Prognostic value of circulating tumor cells in esophageal cancer.

Aim: To perform a meta-analysis of the related studies to assess whether circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be used as a prognostic marker of esophageal cancer.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and references in relevant studies were searched to assess the prognostic relevance of CTCs in patients with esophageal cancer. The primary outcome assessed was overall survival (OS).

[Construction of a lentivirus vector expressing wheat germ agglutinin and its infection in human adipose-derived stem cells].

Objective: To construct a lentivirus vector carrying wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and evaluate its ability of tracing WGA in the brain of mice with ischemic brain injury.

Methods: WGA gene was inserted into the lentiviral vector Plvx IRES-ZsGreen1 using genetic engineering methods. 293T cells were transfected with the vector and 3 packaging plasmids (RPEV, PRRE, and VSVG) to obtain the recombinant lentivirus for infection of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs).

[Evaluation of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in treatment for patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome].

Objective: To analyze the effects of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) on oxygenation of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients, and to discuss the timing point for mechanical ventilation.

Methods: Twenty-five SARS patients with respiratory dysfunction treated with NIPPV were studied retrospectively in order to evaluate the influences within 24 hours after initiation of ventilatory support on their physiological indices and oxygenation. Patients with SARS were divided into two groups: survivor group (n=13) and non-survivor group (n=12).