bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concurrent chemoradiation with low-dose and long-duration weekly infusion of gemcitabine in unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN)
Authors: Ahmad Farhan , Akram Mohammad , Khan Mohsin 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy now represents the standard of care in locally advanced unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and the administration of cisplatin in triweekly or weekly schedules is the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agent. However, the chemotherapeutic agent and its scheduling with radiation is still an area of investigation with safer toxicity profile and better response rates. Gemcitabine is a potent radiosensitizer, and non-cytotoxic concentration results in decreased systemic toxicity while maintaining radiosensitization properties. Furthermore, data are emerging for low-dose and long-duration infusion where this strategy is found to be effective and a safe alternative to standard brief infusion. Based on these two strategies, that is, non-cytotoxic concentration with long duration, we have explored the unique possibility of further lowering the toxicity profile without compromising the efficacy.

Method:
Eligible patients of locally advanced unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck underwent radiation treatment with concurrent gemcitabine. A total dose of 70 Gy in 35 fractions over a period of seven weeks with conventional fractionation schedule was delivered with cord off after 44 Gy. Concurrent gemcitabine was administered intravenously for over two hours once a week, 1–2 h before radiation and for seven consecutive weeks at 50 mg/m2.

Result:
Fifty-two patients was enrolled in this study, out of which 41 completed the treatment. Fifty-nine percent completed treatment within seven weeks. Sixty-four percent were found to have received more than five cycles. Mean follow-up of patients was found to be 4.9 months. Sixty-eight percent had complete response. Stage III patients achieved more complete response compared to stage IV. There was no site-wise difference in achieving complete response. Patients who have received less than five chemo cycles or completed the treatment in more than seven weeks had less complete response. Sixty-one percent had severe mucositis while 39% developed mild/moderate mucositis. Considering skin toxicity, 80% were found to have mild/moderate skin toxicity, while only 20% suffered from severe grades of skin toxicity.

Conclusion:
Gemcitabine in low-dose and long-duration infusion is a potent radiosensitizer with safer hematological toxicity and manageable local toxicities.
Epidemiological trends of colorectal cancer cases in young population of Eastern India: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Raj Shraddha , Kishor Kunal , Devi Seema , Sinha Dinesh K. , Madhawi Richa , Singh Rajesh K. , Prakash Pritam , Kumar Saket 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease of the older population in developed countries where the incidence among the young is rising despite the decline in the overall incidence. Contrary to this, in India, which is a low-incidence country for CRCs, the incidence among all age groups including the young is rising. This study aimed at describing the clinico-demographic profile of young CRC cases and the epidemiological trend of the proportion of young cases from 2014 to 2021 in a tertiary cancer center in Eastern India.

Methods:
This retrospective observational study was conducted at Department of Radiation Oncology, State Cancer Institute, IGIMS Patna, India a prominent tertiary cancer care center of Bihar. All histopathologically confirmed CRC cases in the 0–39 years age group were considered young and evaluated for the clinical, demographic profile as well as yearly trends in proportion out of total CRC cases. Microsoft Excel (2021) was used for statistical analysis. A P value of 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:
Young colorectal (less than 40 years) patients constituted a third (n = 344, 33.4%) of total colorectal (n = 1028) cases. The median age among the young CRC cases was 30 years (range: 12 to 39 years). Rectum was the most common subsite noted (n = 255,74.1%) among this group of young patients. The most commonly encountered stage of the disease was III (n = 107, 31.1%) and chemotherapy was the most common treatment offered (n = 153, 44.5%). The proportion of young (0–39 years) CRC cases ranged between 29.4 and 37.4 (mean 33.5 ± 2.77, P value = 0.725) over the calendar years of the study period.

Conclusion:
The proportion of young (<40 years of age) cases out of total CRC cases in our study is higher than that in developed countries. However, the trends of this proportion have been consistent over the study period, i.e., from 2014 to 2021 without any significant change in our hospital-based cancer registry. Rectal cancer affected nearly three out of every four CRC patients in this age group. More advanced disease at presentation emphasizes the need for measures of screening, early diagnosis, and adequate infrastructure for treatment.
Differential methylation of DNA promoter sequences in peripheral blood mononuclear cells as promising diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer
Authors: Mosallaei Meysam , Siri Goli , Alani Behrang , Khomartash Mehdi Shakouri , Naghoosi Hamed , Pourghazi Farzad , Heidari Reza , Sabet Mehrdad N. , Behroozi Javad 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
Previous reports have indicated that the methylation profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in different genes and loci is altered in colorectal cancer (CRC). Regarding the high mortality rate and silent nature of CRC, screening and early detection can meaningfully reduce disease-related deaths. Therefore, for the first time, we aimed to evaluate the early non-invasive diagnosis of CRC via quantitative promoter methylation analysis of RUNX3 and RASSF1A genes in PBMCs.

Materials and Methods:
In the present study, we analyzed the methylation status of two important tumor suppressor genes including RUNX3 and RASSF1A in 70 CRC patients and 70 non-malignant subjects using methylation-quantification of endonuclease-resistant DNA (MethyQESD), and a bisulfite conversion-independent method.

Results:

RUNX3 was significantly hypermethylated in PBMCs of CRC patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). By determining the efficient cutoff value, the sensitivity, and specificity of RUNX3 promoter methylation for CRC diagnosis reached 84.28% and 77.14%, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses demonstrated that RUNX3 promoter methylation has high accuracy (areas under the curve [AUC] = 0.840, P < 0.001) for discriminating CRC subjects from healthy individuals. Moreover, RUNX3 methylation levels in PBMCs progressively increased with the stage of the disease (P < 0.001). Although the amount of RASSF1A promoter methylation was not significantly different between CRC patients and controls as well as in different stages of the disease (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:
Our findings confirmed that PBMCs are reliable sources of methylation analysis for CRC screening, and RUNX3 promoter methylation can be used as a promising biomarker for early diagnosis of CRC.
Efficacy and safety of sorafenib in adult metastatic osteosarcoma patients
Authors: Dogan Izzet , Paksoy Nail , Basaran Mert 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
There are limited data on the efficacy of targeted therapy in metastatic osteosarcoma. The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of sorafenib in adult patients with heavily pretreated metastatic osteosarcoma.

Method:
Patients with metastatic osteosarcoma aged more than 18 years were assessed retrospectively. The patients’ clinical, pathological, and therapeutic data were collected. For survival analysis, Kaplan-Meier models were used.

Results:
The research involved 15 patients. The ratio of male and female patients was 2/1, with a median age of 25 years (range: 19-64 years). The most common primary tumor localization was the extremities (66.6%). Fourteen (93.3%) patients had previously received palliative chemotherapy and six (40%) patients had palliative radiotherapy. The median progression-free survival was found as 5.5 months (95% confidence interval, 1.3-9.7). A stable response was observed in seven (46.6%) patients and progressive disease in eight (53.4%) patients. Grade 1-2 toxicities were detected in 50% of the patients, while grade 3-4 toxicities were observed in 14.3% of the patients.

Conclusions:
We demonstrated real-life results of sorafenib for disease management in pretreated adult patients with metastatic osteosarcoma in the study. Sorafenib was effective for disease control and well tolerated in the patients. Sorafenib may be a treatment option for disease control after the disease progresses with chemotherapy in patients with metastatic osteosarcoma.
Histomorphologic analysis of ovarian tumors according to the New 2020 WHO classification of female genital tumors
Authors: Patel Nirali , Bavikar Rupali , Ingale Yaminy P. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
In terms of female genital tract-related cancers, ovarian tumors account for 3% of all tumors. On the basis of gross, radiological, and clinical features alone, ovarian neoplasms cannot be diagnosed. Therefore, a clear histological diagnosis is necessary before beginning a permanent course of therapy.

Settings and Design:
Cross-sectional analytical study.

Material and Methods:
In this ambispective study, a total of 480 patients with ovarian tumors were included from January 2015 to July 2022 at a tertiary care center in western Maharashtra.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Descriptive statistics-percentages, mean, and Chi-square test (to calculate P value) were used to analyze the collected data.

Aim:
To determine clinical presentation, age distribution and incidence of various morphological and histological variants of ovarian tumors.

Results:
Out of 480, 250 cases (52%) in 41–50 years of age, followed by 154 cases (32%) in 21–30 years of age. Our study showed 301 cases of benign, 42 cases of borderline, and 137 cases of malignant neoplasms of ovary out of 480 cases studied. Out of 480 cases, 244 cases (50.83%) were cystic, 138 cases (28.75%) were solid, and 98 cases (20.42%) were mixed (cystic/solid). Out of 480 cases, 326 cases (67.91%) were surface epithelial ovarian neoplasms. In this research, most frequent ovarian neoplasms were serous tumors in 216 cases (45%) followed by mucinous tumors in 78 cases (16.25%). In 96% cases, clinical diagnosis matched with histopathological diagnosis.

Conclusion:
In our research, benign ovarian neoplasms were most frequent. Serous tumors were the most frequent type of surface epithelial neoplasms followed by mucinous tumors. Peak incidence was seen in fifth decade. Higher risk of malignancy was seen in nulliparity or low parity and early menarche not associated with risk of malignancy. Cystic morphology more common in benign neoplasms and complex or solid morphology showed greatest increase in incidence of malignancy. Latest WHO classification has important impact on prognosis and therapy of the patient.
Intrapleural nivolumab in cancer patients with pleural effusion
Authors: Tsimafeyeu Ilya , Goutnik Vadim , Shrainer Igor , Kosyrev Vladislav , Bondarenko Anastasia , Utyashev Igor 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
We assessed the preliminary efficacy and toxicity of intrapleural instillation of nivolumab in patients with large pleural effusion. Patients with metastatic cancers who have a large volume of pleural effusion and required evacuation were eligible. Thoracentesis followed by nivolumab (40 mg, single intrapleural instillation) was performed. The primary endpoint was 3-month recurrence-free survival. A total of 13 patients were enrolled. The study was terminated after stage 1 as no efficacy was observed; 7 patients (54%) had a recurrence of pleural effusion at 3 months. Thirteen (100%) patients had no recurrence, dyspnea, or cough within 1 month, and the median time to recurrence was 1.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35–2.5). No adverse events were identified. We concluded that a single intrapleural instillation of the nivolumab at 40 mg was ineffective and well-tolerated in cancer patients with pleural effusion.
Comparison of imaging modalities for the accurate delineation of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and evaluation of setup accuracy with reference to non-invasive LINAC-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)
Authors: Sukumaran Anju K. , Raghavan Rajeev K. , Mathew Beela S. , Bhasi Saju , Koshi Sumod M. , Krishna KM Jagathnath 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Aims:
To compare the accuracy of nidus delineation using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and to evaluate setup accuracy of non-invasive frame SRS treatments.

Settings and Design:
A prospective observational study of 16 patients who underwent non-invasive frame LINAC-based SRS for brain AVMs.

Materials and Methods:
The nidus was separately delineated using DSA and MRA after co-registration onto CT simulation images and compared with respect to their volume and maximum diameters. During treatment, the setup errors observed in x-, y-, and z-directions were recorded.

Statistical Analysis:
Paired t-test (to compare volume and maximum diameter). Wilcoxon signed-rank test (for setup accuracy).

Results:
The mean volume of nidus contoured in MRA was 4.16 cc compared to 3.11 cc in DSA (P 0.297). The mean maximum diameters using MRA and DSA, respectively, in antro-posterior, cranio- caudal, and transverse diameters were 21.97 cc vs. 19.46 cc (P 0.2380), 6.59 cc vs. 9.63 cc (P 0.161), and 18.87 cc vs. 16.81 cc (P 0.178). But these modalities can potentially misinterpret the nidus volume, warranting caution for use of either modality alone. The mean translational shift observed in the x-, y-, and z-directions were 0.06 mm, 0.13 mm, and 0.13 mm, respectively, when couch was brought to neutral position after clockwise couch rotation and 0.07, 0, and 0, respectively, after counterclockwise couch rotation.

Conclusion:
This study could not demonstrate any statistically significant differences in nidus delineation between MRA and DSA. Setup accuracy achieved with non-invasive thermoplastic mask-based immobilization is within acceptable limits for SRS.
Effect of Dimethyl Sulfoxide Primer Application Before a Two-Step Etch-and-Rinse Adhesive on the Microtensile Bond Strength and Nanoleakage
Authors: Ismail Omar Abdelaziz , Hassanein Olfat Elsayed , Hafez Randa , Mamdouh Mai 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aims:
This study investigates the impact of low concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on the stability of the dentinal hybrid layer formed using a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive.

Materials and Methods:
Midcoronal dentine surfaces of 21 extracted molars were etched and randomly recruited into the study groups. This experimental study involved extracting wisdom teeth, preserving them at 4°C in 0.9% sodium chloride with 0.02% sodium azide, sectioning and polishing them, and randomly assigning them to three groups (n = 7/group) for DMSO pretreatment (1% DMSO/water [H2O], 10% DMSO/H2O, or no treatment/controls) in preparation for microtensile bond strength assessment and the sectioned beams (0.9 mm2) where all were subjected to tension until fracture after storage for 24 h after soaking into artificial saliva for 12 months. In addition, nanoleakage assessment was conducted using scanning electron microscopy. The findings were computed statistically using analysis of variance and Tukey’s tests (α=0.05).

Results:
The results revealed that immediate bond strength had no significant difference between the three groups (P > 0.05). After aging, the control group showed diminished bond strengths less than that of intervention for 1 and 10% DMSO solutions (P < 0.05). Regarding nanoleakage, the aged control group showed the highest level of silver infiltration along the hybrid layer. Approximately, 10% of treatment with DMSO in the aged group showed significantly less nanoleakage compared with using a concentration of 1%.

Conclusions:
This study concludes that dentinal pretreatment using DMSO minimizes hybrid layer degradation and improves bond strength in adhesive restorations. It was also inferred that higher concentrations of DMSO may provide a better seal at the tooth–restoration interface within limits.
Hormonal Changes as the Risk Factor That Modified Periodontal Disease in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review
Authors: Susanto Agus , Bawono Chandra Andi , Putri Sindi Septihani 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aims:
Periodontal disease is a condition characterized by a local infection and immune-inflammatory response involving the supporting tissues of the teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is dysbiosis bacteria in dental plaque, which can be modified by risk factors, including hormonal changes during pregnancy, which cause various physical changes, including periodontium. This study aimed to review the influence of hormonal changes in pregnancy based on clinical findings and biological changes.

Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted in PubMed NCBI, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost database, and web search engine Google Scholar using a systematic review method with Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The inclusion criteria were articles in English from 2013 to 2023 that discussed the influence of hormone changes on periodontal tissues in pregnant women.

Results:
Articles that comply with the inclusion criteria of this study were nine articles. The study designs included cross-sectional, randomized control trials, and cohorts. Four articles observed the condition of periodontal tissues based on periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL), one article based on PPD only, and two articles based on plaque index. All of the nine articles observed the periodontal condition based on bleeding on probing. Eight out of nine included articles stated a positive correlation between hormone levels and the condition of periodontal tissues in pregnant women.

Conclusions:
The increase in hormone levels during pregnancy is the risk factor that can modify periodontal tissue conditions based on clinical findings, such as PPD and CAL, and also affects biological changes in the total number of biofilms and proinflammatory cytokines.
The Effect of Black Charcoal Versus Calcium Silicate and Sodium Phosphate in Occluding Dentinal Tubules and Its Resistance to Acidic Soft Drinks: An In Vitro Study
Authors: El-Tobgy Rana H. , Halawa Ahmed M. , Amin Reham M. , El-Messiry Hend 
Published: June 2024

Aims
Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is considered the oldest chief complaint in which people are seeking solutions. One of the methods of reducing DH is the calcium silicate and sodium phosphate (CSSP) toothpaste which claim to occlude the dentinal tubules (DT) and withstand the acidic soft drink challenge. Black charcoal (BC) toothpaste is a nowadays trend worldwide, that is, claimed by the manufacturers to have a remineralization action, which reduce DH by formation of precipitates on dentin surface. Accordingly, this study targeted to compare the BC-containing toothpaste versus that containing CSSP in occluding DT and evaluated their efficacy to withstand acidic soft drink challenge.

Materials and Methods
Sixty premolars were used in this study (n = 30). The dentin specimens were divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) brushed with CSSP and group 2 (G2) brushed with BC for 3.5 min, then these specimens were subjected to acidic soft drink challenge for 10 min. The occluded DT were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA) after brushing and after acid soaking. Statistical analysis was performed (P value ≤ 0.05).

Results
G1 and G2 showed a completely and partially obliterated DT after brushing, however, after soaking them in acids, G1 was resistant and there were a partially and fully occluded DT, while G2 showed a non-occluded DT with severe signs of destruction. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups after acid soaking.

Conclusion
The CSSP toothpaste is effective in reducing DH by formation of an acid-resistant precipitation on dentin surface, on the other hand, the BC can form a precipitation that cannot withstand the acids leaving a widely destructive DT.
Evaluation of Dentists’ Knowledge in Bandung City Regarding Patients with Special Health Care Needs and Behavior Management in Dental Care
Authors: Mandila Angelique R. , Pratidina Naninda B. , Rakhmatia Yunia D. , Tjahajawati Sri , Rikmasari Rasmi , Riyanti Eriska 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aim:
This study conducted in Bandung City aimed to evaluate the knowledge of dentists in behavior management for individuals with special health care needs (SHCN) in dental care.

Materials and Methods:
A quantitative descriptive study was conducted using a survey method with purposive sampling. A total of 310 dentists, including 232 general dentists and 78 dental specialists, participated in the study. A questionnaire, serving as the research instrument and containing 19 questions, underwent validity and reliability analysis before distribution to the participants. The questionnaire was distributed through two methods: hard copies were distributed by visiting health centers, clinics, and hospitals in Bandung City, while soft copies were distributed through online surveys on the social media platforms of the Indonesian Dental Association in Bandung City.

Results:
The findings of the study revealed that the majority of respondents (220) had a good level of knowledge in behavior management for individuals with SHCN. Additionally, 88 respondents demonstrated a sufficient level of knowledge, while only 2 respondents exhibited a low level of knowledge. The average knowledge level score among the respondents was 80.3%, falling within the good category.

Conclusions:
Dentists’ knowledge regarding behavior management in dental care for SHCN in Bandung City is in a good category. The study concluded that dentists in Bandung City possess adequate knowledge in identifying and managing the behavior of individuals with SHCN in dental care.