A comparison of DP-TOF Mass Spectroscopy (MS) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods for detecting molecular mutations in thyroid nodules fine needle aspiration biopsies.

Mutations in the B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF), have been linked to a variety of solid tumors such as papillary thyroid carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to compare the DP-TOF, a DNA mass spectroscopy (MS) platform, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods for detecting multiple-gene mutations (including BRAFV600E) in thyroid nodule fine-needle aspiration fluid. In this study, we collected samples from 93 patients who had previously undergone NGS detection and had sufficient DNA samples remaining. The MS method was used to detect multiple-gene mutations (including BRAFV600E) in DNA remaining samples. NGS detection method was used as the standard. The MS method's overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 95.8%, 100%, 100%, and 88%, respectively in BRAFV600E gene mutation detection. With a kappa-value of 0.92 (95%CI 0.82-0.99), the level of agreement between these methods was incredibly high. Furthermore, when compared to NGS in multiple-gene detection, the MS method demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity, 82.9% and 100%, respectively. In addition, we collected the postoperative pathological findings of 50 patients. When the postoperative pathological findings were used as the standard, the MS method demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity, at 80% and 80%, respectively. Our findings show that the MS method can be used as an inexpensive, accurate, and dependable initial screening method to detect genes mutations and as an adjunct to clinical diagnosis.

A gradient-based discriminant analysis method for process quality control of carbonized TCM via Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy: A case study on carbonized Typhae Pollen.

Carbonized traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a kind of distinctive traditional drug which has been widely used in various bleeding syndromes for over two thousand years, and most of them are still in clinical use. Although they share similar processing method: stir-frying, there are no specific quality standards and few quality control researches carried out on carbonized TCM up until now. Carbonized Typhae Pollen (CTP) is a typical carbonized TCM with efficacy of eliminating blood stasis and stanching bleeding. In this study, a novel process quality control model coupled with near infrared spectroscopy was established, called Gradient-based Discriminant Analysis method (GDA). Compared with conventional modeling methods (Convolutional Neural Network, Linear Discriminant Analysis, Standard Normal Variate-LDA), GDA model applied in fiber optic probe acquisition mode exhibited highest test accuracy (0.961), satisfactory correct identification (internal validation, 100%; external validation, 97.1%) and excellent model stability. This method provided a perfect guideline for process quality control of Carbonized TCM as well as ensured their clinical efficacy.

Effect of metal pollution from mining on litter decomposition in streams.

Litter decomposition is critical to stream biogeochemical cycles. Metal pollution from past or present mining activities seriously threatens stream ecosystems. However, its effects on litter decomposition in streams remain unclear. A field litterbag experiment was conducted to determine the direct (i.e., via changes in stream water quality: a mine-affected vs. forest stream) and indirect (i.e., via changes in litter traits: polluted vs. non-polluted litter) effects of metal pollution from mining activities on leaf litter decomposition (total vs. microbial-driven) and the associated microbial activity and community composition in streams. Platanus acerifolia leaf litter collected from a polluted and a non-polluted site was enclosed in fine and coarse mesh bags and incubated in a mine-affected stream and a forest stream. The litter from the polluted site had a higher Pb, Zn, Cd, N, soluble sugar concentrations, specific leaf area and pH, and lower leaf toughness and lignin concentration than the litter from the non-polluted site. After incubation in situ, litter mass loss did not significantly differ between streams, but the mine-affected stream had a greater impact on total-driven decomposition rates than microbial-driven decomposition rates. Polluted litter had a significantly higher decomposition rate than non-polluted litter. The decomposition potential of polluted litter produces faster nutrient cycling and supports higher microbial colonization. Litter traits and decomposer community type modulate the influence of metal pollution on litter decomposition. The results suggest that the indirect effects of mining activities on litter decomposition were stronger than the direct effects.

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell migration independent of catalytic activity.

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is a member of the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family that contributes to tumor cell metastasis. Our previous data identified two splice variants of LOXL2 (i.e., LOXL2 Δ72 and Δ13) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells that increased cell invasiveness and migration but had lower LOX activities than wild-type LOXL2 (LOXL2 WT). We generated a series of LOXL2 deletion mutants with different deleted biochemical domains and examined the relationship between the cell migration abilities and catalytic activities, as well as subcellular locations, of these deletion mutants compared with LOXL2 WT in ESCC cells to explore the mechanism of LOXL2-driven ESCC cell migration. Our results indicated that the deletion mutants of LOXL2 had impaired deamination enzymatic activity; LOXL2 ΔSRCR4, which lacks the fourth scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domain, had lower enzymatic activity; and LOXL2 Y689F had no catalytic activity compared with LOXL2 WT. However these two mutants stimulated greater cellular migration than LOXL2 WT. Furthermore, the degree of cell migration promoted by LOXL2 ΔLO (in which the LOX-like domain was deleted) was higher than that of LOXL2 WT, and LOXL2 ΔSRCR3, which does not have the third SRCR domain, had lower LOX activity and cellular migration ability than LOXL2 WT. These results suggested that LOXL2 promotes ESCC cell migration independent of catalytic activity.

LOXL2 Upregulates Phosphorylation of Ezrin to Promote Cytoskeletal Reorganization and Tumor Cell Invasion.

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), a copper-dependent enzyme of the lysyl oxidase family and its nonsecreted, catalytically dead spliced isoform L2Δ13, enhance cell migration and invasion, stimulate filopodia formation, modulate the expression of cytoskeletal genes, and promote tumor development and metastasis in vivo. We previously showed that LOXL2 reorganizes the actin cytoskeleton in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms were not identified. Here, using interactome analysis, we identified ezrin (EZR), fascin (FSCN1), heat shock protein beta-1 (HSPB1), and tropomodulin-3 (TMOD3) as actin-binding proteins that associate with cytoplasmic LOXL2, as well as with its L2Δ13 variant. High levels of LOXL2 and L2Δ13 and their cytoskeletal partners correlated with poor clinical outcome in patients with ESCC. To better understand the significance of these interactions, we focused on the interaction of LOXL2 with ezrin. Phosphorylation of ezrin at T567 was greatly reduced following depletion of LOXL2 and was enhanced following LOXL2/L2Δ13 reexpression. Furthermore, LOXL2 depletion inhibited the ability of ezrin to promote tumor progression. These results suggest that LOXL2-induced ezrin phosphorylation, which also requires PKCα, is critical for LOXL2-induced cytoskeletal reorganization that subsequently promotes tumor cell invasion and metastasis in ESCC. In summary, we have characterized a novel molecular mechanism that mediates, in part, the protumorigenic activity of LOXL2. These findings may enable the future development of therapeutic agents targeting cytoplasmic LOXL2. SIGNIFICANCE: LOXL2 and its spliced isoform L2Δ13 promote cytoskeletal reorganization and invasion of esophageal cancer cells by interacting with cytoplasmic actin-binding proteins such as ezrin.

Application of prenatal ultrasound combined with fast MRI in the diagnosis of fetal agenesis of corpus callosum / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To explore the value of combined application of prenatal ultrasound and MRI in diagnosis of fetal agenesis of corpus callosum (ACC).Methods The fetal brain ultrasound and MRI examination were performed in 1 1 7 fetuses with enlarged posterior horn of lateral ventricle and diaphanous diaphragm reduction or disappearance,and compared with postpartum diagnosis.Results Among the 48 cases of postpartum ACC confirmed by MRI,40 cases were diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound and 45 cases by prenatal MRI,and the sensitivity of the two methods was 83.33%,93.75% respectively(P<0.05).The sensitivity of combined diagnosis was 95.83%. Conclusion Fetal craniocerebral ultrasound combined with MRI can accurately diagnose fetal ACC,especially improve the detection rate of partial corpus callosum deletion,and provide a reliable basis for clinical diagnosis.

Combination of ultrasound and MRI in the diagnosis of fetal thoracic abnormalities / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To compare and analyze the diagnostic value of prenatal ultrasound and MRI in fetal thoracic abnormalities, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, respectively, and to explore the clinical value of the combined use in diagnosing fetal thoracic abnormalities.Methods The prenatal ultrasound and MRI images of total 94 cases with thoracic abnormalities were analyzed retrospectively.All the patients received MRI exams within 2 days after the preliminary ultrasound diagnosis of abnormalities.All cases were confirmed by autopsy or postnatal follow-ups.Results 94 cases of thoracic abnormalities included 48 cases of cystic adenoma abnormalities, 33 cases of bronchopulmonary sequestration, 10 cases of diaphragmatic hernia and 3 cases of primary pulmonary hypoplasia.The diagnosis coincidence rate of ultrasound was 82.98% (78/94), while the combined use was 93.62% (88/94).There were statistical differences between the combined use and single ultrasound examination in detecting fetal thoracic abnormalities(P<0.05).Conclusion Both ultrasound and MRI could diagnose fetal thoracic abnormalities well and had its own advantages and disadvantages.The combined use of ultrasound and MRI could improve the sensitivity and specificity of prenatal diagnostic accuracy and have a better advantage in diagnosing fetal thoracic abnormalities.

Correlation study between X-ray calcification and expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 in breast cancer / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation between X-ray calcification and expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) in breast cancer.Methods Totally 84 patients with breast cancer proved pathologically who underwent digital mammography examination before operation were collected,and HER-2 of surgical specimens were detected by immunohistochemical staining after operation.The correlation between X-ray calcification and HER-2 expression was analyzed.Results The positive expression rate and the negative expression rate of HER-2 were equal in X-ray calcified group.The negative expression rate of HER-2 was higher in the non calcified group (61.54 ％).There were no differences between the calcification type,calcification number and HER-2 expression (P＞0.05).The positive expression rate of HER-2 in calcification range ≥2 cm group was significantly higher than that in calcification range ＜2 cm group (P＜0.05).The positive expression rate of HER-2 in calcification distribution ≥2 quadrants was significantly higher than that in one quadrant group (P ＜0.01).The negative expression rate of HER-2 in cluster-like calcification was higher(61.11 ％) than that in other calcifications.Conclusion There is a certain correlation between X-ray calcification and HER-2 expression in breast cancer,which can provide a clinical reference for surgical approach and prognosis evaluation of breast cancer.

Correlation analysis between mammographic features and different molecular subtypes of breast cancer / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation between mammographic findings and different molecular subtypes of breast cancer.Methods Totally 84 patients with breast cancer proved pathologically who underwent digital mammography examination before operation were enrolled.All cases were examined by immunohistochemical staining,the expression levels of estrogen receptor(ER),progesterone receptor (PR)and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2(HER-2)in tumor cells were analyzed.They were classified into four molecular subtypes:Luminal A,Luminal B,HER-2 + and Basal-like tumors according to their expression levels.The correlation between mammographic findings and different molecular subtypes of breast cancer were analyzed.Results Among the 84 cases of breast cancer,there were significant differences between mass shadow and mass shape in the four subtypes of tumors(P<0.05).Luminal A,Luminal B breast cancer showed more irregular edge of the tumor;HER-2 + breast cancer with more malignant calcifications,of which simple calcifications of breast cancer were more;Basal-like breast cancer with regular shape,clear border shadow,rarely accompanied by malignant calcifications.Conclusion Mammographic features of breast cancer can predict its molecular subtypes to some extent,which can provide objective basis for the selection of clinical preoperative treatment protocols.

Correlation between Fractional Anisotropy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Effect of Inte- grative Medical Treatment on ALS / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore whether fractional anisotropy (FA) value could be taken as a quantitative indicator for tracing and reexamining amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and to analyze the correlation between FA value and integrative medical treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 18 ALS patients were recruited in this study. All patients received diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) using 3. OT (Propeller HD) MRI twice. Six regions of interest (ROI) were selected to measure FA values. Survival analyses were performed in 11 cases of end point events.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Three ROI (cerebral peduncle, posterior limb of internal capsule, and corona radiata) all indicated that FA value was the highest in patients with mild health status scale of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/HSS). (2) There was statistical difference in the means of FA values in cerebral peduncle, posterior limb of internal capsule, and corona radiata of 18 cases between initial examination and reexamination (P < 0.01). (3) Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed the survival rate of ALS patients decreased as time went by, with the median survival time of 48 months.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>FA value was inversely proportional to the severity of ALS, the more severe, the lower FA values. FA value was an objective indicator for assessing the severity of ALS. ALS is an incurable disease till now. Integrative medical treatment might become one direction for ALS patients.</p>

Metabolic syndrome is associated with better prognosis in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma / 癌症

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with several cancers, but it is not clear whether MS affects the prognosis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of MS in TSCC.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data from 252 patients with TSCC who were initially treated at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between April 1998 and June 2011 were collected, and the associations between MS and clinicopathologic factors were retrospectively analyzed. Prognostic outcomes were examined by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 252 patients, 48 were diagnosed with MS. MS was associated with early N category in TSCC (P < 0.001). The patients with MS showed longer survival than those without MS (P = 0.028). MS was an independent prognostic factor for patients with TSCC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>MS is associated with early N category in TSCC. It is an independent prognostic factor for better survival in patients with TSCC.</p>

CT and MRI diagnostic value of the congenital inner ear malformation incomplete partition type Ⅱdeformity combined with spontaneous CSF otorrhea / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To discuss the diagnostic value of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT)and MRI in the congenital inner ear malformation incomplete partition type Ⅱ deformity(Mondini deformity)combined with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)otorrhea.Methods The imaging data including the multiplanar reformation(MPR)images of HRCT,curved planar reforma-tion(CPR)images and MR hydrography images in three patients complicated with recurrent meningitis were retrospectively ana-lyzed.The anatomic changes of the inner ear and middle ear on the affected side were observed,the clinical and imaging features of this disease were summarized.Results One patient had bilateral incidence of the incompletely separated inner ear,combined with semicircular canal dysplasia and cochlear pipe dilation.Two patients had unilateral onset,one of them had concurrent facial nerve ca-nal dysplasia.Humble stapes floor and the defect of the bottom of the internal auditory canal were seen in all the three patients.Con-clusion HRCT with post-processing technology,and MRI have great significance in the diagnosis of the congenital inner ear malfor-mation incomplete partition type Ⅱ deformity (Mondini deformity)combined with spontaneous CSF otorrhea.

Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway mediated Salidroside induced directional differentiation from mouse mesenchymal stem cells to nerve cells / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the molecule mechanism of Salidroside inducing directional differentiation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into neuronal cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The mouse multipotent mesenchymal precursor cell line (D1) was taken as the objective. Cultured MSCs were divided into the negative control group (complete culture solution), the positive control group (containing 1 mmol/L β-mercaptoethanol), the Salidroside induced group (20 mg/L Salidroside), and the blocked group (20 ng/ ml DKK1, a special inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway). All cells were inoculated in a 6-well plate (1 x 10(4) cells/cm2) and grouped for 24 h. The expression of p-catenin was detected by fluorescence Immunochemistry in the negative control group, the positive control group, and the Salidroside induced group. The expression of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), beta 3 class III tubulin (β-tubulin III), nuclear receptor related factor 1 (Nurr1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA, Wnt3a, β-catenin, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein6 (LRP6), Axin mRNA were detected using reverse transcrip- tion PCR (RT-PCR). The expression of β-catenin and NSE protein were analyzed by Western blot in the negative control group, the positive control group, and the Salidroside induced group. Ca2+ chelating agents (EGTA), L-type Ca2+ channel blocker (Nifedpine), and IP3Ks special inhibitor (LY294002) were used to block Ca2+ signal pathway respectively. The expression of Wnt3a, LRP-6, Axin, glycogen syn- thase kinase (GSK-3), and β-catenin mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. The β-catenin protein expression was analyzed using Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the positive control group, β-catenin protein was strong positively expressed; the expression of Wnt3a, β-catenin, LRP6, Axin, NSE, β-tubulin III, Nurr1 mRNA, and NSE protein were obviously up-regulated in the Salidroside induced group (P < 0.01). Compared with the positive control group and the Salidroside induced group, β-catenin, NSE, Nurr1, and β-tubulin III mRNA expression decreased; β-catenin and NSE protein expression were also down-regulated in the blocked group (P < 0.01). Compared with the Salidroside induced group, the expression of Wnt3a, LRP-6, β-catenin, and Axin mRNA were down-regulated in the Ca2+ signal blocked group and the salidroside induced group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Salidroside affected directional differentia- tion of MSCs into neuronal cells through Wnt/β-catenin and Ca2+ signal pathway.</p>

[Development of a single-tube PCR-pyrosequencing method for simultaneous and rapid detection of the genetic polymorphism of warfarin metabolizing enzymes].

The purpose of this article is to develop a new high throughput method for detecting genetic polymorphism of warfarin metabolism-related genes rapidly in a single tube. Genomic DNA from human peripheral blood was extracted, and amplified with biotinylated primer to obtain single-stranded templates for pyrosequencing. Then, the single-stranded tem-plates were subjected to Pyrosequencing analysis using PyroMark ID instrument. Simultaneously, Sanger sequencing was also applied to sequence the products as a control to check the reliability of the pyrosequencing result.. The results dis-played that three variants of the warfarin metabolism-related genetic polymorphism (CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, and VKORC1(-1693)) could be simultaneously detected using three different sequencing primers in a single-tube (one test), and 96 tests could be carried out each time. Repeat test and reliability test indicated that the agreement between the pyrosequencing and the Sanger sequencing methods was 100%. . All of these demonstrated that pyrosequencing could accurately and rapidly detect the genetic polymorphism of the warfarin drug metabolism-related genes with high throughput. Compar-ing with simplex pyrosequencing, the method established in the present study was much more economical and timesaving. It has a great value in personalized medical treatment and could be extended to the other genetic diseases.

Dissociated brain organization for two-digit addition and subtraction: an fMRI investigation.

The present study compared the patterns of brain activation elicited by two-digit addition and subtraction problems. Thirty-two Chinese undergraduates of the same educational background and of similar age were asked to assess whether arithmetic operations were true or false during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results showed that both complex addition and subtraction were supported by the broad neural system that involved regions within the inferior parietal lobule, the precuneus, and the inferior occipital gyrus, as well as some subcortical structures. Nevertheless, complex problems involving addition elicited more activation mainly in the bilateral medial frontal gyrus, whereas problems involving subtraction had more activation in the precentral gyrus and the thalamus in the right hemisphere, as well as the inferior parietal lobule in the left hemisphere. This pattern of dissociated activation suggests that partially separate neuronal networks might support these different operations. It also suggests that complex addition has a greater reliance on the fronto-parietal cortical circuit and subtraction on the parieto-subcortical circuit.

Applied Value of MR Dynamic Contrast-Enhancement at 3.0T MR Magneton in Diagnosing Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma of Breast / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To explore the value of MR dynamic contrast-enhancement in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast at 3.0T MR magneton.Methods 17 cases of breast infiltrating ductal carcinoma underwent plain MRI and MR dynamic contrast-enhanced scan using 3.0T MR scanners with dedicated breast coil.All cases were confirmed by surgery and pathology.MRI signal intensity,morphology and hemodynamic characteristics of lesions were analysed.Results 17 breast infiltrating ductal carcinomas in 17 cases all appeared as masses,low(8/17)or equal(9/17)signal intensity on T_1WI,high(14/17)or equal(3/17)signal intensity on T_2WI.On morphology,the lesions were irregular and lobulated in shape(82.4%,14/17);undefinite margins(12/17)or non-smooth margins(15/17),glitch sign or astral sign(7/17);the lesions showed non-uniform marked enhancement(10/17)or ring enhancement(5/17)after intravenous administration of contrast agent.82.4%(14/17)of the lesions,the blood vessels could be seen gathering around the lesions on the maximum intensity projection(MIP)image.On hemodynamics,the early enhanced ratio for all cases was over 90%;88.2%(15/17)of the lesions,peak enhancement was less than three minutes;the time-signal intensity curve of the lesions appeared as type Ⅱ was 35.3%(6/17)and type Ⅲ was 58.8%(10/17)mostly.Conclusion Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI manifestations of breast infiltrating ductal carcinoma are of certain characteristics,which may contribute to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

Clinical study of 36 cases with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the maxillary sinus / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical characters, management and the prognosis of patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the maxillary sinus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data were analyzed retrospectively for 36 patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the maxillary sinus to evaluate the treatment results of different modalities. The contribution of every factors influencing on survival were also analyzed. Survival analysis was performed by life table method, comparison among/between groups was performed using log-rank test, and multivariate analysis was carried out using Cox proportional hazard model.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 5-year survival rate was 58.33% in all patients, while they were only 75.0% and 42.9% in stage III and stage IV lesions respectively. The 5-year survival rate of 66.7% was obtained in patients who received surgery combined with radiotherapy,71.4% and 12.5% respectively in those treated by surgery and by radiotherapy alone. Multivariate analysis indicated that stage, treatment modality, and the tumour residues in the primary treatment were the predict factors for the prognosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma should be treated by combined surgery and radiotherapy. Stage, treatment approach and short-term therapeutic response are the most important factors affecting the prognosis of the patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the maxillary sinus.</p>

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a meta-analysis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the value of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma from the mainland of China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data were extracted from randomized trials comparing chemotherapy plus radiotherapy with radiotherapy alone in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Actuarial rates of survival and distant metastases were calculated. The followed electronic databases were searched the Chinese Biomedicine database, Pubmed, Medline, Embase and Cochrane library; Data were extracted by tow reviewers and Review manager 4.1 software was applied for statistical analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eighteen trials with 1993 patients were include according to the including criterion. The 3-year overall survival rate of the chemoradiotherapy group and the radiotherapy group were 68.47% and 56.38% respectively, and the 5-year overall survival rate of the two groups above were 51.91% and 41.09% respectively, while the distant metastases rate of the chemoradiotherapy group and the radiotherapy group were 26.19% and 38.71% respectively. The result demonstrated that chemoradiotherapy increased overall survival by 12% at 3 years, and 11% at 5 years after treatment. After chemoradiotherapy, the rate of distant metastasis was reduce by 12%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, chemoradiotherapy significantly improves overall survival at 3 years, and 5 years compared with radiotherapy alone.</p>

Effects of acupuncture on the cortical functional areas activated by index finger motion in the patient with ischemic stroke / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of acupuncture on cortical functional areas of the patient with ischemic stroke activated by the index finger motion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The cortical magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were carried out in 15 cases of ischemic stroke during the index finger motion at acupuncture or non-acupuncture. The distribution of the cortical functional areas activated and the size of the activated region and the intension of signals were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The finger motion with no acupuncture could activate the contralateral primary somatomotor area (M1), contralateral premotor area (PMA) and contralateral first somatosensory area (S1). The finger motion with acupuncture could activate the same areas and also activate ipsilateral M1, focus area contralateral superior parietal lobule, contralateral superior temporal gyrus, and contralateral insular lobe, etc.. Both the area of the activated region and the minimum signal in the finger motion with acupuncture were statistically significantly larger than those in finger motion with no acupuncture.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rehabilitation of motor functions of the patient with ischemic stroke by acupuncture is related with improvement of blood circulation functional area in the cortex.</p>

Value of elective neck dissection in patients with clinically stage I squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the value of elective neck dissection in patients with clinically stage I (cT1N0M0) squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This was a retrospective study of patients with surgical treatment between November 1984 and November 1999. A total of 130 patients were included in the study, all of whom received operation of the primary site, meanwhile, 99 of whom underwent elective neck dissection simultaneously including level I -III or level I -IV neck dissection in 20 patients and level I - V neck dissection in 79 patients. Results Among all these patients, the rate of occult metastasis to the neck were 12. 0%. Local failure rate in patients with only local treatment, level I II, II, III/IV neck dissection and level I - V neck dissection were 25. 8%, 15. 0% and 7. 6% respectively. There were significant difference in regional failure between patients with only local treatment and patients with elective neck dissection (P < 0.05). Also, no significant differences were noted in the survival rate between patients with only local treatment, elective neck dissection (level I -III or level I -IV) and level I -V neck dissection (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Elective neck dissection significantly reduced regional control failure but was not able to reduce distant metastasis or increase the overall survival. A prospective randomized study is worthwhile to further evaluate the benefit of elective neck dissection in the treatment of clinically stage I squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.</p>