A Flexible Wearable Sensor Based on Laser-Induced Graphene for High-Precision Fine Motion Capture for Pilots.

There has been a significant shift in research focus in recent years toward laser-induced graphene (LIG), which is a high-performance material with immense potential for use in energy storage, ultrahydrophobic water applications, and electronic devices. In particular, LIG has demonstrated considerable potential in the field of high-precision human motion posture capture using flexible sensing materials. In this study, we investigated the surface morphology evolution and performance of LIG formed by varying the laser energy accumulation times. Further, to capture human motion posture, we evaluated the performance of highly accurate flexible wearable sensors based on LIG. The experimental results showed that the sensors prepared using LIG exhibited exceptional flexibility and mechanical performance when the laser energy accumulation was optimized three times. They exhibited remarkable attributes, such as high sensitivity (~41.4), a low detection limit (0.05%), a rapid time response (response time of ~150 ms; relaxation time of ~100 ms), and excellent response stability even after 2000 s at a strain of 1.0% or 8.0%. These findings unequivocally show that flexible wearable sensors based on LIG have significant potential for capturing human motion posture, wrist pulse rates, and eye blinking patterns. Moreover, the sensors can capture various physiological signals for pilots to provide real-time capturing.

Hydrophobic Surface Array Structure Based on Laser-Induced Graphene for Deicing and Anti-Icing Applications.

The exceptional performance of graphene has driven the advancement of its preparation techniques and applications. Laser-induced graphene (LIG), as a novel graphene preparation technique, has been applied in various fields. Graphene periodic structures created by the LIG technique exhibit superhydrophobic characteristics and can be used for deicing and anti-icing applications, which are significantly influenced by the laser parameters. The laser surface treatment process was simulated by a finite element software analysis (COMSOL Multiphysics) to optimize the scanning parameter range, and the linear array surface structure was subsequently fabricated by the LIG technique. The generation of graphene was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The periodic linear array structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser imaging (CLSM). In addition, CLSM testings, contact angle measurements, and delayed icing experiments were systematically performed to investigate the effect of scanning speed on surface hydrophobicity. The results show that high-quality and uniform graphene can be achieved using the laser scanning speed of 125 mm/s. The periodic linear array structures can obviously increase the contact angle and suppress delayed icing. Furthermore, these structures have the enhanced ability of the electric heating deicing, which can reach 100 °C and 240 °C within 15 s and within 60 s under the DC voltage power supply ranging from 3 to 7 V, respectively. These results indicate that the LIG technique can be developed to provide an efficient, economical, and convenient approach for preparing graphene and that the hydrophobic surface array structure based on LIG has considerable potential for deicing and anti-icing applications.

Flexible Wearable Strain Sensors Based on Laser-Induced Graphene for Monitoring Human Physiological Signals.

Flexible wearable strain sensors based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) have attracted significant interest due to their simple preparation process, three-dimensional porous structure, excellent electromechanical characteristics, and remarkable mechanical robustness. In this study, we demonstrated that LIG with various defects could be prepared on the surface of polyimide (PI) film, patterned in a single step by adjusting the scanning speed while maintaining a constant laser power of 12.4 W, and subjected to two repeated scans under ambient air conditions. The results indicated that LIG produced at a scanning speed of 70 mm/s exhibited an obvious stacked honeycomb micropore structure, and the flexible strain sensor fabricated with this material demonstrated stable resistance. The sensor exhibited high sensitivity within a low strain range of 0.4-8.0%, with the gauge factor (GF) reaching 107.8. The sensor demonstrated excellent stability and repeatable response at a strain of 2% after approximately 1000 repetitions. The flexible wearable LIG-based sensor with a serpentine bending structure could be used to detect various physiological signals, including pulse, finger bending, back of the hand relaxation and gripping, blinking eyes, smiling, drinking water, and speaking. The results of this study may serve as a reference for future applications in health monitoring, medical rehabilitation, and human-computer interactions.

Epidemiological analysis reveals a surge in inflammatory bowel disease among children and adolescents: A global, regional, and national perspective from 1990 to 2019 - insights from the China study.

Background: The burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among children and adolescents is rising globally, with substantial variation in levels and trends of disease in different countries and regions, while data on the burden and trends were sparse in children and adolescents. We aimed to assess the trends and geographical differences in children and adolescents aged zero to 19 in 204 countries and territories over the past 30 years. Methods: Data on IBD among children and adolescents was collected from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database from 1990 to 2019. We used the GBD data and methodologies to describe the change in the burden of IBD among children and adolescents involving prevalence, incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and mortality. Results: Globally, the IBD prevalence cases increased between 1990 and 2019. Annual percentage changes (AAPC) = 0.15; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.11-0.19, and incidence cases of IBD increased from 20 897.4 (95% CI = 17 008.6-25 520.2 in 1990 to 25 658.6 (95% CI = 21 268.5-31 075.6) in 2019, representing a 22.78% increase, DALYs cases decreased between 1990 and 2019 (AAPC = -3.02; 95% CI = -3.15 to -2.89), and mortality cases of IBD decreased from 2756.5 (95% CI = 1162.6-4484.9) in 1990 to 1208.0 (95% CI = 802.4-1651.4) in 2019, representing a 56.17% decrease. Decomposition analysis showed that IBD prevalence and incidence increased significantly, and a trend exhibited a decrease in underlying age and population-adjusted IBD DALYs and mortality rates. Correlation analysis showed that countries with high health care quality and access (HAQ) had relatively higher IBD age-standardised prevalence rate (ASPR) and age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR), but lower age-standardised DALYs rate (ASDR) and age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR). Conclusions: Global prevalence and incidence rate of IBD among children and adolescents have been increasing from 1990 to 2019, while the DALYs and mortality have been decreasing. Rising prevalence and rising incidence in areas with historically low rates will have crucial health and economic implications.

[Clinical study of autoantibody spectrum against ovarian cancer associated antigens combined with CA(125) in detecting and monitoring ovarian cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical value of autoantibody spectrum against ovarian cancer associated antigens combine CA(125) in detecting and monitoring ovarian cancer. METHODS: Circulating IgG, IgM autoantibodies against ovarian cancer associated antigens which included TM4SF1, C1D, TIZ, OV-142, FXR1 and OV-189 were measured by indirect ELISA in serum from 126 patients with ovarian cancer (prior treatment), 42 patients with benign ovarian masses, 142 healthy women. Cut off value of IgG, IgM autoantibodies were determined by receive operating characteristic (ROC) curve. CA(125) was measured in serum by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). We evaluated the clinical value of combining multiple autoantibodies (autoantibody spectrum), combining autoantibody spectrum with CA(125) by binary logistic regresion. The positive ratio of autoantibody spectrum in serum (prior and post treatment) of 24 synchronization patients with ovarian cancer was analyzed to evaluate the value in monitoring state of illness. RESULTS: Our data indicated that serum contains IgG, IgM autoantibodies against ovarian cancer associated antigens. The positive ratio of IgG autoantibodies in serum from ovarian cancer patients and cancer-free patients were 34.1% - 47.6% and 13.0% - 19.0%, respectively (P < 0.05). The positive ratio of IgM autoantibodies in serum from ovarian cancer patients and cancer-free patients were 39.7% - 53.2% and 12.0% - 33.2%, respectively (P < 0.05). The positive ratio of IgG autoantibodies against FXR1 and IgM autoantibodies against TIZ, FXR1 and OV-189 in early stage (I-II) ovarian cancer (55.3%, 63.8%, 61.7% and 66.0%) were significantly higher than those in advanced (III-IV) ovarian cancer (34.2%, 39.2%, 26.6%, 45.6%; all P < 0.05). Combining five autoantibodies (TM4SF1 IgG, TM4SF1 IgM, C1D IgG, FXR1 IgG and TIZ IgM) showed significantly improved sensitivity (75.4%, P < 0.05), lower specificity (78.3%, P < 0.05) and similar accuracy (77.1%, P > 0.05) in detecting ovarian cancer compared to those of CA(125) (61.1%, 88.0%, 77.1%). But the autoantibody spectrum showed significantly improved sensitivity in classifying early stage (76.6%), compared to those of CA(125) (51.1%, P < 0.05). Combining autoantibody spectrum with CA(125) showed significantly improved sensitivity (85.7%), specificity (90.8%)and accuracy (88.7%) in detecting ovarian cancer compared to those of autoantibody spectrum alone (all P < 0.05), while CA(125) (61.1%, P < 0.05; 88.0%, P > 0.05; 77.1%, P < 0.05). The positive ratio of combine the autoantibody spectrum with CA(125) was significantly lower in 24 post-treatment serum (42%) compared to the pairing prior treatment serum (88%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combining the autoantibody spectrum against ovarian cancer associated antigens with CA(125) can improve sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in detecting early ovarian cancer and may be used to monitoring state of illness.

6q25.1-q25.3 Microdeletion in a Chinese Girl

Deletions of the long arm of chromosome 6 are rare and are characterized by great clinical variability according to the deletion breakpoint. Herein, we reported a 3-year-old girl evaluated for facial dysmorphism (long and connected eyebrows, big mouth, wide nasal bridge, high palatine arch, low set ears, and thin hair), growth retardation, intellectual disability, and language delay. Chromosomal microarray analysis revealed an 8.1-Mb deletion within 6q25.1-q25.3 ([hg19] chr6: 152,307,705-160,422,834) comprising 31 genes. Dysmorphic features, microcephaly, intellectual disability, language delay, growth retardation, and corpus callosum dysgenesis were commonly reported. Hence, 6q25 microdeletion is a rare condition. In patients with dysmorphic features, microcephaly, growth retardation, intellectual disability, language delay and corpus callosum dysgenesis, 6q25 microdeletion should be considered in the differential diagnosis and chromosomal microarray analysis should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

High expression of PDGFA predicts poor prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGFA), the most known member of PDGF family, plays a crucial role in occurrence and progression of different tumors. However, PDGFA expression and its clinical significance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are not clear. The present study aimed to assess the expression and prognostic value of PDGFA in ESCC.The Gene Expression Omnibus databases (GSE53625, GSE23400, and GSE67269) and fresh clinical samples were employed for detecting PDGFA messenger RNA expression in ESCC. The associations of PDGFA expression with clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated by chi-square test. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression model were performed to determine the prognostic value of PDGFA in ESCC patients. PDGFA-related signaling pathways were defined by gene set enrichment analysis based on Gene Expression Omnibus databases.The PDGFA messenger RNA expression was upregulated in ESCC tissues compared with paired adjacent noncancerous tissues (P < .05) and was positively correlated with T stage (P < .05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggested that ESCC patients with high PDGFA expression were associated with poorer overall survival compared to those with low PDGFA expression (P < .05), especially in advanced T stage (P < .05). Cox analyses showed that high expression of PDGFA was an independent predictor for poor prognosis in ESCC patients. Gene set enrichment analysis identified 3 signaling pathways (extracellular matrix receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis chondroitin sulfate) that were enriched in PDGFA high expression phenotype (all P < .01).PDGFA may serve as an oncogene in ESCC and represent an independent molecular biomarker for prognosis of ESCC patients.

[Clinical evaluation of autoantibody of splice variant of BARD1 in detection of ovarian cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of autoantibody of breast cancer susceptibility 1-associated RING domain (BARD1) splice variant (OV-142) in detection of ovarian cancer. METHODS: We cloned OV-142 gene into plasmid pET-30b(+). The recombinant protein of OV-142 was expressed in pET-30b(+) system and purified. The autoantibody of OV-142 was detected by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: We successfully constructed the recombinant plasmid of OV-142. The recombinant protein was expressed in pET-30b(+) system and purified. The purification rate of the recombinant protein was up to 90%. The relative amount of autoantibody of OV-142 detected by indirect ELISA was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the cutoff value was determined. Combination of the autoantibody IgG of OV-142 and CA(125) was analyzed by logistic regression. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy was 71.4%, 89.1%, and 81.9%, respectively, which were higher than IgG (41.3%, 84.2%, 66.8%) and CA(125) (61.1%, 88.0%, 77.1%) when used alone each. CONCLUSIONS: OV-142 is a splice variant of BARD1. It may be a potential immunotherapy target of ovarian cancer. Detection of autoantibody of OV-142 is a potent complementary tool of CA(125) in ovarian cancer diagnosis.

[Relationship between hormone therapy in women with ovarian malignancy and prognosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between hormone therapy (HT) in women with ovarian malignancy and prognosis. METHODS: HT was used in 31 patients with ovarian cancer after surgery, and 44 cases with ovarian cancer served as control. The expression of estrogen receptor (ER)alpha, ERbeta and progesterone receptor (PR) was detected by immunohistochemical staining respectively. The level of serum calcitonin and transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha) was detected by radio-immune and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay pre- or post-surgery, as well as half a year to one year later post-surgery respectively in these cases. The survival curve of Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test as well as scale risk of Cox model were used to analyze the relationship between HT and prognosis of ovarian cancer. RESULTS: (1) The results of log-rank test showed that there was no difference in survival curve of patients with or without HT [(1108 +/- 52), (1086 +/- 43) d; P = 0.940]; the results of scale risk of Cox model also showed that HT was not an independent prognosis factor for patients with HT. (2) There was no relationship with HT and the accumulated survival in patients with either positive or negative expression of ERalpha, ERbeta and PR in tissue; as well as between HT and the level of serum TGFalpha pre-, post-surgery, or half a year to one year after surgery. (3) The level of serum calcitonin in patients without HT post-surgery half a year to one year later was higher than that pre-surgery [(141 +/- 13), (95 +/- 11) microg/L; P < 0.05], but there was no significant difference between patients with HT half a year to one year later post-surgery and pre-surgery [(90 +/- 18) microg/L, (93 +/- 14) microg/L; P > 0.05]. (4) There was a significant difference in body and emotion function between HT and without HT groups [(1.84 +/- 1.50), (1.45 +/- 0.82); (12.69 +/- 10.20), (12.90 +/- 11.61); P < 0.05], as well as in sex quality and autonomic nerve maladjustment and in the special list made [(1.05 +/- 0.74), (1.77 +/- 1.08); (10.10 +/- 3.21), (13.09 +/- 4.30); P < 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: There is no adverse influence on prognosis in using of HT for patients with ovarian cancer after surgery. HT for patients with ovarian cancer post-surgery can help keep a stable level of serum calcitonin as well as improve the quality of life.

[Clinical Manifestations, Imaging Features and Pathological Diagnosis of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical manifestations, imaging features and pathological diagnosis of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma. METHODS: The clinical data of 50 patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma admitted in our hospital from February 2016 to February 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were examined by routine pathology and immunohistochemical staining. Among them 15 cases were examined by MVD and VEGF, and the other 15 glioma patients were taken as control group. RESULTS: In 50 patients, the disease was chronic, and the main clinical symptoms were numbness, cognitive disorder and disorder of consciousnessetc. Brain CT image of 33 cases (66%) mainly showed slightly higher density; 46 cases (92%) had head enhanced MRI lesions; 38 cases (76%) showed intracranial multiple lesions, 36 cases (72%) showed invasion of supratentorial, and 11 cases showed midline invasion (22%). Pathological diagnosis confirmed 47 cases (94%) with diffuse large B cell lymphoma, the proliferation index of the Ki-67(90%) in 41 case (82%) was higher. CONCLUSION: Primary central nervous system lymphoma is manifested with diffuse large B cell lymphoma as its main type, or with complicated clinical manifestations, lacks of features and certain imaging characteristics, but a few patients are easily pathologically misdiagnosed, therefore the biopsy is necessary for diagnosis of these patients.

[Screening and sero-immunoscreening of ovarian epithelial cancer associative antigens].

OBJECTIVE: To explore epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) antigens that are potentially useful for cancer early detection and therapy. METHODS: A high quality cDNA library derived from ascites tumor cells of EOC patients (3 cases of serous EOC, 1 case of mucinous EOC, and 1 case of endometrial carcinoma of ovary) was constructed, and the method of combining serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression libraries (SEREX) and suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used for screening cDNA library. All of the positive clones were sequenced and bioinformatics analysis with BLAST software in GenBank was performed. Serological mini-arrays of recombinant tumor antigens (SMARTA) was used to investigate the prevalence of autoantibodies to these antigens in both 96 ovarian cancer patients and 96 cancer-free controls. RESULTS: Fifty-five positive clones encoding different antigenic genes of EOC recognized by IgG and (or) IgM were obtained. It showed that these 55 clones derived from 45 distinct genes and these genes could be grouped into 6 classes as following according to homology with known expressed sequence tag (EST): (1) known ovarian carcinoma related genes: BARD1, et al; (2) homologous genes with other tumors: TM4SF1, et al; (3) homologous genes with special tissues: ILF3, FXR1, et al; (4) homologous genes with special function: TIZ, C1D, et al; (5) embryo originating genes: PKHD1, et al; (6) novel genes: OV-189, et al. SMARTA results showed that the positive ratio of five EOC antigens TM4SF1 (28% vs. 9%), C1D (21% vs. 6%), BARD1 (23% vs. 5%), FXR1 (23% vs. 8%), OV-189 (31% vs. 13%) which reacting with their IgG autoantibodies, three antigens TIZ (26% vs. 8%), FXR1 (28% vs. 11%), and OV-189 (18% vs. 7%) which reacting with their IgM autoantibodies in patients was higher than in controls (P < 0.05). The positive ratio of EOC antigens FXR1 (34% vs. 16%), and OV-189 (46% vs. 23%) reacting with their IgG autoantibodies and TIZ (40% vs. 18%), FXR1 (46% vs. 18%) which reacting with their IgM autoantibodies in stage I-II patients was higher than that in stage III-IV (P < 0.05). The positive ratio of OV-189 (67% vs. 26%) which reacting with its IgG autoantibodies in well differentiated cases was higher than in moderately-poorly differentiated cases (P < 0.01). Combination of the above antigens showed a 66% sensitivity and 73% accuracy in discriminating EOC. Combination of the autoantibody profile of TM4SF1, C1D, TIZ, BARD1, FXR1, OV-189 with CA125 showed an 83% sensitivity and 80% accuracy in discriminating EOC. CONCLUSIONS: The strategy of combination of SEREX and SSH is a potent tool in isolating tumor-associated antigen genes. Autoantibody profile of TM4SF1, C1D, TIZ, BARD1, FXR1, OV-189 are potential tumor markers in EOC detection.

Application of carbon nanoparticles in laparoscopic sentinel lymph node detection in patients with early-stage cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of carbon nanoparticles in identifying sentinel lymph nodes in early-stage cervical cancer. METHODS: From January 2014 to January 2016, 40 patients with cervical cancer stage IA2-IIA, based on the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2009 criteria, were included in this study. The normal cervix around the tumor was injected with a total of 1 mL of carbon nanoparticles (CNP)at 3 and 9 o'clock. All patients then underwent laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection and radical hysterectomy. The black-dyed sentinel lymph nodes were removed for routine pathological examination and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Among the 40 patients, 38 patients had at least one sentinel lymph node (SLN). The detection rate was 95% (38/40). One hundred seventy-three SLNs were detected with an average of 3.9 SLNs per side. 25 positive lymph nodes, which included 21 positive SLNs, were detected in 8 (20%) patients. Sentinel lymph nodes were localized in the obturator (47.97%), internal lilac (13.87%), external lilac (26.59%), parametrial (1.16%), and common iliac (8.67%) regions. The sensitivity of the SLN detection was 100% (5/5), the accuracy was 97.37% (37/38), and the negative predictive value was 100. 0% and the false negative rate was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: Sentinel lymph nodes can be used to accurately predict the pathological state of pelvic lymph nodes in early cervical cancer. The detection rates and accuracy of sentinel lymph node were high. Carbon nanoparticles can be used to trace the sentinel lymph node in early cervical cancer.

Incorporation of the fluoride induced Si-O bond cleavage and functionalized gold nanoparticle aggregation into one colorimetric probe for highly specific and sensitive detection of fluoride.

A highly selective and sensitive probe was developed for the field test of F(-) in environmental waters. The probe was fabricated by anchoring 4-mercaptopyridine (MPD) on AuNPs via Au-S interaction to form MPD-AuNPs, and further assembling 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) on the surface of MPD-AuNPs. The hydrolysis and cross-link of APTMS resulted in a thin monolayer of Si-O-Si protecting layer to encapsulated MPD-AuNPs. In the assay, F(-) reacted with Si-O bond and thus destroyed the outer protecting layer of the probe, and further triggered the aggregation of internal MPD-AuNPs by forming N-H-F hydrogen bond. The F(-) induced aggregation of functionalized AuNPs gave rise to significant solution color switch from red to blue, which facilitated visual assay of F(-) in the range of 1.0-7.0 µg mL(-1) by naked eyes. The probe is able to discriminate F(-) from a wide range of environmentally dominant ions, thus it can be applied to detect F(-) in drinkable water with satisfactory results that is agreed well with that of using ion chromatography.

Structural evolution of NiAu nanoparticles under ambient conditions directly revealed by atom-resolved imaging combined with DFT simulation.

From an economic point of view, the structural stability of noble-transition bimetallic catalysts is as significant as their well-studied catalytic efficiency. The structural evolution and corresponding dynamics of NiAu bimetallic nanoparticles under ambient conditions are investigated using in situ Cs-corrected STEM and DFT calculations. During oxidization, the Au component promotes dissociation of oxygen and initiates Ni oxidization, which simultaneously drives the migration of Au atoms, thus yielding multi-shell structures (denoted by Ni@Au@NiO). The subsequent hydrogen reduction induces surface reconstruction, forming fcc-NiAu clusters. After several cycles of catalyzing CO oxidization, both inverse Au segregation and Ni recrystallization occur, which are ascribed to exothermic excitation. The results of this study can help researchers understand the evolutionary behaviors of the bimetallic nanoparticles under ambient conditions as well as optimize the structural design of bimetallic catalysts.

Clinical value of combined detection of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9, heparanase, and cathepsin for determining ovarian cancer invasion and metastasis.

AIM: This study evaluated the clinical value of the combined detection of serum cathepsin L (CL), heparanase (Hpa), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) for determining the degree of ovarian cancer invasion and metastasis before surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the serum content of CL, Hpa, and MMP-9 in 217 patients with untreated ovarian cancer before surgery, 100 patients with benign ovarian tumors, and 101 healthy women as controls. In addition, the degrees of invasion and metastasis were assessed by the 'gold standard' of clinicopathological diagnosis. The associations of the preoperative serum CL, Hpa, and MMP-9 levels with the clinicopathological factors and metastatic status were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the usefulness of these markers for determining the degree of ovarian cancer invasion before surgery. RESULTS: The serum CL, Hpa, and MMP-9 levels were significantly higher (p=0.001) in patients with malignant ovarian cancer compared with patients with benign ovarian tumors and healthy controls. The serum CL level was significantly higher in patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma compared with non-epithelial ovarian carcinoma (p=0.048), whereas the serum levels of Hpa (p=0.109) and MMP-9 (p=0.544) did not differ significantly between these two groups. The serum CL, Hpa, and MMP-9 levels correlated with the degree of differentiation and the FIGO staging (p>0.05). The serum CL (p=0.030) and MMP-9 (p=0.010) levels were significantly associated with peritoneal metastasis, and the serum Hpa level (p=0.042) was associated with distant metastasis. A ROC curve analysis revealed sensitivity of 60.9%, 69.6%, and 72.2%, and specificity of 57.4%, 67.2%, and 68.9% for the preoperative serum levels of CL, Hpa, and MMP-9, respectively, as tumor markers for the degree of extra-pelvic metastasis. CONCLUSION: Elevated serum CL, Hpa, and MMP-9 levels are correlated with malignant invasion and progression in ovarian cancer. The combined detection of serum CL, Hpa, and MMP-9 may be useful for determining the extent of ovarian cancer metastasis before surgery.

[Clinical study of irinotecan plus cisplatin for advanced non-small cell lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of irinotecan combined with cisplatin in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Fifteen patients (10 males and 5 females) aged from 32 to 58 years (median age of 47 years) with KPS>70 and the diagnosis of advanced NSCLC by pathology or cytology were treated with cisplatin 80 mg/m(2) plus irinotecan 60 mg/m(2) by intravenous infusion on 1, 8, 15 days, and the treatment was repeated every 4 weeks. After treatment for at least 2 cycles, the therapeutic effects and adverse drug reactions were evaluated. RESULTS: Of all the cases, PR was achieved in 4 (26.7%), SD in 9 (60%), and PD in 2 (13.3%), with an overall response rate of 26.7%. The median survival time was 11 months and 1-year survival rate was 46.7% (7/15). The main toxicities were delayed diarrhea and granulocytopenia. CONCLUSION: Irinotecan plus cisplatin is an effective and tolerable treatment for advanced NSCLC with low incidence of adverse effects.

[Therapeutic effect of docetaxel combined with oxaliplatin for treatment of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of docetaxel (Taxotere) (DTX) and oxaliplatin (OXA) for treatment of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with histologically confirmed recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer received chemotherapy with DTX and OXA. DTX at the dose of 75 mg/m(2) was administered on day 1 by intravenous infusion in 60 min, followed by OXA at 100 mg/m(2) given by a 2 h infusion. The chemotherapy cycles were repeated every 21 days, and the patients received at least 2 cycles. RESULTS: All the patients were available for response evaluation, among whom 3 (8.3%) showed complete responses and 17 (47.2%) showed partial responses, with an overall response rate of 55.6%. The main adverse effects included hematological toxicities and peripheral neuropathy. CONCLUSION: Combination of DTX and OXA produces good therapeutic effect with tolerable toxicity profile for treatment of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer.

[Effects of ulinastatin on gut mucosal apoptosis and bacterial translocation in rats with sepsis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of ulinastatin on gut mucosal apoptosis and bacterium translocation in a rat model of sepsis. METHODS: Fifty rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups, namely the control (n=5, no operation or drugs), ulinastatin pretreatment (n=15, treated with 25,000 U/kg ulinastatin 2 h before operation), ulinastatin treatment (n=15, treated with 25,000 U/kg ulinastatin 2 h after operation) and sepsis model (n=15, without drug treatment) groups. The rats in the later 3 groups were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). At 3, 6 and 12 h after CLP, the rats were sacrificed and the ileum was removed to examine the pathology and apoptosis of the mucosa. The DNA of Bacillus coli in the whole blood was detected using PCR. RESULTS: Sepsis caused of epithelial cell loss in the ileal villi, ulceration and blebbing of the lamina propria. Ulinastatin treatment administered before and after the operation both significantly alleviated these morphological anomalies. The sepsis rats showed significantly increased intestinal mucosal apoptotic index as compared with the other 3 groups (P<0.05). Ulinastatin pretreatment, in comparison ulinastatin treatment 12 h after CLP, significantly increased the intestinal mucosal apoptotic index (P<0.05). Bacillus coli DNA was positive in sepsis and postoperative ulinastatin treatment groups but negative in the control and pretreated groups. CONCLUSION: Increased intestinal musocal apoptosis and gut bacterial translocation occur in rats following sepsis, and ulinastatin can effectively decrease intestinal mucosal apoptosis and inhibit bacterial translocation.