Objective To evaluate the accuracy of the fetal weight estimation system in terms of estimating the fetal weight.Methods The fetal weight estimation system developed by the Department of Electronic Engineering,Fudan University was applied to estimate the fetal weight in many hospitals,and the differences between the estimated results of the system and the actual weight of newborn fetuses,as well as the accuracy of the estimation system and the traditional estimation methods were compared.Results A total number of 610 cases were employed,with each case including the ultrasound images of fetus before birth,the corresponding measurement data and the newborn weight.The correlation coefficients between the weight of the newborn babies and the fetal parameters,which were measured by the estimation system in terms of the biparietal diameter,the head circumference,the abdomen circumference and the femur length,were higher than those obtained by manual annotations,with improvements of 0.08,0.17,0.09 and 0.05,respectively.The absolute error of the estimated weight of the system with respect to the actual weight was 44 g smaller than those estimated by traditional method,and the variance of the absolute error was 53 g smaller;while the corresponding absolute percentage error was 1.8％ lower,and the corresponding variance percentage was 1.5％ lower.Conclusions The fetal weight estimation system improves the accuracy of the prenatal ultrasound assessment and provides reliable information to clinical diagnosis.

AIMTo elevate the encapsulation efficiency, decrease the burst release and improve the release of protein entrapped in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres. The bovine serum albumin (BSA) composite microspheres of alginate-chitosan-PLGA were prepared and the release characteristics of BSA from this composite microspheres were studied.

METHODSThe much smaller calcium alginate microcapsules were first prepared by a modified emulsification method in an isopropyl alcohol-washed way and coated with chitosan, then the alginate-chitosan microcapsules were further entrapped in PLGA to form the composite microspheres. The protein concentration was determined using a BCA protein assay kit. The release profiles were changed with various formulation factors.

RESULTSThe average diameter of the composite microcapsules was about 30 microm. Comparing with 60% to 70% of the conventional PLGA microspheres, the average encapsulation efficiency was more than 80%, and the burst releases in phosphate buffer solution of the composite microspheres decreased from 40% and 50% to 25% and further to 5% in saline solution.

CONCLUSIONThe novel composite microspheres were prepared, the drug encapsulation efficiency increased and the burst release decreased. The desired release profiles could be obtained by regulating the ratios of PLG and PLA in the composite microspheres.

Alginates ; chemistry ; Chitosan ; chemistry ; Drug Delivery Systems ; methods ; Lactic Acid ; chemistry ; Microspheres ; Particle Size ; Polyglycolic Acid ; chemistry ; Polymers ; chemistry ; Serum Albumin, Bovine ; chemistry

Objective:To establish the quality standard for Huashengping capsules. Methods: Milkvetch Root, Hedyotis diffusa Willd and Salvia miltiorrhiza were identified by TLC. The content of astragaloside A was detected by HPLC. The column was Kormasil C18(250 mm ×4.6 mm, 5 μm) and the flow rate was 1.0 ml·min-1. The mobile phases was a mixture of acetonitrile-water (32∶68 ) . The detection wavelength was 203 nm. The column temperature was 25℃ and the sample size was 20μl. Results:The TLC chro-matography spots were clear. Astragaloside A was linear within the range of 2. 000-10. 000 μg(r=0. 999 6) and the average recovery was 100. 8%(RSD=1. 9%,n=6). Conclusion:The method is simple, accurate and reliable, which can be used in the quality con-trol of Huashengping capsules.

Objective To describe the MRI features and pathologic findings of biliary cystadenocarcinoma(BCAC)and to assess the diagnostic value of MRI in those tumors.Methods Five cases of BCAC were collected.All cases were proved by pathology.Non-enhanced and multiphase-enhanced MRI were performed in all cases.MRCP were performed in two cases.The MRI features of the five cases were reviewed retrospectively and correlated with pathologic findings.Results Histological evidence demonstrated five cases of BCAC.Four cases were solitary,whereas the other case was multifocal.All cases were solid and cystic lesions.Two cases were unilocular,whereas the other three cases were multilocular. Multiple mural nodules and irregular thickening cystic walls were presented in all cases.The cystic parts of the lesions were homogeneous in signal intensity and showed no enhancement after contrast administration in the five BCAC.Septa were present in three BCAC with multilocular cyst.On MRCP the bile duct dilatation was found in two BCAC.Conclusion MRI can reveal the characteristic findings of BCAC and accurate preoperative diagnosis can be made.

Objective To summarize the experience of the diagnosis and therapy of chronic pancreatitis (CP).Methods 189 patients with chronic pancreatitis confirmed surgically from 1983 to Aug 1999 admitted in our hospital were retrospectively studied. Results Of all 189 patients, the average age was forty-eight yearsold. The ratio of male to female is 2.1:1. The proportion of confirmed diagnosis to CP is 51.3% within one year and 80.4% within the first five years. The positive rate for diagnosis was 71.9% by CT and 76.9% by ERCP respectively. The positive rate of PABA was 69.7%. While 136(72%) patients received operations, the rate of complication was low. One patient died of infection after pancreatic fistula at the seventh day after surgery, and 97.8% of patients suffered less pain. Conclusions The early diagnosis of CP is difficult. As a delicate operation program set at appropriate time is of vital importance formodifying the course of the disease and improving patients' life quality.

A large number of data derived from molecular analyses support the hypothesis that human cancer is a genetic disease and a distinct subset of genes have been found to be genetically changed in most tumors. Molecular alterations in pancreatic cancer include: (1) oncogenes such as K-ras, c-myc, c-fos, and c-erbB-2; (2) tumor suppressor genes such as p53, p16, DPC4/SMAD4, and DCC; and (3) growth factors such as EGF, FGF, HGF, PDGF, VEGF, TGF-beta. Genetic alterations of K-ras and p53 are common in human pancreatic cancer, but the occurrence of pancreatic cancer is a multi-step phenomenon in which the accumulation of genetic changes is extremely important.
Epidermal Growth Factor ; genetics ; Fibroblast Growth Factors ; genetics ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Genes, myc ; genetics ; Genes, p16 ; Genes, p53 ; genetics ; Genes, ras ; genetics ; Growth Substances ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Oncogenes ; genetics ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; genetics

Objective To improve the level of early detection and treatment of pyonephrosis. Methods This study included 41 cases(17 men and 24 women;mean age,49 years)of pyonephrosis.A variety of examinations,including urinary analysis,blood analysis,kidney nuclear medicine scan,ultrasonog- raphy,intravenous urography(IVU),and CT were used for the early diagnosis of pyonephrosis.Pereutaneous nephrostomy(PCN)drainage was done for the interim management of pyonephrosis,then phase 2 operation was performed in 28 cases.The double-J tube was placed in ureter by ureteroscope for drainage,and then phase 2 operation was done in 2 cases.Emergency operation was done in 10 cases.The remaining 1 case un- derwent ESWL after anti-infective therapy.Results Definite diagnosis of pyonephrosis before operation was made by invasive examinations in 31 cases(75.6%),and by percutaneous drainage in 4 cases;the other 6 cases were detected during operation.Only 6 cases(14.6%)underwent nephrectomy;the other 35 cases (85.4%)underwent kidney-sparing operation.Follow-up of 3 months to 9 years was available in 37 cases. No nephrectomy was needed in 33 cases with spared kidney.Serum creatinine was normal in the 4 cases un- dergoing nephrectomy.Conclusions The key to the treatment of pyonephrosis by kidney-sparing surgery is early diagnosis,timely drainage and relief of obstruction.Ultrasonography plays an important role in the early diagnosis of pyonephrosis,and CT has a high sensibility in the diagnosis.Pereutaneons nephrolithotomy (PCNL)secondary to drainage through pereutaneous nephrostomy was beneficial to the patients with kidney stones or upper ureter stones.

OBJECTIVETo summarize our experience on the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic serous cystadenoma.

METHODData from 20 patients with pancreatic serous cystadenoma in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1994 to 2004 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSUltrasound test was a good choice for primary diagnosis, while computed tomography scan and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were better choice for the suspected cases. Most tumors (60%) were located in the body and tail of pancreas. The distal pancreatectomy was the commonest operation procedure. The main complications were pancreatic leakage (35%). The symptoms were resolved after surgical treatment.

CONCLUSIONSThe treatment of pancreatic serous cystadenoma depends on the accurate diagnosis. Ultrasound and computed tomography are useful diagnostic methods. Surgical operation is the treatment of choice. Long-term follow-up has shown satisfactory outcomes if the tumors are resected completely.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cystadenoma, Serous ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatectomy ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVETo summarize our experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of placenta accreta in the second trimester of pregnancy.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 31 patients were admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital with placenta accreta in the second trimester of pregnancy from January 2002 to January 2010.

RESULTSAmong 31 cases, one case (3.2%) was suspected to be with placenta accreta by ultrasound examination and 30 cases (96.8%) were normal before delivery. Placenta accreta was identified during follow-up in 12 cases (38.7%) after delivery. Fourteen patients underwent curettage again after delivery,which was effective in 6 patients (42.9%) and failed in 8 patients,in whom uterine artery embolization (UAE) was further applied. Thirteen patients underwent UAE without curettage. In total,21 cases underwent UAE, which was effective in 19 patients (90.5%); one patient with abnormal β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) 5 months after embolization underwent lesion resection and one case with slightly increased β-HCG were lost to follow-up. Hysteroscopy was effective in 3 patients,of whom two patients underwent lesion resection by hysteroscopy and one case who was suspected to be with trophoblastic disease by ultrasonography before surgery and confirmed to be placenta accreta during hysteroscopy examination underwent lesion resection. One case experienced hemorrhagic shock during vaginal delivery and underwent emergency laparotomy. Among all these 31 patients,massive hemorrhage occurred in 13 cases during delivery and hemorrhagic shock in 2 cases. Three cases had postpartum hemorrhage and stopped bleeding after UAE. None needed hysterectomy.

CONCLUSIONSPlacenta accreta in the second trimester of pregnancy is usually diagnosed after childbirth,which may be delayed in some cases. Therefore,special attention should be paid to this disease during follow-up. Conservative treatment was the main therapy of placenta accreta in the second trimester of pregnancy. UAE is effective in stopping bleeding.

Adult ; Dilatation and Curettage ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Placenta Accreta ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second ; Retrospective Studies ; Uterine Artery Embolization ; Young Adult