS group, the RM group had shorter hospital stay and faster surgical recovery. At a mean follow-up of 44.8 ± 25.0 months, the freedom from more than moderate MR was 93.9% ± 3.5% in RM group and 94.8% ± 2.9% in MS group at 3 years postoperatively. Log-rank test showed that there was no significant difference in the freedom from recurrent significant MR between the two groups (χ2 = 0.247, P = 0.619). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of mild MR at discharge was the independent risk factor for the recurrent significant MR.

CONCLUSIONRight minithoracotomy can achieve the similar therapeutic effects with MS for the patients who received modified artificial chordae technique for treating MR.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency ; surgery ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Sternotomy ; methods ; Thoracotomy ; methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

The present study was aimed to isolate the active compounds from the fermentation products of Fusarium oxysporum, which had hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protease inhibitory activity. A bioactive compound was isolated by reverse-phase silica-gel column chromatography, silica-gel column chromatography, semi-preparative reverse-phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and then its molecular structure was elucidated based on the spectrosopic analysis. As a result, the compound (H1-A, 1) Ergosta-5, 8 (14), 22-trien-7-one, 3-hydroxy-,(3β, 22E) was isolated and identified. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first report on the isolation of H1-A from microorganisms with the inhibitory activity of NS3 protease.
Enzyme Inhibitors ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Fusarium ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Hepacivirus ; drug effects ; enzymology ; genetics ; Hepatitis C ; virology ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular mechanism of erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD).

METHODSTargeted sequence capture and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were used to detect the regions of exon and exon-intron boundarie of PKLR gene in a clinical suspected PKD patient. The protein function of mutant gene was forecasted by the SIFT and PolyPhen-2 databank, after the mutation of PKLR gene in the patient was detected by the NGS technology, its genotype was confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

RESULTSThe patient was found to have peculiar double heterozygous mutations: 661 G>A (Asp221Asn) of exon 5 and 1528 C>T (Arg510Ter) of exon 10, resulting in amino acid substitution Asp221Asn and Arg510Ter, these mutations were also further confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The complex mutations were infrequent and each of them was able to cause diseases.

CONCLUSIONThe complex mutations of both 661 G>A and 1528 C>T of PKLR gene are the molecular mechanism of PKD. Simultaneous existance of above-mentioned complex mutations in PDK patient was never been previously reported at home and abroad.

Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital Nonspherocytic ; genetics ; Exons ; Genotype ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Humans ; Introns ; Mutation ; Pyruvate Kinase ; deficiency ; genetics ; Pyruvate Metabolism, Inborn Errors ; genetics