Objective: To study vascular characteristics of bronchial arterial reconstruction for lung cancer in relation to patient’s prognosis.Methods: According to the International Staging System for Lung Cancer, bronchial a...Objective: To study vascular characteristics of bronchial arterial reconstruction for lung cancer in relation to patient’s prognosis.Methods: According to the International Staging System for Lung Cancer, bronchial arteriography was performed in 16 patients with stage III a , 42 patients with stage III b lung cancer before bronchial arterial infusion (BAI) of chemotherapy. Angiograms was read by radiologists and analyzed by real-multicolour picture system. All patients were followed up and the data were collected.Results: The common findings of angiographic vessels were variable distending, hypervascularity with shunting as net, and extravasation of contrast, light or dense staining in the regions of the tumors for all patients. Radial growth vessels in pericancer were found in 30 patients, including 20 cases (66.7%) of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), 7 cases (23.3%) of adenocarcinoma, 3 cases (10%) of squamous carcinoma; a thick circular vessels in pericancer in 16 patients: both characteristics above were seen in 5 cases. Hematogenous dissemination was found in 19 of 30 patients (63.3%) with radial growth vessels in pericancer; lymphatic spread (supraclavicular nodes) in 3 of 30 (10%); local recurrences in 2 of 30 (6.7%) 6 and 30 months respectively after curable resection. Hematogenous dissemination was found in 2 of 28 patients (7.1%) without radial growth vessels in pericancer during the period of follow-up. There was significant difference in the rate of hematogenous dissemination in two groups (P<0.01).Conclusion: Radial growth vessels at pericancer for bronchial arteriography of lung cancer was an important sign of high rate of hematogenous dissemination and lymphatic spread. Key words lung cancer - angiography - metastasis展开更多
AIM: TO investigate the expression and clinical significance of S100A2 mRNA and protein, p63 protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and their roles in carcinogenesis and progression of esophageal carc...AIM: TO investigate the expression and clinical significance of S100A2 mRNA and protein, p63 protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and their roles in carcinogenesis and progression of esophageal carcinoma (EC). METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining (S-P method) for S100A2 and p63 protein were performed in 40 samples of ESCC and 40 samples of normal esophageal mucosa. In situ hybridization (ISH) was used to detect the expression of S100A2 mRNA. RESULTS: Expression of S100A2 mRNA in ESCC was positive in 77.5% of samples, which was lower than that in normal mucosa (100%) by ISH (P = 0.002). The expression level of S100A2 mRNA was closely related to differentiation and and node-metastasis (P = 0.012, P = 0.008). Expression of $100A2 protein was positive in 72.5% of ESCC samples and expression of p63 protein was positive in 37.5% of ESCC samples, and was lower than that in normal mucosa (100%) (P = 0.000). The expression of S100A2 protein was correlated with the differentiation and node-metastasis (P = 0.007, P = 0.001), but no relationship was observed between the expression of p63 protein and clinical pathological manifestations. S100A2 protein was positively correlated with the expression of S100A2 mRNA, and negatively associated with the expression of p63 protein (P = 0.000, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: S100A2 and p63 protein both play important roles in the carcinogenesis of ESCC. An investigation into the combined expression of S100A2 and p63 may be helpful in early diagnosis and in evaluating the prognosis of ESCC.展开更多
Objective The -455 G/A(HaeIII)polymorphism of β-fibrinogen gene influences levels of plasma fibrinogen. We further investigated whether it influences the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Methods We accumulat...Objective The -455 G/A(HaeIII)polymorphism of β-fibrinogen gene influences levels of plasma fibrinogen. We further investigated whether it influences the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Methods We accumulated 134 acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease(ICVD)cases and compared their -455 G/A status with a control group(n = 166). The β-fibrinogen gene -455 G/A polymorphism was analyzed for all subjects by PCR-RFLP with the restrictive enzyme HaeIII. Results Plasma fibrinogen was higher in AA homozygous participants(341 mg/dL)than in partici-pants carrying the G allele: GA(290 mg/dL), GG(298 mg/dL)in the control group. Plasma fibrinogen was also higher in AA homozygous patients(353 mg/dL)than in cases carrying the G allele: GA(287 mg/dL), GG(302 mg/dL)in the ICVD group. However, there was no significant association between β-fibrinogen gene -455 G/A polymorphism and ICVD group. Conclusions Although a small effect cannot be excluded, β-fibrinogen gene -455 G/A polymor-phism is an independent predictor of plasma fibrinogen, but not of ischemic cerebrovascular disease.展开更多
AIM:To determine the association between serum levels of growth-related gene product β(GROβ) and clinical parameters in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).METHODS:Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,serum ...AIM:To determine the association between serum levels of growth-related gene product β(GROβ) and clinical parameters in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).METHODS:Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,serum GROβ levels were measured in ESCC patients(n = 72) and healthy volunteers(n = 83).The association between serum levels of GROβ and clinical parameters of ESCC was analyzed statistically.RESULTS:The serum GROβ levels were much higher in ESCC patients than in healthy controls(median:645 ng/L vs 269 ng/L,P < 0.05).Serum GROβ levels were correlated positively with tumor size,lymph node metastasis,and tumor-node-metastasis(TNM) staging,but not with gender or the histological grade of tumors in ESCC patients.The sensitivity and specificity of the assay for serum GROβ were 73.61% and 56.63%,respectively.CONCLUSION:GROβ may function as an oncogene product and contribute to tumorigenesis and metastasis of ESCC.展开更多
Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of p53, p57(Kip2) and CD68 in esophageal squamous coil carcinoma (ESCC) and their correlation with the biological behavior of ESCC. Methods: The ...Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of p53, p57(Kip2) and CD68 in esophageal squamous coil carcinoma (ESCC) and their correlation with the biological behavior of ESCC. Methods: The protein expres- sions of p53, p57(Kip2) and CD68 were detected in 51 cases of ESCC with S-P immunohistochemical method. Results: The total positive rate of those proteins was p53 64.71%, CD68 58.82% and p57(Kip2) 45.09% respectively in ESCC. The positive expression rate of p57(Kip2) was significantly lower in the positive p53 of ESCC than in the negative p53 (P 〈 0.05). The positive expression rate of p57(Kip2) was significantly lower in the positive CD68 of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma than in the negative (P 〈 0.05). The positive expression of p53 and CD68 were related to differentiate and TNM of ESCC, but p57(Kip2) was not related to TNM (P 〉 0.05). Conclusion: There are significant negative correlations between p57(Kip2) and p53, CD68 protein expression and related to biological behavior. Multy predictors are better guide to patients than single predictor.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the role and clinicopathological significance of aberrant expression of Notch receptors and Delta-like ligand-4 (DLL4) in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma.METHODS:One hundre...AIM:To investigate the role and clinicopathological significance of aberrant expression of Notch receptors and Delta-like ligand-4 (DLL4) in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma.METHODS:One hundred and ten patients had surgically resected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and gallbladder carcinoma specimens examined by immunohistochemistry of available paraffin blocks.Immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-Notch receptors 1-4 and anti-DLL4 antibodies.We scored the immunopositivity of Notch receptors and DLL4 expression by percentage of positive tumor cells with cytoplasmic expression and intensity of immunostaining.Coexistent nuclear localization was evaluated.Clinicopatho-logical parameters and survival data were compared with the expression of Notch receptors 1-4 and DLL4.RESULTS:Notch receptor proteins showed in the cytoplasm with or without nuclear expression in cancer cells,as well as showing weak cytoplasmic expression in non-neoplastic cells.By semiquantitative evaluation,positive immunostaining of Notch receptor 1 was detected in 96 cases (87.3%),Notch receptor 2 in 97 (88.2%),Notch receptor 3 in 97 (88.2%),Notch receptor 4 in 103 (93.6),and DLL4 in 84 (76.4%).In addition,coex- istent nuclear localization was noted [Notch receptor 1;18 cases (18.8%),Notch receptor 2;40 (41.2%),Notch receptor 3;32 (33.0%),Notch receptor 4;99 (96.1%),DLL4;48 (57.1%)].Notch receptor 1 expression was correlated with advanced tumor,node,metastasis (TNM) stage (P=0.043),Notch receptor 3 with advanced T stage (P=0.017),tendency to express in cases with nodal metastasis (P=0.065) and advanced TNM stage (P=0.052).DLL4 expression tended to be related to less histological differentiation (P=0.095).Coexistent nuclear localization of Notch receptor 3 was related to no nodal metastasis (P=0.027) and Notch receptor 4 with less histological differentiation (P=0.036),while DLL4 tended to be related inversely with T stage (P=0.053).Coexistent nuclear localization of DLL4 was related to poor survival (P=0.002).CONCLUSION:Aberrant expression of Notch receptors 1 and 3 play a role during cancer progression,and cytoplasmic nuclear coexistence of DLL4 expression correlates with poor survival in extrahepatic CC and gallbladder carcinoma.展开更多
AIM: To study the patients with main pancreatic duct dilation on computed tomography (CT) and thereby to provide the predictive criteria to identify patients at high risk of significant diseases, such as pancreatic ca...AIM: To study the patients with main pancreatic duct dilation on computed tomography (CT) and thereby to provide the predictive criteria to identify patients at high risk of significant diseases, such as pancreatic cancer, and to avoid unnecessary work up for patients at low risk of such diseases. METHODS: Patients with dilation of the main pancreatic duct on CT at Emory University Hospital in 2002 were identified by computer search. Clinical course and ultimate diagnosis were obtained in all the identified patients by abstraction of their computer database records. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were identified in this study. Chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer were the most common causes of the main pancreatic duct dilation on CT. Although the majority of patients with isolated dilation of the main pancreatic duct (single duct dilation) had chronic pancreatitis, one-third of patients with single duct dilation but without chronic pancreatitis had pancreatic malignancies, whereas most of patients with concomitant biliary duct dilation (double duct dilation) had pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSION: Patients with pancreatic double duct dilation need extensive work up and careful followup since a majority of these patients are ultimately diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Patients with single duct dilation, especially such patients without any evidence of chronic pancreatitis, also need careful follow-up since the possibility of pancreatic malignancy, including adenocarcinoma and intraductal papillary mucinous tumors, is still high.展开更多
The theory of scientific management exerts a far-reaching influence in the history of management. This paper challenges some one-sided comments on Taylorism and emphasizes more on its cultural implication. By analyzin...The theory of scientific management exerts a far-reaching influence in the history of management. This paper challenges some one-sided comments on Taylorism and emphasizes more on its cultural implication. By analyzing the key features and background of scientific management, we prove why it appeals to European avant-garde modernists. In the end I expose a forgotten cultural implication of this organizational theory by explaining scientific management' s "lost" aesthetic and make a conclusion.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To examine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and to clarify its role in lymphatic metastasis in ESCC patients.METHODS Eso...OBJECTIVE To examine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and to clarify its role in lymphatic metastasis in ESCC patients.METHODS Esophageal carcinoma EC9706 cells and samples from 49 patients with primary ESCC were investigated by using S-P immunohistochemistry (IHC), the semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) methods for VEGF-C expression. RESULTS VEGF-C positive expression was found in EC9706 cells through IHC, ISH and RT-PCR. Positive IHC for VEGF-C was observed in 36 of 49 cases of ESCC. There was a significant difference between the expression of VEGF-C in a lymph-node-positive group compared to a node-negative group (χ^2=4.7, P〈0.05). Positive ISH for VEGF-C mRNA was observed in 23 of 49 cases of ESCC. There was a significant difference between the expression of VEGF-C in the lymph-node-positive group and node-negative group (χ^2=31.3, P〈0.01). The expression of VEGF-C was significantly higher in the lymph-node-positive group compared to the node-negative group. Of 49 ESCC tissues, RT-PCR for VEGF-C mRNA was observed positively in 29 cases. There was a significant difference between the expression of VEGF-C in the lymph-node-positive group and node-negative group (χ^2=23.3, P〈0.01). The expression of VEGF-C was significantly higher in the lymphnode-positive group compared to the node-negative group. Expressions of VEGF-C were not significantly associated with age, gender, and pathological grade. There was a relationship between VEGF-C mRNA expressions by RT-PCR and ISH (χ^2=18.5, P〈0.01) in ESCC cases, but with no significant difference between the two methods. CONCLUSION VEGF-C expression may induce lymphangiogenesis in human ESCC. There was a close correlation between VEGF-C expression and lymph node metastasis. VEGF-C can serve as a useful prognostic factor for ESCC patients.展开更多
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the CT and pathology features of pulmonary lymphoma and to improve the understanding of this disease. Methods: The CT findings of 23 cases with pulmonary lymphoma were r...Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the CT and pathology features of pulmonary lymphoma and to improve the understanding of this disease. Methods: The CT findings of 23 cases with pulmonary lymphoma were retrospectively analyzed and correlated with histopathology. Results: Of the 23 cases with pulmonary lymphoma, there were Hodgkin lymphoma (5 cases) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (18 cases). Multiple lesions were assessed in 16 cases and single lesion in 7 cases. The imaging findings were classified into 3 types: lobar and segmental involvement type (9/23 cases, 39.13%), nodular or mass-like involvement type (8/23 cases, 34.78%) and mixed type (6/23 cases, 26.09%). Air bronchogram sign (14/23 cases, 60.8%), CT angiogram sign (12/23 cases, 52.17%), ground glass opacity nodules (3/23 cases, 13.04%) and lesion across pulmonary lobes (4/23,17.39%) were the characteristic features of pulmonary lymphoma. Conclusion: Relative characteristic CT features of pulmonary lymphoma could be revealed, which shows clinical significance in the diagnosis of the disease.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical value in a comparison between intraoperative exposure and non-exposure of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) of the neck during left neck esophagogastric anastomosis following ...OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical value in a comparison between intraoperative exposure and non-exposure of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) of the neck during left neck esophagogastric anastomosis following resection of carcinomas of the middle and inferior-segment esophagus. METHODS From January 2003 to April 2009, 237 patients were selected to undergo resection of esophageal squamous carcinoma via posteroexternal incision of the left chest plus gastroesophageal anastomosis at the left neck incision. The 237 cases were divided into 2 groups: 115 of the total cases were in group A (the study group), cases of resections with neck RLN exposure. Of the patients in this group, 64 were male and 51 female, with a mean age of 49 ranging from 31 to 73 years. Another 122 cases were in group B (the control group), cases of resections without neck RLN exposure. In this group, 51 of the patients were male and 71 female, with a mean age of 45 ranging from 33 to 75 years. In the 2 groups, there were 9 cases in total with symptoms induced by RLN injury. RESULTS Hoarseness, choking cough when drinking, and difficult expectoration were found in 1 of the cases (1/115) in group A (0.087%), while there were 8 cases (8/122) presenting with these symptoms in group B (6.5%). There is statistical signi.cance in the di.erences of RLN injury between the 2 groups (P 〈 0.05). CONCLUSION Analysis of study cases of esophageal carcinoma resection with left-neck esophagogastric anastomosis in the 2 groups indicated that the exposure of the RLN in group A resulted in an obviously lower rate of neck RLN injury after the surgery, compared to group B, where the RLN was not exposed. Exposure can lead to the avoidance of complications induced by RLN injury, such as dysarthria and choking cough when eating. As a result, satisfactory expectoration, which would diminish the incidence of pulmonary complications, can be reached allowing the patients to recover as early as possible. The results of our study suggest that the exposure of the RLN during the left -neck esophagogastric anastomosis has signi.cant clinical value, and that this approach can be recommended with con.dence.展开更多
Objective: The aim of this study was to discuss HIF-la expression and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in hepatocel- lular carcinoma (HCC) and their relationship with the clinical pathological features and clinical sign...Objective: The aim of this study was to discuss HIF-la expression and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in hepatocel- lular carcinoma (HCC) and their relationship with the clinical pathological features and clinical significance. Methods: Two hundred and seven specimens from patients in The Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College who received hepatic cell carcinoma resection were tested by immunohistochemistry and double staining of CD31 and PSA. Then detected the expression of HIF-la, VM, and analysed the relationship between clinical pathology. Results: The HIF-la positive rate was 71.01% and its expression was associated with liver cirrhosis, tumor size and TNM stage (P 〈 0.05). HIF-la protein expres- sion was positively associated with the VM (y = 0.1988, P = 0.0041). Conclusion: Hypoxia may be the reason for VM in high invasive HCC, regulating the tumor microenvironment may have great significance in inhibiting invasion and metastasis of HCC.展开更多
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the expressions of CD147 and CK19 in hepatocellular car- cinoma (HCC) and their clinical significance. Methods: The expressions of CD147 and CK19 were determined by ...Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the expressions of CD147 and CK19 in hepatocellular car- cinoma (HCC) and their clinical significance. Methods: The expressions of CD147 and CK19 were determined by tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 272 cases of HCC and 81 cases of adjacent tumorous tissue. Results: The positive expression of CD147 in HCC and adjacent tumorous tissue was 73.53% (200/272) and 13.58% (11/81) with signifi- cant difference (P < 0.05). The positive expression of CK19 in HCC and adjacent tumorous tissue was 14.34% (39/272) and 0 (0/81) with significant difference (P < 0.05). The positive expression of CD147 were closely correlated to the histological grade, clinical stage, tumor-free survival, diameter of tumor and embolus of cancer in aqueduct or portal vein; but not to the patients' sex, age, liver cirrhosis, AFP level, infection of HBV, lymph node metastasis, number of tumor, invasion liver involucrum and the micro-satellites (P > 0.05). The expression of CK19 in HCC were closely correlate to the tumor-free survival, histological grade, diameter of tumor, liver cirrhosis, micro-satellites, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage; but not to patients' sex, age, number of tumor, invasion liver involucrum, AFP level, infection of HBV and embolus of cancer in aqueduct or portal vein (P > 0.05). Among the patients of positive expression of CD147, the median replacing time and overall survival were 13 and 24 months, lower than 48 and 60 months in the patients of negative expression (P < 0.05). Among the patients of positive expression of CK19, the median replacing time and overall survival were 7 and 13 months, lower than 31 and 42 months in the patients of negative expression (P < 0.05). The expression of CD147 had no correlation with the expression of CK19 (r = 0.061, P = 0.317). Conclusion: The positive of CD147 and CK19 closely correlate with the clinical prognosis of HCC, it may indicate poor prognosis of HCC.展开更多
The purpose of this paper is to show preliminary results from an international research project on intellectual capital and value creation led by Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland). In the case of this ...The purpose of this paper is to show preliminary results from an international research project on intellectual capital and value creation led by Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland). In the case of this paper, results from Italy will be reported and specifically. The Italian analysis focuses on the entrepreneurial capital (EC) and it analyses how large Italian companies develop and enhance this intangible element. The main research question is: What is the current level of EC in Italian organizations and how does it affect value creation.'? To this end, the research addressed the different definitions of EC that literature offers. As a secondary step, this paper analysed the variables suggested by previous literature and proposed an original definition for the research project. The definition is that EC is a stock of competences and the personnels' attributes related to proactive, risky, and aggressive decision-making and behaviour. This research provides researchers and managers with unique insights into the evolutionary nature of the relationships between distinct 1C variables and draws a picture on the state of art of corporate EC in the selected sample. This research highlights and improves companies' abilities to manage their EC. Furthermore, this research will set the agenda for improving the EC practices of Italian companies and will allow future comparison with firms from other countries that are participating in the same project identifying different pathways to success.展开更多
In recent years, injuries induced by explosive blast have got more and more attention owing to weapon development and frequent terrorist activities. Tear, bleeding and edema of tissues and organs are the main manifest...In recent years, injuries induced by explosive blast have got more and more attention owing to weapon development and frequent terrorist activities. Tear, bleeding and edema of tissues and organs are the main manifestations of blast shock wave damage. Vascular endothelial barrier is the main defense of tissues and organs' integrity. This article aims to discuss possible mechanisms of endothelial barrier damage induced by explosive blast and main manifestations of blood brain barrier, blood-air barrier, and intestinal vascular barrier impairments. In addition, the main regulatory factors of vascular permeability are also summarized so as to provide theoretical basis for prevention and cure of vascular endothelial barrier damaue resultinu from exolosive blast.展开更多
文摘Objective: To study vascular characteristics of bronchial arterial reconstruction for lung cancer in relation to patient’s prognosis.Methods: According to the International Staging System for Lung Cancer, bronchial arteriography was performed in 16 patients with stage III a , 42 patients with stage III b lung cancer before bronchial arterial infusion (BAI) of chemotherapy. Angiograms was read by radiologists and analyzed by real-multicolour picture system. All patients were followed up and the data were collected.Results: The common findings of angiographic vessels were variable distending, hypervascularity with shunting as net, and extravasation of contrast, light or dense staining in the regions of the tumors for all patients. Radial growth vessels in pericancer were found in 30 patients, including 20 cases (66.7%) of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), 7 cases (23.3%) of adenocarcinoma, 3 cases (10%) of squamous carcinoma; a thick circular vessels in pericancer in 16 patients: both characteristics above were seen in 5 cases. Hematogenous dissemination was found in 19 of 30 patients (63.3%) with radial growth vessels in pericancer; lymphatic spread (supraclavicular nodes) in 3 of 30 (10%); local recurrences in 2 of 30 (6.7%) 6 and 30 months respectively after curable resection. Hematogenous dissemination was found in 2 of 28 patients (7.1%) without radial growth vessels in pericancer during the period of follow-up. There was significant difference in the rate of hematogenous dissemination in two groups (P<0.01).Conclusion: Radial growth vessels at pericancer for bronchial arteriography of lung cancer was an important sign of high rate of hematogenous dissemination and lymphatic spread. Key words lung cancer - angiography - metastasis
文摘AIM: TO investigate the expression and clinical significance of S100A2 mRNA and protein, p63 protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and their roles in carcinogenesis and progression of esophageal carcinoma (EC). METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining (S-P method) for S100A2 and p63 protein were performed in 40 samples of ESCC and 40 samples of normal esophageal mucosa. In situ hybridization (ISH) was used to detect the expression of S100A2 mRNA. RESULTS: Expression of S100A2 mRNA in ESCC was positive in 77.5% of samples, which was lower than that in normal mucosa (100%) by ISH (P = 0.002). The expression level of S100A2 mRNA was closely related to differentiation and and node-metastasis (P = 0.012, P = 0.008). Expression of $100A2 protein was positive in 72.5% of ESCC samples and expression of p63 protein was positive in 37.5% of ESCC samples, and was lower than that in normal mucosa (100%) (P = 0.000). The expression of S100A2 protein was correlated with the differentiation and node-metastasis (P = 0.007, P = 0.001), but no relationship was observed between the expression of p63 protein and clinical pathological manifestations. S100A2 protein was positively correlated with the expression of S100A2 mRNA, and negatively associated with the expression of p63 protein (P = 0.000, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: S100A2 and p63 protein both play important roles in the carcinogenesis of ESCC. An investigation into the combined expression of S100A2 and p63 may be helpful in early diagnosis and in evaluating the prognosis of ESCC.
文摘Objective The -455 G/A(HaeIII)polymorphism of β-fibrinogen gene influences levels of plasma fibrinogen. We further investigated whether it influences the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Methods We accumulated 134 acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease(ICVD)cases and compared their -455 G/A status with a control group(n = 166). The β-fibrinogen gene -455 G/A polymorphism was analyzed for all subjects by PCR-RFLP with the restrictive enzyme HaeIII. Results Plasma fibrinogen was higher in AA homozygous participants(341 mg/dL)than in partici-pants carrying the G allele: GA(290 mg/dL), GG(298 mg/dL)in the control group. Plasma fibrinogen was also higher in AA homozygous patients(353 mg/dL)than in cases carrying the G allele: GA(287 mg/dL), GG(302 mg/dL)in the ICVD group. However, there was no significant association between β-fibrinogen gene -455 G/A polymorphism and ICVD group. Conclusions Although a small effect cannot be excluded, β-fibrinogen gene -455 G/A polymor-phism is an independent predictor of plasma fibrinogen, but not of ischemic cerebrovascular disease.
基金Supported by The Grants from International Science & Technology Cooperation and Exchange Programs, No. 2008DFA31130Joint China/South Africa Science and Technology Agreement+1 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81021061, No. 0772507 and No. 30700992State Key Projects for Basic Research of China, No. 2011CB910703
文摘AIM:To determine the association between serum levels of growth-related gene product β(GROβ) and clinical parameters in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).METHODS:Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,serum GROβ levels were measured in ESCC patients(n = 72) and healthy volunteers(n = 83).The association between serum levels of GROβ and clinical parameters of ESCC was analyzed statistically.RESULTS:The serum GROβ levels were much higher in ESCC patients than in healthy controls(median:645 ng/L vs 269 ng/L,P < 0.05).Serum GROβ levels were correlated positively with tumor size,lymph node metastasis,and tumor-node-metastasis(TNM) staging,but not with gender or the histological grade of tumors in ESCC patients.The sensitivity and specificity of the assay for serum GROβ were 73.61% and 56.63%,respectively.CONCLUSION:GROβ may function as an oncogene product and contribute to tumorigenesis and metastasis of ESCC.
文摘Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of p53, p57(Kip2) and CD68 in esophageal squamous coil carcinoma (ESCC) and their correlation with the biological behavior of ESCC. Methods: The protein expres- sions of p53, p57(Kip2) and CD68 were detected in 51 cases of ESCC with S-P immunohistochemical method. Results: The total positive rate of those proteins was p53 64.71%, CD68 58.82% and p57(Kip2) 45.09% respectively in ESCC. The positive expression rate of p57(Kip2) was significantly lower in the positive p53 of ESCC than in the negative p53 (P 〈 0.05). The positive expression rate of p57(Kip2) was significantly lower in the positive CD68 of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma than in the negative (P 〈 0.05). The positive expression of p53 and CD68 were related to differentiate and TNM of ESCC, but p57(Kip2) was not related to TNM (P 〉 0.05). Conclusion: There are significant negative correlations between p57(Kip2) and p53, CD68 protein expression and related to biological behavior. Multy predictors are better guide to patients than single predictor.
文摘AIM:To investigate the role and clinicopathological significance of aberrant expression of Notch receptors and Delta-like ligand-4 (DLL4) in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma.METHODS:One hundred and ten patients had surgically resected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and gallbladder carcinoma specimens examined by immunohistochemistry of available paraffin blocks.Immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-Notch receptors 1-4 and anti-DLL4 antibodies.We scored the immunopositivity of Notch receptors and DLL4 expression by percentage of positive tumor cells with cytoplasmic expression and intensity of immunostaining.Coexistent nuclear localization was evaluated.Clinicopatho-logical parameters and survival data were compared with the expression of Notch receptors 1-4 and DLL4.RESULTS:Notch receptor proteins showed in the cytoplasm with or without nuclear expression in cancer cells,as well as showing weak cytoplasmic expression in non-neoplastic cells.By semiquantitative evaluation,positive immunostaining of Notch receptor 1 was detected in 96 cases (87.3%),Notch receptor 2 in 97 (88.2%),Notch receptor 3 in 97 (88.2%),Notch receptor 4 in 103 (93.6),and DLL4 in 84 (76.4%).In addition,coex- istent nuclear localization was noted [Notch receptor 1;18 cases (18.8%),Notch receptor 2;40 (41.2%),Notch receptor 3;32 (33.0%),Notch receptor 4;99 (96.1%),DLL4;48 (57.1%)].Notch receptor 1 expression was correlated with advanced tumor,node,metastasis (TNM) stage (P=0.043),Notch receptor 3 with advanced T stage (P=0.017),tendency to express in cases with nodal metastasis (P=0.065) and advanced TNM stage (P=0.052).DLL4 expression tended to be related to less histological differentiation (P=0.095).Coexistent nuclear localization of Notch receptor 3 was related to no nodal metastasis (P=0.027) and Notch receptor 4 with less histological differentiation (P=0.036),while DLL4 tended to be related inversely with T stage (P=0.053).Coexistent nuclear localization of DLL4 was related to poor survival (P=0.002).CONCLUSION:Aberrant expression of Notch receptors 1 and 3 play a role during cancer progression,and cytoplasmic nuclear coexistence of DLL4 expression correlates with poor survival in extrahepatic CC and gallbladder carcinoma.
文摘AIM: To study the patients with main pancreatic duct dilation on computed tomography (CT) and thereby to provide the predictive criteria to identify patients at high risk of significant diseases, such as pancreatic cancer, and to avoid unnecessary work up for patients at low risk of such diseases. METHODS: Patients with dilation of the main pancreatic duct on CT at Emory University Hospital in 2002 were identified by computer search. Clinical course and ultimate diagnosis were obtained in all the identified patients by abstraction of their computer database records. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were identified in this study. Chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer were the most common causes of the main pancreatic duct dilation on CT. Although the majority of patients with isolated dilation of the main pancreatic duct (single duct dilation) had chronic pancreatitis, one-third of patients with single duct dilation but without chronic pancreatitis had pancreatic malignancies, whereas most of patients with concomitant biliary duct dilation (double duct dilation) had pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSION: Patients with pancreatic double duct dilation need extensive work up and careful followup since a majority of these patients are ultimately diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Patients with single duct dilation, especially such patients without any evidence of chronic pancreatitis, also need careful follow-up since the possibility of pancreatic malignancy, including adenocarcinoma and intraductal papillary mucinous tumors, is still high.
文摘The theory of scientific management exerts a far-reaching influence in the history of management. This paper challenges some one-sided comments on Taylorism and emphasizes more on its cultural implication. By analyzing the key features and background of scientific management, we prove why it appeals to European avant-garde modernists. In the end I expose a forgotten cultural implication of this organizational theory by explaining scientific management' s "lost" aesthetic and make a conclusion.
基金This work was supported by a grant from theNational Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30470779)the Henan InnovationProject for University Prominent ResearchTalents(No.2006KYCX016)
文摘OBJECTIVE To examine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and to clarify its role in lymphatic metastasis in ESCC patients.METHODS Esophageal carcinoma EC9706 cells and samples from 49 patients with primary ESCC were investigated by using S-P immunohistochemistry (IHC), the semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) methods for VEGF-C expression. RESULTS VEGF-C positive expression was found in EC9706 cells through IHC, ISH and RT-PCR. Positive IHC for VEGF-C was observed in 36 of 49 cases of ESCC. There was a significant difference between the expression of VEGF-C in a lymph-node-positive group compared to a node-negative group (χ^2=4.7, P〈0.05). Positive ISH for VEGF-C mRNA was observed in 23 of 49 cases of ESCC. There was a significant difference between the expression of VEGF-C in the lymph-node-positive group and node-negative group (χ^2=31.3, P〈0.01). The expression of VEGF-C was significantly higher in the lymph-node-positive group compared to the node-negative group. Of 49 ESCC tissues, RT-PCR for VEGF-C mRNA was observed positively in 29 cases. There was a significant difference between the expression of VEGF-C in the lymph-node-positive group and node-negative group (χ^2=23.3, P〈0.01). The expression of VEGF-C was significantly higher in the lymphnode-positive group compared to the node-negative group. Expressions of VEGF-C were not significantly associated with age, gender, and pathological grade. There was a relationship between VEGF-C mRNA expressions by RT-PCR and ISH (χ^2=18.5, P〈0.01) in ESCC cases, but with no significant difference between the two methods. CONCLUSION VEGF-C expression may induce lymphangiogenesis in human ESCC. There was a close correlation between VEGF-C expression and lymph node metastasis. VEGF-C can serve as a useful prognostic factor for ESCC patients.
文摘Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the CT and pathology features of pulmonary lymphoma and to improve the understanding of this disease. Methods: The CT findings of 23 cases with pulmonary lymphoma were retrospectively analyzed and correlated with histopathology. Results: Of the 23 cases with pulmonary lymphoma, there were Hodgkin lymphoma (5 cases) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (18 cases). Multiple lesions were assessed in 16 cases and single lesion in 7 cases. The imaging findings were classified into 3 types: lobar and segmental involvement type (9/23 cases, 39.13%), nodular or mass-like involvement type (8/23 cases, 34.78%) and mixed type (6/23 cases, 26.09%). Air bronchogram sign (14/23 cases, 60.8%), CT angiogram sign (12/23 cases, 52.17%), ground glass opacity nodules (3/23 cases, 13.04%) and lesion across pulmonary lobes (4/23,17.39%) were the characteristic features of pulmonary lymphoma. Conclusion: Relative characteristic CT features of pulmonary lymphoma could be revealed, which shows clinical significance in the diagnosis of the disease.
文摘OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical value in a comparison between intraoperative exposure and non-exposure of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) of the neck during left neck esophagogastric anastomosis following resection of carcinomas of the middle and inferior-segment esophagus. METHODS From January 2003 to April 2009, 237 patients were selected to undergo resection of esophageal squamous carcinoma via posteroexternal incision of the left chest plus gastroesophageal anastomosis at the left neck incision. The 237 cases were divided into 2 groups: 115 of the total cases were in group A (the study group), cases of resections with neck RLN exposure. Of the patients in this group, 64 were male and 51 female, with a mean age of 49 ranging from 31 to 73 years. Another 122 cases were in group B (the control group), cases of resections without neck RLN exposure. In this group, 51 of the patients were male and 71 female, with a mean age of 45 ranging from 33 to 75 years. In the 2 groups, there were 9 cases in total with symptoms induced by RLN injury. RESULTS Hoarseness, choking cough when drinking, and difficult expectoration were found in 1 of the cases (1/115) in group A (0.087%), while there were 8 cases (8/122) presenting with these symptoms in group B (6.5%). There is statistical signi.cance in the di.erences of RLN injury between the 2 groups (P 〈 0.05). CONCLUSION Analysis of study cases of esophageal carcinoma resection with left-neck esophagogastric anastomosis in the 2 groups indicated that the exposure of the RLN in group A resulted in an obviously lower rate of neck RLN injury after the surgery, compared to group B, where the RLN was not exposed. Exposure can lead to the avoidance of complications induced by RLN injury, such as dysarthria and choking cough when eating. As a result, satisfactory expectoration, which would diminish the incidence of pulmonary complications, can be reached allowing the patients to recover as early as possible. The results of our study suggest that the exposure of the RLN during the left -neck esophagogastric anastomosis has signi.cant clinical value, and that this approach can be recommended with con.dence.
基金Supported by a grant from Key Breeding Project of North Sichuan Medical College(No.CBY11-A-ZP16)
文摘Objective: The aim of this study was to discuss HIF-la expression and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in hepatocel- lular carcinoma (HCC) and their relationship with the clinical pathological features and clinical significance. Methods: Two hundred and seven specimens from patients in The Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College who received hepatic cell carcinoma resection were tested by immunohistochemistry and double staining of CD31 and PSA. Then detected the expression of HIF-la, VM, and analysed the relationship between clinical pathology. Results: The HIF-la positive rate was 71.01% and its expression was associated with liver cirrhosis, tumor size and TNM stage (P 〈 0.05). HIF-la protein expres- sion was positively associated with the VM (y = 0.1988, P = 0.0041). Conclusion: Hypoxia may be the reason for VM in high invasive HCC, regulating the tumor microenvironment may have great significance in inhibiting invasion and metastasis of HCC.
文摘Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the expressions of CD147 and CK19 in hepatocellular car- cinoma (HCC) and their clinical significance. Methods: The expressions of CD147 and CK19 were determined by tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 272 cases of HCC and 81 cases of adjacent tumorous tissue. Results: The positive expression of CD147 in HCC and adjacent tumorous tissue was 73.53% (200/272) and 13.58% (11/81) with signifi- cant difference (P < 0.05). The positive expression of CK19 in HCC and adjacent tumorous tissue was 14.34% (39/272) and 0 (0/81) with significant difference (P < 0.05). The positive expression of CD147 were closely correlated to the histological grade, clinical stage, tumor-free survival, diameter of tumor and embolus of cancer in aqueduct or portal vein; but not to the patients' sex, age, liver cirrhosis, AFP level, infection of HBV, lymph node metastasis, number of tumor, invasion liver involucrum and the micro-satellites (P > 0.05). The expression of CK19 in HCC were closely correlate to the tumor-free survival, histological grade, diameter of tumor, liver cirrhosis, micro-satellites, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage; but not to patients' sex, age, number of tumor, invasion liver involucrum, AFP level, infection of HBV and embolus of cancer in aqueduct or portal vein (P > 0.05). Among the patients of positive expression of CD147, the median replacing time and overall survival were 13 and 24 months, lower than 48 and 60 months in the patients of negative expression (P < 0.05). Among the patients of positive expression of CK19, the median replacing time and overall survival were 7 and 13 months, lower than 31 and 42 months in the patients of negative expression (P < 0.05). The expression of CD147 had no correlation with the expression of CK19 (r = 0.061, P = 0.317). Conclusion: The positive of CD147 and CK19 closely correlate with the clinical prognosis of HCC, it may indicate poor prognosis of HCC.
文摘The purpose of this paper is to show preliminary results from an international research project on intellectual capital and value creation led by Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland). In the case of this paper, results from Italy will be reported and specifically. The Italian analysis focuses on the entrepreneurial capital (EC) and it analyses how large Italian companies develop and enhance this intangible element. The main research question is: What is the current level of EC in Italian organizations and how does it affect value creation.'? To this end, the research addressed the different definitions of EC that literature offers. As a secondary step, this paper analysed the variables suggested by previous literature and proposed an original definition for the research project. The definition is that EC is a stock of competences and the personnels' attributes related to proactive, risky, and aggressive decision-making and behaviour. This research provides researchers and managers with unique insights into the evolutionary nature of the relationships between distinct 1C variables and draws a picture on the state of art of corporate EC in the selected sample. This research highlights and improves companies' abilities to manage their EC. Furthermore, this research will set the agenda for improving the EC practices of Italian companies and will allow future comparison with firms from other countries that are participating in the same project identifying different pathways to success.
文摘In recent years, injuries induced by explosive blast have got more and more attention owing to weapon development and frequent terrorist activities. Tear, bleeding and edema of tissues and organs are the main manifestations of blast shock wave damage. Vascular endothelial barrier is the main defense of tissues and organs' integrity. This article aims to discuss possible mechanisms of endothelial barrier damage induced by explosive blast and main manifestations of blood brain barrier, blood-air barrier, and intestinal vascular barrier impairments. In addition, the main regulatory factors of vascular permeability are also summarized so as to provide theoretical basis for prevention and cure of vascular endothelial barrier damaue resultinu from exolosive blast.