External beam radiotherapy with or without californium-252 neutron brachytherapy for treatment of recurrence after definitive chemoradiotherapy.

We aimed to evaluate the application of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) combined with californium-252 (252Cf) neutron intraluminal brachytherapy (NBT) in patients with local recurrent esophageal cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Sixty-two patients with local recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after definitive CRT were retrospectively analyzed; 31 patients underwent NBT+EBRT, and 31 received EBRT alone. The response rate; 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival rates; and adverse event occurrence rates were compared between these two patient groups. The response rate was 83.87% (26/31) in the NBT+EBRT group and 67.74% (21/31) in the EBRT group (p < 0.001). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival rates were 80.6%, 32.3%, and 6.5%, respectively, in the EBRT group, with a median survival time of 18 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival rates were 83.8%, 41.9%, and 6.9%, respectively, in the NBT+EBRT group, with a median survival time of 19 months. The differences between the groups were not significant (p = 0.352). Regarding acute toxicity, no incidences of fistula or massive bleeding were observed during the treatment period. The incidences of severe and late complications were not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.080). However, the causes of death for all patients differed between the groups. Our data indicate that 252Cf-NBT+EBRT produces favorable local control for patients with local recurrent esophageal cancer after CRT, with tolerable side effects.

Far-field heat and angular momentum radiation of the Haldane model.

We investigate the radiation of energy and angular momentum from 2D topological systems with broken inversion symmetry and time reversal symmetry. A general theory of far-field radiation is developed using the linear response of 2D materials to the thermal fluctuation of electric currents. Applying the theory to the Haldane model, we verify that the heat radiation complies with Planck's law only at low temperature and deviates from it as temperature becomes high. In contrast to normal metals, angular momentum radiation is possible for this system and exhibits saturation as temperature increases. Parameters crucial to the radiation are investigated and optimized. This research enlightens the possibility of transposing the quantum information to the angular momentum degree of freedom.

[Internal and external fixation combined with second stage perforator flap for the treatment of ankle fracture dislocation of Gustilo-Anderson types â ¢B and â ¢ C].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical effect of internal and external fixation combined with second-stage perforator fiap for the treatment of ankle fracture dislocation of Gustilo-Anderson types ⅢB and ⅢC. METHODS: From May 2014 to July 2017, 20 patients with Gustilo-Anderson types ⅢB and ⅢC ankle fracture dislocation were treated with internal and external fixation combined with second-stage perforator fiap, including 14 males and 6 females, aged from 18 to 58 years old with an average of (39.0±9.7) years old;17 patients were type ⅢB and 3 patients were type ⅢC according to Gustilo-Anderson classification;4 patients were type A, 7 patients were type B, and 9 patients were type C according to AO classification. The size of wound ranged from 4 cm×3 cm to 20 cm×9 cm. Second-stage perforator flap, 11 patients were performed with posterior tibial artery perforator flap, 5 patients were performed with fibular artery perforator flap, 1 patient was performed with anterior ankle flap, and 3 patients were performed with posterior tibial artery perforator flap combined with fibular artery perforator flap. Postoperative wound healing, flap survival and fracture healing were observed, AOFAS score was used to evaluate at the latest follow up. RESULTS: All limbs were preserved successfully without amputation. Nine patients occurred superficial infection without deep infection and osteomyelitis occurring. The flaps of 19 patients survived. All patients were followed up for 6 to 18 months with an average of (12.0±2.9) months. The flaps healed well without sinus tract, bone exposure and bone disunion occurring. Fracture healing time ranged from 4 to 10 months with an average of (6.6±1.7) months. PostoperativeAOFAS score was 76.7± 16.4, among which 4 patients got excellent result, 11 patients good, 3 patients fair, and 2 poor. CONCLUSION: Internal and external fixation combined with second stage perforator fiap for the treatment of ankle fracture dislocation of Gustilo-Anderson types ⅢB and ⅢC could effectively close the wound, improve fracture healing and restore appearance and function of limbs to the maximum.

Changes in clinical trials of cancer drugs in mainland China over the decade 2009-18: a systematic review.

As a result of recent, substantial capacity building, a new landscape for cancer drug trials is emerging in China. However, data on the characteristics of cancer drug trials, and how they have changed over time, are scarce. Based on clinical trials published on the China Food and Drug Administration Registration and Information Disclosure Platform for Drug Clinical Studies, we aimed to systematically review changes over time in clinical trials of cancer drugs in mainland China from 2009 to 2018, to provide insight on the effectiveness of the pharmaceutical industry and identify unmet clinical needs of stakeholders. A total of 1493 trials of 751 newly tested cancer drugs were initiated. Increases over time were observed for the annual number of initiated trials, newly tested drugs, and newly added leading clinical trial units, with a sharp increase after 2016. Of the 1385 trials in which cancer types were identified, solid tumours (325 [23%] trials), non-small-cell lung cancer (232 [17%]), and lymphoma (126 [9%]) were the most common. A markedly uneven distribution was also observed in the geography of leading units with the largest number of leading units located in east China (50 [41%]) and the smallest number located in southwest China (4 [3%]). The growth trends we observed illustrate the progress in and increasing capability of cancer drug research and development achieved in mainland China over the decade from 2009. The low number of clinical trials on tumours with epidemiological characteristics unique to the Chinese population and the unbalanced geographical distribution of leading clinical trial units will provide potential targets for policy makers and other stakeholders. Further research efforts should address cancers uniquely relevant to Chinese populations, globally rare cancers, and the balance between equitable drug access, efficiency, and sustainability of cancer drug research and development in mainland China.

Identification of co-expression modules and pathways correlated with osteosarcoma and its metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor that occurs in children. METHODS: To identify co-expression modules and pathways correlated with osteosarcoma and its clinical characteristics, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) on RNA-seq data of osteosarcoma with 52 samples. Then we performed pathway enrichment analysis on genes from significant modules. RESULTS: A total of 5471 genes were included in WGCNA, and 16 modules were identified. Module-trait analysis identified that a module involved in microtubule bundle formation, drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, and IL-17 signaling pathway was negatively correlated with osteosarcoma and positively correlated with metastasis; a module involved in DNA replication was positively correlated with osteosarcoma; a module involved in cell junction was positively correlated with metastasis; and a module involved in heparin binding negatively correlated with osteosarcoma. Moreover, expression levels in four of the top ten differentially expressed genes were validated in another independent dataset. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis might provide insight for molecular mechanisms of osteosarcoma.

Investigating age­induced differentially expressed genes and potential molecular mechanisms in osteosarcoma based on integrated bioinformatics analysis.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy. It predominantly occurs in adolescents, but can develop at any age. The age at diagnosis is a prognostic factor of OS, but the molecular basis of this remains unknown. The current study aimed to identify age­induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and potential molecular mechanisms that contribute to the different outcomes of patients with OS. Microarray data (GSE39058 and GSE39040) obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and used to analyze age­induced DEGs to reveal molecular mechanism of OS among different age groups (<20 and >20 years old). Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) were divided into up and downregulated DEMs (according to the expression fold change), then Gene Ontology function enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were performed. Furthermore, the interactions among proteins encoded by DEMs were integrated with prediction for microRNA­mRNA interactions to construct a regulatory network. The key subnetwork was extracted and Kaplan­Meier survival analysis for a key microRNA was performed. DEMs within the subnetwork were predominantly involved in 'ubiquitin protein ligase binding', 'response to growth factor', 'regulation of type I interferon production', 'response to decreased oxygen levels', 'voltage­gated potassium channel complex', 'synapse part', 'regulation of stem cell proliferation'. In summary, integrated bioinformatics was applied to analyze the potential molecular mechanisms leading to different outcomes of patients with OS among different age groups. The hub genes within the key subnetwork may have crucial roles in the different outcomes associated with age and require further analysis.

Galectin-3 deficiency protects lipopolysaccharide-induced chondrocytes injury via regulation of TLR4 and PPAR-γ-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway.

The aim of the present study was to identify the functional role of galectin-3 (Gal-3) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury in ATDC5 cells and to explore the probable molecular mechanisms. Here, we identified that LPS is sufficient to enhance the expression of Gal-3 in ATDC5 cells. In addition, repression of Gal-3 obviously impeded LPS-stimulated inflammation damage as exemplified by a reduction in the release of inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as the production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concomitant with the downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-13 and MMP-3 expression in ATDC5 cells after LPS administration. Moreover, ablation of Gal-3 dramatically augmented cell ability and attenuated cell apoptosis accompanied by an increase in the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and a decrease in the expression of proapoptotic protein Bax and caspase-3 in ATDC5 cells subjected with LPS. Importantly, we observed that forced expression of TLR4 or blocked PPAR-γ with the antagonist GW9662 effectively abolished Gal-3 inhibition-mediated anti-inflammatory and antiapoptosis effects triggered by LPS. Mechanistically, depletion of Gal-3 prevents the NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, these findings indicated that the absence of Gal-3 exerted chondroprotective properties dependent on TLR4 and PPAR-γ-mediated NF-κB signaling, indicating that Gal-3 functions as a protector in the development and progression of osteoarthritis.

Poly(nickel-ethylenetetrathiolate) and Its Analogs: Theoretical Prediction of High-Performance Doping-Free Thermoelectric Polymers.

It is generally deemed that doping is a must for polymeric materials to achieve their high thermoelectric performance. We herein present the first report that intrinsically metallic behaviors and high-performance thermoelectric power factors can coexist within doping-free linear-backbone conducting polymers, poly(nickel-ethylenetetrathiolate) and its analogs. On the basis of density functional calculations, we have corroborated that four crystalline π- d conjugated transition-metal coordination polymers, including poly(Ni-C2S4), poly(Ni-C2Se4), poly(Pd-C2S4) and poly(Pt-C2S4) exhibit intrinsically metallic behavior arising from the formation of dense intermolecular interaction networks between sulfur/selenium atoms. They show moderate carrier concentrations (1019-1021 cm-3) and decent conductivities (103-104 S cm-1), among which, poly(Ni-C2S4), poly(Ni-C2Se4) and poly(Pd-C2S4) possess high power factors (∼103 µW m-1 K-2).

Prognostic role of pretreatment neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in breast cancer patients: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and cancer are closely related to each other. As a parameter that can reflect inflammation and host immune reaction, elevated blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been confirmed to be correlated with poor prognosis in a variety of cancers. However, this remains controversial in breast cancer. Thus, we performed this updated meta-analysis to further clarify whether high NLR could be a predictor of survival in breast cancer patients. METHODS: We searched on PubMed Database and Cochrane Library. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and cancer-specific survival were used as outcome events, and hazard ratio (HR) was chosen as the parameter to evaluate the correlation. RESULT: Eighteen eligible studies were involved in this meta-analysis. The synthesized analysis demonstrated that elevated NLR was associated with poor DFS [HR = 1.72, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.30-2.27], OS (HR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.41-2.48), and cancer-specific survival (HR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.04-4.21). The correlation was stronger in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (OS: HR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.63-4.06; DFS: HR = 3.51, 95% CI = 1.97-6.24). CONCLUSION: Higher NLR was correlated to poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. As a clinical parameter that we can easily obtain, NLR might be a potential predictor in patients' survival to assist with physicians' treatment decisions.

High tumor-associated macrophages infiltration is associated with poor prognosis and may contribute to the phenomenon of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies show that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) contribute to the progression and poor prognosis of carcinoma through multiple mechanisms. Both inflammation and changing of epithelium have a close relationship with tumorigenesis of gastric cancer. However, the relevance between EMT and TAMs is still unclear in gastric cancer and needs more scientific research. This study is designed to explore the relationship between EMT and TAMs in gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of EMT-related proteins and TAM markers in cancer tissues and normal gastric tissues. RESULTS: High levels of EMT and TAMs infiltration are related to aggressive features and independent prognostic factors in gastric cancer, respectively. In addition, expression of the two indicators is associated with expression of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1). Infiltration of TAMs is also associated with EMT-related marker in gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that high levels of EMT and TAMs infiltration are related to aggressive features and independent prognostic factors in gastric cancer, respectively. A correlation was found between EMT- and TAM-related indicators, which may be associated with TGF-ß signaling pathway. The level of TAMs infiltration plays an important role in gastric cancer, the markers of which can be used as prognostic indicators.

Expression of RAP1B is associated with poor prognosis and promotes an aggressive phenotype in gastric cancer.

Metastasis is the major cause of death among gastric cancer (GC) patients, and altered expression of Ras-related protein RAP1B is associated with cancer development. The present study assessed RAP1B expression ex vivo and the effect of hypoxia­induced RAP1B overexpression on the promotion of the metastatic potential of GC cells in vitro. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of RAP1B and hypoxia­inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in 178 GC tissue specimens. GC cell lines were used to assess the effects of hypoxia and RAP1B knockdown with RAP1B small interfering RNA (siRNA). Tumor cell viability was detected by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, invasion capacity was evaluated by a Transwell assay, and gene expression was determined by qRT-PCR and western blotting. The data showed that expression levels of RAP1B and HIF-1α proteins were high in the GC tissue specimens, and RAP1B expression was significantly associated with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage and tumor size, while HIF-1α expression was significantly associated with TNM stage, Borrmann type and tumor differentiation. Moreover, RAP1B expression was associated with HIF-1α expression (r=0.547, P<0.001). The expression of RAP1B and HIF-1α proteins was associated with a shorter overall survival of patients according to the univariate analysis (log-rank test, P<0.01), and RAP1B expression and TNM stage were independent prognostic predictors in patients using a multivariate analysis (P<0.001). In vitro, hypoxia induced the invasion of GC cells and the expression of RAP1B and HIF-1α (P<0.05); whereas knockdown of RAP1B expression using siRNA inhibited the tumor cell invasion capacity even under hypoxic culture conditions (P<0.05). In conclusion, the protein expression of RAP1B and HIF-1α contributed to GC malignant behavior and poor prognosis. Future studies will evaluate whether targeting RAP1B expression can be used as a novel strategy to control GC or as a biomarker for prognosis prediction.

Interactions between pork consumption, CagA status and IL-1B-31 genotypes in gastric cancer.

AIM: To explore potential interactions among Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), CagA status, interleukin (IL)-1B-31 genotypes, and non-cardiac gastric cancer (GC) risk. METHODS: A case-control study of non-cardia GC was performed at 3 hospitals located in Xi'an, China, between September 2008 and July 2010. We included 171 patients with histologically diagnosed primary non-cardia GC and 367 population based controls (matched by sex, age and city of residence). A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding potential risk factors, including pork consumption. H. pylori CagA status was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and IL-1B-31 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression was used to explore potential interactions among the factors. RESULTS: The CagA appeared to confer an increased risk of GC (OR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.25-2.61). The main associations with IL-1B-31C allele here were 0.98 (95%CI: 0.59-1.63) for CC vs TT and 0.99 (95%CI: 0.64-1.51) for C Carriers vs TT. However, no associations were observed for CagA or IL-1B-31 genotype status among subjects who reported low pork consumption (P for interaction = 0.11). In contrast, high pork consumption and IL-1B-31C genotypes appeared to synergistically increase GC risk (P for interaction = 0.048) after adjusting for confounding factors, particularly among subjects with CagA (OR = 3.07, 95%CI: 1.17-10.79). We did not observe effect modification of pork consumption by H. pylori CagA status, or between H. pylori CagA status and IL-1B-31 genotypes after adjustment for pork consumption and other factors. CONCLUSION: These interaction relationships among CagA, IL-1B-31 and pork consumption may have implications for development of the preventive strategies for the early detection of non-cardiac GC.

Body weight changes in breast cancer patients following adjuvant chemotherapy and contributing factors.

Weight gain commonly occurs in breast cancer patients who receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Weight gain may cause psychosocial stress and is associated with patient prognosis and survival. Several factors contributing to weight gain have been identified in Western populations. However, there was lack of information associated with body weight changes following adjuvant chemotherapy in Chinese breast cancer patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such study to be conducted in the Chinese population. A total of 98 patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy following a modified radical mastectomy were included in this study. Their weight was measured prior to the first and following the last cycle of chemotherapy. A weight gain, or loss, of >1 kg following adjuvant chemotherapy was considered to be significant. Cancer stage, treatment modalities, menopausal status and other clinical information were obtained through medical record review. The results revealed that the weight changes ranged from -11 to +9 kg, with a mean value of -0.4±4.4 kg. A total of 66.7% of the patients exhibited weight changes (34.6% gained >1 kg and 32.1% lost weight), whereas 33.3% of the patients maintained a stable weight (P<0.001). Patients aged ≤40 years [odds ratio (OR)=1.429, P=0.028], with a weight of ≥60 kg at diagnosis (OR=2.211, P=0.023), who received ≥4 cycles of chemotherapy (OR=1.591, P=0.039) and a total hormone dose of ≥200 mg (OR=2.75, P=0.013) exhibited a higher risk of weight gain. In conclusion, the body weight changes observed in Chinese breast cancer patient post-adjuvant chemotherapy were different from those observed among Western populations, represented predominantly by weight gain and were reflected by approximately equal percentages of weight gain, stable weight and weight loss.

Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and chemotherapy-related tumor marker expression in non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The chemotherapy resistance of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a clinic challenge and is closely associated with several biomarkers including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ( Drugs 72(Suppl 1):28-36, 012.), p53 ( Med Sci Monit 11(6):HY11-HY20, 2005.) and excision repair cross complementing gene 1 (ERCC1) ( J Thorac Oncol 8(5):582-586, 2013.). Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is the best non-invasive surrogate for tumor biology with the maximal standardized uptake values (SUVmax) being the most important paradigm. However, there are limited data correlating FDG-PET with the chemotherapy resistant tumor markers. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of chemotherapy related tumor marker expression with FDG-PET SUVmax in NSCLC. METHODS: FDG-PET SUVmax was calculated in chemotherapy naïve patients with NSCLC (n=62) and immunohistochemical analysis was performed for EGFR, p53 or ERCC1 on the intraoperative NSCLC tissues. Each tumor marker was assessed independently by two pathologists using common grading criteria. The SUVmax difference based on the histologic characteristics, gender, differentiation, grading and age as well as correlation analysis among these parameters were performed. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was further performed to determine the primary predictor for SUVmax and the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to detect the optimized sensitivity and specificity for SUVmax in suggesting chemotherapy resistant tumor markers. RESULTS: The significant tumor type (P=0.045), differentiation (P=0.021), p53 (P=0.000) or ERCC1 (P=0.033) positivity dependent differences of SUVmax values were observed. The tumor differentiation is significantly correlated with SUVmax (R=-0.327), tumor size (R=-0.286), grading (R=-0.499), gender (R=0.286) as well as the expression levels for p53 (R= -0.605) and ERCC1 (R=-0.644). The expression level of p53 is significantly correlated with SUVmax (R=0.508) and grading (R=0.321). Furthermore, multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that p53 expression was the primary predictor for SUVmax. When the cut-off value of SUVmax was set at 5.15 in the ROC curve analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of SUVmax in suggesting p53 positive NSCLC were 79.5% and 47.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that SUVmax of primary tumor on FDG-PET might be a simple and good non-invasive method for predicting p53-related chemotherapy resistance in NSCLC when we set the cu-off value of SUVmax at 5.15.

The effect of a biphasic injectable bone substitute on the interface strength in a rabbit knee prosthesis model.

BACKGROUND: In joint prosthetic surgery, various methods are used to provide implant stability. We used an injectable bone substitute, composed of calcium sulfate/hydroxyapatite, as bone defect filler to stabilize a tibia prosthesis in an experimental rabbit model. The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the stability of prosthetic fixation with and without the use of an injectable bone substitute. METHODS: Sixteen rabbits were used and the tibia prostheses were implanted bilaterally, one side with the prosthesis alone and the other side with the prosthesis and calcium sulfate/hydroxyapatite (Cerament™). The rabbits were randomly divided into two groups and euthanized after 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. The prosthesis was extracted measuring the pull-out force in an Instron tester, and the bone surrounding the former prosthesis site was analyzed by histology, histomorphometry, and micro-computed tomography. RESULTS: At 6 weeks no difference in maximum pull-out force was found between the prostheses fixed with or without Cerament™. At 12 weeks the maximum pull-out force for the prostheses with Cerament™ was significantly higher than that for the prostheses without Cerament™ (p = 0.04). The maximum pull-out force at 12 weeks was significantly higher than that at 6 weeks for the prostheses fixed with Cerament™ (p = 0.03) but not for the prostheses without. CONCLUSION: We conclude that early prosthesis-bone interface strength is not influenced by a bone substitute. However, during remodeling, the bone substitute might provide improved mechanical support for the prosthesis. The results support further studies of the use of injectable calcium sulfate/hydroxyapatite in fixation of prosthetic joint implants.

[Feasibility and efficiency of embolization of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of embolization of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF). METHODS: From December 2010 to May 2012, there were 104 cases of SDAVF were treated, and 26 cases were selected to be treated with embolization. The inclusion criteria was as follows: (1) No anterior or posterior spinal artery originated from the fistula segment; (2) The segmental artery can be catheterized with guiding or micro catheter; (3) High flow in fistula; (4) Patient's situation was not suitable for surgery or general anesthesia. Among 26 cases, there were 22 male and 4 female patients, the average age was 55.9 years (ranged from 34 to 81 years). The locations of SDAVF were 10 cases in thoracic, 9 in lumbar and 7 in sacral segment. The main symptoms were progressive numbness and weakness in both lower extremities, most cases accompanied with difficulties in urination and defecation. The average history was 17.1 months (from 1 to 156 months). ONYX-18 liquid embolic agent or Glubran-2 surgical glue were used as embolic material. The patients not cured with embolization were treated with surgery in the following 1 - 2 weeks. Follow-up evaluation was done with MRI after 3 months and DSA after 6 months, besides physical examination. RESULTS: Fifteen from 26 cases achieved immediate angiographic cure results: 14 in 20 cases which embolized with ONYX-18; only 1 in 6 cases with Glubran-2. Three in 10 cases of thoracic SDAVF and 12 in 16 cases of lumbar/sacral SDAVF were cured with embolization. Partially embolized cases were treated with surgical obliteration of drainage veins within 2 weeks. Cured patients experienced immediate improvement after embolization and kept getting better in the follow-up. All the patients had MRI follow-up after 3 months and DSA follow-up after 6 months. In 6 month's follow-up, MRI showed the edema and flow void signal in the spinal cord disappeared. DSA showed no fistula recurrence or remnant. There was no deterioration case in all of the embolized cases. CONCLUSIONS: Particular SDAVF is suitable for embolization with ONYX-18. Most lesions located in lumbar and sacral segment are good indications for embolization.

[Application of FTIR spectrometry to monitoring chemosensitivity of breast cancer cell line using 5-FU].

The purpose of the present study was to compare the changes of infrared spectrum of breast cancer cell line MCF-7 treated by 5-fluorouracil with various concentrations and treating time. The results indicate that the relative intensity ratios of I2 920/I1 460 increased in the FTIR spectra of cell line MCF-7 while I1 400/I1 460, I1 080 /I1 550 and I1 240/I1 550 decreased significantly within forty-eight hours, however, no regular change was observed during 48-72 hours. The relative intensity ratio of I1 640/ I1 550 decreases along with the increase in the concentration of 5-fluorouracil. The changes of infrared spectra are consistent with the biochemical changes in breast cancer cell, and it can be the reference designators when assessing curative effect of breast cancer cell by FTIR spectrometry.

[Risk factors of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients after coronary artery intervention].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients after coronary artery intervention. METHODS: A total of 637 patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. They were divided into the CIN and non-CIN groups according to the changes in serum creatinine levels within 48 hours after coronary artery intervention. Then the relevant risk factors of CIN were analyzed. RESULTS: Among them, CIN occurred in 49 patients with an incidence of 7.7%. The patients with diabetes and renal insufficiency had higher incidence of CIN at 15.5% and 22.5% respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of CIN included advanced age, smoking, diabetes, renal insufficiency, hypercholesterolemia and hyperuricemia. CONCLUSION: For the patients of coronary artery intervention, the major risk factors of CIN are advanced age, diabetes and renal insufficiency.

Interaction between dietary factors and Helicobacter pylori infection in noncardia gastric cancer: a population-based case-control study in China.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among Helicobacter pylori, dietary factors, and the risk of noncardia gastric cancer in a hospital-based case-control study in China. METHODS: A case-control study of noncardia gastric cancer was performed at 3 hospitals in Xi'an, China, between September 2008 and July 2010. Participants were 257 men and women with histologically diagnosed primary noncardia gastric cancer and 514 sex- and age-matched (± 5 years) control subjects selected from the communities where the cases were living when diagnosed. A questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding potential risk factors, including diet, and blood samples were obtained to examine H pylori infection status. RESULTS: Positive H pylori status (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8-5.9) and high consumption of pickled foods (OR, 27.1; 95%, 8.7-79.1) appeared to increase the risk of noncardia gastric cancer, whereas high consumption of vegetables (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.89), fruits (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.09-0.81), and soya products (OR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01-0.3) appeared to decrease the risk. Consumption of meat, cereals, tubers, eggs, oils, nuts, fish, fresh fruit, and red meat was not clearly associated with risk. Effect modification was observed, such that a relatively high consumption of fruit and vegetables appeared to attenuate the association of H pylori with risk of noncardia gastric cancer (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that noncardia gastric cancer is highly preventable through modifications in dietary habits. Given the prevalence of H pylori infection worldwide, information regarding potential interaction between H pylori and lifestyle factors in gastric cancer development, including the dietary factors examined in our study, may prove valuable in future efforts at prevention.

[Expression and clinical significance of Nrf2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma].

AIM: To study the expression and clinical significance of Nrf2 (Nuclear factor E2 p45-related factor 2) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS: The expression of Nrf2 in 32 cases of EC tissues, 30 cases of adjacent tissues, 21 positive Lymph node tissues and 24 negative Lymph node tissues was assessed by SP immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: The main location of Nrf2 was nuclear, and the positive rates of Nrf2 in the cancer tissues was 78.13%, while that in the adjacent tissues group was 13.33%, and showed 66.67% and 20.83% in the positive Lymph node tissues and negative Lymph node tissues respectively, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The Nrf2 positive rate was closely correlated with the lymph node metastasis (P<0.05), but showed no statistical associated with age, sex, TNM stage, degree of tumor differentiation and the location of tumor. CONCLUSION: The Nrf2 has high expression in ESCC tissues, and the positive rate is closely correlated with the lymph node metastasis, The Nrf2 may play an important role in ESCC oncogenesis and drug resistence.