Objective To summarize the clinical experience for treating anterior mitral leaflet prolapse with an artificial chordal loop. Methods From January 2008 to August 2009, pre-measured ePTFE loops were used to treat anterior leaflet prolapse in 8 patients, 5 males and 3 females, aged from 28 to 68 ( average 56.0 ± 8.9 ) years. The heart function (NYHA) was class Ⅱ in 2 patients and class Ⅲ in 6. Echocardiography showed chordal rupture in 7 patients, 2 with chordal rupture and elongation and pure chordal elongation in 1. There were 3 patients with A1 segment prolapse of anterior mitral leaflet, 2 with A2 segment prolapse, 3 with both A2 and A3 segments prolepses by Carpentier standardization. There were 2 patients with posterior leaflet chordal rupture in P2 and P3 segment, 1 with cor triatrium. Left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) was 53 - 62 mm [average ( 57.2±3.8 ) mm]. Ejection fraction (EF) was 0.60 - 0. 68 ( average 0.63 ± 0.02). Heart-thoracic ratio was 0. 52 ± 0. 17. We measured the normal chordal using both a caliber and by echocardiography ( for comparison after operation). The artificial chordal loops was constructed on the caliber using ePTFE suture, and then fixed the loop to the papillary muscle and the free edge of the anterior leaflet. Results There was no operation death. Hemolysis after 2 days of operation in 1 patient was amended by alkalinization, diuresis and hormone treatment. Pre-discharge transthoracic echocardiography showed mild regurgitation in 1patient, trivial regurgitation in 7. LVEDD were 42 -51mm [average (47. 1 ±2.2) mm] significantly decreased than that of pre-operation. Following parameters were measured and compared with pre-operation: EF 0. 58 ± 0. 03 vs. 0. 63 ± 0. 02, beart function ( NYHA ) class 1.25 ± 0. 42 vs. 2.75 ± 0. 58. Normal chordal length measured by caliber was ( 21.20 ± 1.55 ) mm vs. ( 22. 10 ± 2.68 ) mm by echocardiography. Anticoagulate therapy with warfarin was for 3 months after discharge and followed-up all the patients [1 - 19 months, average (8.2 ± 4.3 ) months]. Post operative echocardiography showed mild regurgitation in 1 patient, no or trivial regurgitation in 7 patients. The heart function class was evident improved compared with pre-operation :6 patients in class Ⅰ , 2 patients in class Ⅱ. Conclusion The pre-measured ePTFE loop is reliable and reproducible confirmed by short term follow-up for treating anterior leaflet prolapse.

OBJECTIVETo explore the venous angio-architecture of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator ( DIEP) flap with computed tomography angiography( CTA) and the application of venous angio-architecture in flap thinning of DIEP flap.

METHODSFrom February 2012 to August 2014, preoperative CTA examination of venous system of DIEP flap was performed in 11 patients to study the course, the branch and the anastomosis of the deep inferior epigastric veins, the superficial inferior epigastric veins and the perforator veins. The flap thinning of DIEP flap was based on the finding of the abdominal venous system.

RESULTSThe CTA images were obtained including 22 deep inferior epigastric veins, 22 superficial inferior epigastric veins and 22 perforator veins. The distance between the superficial inferior epigastric vein and abdominal midline was 3.30 cm to 5.77 cm in the zone 3 cm above umbilicus and in the zone 15 cm below umbilicus. The superficial inferior epigastric vein was 0.29 to 0.39 in depth ratio. The superficial inferior epigastric veins were the main drainage vessels of superficial abdominal wall according to the CTA images. They were anastomosed with the deep inferior epigastric veins through perforator veins. The 11 DIEP flaps were thinned based on the structure of the superficial inferior epigastric veins and all flaps had no drainage disturbance.

CONCLUSIONSPreoperative CTA images can display the venous angio-architecture of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. The superficial inferior epigastric vein can be utilized as reference architecture to guide flap thinning of DIEP flap.

Abdomen ; blood supply ; Abdominal Wall ; blood supply ; Angiography ; methods ; Epigastric Arteries ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Perforator Flap ; blood supply ; Phlebography ; methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Veins ; anatomy & histology

Objective To analyse clinical application of reversed anterolateral thigh adipefascial flap in repair of defects around the knee. Methods Reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap was employed to repair defects of knee and upper shank in five patients from July 2006 to April 2007. The perforator arteries were detected and labelled with a hand held Doppler flowmeter before operation. The size of flaps containing perforator artery ranged from 6 cmx 8 cm to 12 cm×13 cm. After the descending branch was severed at the bifurcation of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, the flaps were elevated distal-ly to cover the defects of the knee and upper part of the shank. A split thickness graft was harvested to cover the flap. Results All the reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flaps survived well, with no complications occurred in donor site. Partial graft necrosis occurred in one patient and healed after conser-vative wound dressing change. Conclusion The reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap is a good choice for repair of defects around the knee, for it can provide long thin vascular pedicle and maintain contour of the donor cite.

Objective: To explore flap thinning based on the study of the arterial structure and blood perfusion of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap using computed tomography (CT) angiography. Methods: Clinical imaging study: Preoperative CT angiography was performed in 15 patients with DIEP flap reconstruction to investigate the vascular structure of arterial perforator. Cadaveric imaging study: 10 abdominal specimens harvested from fresh cadavers were cannulated with trocar and injected with contrast medium in the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator. During the perfusion of the contrast medium in the flap, the flap was scanned by three-dimensional CT. The CT data was then sent to CT workstation and the images were processed and reformatted to study the vascular structure of arterial perforators and the blood perfusion. Results: 75 artery perforators in clinical study and 40 artery perforators in cadaveric study were chosen and analyzed. The major deep inferior epigastric artery perforators run directly across the deep layer of adipose tissue without bifurcating beneath the Scarpa′s fascia. Above the Scarpa′s fascia, the artery perforators bifurcate and ultimately terminate in the subdermal vascular plexus. Blood perfusion mode: The subdermal vascular plexus served as the only pathway for blood perfusion between perforasomes. There are two different pathways for blood perfusion in the perforasome: the subdermal plexus and the existing vascular structure of perforator. Conclusions Based on the vascular structure of arterial perforator and blood perfusion of the DIEP flap, thinning of the DIEP flap under the Scarpa′s fascia is safe while thinning above the Scarpa′s fascia should performed according to the blood supply zone of the DIEP flap.

Objective: To explore the establishment and application of three-dimensional model of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap based on computed tomography angiography (CTA). Methods: Six patients with breast absence after modified radical mastectomy because of breast cancer, 5 patients with congenital absence of vagina, and 6 patients with Paget′s disease of penis and scrotum were hospitalized in our unit from January 2012 to April 2017. The size of wounds after excision of the lesion or that of flaps needed for reconstruction ranged from 17 cm×5 cm to 25 cm×9 cm. Abdominal CTA was performed before the surgery, and data of CTA were sent to CT workstation to make three-dimensional model of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap according to shape and size of wound. The number, course, and location of deep inferior epigastric artery, vein, and their perforators, and the superficial inferior epigastric vein were observed in the above-mentioned three-dimensional model. The rectangular plane coordinate system with the umbilicus as the origin was established to locate and observe course and type of the largest deep inferior epigastric artery perforator in left and right side. Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps were designed and deep inferior epigastric artery perforators etc. were marked according to three-dimensional models of the flaps before the surgery. The condition observed in three-dimensional model of the flap was compared with the clinical condition in the surgery of free transverse bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap transplantation for breast reconstruction and longitudinal pedicled thinned unilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap transplantation for vagina reconstruction and wound repair of Paget′s disease of penis or scrotum. The size of flap ranged from 17 cm×6 cm to 25 cm×10 cm. Results: Seventeen three-dimensional models of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps were established, including 6 bilateral models and 11 unilateral models. Seventy-two reliable deep inferior epigastric artery perforators were observed in the three-dimensional model with 3.2±0.7 in the right and 3.1±0.8 in the left. The locations of the largest deep inferior epigastric artery perforators in the right and left were [(-3.2±1.4) cm, (-1.0±0.7) cm] and [(4.0±1.2) cm, (-1.2±1.1) cm] respectively. Fourteen largest deep inferior epigastric artery perforators coursed directly and nine coursed tortuously in the rectus muscle. Twenty-three superficial inferior epigastric veins were detected in the three-dimensional models of the flaps. The number, location, and course of deep inferior epigastric artery and vein and superficial inferior epigastric vein observed in the three-dimensional model of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap were in accordance with the condition observed in the surgery. Seventy reliable deep inferior epigastric artery perforators were detected in the surgery, and the other 2 perforators were unclear due to bleeding. Course of these perforators were in accordance with the condition observed in the three-dimensional model. Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps of all patients survived well with no complication except that 1 patient suffered from delayed healing of wound in perineum. During follow-up of 1 to 12 months, all flaps survived with good shape and texture. Conclusions The three-dimensional model of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap based on CTA can be established easily and can provide information of number, location, and course of deep inferior epigastric artery, vein, and their perforators, and superficial inferior epigastric vein to guide preoperative design and intraoperative dissection of the flap effectively.

Objective To establish an optimal limiting dose for dose limiting rings placed in the anterior and posterior regions of the neck for reducing head and neck lymphedema under intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)for early nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)from a dosimetric perspective.Method Fifteen newly diagnosed early-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients who underwent CT localization for radiotherapy at the Cancer Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January to September 2022 were included in the study.Each case was designed with five sets of radiotherapy plans.Plan A consisted of conventional unlimited-field plans,while Plans B-E consisted of limited-field plans with dose constraints set at 20,18,16,and 14 Gy,respectively,with the remaining parameters consistent with Plan A.The impact on target coverage and organ-at-risk constraints was evaluated through variance analysis and pairwise multiple comparisons using a randomized block design to determine the optimal dose limits.Results The gradient of 16Gy was determined as the optimal dose limiting cutoff point for achieving the balance between target coverage and organ limiting dose.Compared with the conventional plan,The plans with the placement of a cervical anterior and posterior dose limiting ring(16Gy)did not change the target dose coverage(P>0.05),but only yielded a slight change in the homogeneity index(P<0.05).It did not cause any changes of the dosage in the inner ear,mandible,and brainstem(all P>0.05),but lead to statisti-cally significant reductions in the oral cavity,throat,and thyroid(all P<0.05).It caused a slight increase of the dose in the parotid gland and spinal cord(both P<0.05),but the increased dose was anyhow within the tolerance range.Conclusion The dosimetric investigation determines an optimal dose limit cutoff point for the cervical ante-rior and posterior dose limiting rings.It is expected to provide a design method for IMRT plans to reduce head and neck lymphedema after radiotherapy for early NPC.

OBJECTIVETo survey the acceptance and willingness-to-pay for colorectal cancer colonoscopy screening among high risk populations in urban China.

METHODSFrom 2012 to 2013, a Cancer Screening Program in Urban China (CanSPUC) was initiated in 9 provinces, the current survey was conducted among those participants who were evaluated as "high risk for colorectal cancer" by a risk-factor-evaluation-model (community-based) and then went through a colonoscopy screening procedure (hospital-based). All the data were obtained through a questionnaire-based interview (face-to-face or self-completed), mainly focusing on the acceptance and willingness-to-pay of the participants for colorectal colonoscopy screening.

RESULTSThe current analysis included a total of 1 624 participants, with an median age of 55.0 years (P25 = 49.0, P75 = 61.0 years) and an annual income per capita of 17 thousand (range: 10-25 thousand) Chinese Yuan (CNY), 42.8% (695/1 624) of whom were males. Of all the participants, 87.0% (1 414/1 624) could totally or substantially accept the colonoscopy screening, particularly in those at higher education level (junior high school: OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.22-0.52; high school OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.26-0.66; college or over OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20-0.59). Of all the participants, 13.0% (210/1 624) could not or hardly accept it, particularly in those with older age (60-69 years) (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.06-2.07), not in marriage (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.25-3.70) or with family member(s) to raise (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.17-2.20). 1 388 (85.5%) of all the participants had willingness-to-pay for a long-term colonoscopy screening service, particularly in those working in public (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.44-0.84) or enterprise sectors (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.38-0.94), but 82.3% (1 141/1 386) of whom would only pay less than 100 CNY; 14.5% (236/1 624) of total had no willingness-to-pay, particularly in those living in areas with moderate (OR = 4.08, 95% CI: 2.75-6.33) or high GDP per capita (OR = 3.26, 95% CI: 2.11-4.92), or with an absence of willingness-to-pay for colonoscopy screening (OR = 3.98, 95% CI: 2.81-5.65).

CONCLUSIONSAlthough a larger community-based colorectal cancer screening program was warranted to examine the extrapolation of these findings, it suggested that the acceptance for colorectal cancer colonoscopy screening among the selected high-risk populations was considerable. The willing-to-pay was relatively high but the amount of payment was limited, the indicated subgroups with potentially less acceptance or willingness need to be more focused in the future to reach a higher participation rate. The data will also be informative in integrating the screening service into the local health insurance system.

China ; Colonoscopy ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Data Collection ; Demography ; Early Detection of Cancer ; Family ; Fees and Charges ; Female ; Humans ; Income ; Insurance, Health ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Middle Aged ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Urban Population

Objective To survey the acceptance and willingness-to-pay for colorectal cancer colonoscopy screening among high risk populations in urban China. Methods From 2012 to 2013, a Cancer Screening Program in Urban China (CanSPUC) was initiated in 9 provinces, the current survey was conducted among those participants who were evaluated as“high risk for colorectal cancer”by a risk-factor-evaluation-model (community-based) and then went through a colonoscopy screening procedure (hospital-based). All the data were obtained through a questionnaire-based interview (face-to-face or self-completed), mainly focusing on the acceptance and willingness-to-pay of the participants for colorectal colonoscopy screening. Results The current analysis included a total of 1 624 participants, with an median age of 55.0 years (P25=49.0, P75=61.0 years) and an annual income per capita of 17 thousand (range:10-25 thousand) Chinese Yuan (CNY), 42.8% (695/1 624) of whom were males. Of all the participants, 87.0%(1 414/1 624) could totally or substantially accept the colonoscopy screening, particularly in those at higher education level (junior high school:OR=0.34, 95%CI:0.22-0.52;high school OR=0.41, 95%CI:0.26-0.66;college or over OR=0.35, 95%CI:0.20-0.59). Of all the participants, 13.0%(210/1 624) could not or hardly accept it, particularly in those with older age (60-69 years) (OR=1.48, 95%CI:1.06-2.07), not in marriage (OR=2.15, 95%CI: 1.25-3.70) or with family member(s) to raise (OR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.17-2.20). 1 388 (85.5%) of all the participants had willingness-to-pay for a long-term colonoscopy screening service, particularly in those working in public (OR=0.61, 95%CI:0.44-0.84) or enterprise sectors (OR=0.60, 95%CI:0.38-0.94), but 82.3%(1 141/1 386) of whom would only pay less than 100 CNY;14.5%(236/1 624) of total had no willingness-to-pay, particularly in those living in areas with moderate (OR=4.08, 95%CI:2.75-6.33)or high GDP per capita (OR=3.26, 95%CI:2.11-4.92), or with an absence of willingness-to-pay for colonoscopy screening (OR=3.98, 95% CI: 2.81-5.65). Conclusions Although a larger community-based colorectal cancer screening program was warranted to examine the extrapolation of these findings, it suggested that the acceptance for colorectal cancer colonoscopy screening among the selected high-risk populations was considerable. The willing-to-pay was relatively high but the amount of payment was limited, the indicated subgroups with potentially less acceptance or willingness need to be more focused in the future to reach a higher participation rate. The data will also be informative in integrating the screening service into the local health insurance system.

Objective To survey the acceptance and willingness-to-pay for colorectal cancer colonoscopy screening among high risk populations in urban China. Methods From 2012 to 2013, a Cancer Screening Program in Urban China (CanSPUC) was initiated in 9 provinces, the current survey was conducted among those participants who were evaluated as“high risk for colorectal cancer”by a risk-factor-evaluation-model (community-based) and then went through a colonoscopy screening procedure (hospital-based). All the data were obtained through a questionnaire-based interview (face-to-face or self-completed), mainly focusing on the acceptance and willingness-to-pay of the participants for colorectal colonoscopy screening. Results The current analysis included a total of 1 624 participants, with an median age of 55.0 years (P25=49.0, P75=61.0 years) and an annual income per capita of 17 thousand (range:10-25 thousand) Chinese Yuan (CNY), 42.8% (695/1 624) of whom were males. Of all the participants, 87.0%(1 414/1 624) could totally or substantially accept the colonoscopy screening, particularly in those at higher education level (junior high school:OR=0.34, 95%CI:0.22-0.52;high school OR=0.41, 95%CI:0.26-0.66;college or over OR=0.35, 95%CI:0.20-0.59). Of all the participants, 13.0%(210/1 624) could not or hardly accept it, particularly in those with older age (60-69 years) (OR=1.48, 95%CI:1.06-2.07), not in marriage (OR=2.15, 95%CI: 1.25-3.70) or with family member(s) to raise (OR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.17-2.20). 1 388 (85.5%) of all the participants had willingness-to-pay for a long-term colonoscopy screening service, particularly in those working in public (OR=0.61, 95%CI:0.44-0.84) or enterprise sectors (OR=0.60, 95%CI:0.38-0.94), but 82.3%(1 141/1 386) of whom would only pay less than 100 CNY;14.5%(236/1 624) of total had no willingness-to-pay, particularly in those living in areas with moderate (OR=4.08, 95%CI:2.75-6.33)or high GDP per capita (OR=3.26, 95%CI:2.11-4.92), or with an absence of willingness-to-pay for colonoscopy screening (OR=3.98, 95% CI: 2.81-5.65). Conclusions Although a larger community-based colorectal cancer screening program was warranted to examine the extrapolation of these findings, it suggested that the acceptance for colorectal cancer colonoscopy screening among the selected high-risk populations was considerable. The willing-to-pay was relatively high but the amount of payment was limited, the indicated subgroups with potentially less acceptance or willingness need to be more focused in the future to reach a higher participation rate. The data will also be informative in integrating the screening service into the local health insurance system.

Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) and Scutellaria barbata (S. barbata) are common medicinal plants of the Lamiaceae family. Both produce specific flavonoid compounds, including baicalein, scutellarein, norwogonin, and wogonin, as well as their glycosides, which exhibit antioxidant and antitumor activities. Here, we report chromosome-level genome assemblies of S. baicalensis and S. barbata with quantitative chromosomal variation (2n = 18 and 2n = 26, respectively). The divergence of S. baicalensis and S. barbata occurred far earlier than previously reported, and a whole-genome duplication (WGD) event was identified. The insertion of long terminal repeat elements after speciation might be responsible for the observed chromosomal expansion and rearrangement. Comparative genome analysis of the congeneric species revealed the species-specific evolution of chrysin and apigenin biosynthetic genes, such as the S. baicalensis-specific tandem duplication of genes encoding phenylalanine ammonia lyase and chalcone synthase, and the S. barbata-specific duplication of genes encoding 4-CoA ligase. In addition, the paralogous duplication, colinearity, and expression diversity of CYP82D subfamily members revealed the functional divergence of genes encoding flavone hydroxylase between S. baicalensis and S. barbata. Analyzing these Scutellaria genomes reveals the common and species-specific evolution of flavone biosynthetic genes. Thus, these findings would facilitate the development of molecular breeding and studies of biosynthesis and regulation of bioactive compounds.
Evolution, Molecular ; Flavonoids/biosynthesis* ; Genome, Plant ; Plant Extracts/genetics* ; Scutellaria/metabolism* ; Whole Genome Sequencing