Dynamic Response Study of Piezoresistive Ti3C2-MXene Sensor for Structural Impacts.

MXenes are a new family of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials. They are inorganic compounds of metal carbides/nitrides/carbonitrides. Titanium carbide MXene (Ti3C2-MXene) was the first 2D nanomaterial reported in the MXene family in 2011. Owing to the good physical properties of Ti3C2-MXenes (e.g., conductivity, hydrophilicity, film-forming ability, elasticity) various applications in wearable sensors, energy harvesters, supercapacitors, electronic devices, etc., have been demonstrated. This paper presents the development of a piezoresistive Ti3C2-MXene sensor followed by experimental investigations of its dynamic response behavior when subjected to structural impacts. For the experimental investigations, an inclined ball impact test setup is constructed. Stainless steel balls of different masses and radii are used to apply repeatable impacts on a vertical cantilever plate. The Ti3C2-MXene sensor is attached to this cantilever plate along with a commercial piezoceramic sensor, and their responses for the structural impacts are compared. It is observed from the experiments that the average response times of the Ti3C2-MXene sensor and piezoceramic sensor are 1.28±0.24µs and 31.19±24.61µs, respectively. The fast response time of the Ti3C2-MXene sensor makes it a promising candidate for monitoring structural impacts.

Temperature Evolution of Composition, Thermal, Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Ti3C2Tx-MXene.

MXenes are a family of two-dimensional nanomaterials. Titanium carbide MXene (Ti3C2Tx-MXene), reported in 2011, is the first inorganic compound reported among the MXene family. In the present work, we report on the study of the composition and various physical properties of Ti3C2Tx-MXene nanomaterial, as well as their temperature evolution, to consider MXenes for space applications. X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and mass spectroscopy measurements confirmed the structure and terminating groups of the MXene surface, revealing a predominant single OH layer character. The temperature dependence of the specific heat shows a Debye-like character in the measured range of 2 K-300 K with a linear part below 10 K, characteristic of conduction electrons of metallic materials. The electron density of states (DOS) calculations for Ti3C2OH-MXene reveal a significant DOS value at the Fermi level, with a large slope, confirming its metallic character, which is consistent with the experimental findings. The temperature dependence of electrical resistivity of the MXene samples was tested for a wide temperature range (3 K-350 K) and shows a decrease on lowering temperature with an upturn at low temperatures, where negative magnetoresistance is observed. The magnetoresistance versus field is approximately linear and increases its magnitude with decreasing temperature. The magnetization curves are straight lines with temperature-independent positive slopes, indicating Pauli paramagnetism due to conduction electrons.

Achalasia--balloon dilation or surgery?

BACKGROUND: The optimal therapeutic schedule in patients with achalasia is still under discussion. The aim of this study was to review our institution's experience with myotomy and dilation in patients with achalasia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical data were available for 59 patients who had ever had myotomy (n=38), dilation (n=21), or both procedures (n=8) between 2000 and 2007. Patients were followed prospectively with objective (a barium esophagogram) and subjective (a simple survey that scored dysphagia and overall patient satisfaction with the procedure) diagnostic tools. In the group of patients after pneumatic dilatations, frequency of interventions was higher (1, 2) than in the myotomy group (0, 2) at 2-year follow-up. Patients after myotomy with recurrence of dysphagia were treated with dilations. RESULTS: Mean time of dysphagia occurrence was similar in both groups (10 months). The statistically significant differences in treatment outcomes in both groups were in favor of myotomy during 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicates that both methods of treatment might be useful in dysphagia control, but better results are obtained after myotomy. Repeat interventions are more frequent after endoscopic dilation. One method of treatment does not exclude the other. A short period of symptom relief after myotomy may suggest the myotomy was incomplete.

Colon micro- and macrooesofagisation in interposed pedicled colonic right half segments for esophagus reconstruction.

Treatment of esophageal burns may require surgical transplantation (interposition) of the colon or stomach. The interposed parts change their function and morphology. To investigate the macro- and microchanges in the transplanted colonic segment we analyzed in long-term follow-up (up to 29 years) the group of 21 patients in a retrospective study who underwent surgical interposition of pedicled colonic right half segments for esophageal burns. The data were analyzed statistically with the software package Statistica 13 (StatSoft Polska, Cracow). All calculations were performed with a significant level of P = .05. We evaluated the macro- and microanatomy of the grafts using radiology, endoscopy and histology. The adaptation of the transplanted tube was excellent. The diameter of the colonic tube was normal (35-60 mm) in 60% of females and 100% of males. Typical macrooesophagisation was found in all patients, while microoesophagisation involved inflammation, which gradually resolved over a period of about 5 years to be replaced by edema without fibrosis. Only in few patients persistent reflux was present, leading to erosions or ulcerations. All symptoms subsided after conservative treatment. We concluded macrooesophagization developed gradually after surgery, and was fully developed after 15 to 20 years. Microoesophagization appeared soon after interposition, and was obvious after 5 years. No metaplasia or dysplasia were observed (except in 1 patient), and the number of goblet cell remained constant.

Tumor location determines midkine level and its association with the disease progression in colorectal cancer patients: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate midkine, multipotential cytokine, and growth factor in colorectal cancer (CRC) stratified by tumor location. METHODS: Midkine was assessed immunoenzymatically in paired cancerous and noncancerous tissues from 53 CRCs and referred to CRC stage, tumor location, and size, and circulating cytokine levels. RESULTS: Midkine was higher in cancerous versus noncancerous tissue in 98 % cases (424.2 vs. 31.1 pg/mg, p < 0.0001). Mean fold increase was 30.1; in 72.5 %, the relative increase was over fivefold. Midkine upregulation was more pronounced in colon than in rectum (fold increase: 36.6 vs. 12.7, p = 0.005) due to higher midkine level in noncancerous rectal than colonic tissue (45.5 vs. 26.2 pg/mg, p = 0.074). Tumor location affected midkine association with CRC stage. Midkine fold change was higher in advanced stages of rectal cancers (16.8 vs. 5.3, respectively in III/IV vs. I/II, p = 0.013), while it tended to be lower in colonic ones (25.3 vs. 47.8, p = 0.134). In addition, fold change in midkine level was higher in rectal N1 than N0 cancers (17.3 vs. 16.5, p = 0.032), while it tended to be lower in colonic cancers (23.6 vs. 50.1, p = 0.085). Midkine negatively correlated with tumor size (r = 0.40, p = 0.017), while it tended to positively correlate with its serum levels (r = 0.45, p = 0.081). CONCLUSIONS: Midkine is differently expressed in tumors arising from colonic and rectal mucosa, where it may play diverse roles in carcinogenesis. High midkine expression in noncancerous rectal mucosa might contribute to, a characteristic for rectal cancers, higher incidence of local recurrence. Divergent expression of midkine and its association pattern ought to be taken into account while designing midkine-directed therapies for CRC.

Rehydration of the Tendon Fascicle Bundles Using Simulated Body Fluid Ensures Stable Mechanical Properties of the Samples.

In this work, we investigate the influence of dehydration and subsequent rehydration of tendon fascicle bundles on their structural and mechanical properties by using distilled water, 0.9% NaCl, 10% NaCl, SBF, and double concentrated SBF (SBFx2). The properties of tendon fascicle bundles were investigated by means of uniaxial tests with relaxation periods and hysteresis for samples with various interfascicular matrix content, dissected from the anterior and posterior areas of bovine tendon. Uniaxial tests with relaxation periods and analysis of sample geometry and weight showed that dehydration alters the modulus of elasticity dependent on the interfascicular matrix content and influences the viscoelastic properties of tendon fascicle bundles. Tensile and relaxation tests revealed that changes resulting from excessive sample drying can be reversed by rehydration in an SBF bath solution for elastic strain range above the toe region. Rehydration in SBF solution led to minor differences in mechanical properties when compared to control samples. Moreover, anterior samples with greater interfascicular matrix content, despite their lower stiffness, are less sensitive to sample drying. The obtained results allow us to limit the discrepancies in the measurement of mechanical properties of wet biological samples and can be useful to researchers investigating soft tissue mechanics and the stability of transplant materials.

[Exhaled nitric oxide in patients with esophagitis]. / Stezenie tlenku azotu w wydychanym powietrzuu chorych na zapalenie przelyku.

INTRODUCTION: Assessment of nitric oxide (NO) concentration in exhaled air is broadly used to monitor the airway inflammation in asthma. High level of NO are also observed in paranasal sinuses and gastrointestinal tract (GT). The intact esopahageal sphincters are responsible for maintain the NO within the GT. It is not known how much the GT and especially esophageal motility disorders can affect the FeNO measurements. The aim of the study was to assess if the gastroesophageal reflux disease has any impact on level of NO in exhaled air in patients who do not suffer from any airway disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 51 patients, in whom asthma, nasal polyps or atopy were excluded, gastroscopy with biopsy was performed. In 13 of them no esophageal pathology was found and they were considered as the control group. In the other 38 patients the esophagitis was diagnosed based on Los Angeles classification. RESULTS: The concentration of NO in exhaled air in patients with endoscopical gastro-esophageal changes did not differ significantly from the NO concentration in patients without inflammatory changes in stomach and esophagus (p = 0.68). Moreover, the presence of hiatal hernia did not affect the FeNO (p = 0.67). There was also no significant dependence between NO level and infection with Helicobacter pylori (p = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: The gastroesophageal pathologies did not significantly affect NO concentration in exhaled air.

Correction: Dynamic response study of Ti3C2-MXene films to shockwave and impact forces.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04879H.].

New Bird Sexing Strategy Developed in the Order Psittaciformes Involves Multiple Markers to Avoid Sex Misidentification: Debunked Myth of the Universal DNA Marker.

Sexing of birds is indispensable for scientific, breeding and conservation programs but is difficult in many species and is particularly problematic in the case of nestlings showing no sexual dimorphism. Most useful and efficient methods of sex determination are based on unique features of the Z and W sex chromosomes detected via PCR to distinguish males (ZZ) and females (ZW). During the last twenty-five years researchers searched for the universal marker capable of sexing a maximally wide spectrum of species in a single PCR assay. We screened the phylogenetically representative set of 135 Psittaciformes species including 59 species sexed for the first time. Two known (P2P8, CHD1iA) PCR markers and four additional W/Z polymorphisms (CHD1iE, CHD1i16, CHD1i9 and NIPBLi16) located within the Chromo Helicase DNA binding CHD1 or the Nipped-B homolog NIPBL genes were applied. We present the electrophoretic patterns obtained for the PCR products of the analyzed markers including most typical and atypical patterns allowing sex determination, as well as those obtained when the given marker failed in sexing. Technical aspects of molecular sex determination are discussed: the optimization of amplification conditions, direct PCR and potential misinterpretations. A truly universal marker has not been found, and therefore, we propose a sexing strategy based on multiple CHD1i16, NIPBLi16, CHD1i9 and CHD1iE markers. This new strategy confirms the sex of a given bird with at least two markers detecting independent Z/W polymorphisms, reduces the number of necessary PCR reactions and minimizes the risk of sex misidentification.

Correlation between electromechanical parameters (NOGA XP) and changes of myocardial ischemia in patients with refractory angina.

INTRODUCTION: Cell therapy has the potential to improve symptoms and clinical outcomes in refractory angina (RFA). Further analyses are needed to evaluate factors influencing its therapeutic effectiveness. AIM: Assessment of electromechanical (EM) parameters of the left ventricle (LV) and investigation of correlation between EM parameters of the myocardium and response to CD133+ cell therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients with RFA (16 active and 14 placebo individuals) enrolled in the REGENT-VSEL trial underwent EM evaluation of the LV with intracardiac mapping system. The following parameters were analyzed: unipolar voltage (UV), bipolar voltage (BV), local linear shortening (LLS). Myocardial ischemia was evaluated with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The median value of each EM parameter was used for intra-group comparisons. RESULTS: Global EM parameters (UV, BV, LLS) of LV in active and placebo groups were 11.28 mV, 3.58 mV, 11.12%, respectively; 13.00 mV, 3.81 mV, 11.32%, respectively. EM characteristics analyzed at global and segmental levels did not predict response to CD133+ cell therapy in patients with RFA (Global UV, BV and LLS at rest R = -0.06; R = 0.2; R = -0.1 and at stress: R = 0.07, R = 0.09, R = -0.1, respectively; Segmental UV, BV, LLS at rest R = -0.2, R = 0.03, R = -0.4 and at stress R = 0.02, R = 0.2, R = -0.2, respectively). Multiple linear regression of the treated segments showed that only pre-injection SPECT levels were significantly correlated with post-injection SPECT, either at rest or stress (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Electromechanical characteristics of the left ventricle do not predict changes of myocardial perfusion by SPECT after cell therapy. Baseline SPECT results are only predictors of changes of myocardial ischemia observed at 4-month follow-up.

Circulating leptin and inflammatory response in esophageal cancer, esophageal cancer-related cachexia-anorexia syndrome (CAS) and non-malignant CAS of the alimentary tract.

We investigated the association between esophageal cancer and cachexia-anorexia syndrome (CAS) of the alimentary tract and leptin, an adipocytokine crucial for body weight regulation, a modulator of inflammatory/immune response, implication of which in cancer and CAS development remains debatable. Circulating leptin was measured in 135 esophageal cancer patients (51 non-cachectic and 84 cachectic) and 83 controls (63 non-cachectic and 20 cachectic) and referred to cancer stage, CAS, and inflammatory and nutritional indices. Leptin was down-regulated in cancer patients and cachectic controls as compared to non-cachectic controls, with more pronounced hypoleptinemia in advanced cancers. Leptin correlated directly with BMI, TNF-alpha, albumin, and hemoglobin and indirectly with IL-6, IL-8, and hsCRP. The correlations, except for hsCRP, were more pronounced in females. BMI alone (females) and BMI and hsCRP (males) were independent predictors of leptin explaining over 60% of its variability. Following adjustment for BMI and gender, cancer-related CAS but not cancer itself negatively affected leptin. Leptin and BMI were independently associated with cancer-related and non-malignant CAS with diagnostic accuracy of 93% in identifying subjects with CAS. Pro-inflammatory, angiogenic and mitogenic properties of leptin do not seem to be important for esophageal cancer development but hypoleptinemia, independently from co-occurring reduction of adiposity, appears to be strongly associated with esophageal cancer-related CAS and non-malignant CAS of the alimentary tract.

Deformation of Bioinspired MXene-Based Polymer Composites with Brick and Mortar Structures: A Computational Analysis.

In this work, the deformation behavior of MXene-based polymer composites with bioinspired brick and mortar structures is analyzed. MXene/Polymer nanocomposites are modeled at microscale for bioinspired configurations of nacre-mimetic brick-and-mortar assembly structure. MXenes (brick) with polymer matrix (mortar) are modeled using classical analytical methods and numerical methods based on finite elements (FE). The analytical methods provide less accurate estimation of elastic properties compared to the numerical one. MXene nanocomposite models analyzed with the FE method provide estimates of elastic constants in the same order of magnitude as literature-reported experimental results. Bioinspired design of MXene nanocomposites results in an effective increase of Young's modulus of the nanocomposite by 25.1% and strength (maximum stress capacity within elastic limits) enhanced by 42.3%. The brick and mortar structure of the nanocomposites leads to an interlocking mechanism between MXene fillers in the polymer matrix, resulting in effective load transfer, good strength, and damage resistance. This is demonstrated in this paper by numerical analysis of MXene nanocomposites subjected to quasi-static loads.

Dynamic response study of Ti3C2-MXene films to shockwave and impact forces.

MXenes (Titanium Carbide, Ti3C2-MXene) are two-dimensional nanomaterials that are known for their conductivity, film-forming ability, and elasticity. Though literature reports the possibility of usage of Ti3C2-MXenes for sensor development, the material properties and response need be studied in detail for designing sensors to measure dynamic variables like force, displacement, etc., in a dynamic environment. Ti3C2-MXenes due to their good electro-mechanical properties can be used for manufacturing sensing elements for engineering and biomedical applications. This paper focuses on an investigation of the dynamic response properties of Ti3C2-MXenes subjected to shockwave and impact forces. A supersonic shockwave (Mach number: 1.68, peak overpressure: 234.3 kPa) produced in a shock tube acts as an external force on the Ti3C2-MXene film placed inside the shock tube. In the experiment performed, the response time of the Ti3C2-MXene film sample has been observed to be in the range of few microseconds (∼7 µs) for the high-velocity shock. In a separate experiment, Ti3C2-MXene film samples are subjected to low-velocity impact forces through a ball drop test. The results from the ball drop test provide a response time in the range of few milliseconds (average ∼1.5 ms). In this novel demonstration, the Ti3C2-MXene film sample responds well for both low-velocity mechanical impact as well as high-velocity shockwave impact. Further, the repeatability of the dynamic response of the Ti3C2-MXene film sample is discussed along with its significant piezoresistive behavior. This work provides the basis for sensor development to measure the dynamic phenomena of pressure changes, acoustic emissions, structural vibrations, etc.

Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 and conventional tumor markers (CEA and CA 19-9) in patients with colorectal and gastric cancers.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-2 and MMP-9, play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. This study aimed to determine the serum levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, 130- and 225-kDa gelatinolytic bands and conventional tumor markers, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen (CA) 19-9, in patients with gastrointestinal cancers. The relationship between these parameters and clinicopathological factors was also studied. METHODS: Sera from controls (n=19), and patients with colorectal (n=47) and gastric (n=34) cancer were collected prospectively. The gelatinolytic activities of MMP-2, MMP-9, 130- and 225-kDa bands were determined using gelatin zymography. CEA and CA 19-9 were determined using immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). RESULTS: Serum levels of MMP-9, 130- and 225-kDa gelatinolytic bands, CEA, and CA 19-9, but not MMP-2, in colorectal and gastric cancer were significantly higher than that of controls. No significant correlation was found between histological grade or clinical stage and levels of MMP-9, 130- and 225-kDa gelatinolytic bands, which were correlated (r=0.61-0.89, p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that zymographic determination of MMP-9, 130- and 225-kDa gelatinolytic bands in colorectal and gastric cancer may be useful in studying these types of cancer in parallel with conventional tumor markers.

Anomalous retroaortic paravertebral course of the left innominate vein in a child with atrial septal defect.

We report the case of a 2.5-year-old boy with atrial septal defect in whom anomalous position of the left innominate vein was detected on preoperative ultrasound examination. Before joining the right brachiocephalic vein, the vessel extended from the left to the right and downward beyond the descending aorta. It was considerably flattened by the thoracic vertebral column, and was invisible on ultrasonography in this section. The appearance of the visible segments raised a suspicion of an anomalous course of persistent left superior vena cava draining into the left atrium, dilated azygos vein in a case of interrupted inferior vena cava, or partial anomalous pulmonary venous return. Since all doubts had to be resolved before open heart surgery, a decision was made to expand the diagnostic work-up to include computed tomography angiography. We present the echocardiographic and computed tomography findings of this unusual and previously unreported case of anomalous venous return.We report the case of a 2.5-year-old boy with atrial septal defect in whom anomalous position of the left innominate vein was detected on preoperative ultrasound examination. Before joining the right brachiocephalic vein, the vessel extended from the left to the right and downward beyond the descending aorta. It was considerably flattened by the thoracic vertebral column, and was invisible on ultrasonography in this section. The appearance of the visible segments raised a suspicion of an anomalous course of persistent left superior vena cava draining into the left atrium, dilated azygos vein in a case of interrupted inferior vena cava, or partial anomalous pulmonary venous return. Since all doubts had to be resolved before open heart surgery, a decision was made to expand the diagnostic work-up to include computed tomography angiography. We present the echocardiographic and computed tomography findings of this unusual and previously unreported case of anomalous venous return.

The large intestine from fetal period to adulthood and its impact on the course of colonoscopy.

The human large intestine in the living adult has a total length of about 1300 mm, ranging from 1100 to 2108 mm. The development of the gut continues after birth, up to the age 4-5. The large intestine ascends at the beginning in the right abdominal quadrant, then it traverses the abdominal cavity, and finally it descends to the anus. The left and right colic flexures are the basic flexions between the transverse, ascending and descending colon, respectively. Additionally, there are secondary bendings between intestinal segments. The angles between the neighbouring parts can vary between examined subjects. Most of the angulations can be found in the transverse (range 2-9) and sigmoid colon (range 1-9), making them the most troublesome parts to pass with a colonoscope. Colonoscopy (usually performed in the left lateral or supine position) is one of the most important examination of the large intestine mucus membrane. During this procedure the endoscope is passed through the colon into the cecum or terminal ilium. The individual anatomical features (tortuosity, supernumerary loops and elongation) may slow down or interfere with the progress of the scope. We summarize current knowledge on the human large intestine from the fetal period to adulthood and carve out some aspects that are currently less known to colonoscopists.

Toll-like receptors TLR-2, TLR-4, TLR-7, and TLR-9 in tumor tissue and serum of the patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastro-esophageal junction cancer.

BACKGROUND: Stimulation of toll-like receptors (TLRs) has been linked to the development of esophageal and gastric cancers. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical significance of tissue expression and serum concentration of TLR-2, TLR-4, TLR-7 and TLR-9 in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 97 individuals: 32 with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, 27 with gastro-esophageal junction cancer, and 38 ageand gender-matched controls. The mRNA expression and protein concentration of TLRs in tissues and sera were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests. RESULTS: In esophageal cancer patients, mRNA expressions of TLR-2, TLR-4 and TLR-7, and protein concentrations of all TLRs were significantly higher in tumor than in control tissue (p < 0.05). In esophageal cancer patients with lymph node metastasis, a tendency toward higher protein concentrations of tumor TLR-4 was observed. In gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma subgroup, only the mRNA expression of TLR-7 and protein concentrations of TLR-4, TLR-7 and TLR-9 were significantly higher in tumors than in normal mucosa (p < 0.05). Protein concentration of TLR-9 was significantly higher in tumors of gastro-esophageal junction cancer with lymph node metastasis and depth of tumor invasion. Diagnostic potential of serum TLR-4 as a marker of gastro-esophageal junction cancer presence was reported. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated differences in the expression patterns of TLRs between esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of gastro-esophageal junction, and showed circulating TLR-4 to be a potential marker of gastro-esophageal junction cancer.

Feasibility of a voice-enabled automated platform for medical data collection: CardioCube.

AIM: A feasibility study was conducted to evaluate implementation of a voice-enabled automated platform for collection of medical data from patients with cardiovascular disease: CardioCube. METHODS: The study enrolled 22 individuals (10 males, 45.5%) including 9 patients with cardiovascular disease and 13 healthy participants. Utilizing (1) voice-enabled patient registration software implemented on the Amazon Echo and (2) web-based electronic health record (EHR) system, study participants verbally answered a set of clinical questions. Primary endpoint: accuracy of ​the ​CardioCube system. Secondary endpoints: acceptability, usability and technical performance. The study was performed at the Outpatient Cardiology Clinic, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA. RESULTS: The CardioCube system collected 432 data points with a high agreement level between verbally provided data and corresponding EHR information (accuracy 97.51%). The CardioCube was able to automatically generate a summarized medical report, which was instantly available for a doctor in the web-based EHR system. Patients reported CardioCube was "easy to use". Applicability of the system was graded excellent by the medical staff. A single session utilized less than 0.002% of available computational resources. CONCLUSION: CardioCube can collect, index and document medical data using a voice interface. In this pilot study, CardioCube supported healthcare professionals by performing time-consuming paperwork during patient registration.

Elevation of circulating interleukin-8 is related to lymph node and distant metastases in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas--implication for clinical evaluation of cancer patient.

The presence of lymph node metastasis (LNM) is an important factor in clinical evaluation of esophageal cancer patients. Biological markers able to support detection of metastatic lymph nodes are sought after. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is overexpressed by many cancers and involved in cancer dissemination. We investigated the relationship between circulating IL-8 and clinicopathological features of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and evaluated the diagnostic potential of IL-8, with reference to the key angiogenic and lymphangiogenic factors: vascular endothelial growth factors A and C (VEGF-A and VEGF-C). We found elevated IL-8 levels in ESCC patients, correlated with tumor size and cancer dissemination, especially LNM. Circulating IL-8 correlated with lymphangiogenic VEGF-C rather then angiogenic VEGF-A. The association weakened in metastatic cancers, suggesting divergent mechanism of IL-8 involvement in the dissemination process. The cytokine levels correlated with platelets and neutrophils, pointing at these cells as possible sources of circulating IL-8. We demonstrated IL-8 that positively correlated with inflammation status of ESCC patients. Circulating IL-8 was a better indicator of ESCC dissemination than VEGF-A or VEGF-C. Yet, the detection rates were not satisfactory enough to allow for the recommendation of IL-8 determination as an adjunct to the clinical evaluation of lymph node involvement in ESCC patients.