Initial screening for patients admitted to the ED with chest pain consisted of a physical examination, determination of serum levels of cardiac enzymes and 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG).
Evaluations performed during treatment included a weekly chest X-ray, biochemistry, complete blood count (including platelet and differential leucocyte counts), physical examination, determination of PS, and toxicity assessment.
Evaluations performed at these follow-up visits included a physical examination, determination of SLEDAI score, BILAG analysis, serologic studies and evaluation of organ function.
Baseline assessment included a complete physical examination, determination of KPS, laboratory tests and tumour characteristics assessed by imaging and Okuda score (Okuda et al, 1985).
Before surgery, patients underwent standard preoperative examinations, including electrocardiography; physical examination; determination of vital signs; urine pregnancy test (in women of childbearing age); and measurement of hematological, blood coagulation, and standard clinical chemistry parameters.
The algorithm included a history and physical examination, determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) within 2 weeks before surgery, a plain radiograph and a technetium-99-labeled leukocyte scintigraphy [ 8].
The primary follow-up data included physical examination, determination of tumor markers, chest radiograph, CT scan or color Doppler ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis, and color Doppler ultrasound of the bilateral testes and epididymis.
Follow-up studies included history recording, detailed physical examination, determination of plasma EBV-DNA copy number, electronic nasopharyngoscopy, MRI examination of the nasopharynx and neck, chest and abdominal CT once every six months, and systemic bone scintigraphy for clinical suspicion of bone metastases.
The investigations included: metallographical examinations, determination the phase and chemical composition of the layers, measurements of their corrosion and frictional wear resistance and scratch tests.
Kidney samples were taken for histological examination or determination of the renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and collagen content.
