[Pulmonary vein stenosis with pulmonary infarction secondary to primary mediastinal seminoma: a case report]

Pulmonary vein stenosis is a rare condition that is often underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed. The clinical and radiologic manifestations are unspecific such as cough, hemoptysis and pulmonary lesions and are therefore difficult to distinguished with pneumonia and tuberculosis. The present study is a successful case report of pulmonary vein stenosis and pulmonary infraction secondary to mediastinal seminoma. This case suggested that pulmonary vein stenosis should be considered when a mediastinal mass is accompanied by pulmonary opacites that cannot be explained by common causes such as infection.

[Analysis of effective connectivity in default mode network in male long-term smokers based on dynamic causal modeling]

Objective: To investigate the alterations in effective connection of default mode network (DMN) in long-term male smokers and its correlation with clinical characteristics of smoking. Methods: A total of 131 subjects through WeChat platform and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance (rs-fMRI) examinations were recruited, including 76 long-term smokers [long-term smoking group, male, aged 20 to 55 (32.1±6.3) years] and 55 non-smokers [healthy controls, male, aged 20 to 55(32.3±7.4) years] from January 2014 to December 2018. Long-term smokers were defined as those who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day for more than 2 years, and met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Four Edition (DSM-Ⅳ) criteria for substance dependence. Four major nodes of DMN, including left inferior parietal lobule (LIPL), right inferior parietal lobule (RIPL), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) were chosen as for the region of interest. The effective connectivity (EC) alterations of DMN between smoking group and healthy controls were compared using dynamic causal modeling (DCM). The correlation between EC with significant difference among the two groups and Nicotine Dependence Scale (FTND) score, pack-year score and smoking duration were evaluated. Results: Compared to the healthy controls, the EC of LIPL to PCC and PCC to mPFC were decreased in the smoking group (EC = -0.091, -0.174, respectively, Bayesian-PP>0.95), and the EC of RIPL to PCC was increased (EC = 0.136, Bayesian-PP>0.95). Besides, EC of LIPL to PCC showed negative correlation with pack-year scores(r=-0.282,P=0.017). No significant linear correlations were observed between EC with significant group difference and FTND score or smoking duration (r=-0.103、-0.089,all P>0.05). Conclusion: Long-term smokers showed multiple abnormalities in IPL-PCC-mPFC circuits, and associated with the pack-year scores.

An online Sexual Health and Rehabilitation eClinic (TrueNTH SHAReClinic) for prostate cancer patients: a feasibility study

Purpose

The primary objective was to determine the feasibility of implementing the TrueNTH SHAReClinic as a pan-Canadian sexual health and rehabilitation intervention for patients treated for localized prostate cancer.

Methods

The feasibility study was designed to evaluate the accessibility and acceptability of the intervention. Participants from five institutions across Canada were enrolled to attend one pre-treatment and five follow-up online clinic visits over 1 year following their prostate cancer (PC) treatment.

Results

Sixty-five patients were enrolled in the intervention. Website analytics revealed that 71% completed the intervention in its entirety, including the educational modules, with an additional 10% completing more than half of the intervention. Five thousand eighty-three views of the educational modules were made along with 654 views of the health library items. Over 1500 messages were exchanged between participants and their sexual health coaches. At 12 months, the intervention received an overall average participant rating of 4.1 out of 5 on a single item satisfaction measure.

Conclusion

Results support the TrueNTH SHAReClinic as highly acceptable to participants as defined by intervention adherence and engagement. The TrueNTH SHAReClinic demonstrated promise for being a feasible and potentially resource-efficient approach to effectively improving the sexual well-being of patients after PC treatment.

Quantification of peak blood flow velocity at the cardiac valve and great thoracic vessels by four-dimensional flow and two-dimensional phase-contrast MRI compared with echocardiography: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To objectively examine the agreement and correlation between four-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and traditional two-dimensional (2D) phase-contrast (PC) MRI with the reference standard of Doppler echocardiography for measuring peak blood velocity at the cardiac valve and great arteries, and to assess if 4D flow MRI offers an advantage over the traditional 2D method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature was searched systematically for studies that evaluate the degree of correlation and agreement between 4D flow MRI or 2D PC MRI and Doppler retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the peak velocity pooled bias with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) and correlation coefficient (r) for 4D flow MRI and 2D PC MRI compared with Doppler.

RESULTS

Ten studies that compared 4D flow MRI with Doppler and 12 studies that compared 2D PC MRI with Doppler were included. 4D flow MRI showed an underestimation with bias and 95% LoA of -0.09 (-0.41, 0.24) m/s (p=0.079) while 2D PC MRI showed a poorer agreement with a bias and 95% LoA of -0.25 (-0.53, 0.03), p=0.596. 4D flow MRI and 2D PC MRI showed a strong correlation with R=0.80 (95% CI 0.75, 0.84; p<0.001) and R=0.83 (95% CI 0.79, 0.87; p<0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this meta-analysis, 4D flow MRI provides improved assessment of peak velocity when compared with traditional 2D PC MRI. 4D flow MRI can be considered an important complement or substitute to Doppler echocardiography for peak velocity assessment.

P5250Diastolic strain rate ratio as determined on MRI on detecting left ventricle stiffness and predict heart failure in post-STEMI patients

Background

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) Patients suffered from progressive heart failure, for which progressive and aggravated Left ventricle stiffness was one of the major culprit. Myocardial deformation in the early diastole is largely affected by the left ventricle compliance which could partly reflect chamber stiffness and potentially predict left ventricular remodeling for post-STEMI patients.

Purpose

To determine the value of diastolic strain rate in detecting left ventricle stiffness and early heart failure in post-STEMI patients.

Methods

A number of 52 (M/F: 46/6, age: 54.27 [46.8–62.3]yrs) patients with STEMI three months ago were prospectively recruited from 2016 to 2017. Follow-up was done until 2018. The primary end points were the symptoms of heart failure (NYHA II-IV). Consent was acquired from each patient and 3.0 T MRI was arranged. Imaging analysis was performed on Cvi 42 (V5.9.3 Canada). Peak radial strain (PS) and strain rate (SR) were extracted both from 2D short- and long-axis cine images, while peak circumferential parameters only from the short axis slices and longitudinal the long axis slices. The diastolic strain rate ratios (DSRRs) were calculated as the peak early diastolic SR divided by the peak late diastolic SR, which were derived from the two peak points on the corresponding curve of time-to-SR curve in the diastole (Figure 1a). Receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis and Logistic regression test were done for statistical analysis on R project and P<0.05 was considered as significant.

Results

Three patients were excluded due to unsatisfied cine images. Among the 52 patients, none of the patients died or had congestive heart failure. 23/52 (44.2%) patients complained of heart failure symptoms at the one-year follow-up. No significant difference was found in LVEF and three directional peak strain values or systolic peak strain rates between the patients with and without heart failure. Patients with symptoms had lower Longitudinal PS (P=0.049), early diastolic radial SR (P=0.01798), longitudinal SR (P=0.0042), and decreased DSRR in all directions (Figure 1b). Multivariate Logistic regression test showed that only DSRR in the radial direction on the short axis (DSRR-SR) was the independent predictor of the heart failure symptoms (6.59; range, 6.71–3.68; P=0.026). ROC analysis demonstrated that the DSRR-SR of 2.35 had sensitivity 91.3% and specificity 58.6% for the prediction of heart failure (Figure 1c).

Figure 1

Conclusion

DSRR especially DSRR-SR was more sensitive to left ventricle stiffness change and help predict the progression of heart failure for Post-STEMI patients. Further studies were needed to verify the its association with other cardiovascular clinical events.

Acknowledgement/Funding

the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81600299,81471721, 81471722, 81771887, and 81771897,);

[The association between the malnutrition and blood pressure in Chinese Han students aged 7-18 years in 2014]

Objective: This study aimed to explore the association between malnutrition and the level of blood pressure (BP) as well as elevated BP (EBP) in Han students aged 7 to 18 years in China. Methods: 170 037 subjects with normal nutritional status and malnutrition were enrolled in this study from 2014 Chinese National Surveys on Students' Constitution and Health with a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling framework covering 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities after the exclusion of 44 317 overweight and obese students. According to the standard of "Screening Standard for Malnutrition of School-age Children and Adolescents" (WS/T456-2014), the nutritional status of children were classified into two categories, normal nutritional status and malnutrition containing stunting, mild wasting and moderate severe wasting. The level of BP and prevalence of EBP were compared between students with normal nutritional status and malnutrition. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between malnutrition and EBP. Results: The levels of systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in Chinese Han students aged 7-18 years who were non-overweight and non-obesity status were (103.4±12.3) and (64.7±9.5) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), respectively. The prevalence of EBP, systolic EBP and diastolic EBP in Chinese Han malnourished students (N=21 012) were 3.1% (n=649), 1.5% (n=324) and 2.1% (n=445), respectively, which was significantly lower than those (N=148 320) with normal nutritional status (4.5% (n=6 707), 2.6% (n=3 872) and 2.7% (n=3 959)), and the corresponding differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The OR (95%CI) between malnutrition and EBP was 0.68 (0.62-0.73), which were 0.65 (0.58-0.72) and 0.68 (0.60-0.77) for boys and girls. The OR (95%CI) between EBP and stunting as well as mild wasting and moderate severe wasting were 0.69 (0.62-0.77), 0.63 (0.55-0.72) and 0.79 (0.60-1.05), respectively. Conclusion: The level of BP and prevalence of EBP in Chinese Han students with malnutrition were lower than those with normal nutritional status. The negative correlation existed between malnutrition and EBP in Chinese Han students aged 7 to 18 years.

[The epidemiological characteristics and related factors of dyslipidemia among children and adolescents aged 6-17 years from 7 provinces in China, 2012]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and related factors of dyslipidemia among children and adolescents aged 6-17 years in 7 provinces in China. Methods: Using the method of stratified cluster random sampling, 93 primary and secondary schools were selected from Guangdong, Hunan, Liaoning provinces, Shanghai, Chongqing, Tianjin municipalities and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in China, 2012. A total of 16 434 students aged 6-17 years old with completed physical and lipid profiles parameters were selected into this study from above 93 primary and secondary schools. Dyslipidemia was determined by the definition of Expert Advice on Prevention and Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Children and Adolescents in 2009. Logistic regression model was used to explore the factors related to dyslipidemia. Results: The prevalence of elevated total cholesterol, elevated triglyceride, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and dyslipidemia was 5.4% (887 cases), 15.7% (2 578 cases), 3.0% (492 cases), 13.5% (2 221 cases) and 28.5% (4 679 cases) among children and adolescents aged 6-17 years, respectively. Sugary drinks intake ≥once per week (OR=1.14; 95%CI: 1.05-1.24), sedentary time >10 hours per day (OR=1.14, 95%CI: 1.01-1.28), overweight (OR=1.50, 95%CI: 1.33-1.70), and obesity (OR=2.62, 95%CI: 2.31-2.96) were significantly associated with the prevalence of dyslipidemia. Conclusion: The prevalence of dyslipidemia was high among children and adolescents aged 6-17 in 7 provinces in China, 2012. Sugary drinks intake ≥once per week, sedentary time >10 hours per day, overweight and obesity might be the risk factors of dyslipidemia among children and adolescents.

[Analysis on prevalence of physical fitness and related influencing factors among Chinese Han students aged 13-18 years in 2014]

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of physical fitness among Chinese Han students aged 13-18 years in 2014, and explore related influencing factors. Methods: This study recruited 106 881 Han students aged 13-18 years who had taken physical fitness test from Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health in 2014. After the exclusion of 1 047 students without complete records of physical fitness test, 105 834 students were included in the final analysis. According to the National Student Physical Health Standard modified in 2014, seven indicators including body mass index, vital capacity, 50-m run, sit-and-reach, standing broad jump, pull-ups/curl-ups and endurance run were tested to calculate the total score of students' physical fitness. Students with score ≥60 were regarded as qualified students. Multivariate non-conditional logistic regression model was used to analyze influencing factors of physical fitness. Results: Among Chinese Han students aged 13-18 years, the total score was 70.1±10.7 and the qualified rate was 83.9% (n=88 813). Boys (83.5% (44 197/52 910)) had a lower qualified rate of physical fitness than girls (84.3% (44 616/52 924)) (P<0.001), and 13-15 age group (86.5% (46 255/53 465)) was higher than the 16-18 age group (81.3% (42 558/52 369)) (P<0.001). Except for 16-18-year-old boys from central region, normal body mass index, eastern region, good socioeconomic status, enough PE class, exercise time ≥1 h/d, homework time ≥2 h/d, TV time <1 h/d were all related to high qualified rates of physical fitness (P<0.05). Conclusion: Chinese Han students aged 13-18 years were in good physical condition. The qualified rates of physical fitness were significantly different by gender and age groups. Nutritional status, region, socioeconomic status, PE class, exercise time per day, homework time per day, and TV time per day were related factors of physical fitness.

[Association between the blood pressure status and nutritional status among Chinese students aged 7-18 years in 2014: based on the national blood pressure reference for Chinese children and adolescents]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the epidemic situation of blood pressure (BP) status and its association with nutritional status among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7-18 years old in 2014, and to provide important scientific basis for the control of students' hypertension.

METHODS

All the subjects aged 7 to 18 years in both genders were sampled from 2014 Chinese national surveys on students' constitution and health. BP status was evaluated according to Chinese national gender-, age- and height-specific references, including hypertension (HTN), elevated hypertension (elevated HTN), isolated systolic HTN (SHTN), isolated diastolic HTN (DHTN) and mix HTN. Their nutritional status was evaluated using the international obesity task force (IOTF) definition, including thinness (severe thinness and moderate thinness), normal, overweight and obesity (severe obesity and moderate obesity). The Logistics method was used to analyze the association between BP status and nutritional status. The population attributable risk (PAR%) of overweight and obesity for BP status was calculated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of HTN and elevated HTN among the Chinese children and adolescents aged 7-18 years in 2014 was 14.9% and 9.2%, respectively. And the prevalence of isolated SHTN, isolated DHTN and mix HTN was 3.1%, 8.8% and 3.0%, respectively. The prevalence estimates for HTN differed the greatest for the boys, those in rural, those with high age, those in the East, and those with high BMI. The highest prevalence of HTN was detected in those with severe obesity with 44.2% and 38.8% in the boys and girls respectively, which was 2.8-fold and 3.7-fold than those with normal groups. The negative association was detected between HTN and thinness, but the positive association with overweight and obesity. The PAR% of HTN due to overweight and obesity was 16.2%, and the expected prevalence of HTN was 12.5% if controlling for overweight and obesity. Higher PAR% of isolated SHTN and mix HTN due to overweight and obesity was detected in the Chinese children and adolescents with proportions of 28.7% and 35.1%.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HTN among the Chinese children and adolescents aged 7-18 years was still high, whose components mainly focused on isolated DHTN. Overweight and obesity can increase the risk of HTN in children and adolescents significantly, especially for isolated SHTN and mix HTN. Controlling for overweight and obesity can decrease the risk of HTN among Chinese national children and adolescents largely, which can play an important role in preventing the occurrence of chronic disease in adults.

[Association between cesarean birth and the risk of obesity in 6-17 year-olds]

Objective: To explore the association between cesarean section and obesity in child and adolescent. Methods: In this study, a total number of 42 758 primary and middle school students aged between 6 and 17 were selected, using the stratified cluster sampling method in 93 primary and middle schools in Hunan, Ningxia, Tianjin, Chongqing, Liaoning, Shanghai and Guangdong provinces and autonomous regions. Log-Binomial regression model was used to analyze the association between cesarean section and obesity in childhood or adolescent. Results: Mean age of the subjects was (10.5±3.2) years. The overall rate of cesarean section among subjects attending primary or secondary schools was 42.3%, with 55.9% in boys and, 40.6% in girls respectively and with difference statistically significant (P<0.001). The rate on obesity among those that received cesarean section (17.6%) was significantly higher than those who experienced vaginal delivery (10.2%) (P<0.001). Results from the log-binomial regression model showed that cesarean section significantly increased the risk of obesity in child and adolescent (OR=1.72, 95%CI: 1.63-1.82; P<0.001). After adjusting for factors as sex, residential areas (urban or rural), feeding patterns, frequencies of milk-feeding, eating high-energy foods, eating fried foods and the levels of parental education, family income, parental obesity, physical activity levels, gestational age and birth weight etc., the differences were still statistically significant (OR=1.48, 95%CI: 1.39-1.57; P<0.001). Conclusion: The rate of cesarean section among pregnant women in China appeared high which may significantly increase the risk of obesity in child or adolescent.

[Study on the disease burden of Chinese adolescent in 2015]

Objective: To discuss the main causes and risk factors of disability and death among current Chinese adolescents. Methods: Subnational data of China from Global Burden of Disease Study 2015 (GBD 2015) was used to rank the causes and risk factors leading to death and disability adjusted life years (DALY) in Chinese adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years old, and thereby to analyze the main cauese and risk factors of death and DALY among Chinese adolescents in different genders. Results: In 2015, among Chinese adolescents aged 10-19 years old, the total DALY was 13 million 490 thousand years, and the total number of deaths was 63 258 cases. The top 3 causes of DALY were skin and subcutaneous diseases, iron-deficiency anemia and road injuries, resulting in DALY (constituent ratio) of 1 411 (10.5%), 1 094 (8.1%) and 1 029 (7.6%) thousand years respectively. The top 3 causes of death were road injuries, drowning and leukemia, causing 13 881 (21.9%), 9 895 (15.6%) and 4 620 (7.3%) deaths (constituent ratio) respectively. The top 3 risk factors of DALY were iron deficiency, alcohol use and drug use, causing 1 094 (8.1%), 487 (3.6%) and 220 thousand years (1.6%) DALY (constituent ratio) respectively. The top 3 risk factors of death were alcohol use, occupational injuries and drug use, causing 5 957 (9.4%), 1 523 (2.4%) and 810 (1.3%) deaths respectively. Conclusion: Unintentional injury was the top cause of DALY and death in Chinese adolescents, followed by skin and subcutaneous diseases and iron-deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency and alcohol use were the top two risk factors of DALY and death.

[Association between ribavirin plasma concentration and sustained virologic response in treatment of patients with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon-α-2b and ribavirin]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between the dose and plasma concentration of ribavirin (RBV) and sustained virologic response (SVR) during the anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment with pegylated interferon-α-2b (PEG-IFN-α-2b) and RBV.

METHODS

A total of 40 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) who were treated with PEG-IFN-α-2b and RBV as the antiviral treatment were enrolled, and according to the therapeutic effect (SVR was defined as HCV RNA maintained below the lower limit of detection at 24 weeks after drug discontinuation in patients who achieved virologic response at the end of treatment, and recurrence was defined as HCV RNA turning positive), these patients were divided into SVR group (20 patients aged 19-55 years, including 10 male patients) and recurrence group (20 patients aged 21-76 years, including 12 male patients). The HPLC-MS/MS was used to measure the RBV plasma concentration at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 of treatment. The t-test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

During the antiviral treatment, the dose of RBV showed a significant difference between the two groups (15.01 ± 1.21 mg/kg vs 10.28 ± 2.81 mg/kg,t= 6.908,P= 0.000). The area under the ROC curve reached 0.96 (95%CI0.00-1.00,P= 0.000), suggesting that the dose of RBV had a high value in predicting SVR. When the dose of RBV was higher than 13.05 mg/kg (sensitivity 100%; specificity 85%), the possibility of achieving SVR was also increased. The RBV plasma concentrations in the SVR group at weeks 4,12, 24, and 48 of treatment were 1 894.8 ± 740.7 ng/ml, 2 029.9 ± 547.7 ng/ml, 2 011.8 ± 354.2 ng/ml, and2 093.5 ± 540.3 ng/ml, respectively, and those in the recurrence group were 1 223.1 ± 722.7 ng/ml, 1 286.9±685.4 ng/ml, 1304.7 ± 692.0 ng/ml, and 1 221.3 ± 655.3 ng/ml, respectively. The RBV plasma concentration at each time point showed significant differences between the two groups (t= 2.903,P= 0.006;t= 3.787,P= 0.001;t= 4.068,P= 0.000;t= 4.593,P= 0.000). The results of ROC analysis showed that the areas under the ROC curve at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 of treatment were 0.76 (95%CI0.61-0.92,P= 0.005), 0.83 (95%CI0.68-0.97,P= 0.000), 0.83 (95%CI0.69-0.98,P= 0.000), and 0.86 (95%CI0.72-1.00,P= 0.000), respectively, suggesting that the RBV plasma concentration had a high value in predicting SVR. When the cut-off values of RBV plasma concentration at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 of treatment were higher than 1262.5 ng/ml (sensitivity 90%; specificity 60%), 1432 ng/ml (sensitivity 100%; specificity 65%), 1427 ng/ml (sensitivity 100%; specificity 65%), and 1610 ng/ml (sensitivity 95%; specificity 80%), respectively, there was a greater possibility of achieving SVR.

CONCLUSION

During the antiviral treatment with PEG-IFN-α-2b and RBV, the dose and plasma concentration of RBV have a high value in predicting the recurrence of CHC and the possibility of SVR.

[Prevalence of myopia and increase trend in children and adolescents aged 7-18 years in Han ethnic group in China, 2005-2014]

Objective: To understand and evaluate the prevalence of myopia and its trend in children and adolescents aged 7-18 years in Han ethnic group in China from 2005 to 2014, and provide evidence for the prevention of myopia. Methods: The data of 2005, 2010 and 2014 Chinese National Students Constitution and Health Surveys were collected. The children and adolescents with complete detection data of binoculus were selected as study subjects. The sample size of three studies were 233 108, 215 319 and 212 743, respectively. The method of curve fitting was used to simulate the myopia detection increase model and analyze the gender and area specific myopia detection increase trends and characteristics from 2005 to 2014. Results: The overall myopia detection rate increased gradually in the children and adolescents aged 7 to 18, which was 47.5% in 2005, 55.5% in 2010 and 57.1% in 2014, respectively. The increase slowed in 2014. A"parabola" shape of myopia detection increase rate was observed. Myopia detection rate increased with age before puberty and decreased with age after puberty gradually. A"cross phenomenon" of myopia detection increase was observed in boys and girls between urban and rural areas. The increase of myopia detection was mainly in urban students before puberty and in rural students after puberty. The age of myopia prevalence peak has become earlier constantly in children and adolescents aged 7-18 years from 2005 to 2014, which was 13 years old in 2005, 12 years old in 2010 and 11 years old in 2014. The increase rate was about 7%. During 2005-2014, the increase rate of myopia detection gradually increased in younger students and tended to zero in older students. Conclusion: The detection rate of myopia was still high in children and adolescents in China. The age of myopia prevalence peak has become earlier gradually.

[Analysis of hemoglobin level and anemia prevalence in students aged 7-14 years in China, 2014]

Objective: To analyze the level of hemoglobin level and the prevalence of anemia in students aged 7-14 years in China. Methods: According to the 2010 Chinese National Surveys on Students'Constitution and Health, 71 130 students who were aged 7, 9, 12 and 14 years and had received hemoglobin test were sampled as the subjects, WHO anemia diagnostic criteria was used to explore the hemoglobin level and the prevalence of anemia. Results: The mean concentrations of hemoglobin were (129.25±11.37) g/L, (131.04±11.08) g/L, (135.02±12.12) g/L and (138.47±13.97) g/L and the prevalence of anemia was 9.0%, 6.5%, 8.6% and 7.7% respectively in 7, 9, 12 and 14 years old students. The prevalence of anemia was 9.7% in girls, significant higher than that in boys (6.2%), and 8.8% in rural students, significantly higher than that in urban students (7.1%). The hemoglobin levels were (133.19±12.56) g/L, (133.28±12.76) g/L, (134.24±12.73) g/L and (133.79±12.16) g/L and the prevalence of anemia were 8.8%, 8.3%, 6.7% and 5.9% respectively in thin, normal, overweight and fat students, there were significant differences among four groups. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia in students aged 7-14 years in China was still high, and there was significant differences among different gender, area, age and nutritional status groups.

[Analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of metabolic syndrome among 10-16 adolescents in 7 provinces in China, 2012]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among children and adolescents aged 10-16 years old in 7 provinces in China. Methods: Using the method of stratified cluster random sampling, 93 primary and secondary schools were selected from Guangdong, Hunan, Liaoning, Shanghai, Chongqing, Tianjin, and Ningxia provinces in China. A total of 9 296 students aged 10-16 years old with complete physical and biochemical parameters were selected as the subjects of the present study from above 93 primary and secondary schools. MS was determined using the definition of 'guideline of 2010 Chinese children and adolescents MS definition and treatment'. The standardized age-sex composition of the 2010 census was used to standardize the MS detection rate of every province. Chi-square test was used to compare the difference of MS prevalence among participants with different characteristics. Results: The prevalence of MS was 4.1% (384/9 296) among children and adolescents aged 10-16 years old in 7 provinces in China. The prevalence of MS among males was 5.0% (237/4 754), which was significantly higher than females (3.2%) (147/4 542) (P<0.05). Stratified by nutrition conditions, the prevalence of MS was 0, 0.6% (39/6 733), 8.9% (104/1 170), 30.0% (241/803) for thin, normal weight, overweight, and obese population, respectively. The MS prevalence increased with the increase of body mass index (BMI) (P<0.001). Stratified by provinces, the prevalence of MS was the highest in Tianjin (9.2%) and the lowest in Hunan province (0.8%). Conclusion: The prevalence of MS was high among children and adolescents aged 10-16 years old in 7 provinces in China. MS prevalence among males was higher than females; MS prevalence among overweight/obese population was higher than normal weight population. The detection rate of metabolic syndrome was different in different provinces.

Effect of CT digital image compression on detection of coronary artery calcification

Purpose: To test the effect of digital compression of CT images on the detection of small linear or spotted high attenuation lesions such as coronary artery calcification (CAC).

Material and Methods: Fifty cases with and 50 without CAC were randomly selected from a population that had undergone spiral CT of the thorax for screening lung cancer. CT image data were compressed using JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) or wavelet algorithms at ratios of 10:1, 20:1 or 40:1. Five radiologists reviewed the uncompressed and compressed images on a cathode-ray-tube. Observer performance was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results: CT images compressed at a ratio as high as 20:1 were acceptable for primary diagnosis of CAC. There was no significant difference in the detection accuracy for CAC between JPEG and wavelet algorithms at the compression ratios up to 20:1. CT images were more vulnerable to image blurring on the wavelet compression at relatively lower ratios, and "blocking" artifacts occurred on the JPEG compression at relatively higher ratios.

Conclusion: JPEG and wavelet algorithms allow compression of CT images without compromising their diagnostic value at ratios up to 20:1 in detecting small linear or spotted high attenuation lesions such as CAC, and there was no difference between the two algorithms in diagnostic accuracy.

Effects of JPEG and wavelet compression of spiral low-dose CT images on detection of small lung cancers

Purpose: To compare the effect of compression of spiral low-dose CT images by the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) and wavelet algorithms on detection of small lung cancers.

Material and Methods: Low-dose spiral CT images of 104 individuals (52 with peripheral lung cancers smaller than 20 mm and 52 control subjects) were used. The original images were compressed using JPEG or wavelet algorithms at a ratio of 10:1 or 20:1. Five radiologists interpreted these images and evaluated the image quality on a high-resolution CRT monitor. Observer performance was studied by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results: There was no significant difference in the detection of cancers measuring 6 to 15 mm in uncompressed images and in those compressed by either of the algorithms, although the quality of images compressed at 20:1 with the wavelet algorithm was somewhat inferior. A lower diagnostic accuracy was noted using images compressed by the JPEG or wavelet algorithms at 20:1 in detecting lung cancers measuring 6 to 10 mm and cancers measuring from 6 to 15 mm with ground-glass opacity.

Conclusion: Compression of low-dose CT images at a ratio of 10:1 using JPEG and wavelet algorithms does not compromise the detection rate of small lung cancers.

Cytotoxic diterpenoids from Salvia yunnanensis

Forty-six abietane type diterpenoids possessing nine different fused ring systems were characterized from the roots of Salvia yunnanensis, six of which (salyunnanins A-F, 1-6) had different nor-abietane, homo-abietane, seco-abietane, and normal abietane architectures. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive NMR and MS spectroscopic analyses. The inhibitory activities of these isolates against six human tumor lines were tested in vitro. Several of the compounds exhibited substantial cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 0.86-10.1μM.

[Chemical constituents of Dipsacus asper]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents of Dipsacus asper.

METHODS

Column chromatography on Silica gel and RP-C18 were applied for isolation and purification of the constituents. Their structures were identified by spectral and chemical methods.

RESULTS

From the crude MeOH fraction of Dipsacus asper, 12 compounds were isolated and identified as Sucrose (1), beta-sitosterol (2), Oleanic acid (3), Triplostoside A (4), Loganin (5), Loganin acid (6), Sweroside (7), Epi-vogeloside ( 8), Vogeloside (9), Akebiasaponin D(10), Cauloside A(11),7-Deoxyloganic acid (12).

CONCLUSION

Compounds 8, 9, 12 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Effect of Astragalus saponin on vascular endothelial cell and its function in burn patients]

OBJECTIVE

To study the protective effect of Astragalus saponin (AS) on vascular endothelial cell (VEC) in burn patients.

METHODS

Eighty burn patients were divided randomly into 2 groups, the AS group and the burn control group. Blood level of circulatory endothelial cell (CEC), endothelin (ET), nitric oxide (NO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were determined before treatment and 1 day, 5, 10 and 21 days after treatment, and compared with those in 10 healthy persons as a normal control group.

RESULTS

All the parameters determined in the AS group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group. But as compared with the burn control group, the parameters in the AS group after treatment were all lower significantly.

CONCLUSION

AS has definite protective effect on VEC from injury by burn, it could also improve the function of myocardial and liver cell, alleviate the general inflammatory response simultaneously.

A study on pathogenicity of hepatitis G virus

AIM: To study the pathogenicity of hepatitis G virus (HGV) and observe the genesis and pathological process of hepatitis G.

METHODS: HGV-RNA in serum was detected by RT-PCR assay. The immunohistochemical assays of liver tissue were performed with HGV monocoloned antibody (McAb) expressed from the region of HGV NS5 nucleic acid sequence. The clinical and pathological data of 52 patients with hepatitis G were discussed. In animal experiment, the Chinese Rhesus monkeys were infected with the serum of a patient with HGV infection. And the dynamic changes in serology and liver histology of animals were observed.

RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-four patients with HGV-RNA positive were selected from 1552 patients with various kinds of hepatitis. Of 154 patients with HGV infection, 52 were infected with HGV only, which accounted for 33.8% (52/154) and 102 with positive HGV-RNA were super-infected with other hepatitis viruses, which accounted for 66.2% (102/154). The clinical and pathological observation showed that the acute and chronic hepatitis could be induced by HGV. The slight abnormality of transaminases ALT and AST in serum of monkeys lasted nearly 12 months and histological results showed a series of pathological changes.

CONCLUSION: HGV is a hepatotropic virus and has pathogenicty.

High-resolution CT analysis of small peripheral lung adenocarcinomas revealed on screening helical CT

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between high-resolution CT morphologic features of small peripheral lung adenocarcinomas and tumor growth patterns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined high-resolution CT morphologic features of 59 small, surgically resected peripheral lung adenocarcinomas (diameter, 6-20 mm) that were detected on screening for lung cancer using low-dose helical CT. Among these adenocarcinomas, 14 (24%) were visible and 45 (76%) were invisible on conventional chest radiography. The correlation between high-resolution CT morphologic features and tumor growth patterns was analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixteen (94%) of 17 type A (Noguchi's classification) adenocarcinomas appeared as nodules of pure ground-glass attenuation (high-resolution CT type I). Ten (71%) of 14 type B tumors appeared as heterogeneous, low-attenuation nodules (type II). Seven (29%) of 24 type C tumors appeared as nodules with ground-glass attenuation in the periphery and a high-density central zone (type III), and 12 (50%) of 24 type C tumors appeared as homogeneous nodules with soft-tissue density (type IV). Among tumors with a replacement growth pattern, the size and CT values of type C tumors were larger than those of type A or type B tumors (p < 0.05), whereas the percentage of ground-glass attenuation and retained air space in type C tumors was smaller than those in type A or type B tumors (p < 0.01). All (100%) four type D tumors appeared to be homogeneous nodules with soft-tissue density (type IV).

CONCLUSION

Small peripheral lung adenocarcinomas shown on CT exhibit four high-resolution CT patterns that corresponded to the histopathologic findings of different tumor growth patterns.

Atypical adenomatous hyperplasia of the lung: correlation between high-resolution CT findings and histopathologic features

We describe herein the CT features of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) of the lung and its histopathological characteristics. Among 17,919 individuals screened for lung cancer by CT scanning, ten AAH nodules were detected in nine asymptomatic subjects. On high-resolution CT, the lesions measured from 6 x 6 mm to 15 x 17 mm and their CT number ranged from -500 to -760 HU. The AAHs appeared as round nodules with smooth and distinct borders and showed a ground-glass opacity. Plain chest radiographs failed to identify all lesions. Histopathologically, AAH lesions showed atypical epithelial cell proliferation along slightly thickened alveolar septa. Whereas it is often easy to differentiate these nodules from inflammatory and benign lung lesions, histopathological examination remains at present the only method to differentiate AAH from lung cancers.

Correlation between high-resolution computed tomographic, magnetic resonance and pathological findings in cases with non-cancerous but suspicious lung nodules

Computed tomography scans, including thin-section high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), occasionally fail to differentiate between small non-cancerous nodules from lung cancers. We describe nine such lesions ( < 20 mm in diameter) initially identified through our screening program for lung cancer using CT scanning. Pathological diagnoses included nodular fibrosis (n = 4), granuloma (n = 1), cryptococcoma (n = 1), localised organising pneumonia (n = 1), inflammatory pseudo-tumour (n = 1) and sclerosing haemangioma (n = 1). High-resolution CT findings, together with MRI findings with contrast-enhanced dynamic studies, were retrospectively evaluated. Additional cases should be identified and radiologically characterised in order to reduce the number of non-cancerous tumours that are treated by unnecessary surgery.

Visibility of small peripheral lung cancers on chest radiographs: influence of densitometric parameters, CT values and tumour type

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of tumour density and tumour type on the visibility of small peripheral lung cancers on chest radiographs. We retrospectively evaluated the visibility of 63 small (< or = 20 mm) peripheral lung cancers on chest radiographs. 48 (76%) were detected in our low dose CT screening for lung cancer and 15 (24%) in routine clinical examination. Analysis was based on tumour optical contrast, gradient at the tumour margin, CT values and tumour type. There were 31 (49%) visible cancers and 32 (51%) invisible cancers on chest radiographs. Visible tumours had an optical density of 0.1-0.3 OD and a gradient of 0.03-0.11 OD mm-1. The mean size of visible tumour (14.3 mm) was larger than that of invisible tumour (11.1 mm; p < 0.001). The mean CT value (-140 HU) of visible tumour was higher than that of invisible tumour (-490 HU; p < 0.001). The detection rates of adenocarcinomas with lepidic growth (0% for type A, 29% for type B and 68% for type C) were less than those with hilic growth (100% for types D-F). All squamous and small cell carcinomas with hilic growth were visible on chest radiographs, but the numbers of each were small. In summary, tumour type influenced the contrast, gradient, CT values and margin of the tumour. Small adenocarcinomas with a lepidic tumour growth were less well seen on chest radiographs compared with small lung cancers with hilic tumour growth.

Results of three-year mass screening programme for lung cancer using mobile low-dose spiral computed tomography scanner

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of annual screening for lung cancer by low-dose computed tomography (CT) and the characteristics of identified lung cancers. Subjects consisted of 5483 general population aged 40-74 years, who received initial CT scans in 1996, followed by repeat annual scans for most subjects in 1997 and 1998, with a total of 13 786 scans taken during 1996-1998. Work-up examinations for patients with suspicious lesions were conducted using diagnostic CTs. The initial screening in 1996 detected suspicious nodules in 279 (5.1%) of 5483 subjects, and 22 (8%) were confirmed surgically to have lung cancer. Corresponding figures in 1997 and 1998 screening studies were 173 (3.9%) of 4425 and 25 (14%) of 173, and 136 (3.5%) of 3878 and 9 (7%) of 136, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of detecting surgically confirmed lung cancer were 55% (22/40) and 95% (4960/5199) in 1996 and 83% (25/30) and 97% (4113/4252) in 1997 screening, respectively. 88% (55/60) of lung cancers identified on screening and surgically confirmed were AJCC stage IA. Our trial allowed detection of nearly 11 times the expected annual number of early lung cancers. Repeat CT allowed the detection of more aggressive, rapidly growing lung cancers, compared to those in the initial screening.

Growth rate of small lung cancers detected on mass CT screening

CT has recently been used in mass screening for lung cancer. Small cancers have been identified but the growth characteristics of these lesions are not fully understood. We identified 82 primary cancers in our 3-year mass CT screening programme, of which 61 were examined in the present study. The volume doubling time (VDT) was calculated based on the exponential model using successive annual CT images or follow-up CT images. All cases were also examined in the hospital by high resolution CT (HRCT). Lesions were divided into three types based on HRCT characteristics: type G (n = 19), ground glass opacity (GGO); type GS (n = 19), focal GGO with a solid central component; and type S (n = 23), solid nodule. 18 (95%) lesions of type G, 18 (95%) of type GS and 7 (30%) of type S were invisible on conventional chest radiographs. The mean size of the tumour was 10 mm, 11 mm and 16 mm for type G, type GS and type S, respectively. Most tumours (80%) were adenocarcinomas; 78% of these were GGO (type G and GS). Mean VDT values were 813 days, 457 days and 149 days for type G, type GS and type S, respectively; these are significantly different from each other (p < 0.05). Our results show that annual mass screening CT for 3 successive years resulted in the identification of a large number of slowly growing adenocarcinomas that were not visible on chest radiographs.

Rapidly growing small peripheral lung cancers detected by screening CT: correlation between radiological appearance and pathological features

12 peripheral small lung cancers (< 20 mm) of rapid growth (volume doubling time < 150 days), detected by repeated low dose CT screening, were evaluated to examine their CT features and to correlate such features with histopathological findings. Each patient's CT images, including follow-up and thin section CT images, were studied retrospectively to determine tumour growth rate and CT morphological features. Nine of the tumours exhibited a solid tumour growth pattern: seven of these showed a well defined, homogeneous, soft tissue density with spicular or lobulated margin. These seven tumours included small cell lung cancer (n = 3), moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (n = 2), poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (n = 1) and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1). The other two tumours, a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and a well differentiated adenocarcinoma, appeared as irregular, soft tissue density nodules with poorly defined margins. The latter exhibited an air bronchogram pattern and a small cavity. The remaining three tumours exhibited a lepidic tumour growth pattern. They showed ground glass opacity or ground glass opacity with a higher density central zone on CT images and were well differentiated adenocarcinomas. In conclusion, most peripheral small lung cancers of rapid growth were adenocarcinomas. They also included small cell lung cancer and squamous cell carcinoma. The majority showed solid tumour growth pattern and lacked an air bronchogram and/or small air spaces in the nodule. Some well differentiated adenocarcinomas with lepidic tumour growth pattern also showed rapid growth.

Effect of CT digital image compression on detection of coronary artery calcification

PURPOSE

To test the effect of digital compression of CT images on the detection of small linear or spotted high attenuation lesions such as coronary artery calcification (CAC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty cases with and 50 without CAC were randomly selected from a population that had undergone spiral CT of the thorax for screening lung cancer. CT image data were compressed using JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) or wavelet algorithms at ratios of 10:1, 20:1 or 40:1. Five radiologists reviewed the uncompressed and compressed images on a cathode-ray-tube. Observer performance was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic analysis.

RESULTS

CT images compressed at a ratio as high as 20:1 were acceptable for primary diagnosis of CAC. There was no significant difference in the detection accuracy for CAC between JPEG and wavelet algorithms at the compression ratios up to 20:1. CT images were more vulnerable to image blurring on the wavelet compression at relatively lower ratios, and "blocking" artifacts occurred on the JPEG compression at relatively higher ratios.

CONCLUSION

JPEG and wavelet algorithms allow compression of CT images without compromising their diagnostic value at ratios up to 20:1 in detecting small linear or spotted high attenuation lesions such as CAC, and there was no difference between the two algorithms in diagnostic accuracy.

Characteristics of small lung cancers invisible on conventional chest radiography and detected by population based screening using spiral CT

Conventional chest radiography (CXR) is a poor diagnostic tool for detecting lung cancers at a surgically curable stage. To determine the visibility of peripheral small lung cancers on CXR, we retrospectively examined the usefulness of CXR using a consecutive series of 44 cases detected on CT screening and later confirmed by histopathology. All cases had been detected by low dose CT during a population based screening trial for lung cancer. The control group consisted of 48 chest radiographs of normal subjects. Tumour diameters ranged from 6 mm to 45 mm, with 95% (42/44) < or = 20 mm, and 5% (2/44) > 20 mm. CXR failed to detect 77% (34/44) of all cancers, including 79% (33/42) < or = 20 mm and 50% (1/2) > 20 mm. Of the 42 lung cancers < or = 20 mm, 74% (31/42) were located in the well penetrated lung zones and 71% (22/31) of these were missed on CXR. 26% (11/42) were concealed by hilar vessels, mediastinum, heart or diaphragm, and all (11/11) of these were missed on CXR. 93% (39/42) of the lung cancers < or = 20 mm were adenocarcinomas and 79% (31/39) of these were missed on CXR. 7% (3/42) were epidermoid carcinomas or small cell carcinomas and 66% (2/3) of these were missed on CXR. The overall accuracy of interpretation on CXR for lung cancers was 61%, sensitivity was 23% and specificity 96%. Although there was an association between presence of lung cancer and positive reading of CXR (chi 2 test of association, p < 0.05), the percentage of positive readings was only 23%. Thus, CXR was poor at visualizing CT detectable lung cancers of < or = 20 mm diameter, which are usually of very low density, and cannot be relied upon for detection of surgically curable small lung cancer.

Detection of small peripheral lung cancer by digital chest radiography. Performance of unprocessed versus unsharp mask-processed images

PURPOSE

To clarify whether processed digital chest radiography can improve the detection rate for small peripheral lung cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Five radiologists independently interpreted 54 digitized chest radiographs of 18 patients with small peripheral lung cancers measuring less than 20 mm, which were displayed following 3 types of digital processing: 1) an original version; 2) unsharp mask processing with a type 1 filter (very low-frequency-enhancing, mid-frequency-suppressing, and high-frequency-enhancing filter); and 3) unsharp mask processing with a type 2 filter (very low- and high-frequency-enhancing filter). A total of 1,620 pooled observations were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

The mean area under the ROC curves was 0.68 for the type 1 filter, 0.68 for the type 2 filter, and 0.65 for the unprocessed (original) image. There were no statistically significant differences among these 3 kinds of image processing (p>0.05). In all types of images, the small lung cancer with an alveolar lining tumor growth was less visible than a solid tumor growth (p<0.01); the sensitivity increased with tumor size when the 3 groups of cancers, those measuring less than 10 mm, 11-15 mm, and 16-20 mm, were compared (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Unsharp mask-image processing of digital chest radiography will not improve the detection rate of small peripheral lung cancer, probably due to a substantial drawback: the limited conspicuity of cancer lesions in the surrounding lung and superposition of structures.

Tuberculosis versus lymphomas in the abdominal lymph nodes: evaluation with contrast-enhanced CT

OBJECTIVE

Tuberculosis in the abdominal lymph nodes may be difficult to distinguish from lymphomas. This study evaluated specific CT imaging criteria for differentiating these entities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the anatomic distribution and CT enhancement patterns of disease in 69 patients, 26 (38%) with tuberculosis and 43 (62%) with untreated lymphomas involving abdominal lymph nodes. Of the patients with tuberculosis, five (19%) had disseminated disease and 21 (81%) had nondisseminated disease. Of the patients with lymphomas, 16 (37%) had Hodgkin's disease and 27 (63%) had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

RESULTS

Disseminated and nondisseminated tuberculosis involved predominantly lesser omental, mesenteric, anterior pararenal, and upper paraaortic lymph nodes. Lower paraaortic lymph nodes were involved more often in Hodgkin's disease (15 patients [94%]), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (24 patients [89%]), and disseminated tuberculosis (five patients [100%]) than in nondisseminated tuberculosis (one patient [5%]). Mesenteric lymph nodes were involved more often in disseminated tuberculosis (four patients [80%]) and nondisseminated tuberculosis (11 patients [52%]) than in Hodgkin's disease (one patient [6%]) (p < .01). Anatomic distribution was not different between disseminated tuberculosis and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Tuberculous lymphadenopathy commonly showed peripheral enhancement, frequently with a multilocular appearance, whereas lymphomatous adenopathy characteristically showed homogeneous attenuation (14 patients [87.5%] with Hodgkin's disease and 19 patients [70%] with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma [p < .01]).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that the anatomic distribution and specific enhancement patterns of lymphadenopathy seen on contrast-enhanced CT can be useful in differentiating between tuberculosis and untreated lymphomas of the abdominal lymph nodes.

[An epidemiological study on influenza pandemic]

A cross-sectional epidemiological study on "the relationship between five variables [Fish, Pig, Duck, Chicken and Integrated Fish Farming (IFF)] and influenza pandemic" was carried out in 697 disease surveillance spots in the rural areas of Shandong & Henan provides. Results suggested that ducks might have played an important role in the ecology of influenza. Pigs did not seem to be a greater culprit in ecology of influenza but gave the inconsistent view with the hypothesis that IFF could lead to human influenza pandemic.

[The relationship between integrated fish farming and human influenza pandemic]

The study was carried out for reviewing the hypothesis on the relationship between integrated fish farming (IFF) and human influenza A pandemic using study methods of longitudinal epidemiology, ecology and serology. Four rural villages with IFF, non-IFF and non-fish farming, selected from two provinces (Henan and Shandong of PRC) were investigated for the status about human influenza A epidemic and infections with human, duck, swine influenaz A viruses in those communities. The results put forward views on that there is no relation between IFF and the increase of incidence rate, infection rate and antibodies level to human influenza A virus. Duck may play an important role in the increase of infection rate to human influenza A viruses among human communities. Pigs seem not to play obvious role in the increase of infection rate to human influenza A viruses among human communities. Human, duck, swine influenza A viruses may spread among human duck and pigs communities interchangably.

Peritoneal reflections of left perihepatic region: radiologic-anatomic study

To clarify the anatomy of the peritoneal reflections of the left perihepatic region, the authors examined 95 cadavers. Thirty-eight were studied radiographically, 37 with sagittal dissection, and 20 with transverse dissection. In over 80% of the cadavers, the left triangular ligament of the liver separated the left suprahepatic space into anterior and posterior sections. The lesser omentum extended to the diaphragm, where its anterior layer reflected and continued as the posterior layer of the left triangular ligament. Thus, the posterior left suprahepatic space and the lesser sac were clearly separated by the lesser omentum and the stomach and over-lapped each other in three dimensions. The posterior left suprahepatic space was located anterosuperior to the lesser sac and in turn was continuous with the gastrohepatic space inferiorly. Carefully researched diagrams of both the midline sagittal and left parasagittal perihepatic spaces were developed. This information has clinical value when the radiologist is called on to drain a left perihepatic abscess.

Immunophenotyping of 515 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in China

Using cell surface markers and a panel of monoclonal antibodies, 515 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were immunophenotyped. T cell type ALL (T-ALL), non-T cell type ALL (Non-T-ALL) including common ALL (C-ALL), Null-ALL and B cell type ALL (B-ALL) were found. These major subtypes of ALL were further divided according to their phenotypes in detail. It was noticed that the phenotypes of these subtypes of ALL reflected basically the phenotypes of normal T or B cells at various differentiation stages or certain population of lymphocytes. The diagnosis of cell lineage was more precise when based on immunophenotyping than morphological description. The combination of morphological and immunological classification can improve the diagnosis of acute leukemias. In addition, it was observed that the immunophenotyping was relevant to clinicopathologic features, responses to therapy and prognosis of ALL patients. The incidences of major subtypes of ALL, the age distribution of ALL subsets and male sex bias with T-ALL in Chinese are discussed.