CT-guided percutaneous implantation of 125I particles in treatment of early lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided implantation of 125I radioactive particles in treatment of early lung cancer. METHODS: Six patients were analyzed, including 4 squamous cell carcinoma, 1 adenocarcinoma, and 1 small cell lung cancer. TPS software was used to calculate the therapeutic dose amount of particles implanted, and the spacing and distribution of seeds in the target area and adjacent tissues. Under the guidance of CT, 20-55 particles were implanted at each site, with the total number of radioactive particles being 226, the particle spacing being 0.5-1.0 cm, and the implantation being performed in accordance with the principle of uniform implantation. The patients were each followed up with repeated pulmonary CT scans at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months after the procedure. In accordance with the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST), the following definitions for responses were used: complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), progressive disease (PD). RESULTS: There were 2 CRs and 4 PRs one month after procedure; six patients were followed up 3 months after procedure, including 2 CRs and 4 PRs; one patient was lost in follow-up, and 5 patients were followed up 6 months after procedure, including 3 CRs and 2 PRs; five patients were followed up 12 months after procedure, including 3 CRs, 1 PR and 1 PD. The single PD patient was again given CT-guided implantation of 125I radioactive particles for the treatment of recurrent lesions. The pulmonary CT was repeated 6 months after procedure, and the response was evaluated as SD. Four patients were followed up 18 months after procedure, including 3 CRs and 1 PR; one patient was lost in follow-up and 3 patients were followed up 24 months after the procedure with the response being evaluated as CR for all of them; one patient was followed up 36 months after procedure, and the response was evaluated as PD. During the follow-up, no serious complications occurred in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary clinical observation showed that 125I radioactive particle implantation was a safe, reliable and effective therapeutic method for early lung cancer.

[Pathogen spectrum and epidemic status of major human parasites in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the pathogen spectrum and epidemic status of major human parasites in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province, so as to provide the evidence for parasitic diseases control. METHODS: The survey sites were selected by the stratified cluster sampling method. The intestinal helminthic eggs were detected by Kato-Katz technique. The trophozoites or cysts of intestinal protozoa were detected by saline smear and iodine staining methods. The eggs of Enterubius vermicularis of children from 3 to 6 years old were detected by the cellophane anal swab method. The species of hookworm were identified by the filter paper strip culture method. RESULTS: A total of 7 031 people were detected with the intestinal helminthic infective rate of 1.83% (129 cases). The major parasite was hookworm and there was a statistically significant difference of the infection rates among various parasites (χ2 = 107.77, P < 0.01). All the hookworm larvae were Necator americanus. No intestinal protozoon was detected. There were statistically significant differences of the infection rates among the counties (χ2 = 25.77, P < 0.01). The age of the patients was mainly focused on 30 and above years old and the infection rate was increased with the growth of age (χ2 = 26.21, P < 0.01). Farmers were the main population of the patients and there was a statistically significant difference of the infection rates between farmer and others (χ2 = 29.67, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The infection rates of parasites are low and hook-worm is the main parasite in the pathogen spectrum in Chenzhou City. However, the infection factors still exist, therefore, effective and scientific measures should be taken to consolidate the achievement.

Estimates of HIV prevalence in a highly endemic area of China: Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

BACKGROUND: Dehong Prefecture in Yunnan Province, China, borders Myanmar. Its proximity to the 'Golden Triangle', one of the world's largest illicit drug production and distribution centre, contributes to drug trafficking and ready availability of heroin. Dehong's 1.1 million people confront a serious HIV problem fuelled by injection drug use. The aim of this study is to improve the 2005 estimates of the true status of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Dehong Prefecture. METHODS: We estimated the HIV prevalence by synthesizing the results from several data sources (HIV/AIDS case reports, surveys, surveillance activities and epidemiological studies). We applied three different statistical procedures for estimations: (i) The Workbook method, adapted to meet the estimation needs in Dehong Prefecture; (ii) An estimate based on antenatal clinical data; and (iii) a dynamic model based on the local epidemic pattern. RESULTS: We estimated that the population prevalence for HIV infections in Dehong Prefecture is 1.3% (likely range from low/high of three estimates: 0.9-1.7%) such that 13 500 people were living with HIV/AIDS in Dehong Prefecture (likely range: 8,200-18,300) in 2005. Infections remain concentrated among injection drug users, female sex workers and their clients with an uneven geographical distribution of estimated cases. CONCLUSION: More reliable estimates of HIV prevalence can be made by synthesizing multiple data sources using several procedures. Current HIV prevention, care and treatment challenges are judged substantial in Dehong Prefecture, regardless of what modelling strategy is used.