Effect of catgut implantation at acupoints for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a randomized, sham-controlled trial.

Background: The effect and safety of catgut implantation at acupoints o treat allergic rhinitis (ICD-10 code J30.4) remain controversial. Here, we used a sham catgut implantation group to determine whether catgut implantation at acupoints is an effective and safe treatment for allergic rhinitis.

A microfluidic gas damper for stabilizing gas pressure in portable microfluidic systems.

Pressure fluctuations, which invariably occur in microfluidic systems, usually result in the unstable fluid delivery in microfluidic channels. In this work, a novel microfluidic gas damper is proposed and applied for providing stable fluid-driving pressures. Then, a pressure-driven flow setup is constructed to investigate the gas damping characteristics of our damper.

Long-Term Outcomes of Hepatectomy for Bilateral Hepatolithiasis with Three-Dimensional Reconstruction: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

Purpose: Bilateral hepatolithiasis tends to show recurrent attacks, which may lead to liver damage and bile duct cancer. This study aimed to assess long-term outcome of hepatectomy for bilateral hepatolithiasis based on three-dimensional reconstruction.

Method: A total of 258 bilateral hepatolithiasis patients were enrolled in this retrospective study from January 2008 to October 2014.

Synthesis, biological activities and structure-activity relationships for new avermectin analogues.

In an effort to discover new molecules with good insecticidal activities, more than 40 new avermectin derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their biological activities against three species of arachnids, insects and nematodes, namely, Tetranychus Cinnabarinus, Aphis craccivora and Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. All the tested compounds showed potent inhibitory activities against three insect species. Notably, the majority of compounds exhibited high selectivity against T.

Fundamentals of elasto-inertial particle focusing in curved microfluidic channels.

Elasto-inertial focusing in viscoelastic fluids has attracted increasing interest in recent years due to its potential applications in particle counting and sorting. However, current investigations of the elasto-inertial focusing mechanisms have mainly been focused on simple straight channels with little attention being paid to curved channels. Herein, we experimentally explore the elasto-inertial focusing behaviors of particles in spiral microfluidic channels over a wide range of flow rates, channel aspect ratios and channel radii.

Core/shell Fe3O4/Gd2O3 nanocubes as T1-T2 dual modal MRI contrast agents.

T1-T2 dual modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has attracted considerable interest because it offers complementary diagnostic information, leading to more precise diagnosis. To date, a number of nanostructures have been reported as T1-T2 dual modal MR contrast agents (CAs). However, hybrids of nanocubes with both iron and gadolinium (Gd) elements as T1-T2 dual modal CAs have not been reported.

A Comparison between Three-Dimensional Visualization Guided Hepatectomy and Ultrasonography Guided Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma within the Milan Criteria.

Background. Treatment selection for small hepatocellular carcinoma (sHCC) is controversial. We aimed to compare the outcomes of medical imaging three-dimensional visualization system (MI-3DVS) guided surgical resection (SR) and ultrasonography guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for sHCC.

Individualized preoperative planning using three-dimensional modeling for Bismuth and Corlette type III hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Background: A detailed evaluation of blood supply anatomy, especially the biliary anatomy at the hepatic hilus, is essential to ensure a complete and curative resection for Bismuth and Corlette type III hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The study aimed to investigate the impact of individualized preoperative planning using 3D modeling on surgical treatment for type III hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients with type III hilar cholangiocarcinoma (n=47) who underwent surgery at the Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of Zhujiang Hospital between March 2007 and January 2015.

Illuminating necrosis: From mechanistic exploration to preclinical application using fluorescence molecular imaging with indocyanine green.

Tissue necrosis commonly accompanies the development of a wide range of serious diseases. Therefore, highly sensitive detection and precise boundary delineation of necrotic tissue via effective imaging techniques are crucial for clinical treatments; however, no imaging modalities have achieved satisfactory results to date. Although fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) shows potential in this regard, no effective necrosis-avid fluorescent probe has been developed for clinical applications.

Negative Correlation Between miR-326 and Ets-1 in Regulatory T Cells from new-Onset SLE Patients.

To analyze the relationship between miR-326 and Ets-1 mRNA levels in Treg cells and clinical manifestations in patients with SLE and explore the role of miR-326 and Ets-1 in the pathogenesis and activity of SLE. Twenty-five new-onset SLE patients without treatment, twenty-eight inactive SLE patients (SLEDA ≤ 4) and twenty-two healthy controls were included in the present study. Clinical data of SLE patients were recorded.

[Application of three-dimensional laparoscopic cholecystectomy for complicated gallstone disease].

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the treatment of complicated gallstone disease.

Methods: From March 2014 to March 2015, 46 patients underwent cholecystectomy for complicated gallstone disease under 3D laparoscopy (3D group) and 43 received 2D laparoscopic cholecystectomy (2D group). The surgical data including the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, the rate of conversion to open laparotomy, recovery time of postoperative bowel motion and hospital stay were compared between the 2 groups.

[Three-dimensional classification of the right portal vein and liver segmentation based on three-dimensional visualization technology].

Objective: To investigate the anatomy of right portal vein based on three-dimensional (3D) visualization technology and provide a morphological basis for computer-assisted individualized liver segmentation and anatomical hepatectomy.

Methods: Liver CT data of 83 cases were segmented and reconstructed using the medical image three-dimensional visualization system (MI-3DVS), and 3D classifications of the right portal vein were established according to its branch number, direction and distribution. Individualized liver segmentation was performed based on the 3D typing results.

Application of liver three-dimensional printing in hepatectomy for complex massive hepatocarcinoma with rare variations of portal vein: preliminary experience.

Background: To discuss the role of Liver 3D printing in the treatment of complex massive hepatocarcinoma with rare variations of portal vein.

Methods: Data of enhanced computed tomography (CT) were imported into the medical image three-dimensional visualization system (MI-3DVS) to create Standard Template Library (STL) files, which were read by 3D printer to construct life-size 3D physical liver model. The preoperative surgical planning was performed on the 3D model according to individualized segmentation, volume calculation, and virtual operation.

High-throughput blood cell focusing and plasma isolation using spiral inertial microfluidic devices.

Herein, we explored the blood cell focusing and plasma isolation using a spiral inertial microfluidic device. First, the flow-rate and concentration effects on the migration dynamics of blood cells were systematically investigated to uncover the focusing mechanisms and steric crowding effects of cells in Dean-coupled inertial flows. A novel phenomenon that the focusing status of discoid red blood cells (RBCs) changes according to the channel height was discovered.

Stem Cell Labeling with Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Focused Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tracking.

Magnetosonoporation (MSP) is a relatively safe and efficient approach for instant MR stem cell labeling. In this study, the physical and magnetic properties of different formulations of synthesized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) were characterized. Then, a "closed" MSP apparatus using focused ultrasound was designed and the feasibility of MSP stem cell labeling using focused ultrasound was validated by evaluating the proliferation, migration and differentiation of the magnetically labeled cells.

Exploring the bioaccessibility of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sewage sludge.

Environmental risks of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sewage sludge are assessed based on the concentration by exhaustive extraction, which is a likely overestimation of the pool available to exposed organisms. This study evaluated the bioaccessibility of PBDEs in sewage sludge from Shanghai using a 3-compartment model and a 6-d Tenax extraction. The very slowly fraction contributed 56-88% of total PBDEs in spiked sludge, whereas the rapidly desorbing fraction contributed only 1.

Total glucosides of paeony can reduce the hepatotoxicity caused by Methotrexate and Leflunomide combination treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Total glucosides of paeony (TGP) have been confirmed to exert anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. Methotrexate (MTX) and Leflunomide (LEF) combination has a better efficacy in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but hepatotoxicity was observed. In this study, we investigated the effect of TGP on hepatic dysfunction caused by MTX and LEF in patients with active RA.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Atherosclerosis Using CD81-Targeted Microparticles of Iron Oxide in Mice.

The goal of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using CD81- (Cluster of Differentiation 81 protein-) targeted microparticles of iron oxide (CD81-MPIO) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the murine atherosclerosis. CD81-MPIO and IgG- (Immunoglobulin G-) MPIO were prepared by covalently conjugating, respectively, with anti-CD81 monoclonal and IgG antibodies to the surface of the tosyl activated MPIO. The relevant binding capability of the MPIO was examined by incubating them with murine bEnd.

A passive flow regulator with low threshold pressure for high-throughput inertial isolation of microbeads.

In this work, we present a novel passive flow regulator fabricated by stacking five functional layers. To understand the flow-rate regulation characteristics, a series of prototype devices with different structural dimensions are investigated. The experimental results show that our regulator can exhibit a constant delivery flow rate of up to 4.

[Application of hepatic segment resection combined with rigid choledochoscope in the treatment of complex hepatolithiasis guided by three-dimensional visualization technology].

Objective: To study the value of hepatic segment resection combined with rigid choledochoscope by the three-dimensional (3D) visualization technology in the diagnosis and treatment of complex hepatolithiasis.

Methods: Enhance computed tomography (CT) data of 46 patients with complex hepatolithiasis who were admitted to the Zhujiang Hospital of the Southern Medical University from July 2010 to June 2014 were collected.All of the CT data were imported into the medical image three-dimensional visualization system (MI-3DVS) for 3D reconstruction and individual 3D types.

Perspectives on biologically active camptothecin derivatives.

Camptothecins (CPTs) are cytotoxic natural alkaloids that specifically target DNA topoisomerase I. Research on CPTs has undergone a significant evolution from the initial discovery of CPT in the late 1960s through the study of synthetic small-molecule derivatives to investigation of macromolecular constructs and formulations. Over the past years, intensive medicinal chemistry efforts have generated numerous CPT derivatives.

Placement of Teflon Sponges in Microvascular Decompression Procedure for Treatment of Hemifacial Spasm.

Background Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is generally treated by microvascular decompression (MVD). Inadequate separation of vessel and nerve or adhesive inflammation surrounding the nerve root may cause recurrence. Objective To explore a method to reduce the incidence of adhesions and to ensure sufficient separation of the offending vessel and nerve during MVD.

Synthesis of novel spin-labeled podophyllotoxin derivatives as potential antineoplastic agents: Part XXV.

A series of novel spin-labeled 4β-[(4-substituted)-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]podophyllotoxin derivatives (-) were firstly designed and synthesized with significant regioselectivity by employing Cu(I) catalyzed click approach, and evaluated for cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines (A-549, DU145, KB, and KBvin). Among them, compound displayed the highest cytotoxic activity against the tumor cell lines tested. Significantly, compound showed superior cytotoxic activity compared with etoposide (IC 6.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) improves microcirculation of volunteers with high blood viscosity: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Elevated blood viscosity is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, thrombosis and other cardiovascular events. Our previous studies have suggested that consumption of Yerba mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) has strong antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties in animals. The in vivo effects of Yerba mate on blood viscosity in humans, however, have not been studied.

Occurrence of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in sewage sludge from Shanghai: implications for source and environmental burden.

Sewage sludge is regarded as one important sink for hydrophobic pollutants, including hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), but the current pollution situation of HBCD in sludge from China is unknown, despite that many studies have reported its occurrence in other environmental compartments across China. In this study, we collected 27 sludge samples from Shanghai to investigate the occurrence and distribution, to examine the diastereoisomer profile and sources, and to provide advice for future pollution control. HBCD is ubiquitous in sludge with a mean concentration of 4.