bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A missense variant of MASP2 is associated with increased risk of radiation pneumonitis in lung cancer patients treated with radiation therapy*
Authors: Tang Yang , Yang Li , Qin Wan , Yi Minxiao , Liu Bo , Yuan Xianglin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
In this study, mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease 2 (MASP2) gene variant was evaluated to assess the risk of radiation pneumonitis (RP) in patients with pulmonary malignancies.

Methods
A total of 169 lung cancer patients with radiotherapy were included in our prospective study (NCT02490319) and genotyped using the Sanger sequencing method. Multivariate Cox hazards analysis and multiple testing were applied to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all factors possibly associated with RP risk.

Results
Patients with mean lung disease ≥ 15 Gy and V20 ≥ 24% had higher risk of RP ≥ grade 2 compared with their counterparts (HR = 1.888, 95% CI: 1.186-3.004, P = 0.007; HR = 2.126, 95% CI: 1.338-3.378, P = 0.001, respectively). Importantly, CC + CA genotype of MASP2: rs12711521 was strongly associated with an increased occurrence of RP ≥ grade 2 (HR = 1.949, 95% CI: 1.278-2.971, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

MASP2: rs12711521 was found to be significantly associated with RP ≥ grade 2 in our cohort and may thus be one of the important predictors of severe RP before radiotherapy, if further validated in larger population.
Implications of the autophagy core gene variations on brain metastasis risk in non-small cell lung cancer treated with EGFR-TKI*
Authors: Yuan Ye , Han Hu , Jin Yu , Zhou Xiao , Yi Minxiao , Tang Yang , Li Qianxia 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
The brain is the main site of failure in cancer patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations undergoing treatment. However, identifying patients who may develop brain metastases (BM) is difficult. Autophagy is critical for cancer initiation and progression. We hypothesized that genetic variants in autophagy core genes might contribute to BM risk of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following treatment with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKIs).

Methods
We systematically examined 16 potentially functional genetic polymorphisms in seven autophagy core genes among 105 TKI-treated NSCLC patients. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to assess the cumulative BM probability. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were utilized to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We evaluated the potential associations of these genes with subsequent BM development.

Results
We found that ATG16L1: rs2241880, ATG10: rs10036653, rs3734114, and ATG3: rs7652377 are significantly associated with NSCLC treated with EGFR-TKIs (all P < 0.05). BM developed more often in patients with ATG3 rs7652377 CC genotype (33%), ATG10 rs10036653 AA genotype (43%), ATG10: rs3734114 CT/CC genotype (46%), and ATG16L1 rs2241880 AA genotype (37%) compared to patients with AA genotypes at rs7652377 (12%), AT/TT genotypes at rs10036653 (16%), the TT genotype at rs3734114 (13%), or AG/GG genotypes at rs2241880 (17%).

Conclusion
These associations may be critical for understanding the role of autophagy in BM risk. Future prospective studies are needed to determine if prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) could offer a survival benefit in this group of patients.
A study of the potential adverse effects of electrosurgical smoke on medical staff during malignant tumor surgery*
Authors: Luo Zhaoxia , Li Xiuze , Li Shuhua , Hou Bo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the potential adverse effects of electrosurgical smoke on medical staff performing malignant tumor surgery.

Methods
This study was divided into two parts: in vitro and in vivo experiments. The human thyroid cancer cell line, ARO, was cultured and passaged. The tumor cells were burned with an ultrasonic scalpel, and the surgical smoke was absorbed by a transwell membrane. The captured particles were diluted in 3 mL of culture medium, and cell survival was assessed under a microscope. DNA was extracted from the cells for genotyping. BALB/c mice were used to construct thyroid cancer xenograft models. The tumor tissues were dissected on day 14 using an ultrasonic scalpel. The smoke from the electrosurgical procedure was collected on a transwell membrane. The membrane was washed in 2 mL of rinsing solution, and the solution was then injected into the right armpit of 10 mice. After sacrifice, the tumor tissues were removed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE).

Results
Viable ARO cells could be seen on the first day after culturing cell fragments from surgical smoke, and vigorous cell proliferation could be seen on the 17th day of incubation. The genotype of the cells cultured in the presence of smoke particles was identical to the genotype of the original cells. Tumor growth was observed in four out of 10 mice injected with the smoke particle rinse. HE staining showed a significantly increased number of nuclei in the tumor tissue, which was consistent with the general morphological characteristics of malignant tumors.

Conclusion
Viable tumor cells were detected in surgical smoke generated by ultrasonic scalpel dissection, and these cells had growth activity. Thus, it is necessary to protect patients and medical staff from electrosurgical smoke.
Meningeal melanocytoma in the cerebellopontine angle: A rare case report and review of the literature
Authors: Dong Minhai , Xiao Qungen , Hu Jinyang , Li Xiaopeng , Guo Dongsheng , Wang Baofeng 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Primary meningeal melanocytoma (MM) in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) region is an extremely rare neoplasm that originates from the melanocytes in the leptomeninges. These lesions are usually misdiagnosed as they mimic other common CPA lesions through their nonspecific presenting symptoms, signs, and radiological characteristics. Here, we report a 47-year-old Chinese female patient who presented with a 1-month history of the right-sided tongue numbness and 1-week history of the right-sided face numbness that had been worsening for 2 days. The tumor, in the right CPA region, showed a slight isointensity on T1-weighted image and mixed signal intensity on T2-weighted image. The clinical presentation, surgical treatment, and pathologic characteristics were determined. The tumor was microsurgically resected and gross-total resection was achieved. The tumor revealed a solid, capsulated, brown-black lesion. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells were positive for human melanoma black-45 (HMB-45), melanoma antigen (MelanA), S100, SOX10, and BRAF, confirming the final diagnosis of meningeal melanocytoma. Ultimately, no signs of radiological local recurrence were observed during the two-year follow-up. Collectively, meningeal melanocytoma is difficult to distinguish from common tumors in the CPA region before operation due to the lack of specificity in imaging and symptoms. Complete surgical resection is the best therapeutic option for this tumor. Although the tumor is commonly considered as a benign lesion, recurrence and metastasis are common, and pathogenesis remains unclear.
Effects of long non-coding RNA GAS5 on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through miR-26a-5p action
Authors: Yi Zunli , Guo Xiaoguang , Jiang Xianxue , Luo Fengmei 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate tumor development and progression by promoting tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of lncRNA growth arrest-special 5 (GAS5) on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells through miR-26a-5p action.

Methods
Expression levels of GAS5 were detected in cancerous and paracancerous tissue of 80 HCC patients by RT-qPCR. The starBase tool predicted that GAS5 had binding sites for the miRNA miR-26a-5p, which was also highly expressed in HCC tissue. The relationship between GAS5 and miR-26a-5p was confirmed using a luciferase reporter assay. The role of these lncRNAs was further explored by transfecting plasmids into SMMC-7721 cells and classifying the cells as follows: NC group, GAS5 group, anti-miR-26a-5p group, and GAS5 + miR-26a-5p group. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis were detected in each group. The relationship between miR-26a-5p and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) was analyzed by TargetScan database prediction and luciferase reporter assay. Western blotting was used to quantify PTEN, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), cyclin D1, and human P27 protein (P27).

Results
GAS5 was downregulated, while miR-26a-5p was upregulated in HCC tissue compared to in paracancerous tissue. High GAS5 levels and low miR-26a-5p levels inhibited cell proliferation, increased the number of G0/G1 phase cells, promoted cell apoptosis, promoted PTEN and P27 expression, and inhibited PI3K, P-Akt, and cyclin D1 expression at the protein level. Upregulation of miR-26a-5p attenuated the effects of GAS5 upregulation on the proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of HCC cells and on the expression of PTNE/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related proteins.

Conclusion
Low GAS5 levels regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cells via the PTNE/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and are linked to upregulation of miR-26a-5p.
Ultrasound-guided No Touch liver pedicle microwave ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhu Shu , Zhu Peng , Cheng Yi , Luo Hongchang , Wang Jianhua 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, and clinical effect of No Touch liver pedicle microwave ablation (NTLP-MWA).

Methods
The outcomes of 118 patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between 2014 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups. In group A, 35 patients underwent ultrasound-guided NTLP-MWA, 27 in Group B were treated with routine microwave ablation (RMWA), and 56 in group C underwent anatomic hepatectomy (AH). The preoperative basic data, intraoperative data, and postoperative data were analyzed among the three groups.

Results
The treatment time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative liver function (alanine transaminase) in the NTLP-MWA and RMWA groups were significantly different from those in the AH group (all P < 0.005). There was no difference in the complete elimination rate and local recurrence within 1 year among the three groups. Treatment was not an independent risk factor for early postoperative recurrence. There was no significant difference in the 5-year overall survival rates among the three groups.

Conclusion
NTLP-MWA is safe and reliable, in accordance with the principles of oncology treatment, and worth further promotion in clinical practice.
Effect of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy on the prognosis of patients with ypT0-3N0 rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy*
Authors: Huang Jueyi , Cai Yongqian , Wang Biao 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) on the prognosis of patients with ypT0-3N0 rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Methods
The study participants were 110 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Thirty-four patients did not receive postoperative AC treatment, and the other 76 patients received postoperative AC treatment. The differences in the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups were compared.

Results
Age was an important determinant of the patients’ decision to undergo postoperative treatment. Patients who did not receive AC treatment were significantly older than those who received AC treatment (P < 0.05). The tumor location (distance above anal margin) in the AC group was significantly larger than that in the non-AC group (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the 5-year DFS and OS between the two groups. Postoperative AC did not significantly improve the prognosis of patients with rectal cancer. Age, tumor differentiation, and the number of resected lymph nodes were independent factors affecting the OS of patients (P < 0.05). Older patients, patients with lower degree of tumor differentiation, and patients with <12 resected lymph nodes showed worse prognosis (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Patients with rectal cancer whose ypT0-3N0 stage is reduced after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, especially those without adverse prognostic factors, do not need AC after surgery.
Occurrence of No.12 lymph node micrometastasis in gastric cancer and its effect on clinicopathological parameters and prognosis*
Authors: Dong Tianzeng , Zhang Lirong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of No.12 lymph node micrometastasis in patients with gastric cancer and its relationship with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis.

Methods
A cohort of 160 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy and lymph node dissection were selected as the research subjects. The immunohistochemical method was used to detect the micrometastasis of No.12 lymph node sections with negative routine pathological detection. At the same time, the clinical data of patients were collected and followed up to analyze the clinical significance of No.12 lymph node micrometastasis.

Results
A total of 370 No.12 lymph nodes were detected in 160 surgical specimens. Among 160 patients, 27 patients were found to be positive for No.12 lymph nodes during routine pathological examination, with a positive rate of 16.8%. A total of 308 lymph nodes from 133 patients with negative routine pathological examinations were stained by immunohistochemistry. A total of 17 lymph nodes from 10 patients were found to be positive. The results showed that 37 of the 160 patients had No.12 lymph node metastasis, and the positive rate was 23.1%, which was 6.3% higher than that of routine pathological examination. Logistic multivariate analyses showed that the depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis in other groups, and clinical stage were independent risk factors for No.12 lymph node metastasis. The average follow-up time was 79.3 months, and the overall median survival time was 47.9 months. The survival time of the No.12 lymph node-negative group was 67.3 ± 2.5 Â months, the median survival time was 73.2 months; the survival time of the No.12 lymph node-positive group was (28.4 ± 5.4) months, and the median survival time was 31.3 months. The survival time of the No.12 lymph node-negative group was significantly longer than that of the positive group (χ2 = 12.75, P = 0.000).

Conclusion
No.12 lymph node micrometastasis is a signal affecting the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. Standardized dissection of No.12 lymph nodes is recommended for patients with gastric cancer who can undergo radical resection.
Difference in the effects of three nutritional pathways on postoperative rehabilitation in patients with gastric cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus*
Authors: Li Yan , Zhou Yan , Chen Mao 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
To explore the difference in the effects of three nutritional pathways on the rehabilitation of patients with gastric cancer and diabetes mellitus after operation.

Methods
Overall, 120 patients were randomly divided into the partial parenteral nutrition (PPN), early enteral nutrition (EEN), and diabetes mellitus special enteral nutritional emulsion (DEN) groups. The differences in the effects of three nutritional modes were compared.

Results
(1) On postoperative day four, the total protein level in the EEN and DEN groups was significantly higher than that in the PPN group (P < 0.05). On postoperative day ten, body mass index, lymphocyte count, total protein level, and pre-albumin level in the DEN group were significantly higher than those in the PPN group (P < 0.05). (2) On postoperative day four, there was no significant difference in the fasting blood glucose level between the EEN and DEN groups (P > 0.05), but this level was significantly lower than that in the PPN group (P < 0.05). On postoperative day ten, fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in the DEN group were significantly lower than those in the PPN group. (3) On postoperative day four, the C-reactive protein level in the DEN group was significantly lower than that in the other groups (P < 0.05). (4) The incidence rates of complications in the PPN, EEN, and DEN groups were 25.0%, 10.0%, and 5.0%, respectively. The incidence of complications in the PPN group was significantly higher than that in the other groups. However, there was no significant difference in perioperative indexes among the three groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
Enteral nutrition is more conducive to the recovery of patients with gastric cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus after operation; the special enteral nutrition emulsion for diabetes mellitus is more effective than the conventional nutrition solution in stabilizing blood sugar levels and reducing the degree of inflammation.
Effects of rearranged during transfection mutation on calcitonin and procalcitonin expression in sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma*
Authors: Ni Yaqiong , Yao Wei , Wang Yunsheng , Wang Hui , Liu Qinjiang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rearranged during transfection (RET) mutation on the expressions of calcitonin (CTn) and procalcitonin (PCT) in sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (SMTC).

Methods

RET mutation was detected by polymerase chain reaction direct sequencing in 64 cases of SMTC, and the expression levels of CTn and PCT in SMTC tissues were detected using the immunohistochemical streptavidin-perosidase (SP) method. The effect of RET mutations on the expression of CTn and PCT along with its relationship with clinicopathological parameters were analyzed.

Results
The expression rates of CTn and PCT in SMTC tissues were 90.6% (58/64) and 67.2% (43/64), respectively. CTn and PCT expression were found to be associated with tumor size and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05) but not with gender, age, or tumor capsule invasion (P > 0.05). There was a significant correlation between CTn and PCT expression (r = 0.269, P = 0.041), and the intensity of positive CTn expression was positively correlated with RET mutation (r = 0.507, P = 0.000). However, PCT expression was not associated with RET mutation (r = 0.188, P = 0.136).

Conclusion
High expression of CTn and PCT was associated with the progression of medullary carcinoma, and the intensity of CTn expression was associated with RET mutation. PCT may provide valuable information for the diagnosis and prognosis of SMTC.
Effects of sorafenib and regorafenib on the expression of hypoxia-inducible factors in hepatocellular carcinoma-transplanted nude mice
Authors: Wang Ganxin , Wei Bai , Ma Qian , Huang Shu , Wu Qi 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of sorafenib and regorafenib on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using a subcutaneous transplantation tumor model in nude mice and exploring the effects of sorafenib and regorafenib on the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, HIF-2α, and HIF-1β in HCC tissues collected from HCC-transplanted nude mice.

Methods
HepG2 cells were inoculated intradermally into nude mice. The mice were randomly assigned to either sorafenib treatment (100 mg/kg), regorafenib treatment (20 mg/kg), or solvent control group (dimethylsulfoxide) (n = 8 per group) and received once-daily treatment for 14 days. The tumor volumes were recorded every 3 days after the initiation of treatment. The expression levels of HIF-1α, HIF-1β, HIF-2α, and SART1 in the HCC tissues were examined via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis and Western blotting.

Results
The tumors in the sorafenib and regorafenib treatment groups grew slower and smaller than did the tumors in the solvent control group. qPCR analysis and western blotting demonstrated that the mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α and HIF-1β were down-regulated. The expression of HIF-2α and SART1 was up-regulated in the sorafenib treatment group (P < 0.05); meanwhile, the expression of HIF-1α and HIF-1β was up-regulated, and that of HIF-2α and SART1 was down-regulated in the regorafenib treatment group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The expression of hypoxia-associated factor is up-regulated by sorafenib and down-regulated by regorafenib, which may induce the different effects of sorafenib on the expression of HIFs.
Prognostic role of plasma levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase in patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy*
Authors: Xu Shaojie , Feng Yiming , Li Xingyin , Huang Zaozao , Li Hewei , Wang Ganxin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
Antibodies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) have become the mainstay of treatment for chemotherapy-refractory gastric cancer, characterized by high levels of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PDL-1) expression. However, the routine clinical implementation of PDL-1 testing is currently limited by the lack of robust detection methods. In this regard, the role of plasma γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), an N-terminal nucleophilic hydrolase, as an independent predictor of the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to assessed the prognostic role of changes in plasma GGT levels (6 weeks vs. baseline) in patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from 57 patients with gastric cancer treated with anti-PD-1 antibodies (camrelizumab, sintilimab, nivolumab, tislelizumab, and toripalimab) at the Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, from July 2018 to February 2021.

Results
We found that after 6 weeks of treatment, there were significant differences between responders and non-responders with respect to plasma GGT levels (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the continuous value of the 6-week difference in GGT levels (OR = 1.437, 95% CI = 1.116-1.849, P = 0.005) and 6-week difference in GGT ≥ 0 or < 0 (OR = 53.675, 95% CI = 6.379-451.669, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of disease control. Survival analysis indicated that a reduction in plasma GGT6 levels during treatment was significantly associated with a favorable progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (P < 0.001). Consistently, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that a reduction in plasma GGT6 levels during treatment was an independent predictor of PFS (HR = 1.033, 95% CI = 1.013-1.053, P = 0.001).

Conclusion
Alterations in plasma GGT levels during treatment can be used as a predictor of disease progression and survival in patients with advanced gastric cancer undergoing treatment with anti-PD-1 antibodies.