Accelerated fractionation regimens in radiotherapy of inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer

The results of definitive radiation treatment (1988-2000) for 375 patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer were analyzed. Three regimens of fractionation were used: (1) accelerated fractionation (AF)--(133), 2.5 Gy, 3 days a week, to a total of 47.5--55 Gy; (2) accelerated hyperfractionation (AHF)--(93), 1.25 Gy, daily, to a total of 60-72.5 Gy and standard fractionation (SF)--(149), 2 Gy, daily, to a total of 58-68 Gy. The advantages of AHF were established as regards complete regression rate (54.9% vs. 18.6%--SF and 18.1%--AF; p(0.001), median survival (30.5(2.4 months vs. 18.9 (1%--SF (p = 0.004) and 20.4 (2.4--AF (p = 0.004)), and 3-year survival (36.6% vs. 16.7%--SF (p = 0.005) and 15.5%--AF (p = 0.005). 17.9%, 9.0% (p = 0.11) and 8.1% (p = 0.08) have survived, respectively. Overall survival in the AHF group was superior in stages IIB--III; in stage I, the results were identical. Immediate response to radical radiotherapy appeared the only statistically significant factor of survival (p = 0.005-0.008) in all the groups.     

Inflammation mediators in pathogenesis of infection-toxic shock of meningococcal etiology

Up-to-date advances made in understanding of the events underlying meningococcal infection-toxic shock (ITS) are reviewed. Endotoxin properties, its interaction with transport protein and specific membrane receptors entailing activation of macrophages and secretion of cytokines TNF and IL-1 are described. Both of them are considered as major mediators of ITS. Recent information about activation of complement and coagulation cascades, changes of kinetic and functional properties of polymorphonuclear leukocytes are summarized. As to secondary mediators, the emphasis is placed on bioregulatory system L-arginine-NO. A scheme of pathogenesis of meningococcal ITS is provided. The latter is corresponding both clinically and morphologically to other endotoxin shocks and its peculiarities in excessive activation of coagulation system.     

Mechanisms of psychophysiological choice in schoolchildren and humanitarian students

Described in the paper is a case study targeted at detecting the age-related dynamics of some indices and psychophysiological mechanisms of decision-making in senior schoolchildren and humanitarian students; the study was based on computer-aided test systems. The research methods are presented and its results are analyzed.     

Choice of fractionation regimen in radiotherapy of inoperable esophageal cancer

The results of definitive radiation treatment for 303 patients with inoperable esophageal cancer were analyzed. Four regimens of fractionation were used: (1) accelerated hyperfractionation (AHF) (70)--1.3 Gy, twice a day, 5 weeks, to a total of 57.2-70 Gy; (2) AHF (49)--1.5-d = 1.5 Gy to a total of 54-63 Gy; (3) AHF (37)--1.7-d = 1.7 Gy to a total of 56.1-57.83 Gy and (4) standard fractionation (SF) (147) to a total of 58-70 Gy. The complete regression rate in the AHF groups (1.3-1.7, 69, 61 and 73%, respectively) was significantly higher than in that of SF (38%) (p(0.01); the median survival in the AHF groups and SF--21, 22, 12.3 and 14.3 months, respectively, and the 5-year survival 14, 12, 4 and 0%, respectively; all the differences in the groups 1.3 and SF were significant. The common independent prognostic factors for all patients were age (p = 0.04), immediate effect of radiation therapy (p = 0.01) and the length of tumor (p = 0.02).     

Morphological and immunohistogenetical features of colon cancer in children

We carried out postmortem and immunohistological studies of 3 cases of colon cancer in a 14-year-old (case 1) and an 8-year-old girl (case 2), and Turcot's syndrome in a 14-year-old girl (case 3). Tumors were located in the proximal portions of the colon and they were of rare histological types. The expression of proteins--the products of MLH 1, MHS2, and MHS6 genes responsible for DNA reparation was estimated. There was no expression of MLH1 and MHS6 in cases 2 and 3, respectively. The findings enabled the authors to assign these cases to hereditary polyposis-unassociated colonic cancer that is also a variety of Turcot's syndrome.