Objective To evaluate the efficacy of transarterial interventional therapy (TAIT) in treating patients with metastatic liver cancer, and to investigate the factors influencing the prognosis of patients. Methods From January 1997 to June 2000, 470 patients with metastatic liver cancer had undergone TAIT 1231 times in the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. The short-term and long-term efficacy and the side effect of TAIT were assessed. The potential factors influencing the prognosis of the patients were determined by Cox regression analysis. Results Complete remission was observed in 94 patients, and partial remission in 143. The total effective rate was 50.4% (237/470). The median survival time was 13.5 months. The O. 5-, 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-year survival rates were 86.4%, 66. 8%, 35.6%, 16.9%, 7.3%, respectively. No severe complication occurred. The factors influencing the prognosis of the patients were: the resection of the primary tumor, blood supply of the tumor, multiple metastases of liver cancer, thrombus in the portal vein, adjuvant chemotherapy after TAIT, tumor originated from breast cancer, tumors invading multiple lobes, concurrent metastasis in other sites (X2= 17. 322, 12. 593, 8.721, 8.573, 8.492, 7. 838, 5. 623, 5. 463, P < 0.05). Conclusions TAIT is an effective palliative therapy for metastatic liver cancer which cannot be resected. The factors mentioned above influence the prognosis of patients after TAIT.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with sorafenib for the treatment of inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to discuss the influence of treatment interval on the survival time. Methods During the period from July 2008 to May 2011 at authors’ hospital, a total of 50 patients with inoperable HCC were treated with TACE together with sorafenib. The treatment intervals between each TACE procedure were recorded. The results were analyzed. Results Up to Dec. 31, 2011, the median follow-up time of the 50 patients was 310 days. The mean interval between TACE treatments was 69 days before the combination treatment was employed , while the mean interval was 112 days after the combination treatment started , and the longest interval was 648 days. Conclusion Combination treatment TACE with sorafenib can remarkably prolong the treatment interval in patients with inoperable HCC, thus the patient can get more survival benefits.

Objective To evaluate the value of the mRECIST criteria in assessing the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) combined with sorafenib in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods A total of 35 patients who were treated with a combination of TACE and sorafenib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma fulfilled the mRECIST and RECIST criteria in our hospital from June 2011 to November 2012.Enhanced CT and/or enhanced MRI were used before (baseline) and after (3 month reexamination) combination treatment in our hospital.The mRECIST and RECIST criteria were used to evaluate the efficacy,and these efficacy assessments were compared.Results In the RECIST criteria,complete remission (CR) was 0％,partial remission (PR) was 2.9％,stable disease (SD) was 85.7％％,and progressive disease (PD) was 11.4％％.In the mRECIST criteria,CR was 8.6％,PR was 51.4％,SD was 34.3％,and PD was 5.7％.For the RECIST criteria,the objective response rate (CR+-PR) was 2.9％,the disease control rate (CR+PR+SD) was 88.6％,and the disease progression rate was 11.4％.For the mRECIST criteria,the objective criteria was 60％,the disease control rate was 94.3％,and the disease progression rate was 5.7 ％.The difference between the efficacy assessment results of mRECIST and RECIST was statisti cally significant(P＜0.001).Conclusion The mRECIST criteria can evaluate the efficacy of target le sions based on viable tumors,which is more adaptive to TACE and targeted drugs with new mecha nisms.

Objective To investigate the application of C- arm CT imaging technique in evaluating the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Methods During the period from Sep. 2012 to Mar. 2013 at authors’ hospital, C- arm CT scanning was employed during the performance of TACE in 80 patients with HCC. The residual active tumor lesions, Lipiodol deposition and the embolization of the feeding arteries after TACE therapy were assessed by C- arm CT plain scan images and the images of early artery phase and parenchymal phase, as well as the post- processing images. The efficacy of TACE was thus evaluated. Results A total of 139 hepatic tumors were detected in 80 patients by C- arm CT imaging. C- arm CT scanning performed immediately after TACE showed that satisfactory result was obtained in 128 lesions of 75 patients(128/139, 92.9%). Fewer, medium and more residual active tumors were seen in 78, 29 and 21 lesions respectively, while dense, moderate and thin Lipiodol deposition was seen in 64, 39 and 25 lesions respectively. After TACE therapy obvious decrease in blood supply was demonstrated in 101 lesions, while no obvious decrease in blood supply was seen in 27 lesions. Conclusion C- arm CT scanning after TACE for patients with HCC can conveniently, accurately and comprehensively reveal the residual active tumors, Lipiodol deposition and embolization status of feeding arteries. Therefore, this technique should be regarded as an important means to evaluate the efficacy of TACE.

BACKGROUNDWe have recently reported that RhoA may regulate the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells as an upstream signal of ezrin in vitro. In this study, we examined the relationship of RhoA signaling activity with ezrin expression in breast cancer and its prognostic significance in patients with breast cancer.

METHODSParaffin tumor sections of breast cancer were collected retrospectively from 487 patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2004. Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expression of RhoA, phosphorylated (activated) RhoA, and ezrin.

RESULTSEzrin overexpression was detectable in 15.2% of 487 invasive breast cancers. The majority (85.1%) of ezrin-overexpressing tumors coexpressed phosphorylated RhoA; 78.8% of tumors with phosphorylated RhoA cooverexpressed ezrin. Patients whose cancers showed overexpression of ezrin or expression of phosphorylated RhoA had shorter survival rates.

CONCLUSIONSRhoA activation is important in human breast cancer due to its upregulation of ezrin; thus, agents that target phosphorylated RhoA may be useful in the treatment of tumors with ezrin overexpression.

Adult ; Aged ; Breast Neoplasms ; chemistry ; mortality ; Cytoskeletal Proteins ; analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Phosphorylation ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Signal Transduction ; physiology ; Survival Rate ; rhoA GTP-Binding Protein ; analysis ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of millimeter wave (MW) at low power density on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in human keratinocytes (HaCaTs).

METHODSFluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) technique was employed to determine effect of 30.16 GHz MW exposure at 1.0 and 3.5 mW/cm(2) on GJIC with laser confocal scanning microscope.

RESULTSFRAP analysis revealed that 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) at a dose of 5 microg/L could inhibit GJIC in HaCaTs. Fluorescence recovery rate fell from (55 +/- 17)% in the controls to (34 +/- 13)% after photobleaching, with a very significant difference (P < 0.001). Exposure to MW alone for one hour at either 1.0 mW/cm(2) or 3.5 mW/cm(2) did not affect GJIC, with fluorescence recovery rates of (52 +/- 16)% and (50 +/- 17)%, respectively. GJIC suppression induced by TPA was weakened by MW combined with 5 microg/L TPA treatment for one hour, which could be partially recovered by exposure to 1.0 mW/cm(2) MW with fluorescence recovery rate of (47 +/- 16)%, P < 0.01, and fully recovered by exposure to 3.5 mW/cm(2) MW with fluorescence recovery rate of (50 +/- 16)%, P < 0.001, with a very significant difference.

CONCLUSIONSGJIC suppression induced by TPA could be eliminated or diminished by exposure to millimeter wave in HaCaTs.

Cell Communication ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Cell Line ; Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching ; methods ; Gap Junctions ; drug effects ; physiology ; radiation effects ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; cytology ; physiology ; Microwaves ; adverse effects ; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of GSM 1800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) exposure on protein expression profile of human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), as to exploring the possible effects on normal cell physiological function.

METHODSMCF-7 cells were continuously or intermittently (5 minutes field on followed by 10 minutes off) exposed to RF EMF for different duration (1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours) at an average specific absorption rate (SAR) of 3.5 W/kg. The extracted proteins were separated by 2-dimensional electrophoresis and the protein-spot distribution of the silver-stained gels was analyzed by using PDQuest software 7.1. Each experiment was repeated three times.

RESULTSOn the average, around 1100 proteins were detected using pH 4 - 7 IPG strip. There were no differential proteins found under continuous exposure at SAR of 3.5 W/kg for 6 hours. Under other exposure conditions, we found various differentially expressed proteins in exposure groups as compared with the sham-exposed controls. Especially in 3 hours intermittent exposure and 12 hours continuous exposure, eighteen and seven differential proteins were detected, respectively. The categories and functions of these differentially expressed proteins were analyzed by searching of SWISS-PROT protein database, which suggested that these proteins should be related to the functions of biosynthesization, signal transduction, and DNA damage and repair.

CONCLUSIONSData indicated that the protein expression changes induced by RF radiation might depend on exposure duration and mode. Many biological processes might be affected by RF exposure.

Cell Line, Tumor ; radiation effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; Electromagnetic Fields ; adverse effects ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Proteome ; Radio Waves

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of GSM 1800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) on DNA damage in Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells.

METHODSThe cells were intermittently exposed or sham-exposed to GSM 1800 MHz RF EMF (5 minutes on/10 minutes off) at a special absorption rate (SAR) of 3.0 W/kg for 1 hour or 24 hours. Meanwhile, cells exposed to 2-acetylaminofluorene, a DNA damage agent, at a final concentration of 20 mg/L for 2 hours were used as positive control. After exposure, cells were fixed by using 4% paraformaldehyde and processed for phosphorylated form of H2AX (gammaH2AX) immunofluorescence measurement. The primary antibody used for immunofluorescence was mouse monoclonal antibody against gammaH2AX and the secondary antibody was fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG. Nuclei were counterstained with 4, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). The gammaH2AX foci and nuclei were visualized with an Olympus AX70 fluorescent microscope. Image Pro-Plus software was used to count the gammaH2AX foci in each cell. For each exposure condition, at least 50 cells were selected to detect gammaH2AX foci. Cells were classified as positive when more than five foci were detected. The percentage of gammaH2AX foci positive cells was adopted as the index of DNA damage.

RESULTSThe percentage of gammaH2AX foci positive cell of 1800 MHz RF EMF exposure for 24 hours (37.9 +/- 8.6)% or 2-acetylaminofluorene exposure (50.9 +/- 9.4)% was significantly higher compared with the sham-exposure (28.0 +/- 8.4)%. However, there was no significant difference between the sham-exposure and RF EMF exposure for 1 hour (31.8 +/- 8.7)%.

CONCLUSION1800 MHz RF EMF (SAR, 3.0 W/kg) for 24 hours might induce DNA damage in CHL cells.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Cricetinae ; Cricetulus ; DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded ; radiation effects ; DNA Damage ; radiation effects ; Electromagnetic Fields ; adverse effects ; Fibroblasts ; chemistry ; radiation effects ; Radio Waves

Objective:To observe the rehabilitation effect of balance training relying on tilted table on diaphragmatic function of patients with prolonged disorder of consciousness (pDoC).Methods:A prospective study was performed. Thirty patients with pDoC were enrolled from Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine and Rehabilitation, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of PLA from May to December 2023. The pateints were divided into study group ( n=15) and control group ( n=15) according to different rehabilitation. Patients from the control group received conventional rehabilitation, while those in the study group received passive balance training relying on tilted table in addition to conventional rehabilitation. Diaphragmatic ultrasound examination was performed before treatment, and 4 and 8 weeks after treatment to measure diaphragm excursion (DE), diaphragm thickening inspiration (DTei), diaphragm thickening expiration (DTee) and diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) so as to assess the diaphragmatic functions of patients with pDoC. Results:During treatment, 2 patients dropped out from the study group resulting from the willing of the family members, ultimately including 13 and 15 patients in the study and control groups, respectively. (1) Between-group comparison: no significant difference in DE, DTei, DTee or DTF was noted between the study group and control group 4 weeks after treatment ( P>0.05). However, 8 weeks after treatment, the study group had statistically increased DE, DTei and DTF compared with the control group ([1.65±0.32] cm vs. [1.21±0.22] cm; [2.07±0.26] cm vs. [1.83±0.26] cm; and [24.39±3.19]% vs. [18.93±2.50]%). (2) Within-group comparison: both group had significantly increased DE 4 and 8 weeks after treatment compared with those before treatment ( P<0.05); in the study group, DE 8 weeks after treatment was significantly increased compared with that 4 weeks after treatment ( P<0.05). No significant difference in DTei, DTee or DTF was noted in both groups between 4 weeks after treatment and before treatment ( P>0.05). In the study group, DTei, DTee and DTF 8 weeks after treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Balance training relying on tilted table is feasible and effective in improving diaphragmatic function in patients with pDoC, and the effect is positively correlated with treatment time within a certain time.

OBJECTIVETo study the pattern extrahepatic arteriy supply to hepatocellular carcinoma and catheterization technique for interventional therapy.

METHODSRoutine celiac and superior mesenteric artery angiography was done before transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for 78 collateral arterial pathways of 62 hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Super selective catheterization and transcatheter dual arterial chemoembolization (TDACE) to extrahepatic arterial and hepatic arteries were performed.

RESULTSExtrahepatic blood supply was found in 43.1% of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. There was close correlation between extrahepatic arterial blood supply and location of tumor. Success rate of super selective extrahepatic artery catheterization was 71.8% by the combined use of RH, Cobra and SP catheters. Follow-up studies revealed reduction of tumor and complete dense deposition of lipiodol.

CONCLUSIONAmple extrahepatic arterial blood supply is found in hepatocellular carcinoma. Transcatherdual arterial chemoembolization is effective, necessary and feasible for hepatocellular carcinoma with extrahepatic arterial blood supply.

Adult ; Aged ; Angiography ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; blood supply ; therapy ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; Collateral Circulation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatic Artery ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; blood supply ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome