Calorie restriction inhibits ovarian follicle development and follicle loss through activating SIRT1 signaling in mice

Background

Silent information regulator 2 related enzyme 1 (SIRT1) is one of the key factors in the mechanism of calorie restriction (CR) extending lifespan of animals. The aim of the study is to investigate if CR prolongs ovarian lifespan in mice through activating SIRT1 signaling.

Methods

In the present study, 21 female C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: the control (n = 7), CR (n = 7), and SRT1720 (n = 7) groups. After the 26-week treatment, the number of ovarian follicles at each stage was counted, and Western blot was performed.

Results

The number of surviving follicles in ovaries of the SRT1720 group was less than that of the CR group but more than that of the normal control (NC) group. The number of atretic follicles in the ovaries of the SRT1720 group was similar to that of the CR group but less than that of the NC group. The number of primordial follicles in the ovaries of the SRT1720 group was less than that of the CR group but more than that of the NC group. The numbers of primary follicles, secondary follicles, antral follicles, and corpora lutea in the SRT1720 group were similar to those in the CR group. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of SIRT1, SIRT6, FOXO3a, and NRF1 proteins was upregulated, and p53 was downregulated in both the CR group and the SRT1720 group compared to the control group.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that CR inhibits the activation of primordial follicles and development of follicles at different stages, thus preserving the reserve of follicle pool (at least partly) through activating SIRT1 signaling.     

Development and Implementation of a Clinician Reporting System for Advanced Stage Cancer: Initial Lessons Learned

Objective

Innovative approaches can strengthen patient-caregiver-clinician information exchange and more effectively address the physical and psychosocial challenges of advanced disease. This study reports initial findings from implementation of the Clinician Report (CR)—a patient and caregiver status report tool accessible by the oncology clinic team.

Design

The CR tracks and communicates essential information from cancer patients and caregivers to the oncology team. The CR conveys patient symptoms, emotional strain, and key concerns.

Measurements

Authors used a model developed to explain acceptance, implementation, and sustainability of Interactive Health Communication Systems (IHCS) to evaluate implementation of the new CR system. The study carried out qualitative analyses of interviews with clinicians regarding their experience utilizing the Clinician Report.

Results

Primary CR benefits included enhancement of patients'' clinic visit experiences, greater caregiver involvement, and facilitation of earlier interventions. Challenges included CR functional issues, users'' desire for greater depth of information, user privacy concerns, and limited patient use. These findings are discussed using parameters of the implementation model. Limitations of this study include its small clinician sample size, which represented only a portion of existing organizational settings in which CR systems might be implemented.

Conclusion

Though in its early implementation stages, the CR demonstrates the potential to positively impact care delivery in the cancer clinic setting, particularly by facilitating earlier interventions and improving patient-caregiver-clinician communication both during and between clinic visits.     

Psychological Correlates of Outcome after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

Background

Psychological effects of Coronary Artery Bypass graft (CABG) have been of interest all over the world but there is a paucity of Indian work.

Methods

30 patients undergoing CABG at a service hospital were included. All patients filled a specially designed proforma. Mini Mental Status Examination, Hospital anxiety and depression scale, Coronary scale, Seattle angina questionnaire and Euro-QOL 5D were performed before and seven days after CABG.

Results

43.3% had significant anxiety and 30% had significant depression before CABG. Following CABG, 36.67% of the patients had significant anxiety while 40% had significant depression. On the Seattle angina questionnaire, physical limitation reduced from 71.6 ± 7.9 to 53.1 ± 14.6. There was significant improvement in treatment satisfaction from 37.8 ± 6.1 to 59.4 ± 4.2 following CABG. On th euro quality of life scale (EQ5D) health status improved from 38.17 ± 9.51 before CABG to 68.5 ± 5.28 after CABG.

Conclusion

There is a significant incidence of anxiety and depression in patients undergoing CABG, both before and after surgery.Key Words: CABG, anxiety, depression     

Comparison of Phaconit Rollable IOL with Acrylic Foldable IOL

Background

Phaconit or ultra micro incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery involves phacoemulsification through a 0.9 millimetre sleeveless phaco tip and irrigating chopper followed by implantation of a rollable intraocular lens. The procedure leads to negligible astigmatism and faster visual recovery as compared to phacoemulsification with a foldable intraocular lens.

Methods

This prospective study analysed 80 cases of sub millimetre phaconit surgery with implantation of rollable intraocular lenses(IOL) in 40 cases and acrylic foldable IOL in the remaining 40 cases. Evaluation of efficacy and adaptability of procedure, equipment settings, operative constraints, postoperative complications, keratometric and topographic evaluation of induced astigmatism with visual outcome and patient''s rehabilitation were studied.

Results

The intraoperative complications were surge/ chamber collapse in 16 (20%), iris chaffing in one and corneal burns in two cases. All cases had an induced astigmatism of less than or equal to ± 0.25 D in four to six weeks after rollable IOL and ± 0.5 D to ± 0.75 D after acrylic IOL implantation. All patients had best-corrected visual acuity of 6/6 by third post operative day.

Conclusion

Phaconit with rollable IOL is a perfect blend of surgical skill, application of technology and ultra thin IOL.Key Words: Phaconit, Ultra micro phaco, Submillimetre incision, Rollable IOL implantation     

The effect of polymorphism in gene of insulin-like growth factor-I on the serum periparturient concentration in Holstein dairy cows

Objective

To investigate the relationship between polymorphism within the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) of IGF-I gene and its periparturient concentration in Iranian Holstein dairy cows.

Methods

Blood samples (5 mL, n = 37) were collected by caudal venipuncture from each animal into sample tubes containing the EDTA and DNA was extracted from blood. In order to measure IGF-I concentration the collection of blood samples (n = 111) was also done at 14 d before calving (prepartum), 25 and 45 d postpartum.

Results

We found evidence for a significant effect of C to T mutation in position 512 of IGF-I gene on its serum concentration in dairy cows in Iran. Cows with CC genotype had significantly higher concentration (Mean±SD) of IGF-I at 14 d prepartum (91.8±18.1) µg/L compared to those with TT genotype (73.3±14.4) µg/L (P=0.04). A significant trend (quadratic) was found for IGF-I concentration, as higher in CC cows compared to ones with TT genotype, during the 14 d before calving to 45 d postpartum (P=0.01).

Conclusions

We concluded that C/T transition in the promoter region of IGF-I gene can influence the serum concentration of IGF-I in periparturient dairy cows.     

Tumor markers as a diagnostic key for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Objective

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is the fourth most common gastrointestinal malignancy. CA19-9 and CEA are helpful devices in the management of gastrointestinal malignancies and belong to clinical routine in surgical oncology. But the validity of these parameters in terms of tumor extension and prognosis of bile duct malignancies still remains unclear.

Methods

From 1998 to 2008, we obtained preoperative CA19-9 and CEA serum levels in 136 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. We correlated tumor stage, resectability rate and survival with preoperative CA 19-9 and CEA serum levels.

Results

CA19-9 (UICC I: 253 ± 561 U/ml; UICC II: 742 ± 1572 U/ml; UICC III: 906 ± 1708 U/ml; UICC IV: 1707 ± 3053 U/ml) and CEA levels (UICC I: 2.9 ± 3.8 U/ml; UICC II: 4.6 ± 6.5 U/ml; UICC III: 18.1 ± 29.6 U/ml; UICC IV: 22.7 ± 53.9 U/ml) increase significantly with rising tumor stage. Patients with pre operative serum levels of CA19-9 (> 1000 U/ml) and CEA (> 14.4 ng/ml) showed a significant poorer resectability rate and survival than patients with lower CA19-9 and CEA serum levels respectively.

Conclusion

CA19-9 and CEA serum levels are associated with the tumor stage. If preoperatively obtained CA19-9 and CEA serum levels are highly elevated patients have an even worse survival and the frequency of irresectability is significantly higher.     

Comparative assessment of physicochemical properties of unripe peach (Prunus persica) and Japanese apricot (Prunus mume)

Objective

To investigate the physicochemical properties of unripe peach-Prunus persica cv. Mibaekdo (Mibaekdo) and Prunus persica cv. Nagasawa Hakuho (Nagasawa Hakuho) as an alternative to food supplement while Japanese apricot (Prunus mume cv. Backaha) (Backaha) was used as a control sample.

Methods

The unripe fruits were analyzed for soluble solid ( ˚Brix), titratable acidity, pH, total polyphenol content, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, amygdalin content, free amino acid content, organic acid content, free sugar content, and α-amylase activities.

Results

Total polyphenol content of unripe peach ranged between 137.27-151.64 µg/g whereas that of apricot was 160.73 µg/g. DPPH radical scavenging activities of Backaha was the highest (89.16%) followed by Mibaekdo (85.05%) and Nagasawa Hakuho (41.50%). The highest amount of oxalic acid (612.8 mg/100 g) was observed in Mibaekdo while that of Nagasawa Hakuho and Backaha were (184.6±18.1) and (334.8±16.1) mg/100 g, respectively. Amygdalin contents of Mibaekdo, Nagasawa Hakuho and Backaha were 486.61, 548.60 and 174.28 µg/g, respectively.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the unripe fruit of peach has a significant biochemical potential of using as a food supplement with potential health benefit for human health.     

Hypoxia-induced MTA1 promotes MC3T3 osteoblast growth but suppresses MC3T3 osteoblast differentiation

Background

Bone fracture is one of the most common physical injuries in which gene expression and the microenvironment are reprogramed to facilitate the recovery process.

Methods

By specific siRNA transfection and MTT assay, we evaluated the effects of metastasis-associated gene 1 (MTA1) in osteoblast growth. To show the role of MTA1 in osteoblast under hypoxia conditions, by overexpressing and silencing MTA1 expression, we performed mineral deposition and alkaline phosphatase activity assay to observe the differentiation status of osteoblast cells. Real-time PCR and Western blot assays were adopted to detect the expression of certain target genes.

Results

Here, we reported that hypoxia-induced MTA1 expression through hypoxia-induced factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and stimulated the growth of osteoblast MC3T3 cells. Silencing of MTA1 through specific siRNA suppressed MC3T3 cell growth and elicited cell differentiation and induced alkaline phosphatase activation and the upregulation of bone morphogenetic protein-2 and osteocalcin.

Conclusions

We found that MTA1 was regulated by HIF-1α in hypoxia circumstance to suppress osteoblast differentiation. These findings provide new insights for bone fracture healing and new strategies to develop potential targets to promote fracture healing.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40001-015-0084-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Effect of germicidal UV-C light(254 nm) on eggs and adult of house dustmites,Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae (Astigmata: Pyroglyhidae)

Objective

To examined the immediate and 24 hours post- irradiation germicidal effects of UV-C lamp on eggs and adults of house dust mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. pteronyssinus) and Dermatophagoides farinae (D. farinae).

Methods

This study investigated the immediate and 24 hours post irradiation mortalities of adult mites exposed to UV-C at different exposure times (5 mins, 10 mins, 15 mins, 20 mins, 30 mins and 60 mins) and distances (10 cm, 25 cm, 35 cm, 45 cm and 55 cm). Fresh eggs of the 2 dust mites were also irradiated at 10, 35 and 55 cm for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5 minutes, and observed daily post- irradiation for up to 7 days.

Results

Highest immediate mortality of 100% occurred with direct irradiation at 10 cm distance from UV-C lamp and for 60 mins, for both species of mites. The post 24 hours mean mortality rates were (58.4±17.4)% for D. pteronyssinus and (27.7±9.7)% for D. farinae when irradiated for 1 hour at 55 cm distance under UV-C lamp. When mites were irradiated in the presence of culture media, the highest mortality rates were lower compared to the direct irradiation; at 10 cm distance and 60 mins exposure, the mean mortality was (74.0±6.8)% for D. pteronyssinus and (70.3±6.7)% for D. farinae. Egg hatchability for both species of mites was also notably reduced by greater than 50% following irradiation.

Conclusions

Ultraviolet C irradiation is lethal to an array of organisms by damaging their nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). This study demonstrates the increasing mite mortalities with increasing exposure times and decreasing distances.     

Valuable Radiographic Tool for Odontogenic Jaw Keratocyst Diagnosis and Surgical Planning

Objective:

To investigate the clinical use of cone beam computed tomography in the diagnosis of patients with odontogenic jaw keratocyst and to guide computer-aided surgical treatment planning.

Methods:

Imaging, image processing, and visualization technologies were used to produce clear diagnosis, provide proper treatment, and formulate favourable prognosis. Cone beam computed tomography was used to collect medical information including site, extent, shape, and other characteristic features of a patient with large odontogenic jaw keratocyst.

Results:

The imaging technique produced excellent results in imaging, image processing and threedimensional (3D) visualization.

Conclusion:

The 3D digital reconstruction model of the odontogenic jaw keratocyst was shown intuitively.     

Case analysis of complete remission of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma achieved with sorafenib

Background

To evaluate the feasibility and security of complete remission (CR) of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) achieved with sorafenib treatment, and investigate the previously described predictive factors in CR.

Methods

The case of a patient who achieved CR of advanced HCC with sorafenib treatment was analyzed. The case analysis was performed by a literature review of relevant reports retrieved from the PubMed database.

Results

A 58-year-old male patient achieved CR of advanced HCC after 23 weeks of oral treatment with sorafenib alone for 41 months and maintained CR for more than 35 months. Eleven reports worldwide have documented a total of twelve patients who achieved CR of advanced HCC, including six with nonsurgical oral sorafenib treatment, four with surgical resection in the descent stage following oral sorafenib treatment and two with oral sorafenib treatment for postoperative metastasis.

Conclusions

For unresectable advanced HCC, sorafenib can significantly improve progression-free survival and overall survival, achieving CR in some cases. In addition, surgical resection of advanced HCC in the descent stage is possible following oral sorafenib treatment. For patients with postoperative distant metastasis of HCC, sorafenib treatment also provides clinical benefits and can even achieve CR. Besides, long-term sorafenib administration is safe, and patients should continually receive sorafenib to avoid recurrence after complete remission of cancer. Furthermore, early HFSR, rapid decline of AFP levels and rapid tumor shrinking observed by imaging are known parameters describing sorafenib’s effects. Finally, it is important to assess the gene locus of sorafenib sensitivity in HCC patients in future research.     

Isolation and structural elucidation of cytotoxic compounds from the root bark of Diospyros quercina (Baill.) endemic to Madagascar

Objective

To isolate and characterize the cytotoxic compounds from Diospyros quercina (Baill.) G.E. Schatz & Lowry (Ebenaceae).

Methods

An ethno-botanical survey was conducted in the south of Madagascar from July to August 2010. Bio-guided fractionation assay was carried out on the root bark of Diospyros quercina, using cytotoxicity bioassay on murine P388 leukemia cell lines as model. The structures of the cytotoxic compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

Results

Biological experiments resulted in the isolation of three bioactive pure compounds (named TR-21, TR-22, and TR-23) which exhibited very good in vitro cytotoxic activities with the IC₅₀ values of (0.017 5±0.0060) µg/mL, (0.089±0.005) µg/mL and (1.027±0.070) µg/mL respectively. Thus, they support the claims of traditional healers and suggest the possible correlation between the chemical composition of this plant and its wide use in Malagasy folk medicine to treat cancer.

Conclusions

The ability of isolated compounds in this study to inhibit cell growth may represent a rational explanation for the use of Diospyros quercina root bark in treating cancer by Malagasy traditional healers. Further studies are, therefore, necessary to evaluate the in vivo anti-neoplastic activity of these cytotoxic compounds as effective anticancer drugs.     

Analysis of chemical composition and bioactive property evaluation of Indian propolis

Objective

To analyze the chemical composition and to evaluate the bioactive potential of hydroalocoholic extract of propolis.

Methods

Ethanol extract of propolis was analyzed by GC-MS, HPTLC and HPLC methods and in vitro antioxidant, anticholinesterase and cytotoxicity assay were performed.

Results

GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of fatty acids, alcohols, and quercetin. Quercetin was identified and quantified by HPTLC and HPLC methods. Dose dependent DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of hydroalcoholic extract of propolis was calculated as 16.20 and 34.33 µg/mL respectively. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation was significant and the IC₅₀ value was calculated as 55.56µg/mL. Anticholinesterase activity was less observed. The cytotoxic activity against both breast (MCF-7) and lung cancer (A543) cell lines were significant and the IC₅₀ value was calculated as 10 and 13 µg/mL respectively.

Conclusions

These findings showed that bioactive compounds present in propolis will alleviate many diseases and can be used for better human health.     

Changes with time in skin temperature of the shoulders in healthy controls and a patient with shoulder-hand syndrome

Background

Abnormal skin temperature in the shoulder is caused by various diseases. A thermography is unable to capture temperature changes over time. In contrast, a Thermocron is an effective measuring device to monitor temperature changes over time.

Purposes

The purposes of this study employing a Thermocron were to measure shoulder skin temperature over time in healthy subjects and to detect shoulder skin temperature abnormalities in a patient with shoulder-hand syndrome.

Subjects and methods

Subjects comprised 10 healthy volunteers (20 shoulders; 4 men and 6 women, mean age 54 years). For measurements, a Thermocron was attached on both shoulders. Measurements were made from 21.00 to 07.00 the following morning at 15-minute intervals.

Results

Gradual difference in right and left shoulder skin temperature was observed with the timing of measurements but no significant difference was apparent, i.e. dominant side 34.9 ± 0.8°C, non-dominant side 34.9 ± 0.9°C (P = 0.28).

Presentation of a case with shoulder-hand syndrome

A 54-year-old woman with the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear underwent surgical treatment of rotator cuff repair, but the pain of the operated shoulder persisted due to phase 1 shoulder-hand syndrome. In postoperative week 3, skin temperature measurement using Thermocrons demonstrated a significant decrease in temperature on the operated side (affected side 34.3 ± 0.4°C, healthy side 35.2 ± 0.3°C; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The changing of the skin temperature during night-time was successfully recorded both in the healthy subjects and a case with shoulder-hand syndrome using a Thermocron.     

Systematic review and evaluation of web-accessible tools for management of diabetes and related cardiovascular risk factors by patients and healthcare providers

Objective

To identify and evaluate the effectiveness, clinical usefulness, sustainability, and usability of web-compatible diabetes-related tools.

Data sources

Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, world wide web.

Study selection

Studies were included if they described an electronic audiovisual tool used as a means to educate patients, care givers, or clinicians about diabetes management and assessed a psychological, behavioral, or clinical outcome.

Data extraction

Study abstraction and evaluation for clinical usefulness, sustainability, and usability were performed by two independent reviewers.

Results

Of 12616 citations and 1541 full-text articles reviewed, 57 studies met inclusion criteria. Forty studies used experimental designs (25 randomized controlled trials, one controlled clinical trial, 14 before–after studies), and 17 used observational designs. Methodological quality and ratings for clinical usefulness and sustainability were variable, and there was a high prevalence of usability errors. Tools showed moderate but inconsistent effects on a variety of psychological and clinical outcomes including HbA1c and weight. Meta-regression of adequately reported studies (12 studies, 2731 participants) demonstrated that, although the interventions studied resulted in positive outcomes, this was not moderated by clinical usefulness nor usability.

Limitation

This review is limited by the number of accessible tools, exclusion of tools for mobile devices, study quality, and the use of non-validated scales.

Conclusion

Few tools were identified that met our criteria for effectiveness, usefulness, sustainability, and usability. Priority areas include identifying strategies to minimize website attrition and enabling patients and clinicians to make informed decisions about website choice by encouraging reporting of website quality indicators.     

Combination of low-concentration of novel phytoestrogen (8,9)-furanyl-pterocarpan-3-ol from Pachyrhizus erosus attenuated tamoxifen-associated growth inhibition on breast cancer T47D cells

Objective

To investigate the estrogenic effect of (8,9)-furanyl-pterocarpan-3-ol (FPC) on growth of human breast cancer T47D cells and the interactions between the FPC and tamoxifen (TAM), on the growth of estrogen receptor-dependent breast cancer T47D cells.

Methods

The proliferation effect of FPC were conducted on T47D cells in vitro by MTT test. T47D cells were treated with FPC alone (0.01-200 µmol/L) or in combination with TAM 20 nmol/L. Furthermore, the expression of ERα or c-Myc were also determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The results indicated that administration of an anti-estrogen TAM showed growth inhibitory effect on T47D cells, wheraes co-administered with low concentration (less than 1 µmol/L) of FPC attenuated to promote cell proliferation. In contrast, the combination of TAM with higher doses (more than 20 µmol/L) of FPC showed growth inhibitory. This result was supported by immunocytochemistry studies that the administration of 20 nmol/L TAM down-regulated ER-α and c-Myc, but the combination of 20 nmol/L TAM and 1 µmol/L FPC robustly up-regulated expression of ER-α. Thus, the reduced growth inhibition of TAM 20 nmol/L by FPC 1 µmol/L on T47D cells may act via the modulation of ER-α.

Conclusions

The findings indicate and suggest that FPC had estrogenic activity at low concentrations and anti-estrogenic effect that are likely to be regulated by c-Myc and estrogen receptors. We also confirm that low concentration of FPC attenuated the growth-inhibitory effects of TAM on mammary tumor prevention. Therefore, the present study suggests that caution is warranted regarding the consumption of dietary FPC by breast cancer patients while on TMA therapy.     

Rapamycin impairs endothelial cell function in human internal thoracic arteries

Background

Definitive fate of the coronary endothelium after implantation of a drug-eluting stent remains unclear, but evidence has accumulated that treatment with rapamycin-eluting stents impairs endothelial function in human coronary arteries. The aim of our study was to demonstrate this phenomenon on functional, morphological and biochemical level in human internal thoracic arteries (ITA) serving as coronary artery model.

Methods

After exposure to rapamycin for 20 h, functional activity of ITA rings was investigated using the organ bath technique. Morphological analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy and evaluated by two independent observers in blinded fashion. For measurement of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) release, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and protein kinase B (PKB) (Akt) activation, Western blotting on human mammary epithelial cells-1 and on ITA homogenates was performed.

Results

Comparison of the acetylcholine-induced relaxation revealed a significant concentration-dependent decrease to 66 ± 7 % and 36 ± 7 % (mean ± SEM) after 20-h incubation with 1 and 10 μM rapamycin. Electron microscopic evaluation of the endothelial layer showed no differences between controls and samples exposed to 10 μM rapamycin. Western blots after 20-h incubation with rapamycin (10 nM–1 μM) revealed a significant and concentration-dependent reduction of p (Ser 1177)-eNOS (down to 38 ± 8 %) in human mammary epithelial cells (Hmec)-1. Furthermore, 1 μM rapamycin significantly reduced activation of p (Ser2481)-mTOR (58 ± 11 %), p (Ser2481)-mTOR (23 ± 4 %) and p (Ser473)-Akt (38 ± 6 %) in ITA homogenates leaving Akt protein levels unchanged.

Conclusions

The present data suggests that 20-h exposure of ITA rings to rapamycin reduces endothelium-mediated relaxation through down-regulation of Akt-phosphorylation via the mTOR signalling axis within the ITA tissue without injuring the endothelial cell layer.     

Three dimensional reconstruction of the pancreas based on the virtual Chinese human--female number 1

Objective

To study the three dimensional (3D) reconstruction and 3D visualisation of the pancreas and create anatomy of the digitalised visual pancreas so as to construct a concrete basis for virtual operation and surgical operation on pancreas.

Methods

The digital imaging data of pancreas, duodenum, common bile duct, arteries, and veins were obtained from the virtual Chinese human—female 1 (VCH‐F1). The image data were investigated and 380 images ascertained of pancreas picked up from images numbers 2617 to 2996. Finally, the images from number 2574 to 3017 were adopted to segment and processed using ACDSee and Photoshop so as to reconstruct 3D pancreas digitally. The data of pancreatic surfaces were transformed into Visualization Toolkit (VTK). The GUI program written with VC+ was used to display this VTK file and realise 3D visualisation of the pancreas.

Results

3D reconstruction and visualisation of the pancreas and the peri‐pancreatic structures (the duodenum, the common bile duct,the inferior vena cava, the portal vein vessels, the aorta, the coeliac trunk vessels) was successful. The 3D and visualised pancreas manifested itself with its complete structure as well as its adjacency to other tissues.

Conclusion

The 3D reconstruction and 3D visualisation of the pancreas based on the digital data of VCH‐F1 produces a digitally visualised pancreas, which promises a novel method for virtual operation on the pancreas, clinical operation on the pancreas, and anatomy of 3D visualised pancreas.