Application of Image Fusion Methods to Cell Imaging Processing

Aim To fuse the fluorescence image and transmission image of a cell into a single image containing more information than any of the individual image. Methods Image fusion technology was applied to biological cell imaging processing. It could match the images and improve the confidence and spatial resolution of the images. Using two algorithms, double thresholds algorithm and denoising algorithm based on wavelet transform,the fluorescence image and transmission image of a Cell were merged into a composite image. Results and Conclusion The position of fluorescence and the structure of cell can be displyed in the composite image. The signal-to-noise ratio of the exultant image is improved to a large extent. The algorithms are not only useful to investigate the fluorescence and transmission images, but also suitable to observing two or more fluoascent label proes in a single cell.

Relationship between microvessel count and post-hepatectomy survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To elucidate the relationship between the microvessel count (MVC) by CD34 analyzed by immunohistochemical method and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who underwent hepatectomy based on our preliminary study. METHODS: We examined relationships between MVC and clinicopathological factors in 128 HCC patients. The modifi ed Japan Integrated Staging score (mJIS) was applied to examine subsets of HCC patients. RESULTS: Median MVC was 178/mm^2, which was used as a cut-off value. MVC was not signif icantly associated with any clinicopathologic factors or postoperative recurrent rate. Lower MVC was associated with poor disease-free and overall survivals by univariate analysis (P = 0.039 and P = 0.087, respectively) and lower MVC represented an independent poor prognostic factor in disease-free survival by Cox’s multivariateanalysis (risk ratio, 1.64; P = 0.024), in addition to tumor size, vascular invasion, macroscopic fi nding and hepatic dysfunction. Signifi cant differences in disease-free and overall survivals by MVC were observed in HCC patients with mJIS 2 (P = 0.046 and P = 0.0014, respectively), but not in those with other scores. CONCLUSION: Tumor MVC appears to offer a useful prognostic marker of HCC patient survival, particularly in HCC patients with mJIS 2.

Spontaneous Rupture of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma:Experience of Emergency Laparotomy over a 16-Year Period

OBJECTIVE Spontaneous rupture is an uncommon complication of primary hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. There is no standard method of treatment, and most often treatment depends on the condition of the patient or the assessment by the surgeon. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience of emergency laparotomy in the management of spontaneous rupture of HCC. METHODS Retrospective analysis documented 49 rupture HCC cases who received emergency laparotomy from Oct. 1990 to Oct. 2006. RESULTS Thirty-nine cases （79.6%） had a history of hepatitis and 39 cases （79.6%） were accompanied with liver cirrhosis. The most frequent manifestation which was present in 47 cases （95.9%） was sudden right hypochondrial or epigastric pain. Shock was seen in 40 cases （81.6%）, and 42 cases （85.7%） had signs of peritonitis. The methods of operation were performed in the number of cases as follows： suture in 5; packing in 2; hepatic artery ligation in 4; hepatectomy in 21; microwave coagulation in 5; microwave coagulation combined with packing in 3; microwave coagulation combined with hepatic artery ligation in 9. Morbidity occurred in 11 cases （22.4%）. The overall hospital mortality rate was 10.2%. The mean survival time was 8.8 months. The main causes of death were liver failure and massive variceal bleeding. CONCLUSION Spontaneous rupture of HCC represents a life-threatening condition with an overall poor prognosis. Laparotomy should be the first choice for treating HCC rupture if the proper conditions are present. Liver failure is the vital condition influencing the prognosis.