OBJECTIVEThe same person's pulmonary venous blood volume, left atrial volume and stroke volume were measured by lung CT scans and cardiac CT angiography (CTA). Then their relationships were analyzed in order to investigate the mechanism of breathing control.

METHODSAs we described before, full pulmonary vascular (-0.6mm) volume was accurately calculated by three-dimensional imaging technology from lung CT scan; left atrial volume and stroke volume of left ventricle were calculated from the CTA data. Then the relationships among them were analyzed for estimation of the lung-artery time.

RESULTSThe total volume of lung and pulmonary vascular blood was 3486 ± 783 (2156-4418) ml, and the pulmonary vascular blood volume was 141 ± 20 (105-163) ml. The estimated pulmonary venous volume was 71 ± 10 (52-81) ml. Left atrial volume at the end diastolic was 97 ± 39 (53-165) ml, Stroke volume of left ventricle was 86 ± 16 (60-106) ml. Pulmonary venous volume and the left atrial volume were double of stroke volume(1.7-2.4).

CONCLUSIONThe estimated lung-artery time was three heart beat.

Blood Volume ; Heart Atria ; Humans ; Stroke Volume

OBJECTIVEBecause the traditional loop of breathing control and regulation effect on blood circulation, there was rare study of pulmonary vein capacity. We need a noninvasive and accurate pulmonary vascular capacity measurement and analysis method.

METHODSTwelve normal volunteers were performed a total lung CT scan, image data analysis processing by computer software, the whole lungs from the apex to the base of lung with 40-50 layers by hand-cut, the connection between adjacent layers automatically by a computer simulation, the full pulmonary vascular (≥ 0.6 mm) were treated by high-accuracy three-dimensional imaging technology after removing the interference, and then calculate the whole lung and pulmonary vascular.

RESULTSThe whole lung of the 12 normal volunteers from the apex to the base of lung CT scan image layers was 530 ± 98 (range, 431-841). The total capacity of lung and pulmonary vascular blood was 3705 ± 857 (range, 2398-5383) ml, and the total volume of the pulmonary vascular blood was 125 ± 32 (range, 94-201) ml. The pulmonary vein vascular blood volume was 63 ± 16 (range, 47-100) ml.

CONCLUSIONThe method of measuring the three-dimensional imaging of pulmonary vascular capacity by analyzing lung CT scan data is available and accurate.

Computer Simulation ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Lung ; blood supply ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; therapeutic use ; Aspirin ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Facial Nerve Diseases ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Facial Paralysis ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous ; Male ; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Prednisolone ; therapeutic use ; Ultrasonography ; Warfarin ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVEFor heart functional parameters, we commonly used normal range. The reference values and predict formulas of heart functional parameters and their relationships with individual characteristics are still lack.

METHODSLeft ventricular (LV) volumes (end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume), stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF) and cardiac output (CO) were measured by cardiac CT angiography (CAT) in 1 200 healthy Caucasian volunteers, men 807 and women 393, and age 20-90yr. The results are analyzed by high-accuracy three-dimensional imaging technology, and then measured the dynamic changes of the volumes of each atriam and ventricule during their contractions and relaxations. The gender, age, height and weight were analyzed by multiple linear regression to predict LV functional parameters.

RESULTSExcept the LVEF was lower in man than in women (P < 0.001), all other LV functional parameters of EDV, ESV, SV, FE and CO were higher in man (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression indicated that age, gender, height and weight are all independent factors of EDV, ESV and SV (P < 0.001). CO could be significantly predicted by age, gender and weight (P < 0.001), but not height (P > 0.05). The predict equation for CO (L x min(-1)) = 6.963+0.446 (Male) -0.037 x age (yr) +0.013 x weight (kg).

CONCLUSIONAge, gender, height and weight are predictors of heart functions. The reference values and predict equations are important for noninvasive and accurate evaluation of cardiovascular disease and individualized treatment.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Body Height ; Body Weight ; Cardiac Output ; Female ; Heart ; physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reference Values ; Sex Factors ; Stroke Volume ; Ventricular Function, Left ; Young Adult

The insertion of self-expanding stents into malignant strictures of the small and large bowel has become a routine procedure around the world. However, stent development has happened very much on a "trial & error" approach, based mostly on bright ideas of enthusiastic individuals or marketing decisions by the manufacturer. A large variety of stents are commercially available, covered to a variable degree by a membrane to reduce tissue ingrowth. However, in vitro characteristics and in vivo behavior vary significantly between stents and few operators are aware of the differences. While the ideal stent still remains to be defined, it is important that interventionists understand the variations, in order to make the best possible choice for the individual patient. This article illustrates current principles of stent construction.
Abdominal Neoplasms ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Marketing ; Membranes ; Palliative Medicine ; Radiology, Interventional ; Self Expandable Metallic Stents ; Stents*

INTRODUCTIONHaemangiomas in children usually involute spontaneously and surgical treatment is exceptional. Vascular malformations do not regress spontaneously and resection may become necessary. We present a series of surgically treated face and neck vascular anomalies during a 9-year period, assessing the epidemiology, presenting signs and symptoms, diagnostic modalities, indications for surgery, treatment methods and clinical outcome post-treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODSThe medical and pathological records of all patients with cervicofacial vascular anomalies treated surgically at our department from 1997 to 2005 were retrospectively reviewed in relation to current evidence.

RESULTSForty-one patients were identified. Of these, 9 patients had haemangiomas and the remaining 32 had a variety of vascular malformations. Cervicofacial vascular anomalies were most commonly located at the lip. Atypical looking vascular anomalies like masseteric intramuscular haemangiomas and parotid malformations were diagnostic problems. All 41 had surgical excision of their vascular anomalies for troubling symptoms, cosmesis or diagnostic purpose. For cervicofacial arteriovenous malformations, 28% were classified as Schobinger stage I, 50% stage II, and the remainder stage III. Combined embolisation-resection was used to treat 6 arteriovenous malformations (stage II to III) and of these, 3 required flap reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONSAccurate diagnosis distinguishing between cervicofacial haemangiomas and vascular malformations is key to best treatment. The diagnosis can usually be made by history and physical examination aided by early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although cervicofacial haemangiomas can be managed conservatively or with medical therapy, surgery is indicated for preventing psychological distress and in cases of chronic aesthetic alteration resulting from partial regression. Aesthetic concerns and prevention of psychosocial distress point to early excision of venous malformation as the treatment of choice. Lymphatic malformations are best treated by excision. Outcome after excision of localised cervicofacial haemangiomas and low-flow vascular malformations is excellent. Large extensive low-flow malformations as well as those located at the lips may require multiple procedures including reconstruction; patients should be informed that the outcome is generally not as good. Combined embolisation-resection is definitive treatment for arteriovenous malformations and flap reconstruction may prevent their recurrence. Tissue expansion is a useful reconstructive tool after the excision of large vascular anomalies.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Arteriovenous Malformations ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Face ; blood supply ; Female ; Hemangioma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neck ; blood supply ; Vascular Malformations ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery

Somatic gene therapy based on nonviral and viral vectors is an attractive approach for treatment of human diseases. It has developed from preliminary animal experiments to clinical trials. Vectors and target genes used in gene therapy are mainly focused on viral, nonviral vector and single target gene or monogene and each vector system has a series of advantages and limitations. However, the application of gene therapy to human disease is currently hampered by potential hazards of methods of gene delivery, the relatively low efficiency and intracellular stability of target gene. Safety, efficacy and stability are three problems that people often met and also three principles that people should be followed in gene therapy.
Genetic Therapy ; adverse effects ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans

INTRODUCTIONResearch suggests that methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) effectively reduces opiate dependence and related health and social problems. However, few studies have examined its effectiveness among the elderly. This study examined a monthly MMT regime for elderly opium addicts attending the National Addictions Management Service, Singapore.

MATERIALS AND METHODSThis study used a cross-sectional design and comprised 40 patients attending the addiction service and 40 caregivers who monitored methadone consumption (mostly patients' sons and daughters). Participants completed a semi-structured interview comprising measures of opiate craving and withdrawal, physical and psychological health. Objective measures were urine drug screens and blood tests.

RESULTSParticipants who averaged 74.8 years old had been using opium for around 44 years and had been in MMT for an average of 35 months. The maintenance dose of methadone was 9.2 mg/day. At interview, no opiate usage (other than methadone) was detected in urine screens; however, clinical records indicated that 6 had tested positive during the previous 6 months of MMT. No major withdrawal symptoms, side effects, or incidents of diversion were reported. Quality-of-life scores were in the normal range and satisfaction with the treatment regime was expressed by caregivers.

CONCLUSIONWhilst MMT is the predominant pharmacotherapy for opiate dependence for users of all ages elsewhere, our study group constitutes a unique population that differs markedly from younger opiate users who will eventually grow old. In Singapore, MMT appears to be an effective treatment for stable, elderly opium-dependent patients where families are fully engaged in the treatment regime.

Aged ; Caregivers ; psychology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Home Care Services ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Male ; Methadone ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Opioid-Related Disorders ; nursing ; rehabilitation ; Quality of Life ; Singapore

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is widely recognized as an effective and noninvasive neuromodulation for treating depression, and has been applied in a wide range of clinical settings. However, previous studies often reported inconsistent antidepressant effects that may be due to differences in the rTMS protocols such as coil placement. The typical simulation site for rTMS depression protocol is the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Targeting the exact site of the left DLPFC while considering individual brain structure has been challenging due to the non-invasive nature of rTMS. Several researchers have applied various targeting methods to overcome the abovementioned issue. Most of the previous studies have applied the “5-cm rule” or the “international 10-20 system,” which is easily applicable. Recently, researchers started to apply a neuronavigation system that targets the stimulation site based on neuroimaging of each individual. Pros and cons of targeting methods have been discussed in terms of validity and reliability of targeting stimulation sites, differences in treatment responses, as well as considerations of individual characteristics. Therefore, the current review focuses on the targeting methods of stimulation site and the treatment effects of depression in previous studies. For discussion, we divided neuronavigation methods into using fixed coordinates and using individualized targets. Furthermore, the limitations of each targeting method are discussed that may potentially contribute to the development of the optimal rTMS protocol for depression treatment.

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) in rotatory vertebral artery occlusion syndrome can be caused by voluntary head turning in the yaw plane. We report a case of VBI for head tilting in the roll plane. Transcranial Doppler on left head tilting resulted in decreased blood flow in both vertebral arteries. A CT angiogram revealed that the stenotic left vertebral artery was very close to an enlarged thyroid gland, suggesting mechanical compression of the vertebral artery during head tilt.
Head ; Thyroid Gland ; Vertebral Artery ; Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency ; Vertigo