Metformin is a first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recently, some clinical studies have been published reporting a reduced incidence of various neoplastic disease (eg. breast cancer, endometrial cancer and gastrointestinal cancer) in diabetic or nondiabetic patients treated with metformin. Metformin inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin by activating liver kinase B1 (LKB1)/adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) or decreases blood insulin levels, resulting in inhibition of cancer cell growth. There are also many other mechanisms involved in anti-tumor effect of metformin. Although metformin has significant effect on cancers, the prospects for it as an alternative treatment modality and mechanism in various kinds of tumors need further research.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of Ginkgo biloba exocarp polysaccharides (GBEP) capsule preparation in treating upper digestive tract malignant tumors of middle and late stage. METHODS: Eighty-six patients of the upper digestive tract malignant tumors were treated with GBEP capsule preparation taken orally. The clinical symptoms and the qualities of life of the patients with single GBEP and combined with operation, radiotherapy or intervention chemotherapy were observed. The tumor size was measured by electronic gastroscope before and after treatment with single GBEP. Objective response rate (RR) of the tumor was calculated. The survival period of patient was observed. The changes of blood routine examination in the patients treated with radiotherapy were observed. RESULTS: GBEP preparation could markedly improve the patients'clinical symptoms. Karnofsky scoring of the patients markedly increased after treatment. There were 2 CR (complete response, 6.3%), 22 PR (partial response, 68.8%)and 5 SD (stable disease, 15.6%) of 32 cases with single GBEP preparation. The survival periods of the 32 cases were markedly prolonged. The preparation could relieve the inhibited hematopietic function and the weight loss due to radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: GBEP capsule preparation has some definite therapeutic effects on upper digestive tract malignant tumors of middle and late stage.

Objective To investigate the status quo and influencing factors of occupational identification and turnover intention among pediatric nurses in Tai'an,and analyze the correlation between them, and provide theoretical basis for stabilizing the pediatric nursing team. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 442 pediatric nurses from 6 hospitals in Tai'an by means of occupational identity rating scale and turnover intention scale. Results The total score of professional identity was (97.45 ± 16.37) points; there was no very low turnover intention individual; the rate of the relative lower turnover intention was 17.87%(79/442); the rate of relative higher turnover intention was 52.26%(231/442); the rate of the very higher turnover intention was 29.86%(132/442). Career identity and dimensions were negatively related to turnover intention(r=-0.476--0.136,P<0.01). Conclusions Occupational identification of pediatric nurses in Tai'an is at a moderate level and the intention to quit is strong.The higher the occupational identification is,the lower the turnover intention of pediatric nurses in Tai'an, therefore, the nursing managers should pay attention to improve the professional identity of pediatric nurses and lower their turnover intention so as to achieve the goal of stabilizing the pediatric nursing team.

Objective To investigate the exposure level of radioactive hazard factors and the health management of radiation workers in non-medical radiation institutions (excluding military institutions) in Jinan, China through radioactive hazard factor monitoring, to identify the weak links, and to provide a scientific basis for future work priorities. Methods According to the monitoring plan formulated by Jinan Municipal Health Commission, the task undertaking institutions at all levels in Jinan investigated the types of radioactive hazard factors, detection, training, and health monitoring of 101 non-medical radiation institutions in Jinan. In addition, the workplace radiation levels were detected in 25 institutions of 6 types of monitoring objects, including industrial flaw detection, non-medical accelerator, non-sealed radioactive material workplace, nuclear instrument, baggage detector, and others. Results The investigation objects included institutions engaged in industrial flaw detection, nuclear instrument, luggage detector, non-medical accelerator, non-sealed source workplace, and others. Of these institutions, 91.84% were equipped with radiation protection detectors, 92.86% were equipped with personal dose alarm, 97.73% were equipped with personal protective equipment, 94.36% performed radiation protection training, 92.69% employed radiation workers with certificates, 95.77% performed personal dose detection, 94.83% performed occupational health examination, and 100.00% were qualified for radiation protection detection in workplace. Conclusion There is still a gap between the radiation protection status of non-medical institutions in Jinan and the national regulations and standards, so it is necessary to further strengthen supervision and law enforcement and make greater efforts in training and publicity.