All-Ceramic SiC Aerogel for Wide Temperature Range Electromagnetic Wave Attenuation.

A novel type of all-ceramic SiC aerogel was fabricated by freeze casting and carbothermal reduction reaction processes using graphene oxide (GO) doped SiC nanowires suspensions as starting materials. The effect of GO addition (0, 1, 2, and 4 mg/mL) on the porous morphologies, chemical composition, and the electromagnetic (EM) performance of the SiC aerogels were investigated. The optimum all-ceramic SiC aerogel exhibits effective whole X-band attenuation (>90%) at a fixed thickness of 3.3 mm from room temperature to 400 °C. It is ultralight with a density of 0.2 g/cm3 and possesses a low thermal conductivity of about 0.05 W/mK. The material composition remains stable at temperatures up to 800 °C. The lightweight, high thermal stability, low thermal conductivity, and excellent X-band attenuation performance at a fixed thin thickness make the all-ceramic SiC aerogels potential EM attenuation materials for many applications in harsh environments.

[Electroacupuncture combined with acupoint catgut embedding for postoperative pain after fistulotomy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) combined with acupoint catgut embedding the-rapy for postoperative pain after fistulotomy. METHODS: A total of 138 patients were randomly assigned into EA, acupoint catgut embedding and combination groups, with 46 patients in each group. The interventions were performed 30 min before surgery in all the three groups. The acupoints were Changqiang(GV1) and Chengshan(BL57). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and limb activity score of the three groups at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery, as well as maximum VAS score within 24 h(T24max VAS) of 1-3 d and total amounts of oral analgesic within 72 h after surgery were observed and recorded. RESULTS: The VAS score and limb activity score from the 6, 12 and 24 h after surgery, and T24max VAS score on the 1st day of the EA group were lower than those of the acupoint embedding group (P<0.05). While the VAS pain score and limb activity score at the 48 h and 72 h after surgery, and T24max VAS score at the 2nd to 3rd day, and total dose of oral analgesic within 72 h in the acupoint embedding group were lower than those of the EA group (P<0.05). The combination group was superior to the EA and acupoint embedding groups in terms of VAS score and limb activity score at different postoperative time, T24max VAS score at 1-3 d after surgery, and the total amounts of analgesic used within 72 h (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA combined with acupoint catgut embedding is more effective than simple EA or acupoint catgut embedding for postoperative pain after fistulotomy, with significant curative effect and no adverse reactions.

Inhibition of miR-431-5p attenuated liver apoptosis through KLF15/p53 signal pathway in S100 induced autoimmune hepatitis mice.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of miR-431-5p on hepatocyte apoptosis in AIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used intraperitoneal injection of S100 to establish AIH mouse model and injected AAV into tail vein on day 14 of modeling to regulate miR-431-5p expression. The expression of ALT, AST, IgG and apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase 3 were measured in each group. Cellular experiments were performed using miR-431-5p mimics or inhibitors to transfect LPS-stimulated AML12 cells, and apoptosis was verified using Western blot and Hoechst 33342/PI Double Staining. The target of miR-431-5p, KLF15, was screened using databases and verified by the luciferase reporter assay. The relationship between KLF15 and p53 was verified by si-KLF15 and PFTß (a p53-specific inhibitor). KEY FINDINGS: Here, we observed that the increase in the level of miR-431-5p was accompanied by a decrease in the expression of Krüppel-like zinc finger transcription factor 15 (KLF15). In addition, the deletion of miR-431-5p significantly reduced hepatocyte apoptosis in AIH mice induced by liver S100 and apoptosis of AML12 cells induced by LPS stimulation, accompanied by decreased expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 as well as increased expression of Bcl-2. Moreover, KLF15 was the direct and functional target of miR-431-5p. Furthermore, miR-431-5p negatively regulated the expression of KLF15, and KLF15 deletion partially abolished the inhibitory effect of miR-431-5p deletion on apoptosis by activating p53 signaling. SIGNIFICANCE: In summary, miR-431-5p may be a potential therapeutic target for AIH.

A ZrO2-RGO composite as a support enhanced the performance of a Cu-based catalyst in dehydrogenation of diethanolamine.

The sintering resistance of supported Cu nanoparticle (NP) catalysts is crucial to their practical application in the dehydrogenation of diethanolamine (DEA). In this paper, co-precipitation, hydrothermal synthesis, and sol-gel condensation are used to form a new support material through chemical bonding between graphene oxide and ZrO2. The composite carriers prepared by the three methods are mixed with copper nitrate and ground using a ball mill. A series of Cu/ZrO2-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composites were prepared by calcination under nitrogen at 450 °C for 3 h and hydrogen reduction at 250 °C for 4 h. The conversion of DEA to iminodiacetic acid (IDA) reached 96% with the Cu/ZrO2-RGO catalyst prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. The conversion rate of DEA is more than 80% following the reuse of the CZG-2 catalyst for twelve cycles. The various physicochemical characterization techniques show that the Cu/ZrO2-RGO layered and wrinkled nanostructures can improve catalytic stability and suppress the sintering of the supported Cu NPs during the catalytic dehydrogenation of diethanolamine. A synergistic effect between the RGO and the Cu nanoparticles is observed. The Cu nanoparticles with RGO have a better dispersibility, and a new nano-environment is created, which is the key to improving the efficiency of diethanolamine dehydrogenation. These new Cu/ZrO2-RGO catalysts show increased durability compared to commercially produced Cu/ZrO2 catalysts and show promise for practical applications involving diethanolamine dehydrogenation.

[Acupuncture combined with acupoint catgut embedding sequential therapy for mild and moderate ulcerative colitis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of acupuncture combined with acupoint catgut embedding sequential therapy and medication for mild and moderate ulcerative colitis. METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients were randomized into an acupuncture and acupoint catgut embedding sequential therapy group (a combination group) and a mesalazine group, 60 cases in each one. Fifty-seven cases in the combination group and 55 cases in the mesalazine group were included into analysis. In the combination group, acupuncture was applied at Tianshu (ST 25), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Quchi (LI 11) during the activity period, and acupoint catgut embedding was applied at Pishu (BL 20), Zusanli (ST 36), Guanyuan (CV 4) during the alleviate period. The patients in the mesalazine group were treated with mesalazine orally. The treatment was given for 12 weeks. The scores of TCM symptoms, colonoscopy, mucosa healing rate were compared before and after treatment in the two groups. The effects, adverse reactions and the recurrent rates during 1-year follow-up were observed. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of TCM symptoms decreased in the two groups (both P<0.05), and the result in the combination group was better than that in the mesalazine group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the combination group was 87.7% (50/57), which was better than 70.9% (39/55) in the mesalazine group (P<0.05). The colonoscopy scores decreased after treatment in the two groups (both P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups on colonoscopy score and mucosal healing rate [50.9% (29/57) vs 34.5% (19/55), both P>0.05]. The recurrent rate in the combination group was 8.5% (4/47)，which was lower than 32.4% (11/34) in the mesalazine group (P<0.05). No severe adverse reaction was found during the treatment in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with acupoint catgut embedding sequential therapy can improve mild and moderate ulcerative colitis and reduce the recurrent rate.

Correlation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with rare earth elements and the Epstein-Barr virus.

The concentration and distribution of rare earth elements (REE) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were measured to investigate connections with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, clinical stages, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. There were 30 patients with NPC who met the criteria for inclusion in the present study. The EBV copy number, as well as the concentration and distribution of REE, was analyzed. EBV was detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, with the concentrations of REE in NPC tissues measured using inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry. The mean values were used when comparing concentrations of REE in NPC tissues as the standard deviation of this parameter was the lowest. Light REE had the highest concentrations, followed by medium, and then heavy REE. The concentrations of REE decreased with increasing tumor size and with the presence of lymph node metastasis. The concentrations of REE gradually increased between stage II and IVa, but markedly decreased thereafter. The elements that exhibited the greatest decreases were terbium, holmium and ytterbium. Furthermore, the concentrations of REE in NPC were not associated with sex (r=0.301, P=0.106) or age (r=-0.011, P=0.955), and were negatively associated with EBV (r=-0.744, P<0.001). By contrast, the EBV copy number increased alongside advancements in clinical stage. Changes in the concentrations of REE in NPC were more prominent for medium and heavy elements. Additionally, alterations in the concentrations of heavy REE may affect the occurrence and development of NPC.

[Electroacupuncture combined with catgut implantation for postoperative pain of mixed hemorrhoids].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effect differences among electroacupuncture (EA) combined with catgut implantation, simple EA and simple catgut implantation for postoperative pain of mixed hemorrhoids. METHODS: A total of 120 patients were randomly assigned into a combination group, an EA group, and a catgut implantation group, 40 cases in each one. All the interventions were applied for 30 min before the operation. The acupoints were Changqiang (GV 1) and Chengshan (BL 57). The pain scores were compared among the three groups 4 h, 12 h, 3 d, and 7 d after operation, as well as the score of maximum pain score within 24 h (24 h Max) after operation, the pain duration score within 24 h after operation, and the total dose of aulin to relieve pain within 7 d after the operation. RESULTS: The scores in the combination group were better than those in the other two groups, including the pain scores at all the time points after operation, the 24 h Max score and the pain duration score within 24 h after the operation, as well as the dose of aulin within 7 d after the operation (all P<0.05). The pain scores 4 h and 12 h after operation and the 24 h Max socre in the EA group were better than those in the catgut implantation group (all P<0.05). The pain scores 3 d and 7 d after operation in the catgut implantation group were superior to those in the EA group (both P<0.05). The pain duration score within 24 h after operation in the EA group was better than that in the catgut implantation group (P<0.05). As for the aulin dose within 7 d after operation, the dosage in the catgut implantation group was less than that in the EA group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA combined with catgut implantation is more effective than simple EA and simple catgut implantation for postoperative pain of mixed hemorrhoid. The analgesic effect of EA is stronger and works faster, but the duration of analgesia of catgut implantation is longer. The combination of the two Methods can achieve better analgesia.

[Clinical observation of chronic perianal eczema treated with auricular point sticking therapy and western medication].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the differences in the therapeutic effects on chronic perianal eczema between auricular point sticking therapy and auricular sticking pseudo-press therapy on the basis of the treatment with western medication. METHODS: Ninety patients were randomized into an auricular therapy group and an auricular pseudo-press therapy group (pseudo group), 45 cases in each one. The western medication was used in both of the groups. In the auricular therapy group, the auricular sticking method with semen vaccariae was added at Fengxi (SF1,zi), Shenshangxian (TG2p), Duipingjian (AT1,2,4i), Fei (CO14), Pi (CO13), Gangmen (HX5). The patients were advised to press each auricular point every day. In the pseudo group, the plaster was applied to the same auricular points without semen vaccariae used and pressing manipulation given. The auricular sticking therapy was used once every three days in the two groups. The treatment for 2 weeks was as one session and one or two sessions of treatment were given accordingly. The severity of perianal itching, the area of skin lesion, the form of skin lesion and the score of dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and the clinical therapeutic effects were compared before and after treatment in the two groups. The adverse reaction and recurrence rate in 1-year follow-up visit were observed during treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the itching degree, the area of skin lesion, the form of skin lesion and DLQI score were all reduced apparently as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P<0.05). The results in the auricular sticking therapy group were better than those in the pseudo group (all P<0.05). The curative and markedly effective rate and the total effective rate in the auricular sticking therapy group were apparently better than those in the pseudo group[52.3% (23/44) vs 19.0% (8/42), 97.7% (43/44) vs 76.2% (32/42), both P<0.05]. The recurrence rate in the auricular sticking therapy group was lower apparently than that in the pseudo group[7.0% (3/43) vs 37.5% (12/32), P<0.05]. No severe adverse reactions were found during the treatment in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The auricular sticking therapy combined with western medication effectively release itching in chronic perianal eczema and local skin lesions, improve the living quality and reduce recurrence rate.

Reoperation following the use of non-standardized procedures for malignant parotid tumors.

Non-standardized or conservative procedures are employed when parotid tumors involving the facial nerve or parotid carcinoma are misdiagnosed as benign parotid tumors prior to or during surgery. Remedial measures are usually required when the pathological diagnosis of a malignant parotid tumor is confirmed following surgery. The aim of the present study was to systematically evaluate reoperation subsequent to treatment with non-standardized procedures for malignant parotid tumors, and to explore the preoperative diagnoses, the primary procedure selection and the necessity of reoperation following non-standardized procedures in malignant parotid tumors. A total of 30 patients who met the inclusion criteria, were diagnosed with a malignant parotid tumor and underwent reoperation following the use of a non-standardized procedure were included in the present study. Surgical conditions and clinical data were analyzed. Among the patients with a malignant parotid tumor who underwent reoperation subsequent to a non-standardized procedure, the incidence of residual tumor, as confirmed by pathological examination, was 63.3% (19/30). The intact facial nerve preservation rate was 83.3% (25/30), the facial nerve branch resection rate was 6.7% (2/30), the facial partial nerve resection rate was 6.7% (2/30) and the facial nerve resection rate was 3.3% (1/30). In total, 3 patients underwent facial nerve reconstruction, 3 patients underwent a local flap repair of skin defects in the parotid region and 3 patients underwent pectoralis major muscle flap repair. The current findings indicate that the qualitative diagnosis of malignant parotid tumors prior to surgery is difficult, there is a high incidence of residual tumor following non-standardized procedures, and that reoperation in a timely manner is required in such cases.

[Rare earth elements contents and distribution characteristics in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissue].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the rare earth elements(REEs) contents and distribution characteristics in nasopharyngeal carcinoma( NPC) tissue in Gannan region. METHOD: Thirty patients of NPC in Gannan region were included in this study. The REEs contents were measured by tandem mass spectrometer inductively coupled plasma(ICP-MS/MS) in 30 patients, and the REEs contents and distribution were analyzed. RESULT: The average standard deviation value of REEs in lung cancer and normal lung tissues was the minimum mostly. Light REEs content was higher than the medium REEs, and medium REEs content was higher than the heavy REEs content. REEs contents changes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma were variable obviously, the absolute value of Nd, Ce, Pr, Gd and other light rare earth elements were variable widely. The degree of changes on Yb, Tb, Ho and other heavy rare earth elements were variable widely, and there was presence of Eu, Ce negative anomaly(δEu=0. 385 5, δCe= 0. 523 4). CONCLUSION: The distribution characteristic of REEs contents in NPC patients is consistent with the parity distribution. With increasing atomic sequence, the content is decline wavy. Their distribution patterns were a lack of heavy REEs and enrichment of light REEs, and there was Eu , Ce negative anomaly.

Continuous negative pressure-flush through a dual tube for the treatment of a complicated pharyngeal fistula: A case report.

The treatment of pharyngeal fistulas is complicated. It is more difficult to deal with pharyngeal fistula following surgical treatment for hypopharynx carcinoma, particularly in cases of pectoralis major muscle flap repair. The present study describes the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with a highly-differentiated pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma located at the right side of the hypopharynx. The patient underwent a total laryngectomy and a right functional carotid dissection and tracheostomy; this was followed by post-operative radiotherapy. A pharyngeal fistula subsequently developed, but an attempt to repair this with a pectoralis major muscle flap failed. The complicated pharyngeal fistula was treated via continuous negative pressure-flush through a dual tube, without the requirement for incision, daily dressing or antibiotics. The favorable patient outcome represented a positive result, which was also able to reduce the psychological burden of the patient and improve their quality of life.

Association between hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus infection and primary hepatocellular carcinoma risk: A meta-analysis based on Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HBV/HCV double infection and hepatocellular carcinoma risk in Chinese population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The databases of PubMed and CNKI were electronic searched by reviewers according to the searching words of HBV, HCV, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The related case-control studies or cohort studies were included. The association between virus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma risk was demonstrated by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The data were pooled by fixed or random effects model according to the statistical heterogeneity. The publication bias was assessed by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. RESULTS: Finally, 13 publications were included in this meta-analysis. For significant statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 99.8%,P = 0.00), the OR was pooled by random effects model. The pooled results showed that HBV infection can significantly increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 58.01, 95% CI: 44.27-71.75); statistical heterogeneity analysis showed that significant heterogeneity existed in evaluation of HCV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma risk across the included 13 studies I2 = 77.78%, P = 0.00). The OR was pooled by random effects model. The pooled results showed that HCV infection can significantly increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.20-3.47); significant heterogeneity did not exist in evaluation HBV/HCV double infection and hepatocellular carcinoma risk for the included 13 studies (I2 = 0.00%,P = 0.80). The OR was pooled by fixed effects model. The pooled results showed that HBV/HCV double infection can significantly increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 11.39, 95% CI: 4.58-18.20). No publication bias was found in the aspects of HBV, HCV, and HBV/HCV double infection and hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSION: For Chinese population, HBV, HCV or HBV/HCV double infection can significantly increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.

Resection and reconstruction of giant cervical metastatic cancer using a pectoralis major muscular flap transfer: A prospective study of 16 patients.

If not promptly or properly treated, certain cervical metastatic cancers that develop from unknown primary tumors may rapidly grow into giant tumors that can invade the blood vessels, muscle and skin. The present study examined the feasibility and efficacy of radical neck dissection combined with reconstruction using the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for the treatment of giant cervical metastatic cancers that have developed from unknown primary tumors and have invaded the skin. A total of 16 patients who met the inclusion criteria were subjected to radical neck dissection to adequately resect invaded skin, and the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was used to repair the large skin defect created in the cervical region. Following the surgery, the patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap survived in all 16 patients, with no cases of flap necrosis. In addition, no post-operative lymphedema, paresthesia or dysfunction of an upper extremity occurred due to the cutting of a pectoralis major muscle. In 9 cases, patients were satisfied with their post-operative shoulder movement at the donor site; in the remaining 7 cases, patients felt greater weakness in this region following surgery relative to prior to surgery. The 14 male patients were generally satisfied with the post-operative appearance of the donor region, whereas the 2 female patients were dissatisfied with the appearance of this region. Follow-up for 6-53 months after the patients were discharged following surgery and chemotherapy revealed that the recurrence of cervical tumors in 6 cases. Overall, radical neck dissection combined with the use of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for reconstruction is a feasible approach for the treatment of giant cervical metastatic cancers that have developed from unknown primary tumors and have invaded the skin. Post-operative concurrent chemoradiotherapy should be administered to improve the local control rate and patient quality of life, allowing a satisfactory therapeutic efficacy to be achieved.

Combined submandibular gland flap and sternocleidomastoid musculocutaneous flap for postoperative reconstruction in older aged patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers.

BACKGROUND: The growth of aging populations in an increasing number of countries has led to a concomitant increase in the incidence of chronic diseases. Accordingly, the proportion of older aged patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers and comorbidities has also increased. Thus, improvements must be made in the tolerance and safety of surgical procedures for these patients with complex medical conditions. In this study, we investigated combined submandibular gland flap and sternocleidomastoid musculocutaneous flap for postoperative reconstruction in older aged patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers in terms of surgical methods, safety, and clinical outcome. METHODS: Between January 2011 and May 2012, 8 patients over the age of 65 years (7 men, 1 woman; aged 66 to 75 years (median, 69.6)) with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers underwent combined submandibular gland and sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flaps for postoperative reconstruction at Ganzhou Tumor Hospital. All eight patients had comorbid cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or chronic respiratory disease or diabetes. Clinical outcomes, complications, and tolerance to surgical treatment were observed. RESULTS: Surgical treatment was successful in all eight patients. All submandibular gland flaps survived with well-mucosalized surfaces and with no complications. During the postoperative follow-up period of 12 to 28 months, no patient developed local recurrence or distant metastasis, and all had good recovery of function and local contour. CONCLUSIONS: This combined reconstruction technique enables appropriate restoration of oral function, facial aesthetics and improved quality of life. Further, this technique has several advantages: it is easier to perform, reduces operation time and surgical risk, causes less surgical injury, and has minor impact on contour. The technique provides a new and safe reconstruction option for older aged patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers.

Clinical observation of submandibular gland transfer for the prevention of xerostomia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a prospective randomized controlled study of 32 cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of submandibular gland transfer for the prevention of xerostomia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: Using the randomized controlled clinical research method, 65 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were randomly divided into an experimental group consisting of 32 patients and a control group consisting of 33 patients. The submandibular glands were averted to the submental region in 32 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma before they received conventional radiotherapy; a lead block was used to shield the submental region during therapy. Prior to radiotherapy, the function of the submandibular glands was assessed using imaging. Submandibular gland function was measured using 99mTc radionuclide scanning at 60 months after radiotherapy. The data in the questionnaire regarding the degree of xerostomia were investigated and saliva secretion was measured at 3, 6, 12, and 60 months after radiotherapy. In addition, the 5-year survival rate was calculated. RESULTS: After follow-up for 3, 6, and 12 months, the incidence of moderate to severe xerostomia was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. The average amount of saliva produced by the experimental and control groups was 1.60 g and 0.68 g, respectively (P<0.001). After follow-up for 60 months, the uptake and secretion functions of the submandibular glands in the experimental group were found to be significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The incidence of moderate or severe xerostomia was significantly lower than in the control group (15.4% and 76.9%, respectively; P<0.001). The 5-year survival rates of the experimental group and the control group were 81.3% and 78.8%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.806). CONCLUSIONS: After a 5 year follow-up period involving 32 patients who had their submandibular glands transferred for the prevention of xerostomia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, we found that clinical efficacy was good. This approach could improve the quality of life of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients after radiotherapy and would not affect long-term treatment efficacy.

[Carcinoembryonic antigen increased as initial manifestation of medullary thyroid cancer (report of 2 cases and review of the literature)].

OBJECTIVE: To raise clinical awareness of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) increased as initial manifestation of medullary thyroid cancer(MTC) and explore the diagnosis and treatment. METHOD: Clinical data of 2 cases CEA increased as the initial presentation of MTC were retrospectively analyzed and clinical manifestations of the disease, diagnosis, treatment were also discussed by literature reviewing. RESULT: Two patients received thyroid ipsilateral lobe total resection, MTC was confirmed by intraoperative frozen pathology, re-total resection of the contralateral lobe and bilateral VI lymph node dissection were performed. Lymph nodes had no metastasis confirmed by pathological frozen examination. CEA returned to normal within 2 months after surgery. No tumor recurrence and metastasis were found after follow-up for 3 to 24 months. CONCLUSION: CEA increased as the initial presentation MTC was rare and clinical identification of CEA increased disease should be taken into account the MTC as possible. Total thyroidectomy and bilateral VI lymph node dissection was the main surgical treatment for it.

[Long-term efficacy of submandibular gland transfer for prevention of xerostomia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of submandibular gland transfer for prevention of xerostomia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHOD: Sixty-five cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were randomly divided into study group of 32 patients and control group of 33 patents. The submandibular gland was transferred to submental region on 32 cases with nasopharyngeal carcinoma before receiving conventional radiotherapy and a block was used to cover the submental region. Before radiotherapy, two groups of submandibular gland function was detected by imaging of the submandibular gland. At 60 months after radiotherapy, submandibular gland function was detected by 99mTc radionuclide scanning, the questionnaire about the degree of xerostomia was investigated respectively. Five-year survival rate was counted. RESULT: After following up for 60 months, submandibular gland uptake and secretion function in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group, there was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01) respectively. The incidence of moderate or severe xerostomia in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (15.4% vs 76.9%, P < 0.01). Five-year survival rate of the study group and control group was 81.3% and 78.8% respectively, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The long-term efficacy of submandibular gland transfer for prevention of xerostomia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma was well. It could improve the quality of life in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients after radiotherapy, and did not affect the long-term efficacy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.