Detection of myeloma cell-derived microvesicles: a tool to monitor multiple myeloma load

The persistence of tumor load in multiple myeloma (MM) lead to relapse in patients achieving complete remission (CR). Appropriate and effective methods of myeloma tumor load monitoring are important for guiding clinical management. This study aimed to clarify the value of microvesicles in monitoring MM tumor load. Microvesicles in bone marrow and peripheral blood were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation and detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting was applied to assess myosin light chain phosphorylation levels. Flow cytometry to detect Ps⁺CD41a^-, Ps⁺CD41a^-CD138⁺, Ps⁺CD41a^-BCMA⁺ microvesicles from bone marrow can be used to predict myeloma burden, furthermore, Ps⁺CD41a^- microvesicles may as a potential index to MRD test. Mechanistically, the releasing of microvesicles from MM cell was regulated by Pim-2 Kinase via Phosphorylation of MLC-2 protein.

Application of a medical image processing system in liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

At present, imaging is used not only to show the form of images, but also to make three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions and visual simulations based on original data to guide clinical surgery. This study aimed to assess the use of a medical image-processing system in liver transplantation surgery.

METHODS

The data of abdominal 64-slice spiral CT scan were collected from 200 healthy volunteers and 37 liver cancer patients in terms of hepatic arterial phase, portal phase, and hepatic venous phase. A 3D model of abdominal blood vessels including the abdominal aorta system, portal vein system, and inferior vena cava system was reconstructed by an abdominal image processing system to identify vascular variations. Then, a 3D model of the liver was reconstructed in terms of hepatic segmentation and liver volume was calculated. The FreeForm modeling system with a PHANTOM force feedback device was used to simulate the real liver transplantation environment, in which the total process of liver transplantation was completed.

RESULTS

The reconstructed model of the abdominal blood vessels and the liver was clearly demonstrated to be three-dimensionally consistent with the anatomy of the liver, in which the variations of abdominal blood vessels were identified and liver segmentation was performed digitally. In the model, liver transplantation was simulated subsequently, and different modus operandi were selected successfully.

CONCLUSION

The digitized medical image processing system may be valuable for liver transplantation.

[Establishment of a three-dimensional pancreas model for simulating surgical resection of pancreatic tail carcinoma using virtual-reality technique]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of visual-reality technique for simulating surgical resection of pancreatic tail carcinoma using a 3-dimensional pancreas model reconstructed on the basis of the CT data.

METHODS

The original image data of 64-slice spiral CT was obtained from a patient with pancreatic tail carcinoma. Using adaptive region growing algorithm, the serial CT images were segmented and automatically extracted for 3-dimensional reconstruction of the pancreas and the anatomically related structures with a self-designed program. The model was then processed with Freeform Modeling System for image modification and smoothing. With the assistance of GHST SDK and PHANTOM software systems, preoperative simulation of surgical resection of the carcinoma was performed on the basis of the established pancreatic model.

RESULTS

The reconstructed 3-dimensional pancreatic model with the related structures clearly visualized the 3-dimensional structures of the pancreas, the pancreatic tail compromised by the carcinoma, and the adjacent organs, displaying also the distribution, courses and the anatomical relations of the ductal systems including the main pancreatic duct, abdominal aorta, portal vein system, and the biliary tract. During simulated surgery for pancreatic tail carcinoma resection, the GHOST SDK system allowed effective application of the virtual surgical instruments, and the use of PHANTOM software produced a surgical experience with high resemblance of that from an actual operation.

CONCLUSION

The serial CT data-based reconstruction of 3-dimensional pancreas model and simulated operation on this model using virtual-reality technique has great potentials for application in individualized surgical planning and surgical risk assessment in cases of pancreatic tail carcinoma, and also facilitates clinical training of the surgeons.