Increasing evidence suggests that many types of cancers contain a population of cells that display stem cell properties. These cells are called cancer stem cells （CSCs），which are closely related to tumor initiation，growth，metastasis and chemoresistance. CSCs are also found in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma （ESCC）. These cells are characterized by potential of self-renewal and differentiation，tumor formation in nude mice and chemotherapy resistance，and thus may play an important role in targeted cancer therapies. Current methods for culturing and sorting CSCs in ESCC mainly include fluorescence activated cell sorting （FACS），magnetic activated cell sorting （MACS），suspension culture，and side population （SP） cell sorting. In this review，we focus on current research methods for CSCs in ESCC，their biological characteristics and areas for improvement. We believe that a combination of multiple cell-surface makers is needed for research of CSCs in ESCC.
Objective To explore the shortterm clinical effects of complex transplantation among the acellular dermal matrix(ADM) of heterogenic or heterocatal and autogenic split on the burnt wound as to find out a permanent substitution for the treatment on full skin thickness defect without scar. Methods Two kinds of ADM were used on the 18 patients with full thicknessburn wound through complex transplantation with autogenic splits. The patients with medialthickness autograft was used as control group. Survival rate was obtained 2 weeks after operation; contraction rate and the scores of Vancouver burn scale were obtained 8 weeks after operation. Results No significant difference was observed in survival rate among the three groups 2 weeks after operation(P＞0.05); no significant difference was observed in contraction rate of autografts and scores of Vancouver burn scale among the three groups 8 weeks after operation(P＞0.05). Conclusion ADM of heterogenic and ADM of heterocatal have similar effect on the reconstruction of skin, so the piglet ADM made in this way could be used as a substitution.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of melatonin as an adjuvant therapy for the tumor patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Methods Such databases as MEDLINE (1980 to Jan. 2010), The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2009), WanFang Data (1980 to Jan. 2010), CBM (1980 to Jan. 2010), CNKI (1980 to Jan. 2010), ELSEVIER ScienceDirect (SDOS, 1980 to Jan. 2010), Nature (1980 to Jan. 2010) and ongoing clinical trials (www.clinicaltrials.gov and www.controlled-trials.com) were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The data were extracted and the quality of the included RCTs was assessed by two reviewers. Then meta-analyses were performed by using Stata 10.1 software. Results Eight RCTs were included. The results of meta-analyses showed that melatonin significantly improved the remission rate for tumor patients (RR=1.98, 95% CI 1.52 to 2.58) and the one-year survival rate (RR=1.90, 95%CI 1.28 to 2.83), and significantly reduced the toxic effects of bone marrow suppression caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy (RR=0.12, 95%CI 0.06 to 0.27). No reports of adverse events were associated with melatonin. Conclusion The existing evidence reveals that the melatonin, as an adjuvant therapy drug for tumor, plays a certain role in improving disease remission rate, reducing the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and prolonging the life. It requires more high-quality RCTs for further verification because of the limitation of the included studies.
ObjectiveTo summarize our experience of right axillary straight mini-thoracotomy for surgical treatment of common congenital heart diseases in infants. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 369 infants undergoing open heart surgery through right axillary straight mini-thoracotomy in the 153th Central Hospital of People's Liberation Army from April 2009 to April 2013. There were 191 males and 178 females with their mean age of 8.2±3.1 months (range, 3-12 months)and body weight of 7.8±4.5 kg (rang, 4.5-11.2 kg). Surgical procedures included ventricular septal defect (VSD)repair in 290 patients, atrial septal defect (ASD)repair in 16 patients, VSD and ASD repair in 34 patients, VSD repair and mitral valvuloplasty in 4 patients, valvotomy for pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS)in 9 patients, ASD repair and valvotomy for PVS in 6 patients, correction of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection in 4 patients, and correction of partial atrioventricular canal defect in 6 patients. ResultsSix patients (1.6%)died postoperatively. Postoperative complications included right atelectasis in 3 patients, right pneumothorax in 2 patients, pneumonia in 16 patients, incision fat liquefaction in 12 patients, third-degree atrioventricular block in 1 patient, cerebral air embolism in 1 patient, and reexploration for bleeding in 3 patients. A total of 295 patients were followed up for 6 to 12 months after discharge. Residual VSD shunt was found in 4 patients, and mild mitral regurgitation was found in 2 patients. ConclusionClinical outcomes of right axillary straight mini-thoracotomy during open heart surgery are satisfactory for infants with common congenital heart diseases, but strict indications and skillful surgical techniques are needed.
ObjectiveTo summarize the clinical feature and treatment experience of patients with acute type A aortic dissection involving coronary arteries.MethodsThe clinical data of 107 patients with acute type A aortic dissection involving coronary arteries, who received operation between June 5, 2012 and December 31, 2019 in our hospital, were analyzed retrospectively. There were 80 males and 27 females at age of 24-83 (49.8±11.2) years.ResultsThe right coronary artery was involved in 65 patients, the left in 17 patients, and both coronary arteries in 25 patients. There were 48 (44.9%) patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, 49 (45.8%) patients undergoing coronary artery plasty. Fifteen patients died 30 d after the operation, with a mortality rate of 14.0%. Patients with preoperative cardiogenic shock and postoperative acute renal failure had increased risk of death (P<0.05). Eighty-two (88.2%) patients were followed up for 2 to 71 months, and 1 patient had sudden cardiac death during the follow-up period.ConclusionAcute type A aortic dissection with coronary involvement is associated with high misdiagnosis rate and mortality rate. Taking proper strategies for surgical treatment of involved coronary arteries based on precise diagnosis may improve the prognosis of patients.