bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of the number of pelvic lymph nodes removed in patients with early cervical cancer
Authors: Zhao Jing , Dong Weihong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this research was to study the prognostic significance of the number of pelvic lymph nodes removed in patients with early cervical cancer.

Methods
We searched the PubMed database using the terms “cervical cancer” and “lymph nodes” or “lymphadenectomy”. Studies on the association between number of lymph nodes removed and prognosis or survival were identified. We retrospectively studied the relevant research.

Results
Ten retrospective studies were included. Two studies indicated that the number of lymph nodes had no association with prognosis whereas three studies found a positive relationship. Five studies indicated some factors that could influence the relationship between number of lymph nodes and prognosis.

Conclusion
The number of lymph nodes removed may positively influence the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer. Some factors may influence the relationship between the extent of lymph nodes removed and patient prognosis. Additional multicenter, prospective studies with large samples are required to confirm the study findings.
Accidental finding of renal myxoma and a literature review
Authors: Hong Yuxiang , Yang Qingtao , Zheng Junhong , Hou Gaoming 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
We present the case of a middle-aged Chinese woman who presented as asymptomatic; however, we found an irregular right renal mass in this patient. She underwent partial nephrectomy after comprehensive evaluation, and she was finally diagnosed with renal myxoma according to pathological and immunohistochemical studies. Myxomas are rare, benign, soft-tissue tumors that mainly occur in the heart and skin, although various anatomical locations have been described. The kidneys are a rare location of myxoma; thus, renal myxomas may easily be misdiagnosed. To date, approximately 17 cases of renal myxoma have been reported in the English literature since 1968. All the patients in these cases underwent nephrectomy as treatment, and were disease-free on follow-up. Postoperative pathology facilitates a decisive diagnosis that differentiates benign from malignant myxoma, which is vital for the following treatment and prognosis.
The effects of miR-375 expression in NSCLC via the 14-3-3ζ/ERK/MYC pathway
Authors: Meng Haining , Wu Junyu , Huang Qiao , Ren Jiwen , Huang Jiawei , Yuan Weijun , He Xuekun , Wang Yuhuan , Cui Congxian , Xu Shengwei , Shen Ruowu 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
There are several reports that suggest a significant role played by microRNAs (miRNAs) in cell invasion, metastasis, differentiation, and apoptosis in lung cancers. miR-375 is one such miRNA that has been detected in a variety of tumors, but its specific activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear.

Methods
In this study, we regulated the expression of miR-375, to evaluate its influence on the 14-3-3ζ/ERK/MYC pathway in NSCLC.

Results
The results of our experiments suggest that miR-375 and 14-3-3ζ are highly expressed in NSCLC, and the over-expression of miR-375 increases the invasive, metastatic, and proliferative ability and decreases the apoptotic ability of NSCLC cells. In addition, protein expression levels of 14-3-3ζ, p-ERK, and MYC increased following the overexpression of miR-375.

Conclusion
Overall, our findings indicate that miR-375 increases the malignant potential of NSCLC via the 14-3-3ζ/ERK/MYC pathway.
Primary pure squamous cell carcinoma of the duodenum: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Wang Xin , Ren Yinghong , Tian Xiaojian , Liu Haiyang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Primary pure squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the duodenum are very uncommon. To the best of our knowledge, only a few cases of SCC of the duodenum exist in the reported literature. Here, we report a case of SCC of the duodenum in northern China. A 45-year-old Chinese Han male patient presented with abdominal pain and weight loss. CT, endoscopic examinations, X-rays, and immunohistochemical markers were used to confirm this rare diagnosis of SCC. We performed a pancreaticoduodenectomy with a curative intention. However, histological examination revealed SCC of the duodenum. Postoperative chemotherapy was started after surgery. To the best of our knowledge, pancreaticoduodenectomy is the preferred form of treatment for carcinoma of the duodenum. This is supplemented with chemotherapy, which can further prolong survival.
Dosimetric evaluation of VMAT radiation therapy technique for breast cancer after conservative surgery based on three different types of multileaf collimators
Authors: Zhang Fuli , Xu Weidong , Jiang Huayong , Wang Yadi , Gao Junmao , Liu Qingzhi 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
Radiotherapy combined with conservative surgery plays an important role in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) has been introduced into clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dosimetric effects of different multileaf collimators (MLC) on VMAT radiotherapy plans for treating breast cancer.

Methods
Fifteen breast cancer patients who were treated using a conventional technique in our department were selected to participate in this retrospective analysis. VMAT plans based on three types of Elekta MLCs [Beam Modulator (BM) with 4-mm leaf width, Agility with 5-mm leaf width and MLCi2 with 10-mm leaf width] were independently generated for each patient. Plan comparisons were performed based on dose-volume histogram (DVH) analysis including dosimetric parameters such as the homogeneity index (HI), conformity index (CI), Dmax, Dmin, and Dmean for the planning treatment volume (PTV), in addition to dose-volume parameters for the organs at risk (OARs). The delivery efficiency of the three types of MLCs was compared in terms of the beam delivery time and the monitor units (MUs) per fraction for each plan.

Results
Both target uniformity and conformity were improved in plans for Agility and BM MLC compared with the plan using MLCi2. The mean HI decreased from 1.14 for MLCi2 to 1.13 for BM and 1.10 for Agility, while the mean CI increased from 0.68 for MLCi2 to 0.73 for BM and 0.75 for Agility. Furthermore, at both low and high dose levels, smaller volumes of ipsilateral lung, heart, contralateral lung, and breast were irradiated with Agility MLC than with the other two types of MLCs. The delivery time with Agility MLC was reduced by 10.8% and 32.1%, respectively, compared with that for MLCi2 and BM.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that the Agility MLC exhibits a dosimetric advantage and a significant improvement in delivery efficiency for the treatment of breast cancer using VMAT.
Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis after laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer: a report of a rare case and literature review*
Authors: Jin Xinliang , Xue Weijie , Wang Yixiu , Xue Qinkai , Gong Zhiqi , Liu Yongke , Niu Zhaojian , Zhu Chengzhan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is rare, but life-threatening. MVT is often characterized by occult and nonspecific signs and symptoms. Diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion, and emergency surgery is necessary to optimize patient survival, especially in people aged more than 70 years. MVT is a rare but fatal complication after laparoscopic radical surgery for rectal cancer. This study reports a case of extensive intestinal ischemic infarction caused by acute MVT after laparoscopic radical surgery for rectal cancer in a 70-year-old male.
Prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in patients with colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis*
Authors: Liu Siwen , Ma Rong , Cao Haixia , Chen Dan , Jing Changwen , Wang Zhuo , Zhang Junying , Wu Yang , Feng Jifeng , Wu Jianzhong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
The association between the expression of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or its ligand [programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1)] and colorectal cancer (CRC) survival rates remains unclear. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the prognostic value of PD-L1 expression in CRC patients.

Methods
All eligible studies related to evaluation of PD-L1 expression and survival of CRC patients were searched in PubMed, Medline, Cochrane library, and the EMBASE database. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of overall survival (OS) were examined to assess the effect of PD-L1 expression on the survival of CRC patients. The outcomes of this meta-analysis were synthesized based on random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were also performed.

Results
Seven studies, wherein OS data were stratified according to the expression status of PD-L1, were analyzed. CRC patients showing positive PD-L1 expression were associated with significantly poorer prognoses in terms of overall survival, compared with those displaying negative PD-L1 expression (HR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.07-1.92; P = 0.02). In the subgroup analyses, H-scores as well as the percentage of stained cells indicated that PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis (HR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.38-2.62, P < 0.01; HR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.08-3.03, P = 0.02). Immunohistochemical staining, utilizing a rabbit anti-PD-L1 antibody, revealed significantly superior survival in the PD-L1 negative group compared with the PD-L1 positive expression group (HR = 1.92; 95% CI, 1.40-2.63; P < 0.01). Moreover, PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis when polyclonal antibodies were used (HR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.30-2.61; P < 0.01).

Conclusion
Our meta-analysis indicated that PD-L1 expression status is a significant prognostic factor for CRC patients. Positive PD-L1 expression was associated with worse CRC survival. Evaluation via different immunohistochemistry based techniques may partly account for the contradictory results. Therefore, further investigative studies using larger sample sizes are felt to be needed to elucidate the prognostic value of PD-L1 expression in CRC patients.
Gene mutations in a patient with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and changes upon progression to acute myeloid leukemia and during treatment*
Authors: Li Jiaming , Zhang Sujiang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) has been categorized as an uncommon hematological malignancy with overlapping features of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms that have an inherent risk of progressing to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Methods
This study presents a case of confirmed CMML combined with M protein, in which the molecular changes upon progression to AML and under decitabine (DAC) plus bortezomib therapy were reported by tracking variant allele frequency (VAF) of mutations in a series of bone marrow samples.

Results
First, variable sensitivity of clones was observed during DAC treatment, and incomplete mutation clearance may be associated with low overall response rate and unsustained response. Secondly, DAC cannot prevent the new genetic alterations and accumulation of genetic progression on treatment, leading to acute transformation. Finally, autoimmunity was found to have acted as an important pathogenetic factor, increasing the additive mutations that further drive the clonal evolution in CMML.

Conclusion
Overall, changes in mutations and clonal architecture during CMML progression or treatment are predictive of an early evaluation of therapeutic strategies in CMML.
Safety and efficacy of EFGR and VEGF signaling pathway inhibition therapy in patients with colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis*
Authors: Liu Siwen , Ma Rong , Cao Haixia , Yu Shaorong , Chen Dan , Jing Changwen , Wang Zhuo , Zhang Junying , Feng Jifeng , Wu Jianzhong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors are two targeted therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, few studies have focused on the safety and efficacy of combined targeted therapy against those of a single inhibition therapy of EFGR or VEGF. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the anti-tumor activity of the combined inhibition therapy and single inhibition therapy in patients with mCRC.

Methods
We searched PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane library, Embase, and annual meeting proceedings for relevant clinical trials. Objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events were extracted and calculated.

Results
Nine trials comprising 3977 patients were selected for the analysis. The combined inhibition therapy showed a 3.7% improvement in ORR compared with single inhibition, and this difference was statistically significant [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.74; P = 0.04]. Subgroup analysis showed that the combined EGFR and VEGF inhibitor therapy had an 11.65% improvement in ORR compared with VEGF inhibitor therapy (OR = 2.14; 95% CI, 1.34-3.40; P = 0.001). EGFR and VEGF inhibitor therapy and chemotherapy had an 18.08% improvement in ORR compared with chemotherapy (OR = 2.21; 95% CI, 1.05-4.64; P = 0.04). Moreover, EGFR and VEGF inhibitor therapy significantly improved PFS compared with VEGF inhibitor therapy (OR = 0.82; 95% CI, 0.69-0.97; P = 0.02). VEGF inhibitor therapy and chemotherapy significantly improved PFS compared with EGFR and VEGF inhibitor therapy and chemotherapy (OR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.11-1.30; P = 0.00). In addition, EGFR and VEGF inhibitor therapy showed improved OS compared with VEGF inhibitor therapy (HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.65-0.94; P = 0.008). Finally, the combined inhibition therapy showed an obviously increased risk of cutaneous and mucosal effects (RR = 6.45; 95% CI: 2.71-15.36; P < 0.01), diarrhea/abdominal pain (RR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.45-2.68; P < 0.01), fatigue/asthenia (RR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.10-2.32; P = 0.01), dehydration or electrolyte disturbance (RR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.48-5.21; P < 0.01), nail disorder (RR = 8.23; 95% CI: 1.52-44.57; P = 0.01), and dizziness/headache (RR = 3.43; 95% CI: 1.89-6.23; P < 0.01) compared with single inhibition therapy.

Conclusion
Compared with single inhibition therapy, the combined inhibition therapy significantly improved ORR, PFS, and OS in the treatment of mCRC patients. Compared with a single-targeted agent, the combined therapy of anti-EGFR and anti-VEGF drug provided an efficacy advantage, although it led to greater toxicity.
Predictive value of tumor volume reduction rates before and after induction chemotherapy in determining the radiosensitivity and prognosis of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinomas
Authors: Song Yang , Wang Ge , Chen Chuan , Liu Yun , Wang Bin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
This study investigated the predictive value of tumor volume reduction rates (TVRRs) before and after induction chemotherapy in determining the radiosensitivity and prognosis of patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPCs).

Methods
The clinical data of 172 patients with locally advanced primary NPCs who were treated from January 2009 to December 2012 were collected. Tumor regression was evaluated based on the results of the computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging studies. Data about the tumor diameters before and after induction chemotherapy and after radiotherapy as well as the survival times of the patients were obtained.

Results
All 172 patients had NPCs. After radiotherapy, the TVRR in patients without residual tumor cells was higher than that in patients with residual tumor cells after induction chemotherapy (median values: 47.7% and 15.1%, respectively), and the 5-year survival rates were 80.3% and 45.6%, respectively. Neck lymph node metastasis was observed in 161 of 172 patients, and the TVRRs were similar (median values: 46.8% in 161 patients without residual tumor cells and 11.1% in 161 patients with residual tumor cells). The 5-year survival rate of the 161 patients without residual tumor cells was 84.5%, and that of patients with residual tumor cells was 37.3%. As shown by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve for TVRRs in patients with primary NPCs but without residual tumors was 0.851, whereas that for TVRRs in patients with neck lymph node metastasis but without residual tumors was 0.784. This result indicates that TVRR has a high diagnostic performance. The univariate Cox regression analysis showed that clinical stage, TVRR in primary NPCs, neck lymph node metastatic lesions before and after induction chemotherapy, presence or absence of residual tumor cells in primary NPCs, and neck lymph node metastatic lesions after radiotherapy were significantly correlated to overall survival (OS). Results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that clinical stage and presence or absence of residual tumor cells in the lymph nodes after radiotherapy were the independent prognostic factors of OS.

Conclusion
The TVRR after induction chemotherapy may be an effective predictive indicator of the treatment efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with NPC.
MyD88 exacerbates immunological pathology in experimental viral fulminant hepatitis*
Authors: Deng Jianzhao , Ning Qin , Yan Weiming , Yang Xuan , Zhao Lizhen , Wu Yuzhang , Zhang Bei 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
To explore the role of MyD88 signaling in MHV-3 virus-mediated fulminant hepatitis.

Methods
We evaluated liver lesion status, the expression of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines and HMGB1, the recruitment of inflammatory ILC3, and mortality in MyD88-/-
and WT mice.

Results
The expression of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit inflammatory ILC3 to the liver was severely impaired in MyD88-/-
mice resulting in reduced liver pathology, viral replication, and mortality post-infection. Additionally, MHV-3 markedly increased the expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in infected hepatocytes/macrophages and induced HMGB1 protein migration from the nucleus to the extracellular milieu, where it activates MyD88-dependent inflammation.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that MyD88 exacerbates immunological pathology in experimental viral fulminant hepatitis.
Investigation of therapeutic modalities of G719X, an uncommon mutation in the EGFR gene in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zheng Hua , Gao Yuan , Liu Zan , Qian Zhe , Zhang Tongmei , Li Jie , Zhang Hongmei , Wang Qunhui , Hu Fanbin , Li Baolan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
G719X is the most frequently seen uncommon mutation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, which is a point mutation at exon 18 with three common subtypes, G719A/G719C/G719S. This study explored the clinicopathological characteristics of the G719X mutation and investigated the efficacy of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment and chemotherapy in patients with the G719X mutation; the survival rate after these different treatment modalities were then analyzed in order to provide evidence for clinical treatment.

Methods
Clinical data of 41 patients with the G719X mutation admitted in the Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University from September 2014 to July 2018, were collected and the EGFR mutations were detected by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR). The clinicopathological characteristics of the G719X mutation were analyzed, and the relationship among the G719X mutation, the efficacy of different treatment modalities, and the progression-free survival (PFS) was analyzed.

Results
Of the 41 cases, 24 (58.5%) were G719X single mutations and 17 (41.5%) were compound mutations, including G719X/S768I, G719X/L861Q, G719X/19del, and G719X/c-Met compound mutation. The objective response rate (ORR) of first-line EGFR-TKI therapy was 50% (6/12), the disease control rate (DCR) was 83.3% (10/12), and the median PFS (mPFS) was 9 months. After resistance to EGFR-TKI in the previous treatment, the ORR (71.4%, 5/7) and DCR (100%, 7/7) were still high following EGFR-TKIs, by an mPFS of 8 months. The ORR of chemotherapy was 33.3% (2/6), the DCR was 100% (6/6), and the mPFS was 6 months.

Conclusion
G719X is an uncommon mutation of the EGFR gene and is sensitive to many EGFR-TKIs. It can be treated with the second- or third-generation EGFR-TKIs after resistance to the first-generation EGFR-TKIs. G719X mutation also showed favorable effect to chemotherapy.
Comparison of efficacy and safety between late-course and simultaneous integrated dose-increasing intensity-modulated radiation therapy for cervical cancer complicated with pelvic lymph node metastasis
Authors: Cheng Yi , Huang Nan , Zhao Jing , Wang Jianhua , Gong Chen , Qin Kai 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to compare and analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of late-course and simultaneous integrated dose-increasing intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for cervical cancer complicated with pelvic lymph node metastasis.

Methods
Sixty patients with cervical cancer complicated with pelvic lymph node metastasis who were admitted to our hospital from January 2013 to January 2015 were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into the late-course dose-increasing IMRT group and the simultaneous integrated dose-increasing IMRT group, with 30 cases included in each group, respectively. All patients were concurrently treated with cisplatin. After treatment, the clinical outcomes of the two groups were compared.

Results
The remission rate of symptoms in the simultaneous integrated dose-increasing IMRT group was significantly higher than that in the late-course dose-increasing IMRT group (P < 0.05). The follow-up results showed that the overall survival time, progression-free survival time, and distant metastasis time of patients in the simultaneous integrated dose-increasing IMRT group were significantly longer than those in the late-course dose-increasing IMRT group (P < 0.05). The recurrent rate of lymph nodes in the radiation field in the simultaneous integrated dose-increasing IMRT group was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in the late-course dose-increasing IMRT group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of cervical and vaginal recurrence and distant metastasis between the two groups (P > 0.05). The radiation doses of Dmax in the small intestine, D1cc (the minimum dose to the 1 cc receiving the highest dose) in the bladder, and Dmax in the rectum in the simultaneous integrated dose-increasing IMRT group were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in the late-course dose-increasing IMRT group. There was no significant difference in intestinal D2cc (the minimum dose to the 2 cc receiving the highest dose) between the two groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of bone marrow suppression in the simultaneous integrated dose-increasing IMRT group was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in the late-course dose-increasing IMRT group.

Conclusion
The application of simultaneous integrated dose-increasing IMRT in the treatment of cervical cancer patients complicated with pelvic lymph node metastasis can significantly control tumor progression, improve the long-term survival time, and postpone distant metastasis time with high safety.