Objectives: Heterotaxy syndrome is a recognized risk factor for surgical cardiac interventions. We evaluated the early- and middle-term results of a surgical intervention for patients with heterotaxy syndrome. Methods: A total of 42 patients with heterotaxy syndrome were enrolled (September 2008 to March 2015). Left and right atrial isomerism were identified in 26% (11 out of 42) and 74% of patients (31 out of 42), respectively. The median age of the patients at the time of surgery was 6.8 months (range: 5 days to 22.3 years). Biventricular repair was completed in 3 patients with left atrial isomerism. Seventeen out of 39 patients who were scheduled for single ventricular repair completed a modified Fontan procedure. Results: The hospital mortality rate was 4.7% (2 out of 42). Another 5 deaths occurred in the remaining survivors following hospital discharge with a follow-up duration of 45.8 ± 23.6 months (range: 13-111 months). The 1-year and 5-year survival rates were 88.1% (37/42) and 83.3% (35/42), respectively. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis identified pulmonary venous obstruction and atrioventricular valve replacement as additional risk factors for mortality. Conclusions: Right ventricular bypass surgery remains the preferred palliative procedure for patients with heterotaxy syndrome. Based on the current results, the early- and middle-term outcomes are satisfactory.

Hemorrhagic stroke is a devastating clinical event with no effective medical treatment. Neuroinflammation, which follows a hemorrhagic stroke, is an important element that involves both acute brain injury and subsequent brain rehabilitation. Therefore, delineating the key inflammatory mediators and deciphering their pathophysiological roles in hemorrhagic strokes is of great importance in the development of novel therapeutic targets for this disease. The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a multi-protein complex that is localized within the cytoplasm. This NOD-like receptor orchestrates innate immune responses to pathogenic organisms and cell stress through the activation of caspase-1 and the maturation of the proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that when the NLRP3 inflammasome is activated, it exerts harmful effects on brain tissue after a hemorrhagic stroke. This review article summarizes the current knowledge regarding the role and the underlying mechanisms of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathophysiological processes of hemorrhagic strokes. A better understanding of the function and regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in hemorrhagic strokes will provide clues for devising novel therapeutic strategies to fight this disease.

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ZnS nanocombs were fabricated via a two-step growth method. By annealing Au coated ZnS nanobelts with the help of SnO 2 /C, comb-like nanostructures would be formed. In the absence of SnO 2 /C, Au coated ZnS nanobelts would be evaporated completely at the same temperature. As revealed by high resolution transmission microscopy, the growth direction of the ZnS nanobelts was [210] while that of the branches was [001], which epitaxially grew on the (00 AE 1) side surfaces of the ZnS nanobelts. Selfevaporation was used to explain the formation of the ZnS nanocombs. Photoluminescence spectrum reveals that the ZnS nanocombs had two emission bands at 570 and 635 nm.

Introduction All adult medulloblastoma (AMB) patients should be treated with craniospinal irradiation (CSI) postoperatively. Because of the long irradiation range, multiple radiation fields must be designed for conventional radiotherapy technology. CSI can be completed in only one session with helical tomotherapy (HT). We evaluated the dose of HT, volumetric intensity modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) of AMB and the results of 5 cases of AMB treated with HT. Methods Complete craniospinal and posterior cranial fossa irradiation with HT, VMAT, and 3D-CRT and dose evaluation were performed. And results of 5 cases of AMB treated with HT were evaluated. Results A large volume of tissue was exposed to low dose radiation in the organs at risk (OAR), while a small volume was exposed to high dose radiation with HT. The conformity and uniformity of the targets were good with HT and VMAT, and the volume of targets exposed to high dose with VMAT was larger than that of HT. The uniformity of 3D-CRT was also good, but the dose conformity was poor. The main toxicity was hematologic toxicity, without 4th-degree bone marrow suppression. There was 3rd-degree inhibition in the white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets. The three female patients suffered menstrual disorders during the course of radiation. Two female patients with heavy menstruation suffered 3rd-degree anemia inhibition, and 2 patients suffered amenorrhea after radiotherapy. Although menstrual cycle was normal, the third patient was not pregnant. Conclusion CSI with HT is convenient for clinical practice, and the side effects are mild. With good conformity and uniformity, VMAT can also be used for selection in CSI. For poor conformity, 3D-CRT should not be the priority selection for CSI. In female patients, the ovaries should be protected.