Pixel value modification using RVG-4 automatic exposure compensation for instant high-contrast images

The RVG-4 permits automatic exposure compensation (AEC). The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of AEC on image contrast. Images were made either with or without a dental QA jaw phantom using a fixed image projection geometry. Exposures were 6.3 through 27.3 μC/kg using an X-ray generator operated at 70 kVp. Region of interest pixel value distributions were measured at tissue thicknesses in this phantom, and the average pixel values and signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) were calculated. The use of AEC without an object in place resulted in a disproportionate relationship between pixel value and exposure with a marked reduction in SNR. The use of AEC on under- and over-exposed images of the phantom simultaneously enhanced image contrast and reduced SNR. Thus, AEC provides a convenient and quick method for achieving high-contrast images with sub-optimal exposures, however, this could lead to inappropriate patient dosages if the function is used for over-exposed images. AEC reduces the SNR and produces disproportionate pixel values relative to exposure.     

Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity: a Standard Surgical Technique by Consensus

Background: The gastric bypass operation has evolved since 1966 when it was first introduced. The purpose of this study was to determine the present state of gastric bypass by consensus among the members of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). Method: A questionnaire was sent to all members of the ASBS. Forty-three percent responded reporting over 41,200 cases. Results: Results were analyzed by using χ² tests with a null hypothesis. Surgeons agreed on several technical aspects, preferring a vertical to a horizontal stapleline; estimating, rather than measuring, the pouch volume at an average of 22 cc. Few surgeons divide the short gastric vessels, and only 25% of surgeons polled use a restrictive ring or band proximal to the gastroenterostomy. Most surgeons calibrate the gastroenterostomy, reporting a preferred average diameter of 12.3 cm. There was no consensus regarding forming the gastroenterostomy, 58% preferring hand-sewn and 42% stapled anastomoses. There was no consensus regarding dividing the gastric pouch from the bypassed stomach: Conclusion: The preferred gastric bypass is vertical, with the pouch estimated at 20-25 cc, and the gastroenterostomy calibrated at 12 mm diameter. The short gastric vessels need not be divided, and restrictive bands or rings are not preferred. This technique of gastric bypass should be used as the control procedure when modifications are tested in future trials. Randomized prospective studies are suggested to probe the benefits of division of the stomach pouch from the bypassed stomach.     

胃癌组织COX-2的表达及其与细胞增殖和凋亡的关系

目的 :探讨环氧化酶 - 2 (cyclooxygenase - 2 ,COX - 2 )在胃癌组织中的表达与癌细胞增殖和凋亡的关系。 方法 :采用免疫组织化学的方法检测 4 3例胃癌患者COX - 2和增殖细胞核抗原 (PCNA)的表达 ,用TUNEL法检测原位细胞凋亡的情况。分别计算细胞增殖指数 (MI)和凋亡指数 (AI)。结果 :胃癌组织COX - 2表达的阳性率为 6 0 .4 7% ,明显高于对照组 (P <0 .0 1)。COX - 2的高表达与胃癌淋巴结的转移和临床分期有关 ,与肿瘤大小、浸润深度、分化程度均无关。COX - 2阳性胃癌组中MI高于COX - 2阴性胃癌组 ,而AI却低于COX - 2阴性胃癌组 (P均 <0 .0 1)。结论 :COX - 2的过度表达可促进胃癌细胞增殖、抑制细胞凋亡 ,在胃癌的发生、发展过程中起着重要的作用。     

Laparoscopically assisted gastric surgery using Dexterity Pneumo Sleeve

Background: Laparoscopic surgery has been successfully applied to several gastrointestinal procedures. Although the totally laparoscopic gastrectomy is feasible, tactile sensation and manipulation of the organ as well as the lesion are decreased when compared to open surgery. The Dexterity Pneumo Sleeve is a new device which allows the surgeon to insert a hand into the abdominal cavity while preserving the pneumoperitoneum. This device was used for patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric surgery. Methods: The first patient presented with a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the stomach. A laparoscopically assisted distal gastrectomy was performed with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The second patient had a 5-cm leiomyoma involving the greater curve of the stomach, and this device was used for manipulation of the tumor. The last patient suffered from morbid obesity with its associated medical complications and a ventral hernia. The Sleeve was applied at the hernia site and a laparoscopically assisted gastric bypass was performed. Results: The Pneumo Sleeve was useful in these cases for tactile localization of the tumor and for retraction and manipulation of the stomach and surrounding upper abdominal organs. Conclusions: The utilization of this device resulted in a more easily performed dissection, resection, and anastomosis and was felt to decrease operation time. Received: 18 September 1996/Accepted: 26 December 1996     

The Workup for Bariatric Surgery Does Not Require a Routine Upper Gastrointestinal Series

Background: Morbid obesity is a serious disease that afflicts over five million Americans, threatening their health with such co-morbidities as diabetes, arthritis, pulmonary failure and stroke. Surgery is the only effective therapy, providing long-term control of weight, diabetes, pulmonary failure, and hypertension for as long as 14 years. Because the operation presents a major expense, this study examined whether X-ray examination of the gut could be omitted safely as a cost-saving measure. Methods: The records of 814 consecutive morbidly obese patients who underwent gastric bypass were reviewed to determine: (1) whether these individuals had undergone an upper gastro-intestinal (GI) series, and (2) if these studies influenced therapy or caused cancellation or postponement of surgery. Results: Of the 814 patients, 657 (80.7%) underwent a preoperative GI radiography. Of these examinations, 393 (59.8%) were normal, with the following abnormalities in the remaining 264: hiatal hernia, 164; esophageal reflux, 39; Schatzki's ring, 18; small bowel diverticula, four; renal stones, four; malrotation, three; gall stones, two; pyloric ulcer, one; possible pelvic mass, one; calcified leiomyoma, one; and dysphagial lusoria, one. None of these findings resulted in cancellation or a delay in surgery. Conclusions: The upper GI series can be safely omitted from the routine preoperative evaluation of patients undergoing gastric bypass. At a cost of $741.00 per examination, this change represents significant potential savings. Similar evaluations of other routine preoperative tests may well provide a better basis for the evaluation of these complex patients.     

环氧化酶-2基因启动子甲基化及表达与胃黏膜病变的关系

目的 探讨环氧化酶2(COX-2)基因启动子区甲基化水平和蛋白表达与胃黏膜病变的关系,并对其相关的影响因素进行研究.方法 以1201例患有不同胃黏膜病变的高危人群为研究对象,采用免疫组织化学方法榆测COX-2表达,用亚硫酸氢钠-变性高效液相色谱(DHPLC)对COX-2启动子甲基化率进行定量分析,采用13C尿素呼气实验(13C-UBT)对幽门螺旋杆菌(H priori)感染状况进行测定.结果 COX-2甲基化率中位数随胃黏膜病变的加重逐渐升高,在浅表性胃炎和慢性萎缩性胃炎(SG/CAG)、肠上皮化生(IM)及不确定性异型增生和异璎增生(Ind DYS/DYS)病变中分别为10.6%、11.8%、13.8%,各病变组之间差异有统计学意义(X2=8.312,P=0.016).分层分析显示,在H pylori感染阴性病例中,COX-2甲基化率仍随病变加重明显升高,在SG/CAG、IM、Ind DYS/DYS病变中其中位数分别为8.8%、10.6%、14.1%(X2=6.629,P=0.036).进一步分析发现,COX-2甲基化率随着COX-2表达强度的增强而降低,由COX-2弱阳性表达的13.3%降至强阳性表达的7.6%(X2=10.400,P=0.015).结论 COX-2启动子甲基化水平与胃黏膜病变程度及H pylori感染状况密切相关,并与COX-2表达强度呈负相关,说明COX-2启动子区异常甲基化可能在胃黏膜病变的演变过程中起重要作用.     

健脾降脂颗粒中绿原酸的含量测定

目的　研究健脾降脂颗粒中绿原酸的含量测定方法。方法　采用高效液相法。色谱柱YWGC18(2 5 0mm× 4 6mm ,10 μm) ,室温 ,10 %乙腈─冰醋酸 (5∶0 1)为流动相 ,流速为 1mL/min ,检测波长 32 9nm。结果　绿原酸在 0 0 2 0 8～ 0 10 4 μg范围内呈线性关系 (r =0 9994 ,n =5 ) ,平均加样回收率为 96 2 3% ,RSD为 0 798%。结论　本方法准确、可行 ,可用于健脾降脂颗粒的质量控制     

理气类中药对大鼠离体胃平滑肌条的作用

目的：观察理气类中药对大鼠离体胃平滑肌条运动的影响。方法：将肌条放置在灌流肌槽中，用生理记录仪记录肌条的收缩活动。结果：陈皮、枳实对胃各部位平滑肌条均为抑制效应，香附、薤白、木香、柿蒂、乌药对胃底肌条为兴奋效应，但对其他部位肌条则表现为兴奋或抑制不同的效应，沉香仅降低胃窦环行肌收缩波平均振幅，对其他肌条无影响。结论：理气类中药对大鼠离体胃平滑肌条既有兴奋作用，也有抑制作用。