Incidence and familial clustering of infantile haemangiomas: a multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: The exact incidence of infantile haemangiomas (IH) in the Chinese population is still unknown. A positive family history of IH was considered as a risk factor for the development of IH. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the incidence of IH in the Chinese population and the mechanism of family history increases the risk for IH development. METHODS: A total of 2489 women and their newborns were enrolled in the prospective study. All newborns were followed up for 12 months to determine whether they developed IH. In addition, 213 IH probands and their 174 siblings were enrolled in the study. The incidence of IH in siblings of the IH probands was investigated. Information regarding risk factors for IH and demographic data were collected on all children. RESULTS: Of the 2572 newborns, 58 IH were identified in 56 (2.2%) newborns. The majority of IH were located on the trunk (46.6%). Siblings of the IH probands were at increased risk for the development of IH (P = 0.024, relative risk 2.451), and the occurrence of prenatal risk factors for IH(P = 0.003) compared with the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the incidence of IH is 2.2% in the Chinese population. Siblings of the individuals with IH were at increased risk for the development of IH may be related to the family clustering of prenatal risk factors for IH. Further exploration of the mechanisms and common features of these prenatal risk factors may help to disclose the origin and pathogenesis of IH.

Temperature-Induced Lifshitz Transition and Possible Excitonic Instability in ZrSiSe.

The nodal-line semimetals have attracted immense interest due to the unique electronic structures such as the linear dispersion and the vanishing density of states as the Fermi energy approaching the nodes. Here, we report temperature-dependent transport and scanning tunneling microscopy (spectroscopy) [STM(S)] measurements on nodal-line semimetal ZrSiSe. Our experimental results and theoretical analyses consistently demonstrate that the temperature induces Lifshitz transitions at 80 and 106 K in ZrSiSe, which results in the transport anomalies at the same temperatures. More strikingly, we observe a V-shaped dip structure around Fermi energy from the STS spectrum at low temperature, which can be attributed to co-effect of the spin-orbit coupling and excitonic instability. Our observations indicate the correlation interaction may play an important role in ZrSiSe, which owns the quasi-two-dimensional electronic structures.

[Effects and mechanism of allogeneic platelet rich plasma on collagen synthesis in wound healing].

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanism of allogeneic platelet rich plasma (PRP) on collagen in wound surface at different time. Methods: A total of 50 clean 7-week rats were selected for this study, including 10 rats for platelet-rich blood plasma preparation, 20 rats for PRP group and 20 rats for control group, 0.1 ml allogenic PRP and 0.1 ml saline were smeared respectively on wound surfaces of PRP and control group, wound regeneration and healing were examined. Cellular and histological morphology alteration was observed via Masson staining, type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ collagen protein and mRNA expression level were detected by Western blot and real-time PCR. T test was applied for comparison between two samples and one-way ANOVA was utilized for comparison between two groups. Results: The wound healing rate of PRP group was higher than that of control group on 3(rd,) 6(th,) 10(th) and 15(th) day (30.33±3.35 vs.18.35±2.04, 55.51±2.74 vs.36.83±2.34, 79.64±1.40 vs.56.92±1.44, 86.88±2.12 vs.65.80±1.76) after wound surface formation, there were statistic differences (t=13.66-50.48, all P<0.05). The wound collagen of PRP group form faster and coarser, and the fibers arrayed more densely in Masson staining. The protein expression of type Ⅰ collagen(1.92±0.09 vs.1.18±0.11) and type Ⅲ collagen(1.16±0.05 vs.0.74±0.11) of PRP group were higher than that of control group (t=22.99, P<0.01; t=17.62, P<0.05); the mRNA expression of type Ⅰ collagen(5.17±0.11 vs.1.79±0.18, 6.97±0.09 vs.1.96±0.08, 6.00±0.26 vs.2.10±0.05, 4.95±0.11 vs.3.58±0.09)and type Ⅲ collagen(2.35±0.08 vs.1.44±0.05, 3.08±0.05 vs.1.84±0.06, 3.48±0.07 vs.2.36±0.09, 4.42±0.07 vs.2.77±0.10) were higher than that of control group on 3(rd,) 6(th,) 10(th) and 15(th) day after wound surface formation, there were significant differences (t=43.37-188.37, all P<0.05). Conclusion: The allogeneic platelet rich plasma may promote fibroblasts secreted collagen by activated and releasing all kinds of growth factors, especially type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ collagen to accelerate the wound healing.

Small molecule based N-phenyl carbazole substituted diketopyrrolopyrroles as donors for solution-processed bulk heterojunction organic solar cells.

We report two acetylene-bridged small molecules DPP5 and DPP6 with low HOMO-LUMO gaps as donors along with PC71BM as an acceptor for the fabrication of solution-processed bulk heterojunction solar cells. After the optimization, i.e. weight ratio of donor to acceptor and surface treatment of the active layer, we achieved overall power conversion efficiencies up to 4.65% (Jsc = 8.19 mA cm(-2), Voc = 0.98 V and FF = 0.58) and 5.73% (Jsc = 9.58 mA cm(-2), Voc = 0.98 V and FF = 0.61), for DPP5:PC71BM and DPP6:PC71BM respectively, which are superior to those for the devices based on as-cast active layers. The significant change in the power conversion efficiency is attributed to the improvement in nanoscale morphology, balanced charge transport and charge collection efficiency, induced through the surface treatment.

Synthesis and characterization of π-conjugated copolymers with thieno-imidazole units in the main chain: application for bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells.

In this paper the three new narrow bandgap D­A conjugated copolymers P1, P2 and P3 based on different weak donor fused thiophene-imidazole containing derivatives and the same benzothiadiazole acceptor unit were synthesized by Stille cross-coupling polymerization and characterized by 1H NMR, elemental analysis, GPC, TGA, DSC. These copolymers exhibit intensive absorbance in the range 350­900 nm and the optical bandgap lies in the range of 1.50­1.61 eV, which corresponds to the maximum photon flux of the solar spectrum. The electrochemical bandgap derived from cyclic voltammetry varies within the limits 1.47­1.65 eV and is approximately very close to the optical bandgap. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level of all copolymers is deep lying (−5.24 eV and −5.37 eV and −5.25 eV for P1, P2 and P2, respectively) which shows that copolymers have good stability in the air and assured a higher open circuit voltage (Voc) for polymer BHJ solar cells. These copolymers were used as donors along with PC71BM and the BHJ polymer solar cells based on P1:PC71BM, P2:PC71BM and P3:PC71BM processed from chloroform (CF) solvent with 3 v% DIO as an additive showed an overall PCE of 4.55%, 6.76% and 5.16%, respectively.

Establishment of a prediction model for the miRNA-based heading date characteristics of rice in the booting stage.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world. In Taiwan, due to the warm climate, there are two harvests annually. However, the yield and quality of rice can vary between each crop season in any given year. Previous reports have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in many developmental and physiological processes in plants. In this study, the heading date characteristics of 167 rice cultivars from the second crop season were recorded, and 27 rice cultivars were selected for preliminary microarray analysis. A total of 14 miRNAs from different heading date characteristics in 21 cultivars were selected based on significant differences in their expression profiles. Using a correlation analysis between the heading date and selected miRNA expression obtained from real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, we developed a heading date prediction model. The model includes nine miRNA genes with corresponding R2 values of 0.8. To confirm the model, a real-time PCR analysis was performed on an additional 27 rice cultivars and we found the model predicted the heading date with accuracy. Therefore, the developed prediction may be useful in further studies aimed at confirming the reliability of the use of miRNA in molecular breeding and to increase the selection efficiency of rice cultivars and breeding.

Sexual genetic and simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis for molecular marker development on the all hermaphrodite papaya.

The papaya (Carica papaya L.) is one of the most important economic tropical fruits in the world, and the hermaphrodite is the preferred type in field cultures. We analyzed the sexual ratio of offspring from the cultivar 'Taiwan Seed Station No. 7' (T7) by a self-cross and its cross with Taichung Sunrise (TS). Female progeny from the T7 self-crossing were not observed. This finding may be caused by a lethal gene that is linked to females. In this study, we selected 192 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) to analyze the polymorphism between T7 and TS. A total of 37 SSRs were identified for T7 and TS. In addition, 14 SSRs served as the molecular makers for identification of T7, TS and their hybrid offsprings. Thus, the results show that the genetic similarity between T7 and TS is rather high. This suggests that T7 may be a mutant of TS. Phylogenetic analysis from the SSR polymorphisms of the above parent strains and 15 F1 offspring revealed the genetic distance of the F1 offspring located between T7 and TS. The results of this study may provide an opportunity for elucidating the genetic characteristics of all hermaphrodites via identification of molecular makers.

Postural sway and perception of affordances in children at risk for developmental coordination disorder.

Gibson (The ecological approach to visual perception, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 1979/1986) defined affordances as opportunities for motor behaviors, and highly emphasized the interaction between perception and action. Research on children with developmental coordination disorder commonly reports difficulties in judgments of affordances (perception) and in postural control (action). However, how perception and action are coupled has not been studied yet. The present study sought to evaluate the relationship between control of postural sway and perception of affordances in children at risk for developmental coordination disorder (RDCD) and typically developing children (TDC). We hypothesized that the relationship between perception and action would differ between groups. Participants made a series of judgments about their maximum sitting height (SHmax) while standing with and without wearing 10 cm blocks on feet. Postural sway and the judgment accuracy were recorded. Our findings showed that RDCD swayed more during judgment sessions and made less accurate judgments compared to TDC. In addition, TDC reduced postural sway from inter-judgment to judgment sessions, whereas the postural sway of RDCD remained identical between sessions. Last, while TDC reduced postural sway across judgment trials and revealed a learning effect of the judgments about SHmax in the block condition, RDCD never modulated postural sway and did not learn their SHmax in both non-block and block conditions. Overall, modulation of postural sway differed between groups during judgment sessions and between inter-judgment and judgment sessions, whereby their perceptual judgments about SHmax were differentially influenced. To summarize, this study demonstrated a difference in perception and action coupling between RDCD and TDC.

Characterization and expression analysis of somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase genes from Phalaenopsis.

Somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase (SERK) genes have been found to be involved in the somatic embryogenesis of several plant species. We identified and characterized 5 PhSERK genes in the Phalaenopsis orchid. The amino acid sequences of PhSERKs and other SERK proteins are highly conserved, with the highest homology observed in the leucine-rich repeat-receptor-like kinase domain. All 5 PhSERKs were expressed in all Phalaenopsis organs examined (root, leaf, shoot apical meristem, and flower), with the strongest expression, particularly for PhSERK1 and 3, in the shoot apical meristem of mature plants. Expression of all PhSERKs was downregulated during early floral bud development and was upregulated gradually until the semi-open flower stage was reached. All 5 PhSERKs were expressed during both seed germination and protocorm-like-body (PLB) development. In germinated seeds, quantitative real-time PCR revealed upregulation of all PhSERKs except PhSERK4 at 1 week and downregulation after 4 weeks. The 5 PhSERKs were differentially expressed in the early stage of PLB development and maintained substantial levels during PLB formation, with PhSERK1 and 5 upregulated 1 week after culture and PhSERK2, 3, and 4 downregulated over this period. Because physical wounding of PLB stimulates secondary PLB formation, the PhSERK5 expression peak at week 3 coincided with visible and fully developed secondary PLBs. PhSERK5 may be important in PLB induction and subsequent development. Our PhSERK expression analysis revealed that these genes have a broad role during orchid plant development.

Physical wounding and ethylene stimulated embryogenic stem cell proliferation and plantlet regeneration in protocorm-like bodies of Phalaenopsis orchids.

Phalaenopsis orchids have been regenerated by inducing protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) from etiolated leaf sections. However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms of secondary PLB development and subsequent proliferation have not been explored. Bisectionally cutting primary PLBs resulted in more secondary PLBs at 5 weeks, suggesting an embryogenic stem cell property imposed by wounding of primary PLB tissues. The ethylene precursors ethephon and 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid and the ethylene perception inhibitor silver nitrate increased PLB formation, while aminoethoxyvinylglycine decreased PLB formation. Ethylene content in wounded PLB explants increased over culture time in media containing ethylene precursors or inhibitors. mRNA levels of PhACS2, PhACS3, and PhACO were increased by ethephon and decreased by ethylene inhibitors. Expression of genes in the ethylene signaling pathway was enhanced following ethylene-precursor treatment and was mitigated by ethylene inhibitors during PLB proliferation. Transcription of PhETR and PhEIN3, as well as PhERS, PhCTR, and PhGTP, was significantly increased 12 h after ethylene treatment. Ethylene and physical wounding stimulated secondary PLB formation in Phalaenopsis, probably through ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction.

Isolation and characterization of the papaya MADS-box E-class genes, CpMADS1 and CpMADS3, and a TM6 lineage gene CpMADS2.

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) plants are polygamous, with female, male, and hermaphroditic flowers. To understand the roles of MADS-box genes in flower development and sex determination, we cloned cDNAs of E-class genes CpMADS1 and CpMADS3 and a TM6 lineage of the B-class gene CpMADS2 from young flower buds of papaya. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR analyses revealed that CpMADS1 and CpMADS3 were preferentially expressed in the carpel and also in petals and stamens. CpMADS2 was expressed in both petals and stamens early during floral development. Comparison of 10 papaya genotypes of 5 different sex phenotypes - hermaphrodite, male, female, progeny-all-hermaphrodite, and progeny-all-male - by Southern blot analysis of genomic DNAs with probes of the 3 genes revealed similar restriction patterns and copy number, suggesting a low relationship of the 3 CpMADS genes with sex expression of papaya plants at the genomic level.

Analysis of sequence diversity through internal transcribed spacers and simple sequence repeats to identify Dendrobium species.

The Orchidaceae is one of the largest and most diverse families of flowering plants. The Dendrobium genus has high economic potential as ornamental plants and for medicinal purposes. In addition, the species of this genus are able to produce large crops. However, many Dendrobium varieties are very similar in outward appearance, making it difficult to distinguish one species from another. This study demonstrated that the 12 Dendrobium species used in this study may be divided into 2 groups by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis. Red and yellow flowers may also be used to separate these species into 2 main groups. In particular, the deciduous characteristic is associated with the ITS genetic diversity of the A group. Of 53 designed simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs, 7 pairs were polymorphic for polymerase chain reaction products that were amplified from a specific band. The results of this study demonstrate that these 7 SSR primer pairs may potentially be used to identify Dendrobium species and their progeny in future studies.

Production of interspecific hybrids between commercial cultivars of the eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and its wild relative S. torvum.

Interspecific hybrids between cultivars of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and its wild relative S. torvum, which has disease resistance and desirable traits for crop improvement, were obtained by cross-hybridization and embryo rescue. Twenty-one hybrid progenies were obtained and examined based on morphological traits, RAPD and ISSR markers. Five of them were confirmed to be true interspecific hybrids. Eighteen and 14 bands from 7 RAPD and 14 ISSR primers, respectively, were polymorphic and present in all five hybrid seedlings and their parents. The morphological characteristics of leaf margin, inflorescence type and spine positions of the five seedlings were intermediate to the parents. These interspecific hybrids had low pollen viability, probably due to abnormal meiosis.

Proline partially overcomes excess molybdenum toxicity in cabbage seedlings grown in vitro.

In vitro grown cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) seedlings exposed to excess molybdenum (Mo) ions exhibited severely reduced plant growth at the cotyledonary stage. Adding 80 mM proline (Pro) to the Mo-treated medium could help 50% seedlings to overcome the toxicity and grow true leaves. Under excess Mo stress, seedlings accumulated blue/purple anthocyanin in their cotyledons and hypocotyls. The anthocyanin content under Mo with 40 mM Pro was 4-fold higher than the control medium, MS with 40 mM Pro. The presence of Pro in the excess-Mo condition reduced chlorophyll a, whereas the chlorophyll b content was much higher than the control media of MS with and without Pro. Moreover, supplementing various concentrations of Pro into the Mo-stressed condition promoted the seedlings with higher antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidate, and catalase. In addition, genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis and accumulation pathways, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), flavonone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase (LDOX), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), were all upregulated. Our study indicated that, under excess Mo stress, the antioxidant activity of cabbage seedlings was induced in an attempt to protect plants from the Mo-induced toxicity and exacerbated growth. Pro, on the other hand, functioned in producing higher antioxidant enzyme activity to partially help recover plant growth.

X-ray operators' self-perceived competence, barriers and facilitators in general radiography practice in Western Australia.

INTRODUCTION: Australian X-ray operators (XROs) are health workers qualified with a limited radiography licence to perform basic radiography examinations in rural areas of Australia. However, no previous study explored Western Australian (WA) XROs' radiography practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate WA XROs' self-perceived competence in the general radiography practice, and barriers and facilitators to their competence for determination of appropriate strategies to improve quality and safety of the radiographic service provided by them. METHODS: Institutional review board approval and informed consent from participants were obtained. Interviews were conducted with the WA XROs to obtain demographic information and identify their self-perceived competence in the general radiography practice, and the barriers and facilitators to their competence. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data. RESULTS: A total of nine interviews were conducted (eight nurses and one paramedic). Participants indicated that they felt highly competent in patient care in radiography and adequately competent in the production of diagnostically acceptable images. The self-perceived barriers include overload of responsibilities, a lack of continuing professional development, and inadequacy of communication, support and XRO courses. The facilitators, post-qualification/course training, support in undertaking examinations, primary professional roles and a small population of the rural and remote areas were identified. CONCLUSION: Based on interview data from nine WA XROs, the perception is that they have competence adequate for providing an acceptable quality radiographic service. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A continuous XRO course review, and provision of a video conference support channel, an online XRO networking forum and additional XROs and/or radiographers working with XROs undertaking the radiography examinations were perceived as the appropriate strategies to improve the WA XROs' radiography practice. However, these require financial and/or managerial support from governments.

Incidental primary hyperparathyroidism in a hypercalcaemic woman with tuberculous peritonitis.

We report on a 51-year-old woman with initial hypercalcaemia and unknown ascites. In spite of unyielding laparoscopy, laparotomy showed findings compatible with tuberculous peritonitis (TBP). Unexpectedly, a series of examinations eventually revealed the concurrence of hyperparathyroidism due to a parathyroid adenoma. Anti-tuberculous regimen was given and was uneventful. However, hypercalcaemia was not decreased but sustained at a high level even after anti-tuberculous therapy for 3 months. Parathyroidectomy was performed with subsequent normalisation of hypercalcaemia. The aetiology of hypercalcaemia in a patient with an explored disease able to cause this electrolyte abnormality such as TBP may be a coexistent occult parathyroid adenoma.

Variations in cognitive demand affect heart rate in typically developing children and children at risk for developmental coordination disorder.

BACKGROUND: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a diagnosis for children who present with movement difficulties, but are of normal intelligence without neurological deficits. Previous studies have demonstrated that children with DCD exhibit perceptual deficits and lower cognition performance. To date, their autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses during tasks requiring cognitive and perceptual effort have not been compared to typically developing children (TDC). OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated heart rate variability (HRV) as a marker for ANS response differences between DCD and TDC, and the impact of different levels of task difficulty. METHODS: Participants were 60 individuals (9-10 years); 30 children at risk for DCD, and 30 TDC. Each participant performed two tasks each of which demanded enhanced cognitive effort: a visual signal detection task and a digit memory task-each task had two levels of difficulty, low (LD) and high (HD). Heart rate responses were continuously recorded during performance of each task. Frequency domain analysis and heart rate sample entropy (SampEn) were computed to determine ANS responses in each of the tasks. RESULTS: HRV differences were detected between the two levels of task difficulty, LD and HD, for the visual signal detection task, but not for the digit memory task. HRV differences between LD and HD conditions were greater for TDC children than DCD when engaged in visual signal detection task, compare to the memory task. INTERPRETATION: The results suggest that children at risk for DCD may show decreased HRV as a marker for altered ANS responses and potential deficits in the linkage between their perceptions and actions.

Robustaflavone, a potential non-nucleoside anti-hepatitis B agent.

Robustaflavone, a naturally occurring biflavanoid isolated from Rhus succedanea, was found to be a potent inhibitor of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in 2.2.15 cells, with an effective concentration (EC50) of 0.25 microM, and a selectivity index (SI, IC50/EC90) of 153. Robustaflavone hexaacetate inhibited HBV replication with an EC50 of 0.73 microM, but exhibited no cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 1000 microM. Combinations of robustaflavone with penciclovir and lamivudine displayed synergistic anti-HBV activity, having the most pronounced effects when the combination ratios were similar to the ratio of EC50 potencies. Thus, a 1:1 combination of robustaflavone and penciclovir exhibited an EC50 of 0.11 microM and an SI of 684, while a 10:1 combination of robustaflavone and lamivudine exhibited an EC50 of 0.054 microM and an SI of 894. Statistical analyses of the combination data using the Combostat program confirmed that robustaflavone exhibited synergism with both penciclovir and lamivudine.

Effects of oxytocin receptor antagonist atosiban on pregnant myometrium in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate dose-dependent effects of oxytocin receptor antagonist, atosiban, on oxytocin-induced contractions of myometrial strips from healthy pregnant women. METHODS: During elective cesareans, myometrial biopsies were taken from the lower uterine segment and trimmed into 2 x 2 x 10-mm longitudinal strips within 36 hours. One hundred twenty-two myometrial strips showed regular spontaneous contractions and were used for measurement. Each myometrial strip was mounted in a physiologic organ bath, and isometric contraction activity and contractile patterns were analyzed after stimulation with oxytocin. Frequency and amplitude of contractions and area under force-time curves were determined by adding atosiban at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 250, and 500 microg/mL. Resulting contraction activity (at least 20 contractions per concentration) was compared with reference activity. RESULTS: Atosiban had significant inhibitory effects on myometrial contractions at concentrations as low as 1 microg/mL. Compared with reference activity (oxytocin stimulation only), resulting inhibition was higher than 50% with the lowest atosiban concentration used. This inhibition of contraction activity was dose-dependent and referred to the area under the curve, frequency, and amplitude of contractions. At high concentrations of atosiban, contraction activity was even lower than spontaneous activity without oxytocin stimulation. CONCLUSION: The oxytocin receptor antagonist atosiban showed a significant, dose-dependent inhibition of oxytocin-induced contractions of human myometrium in vitro. It might be effective in tocolysis at term.

Prognostic factors for pyogenic abscess of the liver.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous drainage and antibiotics for pyogenic abscess are well established therapeutic modalities. However, the mortality rate for hepatic abscess of liver remains high. STUDY DESIGN: Three hundred fifty-two cases of pyogenic hepatic abscesses were studied to evaluate prognostic factors. RESULTS: Using univariate analysis, the following factors were associated with a high mortality rate: patient age, gas-forming abscess, rupture of abscess, bilobe involvement, clinical sepsis, bilirubin (more than 2 mg per dL), blood urea nitrogen (more than 20 mg per dL), serum creatinine (more than 2 mg per dL), aspartate aminotransferase (more than 100 U per L), and albumin (less than 2.5 gm per dL). Using multivariate analysis, the following were independent significant factors in predicting mortality: patient age (more than 60 years), blood urea nitrogen (greater than 20 mg per dL), serum creatinine (greater than 2 mg per dL), total bilirubin (greater than 2 mg per dL), and albumin (less than 2.5 gm per dL). CONCLUSIONS: Systemic effects of hepatic abscess with sepsis and multiple organ failure were significant factors in predicting mortality. Local findings, such as rupture of the abscesses, multiple abscesses, and gas-forming abscesses, were not independent factors. Percutaneous drainage is always considered if the condition of the patient can not be improved with antibiotic therapy. Operative treatment is indicated if the patient is unresponsive to medical treatment and percutaneous drainage or if the patient has complications of biliary tract stone or rupture of the abscess.