[Economic burden and related factors on inpatients with HBV-related diseases in Shandong province].

Objective: To investigate the economic burden of patients with acute and chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis and liver cancer caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Methods: Cluster sampling was used on cases consecutively collected during the study period. Questionnaire survey was conducted and information on the expenses during hospitalization was collected from the hospital records and through interviewing those patients.

[The distribution of the pre-cancerous condition and pathological changes of esophageal cancer of the community residents in high-incidence area].

Objective: To observe the distribution of the pre-cancerous condition and pathological changes of esophageal cancer of the community residents in high-incidence area, and to provide etiological evidences for secondary prevention.

Methods: An iodine-staining endoscope census was conducted in 9536 residents with high-risk factors at Feicheng, a high esophageal cancer incidence community in Shandong province. Of which, 1507 pathologic biopsies were performed and chi2 test administrated.

[The risk factors related to esophageal squamous cell cancer in Feicheng county, China].

Objective: To investigate the risk factors related to the esophageal squamous cell cancer in Feicheng county in Shandong province.

Methods: A case-control study was carried out in Feicheng county. There were two parts consisted in the cases.

Role of serum angiopoietin-2 level in screening for esophageal squamous cell cancer and its precursors.

Background: Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is one of the critical regulators of tumor angiogenesis. Studies have shown a significant correlation of Ang-2 expression to tumor invasion and metastasis in various human cancers, but little is known about the serum Ang-2 (sAng-2) levels in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) and its precursors. In this study, we aimed to investigate its role in screening for ESCC and its precursors.