Background and purpose: The position of thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) expression during cell division is in the cytoplasm. It is a catalytic enzyme to convert deoxythymidine into thymidylate. It is the key enzyme of pyrimidine salvage pathway. The aim of this study was to analyze the serum expression level of TK1 in patients with breast cancer, and explore the application of serum TK1 test in clinical assessments of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for breast cancer. Methods: Patient data were collected from the patients admitted in Comprehensive Breast Health Center at Rui Jin Hospital. Chemiluminesence dot blot assay was used to detect serum TK1 levels in 145 breast cancer patients and 55 patients with breast ifbroadenoma. The correlations of serum TK1 levels with breast tumor biological behavior was further studied. Results:Serum TK1 expression levels was signiifcantly increased in breast cancer patients [(2.749±0.122)pmol/L] when compared to breast fibroadenoma patients[(1.319±0.126)pmol/L, P<0.000 1]. Serum TK1 levels were statistically increased in patients with lymph node metastasis (P=0.049), distal metastasis (P=0.003 1), and late TNM stages (P=0.01). No serum TK1 level differences were found in patients with different ages (P>0.05), different tumor grades (P=0.453) and different tumor size (P=0.908). Preoperative imaging results including breast ultrasound, breast mammography and breast magnetic resonance were analyzed by assessments of BI-RADS category, and serum TK1 levels in patients with different BI-RADS categories were studied. Serum TK1 levels in patients with breast ultrasound BI-RADS categories 4C-6 were signiifcantly higher than those with category 0-4B (P<0.001). Consistently, the serum TK1 levels in patients with MR BI-RADS categories 4C-6 were higher than categories 0-4B (P=0.005). The serum TK1 levels in patients with mammography BI-RADS categories 4C-6 were higher than categories 0-4B (P=0.032). The serum TK1 levels were signiifcantly increased in patients with ER high expression in breast tumor tissues than those with low expression (P=0.034). Serum TK1 levels had no differences in patients with different expression levels of PR, HER-2 and MIB-1 (P>0.05). Most patients were followed up in our outpatient department for about 2 years. No progression-free survival differences were found in 2years. Conclusion:Serum TK1 test might be a potential tool for screening, prognosis determination and effect evaluations of targeted therapy in breast carcinoma.

Objective To investigate the differences in tumor volume and metastatic tumors of the liver and regional lymph nodes between contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWMRI) through a comparative analysis,as well the useful information for target volume delineation,and to guide radiotherapy in clinical practice.Methods A total of 40 patients with pancreatic cancer were enrolled and underwent contrast-enhanced CT and DWMRI in the same position.The target volume was delineated,the major axis of the maximum tumor section was measured,and the numbers of liver metastatic tumors and metastatic tumors of the lymph nodes with a diameter of 5-8 mm or＞8 mm were measured based on the CT and DWMRI images.The analysis was performed by using paired t-test or paired Wilcoxon rank sum test.Results The mean gross tumor volume (GTV) delineated by contrast-enhanced CT and DWMRI was 54.95 cm3 and 41.67 cm3(P =0.000),and the mean value-different value was 13.28 cm3.The major axis of the maximum tumor section measured by contrast-enhanced CT and DWMRI were 4.18 cm and 3.94 cm (P=0.000),respectively,and in two patients,dCT was smaller than dDWMRI.A total of 83 liver metastatic tumors were identified by contrast-enhanced CT,and 112 were identified by DWMRI;the liver metastatic tumors detected by contrast-enhanced CT accounted for 74％ of those detected by DWMRI.As for the metastatic tumors of the lymph nodes with a diameter of 5-8 mm or＞8 mm,103 or 46 were detected by contrast-enhanced CT,and 200 or 56 were detected by DWMRI,and the tumors detected contrast-enhanced CT accounted for 52％ or 82％ of those detected by DWMRI.There were significant differences in all data between contrast-enhanced CT and DWMRI.Conclusions GTV and the major axis of the maximum tumor section measured by DWMRI are lower than those measured by contrast-enhanced CT,and contrast-enhanced CT is sensitive in detecting the metastatic tumors of the liver and lymph nodes.However,it is necessary to conduct further controlled experiments with reference to pathology.

Objective: This study is to manufacture the templates for costal cartilage carving, by digital simulation and three-dimensional printing technology, to realize the individualization of rhinoplasty. Methods: Preoperative simulated images and 6-month postoperative images, of 10 patients were included in this study. The simulation was produced using Geomagic Studio 2013 and 3-matic Research 9.0 software, according to patients′requirements. The templates for costal cartilage carving during the operation, were designed, measured and three-dimensional printed. Statistical analyses were performed using paired t-test. Results: The dorsal length in preoperative simulation was significantly shortened, compared with postoperative [(4.73±0.11) cm vs. (4.88±0.16) cm, t=-0.465, P=0.001). The nasal tip projection in preoperative simulation is parallel with postoperative[(2.66±0.10) cm vs. (2.66±0.11) cm, t=0.068, P=0.947). The nasolabial angle in preoperative simulation is slightly greater than postoperative, yet failed to reach statistical significance (95.3±3.1 degrees vs. 94.3±3.0 degrees, t=1.936, P=0.085). Most of the patients were satisfied with both the preoperative simulation and the surgical outcomes. Conclusions With the assistance of digital simulation and three-dimensional printing technology, the expectation of rhinoplasty patients can be visualized, which is helpful to minimize the difference between surgical outcomes and the patient′s anticipation. Therefore, the digital simulation and three-dimensional printing technology should be considered, to provide individually surgical plan for this group of patients.