Biomedical subjects

Li Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to Li Zhang.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources

PubMed2006

[Prognostic impact of plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA concentration on distant metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Distant metastasis is one of the main causes of treatment failure in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Trials of combined modality treatment could not demonstrate obvious decrease of the rate of distant metastasis and survival rate, therefore eligible individualized and best combined modality treatment has not been established. Plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA is a sensitive and specific molecular marker, which may reflect the stage, response to treatments and prognosis of NPC. This prospective study was to investigate whether the plasma EBV DNA concentration could be used to predict distant metastasis in NPC, and thus to provide us a molecular marker for individualized combined modality treatment. METHODS: Blood samples from 69 patients with primary NPC were collected before and after radiotherapy. The content of EBV DNA in the plasma samples was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. All patients received consequent follow up and long-term efficacy and survival assessment. The correlation of pre/post treatment EBV DNA concentrations to survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. The prognostic factors were evaluated by Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Both pretreatment EBV DNA median concentration (27,000 copies/ml) and post-treatment EBV DNA detecting rate (55.56%) in patients with distant metastasis were higher than those with continuous remission (4,000 copies/ml, 5.56%) and those with local relapse (3,850 copies/ml, 0%)(P = 0.039 and 0.001, respectively). With a cut-off value of 20,000 copies/ml and 0 copies/ml respectively for pretreatment and post-treatment EBV DNA concentration, patients with lower EBV DNA concentration had statistically preferable progression-free survival (PFS), metastasis-free survival(MFS) and overall survival (OS) than those with higher EBV DNA concentration. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that both pretreatment EBV DNA (P = 0.050; RR = 3.95) and post-treatment EBV DNA (P = 0.001; RR = 11.74) were risk factors for MFS. Further analysis of pretreatment and post-treatment EBV DNA concentration revealed that whether EBV DNA concentration could be decreased to 0 after treatment dominated metastasis-free survival (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Plasma EBV DNA concentration before and after treatment, especially whether post-treatment concentration could be decreased to 0 may predict distant metastasis, which helps to select patients with high risks and determine the combined modality treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Prevalence of putative periodontal microorganisms in Chinese patients with aggressive periodontitis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of putative periodontal microorganism in Chinese patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP). METHODS: A total of 72 subgingival plaque samples were collected from 55 AgP patients and 17 healthy subjects. Seven putative periodontal microorganisms including Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythensis (Tf), Treponema denticola (Td), Campylobacter rectus (Cr), Prevotella intermedia (Pi) and Prevotella nigrescens (Pn) were detected by using 16S rRNA based polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The prevalence of Aa in AgP patients was very low (1.8%), while Pg, Tf, Td and Cr were more frequently detected in AgP patients (prevalence: 81.8%, 83.6%, 80% and 81.8%) than in healthy controls (prevalence: 17.6%, 11.8%, 5.9%, 29.4%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of Pg, Tf, Td and Cr were very high in aggressive periodontitis patients, and the combination of these bacteria may play an important role in AgP.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[A prospective cohort study on human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis seroconversion among injecting drug users].

OBJECTIVE: To study the rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroconversion, HIV transmission and related risk factors among injecting drug users (IDUs) in an area of Sichuan province. METHODS: In November 2002, a community-based baseline survey was conducted to recruit 333 HIV-seronegative IDUs for a prospective cohort study in Xichang county of Sichuan province, China. Follow-up visits were carried out every 6 months to study the situation of drug use, sexual behaviors of the IDUs and blood specimens were collected to test for antibodies against HIV and syphilis. RESULTS: During a 24-month follow-up period, cohort retention rate and HIV incidence were 75.7% and 2.53 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-3.97)], respectively. Multivariate Poisson regression model showed that risk factors which were significantly associated with HIV seroconversion would include: ethnicity (RR = 12.42; 95% CI: 2.72-56.74, P = 0.0012) and needle or syringe sharing in the past 3 months (RR = 4.06; 95% CI: 1.29-12.81, P = 0.0168). Syphilis seroconversion in this cohort was 4.71 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 2.59-6.82). In multivariate Poisson regression being female (RR = 4.42; 95% CI: 1.78-10.99, P = 0.0014) appeared to be the only factor which was significantly associated with syphilis seroconversion. CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that there was a rapid transmission of HIV and syphilis among IDUs in Sichuan province, suggesting that effective intervention should be urgently taken.

Cohort Studies↗

PubMed2006

[Study of genes involved in chronic myeloid leukemia with t (3; 21) (q26; q22) in blastic crisis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore genes involved in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with t (3; 21) (q26; q22) chromosome translocation in blastic crisis. METHODS: A case of CML patient with t (3; 21) (q26; q22) in blastic crisis was reported. AML1 and bcr/abl genes were detected by FISH in interphase and metaphase cells. Genes involved in t (3; 21) (q26; q22) were analysed by RT-PCR and sequencing. RESULTS: AML1 gene hybridization signal was detected in der (3) and der (21) chromosomes. AML1-Evi1, AML1-MDS1-Evi1, AML1-EAP fusion transcripts and Evi1 gene were detected in mRNA level, but no AML1-Evi1 fusion transcript. The mRNA expression level of AML1-MDS1-Evi1 fusion gene was 1.58 and 1.54 times higher than that of AML1-MDS1 and AML1-EAP, respectively. The mRNA expression level of Evi1 gene of the patient was 2.71 times higher than that of HEL cell line. CONCLUSION: t (3; 21) (q26; q22) resulted in the AML1-MDS1-Evi1, AML1-MDS1, AML1-EAP fusion transcripts, and Evi1 gene was also activated by the translocation. These secondary aberrations should be the molecular basis of CML patient with t (3; 21) (q26; q22) in blastic crisis.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[An associated analysis of estrogen receptor 2 gene polymorphism linked with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation ship of estrogen receptor 2 gene (ESR2) polymorphism associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) in Chengdu of China. METHODS: By polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method, the Rsa I polymorphism in exon 5 and the Alu I polymorphism in exon 8 of ESR2 were detected in 100 pregnant women with ICP (ICP group) and 100 normal pregnant women (control group) in Chengdu. RESULTS: (1) The frequency of the allele A of Alu I polymorphism in exon 8 was significantly higher in ICP group than in control group (P=0.031, OR=1.975), so did the frequency of the Aa+AA genotypes (P=0.028, OR=2.144). (2) The genotype distributions (rr, Rr and RR) and allele frequencies (r and R) of Rsa I polymorphism in exon 5 were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The Alu I polymorphism in exon 8 of ESR2 may be associated with the susceptibility of ICP in Chengdu. The Aa+AA genotype significantly elevated the risk suffering from the ICP. The Rsa I polymorphism in exon 5 of ESR2 is not associated with the risk getting the ICP in Chengdu.

Cholestasis, Intrahepatic↗

PubMed2006

[Internal fixation with the supporting steel of AO femoral condyles for treatment of complicated distal femoral fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the technique and clinical effects of internal fixation of complicated distal femoral fractures using the supporting steel of AO femoral condyles. METHODS: From October 2001 to February 2004, 23 cases of complicated distal femoral fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using the supporting steel of AO femoral condyles. Of 23 cases, there were 19 males and 4 females, aged 27-55 years. The locations were the right side in 10 cases and the left side in 13 cases. Fracture caused by traffic accident in 16 and by fall in 7, including 14 closed fracture and 9 open fracture, 21 fresh fracture and 2 old fracture. According to AO classification, 6 cases were classified as type A extra-articular fracture and 17 cases as type C intra-articular fracture. The X-ray films before operation showed comminuted fracture of femoral intercondylar and femoral supracondylar. All cases received scientific and rational rehabilitative treatment post-operatively. RESULTS: The postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 months to 20 months, 23 cases achieved fracture healing with an average healing period of 10.3 months (from 7 months to 16 months). According to the criteria of Kolmer and Wulff, the results were excellent in 16 cases, good in 4 cases, fair in 2 case and poor in 1 case. The excellent and good rate was 86.9%. CONCLUSION: Internal fixation with the supporting steel of AO femoral condyles for treatment of complicated distal femoral fractures has advantages of reasonable design, convenient operation, firm fixation and reliable clinical outcome.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Association between polymorphisms of CYP17 and CYP3A4 genes and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in Chengdu].

OBJECTIVE: investigate whether polymorphisms in estrogen-metabolizing genes, CYP17 and CYP3A4, are associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) in Chengdu China. METHODS: The -1931T/C polymorphism in the 5'-untranslated region of CYP17 gene and the -290A/G polymorphism in the 5'-regulatory region of CYP3A4 gene were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in 100 pregnant women with ICP (ICP group) and 100 normal pregnant women (control group) in Chengdu. RESULTS: The T/C polymorphism of the CYP17 gene was shown clearly in ICP and control groups, but the genotype distributions (TT, TC and CC) and allele frequencies (T and C) of CYP17 polymorphism were of no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). No CYP3A4-V (CTP3A4 * 1B) allele was found in the 200 individuals studied. The genotype of CYP3A4 was wt/wt in all the pregnant women. CONCLUSION: The T/C polymorphism of CYP17 gene is not associated with the risk of ICP in Chengdu. There are not -290A/G polymorphism of CYP3A4 gene among pregnunt women in Chengdu.

China↗

PubMed2006

Nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 26 cases of hematological malignancies.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of non-myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-NST) and its related technologies in hematological malignancies. 26 patients with hematological malignancies (acute leukemia 10, chronic myeloid leukemia 14, multiple myeloma 2) received allo-NST following conditioning regimens with fludarabine/cyclophosphamide/ATG in 14 cases or busulfan or melphalan/cyclophosphamide/ATG in 12 cases prior to infusion of 2 or 3 collections of G-CSF (600 microg/d) or G-CSF (300 microg/d) plus GM-CSF (300 microg/d) mobilized blood stem cell on the fifth day. A combination of cyclosporine A (CsA) and methotrexate (MTX) was administered for GVHD prophylaxis. Patients were eligible for donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) (or donor stem cell infusion (DSI)) given in graded increments according to the chimeric formation and clinical feature. Generally, the dose of the first infusion was 1 x 10(7)/kg in 4th week post-transplantation. The engraftment analyses included the detection of microsatellite short tandem repeats (STRs), bcr/abl fusion gene, Philadelphia chromosome, HLA-locus analysis, sex chromosome and ABO blood type or blood subtype. The results showed that out of 26 patients, 22 (84.62%) were engrafted, 18/22 were full donor chimerism (FDC) up to now. Acute GVHD occurred in 3/26 (11.54%), while chronic GVHD was diagnosed in 6 out of 26 (23.07%) patients. The incidence and degree of infection and hemorrhage were low and slight. It is concluded that NST is a safe and effective therapy for hematological malignancies, whereas related technologies such as adaptation selected, conditioning regimen and transplantation immunotherapy should be studied further.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[High-dose induction therapy followed by maintenance with recombinant human erythropoietin for 30 patients with tumor-related anemia].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Anemia is a common complication of cancer patients. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) can alleviate the symptoms of cancer-related anemia. However, the optimal use of rhEPO is still on investigation. This study was to find out the optimal use of rhEPO in anemic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: From May, 2004 to Feb, 2005, 30 patients with cancer-related anemia receiving concurrent chemotherapy were enrolled. This open-labeled, non-randomized, and pilot study evaluated the response rate of induction rhEPO 120,000 U (40,000 U was subcutaneously injected on d1, 3, 5) followed by subcutaneous injection of maintenance dose of 40,000 U once a week for 3 weeks (d8, 15, 22). Hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) were measured before treatment and fortnightly during the treatment. RESULTS: Mean Hb maintained increasing during treatment. In week 2 (n=29) and week 4 (n=21), there were 27.59% and 61.90% patients, respectively, whose Hb value had increased more than 20 g/L from the baseline (79.56 g/L) and mean Hb were 90.26 g/L and 96.81 g/L respectively (P<0.05). And mean Hct at week 2 and week 4 were 27.01% and 30.17% respectively, which were higher than the baseline (24.29%)(P=0.062 and 0.001 respectively). All patients demonstrated fine tolerance. CONCLUSION: Induction therapy followed by maintenance with rhEPO can improve the level of hemoglobin significantly and quickly in anemic cancer patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[A randomized control clinical trial of Euruikang (docetaxel) in treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Docetaxel is one of the major drugs for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment in clinical use. It is reported that the response rate of docetaxel alone is about 20% and its major toxicity is myelosuppression. The study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of docetaxel (made in Beijing) in the treatment of advanced NSCLC. METHODS: 77 patients were randomized into two groups. In the study group, patients were received docetaxel (made in Beijing) 75 mg/m(2) in one hour plus cisplatin 70 mg/m(2); while in the control group, docetaxel (made in Jiangsu) 75 mg/m(2) plus cisplatin 70 mg/m(2) were administrated. Treatment in the two groups was repeated every 3 weeks. All patients had to receive at least two cycles of chemotherapy. RESULTS: The objective responses in the study and control group were 28.95% and 27.03% respectively, with no statistical difference (P>0.5). Common toxicities of docetaxel (made in Beijing) were grade II-III myelosuppression, grade I-II transaminase elevation, alopecia and hypodynamia. CONCLUSION: Docetaxel (made in Beijing) is an effective chemotherapy drug in advanced NSCLC treatment, which has the similar efficacy and toxicity to docetaxel (made in Jiangsu).

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Feasibility study of application of international prognostic score on prediction of prognosis for advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Currently, 60% patients with advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma could be cured by receiving standard treatments. The international prognostic factor project on advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma has developed a concept of international prognostic score (IPS) based on seven adverse prognostic factors consisting of male sex, age 45 years or older, stage IV disease, leukocytosis, lymphocytopenia, low hemoglobin and low serum albumin for newly diagnosed advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. This study was to explore the feasibility of the international prognostic score in advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 141 patients with untreated advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma in Cancer Center of Sun Yat-sen University between January 1980 and December 2004. IPS was defined as the number of adverse prognostic factors presented at diagnosis. The rates of failure free survival (FFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the method of Kaplan-Meier and compared according to IPS by log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard model was used in multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The 5-year FFS and OS for 141 advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma patients were 57.6%, 68.1% respectively. Estimated 5-year FFS was 67.7%, 63.2%, 61.8%, 34.9% for patients with 0-1, 2, 3, > or =4 of the adverse prognostic factors respectively. Estimated 5-year OS was 81.0%, 75.5%, 70.3%, 42.3% for patients with 0-1, 2, 3, > or =4 of the adverse prognostic factors respectively. The 5-year FFS for low risk patients with IPS=0-2 and high risk patients with IPS> or =3 were 65.4%, 48.9% respectively (log-rank test: P=0.012); the 5 year OS for patients with IPS=0-2 and IPS> or =3 were 78.4%, 57.1% respectively (log-rank test: P=0.004). Low risk patients with IPS=0-2 had superior overall survival than high risk patients with IPS> or =3 when treated with ABVD or MOPP. The FFS and OS of the advanced HL patients at high risk treated with ABVD were better than those treated with MOPP. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that B symptoms, extranodal disease and MOPP chemotherapy were independent adverse prognostic factors for FFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS: The IPS shows good prognostic power in advanced HL. High risk advanced HL patients treated with MOPP have inferior survival than those treated with ABVD, thus we recommend patients to be treated with ABVD or more intensive regimen.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[A novel method for detection and sero-grouping of Nesseria meningitidis].

OBJECTIVE: We developed a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for detection, identification and sero-grouping strains of N. meningitidis. METHODS: The gene of crgA was selected for detection and identification of N. meningitidis and the 230 bp of crgA fragments were amplified. The genes of siaD and orf-2 were used for sero-grouping. With this technology, N. meningitidis of serogroup A,B,C,Y and W135 can be differentiated from the specific fragment 400 bp,450 bp,250 bp, 120 bp,120 bp. RESULTS: This multiple PCR method seemed to be more sensitive than latex agglutination. We used this method to detect 61 isolates of N. meningitidis and the 230 bp of crgA fragments were amplified. No positive results were obtained from on 4 strains of non-N. meningitidis. It seemed that the PCR method which was based on crag, was specific in detecting N. meningitidis. The 55 strains of N. meningitidis could be grouped into A,B,C,Y and W135 by this multiplex PCR. No gene fragment was synthesized for the other serogroups of N. meningitidis. No cross-reaction was observed for other bacterial species. 4 samples of meningococcal meningitis patients were detected by the multiplex PCR and two of them were positive with 400 bp band,representing serogroup A of N. meningitidis but all were negative to culture and latex agglutination. 18 samples of Japanese (B) encephalitis patients were also detected by multiplex PCR and no positive result was obtained which was consistent to the finding from culture and latex agglutination. CONCLUSION: This multiplex PCR method showed its potential in clinical diagnosis and epidemiological investigation.

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed2006

Effects of RNAi-mediated Smad4 silencing on growth and apoptosis of human rhabdomyosarcoma cells.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signals through membrane-bound heteromeric serine/threonine kinase receptors. Upon ligand binding, TGF-beta activates intracellular Smad proteins and regulates proliferation and apoptosis in various cell types. To demonstrate the effects of TGF-beta/Smad signal on growth and apoptosis of human embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cells, a strategy of RNAi-mediated 'gene silencing' of Smad4 was used to interrupt endogenous TGF-beta/Smad signaling in an RMS cell line, RD, and the regulation of exogenous TGF-beta1 to growth and apoptosis of the cells was also determined. Physiologically, TGF-beta/Smad signaling was essential for the normal growth of RD. The interruption of endogenous TGF-beta/Smad signaling by RNAi significantly suppressed the growth of RD cells and dramatically induced apoptosis of RD cells. Exogenous TGF-beta1 also inhibited the growth of RD cells, but had no effect on apoptosis. It also partially counteracted the growth inhibition and apoptosis induced by Smad4 silencing in RD cells. These findings provide a new insight into how TGF-beta/Smad signaling regulates the growth and apoptosis of cancer cells. Moreover, as a powerful tool, shRNA interference suppresses endogenous Smad4 gene expression and subsequently modulates cell growth and apoptosis, which may provide a novel basis for the development of rational intervention strategies in RMS therapy.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2006

[Analysis of volatile constituents from leaves of plants by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with solid-phase microextraction].

A method for analyzing volatile constituents from plant leaves with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) coupled with solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was developed. The volatile compounds from the plant leaves inside a sealed flask maintained at 45 degrees C in a water bath were efficiently extracted with Polyacrylate (85 microm) SPME fibers prior to perform GC/MS analysis. The GC/MS analysis indicated that the volatile compounds from the plant leaves which is easy to be damaged by Tetraychus vienneis include relative large amounts of cis-3-hexenyl ester acetic acid, cis-3-hexenyl ester butanoic acid and alpha-famesene. These compounds were preliminarily confirmed to be accountable for attracting Tetraychus vienneis. This finding may lead to identify biological species for preventing and treating Tetraychus vienneis.

Clinical Laboratory Techniques↗

PubMed2006

[Association of genetic polymorphisms in human leukocyte antigen-DQA1 with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in Chengdu district].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between human leukocyte antigen-DQA1 (HLA-DQA1) allele gene polymorphism and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). METHODS: Forty-five patients with ICP, eighteen ICP families, forty-five normal pregnant women and eighteen normal control families were tested for HLA-DQA1 allele gene polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP) method. RESULTS: The frequency of HLA-DQA1*0301 in normal pregnant women was markedly higher than that in the ICP group (P>0.05). No significant differences were observed between the frequencies of other detected HLA-DQA1 alleles in both groups. The analysis of feto-maternal or couples sharing of the HLA-DQA1 alleles showed that no significant differences were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The above findings suggest that there is no significant association between the genetic polymorphisms in HLA-DQA1 and ICP in Chengdu district; HLA-DQA1*0301 may be a protective gene against ICP. It may prevent the development of ICP.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[The cloned ctxA gene of vibrio cholerae expresses in E. coli].

OBJECTIVE: To construct the expression vector of Vibrio cholerae ctxA gene, and realize the Vibrio cholerae ctxA gene to express in E. coli, and lay a basis for future research on the immunogenicity and immunoadjuvant. METHODS: The ctxA gene, an cholera toxin subunit gene (ctxA) of Vibrio cholerae, was obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from DNA of Vibrio cholerae, and cloned into prokaryotic expressed vector pET32a(+) with thioredoxin (Trx) gene. The recombinant plasmid (pET-ctxA) was analyzed to identify with restriction-endonuclease digestion, PCR and DNA sequencing analysis. And then the pET-ctxA was transferred into E. coli strain BL21 (DE3) for transformation. The ctxA expression of pET-ctxA was induced with isopropy-beta-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) and the fused protein Trx-CTA was examined by SDS-PAGE and Western blot techniques. RESULTS: Restriction endonuclease digestion, PCR and DNA sequencing analyses showed that the ctxA gene of 787 bp was amplified from Vibrio cholerae DNA, and the recombinant plasmid pET-ctxA was successfully constructed, and the ctxA expression in prokaryotic cell was detected by SDS-PAGE and Western blot techniques. CONCLUSION: The ctxA gene of Vibrio cholerae, in fused protein form with Trx, got a high expression in E. coli.

Cholera Toxin↗

PubMed2006

[Initial outcome of induction chemotherapy with weekly paclitaxel followed by three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and concurrent weekly paclitaxel for stage III non-small cell lung cancer].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of radiotherapy alone on locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is poor. Although the combined modality of chemoradiotherapy and dose-escalation of radiotherapy have been the main trends, the optimal modality still remains unknown. This study was to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of induction chemotherapy (ICT) followed by three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D CRT) and concurrent weekly paclitaxel on unresectable NSCLC. METHODS: Stage III NSCLC patients with favorable conditions were treated with 2 to 4 cycles of carboplatin (AUC=5-6, d1) combined with paclitaxel (175 mg/m(2), d1), then followed by weekly paclitaxel (40 mg/m(2)) and concurrent 3D CRT within 3-4 weeks. The prescription dose was given as high as possible under the condition that V20 < or =31% and spinal cord dose < or =50 Gy. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were enrolled. ICT was well tolerated. During the concurrent chemoradiotherapy, the treatment of 3 patients was ended ahead of the schedule because of severe pulmonary and heart toxicities; the treatment of 2 patients was delayed for 7 and 12 days because of fatigue. Myelosuppression was mild (16/31): all were grade 1-2 except 1 was grade 3. Lymphocytopenia was more obvious (29/31, grade 3 in 21). Three patients developed grade 3 radiation-induced esophagitis, and 2 developed grade 3-4 radiation-induced pneumonitis. Two developed grade 3 esophageal stricture. No grade 3-4 pulmonary fibrosis was observed. The overall response rate was 74.1%. The 1-, 2-, 3-year overall survival rates were 74.2%, 41.9%, and 34.6%, respectively, with the median survival time of 18.5 months. The 1-, 2-, 3-year local progression-freely survival rates were 64.5%, 32.3%, and 20.5%, respectively, with the median local progression-freely survival time of 14.3 months. CONCLUSIONS: The program of ICT followed by weekly paclitaxel and 3D CRT is accomplished in most of the favorable stage III NSCLC patients. The toxicity is tolerable, and the response rate is inspiriting.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Blood lipids and glucose levels in patients with periodontitis].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the serum levels of lipid and glucose in patients with periodontitis. METHODS: The patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP, n = 117) and chronic periodontitis (CP, n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 37) were recruited. Peripheral blood sample was obtained from each subject by venipuncture. Serum chemistry variables including total cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose were analyzed by biochemical analyzer. RESULTS: The average serum levels of triglycerides and glucose of the patients with AgP [(1.09 +/- 0.79) mmol/L and (5.07 +/- 0.66) mmol/L] were both significantly higher than those of the control group [(0.94 +/- 0.28) mmol/L and (4.62 +/- 0.64) mmol/L], P < 0.05. Higher serum levels of total cholesterol and glucose were also observed in patients with CP [(4.61 +/- 1.23) mmol/L and (5.40 +/- 1.01) mmol/L] compared with controls [(4.49 +/- 0.78) mmol/L and (4.62 +/- 0.64) mmol/L], P < 0.05. Serum level of total cholesterol in AgP group was positively associated with percentage of severe sites (r = 0.25, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with periodontitis may have altered serum lipid and glucose levels compared with controls.

Adolescent↗