bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female age and reproductive stage influence copulation patterns in mountain gorillas’ variable mating system
Authors: Morrison Robin , Ndayishimiye Eric , Stoinski Tara , Eckardt Winnie
Published: June 2023

Variation in mating systems and in individuals’ copulation patterns can have important consequences for the genetic structure of a population and ultimately its evolution. Whilst most gorilla sub-species form single-male, polygynous reproductive groups, mountain gorillas have both single-male and multimale reproductive groups. Considerable research has investigated the mating patterns of males in these multimale groups, but comparatively little is known about females. We investigated the copulation patterns of 71 female mountain gorillas over 13 years. We found that most sexually active, fecundable females in multimale groups had multiple mating partners. Females’ copulation patterns varied based on their reproductive stage, mating most often and with the greatest number of partners when they were pregnant, and least often when they had young dependent offspring. Females copulated throughout pregnancy, with pregnant females copulating more frequently in single-male groups than in multimale groups. Mating also varied with age, with older females mating less often and with fewer partners. Our findings confirm that when females transfer between single-male and multimale groups, they predominantly switch from copulating with one male to copulating with multiple males, and that females are also flexibly adjusting their copulation patterns across their lifetimes. This highlights the considerable variability of the mountain gorillas mating system, particularly from the female perspective, and the importance of accounting for within-species variation in copulation patterns.

Significance statement

Patterns of mating can vary both between individuals of the same species and within individuals across their lives. These patterns influence the genetic structure of a population. By examining copulation patterns in female mountain gorillas, we demonstrate that whilst females in single-male groups have only one mating partner, females in multi-male groups predominantly have multiple partners across a year. They also alter their copulation patterns across their lifetimes, copulating less often and with fewer partners as they age, and copulating most when pregnant. Our results highlight the flexibility with which female mountain gorillas can adjust their copulation patterns across their lifetimes, as the costs and benefits of copulation shift.
High aspect ratio diamond nanosecond laser machining
Authors: Golota Natalie C. , Preiss David , Fredin Zachary P. , Patil Prashant , Banks Daniel P. , Bahri Salima , Griffin Robert G. , Gershenfeld Neil
Published: June 2023

Laser processing of diamond has become an important technique for fabricating next generation microelectronic and quantum devices. However, the realization of low taper, high aspect ratio structures in diamond remains a challenge. We demonstrate the effects of pulse energy, pulse number and irradiation profile on the achievable aspect ratio with 532 nm nanosecond laser machining. Strong and gentle ablation regimes were observed using percussion hole drilling of type Ib HPHT diamond. Under percussion hole drilling a maximum aspect ratio of 22:1 was achieved with 10,000 pulses. To reach aspect ratios on average 40:1 and up to 66:1, rotary assisted drilling was employed using > 2 M pulse accumulations. We additionally demonstrate methods of obtaining 0.1° taper angles via ramped pulse energy machining in 10:1 aspect ratio tubes. Finally, effects of laser induced damage are studied using confocal Raman spectroscopy with observation of up to 36% increase in tensile strain following strong laser irradiation. However, we report that upon application of 600 °C heat treatment, induced strain is reduced by up to ~ 50% with considerable homogenization of observed strain.
High Sulfur (S) Supplementation Imparts Waterlogging Tolerance to Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) Through Upregulating S Metabolism and Antioxidant Pathways
Authors: Hussain Md Arif , Naeem Asif , Pitann Britta , Mühling Karl H.
Published: June 2023

Waterlogging significantly impacts plant growth and development by altering nutrient uptake and antioxidant enzyme functions, resulting in reduced yield. Plants need sulfur (S) to produce reduced glutathione (GSH), a thiol compound that combats abiotic stresses. It is hypothesized that supplying S to high S-demanding oilseed rape plants beyond its growth requirements can reduce the adverse effect of waterlogging stress. Therefore, this study evaluated the comparative effect of different S doses (mg kg− 1 soil), i.e., no-S (S0), low-S (S1, 35), medium-S (S2, 70), and high-S (S3, 140) on growth, yield and antioxidant defense systems of normal growing and waterlogged oilseed rape plants. Waterlogging was imposed at the inflorescence emergence stage for 7 days by retaining a 3-cm layer of water above the soil surface. Waterlogged plants supplemented with high-S showed improved growth and higher yield than those supplemented with lower S levels, and this response was associated with improved activity/contents of antioxidants, including ascorbate (AsA), GSH, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, and dehydroascorbate reductase, with concomitant lowering of hydrogen peroxide, dehydroascorbate and malondialdehyde content. Furthermore, leaf S concentration was enhanced in waterlogged plants treated with high-S, while anions were regulated whereby Cl− uptake was decreased. However, under control conditions, high-S did not provide additional benefits of improved plant growth, yield, and antioxidant activities compared to the medium-S application. Thus, it is concluded that additional S supplementation mitigates the adverse effects of waterlogging stress on oilseed rape, and needs to be employed as a potential strategy to alleviate the negative effects of this abiotic stress.
CPclus: Candecomp/Parafac Clustering Model for Three-Way Data
Authors: Vicari Donatella , Giordani Paolo
Published: June 2023

A novel clustering model, CPclus, for three-way data concerning a set of objects on which variables are measured by different subjects is proposed. The main aim of the proposal is to simultaneously summarize the objects through clusters and both variables and subjects through components. The object clusters are found by adopting a K-means-based strategy where the centroids are reduced according to the Candecomp/Parafac model in order to exploit the three-way structure of the data. The clustering process is carried out in order to reveal between-cluster differences in mean. Least-squares fitting is performed by using an iterative alternating least-squares algorithm. Model selection is addressed by considering an elbow-based method. An extensive simulation study and some real-life applications show the effectiveness of the proposal, also in comparison with its potential competitors.
Changes in atmospheric moisture transport over tropical South America: an analysis under a climate change scenario
Authors: Arias Paola A. , Rendón Maria Lizeth , Martínez J. Alejandro , Allan Richard P.
Published: June 2023

Warming induced by increased greenhouse gas emissions is intensifying the global water cycle and increasing the water vapor content of the global atmosphere. However, there is a lack of scientific literature assessing how regional atmospheric moisture transport and recycling will change in a warming climate. This work analyzes the projections of atmospheric moisture transport and recycling over tropical South America by the end of the twenty-first century (2070–2100) under a climate change scenario (RCP8.5). We used the Dynamic Recycling Model to estimate atmospheric moisture contributions to the region considering input data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts ERA5 reanalysis and 11 models included in the Fifth Phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. Projected increases of precipitable water in tropical South America are linked with increased evaporation from the oceans. However, those projections also indicate (1) reductions in the precipitation contributed by the main atmospheric moisture sources to the continental regions of tropical South America, (2) reductions of total precipitation, and (3) reductions of recycled precipitation over the region. The largest reductions of precipitation recycling are projected over the southern Amazon during the dry-to-wet transition season (about 31%) and the northern Amazon during its dry season (about 25%). This is particularly relevant since the southern Amazon has experienced the occurrence of longer dry seasons during the recent decades and has been highlighted as a hotspot of climate change.
Validation of the Subjective Spine Value: A new single item score for the assessment of spine-specific function
Authors: Leopold Vincent J. , Warminski Nikolas , Löchel Jannis , Labbus Kirsten , Pumberger Matthias , Zahn Robert K.
Published: June 2023

Background

Spinal function can be assessed through different patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate a novel single-item score for the assessment of spinal function: The Subjective Spine Value (SSpV). It was hypothesized that the SSpV correlates with the established scores Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI).

Methods

Between 08/2020 and 11/2021 151 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled and completed a questionnaire with the ODI, COMI as well as the SSpV. Patients were divided into 4 groups depending on their specific pathology (Group 1: Degenerative pathologies, Group 2: Tumor, Group 3: Inflammatory / Infection, Group 4: Trauma). Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate correlation between the SSpV and the ODI and COMI separately. Floor and ceiling effects were evaluated.

Results

Overall, the SSpV correlated significantly with both ODI (p =  < 0.001; r = − 0.640) and COMI (p =  < 0.001; r = − 0.640). This was also observed across all investigated groups (range − 0.420–0.736). No relevant floor or ceiling effects were noticed.

Conclusions

The SSpV is a valid single-item score for the assessment of spinal function. The SSpV offers a useful tool to efficiently assess spinal function in a variety of spinal pathologies.

Level of evidence

I, prospective cohort study.
Multiple Correspondence Analysis and HLA-Associations of Organ Involvement in a Large Cohort of African-American and European-American Patients with Sarcoidosis
Authors: Rasmussen Astrid , Dawkins Bryan A. , Li Chuang , Pezant Nathan , Levin Albert M. , Rybicki Benjamin A. , Iannuzzi Michael C. , Montgomery Courtney G.
Published: June 2023

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease with predominant pulmonary involvement and vast heterogeneity of clinical manifestations and disease outcomes. African American (AA) patients suffer greater morbidity and mortality. Using Multiple Correspondence Analysis, we identified seven clusters of organ involvement in European American (EA; n = 385) patients which were similar to those previously described in a Pan-European (GenPhenReSa) and a Spanish cohort (SARCOGEAS). In contrast, AA (n = 987) had six, less well-defined and overlapping clusters with little similarity to the cluster identified in the EA cohort evaluated at the same U.S. institutions. Association of cluster membership with two-digit HLA-DRB1 alleles demonstrated ancestry-specific patterns of association and replicated known HLA effects.

These results further support the notion that genetically influenced immune risk profiles, which differ based on ancestry, play a role in phenotypic heterogeneity. Dissecting such risk profiles will move us closer to personalized medicine for this complex disease.
Neurological update: non-motor symptoms in atypical parkinsonian syndromes
Authors: Ananthavarathan Piriyankan , Patel B. , Peeros S. , Obrocki R. , Malek N.
Published: June 2023

Among people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), non-motor symptoms (NMS) are a well-recognised cause of significant morbidity and poor quality of life. Yet, it is only more recently that NMS have been recognised to affect the lives of patients with atypical parkinsonian syndromes in a similar fashion. The aim of this article is to highlight and compare the relative prevalence of NMS among patients with atypical parkinsonian syndromes in the published literature, which largely remain underreported and unaddressed in routine clinical practice. All NMS that are recognised to occur in PD are also found to commonly occur in atypical parkinsonian syndromes. In particular, excessive daytime sleepiness is more prevalent among atypical parkinsonian syndromes (94.3%) compared to PD (33.9%) or normal controls (10.5%) (p < 0.001). Urinary dysfunction (not limited to urinary incontinence) is not only found to occur in MSA (79.7%) and PD (79.9%), but has also been reported in nearly half of the patients with PSP (49.3%), DLB (42%) and CBD (53.8%) (p < 0.001). Apathy is significantly more common among the atypical parkinsonian syndromes [PSP (56%), MSA (48%), DLB (44%), CBD (43%)] compared to PD (35%) (p = 0.029). Early recognition and addressing of NMS among atypical parkinsonian syndromes may help improve the holistic patient care provided and may encompass a range of conservative and pharmacotherapeutic treatments to address these symptoms.
Hospital-to-home transitions for children with medical complexity: part 1, a systematic review of reported outcomes
Authors: de Lange Annemieke , Alsem Mattijs W. , Haspels Heleen N. , van Karnebeek Clara D. M. , van Woensel Job B. M. , Etten–Jamaludin Faridi S. , Maaskant Jolanda M.
Published: June 2023

Outcome selection to evaluate interventions to support a successful transition from hospital to home of children with medical complexity (CMC) may be difficult due to the variety in available outcomes. To support researchers in outcome selection, this systematic review aimed to summarize and categorize outcomes currently reported in publications evaluating the effectiveness of hospital-to-home transitional care interventions for CMC. We searched the following databases: Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, CINAHL, PsychInfo, and Web of Science for studies published between 1 January 2010 and 15 March 2023. Two reviewers independently screened the articles and extracted the data with a focus on the outcomes. Our research group extensively discussed the outcome list to identify those with similar definitions, wording or meaning. Consensus meetings were organized to discuss disagreements, and to summarize and categorize the data. We identified 50 studies that reported in total 172 outcomes. Consensus was reached on 25 unique outcomes that were assigned to six outcome domains: mortality and survival, physical health, life impact (the impact on functioning, quality of life, delivery of care and personal circumstances), resource use, adverse events, and others. Most frequently studied outcomes reflected life impact and resource use. Apart from the heterogeneity in outcomes, we also found heterogeneity in designs, data sources, and measurement tools used to evaluate the outcomes. 

    Conclusion: This systematic review provides a categorized overview of outcomes that may be used to evaluate interventions to improve hospital-to-home transition for CMC. The results can be used in the development of a core outcome set transitional care for CMC.

What is Known:• Studies on the effectiveness of interventions to support the hospital-to-home transition of CMC are numerous.•Heterogeneity in outcomes hamper comparisons across studies and therewith the ability to move research forward.

What is New:•This systematic review summarizes and categorizes outcomes reported in publications that evaluated interventions to improve the hospital-to-home transition for CMC.•In total 172 reported outcomes were summarized to 25 unique outcomes that were assigned to six outcome domains.
Cuproptosis-related gene SERPINE1 is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrates in gastric cancer
Authors: Feng Leiran , Li Guixin , Li Dongbin , Duan Guoqiang , Liu Jin
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The serine protease inhibitor clade E member 1 (SERPINE1) has been studied as a potential biomarker in a variety of cancers, but poorly studied in gastric cancer (GC). The purpose of this study was to explore the prognostic value of SERPINE1 in GC and primarily analyze its functions.

Methods

We analyzed the the prognostic value of SERPINE1 and studied the relationship with clinicopathologic biomarkers in gastric cancer. The expression of SERPINE1 was analyzed by GEO and TCGA databases. Moreover, we validated the results by immunohistochemistry. Next, the correlation analysis between SERPINE1 and the cuproptosis-related genes was analyzed by the “Spearman” method. CIBERSORT and TIMER algorithms were used to analyze the correlation of SERPINE1 with immune infiltration. Furthermore, GO and KEGG gene enrichment analyses were used to study the functions and pathways that SERPINE1 might be involved in. Then, drug sensitivity analysis was performed using CellMiner database. Finally, a cuproptosis-immune-related prognostic model was constructed using genes related to immune and cuproptosis, and verified against external datasets.

Results

SERPINE1 was up-regulated in gastric cancer tissues, which tends toward poor prognosis. Using immunohistochemistry experiment, the expression and prognostic value of SERPINE1 were verified. Then, we found that SERPINE1 was negatively correlated with cuproptosis-related genes FDX1, LIAS, LIPT1, and PDHA1. On the contrary, SERPINE1 was positively correlated with APOE. This indicates the effect of SERPINE1 on the cuproptosis process. Furthermore, by conducting immune-related analyses, it was revealed that SERPINE1 may promote the inhibitory immune microenvironment. The infiltration level of resting NK cells, neutrophils, activated mast cells, and macrophages M2 was positively correlated with SERPINE1. However, B cell memory and plasma cells were negatively correlated with SERPINE1. Functional analysis showed that SERPINE1 was closely related to angiogenesis, apoptosis, and ECM degradation. The KEGG pathway analysis showed that SERPINE1 may be associated with P53, Pi3k/Akt, TGF-β, and other signaling pathways. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that SERPINE1 could be also seen as a potential treatment target. The risk model based on SERPINE1 co-expression genes could better predict the survival of GC patients than SERPINE1 alone. We also verified the prognostic value of the risk score by GEO external datasets.

Conclusion

SERPINE1 is highly expressed in gastric cancer and related to poor prognosis. SERPINE1 may regulate cuproptosis and the immune microenvironment by a series of pathways. Therefore, SERPINE1 as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target deserves further study.
Prognostic factors in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with Trifluridine/Tipiracil
Authors: Koper Agnieszka , Wileński Sławomir , Śledzińska Paulina , Bebyn Marek , Koper Krzysztof
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The systemic treatment options for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are unsatisfactory, and the disease recurs despite the use of numerous medications and their combinations. Trifluridine/Tipiracil is a relatively new drug used in refractory mCRC. Little is known about its real-world effectiveness and prognostic and predictive factors. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a prognostic model for refractory mCRC treated with Trifluridine/Tipiracil.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the data from 163 patients who had received Trifluridine/Tipiracil as a third or fourth line of treatment for refractory mCRC.

Results

After starting Trifluridine/Tipiracil, 21.5% of patients survived one year, and the median overall survival after Trifluridine/Tipiracil initiation was 251 days (SD: 17.855; 95%CI: 216–286). Median progression-free survival after Trifluridine/Tipiracil initiation was 56 days (SD: 4.826; 95%CI 47–65). Moreover, the median overall survival from diagnosis was 1333 days (SD: 82.84; 95%CI: 1170–1495). In forward stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis, initial radical treatment (HR = 0.552, 95% CI 0.372–0.819, p < 0.003), the number of cycles of first-line chemotherapy (HR = 0.978, 95% CI 0.961–0.995, p < 0.011), the number of cycles of second-line chemotherapy (HR = 0.955, 95% CI 0.931–0.98, p < 0.011), BRAF mutation (HR = 3.016, 95% CI = 1.207–7.537, p = 0.018), and hypertension (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.44–0.931, p = 0.02) were all associated with survival after Trifluridine/Tipiracil initiation. Our model and model-based nomogram displayed an AUC of 0.623 for one-year survival estimation in the testing cohort. The C-index for the prediction nomogram was 0.632.

Conclusion

We have developed a prognostic model for refractory mCRC treated with Trifluridine/Tipiracil based on five variables. Moreover, we reported a nomogram which could be used by oncologists in clinic visits on a daily basis.

Graphical abstract
Osteopontin is a prognostic circulating biomarker in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Kidess Evelyn , Giesecke Yvonne , Eichhorn Ines , Mohr Raphael , Jann Henning , Fischer Christian , Wiedenmann Bertram , Roderburg Christoph , Tacke Frank , Sigal Michael
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Osteopontin (OPN), also called secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is a matricellular glycoprotein whose expression is elevated in various types of cancer and which has been shown to be involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis in many malignancies. Its role in neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) remains to be established. The aim of the study was to analyze plasma concentrations of OPN in patients with NEN and to explore its diagnostic and prognostic value as a clinical biomarker.

Methods

OPN plasma concentrations were measured in a total of 38 patients with histologically proven NEN at three different time points during the course of disease and therapy (at the start of the study, after 3 and 12 months, respectively) as well as in healthy controls. Clinical and imaging data as well as concentrations of Chromogranin A (CgA) and Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) were assessed.

Results

OPN levels were significantly higher in patients with NEN compared to healthy controls. High-grade tumors (grade 3) showed the highest OPN levels. OPN levels were neither different between male and female patients nor between different primary tumor sites. OPN correlated significantly with corresponding NSE levels, while there was no correlation with Chromogranin A. High OPN levels above a cutoff value of 200 ng/ml at initial analysis predicted a worsened prognosis with significantly shorter progression-free survival of patients with NEN, which also held true within the subgroup of well-differentiated G1/G2 tumors.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that high baseline OPN levels in patients with NEN are predictive of an adverse outcome with shorter progression-free survival, even within the group of well differentiated G1/G2 tumors. Therefore, OPN may be used as a surrogate prognostic biomarker in patients with NEN.
The efficacy and safety of short-course neoadjuvant denosumab for en bloc spondylectomy in spinal giant cell tumor of bone: a preliminary report
Authors: Tang Qinglian , Lu Jinchang , Zhu Xiaojun , Song Guohui , Wu Hao , Xu Huaiyuan , Wang Anqi , Wang Jin
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate whether short course of neoadjuvant denosumab treatment for spinal GCTB could (1) Induce radiological and histological response? (2) Facilitate en bloc resection? (3) Achieve satisfactory oncological and functional outcomes?

Methods

The clinical information of ten consecutive patients between 2018 and 2022 with spinal GCTB treated with short course of neoadjuvant denosumab (≤ 5 doses) and en bloc spondylectomy was retrospectively reviewed. The radiological and histological response, operative data, oncological and functional outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The mean doses of neoadjuvant denosumab were 4.2 (range 3–5 doses). After neoadjuvant denosumab, there were 9 cases showing new ossification and 5 cases with reappearance of cortical integrity. The values of Hounsfield units (HU) of the soft tissue component were increased by > 50% in 7 cases. The signal intensity (SI) ratios of tumor/muscle in T2WI of plain MRI were decreased by > 10% in 60% of the cases. Shrinkage of soft tissue mass by > 10% was observed in 4 cases. The mean duration of operation was 575 ± 174 min, and the mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 2790 ± 1934 ml. No obvious adhesion to dura mater or major vessels was encounter intraoperatively. There is no tumor collapse or breakage during surgery. Multinucleated giant cells were decreased in 6 cases (60%) with the remaining 4 cases showing absence of multinucleated giant cells. Mononuclear stromal cells existed in most of the cases (8 cases, 80%). New bone formation was noticed in 8 cases (80%). No patient had a worsening of neurologic function after surgery. No tumor recurrence was noticed within the mean follow-up of 24 ± 20 months.

Conclusion

Short-term neoadjuvant denosumab could yield radiological and histological responses and might facilitate en bloc spondylectomy by hardening the tumor and causing less adhesion to segmental vessels, major vessels and nerve roots, which was beneficial to achieve the optimal oncological and functional outcomes.
How I do it — asleep DBS placement for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Roldan Pedro , Mosteiro Alejandra , Valldeoriola Francesc , Rumià Jordi
Published: June 2023

Background

Traditionally, functional neurosurgery relied in stereotactic atlases and intraoperative micro-registration in awake patients for electrode placement in Parkinson’s disease. Cumulative experience on target description, refinement of MRI, and advances in intraoperative imaging has enabled accurate preoperative planning and its implementation with the patient under general anaesthesia.

Methods

Stepwise description, emphasising preoperative planning, and intraoperative imaging verification, for transition to asleep-DBS surgery.

Conclusion

Direct targeting relies on MRI anatomic landmarks and accounts for interpersonal variability. Indeed, the asleep procedure precludes patient distress. A particular complication to avoid is pneumocephalus; it can lead to brain-shift and potential deviation of electrode trajectory.
ORKG-Leaderboards: a systematic workflow for mining leaderboards as a knowledge graph
Authors: Kabongo Salomon , D’Souza Jennifer , Auer Sören
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this work is to describe theorkg-Leaderboard software designed to extractleaderboardsdefined astask–dataset–metrictuples automatically from large collections of empirical research papers in artificial intelligence (AI). The software can support both the main workflows of scholarly publishing, viz. as LaTeX files or as PDF files. Furthermore, the system is integrated with the open research knowledge graph (ORKG) platform, which fosters the machine-actionable publishing of scholarly findings. Thus, the systemsss output, when integrated within the ORKG’s supported Semantic Web infrastructure of representing machine-actionable ‘resources’ on the Web, enables: (1) broadly, the integration of empirical results of researchers across the world, thus enabling transparency in empirical research with the potential to also being complete contingent on the underlying data source(s) of publications; and (2) specifically, enables researchers to track the progress in AI with an overview of the state-of-the-art across the most common AI tasks and their corresponding datasets via dynamic ORKG frontend views leveraging tables and visualization charts over the machine-actionable data. Our best model achieves performances above 90% F1 on theleaderboardextraction task, thus provingorkg-Leaderboards a practically viable tool for real-world usage. Going forward, in a sense,orkg-Leaderboards transforms theleaderboardextraction task to an automated digitalization task, which has been, for a long time in the community, a crowdsourced endeavor.
Combined treatment is the hope to improve prognosis of liver cancer
Authors: Chen Xiaoping , Zhang Binhao
Published: June 2023

Xiaoping Chen, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Science, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery, Director of the Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Hepatic Surgery Center of Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. He earned his M.D. from Tongji Medical College in 1985 and was further trained in the United States and Germany. In 1992, he received the International Scholar title from the American Cleveland Medical Communication Center. In 1996, he earned the American Sackler Chinese Doctor Annual Award. The next year, he became the first recipient of the Wu Mengchao Hepatobiliary Surgery Foundation Award. In 2002, his study entitled “Series of research and technique amelioration in hepatic surgery” won him the first Chinese Medical Association Award. He was elected the director of the Hepatic Surgery Group of the Chinese Medical Association in 2002 and then president of the Chinese Chapter of the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association in 2003. His basic and clinical application research on hepatic surgery won him the National Science and Technology Progress Award in 2004.

Dr. Chen has a clinical practice focused on hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery. He cares for patients with a broad spectrum of malignancies, including liver, bile duct, and pancreatic cancers. He also serves as director of the institute of organ transplantation and specializes in clinical liver transplantation. In addition to his clinical practice and administrative responsibilities, Dr. Chen is an active investigator in the field of cancer biology and cancer clinical trials. He has published over 500 peer-reviewed articles in these fields and has had continuous funding from the National Nature Science Foundation of China for more than 10 years.

Dr. Chen is the editor-in-chief of the national medical textbooks Surgery, Contemporary Surgical English Essentials, Elementary Techniques of Surgical Intervention, Surgical Frequently Used Experiment Methods and Foundation of Animal Models, Hepatectomy, and Progress of Hepato-pancreatobiliary and Splenic Surgery. He is also the editor-in-chief, associate editor, and/or reviewer for more than 30 domestic and international journals.
Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy plus concurrent DICE chemotherapy for early-stage nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma of Waldeyer’s ring: A single-institution study ⁎
Authors: Zhou Ji , Ma Daiyuan , Zhou Yeqin , Li Xianfu , Tan Bangxian , Liu Mi , Ren Tao
Published: June 2023

Objective

Nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma of Waldeyer’s ring (WR-NK/TL) has different clinicopathological characteristics from those of other subtypes of NK/T lymphoma; thus, the optimal treatment remains unclear. To find a more effective treatment model for WR-NK/TL, we conducted a single-center study of concurrent radiochemotherapy.

Methods

Forty-five patients with newly diagnosed stage IE to IIE WR-NKTL were randomly divided into two groups. The 23 cases in the concurrent radiochemotherapy group were treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (48-52 Gy) and 2 courses of DICE (dexamethasone, ifosfamide, cisplatin, and etoposide) synchronous chemotherapy. The 22 cases in the radiotherapy group only received three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (50-54 Gy). The primary end points were overall survival (OS), progressionfree survival (PFS), and toxicity.

Results

The 1-, 3-, and 4-year OS and PFS rates were 95.5%, 65.6%, and 45.9%, and 86.4%, 56.0%, and 46.7% in the radiotherapy group, and 100%, 88.5%, and 88.5%, and 100%, 82.0%, and 73.8% in the concurrent radiochemotherapy group, respectively. The OS (P= 0.0477) and PFS rates (P= 0.0488) were higher in the concurrent radiochemotherapy group than in the radiotherapy group. The overall response rate was 100% in both the radiotherapy group [complete response (CR), 18 cases] and concurrent radiochemotherapy group (CR, 22 cases). The concurrent radiochemotherapy group had more severe side effects, especially grade 3 + 4 events, such as leukopenia, anorexia, and stomatitis. However, side effects benefiting from excellent oral care were endurable.

Conclusion

Radiotherapy plus concurrent DICE chemotherapy may be an effective and safe comprehensive treatment for patients with WR-NKTL.
Diagnostic accuracy of real-time tissue elastography for breast cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Cong , Yang Guang , Wang Hui
Published: June 2023

Objective

The present study aimed to determine the accuracy of real-time tissue elastography (RTE) for the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Methods

The search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China Biology Medicine databases from inception through December 31, 2014, without language restrictions. The meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 12.0 and Meta-Disc version 1.4. We calculated the summary statistics for sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR+/LR-), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve.

Results

Ten studies that met all inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 608 malignant breast lesions and 1292 benign breast tumors were assessed. All breast lesions were histologically confirmed after RTE. The pooled Sen was 0.83 (95% CI = 0.79-0.86); the pooled Spe was 0.86 (95% CI = 0.84-0.88). The pooled LR+ was 9.87 (95% CI = 2.66-36.71); the pooled LR- was 0.20 (95% CI = 0.17-0.23). The pooled DOR of RTE for the diagnosis of breast cancer was 62.21 (95% CI = 33.88-114.24). The area under the SROC curve was 0.9334 (standard error = 0.00125). We found no evidence of publication bias (t = -0.57, P = 0.582).

Conclusion

RTE may have high diagnostic accuracy for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast tumors. RTE may be a good tool for breast cancer diagnosis.
Antiangiogenic agents combined with chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Lu Shun
Published: June 2023

As a targeted therapy, antiangiogenic treatment has been increasingly studied for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and has proven effective for the treatment of advanced NSCLC. Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting angiogenesis, is the only antiangiogenic agent approved for use in combination with first-line chemotherapy for non-squamous NSCLC. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting the tyrosine kinase receptor have also shown promise when combined with standard chemotherapeutic agents in patients with advanced NSCLC. However, unlike bevacizumab, not all other antiangiogenic agents show significant benefits when combined with chemotherapy. As for the failures of most other combinations, the combination schedule may be an important reason that has so far been overlooked in clinical trials. This article reviews the combination of angiogenic agents with chemotherapy in the treatment of NSCLC.
A case of primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the pancreas with liver metastasis ⁎
Authors: Zhai Wenlong , Ye Jianwen , Liang Zhiwei , Zhou Chuang , Zhao Longshuan
Published: June 2023

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is one of most common types of soft-tissue sarcoma. However, it accounts for less than 1% of all human cancer types. In addition, primary MFH of the pancreas is very rare. Herein, we report of a 37-year-old man who presented with a pancreatic mass and did not show any specific symptoms. Pre-contrast computed tomography (CT) showed a heterogeneous, liquid-filled necrotic mass in the uncinate lobe of the pancreas. Contrast-enhanced CT showed a mild enhancement of solid components and the pancreaticoduodenal artery across the mass. The patient underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy, ethanol ablation of the liver lesions, and chemotherapy with 4 cycles of ifosfamide and doxorubicin. The tumor recurred in the liver, but not in the pancreas, after 8 months.
Abnormal expression of VEGF and its gene transcription status as diagnostic indicators in patients with non-small cell lung cancer ⁎
Authors: Shi Yun , Shi Yang , Yang Xuli , Chen Jianrong , Qian Qi , Yao Dengfu , Wu Guangzhou
Published: June 2023

Objective

Angiogenesis is known to be essential for the survival, growth, invasion, and metastasis of lung cancer cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important factor regulating angiogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, its pathologic features and significance are unclear. In this study, the tissue VEGF expression levels and its gene transcriptional status, as well as circulating VEGF levels, were investigated in patients with lung disease.

Methods

VEGF protein and mRNA expression levels in 38 lung tissue samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. Circulating VEGF levels were detected quantitatively by an enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay.

Results

The level of VEGF expression was significantly higher in lung cancer tissue than in the corresponding paracancerous or non-cancerous tissues. The average level of VEGF-positive staining was 76% in tissue samples from NSCLC patients; the levels were 89% in tissue samples from stage III patients and 92% in stage IV patients. High VEGF expression was also evident in cases with lymph node metastasis (84%), distant metastasis (90%), and lower differentiation degree (89%). VEGF mRNA in cancerous tissues was represented predominantly by the VEGF121 and VEGF165 isoforms. Circulating VEGF levels were significantly higher in NSCLC patients [(840 ± 324) pg/mL] than in patients with benign lung diseases [(308 ± 96) pg/mL] or in healthy individuals serving as controls [(252 ± 108) pg/mL].

Conclusion

The over-expression of lung VEGF and its gene transcription status should be useful molecular indicators for NSCLC diagnosis.
Role of inflammatory gene variants in Helicobacter pylori-related gastric cancer ⁎
Authors: Li Miao , Li Jun , Qi Zhaozhen , Tang Qiu , Wang Xiangyang , Lu Hongda
Published: June 2023

Helicobacter pylori-related gastric cancer results from a chronic inflammatory process that arises from atrophic gastritis, and develops into intestinal metaplasia, hyperplasia, and eventually gastric adenocarcinoma. Although approximately half of the world’s population is infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), less than 3% of these infected individuals develop gastric cancer. H. pylori infection can cause both acute and chronic inflammation, and may be present for decades within its host. Inflammatory gene variants are particularly important factors that may influence a host’s susceptibility to H. pylori-related gastric cancer. The inflammatory gene variants uncovered thus far include interleukin gene clusters, tumor necrosis factor-α, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and inflammatory gene polymorphisms found in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The association between these gene variants and the risk of H. pylori-related gastric cancer will aid in our understanding of the pathogenesis of gastric cancer in order to prevent and defeat this malignancy.
Progress in research on digestive system oncology
Authors: Yuan Xianglin
Published: June 2023

Xianglin Yuan,

Professor of Oncology, Doctoral Supervisor, Deputy Director of the Oncology Department and Director of the Digestive System Oncology Department, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of HUST, China. Yuan discovered that CT/CC genotypes of the TGFbeta1 rs1982073: T869C gene were associated with a low risk of radiation pneumonitis (RP) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with definitive radio(chemo)therapy and thus might serve as a reliable predictor of RP (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2009; cited over 70 times). He indicated that genetic variations in PI3K-AKT-mTOR could predict brain metastasis in patients with NSCLC (Journal of Clinical Cancer Research, 2014). He also discovered that among the candidate genes involved in the TGF-β pathway, polymorphisms of SMAD3 appeared to be highly predictive of outcome in patients with lung adenocarcinoma after gefitinib treatment, especially in those with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations (Annals of Oncology, 2014). He has published about 30 articles found in the Science Citation Index (SCI) and has managed 3 items of the National Natural Science Foundation of China. He is an expert in radiation therapy and comprehensive therapy for common malignant tumors such as esophageal, gastric, liver, colorectal, and lung cancers. He now holds the following responsible positions: Chairman, Oncology Committee, Wuhan Medical Association; Chairman, Committee of Molecular Marker and Translational Medicine, Hubei Anti-Cancer Association; Vice Chairman, Committee of Radiation Therapy, Hubei Anti-Cancer Association; Member, Executive Committee, Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology; member, Committee of Tumor Marker, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association.
Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis: a review
Authors: Du Shunda , Liu Gang , Mao Yilei
Published: June 2023

Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) is an IgG4-related disease characterized by bile duct fibroinflammatory wall-thickening and stenosis, resulting in obstruction jaundice, weight loss. Different regions of the bile duct can be involved, with the distal region being the most common. IgG4-SC can also have other organ involvement, such as the pancreas, urinary tract, salivary glands and lacrimal glands. In clinical practice, the manifestation of IgG4-SC is very similar to cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), as well as pancreatic malignancies, while the treatment and prognosis are totally different. Japanese researchers ever established the clinical diagnostic criteria in 2012: (1) characteristic biliary imaging findings; (2) elevated serum IgG4 concentrations; (3) the coexistence of IgG4-related diseases except those of the biliary tract; and (4) characteristic histopathological features. According to our observations, IgG4-SC can be distinguished from CC with 100% specificity only at a cutoff of six times the upper normal limit. Imaging findings have low specificity for diagnosis, with the exception of intraductal ultrasonography, which can reflect the lesion with relatively high specificity. IgG4 plasma cell infiltration can be found in bile duct biopsy tissue, although this procedure is difficult. According to recent studies, the treatment of IgG4-SC relies mainly on corticosteroids. Following steroid treatment, most IgG4-SC patients can recover and their symptoms are resolved although a few patients relapse after steroid withdrawal. Maintenance of steroid therapy or alternative drugs is necessary in such cases. There is, however, no strong evidence for malignant transformation in IgG4-SC.
New era, new concept, new idea
Authors: Hu Daoyu
Published: June 2023

Daoyu Hu,

Professor of Radiology, Doctoral Supervisor, director of the Radiology Department in Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of HUST, China. Prof. Hu studied in Germany as a visiting professor for 3 years. He has worked on the diagnosis of abdominal radiology and interventional radiology for over 30 years. He is an expert in diagnosing digestive, genitourinary and vascular disease by using various medical imaging methods such as CT, MRI and interventional radiology. He now holds the following responsible positions: Chairman, Radiology Committee, Hubei Medical Association; Vice chairman, Abdominal Committee of Chinese society of Radiology; Member, Chinese Society of Radiology; Editorial board member, Chinese Journal of Radiology; Chief editor, Radiologic Practice.
Non-specific histological variant of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Chen Yanyang , Li Bin , Luo Boning , Tian Xiaoying , Li Zhi
Published: June 2023

Objective

The accurate diagnosis of the non-specific variant of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT) is very difficult because it is characterized by absence of the histological hallmark of the “specific glioneuronal element” in lesions. We herein present two cases of the non-specific form of DNT to analyze the clinical, radiological, and histological features of this unusual subtype of DNT.

Methods

A 16-year-old and a 23-year-old patient had been treated for pharmacoresistant epilepsy for several years before undergoing referral to the hospital for further examination and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that both patients had a small, well-demarcated cystic lesion within the cortex of the brain without obvious contrast enhancement or peritumoral edema. The lesions were totally resected and routinely examined using histological and immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

Both lesions exhibited similar histological appearances with cyst formation and mural nodule architecture. The glial nodules were mainly composed of oligodendrocyte-like components, and partly of piloid cells resembling pilocytic astrocytoma. The cortex adjacent to the lesion in both cases was found to have the histological features of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) Type I. Immunohistochemically, the oligodendrocyte-like components were diffusely positive for Syn and Olig-2, but staining for CD34, p53, and IDH1 R132H was negative. The Ki-67 (MIB-1) labeling index was low, approximately 1%. There was no 1p/19q co-deletion in either lesion by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay. Neither patient received postoperative adjuvant treatment, and both underwent regular follow-up for at least 24 months. No signs of recurrence or epileptic attacks were observed during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

The non-specific variant of DNT is a diagnostic challenge for pathologists in clinical practice, and differentiation from some low-grade gliomas needs to be considered. The careful inspection of radiologic and histopathologic findings, accompanied by analysis of patients’ clinical manifestations, may be helpful in making an accurate diagnosis.
Fibroblastic reticular cell sarcoma of the small intestine: a very rare case report and clinicopathological diagnosis
Authors: Zhong Dingrong , Wu Dong
Published: June 2023

A 54-year-old man was admitted for the evaluation of fever and abodominal pain. Radiological and endoscopic examination revealed a lung nodule and multiple small intestine uclers. Clinical diagnosis such as tuberculosis and Crohn’s disease had been proposed. He developed intestine perforation after small bowel endoscopic procedure. During emergent surgery the involved intestinal segments were resected and a pathological diagnosis of fibroblastic histiocytic sarcoma (FBRC) was made. The patient died in the sixth month after the operation. The management of this cases highlighted the drawback of pattern recognition as the most commonly used clinical reasoning method, and the importance of histological investigation.