Comparison of EQ-5D-5L and EORTC QLU-C10D utilities in gastric cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: To compare measurement properties of the utility scores derived from various country-specific value sets of EQ-5D-5L (5L) and EORTC QLU-C10D (10D) in gastric cancer patient. METHODS: The study used cross-sectional data of 243 Chinese gastric cancer patients who completed both 5L and EORTC QLQ-C30. Utility score of QLU-C10D is generated from all the available QLU-C10D value sets currently; the score of 5L is derived from the corresponding 5L value sets for the countries with both the 5L and QLU-C10D value sets and the Chinese 5L value set. Convergent validity was evaluated by testing their correlations with the VAS score. Known-group validity was assessed by comparing the utility scores the patients with different severities. Their relative efficiency (RE) was also compared. RESULTS: Correlation coefficient of 5L and QLU-C10D utility scores with VAS ranged from 0.54 to 0.59, and 0.55 to 0.63, respectively. Both the utility scores were in general able to discriminate the patients with different severities; and 5L utility score had higher RE in the majority of known-groups. CONCLUSION: EQ-5D-5L and QLU-C10D utility scores were different and, thus, non-swappable. They possess similar convergent validity and known-group validity; while EQ-5D-5L scores may have better discriminative power.

Evaluating health-related quality of life in gastric cancer patients in Suzhou, China.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become an important part of the evaluation of clinical efficacy and prognosis in gastric cancer. This study aimed to assess the HRQOL of patients with gastric cancer using the a five-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and explore the factors influencing patients' perceived quality of life. For those significant factors, we can take appropriate measures to intervene to extend patient survival and improve the quality of life. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was administered to 243 patients with gastric cancer in the First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University from December 2018 to December 2020. HRQOL was measured by the Chinese version of the EQ-5D-5L. Nonparametric test analyses and a Tobit regression model were used to identify the independent variables associated with the EQ-5D-5L utility scores. RESULTS: In this research, the mean score was 0.810, and the median was 0.893. Approximately 25% of patients reported no problems at all in any of the five dimensions. Problems in pain and discomfort were the most frequently reported (64.2%). Nonparametric test analyses showed that patients who did not have health insurance, or who had a history of alcohol use, a family history of cancer, had received surgery only, or had an interval of less than 1 week between taking this survey and their last treatment, demonstrated lower EQ-5D-5L scores. The Tobit regression model confirmed that health insurance, family history, and treatment were significantly associated with EQ-5D-5L scores. CONCLUSIONS: The HRQOL of gastric cancer patients can be measured by EQ-5D-5L, and the results may provide a guide for choosing an appropriate individualized treatment plan.

Correlation between Chinese Medicine Constitution and Skin Types: A Study on 187 Japanese Women.

OBJECTIVE: Chinese medicine (CM) is widely applied in cosmetics and dermatology. The theory of CM believes that skin characterizations reflect the internal status of balance which can be represented by body constitution, but relevant studies are few. This study aims to analyze the relationship between body constitution of CM and skin condition. METHODS: Participants were recruited from a private health and beauty clinic in Tokyo, Japan from June 2013 to January 2015. Each participant was assessed using Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ) for body constitution and the Baumann Skin Type Questionnaire for skin type. Spearman's rank correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression were used to investigate the effect of body constitutions on skin types. RESULTS: A total of 187 Japanese females were recruited in this study. Higher dampness-heat and phlegm-dampness scores were associated with oilier skin while higher qi-depression and blood-stasis were associated with drier skin. Higher score in Inherited Special and yin-deficiency constitutions tended to have more sensitive skin, and higher score in blood-stasis was associated with more pigmented skin and wrinkles. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings supported the "Constitution-Skin Correlated theory" in CM. Understanding of the association between skin conditions and the body constitutions might be helpful to explore more individualized treatment options for skin care and dermatological diseases through modifications of the unique body constitutions using CM modalities.

Effect of Health Education Based on Integrative Therapy of Chinese and Western Medicine for Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of health education based on integrative therapy of Chinese and Western medicine for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from the aspects of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), body mass index (BMI) and glucose control. METHODS: Patients were individually randomized into intervention group (receiving integrative education, n=120) and control group (receiving usual education, n=120). The primary outcome was the changes in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months from baseline. Hierarchical linear models (HLMs) were used to assess within-group changes in outcomes over time and between-group differences in patterns of change. Secondary outcomes were KAP scores, HRQoL scores and BMI after 6 and 12 months, paired-sample t test was used to assess within-group changes in outcomes in 6 and 12 months, independent-sample t test was used to assess between-group differences in patterns of change. RESULTS: HbA1c decreased statistically from baseline to 3 months, from 3 to 6 months, from 6 to 9 months and from 9 to 12 months in the intervention group (all P<0.01); and decreased significantly from baseline to 3 months, and from 3 to 6 months in the control group P<0.01). There was a significant between-group difference from baseline to 3 months (P=0.044), from 6 to 9 months (P<0.01) and from 9 to 12 months (P<0.01). Significant improvements in the intervention group along with significant between-group differences were found in KAP and HRQoL scores respectively (all P<0.05). The number in the intervention group of normal weight increased from 56 at baseline to 81 (6 months), 94 (12 months), the number in the control group were 63 (baseline), 69 (6 months), 70 (12 months), the χ2 of hierarchical analysis of BMI were 6.93 (P=0.075), 10.31 (P=0.016), 15.53 (P<0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: Health education based on integrative therapy of Chinese and Western medicine is beneficial to the control of T2DM and should be recommended for T2DM.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery versus total disc replacement: A comparative study with minimum of 10-year follow-up.

Based on long-term follow-ups, this study was designed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for postoperative adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or total disc replacement (TDR) in treating cervical degenerative diseases. Between January 2000 and December 2005, 108 cases undergoing ACDF and 78 undergoing TDR, were enrolled into this study. All medical records were retrospectively collected. Every patient was followed up at least 10 years. Outcome assessment included visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and radiographic parameters. Consequently, thirty-eight (35.2%) of 108 cases suffered from ASD in ACDF group, and 26 (33.3%) of 78 cases in TDR group. There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding ASD incidence, VAS/NDI/JOA score, recovery rate. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR = 2.86, 95% CI, 1.58-4.14) and preoperative segmental lordosis (OR = 1.90, 95% CI, 1.05-3.20) were risk factors associated with increased odds of ASD regardless of surgical procedures. On the other hand, preoperative overall lordosis (OR = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.26-0.82) was most likely protective. In conclusion, advanced age and preoperative segmental lordosis were identified as risk factors for postoperative ASD, while preoperative overall lordosis proves to be a protective factor.

Effect of gemcitabine on the uptake of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose and (18)F-fluorothymidine in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and the animal tumor model.

BACKGROUND: Gemcitabine is the first-line drug for nonsmall cell lung cancer, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose. (18F-FDG) and 18F-fluorothymidine. (18F-FLT) are positron emission tomography. (PET) imaging agents. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of gemcitabine on the uptake of 18F-FDG and 18F-FLT in A549 cells and the animal tumor model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The inhibitory effects of gemcitabine on cell growth were determined by tetrazolium blue method, and uptake rates of 18F-FDG and 18F-FLT were determined under the same conditions. The adenocarcinoma-bearing nude mice before and after gemcitabine treatments were performed microPET imaging with 18F-FDG and 18F-FLT. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis of tumor specimens were conducted. RESULTS: After the administration of gemcitabine, positive correlations were observed between inhibition of 18F-FDG or 18F.FLT uptake and cell growth. (r = 0.957 or 0.981, P < 0.01). SUVmax values by 18F-FDG in the tumor, before and after administration of gemcitabine at the dose of 60 mmol/L, revealed an increase by. (35.83 ± 10.58) %. After administration of 120 mmol/L gemcitabine, the SUVmax values decreased by (12.37 ± 7.33) %. The SUVmax values by 18F-FLT at the dose of 60 mmol/L gemcitabine revealed a decrease by (56.47 ± 10.83) %. Pathological staining showed obvious vasodilation and invasion of lymphocytes and plasma cells at the dose of 60 mmol/L, and the expression of glucose transporter protein-1, Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in tumor cells were inhibited. CONCLUSION: 18F-FLT imaging can assess the proliferation of tumor cells and 18F-FDG imaging can reflect the changes of the tumor microenvironment after administration of gemcitabine.

Effectiveness of family involvement in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients: a follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of family-involvement on health education for T2DM from the aspects of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), body mass index (BMI) and glucose control. METHODS: A follow-up study was performed and patients with newly diagnosed T2DM were divided into family-involved group (FIG, n=60) and single-involved group (SIG, n=60). Hierarchical linear models were used to assess within-group changes and between-group differences in the glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), KAP, SF-36 and BMI. RESULTS: Significant improvements in FIG along with significant differences between-group were seen for HbA1c levels (9.73, 8.92, 5.55, 5.79, 5.30 vs. 10.05, 9.53, 6.36, 8.41, 6.58) in baseline, M3, M6, M12, M24 compared with SIG, respectively (all P≤0.001). Significant improvements in FIG along with significant differences between-group were seen for KAP (16.23, 46.98, 48.93 vs. 16.65, 29.07, 37.62), SF-36 (78.04, 92.68, 92.34 vs. 74.96, 77.03, 78.25), and BMI (24.74, 23.46, 22.96 vs. 24.00, 23.45, 23.50) in baseline, M12 and M24, respectively (all P≤0.05). CONCLUSION: Family involvement is beneficial to the control of T2DM and should be suggested for T2DM newly diagnosed. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Health education should encourage the family to participate in the whole process to improve the efficacy of education.

Fibrous cyst of the chordae tendineae of the mitral valve: echocardiographic appearance and literature review.

Fibrous cyst of the chordae tendineae of the mitral valve (MV) is defined as a fibrous cyst arising from the chordae tendineae of the MV. It is extremely rare and its etiology is not clear. We present a case of a cystic structure within the left ventricle. This structure is connected to the anterior MV leaflet and the posterior chordae tendineae. It moves freely, resulting in stenosis of inflow tract and outflow tract of the left ventricle. Intraoperative assessment and histopathologic examination revealed it as a fibrous cyst. Its echocardiographic appearance is unique and it must be resected immediately.

[Correspondence analysis of chinese medical constitution features in different ages population].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the distribution features of Chinese medical constitutions in different ages population, thus providing scientific evidence of constitution process theory. METHODS: Recruited were 21 948 cases from a survey of Chinese medical constitutions and health conditions in 9 provinces or municipalities across China (including Jiangsu, Anhui, Gansu, Qinghai, Fujian, Beijing, Jilin, Jiangxi, and Henan) from Dec 2005 to Jan 2007. The body constitution type of individual was diagnosed using discriminant analysis on the basis of Chinese medical constitution questionnaire. By using correspondence analysis, the correlation between the general population, genders, ages, and Chinese medical constitution types was studied. RESULTS: Constitutions of yin-deficiency type, wetness-heat type, qi-depression type, and special diathesis type often occurred in the population ranging 15 -24 years old. Gentleness type mostly occurred in the population ranging 25 -44 years old. During this time period, phlegm-wetness type and wetness-heat type were liable to occur in males, while blood-stasis type was liable to occur in females. Qi-deficiency type and yang-deficiency type were most often seen in those older than 45 years. Phlegm-wetness type and blood-stasis type body constitution were also liable to occur in those older than 45 years. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution features were different in different Chinese medical constitutions. Different constitution types exist in different genders. Different constitution types exist different ages population.

["Obesity paradox"-a phenomenon based upon the health-related outcome on quality of life].

The increase of body mass index (BMI) has already been recognized as one of the risk factors for many diseases. However, in patients with various diseases, data from large number of studies shows that when comparing with underweight and normal-weight patients, overweight and obesity have appeared better clinical prognosis, namely "obesity paradox". It has become one of the hot spots in domestic and foreign research areas of the sort. When studying the relationship between BMI and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), we discovered that when BMI was increasing among the elderly or people with chronic diseases, it could predict a better quality of life among these populations. The impairment of HRQoL in chronic disease was not caused by the impact of obesity but by chronic diseases. These evidence triggered the idea that whether higher HRQoL of obesity was the potential mechanisms that leading to a higher survival rate? It also provided a new entry point for searching possible mechanism in which related to the "obesity paradox" that raising new issues on reasonable weight management.

Giant cell-rich osteosarcoma in long bones: clinical, radiological and pathological features.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the clinical presentation, imaging, pathology and outcome of patients with giant cell-rich osteosarcoma (GCRO) of long bones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiography (n=9), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (n=6), computed tomography (CT) (n=3) and clinical course of nine patients (five males and four females; mean age, 26 years) with pathologically confirmed GCRO were retrospectively reviewed. Specific imaging findings, including size, eccentricity, ossification, lysis, cystic change, expansile growth, periosteal reaction, cortical destruction, soft tissue extension and joint involvement were documented. RESULTS: Presenting symptoms were pain in six patients and pain and palpable mass in three. An ill-defined margin surrounding a predominantly osteolytic lesion was detected at the proximal tibia (n=7) or femur (n=2) on imaging studies. Seven cases showed limited ossification. Three cases had tumours in the metaphysis and six in the metaepiphysis. The average maximum tumour dimension was 4.7 cm×5.2 cm×7.8 cm. Microscopically, tumours were composed of atypical cells with scanty osteoid formation and multinucleated giant cells. All patients received chemotherapy, and surgery was performed in eight patients. Three patients were dead and six were alive at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: GCRO is a rarer variant that has very close resemblance to giant cell tumour. Patients usually present nonspecific symptoms of pain and palpable mass. It usually shows an osteolytic lesion with locally spared new bone formation in the metaphysis and/or metaepiphysis on imaging. Histologically, the atypical tumour cells with osteoid formation and multinucleated giant cells are the key factor in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

Responsiveness of three subjective report of outcome measures for chronic heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the responsiveness of a newly designed symptom scale, the Chinese Medical Symptom Rating Scale for Heart Failure (CMSRS-HF), with the Chinese version of Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-form 36 (SF-36), and provide basis for the selection of subjective outcome measures for clinical evaluation of treatment of chronic heart failure by integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-six patients with chronic heart failure were recruited from three clinical centers and were treated with Chinese herbal medicine based on syndrome classification. The patients were classified with standard of New York Heart Association and evaluated with CMSRS-HF, MLHFQ and SF-36. Three techniques for the quantification of responsiveness were utilized: paired t-test, effect sizes (ES) and standardized response means (SRM). RESULTS: a) After 2-week treatment, patients scored significantly lower in CMSRS-HF, while scores of each dimension on MLHFQ and SF-36 increased significantly (P=0.000). b) ES of CMSRS-HF was greater than 0.8. ES of physical and emotional dimensions and comprehensive scores of MLHFQ were between 0.37 and 0.61; ES of each dimension, physical and emotional domains, and comprehensive scores were between 0.14 and 0.49. c) SRM of CMSRS-HF was greater than 0.8; SRM of physical and emotional dimensions and comprehensive scores of MLHFQ ranged from 0.53 to 0.92; SRM of each dimension, physical and emotional domains, and comprehensive scores were between 0.23 and 0.83. d) By stratified analysis according to NYHA classification, the acute patients (NYHA III, IV) were more sensitive to subjective outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Responsiveness of the newly designed CMSRS-HF is high. However, responsiveness of MLHFQ and most dimensions in SF-36 is moderate. When evaluating clinical effects of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine on chronic heart failure, different scales can be applied according to actual clinical presentations.

Primary diaphyseal osteosarcoma in long bones: imaging features and tumor characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess retrospectively the imaging features of diaphyseal osteosarcoma and compare its characteristics with that of metaphyseal osteosarcoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen pathologically confirmed diaphyseal osteosarcomas were reviewed. Images of X-ray (n=18), CT (n=12) and MRI (n=15) were evaluated by two radiologists. Differences among common radiologic findings of X-ray, CT and MRI, and between diaphyseal osteosarcomas and metaphyseal osteosarcomas in terms of tumor characteristics were compared. RESULTS: The common imaging features of diaphyseal osteosarcoma were bone destruction, lamellar periosteal reaction with/without Codman triangle, massive soft tissue mass/swelling, neoplastic bone and/or calcification. CT and MRI had a higher detection rate in detecting bone destruction (P=0.001) as compared with that of X-ray. X-ray and CT resulted in a higher percentage in detecting periosteal reaction (P=0.018) and neoplastic bone and/or calcification (P=0.043) as compared with that of MRI. There was no difference (P=0.179) in detecting soft tissue mass among three imaging modalities. When comparing metaphyseal osteosarcoma to diaphyseal osteosarcoma, the latter had the following characteristics: a higher age of onset (P=0.022), a larger extent of tumor (P=0.018), a more osteolytic radiographic pattern (P=0.043). CONCLUSION: As compared with metaphyseal osteosarcoma, diaphysial osteosarcoma is a special location of osteosarcoma with a lower incidence, a higher age of onset, a larger extent of tumor, a more osteolytic radiographic pattern. The osteoblastic and mixed types are diagnosed easily, but the osteolytic lesion should be differentiated from Ewing sarcoma. X-ray, CT and MRI can show imaging features from different aspects with different detection rates.

[Approaches for developing a system model for health evaluation based on body constitutions of traditional Chinese medicine and order parameters].

From the point of view of systems science, human body can be considered as a complex system, and the human health system is a subsystem of it. Systems science conducts investigation in a holistic manner. As a theoretical method, it deals with the operation and evolution of systems from the macroscopic perspective, so this theory is similar to phenomenological theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in methodology. Naturally, numerous theories of systems science can be used in research of the human health systems of TCM. In this paper, the authors introduced synergetic, a theory of modern systems science, and its slaving principle, and in particular, analyzed the concept of order parameters related to the slaving principle and the relationship between body constitutions of TCM and order parameters. The body constitution of TCM can be treated as a slow variable in the human health systems. By using synergetic, the authors established a model of the human health system based on body constitutions of TCM. As an application of the model, the authors illustrated the argumentation in the theory of constitution being separable, the theory of a relationship between constitution and disease, and the theory of a recuperable constitution. To some extent, this work has made links between the TCM theory of body constitution and modern systems science, and it will offer a new thought for modeling the human health system.

Expressions of p53, c-MYC, BCL-2 and apoptotic index in human osteosarcoma and their correlations with prognosis of patients.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays it remains a controversial issue whether a correlation exists between the apoptosis rate of tumor tissue and the prognosis of the patients. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationships of apoptotic genes and apoptotic index of osteosarcoma tissue to prognosis of the patients, meanwhile to explore the valid prognostic biomarkers of osteosarcoma that will enhance efficacy of clinical treatments for osteosarcoma. METHODS: In our studies, the immunohistochemical ABC and terminal DNA breakpoints in situ 3-hydroxy end labeling (TUNEL) techniques were used to detect the expressions of p53, c-MYC, BCL-2 and apoptotic index in 56 osteosarcoma specimens. The relationships between apoptotic genes expression and apoptotic index in osteosarcoma tissue and their correlations with pathologic classification and prognosis of osteosarcoma cases were analyzed. RESULTS: We found that the expressions of p53, c-MYC, and BCL-2 were negatively correlated with apoptotic index of osteosarcoma tissue, were not correlated with pathological types of osteosarcoma, and were closely related to prognosis of the patients. Moreover, apoptotic index of osteosarcoma tissue was positively correlated with the long term survival of the patients. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the expressions of p53, c-MYC, BCL-2 protein and apoptotic index could be used as potential biomarks for predicting the progression and prognosis of osteosarcoma, and for optimizing clinical treatments.

[Development of a patient-reported outcome scale for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its clinical applicability].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a patient-reported outcome (PRO) scale for patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (sCOPD) and to study its clinical applicability in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). METHODS: According to standardized procedures, the test version of PRO scale for sCOPD (sCOPD-PRO scale) was developed based on the theory of "unity of body and spirit" and was used to test 324 patients selected from six clinical centers. Five methods were used to analyze the items; the reliability, validity and responsiveness of the remaining items of the scale were evaluated. RESULTS: (1) sCOPD-PRO consisted of 23 items after item analysis, and according to the content of each item, these items could be grouped into four domains, namely, lung and kidney deficiency symptom, spleen deficiency symptom, functional activities and emotional impact. (2) Cronbach's alpha coefficient for sCOPD-PRO scale was more than 0.75 in four domains and total scores. (3) sCOPD-PRO scale and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were moderately correlated or highly correlated in corresponding domains: the correlation coefficient between the total score of sCOPD-PRO scale and the total score of SGRQ was 0.72 (P<0.01), the correlation coefficient between functional activities domain of sCOPD-PRO scale and activity domain of SGRQ was 0.77 (P<0.01), and the correlation coefficient between emotional impact domain of sCOPD-PRO scale and impact domain of SGRQ was 0.51 (P<0.01). Factor analysis revealed that four factors could explain 65.06% of the total variance. (4) The four domains and total scores of sCOPD-PRO scale were significantly different before and after intervention in TCM group and Western medicine group (P<0.01); moreover, the effect size and standardized response mean of two groups were more than 0.4. CONCLUSION: The development process and method of sCOPD-PRO scale, which is based on the theories of "unity of body and spirit", are standard, and the reliability, validity and responsiveness of the scale are sound and can be relied upon for sCOPD clinical efficacy evaluation of TCM.

[Stratified analysis of the relationship between traditional Chinese medicine constitutional types and health status in the general population based on data of 8,448 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutional types and health status among groups of different age or gender in the general population of China. METHODS: Data of 8 448 cases were randomly sampled from a database of 21 948 cases of a cross-sectional survey on the TCM constitutional types and health status which was carried out in 9 provinces or municipalities of China (Jiangsu, Anhui, Gansu, Qinghai, Fujian, Beijing, Jilin, Jiangxi and Henan) according to gender and age structure of the Chinese population in 2005. Scores of health-related quality of life scale--the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (MOS SF-36)--were analyzed by Nemenyi test to compare the health status of individuals with different constitutional types. RESULTS: Compared with the gentleness type, the MOS SF-36 scores of the 8 types of pathological constitution were significantly low (P<0.05) among groups of different age or gender. The MOS SF-36 score was the lowest in men of the qi-deficiency, qi-depression and blood-stasis types, while it was the lowest in women of the phlegm-dampness, qi-depression and qi-deficiency types. For the age group of 15 to 34, the special diathesis, qi-depression and blood-stasis types had the lowest MOS SF-36 scores; for the age group of 35 to 59, the qi-deficiency, qi-depression and blood-stasis types had the lowest MOS SF-36 scores; for the age group of over 60, the qi-deficiency, qi-depression and phlegm-dampness types had the lowest MOS SF-36 scores. CONCLUSION: In groups of different gender or age, the MOS SF-36 scores of the 8 types of pathological constitution were significantly lower than that of the gentleness type, indicating a deficient health status. The health status of different types of constitution showed different characteristics in groups of different gender or age.

Prognostic factors and outcome of resected patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors of small intestine.

We document the clinical behavior of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the small intestine and identify predictors for long-term disease-free survival (DFS) for small intestine GIST patients. From December 2001 to 2008, 114 consecutive patients with mesenchymal tumors involving the small intestine were enrolled. There were 54 male and 60 female (50.6%) patients. After a median follow-up period of 36 months (ranging from 12 to 96 months), recurrence was noted in 19 patients (16.7%) with a median time of 20 months (ranging from 7 to 50 months). There were 12 patients (10.5%) who died of GISTs with a median time from recurrence to death of 14 months (ranging from 8 to 22 months). Univariate analysis by log-rank test indicated that tumor size and mitotic activity were statistically significant for DFS (P = 0.001 and 0.036, respectively). Tumor size was the only significant predictive factor for DFS according to multivariate analysis (P = 0.006). Small tumor size, indicating low risk, predicted more favorable DFS of small intestine GIST patients who underwent curative resection.

[Logistic regression analysis on relationships between traditional Chinese medicine constitutional types and overweight or obesity].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationships between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutional types and overweight or obesity so as to provide evidence for adjusting constitutional bias and preventing and treating obesity. METHODS: The data comes from a cross-sectional survey on TCM constitution of 18 805 samples aged above 18 in Beijing and 8 provinces (Jiangsu, Anhui, Gansu, Qinghai, Fujian, Jilin, Jiangxi and Henan) in China. The survey of TCM constitution was performed by standardized constitution in Chinese medicine questionnaire (CCMQ). Discriminatory analysis method was used to judge the individual's constitutional type (gentleness type, qi-deficiency type, yang-deficiency type, yin-deficiency type, phlegm-dampness type, dampness-heat type, blood-stasis type, qi-depression type and special diathesis type). The relationships between TCM constitution types and overweight or obesity was investigated by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Compared with gentleness type, the risk of overweight (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.79-2.35) and obesity (OR, 4.34; 95% CI, 3.52-5.36) in phlegm-dampness type is significantly increased; the risk of obesity (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.30-1.98) in qi-deficiency type is significantly higher; the risk of overweight and obesity in yang-deficiency type, blood-stasis type, and qi-depression type is significantly lower. CONCLUSION: Phlegm-dampness type and qi-deficiency type are the main constitutional risk factors of overweight or obesity.

Expression of cortactin correlates with a poor prognosis in patients with stages II-III colorectal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to specifically investigate the clinicopathological role of expression of cortactin, as well as the correlation with clinical outcomes in stages II-III colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: Two hundred and five stages II-III CRC patients were included in this study. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens were stained for cortactin and the correlation between the staining, its clinicopathological parameters, and its prognostic power were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Of the 205 patients studied, 113 cases (55.1%) were strongly positive for cortactin. Cortactin expression correlated with tumor invasion (P = 0.018), histological grade (P = 0.004), and preoperative CEA level (P < 0.001). In univariate analysis, tumor invasion, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, lymphovascular invasion, preoperative CEA level, and cortactin expression were significant prognostic factors for disease-free survival (P = 0.034, 0.009, 0.043, 0.004, and 0.004, respectively), while for overall survival, tumor invasion, AJCC stage, pathologic grade, preoperative CEA level, and cortactin expression were significant prognostic factors (P = 0.003, 0.008, 0.038, 0.017, and <0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, tumor invasion, preoperative CEA level, and cortactin expression maintained their independent prognostic influence on disease-free survival (P = <0.001, 0.003, and 0.008, respectively). However, tumor invasion, AJCC stage, and cortactin expression influenced overall survival (P = 0.036, <0.001, and 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cortactin may be a good biomarker to be applied in the clinical setting to predict the prognosis of patients with completely resected pathologic stages II-III CRC.