Objective： Support Vector Machine （SVM） is a machine-learning method, based on the principle of structural risk minimization, which performs well when applied to data outside the training set. In this paper, SVM wa...Objective： Support Vector Machine （SVM） is a machine-learning method, based on the principle of structural risk minimization, which performs well when applied to data outside the training set. In this paper, SVM was applied to predict 5-year survival status of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma （NPC） after treatment, we expect to find a new way for prognosis studies in cancer so as to assist right clinical decision for individual patient. Methods： Two modelling methods were used in the study; SVM network and a standard parametric logistic regression were used to model 5-year survival status. And the two methods were compared on a prospective set of patients not used in model construction via receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve analysis. Results： The SVM1, trained with the 25 original input variables without screening, yielded a ROC area of 0.868, at sensitivity to mortality of 79.2% and the specificity of 94.5%. Similarly, the SVM2, trained with 9 input variables which were obtained by optimal input variable selection from the 25 original variables by logistic regression screening, yielded a ROC area of 0.874, at a sensitivity to mortality of 79.2% and the specificity of 95.6%, while the logistic regression yielded a ROC area of 0.751 at a sensitivity to mortality of 66.7% and gave a specificity of 83.5%. Conclusion： SVM found a strong pattern in the database predictive of 5-year survival status. The logistic regression produces somewhat similar, but better, results. These results show that the SVM models have the potential to predict individual patient＇s 5-year survival status after treatment, and to assist the clinicians for making a good clinical decision.展开更多
Objective： To observe the relationship between non-small cell lung cancer with neuroendrocrine differentiation （NSCLC-NE） and patients＇ postoperative survival. Methods： During April 1997 to April 1999, 98 cases o...Objective： To observe the relationship between non-small cell lung cancer with neuroendrocrine differentiation （NSCLC-NE） and patients＇ postoperative survival. Methods： During April 1997 to April 1999, 98 cases of hlng cancer were surgically treated. The tumor specimens of the patients were stained by NE markers, i.e. neuron specific enolase （NSE） and synaptophysin （SY）. The intensity of NE markers reaction was divided as ＂＋＂. ＂＋＋＂. ＂＋＋＋＂ scale groups. The same specimens were also examined under an electron microscope for the specific neuroendocrine granules. All enrolled patients were followed up for 36 months, and the longest follow-up time was 60 months. The COX proportional hazard model multivariate analysis was applied to observe the relationship between the NSCLE-NE and the patients＇ postoperative survival. Results： In 91 cases of NSCLC, 63.7% （58/91） were positive for NE stain reaction. Among them, 59.3% （54/91） were positive for NSE and 24.1% （22/91） for SY. 48.4% （44/91） were considered as NSCLC-NE by the combination of NE inarker stain reaction and electron microscopic examination. COX proportional hazard model lnnltivariate analysis showed that the NSCLC-NE patients＇ survival was significantly shortened （P=0.048）. The following factors were related to NSCLC-NE patients＇ survival： lung cancer cell differentiation （P=0.006）, clinical lung cancer stage （P=0.001）, the NE markers reaction （P=0.054）. Conclusion： NSCLE-NE is significantly related to the cancer cell differentiation and the patients＇ postoperative survival. The NE markers should be applied clinically as one of prognostic factors to evaluate the postoperative survival of NSCLC patients.展开更多
Objective: To study the role of 125 I and 125 I plus gemcitabine (GEM) in treatment of unresectable carcinoma of pancreas. Methods: From April 2000 to April 2003, 38 untreated patients with locally advanced pan...Objective: To study the role of 125 I and 125 I plus gemcitabine (GEM) in treatment of unresectable carcinoma of pancreas. Methods: From April 2000 to April 2003, 38 untreated patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) were collected and randomized into two groups: Arm A 125 I (18 patients) and Arm B 125 I+GEM (20 patients). Eligibility criteria were: cytologically and pathologically proven pancreatic carcinoma, Karnofsky performance status (kps) 60 80, age 18 75 years, adequate hematological, renal and liver function, and controllable pain. Arm A patients were treated with 125 I implants. Arm B patients started chemotherapy within 10 14 d post operatively following the implant procedure. Chemotherapy doses were as follows: GEM 1 000 mg/m 2 weekly × 3 followed by 1 week of rest for 3 cycles. In addition, all patients underwent laparotomy and surgical staging. The surgical procedures performed were biopsy, gastric bypass and biliary bypass. The total activity and number of seeds used were as recommended by Anderson. The mean activity, minimal peripheral dose (MPD), and volume of implants were 20 mCi, 14 000 cGy, and 53 cm 3, respectively. Results: Overall response rate (CR+PR) in Arm A was 37.6% and in Arm B it was 44.5% ( P >0.05). PR median duration in Arm A was 6.7 months and in Arm B it was 4.8 months ( P <0.05). Clinical benefit response was experienced by 11.7 % of Arm A compared with 42.1% of Arm B ( P <0.05). The incidences of hematological toxicity (such as neutropenia) between Arm A and Arm B were 5.8% and 21.1%, respectively ( P >0.05). The survival rates of 12 and 24 month were 32.5%, 16.3% for Arm A and 61%, 38.7% for Arm B ( P =0.04). The rate of complication of Arm A was lower than that of Arm B without statistical significance. Conclusion: To some extent, 125 I or 125 I plus GEM is able to lead to a moderate objective response for LAPC with obstructive jaundice on the base of biliary bypass or/and gastric bypass, but 125 I plus GEM is more effective than 125 I in improvement of the quality of life and survival rate in patients with LAPC.展开更多
AIM： To assess whether the effectiveness of a combination of transarterial chemoembolization （TACE） and percutaneous ethanol injection （PEI） in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is su...AIM： To assess whether the effectiveness of a combination of transarterial chemoembolization （TACE） and percutaneous ethanol injection （PEI） in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is superior to TACE alone a randomized controlled trial was performed. METHODS： The effect of combination therapy on longterm survival rates and duration of hospitalization was evaluated in 52 previously untreated HCCs, randomly allocated to TACE-PEI （27 pts） or TACE alone （25 pts）. RESULTS： The cumulative survival rate of the TACE group was 75.8% at 6 mo, 62.9% at 12 mo, and 18.0% at 24 mo and of the TACE-PEI group 76.9%, 61.5%, and 38.7%, respectively. Comparison of overall survival in both groups showed no statistically significant difference. Regarding the patients with HCCs Okuda stage I （n = 26）, the median survival of the TACE-PEI group was significantly longer （〉24 mo, median not yet reached in the study period） compared to the TACE group （18.4 mo [range 11.6-21.7 mo]; P = 0.04）. TACE-PEI reduced the relative risk for mortality to 0.4 （95% CI 0.15-0.96） compared to patients who received TACE alone. Median survival in patients with HCCs Okuda stage Ⅱ or Ⅲ was 5.0 mo in the TACE group （1.7 rno-not defined） compared to 10.4 mo in the TACE-PEI group. CONCLUSION： The combination TACE-PEI improved survival time compared to TACE alone. Our study revealed a statistically significant improved survival in HCCs Okuda stage I. Side effects were minor and the combination therapy did not prolong duration of hospitalization considerably.展开更多
AIM： To investigate the association between malnutrition and quality of life in patients with benign gastrointestinal disease.METHODS： Two hundred patients （104 wellnourished and 96 malnourished） were assessed acc...AIM： To investigate the association between malnutrition and quality of life in patients with benign gastrointestinal disease.METHODS： Two hundred patients （104 wellnourished and 96 malnourished） were assessed according to the Subjective Global Assessment, anthropometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Quality of life was determined with the validated Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form General Health Survey （SF 36）. Muscle function was assessed by hand grip strength and peak flow.RESULTS： Body mass index, body cell mass, arm muscle area and hand grip strength were significantly lower in the malnourished patients. Quality of life was generally lower when compared to norm values. Seven out of eight quality of life scales （excluding bodily pain） were significantly reduced in the malnourished patients. Comparing patients with liver cirrhosis and inflammatory bowel disease （IBD）, patients with IBD experienced significantly lower values in the perception of bodily pain, social functioning and rnenta/health. Malnourished liver cirrhotics suffered reductions in more scales （six out of eight） than malnourished IBD patients did （four out of eight）.CONCLUSION： Quality of life is generally low in benign gastrointestinal disease and is further reduced in patients who are classified as malnourished. It appears that liver cirrhosis patients experience a higher quality of life than IBD patients do, but the impact of malnutrition seems to be greater in liver cirrhosis than in IBD.展开更多
AIM： To identify the clinical and prognostic features of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） aged 80 years or more. METHODS： A total of 1310 patients with HCC were included in this study. Ninety-one patie...AIM： To identify the clinical and prognostic features of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） aged 80 years or more. METHODS： A total of 1310 patients with HCC were included in this study. Ninety-one patients aged 80 years or more at the time of diagnosis of HCC were defined as the extremely elderly group. Two hundred and thirty-four patients aged 〉/ 50 years but less than 60 years were regarded as the non-elderly group. RESULTS： The sex ratio （male to female） was significantly lower in the extremely elderly group （0.90：1） than in the non-elderly group （3.9：1, P〈 0.001）. The positive rate for HBsAg was significantly lower in the extremely elderly group and the proportion of patients negative for HBsAg and HCVAb obviously increased in the extremely elderly group （P〈 0.001）. There were no significant differences in the following parameters： diameter and number of tumors, Child-Pugh grading, tumor staging, presence of portal thrombosis or ascites, and positive rate for HCVAb. Extremely elderly patients did not often receive surgical treatment （P 〈 0.001） and they were more likely to receive conservative treatment （P〈 0.01）. There were no significant differences in survival curves based on the Kaplan-Meier methods in comparison with the overall patients between the two groups. However, the survival curves were significantly worse in the extremely elderly patients with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ, stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ and Child-Pugh grade A cirrhosis in comparison with the non-elderly group. The causes of death did not differ among the patients, and most cases died of liverrelated diseases even in the extremely elderly patients. CONCLUSION： In the patients with good liver functions and good performance status, aggressive treatment for HCC might improve the survival rate, even in extremely elderly patients.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of systemic chemo-immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Twenty-six patients with advanced HCC were treated by using systemic chemo-immunotherapy ...AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of systemic chemo-immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Twenty-six patients with advanced HCC were treated by using systemic chemo-immunotherapy (PIAF regimen), which consisted of dsplatin (20 mg/m2) intravenously daily for 4 consecutive day, doxorubicin (40 mg/m2) intravenously on day 1, 5-fluorouracil (400 mg/m2) intravenously daily for 4 consecutive day, and human recombinant a-interferon-2a (5 Mu/m2) subcutaneous injection daily for 4 consecutive day. The treatment was repeated every 3 wk, with a maximum of six cycles. RESULTS: A total of 90 cycles of PIAF treatment were administered, with a mean number of 3.9 cycles per patient. Eight patients received six cycles of treatment (group A), and the remaining 18 were subjected to two to five cycles (group B). There were 0 complete response, 4 partial responses, 9 static diseases and 13 progressive diseases, with a disease control rate of 50% (13/26). The 1-year survival rate was 24.3%, with a median survival time of 6.0 mo. Group A had a remarkably better survival as compared with group B, the 1- and 2-year survival rates were 62.5% vs 6.1% and 32.3% vs 0%, and a median survival time was 12.5 mo vs5.0 mo (P= 0.001). CONCLUSION: Systemic chemo-immunotherapy using PIAF regimen represented an effective treatment and could improve the survival rate and prolong the survival time in selected patients with advanced HCC.展开更多
AIM： To study the epidemiology of HCC in Lebanon and prognostic factors predictive of early mortality. METHODS： An observational follow-up cohort study of HCC cases diagnosed over a five-year period was carried out....AIM： To study the epidemiology of HCC in Lebanon and prognostic factors predictive of early mortality. METHODS： An observational follow-up cohort study of HCC cases diagnosed over a five-year period was carried out. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify prognostic factors in comparison to Cancer of the Liver italian Program （CUP） score. Multiple variables including the etiology of underlying liver disease, the demographic characteristics of patients, and the severity of liver disease evaluated by the Child-Pugh score were studied. Tumor parameters included the time of diagnosis of HCC, alpha-fetoprotein level, number and size of nodules, presence of portal vein thrombosis, and treatment modalities. Death or loss of follow-up was considered as an end-point event. RESULTS： Ninety-two patients （mean 60.5 ± 22.3 years） were included. Etiology of underlying disease was hepatitis B, C, and alcohol in 67%, 20%, and 23.5% respectively. Child-Pugh class at diagnosis was A, B, and C in 34.8%, 39.3% and 25.8% respectively. Overall survival was 44.8%, 32.8% and 17.6% at 1, 2 and 3 years respectively （mean F/U 40.2 ± 23.5 mo）. Multivariate analysis identified three predictors of early mortality （〈 6 mo）： bilirubin 〉 3.2 mg/dL （P 〈 0.01）, HCC as first presentation of liver disease （P = 0.035）, and creatinine 〉 1 mg/dL （P = 0.017）. A score based on these variables outperformed the CLIP score by Cox proportional hazard. ROC curve showed both models to be equivalent and moderately accurate.CONCLUSION： HBV is the leading cause of HCC in Lebanon. Independent predictors of early mortality are elevated bilirubin, creatinine and HCC as first manifestation of disease. Prospective validation of a score based on these clinical parameters in predicting short-term survival is needed.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the quality of gastric ulcer healing after different antiulcer treatment by endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS).METHODS: The patients were divided into three groups, and received lansoprazole, amoxicillin...AIM: To evaluate the quality of gastric ulcer healing after different antiulcer treatment by endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS).METHODS: The patients were divided into three groups, and received lansoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycinfor 1 wk. Then group A took lansoprazole combined with tepreton for 5 wk, group B took lansoprazole and group C took tepreton for 5 wk. Endoscopy and EUS were performed before and 6 wk after medication. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in cumulative healing rate to S stage between the groups (89%, 82%vs83%,P＞0.05). The rate of white scar formation was significantly higher in group A than in groups B and C (67%, 36%, 50%, P＜0.05). The average contraction rates of the width of ulcer crater, length of disrupted muscularis propria layer and hypoechoic area were higher in groupA than in groups B and C (0.792±0.090, 0.660±0.105 vs0.668±0.143, P＜0.05). The hypoechoic area disappeared in four cases of group A, one of group B and two of group C. The percentage of hypoechoic area disappearance was higher in group A than in the other two groups (44%, 9%vs 17%, P＜0.05). Gastric ulcer healing was better ingroup A.CONCLUSION: The combined administration of proton pump inhibitors and mucosal protective agent can improve gastric ulcer healing.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the factors involved in the impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with celiac disease.METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional prospective study was performed in patients wit...AIM: To evaluate the factors involved in the impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with celiac disease.METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional prospective study was performed in patients with celiac disease who completed two HRQOL questionnaires: the gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) and the EuroQol-5D (EQ).RESULTS: Three hundred and forty patients (163 controlled with a gluten-free diet, and 177 newly diagnosed with a normal diet) were included. The GIQLI score was significantly better in patients on a gluten-free diet (GFD) than in non-treated patients on their usual diet, both in terms of the overall score (3.3 vs 2.7, respectively; P < 0.001), as well as on the individual questionnaire dimensions. Both the preference value of the EQ as the visual analogue scale were significantly better in treated than in non-treated patients (0.93 vs 0.72 P < 0.001 and 80 vs 70 P < 0.001, respectively). Variables significantly associated with a worse HRQOL score were female gender, failure to adhere to a GFD, and symptomatic status.CONCLUSION: In untreated celiac disease, the most important factors that influence patient perception of health are the presence of symptoms and a normal diet. HRQOL improves to levels similar to those described in the general population in celiac disease patients well controlled with a GFD.展开更多
Objective To preliminarily evaluate the efficacy of the Fu Zheng method(supporting resistance against pathogenic factors)applied by Professor Hong-Feng CHEN in improving the quality of life in patients with triple-neg...Objective To preliminarily evaluate the efficacy of the Fu Zheng method(supporting resistance against pathogenic factors)applied by Professor Hong-Feng CHEN in improving the quality of life in patients with triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)to collect and organize the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)formulas applied by Professor Hong-Feng CHEN in the treatment of TNBC in order to explore the patterns in prescription.Methods The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast scale(FACT-B V4.0)were collected before and after treatment;the database and data mining platform for prescribed TCM formulas were constructed using Microsoft SQL Server 2005,and the patterns in drug pairing and combination were summarized by correlation analysis of data mining.Results The formulas improved the mean scores of the patients’physical well-being,social/family well-being,emotional well-being,physical function well-being and additional concerns(P<0.01);the drug combinations and pairs frequently used by Professor Hong-Feng CHEN were summarized.Conclusion The TCM formulas applied by Professor Hong-Feng CHEN can alleviate adverse physiological reactions,improve psychological conditions and improve function in patients.The formulas take spleen invigoration and stomach nourishment as well as blood circulation promotion and stagnation dissipation as the therapeutic principles,with simplicity in prescription and focus on care and protection the foundation of acquired constitution.展开更多
AIM: To determine if surgical biliary bypass would provide improved quality of residual life and safe palliation in elderly patients with unresectable pancreatic head cancer. METHODS: Nineteen patients, 65 years of ag...AIM: To determine if surgical biliary bypass would provide improved quality of residual life and safe palliation in elderly patients with unresectable pancreatic head cancer. METHODS: Nineteen patients, 65 years of age or older, were managed with surgical biliary bypass (Group A). These patients were compared with 19 patients under 65 years of age who were managed with surgical biliary bypass (Group B). In addition, the results for group A were compared with those obtained from 17 patients, 65 years of age or older (Group C), who received percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage to evaluate the quality of residual life. RESULTS: Five patients (26.0%) in Group A had complications, including one intraabdominal abscess, one pulmonary atelectasis, and three wound infections. One death (5.3%) occurred on postoperative day 3. With respect to morbidity, mortality, and postoperative hospitalization, no statistically significant difference was noted between Groups A and B. The number of readmissions and the rate of recurrent jaundice were lower in Group A than in Group C, to a statistically significant degree (P = 0.019, P = 0.029, respectively). The median hospital-free survival period and themedian overall survival were also signifi cantly longer in Group A (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Surgical palliation does not increase the morbidity or mortality rates, but it does increase the survival rate and improve the quality of life in elderly patients with unresectable pancreatic head cancer.展开更多
In order to improve production and breed new broods of bay scallop Argopecten irradians irradians, different-colored orange, purple and white lines were established by two mating methods of self-fertilization and mass...In order to improve production and breed new broods of bay scallop Argopecten irradians irradians, different-colored orange, purple and white lines were established by two mating methods of self-fertilization and mass spawning at a commercial scallop hatchery in spring, 2002. And then larval growth and survival of different lines was compared to test whether there is a relationship between shell color and growth and survival at early developmental stage. Both growth and survival have no significant differences among different experimental larvae of self-fertilization or mass spawning. Results are as following in the order of orange, purple and white shell stock. For the self-fertilization, growth rates of larvae were 6.174, 6.412, and 6.599 μm/d, respectively. Survival rates of larvae at Day 3 were 74.41%, 76.86%, and 82.05%; Day 6 were 49.14%, 65.63%, and 52.79%; and Day 9 were 25.06%, 20.80%, and 26.47%, respectively. For the mass spawning, the growth rates were 7.836, 7.941, and 7.878 μm/d, respectively. Survival rates at Day 3 were 93.05%, 91.95%, and 92.50%; Day 6 were 79.17%, 78.05%, and 82.50%; and Day 9 were 34.72%, 36.67%, and 38.33%, respectively. The absence of any relationship between shell color and growth and survival at the larval stage may be resulted from their common genetic basis.展开更多
The planted forest area and carbon sequestration have increased significantly in China,because of large-scale reforestation and afforestation in the past decades.In this study,we developed an age-based volume-to-bioma...The planted forest area and carbon sequestration have increased significantly in China,because of large-scale reforestation and afforestation in the past decades.In this study,we developed an age-based volume-to-biomass method to estimate the carbon storage by planted forests in China in the period of 1973-2003 based on the data from 1209 field plots and national forest inventories.The results show that the total carbon storage of planted forests was 0.7743 Pg C in 1999-2003,increased by 3.08 times since the early 1970s.The carbon density of planted forests varied from 10.6594 Mg/ha to 23.9760 Mg/ha and increased by 13.3166 Mg/ha from 1973-1976 to 1999-2003.Since the early 1970s,the planted forests in China have been always a carbon sink,and the annual rate of carbon sequestration was 0.0217 Pg C/yr.The carbon storage and densities of planted forests varied greatly in space and time.The carbon storage of Middle South China was in the lead in all regions,which accounted for 23%-36% of national carbon storage.While higher C densities (from 17.79 Mg/ha to 26.05 Mg/ha) were usually found in Northeast China.The planted forests in China potentially have a high carbon sequestration since a large part of them are becoming mature and afforestation continues to grow.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate the prognostic value of some pathological variables in rectal cancer survival. METHODS： 247 patients who underwent curative resection of rectal cancer were included in the study. The influence on su...AIM： To evaluate the prognostic value of some pathological variables in rectal cancer survival. METHODS： 247 patients who underwent curative resection of rectal cancer were included in the study. The influence on survival of five pathological variables （histopathological tumor type, histopathological tumor grade differentiation, blood vessel invasion, perineural invasion and lymphatic invasion） was assessed using statistical analyses. RESULTS： Overall 5-year survival was 71.2%. Univariate analysis of all tested variables showed an effect on survival but only the effect of lymphatic invasion was statistically significant. At stages three and four it had a negative effect on survival （P = 0.0212）. Lymphatic invasion also significantly affected cancer related survival in multivariate analysis at stages three and four. At lower stages （stage 0, stage 1 and stage 2） multivariate analysis showed a negative effect of perineural invasion on cancer related survival. CONCLUSION： Patients with lymphatic and perineural invasion have a higher risk for rectal cancer related death after curative resection. Examination of these variables should be an important step in detecting patients with a poorer prognosis.展开更多
文摘Objective： Support Vector Machine （SVM） is a machine-learning method, based on the principle of structural risk minimization, which performs well when applied to data outside the training set. In this paper, SVM was applied to predict 5-year survival status of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma （NPC） after treatment, we expect to find a new way for prognosis studies in cancer so as to assist right clinical decision for individual patient. Methods： Two modelling methods were used in the study; SVM network and a standard parametric logistic regression were used to model 5-year survival status. And the two methods were compared on a prospective set of patients not used in model construction via receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve analysis. Results： The SVM1, trained with the 25 original input variables without screening, yielded a ROC area of 0.868, at sensitivity to mortality of 79.2% and the specificity of 94.5%. Similarly, the SVM2, trained with 9 input variables which were obtained by optimal input variable selection from the 25 original variables by logistic regression screening, yielded a ROC area of 0.874, at a sensitivity to mortality of 79.2% and the specificity of 95.6%, while the logistic regression yielded a ROC area of 0.751 at a sensitivity to mortality of 66.7% and gave a specificity of 83.5%. Conclusion： SVM found a strong pattern in the database predictive of 5-year survival status. The logistic regression produces somewhat similar, but better, results. These results show that the SVM models have the potential to predict individual patient＇s 5-year survival status after treatment, and to assist the clinicians for making a good clinical decision.
文摘Objective： To observe the relationship between non-small cell lung cancer with neuroendrocrine differentiation （NSCLC-NE） and patients＇ postoperative survival. Methods： During April 1997 to April 1999, 98 cases of hlng cancer were surgically treated. The tumor specimens of the patients were stained by NE markers, i.e. neuron specific enolase （NSE） and synaptophysin （SY）. The intensity of NE markers reaction was divided as ＂＋＂. ＂＋＋＂. ＂＋＋＋＂ scale groups. The same specimens were also examined under an electron microscope for the specific neuroendocrine granules. All enrolled patients were followed up for 36 months, and the longest follow-up time was 60 months. The COX proportional hazard model multivariate analysis was applied to observe the relationship between the NSCLE-NE and the patients＇ postoperative survival. Results： In 91 cases of NSCLC, 63.7% （58/91） were positive for NE stain reaction. Among them, 59.3% （54/91） were positive for NSE and 24.1% （22/91） for SY. 48.4% （44/91） were considered as NSCLC-NE by the combination of NE inarker stain reaction and electron microscopic examination. COX proportional hazard model lnnltivariate analysis showed that the NSCLC-NE patients＇ survival was significantly shortened （P=0.048）. The following factors were related to NSCLC-NE patients＇ survival： lung cancer cell differentiation （P=0.006）, clinical lung cancer stage （P=0.001）, the NE markers reaction （P=0.054）. Conclusion： NSCLE-NE is significantly related to the cancer cell differentiation and the patients＇ postoperative survival. The NE markers should be applied clinically as one of prognostic factors to evaluate the postoperative survival of NSCLC patients.
文摘Objective: To study the role of 125 I and 125 I plus gemcitabine (GEM) in treatment of unresectable carcinoma of pancreas. Methods: From April 2000 to April 2003, 38 untreated patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) were collected and randomized into two groups: Arm A 125 I (18 patients) and Arm B 125 I+GEM (20 patients). Eligibility criteria were: cytologically and pathologically proven pancreatic carcinoma, Karnofsky performance status (kps) 60 80, age 18 75 years, adequate hematological, renal and liver function, and controllable pain. Arm A patients were treated with 125 I implants. Arm B patients started chemotherapy within 10 14 d post operatively following the implant procedure. Chemotherapy doses were as follows: GEM 1 000 mg/m 2 weekly × 3 followed by 1 week of rest for 3 cycles. In addition, all patients underwent laparotomy and surgical staging. The surgical procedures performed were biopsy, gastric bypass and biliary bypass. The total activity and number of seeds used were as recommended by Anderson. The mean activity, minimal peripheral dose (MPD), and volume of implants were 20 mCi, 14 000 cGy, and 53 cm 3, respectively. Results: Overall response rate (CR+PR) in Arm A was 37.6% and in Arm B it was 44.5% ( P >0.05). PR median duration in Arm A was 6.7 months and in Arm B it was 4.8 months ( P <0.05). Clinical benefit response was experienced by 11.7 % of Arm A compared with 42.1% of Arm B ( P <0.05). The incidences of hematological toxicity (such as neutropenia) between Arm A and Arm B were 5.8% and 21.1%, respectively ( P >0.05). The survival rates of 12 and 24 month were 32.5%, 16.3% for Arm A and 61%, 38.7% for Arm B ( P =0.04). The rate of complication of Arm A was lower than that of Arm B without statistical significance. Conclusion: To some extent, 125 I or 125 I plus GEM is able to lead to a moderate objective response for LAPC with obstructive jaundice on the base of biliary bypass or/and gastric bypass, but 125 I plus GEM is more effective than 125 I in improvement of the quality of life and survival rate in patients with LAPC.
文摘AIM： To assess whether the effectiveness of a combination of transarterial chemoembolization （TACE） and percutaneous ethanol injection （PEI） in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is superior to TACE alone a randomized controlled trial was performed. METHODS： The effect of combination therapy on longterm survival rates and duration of hospitalization was evaluated in 52 previously untreated HCCs, randomly allocated to TACE-PEI （27 pts） or TACE alone （25 pts）. RESULTS： The cumulative survival rate of the TACE group was 75.8% at 6 mo, 62.9% at 12 mo, and 18.0% at 24 mo and of the TACE-PEI group 76.9%, 61.5%, and 38.7%, respectively. Comparison of overall survival in both groups showed no statistically significant difference. Regarding the patients with HCCs Okuda stage I （n = 26）, the median survival of the TACE-PEI group was significantly longer （〉24 mo, median not yet reached in the study period） compared to the TACE group （18.4 mo [range 11.6-21.7 mo]; P = 0.04）. TACE-PEI reduced the relative risk for mortality to 0.4 （95% CI 0.15-0.96） compared to patients who received TACE alone. Median survival in patients with HCCs Okuda stage Ⅱ or Ⅲ was 5.0 mo in the TACE group （1.7 rno-not defined） compared to 10.4 mo in the TACE-PEI group. CONCLUSION： The combination TACE-PEI improved survival time compared to TACE alone. Our study revealed a statistically significant improved survival in HCCs Okuda stage I. Side effects were minor and the combination therapy did not prolong duration of hospitalization considerably.
文摘AIM： To investigate the association between malnutrition and quality of life in patients with benign gastrointestinal disease.METHODS： Two hundred patients （104 wellnourished and 96 malnourished） were assessed according to the Subjective Global Assessment, anthropometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Quality of life was determined with the validated Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form General Health Survey （SF 36）. Muscle function was assessed by hand grip strength and peak flow.RESULTS： Body mass index, body cell mass, arm muscle area and hand grip strength were significantly lower in the malnourished patients. Quality of life was generally lower when compared to norm values. Seven out of eight quality of life scales （excluding bodily pain） were significantly reduced in the malnourished patients. Comparing patients with liver cirrhosis and inflammatory bowel disease （IBD）, patients with IBD experienced significantly lower values in the perception of bodily pain, social functioning and rnenta/health. Malnourished liver cirrhotics suffered reductions in more scales （six out of eight） than malnourished IBD patients did （four out of eight）.CONCLUSION： Quality of life is generally low in benign gastrointestinal disease and is further reduced in patients who are classified as malnourished. It appears that liver cirrhosis patients experience a higher quality of life than IBD patients do, but the impact of malnutrition seems to be greater in liver cirrhosis than in IBD.
基金Supported by the grant of the Center of Excellence,Biomedical Research using accelerator technology
文摘AIM： To identify the clinical and prognostic features of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） aged 80 years or more. METHODS： A total of 1310 patients with HCC were included in this study. Ninety-one patients aged 80 years or more at the time of diagnosis of HCC were defined as the extremely elderly group. Two hundred and thirty-four patients aged 〉/ 50 years but less than 60 years were regarded as the non-elderly group. RESULTS： The sex ratio （male to female） was significantly lower in the extremely elderly group （0.90：1） than in the non-elderly group （3.9：1, P〈 0.001）. The positive rate for HBsAg was significantly lower in the extremely elderly group and the proportion of patients negative for HBsAg and HCVAb obviously increased in the extremely elderly group （P〈 0.001）. There were no significant differences in the following parameters： diameter and number of tumors, Child-Pugh grading, tumor staging, presence of portal thrombosis or ascites, and positive rate for HCVAb. Extremely elderly patients did not often receive surgical treatment （P 〈 0.001） and they were more likely to receive conservative treatment （P〈 0.01）. There were no significant differences in survival curves based on the Kaplan-Meier methods in comparison with the overall patients between the two groups. However, the survival curves were significantly worse in the extremely elderly patients with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ, stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ and Child-Pugh grade A cirrhosis in comparison with the non-elderly group. The causes of death did not differ among the patients, and most cases died of liverrelated diseases even in the extremely elderly patients. CONCLUSION： In the patients with good liver functions and good performance status, aggressive treatment for HCC might improve the survival rate, even in extremely elderly patients.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of systemic chemo-immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Twenty-six patients with advanced HCC were treated by using systemic chemo-immunotherapy (PIAF regimen), which consisted of dsplatin (20 mg/m2) intravenously daily for 4 consecutive day, doxorubicin (40 mg/m2) intravenously on day 1, 5-fluorouracil (400 mg/m2) intravenously daily for 4 consecutive day, and human recombinant a-interferon-2a (5 Mu/m2) subcutaneous injection daily for 4 consecutive day. The treatment was repeated every 3 wk, with a maximum of six cycles. RESULTS: A total of 90 cycles of PIAF treatment were administered, with a mean number of 3.9 cycles per patient. Eight patients received six cycles of treatment (group A), and the remaining 18 were subjected to two to five cycles (group B). There were 0 complete response, 4 partial responses, 9 static diseases and 13 progressive diseases, with a disease control rate of 50% (13/26). The 1-year survival rate was 24.3%, with a median survival time of 6.0 mo. Group A had a remarkably better survival as compared with group B, the 1- and 2-year survival rates were 62.5% vs 6.1% and 32.3% vs 0%, and a median survival time was 12.5 mo vs5.0 mo (P= 0.001). CONCLUSION: Systemic chemo-immunotherapy using PIAF regimen represented an effective treatment and could improve the survival rate and prolong the survival time in selected patients with advanced HCC.
文摘AIM： To study the epidemiology of HCC in Lebanon and prognostic factors predictive of early mortality. METHODS： An observational follow-up cohort study of HCC cases diagnosed over a five-year period was carried out. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify prognostic factors in comparison to Cancer of the Liver italian Program （CUP） score. Multiple variables including the etiology of underlying liver disease, the demographic characteristics of patients, and the severity of liver disease evaluated by the Child-Pugh score were studied. Tumor parameters included the time of diagnosis of HCC, alpha-fetoprotein level, number and size of nodules, presence of portal vein thrombosis, and treatment modalities. Death or loss of follow-up was considered as an end-point event. RESULTS： Ninety-two patients （mean 60.5 ± 22.3 years） were included. Etiology of underlying disease was hepatitis B, C, and alcohol in 67%, 20%, and 23.5% respectively. Child-Pugh class at diagnosis was A, B, and C in 34.8%, 39.3% and 25.8% respectively. Overall survival was 44.8%, 32.8% and 17.6% at 1, 2 and 3 years respectively （mean F/U 40.2 ± 23.5 mo）. Multivariate analysis identified three predictors of early mortality （〈 6 mo）： bilirubin 〉 3.2 mg/dL （P 〈 0.01）, HCC as first presentation of liver disease （P = 0.035）, and creatinine 〉 1 mg/dL （P = 0.017）. A score based on these variables outperformed the CLIP score by Cox proportional hazard. ROC curve showed both models to be equivalent and moderately accurate.CONCLUSION： HBV is the leading cause of HCC in Lebanon. Independent predictors of early mortality are elevated bilirubin, creatinine and HCC as first manifestation of disease. Prospective validation of a score based on these clinical parameters in predicting short-term survival is needed.
基金Supported by the Grant from the Eisai Human Health Care Company
文摘AIM: To evaluate the quality of gastric ulcer healing after different antiulcer treatment by endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS).METHODS: The patients were divided into three groups, and received lansoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycinfor 1 wk. Then group A took lansoprazole combined with tepreton for 5 wk, group B took lansoprazole and group C took tepreton for 5 wk. Endoscopy and EUS were performed before and 6 wk after medication. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in cumulative healing rate to S stage between the groups (89%, 82%vs83%,P＞0.05). The rate of white scar formation was significantly higher in group A than in groups B and C (67%, 36%, 50%, P＜0.05). The average contraction rates of the width of ulcer crater, length of disrupted muscularis propria layer and hypoechoic area were higher in groupA than in groups B and C (0.792±0.090, 0.660±0.105 vs0.668±0.143, P＜0.05). The hypoechoic area disappeared in four cases of group A, one of group B and two of group C. The percentage of hypoechoic area disappearance was higher in group A than in the other two groups (44%, 9%vs 17%, P＜0.05). Gastric ulcer healing was better ingroup A.CONCLUSION: The combined administration of proton pump inhibitors and mucosal protective agent can improve gastric ulcer healing.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the factors involved in the impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with celiac disease.METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional prospective study was performed in patients with celiac disease who completed two HRQOL questionnaires: the gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) and the EuroQol-5D (EQ).RESULTS: Three hundred and forty patients (163 controlled with a gluten-free diet, and 177 newly diagnosed with a normal diet) were included. The GIQLI score was significantly better in patients on a gluten-free diet (GFD) than in non-treated patients on their usual diet, both in terms of the overall score (3.3 vs 2.7, respectively; P < 0.001), as well as on the individual questionnaire dimensions. Both the preference value of the EQ as the visual analogue scale were significantly better in treated than in non-treated patients (0.93 vs 0.72 P < 0.001 and 80 vs 70 P < 0.001, respectively). Variables significantly associated with a worse HRQOL score were female gender, failure to adhere to a GFD, and symptomatic status.CONCLUSION: In untreated celiac disease, the most important factors that influence patient perception of health are the presence of symptoms and a normal diet. HRQOL improves to levels similar to those described in the general population in celiac disease patients well controlled with a GFD.
基金support from the Shanghai TCM Gushi Surgical School Heritage Research Base Construction Project of Shanghai Health Bureau(ZYSNXD-CC-APGC-JD-002)
文摘Objective To preliminarily evaluate the efficacy of the Fu Zheng method(supporting resistance against pathogenic factors)applied by Professor Hong-Feng CHEN in improving the quality of life in patients with triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)to collect and organize the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)formulas applied by Professor Hong-Feng CHEN in the treatment of TNBC in order to explore the patterns in prescription.Methods The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast scale(FACT-B V4.0)were collected before and after treatment;the database and data mining platform for prescribed TCM formulas were constructed using Microsoft SQL Server 2005,and the patterns in drug pairing and combination were summarized by correlation analysis of data mining.Results The formulas improved the mean scores of the patients’physical well-being,social/family well-being,emotional well-being,physical function well-being and additional concerns(P<0.01);the drug combinations and pairs frequently used by Professor Hong-Feng CHEN were summarized.Conclusion The TCM formulas applied by Professor Hong-Feng CHEN can alleviate adverse physiological reactions,improve psychological conditions and improve function in patients.The formulas take spleen invigoration and stomach nourishment as well as blood circulation promotion and stagnation dissipation as the therapeutic principles,with simplicity in prescription and focus on care and protection the foundation of acquired constitution.
文摘AIM: To determine if surgical biliary bypass would provide improved quality of residual life and safe palliation in elderly patients with unresectable pancreatic head cancer. METHODS: Nineteen patients, 65 years of age or older, were managed with surgical biliary bypass (Group A). These patients were compared with 19 patients under 65 years of age who were managed with surgical biliary bypass (Group B). In addition, the results for group A were compared with those obtained from 17 patients, 65 years of age or older (Group C), who received percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage to evaluate the quality of residual life. RESULTS: Five patients (26.0%) in Group A had complications, including one intraabdominal abscess, one pulmonary atelectasis, and three wound infections. One death (5.3%) occurred on postoperative day 3. With respect to morbidity, mortality, and postoperative hospitalization, no statistically significant difference was noted between Groups A and B. The number of readmissions and the rate of recurrent jaundice were lower in Group A than in Group C, to a statistically significant degree (P = 0.019, P = 0.029, respectively). The median hospital-free survival period and themedian overall survival were also signifi cantly longer in Group A (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Surgical palliation does not increase the morbidity or mortality rates, but it does increase the survival rate and improve the quality of life in elderly patients with unresectable pancreatic head cancer.
基金This work was financially supported by Project of Scientific Innova-tion, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ZKCX2-211).
文摘In order to improve production and breed new broods of bay scallop Argopecten irradians irradians, different-colored orange, purple and white lines were established by two mating methods of self-fertilization and mass spawning at a commercial scallop hatchery in spring, 2002. And then larval growth and survival of different lines was compared to test whether there is a relationship between shell color and growth and survival at early developmental stage. Both growth and survival have no significant differences among different experimental larvae of self-fertilization or mass spawning. Results are as following in the order of orange, purple and white shell stock. For the self-fertilization, growth rates of larvae were 6.174, 6.412, and 6.599 μm/d, respectively. Survival rates of larvae at Day 3 were 74.41%, 76.86%, and 82.05%; Day 6 were 49.14%, 65.63%, and 52.79%; and Day 9 were 25.06%, 20.80%, and 26.47%, respectively. For the mass spawning, the growth rates were 7.836, 7.941, and 7.878 μm/d, respectively. Survival rates at Day 3 were 93.05%, 91.95%, and 92.50%; Day 6 were 79.17%, 78.05%, and 82.50%; and Day 9 were 34.72%, 36.67%, and 38.33%, respectively. The absence of any relationship between shell color and growth and survival at the larval stage may be resulted from their common genetic basis.
基金Under the auspices of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.40601079)National Key Project of Scientific and Technical Supporting Programs (No.2006BAC08B03,2008BAC34B06)
文摘The planted forest area and carbon sequestration have increased significantly in China,because of large-scale reforestation and afforestation in the past decades.In this study,we developed an age-based volume-to-biomass method to estimate the carbon storage by planted forests in China in the period of 1973-2003 based on the data from 1209 field plots and national forest inventories.The results show that the total carbon storage of planted forests was 0.7743 Pg C in 1999-2003,increased by 3.08 times since the early 1970s.The carbon density of planted forests varied from 10.6594 Mg/ha to 23.9760 Mg/ha and increased by 13.3166 Mg/ha from 1973-1976 to 1999-2003.Since the early 1970s,the planted forests in China have been always a carbon sink,and the annual rate of carbon sequestration was 0.0217 Pg C/yr.The carbon storage and densities of planted forests varied greatly in space and time.The carbon storage of Middle South China was in the lead in all regions,which accounted for 23%-36% of national carbon storage.While higher C densities (from 17.79 Mg/ha to 26.05 Mg/ha) were usually found in Northeast China.The planted forests in China potentially have a high carbon sequestration since a large part of them are becoming mature and afforestation continues to grow.
文摘AIM： To evaluate the prognostic value of some pathological variables in rectal cancer survival. METHODS： 247 patients who underwent curative resection of rectal cancer were included in the study. The influence on survival of five pathological variables （histopathological tumor type, histopathological tumor grade differentiation, blood vessel invasion, perineural invasion and lymphatic invasion） was assessed using statistical analyses. RESULTS： Overall 5-year survival was 71.2%. Univariate analysis of all tested variables showed an effect on survival but only the effect of lymphatic invasion was statistically significant. At stages three and four it had a negative effect on survival （P = 0.0212）. Lymphatic invasion also significantly affected cancer related survival in multivariate analysis at stages three and four. At lower stages （stage 0, stage 1 and stage 2） multivariate analysis showed a negative effect of perineural invasion on cancer related survival. CONCLUSION： Patients with lymphatic and perineural invasion have a higher risk for rectal cancer related death after curative resection. Examination of these variables should be an important step in detecting patients with a poorer prognosis.
