Comparison between clinical significance of serum proinflammatory proteins (IL-6 and CRP) and classic tumor markers (CEA and CA 19-9) in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is a second most common cause of cancer-related death and represents an inflammation-driven malignancy. It has been suggested that interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) play a potential role in the growth and progression of GC. The aim of the present study was to compare clinical significance of IL-6 and CRP with classic tumor markers—carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA 19-9) in GC patients. The study included 92 patients with GC and 70 healthy subjects. The serum concentrations of IL-6, CEA and CA 19-9 were determined using immunoenzyme assays, whereas CRP using immunoturbidimetric method. We defined the diagnostic criteria and prognostic value for proteins tested. In GC patients, the serum concentrations of all the proteins tested were significantly higher than in healthy subjects. The IL-6, CEA and CA 19-9 levels correlated with nodal metastases, while CRP with tumor stage, gastric wall invasion, presence of nodal and distant metastases. Diagnostic sensitivity of IL-6 was higher (85%) than those of other markers (CRP 66%, CA 19-9 34%, CEA 22%) and increased in combined use with CRP or CEA (88%). The area under ROC curve for IL-6 was larger than those of CRP and classic tumor markers (CEA and CA 19-9). None of the proteins tested was independent prognostic factor for the survival of GC patients. Our findings indicate better usefulness of serum proinflammatory proteins—IL-6 and CRP than classic tumor markers—CEA and CA 19-9 in the diagnosis of GC

Atomic structure and segregation in alkali-metal heteroclusters

The ground-state atomic and electronic distributions in NamCsn clusters with composition m=n and m=2n have been calculated by minimizing the total cluster energy using the density-functional formalism. The approximation is made by replacing the total external potential of the ions by its spherical average around the cluster center during the iterative process of solving the Kohn-Sham equations for each geometry tested. In the size range studied here (up to 90 atoms per cluster), the cluster is composed of well-separated homoatomic Na and Cs shells, the external one always being a Cs shell. We have also found that the cohesive energy goes rapidly to the bulk limit. An analysis of the geometries shows strong cluster reconstruction with increasing size. By comparing the geometry of pure Nan with that of the Nan core in NanCsn for clusters formed by only an inner Na layer and an outer Cs layer, we have observed that the Nan core adopts a geometry different in most cases from that of the free Nan cluster, and such that the number of faces of the polyhedron formed by the Nan core is as close as possible to the number of external Cs atoms, in order to accomodate these Cs atoms on top of the faces of the polyhedron

Somatotype variables related to strength and power output in male basketball players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between somatotype, muscular strength, power output measured in maximal cycle ergometer exercise bouts, and maximal power output and height of rise of the body mass centre (jump height) measured in akimbo counter movement jump (ACMJ), counter movement jump (CMJ) and spike jump (SPJ), in male basketball players. Methods: Thirteen male basketball players (second division, age 19.4±0.8 years, body height 192.9±5.6 cm, body mass 88.8±8.6 kg, training experience 9.3±0.8 years) participated in the study. Somatotype was determined using the Heath-Carter method. Maximal joint torques were measured under static conditions. Power output was measured in 2 maximal cycle ergometer exercise bouts, 10 s each, with increasing external loads equal to 7.5 and 10.0% of the body weight (BW). All jump trials (ACMJ, CMJ and SPJ) were performed on a force plate. Results: The mean somatotype of basketball players amounted to: 2.8-4.2-3.2. Sum of the joint torques for left and right lower extremities (0.613), trunk (0.631) and all six measured muscle groups (0.647) were significantly correlated (p<0.05) with mesomorphy and ectomorphy. Conclusion: It can be assumed that basketball players’ anthropometric characteristics can influence their level of performance but it is not a decisive factor

Hiatus hernia – Late complication after gastrectomy followed by double tract reconstruction (DTR): a case report

In patients with dyspeptic symptoms who have been treated for gastric cancer, other medical conditions apart from cancer recurrence should be considered. A long small-bowel loop left after esophagogastric anastomosis, flaccid diaphragmatic crura, and several external factors such as hard physical exertion can promote the development of postoperative hiatus hernia. The authors of this paper present a rare case of hiatus hernia considered a late complication of primary surgery performed due to gastric cancer. The 63-year-old patient had undergone total gastrectomy with double tract reconstruction (DTR) six years earlier. Gastrectomy was performed with extended lymphadenectomy (>D2). Histopathologic examination of tumor specimens showed mucinous adenocarcinoma with no lymph node metastasis and no distant metastases (pathologic staging: pT2, pN0, pM0). After six years, the patient was admitted to the 2nd Department of General and Gastroenterologic Surgery with abdominal pains, malaise, weight loss and feeling of fullness after small meals. Diagnostic procedures performed showed the presence of hiatus hernia, a very rare complication after this particular surgery, with no features of cancer recurrence. The patient was underwent surgery and the hernia was successfully repaired