Background and purpose: Sorafenib hepatocellular carcinoma assessment randomized protocol (SHARP) and sorafenib in patients in Asia-Pacific region with hepatocellular carcinoma (ORIENTAL) had indicated that multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib could prolong overall survival (OS) and time to progression (TTP) as well as improve progress free survival (PFS) in patients with advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug-related adverse events in the course of treatment restricted its clinical application to a certain degree. This study was aimed to summerize the adverse events as well as the management of sorafenib in our clinic. Methods: Twenty-five cases clinically diagnosed as advanced hepatocellular carcinoma were enrolled from January 2008 to October 2009. All the patients who received sorafenib treatment met inclusion criteria as followed: (1) Progression of disease after trans-hepatic arterial chemoembolization therapy; (2) Extensive portal vein cancerous thrombus formation; (3) Portal zone or retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis or multiple remote metastasis, such as lung or bone; (4) Diffused poor blood supply to tumor; (5) Inform consent was obtained. All adverse events with different grade were observed during the beginning 12 weeks, and clinical treatment were carried out relatively. Results: Total of 25 cases were enrolled. Nine patients died of the disease, 3 of them died during the first 12 weeks, 3 patients abandoned sorafenib treatment, among them 2 died before the finish of 12 weeks treatment and 1 patient discontinued 5 months after the sorafenib treatment. Twenty cases finally assigned. Number of patients encountered drug-related adverse events were: HFSR (hand-foot-skin-reaction) 4(4/20), diarrhea 4(4/20), alopecia 5(5/20), rasb 4(4/20), fatigue 8(8/20), leukopenia and Thrombocytopenia 4(4/20), elevated blood pressure 1(1/20) and abdominal pain 1(1/20). After clinical management, 20 patients' sorafenib treatment were eventually not affected by adverse events. Conclusion: Sorafenib was well-tolerated and is a safe option of treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective To investigate the feasibility and primary therapeutic effect of inverted Y-shaped self-expandable metal stent for complex airway stenosis.Methods On the standpoint of the peculiar anatomic structure and the pathological changes of complex airway stenosis,we designed the inverted Y-shaped self- expandable metal stent.Under the fluoroscopic guidance,7 stents were implanted in 7 cases of airway complex stenosis.Results The inverted Y-shaped self-expandable metal stents were placed seccussfully,with instantaneous relief of dyspnea and improvement of living quality.Conclusion The placement of inverted Y- shaped self-expandable metal stent is feasible and safe for treating airway complex stenosis.(J Intervent Radiol, 2007,16:92-94)

OBJECTIVETo explore the inhibitory effect of migration-inducing gene 7 (Mig-7) gene silencing induced by retroviral-mediated small hairpin RNA (shRNA) on vasculogenic mimicry (VM), invasion and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro.

METHODSTwo target sequences (Mig-7 shRNA-1 and Mig-7 shRNA-2) and one negative control sequence (Mig-7 shRNA-N) were synthesized. The recombinant retroviral vectors carrying Mig-7 shRNA were constructed, and HCC cell line MHCC-97H were transfected with Mig-7 shRNA-1, Mig-7 shRNA-2, Mig-7 shRNA-N, or the empty vector, or treated with 125 µg/mL recombinant human endostatin (ES). Mig-7 expression in the treated cells was detected using semi-quantitative PCR and Western blotting. The inhibitory effect of Mig-7 silencing on VM formation was investigated in a 3-dimensional cell culture system; the changes in cell adhesion, invasion and migration were assessed with intercellular adhesion assay, Transwell invasion assay and Transwell migration assay, respectively.

RESULTSThe expression of Mig-7 at both mRNA and protein levels decreased significantly, VM formation, invasion and metastasis were suppressed, while intercellular adhesion increased significantly in MHCC-97H cells in Mig-7 shRNA-1 and Mig-7 shRNA-2 groups (P<0.05); such changes were not observed in cells transfected with Mig-7 shRNA-N or the empty vector, nor in cells treated with ES.

CONCLUSIONSMig-7 silencing by retroviral-mediated shRNA significantly inhibits VM formation, invasion and metastasis and increases the intercellular adhesion of the HCC cells, while ES does not have such inhibitory effects.

BACKGROUNDMotor dysfunction is common in stroke patients. Clinical electrophysiological studies suggest that transsynaptic degeneration occurred in the lower motor neurons, while pathological evidence is lacked. This study aimed to combine the electrophysiological and pathological results to prove the existence of transsynaptic degeneration in the motor system after stroke.

METHODSModified neurologic severity score, electrophysiological, and pathological assessments were evaluated in rats before middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and at 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days after MCAO. Paired and independent-sample t-tests were applied to assess the changes of electrophysiological and pathological data.

RESULTSCompound motor action potential amplitude in the paretic side was significantly lower than the nonparetic side at both 24 hours (61.9 ± 10.4 vs. 66.6 ± 8.9, P < 0.05) and 7 days (60.9 ± 8.4 vs. 67.3 ± 9.6, P < 0.05) after MCAO. Motor unit number estimation of the paretic side was significantly less than the nonparetic side (379.0 ± 84.6 vs. 445.0 ± 89.5, P < 0.05) at 7 days after MCAO. Until 14 days after stroke, the pathological loss of motor neurons was detected. Motor neurons in 14-day MCAO group were significantly decreased, compared with control group (5.3 ± 0.7 vs. 7.3 ± 1.8, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBoth electrophysiological and pathological studies showed transsynaptic degeneration after stroke. This study identified the asynchronization in changes of electrophysiology and pathology. The abnormal physiological changes and function impairment can be detected in the early stage and recovered quickly, while the pathological loss of motor neuron can be detected only in a later stage.

Animals ; Electrophysiology ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Motor Neurons ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spinal Cord ; pathology ; physiopathology

Cellular therapy in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a research hotspot in the field of neu-roscience in recent years. Compared with other cells,bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) are one of the most attractive therapeutic cells because BMMNCs can be rapidly isolated from bone marrow,are enriched with stem cells and permit autologous applications. Numerous basic researches showed that BMMNCs trans-plantation can decrease infarct volume and promote neurological outcomes in animal stroke model,indicating BMMNCs transplantation may has therapeutic values in acute ischemic stroke,and the transformation from basic research to clinical applications is on the key phase. In this paper,the progress of BMMNCs transplan-tation is reviewed in acute ischemic stroke on the aspects of BMMNCs component,methods of purification, route of transplantation,therapeutic mechanisms and problems from basic research to clinical application.

BACKGROUNDWilms' tumor (nephroblastoma) is a cancer of the kidneys that occurs typically in children and rarely in adults. Early diagnosis is very important for the treatment and prognosis of the disease. The aim of our study was to discover and identify potential non-invasive and convenient biomarkers for the diagnosis of Wilms' tumor.

METHODSNude mice were used to construct a Wilms' tumor model by injecting nephroblastoma cells into their bilateral abdomen. We collected 94 serum samples from mice consisting of 45 samples with Wilms' tumor and 49 controls. The serum proteomic profiles of the samples were analyzed via surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The candidate biomarkers were purified by high-performance liquid chromatography, identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and validated using ProteinChip immunoassays.

RESULTSWe finally retrieved two differential proteins (m/z 4509.2; 6207.9), which were identified as apolipoprotein A-II and polyubiquitin, respectively. The expression of apolipoprotein A-II was higher in the Wilms' tumor group than in the control group (P < 0.01). By contrast, the expression of polyubiquitin was lower in the Wilms' tumor group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONApolipoprotein A-II and polyubiquitin may be used as potential biomarkers for nephroblastoma in children, and the analysis of apolipoprotein A-II may help diagnose and treat Wilms' tumor.

Animals ; Apolipoprotein A-II ; blood ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Polyubiquitin ; blood ; Proteomics ; methods ; Wilms Tumor ; blood ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo verify Working Group for Obesity in China (WGOC) recommended body mass index (BMI) classification reference for overweight and obesity in Chinese children and adolescents using the data of 2002 China Nationwide Nutrition and Health Survey.

METHODSPediatric metabolic syndrome (MetS) and abnormality of each risk factor for MetS were defined using the criteria for US adolescents. Definition of hyper-TC, LDL, and dyslipidemia in adults was applied as well. The average level and abnormality rate of the metabolic indicators were described by BMI percentiles and compared with general linear model analysis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to summarize the potential of BMI to discriminate between the presence and absence of the abnormality of these indicators.

RESULTSThere was neither significantly increasing nor significantly decreasing trend of biochemical parameter levels in low BMI percentile range (<65th). Slight increasing trend from the 75th and a significant increase were found when BMI > or =85th percentile. In general, the prevalence of the examined risk factors varied slightly when BMI percentile<75th, and substantial increases were consistently seen when BMI percentile > or =75th. As an indicator of hyper-TG, hypertension and MetS, the sensitivity and specificity were equal at the point of BMI<75th percentile, and the Youden's index of risk factors also reached peak point before 75th percentile except for MetS. When the BMI percentile was used as the screening indicator of MetS, Youden's index reached peak point at 85th percentile, just the point in the ROC graph that was nearest to the upper left corner.

CONCLUSIONThe BMI classification reference for overweight and obesity recommended by WGOC is rational to predict and prevent health risks in Chinese children and adolescents. Lower screening cut-off points, such as 83th percentile or 80th percentile, should not be excluded when they are considered as overweight criteria in future intervention or prevention studies.

Adolescent ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Body Mass Index ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Child ; China ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Obesity ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; Overweight ; Reference Values ; Risk Factors ; Triglycerides ; blood

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between milk intake of 3 - 6 years old preschool children and their growth.

METHODSThe data bank of 2002 China National and Health Survey were used to analyze the relationship of milk consumption and the growth of children aged 3 - 6 in urban and rural areas.

RESULTSThe percentages of the diet with milk in urban and rural areas were 46.9% and 8.2% respectively, there was significant difference between the urban and rural areas. The averaged milk intake of preschool children were 23.8 g/d, the milk intake of urban children was significantly higher than that in the rural areas (P < 0.01). The height and weight of children with milk or its products in their diets in the group aged 4, 5 and 6 years were significantly higher than those of children without milk or its products in their diets (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThere was close relationship between milk intake of children 3 - 6 years old and their growth, the volume of milk intake of preschool children should be improved in urban and rural areas.

Animals ; Body Height ; Body Weight ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Dairy Products ; Diet ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Milk ; Rural Population ; statistics & numerical data ; Urban Population ; statistics & numerical data

Objective Few studies are reported on the prevention and management of oral mucositis(OM) induced by post-operative radiotherapy in patients with oral cavity cancer.This study aimed to investigate the therateutic effect of the recombinant human epidermal growth factor(rhEGF) gel on radiation-induced OM. Methods Sixty-eight cases of radiation-induced OM after surgery for oral cavity cancer were randomly divided into an experimental and a control group of equal number,the former treated with rhEGF gel while the latter with borax mouthwash. Comparisons were made between the two groups of patients in the severity of oral cavity mucous membrane injury,the intensity of radiation-induced oral pain,the in-cidence of oral cavity infection, and the duration of radiotherapy. Results At 3 weeks of radiotherapy,the patients of the experimental group showed mainly mild and moderate OM while the controls chiefly moderate and severe OM,and at 6 weeks,the former exhibited mainly moderate while the latter chiefly severe OM, with statistically significant differences in the incidence rate between the two groups (P<0.01). The experimental group, compared with the controls, had a significantly higher incidence rate of grade-Ⅰ radiation-induced pain (47.1% vs 20.6%,P<0.01),but lower rates of grade-Ⅱ(17.6% vs 32.4%,P<0.01) and grade-Ⅲpain(2.9% vs 20.6%,P<0.01).The rates of oral infection and antibiotics medication were remarkably lower in the experimental group than in the controls(23.5% vs 38.2% and 11.8% vs 26.5%,P<0.05),and the duration of radiotherapy was markedly shorter in the former than in the latter ([42.37±3.14] d vs [48.47±4.39] d, P<0.05). Conclusion The rhEGF gel can significantly reduce the severity of radiation-induced oral mucositis,improve its symptoms,and shorten the time of postoperative radiotherapy for patients with oral cavity cancer.

Background Wilms' tumor (nephroblastoma) is a cancer of the kidneys that occurs typically in children and rarely in adults.Early diagnosis is very important for the treatment and prognosis of the disease.The aim of our study was to discover and identify potential non-invasive and convenient biomarkers for the diagnosis of Wilms' tumor.Methods Nude mice were used to construct a Wilms' tumor model by injecting nephroblastoma cells into their bilateral abdomen.We collected 94 serum samples from mice consisting of 45 samples with Wilms' tumor and 49 controls.The serum proteomic profiles of the samples were analyzed via surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.The candidate biomarkers were purified by high-performance liquid chromatography,identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry,and validated using ProteinChip immunoassays.Results We finally retrieved two differential proteins (m/z 4509.2; 6207.9),which were identified as apolipoprotein A-Ⅱ and polyubiquitin,respectively.The expression of apolipoprotein A-Ⅱ was higher in the Wilms' tumor group than in the control group (P＜0.01).By contrast,the expression of polyubiquitin was lower in the Wilms' tumor group than in the control group.Conclusion Apolipoprotein A-Ⅱ and polyubiquitin may be used as potential biomarkers for nephroblastoma in children,and the analysis of apolipoprotein A-Ⅱ may help diagnose and treat Wilms' tumor.