Objective:To find absorbable adhesives with suitable bonding properties for the absorbable polylactic acid root canal post. To test and compare the bond strengths of absorbable polylactic acid root canal post with three different adhesives. Methods:The absorbable polylactic acid root canal posts were used to restore the extracted teeth, using 3 different adhesives: cyanoacrylates, fibrin sealant and glass ionomer cement. The teeth were prepared into slices for micro-push-out test. The bond strength was statistically analyzed using ANOVA. The specimens were examined using microscope and the failure mode was divided into four categories:cohesive failure between absorbable polylactic acid root canal posts and adhesives, cohesive failure between dentin and adhesives, failure within the adhesives and failure within the absorbable polylactic acid root canal posts. Results:The bond strength of cyanoacrylates [(16. 83 ± 6. 97) MPa] and glass ionomer cement [(12. 10 ± 5. 09) MPa] were significantly higher than fibrin sealant [ ( 1 . 17 ± 0 . 50 ) MPa ] , P <0 . 001 . There was no significant difference between cyanoacrylates and glass ionomer cement (P =0. 156). In the group of cyanoacrylates, the cohesive failure between the absorbable polylactic acid root canal posts and the adhesives was 25 . 0%, the cohe-sive failure between the dentin and the adhesives was 16. 7%, the failure within the adhesives was 33. 3%, and the failure within the absorbable polylactic acid root canal posts was 25 . 0%. In the group of fibrin sealant , the cohesive failure between the absorbable polylactic acid root canal posts and the adhesives was 66 . 7%, the cohesive failure between the dentin and the adhesives was 22 . 2%, the failure within the ad-hesives was 11. 1%. In the group of glass ionomer cement, the cohesive failure between the absorbablepolylactic acid root canal posts and the adhesives was 87. 5%, the failure within the adhesives was 12. 5%. The major failure mode in fibrin sealant and glass ionomer cement was the cohesive failure between the absorbable polylactic acid root canal posts and the adhesives. No major failure modes were found in the group of cyanoacrylates. Conclusion:The bond strength of fibrin sealant is low, which cannot meet the requirement of clinical use. The bond strengths of cyanoacrylates and glass ionomer cement are suitable for clinical use. The cyanoacrylates are a kind of absorbable adhesive which has suitable bonding proper-ties for the absorbable polylactic acid root canal post.

Objective To evaluate the CT findings of pancreatic carcinoid tumors.Methods The CT imaging data of five patients with pancreatic carcinoid tumors confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed.Results The tumors ranged in maximum diameter from 2.0 to 11.0 cm with a mean of 6.4 cm. On unenhanced CT,the tumors were slightly hypodense relative to the pancreatic parenchyma,homogenous in 2 cases,and heterogenous in 3 cases.One tumor showed calcification.After contrast material injection, the solid component of the tumor showed marked heterogenous enhancement on the arterial phase scanning in 3 cases,and mild heterogenous enhancement in 2 cases.The degree of tumor enhancement was less intense than the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma due to necrosis of various degree,which led to the cystic appearance of the tumor in 1 ease.On the portal phase scanning,all tumors showed marked enhancement similar to that of the pancreatic parenchyma.On the delayed phase scanning,the degree of enhancement was more intense than the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma in 1 case.Liver metastases with retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and peripancreatic vessels invasion were seen in 1 case.No dilatation of the biliary tract or pancreatic duct was present.Conclusion The CT features of pancreatic carcinoid tumors included infrequent dilatation of the biliary tract or pancreatic duct and unusual vascular involvement,calcification within the mass,marked enhancement similar to that of the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma during the portal phase scanning and more intense during the delayed phase scanning.

OBJECTIVETo explore the diagnostic value of CT in midgut malrotation.

METHODSThe CT appearances of 16 patients with midgut malrotation were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSThe features of CT manifestation in 16 cases were as follows: (1) Horizontal part of duodenum could not reach medioventral line or could reach it but encircled right-down behind the superior mesenteric artery(SMA). (2) Ectopic ileocecal junction. (3) Jejunum located in right-middle abdomen while ileum in left abdomen. (4) A clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) around the SMA. (5) Mid-gut volvulus.(6)Accompanied by other malformations.

CONCLUSIONAmbulation of duodenum, location of the small intestine and colon as well as anatomical position of mesenteric vessels should be intensively observed in order to exclude midgut malrotation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Digestive System Abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Intestine, Small ; diagnostic imaging ; Jejunum ; diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Mesentery ; diagnostic imaging ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Torsion Abnormality ; diagnostic imaging ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study changes in the levels of systematic and airway local oxidative stress in patients in different stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), and explore the association between oxidative stress and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) level in the peripheral blood leukocytes.

METHODSThe levels of malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in induced sputum and plasma, as well as GR levels in peripheral blood leukocytes and plasma levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), were examined in 33 patients with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD, group A), 27 with stable COPD (group B), and 28 healthy volunteers (including 15 smokers as group C, and 15 nonsmokers as group D).

RESULTSMDA level in induced sputum and plasma decreased, whereas the levels of GSH, SOD and GSH-PX increased significantly in the order of groups A, B, C, and D (P<0.05). The activity of SOD in induced sputum and plasma were significantly lower in group C than in group D. No significant difference was noted in the other oxidative stress indices between groups C and D (P>0.05). The plasma levels of cortisol and ACTH showed no significant difference between the 4 groups, while the GR level in peripheral blood leukocytes increased significantly in the order of groups A, B, C and D (1565-/+719, 2069-/+488, 2739-/+926, and 4793 -/+1415 U, respectively, P<0.05). After controlling for the factor of smoking status, the plasma and sputum SOD activity were both positively correlated to GR, with the partial correlation coefficient of 0.512 and 0.564, respectively (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONPatients in different stages of COPD, especially those with AECOPD, may sustain systematic and local oxidation and anti-oxidation imbalance. Decreased SOD activity may contribute to GR level decrement in peripheral blood leukocytes in these patients.

Aged ; Female ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; metabolism ; Humans ; Leukocytes ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oxidative Stress ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; metabolism ; Receptors, Glucocorticoid ; metabolism ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the correlation of time-density curves (TDC), parameters revealed by 64-multidetector-row CT (64MDCT) perfusion imaging with clinicopathological factors (staging, serosal invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and CEA) in colorectal carcinoma (CRC).

METHODS64 MDCT perfusion imaging was performed in 33 patients with pathologically verified CRC. TDC was created from the region of interest (ROI) drawn over the tumor, target artery and vein by 64MDCT with perfusion functional software. The parameters of individual perfusion maps included blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT) and permeability-surface area product (PS). Tumors were staged according to TMN classification. TDC was classified according to their shapes. The correlation between CT perfusion parameters and clinicopathological factors was studied.

RESULTSTDC of 64MDCT perfusion imaging could be classified into five types. TDC in different stages could demonstrate one or more types of the five types. There was no significant difference of CT perfusion parameters among different stages. BV and MTT were significantly higher in the patients with serosal invasion than in those without serosal invasion (t=-2.63,-2.24, P=0.0137, 0.0331, respectively). BV was significantly correlated with tumor size (r=0.41, P=0.02). BF and PS were not correlated with staging, serosal invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant place metastasis and CEA (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS64MDCT multislice perfusion imaging can reveal the blood perfusion of CRC and has potential value of clinical application.

Adult ; Aged ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Staging ; Perfusion Imaging ; Regional Blood Flow ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVETo study the feasibility of MRI of human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Lovo) labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide(SPIO) nanoparticles in vitro.

METHODSLovo cells (5 × 10(5) and 1 × 10(6)) were cultured in medium containing different SPIO nanoparticles (50 microl and 500 microl). Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe cellular ultrastructure and to determine the uptake and distribution of particles in Lovo cells at 1-, 3-, 6-hours. MRI of Lovo cells was performed with T1WI, T2WI sequences. Unlabeled cells were used as controls.

RESULTSUptake of SPIO nanoparticles occurred within 6 hours. On T1 weighted imaging, there was no significant difference in signal intensity between the experimental groups and the control group. On T2 weighted imaging, there was no significant difference in signal intensity between the experimental groups and the control group after culture of 1 h. Signal intensity began to decrease in 1 × 10(6) Lovo cells labeled with 500 microl SPIO nanoparticle after 3 hours culture. Signal intensity decreased in all the experimental groups after 6 hours culture.

CONCLUSIONHuman colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Lovo) can be labeled with SPIO nanoparticles, and the labeled cells can be imaged with MRI equipment.

Adenocarcinoma ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Colonic Neoplasms ; pathology ; Humans ; Iron ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Magnetics ; Nanoparticles ; Oxides ; Pilot Projects ; Staining and Labeling ; methods

OBJECTIVETo analyze the association between CT features and survival rate of GIST, and to elucidate the significance of CT features for prognosis.

METHODSClinical data of 38 patients with pathologically and immunohistochemically proven GISTs, including 11 patients at high biological risk, 13 at moderate risk, 10 at low risk and 4 at very low risk. Patients who underwent CT examination for primary tumors were included. Association between CT features and survival rate was examined.

RESULTSThe mean follow-up period of 38 cases was 42.6 months and the 3-year survival rate was 86.8%. Univariate analysis revealed that tumor growth pattern, diameter, lobulated shape, irregular margin, necrosis, ulceration, adjacent invasion, and liver metastasis were associated factors of 3-year survival rate. Circumference invasion and hepatic metastases predicted poor 3-year survival rate (P<0.05). Calcification and intensity were not associated with prognosis (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCT can demonstrate the tumor growth pattern, size, shape, boundary, density, necrosis, hemorrhage, calcification, ulcer, enhance features and metastasis. CT can play an important role in estimating the survival rate of GIST.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Survival Rate ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and clinical significance of 64-multislice spiral computed tomography angiography(MSCTA) with image fusion for the anatomy of perigastric arteries.

METHODSA total of 53 patients underwent abdominal 64-MSCTA, among whom 26 patients with gastric cancer underwent gastrectomy. Using volume rendering techniques, computed tomography angiography(CTA) of perigastric arteries and the stomach were reconstructed respectively, and then the images were fused together. The branching pattern of the celiac trunk and the origins and courses along the stomach of the 10 perigastric arteries were assessed. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 64-MSCTA were determined based on intraoperative findings.

RESULTSCTA clearly showed the celiac trunk. The most common branching pattern of the celiac trunk was Michels type I( in 46 patients(86.8%). The anatomy of perigastric arteries and stomach could be clearly demonstrated from any angle according to image fusion. The left gastric artery and the right gastroepiploic artery were shown in 100%, the left gastroepiploic artery 94.3%(50/53), the right gastric artery 83.0%(44/53), short gastric artery 58.5%(31/53), posterior gastric artery 49.1%(26/53), the replaced left hepatic artery 15.1%(8/53). The accessory left hepatic artery, accessory left gastric artery and replaced right hepatic artery were all identified in 7.5%(4/53) patients. The accuracy of preoperative CTA in term of correctly identifying perigastric arteries ranged from 84.6% to 100%, the sensitivity 82.6% to 100%, and the specificity was 100% for all the perigastric arteries.

CONCLUSIONS64-MSCTA can clearly reveal individual perigastric arteries. The anatomy of the stomach and perigastric arteries can be shown in vivo by fused image, and can provide guidance for gastrectomy.

Adult ; Aged ; Angiography ; methods ; Arteries ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Preoperative Care ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Stomach ; blood supply ; Stomach Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the correlation of 64-multidetector-row CT (64MDCT) perfusion imaging with microvessel density(MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in colorectal carcinoma.

METHODS64MDCT perfusion imaging was performed in 33 patients with pathologically verified colorectal carcinoma. Time-density curves (TDC) were created from the region of interest (ROI) drawn over the tumor, target artery and vein by 64MDCT with perfusion functional software. The individual perfusion maps generated were for blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT) and permeability-surface area product (PS). MVD and VEGF expression of surgical specimens were examined by immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD34, anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody. MVD and VEGF were compared among the different types of TDC in colorectal carcinoma. The correlation of CT perfusion parameters with MVD and VEGF was also examined.

RESULTSTDC of colorectal carcinoma was divided into five types according to their shapes. MVD in the colorectal carcinoma was 22.61+/-9.01. VEGF staining was found in 25 of 29 tumors (86.2%). The score of VEGF expression was 4.15+/-1.09. No significant differences of MVD and VEGF expression among TDC types were found (F=2.59, 1.11, P>0.05). There were also no correlations of MVD and VEGF expression with any dynamic CT parameters (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION64MDCT perfusion imaging, MVD and VEGF may reflect angiogenic activity, but no significant correlations are found among them.

Adult ; Aged ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Microvessels ; Middle Aged ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo assess the reliability and usefulness of the extended supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island flap (eSIF) for reconstructing soft tissue defects followinng tongue cancer ablation.

METHODSTwenty-two tongue defects in 22 patients with tongue cancer were repaired with eSIF after resection of the tongue malignant tumours. The sizes of the skin paddle ranged from (4 cm × 6 cm) to (8 cm × 14 cm) (average: 5.5 cm × 8.7 cm).

RESULTSThe eSIF survived in twenty cases, including two cases with minimal partial necrosis. The patients were follwed up for 5 - 16 months. Eighteen patients were alive with disease free, two were alive with disease and two died of a lung and liver metastasis.

CONCLUSIONSThe eSIF is reliable for reconstructing oral defects following the ablation of advanced oral malignant tumors.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; surgery ; Fascia ; transplantation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Tongue Neoplasms ; surgery