Objective　To evaluate the value of gradient-echo chemical shift imaging in detection of lipid-containing abdominal lesions. Methods　35 patients with abdominal lesions were divided into 2 groups according to whether or not they contained lipid. Breath-hold in-phase(IP) and opposed-phase(OP) acquisitions were performed. The demonstration of these lesions on IP and OP was compared. The signal intensity of these lesions on both images was measured. The percentage of signal intensity variation on IP and OP was calculated and statistically analyzed with non-parametric method between the 2 groups. Results　For lesions containing lipid, the signal intensity dropped significantly from IP to OP, with median value of signal intensity variation attaining 37.1%. On the other hand, for lesions not containing lipid, the signal intensity did not change obviously between IP and OP, whose median value of signal intensity variation was 3.3%. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (u=4.56，P<0.01). Conclusion　Gradient-echo chemical shift imaging is an easy and practical way, helpful to detection of lipid component within abdominal lesions.

Objective To evaluate the usefulness of three dimensional dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography(3D DCE MRA) in the diagnosis of vena caval abnormalities. Methods 3D DCE MRA was performed on fifty two patients with suspected vena caval anomaly, thrombosis, stenosis, occlusion, or compression. Image quality and the presence of venous abnormalities and collaterals were evaluated. Comparison with conventional venacavography( n =15) and surgical findings( n =18) was made. Results 3D DCE MRA images were of diagnostic quality without artifact for all 52 patients. 3D DCE MRA clearly showed vascular anatomy, anomaly and various disorders. The site, extent, cause of venous obstruction, and collateral pathways were well depicted. According to venography or surgery, the sensitivity and specificity of 3D DCE MRA in the diagnosis of abnormalities of vena cava were both 100%. In addition, it had advantages regarding demonstration of extravascular lesions and multiplanar capabilities. Conclusion 3D DCE MRA is simple to perform and accurate in detecting various vena caval abnormalities.

Objective Tdentify what techniques were used to relieve Menière′s disorder and benefits the subjects experienced use these self-help techniques in order to guide the clinical practice.Methods The data of Menière′s disorder patients treated in our hospital from January 2011 to December 2013 was collected.After random sampling,the questionnaire(the extensive questionnaire used included an open-ended question asking about the ways that each individual used to relieve their problems associated with Menière′s disorder)results were analysed use the qualitative analysis.Results Lifestyleaccounted for 58% of the self-help tech-nique responses.Among all the subthemes,increasing exercise in general was the most commonly listed method.Conclusion These techniques can be used as self-help methods for other individuals with Menière′s disorder to enhance their adaptation to the condi-tion.At the same time provide the basis for medical workers to guide patients.

Angiography ; Female ; Hepatic Artery ; abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVETo identify pine needles from different plant origins by microscopic and molecular approaches.

METHODSThe characteristics of pine needles of Lamb., Parl. and Franch. were investigated via plant morphology and microscopic characteristics. and were analyzed with PCR amplification and bi-directional sequencing. MEGA 6.0 was used to calculate the intra-and inter-specific Kimura-2-Parameter (K2P) distances, and the phylogenetic tree was constructed by using the neighbor-joining (NJ) method.

RESULTSThere were significant differences in the number and length of pine needles, number of vascular bundles, distribution of stomatal lines, number and distribution of resin channels among three kinds of pine needles. The lengths of sequences of Lamb., Parl. and Franch. were 470, 469 and 470 bp, respectively. The lengths of sequences in three kinds of pine needles were 553 bp. The intraspecific variation rates of Lamb., Parl. and Franch. were 0%, 0.2%, and 2.8%, respectively; and the intraspecific variation rates of sequences were 0%, 2.4%, and 1.1%, respectively. There was no significant barcoding gap in intraspecific and interspecific genetic distances of sequences. The intraspecific and interspecific distances of sequences were clearly separated in the barcoding gap test. The NJ tree based on showed that the three pine needles clustered into three separate groups, indicating that DNA marker could distinguish the Lamb., Parl., Franch. and its close relative species.

CONCLUSIONSs The three types of pine needles can be distinguished accurately and rapidly by microscopic and molecular identification. The study provides methodology and experimental basis for the quality evaluation and classification of pine needles.