Volume 121  ·  Issue 20  ·  2008

Despite consensus on breast cancer radiotherapy, there are still some controversies over post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in patients with 1-3 positive lymph nodes, accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), appropriate sequence of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal treatment, and radiotherapy after preoperative systemic therapy。

Abstract：Background The endoscopic surgery for inner-side cancer of the breast is usually performed by periareolar approach,but it often makes deformation or malposition of nipple and areola. The trans-axillary approach is favorable without making any injuries on breast skin. Furthermore, we devised a new approach of retro-mammary route without subcutaneous exfoliation, from axillary skin incision, to preserve skin touch sensation.Methods We have performed video-assisted breast surgery (VABS) on 200 patients since December 2001. The newly devised trans-axillary retromammary-route approach (TARM) was performed on 12 patients of early breast cancer. After endoscopic sentinel lymph node biopsy, we lengthened the axillary skin incision to 2.5 cm, and dissected retromammary tissue from superficial pectoral fascia onto major pectoral muscle below the tumor. The working space was made by lifting traction sutures through the gland. We cut the gland vertically at free margin 2 cm apart from the tumor edge, and dissect skin flap over the tumor. The breast reconstruction was done by filling absorbable fiber cotton.Results Traction sutures made it easier to cut the mammary gland vertically. We did not experience any skin damages like bum. All surgical margins were negative. The operation time was needed longer but the blood loss was not different.The postoperative esthetic results were good. The sensory disturbance was minimal. All patients were satisfied with this operation.Conclusion This newly devised TARM approach need no injury on whole breast, and can become a single standard method for breast conserving surgery wherever the cancer situated。

Abstract：Background Surrogate markers may be used to assess the response to neoadjuvant treatment. The association between HER2 overexpression and favorable response to specific therapy in breast cancer is controversial, and the mechanism unclear. The purpose of the study was to evaluate HER2 and topoisomerase lla (Topo Ⅱα ) as candidates for predicting the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.Methods Between 1999 and 2006, seventy-six breast cancer patients who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were studied. Regimens including either CEF (cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, 5-fluorouracil) or CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil) were given in more than three cycles to this group of patients. Protein expression of HER2 and Topo lla were determined by immunohistochemistry. The primary endpoint was pathological and clinical response. Results Of 76 primary breast cancer samples, 27 (35.5%) showed overexpression of either HER2 (25%) or Topo Ⅱα protein (10.5%), whereas in 7 tumors (9.2%) both proteins were found to be overexpressed. Ten patients (13.2%) had a clinical complete response and 21 (27.6%) had a clinical partial response. Five women (6.6%) had a pathological complete response, 5 (6.6%) had microscopic residual disease, and 46 (60.5%) had macroscopic residual disease. HER2 and Topo lla overexpression was significantly associated with a favorable response (P <0.001 and P=0.005 respectively).Conclusion Our study suggests that HER2 and Topo Ⅱα overexpression could be predictors of the response to neoadjuvant chemothrapy in both the CEF and CMF arms。

Abstract：Background WWOX and FHIT are two candidate tumor suppressor genes located in active fragile sites, the damage of which has been associated with the development of breast cancer. The association of the expression of these genes and the development of breast cancer has not been fully explored. We evaluated mRNA and protein expression of WWOX and FHIT in breast tissue with normal histological appearances, atypical ductal hyperplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ, and invasive cancer to see if a progressive decline in expression was present.Methods Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to evaluate the specimens for mRNA and protein expression, including 28 specimens with normal tissue, 28 specimens with atypical ductal hyperplasia, 33 specimens with ductal carcinoma in situ, and 51 specimens with invasive ductal carcinoma. Results Compared with in situ and invasive cancer specimens, both normal and atypical hyperplasia specimens had greater rates of detectable mRNA (WWOX rate ratio=2.95, 95% CI 1.24-7.08; FHIT rate ratio=4.58, 95% Cl 1.82-11.81) and Western blotting detectable protein (WWOX rate ratio=4.12, 95% Cl 1.63-10.73; FHIT rate ratio=3.76, 95% Cl 1.44-10.06). For both proteins, differences between normal and atypical hyperplasia specimens and between in situ and invasive carcinoma specimens were explainable by chance (P>0.05 for each analysis). Within each histological category, differences among fractions of specimens showed that FHIT and WWOX mRNA. and protein expression were explainable by chance (P >0.05 for each analysis).Conclusion Expression of FHIT and WWOX decreases along with breast tissue progress from a normal histological appearance to atypical ductal hyperplasia, in situ cancer, and the final invasive cancer。

Abstract：Background Cancer cells with overexpression of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) are resistant to chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (Dox). Paclitaxel (Pacl) was reported to suppress HSP27 expression in ovarian and uterine cancer cells. The purposes of this study were to investigate whether Pacl inhibits the expression of HSP27 in breast cancer cells, whether Pacl can sensitize breast cancer cells with HSP27 overexpression to Dox, and to define a more effective schedule for the combination of Dox with Pacl.Methods The HSP27 high-expressing human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435, and the HSP27 low-expressing cell line, MDA-MB-231, were used in this study. The level of HSP27, topoisomerase (Topo) Ha and β expression were assessed by Western blotting. The cytotoxic activities of Dox, Pacl and combination of these two drugs were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometric assays. Results Pacl (0.1 umol/L) inhibited HSP27 expression by approximately 2-fold in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435 cells, while up-regulating the level of topo lla and β. In contrast, expression of HSP27 in MDA-MB-231 did not change significantly following Pacl treatment. There were synergistic effects in both treatment sequences (Pacl-Dox and Dox-Pacl) when Pacl was combined with Dox. Compared with those treated with the Dox-Pacl sequence, the Pacl-Dox sequence had a stronger effect in cancer cells with HSP27 overexpression, as MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435 treated with the Pacl-Dox sequence had lower viabilities and a higher apoptotic rate.Conclusions Paclitaxel significantly decreases the level of HSP27 in breast cancer cells overexpressing HSP27. In combination therapies, the Pacl-Dox sequence is more effective in clearing breast cancer cells with high HSP27 expression compared with the Dox-Pacl sequence。

Abstract：Background A satisfactory animal model of breast cancer metastasizing to bone is unavailable. In this study, we used human breast cancer stem-like cells and human bone to build a novel "human-source" model of human breast cancer skeletal metastasis.Methods Human breast cancer stem-like cells, the CD44+/CD24-/lower subpopulation, was separated and cultured. Before injection with the stem-like cells, mice were implanted with human bone in the right or left dorsal flanks. Animals in Groups A, B, and C were injected with 1x105, 1x106 human breast cancer stem-like cells, and 1x106 parental MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. A positive control group (D) without implantation of human bone was also injected with 1x106 MDA-MB-231 cells. Immunohistochemistry was performed for determination of CD34, CD105, smooth muscle antibody, CD44, CD24, cytokine, CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4), and osteopontin (OPN). mRNA levels of CD44, CD24, CXCR4, and OPN in bone metastasis tissues were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Our results demonstrated that cells in implanted human bones of group B, which received 1x106 cancer stem-like cells, stained strongly positive for CD44, CXCR4, and OPN, whereas those of other groups showed no or minimum staining. Moreover, group B had the highest incidence of human bone metastasis (77.8%, P=0.0230) and no accompaniment of other tissue metastasis. The real-time PCR showed an increase of CD44, CXCR4, and OPN mRNA in metastatic bone tissues in group B compared with those of groups C and D, however the expression of CD24 mRNA in group B were the lowest. Conclusions In the novel "human source" model of breast cancer, breast cancer stem-like cells demonstrated a higher human bone-seeking ability. Its mechanism might be related to the higher expressions of CD44, CXCR4, and OPN, and the lower expression of CD24 in breast cancer stem-like cells.

Abstract：Background The curative effect of liver transplantation for patients with end-stage liver disease was encouraging in recent years and the 5-year patient survival rate can reach up to 70%. However, some patients might lose grafts due to a variety of reasons, including bile duct complications, vascular complications, primary non-function, graft rejection and disease recurrence etc. Liver retransplantation (re-LT) was the only available means for those patients whose initial grafts had failed, but the inferior outcomes of re-LT compared to primary liver transplantation (PLT) continue to be a major concern. This study aimed to analyze the indications for re-LT, optimal timing of re-LT, and strategies to improve the survival rate after re-LT.Methods From January 2001 to December 2006, we performed 738 liver transplants and 39 re-LT (5.3%) at our center. A retrospective analysis was performed to identify factors (indication for re-LT, preoperative score of model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), interval to re-LT from primary liver transplantation, methods of vascular and biliary reconstruction and common causes of death) associated with survival.Results Mean follow-up period was 1.8 years (1 to 5 years). Patients with MELD score less than 20 were better than those whose MELD score was >20 and MELD score>30 (1-year survival, 80.0% versus 50.0% and 3/5). The perioperative survival rate of patients who received re-LT at an interval of more than 30 days and less than 8 days after the initial transplantation was higher than those who received retransplantation between 8 to 30 days following the first operation (88.5% and 74.3% versus 50.0%). The main causes of death were infection (60.0%), multiple organ failure (20.0%), vascular complications (10.0%) and biliary fistula (10.0%) in perioperative period. The overall patient survival rate of 1-month, 6-month and 1-year was 80.0%, 76.7% and 66.7%, respectively.Conclusions Our study suggested the favorable results after re-LT. The analysis also showed optimal timing of operation, refined surgical techniques, individualized immunosuppressive regimen and effective prophylaxis and treatment of perioperative infection play an important role in achieving a higher survival after re-LT。

Abstract：Background Orthotopic liver retransplantation (re-OLT) is the only effective therapy for irreversible failure of a liver graft. Early and late graft failure gives way to two different clinical conditions that should be discussed separately. This study was designed to compare early and late re-OLT for patients with poor graft function after primary transplantation at our center and sum up our clinical experience in re-OLT.Methods The clinical data of 31 re-OLTs at our center from January 2004 to February 2007 were analyzed retrospectively, consisting of the first group with 14 cases of early re-OLT and the second group with 17 cases of late re-OLT.Results Biliary tract complications were the main indications for early re-OLT (57.1%) and late re-OLT (52.9%). Other common indications were vascular complications in early re-OLT and recurrence of primary diseases in late re-OLT. No significant differences were found between the groups with regard to the volume of bleeding during operation, cold ischemia time, operative duration, and perioperative mortality; except for the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Outcome was fatal for 7 patients in early re-OLT and 9 patients in late re-OLT. Two deaths were due to multiple organ failure with 3 deaths due to severe sepsis-related disease in early re-OLT, and 4 deaths were due to severe sepsis-related disease with 3 deaths due to recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in late re-OLT. One and 2-year actuarial survival rates after re-OLT were 55.2% and 36.9%, respectively, for patients in early re-OLT, and 65.1% and 52% respectively, for patients in late re-OLT. No significant differences were found regarding survival rates between the two groups.Conclusions Similar clinical results can be achieved in early and late re-OLT. Proper indications and optimal operation timing, adequate preoperative preparation, experienced surgical procedures, and effective perioperative anti-infection strategy contribute to the improvement of overall survival rates of patients after re-OLT。

Abstract：Background The main therapeutic treatments for hepatic artery complications after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) include thrombolysis, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, stent placement, and liver retransplantation. The prognosis of hepatic artery complications after OLT is not only related to the type, extent, and timing but also closely associated with the selection and timing of the therapeutic methods. However, there is no consensus of opinion regarding the treatment of these complications. The aim of this study was to determine optimal treatment for hepatic artery complications after OLT.Methods The clinical data of 25 patients diagnosed with hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) and hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) between October 2003 and March 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Treatments included liver retransplantation and interventions which contain thrombolysis, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent placement. Results Among five patients with HAT, 3 were treated with thrombolysis. One recovered, one died after thrombolysis and another one died of multi-organ failure after retransplantation because of recurrent HAT. The remaining 2 patients underwent successful retransplantation and have survived after that. Among 12 patients presented with HAS within 1 month postoperatively, 2 patients underwent retransplantation due to irreversible liver failure and another 10 patients were treated with interventions. The liver function failed to improve in 3 patients and retransplantations were performed in 4 patients after stent placement because of ischemic cholangitis. Among 6 patients undergoing liver retransplantations, two died of intracranial hemorrhage and infection respectively. Eight patients presented with HAS after 1 month postoperatively, 5 patients were treated with interventional management and recovered after stent placement. Among another 3 patients presented with HAS, 2 patients' liver function was stable and one patient received late liver retransplantation due to ischemic bile duct lesion.Conclusions Individualized therapeutic regimens should be adopted in treating hepatic artery complications after OLT, according to postoperative periods, types and whether ischemic bile duct lesion exists or not. Liver retransplantation is the best treatment for patients with hepatic artery thrombosis. Interventional treatments of late HAS without irreversible liver failure or bile duct ischemia are appropriate, whereas retransplantation is recommended for early HAS。

Abstract：Background Although liver transplantation has become a standard therapy for end-stage liver diseases, the experience of pediatric liver transplantation is limited in China. In this article we report our experience in pediatric liver transplantation, and summarize its characters in their indications, surgical techniques, and postoperative managements. Methods Thirty-one children (≤18 years old) underwent liver transplantation in our centers. The mean age at transplantation was 12.4 years old (ranged from 5 months to 18 years) with 7 children being less than 4 years of age at transplantation. The most common diagnosis of patients who underwent liver transplantation were biliary atresia, Wilson's disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, glycogen storage disease, hepatoblastoma, urea cycle defects, fulminant hepatic failure, etc. The surgical procedures included 12 standard (without venovenous bypass), 6 pigyback, 6 reduced-size, 3 split, 3 living donor liver transplantation, and 1 Domino liver transplantation. The triple-drug (FK506, steroid, and mycophenolate mofetil) immunosuppressive regimen was used in most of patients. Patients were followed up for a mean of 21.8 months. Results Five of the 31 patients died during perioperative time; mortality rate was 16.1%. The reasons of death were infections, primary non-function, heart failure, and hypovolemic shock. Postoperative complications in 10 patients included biliary leakage, acute rejection, abdominal infection, hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and pulmonary infection. Overall patient cumulative survival rate at 1-, 3-, and 5-year was 78.1%, 62.6%, 62.6%, respectively.Conclusions The most common indications of pediatric liver transplantation were congenital end-stage liver diseases. According to patients' age and body weight, standard, piggyback, reduced-size, split, or living donor liver transplantation should be performed. Pediatric liver transplantation especially requires higher surgical skills. The early postoperative management is the key to success. Postoperative bile leak was common, but most patients underwent liver transplantation had a better prognosis。

Abstract：Background Ischaemic reperfusion injury (IRI) is inevitable during major liver surgery. Ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) has been proven an effective intervention against hepatic IRI. Recently, it was demonstrated that ischaemic postconditioning (IPO) provided effective cardioprotection on IRI. We evaluated the protective effects of IPO on warm/cold IRI in rat liver by a comparison with IPC and assessed the role of apoptosis in the process. Methods Warm IRI model (clamping hepatic pedicle for 30 minutes) and cold IRI model (orthotopic liver transplantation with 2 hours cold storage) were established. Each model consisted of 3 groups: (1) control group, normal warm/cold IRI; (2) IPC group, 5 minutes of ischaemia followed by 5 minutes of reperfusion twice prior to warm/cold IRI; (3) IPO group, 30 seconds of reperfusion followed by 30 seconds of reocclusion for three times after warm/cold ischaemia. The levels of serum transaminase, glucose, and y glutamyltransferase (GOT) in bile, histopathological examination, apoptotic activity of hepatocyte, and apoptosis related protein Fas, at 3 hours after operation were compared. Survival rates one week after intervention were also compared.Results IPO and IPC protected the functions of hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells, inhibited the hepatocellular apoptosis by preventing expression of Fas gene, and elevated the one week survival rate compared with control group in both models (P<0.05). IPO and IPC groups were comparable in levels of serum transaminase levels, glucose, and GGT in bile, Fas positive expression index, and one week survival. In cold ischaemic models, IPO had lower apoptotic index than IPC (P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with ischaemic preconditioning, ischaemic postconditioning is associated with comparable protections of rat liver from warm or cold ischaemic reperfusion injury。

Abstract：Background Computed tomography (CT) is better than routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting intracranial calcification. This study aimed to assess the value of MR susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) in the detection and differentiation of intracranial calcification and hemorrhage.Methods Enrolled in this study were 35 patients including 13 cases of calcification demonstrated by CT and 22 cases of intracerebral hemorrhage. MR sequences used in all the subjects included axial T1WI, T2WI and SWI. The phase shift (PS) of calcification and hemorrhage on SWI was calculated and their signal features on corrected phase images were compared. The sensitivity of T1WI, T2WI and SWI in detecting intracranial calcification and hemorrhage was analyzed statistically.Results The detection rate of SWI for cranial calcification was 98.2%, significantly higher than that of T1 Wl and T2WI. It was not significantly different from that of CT (P >0.05). There were 49 hemorrhagic lesions at different stages detected n SWI, 30 on T2WI and 18 on T1WI. The average PS of calcification and hemorrhage was +0.734han routine MRI in detecting micro-hemorrhage, SWI may play an important role in differentiating cerebral diseases associated with calcification or hemorrhage。

Abstract：Background Airway smooth muscle (ASM) is suspected to be a determining factor in the structural change of asthma. However, the role of protein kinase C a (PKCa) and cyclin D1 involved in the dysfunction of ASM leading to asthmatic symptoms is not clear. In this study, the central role of PKCa and cyclin D1 in ASM proliferation in asthmatic rats was explored.Methods Thirty-six pathogen-free male Brown Norway (BN) rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: control groups (group N1, N2 and N3) and asthmatic groups (group A1, A2, and A3). Groups A1, A2 and A3 were challenged with ovalbumin (OA) for 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks respectively. Control animals were exposed to an aerosolized sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The ASM mass and nucleus numbers were studied to estimate the degree of airway remodeling by the hematoxylin-eosin staining method. PKCa and cyclin D1 expression in the ASM cells was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. The relation between PKCα and cyclin D1 was assessed by linear regression analysis. PKC agonist phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), PKC inhibitor Ro31-8220 and an antisense oligonucleotide against cyclin D1 (ASOND) were used to treat ASM cells (ASMCs) obtained from the 2 weeks asthmatic rats. The cyclin D1 protein expression level was detected by Western blotting. Results Compared with the control group, the PKCα and cyclin D1 mRNA levels were increased in the asthmatic group. Similar to RT-PCR results, immunohistochemistry analysis for PKCα and cyclin D1 expression revealed an increased production in ASMCs after allergen treatment for 2, 4 and 8 weeks compared with the respective control groups. No difference in expression of PKCα and cyclin D1 in ASM were found in the 2, 4 or 8 weeks asthmatic rats. There were significant positive correlations between PKCα and cyclin D1 expression, both transcriptionally (r=0.944, P <0.01) and translationally (r=0.826, P<0.01), in ASM. The content of cyclin D1 in asthmatic ASMCs increased after being stimulated by PMA, and decreased when induced by Ro31 -8220. ASOND targeting for cyclin D1 lowered the expression of cyclin D1 induced by PMA.Conclusions Increased expression of PKCα and cyclin D1 in ASM along with smooth muscle structure changes might implicate PKCα and cyclin D1 participation in the proliferation of ASM and contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma after repeated allergen exposure in rats. The results suggested that cyclin D1 might be downstream of PKC signal transduction pathway。

Abstract：Background The feasibility and safety of endoscopic thyroidectomy were evaluated by an approach of systematic review of published studies in the past decade.Methods A database searching was performed on MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, American College of Physicians Journal Club, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Both comparative and non-comparative studies about endoscopic thyroidectomy were selected and analyzed. For the comparative studies, RevMan 4.2 was used for statistical analysis; and for the non-comparative studies, data analysis was performed by SPSS 13.0.Results Seven comparative studies involving 367 patients (video-assisted thyroidectomy (VAT), 174 patients; conventional thyroidectomy (CT), 193 patients) were included in VAT-CT group. Age, gender, operative types, and pathological diagnosis were similar. Compared with CT, the mean operative time for VAT was significantly longer (VAT, 80.0 minutes; CT, 61.9 minutes, P <0.01), but the postoperative hospital stay was shorter (VAT, 1.7 days; CT, 2.5 days, P <0.01). The complication rate for VAT was 6.9%, while that for CT was 9.3% (P=0.35). Three studies analyzed the postoperative pain and cosmetic evaluation, and indicated that the VAT group was superior to the CT group, but there was no significant difference after a meta-analysis. Three comparative studies involving 273 patients (totally endoscopic thyroidectomy (TET), 145 patients; CT, 128 patients) were included in TET-CT group and the results generally resembled that of VAT-CT group. There were 18 and 14 non-comparative studies reporting the results of VAT and TET, respectively. The mean operative time for VAT was 76.8 minutes compared with 135.8 minutes for TET. The postoperative hospital stay was 1.8 and 3.8 days for VAT and TET respectively. The rates of conversion to open surgery for VAT and TET were similar (VAT, 2.8%; TET, 3.9%, P=0.105). The complication rate for VAT was 8.6%, while that for TET was 3.5% (P <0.01). Conclusions The feasibility and safety of endoscopic thyroidectomy were initially verified and accepted, and it should be considered as a valid option, offering some advantages to patients in terms of cosmetic results and postoperative distress。

Abstract：Objective To understand the effects of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) on chronic bony pain,bone mineral density (BMD), bone strength and biochemical markers of bone metabolism in the patients of osteoporosis.Data sources Using the key words "pulsed electromagnetic fields" and "osteoporosis", we searched the PubMed for related studies published in English from January 1996 to December 2007. We also searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for studies published in Chinese from January 1996 to December 2007.Study selection Inclusion criteria: (1) all articles which referred to the effects of low-frequency pulsed magnetic fields on osteoporosis either in primary osteoporosis or secondary osteoporosis; (2) either observational studies or randomized controlled studies. Exclusion criteria: (1) articles on experimental studies about osteoporosis; (2) repetitive studies; (3)case reports; (4) meta analysis.Results Totally 111 related articles were collected, 101 of them were published in Chinese, 10 were in English.Thirty-four were included and the remaining 84 were excluded.Conclusions Low-frequency PEMFs relieves the pain of primary osteoporosis quickly and efficiently, enhances bone formation and increases BMD of secondary osteoporosis. But the effects of PEMFs on bone mineral density of primary osteoporosis and bone resorption were controversial。

Sporothrix schenckii (S. schenckii), a dimorphic fungus, is the etiological agent of sporotrichosis. After entrance of microconidia or mycelial fragments into a mammalian host, the fungus differentiates into the parasitic yeast form. Meanwhile, several defensive signals would be triggered when the innate immune system was stimulated by 5. schenckii invasion and microbe-specific phagocytosis. The success of 5. schenckii infection partly depends on its ability to avoid oxidative damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS) released by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and activated macrophages. However, the antioxidant defense mechanisms of S. schenckii remains unknown. Catalases, one of the central enzymes involved in scavenging ROS via converting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to water and molecular oxygen, play an essential role in protecting intracellular pathogenic fungi against ROS1,2 and regulating growth and development in some fungi.3'4 No catalase in 5. schenckii has been identified and characterized previously. Recently we have cloned a catalase homologous gene from the yeast form of 5. schenckii and designated it Sscat. In this report, we used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to measure and compare mRNA expression of Sscat in the mycelium-to-yeast transition and H2O2-challenge induced microenvironments in vitro. The results presented may help in understanding the role of 5. schenckii catalase in the fungus-host interaction with respect to ROS。

Laparoscopic hepatectomy seems to be difficult because of the ease of bleeding from the liver parachyma during resection. This is not easily controlled under the laparoscope, especially during right or left hemihepatectomy, except for resection of the peripheral liver or left lateral segment when porta hepatis dissection is not indicated. Although both inflow and outflow control seems to be ideal in laparoscopic left hepatectomy, there have not been many reports of this. In addition to the high technical demands and the time required, any injury of the main hepatic veins or vena cava during the procedure will cause catastrophic bleeding and air embolism. Recently, we succeeded in achieving inflow and outflow occlusion during laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy in four cases, with satisfactory results。

The presence or absence of metastases in the axillary lymph nodes has remained the most powerful prognostic factor in breast carcinoma. Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is the standard procedure for obtaining this information. However, postoperative complications are common. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has been proposed as a potential alternative to ALND for staging breast carcinoma. This technique has been shown to be sensitive and specific for predicting the status of the axillary lymph nodes.1 Furthermore, it has the potential advantage of decreasing the morbidity associated with ALND。

Recent advances in transplantation techniques have allowed pancreatoduodenectomy, distal gastrectomy, hemicolectomy and small bowel autotransplantation to be the therapy of choice for enormous cavernous hemangioma of the small intestine mesentery. There have been a few case reports about small bowel autotransplantation combined with pancreatoduodenectomy for enormous mesenteric cavernous hemangioma of small intestine.1-4 The present surgical methods for enormous cavernous hemangioma of the small intestine mesentery mainly included tumor excision and/or small bowel resection. However, these therapies are not effective for those patients in whom the angiocavernoma has infiltrated the mesenteric artery or pancreas, and these patients often give up therapy. It is recognized that enormous cavernous hemangioma of the small intestine mesentery is a benign lesion, and patients may have an excellent prognosis after complete resection of the lesion。