Effect of Interactive Dynamic Scalp Acupuncture on Post-Stroke Cognitive Function, Depression, and Anxiety: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effects of interactive dynamic scalp acupuncture (IDSA), simple combination therapy (SCT), and traditional scalp acupuncture (TSA) on cognitive function, depression and anxiety in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment.@*METHODS@#A total of 660 patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment who were admitted to 3 hospitals in Shenzhen City between May 2017 and May 2020 were recruited and randomly assigned to the IDSA (218 cases), SCT (222 cases) and TSA groups (220 cases) according to a random number table. All the patients received conventional drug therapy for cerebral stroke and exercise rehabilitation training. Scalp acupuncture and computer-based cognitive training (CBCT) were performed simultaneously in the IDSA group, but separately in the morning and in the afternoon in the SCT group. The patients in the TSA group underwent scalp acupuncture only. The course of treatment was 8 weeks. Before treatment (M0), 1 (M1) and 2 months (M2) after treatment, as well as follow-up at 1 (M3) and 2 months (M4), the cognitive function of patients was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) Scales; depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and self-care ability of patients were assessed using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI), respectively. During this trial, all adverse events (AEs) were accurately recorded.@*RESULTS@#There were no significant differences in the MMSE, MoCA, HAMD, HAMA, PSQI, and MBI scores among the 3 groups at M0 (all P>0.05). In the IDSA group, the MMSE, MoCA and MBI scores from M2 to M4 were significantly higher than those in the SCT and TSA groups, while the HAMD, HAMA and PSQI scores were significantly reduced (all P<0.01). The changes of all above scores (M2-M0, M4-M0) were significantly superior to those in the SCT and TSA groups (all P<0.01, except M4-M0 of HAMD). At M2, the severity of MMSE, HAMD, HAMA, PSQI and MBI in the IDSA group was significantly lower than that in the SCT and TSA groups (all P<0.01). There was no serious AE during this trial.@*CONCLUSIONS@#IDSA can not only significantly improve cognitive function, but also reduce depression, anxiety, which finally improves the patient's self-care ability. The effect of IDSA was significantly better than SCT and TSA. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR1900027206).

Effects of Interactive Dynamic Scalp Acupuncture on Motor Function and Gait of Lower Limbs after Stroke: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effects of interactive dynamic scalp acupuncture (IDSA), simple combination therapy (SCT), and traditional scalp acupuncture (TSA) on motor function and gait of the lower limbs in post-stroke hemiplegia patients.@*METHODS@#A total of 231 patients with post-stroke hemiplegia was randomly divided into IDSA (78 cases), SCT (78 cases), and TSA (75 cases) groups by a random number table. Scalp acupuncture (SA) and lower-limb robot training (LLRT) were both performed in the IDSA and SCT groups. The patients in the TSA group underwent SA and did not receive LLRT. The treatment was administered once daily and 6 times weekly for 8 continuous weeks, each session lasted for 30 min. The primary outcome measures included Fugl-Meyer assessment of the lower extremity (FMA-LE), berg balance scale (BBS), modified barthel index (MBI), and 6-min walking test (6MWT). The secondary outcome measures included stride frequency (SF), stride length (SL), stride width (SW), affected side foot angle (ASFA), passive range of motion (PROM) of the affected hip (PROM-H), knee (PROM-K) and ankle (PROM-A) joints. The patients were evaluated before treatment, at 1- and 2-month treatment, and 1-, and 2-month follow-up visits, respectively. Adverse events during 2-month treatment were observed.@*RESULTS@#Nineteen patients withdrew from the trial, with 8 in the IDSA and 5 in the SCT groups, 6 in the TSA group. The FMA-LE, BBS, 6MWT and MBI scores in the IDSA group were significantly increased after 8-week treatment and 2 follow-up visits compared with the SCT and TSA groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with pre-treatment, the grade distribution of BBS and MBI scores in the 3 groups were significantly improved at 1, 2-month treatment and 2 follow-up visits (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The SF, PROM-H, PROM-K and PROM-A in the IDSA group was significantly increased compared with the SCT and TSA groups after 8-week of treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the SCT group, ASFA of the IDSA group was significantly reduced after 8-week of treatment (P<0.05). SF, SL, PROM-K and PROM-A were significantly increased at the 2nd follow-up visit whereas the ASFA was significantly reduced in the IDSA group compared with the SCT groups at 1st follow-up visit (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The SF was significantly increased in the SCT group compared with the TSA group after 8-week treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the TSA group, PROM-K, PROM-A were significantly increased at the 2nd follow-up visit (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The effects of IDSA on lower-limb motor function and walking ability of post-stroke patients were superior to SCT and TSA. The SCT was comparable to TSA treatment, and appeared to be superior in improving the motion range of the lower extremities. (Registration No. ChiCTR1900027206).

Effect of 577nm micropulse laser on chronic central serous chorioretinopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of 577nm subthreshold micropulse laser(SML)in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy(CSC).METHODS: Prospective single-arm case study. There were 24 patients(32 eyes)with chronic CSC treated by using 577nm SML. A total of 6mo was followed up after treatment, the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA, LogMAR)and optic coherence tomography(OCT)were performed at each month. Fluorescein fundus angiography(FFA)was performed at 1,3 and 6mo after treatment.RESULTS: The BCVA was 0.46±0.34 and central retinal thickness(CRT)was 259.15±57.54μm of 32 eyes at baseline period. After treatment of SML at 1mo, there was no subretinal fluid in 21 eyes(66%), and subretinal fluid was observed in 11 eyes(34%). The BCVA was 0.43±0.27, the CRT was 232.13±42.58μm. CRT was significantly reduced compared to the baseline period(P&#x003C;0.05). After treatment of SML at 3mo, subretinal fluid and fluorescein leakage from retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)were observed in 5 eyes(16%). The BCVA was 0.39±0.26 and CRT was 231.26±49.25μm. The CRT was still significantly lower than baseline period(P&#x003C;0.05). The 5 eyes with subretinal fluid and leaked fluorescein were treated by using SML again. After treatment at 6mo, subretinal fluid was observed in only 3 eyes(9%). The BCVA was 0.19±0.47 and CRT was 217.25±35.54μm. Both of the BCVA and CRT showed a significant improvement from the baseline period(P&#x003C;0.05). CONCLUSION:SML seems effective and safe for treatment of chronic CSC. It may be an alternative way for treatment of chronic CSC.

Interactive scalp acupuncture for cognitive dysfunction after stroke: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the efficacy of interactive scalp acupuncture, scalp acupuncture alone and scalp acupuncture plus cognitive training for cognitive dysfunction after stroke.@*METHODS@#A total of 660 patients with cognitive dysfunction after stroke were randomly divided into an interactive scalp acupuncture group (218 cases, 18 cases dropped off), a scalp acupuncture group (220 cases, 20 cases dropped off) and a scalp acupuncture plus cognitive training group (222 cases, 22 cases dropped off). All the patients were treated with routine medication and exercise rehabilitation training. The interactive scalp acupuncture group was treated with scalp acupuncture on the parietal midline, and contralateral anterior parietal temporal oblique line and posterior parietal temporal oblique line at the same time of cognitive training; the scalp acupuncture group was treated with scalp acupuncture alone, and the scalp acupuncture plus cognitive training group was treated with scalp acupuncture and cognitive training in the morning and afternoon respectively. All the treatments were given once a day, 6 times a week for 8 weeks. Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale score was used to evaluate the cognitive function before treatment, 4 weeks and 8 weeks into treatment.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the total score of MoCA was increased after 4-week treatment and 8-week treatment in the three groups (@*CONCLUSION@#The interactive scalp acupuncture could significantly improve the cognitive function in patients with cognitive dysfunction after stroke, and the efficacy is superior to scalp acupuncture alone and scalp acupuncture plus cognitive training.

Scalp acupuncture combined with lower-limb intelligent feedback training for lower-limb motor dysfunction after stroke: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the efficacy of scalp acupuncture combined with lower-limb intelligent feedback training and lower-limb intelligent feedback training alone for lower-limb motor dysfunction after stroke.@*METHODS@#A total of 154 patients with lower-limb motor dysfunction after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group (76 cases, 6 cases dropped off) and a control group (78 cases, 8 cases dropped off). The patients in both groups were treated with conventional medication and exercise rehabilitation training. In addition, the patients in the observation group were treated with scalp acupuncture combined with lower-limb intelligent feedback training. The scalp acupuncture was given at upper 1/5 of the anterior oblique line of parietal temporal area and upper 1/5 of the posterior oblique line of parietal temporal area. The patients in the control group were treated with lower-limb intelligent feedback training alone. All the treatment was given once a day, 6 days a week, totaling for 8 weeks. The affected-side lower-limb Brunnstrom stage and modified Ashworth scale (MAS) grade, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Berg balance scale (BBS) score and modified Barthel index (MBI) score were evaluated before and after treatment in the two groups. The plantar pressure was measured by gait function evaluation system.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the Brunnstrom stage in the two groups was improved after treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#The scalp acupuncture combined with lower-limb intelligent feedback training could reduce the muscle tension of lower limbs, promote the separation movement mode of lower limbs, improve the plantar pressure distribution, and improve the balance ability and walking ability in stroke patients, and the curative effect is better than lower-limb intelligent feedback training alone.

Rho/ROCK signaling pathway and anti-cryodamage ability of human sperm / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the influence of the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway on the anti-cryodamage ability of human sperm and provide some theoretical evidence for the development of high-efficiency semen cryoprotectants.@*METHODS@#We collected semen samples from 25 healthy males, each divided into a fresh, a normal cryopreservation control and an Rho-inhibition group. Before and after freezing, we detected sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity, morphology, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), acrosomal enzyme activity (AEA) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and determined the expressions of RhoA and ROCK proteins in the sperm by immunofluorescence staining.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal cryopreservation control, the frozen-thawed sperm of the Rho-inhibition group showed significantly increased sperm motility （ ［51.20 ± 7.70］% vs ［57.50 ± 6.83］%, P = 0.002), survival rate ( ［52.87 ± 5.07］% vs ［60.24 ± 5.53］%, P = 0.001), membrane integrity (［59.78±5.56］% vs ［67.10 ± 4.43］%, P = 0.001), percentage of morphologically normal sperm (［4.83 ± 1.11］% vs ［7.46 ± 1.28］, P = 0.001) and MMP (56.30 ± 4.28 vs 63.11 ± 2.97, P = 0.001), but decreased DFI (［27.64 ± 6.64］% vs ［18.87 ± 4.07］%, P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the AEA of the frozen-thawed sperm between the control and Rho-inhibition groups (97.65 ± 9.31 vs 98.30 ± 11.33, P > 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining revealed extensive expressions of RhoA and ROCK proteins in the head and neck of the sperm.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The Rho/ROCK signaling pathway plays a role in the cryodamage to human sperm, and inhibiting the activity of Rho/ROCK can significantly improve the ability of sperm to resist cryodamage.

Efficacy of intravitreal Conbercept combined with retinal photocoagulation in the treatment of DR complicated with DME / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal Conbercept combined with retinal photocoagulation in treating diabetic retinopathy (DR) with diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: Prospective case study. Totally 48 patients (80 eyes) diagnosed as DR with DME randomized to combined group and laser group. Among them, there were 4 patients with 5 eyes in the moderate stage of non-proliferative DR (NPDR), 38 patients with 65 eyes in the severe stage of NPDR, and 6 cases with 10 eyes in the stage of proliferative DR (PDR). Intravitreal conbercept (IVC) and pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP) were performed in the combined group; the macular grid pattern laser photocoagulation and PRP were performed in the laser group. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) and laser energy were tested at baseline and repeated at 1wk,1,3,6,and 12mo after PRP. RESULTS: Repeated measures showed an effect of treatment in combined group. Combined group induced increased BCVA at 1wk, 1 and 3mo after PRP, and remained stable in 6 and 12mo after PRP. Laser group induced increased BCVA at 1 and 3mo after PRP, and remained stable in 1wk,6 and 12mo after PRP. Combined group induced decreased CMT at 1wk, 1 and 3mo post PRP,and remained stable in 6 and 12mo after PRP. Laser group induced decreased CMT at 1 and 3mo after PRP, and remained stable in 1wk,6 and 12mo post PRP. There was no laser spot fusion was observed in the two groups during the follow- up. Laser energy in the combined group was lower than that in the laser group. No complications were observed during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: IVC and retinal photocoagulation significantly improves visual and anatomic outcomes in patients with DR complicated with DME. Long - term efficacy remains to be seen.

Circulating-free DNA Mutation Associated with Response of Targeted Therapy in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-positive Metastatic Breast Cancer / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The addition of anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted drugs, such as trastuzumab, lapatinib, and trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), to chemotherapy significantly improved prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer patients. However, it was confused that metastatic patients vary in the response of targeted drug. Therefore, methods of accurately predicting drug response were really needed. To overcome the spatial and temporal limitations of biopsies, we aimed to develop a more sensitive and less invasive method of detecting mutations associated with anti-HER2 therapeutic response through circulating-free DNA (cfDNA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 6, 2014 to December 10, 2014, 24 plasma samples from 20 patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who received systemic therapy were eligible. We used a panel for detection of hot-spot mutations from 50 oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and then used targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify somatic mutation of these samples in those 50 genes. Samples taken before their first trastuzumab administration and subsequently proven with clinical benefit were grouped into sensitive group. The others were collected after disease progression of the trastuzumab-based therapy and were grouped into the resistant group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 486 single-nucleotide variants from 46 genes were detected. Of these 46 genes, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), proto-oncogene c-Kit (KIT), and tumor protein p53 (TP53) were the most common mutated genes. Seven genes, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), G protein subunit alpha S (GNAS), HRas proto-oncogene (HRAS), mutL homolog 1 (MLH1), cadherin 1 (CDH1), neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS), and NOTCH1, that only occurred m utations in the resistant group were associated with the resistance of targeted therapy. In addition, we detected a HER2 S855I mutation in two patients who had persistent benefits from anti-HER2 therapy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Targeted NGS of cfDNA has potential clinical utility to detect biomarkers from HER2-targeted therapies.</p>

A clinical trial on Conbercept for macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To investigate the effect and safety of intravitreous injection of conbercept ( 0. 5mg ) on macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion ( CRVO) . ·METHODS: According to the selective criteria, from October 2014 to October 2015, 48 cases ( 48 eyes ) of patients with macular edema secondary to CRVO were collected, which were divided randomly into conbercept group ( 24 cases, 24 eyes ) and control group ( triamcinolone acetonide 4mg/0. 1mL, 24 cases , 24 eyes ) . The best-corrected visual acuity ( BCVA ) , intraocular pressure, intravitreous injection, fundus oculi, central macular thickness ( CMT ) and related complications were observed before and 1wk, 1, 3, 6 and 12mo after intravitreous injection. · RESULTS: There was no difference on BCVA, intraocular pressure, intravitreous injection, fundus oculi and CMT between the two groups before operations ( P>0.05). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) of the BCVA between two groups after treatment for 1wk, 1, 3, 6 and 12mo. Before and after treatment, the decrease of CMT in conbercept group was respectively 130. 17 ± 1. 72μm, 253. 33 ±3. 14μm, 318. 00±1. 41μm, 20. 01±1. 21μm and 15. 09 ± 1. 41μm, and no related complications. The decrease of CMT in control group was respectively 132. 5± 2.07μm, 249.67±1.21μm, 317.50±4.23μm, 18.01±1.41μm and 16. 09 ± 1. 31μm, and no related complications. There were no significant differences (F=6. 882, P=0. 663>0. 05) of CMT between two groups after treatment for 1wk, 1, 3, 6 and 12mo. Injection times were respectively 2. 83 ± 0. 72 and 3. 17 ± 0. 71 in control group and conbercept group, and the difference between two groups has no statistical significance (P>0. 05). There were 4 cases (17%) of paracentesis of anterior chamber, 3 cases ( 13%) of intraocular hypertension and 1 case ( 4%) of complicated cataract in control group. There was no related complications in conbercept group. ·CONCLUSION: Intravitreous injection of conbercept for macular edema secondary to CRVO is effective, safe and less complications.

Meta-analysis on efficacy of Fuke Qianjin tablets (capsules) combined with antibiotics in treatment of endometritis / 中国中药杂志

To systemically evaluate the clinical efficacy of Fuke Qianjin tablets combined with antibiotics in the treatment of endometritis. The databases such as PubMed, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data were searched to collect the randomized controlled trials(RCTs) about Fuke Qianjin tablets combined with antibiotics for endometritis since 2010. According to the Cochrane Reviewer's Handbook, two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. Then the Meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software. 16 RCTs were included, involving 2 299 patients. Meta-analysis showed that after endometritis was treated by Fuke Qianjin tablets combined with antibiotics, the thickness of endometrium was higher than that in antibiotics group[MD=1.20, 95％CI (1.10, 1.29), P<0.000 01]; the occurrence rate of normal menstrual cycle[OR=1.46,95％CI (1.21, 1.77), P=0.000 1] and total effective rate [OR=1.19, 95％CI (1.15, 1.24), P<0.000 01] were increased ; the irregular vaginal bleeding [OR=0.21, 95％CI (0.14, 0.30), P<0.000 01] and inflammatory reactions[OR=0.19, 95％CI (0.10, 0.37)] were reduced. In short, Fuke Qianjin tablets combined with antibiotics have better effects than antibiotics alone for endometritis, so it is worthy to be recommended for clinical application.

Analysis of the factors affecting pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the factors affecting pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective cohort study was carried out to analyze the clinical data of 141 breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The factors affecting pCR and the changes of tumor receptor status before and after treatment were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among all the 141 patients, 21 patients (14.9%) achieved pCR. The rate of pCR achieved by regimens of anthracycline combined with taxane was higher (16.8%, 19/113) than that by anthracycline-containing regimens (7.1%, 1/14). The dose intensity of anthracycline had a significant correlation with pCR rate (P < 0.05). The pCR rate in the relative dose intensity of taxane ≥ 0.85 arm was higher than that of < 0.85 arm (P = 0.02). Eighty patients (56.7%) had completed more than 4 cycles of chemotherapy and the median time to achieve pCR was 6 (3 to 10) cycles. The pCR rate had a significant difference between patients < 6 and ≥ 6 cycles (7.1% vs. 22.5%,P = 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size measured by palpation ≤ 5 cm and ≥ 6 chemotherapy cycles were significantly related with pCR rate (P < 0.05). In all the 21 pCR patients, the pre-treatment ER(-), PR(-), HER-2(-) statuses were in 14, 14 and 17 patients, respectively. The status of ER, PR, HER-2 of most patients (74.2%, 69.7% and 87.7%, respectively) was not changed after treatment. Among the patients with changes in receptor status, ER changed from negative to positive was in the majority (37.1%, 13/35 vs. 12.9%, 4/31, P < 0.05), and the percentage of changes in PR and HER-2 status had no significant differences.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The regimens of anthracycline combined with taxane can achieve a higher pCR rate. The lymph node and receptor status before therapy have no significant correlation with pCR. Patients who have primary tumor size ≤ 5 cm, ≥ 6 chemotherapy cycles and enough dose intensity are easier to achieve pCR. The receptor status before and after therapy should be determined, and according to any positive results, physicians can chose HER-2 targeted therapy and/or endocrine therapy after surgery to benefit the patients.</p>

A clinical study of reasonable doses of docetaxel salvage therapy for patients with metastatic breast cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the correlation of clinical effects and reasonable doses of docetaxel salvage therapy for patients with metastatic breast cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We reviewed retrospectively the clinical records of patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with docetaxel and statistically analyzed the correlation between clinical effects and reasonable doses of docetaxel.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The objective response rate and clinical benefit rate of docetaxol in patients with metastatic breast cancer were 27.0% and 35.0%, respectively, and the median progression free survival (PFS) was 5.0 (3.8 - 6.3) months. In the analysis at a single dose level, the clinical benefit rate and PFS of the ≥ 90.0 mg/m(2) docetaxel group were superior to that of the < 90.0 mg/m(2) group (P = 0.008, P = 0.045). Multi-dose level group stratified analysis showed that the docetaxel < 75.0 mg/m(2) group was better than the 75.0 - 84.9 mg/m(2) PFS group (P = 0.018), and the ≥ 95.0 mg/m(2) group was better than the 75.0 - 84.9 mg/m(2) group (P = 0.048). In patients who received >third line treatment or previously received paclitaxel adjuvant therapy, the PFS of the ≥ 94.9 mg/m(2) docetaxel group was 6.0 months, better than the 3.0 months of the 75.0 ∼ 84.9 mg/m(2) group (P = 0.031; P = 0.021).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is a clear correlation between clinical effects and reasonable doses of docetaxel salvage therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer.</p>

Multi-factor analysis of radiation-induced esophagitis in three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical and physical factors that might give rise to radiation-induced esophagitis in three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>To collect the clinical and physical records and follow-up information of 106 NSCLC patients without undergoing surgery in our hospital. χ(2) test, linear tendency test and analysis of variance were employed to analyze the relationship between occurrence of radiation-induced esophagitis and clinical and physical treatment. Logistic analysis was also used for multivariate analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 47 cases of radiation-induced esophagitis, 31 cases were of grade I, 11 of grade II, 5 of grade III, and with a total occurrence rate of 44.3% (47/106). Radiation-induced esophagitis was correlated with Karnofsky scores, radiation sensitization and tumor location (χ(2) = 11.30, 8.45, 7.67, P < 0.05). Radiation-induced esophagitis was correlated with the length of irradiated esophagus and average dose of irradiated esophagus (F = 20.82, 83.08, P < 0.001). With the increase of the irradiated volume percentage from V20, V30, V40 up to V50, the occurrence rate of radiation-induced esophagitis was also increased, almost with a linear trend (P < 0.05). Application of all the above factors to logistic model indicated that radiation sensitization,length of irradiated esophagus, average dose and V50 were all statistically significant foactors in the occurrence of radiation-induced esophagitis (OR = 0.321, 2.850, 7.307 and 8.558, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Radiation sensitization,length of irradiated esophagus, average dose of irradiated esophagus and V50 are independent factors in the occurrence of radiation-induced esophagitis. V50 is of greater importance in the judgement of occurrence of radiation-induced esophagitis.</p>

Efficacy and safety of regimens of capecitabine-based chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced breast cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate retrospectively the efficacy and toxicity of capecitabine-based chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced breast cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three hundred and seventy-six patients with advanced breast cancer were treated with capecitabine-based chemotherapy regimens in our department from Sep 2002 to Sep 2009. They were divided into 3 groups. The group 1 was treated with capecitabine 1000 mg/m(2) orally twice daily on d1-d14, repeated every 3 weeks. The group 2 was treated with capecitabine as group 1, and combined with docetaxel 60 - 75 mg/m(2) intravenous infusion on d1, repeated every 3 weeks. The group 3 was treated with capecitabine as group 1, and combined with vinorelbine 25 mg/m(2) intravenous infusion on d1 and d8, repeated every 3 weeks. The median treatment period of treatment was 3 cycles.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 376 patients, 218 patients were evaluable for response. In the group 1 the objective response rate (ORR) was 12.8% and the clinical benefit rate (CBR) was 21.6%. The CBR but not ORR of first line therapy with capecitabine was 35.2%, significantly higher than that of more than first line therapy (17.1%, P < 0.01). The ORRs for group 2 and group 3 were 53.8% and 36.4%, respectively. In the group 2 there was no significant difference in the ORR between the first line therapy and more than first line therapy. In the group 3 the ORR of first line therapy of NX regimen was 36.4%, significantly higher than that of more than first line therapy (16.7%, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The capecitabine-based chemotherapy is effective and tolerable, and can be used not only in first line but also more than first line therapy. The single agent maintenance chemotherapy after response to combined chemotherapy can prolonge the duration of treatment for patients with metastatic breast cancer.</p>

Comparison of response evaluation methods of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficiency of response evaluation by clinical examination, ultrasonograghy and mammography in neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the data of 141 patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Response evaluation was performed by clinical palpation, ultrasound and mammography.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Only 12 (8.5%) among the 141 patients presented with a stage I tumor. The tumor size determined by palpation was often larger than that by ultrasound before therapy (P < 0.01). Among patients with suspicions axillary nodes checked by ultrasound, 88.3% (53/60) of them had positive nodes by pathology before NAC, and 34.5% (10/29) of patients with negative nodes determined by ultrasound had positive nodes by pathology. In all the 141 patients, 21(14.9%) showed pathological complete remission in both the primary tumor and lymph node. For response evaluation, the false complete remission rate judged by clinical examination was 46.8% (22/47), and the false tumor residual rate by ultrasound was 84.0% (21/25). In 53.5% (23/43) of patients the response could not be assessed by mammography due to that the tumors were undistinguishable in size. The range of microcalcification was not reduced in 5 patients with a partial response of the tumor. 25 patients experienced needle puncture during therapy. Among them, in the 9 pathologically negative patients, only 3 achieved pCR, and the other 16 positive patients didn't achieve pCR.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Using the puncture or sentinel lymph node biopsy, clinicians should pay enough emphasis on the pathological determination of the node status before chemotherapy. Clinicians will make a quite of false judgment of the tumor by clinical examination, ultrasound or mammography. They may use needle puncture during therapy to evaluate the response of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and the result should be analyzed synthetically.</p>

A case of human highly pathogenic avian influenza in Shenzhen, China: application of field epidemiological study / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Based on analyzing the characteristics of a case with human avian influenza and the effects of field epidemiological study.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An emergency-response-system was started up to follow the probable human Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza case initially detected by the "Undefined Pneumonia Surveillance System of Shenzhen". Public health professionals administered several epidemiologic investigations and giving all the contacts of the patient with a 7-day-long medical observation for temporally related influenza-like illness. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with primers for H5 and N1 was applied to test respiratory tract samples and/or throat swabs of the patient and all his contacts specific for the hemagglutinin gene of influenza A H5N1. Activities and strategies such as media response,notification in the public, communications with multiple related sectors, social participation and information exchange with Hong Kong were involved in field control and management.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patient was a male, 31 years old,with an occupation as a truck driver in a factory,and had been residing in Shenzhen for 7 years. Started with an influenza-like syndrome, the patient received treatment on the 4th day of the onset, from a clinic and on the 6th day from a regular hospital. On the 8th day of the disease course, he was confirmed by Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention as human avian flu case and was then transferred to Intensive Care Unit (ICU). On the 83rd day of commence, the patients was healed and released from the hospital. The patient had no significant exposure to sick poultry or poultry that died from the illness before the onset of the disease. The patient and five family members lived together, but no family member was affected and no contact showed positive results for H5N1. A small food market with live poultry, which was under formal supervision and before illness the patient once visited, located near his apartment. Totally, 35 swabs from live birds and bird's coops in the market for H5 nucleic acid were tested and all were negative. The influenza H5N1 virus isolated for the case was named as A/Guangdong/02/2006 (H5N1) or GD/2/06. Phylogenetic relationships and molecular characterization analysis revealed that all the segments of the H5N1 virus named GD/2/06 still belonged to avian segments. Investigation process and control measures were released to the general public through the media. Soon after the laboratory confirmation, information was released to the society, as well as Hong Kong Center for Health Protection. Local Departments of Agriculture, Industries & Business, and Entry-Exit Inspection & Quarantine Bureau together with the Public Health Department put up combined actions. A computer-based telephone survey was initiated to investigate attitudes and knowledge of residents in town, revealing that positive atmosphere dominated and no panic existed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rapid laboratory diagnosis of the virus was the key for successful treatment and survival result of the case. Still, the pathogen was from birds resources. No human-to-human transmission was observed, however, source of infection was unclear. Field epidemiological study could offer special methods for the responses of emergency public health problems.</p>

Investigation on the vectors of Borrella burgdorferi and on the identification of the isolates along China-Russia border in Eastern Heilongjiang province, China / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the fact that the east border of Heilongjiang had been a lyme disease natural focus,we investigated the species and distribution of ticks and isolated bacteria from ticks and identified genomic species of Borrelia burdorferi sensu lato. This study provided evidence for prevention and control of lyme disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ticks were caught by flagging method and Direct immunofluorescence method was used to detect the rate of bacteria borne by the tick. BSK UI culture medium was used to isolate the agent and Specific McAbs were used to identify the bacteria. SDS-PAGE protein profile and PCR-RFLP method were also used to identify the species of Spirochetes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ticks, collected from China-Russia border of east Heilongiiang province were classified including Ixodes persulcatus Schulze, Dermacentor sivarum Olener, Haemaphysalis concinna Kock,and Haemaphysalis japonica Kock. We found that the distributon of ticks was different under different circumstances and the predominant species were also different in different ports. The rate of bacteria borne by Iodes persulaatus Schulze was 31.4% ,by Dermacentor sivarum Olener and Haemaphysalis concinna Kock were 2.2% and 3.8%, respectively. However,it was negative for Haenaphysalis japonica Kock. Spirochetes isolated from Ixodes persulcatus Schulze were collected from Dongning and Tongjiang while Genomic species of Spirochetes, isolated from ticks of the border belonged to B. garinii.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>All the results showed that the east border of Heilongjiang province was the natural focus of lyme disease.</p>

HER-2 and ER expression in prediction of chemo-sensitivity of taxane for advanced breast cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the predictive value of HER-2 and ER expression for chemosensitivity of taxane in the treatment of advanced breast cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Of 268 advanced breast cancer patients treated: 71 were by paclitaxel alone, 32 by docetaxel alone, 110 by paclitaxel combined with anthracylines or gemcitabine or platins and 55 by docetaxel-based combinations. HER-2 and ER expression of all patients treated by taxane underwent immunohistochemical (IHC) assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Univariate analysis showed: the response rate (RR) in HER-2 overexpression group was 56.7%, and in HER-2 weak expression group 33.3% (P = 0.003). The response rate in ER positive group and ER negative group was 33.3% and 48.9%, respectively, with a significant difference (P = 0.015). The RR was 67.6% in ER negative but HER-2 overexpression group. However, in ER positive but HER-2 weak expression group and the other groups, the RR were around 35% (P < 0. 01). Multivariate analysis showed that overexpression of HER-2 was the only significant factor to predict the chemosensitivity of taxane (P = 0. 007), but the ER, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), anthracylines, metastatic sites were not the statistically significant chemo-sensitivity predictive factors for taxane.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ER negative and/or HER-2 overexpression, especially latter, may be associated with good response in advanced breast cancers treated by taxane.</p>

Relation of dose intensity and efficacy, toxicity in paclitaxel as a single agent for advanced breast cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the relation of dose intensity and efficacy, toxicity in advanced breast cancer treated with paclitaxel as a single agent.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-one patients with advanced breast cancer received paclitaxel as a single agent with different dose intensities. According to the phase I or phase II trial, the standard dose intensity of paclitaxel was defined as 58.3 mg.(m(2))(-1).week(-1). The dose of paclitaxel was 175 mg/m(2) given every three weeks, ranging 33.3 - 70.3 mg.(m(2))(-1).week(-1) [median delivered dose intensity 58.82 mg.(m(2))(-1).week(-1)]. Efficacy and toxicity was evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The overall response rate in this group of advanced breast cancer was 40.8%. Responses were seen in lungs, soft tissue, bone and liver, with the response rates of 52.0%, 38.0%, 12.5%, 7.7%, respectively. When the relative dose intensity (RDI) was > 1.0, 0.9 - 1.0, < 0.9, the response rates were 44.2%, 47.6%, 0, respectively. The difference between the group (RDI >/= 0.9% - 1.0%) in 7 patients and the group (RDI < 0.9) was significant (P < 0.05). Toxicity was well tolerated, with the efficacy decreased as soon as the RDI had been reduced without embarrassing the toxicity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Paclitaxel as a single agent therapy with standard dose intensity is effective and well tolerated by patients with advanced breast cancer.</p>

Single-agent Xeloda in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic breast cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and adverse reactions of Xeloda in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic breast cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This clinical study was designed to treat 69 patients with recurrent and metastatic breast cancer with Xeloda, 2500 mg/m(2)/d, twice daily for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period, repeated every 3 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Sixty-nine patients received Xeloda for more than 1 cycle. The overall response rate (CR + PR) was 16.0%, clinical benefit rate (CR + PR + SD > or = 24 months) was 27.5%, disease control rate (CR + PR + SD) was 75.4%. The median time to failure (TTF) was 3 months (range: 0.7 - 11 months). The median time to progression (TTP) was 2 months (range: 0.7 - 11 months). The median duration of response (CR + PR) was 6 months (range: 4 - 11 months). The most common treatment-related adverse events were hand-foot syndrome (HFS) that occurred in 60.8% (42/69) patients mostly as grade I-II. Fifty-five percent (22/40) of patients who had received high dose preventive Vit B6 developed HFS without grade III; while 69% (20/29) of patients who had not received such treatment did develop HFS including 2 patients with grade III. However, there was not significant difference between the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Xeloda is an effective and well tolerated treatment in patients with recurrent and metastatic breast cancer. The symptoms of HFS may be relieved by high dose Vit B6 as prevention.</p>