Because of spine structure and location importantance, spine artificial surgery is not only high-risk but also require proficiency of doctors. Image navigation system for spinal surgery could reduce risk and postoperative complications, and spinal image segmentation and registration methods are the key steps. This paper summarized spinal image segmentation and registration methods. Based on analysis of existing methods, we pointed out the shortcoming in the field, thus forecasts future development.

Due to substantial morbidity and high complications, diabetes mellitus is considered as the third "killer" in the world. Medicinal fungal polysaccharides, as water-soluble macromolecular substances with low toxicity, exhibit diversified pharmacological actions such as immune regulation, anti-tumor, antivirus, antioxidant, anti-aging, hypoglycemic effect and improving liver and kidney function. In recent year, a number of investigators reported medicinal fungal polysaccharides showed good anti-diabetes and hypoglycemic activity, and their acting mechanisms involved in glycometabolism and β cell function, e. g. promoting glycogen synthesis, promoting glycolysis, inhibiting the activity of α-glucosidase, promoting insulin secretion, increasing insulin sensitivity, enhancing antioxidation. Therefore, the hypoglycemic activity and its mechanisms of action of medicinal fungal polysaccharides showed characteristics of multiple effects, multi-target, and multi-pathway regulation. These finding suggest that medicinal fungal polysaccharides are a promising source for the development of discovery of anti-diabetic agent.
Animals ; Carbohydrate Metabolism ; drug effects ; Fungal Polysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; pharmacology ; Insulin Resistance ; Insulin-Secreting Cells ; drug effects ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects

ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of CTCA in predicting myocardial perfusion defects through comparative analysis between MPI defects and severity of coronary stenosis on CTCA.MethodsFour hundred and seventy-eight patients who underwent CTCA and 99Tcm-MIBI MPI in the same period were analyzed retrospectively.According to the severity of coronary stenosis judged by visual evaluation of the vessel diameter,the patients were divided into five groups:no stenosis,mild stenosis,moderate stenosis,severe stenosis and total occlusion.MPI results were classified as negative or positive for perfusion defects,and the prevalence of perfusion defects in every group was calculated per-patient and per-vessel basis.The cut-off of stenotic severity for predicting myocardial perfusion defects was designated as 50％ or 75％,with MPI as standard reference.True positive,true negative,false positive and false negative statistics were thus determined separately on patient and vessel basis.The diagnostic performance for CTCA were calculated and compared.Pearson Chi-square and its partition tests or Fisher exact test were used to compare ordinal variables.ResultsFifty-eight patients showed myocardial perfusion defects.Either by patientbased or vessel-based analysis,the prevalence of myocardial perfusion defects showed an increasing trend with greater coronary artery stenosis in each group,and there were statistical differences among them (x2 =116.62 and 483.83,both P ＜ 0.05).On patient-based analysis,sensitivity ( SN),specificity ( SP),positive predictive value( PPV),negative predictive value(NPV) and accuracy (AC) for CTCA predicting myocardial perfusion defects were 62.1 ％ ( 36/58 ) and 34.5％ ( 20/58 ) (x2 =8.84,P ＜ 0.05 ),84.5％(355/420) and 97.1％ (408/420) (x2 =40.16,P ＜0.05),35.6％ (30/101) and 62.5％ (20/32) (x2 =7.19,P＜0.05),94.2％ (355/377) and 91.5％ (408/446) (x2 =2.18,P ＞0.05),81.8％ (391/478)and 89.5 ％ (428/478) (x2 =11.66,P ＜ 0.05 ) when the cutoff was set to 50％ and 75％,respectively.On vessel-based analysis,the SN,SP,PPV,NPV and AC for CTCA predicting myocardial perfusion defects were 58.8％ (40/68) and 30.9％ (21/68) (x2 =10.73,P ＜ 0.05),95.9％ (1768/1844) and 99.0％ (1826/1844) (x2 =36.72,P ＜ 0.05 ),34.5％ (40/116) and 53.8％ (21/39) (x2 =4.59,P ＜0.05 ),98.4％ (1768/1796) and 97.5％ ( 1826/1873 ) (x2 =4.14,P ＜ 0.05 ),94.6％ ( 1808/1912 ) and 96.6％ ( 1847/1912 ) (x2 =10.31,P ＜ 0.05 ),respectively.ConclusionsThe prevalence of myocardial perfusion defects correlates positively with the severity of coronary stenosis seen on CTCA.CTCA may predict perfusion defects with high SP and NPV.However,the PPV of CTCA in predicting myocardial perfusion defects is poor when the stenosis cut-off is set at 50％.It is significantly improved when the cutoff value is set at 75 ％.

OBJECTIVETo determine the outcome of combined anterior C2,3 reduction and fusion with posterior compressive C2 pedicle screw fixation for the management of unstable Hangman's fractures.

METHODSSixteen cases of unstable Hangman's fractures were retrospectively reviewed through X-ray, MRI and three dimensional CT scans. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were measured for translation and angulation of C2,3. Skull traction under extension poison was conducted in all the patients right after their admission. Then anterior C2,3 discectomy followed by interbody fusion, either with iliac autograft or with box cage, and locking plate fixation were performed in each case. Because dissatisfied reduction, mainly residual large fracture gap or kyphosis, was found by the C-arm fluoroscopy during operations, posterior compressive C2 pedicle screw fixation was performed in one stage. According to the Levine-Edwards classification, there were 12 cases of type II, 2 of type I a and 2 of type III in this group.

RESULTSFollow-up ranged 6-38 months, averaged 26 months. Fracture union and bone graft fusion were completed in an average of 4 months after operation. Complaints of neck pain and numbness of limbs disappeared in all patients after surgery, but range of neck motion decreased compared with normal people. Translation of C2 decreased from (4.2 +/- 1.4) mm preoperatively to (2.3 +/- 1.1) mm postoperatively, while angulation of C2,3 decreased from 8.6 degrees +/- 2.1 degrees preoperatively to 2.6 degrees +/- 1.0 degrees postoperatively. Both have statistical significance (P < 0.05). No implant failure or infection was observed.

CONCLUSIONSThe classification of Hangman's fracture should be modified in combination with MRI and CT scans to determine the stability of the fracture. Combined anterior C2,3 reduction and fusion with posterior compressive C2 pedicle screw fixation is the treatment of choice for patients with unstable Hangman's fractures.

Adult ; Aged ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; injuries ; surgery ; Bone Nails ; Cervical Vertebrae ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Fractures ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; methods

Objective To find out the distribution pattern of environmental fluoride in the coal-burning endemic fluorosis areas to provide scientific evidence for establishing prevention and remedial measures in Chongqing. Methods According to historical data in Chongqing In 2008, 4 endemic villages(Lingyun and Lizi Villages of Wushan County, and Taiping and Daqing Villages of Pengshui County) and 2 non-endemic villages (ShuangLou and XianLong Villages of Yongchuan County) were investigated. Dental fluorosis of children in 8 to 12 year old and residents over 16 years of age for clinical skeletal fluorosis were examined in four endemic villages. Five households from each of 6 villages were taken, where 500 g of coal, mixed clay with coal, mixed coal of soil, coal cinder, soil were sampled; 15 people were taken in each village, each household gathering 500 g of corn, rice, potatoes, vegetables, grain and vegetable, 100 g of dried pepper and 250 ml of drinking water were sampled from 15 families of each village. Household drinking water samples were collected 1, each 250 ml. For those having tea-drinking habit, each household was collected 50 g of tea and 600 ml of drinking tea, the amount of fluoride were determined. Indoor and outdoor air was collected and measured in 5 households in each village. Results The detected rate of dental fluorosis of children in endemic areas was 74.65% (736/986). The detected rate of skeletal fluorosis of adult was 7.20%(736/986). The average fluoride content of coal, mixed clay with coal, mixed coal of soil, cinder coal, soil in the endemic villages was (310.56±209.46), (360.51±224.96), (293.62±65.15), (186.59±133.66), (497.54±294.70)mg/kg. The average fluoride content in non-endemic villages was (48.68±10.62), (275.66±62.69), (152.20±34.43), (209.14±188.66),269.98±58.21)mg/kg. The fluoride content level of endemic villages was significantly higher than that of non-endemic villages(t=7.67,31.54,5.82, 5.82, all P<0.05). The average fluoride content of drinking water, corn, pepper, flee, potato and vegetable in the endemic villages was (0.30±0.14)mg/L, (1.83±2.67), (23.50±91.80), (0.77±0.25), (0.44±0.11), (0.48±0.18)mg/kg, The average fluoride content in non-endemic village was (0.18±0.06)mg/L, (2.21±0.46), (2.82±2.51), (1.31±0.21), (0.64±0.41), (1.10±0.77)mg/kg. The fluoride content in drinking water and pepper in the endemic villages was significantly higher than that of the non-endemic villages(t=7.79, 2.33, all P<0.05). The fluoride content of rice, potato and vegetable in the non-endemic villages was significantly higher than that of the endemic villages(t=39.29,4.69,4.01, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference of fluoride content of tea and drinking tea between endemic villages[(99.41±55.83)mg/kg, (1.59±0.91)mg/L] and non-endemic villages[(79.95±43.78)mg/kg, (1.80±1.16)mg/L, t=1.01, 0.27, all P>0.05]. The amount of drinking tea in the endemic village[(1.45±0.68)L/d] was higher than that in non-endemic village[(1.00±0.47)L/d, t=4.27, P<0.05]. The average fluoride content of indoor air in the endemic village[(12.77±8.08)μg/m3] was higher than that in non-endemic village [(1.16±1.08)μg/m3, t=9.49, P<0.01]. There was no significant difference of fluoride content of outdoor air between endemic village and non-endemic village[(1.10±1.57), (0.39±0.31)μg/m3, t=2.01, P>0.05)]. Conclusions The fluoride source of coal-burning endemic fluorosis areas are coal and mixed coal of soil in Chongqing. Fluoride enters into human bodies mainly via respiratory, not from food. Although fluoride is rich in pepper, people don't eat it, so reducing the fluoride content in indoor air is the principle measure. Drinking tea may be was one factor of endemic fluorosis, which needs to be further studied.

The continuous cultivation of Rehmannia glutinosa causes the accumulation of phenolic acids in soil. It is supposed to be the reason of the so called "continuously cropping obstacle". In this study, phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, eugenol, vanillin and ferulic acid) were degraded by the extracta of all the tested spent mushroom substrate (SMS) and the maximal degradation rate was 75.3%, contributed by extraction of SMS of Pleurotus eryngii. Pot experiment indicated that hydroxybenzoic acid and vanillin in soil were also degraded effectively by SMS of P. eryngii. The employment of SMS enhanced ecophysiology index to near the normal levels, such as crown width, leaves number, leaf length, leaf width and height. At the same time, the fresh and dry weight and total catalpol concentration of tuberous root weight of R. glutinosa was increased to 2.70, 3.66, 2.25 times by employment of SMS, respectively. The increase of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes numbers in rhizosphere soil were observed after the employment of SMS by microbial counts. The employment of SMS also enhanced the enzyme activity in soils, such as sucrase, cellulase, phosphalase, urease and catelase. These results indicated that the employment of SMS alleviated the continuously cropping obstacle of R. glutinosa in some extent.
Agaricales ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Agriculture ; methods ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Hydroxybenzoates ; analysis ; metabolism ; Rehmannia ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Soil ; chemistry ; Soil Microbiology

Biliary Atresia ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Bilirubin ; blood ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Calcium-Binding Proteins ; deficiency ; Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance ; Cholestasis, Intrahepatic ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Citrullinemia ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Humans ; Infant ; Jaundice ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins ; genetics ; Mutation ; Organic Anion Transporters ; deficiency

OBJECTIVE: To compare peripheral T lymphocyte apoptosis of chronic bronchitis during an acute episode with that during a stable period. METHODS: Seventeen Chronic Btonchitis patients who presented to the ER with an acute episode were compared with 10 stable Chronic Bronchitis patients seen in the out-patient clinic. Peripheral venous blood was obtained from each patient and T lymphocytes were separated by fluorescent monoclonal antibodies. CD3, CD95 and CD25 were measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: In the acute episode patients, the total quantity of T lymphocytes with CD3 was (42.63 +/-16.37) and with CD95 (14.15 +/-11.06). In the stable group T lymphocyte CD3 was (64.22 +/-23.90) and CD95 (34.88 +/-8.92) (t=-4.238, P <0.001; t=-8.796, P <0.001). The total quantity of Lymphocyte CD25 did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05). Total quantity of active T lymphocytes with CD3/CD25 was lower in the acute episode group (6.26 +/-3.94) compared to the stable group (10.52 +/-3143) (t=-1.068, P <0.05). CONCLUSION: T lymphocyte apoptosis increased in Chronic Bronchitis patients who presented with an acute episode. They also experienced a significant disturbance in immune function.

To observe the effects of total flavones of Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu et Cheng (TFM) on volume-overload cardiac hypertrophy and the expression of c-Fos protein in rat. Methods　Volume-overload cardiac hypertrophy of rat was induced by aortocaval shunts. The rats were given ig TFM (400, 40 and 4 mg/kg/d). c-Fos protein in the ventricles were measured by immunocytochemical study. Results　TFM at the above dosage decreased heart weight and contents of RNA and protein in the myocardium, inhibited the expression of c-Fos protein in the ventricles. Conclusion　TFM can prevent volume-overload cardiac hypertrophy in rats. The inhibitory effects on the expression of c-Fos protein may be its mechanism in the molecular level.

BACKGROUND: Our previous findings have shown that poly(lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite (PLA/HA) composite biomaterials prepared by the supercritical carbon dioxide method have good physiochemical properties and biocompatibility. However, the composite materials only have osteoconductivity but no osteoinductivity. OBJECTIVE: To prepare icariin-PLA/HA (IC-PLA/HA) composite biomaterials with good osteoconduction and osteoinduction. METHODS: The supercritical carbon dioxide method was used to prepare IC-PLA/HA composite biomaterials containing 10-4, 10-5, 10-6mmol/g IC, named as IC-PLA/HA(1 000), IC-PLA/HA(100) and IC-PLA/HA(10). PLA/HA composite material served as controls. Biomechanical properties, porosity, sustained release characteristics were detected, and scanning electron microscope observation was performed, in order to screen out the optimal IC content in the composite materials. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Compressive strength and elastic modulus of IC-PLA/HA(1 000), IC-PLA/HA(100) and IC-PLA/HA(10) showed no difference from those of PLA/HA. (2) The porosity of all the composite materials was over 75%, and there was still no difference among groups. (3) The IC release from IC-PLA/HA was faster within the first 3 days, and then reduced gradually. However, after 7 days, the IC release plateaued, and the IC release amount from the IC-PLA/HA(100) was close to 10-7mol/L that had been confirmed to be an effective and safe concentration in the previous experiments. (4) Under the scanning electron microscope, HA and PLA were mixed homogeneously and IC was difficult to be identified. The pore size of the IC-PLA/HA(100) ranged from 50 μm to 150 μm. Overall, the IC-PLA/HA composite biomaterials have good mechanical and sustained-release properties.