Does ionizing radiation induce up-regulation of functional beta1-integrin in human lung tumour cell lines in vitro?
Ionizing radiation strongly induced the expression of functional beta1-integrin and ILK in the two lung cancer cell lines, A549 and SKMES1, dependent on different matrices used. Additionally, the subcellular localization of both proteins was altered by irradiation, and the individual cellular radiosensitivity was reduced in the presence of an extracellular matrix. On the one hand, this may result in aggravated therapeutic approaches and on the other hand, cells could adhere more strongly in their environment by the increase in functional surface receptor density preventing metastasis. Concerning intravascular located tumour cells, beta1-integrin up-regulation might enable these cells to adhere to the endothelium, which represents a prerequisite for metastatic disease. Identification of such mechanisms will provide considerable insights into the understanding of tumorigenicity and metastatic phenotypes, possibly leading to new, optimized radiochemotherapeutic regimens.
Reconstruction nailing of femoral shaft fractures can be a cost-effective method to reduce the risks and morbidity of missed femoral neck fractures if the incremental implant costs are<$650. Routine reconstruction nailing is cost effective if the rate of associated femoral neck fracture is>7% or the rate of missed femoral neck fracture is>38%. CT scans are not a cost-effective strategy to reduce the risk and morbidity of missed femoral neck fractures if the cost is>$243. Weaknesses of this study include the reliance on low-powered studies and on estimations of some utilities and costs. To prevent the morbidity of missed or occult femoral neck fractures, the use of reconstruction nails for femoral shaft fractures is cost effective when the incremental costs of implants are<$650.