Phenotype and function of smooth muscle cells derived from the human normal great saphenous vein in response to hypoxia.

OBJECTIVE: The contribution of hypoxia to the pathophysiology of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has not yet been fully elucidated. This study evaluated the effect of hypoxia on the phenotype and function of SMCs derived from the human normal great saphenous veins (NGSVs). METHODS: Fifteen NGSV tissue samples were collected. SMCs were isolated and cultured. Proliferation, migration, adhesion, senescence, and the structure of cytoskeletal filaments in SMCs were observed. mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, and TIMP-2 was detected by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting in the cobalt chloride (CoCl2) and the control groups. RESULTS: A decrease in the number of cytoskeletal filaments was observed. mRNA and protein expression of Bas and caspase-3 was significantly decreased, while the quantity of proliferation, migration, adhesion, senescence, and mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in SMCs in the CoCl2 group were significantly increased compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Under hypoxic conditions, the phenotype and function of SMCs derived from the human NGSVs were dysregulated, suggesting that VSMCs switch from the contractile phenotype to the secretory or synthetic phenotype, and more dedifferentiate, resulting in extracellular matrix deposition and apoptotic decrease through the intrinsic pathway.

Damage Mechanism of HgCdTe Focal Plane Array Detector Irradiated Using Mid-Infrared Pulse Laser.

To investigate the damage threshold and mechanism of a mid-infrared HgCdTe focal plane array (FPA) detector, relevant experimental and theoretical studies were conducted. The line damage threshold of a HgCdTe FPA detector may be within the range of 0.59 Jcm-2 to 0.71 Jcm-2. The full frame damage threshold of the detector may be in the range of 0.86 Jcm-2 to 1.17 Jcm-2. Experimental results showed that when the energy density reaches 1.17 Jcm-2, the detector exhibits irreversible full frame damage and is completely unable to image. Based on the finite element method, a three-dimensional model of HgCdTe FPAs detector was established to study the heat transfer mechanism, internal stress, and damage sequence. When HgCdTe melts, we think that the detector is damaged. Under these conditions, the theoretical damage threshold calculated using the detector model is 0.55 Jcm-2. The difference between theoretical and experimental values was analyzed. The relationship between damage threshold and pulse width was also studied. It was found that when the pulse width is less than 1000 ns, the damage threshold characterized by peak power density is inversely proportional to pulse width. This relationship can help us predict the experimental damage threshold of an FPA detector. This model is reasonable and convenient for studying the damage of FPA detectors with a mid-infrared pulse laser. The research content in this article has important reference significance for the damage and protection of HgCdTe FPA detectors.

Mechanical thrombectomy using the retrograde semi-retrieval technique for patients with underlying intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.

Background: The retrograde semi-retrieval technique (RESET) has been described as a modified technique for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) whose safety and efficacy for intracranial atherosclerosis stenosis (ICAS) patients remain uncertain. This article presents our single-center experience, comparing RESET vs. non-RESET in ICAS patients. Materials and methods: We analyzed 327 consecutive ICAS patients who underwent EVT at Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from January 2018 and December 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups: RESET and non-RESET. The primary outcome was the first-pass effect (FPE). Secondary outcomes included successful reperfusion, functional independence at 90 days, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Results: RESET was significantly associated with FPE [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-3.87, p = 0.040]. RESET was not significantly associated with successful reperfusion (aOR 1.5, CI 0.55-4.06, p = 0.425), an mRS of 0-2 at 90 days (aOR 1.36, CI 0.83-2.21, p = 0.223), sICH (aOR 0.39, CI 0.12-1.23, p = 0.108), and mortality (aOR 0.49, CI 0.16-1.44, p = 0.193). After propensity score matching, the results were consistent with the primary analysis. Conclusion: Compared to non-RESET, patients treated with RESET showed increased FPE incidence and significantly decreased puncture-to-reperfusion time. RESET was proven to be safe and effective in enhancing reperfusion for LVO patients receiving EVT with underlying ICAS.

Phenotypic and Functional Transformation in Smooth Muscle Cells Derived from a Superficial Thrombophlebitis-affected Vein Wall.

BACKGROUND: Superficial thrombophlebitis (ST) is a frequent pathology, but its exact incidence remains to be determined. This study tested the hypothesis whether relationships exist among smooth muscle cells (SMCs) derived from ST, varicose great saphenous veins (VGSVs), and normal great saphenous veins (GSVs). METHODS: Forty-one samples of ST, VGSVs, and GSVs were collected. SMCs were isolated and cultured. Proliferation, migration, adhesion, and senescence in SMCs from the three vein walls were compared by various methods. Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and TIMP-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: An obvious decrease in cytoskeletal filaments was observed in thrombophlebitic vascular smooth muscle cells (TVSMCs). The quantity of proliferation, migration, adhesion, and senescence in TVSMCs was significantly higher than in varicose vascular smooth muscle cells and normal vascular smooth muscle cells (NVSMCs) (all P < 0.05). Bax and caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression were decreased, while Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression were increased in the TVSMCs compared with the varicose vascular smooth muscle cells and the NVSMCs (all P < 0.05). MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased in the TVSMCs compared with the VVGSVs and the NVSMCs (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SMCs derived from ST are more dedifferentiated and demonstrate increased cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and senescence, as well as obviously decreased cytoskeletal filaments. These results suggest that the phenotypic and functional differences could be related to the presence of atrophic and hypertrophic vein segments during the disease course among SMCs derived from ST, VGSVs, and GSVs.

The expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in the vein wall following superficial venous thrombosis.

OBJECTIVES: Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) is the complications of varicose great saphenous veins (VGSVs), but its pathogenesis remains unclear. This study was designed to measure the changes in expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) from SVT, VGSVs, and great saphenous veins (GSVs). METHODS: In the venous walls of the three groups, the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 proteins, protein-positive expression ratios, mRNA expression, and protein expression were determined by immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, and western blot. RESULTS: The MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 protein-positive expression ratios, mRNA and protein expression in the SVT group were significantly higher than those in the VGSV and the GSV groups. The corresponding expression in the VGSV group were significantly higher than those in the GSV group. CONCLUSION: Disequilibrium of MMPs and TIMPs in SVT wall occurs due to underlying high hydrostatic pressure and inflammation. These results suggested that MMPs and TIMPs participate in the process of venous wall remodeling.

A New Method for Precision Measurement of Wall-Thickness of Thin-Walled Spherical Shell Parts.

Thin-walled parts are widely used in shock wave and detonation physics experiments, which require high surface accuracy and equal thickness. In order to obtain the wall thickness of thin-walled spherical shell parts accurately, a new measurement method is proposed. The trajectories, including meridian and concentric trajectories, are employed to measure the thickness of thin-walled spherical shell parts. The measurement data of the inner and outer surfaces are unified in the same coordinate system, and the thickness is obtained based on a reconstruction model. The meridian and concentric circles' trajectories are used for measuring a spherical shell with an outer diameter of Φ210.6 mm and an inner diameter of Φ206.4 mm. Without the data in the top area, the surface errors of the outer and inner surfaces are about 5 µm and 6 µm, respectively, and the wall-thickness error is about 8 µm with the meridian trajectory.

Intranasal vasopressin modulates resting state brain activity across multiple neural systems: Evidence from a brain imaging machine learning study.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP), a neuropeptide with widespread receptors in brain regions important for socioemotional processing, is critical in regulating various mammalian social behavior and emotion. Although a growing body of task-based brain imaging studies have revealed the effects of AVP on brain activity associated with emotion processing, social cognition and behaviors, the potential modulations of AVP on resting-state brain activity remain largely unknown. Here, the current study addressed this issue by adopting a machine learning approach to distinguish administration of AVP and placebo, employing the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) as a measure of resting-state brain activity. The brain regions contributing to the classification were then subjected to functional connectivity and decoding analyses, allowing for a data-driven quantitative inference on psychophysiological functions. Our results indicated that ALFF across multiple neural systems were sufficient to distinguish between AVP and placebo at individual level, with the contributing regions distributed across the social cognition network, sensorimotor regions and emotional processing network. These findings suggest that the role of AVP in socioemotional functioning recruits multiple brain networks distributed across the whole brain rather than specific localized neural pathways. Beyond these findings, the current data-driven approach also opens a novel avenue to delineate neural underpinnings of various neuropeptides or hormones.

Disequilibrium in MMPs and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases in different segments of the varicose great saphenous vein wall.

BACKGROUND: Varicose great saphenous veins (VGSVs) are a common disorder with a high incidence, but the pathogenesis is unclear. This study was designed to measure the changes in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in different segments from VGSV walls to determine the relationship between MMPs, TIMPs expression, and expansion of the venous wall. METHODS: Twenty-one VGSV and 12 normal great saphenous vein (GSV) specimens were collected. Venous walls in the two groups, expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 proteins, protein-positive expression ratios, mRNA expression, and protein content were determined by immunohistochemistry, PCR, and western blot. RESULTS: The MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 protein-positive expression ratios, mRNA expression in the upper, middle, and lower segments in the VGSV group were significantly higher than the corresponding regions in the GSV group, respectively. The MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 protein-positive expression ratios, mRNA expression, and protein concentrations in the lower segments in the VGSV group were also significantly higher than the upper and middle segments in the VGSV group and the corresponding regions in the GSV group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Under high hemodynamics, disequilibrium of MMPs and TIMPs from VGSVs exists within the upper, middle, and lower segments of VGSVs. These results suggested that MMPs and TIMPs participate in the process of venous wall remodeling and may be one of the mechanisms associated with the formation and development in varicose veins.

Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of syn-ß-Hydroxy α-Dibenzylamino Esters via DKR Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation and Gram-Scale Preparation of Droxidopa.

A highly efficient preparation of enantiomerically pure syn aryl ß-hydroxy α-dibenzylamino esters is reported. The outcome was achieved via dynamic kinetic resolution and asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aryl α-dibenzylamino ß-keto esters. The desired products were obtained in high yields (up to 98%) with excellent diastereoselectivity (>20:1 dr) and enantioselectivity (up to >99% ee). Furthermore, this method was applied for the gram-scale preparation of droxidopa.

Phenotypic and functional transformation in smooth muscle cells derived from varicose veins.

OBJECTIVE: Varicose veins (VVs) are a common disorder of venous dilation and tortuosity, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The functional integrity and phenotypic differences of VVs are also unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that phenotypic and functional differences exist between smooth muscle cells (SMCs) derived from VVs and normal veins. METHODS: SMCs were isolated from 28 samples of varicose great saphenous veins (VGSVs) and normal great saphenous (NGSVs) and cultured. Proliferation, migration, adhesion, and aging capacity in SMCs were compared in the two veins. Bas, Bcl-2, caspase-3, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, and TIMP-2 messenger (m)RNA expression and protein content were detected by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. RESULTS: The microfilament structure of the framework was increased in SMCs in the VGSV group. Proliferation, migration, adhesion, and the aging cell count in SMCs in the VGSV group were significantly higher than the corresponding regions in the NGSV group (P < .05). Bas and caspase-3 mRNA expression and protein content were decreased, whereas Bcl-2 mRNA expression and protein content were increased in the VGSV group compared with the NGSV group (P < .05). MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 mRNA expression and protein content in the VGSV group were increased compared with the NGSV group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: SMCs derived from VGSVs are more dedifferentiated and demonstrate increased proliferative and synthetic capacity. These results suggest the presence of phenotypic and functional differences between SMCs derived from VGSVs and NGSVs. The phenotypic and functional abnormalities in SMCs may be associated with the pathogenesis in VGSVs.

Assessment of apoptotic cells in the wall of thrombophlebitic saphenous vein.

INTRODUCTION: Programmed cell death plays a critical role in various physiological processes. In the present study, we investigated its possible pathogenic role in primary varicose veins. We studied histological changes in surgical specimens from thrombophlebitic saphenous veins. In thrombophlebitic saphenous, varicose, and healthy veins, we also determined the number of apoptotic cells, and investigated apoptosis in the role of the pathogenesis of varicose veins. METHODS: Forty-four specimens of thrombophlebitic saphenous veins and simple varicose veins were collected. Thirteen samples of normal great saphenous veins were also collected (control group). Apoptosis of venous walls was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and immunofluorescence methods. The corpuscular number per high-power field was counted under light microscopy. RESULTS: A significantly higher apoptotic ratio of the intima and media were observed in control veins as compared with thrombophlebitic saphenous veins and simple varicose veins (p < 0.01). A significant difference was not observed between thrombophlebitic saphenous veins and simple varicose veins (p > 0.05). A significant difference was not seen between the intima and media of the three groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the walls of thrombophlebitic saphenous veins and varicose veins, the apoptotic indices were clearly decreased. The results suggest that the process of programmed cell death was inhibited in walls of thrombophlebitic saphenous veins and varicose veins.

Long-term efficacy of subtotal splenectomy due to portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients.

BACKGROUND: Portal hypertension (PHT) requires invasive measures to prevent rupture and bleeding of esophagogastric varices; however, the long-term results of subtotal splenectomy plus fixation of the retrosternal omentum majus (SSFROM) have not been reported. Specifically, the advantages and disadvantages of surgery that preserves the spleen and the long-term hematologic effects have not been described. STUDY DESIGN: Our studies relating to SSFROM commenced in February 1999. As of April 2014 we have performed 256 subtotal splenectomies The records of 65 patients with PHT who underwent SSFROM were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Four patients died within 4 years of surgery, with a 4-year survival rate of 94 %; the 11-year survival rate was 60 %. Eleven patients (17 %) had re-bleeding from esophagogastric varices. The white blood cell and platelet counts were higher 6 and 11 years post-operatively compared with pre-operative values (P < 0.01). Portal venous diameter, portal venous flow volume, splenic artery flow volume, as well as splenic length, thickness, and average cross-sectional areas were shown to be significantly constricted or decreased (P < 0.01). The proportion of serum CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells was increased (P < 0.01), while the serum levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). There was no significant change in the serum levels of IgA, IgM, IgG, and Tuftsin (P > 0.05). DSA demonstrated that 15 cases formed collateral circulations between the portal vein and superior vena cava. CONCLUSION: SSFROM provide long-term hemostasis for esophagogastric variceal bleeding in PHT and corrected hypersplenism. SSFROM is an effective treatment for patients with PHT in whom long-term survival is expected.

Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in thyroid nodules with calcification.

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic values of conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in benign and malignant thyroid nodules with calcification. Conventional ultrasound and CEUS were performed in 122 patients with thyroid nodules with calcification. The thyroid nodules were characterized as benign or malignant by pathological diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accordance rate of the two imaging methods were determined. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was used to assess the diagnostic values of the two imaging methods. In 122 cases of thyroid nodules with calcification, 73 benign nodules and 49 malignant nodules were verified by pathological diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accordance rate of conventional ultrasound were 50%, 77%, 59%, 69%, and 66%, respectively, and those of CEUS were 90%, 92%, 88%, 93%, and 91%, respectively. There were significant differences between the two imaging methods. AUCs of conventional ultrasound and CEUS were 0.628 ± 0.052 and 0.908 ± 0.031, suggesting low and high diagnostic values, respectively. CEUS has high diagnostic values, being significantly greater than those of conventional ultrasound, in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules with calcification.

Effects of land use change on soil gross nitrogen transformation rates in subtropical acid soils of Southwest China.

Land use change affects soil gross nitrogen (N) transformations, but such information is particularly lacking under subtropical conditions. A study was carried out to investigate the potential gross N transformation rates in forest and agricultural (converted from the forest) soils in subtropical China. The simultaneously occurring gross N transformations in soil were quantified by a (15)N tracing study under aerobic conditions. The results showed that change of land use types substantially altered most gross N transformation rates. The gross ammonification and nitrification rates were significantly higher in the agricultural soils than in the forest soils, while the reverse was true for the gross N immobilization rates. The higher total carbon (C) concentrations and C / N ratio in the forest soils relative to the agricultural soils were related to the greater gross N immobilization rates in the forest soils. The lower gross ammonification combined with negligible gross nitrification rates, but much higher gross N immobilization rates in the forest soils than in the agricultural soils suggest that this may be a mechanism to effectively conserve available mineral N in the forest soils through increasing microbial biomass N, the relatively labile organic N. The greater gross nitrification rates and lower gross N immobilization rates in the agricultural soils suggest that conversion of forests to agricultural soils may exert more negative effects on the environment by N loss through NO3 (-) leaching or denitrification (when conditions for denitrification exist).

Penicillar arterioles of red pulp in residual spleen after subtotal splenectomy due to splenomegaly in cirrhotic patients: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Following splenomegaly due to portal hypertension, pathologic characteristics include passive congestion and lymphoplasia. High venous pressure and hemodynamics can result in vascular proliferation and lymphoplasia, and promote splenic microcirculation and functional changes. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in penicillar arterioles (PAs) of red pulp in residual splenic tissue after subtotal splenectomy due to splenomegaly in cirrhotic patients to provide anatomic and physiologic evidence for reserved splenic surgery. METHODS: Thirteen patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension, who were treated surgically, comprised the splenomegaly group. After 8 years, we obtained another specimen by puncture biopsy from the residual spleen group. We designated patients with splenic trauma as the control group. The morphology of PAs under light microscopy was facilitated by EVG staining and immunohistochemistry for CD34. Semi-thin sections were HE-stained. The ultrastructure of PA endothelial cells was observed under electron microscopy. RESULTS: In the residual spleen group, diffuse distribution, tenuous elastic intima in the arterial wall, and continuity in PA of red pulp were seen under light microscopy. A significantly lower density and average cross-sectional area of PAs were observed in the residual spleen group compared with the splenomegaly and control groups (P < 0.01). A uniform mitochondrial matrix and a decreased number of ruptured cristae in PA endothelial cells were observed under electron microscopy. While there were some beneficial changes (splenic artery flow volume, portal venous diameter, and portal venous flow volume), the platelet and leucocyte counts were markedly increased in residual spleen. CONCLUSION: Subtotal splenectomy can eliminate the factors which precipitate splenomegaly (portal hypertension), improve the reconstruction of splenic capillaries, correct hypersplenism, and restore normal splenic function.

Assessment of immune cells and function of the residual spleen after subtotal splenectomy due to splenomegaly in cirrhotic patients.

BACKGROUND: The spleen is thought to be central in regulating the immune system, a metabolic asset involved in endocrine function. Overwhelming postsplenectomy infection leads to a mortality rate of up to 50%. However, there is still controversy on performing subtotal splenectomy as treatment of splenomegaly due to portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients. In the present study, immunocytes and the indexes of splenic size, hemodynamics, hematology and immunology in the residual spleen were analyzed to support subtotal splenectomy due to splenomegaly. RESULTS: In residual spleen, T lymphocytes mainly were focal aggregation in the periarterial lymphatic sheath. While B lymphocytes densely distributed in splenic corpuscle. In red pulp, macrophages were equally distributed in the xsplenic cord and adhered to the wall of splenic sinus with high density. The number of unit area T and B lymphocytes of splenic corpuscle and marginal zone as well as macrophages of red pulp were obviously increased in the residual spleen, while the number of macrophages didn't be changed among the three groups in white pulp. While there were some beneficial changes (i.e., Counts of platelet and leucocyte as well as serum proportion of CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells were increased markedly; serum levels of M-CSF and GM-CSF were decreased significantly; The proportion of granulocyte, erythrocyte, megakaryocyte in bone marrow were changed obviously; But serum IgA, IgM, IgG, Tuftsin level, there was no significant difference; splenic artery flow volume, portal venous diameter and portal venous flow volume, a significant difference was observed in residual spleen) in the clinical indices. CONCLUSION: After subtotal splenectomy with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients, the number of unit area T and B lymphocytes, and MØ in red pulp of residual spleen increased significantly. However, whether increase of T, B lymphocytes and MØs in residual splenic tissue can enhance the immune function of the spleen, still need further research to confirm.

Correlation of contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic features with microvessel density in papillary thyroid carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic (CEUS) features with microvessel density (MVD) in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) was performed in 62 patients (17 men and 45 women) with PTC. Tomtec software was applied to analyze the time intensity curve of CEUS. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the level of MVD in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Then the relationship between quantitative feature and the level of MVD was analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software. RESULTS: The mean peak intensity of PTC tissues was lower than that of peripheral thyroid parenchyma (61.9 ± 11.8% vs 100%, p < 0.05). The MVDs of CD34 and CD31 antibodies staining were 38.0 ± 6.1 and 37.9 ± 5.1 respectively in 62 PTC samples. A significantly positive correlation was observed between peak intensity and MVD in PTC tissues (PCD34 < 0.01, rCD34 = 0.838, PCD31 < 0.01, rCD31 = 0.837). CONCLUSIONS: The peak intensity in CEUS could reflect the MVD in PTC tissues. Therefore, quantification of CEUS seems to be helpful for assessment of MVD in PTC tissues.

Subtotal splenectomy for splenomegaly in cirrhotic patients.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the spleen has become to be recognized as the "control center" of the immune-metabolic-endocrine network. However, It is controversial that splenomegaly due to portal hypertension is treated by subtotal splenectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of fibrous tissue, morphology of cells as well as splenic size, hemodynamics, hematological and immunological indexes in the residual spleen after subtotal splenectomy. This information may help finding the basis for the operation of subtotal splenectomy. METHODS: Ten cases of splenomegaly due to portal hypertension were investigated. Two groups were created: Splenomegaly and Residual spleen. Control group was 10 cases of trauma-induced splenic rupture. Samples were sliced, and morphological changes were observed under light microscopy and electron microscopy. Indexes of splenic size, hemodynamics, hematology and immunology of the spleen were measured. RESULTS: Under light microscopy, the number of collagen fibers and elastic fibers was increased, and the number of reticular fibers was decreased in the residual spleen and splenomegaly groups. Under electron microscopy, the ultrastructure of endothelial cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, and reticular cells in the residual spleen group were noticeably improved more than in the splenomegaly group. Flow volume in the residual spleen and portal vein decreased obviously, with number of platelet rising to normal, and there was no significant difference in the indexes of immunology. CONCLUSION: After subtotal splenectomy, the residual spleen will not experience a high-pressure environment, and the fibrosis of splenic tissue and remodelling of corpuscular morphology will cease.

Correlation between maximum intensity and microvessel density for differentiation of malignant from benign thyroid nodules on contrast-enhanced sonography.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate contrast-enhanced sonography for differentiation of benign and malignant thyroid nodules by analyzing the correlation between maximum intensity and microvessel density. METHODS: From February 2010 to May 2012, 122 patients (85 female and 37 male; mean age ± SD, 45 ± 9.1 years) with thyroid nodules (62 papillary thyroid carcinomas, 30 nodular goiters, and 30 adenomas) that underwent routine thyroid sonography and were diagnosed by surgery were included in this study. Contrast-enhanced sonography was performed, and enhancement patterns were classified into 3 groups: high, equal, and low enhancement. As a time-intensity curve parameter, the correlation of maximum intensity with CD31 and CD34 microvessel density counts was analyzed. RESULTS: On contrast-enhanced sonography, most patients with papillary thyroid carcinomas showed a heterogeneous low enhancement pattern, whereas most patients with nodular goiters showed an equal enhancement pattern, and patients with adenomas showed a high enhancement pattern. The detection of papillary thyroid carcinomas with low enhancement had sensitivity of 96.8%, specificity of 95.0%, and accuracy of 95.9%. Compared with the papillary thyroid group, the mean microvessel density counts were significantly higher in the nodular goiter and adenoma groups (P< .05). We also found that the maximum intensity was significantly associated with CD31 and CD34 counts (CD31, r = 0.963; P < .01; CD34, r = 0.968; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Maximum intensity has a significant relationship with microvessel density. Contrast-enhanced sonography is a practical and convenient means for differentiating benign from malignant thyroid nodules.