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Hsiao SH, Lee MS, Lin HY, Su YC, Ho HC, Hwang JH, Lee CC, Hung SK. Clinical significance of measuring levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and soluble interleukin-2 receptor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Acta Otolaryngol 2009; 129:1519-23. [PMID: 19922107 DOI: 10.3109/00016480902849427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONCLUSION Changes in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and soluble interleukin-2 (sIL-2R) levels appear to be closely related to tumor progression and prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Further investigation is suggested. OBJECTIVES The study examined whether changes in TNF-alpha and sIL-2R in NPC can be used to predict tumor progression and prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study was carried out in 58 patients with NPC newly diagnosed from December 2003 to December 2006 at a single institution and 60 control subjects of comparable age. Blood levels of TNF-alpha and sIL-2R were monitored before, during, and 3 months and 1 year after treatment. RESULTS Differences in TNF-alpha level between patients with NPC in all four stages and healthy controls and in sIL-2R level between patients with advanced stage NPC and healthy controls were significant (p <0.05). Furthermore, 1 year after completing radiotherapy, levels of TNF-alpha and sIL-2R in patients with recurrent tumors were significantly different from those in patients without recurrence and healthy control subjects.
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Choi HJ, Moon JH, Ko BM, Kim YJ, Cheon YK, Cho YD, Lee MS, Shim CS. Endoscopic stone removal using a scissors papillotome followed by papillary balloon dilation in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy - a case series. Endoscopy 2009; 41:993-6. [PMID: 19866399 DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1215126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture is one of the most popular types of complementary/alternative medicine. It is sometimes used as a treatment for schizophrenia. AIMS The objective of this review is to assess systematically the clinical evidence for or against acupuncture as a treatment for schizophrenia. METHODS We searched 20 databases from their inception to May 2009 without language restrictions. All randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of acupuncture, with or without electrical stimulation or moxibustion for patients with schizophrenia were considered for inclusion. RESULTS Thirteen RCTs, all originating from China, met the inclusion criteria. One RCT reported significant effects of electroacupuncture (EA) plus drug therapy for improving auditory hallucunations and positive symptom compared with sham EA plus drug therapy. Four RCTs showed significant effects of acupuncture for response rate compared with antipsychotic drugs [n = 360, relative risk (RR): 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.34, p = 0.01; heterogeneity: tau(2) = 0.00, chi(2) = 2.98, p = 0.39, I(2) = 0%]. Seven RCTs showed significant effects of acupuncture plus antipsychotic drug therapy for response rate compared with antipsychotic drug therapy (n = 457, RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04-1.28, p = 0.008, heterogeneity: tau(2) = 0.00, chi(2) = 6.56, p = 0.36, I(2) = 9%). Two RCTs tested laser acupuncture against sham laser acupuncture. One RCT found beneficial effects of laser acupuncture on hallucination and the other RCT showed significant effects of laser acupuncture on response rate, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and clinical global index compared with sham laser. The methodological quality was generally poor and there was not a single high quality trial. CONCLUSION These results provide limited evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, the total number of RCTs, the total sample size and the methodological quality were too low to draw firm conclusions. As all studies originated from China, international studies are needed to test whether there is any effect.
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Ehdaie A, Lee MS. Drug-eluting stents in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction: an up-to-date review of the literature. Minerva Cardioangiol 2009; 57:645-655. [PMID: 19838154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Drug-eluting stents (DES) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the treatment of stable coronary disease but not in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. In the past, treatment of acute myocardial infarction was mainly done via thrombolysis and balloon angioplasty. Although the rates of stroke, reocclusion, and revascularization were improved with the advent of bare-metal stents, rates of restenosis remained high. Primary PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction has also evolved to include the use of DES in this setting. However, this "off-label" use has not been without concerns regarding safety. Stent thrombosis contributes to major morbidity and mortality after PCI. Suggestions of higher rates of stent thrombosis with the use of DES as compared to bare-metal stents have raised questions about DES safety and efficacy. The aim of the authors was to provide an in-depth review of the safety of DES in acute myocardial infarction. They have therefore reviewed the most up-to-date data, including observational studies, randomized trials, and meta-analyses on the use of DES in ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Overall, DES appear to have a similar safety profile as compared to bare-metal stents in primary PCI in the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Nevertheless, large-scale randomized studies are needed to further evaluate the safety profile of drug-eluting stents as compared to bare-metal stents in this setting.
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Lee MS, Huang YH, Huang SP, Lin RI, Wu SF, Li C. Identification of a nuclear localization signal in the polo box domain of Plk1. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2009; 1793:1571-8. [PMID: 19631697 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2009.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2008] [Revised: 07/10/2009] [Accepted: 07/10/2009] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 plays an essential role in mitosis and cytokinesis. Expression and nuclear localization of Plk1 during the S phase are necessary for its functions. Although it was reported that a bipartite nuclear localization signal located at the N-terminal kinase domain is required for nuclear import of Plk1, Plk1 carrying mutations in the polo box I of the polo box domain exhibited increased cytoplasmic accumulation. We further showed that the polo box domain was able to confer nuclear import of beta-galactosidase in vivo and GST-EGFP in vitro. The import carriers transportin and importin alpha were found to interact with the polo box domain directly in a Ran-GTP sensitive manner. These results indicate the presence of a nuclear localization signal in the polo box domain. A 38 amino acid sequence with the function of nuclear localization signal was identified to interact with transportin. Our findings demonstrated that a transportin-dependent nuclear localization signal is present in the polo box domain of Plk1, possibly required for efficient nuclear import. Showing little similarity to the M9 sequence, the 38 amino acid sequence identified here likely represents a novel nuclear localization signal.
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Lee MS, Jen YM, Liu DW, Su YC, Hung SK, Hwang JM, Lee CC, Li SC, Tsai WT, Chen FL, Lin HY. Should Tonsillar Carcinoma With Nasopharynx Invasion Alone be Classified as a T4b Disease? Tzu Chi Med J 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1016-3190(09)60040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Park JK, Moon JH, Kim HK, Choi HJ, Kang JH, Kim HK, Ko BM, Cho YD, Lee MS, Shim CS. Wire-guided endoscopic snare resection of a choledochocele-associated villous adenoma. Endoscopy 2009; 41 Suppl 2:E78-9. [PMID: 19370521 DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1214429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
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Jeong GW, Kim TH, Lee MS, Kang HK, Park TJ. A New Method for the Quantification of Brain Activation in Conjunction with SPM Tools in fMR Images. Neuroimage 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1053-8119(09)70536-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Eun SH, Kim JO, Ko BM, Cho JY, Lee JS, Lee MS, Shim CS. Jejunal diverticular bleeding treated with hemoclips at double-balloon enteroscopy. Endoscopy 2009; 41 Suppl 2:E29-30. [PMID: 19288410 DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-967053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture is often used as a treatment for dementia and is claimed to be effective in improving intelligence. AIMS The objective of this review is to assess the clinical evidence for or against acupuncture as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS We searched the literature using 17 databases from their inception to August 2008, without language restrictions. We included all randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of needle acupuncture to treat human patients suffering from AD. Methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad score. RESULTS Three RCTs met all inclusion criteria. Two RCTs assessed the effectiveness of acupuncture on cognitive function compared with drug therapy. Their results suggested no significant effect in favour of acupuncture [n = 72, weight mean difference (WMDs), -0.55; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) -1.31 to 0.21, p = 0.15, heterogeneity: tau(2) = 0, chi(2) = 0.048, p = 0.49, I(2) = 0%]. Two RCTs tested acupuncture for activities of daily living (ADL). One RCT reported favourable effects of drug therapy compared with acupuncture for ADL, while the other failed to so. The meta-analysis of these data showed significant effects of drug therapy compared with acupuncture (n = 72, WMD, -1.29; 95% CIs: -1.77 to -0.80, p < 0.001, heterogeneity: tau(2) = 0, chi(2) = 0.17, p = 0.68, I(2) = 0%). CONCLUSION Even though the number of studies is small, the existing evidence does not demonstrate the effectiveness of acupuncture for AD.
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Jeon SR, Eun SH, Shim CS, Ryu CB, Kim JO, Cho JY, Lee JS, Lee MS, Jin SY. Effect of drug-eluting metal stents in benign esophageal stricture: an in vivo animal study. Endoscopy 2009; 41:449-56. [PMID: 19418400 DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1214607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS The aim of this study in canines was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of self-expandable metal stents, which were coated with paclitaxel to minimize the tissue response. MATERIALS AND METHODS 14 dogs (5-10 kg) were randomly allocated to two groups. Drug-eluting stents (DES, n = 7) or nondrug-eluting stents (non-DES, n = 7) were endoscopically inserted and fixed in the esophagus of healthy dogs. Every 2 weeks, for a maximum period of 8 weeks, an endoscopic examination was performed to evaluate the status of stent insertion, the grade of tissue hyperplasia, and mucosal change at both ends of the stent. RESULTS One case of stent migration was observed after 4 weeks in the non-DES group. In this group, tissue reaction and hyperplasia remained for more than 4 weeks after stent insertion. By contrast, an endoscopic examination of the surrounding esophageal mucosa in the DES group showed very little tissue reaction, and the stent was easily separated from the esophageal tissue. CONCLUSION Although further studies are required to confirm our results, we suggest that these newly designed DES may provide an alternative tool to manage refractory benign esophageal stricture.
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Hsiao SH, Lin HY, Lee MS, Li DK, Su YC, Lee CC, Hung SK. Treatment Results and Prognostic Factors for Advanced Oral Tongue Cancer. Tzu Chi Med J 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1016-3190(09)60008-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Wang WS, Lee MS, Tseng CE, Liao IH, Huang SP, Lin RI, Li C. Interaction between human papillomavirus type 5 E2 and polo-like kinase 1. J Med Virol 2009; 81:536-44. [PMID: 19152411 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The E2 protein of the papillomavirus plays an essential role in the viral life cycle. Through a yeast two-hybrid screening, human polo-like kinase 1 was found to interact with human papillomavirus type 5 E2. Further characterization identified that the domains responsible for the interaction are the transactivation domain of HPV-5 E2 and the sequence between the kinase and the polo box domains of Plk1. In vivo, Plk1 and HPV-5 E2 are colocalized at the nuclear speckles. In the skin epithelium not infected with epidermodysplasia verruciformis associated HPVs, Plk1 is expressed in the stratum basale, indicating that the Plk1-HPV-5 E2 interaction likely occurs in the keratinocytes at the basal layer of the epithelium upon infection of HPV-5. Both HPV-5 E2 and Plk1 also interact with the E2 binding domain of Brd4. The E2 binding domain of Brd4 is phosphorylated by Plk1 in vitro, and this phosphorylation event is blocked by the presence of HPV-5 E2. Hence, these findings suggest the possibility that the cellular function of Brd4 is de-regulated by forming a complex with HPV-5 E2 in the infected epithelial cells.
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Pond A, Lee MS, Hardten DR, Harrison AR, Krachmer JH. Toxic corneal oedema associated with amantadine use. Br J Ophthalmol 2009; 93:281, 413. [PMID: 19244027 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2007.135731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Hsiao SH, Lee MS, Lin HY, Su YC, Ho HC, Hwang JH, Lee CC, Hung SK. Clinical significance of measuring levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and soluble interleukin-2 receptor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Acta Otolaryngol 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/00016480902849427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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141
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Lin YJ, Deng MC, Wu SH, Chen YL, Cheng HC, Chang CY, Lee MS, Chien MS, Huang CC. Baculovirus-derived hemagglutinin vaccine protects chickens from lethal homologous virus H5N1 challenge. J Vet Med Sci 2008; 70:1147-52. [PMID: 19057130 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.70.1147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in both human and poultry from 2003, it is critical to have effective vaccines. A cDNA fragment coding the entire hemagglutinin (HA) gene derived from an H5N1 strain (A/duck/China/E319-2/03) was cloned and expressed using the baculovirus system. Two weeks after receiving two doses of recombinant HA (rHA) vaccines, chickens develop high antibody response for hemagglutination inhibition (HI) at titer 7.2 log(2). Challenge studies revealed that vaccinated chickens with HI titers greater than 3 log(2) could have immunoprotection against the same HPAI H5N1 strain virus challenge through intranasal route. Additionally, HI titer of 5 log(2) determined whether the live viruses could not be detected from oropharyngeal, cloacal discharge or in tissues. This result suggests that the rHA expressed from baculovirus system could be a candidate for the development of a safe and efficient subunit vaccine for HPAI (H5N1).
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Lee MS, Lee EN, Ernst E. Is tai chi beneficial for improving aerobic capacity? A systematic review. Br J Sports Med 2008; 43:569-73. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2008.053272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Auricular acupuncture (AA) is a therapeutic method by which specific points on the auricle are stimulated to treat various conditions. AA is often recommended as treatment for insomnia. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate data from randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials testing the effectiveness of AA for treating insomnia. METHODS We searched the literature using 18 databases from their inception to April 2008 without language restrictions. All prospective randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of AA for subjects with insomnia were considered. Methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad score. RESULTS We identified 433 possible relevant articles, in which include 10 acceptable RCTs. The methodological quality of the trials was generally poor. Magnetic pellets AA was compared with placebo AA in three of the studies. The results suggested beneficial effects on sleep efficiency compared with placebo AA. One RCT tested needle AA compared with placebo AA and failed to show the effectiveness of AA. Four RCTs compared Semen Vaccariae or magnetic pellet AA with conventional drugs (estazolam or diazepam). Favourable effects for AA were found. Two RCTs tested thumbtack needle AA vs. no treatment suggested beneficial effects of AA on a sleep score. CONCLUSION We conclude that, because of the paucity and of the poor quality of the data, the evidence for the effectiveness of AA for the symptomatic treatment of insomnia is limited. Further, rigorously designed trials are warranted to confirm these results.
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Lan SK, Lin CW, Ho HC, Lee MS, Tzeng JE, Su YC. Penile Metastasis Secondary to Nasal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma. Urology 2008; 72:1014-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2008.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2008] [Revised: 05/07/2008] [Accepted: 05/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Kim A, Kwon OS, Kim SO, He L, Bae EY, Lee MS, Jeong SJ, Shim JH, Yoon DY, Kim CH, Moon A, Kim KE, Ahn JS, Kim BY. Caspase-3 activation as a key factor for HBx-transformed cell death. Cell Prolif 2008; 41:755-74. [PMID: 18700866 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2008.00550.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation has been associated with the tumorigenic growth of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx)-transformed cells. This study was aimed to find a key target for treatment of HBx-mediated cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS NF-kappaB activation, endoplasmic reticulum-stress (ER-stress), caspase-3 activation, and cell proliferation were evaluated after Chang/HBx cells permanently expressing HBx viral protein were treated with inhibitors of NF-kappaB, proteasome and DNA topoisomerase. RESULTS Inhibition of NF-kappaB transcriptional activity by transient transfection with mutant plasmids encoding Akt1 and glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta), or by treatment with chemical inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002, showed little effect on the survival of Chang/HBx cells. Furthermore, IkappaBalpha (S32/36A) mutant plasmid or other NF-kappaB inhibitors, 1-pyrrolidinecarbonidithioic acid and sulphasalazine, were also shown to have little effect on the cell proliferation. By contrast, proteasome inhibitor-1 (Pro1) and MG132 enhanced the HBx-induced ER-stress response and the subsequent activation of caspase-12, -9 and -3 and reduced cell proliferation. Camptothecin (CPT), however, triggered activation of caspase-3 without induction of caspase-12, and reduced cell proliferation. In addition, CPT-induced cell death was reversed by pre-treatment with z-DEVD, a caspase-3-specific inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS Detailed exploitation of the regulators of caspase-3 activation could open the gate for finding an efficient target for development of anticancer therapeutics against HBx-transformed hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Ho HC, Su YC, Lee MS, Hsiao SH, Hwang JH, Lee CC, Hung SK. A preliminary result of concurrent chemoradiation with weekly cisplatin in elderly nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Acta Otolaryngol 2008; 128:930-5. [PMID: 18607921 DOI: 10.1080/00016480701767374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
CONCLUSION A weekly regimen of cisplatin 30 mg/m2 as concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) was effective in elderly nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients, with acceptable and reversible acute toxicity following CCRT therapy. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy, toxicity, and tolerability of a multi-modal treatment strategy in elderly NPC patients. Subsequent systemic adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to achieve systemic control. PATIENTS AND METHODS From December 2002 to December 2006, 26 NPC patients over 60 years of age who had stage IIB to IV NPC were evaluated in this retrospective analysis. The CCRT chemotherapy protocol consisted of eight weekly doses of cisplatin 30 mg/m2 administered in an outpatient setting. Adjuvant systemic chemotherapy consisted of four monthly cycles of cisplatin (20 mg/m2/day) plus 5-fluorouracil (1000 mg/m2/day) for 5 consecutive days. Study end points included treatment outcome, compliance, and toxicity. RESULTS The 2-year overall survival, disease-free survival, local control, and distant metastasis-free rate were 87%, 73%, 92%, and 76%, respectively. Over 80% of patients were able to take more than six doses of weekly cisplatin during CCRT; however, nearly half of the patients had grade 3 hematological toxicity during adjuvant therapy requiring treatment modification or cessation of further adjuvant therapy.
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Ho HC, Lee MS, Hsiao SH, Hwang JH, Hung SK, Lee CC, Chou P. Prognostic influence of parapharyngeal extension in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Acta Otolaryngol 2008; 128:790-8. [PMID: 18568523 DOI: 10.1080/00016480701714269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
CONCLUSIONS Advanced parapharyngeal tumor involvement in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) had significant predictive value associated with poorer treatment outcome. Further subclassification of parapharyngeal invasion may be considered in the TNM staging system. OBJECTIVES We conducted a retrospective study to elucidate the effect of parapharyngeal extension on treatment outcomes in patients with NPC who were treated with radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 99 patients with newly diagnosed NPC were enrolled in this study. The parapharyngeal space invasion examined by CT scan was identified and graded according to Sham and Choy's classification. Potentially significant parameters were analyzed by both univariate and multivariate methods using SPSS software. RESULTS The overall survival, recurrence-free survival, locoregional control survival and distant metastasis-free survival rates were affected by the presence of parapharyngeal space involvement (p<0.0001, p<0.0001, p<0.0001, p=0.002, respectively). In multivariate analysis accounting for all previously known prognostic factors, parapharyngeal invasion was associated with increased risk for any recurrence, locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis, and overall survival. After adjusting with TNM classification, parapharyngeal invasion was still an independent prognostic factor in NPC.
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Lee MS, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Effects of reiki in clinical practice: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Int J Clin Pract 2008; 62:947-54. [PMID: 18410352 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01729.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this systematic review is to summarise and critically evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of reiki. METHODS We searched the literature using 23 databases from their respective inceptions through to November 2007 (search again 23 January 2008) without language restrictions. Methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad score. RESULTS The searches identified 205 potentially relevant studies. Nine randomised clinical trials (RCTs) met our inclusion criteria. Two RCTs suggested beneficial effects of reiki compared with sham control on depression, while one RCT did not report intergroup differences. For pain and anxiety, one RCT showed intergroup differences compared with sham control. For stress and hopelessness a further RCT reported effects of reiki and distant reiki compared with distant sham control. For functional recovery after ischaemic stroke there were no intergroup differences compared with sham. There was also no difference for anxiety between groups of pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis. For diabetic neuropathy there were no effects of reiki on pain. A further RCT failed to show the effects of reiki for anxiety and depression in women undergoing breast biopsy compared with conventional care. DISCUSSION In total, the trial data for any one condition are scarce and independent replications are not available for each condition. Most trials suffered from methodological flaws such as small sample size, inadequate study design and poor reporting. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the evidence is insufficient to suggest that reiki is an effective treatment for any condition. Therefore the value of reiki remains unproven.
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Lee MS, Kang MJ, Kim MY, Kim HO, Song KY, Park YM. Congenital Bednar tumour (pigmented dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans). J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2008; 22:509-11. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2007.02373.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Shin WG, Park SH, Jang MK, Hahn TH, Kim JB, Lee MS, Kim DJ, Jun SY, Park CK. Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) can predict liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. Dig Liver Dis 2008; 40:267-74. [PMID: 18055281 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2007.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2007] [Revised: 08/04/2007] [Accepted: 10/17/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been still few valuable markers that can be used as indirect markers of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. AIMS This study aimed to evaluate efficacy of several indirect markers of liver fibrosis and to identify the most valuable test in chronic hepatitis B. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 264 patients with chronic hepatitis B were consecutively enrolled. Fibrosis was staged by a single blinded pathologist according to the METAVIR system. Significant fibrosis was defined as stage >or=2. We investigated diagnostic accuracy of four indirect markers including aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index for predicting significant fibrosis. RESULTS Mean age was 28 years. 53% (141/264) had significant hepatic fibrosis. Of indirect markers, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index yielded the best area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-0.91). Positive predictive value/negative predictive value at 0.5, 1.5 and 2.0 of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index score for predicting significant fibrosis were 63%/91%, 83%/74% and 86%/65%, respectively. The odds ratio for aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index >or=1.4 relative to less than aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index of 1.4 was 17.971 (p<0.0001; 95% confidence interval, 9.677-33.376). CONCLUSIONS Of simple markers already developed in chronic hepatitis C, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index may be the most accurate and simple marker for predicting significant fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B.
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