Microstructures and Enhanced Mechanical Properties of (Zr, Ti)(C, N)-Based Nanocomposites Fabricated by Reactive Hot-Pressing at Low Temperature.

Dense and enhanced mechanical properties (Zr, Ti)(C, N)-based composites were fabricated using ZrC, TiCN, and Si powders as the raw powders by reactive hot-pressing at 1500-1700 °C. At the low sintering temperature, both (Zr, Ti)(C, N) and (Ti, Zr)(C, N) solid solutions were formed in the composites by adjusting the ratio of ZrC to TiCN. During the sintering process, the Si added at a rate of 5 mol% reacted with ZrC and TiCN to generate SiC.

Changes in the nutritional status of nine vitamins in patients with esophageal cancer during chemotherapy.

Background: Many studies have investigated the relationships between vitamins and esophageal cancer (EC). Most of these studies focused on the roles of vitamins in the prevention and treatment of EC, and few studies have examined the changes in vitamin nutritional status and their influencing factors before and after chemotherapy for EC. Chemotherapy may have a considerable effect on EC patients' vitamin levels and hematological indicators.

Association of DNA repair gene polymorphisms with the risk of radiation pneumonitis in lung cancer patients.

A total of 149 lung cancer patients were recruited to receive intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The association of developing radiation pneumonitis (RP) with genetic polymorphism was evaluated. The risks of four polymorphic sites in three DNA repair related genes (ERCC1, rs116615:T354C and rs3212986:C1516A; ERCC2, rs13181:A2251C; XRCC1, rs25487:A1196G) for developing grade ≥ 2 RP were assessed respectively.

Bevacizumab plus cisplatin and helical tomotherapy in treatment of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Background: In recent years, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted drugs have been respectively used in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In our research, we combined all of them for better curative effects.

Materials And Methods: Thirty patients with histologically confirmed stage III~IV (without distant metastasis) nasopharyngeal carcinoma were recruited between December 2013 and October 2014 with strict eligibility requirements and exclusion criteria.