Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of cetuximab chemotherapy combined with irinotecan in the treatment of advanced colorectal in the elderly.Methods 40 irinotecanresistant patients with K-Ras wild type were randomized to cetuximab weekly combined with irinotecan group (group A) and cetuximab biweekly combined with irinotecan group (group B).In group A,cetuximab was given at an initial dose of 400 mg/m2,followed by weekly 250 mg/m2.In group B,cetuximah and irinotecan were given at 500 mg/m2 and 180 mg/m2 respectively every two weeks.Time to progression (TTP),overall survival (OS) and toxicity were compared between the two groups.Results There were no significant differences in objective response rate (RR),disease control rate (DOC),TTP and OS between goup A and group B (30.0％ vs.25.0％,60.0％ vs.55.0％,5.8 months vs.5.6 months,9.8 months vs.9.5 months,respectively,all P＞0.05).Grade 3 or more toxicities including hematological toxicity,gastrointestinal reactions and skin toxicity were found in 2 cases,2 cases and 1 case respectively in group A and 3 cases,1 case and 2 cases respectively in group B.The two groups had no significant differences in toxicities (all P＞0.05).Conclusions Cetuximab combined with irinotecan therapy is effective in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer in elderly irinotecan resistant patients.Cetuximab biweekly regimen is more convenient but has the same efficacy and toxicity as compared with cetuximab weekly regimen.

Objective To investigate the effects of transcranial electrotherapy stimulation (TES)on patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). MethodsA total of 62 patients with GAD were randomly divided into two groups,the study group (treated with TES and venlafaxine) and the control group (treated with venlafaxine only).TES was administered 1 time per day for 14 days,while venlafaxine was administered with oral intake of 75-150mg/d for 4 weeks.The clinical effects were assessed by using Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA).ResultsThere was no difference between the two groups in average HAMA total scores,psychic and somatic factor scores before the treatments (P ＞ 0.05).The effective rate of study group was significantly higher ( P ＜ 0.05 ) at the end of the 1 st week after treatment than,but similar at the end of the 2nd and 4th week after treatment (P ＞ 0.05 ) to that,of control group,with regard to HAMA total score and psychic factor score.With regard to the HAMA somatic factor score,the effective rate of study group was not significantly different from that of control group at the end of the 1st,2nd and 4th week after treatment (P ＞ 0.05).ConclusionTranscranial electric stimulation in conjunction with venlafaxine may improve the symptoms of anxiety of patients.

Objective:We aimed to explore the clinical features, computed tomography (CT) findings, treatment, and prognosis of bronchopulmonary carcinoid. Methods:Clinical data of 31 patients with primary carcinoid tumor of the lung were retrospectively re-viewed. The prognostic factors were analyzed via Cox univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Clinical symptoms included coughing or expectoration in 17 of the 31 cases, hemoptysis or blood-stained sputum in 7 cases, and chest pains or shortness of breath in 8 cases. Six cases were asymptomatic. The CT scans showed round or oval nodules with clear boundaries, and enhancement CT scans indicated mild, homogeneous enhancement. Immunohistochemistry results revealed the positive expression rates of synaptophy-sin (Syn), chromogranin A (CgA), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were 90.3%(28/31), 87.1%(27/31), and 90.3%(28/31), respec-tively. Therapy and prognosis results were as follows:28 of the total number of patients underwent surgery, among which 3 underwent postoperative adjuvant therapy, 2 received chemotherapy; and only 1 refused treatment. The 1-year overall survival rates were 100%(18/18) and 92.3%(12/13), whereas the 3-year survival rates were 94.4%(17/18) and 69.2%(9/13) in the typical and atypical carcinoid cases, respectively. Cox univariate analysis results revealed that lymphatic metastasis (P=0.02), tissue types (P=0.017), TNM stage (P=0.005), and therapies (P=0.01) were the prognostic factors. Cox multivariate analysis results showed that lymphatic metastasis (P=0.032) and tissue types (P=0.002) were the independent prognostic factors. Conclusion:Compared with other lung cancers, the bron-chopulmonary lung carcinoid has no special clinical manifestation in clinical and radiographic images. The diagnosis was mainly based on histopathology results. Surgery was the main and effective treatment, whereas chemotherapy and radiotherapy showed unsatisfactory results. The overall prognosis was satisfactory. However, the atypical carcinoid was inferior to the typical carcinoid in terms of progno-sis. Pathological typing and lymph node metastasis were significant prognostic factors.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of Ganju Bingmei Pill combined with voice therapy in the treatment of vocal nodules .Methods A total of 72 patients with vocal nodules and 60 health people in our hospital were included .Patients were randomly divided into two groups :Group A (36 cases) with Ganju Bingmei Pill thera‐py ,group B (36 cases) with Ganju Bingmei Pill combined with voice therapy .Taking method of Ganju Bingmei Pill was three times a day ,2 tablets every time ,two weeks as one course of treatment with a total of four courses .Voice therapy in Group B was two weeks for one course with a total of four courses .The results were evaluated by voice handicap index ,voice acoustic analysis and laryngostroboscopy .Vocal nodules disappear or significantly reduce indi‐cated that the treatment was effective .Statistical analysis was performed using t - test and chi - square test .Results In group A ,the scores of T ,F ,P ,E were reduced compared with before treatment (P < 0 .05) ,however ,com‐pared with normal control group ,the score of F ,E ,T were still higher than those of normal group (P < 0 .05) .In group B ,the score of T ,F ,P ,E were reduced compared with before treatment (P< 0 .05) ,and compared with normal control group ,the score of F ,P ,E ,T were close to normal(P> 0 .05) .The VHI score in group B were significantly lower than those of in group A (P < 0 .05) .In Group A compared with before treatment ,jitter ,shimmer ,NHR were lower ,F0 was higher(P < 0 .05) ,however ,compared with the group of normal control ,F0 ,jitter ,shimmer , NHR were still statistically significant (P < 0 .05) .In group B with before treatment jitter ,shimmer ,NHR were lower ,F0 was higher (P< 0 .05) ,and jitter ,shimmer were already close to normal(P> 0 .05) .The F0 of group B after treatment was higher than group A ,jitter and shimmer were lower than group A after treatment (P< 0 .05) . After treatment ,there were 28 cases of group A (77 .78% )of patients with vocal nodules disappear or significantly reduce .There were 35 cases of group B(97 .22% ) of patients with vocal nodules disappear or significantly reduce , the effective rate between group A and group B was statistically significant (P< 0 .05) .Conclusion Ganju Bingmei Pill therapy and Ganju Bingmei Pill therapy combined with voice therapy all have curative effect for the treatment of vocal nodules however ,Ganju Bingmei Pill therapy combined with voice therapy is more efficient .

OBJECTIVETo compare the difference in depression relief in the treatment of depressive disorder at the acute stage between the combined therapy of acupuncture and 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine) selective serotonini reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the single application of SSRIs and explore the impact on the imbalance of 5-HT and TH1/TH2.

METHODSNinety cases of depressive disorder at the acute stage were randomized into a combined therapy group and a medication group, 45 cases in each one. In the medication group, SSRIs were prescribed forl oral administration, once or twice a day, continuously for 4 weeks. In the combined therapy group, on the basis of treatment as the medication group, acupuncture was combined. The main acupoints were Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (GV 29), Shenting (GV 24), Fengchi (GB 20), Dazhui (GV 14) and Sishencong (EX-HN 1), once every two. days, continuously for 4 weeks. Before treatment, and after the 1st, 2nd and 4th weeks of treatment, the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) was used to evaluate the depression severity. Separately, before and after the 4 weeks of treatment, the levels of serum 5-HT, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were determined and compared with those in 45 cases of the healthy group.

RESULTSHAMD score was reduced in the 1st, 2nd and 4th weeks of treatment as compared with that before treatment in the combined therapy group (all P<0 01). HAMD score was reduced in the 2nd and 4th weeks of treatment as compared with that before treatment in the medication group (all P<0. 01). HAMD scores in the combined therapy group were lower than those in the medication group in the 1st, 2nd and 4th weeks of treatment (all P< 0. 01). Before treatment, in the combined therapy group and the medication group, the levels of serum 5-HT, IL-4 and IL-10 were all lower than those in the healthy group (all P<0. 01); the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were higher than those in the healthy group (all P<0. 01). In the combined therapy group and the medication group, the levels of 5-HT, IL-4 and IL-10 in 4 weeks of treatment were all increased as compared with those before treatment (all P<0. 01), and the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were lower than those before treatment (all P<0. 01). In the combined therapy group, the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in 4 weeks of treatment were lower than those in the medication group, and the levels of 5-HT, IL-4 and IL-10 were higher than those in the medication group (P<0. 01, P< 0. 05).

CONCLUSIONThe combined therapy of acupuncture and SSRIs achieves much quicker and more effective re-' sult for relieving depression in the patients of depressive disorder as compared with simple oral administration of' SSRIs, and much more contributes to adjust the imbalance of serum 5-HT and TH1/TH2.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Antidepressive Agents ; administration & dosage ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Depressive Disorder ; blood ; drug therapy ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; blood ; Interleukin-1beta ; blood ; Interleukin-4 ; blood ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Serotonin ; blood ; Th1 Cells ; metabolism ; Th2 Cells ; metabolism ; Young Adult

Objective To evaluate the value of enzyme-linked immunospot assay (TB ELISPOT) combined with serum latex agglutination test (LA) for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis plus pulmonary cryptococcosis.Methods Serum and biopsy specimens of 76 patients, who were suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis and/or pulmonary cryptococcosis based on clinical and imaging features, were collected from March 2006 to September 2008 in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center. TB ELISPOT assay, LA and histopathological examination were performed in all the patients. Results Histopathological and pathogenic examination confirmed pulmonary cryptococcosis in 15 cases and pulmonary tuberculosis in 22 cases, pulmonary tuberculosis plus pulmonary cryptococcosis in 8 cases. The sensitivity and specificity of TB ELISPOT were 91% and 94.4%. The sensitivity and specificity of LA were both 100%. TB ELISPOT assay and LA test were both positive in the 8 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis plus pulmonary cryptococcosis.Conclusions The value of enzyme-linked immunospot assay combined with serum latex agglutination test is high for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis plus pulmonary cryptococcosis.

The P85 regulatory subunit protein and gene expression and P110 catalylic subunit activity of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) were investigated in adipose tissue of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in order to explore the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance (IR) of GDM. Samples from patients with GDM (n=50), and controls (n=50) were collected. Fasting insulin (FIN) was determined by radioimmunoassay. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was measured by oxidase assay. Western blot technique was used to detect the levels of PI-3K P85 subunit in adipose tissues of patients with GDM. The mRNA expression of PI-3K P85 subunit was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method in the adipose tissue. PI-3K activity was examined by immunoprecipitation, thin-layer chromatography and gamma scintillation counting. The results were analyzed statistically. It was found that the levels of FPG, FIN and HOMA-IR in GDM group were significantly higher than those in control group (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the protein and gene expression of PI-3K P85 subunit between GDM group and control group (P>0.05). PI-3K activity was significantly decreased to 82.89% in GDM group as compared with control group (P<0.01) and negatively correlated with HOMA-IR (r=-0.75, P<0.01). It was concluded that PI-3K in GDM patients may be involved in the insulin signaling pathway, resulting in IR of GDM.

Objective To investigate the phagocytosis function of cigarette smoke extracts (CSE)on the NR8383 cells. Methods The concentration of CSE and the optimal time was defined by cell counting kit-8 assay, Annexin V/PI cell apoptosis assay and CFSE cell proliferation assay. The cell was gained after exposed to the different concentration of CSE for 24 h and mixed with fluorescein-labeled Escherichia coli in 37℃ for 2 h. The fluorescence intensity was used to assay the phagocytosis function of NR8383 cells.Results The phagocytosis function of NR8383 cells may be changed by the concentration of CSE. In the concentration of 100 μg/ml, the phagocytosis function of NR8383 was enhanced 0.5 times than the normal cell when NR8383 cell was exposed to CSE, and the specific activity is the highest. When NR8383 cells were exposed to CSE and LPS, the phagocytosis function of NR8383 cells was enhanced 2 times than the normal cell. In the concentration of 200 μg/ml, the phagocytosis function of NR8383 cells was damaged, the rate of apoptosis is the 54. 1%. Conclusion Low concentration of CSE enhanced the phagocytosis function of NR8383 cells, but high concentration of CSE damaged the phagocytosis function of NR8383 cells. This study reveals a new role of CSE as an activator of macrophage function.

Objective To evaluate the structure and stiffness of the common carotid artery (CCA) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) by RFQIMT and RFQAS technology and analyze the relationships between the parameters of CCA and cardiovascular risk factors.Methods 113 participants with habitual snoring suspected OSAS were divided into control group,mild,moderate and severe OSAS groups according to apnea hypopnea index(AHI)＜5,5-20,20-40,＞40 event/hour respectively.Carotid parameters included intima-media thickness (IMT),diameter (D),distension (Dis),distensibility coefficient (DC),compliance coefficient (CC),pulse wave velocity (PWV),stiffness index α and β were collected by RFQIMT and RFQAS.Multivariate linear regression analysis was applied to analyze the relationships between CCA parameters and cardiovascular risk factors.Results ①The clinical characteristics:blood pressure had significant difference among the four groups (P ＜0.05).SO2,SO2 min decreased and T90,ODI increased significantly in mild,moderate and severe group (P ＜0.05).②The structure parameters of CCA:IMT,D and plaques had no significant difference among the four groups (P ＞0.05).③The elasticity parameters of CCA:Compared with control group,Dis increased significantly in mild group (P ＜0.05).PWV,α,β increased significantly in moderate group (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with mild group,PWV,α,β increased significantly in moderate group (P ＜0.05).Compared with moderate group,α,β increased significantly in severe group (P ＜0.05).④By multivariate linear regression analysis,age was an independent predictor of IMT,Dis,D,CC,PWV,α,β(P ＜0.05).A blunted nocturnal fall was an independent predictor of D,DC,CC,PWV (P ＜0.05),SBP,DBP and PP of daytime had an important effect on D (P ＜0.05).SO2 was independently correlated with PWV (P ＜0.05).PP was an independent predictor of PWV,α,β (P ＜0.05).Smoking was an independent predictor of plaque (P ＜0.05).Conclusions ①Stiffness is damaged earlier than morphology of CCA in patient with OSAS.②PP,a blunted nocturnal fall and SO2 are correlated with stiffness of CCA significantly.It indicates that abnormal circadian blood pressure rhythm and hypoxia are associated significantly with stiffness of CCA in patient with OSAS.

Purpose To investigate the clinical, imaging and pathologic characteristics of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma.Methods The clinical and pathological data were reviewed in 11 cases of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma.Results Most of these patients were male (7/11). The mean age was 57.1 years.Most tumors were located in the long bone and pelvis. Imaging showed that bones were extensively destroyed.There was calcification or ossification on focus of infection. The gross specimen showed that cartilage component was located within bone and dedifferentiated sarcoma was found out of the bone.Microscopically, well differentiated chondrosarcoma and poorly differentiated sarcoma components were observed. Six patients died and the average survival time was 14 months.Conclusions Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma is an unusual subtype of chondrosarcoma with pleomorphic alterations. Further understanding the pathologic features of the tumor is important to increase the accurancy of diagnosis.