Objective Controversy exists over the effects of postoperative chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy in the treatment of rectal cancer. This study aims to evaluate the clinical effect of chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy following radical surgery for stage Ⅱ-Ⅲrectal cancer. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 125 cases of stageⅡ-Ⅲrectal cancer receiving chemo-radiotherapy ( n=69) or chemotherapy ( n=56) after radical surgery. The patients in the chemoradiotherapy group were treated by 3-di-mensional conformal or intensity-modulated radiotherapy at a total irradiation dose of 45-50 Gy/25-28 times and concurrently by XE-LOX/FOLFOX chemotherapy for 4-6 cycles. Those in the chemotherapy group underwent XELOX/FOLFOX chemotherapy only, at the same dose and for the same length of time as the former. Results The therapeutic effect on stageⅡ-Ⅲrectal cancer was not correla-ted with the gender, family history, smoking history, drinking history, high-fat intake, sedentariness, obesity or constipation of the pa-tient, nor with the TNM stage, pathological grade or differentiation degree of the disease. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were sig-nificantly higher in the chemoradiotherapy group (86. 9%, 76. 8%, and 57. 9%) than in the chemotherapy group (71. 4%, 58. 9%, and 39. 3%) (P<0. 05), while the 1-, 2-, and 3-year recurrence rates were remarkably lower in the former (5. 8%, 11. 6%, and 18. 8%) than in the latter (17. 9%, 26. 8%, and 37. 5%) (P<0. 05). Statistically significant differences were found between the che-moradiotherapy and chemotherapy groups in the incidence of diarrhea (39. 1%vs 14. 3%, P<0. 05), but not in such adverse reactions as bone marrow suppression, nausea, or vomiting (P>0. 05). Conclusion For stageⅡ-Ⅲrectal cancer, postoperative chemoradio-therapy is a safe and effective option , which can evidently reduce local recurrence and improve 3-year survival of the patient.

Objective To review and summarize the experiences of transcatheter closure of left ventricular-right atrium communication,and discuss the feasibility of interventional therapy for this kind of cardiac abnormalitis.Methods 22 patients who suffered from left ventricular-right atrium communication underwent transcatheter interventional therapy with ventricular septal defect(VSD) occluder.The operating procedures were performed as like as the transcatheter closure of VSD:established the pathway from femoral artery to femoral vein through left ventricle,VSD,right atrium (or from left ventricle to right atrial through the communication) and inferior vena cava,then inserted the polysheath from femoral vein,introduced by the pathway to left ventricle,and implanted VSD occluder through the polysheath to close the shunt.Results The operation succeeded in 21 patients.The cardiac murmur was disappeared in all patients,and there was no residual shunt or aortic regurgitation that conformed by postoperative ventriculography and echocardiography in follow up phase,and the tricuspid regurgitation was lessened than preoperative.The operation abort in 1 patient because of aortic regurgitation after implanting occluder.Conclusions Transcatheter closure of left ventricular-right atrium communication is feasible as the selected occluder is accordant,and atrioventricular block,aortic regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation can be avoided.

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of SAA in rheumatoid arthritis(RA) pathogenesis by analyzing the expression of serum amyloid protein A(SAA) in serum,synovial fluid and synovial membrane in patients with RA.MethodsSAA levels in the serum and synovial fluid in each group were detected.Sera SAA was tested by Western blotting,while the expression of SAA in RA and osteoarthritis(OA) synovium was detected by immunohistochemistry.Comparisons between groups were performed by t-tests or KruskaWallis test.ResultsThe serum levels of SAA were significantly higher in RA [(318±132) μg/L] than those in OA [(127±47) μg/L] and healey controls [(127±41) μg/L,P＜0.01].In RA,the SAA levels in the synovial fluid [ (571±473) μg/L ] were significantly higher when compared to those in O A [ (129±33) μg/L](t=2.46,P=0.04).Western blotting results showed that SAA bands were found in the serum samples of each group,and higher expression of SAA were seen in RA.Pathology study had showed that SAA was observed mainly in endothelial cells,synovial fibroblasts,macrophages and perivascular areas in RA synovium.In OA,SAA was observed in perivascular areas and synovial fibroblasts.ConclusionIn RA,SAA levels in both serum and synovial fluid are significantly higher than those in the controls.High expression of SAA in RA synovium can be observed.Our results suggest that SAA may play a role in inflammation reaction and joint destruction of RA.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of endovascular treatment for closed limb artery trauma. MethodsFrom March 2006 to December 2011,the clinical data of 12 cases treated for closed limb artery trauma were analyzed retrospectively.Catheters sheath were placed by antegrade or retrograde puncture.Catheters was send to the proximal end of the lesion.Intraoperatively through angiography the location and extent of arterial lesions were determined.Catheter with the help of guidewire were sent through the lesion to establish treatment “ pathway,at the lesion site suitable stents were placed to repair damaged arteries. ResultsThe procedure was all successful in 12 patients,there was no mortality nor sever compalications.Postoperatively 2 cases suffered from acute renal failure,and were managed and cured by continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CWH).Osteofascial compartment incision decompression was carried out in 3 cases due to osteofascial compartment syndrome.One case of them suffered from amputation due to sever muscle necrosis and lost of limb function.Eleven patients were followed-up for 1year.All the arteries were patent.There were no stent break,deformation or stenosis.ConclusionsEndovascular techniques for the treatment of closed limb arterial trauma is safe and effective.

Objective To establish a optimal method and threshold of 3-deoxy-3-fluorothymidine (FLT) PET-CT in delineating the biological target length of gross tumor in esophageal carcinoma, and to compare FLT PET-CT with other imaging modalities including esophagoseopy, esophagography, CT and flu-orodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET-CT. Methods Twenty-four patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with radical surgery were enrolled. Before surgery, all the patients underwent FLT PET-CT, esepha-goscopy and esophagography. Twenty-two patients also received FDG PET-CT scan. Gross tumor volumes (GTV) were delineated using seven different threshold of FLT PET-CT: visual interpretation, standardized uptake value (SUV) 1.3, SUV 1.4, SUV 1.5, 20% of maximum standard uptake value (SUV_(max)), 25% SUV_(max), and 30% SUV_(max). Three different thresholds of FDG PET-CT were used, including visual interpre-tation, SUV 2.5, and 40% SUV_(max). The length of tumors on FLT PET-CT scan were measured and recorded as L_(FLTvis), L_(FLT1.3), L_(FLT1.4), L_(FLT1.5), L_(FLT20%), L_(FLT25%), and L_(FLT30%), respectively. The length of tumors on FDG PET-CT scan were recorded as L_(FDGvis), L_(FDG2.5), and L_(FDG40%), respectively. The length of tumors on CT, esophagography and esophagoscopy were recorded as L_(CT), L_(X-ray) and L_(Scopy). All of these results were com-pared with the length of gross tumor in the reseeted specimen measured by pathological examination (L_(Path)), Results The L_(Path) was (4.90±2.14) cm. The Length of tumors delineated by different methods, being from short to long, were L_(FDG40%), L_(Scopy), L_(X-ray),L_(FLT1.5),L_(CT),L_(FLT30%),L_(FLTvis),L_(FLT1.4),L_(FLT25%), L_(FDG2.5),L_(FDGvis),L_(FLT1.3),L_(FLT20%). The mean values were (3.85±1.52), (4.46±2.23), (4.63± 2.37), (4.64±2.38),(4.69± 1.85),(4.75±2.19) ,(4.85±2.33),(4.87±2.35),(5.05±2.20), (5.08± 2.19) ,(5.10±2.22), (5.21±2.40) and (5.53±2.17) cm,respectively. The correlation coefficients were 0.91,0.93,0.88, 0.95, 0.90, 0.81,0.96, 0.96, 0.80, 0.99, 0.99, 0.95 and 0. 79 , respective-ly. All the P values were 0. 000. L_(FLT1.4) of FLT PET-CT and L_(FDG2.5) of FDG PET-CT were found more ap-proximate to L_(Path). There was no significant difference between L_(FLT1.4) and L_(FDG2.5) (1= 1.23, P = 0.232), and the correlation coefficient was 0.96 (P = 0. 000). Conclusions Thresholds of SUV 1.4 on FLT PET-CT and SUV 2.5 on FDG PET-CT could optimally estimate the tumor length measured by pathological examina-tion, and could be objective and simple methods for semiquantitative analysis.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of single herb pilose antler (PA) on the expression of Smad2 and Smad3 in the cartilage of osteoarthritis (OA) rats.

METHODSOne hundred 3-month old female healthy SD rats, (200 +/- 20) g, were recruited and routinely fed for 1 week. They were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e., the low dose PA group, the high dose PA group, the normal saline control group, the model group, and the normal control group, 20 in each group. The model was prepared using classic Hulth method except the normal control group. After 6-week modeling, the model was confirmed successful by pathologic observation. PA at 0.021 g/100 g and 0.084 g/1 00 g was given by gastrogavage to rats in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group respectively. Normal saline was administered to those in the normal saline control group. No treatment was given to rats in the normal control group and the model group. Bilateral knee cartilages were harvested at week 2,4, and 6. mRNA and protein expressions of Smad2 and Smad3 were detected by immunohistochemical assay, fluorescent quantitative PCR, and Western blot.

RESULTSOA model was successfully prepared by pathological observation. Results of immunohistochemical assay showed that Smad2 and Smad3 expressed extensively in the cartilage, and located inside the chondrocyte membrane. Compared with the model group, mRNA expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously increased in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 2, 4, and 6, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). Compared with the same group at week 4 after gastrogavage, mRNA expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously decreased in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 6, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, protein expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously increased in the chondrocytes of the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 2 and 4, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01). Compared with the same group at week 2 after gastrogavage, protein expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously increased in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 4, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01). Compared with the same group at week 4 after gastrogavage, protein expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously decreased in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 6, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS(1) The pilose antler could repair cartilages by regulating mRNA and protein expressions of Smad2 and Smad3. (2) Up-regulating mRNA and protein expressions of Smad2 and Smad3 might be one of important mechanisms for the pathogenesis of OA.

Animals ; Antlers ; chemistry ; Cartilage ; cytology ; metabolism ; Chondrocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Female ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Osteoarthritis ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Smad2 Protein ; metabolism ; Smad3 Protein ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDDelayed puberty can result either from constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDP) or idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test has been generally accepted as a current method for diagnosing delayed puberty. The objective of this research was to assess the cut-off values and the efficacy of GnRH stimulation test in the diagnosis of delayed puberty in both males and females.

METHODSA study of 91 IHH, 27 CDP patients, 6 prepubertal children, and 20 pubertal adults was undertaken. Blood samples were obtained at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min after GnRH administration and the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured. For each parameter, the sensitivities and specificities were estimated, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed.

RESULTSThe ROC curves indicated that a serum basal LH <0.6 IU/L or peak LH <9.74 IU/L resulted in moderate sensitivity (73.8% or 80.0%) and specificity (90.9% or 86.4%) in the diagnosis of HH in males. Serum basal LH <0.85 IU/L or basal FSH <2.43 IU/L resulted in moderate sensitivity (80.0% or 100.0%) and specificity (75.0% or 50.0%) in the diagnosis of HH in females.

CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest that isolated use of the gonadorelin stimulation test is almost sufficient to discriminate between HH and CDP in males, but unnecessary in females. The most useful predictor is serum basal or peak LH to differentiate these two disorders in males, but serum basal LH or FSH in females.

Adolescent ; Female ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone ; pharmacology ; Gonadotropins ; deficiency ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; blood ; diagnosis ; Hypothalamus ; drug effects ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Male ; Pituitary Gland ; drug effects ; Puberty, Delayed ; blood ; diagnosis ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Erzhi Tiangui recipe (ETR) on quality of oocyte in the process of external fertilization and embryo-transplantation.

METHODSEighty mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, Group A treated with ETR plus human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG), Group B with ETR, Group C with HMG and Group D with normal saline. Ovulation test and cleavage test were conducted to observe the effect of treatment on quality of oocytes.

RESULTSThe difference on ovulation number between Group A and C was insignificant, but the difference in comparison between the two groups was significant in aspects of oocyte morphological scoring, fertilization rate and cleavage rate (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONETR could play its effect synergistically with Western medicine, and raise the quality of oocytes.

Animals ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Drug Synergism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Embryo Transfer ; Female ; Fertilization ; drug effects ; Fertilization in Vitro ; drug effects ; Menotropins ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Oocytes ; drug effects ; physiology ; Ovulation Induction ; Random Allocation

Objective To investigate the effect of green light laser in complex posterior urethral stricture after surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Methods Green light laser was applied in treating 20 cases of complex iatrogenic posterior urethral stricture.Of these cases,12 had false passages,5 had more than 2 strictures and 5 had concurrently urethratresia.The scar tissues were transure- thrally vaporized and resected.The in-dwelling urethral catheter time was 1-2 months after operation. Results All the patients were initially cured without serious complications.The mean operative time was 39 rain (range,30-65 min).During the follow-up of 2-10 months,1 case had mild incontinence:another case (Q_(max)＜9ml/s 2 weeks after surgery) got satisfactory results(Q_(max)＞15ml/s)after the scheduled urethral dilatation.The other 18 cases were treated successfully and voided fluently with postoperative Q_(max)＞15ml/s in all.Conclusions It is suggested that transurethral green light laser procedure is not only safe and ef- fective,but also simple and minimally iuvasive for complex posterior urethral stricture following surgical treat- ment of BPH.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the correlation between standardized uptake valus (SUV) of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) of tumor at PET/CT examination and the expression of glucose transporter-1 (Glutl) and Ki-67 in esophageal cancer.

METHODS56 patients with esophageal cancer were evaluated with 18 F-FDG PET/CT examination before operation. The expression of Glut1 and Ki-67 antigen in the tumor tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry after operation.

RESULTS(1) Positive rate of Glutl and Ki-67 expression in esophageal cancer tissues was 100% , respectively. There was a positive correlation between the expression of Glutl and Ki-67 and the clinical stages and differentiation of the tumor. The more the tumor and the clinical stages were advanced and the lower was the tumor differentiation, the more Glutl and Ki-67 were expressed. (2) There were abnormal radioactive high uptake regions on PET/CT imaging of esophagus in the 56 patients, which were confirmed by pathology as the primary carcinoma. The SUV was higher than 2. 5. There was a gradually increasing tendency in SUV along with the lowering of the tumor differentiation and the advance of clinical stages. (3)There was a correlation between the expression of Glutl, Ki-67 and the SUV, the more Glutl and Ki-67 were expressed, the higher the SUV of tumor 18F-FDG at PET/CT examination was in esophageal tumor tissues.

CONCLUSIONThere is a widespread expression of Glutl in esophageal cancer tissues, and the SUV may be used to indirectly evaluate the proliferative capacity of esophageal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Differentiation ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; pharmacokinetics ; Glucose Transporter Type 1 ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; methods ; Tissue Distribution ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods