bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicomorphological and molecular analysis of medulloblastoma and association with survival: A single tertiary care center experience
Authors: Badiger Soumya , Gudipati Archana , Uppin Megha , Konatam Meher Lakshmi , Yeramneni Vamsi Krishna , Bhattacharjee Suchanda , Saradhi Mudumba Vijaya , Patnaik Sujata , Irukulla Monika
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Background:

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a heterogeneous disease, displaying distinct genetic profiles, with specific molecular subgroups. Various clinical, pathological and molecular variables have been associated with disease outcome and therefore utilised in risk stratification of patients.

Objectives:

To perform molecular classification of medulloblastoma using surrogate immunohistochemistry (IHC) and associate molecular subgroups, histopathological types, and available clinicopathological parameters with overall survival (OS) of MB patients.

Results:

This study included 65 medulloblastoma patients. Immunohistochemical staining, using β-catenin YAP1 and GRB2-Associated Binding Protein 1 (GAB1) antibodies was used to classify MB cases into wingless signalling (WNT) activated, sonic hedgehog (SHH) activated, and non-WNT/non-SHH molecular subgroups. The relevant statistical analysis was done using GraphPad Prism version 9.3.0. Histological patterns included classic (40 cases, 62%), desmoplastic nodular (D/N) (14 cases, 22%), large cell/anaplastic (LC/A) (9 cases, 13%), medulloblastoma with extensive nodularity (MBEN) (1 case, 1.5%) and one special subtype, i.e., medulloblastoma with myogenic and melanotic differentiation. Molecular subgroups included WNT (4 cases, 6%), SHH (34 cases, 52%), and non-WNT/non-SHH (27 cases, 42%) subgroups. Histopathological types differed significantly according to tumor location, degree of anaplasia and molecular subgroups. Molecular subgroups differed significantly in age distribution and tumor location. The probability of survival was 78% and 68% after 1 and 2 years, respectively. Infants (<3 years of age), LC/A pattern, and TP53-mutant status among SHH subgroup conferred poor prognosis in our study. At the end of the study (at 65 months of maximum follow-up period) probability of survival was 51%.

Conclusions:

Immunohistochemical analysis helps in molecular classification of medulloblastoma in majority of the cases as well as helps in predicting prognosis and treatment response.
Curcumin mediated dendritic cell maturation by modulating cancer associated fibroblasts-derived exosomal miRNA-146a
Authors: Mirza Sheefa , Penny Clement , Jain Nayan K. , Rawal Rakesh M.
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Background:

Though cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), being a main component of tumor microenvironment (TME), are known to modulate immune response through secretion of various growth hormones, exosomes carrying miRNAs and cytokines; their effect on dendritic cells (DCs) are yet to be elucidated. Thus, aim of this study was to assess the effect of miRNAs and cytokines released by lung-CAFs and to evaluate immunomodulatory potential of curcumin on DC maturation through modulating their TME.

Material and Methods:

To check the effect of CAFs derived exosomes on DC maturation, we cultured imDCs in the presence of CAFs derived conditioned media (CAFs-CM) and characterized by the presence of maturation markers CD80, CD83, CD86 and CTLA4 using qRT-PCR. Additionally, expression of miR-221, miR-222, miR-155, miR-142-3p and miR-146a was assessed to evaluate the role of epigenetic regulators on DC maturation. Likewise, cytokine profiling of CAFs-CM as well as CAFs-CM treated with curcumin was also conducted using ELISA.

Results:

Results revealed the generation of regulatory DCs which were characterized by decreased expression of maturation markers in the presence of CAFs-CM. In addition, such DCs showed higher expression of epigenetic regulator miR-146a which was positively correlated with increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β and decreased expression of TNF-α (pro-inflammatory). Moreover, curcumin had the potential to convert regulatory DCs generated by CAFs into mDCs, which were characterized by high expression of co-stimulatory molecules, low expression of CTLA4, lower levels of immune suppressive cytokines production and lower levels of miR-146a.

Conclusion:

Collectively, these findings provide insight into understanding the immunomodulatory role of curcumin in targeting CAFs and modulating TME, thus enhancing antitumor immune response in DC based therapy.
Chondrosarcoma of the maxilla in a young female: A case report
Authors: Jayanthi P , Varun B. R , Nripan T , Sreena N. S , Joseph Anna P.
Published: February 2024

Sarcomas of the head and neck region are rare tumors, constituting less than 1% of malignant neoplasms in this area. Approximately 20% of these sarcomas originate from bone or cartilage. Chondrosarcomas are malignant mesenchymal tumors showing cartilaginous differentiation. These tumors usually show a predilection to the male gender and occur commonly in the older age group. Here, we report a case of chondrosarcoma of the anterior maxilla in a young female.
Percutaneous high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for non-resectable, chemo resistant malignant lesion of lung and liver
Authors: Yadawa Nandlal , Shahi Uday P. , Mandal Abhijit , Verma Ashish , Kumari Kiran , Aggrawal Lalit M. , Jaiswal Isha , Mourya Ankur , Jaiswal Anil K. , Srivastava Pammy
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

To explore the feasibility and efficacy of interstitial brachytherapy application for nonresectable and chemo-resistant malignant liver and lung lesions.

Materials and Methods:

Percutaneous high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy (HDR ISBT) was applied in nine lesions of seven middle-aged patients with advanced carcinoma (five patients with liver lesion and two patients with lung lesion). All patients were surgically ineligible. All patients had already received systemic chemotherapy. Under computed tomography (CT) guidance (for lung lesion) or ultrasonography (USG) guidance (for liver lesion), a single stainless steel brachytherapy needle was inserted percutaneously in patients with lesion size ≤4 centimeter (cm) and multiple needles were inserted in patients of lesion size >4cm. A single dose of 15 Gy to 20 Gy with HDR ISBT was prescribed at the periphery of the lesion. The needles were removed just after treatment. Patients were kept under observation for 24 h after treatment.

Results:

The median size of the lesion was 6.5 cm. In all the cases of liver lesion, more than 75% shrinkage of tumor volume in follow-up at 6 mo was observed. It was more than 50% for lung lesion. None of the patients had developed significant complications as on the median follow up period of 15 mo (ranges 3–27 mo).

Conclusions:

Percutaneous CT-guided high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy is a minimally invasive, safe, and feasible treatment option with minimal complication for inoperable, chemo resistant, advanced cancers with encouraging treatment outcomes.
Distributions and prognostic effects of ABO/Rh blood groups in patients with HER2/neu positive gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer
Authors: Dogan Izzet , Gurbuz Mustafa , Aydin Esra , Karabulut Senem , Tastekin Didem , Utkan Gungor
Published: February 2024

Background:

The aim of study was to look at ABO/Rh blood types frequency and prognostic significance in patients with HER2/neu positive gastric cancer.

Methods:

The study was designed retrospectively. Clinicopathological characteristics, treatment approaches, and the ABO/Rh blood groups features were noted. The ABO/Rh blood types for patients and healthy donors were compared by the Chi-square method.

Results:

The average age was 61 years. The average survival time was 17.9 months (13.2–22.5). ABO blood types frequencies were not similar between patients (25.9% O, 6.3% AB, 57.1% A, and 10.7% B) and control group (34.9% O, 7.9% AB, 41.9% A, and 15.3% B) (P = 0.01). Patients and controls had the same Rh factor distribution (P = 0.07).

Conclusions:

We showed that A blood group frequency was increased in patients with HER2/neu receptor-positive gastric cancer than in a healthy population. Also, we detected that the frequency of O blood type was decreased. ABO/Rh blood types were not linked with prognosis for overall survival.
Multiple malignant primary tumors (non-head and neck): Contemplation needed
Authors: Naorem Raphel , Ghogale Kshitish S. , Waghmare Chaitali M.
Published: February 2024

Background:

The incidence of multiple malignant primary tumors (MMPT) is increasing which needs attention. Hence, we undertook this study to analyze clinico-demographic details and treatment outcomes in patients with non-head and neck MMPT.

Materials and Methods:

Hospital case records of patients with histopathology proven MMPT registered in the radiation oncology department from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2020 were retrospectively studied. Modified Warren–Gates criteria were used to define MMPT. Patients with MMPT of the head and neck (both an index and second primary as head–neck) were excluded from the study. Demographic and clinical details were recorded and analyzed.

Results:

Forty-two eligible cases of non-head and neck MMPT were studied. The median age at diagnosis of an index case was 55 years (minimum 21, maximum 85) with a male to a female sex ratio of 5:37. Twelve patients had synchronous (28.57%) and 30 had metachronous (71.42%) MMPT. The average period between metachronous tumors was 77.77 months (minimum 12, maximum 312). The most common site of an index and second primary tumor was the breast (26; 61.90% and 23; 54.76%, respectively). Seventeen (65.38%) out of 26 index breast cancer were bilateral breast cancer and nine were others. In six cases of MMPT, there was an association between the breast and cervix.

Conclusion:

Breast cancer was the most common site for both an index and second primary malignancy followed by genital cancers. With cautious monitoring and patient education, second primary tumor could be detected earlier and managed better giving a good quality of life to patients.
The use of interleukin-6 as a biomarker of lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kalali Datis , Hadjiyianni Andriana , Isaakidou Athina
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Background:

Lung cancer is known for its fatality due to diagnosis at a late stage, indicating the need for the discovery of novel diagnostic biomarkers. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) belongs to a family of inflammatory cytokines shown to be elevated in cancer patients. Hence, in this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to evaluate the association of IL-6 levels between lung cancer patients and healthy individuals, as this would further support its use as a clinical biomarker.

Methods:

All major electronic databases were systematically searched to find the existing literature from 2012 until September 2022 on the association of IL-6 levels with lung cancer. Mean and standard deviation of IL-6 levels of lung cancer patients and controls were recorded from the included case–control studies. The natural logarithm of the ratio of means (RoM) between patients and controls with its respective 95% confidence intervals was calculated to retrieve a pooled RoM value.

Results:

Eight studies involving 559 lung cancer patients and 462 healthy controls were in included in the meta-analysis and a random-effects model was used due to high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.38%). Overall, IL-6 was found to be higher in lung cancer patients (pooled ln RoM = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.72–1.69, P < 0.0001) and all included studies were found to carry a low risk of bias after quality assessment.

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis revealed that IL-6 levels are higher in biological samples of lung cancer patients, indicating that they could be used as a biomarker for diagnosing lung cancer without complications. Further research should be undertaken to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy, in order to obtain more concrete evidence for its clinical use.
Cancer in Kashmir Valley: Current trends, burden and pattern
Authors: Manzoor Farzana , Sheikh Arif R. , Nisar Saniya , Reshi Ruby , Ashraf Sabiha , Shafiki Maria
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Background:

There is an overall surge of malignancies in most of the developing countries including India. Dearth of data from Kashmir prompted us to embark upon a study on burden and pattern of cancer in Kashmir over previous 5 years.

Methods:

Data acquisition from January 2016 to December 2020 was accomplished from the departmental archives of a large tertiary care institute of Kashmir valley. All histologically proven malignant cases were included for the present study. Information regarding the age, gender, site of primary malignancy and histological diagnosis was obtained.

Results:

A total of 5,392 cases of malignancies were considered for final analysis with a mean age at diagnosis of 56.73 years (SD = 15.96). Maximum number of cases were recorded in the age group of 60–69 years. Maximum number of malignancies were encountered in year 2018 with substantial drop in subsequent years. Gastrointestinal malignancies constitute more than one-third of total number of malignancies across both genders. In males, stomach was the common site of malignancy followed by lung and colorectal region whereas in females most common sites were breast, colorectal, and stomach.

Conclusion:

This study portrays close reflection of the cancer patterns within the valley in recent years which is strikingly different from rest of the country and world.
Online public interest in smoking and lung cancer: A comparative study in Google Trends
Authors: Tas Faruk , Erturk Kayhan
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Background:

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally. There is a causal relationship between smoking and lung cancer; nearly 90% of cases are caused by cigarette smoking.

Aim:

To investigate the public interest in the relationship between lung cancer and tobacco smoking through an analysis of searches in Google Trends over the past 16 years.

Material and Methods:

We conducted a systematic search through Google Trends using the search terms “lung cancer” and “smoking” to identify the numbers of lung cancer and tobacco smoking searches in populations from Turkey, the United States, and the whole world between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2019.

Results:

Online searches that reflect public awareness are nearly identical for both lung cancer and smoking; however, there is an inverse correlation between population interest and incidences of lung cancer and smoking. Furthermore, the numbers of searches on lung cancer and smoking decrease gradually in Turkey, in the world, and in the United States over the years, displaying a slight seasonal pattern.

Conclusion:

Informative and educational campaigns covering the whole year are required to raise awareness of the relationship between lung cancer and smoking and keep people argus-eyed.
Biodegradable concanavalin A functionalized polycaprolactone nanoparticle: A promising avenue for cancer therapy
Authors: Chowdhary Sapna Jain , Chowdhary Amit , Agrawal Govind Prasad , Mody Nishi , Jain Ashish
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Objective:

Receptor-based tumor-selective delivery of therapeutic efficacy and therapeutic index of cytotoxic drugs that exhibit dose-limiting toxicity is observed. Concanavalin A (Con A) was selected as the ligand for the proposed system, which was appended to the polycaprolactone nanoparticles (NPs) carrying the drug to be a very efficient approach for the treatment of cancer.

Methods:

Preparation of plain polycaprolactone nanoparticles was carried out employing the emulsion diffusion evaporation technique. Con A was conjugated using carbodiimide chemistry by coupling –COOH group on the surface of nanoparticles. The paclitaxel-loaded Con A-conjugated nanoparticles were further subjected to the characterization of various parameters, that is, surface morphology, particle size, and polydispersity index. In vitro drug release study of both the formulations (plain & conjugated) was done using a dialysis tube up to 48 h in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4).

Results:

Studies done in xenograft models evidently propose a dose-dependent cytotoxicity response, that is, shrink in % cell growth with increase in the concentration of the drug. The fluorescence photomicrograph clearly revealed the access of the Con A-conjugated nanoparticles to the tumor. A noteworthy biodistribution difference of the paclitaxel from prepared systems was observed. At the same time, Con A-coupled nanoparticles increased the accumulation of paclitaxel in the tumor cells.

Conclusions:

Hence, the Con A-conjugated nanoparticles formulation as compared to uncoupled solid lipid nanoparticles formulation and free drug solution showed nearly two times higher uptake because of the lectin receptors on the surface of tumors. Hence, it was envisaged to design polymeric nanoparticles which would be administered intravenously for better therapeutic efficacy.
Correlation of multiparametric MRI with histopathological grade of peripheral zone prostate carcinoma
Authors: Singla Amit , Deep Nerbadyswari , Naik Suprava , Mohakud Sudipta , Nayak Prasant , Sable Mukund
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Background:

Prostatic cancer is the second most common malignant tumor in men. Preoperative grading of prostate cancer is important for its management. Our objective is to compare individual and combined detection rates of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for prostate cancer with histopathological diagnosis as its golden standard.

Methods:

Forty-four patients with positive digital rectal examination (DRE) findings and elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA), underwent multiparametric MRI (Mp-MRI). T2WI, DWI, DCE-MRI and MRS were done in all the patients. Cognitive magnetic resonance-transrectal ultrasound (MR-TRUS) fusion biopsy was done in all the patients. Sensitivity and specificity of T2WI, DWI, DCE-MRI, and Prostate Imaging – Reporting and Data System PIRADS version 2 was obtained. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and choline/citrate ratio were obtained for each lesion and correlated with histopathological grade.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 68.7 ± 10.1 years, and the mean serum PSA level was 58.1 ± 22.4 ng/dL. Of the 38 lesions in peripheral zone, 33 (87%) had histopathologically proven prostate cancer. T2WI had a sensitivity and specificity of 75.8% and 80% and DWI had a sensitivity and specificity of 90.9% and 80%, respectively, for detection of malignant prostatic lesion. The mean ADC values for prostate cancer, prostatitis, and normal prostatic parenchyma were 0.702 ± 0.094 × 10-3 mm2/sec, 0.959 ± 0.171 × 10-3 mm2/sec, and 1.31 ± 0.223 × 10-3 mm2/sec, respectively. Type 3 curve has lower sensitivity (45.5%) but high specificity (80%) for diagnosing prostate cancer.

Conclusion:

DWI can be useful to differentiate benign from malignant prostatic lesions, and low-grade from high-grade prostate carcinoma. ADC value has a positive correlation with histopathological grade of prostate cancer.
Primary neuroendocrine tumors of ovary: A clinicopathological spectrum in a tertiary care hospital with review of literature
Authors: Kushwaha Pritika , Mandal Shramana , Mallya Varuna , Khurana Nita , Ghandhi Gauri , Singh Kishore
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Aim:

Primary neuroendocrine tumors in the ovary are rare. These tumors arise from the neuroendocrine cell system of ovarian stroma and surface epithelium, and may also arise from teratoma. We present four primary ovarian neuroendocrine tumors and discuss clinical, histomorphological, and immunohistochemical findings.

Methods:

Four primary ovarian neuroendocrine tumors were identified from our 4-year departmental archives. H and E slides and immunostains were reviewed. Clinical history, imaging studies, and follow-up data were obtained from medical records.

Results:

Patients’ age ranged from 37 to 45 years. All the patients presented with abdominal discomfort, abnormal uterine bleeding, and unilateral or bilateral ovarian masses. Two of the cases were primary ovarian carcinoid tumors, one being the pure primary ovarian carcinoid tumor (PPOCT), and the other being associated with mature cystic teratoma, while the other two cases were neuroendocrine carcinoma. All the cases showed expression of neuroendocrine markers, namely, synaptophysin, chromogranin, and NSE.

Conclusions:

Primary neuroendocrine tumors in the ovary are rare and consist of a group of heterogeneous tumors that express similar immunohistochemical markers.
Optimal plan target in cases with locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer: Comparison of VMAT, IMRT, hybrid, and tomotherapy results
Authors: Bicakci Beyhan C. , Demircioglu Fatih , Can Sevecen S. N. , Demircioglu Ozlem
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Purpose:

In locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer (NC), the spread of the disease, proximity to critical structures, and high dose requirement for tumor control may complicate the treatment plan. In this study, VMAT/IMRT/hybrid/tomotherapy plans were made to reach the safest and most effective dose distribution for each of the patients and the results were compared.

Methods:

Double volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and 7- and 9-field intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans were made to 21 locally advanced NCs with Varian Trilogy System. It was observed that appropriate dose distributions could not be achieved with IMRT or VMAT, and hybrid IMRT–VMAT plans were made. All cases were also planned with Tomotherapy Precision System, and the data of four different techniques were compared retrospectively.

Results:

For normal tissue tolerances in 73 structures could not be obtained with VMAT and 38 structures with IMRT whereas the desired tolerance was provided with the hybrid plan. Hybrid plans were made with an average of 14 VMATs and 20 IMRTs. The maximum brainstem and spinal cord doses were found significantly lower in hybrid and tomotherapy techniques. Homogeneity index (HI) and conformity index (CI) values were the best in hybrid plans. No statistically significant difference between the hybrid plan and tomotherapy in terms of normal tissue tolerance doses and HI whereas a significant difference was found in the hybrid plan for CI.

Conclusion:

It was observed that the most ideal plans for the locally advanced NC could be obtained with tomotherapy and hybrid plan techniques that the better protection in critical structures and desired dose distribution at target volumes.
Evaluation of adverse drug reactions of chemotherapeutic agents used in advanced non-small cell lung cancer – experience from a rural tertiary care institution in North Eastern India
Authors: Mukherjee Munmun , Gupta Anupam Nath , Mukherjee Soumen , Ishore Kaushik
Published: February 2024

Background:

Lung cancer is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality both in developed and developing countries. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are inevitable, albeit unwanted aspects of cancer chemotherapeutic agents used in lung cancer.

Aim and Objectives:

To determine common ADRs and the severity of ADRs of different chemotherapeutic agents used in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted among purposively selected 160 patients who had undergone chemotherapy for lung carcinoma. Clinical records of NSCLC patients were reviewed and data related to the socio-demographic and clinic-therapeutic profiles of patients were collected. ADRs were graded according to the Common toxicity criteria (CTC) grading. Data analysis was done using the IBM-SPSS software and presented using the principle of descriptive statistics. Relationships between ADRs and drug regimens were determined using Chi-square tests considering a 95% confidence interval and P value ≤ 0.05 as significant.

Result:

Among 160 patients, 78.8% were males and 21.3% were females. The mean age was 59.15 ± 10.6 years, illness duration was 7.5 ± 10.6 months, and treatment duration was 4.4 ± 0.91 months. The overall mortality rate and systemic toxicity of the paclitaxel–carboplatin combination were the lowest. Almost an equal proportion of moderate to severe changes in parameters such as myelosuppression, anemia, thrombocytopenia, alopecia, skin changes, allergic reaction, and peripheral neuropathy, were observed with all chemotherapeutic regimens. Gemcitabine–carboplatin regimen was associated with a higher proportion of altered liver enzymes, electrolyte imbalance, diarrhea, pleural effusion, and renal toxicities.

Conclusion:

There was a high prevalence of ADRs with different chemotherapeutic agents. Early detection of these ADRs may help in minimizing the damage by either modifying the dose or changing the offending agent.
Prevalence and factors associated with oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma: An institutional study
Authors: Shah Jigna S. , Dubey Jaya
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Introduction:

Incidence & prevalence of OPMDs & OSCC is increasing day by day, thereby escalating the burden of oral cancer in India. Oral cancer ranks in the top three of all cancers in India and is quickly becoming a health priority. This study aims to assess prevalence and associated factors of OPMDs and OSCC in patients attending dental OPD and its association with age, gender, habit (type & duration), clinical presentation and site of involvement.

Material and Methods:

A prospectively 12 months study was conducted in the outpatient department. Patient’s data whether suspected or proven cases of OPMDs & OSCC and fits in clinical criteria were reviewed and analysed for demographic data, oral adverse habit, clinical presentation and site of involvement.

Results:

Overall 38,588 patient’s data were analysed for 12 month time duration. Out of this 552 (1.43%) cases of OPMDs and 58 (0.15%) cases of OSCC were reported. Out of 552 maximum patients were reported with OSMF (34.4%), followed by other lesions and minimum with LP (7.9%). Age group most commonly affected was above 45 years (44.9%) of age. Males (81.1%) were affected more than females. OPMDs (92%) and OSCC (96.5%) were mostly associated with smokeless or smoking form of tobacco.

Conclusion:

Present study evaluated the prevalence rates and associated factors of OPMDs & OSCC, which is beneficial for general practitioner in early diagnosis, formulating better treatment plan and to educate general population about risk factors, early signs and symptoms of these lesions.
Difference in clinical presentation and their significance in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Riju Jeyashanth , Tirkey Amit Jiwan , Babu Malavika , Anto Ronald , Baitule Amey Madhav , Vidya Konduru , Agarwal Mansi
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Background:

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains the most common cancer among Indian men. OSCC involving the tongue and bucco alveolar complex (BAC) behaves differently. Nevertheless, the differences in clinical features and symptoms between the two subsites and their relation to pathology remain largely unexplored.

Study Design:

The study compared various clinical parameters and pathological factors between tongue cancer patients and patients with BAC cancer.

Results:

Among 474 patients, 232 had tongue cancer and 242 had BAC cancer. Except for the ulcer, 30% of patients with OSCC were asymptomatic at presentation. Compared to tongue cancers, lesions confined to BAC present at an advanced stage (P = 0.006). Multivariate analysis showed that dysphagia in tongue cancer (P = 0.020) and external swelling or lesion in BAC cancers (P = 0.002) were significant predictors of an advanced stage of the disease. On histopathology, perineural invasion (PNI) was significantly associated with tongue (P = 0.008) compared to BAC cancers (P = 0.015). Cancers of the tongue with pain and referred otalgia had a significantly higher depth of invasion (DOI), compared to those without pain (DOI – no pain 6.9 mm, pain 9.9 mm, and referred otalgia 11.4 mm).

Conclusions:

Patients with OSCC present late and in an advanced stage of the disease. Among tongue cancers, clinical history of pain was significantly associated with DOI and PNI, the significance of which needs to be prospectively analyzed. Clinical history in OSCC can be used as predicting factor for an advanced pathological stage of the disease. It also had an influence on various pathological characters, which is subsite specific.
Comparison of esophagus dose in breast cancer patients undergoing supraclavicular irradiation with and without esophagus countering
Authors: Mohammed Amin Soma S. , Faraj Kharman A. , Kamangar Tara Molanaie , Yarahmadi Mehran
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Context:

Esophagus toxicity and the risk of esophageal cancer are linked to radiation dose to the esophagus in breast cancer patients undergoing supraclavicular irradiation.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of esophagus contouring on the dose received in the esophagus in breast cancer patients undergoing supraclavicular irradiation.

Setting and Design:

This study included 30 treatment plans for breast cancer patients who received 50 Gy/25 fractions (2 Gy/fraction/day) using 3D-conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) to the whole breast or chest wall and supraclavicular.

Methods and Materials:

Our study included two groups: the non-sparing group was the treatment plan in which the esophagus was not delineated and the esophagus sparing group was generated, in which the plans were modified to spare the esophagus. The maximum dose, mean dose, and percentage of esophagus volume received, 5, 10, 15, and 20 Gy, respectively (V5, V10, V15, and V20), were used to evaluate both groups.

Statistical Analysis:

One-way analysis of variance was used. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The esophagus sparing group plans show a reduction in the esophageal mean dose Dmean (5.72 ± 5.15) Gy when compared to the non-sparing group (7.83 ± 3.31) Gy. Likewise, the maximum dose, V5, V10, V15, and V20 were reduced in the esophagus sparing group. All dosimetric parameters were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in patients with left breast cancer for both groups.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that it is possible to reduce the dose to the esophagus by considering the esophagus during treatment planning while maintaining plan quality. This reduction could lead to the greatest predicted decrease in acute esophagitis and esophageal cancer.
Association of tobacco exposure with demographic and clinicopathological factors in patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma – A single-center experience
Authors: Dwivedi Surjeet , Mukherjee Debashish , Lohia Nishant , Thakur Nikhil , Hans Raj , Mohan Raj , Sud Rahul , Darling H.S.
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Introduction:

Almost a third of the global load of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) occurs in India and can be attributed to the widespread use of tobacco and tobacco-related products in this part of the sub-continent.

Materials and Methods:

Records of 274 patients of OSCC treated between January 2018 and December 2019 in our institute were analyzed for the study for history of tobacco abuse and distribution of associated demographic, clinical, and pathological factors.

Results:

The age of the patients in the study ranged from 31 to 82 years with a median age of 60 years. The ratio of oral cancer in males: females was 3:1. Exposure to tobacco was seen in the majority of patients (89%) who reported with oral carcinoma. Smokeless tobacco in the form of gutka was the most common abused tobacco, followed by bidi in our study. Tongue and buccal mucosa (38% and 36%, respectively) were the most common sites. Significant statistical correlation of tobacco use was seen with age, gender, clinical, and pathological tumor stages.

Conclusion:

With tobacco being the main cause of OSCC, further studies with a larger number of patients and preferably with a comparison arm of non-tobacco OSCC would help in elucidating the exact clinical and statistical correlation of tobacco with the clinicopathological factors.
An unusual case series of synchronous primary malignancies: Carcinoma gallbladder with renal cell carcinoma, carcinoma gallbladder with carcinoma colon, carcinoma gallbladder with carcinoma breast
Authors: Dash Sashibhusan , Samantara Subrat K. , Pani Krushna C. , Ranjit Manoranjan
Published: February 2024

Synchronous primary cancers are very rare. Due to their low incidence rate and insidious onset, they may be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. In addition, there is currently no international consensus for their clinical diagnosis and treatment. Three exceedingly unusual synchronous primary malignancies, carcinoma gallbladder with renal cell carcinoma, carcinoma gallbladder with carcinoma colon, and carcinoma gallbladder with carcinoma breast, are presented here. Together with their clinical presentation, therapeutic options and outcomes are also presented. Curative radical surgery of each particular tumor, along with postoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy improves disease-free survival.
Rehabilitation of orbital exenteration postsquamous cell carcinoma of orbit using magnet retained two-part silicone and acrylic prosthesis: A case report
Authors: Rathee Manu , Singh Sandeep , Alam Maqbul , Jain Prachi , Malik Sanju , Chahal Sujata
Published: February 2024

Orbital exenteration performed to treat various neoplasms or nonmalignant diseases results in functional, aesthetic, and psychological issues for the patients. If reconstructive surgery is not possible or not desired by the patient, an orbital prosthesis is an excellent choice for cosmetic and psychological rehabilitation. An orbital prosthesis is aesthetic, durable, long lasting, cost-effective, and most importantly retentive. The present case report describes the rehabilitation of an orbital exenteration postsquamous cell carcinoma using a two-part prosthesis, in which retention is achieved by a combination of relining of anatomic undercuts and magnets.
Effect of assertiveness program on the drug use tendency, mental health, and quality of life in clinical students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Ganji Forozan , Khani Farzad , Karimi Zahra , Rabiei Leili
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Students on campus are exposed to drug abuse and mental health disorders due to various challenges and motivating factors. This issue requires attention to interventions based on coping skills training. The present study was conducted with the aim to investigate the effect of an assertiveness program on the drug use tendency, mental health, and quality of life in clinical students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2020.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is a quasi-experimental study. Seventy clinical students (nursing, midwifery, and intern students) attending Ayatollah Kashani and Hajar teaching hospitals of Shahrekord were included into the study and randomly assigned into an intervention group and a control group. The assertiveness training program was implemented for eight 1-h sessions (one session per week for 2 months) for the intervention group, while the control group received no programs. Both study groups completed drug tendency questionnaire, depression, anxiety and stress scale, and quality of life questionnaire in pretest, posttest, and 2-month follow-up. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (v22), analysis of variance repeated measures, and t-test.

RESULTS:

The mean scores of drug use tendency (P = 0.26), stress (P = 0.31), anxiety (P = 0.29), depression (P = 0.43), and quality of life (P = 0.33) showed no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the pretest, but the scores of the drug use tendency, stress, anxiety, and depression were statistically lower and the score of quality of life was statistically higher than that of the control group in the posttest and 2-month follow-up (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

The findings of the study showed that assertiveness skill training as a preventive program can reduce the students’ tendency to addiction and improve their mental health and quality of life. Considering the effectiveness of the program, planners and policymakers can use it to plan for reducing the youth tendency to drugs.
Knowledge and attitude toward professional ethics
Authors: Hoseinialiabadi Poria , Omidi Ali , Arab Mansour , Makarem Zohreh , Jafari Mojtaba
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Professional ethics is a set of principles and standards of human behavior that affect individual behavior and leads to improve care that provided by medical staff. The present study examined the knowledge and attitude of medical and nursing students toward professional ethics in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This descriptive-analytic study was carried out on 176 medical and nursing students in Bam University of Medical Science, Iran in 2019. In this study, students were selected by census sampling. Data collected using two researcher-made questionnaires related to knowledge and attitude toward professional ethics. Data were analyzed in SPSS software.

RESULTS:

The mean scores of knowledge among nursing and medical students were 86.56 (8.76) and 85.10 (12.19), respectively. The mean score of attitude among nursing and medical students was 127.06 (12.45) and 129.9 (11.88), respectively. Results of the Pearson correlation test showed a positive and significant associated between the score of knowledge and attitude nursing and medical students' (P < 0.001), (r = 0.76) (r = 0.66). Among the demographics characteristics, student age was associated to their attitude and knowledge significantly (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION:

Iranian nursing and medical students have a positive attitude and a high level of knowledge about professional ethics. A high level of knowledge was related to the most positive attitude.
The relationship between maternal perception of social support and breastfeeding patterns
Authors: Alidadi-Shamsabadi Elham , Savabi-Esfahani Mitra
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Breastfeeding is beneficial for the health of infants and mothers. It is a complex social behavior that may be influenced by social support. The study aimed to determine the relationship between perceived social support of breastfeeding women and their breastfeeding patterns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The research was a cross-sectional study on 300 mothers with 6-month infants or younger who were selected randomly. The data collection tool consisted standard social support and breastfeeding patterns questionnaires. We analyzed data using descriptive and analytical tests and SPSS 18 at a significance level of < 0.05.

RESULTS:

The results indicated that 85%, 82.2%, and 38% of the infants were exclusively breastfed at 1 week, 4, and 6 months after delivery, respectively. The result of post hoc LSD test indicated that the mean number of supporters for mothers, who were in the 6th month of delivery, was significantly lower than other times (P = 0.001). The one-way analysis of variance indicated no significant difference between perceived satisfaction of social support at different periods after delivery (P = 0.92). Despite the present results, which indicated that the number of supporters and scores of satisfaction with support in exclusive breastfeeding were higher than other groups, the differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

The mean number of supporters was less in women, who had 6-month-old infants, than mothers who had just given birth. It seems mothers with supplements and formula feeding patterns, such as breastfeeding mothers, may be supported to use these methods. Therefore, more studies are suggested on this field.
Evaluation the relationship between social health and stress of assisted reproductive techniques in infertile women
Authors: Panahi Sahar , Bahadoran Parvin , Pirhadi Masoume
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Fertility is highly valued in most cultures. In contrast, infertility as a crisis has the potential to threaten the stability of individuals, relationships, and communities. Many infertile people are at risk in the early stages of infertility treatment for health and mental health problems and severe stress. The present study was conducted to assess the relationship between the social health of infertile women and the stress of infertility treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was performed descriptively longitudinal correlation on 2020 women in infertility canters in Isfahan. Data collection tool in this study was three parts questionnaire. The first contained demographic information, the second was stress, and the third was the social health dimension questionnaire. Analyze the data was performed using the descriptive statistical methods for the quantitative variables Pearson correlation coefficient. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS:

The results showed that the mean standard deviation (SD) of social health was 155.1 (16.46), and the mean (SD) score of treatment stress was 22.91 (7.93). Pearson correlation coefficient showed that treatment stress score was not significantly related to overall social health score and its dimensions (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study, no statistically significant relationship was identified between these two variables. Probably, due to the living conditions of the people of our country in these years and the existence of stress and their great concern about economic issues, etc. The results were not observed contrary to the researcher's expectations.
Comparison of reproductive health and its related factors in vulnerable and nonvulnerable women
Authors: Zolfaghari Elham , Boroumandfar Zahra , Nekuei Nafisehsadat
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Women's health is supposed to be one of the indicators of development. Reproductive health is an important part of women's health. Vulnerable women are a group of women whose reproductive health needs to be given special attention. The purpose of this study was to compare the reproductive health of vulnerable and nonvulnerable women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on vulnerable women (n = 250) and nonvulnerable women (n = 250). The samples were selected from vulnerable women's centers and comprehensive health centers in Isfahan by quota and using simple random sampling method in 2017. The research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire completed by the researcher using interview method. Internal reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed to be 0.89 using Cronbach's alpha. A P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 18 software and independent t-test, Mann–Whitney, Pearson, Spearman, and Chi-square tests.

RESULTS:

The results showed that the mean total score of reproductive health in the nonvulnerable group (81.41) was significantly higher than that of the vulnerable group (68.6). The mean total score and the score of reproductive health components, except some of them, were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Having an addicted spouse and unsafe sex were the most prevalent features associated with high-risk behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS:

According to the results, reproductive health status of vulnerable women is inappropriate in all dimensions. Given the importance of this issue, the development and implementation of special health programs for this group seem to be necessary.
The psychosocial challenges of mothers of children with thalassemia
Authors: Nabavian Majedeh , Cheraghi Fatemeh , Shamsaei Farshid , Tapak Lily , Tamaddoni Ahmad
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Caring for the children suffering from thalassemia is a stressful experience with various aspects making the mothers face various challenges. Thus, the present study aimed to explain the psychosocial challenges of mothers with thalassemia children based on their lived experience.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this qualitative study, which was conducted using the phenomenological method, 14 mothers with thalassemia children were selected from two thalassemia treatment centers in Hamadan and Babol (Iran) in 2020 using the purposive sampling method. Data were collected using in-depth and semi-structured interviews and were analyzed by van Manen's phenomenological methodology.

RESULTS:

In the first stage of data analysis, 534 initial codes were extracted, which were reduced to 290 by comparison and integration. The primary themes turned into 24 secondary themes after clustering. By comparing the secondary themes, three main themes (i.e., “psychological distress,” “bodily burnout,” and “mothers' need to empathy and support”) with 7 secondary themes (i.e., “emotional exhaustion,” “mental strain,” “social stigma,” “acute psychosomatic reactions,” “long-term psychosomatic consequences,” “expectation of family support,” and support needs outside the family) were extracted.

CONCLUSION:

The results indicated that mothers with thalassemia children experience several challenges in various aspects. Therefore, they require care interventions and psychosocial support.
The effects of simulation training on learning of health information systems
Authors: Nabovati Ehsan , Jeddi Fatemeh Rangraz , Ghaffari Faeze , Mirhoseini Fakhrosadat
Published: February 2024

One of the most commonly used methods for training is simulation. It is important to examine the effects of simulation training of health information systems on the knowledge, attitude, and skill in trainees. This review provided a summary of relevant literature on how simulation training affects the learning of health information systems and determine the features and functional capabilities of existing simulators. Studies and websites using simulation training to teach health information systems were included. Studies were searched through Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, and ISI Web of Science and websites through Google search by the end of 2019. The characteristics of studies, features, and functional capabilities of simulators and effects on learning outcomes were extracted. The included studies and websites were categorized according to different characteristics including simulation types, learning outcome categories, and the effects of simulation training on learning outcomes. The learning outcomes were categorized into four groups: knowledge, attitude, skill, and satisfaction. The effects of interventions on outcomes were categorized into statistically significant positive, positive without statistical argument, no effect (not statistically significant), negative without statistical argument, or statistically significant negative. Ten studies and eight websites that used simulation training to teach health information systems (mainly electronic health record [EHR]) were included. EHR simulation was performed in 80% of the included studies and trainees in 70% of studies were physicians and nurses. All studies were conducted in three developed countries. In the included studies, four learning outcomes (i.e. skill, attitude, knowledge, and satisfaction) were assessed. Ninety percent of the included studies assessed skill-related outcomes, with more than half mentioning significant improvement. Thirty percent of the included studies assessed outcomes-related knowledge and attitude, all of which reported the positive effects of simulation training. The simulators offered a variety of functional capabilities, while all of which simulated the clinical data entry process. In teaching health information systems, especially EHRs, simulation training enhances skill, attitude, knowledge, and satisfaction of health-care providers and students.