Objective To evaluate characteristic clinical and imaging findings of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET) in dual-phase contrast enhancement MSCT.Methods The dual-phase contrast enhancement MSCT images of 23 lesions in 20 patients with histologically confirmed pancreatic NET were studied retrospectively.Their clinical presentations,imaging characters as well as the intensities of lesions and normal pancreas in each phase were measured,and the following indices were calculated.First,the absolute enhancement of lesions,including the increasing of CT value of the maximum enhancement area within a tumor in arterial phase,that was named A1 in short,and that of the minimum enhancement area was labeled as A2.The same ROI measured increasing CT values in portal venous phase was labeled as V1 and V2 respectively.Secondly,the relatively enhancement indices comparing with the normal pancreas in the same patient within the same phase were calculated.This included the differences between the maximum,as well as the minimum,enhancement areas of tumors and the normal pancreas in arterial phase,which was named as AP1 and AP2 respectively,and those differences in portal venous phase,which were labeled as VP1 and VP2 respectively.All of the tumors were graded as G1 to G3 according to the WHO classification in 2010.A Kruskal Wallis test were performed to compare differences of tumor diameters and the enhancement indices.The change trend of enhancement indices varying with pathology grading were described.Fisher exact test was used to find differences of clinical and imaging characters.Results Twenty-three lesions in 20 patients included 13 lesions in grade 1 (G1),8 in G2,and 2 in G3.Among the 10 patients with G1 NET,7 of them had no endocrine symptoms,while the other 3 had endocrine symptoms.Six of them had no abdominal pain,while 4 of them complained of it.All of the 10 patients with G1 NET had no hepatic metastasis.Among 8 patients with G2 NET,4 of them were with endocrine abnormality,and the other 4 were not.Five of them complained of abdominal pain while the other 3 did not.Six of them had no hepatic metastasis,and 2 of them had.Both of the 2 patients with NET in G3 did not have any endocrine abnormality,and one of them complained abdominal pain.Both of them were with hepatic metastasis.There was no difference between groups that whether or not endocrine syndrome and abdominal pain was presented (x2 =2.238,0.713,P =0.318,1.000),while hepatic metastasis was of significant differences (x2 =9.516,P =0.003).Tumor location,distinct outline,necrosis and/or calcification were not significantly different.Tumor enhancement showed a probable trend of decrease in group of higher grade.A1 decreased from (126.4 ± 45.7)HU to (38.7± 8.5)HU (x2 =7.254,P=0.027),A2 decreased from (94.1 ±31.1)HU to (22.8 ± 14.0) HU (x2 =7.323,P =0.026) and AP1 dropped from 80.6 HU(-21.8 — 169.7 HU) to -36.7 HU(-41.6—-31.7 HU) (x2 =6.778,P =0.034).All of the indices mentioned above were of significant difference and the other indices showed no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Quantitative assessment of their enhancement patterns may provide useful information to preoperative grading of pancreatic NET,and tumors in a higher grade may show poorer enhancement.

Objective To study the image features and clinical significance of 3-dimensional (3-D)and multiplanar reconstruction with spiral CT(SCT) in cervical spinal fractures.MethodPlain film radiography and spiral CT scanning were taken for 26 cases of cervical spinal fractures.The type of fractures, diagnositic successful rate, parameter of scanning and late stage managing methods were investigated retrospectively to find out the effective difference between the diagnosis of plain X-ray and SCT. The imagin location of fractures,sequence of cenrum, heighth of centrum, fracture line, auxillary structure and rotation/dislocation of the fractures were emphasized to evaluate the advantages of 3-D imaging.ResultIn the 26 cases, there were 4 Jefferson fractures, (in which 1 combined with articular dislocations), 17 C2 spinous process fractures, (in which 1 had failure of plain X-ray diagnostic), 1 Hangman fracture, 2 C1～2 imbalance, (in which 1 had failure of plain X-ray diagnostic).There were 2 cases of axoid longitudinal fractures without obvious dislocation. The diagnositic successful rate were 100% in SCT group, while 65% in X-ray group in which 6 cases had diagnostic failure and 3 cases had fracture mis-diagnozing as dislocation.The anatomical structure of upper cervical spine was complicated and was significantly different from other cervical spine constructions. Spiral CT could reveal high resolution images of the upper cervical spine, morphosis of vertibral canal, dislocation information of fracture mass and its relation with neighbouring tissues. Especially in C1 burst fracture,C2 dens fracture and C1～2 dislocation, SCT could provide clear 3-D information of the size of collateral mass and the dislocation degree, furthermore, images could be rotated freely to observe the fracture in any proper section. That provides important information for the decision of operation, selection of operation types and evaluation of operation dager.ConclusionThe spiral CT scan and 3D reconstruction can reveal fracture better.The advantages of SCT are suggested that this diagnostic modality may be the standard method for the initial evaluation of the upper cervical spine injury.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of thoracic and lumbar epidural block on the depth of propofol sedation.MethodsForty-five ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients with stomach cancer ( n =15) or colorectal cancer ( n =30) aged 20-64 yr weighing 46-79 kg with body height 151-179 cm undergoing elective radical operation were enrolled in this study.The 30 patients with colorectal cancer were randomly divided into 2 groups ( n =15 each):group control (group Ⅰ ) and group lumbar epidural group(group Ⅱ ).The 15 patients with stomach cancer received thoracic epidural block (group Ⅲ ).Epidural block was performed at L2.3 interspace in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ and at T9.10 interspace in group Ⅲ.After a test dose of 3 ml 1.5％ lidocaine,a bolus of 1.5％ lidocaine 12 ml (in groupsⅡ and Ⅲ ) or 12 ml of normal saline (in group Ⅰ ) was injected into epidural space.Target-controlled infusion(TCI) of propofol was started at 12 min after epidural lidocaine.Target plasma concentration of propofol was set at 4 μg/ml.Fentanyl 4 μg/kg was injected iv as soon as the patients lost consciousness.Tracheal intubation was facilitated with vecuronium 0.1 ng/kg.The patients were mechanically ventilated.Radial artery was cannulated for direct BP monitoring and blood sampling.BIS value was monitored (Aspect Medical System).The number of spinal sequent affected in the subarachnoid epidural anesthesia was counted before propofol TCI.Arterial blood sampies were collected at 2,3,4 and 5 min of propofol TCI for determination of plasma concentration of propofol ( by HPLC).BIS value and plasma concentration of propofol calculated by TCI pump were recorded at 2,3,4 and 5 min of propofol TCI.ResultsThe BIS values were significantly lower in groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ than in group Ⅰ and in group Ⅲ than in group Ⅱ.There was no significant difference in plasma propofol concentration measured by HPLC and plasma concentration of propofol calculated by TCI pump.ConclusionThe efficacy of thoracic epidural block enhancing propofol sedation is higher than that of lumbar epidural block.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-protein-coding RNAs,which play important roles in the cell proliferation,differentiation,apoptosis,as well as activation of oncogenic and antioncogenic signals.Researches show that the abnormal expressions of miRNAs are closely related to the tumorigenesis,histological type,diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of lung cancer.So miRNAs may be the most potential and promising therapeutic targets for lung cancer.

Objective The autoantibodies against angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor(AT_1 RAb)have been dis- covered in the patients with malignant hypertensive and preeclampsia,this autoantiboies(AT_1-AA)have an ago- nist-like activity effect similar to angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ).This study aimed at investigation the effect of Ang Ⅱ agonist-like activity by AT_1-AA on VSMCs proliferation was obtained from essential hypertensive patients. Methods VSMCs were cultured from aorta of WKY rats.The hypertensive patients" serum was purified by am- monium sulfate precipitation and affinity chromatography.The effect on VSMC proliferation this autoantilody was determined by BrdU incorporation.Total protein and the expression of phosphorylation JAK-STAT were assessed by Western blotting.Results AT_1RAb caused a significant increase in BrdU incorporation similar to Ang Ⅱ during 0-24 h reaching peak value at 12 h.The A value of in 450 nm was higher in AT_1RAb group (0.236?0.012)than AG490+AT_1RAb group(0.176?0.009),Losartan+AT_1RAb groups(0.119?0.006) and Serum Free group(0.127?0.006)(P

Background Auditing of surgical outcome is controversial due to lack of standard auditing system. POSSUM (Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Morbidity and mortality)system provides a risk adjusted auditing in surgical practice, which is a reliable scoring system. However it has not been generalized in China, especially in gastric surgery. Present study evaluates the application of POSSUM system to compare surgical outcome of malignant gastric disease between specialized unit and general unit. Methods Retrospective study was performed on 394 patients who underwent surgical intervention for gastric cancer and malignant gastric lymphoma. POSSUM data were collected according to standard criteria described by its original authors. Exponential analysis method was used for data analysis. Observed to Expected morbidity (O:E) ratio was calculated for each unit to give risk adjusted comparison. All the complications were categorized into minor to severe to give an objective view of complications. Results There was significant difference in surgical outcome between specialized unit and general unit. POSSUM predicted morbidity well and O: E ratio of specialized unit was better than general unit. Further more postop stay wassignificantly shorter(P ＜0.001 ) in specialized unit and number of moderate and severe morbidity was significantly lower (P＜0.001) than general unit. Conclusions Surgical outcome of specialized unit was better than general unit. POSSUM can be used for risk adjusted auditing of postop complications in malignant gastric disease, which provides a reliable audit. However morbidity definition in POSSUM should be amended and modification in POSSUM formula may be necessary to fit major surgical interventions like gastric cancer surgery.

Objective To compare the effects of isoflurane or sevoflurane in combination with remifentanil anesthesia on blood amyloid beta protein (Aβ) in the elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery.Methods Two hundred patients of both sexes,aged 65-75 yr,weighing 51-76 kg,of ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,scheduled for elective abdominal surgery under general anesthesia,were randomly divided into 2 groups (n =100 each) using a random number table:isoflurane combined with remifentanil anesthesia group (IR group) and sevoflurane combined with remifentanil anesthesia group (SR group).Fifty healthy elderly subjects served as control group (group C).After anesthesia was induced with iv penehyclidine,sufentanil,propofol and vecuronium,the patients were endotracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated.In group IR,anesthesia was maintained with inhalation of isoflurane (end-tidal concentration 1.68 ％,in IR group) or sevoflurane (end-tidal concentration 1.71％,in SR group),and target-controlled infusion of remifentanil (target plasma concentration 2-6 ng/ml).At l day before surgery and 3 days after surgery,the patients' cognitive function was assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE),the development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) was recorded,and blood samples were taken for determination of serum Aβ40 and Aβ42 concentrations.Results The incidence of POCD was 5％ (in C group),56％ (in IR group) or 22％ (in SR group),and there was no significant difference among the three groups.There were no significant differences in the serum Aβ42 and Aβ40 concentrations after surgery among the three groups.Conclusion The mechanism by which sevoflurane or isoflurane in combination with remifentanil anesthesia results in POCD is not related to the levels of blood Aβ40 or Aβ42 in the elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Objective Compare the three kind of criteria in evaluating the incidences of postop-erative cognitive dysfunction in non-cardiac surgery.Methods Four hundred and sixty one non-cardiac surgery patients were randomly enrolled in this study group and two hundred forty four non-surgery patients as control group.Patients??cognitive state was measured on preoperative and postoperative 1 and 3 d by mini-mental state examination(MMSE).POCD was assessed by patients??education level, one standard deviation and Z-score scale,respectively.Results On the first and third day after sur-gery,Z-score scale assess POCD result showed the highest relevance ratio and 95%CI as well as the lowest education level.The education scale showed the lowest incidence of POCD.Education level criteria was positive on postoperative 1 and 3 day,while one case on postoperative 1 day and four cases on postoperative 3 day were negative by Z-score scale.Conclusion The incidence of POCD in same pa-tients by three kind of criteria are different.The Z-score scale is recommended to evaluate the POCD in order to avoid misdiagnosis.

Objective To investigate the effects of testosterone (T) replacement therapy (TRT) on carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) in middle aged and elderly male patients.Methods A total of 80 middle-aged and elderly male patients with testosterone deficiency and increased carotid artery IMT were selected and randomly divided into two groups:the treatment group (n=38,treated with testosterone for 1 year) and the control group (n=42,without any treatment).The serum T level,IMT and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) before and after treatment were determined.The correlation between the testosterone level and carotid artery IMT was analyzed.Results There were no significant differences in the serum T level and IMT between the control group and the treatment group before treatment [(10.39 ± 1.44) nmol/L vs.(10.88 ± 1.87) nmol/L,(1.25 ±0.11) mm vs.(1.24±0.13) mm,t=1.32,-0.26,P=0.191,0.794].Compared with pretreatment,the serum T level was significantly increased and the IMT was significantly decreased in the treatment group afterTRT [(10.88±1.87) nmol/L vs.(22.83±1.56) nmol/L,(1.24±0.13) mmvs.(1.18±0.16) mm,t=-29.14,2.55,P=0.000,0.015],while no significant differences in the serum T level and IMT were found in the control group before and after treatment [(10.39± 1.44)nmol/L vs.(9.99±1.72) nmol/L,(1.25±0.11) mm vs.(1.27±0.11) mm,t=1.24,-1.00,P =0.219,0.323].Linear correlation analysis showed that the serum T level was negatively correlated with IMT (r-0.605,P=0.000) and multiple regression analysis showed that the T level was an independent factor for IMT.Conclusions Testosterone replacement therapy is an effective treatment to alleviate IMT in middle-aged and elderly male patients,which may play an important role in preventing cardiovascular diseases in middle-aged and elderly male patients.

Objective To compare the volume kinetics of lactated Ringer' s solution during induction of general and epidural anesthesia in elderly patients.Methods Forty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients,aged 66-86 yr,weighing 45-86 kg,undergoing elective surgery,were studied.In epidural anesthesia group (n =20),lactated Ringer' s solution was infused intravenously starting from 10 min before epidural anesthesia was performed with local anesthetics.In general anesthesia group (n =20),lactated Ringer' s solution 1000 ml was infused intravenously over 60 min starting from 20 min before induction of anesthesia.Arterial blood samples were obtained every 5 min for measurement of hemoglobin concentrations.The plasma dilution,volume increase,and volume expansion efficacy were calculated.Results The plasma dilution,volume increase and volume expansion were significantly higher at 30-60 min of lactated Ringer' s solution infusion in general anesthesia group than in epidural anesthesia group (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01).Conclusion The volume expansion of lactated Ringer' s solution is greater in elderly patients during induction of general anesthesia than that during induction of epidural anesthesia.