[Diagnostic Significance of BAT in Anaphylaxis to Non-ionic Contrast Media].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic significance of basophil activation test (BAT) in anaphylaxis to non-ionic contrast media through testing the content of CD63, mast cell-carboxypeptidase A3 (MC-CPA3), and terminal complement complex SC5b-9 of the individuals by testing their levels in the normal immune group and the anaphylaxis groups to ß-lactam drugs and non -ionic contrast media. METHODS: The CD63 expression of basophilic granulocyte in blood was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of MC-CPA3 in blood serum and SC5b-9 in blood plasma were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: The CD63 expression of basophilic granulocyte in blood, the levels of MC-CPA3 and SC5b-9 of anaphylaxis to non-ionic contrast media and ß-lactam drugs were significantly higher than that in normal immune group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is activation of basophilic granulocytes, mast cells and complement system in anaphylaxis to non-ionic contrast media. BAT can be used to diagnose the anaphylaxis to non-ionic contrast media.

Therapeutic effect of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy on locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the two conformal radiotherapy modalities in the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma. METHODS: From October, 1998 to June, 2001, 67 patients with locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma received conformal radiotherapy (CRT). Vacuum cushions were applied to immobilize the patients before contrast CT scans, the treatment plans were simulated by three-dimensional treatment planning system. The patients were randomized into group A to receive a total dose of 45-54 Gy given in 8-12 fractions completed in 18-27 d and group B with a total dose of 45-54 Gy in 15-18 fractions within 20-25 d. RESULTS: The partial and complete pain relief rates of the two groups were 95.9% and 81.6%, respectively, one month after the completion of the radiotherapy, with a median survival of 12.5 months. The response rates of the patients and the 2-year overall survival rates in group A were 81.8% and 51.6%, respectively, and were 35.3% and 12.1% in group B. The low-dose fractionated CRT was superior than accelerated CRT. CONCLUSION: For patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer receiving low-dose fractionated CRT, a high dose targeted at the tumor can be given in a fraction and the normal surrounding tissues are exposed to low-dose radiation, to achieve good therapeutic effect with minimized adverse effects on normal tissues in relation to the exposure.

[Phase separation and transport behaviors in La(0.7 - x)Dy(x)Sr0.3MnO3 system].

The influence of Dy doping (0.00 < or = x < or = 0.30) on magnetic and electric properties of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 was studied by measuring M-T curves, M-H curves, ESR curves, rho-T curves and MR-T curves of the samples. The experimental results indicate that all samples undergo the transition from paramagnetism to ferromagnetism at T(C). When T < T(C), the doped samples enter the cluster-spin glass state, and the antiferromagnetism is exhibited at lower temperature. For the samples x = 0.2, the phase separation occurs at the temperature far above T(C), the variation in magnetic structure caused by Dy doping leads to colossal magnetoresistance.

Therapeutic effect of high-dose three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and conventional radiotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the therapeutic effect of radiotherapy without increasing the risk of radiation injury in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: From August 1998 to August 1999, 135 patients with NSCLC received radiotherapy, of whom 62 were treated with high-dose three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) at the total dose of 48 to 64 Gy in 6 to 8 fractions implemented in a course of 2 to 3 weeks, 6 to 8 Gy for each fraction. The other 73 patients underwent conventional radiotherapy (CR) at the total dose of 60 to 70 Gy in 30 to 35 fractions completed in 6 to 7 weeks. Follow-up study was conducted in all the cases, and CT-scan or magnetic resonance imaging was performed once every 3 months after the therapy to assess the local control rate, survival rate, radiation-induced lung and esophageal injuries. RESULTS: Three months after radiation therapy, complete remission of the lesions was achieved in 44.9% (CR group) and 77.8% (3D-CRT group) of the cases with the efficacy rates of 94.4% and 100% respectively, showing significant differences between the 2 groups (P<0.01). The 1- and 2-year survival rate of the patients in the 2 groups were 42.5% vs 77.8% and 30.1% vs 48.6% respectively, also with significant differences between the 2 groups (P<0.01). Significant difference also occurred in the 1- and 2-year local control rates between the 2 groups, but not in the incidences of radiation-induced lung and esophageal injuries. CONCLUSION: 3D-CRT may yield better therapeutic effect than CR does and has comparable safety with the latter.