bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bronchoscopic biopsy for diagnosis of lung cancer in the absence of visible endobronchial abnormalities
Authors: Zheng Hua , Lu Baohua , Wang Qunhui , Hu Fanbin , Ding Weimin , Li Baolan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
Bronchoscopy has been extensively used in the diagnosis of respiratory diseases, and particularly, malignant diseases. However, endoscopists do not normally perform bronchoscopic biopsy in case lesions are undetected via bronchoscopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether performing bronchoscopic biopsy could be established in the diagnosis of lung cancer in case of endobronchial abnormalities undetectable to the naked eye.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 109 cases between January 2008 and December 2012. The inclusion criteria were confirmed lung cancer diagnosis, transbronchial biopsy performed in the absence of visible endobronchial manifestations, brushing, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) according to the images obtained from high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Data regarding age, sex, pathology, tumor stage; the method of diagnosis; location of primary lesion (central, peripheral, or intermediate); tumor size, mediastinal lymph node metastasis, and the serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) value were collected. The Pearson chi-square test or Fisher’s exact and McNemar tests were used in the univariate analysis.

Results
Among the 109 patients, the diagnosis of 37 (33.9%) patients was confirmed through bronchoscopy. Brushing and BAL had higher positive detection rates than biopsy (P = 0.004). There were no differences in the positive detection rates between the sex, pathology, lesion location, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and the serum CEA value (P > 0.05 for all groups).

Conclusion
Despite the normal appearance of the endobronchial manifestations, lesions undetectable by bronchoscopy could be indicated. Therefore, we suggest performing bronchoscopic biopsy and that brushing and BAL might increase the positive detection rate of bronchoscopic examination.
A dosimetric evaluation of flattening filter-free volumetric modulated arc therapy for postoperative treatment of cervical cancer ⁎
Authors: Zhang Fuli , Jiang Huayong , Xu Weidong , Wang Yadi , Gao Junmao , Liu Qingzhi , Wang Ping , Lu Na , Chen Diandian , Yao Bo , Hou Jun , He Heliang , Chen Jianping 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of the study was to compare flattening filter-free (FFF) beams and conventional flattening filter (FF) beams in volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for cervical cancer after surgery, through a retrospective planning study.

Methods
VMAT plans of FFF beams and normal FF beams were designed for a cohort of 15 patients. The prescribed dose was 45 Gy to 1.8 Gy per fraction, and at least 95% of the planning target volume received this dose. Doses were computed with a commercially available treatment planning system using a Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm. Plans were compared according to dose-volume histogram analysis in terms of planning target volume homogeneity and conformity indices (HI and CI), as well as organs at risk (OAR) dose and volume parameters.

Results
FFF-VMAT was similar to FF-VMAT in terms of CI, but inferior to FF-VMAT considering HI. No statistically differences were observed between FFF-VMAT and FF-VMAT in following organ at risks including pelvic bone marrow, small bowel, bladder, rectum, and normal tissue (NT). .

Conclusion
For patients with cervical cancer after hysterectomy, the FFF beam achieved target and OAR dose distribution similar to that of the FF beam. Reduction of beam-on time in cervical cancer is beneficial.
Mammography combined with breast dynamic contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of early breast cancer
Authors: He Yakun , Xu Guohui , Ren Jin , Feng Bin , Dong Xiaolei , Lu Hao , He Changjiu 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the application of mammography combined with breast dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) for the diagnosis of early breast cancer.

Methods
Mammography and DCE-MRI were performed for 120 patients with breast cancer (malignant, 102; benign; 18).

Results
The sensitivity of mammography for early diagnosis of breast cancer was 66.67%, specificity was 77.78%, and accuracy was 68.33%. The sensitivity of MRI for early diagnosis of breast cancer was 94.12%, specificity was 88.89%, and accuracy was 93.33%. However, the sensitivity of mammography combined with DCE-MRI volume imaging with enhanced water signal (VIEWS) scanning for early diagnosis of breast cancer was 97.06%, specificity was 94.44%, and accuracy was 96.67%.

Conclusion
Mammography combined with DCE-MRI increased the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosing early breast cancer.
Modulation of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 by low dose radiation in mice bearing S180 sarcoma
Authors: Jia Xiangmin , Yu Hongsheng 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the inhibition of low dose radiation (LDR) on S180 sarcomas and its modulation of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in mice.

Methods
S180 subcutaneously implanted tumor model mice were randomly divided into two groups: control (N) and low dose radiation (LDR) groups. N mice were sacrificed after 12 h, whereas LDR mice were sacrificed after 12 (LDR-12 h), 24 (LDR-24 h), 48 (LDR-48 h), and 72 (LDR-72 h) h. Thereafter, we measured the tumor volumes. Histopathology was performed, and P-V immunohistochemistry was applied to assess MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression.

Results
Compared with the control group, the tumor growth was significantly inhibited in the LDR groups (P < 0.05). MMP-2 expression was considerably reduced in LDR-24h (P < 0.05) and LDR-48h (P < 0.05), whereas the change of TIMP-2 was not obvious in the LDR groups (P > 0.05) in contrast to that of the control group.

Conclusion
LDR can effectively suppress the growth of S180 implanted tumors by reducing MMP-2, which is associated with invasion and metastasis.
Transsphenoidal microsurgical treatment of infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngioma ⁎
Authors: Lei Ting , Wang Baofeng , Chen Juan , Xu Yu , Shu Kai , Sun Wei , Liu Shaozheng , Li Xiaopeng 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
Typically, the transcranial approach has been used for the treatment of craniopharyngiomas with suprasellar extension, whereas the transsphenoidal approach has been used mostly for infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngioma. Total resection of craniopharyngioma can reduce the recurrence rate, especially in young children, but it may lead to severe complications. Therefore, any benefit of the degree of resection must be weighed against the risk of complications by the surgeons. The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic outcome after transsphenoidal microsurgical treatment of infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngioma and share our experiences.

Methods
Between January 2003 and June 2013, 30 patients with infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngioma underwent transsphenoidal microsurgical resection in our hospital. The neurological, visual, and endocrine functions, and extent of resection were analyzed retrospectively. Recurrence or growth of residual tumor tissue during follow-up was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results
Total resection was achieved in 25 patients (83.3%), subtotal resection was achieved in 4 patients (13.3%), and partial resection was achieved in 1 patient (3.4%). There were no perioperative deaths. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage occurred in 6 patients, and among them, 2 required surgical repair of the sella. New-onset postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI) developed in 8 patients. Vision and visual fields were improved at different levels in 13 out of 16 patients who had sight impediments before treatment. Tumor recurrence and regrowth was observed in 2 patients; 1 patient underwent transsphenoidal reoperation, the condition of the other patient who had undergone several craniotomies grew worse over the 6-month follow-up period.

Conclusion
Transsphenoidal surgery is an ideal choice in treating infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngioma. The transsphenoidal approach, which preserves pituitary function and avoids damage to the hypothalamic structures and optic nerve, is associated with fewer complications than the transcranial approach and a low mortality rate.
IL-13Ra2- and glioma stem cell-pulsed dendritic cells induce glioma cell death in vitro
Authors: Wang Ying , Xie Ruifan , Niu Hongquan , Lei Ting 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
Gliomas are the most common malignant tumors in the central nervous system. Despite multiple therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the prognosis of patients remains poor. Immunotherapy is an alternative method of treating glioma, and the use of dendritic cell vaccines is one of the promising treatment options. However, there is no specific tumor cell antigen that can trigger dendritic cells (DCs). IL-13Ra2 is a specific antigen expressed in glioma cells; in the current study, we have attempted to explore whether IL-13Ra2 could be the antigen that triggers DCs and to envisage its application as potential therapy for glioma.

Methods
The expression of IL-13Ra2 was detected in U251 glioma cell lines and primary glioma tissues using different methods. DCs from human blood were isolated and pulsed with recombinant IL-13Ra2, following which the cytotoxicity of these DCs on glioma cells was detected and analyzed.

Results
About 55.9% human glioma tissue cells expressed IL-13Ra2, while normal brain tissue cells did not show any expression. DC vaccines loaded with IL-13Ra2, glioma cell antigen, and brain tumor stem cell (BTSC) antigen could significantly stimulate the proliferation of T lymphocytes and induce cell death in the glioma tissue. Compared to other groups, DC vaccines loaded with BTSC antigen showed the strongest ability to activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), while the glioma cell antigen group showed no significant difference.

Conclusion
IL-13Ra2, which is expressed in gliomas and by glioma stem cells, as well as IL-13Ra2 could prove to be potential antigens for DC vaccine-based immunotherapy.
Progress of anti-checkpoint therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer ⁎
Authors: Zhu Lizhen , Fang Xuefeng , Zhong Chenhan , Yuan Ying 
Published: June 2023

Ying Yuan,
Professor, Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China. Prof. Yuan has focused on the clinical practice and research on personalized therapy of gastrointestinal cancer, especially of colorectal cancer. Prof. Yuan is also interested in the scientific research. She has acquired several grants and published 99 papers, including 42 SCI papers. Besides, she has achieved a few honors and awards, such as “The Southern California Society of Colorectal Surgeons Award”, “Scientific Achievement Award of Zhejiang Province”, “National Science and Technology Progress Award”, and so on. Her current academic society memberships include: member and director of genetics group, colorectal cancer professional committee of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology; member of clinical trial committee and molecular targeted drugs committee of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology; core expert of gastrointestinal cancer rational drug use commission, National Health and Family Planning Commission; expert of colorectal cancer diagnostic and treatment practices group, National Health and Family Planning Commission; permanent member and secretary of colorectal cancer MDT management board, National Health and Family Planning Commission.
Two cases of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia combined with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and a literature review
Authors: Min Fengling , Zhai Lijia , Zhou Wei , Gao Xiaohui , Zhang Lina 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTo describe myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) combined with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in order to investigate the potential association between these 2 diseases. Two cases of confirmed chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) combined with MGUS were reported. In addition, prior publications of cases with combined MDS or MPN with MGUS were reviewed. The first case was of a 77-year-old man whose routine blood tests showed abnormal hemogram results. The diagnosis was CMML combined with IgM monoclonal gammopathy, and the disease course was 4 years. The CMML gradually progressed and the patient presented with anemia, thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hemolysis, and an increase in the number of immature cells in the bone marrow. Although the MGUS caused fluctuations in the concentrations of IgM, no IgM-associated organ damage was observed. Eventually, this patient died from a lung infection. The second case was of a 78-year-old man who sought treatment because of fever and a cough. An increase in the number of monocytes was discovered in the peripheral blood. Bone marrow smear results suggested obvious active granulocytes and an increase in the percentages of promyelocytes, myelocytes, and metamyelocytes. Unhealthy granulocytes and immature monocytes could also be observed, and the percentage of monocytes was increased. In addition, serum IgG levels were increased, and immunofixation electrophoresis results showed IgG-κ type M proteins. The diagnosis was CMML combined with IgG monoclonal gammopathy. These diseases were stable and follow-up was conducted for 1 year after diagnosis. The cases in this study combined with those that were reviewed in the relevant literature indicate that the presence of these 2 diseases in the same patient might not be a coincidence. The development of the 2 diseases in case 1 was different, and we speculate that they might have had different clonal origins. Whether CMML is a risk factor for MGUS and the role of clonal plasma cells in the occurrence and development of MDS and MDS/MPN requires further studies on a larger number of cases.
BRAF V600E/TERT promoter mutations and NIS/TSHR expression in differentiated thyroid carcinoma and their clinical significance ⁎
Authors: Ru Xiaoting , Liu Qinjiang , Zhou Haihong , Yang Rong , Bao Lie 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations have recently been described in thyroid carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of (v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1) BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). The relationship between the two mutations and NIS/TSHR expression was also analyzed.

Methods
We have detected BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations by direct sequencing and NIS/TSHR expression by immunohistochemistry in 229 cases of DTC, 52 cases of benign nodular goiter, and 31 cases of normal thyroid tissue.

Results
The BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 142 (62.0%) of 229 cases of DTC [141 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and 1 case of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC)]. TERT promoter mutations were detected in 18 (7.9%) of 229 cases of DTC (14 cases of PTC and 4 cases of FTC), including the mutations C228T (0.9%) and C250T (7.0%), which were mutually exclusive. Moreover, 11 (61.1%) cases also harbored the BRAF V600E mutation, which was not associated with gender, age, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and recurrence risk stratification (P >0.05). The rate of TERT promoter mutation was higher in males, age ≥45, and in the middle/high-risk group (P <0.05), and the rate of simultaneous BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations were higher in the middle/high-risk group (P <0.05). In addition, NIS positive rate in the concurrent BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutation group (45.5 %) was lower than in other groups (that is, the DTC group with BRAF V600E or TERT promoter mutations (55.1%), the DTC group with no BRAF V600E or TERT promoter mutation (57.5%), the nodules and normal group (75.9%); | r | = 0.171, P = 0.002).

Conclusion
TERT promoter mutations were lower in patients with DTC, with the C250T mutation being the most common. The detection of BRAF V600E mutation combined with TERT promoter mutations was instructive for the prognosis assessment and treatment of DTC.
Expression pattern of BIM, BCL-6, and c-MYC in adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia ⁎
Authors: Zheng Chanli , Xu Lin , Xie Yanjun , He Dongmei , Li Yangqiu 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
We aimed to evaluate the expression pattern of the genes BIM, BCL-6, and c-MYC in adult patients at initial diagnosis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).

Methods
Relative mRNA levels of BIM, BCL-6, and c-MYC in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from B-ALL patients were determined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) using SYBR Green dye. PBMCs from healthy volunteers served as a control. GAPDH was used as a reference gene.

Results
Relative expression of BIM, BCL-6, and c-MYC mRNA in B-ALL patients was significantly lower than in healthy controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore, this result was observed for both newly diagnosed B-ALL patients and those incomplete remission (CR) (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the expression levels of BIM, BCL-6, and c-MYC between these B-ALL patient groups (P > 0.05). Spearman’s rank correlation analyses revealed the expression level of BIM to be positively correlated with that of BCL-6 in B-ALL patients.

Conclusion
Expression of the genes BIM, BCL-6, and c-MYC is decreased in adult B-ALL patients. Moreover, the expression pattern of these genes may be similar in such patients at initial diagnosis and following CR. The expression characteristics of BIM, BCL-6, and c-MYC may constitute useful markers for the diagnosis of adult B-ALL.
Breast ultrasound elastography
Authors: Cui Xinwu , Deng Youbin 
Published: June 2023

Youbin Deng
Professor of Medical Ultrasound, Doctoral Supervisor, Director of the Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of HUST, China. He obtained his bachelor degree of medicine in 1983 and Master degree of Medicine in 1986 from Tongji Medical University. He obtained PhD in 1996 from Kanazawa Medical University in Japan. Dr. Deng worked as a research fellow in The Second Department of Internal Medicine in University of Tokyo from April 1988 to March 1989, in UCSD Medical Center from August 1991 to May 1992 and in Kanazawa Medical University from August 1993 to March 1998. He served as member of standing committee of Medical Ultrasound Society of Chinese Medical Association beginning in 2005 until now, Chairman of Medical Ultrasound Society of Hubei Province Medical Association from 2004 to 2009 and Chairman of Medical Ultrasound Society of Wuhan City Medical Association from 2011 to 2015. His major research interest is cardiovascular ultrasound diagnosis. He published more than 100 papers in international peer-reviewed academic journals including Circulation, J Am Coll Cardiol, Am Heart J, Am J Cardiol, Radiology and Ultrasound in Med and Biol.
Mechanisms of radioresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: de Jesús Kihn-Alarcón Alba , Xu Ximing 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common cancers in the world, is characterized by poor prognosis and recurrence after resection. Its prevalence is highest in developing countries, particularly where there is high incidence of hepatitis B virus infection. Several curative treatments are available for early stage HCC; however, these options are not available for advanced disease. New techniques allowing the specific delivery of high-dose radiotherapy enable their use in the treatment of HCC, which has been avoided in the past due to low hepatic tolerance for radiation. This presents a new challenge—the development of resistance to radiotherapy and subsequent disease recurrence. Recently, the mechanisms controlling radioresistance have begun to be elucidated. Understanding the molecular basis of radioresistance is key to developing new strategies with better treatment response and increased patient survival.
ALDH 1A1 and caveolin-1 expression in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Atwa Hanaa A. , Ibrahim Hanaa M. , Ismail Eman I. , Ibrahim Islam M. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) contains a high proportion of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) and exhibits resistance to chemotherapy treatments. Therefore, the identification of BCSCs that are novel molecular targets may improve patient survival. Aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH 1A1) has been considered a cancer stem cell marker in different tumors. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), a membrane transporter protein, regulates cancer chemo-resistance and stem cell signaling. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of ALDH 1A1 and Cav-1 in patients with TNBC by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and to correlate their expression with clinical and pathological parameters.

Methods
Paraffin blocks of 30 breast cancer patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy between January 2013 and December 2016 in Zagazig University Hospitals (Egypt) were evaluated. Antibodies to ALDH 1A1 and Cav-1 were used.

Results
ALDH 1A1 and Cav-1 significantly correlated with tumor size. A significant association between ALDH 1A1/Cav-1 IHC staining and relapse was found. Cav-1 and ALDH 1A1-positive expression correlated with a short 3-year disease-free survival rate and a 3-year overall survival rate (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
ALDH 1A1 and Cav-1 expression in TNBC was significantly positively correlated with poor clinicopathological parameters and shortened survival. Expression of both markers was significantly positively correlated with each other (P < 0.001). ALDH 1A1 and Cav-1 could be potential therapeutic targets in breast cancer.
Comparative analysis of ATP-based tumor chemosensitivity assay-directed chemotherapy versus physician-decided chemotherapy in platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer*
Authors: Li Ning , Gao Yutao , Zhang Wei , Li Xiaoguang , Li Bin , Tian Haimei , Li Yanfen , Wu Lingying 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of ATP-based tumor chemosensitivity assay (ATP-TCA) in patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer (PRROC).

Methods
A total of 43 patients with PRROC who underwent chemotherapy based on the results of ATP-TCA in the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were included in the present study. As controls, we selected another 43 patients with PRROC who were treated at the physician's discretion within the same time period and had the same clinical characteristics as the patients in the ATP-TCA group. Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model were adopted for analysis.

Results
A total of 86 patients were retrospectively analyzed in the present study. Patients were routinely monitored to evaluate the rate of progression-free survival (PFS). The median follow-up time was 13 months. The PFS for the ATP-TCA and control groups was 5 and 3 months, respectively (P = 0.027). Multivariate analysis showed that the type of treatment was an independent prognostic factor for PFS (P = 0.040; HR: 0.623; 95% CI: 0.313-0.973). Subgroup analysis showed that among patients with a treatment-free interval (TFI) of ≥ 3 months (n = 50), those in the ATP-TCA group had longer PFS than those in the control group (7 vs 4 months, P = 0.010). Meanwhile, the median PFS of patients who underwent ≤ 2 prior chemotherapy regimens (PCR, n = 52) in the ATP-TCA and control groups was 6 months and 4 months, respectively (P = 0.025).

Conclusion
ATP-TCA-directed chemotherapy might improve the PFS in PRROC. In particular, the survival benefit from ATP-TCA is higher in patients with a TFI of ≥ 3 months or treated with ≤ 2 PCR.