Deep learning model based on primary tumor to predict lymph node status in clinical stage IA lung adenocarcinoma:a multicenter study

Objective:To develop a deep learning model to predict lymph node(LN)status in clinical stage IA lung adeno-carcinoma patients.Methods:This diagnostic study included 1,009 patients with pathologically confirmed clinical stage T1N0M0 lung adenocarcinoma from two independent datasets(699 from Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and 310 from PLA General Hospital)between January 2005 and December 2019.The Cancer Hospital dataset was randomly split into a training cohort(559 patients)and a validation cohort(140 patients)to train and tune a deep learning model based on a deep residual network(ResNet).The PLA Hospital dataset was used as a testing cohort to evaluate the generalization ability of the model.Thoracic radiologists manually segmented tumors and interpreted high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT)features for the model.The predictive performance was assessed by area under the curves(AUCs),accuracy,precision,recall,and F1 score.Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate the potential bias of the study population.Results:A total of 1,009 patients were included in this study;409(40.5%)were male and 600(59.5%)were female.The median age was 57.0 years(inter-quartile range,IQR:50.0-64.0).The deep learning model achieved AUCs of 0.906(95%CI:0.873-0.938)and 0.893(95%CI:0.857-0.930)for predicting pN0 disease in the testing cohort and a non-pure ground glass nodule(non-pGGN)testing cohort,respectively.No significant difference was detected between the testing cohort and the non-pGGN testing cohort(P=0.622).The precisions of this model for predicting pN0 disease were 0.979(95%CI:0.963-0.995)and 0.983(95%CI:0.967-0.998)in the testing cohort and the non-pGGN testing cohort,respectively.The deep learning model achieved AUCs of 0.848(95%CI:0.798-0.898)and 0.831(95%CI:0.776-0.887)for predicting pN2 disease in the testing cohort and the non-pGGN testing cohort,respectively.No significant difference was detected between the testing cohort and the non-pGGN testing cohort(P=0.657).The recalls of this model for predicting pN2 disease were 0.903(95%CI:0.870-0.936)and 0.931(95%CI:0.901-0.961)in the testing cohort and the non-pGGN testing cohort,respectively.Conclusions:The superior performance of the deep learning model will help to target the extension of lymph node dissection and reduce the ineffective lymph node dissection in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Histologic Classification of Thymoma and Its Relationship with Myasthenia Gravis and Clinical Stages of the Tumor

Objective： To investigate the relationship among the latest WHO classification of thymoma, myasthenia gravis （MG） and clinical stages. Methods： To review the pathological sections of 74 patients with thymoma from 1980-2004 using WHO classification （1999）, the statistical software was used to analyze the relationship among the WHO classification, MG and clinical stages. Results： （1） Two cases of type A, 23 cases of type AB, 4 cases of type B1, 27 cases of type B2, 16 cases of type B3 and 2 cases of type C were classified. Type B2 more likely accompanied MG （P〈0.05）, while none with MG occurred for type C. （2） One patient was in stage Ⅰ, 30 were in stage Ⅱ, 38 were in stage Ⅲ, and 5 were in stage Ⅳ. The latest histologic classification was significantly correlated with Masaoka stages （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： The latest WHO classification was correlated with occurrence of MG and finely reflected clinical stage. It can also evaluate the prognosis of patients.

Peripheral T-lymphocyte subpopulations in different clinical stages of chronic HBV infection correlate with HBV load

AIM： To characterize the peripheral T-cell subpopulation profiles and their correlation with hepatitis B virus （HBV） replication in different dinical stages of chronic HBV infection. METHODS： A total of 422 patients with chronic HBV infection were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into three stages： immune-tolerant stage, immune active stage, and immune-inactive carrier stage. Composition of peripheral T-cell subpopulations was determined by flow cytometry. HBV markers were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum HBV DNA load was assessed by quantitative real-time poiymerase chain reaction.RESULTS： CD8^＋ T-cells were significantly higher in patients at the immune-tolerant stage than in patients at the immune-active and -inactive carrier stages （36.87 ± 7.58 vs 34.37 ± 9.07, 36.87 ± 7.58 vs 28.09 ± 5.64, P 〈 0.001）. The peripheral blood in patients at the immune-tolerant and immune active stages contained more CD8^＋ T-cells than CD4^＋ T-cells （36.87 ± 7.58 vs 30.23 ± 6.35, 34.37 ± 9.07 vs 30.92 ± 7.40, P 〈 0.01）, whereas the peripheral blood in patients at the immune- inactive carrier stage and in normal controls contained less CD8^＋ T-cells than CD4^＋ T-cells （28.09 ± 5.64 vs 36.85 ±6.06, 24.02 ± 4.35 vs 38.94 ± 3.39, P 〈 0.01）. ANOVA linear trend test showed that CD8^＋ T-cells were significantly increased in patients with a high viral load （39.41 ± 7.36, 33.83 ± 7.50, 31.81 ± 5.95 and 26.89 ± 5.71, P 〈 0.001）, while CD4^＋ T-cells were significantly increased in patients with a low HBV DNA load （37.45 ± 6.24, 33.33 ± 5.61, 31.58 ± 6.99 and 27.56 ± 5.49, P 〈 0.001）. Nultiple regression analysis displayed that log copies of HBV DNA still maintained its highly significant coefficients for T-cell subpopulations, and was the strongest predictors for variations in CD3^＋, CD4^＋ and CD8^＋ cells and CD4^＋/CD8^＋ ratio after adjustment for age at HBV-infection, maternal HBV-infection status, presence of hepatitis B e antigen and HBV mutation.CONCLUSION： Differences in peripheral T-cell subpopulation profiles can be found in different clinical stages of chronic HBV infection. T-cell impairment is significantly associated with HBV load.

Clinical application of oral contrast-enhanced ultrasound in evaluating the preoperative T staging of gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Oral contrast-enhanced ultrasound(OCEUS)is widely used in the noninvasive diagnosis and screening of gastric cancer(GC)in China.AIM To investigate the clinical application of OCEUS in evaluating the preoperative T staging of gastric cancer.METHODS OCEUS was performed before the operation,and standard ultrasound images were retained.The depth of infiltration of GC(T-stage)was evaluated according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition of the tumor-nodemetastasis staging criteria.Finally,with postoperative pathological staging as the gold standard reference,the sensitivity,specificity,negative predictive value,positive predictive value,and diagnostic value of OCEUS T staging were evaluated.RESULTS OCEUS achieved diagnostic accuracy rates of 76.6%(T1a),69.6%(T1b),62.7%(T2),60.8%(T3),88.0%(T4a),and 88.7%(T4b),with an average of 75.5%.Ultrasonic T staging sensitivity exceeded 62%,aside from T1b at 40.3%,while specificity was over 91%,except for T3 with 83.5%.The Youden index was above 60%,with T1b and T2 being exceptions.OCEUS T staging corresponded closely with pathology in T4b(kappa>0.75)and moderately in T1a,T1b,T2,T3,and T4a(kappa 0.40-0.75),registering a concordance rate exceeding 84%.CONCLUSION OCEUS was effective,reliable,and accurate in diagnosing the preoperative T staging of GC.As a noninvasive diagnostic technique,OCEUS merits clinical popularization.

Clinical stages of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide,and has relatively high recurrence rates.Few studies have been published on the clinical stages of recurrent HCC.AIM To assess the applicability of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC)staging for recurrent HCC and the need to establish clinical stage criteria for recurrent HCC.METHODS The clinicopathological data of 81 patients with recurrent HCC who were admitted to the Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from January 2013 to December 2017 were collected.The patients were divided into three groups according to the BCLC staging system as follows:(1)Group A with BCLC stage A,51 patients;(2)Group B with BCLC stage B,14 patients;and(3)Group C with BCLC stage C,16 patients.The median time to tumor recurrence and the median overall survival were compared.RESULTS The median time to tumor recurrence in groups A,B,and C was 16±1.5 mo,10±2.8 mo,and 6±0.5 mo,respectively,with a statistically significant difference among them(χ^(2)=70.144,P<0.05);no statistically significant difference was noted between group A and group B(χ^(2)=2.659,P>0.05),although there were statistically significant differences between group A and group C and between group B and group C(χ^(2)=62.110,and 19.972,P<0.05).The median overall survival in groups A,B,and C were 42±5.1 mo,22±3.1 mo,and 13±1.8 mo,respectively,with a statistically significant difference among them(χ2=38.949,P<0.05);there were statistically significant differences between group A and group B,group A and group C,and group B and group C(χ2=9.577,37.172,and 7.183,respectively;P<0.05).CONCLUSION There are different prognoses in recurrent HCC patients according to the BCLC staging.Therefore,BCLC staging is applicable to recurrent HCC and it is essential to formulate clinical stage criteria for recurrent HCC.

Clinical outcomes in patients with stage non-seminomatous germ cell cancer

This study assesses the long-term outcomes in Han Chinese patients with clinical stage I non-seminomatous germ cell testicular cancer （CSI NSGCT） treated with surveillance, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection （RPLND） and adjuvant chemotherapy. We retrospectively evaluated 89 patients with a mean age of 26.5 years. After orchiectomy, 37 patients were treated with surveillance, 34 underwent RPLND and 18 were managed with chemotherapy. The overall survival rate, the recurrence-free survival rate and the risk factors were evaluated. The median follow-up length was 92 months （range： 6-149 months）. Thirteen of the 89 patients （14.6%） had relapses, and one died by the evaluation date. The overall survival rate was 98.9%. The cumulative 4-year recurrence-free rates were 80.2%, 92.0% and 100% for the surveillance, RPLND and chemotherapy groups, respectively. The disease-free period tended to be briefer in patients with a history of cryptorchidism and those with stage Is. Therefore, surveillance, RPLND and adjuvant chemotherapy might be reliable strategies in compliant patients with CSI NSGCT. Surveillance should be recommended for patients with the lowest recurrence rate, especially those without lymphovascular invasion. This study might aid the establishment of a standard therapy for CSI NSGCT in China.

Assessment of quality of life for the patients with cervical cancer at different clinical stages

With improved overall survival of cervical cancer patients, the importance of the quality of life (QOL) is increasingly recognized. This study was conducted to compare the QOL of women with different stage cervical cancer before and after treatment to facilitate improved cervical cancer prevention and treatment. We used the generic Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36) to collect QOL information. Based on SF-36, we interviewed cervical cancer patients at West China Second Affiliated Hospital and Sichuan Cancer Hospital between May 2010 and January 2011. A total of 92 patients with precancerous lesions, 93 with early cancer, and 35 with advanced cancer responded to our survey. Average physical component summary (PCS) scores were significantly different between the three groups at every time point (P < 0.05). Average mental component summary (MCS) scores were significantly different between the three groups after treatment (P < 0.05). Average PCS and MCS scores increased gradually from the pretreatment to posttreatment period for patients with precancerous lesions. However, they reached the lowest at 1 month after treatment for patients with early and advanced cancers and rebounded between 1 and 6 months after treatment. Our results indicate that patients with precancerous lesions and early cervical cancer show better overall QOL than do those with advanced cervical cancer. Additionally, patients with early cancer recover more quickly than do those with advanced cancer in terms of both physical and mental functions. Thus, early detection and treatment initiatives may improve the QOL for patients with precancerous lesions and cervical cancer.

Specification of phase Ⅰ of new drugs' clinical tolerance trials

Phase Ⅰ of clinical trials is the first stage of clinical pharmacology and body safety evaluation,including body tolerance test and pharmacokinetics test.The aim is providing evidence for dosage regimen and be the cornerstone of the preliminary assessment of efficacy and safety of phase Ⅱ of clinical trials.This text discussed the technique and requirement of phase Ⅰ of new drugs' clinical tolerance trials.

Comparative proteomic study of colorectal carcinoma with different clinical stages

Objective： Colorectal carcinoma clinical stage associated proteins would be found by comparing differential expressed proteins from colorectal carcinoma tissues with different clinical stages. Methods： Total protein from colorectal carcinoma tissues were extracted; differential proteome profiles were established and analyzed by means of immobilized pH gradient-based two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis （2-DE） and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF-MS）. Results： Well-resolved, reproducible 2-DE profiles of human colorectal carcinoma tissues were obtained. Average protein spots were 970 ± 41,980 ± 32, 1010 ± 43, 1240 ±34 in stage Ⅰ, stage Ⅱ, stage Ⅲ, stage Ⅳ respectively; Compared to stage Ⅰ, differential expressed protein spots was 52.00 ± 12 in stage Ⅱ, 42.00 ± 11 in stage Ⅲ, 72.00 ± 15 in stage Ⅳ; Part of differential expressing proteins were analyzed by mass spectrometry and bioinformation, 19 of them were well characterized. Three proteins were overexpressed in stage Ⅰ, stage Ⅲ, stage Ⅳ, and one protein were overexpressed in stage Ⅳ exclusively. Conclusion： Differential expressed proteins exist in clinical stage of colorectal carcinoma, which would be biomarkers for diagnosis and prediction of prognosis.

Relationship between C-reactive protein and clinical stage in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Objective： The aim of our study was to explore the correlations between C-reactive protein （CRP） levels and clinical stages of nasopharyngeal carcinoma （NPC）. Methods： We analyzed 108 cases, among them, 68 cases were NPC, 20 cases were benign inflammatory diseases of nasopharynx, 20 cases were healthy volunteers as control. CRP was determined with immunoturbidimetry （ITM）. Results： The mean concentrations of CRP in NPC （19.76 rag/L） were significantly increased compared to that in the control group （6.23 mg/L）, while were significantly lower than that in benign inflammatory group （45.63 mg/L）; The mean concentrations of CRP in T4 group （25.58 mg/L） were higher than that in T1 group （17.35 mg/L）, T2 group （18.65 mg/L） and T3 group （15.61 mg/L）. The mean concentrations of CRP in N3 group （28.04 mg/L） were higher than that in NO （17.62mg/L）, N1 （21.27 mg/L）, N2 （18.62 mg/L） respectively, the mean concentrations of CRP in IV （25.74 mg/L） were higher than that in I （14.20 mg/L）, II （16.10 mg/L）, III （23.01 mg/L）, respectively. Conclusion： The serum CRP level is associated with the occurrence of NPC and benign inflammatory disease of nasopharynx. In NPC, the CRP level has positive relationship with the TNM stage.

Clinical Observation on Xiehuo Yangyin Powder (泻火养阴散) in Treating 30 Initial Stage of Toxic and Diffuse Goiter Patients

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of Xiehuo Yangyin powder (XHYY) in treating the initial stage of toxic and diffuse goiter (Graves disease). Methods: Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups, the treated group (n = 30) was treated with XHYY and methimazole, while the control group (n = 30) was treated with methimazole alone. The TCM syndrome score and

Clinical Efficacy of Dasatinib in the Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Patients with Different Clinical Stages

Objective:To study the efficacy of dasatinib treatment in different clinical stages of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia(CML).Methods:A total of 80 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia(CML)were selected for experimental research.According to different clinical stages,they were divided into chronic phase,accelerated phase and blast phase,and all of them were treated with dasatinib.Results:The complete cytogenetic response remission rate,complete hematologic remission rate,and major molecular biological remission rate in the chronic phase were significantly higher.Besides,the overall survival time and relapse-free survival time in the chronic phase were significantly longer,and the mortality during the follow-up period in the chronic phase was also significantly higher.Furthermore,the incidence of hematological adverse reactions of gradesⅢtoⅣin the chronic phase was significantly lower compared with the corresponding data of patients in the accelerated phase and blast phase with P<0.05.Conclusion:Different clinical stages of CML patients have different curative effects of dasatinib,which can effectively treat patients in chronic stage.

Number of involved nodal stations: a better lymph node classification for clinical stage IA lung adenocarcinoma

Background:With the popularization of lung cancer screening,more early-stage lung cancers are being detected.This study aims to compare three types of N classifications,including location-based N classification(pathologic nodal classification[pN]),the number of lymph node stations(nS)-based N classification(nS classification),and the combined approach proposed by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer(IASLC)which incorporates both pN and nS classification to determine if the nS classification is more appropriate for early-stage lung cancer.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of lung cancer patients treated at the Cancer Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between 2005 and 2018.Inclusion criteria was clinical stage IA lung adenocarcinoma patients who underwent resection during this period.Sub-analyses were performed for the three types of N classifications.The optimal cutoffvalues for nS classification were determined with X-tile software.Kaplan‒Meier and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to assess the prognostic significance of the different N classifications.The prediction performance among the three types of N classifications was compared using the concordance index(C-index)and decision curve analysis(DCA).Results:Of the 669 patients evaluated,534 had pathological stage N0 disease(79.8%),82 had N1 disease(12.3%)and 53 had N2 disease(7.9%).Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that all three types of N classifications were independent prognostic factors for prognosis(all P<0.001).However,the prognosis overlaps between pN(N1 and N2,P=0.052)and IASLC-proposed N classification(N1b and N2a1[P=0.407],N2a1 and N2a2[P=0.364],and N2a2 and N2b[P=0.779]),except for nS classification subgroups(nS0 and nS1[P<0.001]and nS1 and nS>1[P=0.006]).There was no significant difference in the C-index values between the three N classifications(P=0.370).The DCA results demonstrated that the nS classification provided greater clinical utility.Conclusion:The nS classification might be a better choice for nodal classification in clinical stage IA lung adeno-carcinoma.

Rethinking the Barcelona clinic liver cancer guidelines:Intermediate stage and Child-Pugh B patients are suitable for surgery?

According to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer recommendations,intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinomas(stage B)are excluded from liver resection and are referred to palliative treatment.Moreover,Child-Pugh B patients are not usually candidates for liver resection.However,many hepatobiliary centers in the world manage patients with intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma or Child-Pugh B cirrhosis with liver resection,maintaining that hepatic resection is not contraindicated in selected patients with non–early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma and without normal liver function.Several studies demonstrate that resection provides the best survival benefit for selected patients in very early/early and even in intermediate stages of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification,and this treatment gives good results in the setting of multinodular,large tumors in patients with portal hypertension and/or Child-Pugh B cirrhosis.In this review we explore this controversial topic,and we show through the literature analysis how liver resection may improve the short-and long-term survival rate of carefully selected Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B and Child-Pugh B hepatocellular carcinoma patients.However,other large clinical studies are needed to clarify which patients with intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma are most likely to benefit from liver resection.

Different strategies of treatment for uterine cervical carcinoma stage ⅠB2-ⅡB

Uterine cervical cancer is the second most common gynecological malignancy. It is estimated that over 35% of tumors are diagnosed at locally advanced disease, stage ⅠB2-ⅡB with an estimated 5-year overall survival of 60%. During the last decades, the initial treatment for these women has been debated and largely varies through different countries. Thus, radical concurrent chemoradiation is the standard of care in United Sated and Canada, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery is the first line of treatment in some institutions of Europe, Asia and Latin America. Until today, there is no evidence of which strategy is better over the other. This article describe the evidence as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the main strategies of treatment for women affected by uterine cervical cancer stage ⅠB2-ⅡB.

温针经筋刺法联合Bobath康复手法治疗脑卒中后肩手综合征Ⅰ期临床观察

【目的】观察温针经筋刺法联合Bobath康复手法治疗脑卒中后肩手综合征(SHS)Ⅰ期的临床疗效。【方法】将90例脑卒中后SHSⅠ期患者随机分为观察组和对照组,每组各45例,对照组给予Bobath康复手法治疗,观察组在对照组治疗的基础上,联合温针经筋刺法治疗。2组均治疗8周。治疗2个月后,评价2组临床疗效,观察2组患者治疗前后疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分的变化情况,以及关节肿胀程度的情况。比较2组患者治疗前后Fugl-Meyer运动功能量表(FMA)评分、Barthel指数(BI)评分以及中医证候积分的变化情况。【结果】(1)治疗后,2组患者的VAS评分均明显改善(P<0.05),且观察组在改善VAS评分方面明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(2)治疗后,2组患者的关节肿胀程度均明显改善(P<0.05),且观察组在改善关节肿胀程度方面明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(3)治疗后,2组患者的FMA、BI评分均明显改善(P<0.05),且观察组在改善FMA、BI评分方面明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(4)观察组总有效率为93.33%(42/45),对照组为77.78%(35/45)。观察组疗效优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。【结论】温针经筋刺法联合Bobath康复手法治疗脑卒中后SHSⅠ期患者,能明显改善患者的疼痛症状,改善关节肿胀程度,提高患者运动功能与日常生活能力,提高患者生活质量,疗效显著。

Pathophysiology of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia

A disease can be defined as an abnormal anatomy(pathology)and/or function(physiology)that may cause harm to the body.In clinical benign prostatic hyperplasis(BPH),the abnormal anatomy is prostate adenoma/adenomata,resulting in a varying degree of benign prostatic obstruction(BPO)that may cause harm to the bladder or kidneys.Thus clinical BPH can be defined as such and be differentiated from other less common causes of male lower urinary tract symptoms.Diagnosis of the prostate adenoma/adenomata(PA)can be made by measuring the intravesical prostatic protrusion(IPP)and prostate volume(PV)with non-invasive transabdominal ultrasound(TAUS)in the clinic.The PA can then be graded(phenotyped)according to IPP and PV.Multiple studies have shown a good correlation between IPP/PV and BPO,and therefore progression of the disease.The severity of the disease clinical BPH can be classified into stages from stage Ⅰ to Ⅳ for further management.The classification is based on the effect of BPO on bladder functions,namely that of emptying,normal if postvoid residual urine(PVRU)<100 mL;and bladder storage,normal if maximum voided volume(MVV)>100 mL.The effect of BPO on quality of life(QoL)can be assessed by the QoL index,with a score≥3 considered bothersome.Patients with no significant obstruction and no bothersome symptoms would be stage Ⅰ;those with no significant obstruction but has bothersome symptoms(QoL≥3)would be stage Ⅱ;those with significant obstruction(PVRU>100 mL;or MVV<100 mL),irrespective of symptoms would be stage Ⅲ;those with complications of the disease clinical BPH such as retention of urine,bladder stones,recurrent bleeding or infections would be stage Ⅳ.After assessment,further management can then be individualised.A low grade and stage disease can generally be watched(active surveillance)while a high grade and stage disease would need more invasive management with an option for surgery.The final decision making would take into account the patient’s age,co-morbidity,social economic background and his preferences/values. Proper understanding of pathophysiology of clinical BPH would lead to better selection of patients for individualised and personalised care andmore cost effective management.

Reverse time-dependent effect of alphafetoprotein and disease control on survival of patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM To characterize the survival of cirrhotic patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC) stage C hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and to ascertain the factors predicting the achievement of disease control(DC).METHODS The cirrhotic patients with BCLC stage C HCC evaluated by the Hepatocatt multidisciplinary group were subjected to the investigation. Demographic, clinical and tumor features, along with the best tumor response and overall survival were recorded. RESULTS One hundred and ten BCLC stage C patients were included in the analysis; the median overall survival was 13.4 mo(95%CI: 10.6-17.0). Only alphafetoprotein(AFP) serum level > 200 ng/m L and DC could independently predict survival but in a time dependent manner, the former was significantly associated with increased risk of mortality within the first 6 mo of follow-up(HR = 5.073, 95%CI: 2.159-11.916, P = 0.0002), whereas the latter showed a protective effect against death after one year(HR = 0.110, 95%CI: 0.038-0.314, P < 0.0001). Only patients showing microvascular invasion and/or extrahepatic spread recorded lower chances of achieving DC(OR = 0.263, 95%CI: 0.111-0.622, P = 0.002).CONCLUSION The BCLC stage C HCC includes a wide heterogeneous group of cirrhotic patients suitable for potentially curative treatments. The reverse and time dependent effect of AFP serum level and DC on patients' survival confers them as useful predictive tools for treatment management and clinical decisions.

Clinical features of probable severe acute respiratory syndrome in Beijing

AIM: To summarize clinical features of probable severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Beijing.METHODS: Retrospective cases involving 801 patients admitted to hospitals in Beijing between March and June 2003, with a diagnosis of probable SARS, moderate type.The series of clinical manifestation, laboratory and radiograph data obtained from 801 cases were analyzed. RESULTS: One to three days after the onset of SARS, the major clinical symptoms were fever (in 88.14% of patients), fatigue, headache, myalgia, arthralgia (25-36%), etc. The counts of WBC (in 22.56% of patients) lymphocyte (70.25%)and CD3, CD4, CD8 positive T cells (70%) decreased. From 4-7 d, the unspecific symptoms became weak; however, the rates of low respiratory tract symptoms, such as cough (24.18%), sputum production (14.26%), chest distress (21.04%) and shortness of breath (9.23%) increased, so did the abnormal rates on chest radiograph or CT. The low counts of WBC, lymphocyte and CD3, CD4, CD8 positiveT cells touched bottom. From 8 to 16 d, the patients presented progressive cough (29.96%), sputum production (13.09%), chest distress (29.96%) and shortness of breath (35.34%). All patients had infiltrates on chest radiograph or CT, some even with multi-infiltrates. Two weeks later, patients' respiratory symptoms started to alleviate, the infiltrates on the lung began to absorb gradually, the counts of WBC, lymphocyte and CD3, CD4, CD8 positive T cells were restored to normality.CONCLUSION: The data reported here provide evidence that the course of SARS could be divided into four stages, namely the initial stage, progressive stage, fastigium and convalescent stage.