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Volume 24 ， Issue 4 ， 2009
- Abstract：Objective:To provide practical and surgical anatomy for the imaging diagnosis and surgical treatment of the disease of the caudate lobe of the liver. Methods: Based on Chinese Visible Human 1-5 data sets and assisted by 3D visualization and reconstruction, the 3D models of the upper abdomen or the liver were reconstructed and the cross-sectional images were converted to the coronal and sagittal images. The anatomy of the caudate lobe of the liver on the coronal and sagittal planes was investigated on serial planes of the upper abdomen. Results: The caudate lobe was bordered on the left by the fissura ligamenti venosi, posteriorly by the IVC, superiorly by the hepatic veins and inferiorly by the hepatic hilum. Its right and ventral borders might be obscure, with only relative borders existent. The right wall of the IVC was a good landmark to judge the relative realm of paracaval portion, and the relative ventral plane might exist between the hepatic hilum and entrance of hepatic veins. The caudate lobe could be divided into two principal regions: the left Spiegel lobe and the right paracaval portion. The caudate process, and the right rear process occurring in some individuals belonged to the right paracaval portion. The caudate lobe was blood supplied by the portal vein, which directly drained into the IVC. Conclusion: There are not definite borders for the right part of the caudate lobe, and most of the knowledge on it is based on the cast study, which may not suit for the clinical diagnosis and practice. The coronal and sagittal sections can better show the anatomic relationships between the caudate lobe, the other parts of the liver and the adjacent structures. The 3D digital visualization is an accurate and convenient study method for clinical anatomy.0|14|0Updated：2026-03-12
- Abstract：Atrial fibrillation （AF） is the most common arrhythmia with multi-factorial pathogenesis. A number of studies of genetic epidemiology have assessed the association of G112A （G38S） single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） in Mink gene with AF in different populations. However, the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. We performed a Meta-analysis of the association between G112A polymorphisms of MinK gene and AF to estimate the magnitude of the gene effect. Six case-control studies with a combined 854 cases and 1079 controls were summarized. Subgroups in different races were separately analyzed. Heterogeneity and publication bias were also explored. When all groups were pooled, the individuals with G allele had an over 40% higher risk of AF compared with individuals with the A allele. The GG genotype （versus AA genotype） was found to be significant association with increased AF risk. The significant associations were also found in both dominant and recessive genetic model. For subgroup analysis, the results were consistent with above, except that the pooled OR for Chinese population was not significant in a recessive genetic model. In conclusion, G112A polymorphisms in Mink gene may have an important effect on the pathogenesis of AF. This warrants further investigation in large multi-center studies with precise design.0|21|0Updated：2026-03-12
- Abstract：Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect of mycophenolate mofetil on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG-2. Methods: HepG-2 cells were cultured in the presence of the different concentrations of mycophenolate mofetil in vitro. MTT assay was used to analyze the inhibition of cell viability conferred by mycophenolate mofetil. Cell apoptosis was observed using Hoechst33258 staining, and the percentage of HepG-2 cells at different cell cycles was determined through flow cytometry. The ability of cell adhesion was evaluated by in vitro adhesion assay. Gene expressions of factors （ICAM-1 and VCAM-1） were detected by RT-PCR. Results: Mycophenolate mofetil significantly inhibited the growth of HepG-2 cells by inducing the apoptosis of cells and this drug also inhibited the adhesion of HepG-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Marked morphological changes characterized in cell apoptosis were demonstrated through Hoechst33258 staining. In addition, mycophenolate mofetil decreased the proportion of S phase cells and increased that of G0/G1 phase cells. [3H]-Thymidine uptake assay indicated that the application of mycophenolate mofetil at different concentrations significantly inhibited the cell proliferation. RT-PCR identified the expression levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 genes in liver cancer cells after cultured for 72 h with different concentrations of drug. An inverse relationship was found between the expressions of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and drug concentrations. Conclusion: Mycophenolate mofetil has remarkable inhibitory effect on hepatocarcinoma HepG-2 cells.0|13|0Updated：2026-03-12
- Abstract：Objective:To investigate the ectoparasite communities on Tupaia belangeri （T. belangeri） in the surrounding areas of Erhai Lake and their potential importance in medical and veterinary science. Methods: Different locations in surrounding areas of Erhai Lake in Yunnan were selected as the investigation spots. T. belangeri were randomly captured with baited mouse cages and then brought to the laboratory for identification according to their body shape, size and color, and measurements such as the lengths of their body, ear and hind feet. Ectoparasites on them were collected and identified to determine the species under microscope after specimens were mounted on slides, with the clearing and drying process completed. The constituent ratio （C）, prevalence （P） and average ectoparasite abundance （A） were used to test the prevalence and density of ectoparasites; Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to test the differences in the abundance and richness of ectoparasites between female and male hosts; Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between ectoparasites and the body parameters of hosts. Results: There was very high species diversity of ectoparasites found on T. belangeri and some species of ectoparasites were reported associated with human diseases. A high proportion （88%） of 107 T. belangeri was found to be infested with ectoparasites. A total of 75 species of ectoparasites on them were collected, including 58 species of chigger mite, 12 species of gamasid mite, 4 species of flea and 1 species of sucking louse. Within this ectoparasite complex, 13 species were previously reported to be vectors of human disease agents. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-tests showed significant differences between male and female T. belangeri in terms of the abundance and richness of total ectoparasites. However, the species richness and abundance of chigger mites, sucking lice, fleas or gamasid mites presented no significant differences between male and female hosts. Spearman correlation analysis showed that none of correlations were observed between host body parameters with abundance and richness of total ectoparasites, chigger mites, suckinglice, fleas or gamatid mites. Conclusion: The results suggest that there is very high species diversity of ectoparasites on T. belangeri, consisting mainly of communities of sucking lice, fleas, chiggers and gamasid mites.0|26|1Updated：2026-03-12
- Abstract：Objective:To study the characteristics of drug-resistant genetic mutation of rpoB on coal workers’ pneumoconiosis complicated with L-form of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Methods: A total of 42 clinical isolated strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis L-forms were collected, including 31 drug-resistant strains. Their genomes DNA were extracted, the target genes were amplified by PCR, and the hot regions in the rpoB gene were analyzed by automated DNA sequenator. Results: No mutation of rpoB gene was identified in 11 rifampicin-sensitive strains while conformation changes were found in 31 rifampicin-resistant strains. The mutation rate was 93.55% （29/31） in resistant strains, mainly concentrated in codon 531 （51.6%, 16/31） and 526 （32.26%, 10/31）. Base substitutions happened, including 27 unit point mutation and 2 two point mutation. The mutation of codon 516 that new found wasn’t reported by internal and overseas scholars. Conclusion: The substitution of highly conserved amino acids encoded by rpoB gene results in the molecular mechanism responsible for rifampicin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis L-forms. It also proves that rpoB gene is diversiform.0|12|2Updated：2026-03-12
- Abstract：Objective:To clarify anatomy-related factors in the cervical spine with subsidence of titanium mesh cage （TMC） after one-level cervical corpectomy and fusion. The effect of the cervical posture, segmental curvature and endplate gradient on this postoperative phenomenon was evaluated. Methods: Between August 2003 and March 2006, a total of the 236 patients underwent one-level corpectomy and TMC fusion. Their radiological examinations were reviewed and clinical outcomes evaluated. Results: In the patients who were followed up for 12 months, TMC subsidence occurred in 54 （28.6%） cases. C6 corpectomy had a significant higher risk （26/60, 43.3%） for TMC subsidence, which was correlated with the variation of the gradient of the vertebral endplates against cervical levels. Although the clinical outcome was comparable with those in the literature, the patients may have subsidence-related problems such as neck-shoulder pain, neurological deterioration and instrumental failure. Conclusion: To decrease the incidence of subsidence, TMC design should be optimized to be in line with anatomic characteristics of the cervical spine.0|7|0Updated：2026-03-12
- Abstract：Objective:Heart transplantation has become an effective therapy for patients with end stage heart failure. The preservation of the donor heart is an important factor that affects the results of the operation. We performed 3 cases of orthotopic heart transplantation and obtained some experience in the preservation of the donor heart. Methods: Three male patients with end stage heart failure received the operation in our department successfully. Doppler echocardiography showed left ventricular end diameter （LVED） of the patients were 91, 87, and 83 mm, and ejection fraction （EF） were 24%, 20%, 12.9%, respectively. Once the declaration of brain death had been made, the median sternotomy was performed with a sternal saw. Haparin at a dose of 300 U/kg of body weight was administered. After at least 2-min heparin circulation, the procurement proceeded. The superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava were nearly completely divided. When the heart was empty, the ascending aorta was cross-clamped and the St. Thomas solution was infused by gravity. The heart was excised by transection of the inferior vena cava, the superior vena cava and all pulmonary veins. After donor heart was removed, it was infused with University of Wisconsin （UW） solution by gravity at a temperature of 4-6 ℃, then placed in UW solution for storage during transportation. The temperature of solution was maintained at about 4-6 ℃. The ischemic times of donor heart were 9, 8 and 6 h, respectively. The bicaval anastomotic heart transplantation was adopted. The left atrial anastomoses were constructed using 3.0 polypropylene. The inferior vene cava anastomosis was constructed, the donor and native aorta were cut to an appropriate length. Then the aorta and main pulmonary artery anastomosis were performed respectively. The superior vene cava anastomosis was usually constructed during the rewarming phase. The intraoperative course with a cardiopulmonary bypass of the 3 patients was 96, 44 and 49 min, respectively. Standard triple immunosuppression therapy was commenced in the immediate post-operative period. Results: The operation procedure was smooth and no perioperative death occurred. The follow-up was carried out carefully. The patient’s condition was fine in 25, 30 and 32 months after operation. The blood pressure was 130/90, 140/95 and 120/80 mmHg, respectively, and LVED was 51, 49 and 53 mm; EF was 50%, 54% and 60%, respectively. Cardiothoracic ratio was 0.63, 0.55, and 0.64, respectively. Conclusion: Preservation time of donor heart with St. Thomas solution infusion and UW solution storage at 0-4 ℃ may exceed 6 h, and receive comparable middle-term outcomes.0|10|0Updated：2026-03-12
- Abstract：Objective:To establish a method of genomic DNA extraction from whole blood using Fe3O4/Au composite particles as a carrier. Methods: Two crucial conditions （sodium chloride concentration and amount of the magnetic particles） were optimized and 8 different human whole blood samples were used to purify genomic DNA under the optimal condition. Then agarose gel electrophoresis and polymerase chain reaction （PCR） were performed. Results: The optimal binding condition was 1.5 mol/L NaCl/10% PEG, and the optimal amount of Fe3O4/Au composite particles was 600 μg. The yields of the genomic DNA from 100 μl of different whole blood samples were 2-5 μg, and the ratio of A260/A280 was in the range of 1.70-1.90. The size of genomic DNA was about 23 kb and the PCR was valid. Conclusion: The purification system using Fe3O4/Au composite microparticles has advantages in high yield, high purity, ease of operating, time saving and avoiding centrifugation. The purified sample was found to function satisfactorily in PCR amplification.0|75|12Updated：2026-03-12
- Abstract：Chronic neuropathic pain is a refractory symptom in clinical practice due to nervous injury or inflammation, and affects millions of people all over the world. Although the neuronal functioning of pain pathways has been studied for many years, the induction and maintenance of this non-adaptive, pathological pain is still poorly understood. Recent evidence indicates that protease-activated receptors （PARs） participate in the initiation and maintenance of neuropathic pain and play a key role in mediating the interactions of nerve cells. Firstly, following nerve injury, alterations in neuron and neuron function induce an abnormal increase of some neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, such as substance P （SP）, calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP）, prostaglandins, kinins, and so on. Such abnormal factors can act on neuron reversely and then induce pain sensation directly, or activate glial cells （astrocytes and microglia） mediated by PARs, which trigger and accelerate the progress of neuropathic pain. Secondly, when the noxious factors invade, glial cells are activated as the first barrier of nervous system and secret many neuroinflammatory factors. These inflammatory factors have effects on PARs （especially PAR1 and PAR2） in the neurons around, and then aggravate the status of pain. Thirdly, in the progress of neuroinflammatory pain, microglia is activated first and initiates the status of pain, and then inflammatory factors and complements from microglia activate astrocytes and maintain or make the pain worse. All of these actions is protective to neurons first, but then turns to a kind of nociception and forms the feeling of pain under the continuous noxious stimuli. Conclusively, PARs may play an important role in the formation and maintenance of chronic pain through mediating the interactions among nerve cells, which may be a novel target in the study and control of neuropathic pain. This article focuses on recent developments of PARs in the progress of neuropathic pain, and provides a framework for addressing the major questions for the future.0|32|1Updated：2026-03-12
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