FPGA-based plasma sterilization device for wound-edge recognition

There is a currently a lack of large-area plasma sterilization devices that can intelligently identify the shape of a wound for automatic steriliza-tion.For this reason,in this work,a plasma sterilization device with wound-edge recognition was developed using afield-programmable gate array(FPGA)and a high-performance image-processing platform to realize intelligent and precise sterilization of wounds.SOLIDWORKS was used to design the mechanical structure of the device,and it was manufactured using 3D printing.The device used an improvement of the traditional Sobel detection algorithm,which extends the detection of edges in only the x and y directions to eight directions(0○,45○,90○,135○,180○,225○,270○,and 315○),completing the wound-edge detection by adaptive thresholding.The device can be controlled according to different shapes of sterilization area to adjust the positioning of a single plasma-jet tube in the horizontal plane for two-dimensional move-ment;the distance between the plasma-jet tube and the surface of the object to be sterilized can be also adjusted in the vertical direction.In this way,motors are used to move the plasma jet and achieve automatic,efficient,and accurate plasma sterilization.It was found that a good sterilization effect could be achieved at both the culture-medium level and the biological-tissue level.The ideal sterilization parameters at the culture-medium level were a speed of 2 mm/s and aflow rate of 0.6 slm,while at the biological-tissue level,these values were 1 mm/s and 0.6 slm,respectively.

Individualized anti-thrombotic therapy for acute myocardial infarction complicated with left ventricular thrombus: A case report

BACKGROUND Presently,there is no established standard anti-blood clot therapy for patients facing acute myocardial infarction(AMI)complicated by left ventricular thrombus(LVT).While vitamin K antagonists are the preferred choice for oral blood thinning,determining the best course of blood-thinning medication remains challenging.It is unclear if non-vitamin K antagonist oral blood thinners have different effectiveness in treating LVT.This study significantly contributes to the medical community.CASE SUMMARY The blood-thinning treatment of a patient with AMI and LVT was analyzed.Triple blood-thinning therapy included daily enteric-coated aspirin tablets at 0.1 g,daily clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate at 75 mg,and dabigatran etexilate at 110 mg twice daily.After 15 d,the patient’s LVT did not decrease but instead increased.Clinical pharmacists comprehensively analyzed the cases from the perspective of the patient’s disease status and drug interaction.The drug regimen was reformulated for the patient,replacing dabigatran etexilate with warfarin,and was administered for six months.The clinical pharmacist provided the patient with professional and standardized pharmaceutical services.The patient’s condition was discharged after meeting the international normalized ratio value(2-3)criteria.The patient fully complied with the follow-up,and the time in the therapeutic range was 78.57%,with no serious adverse effects during pharmaceutical monitoring.CONCLUSION Warfarin proves to be an effective drug for patients with AMI complicated by LVT,and its blood-thinning course lasts for six months.

Establishment of a prognosis predictive model for liver cancer based on expression of genes involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway

BACKGROUND The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway(UPP)has been proven to play important roles in cancer.AIM To investigate the prognostic significance of genes involved in the UPP and develop a predictive model for liver cancer based on the expression of these genes.METHODS In this study,UPP-related E1,E2,E3,deubiquitylating enzyme,and proteasome gene sets were obtained from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)database,aiming to screen the prognostic genes using univariate and multivariate regression analysis and develop a prognosis predictive model based RESULTS Five genes(including autophagy related 10,proteasome 20S subunit alpha 8,proteasome 20S subunit beta 2,ubiquitin specific peptidase 17 like family member 2,and ubiquitin specific peptidase 8)were proven significantly correlated with prognosis and used to develop a prognosis predictive model for liver cancer.Among training,validation,and Gene Expression Omnibus sets,the overall survival differed significantly between the high-risk and low-risk groups.The expression of the five genes was significantly associated with immunocyte infiltration,tumor stage,and postoperative recurrence.A total of 111 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified between the high-risk and low-risk groups and they were enriched in 20 and 5 gene ontology and KEGG pathways.Cell division cycle 20,Kelch repeat and BTB domain containing 11,and DDB1 and CUL4 associated factor 4 like 2 were the DEGs in the E3 gene set that correlated with survival.CONCLUSION We have constructed a prognosis predictive model in patients with liver cancer,which contains five genes that associate with immunocyte infiltration,tumor stage,and postoperative recurrence.

Li_(2)MnSiO_(4)/C锂电池复合电极材料制备及电化学性能研究

采用溶胶-凝胶法合成Li_(2)MnSiO_(4)/C锂电池复合正极材料,并用XRD和ESEM分别进行晶体结构和形貌表征,并进行电化学性能测试。结果显示,复合材料呈类球状颗粒,粒间无团簇,分散性较好,晶体属于正交晶系Pmn21空间群。充放电测试结果表明,首次充放电比容量分别为153.6mAh/g和144mAh/g,50次循环后充放电比容量分别为140mAh/g和134mAh/g,100次循环后充放电比容量分别为131mAh/g和125mAh/g;经过200次充放电循环后比容量依然保持在61mAh/g和60mAh/g。在不同倍率下循环稳定性测试结果表明,高倍率下电流密度越大充放电越不稳定。交流阻抗测试结果显示:对比Li_(2)MnSiO_(4),Li_(2)MnSiO_(4)/C电极材料的接触电阻R1、电极表面电荷转移电阻R2扩散阻抗Ws均要小,表明碳复合有利于提高Li_(2)MnSiO_(4)电极材料的电化学性能。

溶胶-凝胶法制备Li_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)电极材料及电化学性能研究

溶胶-凝胶法制备Li_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)作为锂离子电池正极材料并对其形貌、晶型表征、电化学性能分析。结果显示:产物为类球形结构的纳米材料,平均粒径10-20nm之间,分散性较好。随着锻烧温度升高,有利于Li_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)形成较好的结晶度。但温度达到750℃之后,其晶粒逐渐变得粗大,且易烧结成块,因此最佳温度为650℃。XRD分析结果显示:产物与单斜晶系结构的Li_(3)Fe_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)(ICDD43-0526)相一致,属于P2_(1/n)空间群。恒电流(电流密度为50mA/g)充放电测试显示:首次充放电比容量分别为170mAh/g和172mAh/g;经250次循环后,其充放电比容量仍为103mAh/g和124mAh/g。循环稳定性测试显示:低倍率下循环稳定性较高倍率下好,可能与电极材料在大电流密度条件下充放电易出现粉化导致电极表面电阻增大有关。通过交流阻抗谱结合等效电路进一步分析电极界面动力学阻抗参数(R_(1),R_(2),W_(s)),充分证实了这一点,即充放电电流密度增大,对应的阻抗均增大,这为探讨脱嵌锂离子机理提供了基础数据。

Crustal stress field in Yunnan: implication for crust-mantle coupling

We applied the g CAP algorithm to determine 239 focal mechanism solutions 3：0≤MW≤ 6：0） with records of dense Chin Array stations deployed in Yunnan,and then inverted 686 focal mechanisms（including 447 previous results） for the regional crustal stress field with a damped linear inversion. The results indicate dominantly strike-slip environment in Yunnan as both the maximum（r1） and minimum（r3） principal stress axes are sub-horizontal. We further calculated the horizontal stress orientations（i.e., maximum and minimum horizontal compressive stress axes： S H and S h, respectively） accordingly and found an abrupt change near ＊26°N. To the north, S H aligns NW-SE to nearly E-W while S h aligns nearly N-S. In contrast, to the south, both S H and S h rotate laterally and show dominantly fan-shaped patterns. The minimum horizontal stress（i.e., maximum strain axis） S h rotates from NW-SE to the west of Tengchong volcano gradually to nearly E-W in west Yunnan, and further toNE-SW in the South China block in the east. The crustal strain field is consistent with the upper mantle strain field indicated by shear-wave splitting observations in Yunnan but not in other regions. Therefore, the crust and upper mantle in Yunnan are coupled and suffering vertically coherent pure-shear deformation in the lithosphere.

Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 administration improves the intestinal health and immunity in neonatal piglets infected by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88

Background:This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of Enterococcus faecium NCIMB10415(E.faecium)on intestinal development,immunological parameters and gut microbiota of neonatal piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88(ETEC).A total of 961-day-old sow-reared piglets were randomly assigned to 2 groups,with 48 piglets in each group.The piglets were from 16 litters(6 piglets each litter),and 3 piglets each litter were allocated to the E.faecium-supplemented(PRO)group,while the other 3 piglets were allocated to the control(CON)group.After colostrum intake,piglets in the PRO group were orally administrated with 3×10~9 CFU E.faecium per day for a period of one week.On day 8,one piglet per litter from each group was challenged(CON+ETEC,PRO+ETEC)or not(CON-ETEC,PRO-ETEC)with ETEC in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments.On day 10(2 days after challenge),blood and tissue samples were obtained from piglets.Results:Before ETEC challenge,there were no significant differences for the average daily gain(ADG)and fecal score between the two groups of piglets.After ETEC challenge,the challenged piglets had greater fecal score compared to the non-challenged piglets,whereas E.faecium administration was able to decrease the fecal score.Piglets challenged with ETEC had shorter villous height,deeper crypt depth,and reduced number of goblet cells in the jejunum and decreased m RNA abundance of claudin-1 in the ileum,whereas increased the percentage of lymphocytes,concentrations of IL-1βin the plasma and TNF-αin the ileal mucosa,as well as increased the m RNA abundances of innate immunity-related genes in the ileum tissue.These deleterious effects caused by ETEC were partly alleviated by feeding E.faecium.In addition,piglets in PRO-ETEC group had decreased the percentage of CD8^+T cells of the peripheral blood when compared to those in CON-ETEC group.Moreover,E.faecium administration increased Verrucomicrobia at phylum level and decreased Bilophila at genus level.Conclusions:These results suggest that oral administration of E.faecium alleviated the intestinal injury and diarrhea severity of neonatal piglets challenged by ETEC,partly through improving the intestinal microbiota and immune response.This offers a potential strategy of dietary intervention against intestinal impairment by ETEC in neonatal piglets.

Apoptosis in glioma-bearing rats after neural stem cell transplantation

Abnormal activation of the Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk signaling cascade plays an important role in glioma. Inhibition of this aberrant activity could effectively hinder glioma cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis. To investigate the mechanism of gJioblastoma treatment by neural stem ceiJ trans- plantation with respect to the Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk pathway, C6 glioma cells were prepared in sus- pension and then infused into the rat brain to establish a glioblastoma model. Neural stem cells isolated from fetal rats were then injected into the brain of this glioblastoma model. Results showed that Raf-1, Erk and Bcl-2 protein expression significantly increased, while Caspase-3 protein expression decreased. After transplantation of neural stem cells, Raf-1, Erk and Bcl-2 protein expression significantly decreased, while Caspase-3 protein expression significantly in-creased. Our findings indicate that transplantation of neural stem cells may promote apoptosis of glioma cells by inhibiting Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk signaling, and thus may represent a novel treatment approach for glioblastoma.

An Ethogram of the Toad-headed Lizard Phrynocephalus vlangalii during the Breeding Season

In this study, we intended to construct an ethogram of the toad-headed lizard Phrynocephalus vlangalii by classifying and describing its behaviors using the Posture-act-environment （PAE） method. Through direct field observation and video recording, we obtained eight postures, sixty-two acts and ten environments, and thus we formed an ethogram consisting of eighty-three behaviors encoded with PAE. A complete ethogram for a species could provide systematic behavioral information which helps to understand the connections among related behaviors and provides background information for specific behavioral study, hence the present ethogram will be greatly useful for future behavioral studies on P. vlangalii as well as other Phrynocephalus species.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and gastric cancer susceptibility

AIM: To identify the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms and gastric cancer (GC) susceptibility.

Risk clinicopathological factors for lymph node metastasis in poorly differentiated early gastric cancer and their impact on laparoscopic wedge resection

AIM:To investigate the predictive factors of lymph node metastasis(LNM) in poorly differentiated early gastric cancer(EGC),and enlarge the possibility of using laparoscopic wedge resection(LWR).METHODS:We retrospectively analyzed 85 patients with poorly differentiated EGC who underwent surgical resection between January 1992 and December 2010.The association between the clinicopathological factors and the presence of LNM was retrospectively analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Odds ratios(OR) with 95%CI were calculated.We further examined the relationship between the positive number of the three significant predictive factors and the LNM rate.RESULTS:In the univariate analysis,tumor size(P = 0.011),depth of invasion(P = 0.007) and lymphatic vessel involvement(P < 0.001) were significantly associated with a higher rate of LNM.In the multivariate model,tumor size(OR = 7.125,95%CI:1.251-38.218,P = 0.041),depth of invasion(OR = 16.624,95%CI:1.571-82.134,P = 0.036) and lymphatic vessel involvement(OR = 39.112,95%CI:1.745-123.671,P = 0.011) were found to be independently risk clinicopathological factors for LNM.Of the 85 patients diagnosed with poorly differentiated EGC,12(14.1%) had LNM.The LNM rates were 5.7%,42.9% and 57.1%,respectively in cases with one,two and three of the risk factors respectively in poorly differentiated EGC.There was no LNM in 29 patients without the three risk clinicopathological factors.CONCLUSION:LWR alone may be sufficient treatment for intramucosal poorly differentiated EGC if the tumor is less than or equal to 2.0 cm in size,and when lymphatic vessel involvement is absent at postoperative histological examination.

Simultaneous determination of captopril and hydrochlorothiazide by time-resolved chemiluminescence with artificial neural network calibration

The combined use of chemometrics and chemiluminescence（CL）measurements,with the aid of the stopped-flow mixing technique,developed a simple time-resolved CL method for the simultaneous determination of captopril（CPL）and hydrochlorothiazide（HCT）.The stopped-flow technique in a continuous-flow system was employed in this work in order to emphasize the kinetic differences between the two analytes in cerium（IV）-rhodamine 6G CL system.After the flow was stopped,an initial rise of CL signal was observed for HCT standards,while a direct decay of CL signal was obtained for CPL standards.The mixed CL signal was monitored and recorded on the whole process of continuous-flow/stopped-flow,and the obtained data were processed by the chemometric approach of artificial neural network.The relative prediction error（RPE）of CPL and HCT was 5.9% and 8.7%,respectively.The recoveries of CPL and HCT in tablets were found to fall in the range between 95% and 106%.The proposed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of CPL and HCT in a compound pharmaceutical formulation.

MORPHOLOGY EVOLUTION OF POLY(St-co-BuA)/SILICA NANOCOMPOSITE PARTICLES SYNTHESIZED BY EMULSION POLYMERIZATION

Poly（St-co-BuA）/silica nanocomposite latexes were synthesized via conventional emulsion polymerization in the presence of 3-（trimethoxysilyl）propyl methacrylate modified colloidal nano-silica. The effects of surface property, particle size and content of colloidal nano-silica as well as the concentrations of monomer and surfactant on the morphology of nanocomposite latex particles were investigated by transmission electron microscope （TEM） and scanning electron microscope （SEM） in detail. Various interesting morphologies such as grape-like, Chinese gooseberry-like, pomegranate-like and normal core-shell structures were observed. Droplet nucleation mechanism competing with micelle nucleation mechanism was proposed to explain the morphological evolution of the nanocomposite particles.

Feasibility study on expanded indication for endoscopic submucosal dissection of intramucosal poorly differentiated early gastric cancer

AIM: To identify clinicopathological factors predictive of lymph node metastasis(LNM) in intramucosal poorly differentiated early gastric cancer(EGC), and further to expand the possibility of using endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) for the treatment of intramucosal poorly differentiated EGC.METHODS: Data for 81 surgically treated patients with intramucosal poorly differentiated EGC were collected, and the association between the clinicopathological factors and the presence of LNM was retrospectively analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Odds ratios(ORs) with 95% confidence intervals(CIs) were calculated. Several clinicopathologic factors were investigated to identify predictive factors for lymph nodes metastasis, including gender, age, family history of gastric cancer, number of tumors, tumor location, ulceration, tumor size, macroscopic type, lymphatic vessel involvement, and signet-ring-cell component.RESULTS: Tumor size(OR = 7.273, 95%CI: 1.246-29.918, P = 0.042), lymphatic vessel involvement(OR = 42.219, 95%CI: 1.923-97.052, P = 0.018) and signet-ring-cell component(OR = 17.513, 95%CI: 1.647-77.469, P = 0.034) that were significantly associated with LNM by univariate analysis, were found to be significant and independent risk factors for LNM by multivariate analysis. However, gender, age, family history of gastric cancer, number, location, ulceration and macroscopic type of tumor were found not to be associated with LNM. Of these 81 patients diagnosed with intramucosal poorly differentiated EGC, 7(8.6%) had LNM. The LNM rates were 9.1%, 22.2% and 57.1%, respectively, in cases with one, two and three of the risk factors. There was no LNM in 54 patients without the three risk clinicopathological factors.CONCLUSION: Tumor size, lymphatic vessel involvement and signet-ring-cell component are independently associated with the presence of LNM in intramucosal poorly differentiated EGC. Thus, these three risk factors may be used as a simple criterion to expand the possibility of using ESD for the treatment of intramucosal poorly differentiated EGC.

A mini-review on ZnIn_(2)S_(4)-Based photocatalysts for energy and environmental application

As one of the most attractive and eco-friendly technologies,semiconductor photocatalysis is demonstrated as a potential strategy to solve global energy shortage environmental pollution problems.Regarding semiconductor-based photocatalysts,Zinc indium sulfide(ZnIn_(2)S_(4)) with various morphological structures has become research hotspots owing to its superior visible light absorption,high chemical durability and low cost.Nevertheless,the photocatalytic activity of pristine ZnIn_(2)S_(4) is unsatisfactory due to limited range of visible light absorption and fast recombination rate of light-induced electrons and holes.Different modification strategies,such as metal deposition,element doping,vacancy engineering and semiconductor combination,have been systematically developed for enhancing the photocatalytic performance of ZnIn_(2)S_(4) materials.In order to promote further developments of ZnIn_(2)S_(4) in photocatalytic applications,this mini-review summarizes the progress of recent research works for the construction of highly activity ZnIn_(2)S_(4)-based photocatalysts for the first time.In addition,the typical applications of ZnIn_(2)S_(4)-based photocatalytic materials have been critically reviewed and described such as in hydrogen evolution from photocatalytic water splitting,carbon dioxide photoreduction,and treatment of water pollution.The current challenges and further prospects for the development of ZnIn_(2)S_(4) semiconductor photocatalysts are finally pointed out.

Active volatiles of cabernet sauvignon wine from Changli County

This study investigated the contribution of vola-tile compounds to the overall aroma of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Changli County (China). Wine samples were collected from vintages from 2000 to 2005. Volatile compounds were ex-tracted by PDMS solid-phase micro-extraction fi- bers and identified by Gas Chromatography-Ma- ss Spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 65 volatile compounds were identified and quantified, in-cluding higher alcohols, ethyl and acetate esters, and fatty acids. According to their odor active values (OA-Vs), 21 volatile compounds were con- sidered to be the powerful impact odorants of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Changli. Odor descriptions of impact volatiles suggested Cab-ernet Sauvignon red wines from Changli County as having a complex aroma, which included not only pleasant floral and fruity odors, but also cheese, clove flavors, and grassy and smoky aromas.

Successful treatment of stage ⅢB intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma using neoadjuvant therapy with the PD-1 inhibitor camrelizumab:A case report

BACKGROUND The prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC) with lymph node metastasis is poor.The feasibility of surgery is not certain,which is a contraindication according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines.The role of immunotherapy as a neoadjuvant therapy for ICC is not clear.We herein describe a case of ICC with lymph node metastasis that was successfully treated with neoadjuvant therapy.CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old man with a liver tumor was admitted to our hospital.Enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a spaceoccupying lesion in the right lobe of the liver.Multiple subfoci were found around the tumor,and the right posterior branch of the portal vein was invaded.Liver biopsy indicated poorly differentiated cholangiocytes.According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer disease stage classification,ICC with hilar lymph node metastasis(stage ⅢB) and para-aortic lymph node metastasis was suspected.A report showed that two patients with stage ⅢB ICC achieved a complete response(CR) 13 mo and 16 mo after chemotherapy with a PD-1 monoclonal antibody.After multidisciplinary consultation,the patient was given neoadjuvant therapy,surgical resection and lymph node dissection,and postoperative adjuvant therapy.After three rounds of PD-1 immunotherapy(camrelizumab) and two rounds of gemcitabine combined with cisplatin regimen chemotherapy,the tumor size was reduced.Therefore,a partial response was achieved.Exploratory laparotomy found that the lymph nodes of Group 16 were negative,and the tumor could be surgically removed.Therefore,the patient underwent right hemihepatectomy plus lymph node dissection.The patient received six rounds of chemotherapy and five rounds of PD-1 treatment postoperatively.After 8 mo of follow-up,no recurrence was found,and a CR was achieved.CONCLUSION Neoadjuvant therapy combined with surgical resection is useful for advanced-stage ICC.This is the first report of successful treatment of stage ⅢB ICC using neoadjuvant therapy with a PD-1 inhibitor.

Natural Products and Derivatives Targeting at Cancer Energy Metabolism:A Potential Treatment Strategy

In the 1920s,Dr Otto Warburg first suggested the significant difference in energy metabolism between malignant cancer cells and adjacent normal cells.Tumor cells mainly adopt the glycolysis as energy source to maintain tumor cell growth and biosynthesis under aerobic conditions.Investigation on energy metabolism pathway in cancer cells has aroused the interest of cancer researchers all around the world.In recent years,plentiful studics suggest that targeting the peculiar cancer energy metabolic pathways,including glycolysis,mitochondrial respiration,amino acid metabolism,and fatty acid oxidation may be an effective strategy to starve cancer cells by blocking essential nutrients.Natural products (NPs)are considered as the “treasure trove of small molecules drugs” and have played an extremely remarkable role in the discovery and development of anticancer drugs.And numerous NPs have been reported to act on cancer energy metabolism targets.Herein,a comprehensive overview about cancer energy metabolism targets and their natural-occurring inhibitors is prepared.

Tetramethylpyrazine inhibits proliferation of colon cancer cells in vitro

BACKGROUND Colon cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide,and chemotherapy is a widely used strategy in colon cancer clinical therapy.However,chemotherapy resistance is a major cause of disease recurrence and progression in colon cancer,and thus novel drugs for treatment are urgently needed.Tetramethylpyrazine(TMP),a component of the traditional Chinese medicine Chuanxiong Hort,has been proven to exhibit a beneficial effect in tumors.AIM To investigate the potential anticancer activity of TMP in colon cancer and its underlying mechanisms.METHODS Colon cancer cells were incubated with different concentrations of TMP.Cell viability was evaluated by crystal violet staining assay and cell counting kit-8 assay,and cell apoptosis and cell cycle were assessed by flow cytometry.RESULTS TMP significantly inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner.In addition,flow cytometry revealed that TMP induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase.TMP treatment caused early stage apoptosis in SW480 cells,whereas it caused late stage apoptosis in HCT116 cells.CONCLUSION Our studies demonstrated that TMP inhibits the proliferation of colon cancer cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner by inducing apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase.Our findings suggest that TMP might serve as a potential novel therapeutic drug in the treatment of human colon cancer.

Cutting balloon treatment of anastomotic biliary stenosis after liver transplantation: Report of two cases

Biliary stenosis is a common complication after liver transplantation,and has an incidence rate ranging from4.7%to 12.5%based on our previous study.Three types of biliary stenosis(anastomotic stenosis,nonanastomotic peripheral stenosis and non-anastomotic central hilar stenosis)have been identified.We report the outcome of two patients with anastomotic stricture after liver transplantation who underwent successfulcutting balloon treatment.Case 1 was a 40-year-old male transplanted due to subacute fulminant hepatitis C.Case 2 was a 57-year-old male transplanted due to hepatitis B virus-related end-stage cirrhosis associated with hepatocellular carcinoma.Both patients had similar clinical scenarios:refractory anastomotic stenosis after orthotopic liver transplantation and failure of balloon dilation of the common bile duct to alleviate biliary stricture.