Early gastric cancer detection and lesion segmentation based on deep learning and gastroscopic images.

Gastric cancer is a highly prevalent disease that poses a serious threat to public health. In clinical practice, gastroscopy is frequently used by medical practitioners to screen for gastric cancer. However, the symptoms of gastric cancer at different stages of advancement vary significantly, particularly in the case of early gastric cancer (EGC). The manifestations of EGC are often indistinct, leading to a detection rate of less than 10%. In recent years, researchers have focused on leveraging deep learning algorithms to assist medical professionals in detecting EGC and thereby improve detection rates. To enhance the ability of deep learning to detect EGC and segment lesions in gastroscopic images, an Improved Mask R-CNN (IMR-CNN) model was proposed. This model incorporates a "Bi-directional feature extraction and fusion module" and a "Purification module for feature channel and space" based on the Mask R-CNN (MR-CNN). Our study includes a dataset of 1120 images of EGC for training and validation of the models. The experimental results indicate that the IMR-CNN model outperforms the original MR-CNN model, with Precision, Recall, Accuracy, Specificity and F1-Score values of 92.9%, 95.3%, 93.9%, 92.5% and 94.1%, respectively. Therefore, our proposed IMR-CNN model has superior detection and lesion segmentation capabilities and can effectively aid doctors in diagnosing EGC from gastroscopic images.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of cyclic C7-bridged monocarbonyl curcumin analogs containing an o-methoxy phenyl group as potential agents against gastric cancer.

The structure-activity relationship (SAR) between toxicity and the types of linking ketones of C7 bridged monocarbonyl curcumin analogs (MCAs) was not clear yet. In the pursuit of effective and less cytotoxic chemotherapeutics, we conducted a SAR analysis using various diketene skeletons of C7-bridged MCAs, synthesized cyclic C7-bridged MCAs containing the identified low-toxicity cyclopentanone scaffold and an o-methoxy phenyl group, and assessed their anti-gastric cancer activity and safety profile. Most compounds exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against gastric cancer cells. We developed a quantitative structure-activity relationship model (R2 > 0.82) by random Forest method, providing important information for optimizing structure. An optimized compound 2 exhibited in vitro and in vivo anti-gastric cancer activity partly through inhibiting the AKT and STAT3 pathways, and displayed a favorable in vivo safety profile. In summary, this paper provided a promising class of MCAs and a potential compound for the development of chemotherapeutic drugs.

Value of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging combined with tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors.

BACKGROUND: Compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and serum tumor markers alone or in combination for detecting ovarian tumors. AIM: To investigate the diagnostic value of US, MRI combined with tumor markers in ovarian tumors. METHODS: The data of 110 patients with ovarian tumors, confirmed by surgery and pathology, were collected in our hospital from February 2018 to May 2023. The dataset included 60 cases of benign tumors and 50 cases of malignant tumors. Prior to surgery, all patients underwent preoperative US and MRI examinations, as well as serum tumor marker tests [carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), human epididymis protein 4 (HE4)]. The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic performance of these three methods individually and in combination for ovarian tumors. RESULTS: This study found statistically significant differences in the ultrasonic imaging characteristics between benign and malignant tumors. These differences include echo characteristics, presence or absence of a capsule, blood flow resistance index, clear tumor shape, and blood flow signal display rate (P < 0.05). The apparent diffusion coefficient values of the solid and cystic parts in benign tumors were found to be higher compared to malignant tumors (P < 0.05). Additionally, the time-intensity curve image features of benign and malignant tumors showed significant statistical differences (P < 0.05). The levels of serum CA125 and HE4 in benign tumors were lower than those in malignant tumors (P < 0.05). The combined use of US, MRI, and tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors demonstrates higher accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity compared to using each method individually (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: US, MRI, and tumor markers each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to diagnosing ovarian tumors. However, by combining these three methods, we can significantly enhance the accuracy of ovarian tumor diagnosis, enabling early detection and identification of the tumor's nature, and providing valuable guidance for clinical treatment.

Influence of obstructive sleep apnea on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing joint replacement.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the influence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients undergoing joint replacement. METHODS: This study retrospectively enrolled130 patients who underwent joint replacement in the Department of Orthopaedics of Taizhou Municipal Hospital between January 2019 and March 2021 for analysis. According to polysomnography (PSG) results, 80 patients without OSA were included in group A and 50 with OSA were assigned to group B. The two groups were compared with respect to the following items: surgical indications (length of stay (LOS), intraoperative blood loss (IBL) and operation time (OT), incidence of postoperative delirium (POD), postoperative cognitive function (Mini-mental State Examination, MMSE), neurological function recovery (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS) and (Scandinavian Stroke Scale, SSS)), mental health (Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)), compliance, overall response rate (ORR), complications and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The LOS and OT were shorter, and the IBL was less in group A compared with those in group B. Group A also showed reduced NIHSS and SSS scores as well as SAS and SDS scores when compared with group B. In addition, lower incidence of POD, and higher compliance, ORR and satisfaction were observed in group A than in group B. In terms of cognitive function, although the MMSE score in both groups decreased after surgery, patients in group B had a lower MMSE score and a milder form of POCD. CONCLUSIONS: OSA may affect the postoperative cognitive function and adversely influence the treatment outcome of elderly patients undergoing joint replacement.

Prevalence and intervention of preoperative anemia in Chinese adults: A retrospective cross-sectional study based on national preoperative anemia database.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anemia is an important pillar of perioperative patient blood management. However, there was no literature comprehensively described the current situation of preoperative anemia in China. METHODS: We conducted a national retrospective cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence and intervention of preoperative anemia in Chinese adults. Data were from the National Preoperative Anemia Database based on hospital administration data from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2018. FINDINGS: A total of 797,002 patients were included for analysis. Overall, 27.57% (95% CI 27.47-27.67) of patients had preoperative anemia, which varied by gender, age, regions, and type of operation. Patients who were female, age over 60 years old, from South China, from provinces with lower per capita GDP, underwent operations on the lymphatic and hematopoietic system, with laboratory abnormalities were more likely to have a high risk of preoperative anemia. Among patients with preoperative anemia, 5.16% (95% CI 5.07-5.26) received red blood cell transfusion, 7.79% (95% CI 7.67-7.91) received anemia-related medications such as iron, erythropoietin, folic acid or vitamin B12, and 12.25% (95% CI 12.10-12.40) received anemia-related therapy (red blood cell transfusion or anemia-related medications) before operation. The probability of preoperative RBC transfusion decreased by 54.92% (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.46-0.47) as each 10-g/L increase in preoperative hemoglobin. Patients with preoperative hemoglobin less than 130 g/L was associated with longer hospital stay and more hospital costs. Patients with severe preoperative anemia given iron preoperatively had lower intra/post-operative RBC transfusion rate, shorter length of stay and less hospitalization costs, but no similar correlation was found in patients with mild and moderate preoperative anemia and patients given erythropoietin preoperatively. INTERPRETATION: Our present study shows that preoperative anemia is currently a relatively prevalent problem that has not been fully appreciated in China. More researches will be required to optimize the treatment of preoperative anemia. FUNDING: National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Logistics Support Department of the Central Military Commission.

Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 suppresses multiple myeloma progression by sponging miR-27a-3p to activate TSC1 expression.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a prevalent hematological malignancy. Long noncoding RNAs are correlated with the development of MM. In this project, the function of lncRNA opa interacting protein 5-antisense 1 (OIP5-AS1) in MM and the potential mechanistic pathway were explored. METHODS: The expression of OIP5-AS1, microRNA (miR)-27a-3p and tuberous sclerosis 1 (TSC1) was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay and Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining. And cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry assay. Cell metastasis was assessed utilizing transwell assay. Western blot analysis was employed to detect protein level. The target relation between miR-27a-3p and OIP5-AS1 or TSC1 was confirmed via dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Tumor xenograft assay was conducted to measure the function of OIP5-AS1 in vivo. RESULTS: The expression levels of OIP5-AS1 and TSC1 were decreased in MM, whereas miR-27a-3p was upregulated. High level of OIP5-AS1 could predict favourable prognosis of MM patients. Overexpression of OIP5-AS1 inhibited cell viability, colony formation ability, migration and invasion, induced cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and apoptosis of MM cells in vitro as well as repressed tumorigenesis in vivo. MiR-27a-3p was a target of OIP5-AS1, and reversed the impact of OIP5-AS1 on MM cells. MiR-27a-3p directly targeted TSC1. Silencing of miR-27a-3p repressed MM progression by elevating TSC1 expression. OIP5-AS1 upregulated TSC1 by sponging miR-27a-3p. CONCLUSION: OIP5-AS1 repressed multiple myeloma progression by regulating miR-27a-3p/TSC1 axis.

Self-assembled single-atom nanozyme for enhanced photodynamic therapy treatment of tumor.

Hypoxia of solid tumor compromises the therapeutic outcome of photodynamic therapy (PDT) that relies on localized O2 molecules to produce highly cytotoxic singlet oxygen (1O2) species. Herein, we present a safe and versatile self-assembled PDT nanoagent, i.e., OxgeMCC-r single-atom enzyme (SAE), consisting of single-atom ruthenium as the active catalytic site anchored in a metal-organic framework Mn3[Co(CN)6]2 with encapsulated chlorin e6 (Ce6), which serves as a catalase-like nanozyme for oxygen generation. Coordination-driven self-assembly of organic linkers and metal ions in the presence of a biocompatible polymer generates a nanoscale network that adaptively encapsulates Ce6. The resulted OxgeMCC-r SAE possesses well-defined morphology, uniform size distribution and high loading capacity. When conducting the in situ O2 generation through the reaction between endogenous H2O2 and single-atom Ru species of OxgeMCC-r SAE, the hypoxia in tumor microenvironment is relieved. Our study demonstrates a promising self-assembled nanozyme with highly efficient single-atom catalytic sites for cancer treatment.

The neural mechanisms of immediate and follow-up of the treatment effect of hypnosis on smoking craving.

Hypnosis has a therapeutic effect on substance dependence. However, its neural basis remains unclear, which impedes its further clinical applications. This study investigated the mechanisms of smoking treatment based on hypnosis from two perspectives: immediate and follow-up effects. Twenty-four smokers screened from 132 volunteers underwent hypnosis suggestion and performed a smoking-related cue task twice during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning (in normal and hypnotic states). The number of cigarettes smoked per day was recorded at follow-up visits. The smokers reported decreased craving after hypnosis. The activations in the right dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC), the left insula and the right middle frontal gyrus (rMFG), and the functional connectivity between the rDLPFC and the left insula were increased in the hypnotic state. The reduced craving was related to the DLPFC-insula network, which reflected the immediate mechanism of hypnosis on smoking. The number of cigarette use at the 1-week and 1 month follow-up was correlated with the rMFG activation which reflecting hypnotic depth, suggesting the follow-up effect of hypnosis on smoking depended on the trait of smokers. We identified two different mechanisms of hypnosis effect on smoking, which have important implications for design and optimization of hypnotic treatments on mental disorders.

Simultaneous spontaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture with secondary hyperparathyroidism in a patient receiving hemodialysis: A case report.

RATIONALE: Simultaneous spontaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture is a rare orthopedic injury; its initial diagnosis is misdiagnosed in up to 50% of patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Early diagnosis and surgical repair are important to achieve an excellent functional outcome. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a case of simultaneous spontaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism. DIAGNOSIS: Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the quadriceps tendon was completely ruptured at the osteotendinous junction. We then found bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture during the operation. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent successful tendon repair surgery. OUTCOMES: The 31-year-old female patient regained full active movement of both knee joints and was able to participate in her activities of daily living. LESSONS: Simultaneous spontaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture in a patient with secondary hyperparathyroidism (undergoing hemodialysis) is a rare orthopedic injury that can be easily overlooked at the initial presentation. Early diagnosis and surgical repair is important to achieve an excellent functional outcome. For patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism receiving hemodialysis, strict systematic treatment of hyperparathyroidism is needed to prevent rupture or re-rupture of the quadriceps tendon.

MMP-2 expression and correlation with pathology and MRI of glioma.

The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in brain glioma and its correlation with patients' clinicopathological characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features were investigated. A total of 104 patients with brain glioma admitted and treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from June 2010 to September 2014 were randomly enrolled. MRI examination was performed before operation. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression levels of MMP-2 in brain glioma tissues and paired normal brain tissues after operation and to analyze the associations of MMP-2 expression with the clinicopathological characteristics of brain glioma and survival time of patients. The relationship between MMP-2 expression and preoperative MRI features of glioma was analyzed. The positive rate of MMP-2 expression in brain glioma was 73.08% (76/104), while that in paired normal brain tissues was only 12.5% (13/104), obviously lower than that in brain glioma tissues (P<0.05). The MMP-2 expression in the body of glioma was not related to the patients' sex, age, tumor location and pathological type (P>0.05), but there was a significant correlation with the tumor diameter and pathological grade of the patients (P<0.05). Analysis by Cox model suggested that tumor diameter, pathological grade and MMP-2 were independent prognostic factors for glioma (P<0.05). The overall survival (OS) of patients in the positive MMP-2 expression group was 16.4 months, while the OS in the negative MMP-2 expression group was 20.16 months, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The positive expression of MMP-2 in glioma was closely related to the uniformity of MRI signal for tumor, tumor diameter, severity of peritumoral edema, degree of enhancement and pathological grade of tumor (P<0.05). MMP-2 is highly expressed in brain glioma, and it is a negative factor for prognosis. Therefore, the MRI manifestations of glioma can reflect to some extent the intensity of MMP-2 expression.

The top-down regulation from the prefrontal cortex to insula via hypnotic aversion suggestions reduces smoking craving.

Hypnosis has been shown to have treatment effects on nicotine addiction. However, the neural basis of these effects is poorly understood. This preliminary study investigated the neural mechanisms of hypnosis-based treatment on cigarette smoking, specifically, whether the hypnosis involves a top-down or bottom-up mechanism. Two groups of 45 smokers underwent a smoking aversion suggestion and viewed smoking-related pictures and neutral pictures. One group underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning twice (control and hypnotic states), whereas the other group underwent two electroencephalograph sessions. Our study found that self-reported smoking craving decreased in both groups following hypnosis. Smoking cue-elicited activations in the right dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC) and left insula (lI) and the functional connectivity between the rDLPFC and lI were increased in the hypnotic state compared with the control state. The delta band source waveforms indicated the activation from 390 to 862 ms at the rDLPFC and from 490 to 900 ms at the lI was significantly different between the smoking and neutral conditions in the hypnotic state, suggesting the activation in the rDLPFC preceded that in the lI. These results suggest that the decreased smoking craving via hypnotic aversion suggestions may arise from the top-down regulation of the rDLPFC to the lI. Our findings provide novel neurobiological evidence for understanding the therapeutic effects of hypnosis on nicotine addiction, and the prefrontal-insula circuit may serve as an imaging biomarker to monitor the treatment efficacy noninvasively.

In Situ One-Pot Synthesis of MOF-Polydopamine Hybrid Nanogels with Enhanced Photothermal Effect for Targeted Cancer Therapy.

Herein, a simple one-pot way is designed to prepare a type of multifunctional metal-organic framework (MOF)-based hybrid nanogels by in situ hybridization of dopamine monomer in the skeleton of MnCo. The resultant hybrid nanoparticles (named as MCP) show enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency in comparison with pure polydopamine or MnCo nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized under a similar method and, therefore, show great potential for photothermal therapy (PTT) in vivo. The MCP NPs are expected to possess T1 positive magnetic resonance imaging ability due to the high-spin Mn-N6 (S = 5/2) in the skeleton of MnCo. To improve the therapy efficiency as a PTT agent, the MCP NPs are further modified with functional polyethylene glycol (PEG) and thiol terminal cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid peptide, respectively: the first one is to increase the stability, biocompatibility, and blood circulation time of MCP NPs in vivo; the second one is to increase the tumor accumulation of MCP-PEG NPs and improve their therapeutic efficiency as photothermal agent.

Novel Metal Polyphenol Framework for MR Imaging-Guided Photothermal Therapy.

Phothermal therapy has received increasing attention in recent years as a potentially effective way to treat cancer. In pursuit of a more biocompatible photothermal agent, we utilize biosafe materials including ellagic acid (EA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and iron element as building blocks, and we successfully fabricate a homogeneous nanosized Fe-EA framework for the first time by a facile method. As expected, the novel nanoagent exhibits no obvious cytotoxicity and good hemocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. The microenvironment responsiveness to both pH and hydrogen peroxide makes the NPs biodegradable in tumor tissues, and the framework should be easily cleared by the body. Photothermal potentials of the nanoparticles are demonstrated with relevant features of strong NIR light absorption, moderately effective photothermal conversion efficiency, and good photothermal stability. The in vivo photothermal therapy also achieved effective tumor ablation with no apparent toxicity. On the other hand, it also exhibits T2 MR imaging ability originated from ferric ions. Our work highlights the promise of the Fe-EA framework for imaging-guided photothermal therapy.

Core-Shell Structurized Fe3O4@C@MnO2 Nanoparticles as pH Responsive T1-T2* Dual-Modal Contrast Agents for Tumor Diagnosis.

Biocompatible core-shell Fe3O4@C@MnO2 nanoparticles (named as FOCMO NPs) with an average size at 130 nm prepared through an effortless yet efficient strategy were employed as pH-activatable T1-T2* dual-modality magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents (CAs). The release rate of Mn ions in acidic PBS (pH = 5.0) was approximately 10 times to that under condition with pH value of 7.4. Benefiting from excellent acid responsiveness, which facilitates the release of ions from FOCMO NPs at tumor region with acidic microenvironment and organelles, the diagnosis accuracy was commendably improved. After intravenous injection of FOCMO NPs, an efficiently intensive contrast in tumors are realized with a distinct enhancement of 127% in T1 MRI signal 24 h after the administration. Moreover, a significant decreasement of 71% is witnessed in T2 MRI signal. Those demonstrated that FOCMO NPs can achieve the purpose of positive/negative MRI simultaneously. Furthermore, obtained FOCMO NPs showed great hemocompatibility and negligible toxicity.

Bimetallic Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework as an Intrinsic Two-Photon Fluorescence and pH-Responsive MR Imaging Agent.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) has received wide attention in recent years as a potential drug vehicle for the treatment of cancer due to its acid-responsiveness and moderate biocompatibility. However, its congenital deficiency of intrinsic imaging capability limits its wider applications; therefore, a postsynthetic exchange approach was utilized to introduce paramagnetic manganese(II) ions into the ZIF-8 matrix. As a result, bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (Mn-Zn-ZIF) were thus fabricated and exhibited pH-responsive T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast effect. Remarkably, we also found its own fluorescence derived from 2-methylimidazole, which is the first report of the intrinsic two-photon fluorescence imaging of ZIFs to our knowledge. Mn-Zn-ZIF still preserves the original properties of ZIF-8 of high surface areas, microporosity, and acid sensitivity. After further PEGylation of Mn-Zn-ZIF, the nanoparticles showed no obvious toxicity and its MRI contrast effect has also been enhanced. Our work highlights the promise of modified zeolitic imidazolate frameworks as potential cancer theranostic platforms.

Biodegradable Core-shell Dual-Metal-Organic-Frameworks Nanotheranostic Agent for Multiple Imaging Guided Combination Cancer Therapy.

Metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs) possess high porosity, large surface area, and tunable functionality are promising candidates for synchronous diagnosis and therapy in cancer treatment. Although large number of MOFs has been discovered, conventional MOF-based nanoplatforms are mainly limited to the sole MOF source with sole functionality. In this study, surfactant modified Prussian blue (PB) core coated by compact ZIF-8 shell (core-shell dual-MOFs, CSD-MOFs) has been reported through a versatile stepwise approach. With Prussian blue as core, CSD-MOFs are able to serve as both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence optical imaging (FOI) agents. We show that CSD-MOFs crystals loading the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) are efficient pH and near-infrared (NIR) dual-stimuli responsive drug delivery vehicles. After the degradation of ZIF-8, simultaneous NIR irradiation to the inner PB MOFs continuously generate heat that kill cancer cells. Their efficacy on HeLa cancer cell lines is higher compared with the respective single treatment modality, achieving synergistic chemo-thermal therapy efficacy. In vivo results indicate that the anti-tumor efficacy of CSD-MOFs@DOX+NIR was 7.16 and 5.07 times enhanced compared to single chemo-therapy and single thermal-therapy respectively. Our strategy opens new possibilities to construct multifunctional theranostic systems through integration of two different MOFs.

Interplay Between Long Noncoding RNA ZEB1-AS1 and miR-200s Regulates Osteosarcoma Cell Proliferation and Migration.

In our previous study, we found long noncoding RNA ZEB1-AS1 is upregulated and functions as an oncogene in osteosarcoma. MiR-200 family (miR-200s) functions as tumor suppressor via directly targeting ZEB1 in various cancers. In this study, we further investigate the potential interplay between ZEB1-AS1, miR-200s, and ZEB1 in osteosarcoma. Our results showed that ZEB1-AS1 functions as a molecular sponge for miR-200s and relieves the inhibition of ZEB1 caused by miR-200s. ZEB1-AS1 and miR-200s reciprocally negatively regulate each other. MiR-200s are downregulated in osteosarcoma tissues, and negatively correlated with ZEB1-AS1 and ZEB1 expression levels in osteosarcoma. Functional experiments showed that consistent with ZEB1-AS1 depletion, miR-200s overexpression and ZEB1 depletion both inhibit osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration. Overexpression of miR-200s partially abolished the effects of ZEB1-AS1 on osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, the combination of ZEB1-AS1 depletion and miR-200s overexpression significantly inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration. In conclusion, this study revealed a novel regulatory mechanism between ZEB1-AS1, miR-200s, and ZEB1. The interplay between ZEB1-AS1 and miR-200s contributes to osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration, and targeting this interplay could be a promising strategy for osteosarcoma treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2250-2260, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics of Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor: A Retrospective Analysis of 16 Cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the radiological features of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The radiological and clinical findings for 16 patients with pPNETs were retrospectively reviewed. The 16 tumors were classified into 4 groups (meninges group, n = 4; spine group, n = 3; bone group, n = 5; soft-tissue group, n = 4), and clinical data, size, and common and unique CT/MRI characteristics were assessed. RESULTS: Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors presented as large solid masses with aggressive extension into the neighboring tissue. Most tumors (11/16) presented with necrosis, and 5 of the 16 cases showed signs of hemorrhage. The "dural tail sign" was observed in the meninges and spine groups. The pPNETs of bone demonstrated bony destruction with spiculated periosteal reaction, and small nourishing vessels were found in tumors in the soft-tissue group. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor should be suggested as an important differential diagnosis when the tumor presents as a large, ill-defined solid mass with aggressive extension and significant enhancement.

Magnetically guided delivery of DHA and Fe ions for enhanced cancer therapy based on pH-responsive degradation of DHA-loaded Fe3O4@C@MIL-100(Fe) nanoparticles.

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been investigated in cancer therapy for its reactive oxygen species (ROS) based cytotoxicity originated from interacting with ferrous ions that may reduce or eliminate the multidrug resistance commonly associated with conventional chemotherapy agents. However, synchronously delivery of hydrophobic DHA and Fe (Ⅲ) ions into tumor cells remains a major challenge. In this work, we develop novel Fe3O4@C@MIL-100(Fe) (FCM) nanoparticles for synchronously delivery of DHA and Fe (Ⅲ) for cancer therapy. The MOFs structure based on Fe (Ⅲ) carboxylate materials MIL-100 (Fe) holds great potential for storage/delivery of hydrophobic drug DHA. As a unique nanoplatform, the hybrid inorganic-organic drug delivery vehicles show pH-responsive biodegradation and synchronous releasing of DHA and Fe (Ⅲ) upon reaching tumor sites. The intracellular Fe (Ⅲ) will be reduced further to ferrous ion and interact with DHA to increase its cytotoxicity. The potential of this alternative anti-tumor modality is demonstrated in vivo due to an increased intracellular accumulation of DHA in tumor and activated mechanism via co-release of DHA and Fe (Ⅲ), especially under the guidance of an external applied magnetic field.