Objective To investigate the radiation-induced esophageal toxicities in Ⅲ stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated by three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) combined with concurrent chemotherapy, and to find the relevant predictive factors. Methods From September 2006 to October 2007, 37 patients with stage Ⅲ NSCLC were treated by 3 DCRT (60 Gy in 30-34 fractions) con-currently with navelbine and cisplatin (NP). Chemotherapy was given in the first and fifth week. Univariate and multivariate analyses and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were used to assess the associ-ation of radiation-induced esophagitis and correlated factors. Results Of all the patients, 91.89% (34/37) developed radiation-induced esophagitis, including grade 1 in 11 patients, grade 2 in 9, grade 3 in 14 and grade 4 in none. According to Spearman correlative analysis, the correlative factors included mean esophagus dose (MED), the LETT_(40)、LETT_(45)、LETT_(50)、LETT_(55)、LETT_60)of esophagus.All the 11 factors had good correlation with esophagitis in univariate analysis, while only V_55 was independ-ently associated with esophagitis in multivariate analysis. The ROC analysis indicated that the cut-off point of the curve was 30% with the area under ROC curve of 0.906, (P=0.000). Grade 2 or 3 radiation esophagi-tis occurred in all the patients with esophageal V_55 > 30%, while only in 36% ( 8/22 ) of those with V_55<30%. Conclusions 3DCRT combined with concurrent chemotherapy in patients with stage Ⅲ NSCLC could develop severe esophagitis. Dosimetric parameters (MED, LETT_(40),LETT_(45),LETT_(50),LETT_(55),LETT_(60),V_(40),V_(45),V_50,V_55,V_(60))are related with esophagitis,V_55 with V_55 > 30% being the most valuable predictor.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of Kirschner wires and tension-band fixation through posterolateral minimal incision for the treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children.

METHODSFrom January 2005 to December 2010, there were 62 children (38 males and 24 females, ranging in age from 2 to 14 years, averaged 6.8 years) with Gartland type III supracondylar humeral fractures. All the injuries were caused by falling, and all the fractures were fresh injuries. The duration from injury to surgery ranged from 5 to 20 hours. All the children were treated with open reduction through a posterolateral minimal approach, Kirschnere wires and tension-band fixation were fixed with plaster at 90 degrees of elbow flexion, forearm supination, and palms facing upwards. The kirschner pins and wires were removed after fractures healing. The Flynn's criterion was used to evaluate therapeutic effects.

RESULTSThe operation time ranged from 30 to 50 min (averaged 45 min). All the patients achieved solid union. Sixty patients were followed up, and the mean follow-up time was 15 months (ranged from 6 to 24 months). At the 6th month after operation, 48 patients got an excellent result, 9 good, 3 bad (light cubitus varus with varus angle about 6 degree, without infection on function) according to Flynn's criteria. There were no complications such as procedure-related pin tract infection, iatrogenic nerve and vascular injuries and myositis ossificans.

CONCLUSIONThe Kirschner wires and tension-band fixation through posterolateral minimal incision approach can obtain clearer surgical field, simple in operation, and few wound complications. Therefore, this modified treatment is an effective and reliable method for pediatric displaced Gartland type III supracondylar humeral fractures.

Adolescent ; Bone Wires ; Casts, Surgical ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Humeral Fractures ; surgery ; Male ; Supine Position

Child ; Female ; Heart Neoplasms ; complications ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Intracranial Embolism ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Myxoma ; complications

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expressions of COX-2 and MMP-9 in cervical carcinoma and their clinical significance.

METHODSImmunohistochemical SP method was used to detect the expressions of COX-2 and MMP-9 in 72 cases of invasive carcinoma of cervix (ICC) and 16 cases of normal cervical epithelium remote from tumor (NCE), and the relationship between the expressions of COX-2 and MMP-9 in ICC and some factors relating to clinical pathology of cervical carcinoma such as histopathological grading, lymph node metastasis, stroma involvement and FIGO staging were analyzed statistically.

RESULTSThe rates of positive expression of COX-2 and MMP-9 in ICC were significantly higher than those in NCE. COX-2: 88.9% in group ICC and 12.5% in group NCE, P = 0.000. MMP-9: 94.4% in group ICC and 43.8% in group NCE, P = 0.000. The expression of COX-2 was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis and stroma involvement (r = 0.296, P = 0.012 in group ICC and r = 0.257, P = 0.029 in group NCE, respectively). The expression of MMP-9 was positively correlated with FIGO staging (r = 0.329, P = 0.005) and histopathological grading (r = 0.351, P = 0.003). The expression of COX-2 was positively correlated with the expression of MMP-9 in ICC (r = 0.297, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONThe overexpressions of COX-2 and MMP-9 are closely related to the invasion and growth of cervical carcinoma. The tissue with overexpression of COX-2 has strong invasion ability. COX-2 and MMP-9 have synergistic effect on proliferation, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. Detecting the expression of both COX-2 and MMP-9 may be of value in further understanding the biological behavior and predicting the prognosis of cervical carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the correlations of dopamine transporter gene (DAT) and dopamine D(2) receptor gene (DRD2) to stuttering.

METHODSTo examine the correlations of the 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in dopaminergic gene (C252T, C1804T, and C1820T in DAT gene, and T1054C and C1072T in DRD(2) gene) to stuttering in Han Chinese individuals, a case-control study involving 112 patients with stuttering and 112 gender-matched controls was carried out. Genotyping was performed by a combined approach using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and pyrosequencing.

RESULTSC1804T showed no polymorphism in either the patients or the control subjects and was therefore excluded from the following analysis. The C allele frequency at C1072T site was significantly higher, but T allele frequency significantly lower in the stuttering group than in the control group. The patients had significantly higher CC and lower CT genotype frequencies than the control group. There were no significant differences in the allelic frequencies of C252T, C1820T and T1054C between the patients and the controls, suggesting a Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at these 3 loci.

CONCLUSIONThe presence of the C allele at C1072T in DRD(2) gene is associated with increased susceptibility to stuttering in Han Chinese, whereas the T allele provides protection against the onset of stuttering.

Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; ethnology ; Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins ; genetics ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Receptors, Dopamine D2 ; genetics ; Stuttering ; genetics ; Young Adult

AIMTo observe the expression of Presenilin-1 (PS-1) and production of amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) in hippocampus of female senile rats and to investigate the effect of vitamin E(VE) on preventing Alzheimer's disease after menopause.

METHODSThe animal model was established using female senile rats. Experimental groups (n=8) were respectively given different doses of VE(5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg) per day. The expression of PS-1 in hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry, the level of Abeta in hippocampus was measured by Radioimmunoassay, and neuronal ultrastructure in hippocampal DG area was observed using transmission electron microscope.

RESULTSThe expression of PS-1 in rat hippocampus of senile control group was stronger than that of adult control group. PS-1 expressed weakly in three medication groups along with augmentation of dosage. The levels of Abeta were found to correlate statistically with the expression of PS-1. The content of Abeta in VE groups was significantly decreased compared to that in senile control group (P < 0.01). There were some changes in the neuronal ultrastructure of senile rats. Neurons were gradually recovered in VE groups.

CONCLUSIONVE may depress the production of Abeta by regulating the expression of PS-1, reducing neuronal injuries. VE may play a role in neuronal protection.

Aging ; Alzheimer Disease ; metabolism ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; metabolism ; Animals ; Female ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Presenilin-1 ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Vitamin E ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo establish chemical pattern recognition method for the identification and evaluation of Atractylodes macrocephala.

METHODThe chemical constituents in methanol extract of 32 samples of A. macrocephala were determined by HPLC. The fingerprints were obtained and were handled by hierarchical clustering analysis and stepwise discriminant analysis.

RESULT AND CONCLUSIONAccording to the result of classification, all samples collected were devided into three Grades--the superior, the ordinary and the fake. Chemical pattern recognition method was established. It may be of practical value for the quality control of A. macrocephala.

Atractylodes ; chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Cluster Analysis ; Pattern Recognition, Automated ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Rhizome ; chemistry

The output and agronomic characters of 3-year-old Panax notoginseng cultured under stereo structure (upper, middle and down layers) were investigated, and the annual change of N, P and K of its planting soil were also studied. Results showed that, compared with field cultured Panax notoginseng, growth vigour and output of stereo-cultivation were significantly lower. But the total production of the 3 layers was 1.6 times of field. The growth vigor and production of P. notoginseng was in the order of upper layer > middle layer > down layer. The content of ginsenoside in rhizome, root tuber and hair root of P. notoginseng was in the order of upper layer > field > middle layer > down layer. Organic matter content and pH of stereo-cultivation soil decreased with the prolonging of planting time, which with the same trend of yield. Organic matter content of stereo-cultivation soil was significantly higher than field, but the pH was significantly lower. Contents of total and available N, P and K in stereo-cultivation soil and field decreased with the prolonging of planting time. The content of N and P were in the order of upper layer > middle layer > yield > down layer, the content of K was in the order of upper layer > middle layer > down layer > yield. Compared with field, the proportion of N and P in the organ of underground (rhizome, root tuber and hair root) of upper layer were increased, while decreased in middle and down layers. Proportion of K in underground decreased significantly of the 3 layers. In conclusion, the agronomic characters and production of stereo-cultivation were significantly lower than that of yield. But the total production of the 3 layers were significantly higher than field of unit area. And the aim of improving land utilization efficiency was achieved. Nutritions in the soil of stereo-cultivation were enough to support the development of P. notoginseng, which was not the cause of weak growth and low production. The absorbing ability of P. notoginseng to N, P and K nutrients was decreased by stereo-cultivation mode. So, improve the growth vigour of P. notoginseng from the perspective of adjusting the stereo-cultivation mode so as to improve the nutrient absorption capacity is the future direction.
Food ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Nitrogen ; analysis ; Panax notoginseng ; growth & development ; Phosphorus ; analysis ; Potassium ; analysis ; Soil ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo characterize the clinical and angiographic features in children with renovascular hypertension.

METHODClinical data of 14 children (7 male, 7 female; age 0.8-14 years, mean 8.7 years), who were diagnosed with renovascular hypertension by renal angiography in our institute from January 2005 to December 2012 were collected and retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTThe mean blood pressure at the diagnosis was 187/127 mm Hg. Chief complaints of symptomatic patients were headache (29%, 4/14), hypertensive encephalopathy (36%, 5/14), signs of congestive heart failure (14%, 2/14) and hematemesis (7%, 1/14). Renovascular hypertension was found incidentally in 14% (2/14) of patients who were asymptomatic. Conventional renal angiography elucidated the anatomical distribution of lesions in the renal arterial system. It was found that 14% (2/14) of patients had bilateral disease, 50% (7/14) had single stenosis at main or accessory renal artery, while multiple stenoses was seen in 43% (6/14) of children, with involvement of segmental renal artery and small interlobar or arcuate vessels. Compared with catheter angiography, 50% (7/14) of patients with renovascular hypertension, especially intrarenal arterial disease, were missed on computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance angiography.

CONCLUSIONIt is mandatory to emphasize blood pressure measurement in pediatric clinical practice for early recognition of renovascular hypertension. As children with renovascular hypertension display involvement of multiple arteries, including in smaller intrarenal arteries, digital subtraction angiography is the only method that can reliably diagnose pediatric renovascular hypertension.

Adolescent ; Angiography, Digital Subtraction ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Fibromuscular Dysplasia ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Hypertension, Renovascular ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Infant ; Kidney ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Angiography ; Male ; Renal Artery ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Renal Artery Obstruction ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether pretransplant infusion of reactive natural killer cells (NK cells) from donor or recipient can reduce graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and enhance engraftment in bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Recipient BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups after received 6.5 Gy total-body irradiation (TBI): control group 1 was treated with nothing, control group 2 received BMT alone, experiment group 1 received BMT and autoreactive NK cells, experiment group 2 received BMT and alloreactive NK cells. Life span, clinical and pathologic changes of GVHD and chimerism rate of each group were evaluated. The results showed that all mice were survival in control group 1. The life span was shorter in experiment group 1 than that in control group 2 (P < 0.05) and longer in experiment group 2 than that in control group 2 (P < 0.01). GVHD was higher in score of experiment group 1 than in control group 2 (P < 0.05) but lower in experiment group 2 than that in control group 2 (P < 0.01). The donor chimerism rate in both two experiment groups were higher than that in control group 2 (P < 0.05), however, the donor chimerism rate was higher in experiment group 2 than that in experiment group 1 (P < 0.01). It is concluded that pretransplant infusion of alloreactive donor NK cells can prolong life span, reduce the degree of GVHD and enhance engraftment. But autoreactive recipient NK cells can shorten life span, aggravate the degree of GVHD and also enhance engraftment, which is weaker than that using alloreactive donor NK cells.
Animals ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Graft Survival ; immunology ; Graft vs Host Disease ; prevention & control ; Killer Cells, Natural ; transplantation ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Whole-Body Irradiation