[Bupleuri Radix-Paeoniae Radix Alba medicated plasma exerts effects on HepG2 hepatoma cells by regulating miR-1297/PTEN signaling axis].

The present study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of Bupleuri Radix-Paeoniae Radix Alba medicated plasma on HepG2 hepatoma cells by regulating the microRNA-1297(miR-1297)/phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10(PTEN) signaling axis. Real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) was carried out to determine the mRNA levels of miR-1297 and PTEN in different hepatoma cell lines. The dual luciferase reporter assay was employed to verify the targeted interaction between miR-1297 and PTEN. The cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) was used to detect cell proliferation, and the optimal concentration and intervention time of the medicated plasma were determined. The cell invasion and migration were examined by Transwell assay and wound healing assay. Cell cycle distribution was detected by PI staining, and the apoptosis of cells was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. The mRNA levels of miR-1297, PTEN, protein kinase B(Akt), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K) were determined by RT-qPCR. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of PTEN, Akt, p-Akt, caspase-3, caspase-9, B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax). The results showed that HepG2 cells were the best cell line for subsequent experiments. The dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-1297 could bind to the 3'-untranslated region(3'UTR) in the mRNA of PTEN. The medicated plasma inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells, and the optimal intervention concentration and time were 20% and 72 h. Compared with the blank plasma, the Bupleuri Radix-Paeoniae Radix Alba medicated plasma, miR-1297 inhibitor, miR-1297 inhibitor + medicated plasma all inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HepG2 cells, increased the proportion of cells in the G_0/G_1 phase, decreased the proportion of cells in the S phase, and increased the apoptosis rate. The medicated plasma down-regulated the mRNA levels of miR-1297, PI3K, and Akt and up-regulated the mRNA level of PTEN. In addition, it up-regulated the protein levels of PTEN, Bax, caspase-3, and caspsae-9 and down-regulated the protein levels of p-Akt, p-PI3K, and Bcl-2. In conclusion, Bupleuri Radix-Paeoniae Radix Alba medicated plasma can inhibit the expression of miR-1297 in HepG2 hepatoma cells, promote the expression of PTEN, and negatively regulate PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and inducing the apoptosis of HepG2 cells.

Efficacy and safety of CalliSpheres® microspheres drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization in GCLM combined trans-arterial infusion therapy for treating primary focus of gastric cancer: a multi-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to observe the safety and efficacy of CalliSpheres microspheres drug-eluting beads (DEB) transhepatic arterial chemoembolization (CSM-TACE) for liver metastasis of gastric cancer (GCLM) combined with trans-arterial infusion therapy (TAIT) as the primary focus of gastric cancer. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Unresectable advanced GCLM patients were collected for retrospective analysis. Patients who progressed after chemotherapy or could not receive systematic chemotherapy were selected. CSM-TACE was used for GCLM treatment and oxaliplatin for TAIT of primary focus of gastric cancer. Adverse reactions, tumor reactions, survival rate, and survival time during treatment were recorded, and prognostic factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-three patients from four oncology centers met inclusion criteria and were enrolled. CSM-TACE averaged (1.51 ± 0.51) times and TAIT averaged (4.58 ± 1.65) times. The follow-up time was 2.5-49 months, and the 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year survival rates were 86.0%, 72.1%, and 41.9%, respectively, with a median overall survival of 11.5 months. The adverse reactions during treatment were grade 1-3. The hazard ratio (HR) of combination therapy was 0.51 (P = 0.040), and the HR of TAIT frequency was 0.34 (P = 0.002), which were independent protective factors affecting prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: CSM-TAC for GCLM combined with TAIT for primary focus of gastric cancer is safe and efficacious, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Mesaconine alleviates doxorubicin-triggered cardiotoxicity and heart failure by activating PINK1-dependent cardiac mitophagy.

Aberrant mitophagy has been identified as a driver for energy metabolism disorder in most cardiac pathological processes. However, finding effective targeted agents and uncovering their precise modulatory mechanisms remain unconquered. Fuzi, the lateral roots of Aconitum carmichaelii, shows unique efficacy in reviving Yang for resuscitation, which has been widely used in clinics. As a main cardiotonic component of Fuzi, mesaconine has been proven effective in various cardiomyopathy models. Here, we aimed to define a previously unrevealed cardioprotective mechanism of mesaconine-mediated restoration of obstructive mitophagy. The functional implications of mesaconine were evaluated in doxorubicin (DOX)-induced heart failure models. DOX-treated mice showed characteristic cardiac dysfunction, ectopic myocardial energy disorder, and impaired mitophagy in cardiomyocytes, which could be remarkably reversed by mesaconine. The cardioprotective effect of mesaconine was primarily attributed to its ability to promote the restoration of mitophagy in cardiomyocytes, as evidenced by elevated expression of PINK1, a key mediator of mitophagy induction. Silencing PINK1 or deactivating mitophagy could completely abolish the protective effects of mesaconine. Together, our findings suggest that the cardioprotective effects of mesaconine appear to be dependent on the activation of PINK1-induced mitophagy and that mesaconine may constitute a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of heart failure.

Efficacy and safety of CalliSpheres drug-eluting beads for bronchial arterial chemoembolization for refractory non-small-cell lung cancer and its impact on quality of life: A multicenter prospective study.

Objective: This study aimed to prospectively observe the efficacy and safety of CalliSpheres drug-eluting beads bronchial arterial chemoembolization (DEB-BACE) for refractory non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: The interventional therapy plan was as follows: 300-500 µm CalliSpheres drug-loaded microspheres were loaded with epirubicin, and then slow embolization of tumor supplying artery was performed after microcatheter superselection. Chest enhanced computed tomography and related hematological examination were reviewed after 2 months of DEB-BACE, and the tumor response after the first interventional therapy was evaluated using modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. The overall survival (OS) of patients was determined, and the quality of life and the incidence rate of adverse reactions were observed. Results: From January 2019 to January 2021, 43 patients with refractory NSCLC were enrolled. The patients were followed up until June 2022. All 43 patients underwent DEB-BACE 1.79 ± 0.69 times on average. The 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month survival rates were 100%, 86.0%, 41.9%, and 11.8%, respectively. The median OS was 11.5 months. After the first interventional treatment, cough and wheezing significantly improved in 31 patients, hemoptysis was effectively controlled in 12 patients, and superior vena cava compression disappeared in 2 patients after 2 times of treatment. The general health status of the patients after treatment significantly improved compared with that before treatment, including the improvement in physical and emotional functions. Fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dyspnea, and insomnia improved significantly after treatment. No serious adverse events, such as spinal cord injury and cerebral embolism, were observed during the perioperative period. The main adverse reaction after DEB-BACE was chest pain (13/43, grade 1) followed by fever (10/43, grade 1-2), which was significantly relieved within 3-5 days after symptomatic treatment. Other adverse reactions included irritating cough, nausea and vomiting, and bone marrow suppression, and the incidence was less than 20%. Conclusions: DEB-BACE was effective and safe in treating refractory NSCLC, which could significantly improve patients' quality of life and was worthy of clinical promotion and application.

[Professor SUN Shen-tian's experience in acupuncture treatment of depression based on "psychosomatic medicine"].

This paper introduces professor SUN Shen-tian's clinical thoughts and his characteristics of acupuncture techniques for the treatment of depression based on "psychosomatic medicine". Professor SUN, the master of traditional Chinese medicine, believes that depression refers to comorbidity of "heart mind" and "body", resulting from the "body-mind" disharmony, specially dominated by the emotional disorder. This disease is located in the brain, with the injury of mind and closely related to the heart and liver dysfunction. In pathogenesis, the dysfunction of brain mind and the unhealthy conditions of body and mind are involved. The treatment should focus on "regulating the mind, improving the intelligence, co-modulating the abdominal and brain functions and treating the physical and mental disorders". Baihui (GV 20), Ningshen (Extra) and emotional area on the head are selected as the main points to benefit the intelligence and calming down the mind; the abdominal region 1 and region 8 of "Sun's abdominal acupuncture" are used as the main points of the abdomen to regulate the brain functions. The point prescription is modified according to the symptoms and etiologies. The repeated transcranial acupuncture stimulation and electroacupuncture at low frequency (2 Hz) are crucial to the therapeutic effect. Reliving anxious emotions is specially considered before acupuncture, and the mind is protected and deqi is consolidated during acupuncture.

Human case of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in Eastern Taiwan.

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne infection caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In this study, we report an indigenous case of clinically diagnosed HGA. The patient was a 41-year-old man who experienced a tick bite and later developed fever, chills, myalgia, malaise, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis with a left shift, elevated hepatic transaminase levels, and splenomegaly upon admission to the hospital. Immunofluorescence assays detected seroconversion against A. phagocytophilum, whereas tests for spotted fever group rickettsiae, murine typhus, scrub typhus, Q fever, and ehrlichiosis were negative. ELISA and Western blot analysis using recombinant MSP2 protein confirmed the exposure to A. phagocytophilum. Oral doxycycline and intravenous ceftriaxone were prescribed, and the patient made a full recovery. Our findings indicate the presence of HGA on the main island of Taiwan. Precautions against tick bites should be taken when engaging in outdoor activities, and HGA should be considered by physicians in the differential diagnosis.

Correction: Molecular epidemiology of scrub typhus in Taiwan during 2006-2016.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010369.].

Corrigendum: Network pharmacology-based prediction of active compounds in Wenyang Jiedu Huayu formula acting on acute-on-chronic liver failure with experimental support in vitro and in vivo.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1003479.].

Network pharmacology-based prediction of active compounds in the Wenyang Jiedu Huayu formula acting on acute-on-chronic liver failure with experimental support in vitro and in vivo.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by undermined liver function, massive necrosis/apoptosis of hepatocytes, and hepatic inflammatory cell recruitment, leading to multiorgan failure. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely applied in clinical and experimental studies of ACLF. In this study, 23 compounds with 6,386 drug targets were obtained from Wenyang Jiedu Huayu (WYJDHY), and 8,096 genes were identified as ACLF disease targets, among which 3,132 were overlapping co-targets. Expression profile analysis identified 105 DEGs among the co-targets, which were associated with biological activities such as lymphocyte activation, immune response regulation, and pathways such as Th17 cell differentiation and NF-κB signaling. After PPI analysis and network construction, atractylenolide I (AT-1) has been identified as the hub active ingredient of the WYJDHY formula. LPS stimulation inhibited rat hepatocytes' BRL 3A cell viability, promoted cell apoptosis, increased the levels of ALT, AST, IL-6, and VCAM-1 within the culture medium, and activated NF-κB signaling, whereas AT-1 treatment significantly attenuated LPS-induced toxicity on BRL 3A cells. Furthermore, the NF-κB signaling inhibitor PDTC exerted effects on LPS-stimulated BRL 3A cells similar to those of AT-1, and the combination of PDTC and AT-1 further attenuated LPS-induced toxicity on BRL 3A cells. In vivo, AT-1 alone or with PDTC improved the symptoms and local inflammation in ACLF model rats. In conclusion, 23 active ingredients of six herbs in the WYJDHY formula were retrieved, and 105 co-targets were differentially expressed in ACLF. AT-1 exerts protective effects on LPS-stimulated hepatocytes and ACLF rats, possibly by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.

Lanostane triterpenoids from Ganoderma lucidum and their inhibitory effects against FAAH.

Ganoderma lucidum is a famous edible and medicinal fungus. Through a bioactive phytochemical investigation of the ethanolic extracts of the fruiting bodies of G. lucidum, twenty-nine triterpenoids, including eleven previously undescribed triterpenoids, were isolated and characterized based on spectroscopic data. The inhibitory effects of all the triterpenes against fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) were found to be in the range of 30-60% at 100 µM. Methyl ganoderate A displayed the strongest inhibitory activity (61%) against FAAH. Furthermore, all compounds displayed no cytotoxicity against LOVO and MCF-7 human cancer cells. Hence, our present study provides information about G. lucidum as a functional food or pharmaceutical supplement for the treatment of neuroinflammation.

Assessment of efficacy and prognostic factors by Gelfoam for DEB-TACE in unresectable large hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: a multi-center retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy and prognostic factors of the use of Gelfoam for drug-eluting bead (DEB) transarterial chemoembolization (GMD-TACE) in patients with unresectable large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the mRECIST standard to evaluate tumor response after GMD-TACE. Overall survival time, median survival time, time to progression (TTP) after the first intervention, and other treatment methods were recorded. RESULTS: The follow-up time was 2-110 months (mean 17.97 + 19.12 months), the median follow-up time was 12.5 months, and the first TTP after the first GMD-TACE was 4 months (95% CI 3.020-4.980). The median overall survival (OS) time was 14 months (95% CI 9.801-18.199). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 53.6%, 32.3%, and 8.9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the type of tumor thrombus was an independent factors affecting prognosis, and combination therapy was a protective factor affecting prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: GMD-TACE can be used as the core treatment for unresectable large HCC combined with a PVTT. This can improve the quality of life and further improve the median OS, and is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Correlation between Surface Area Ratio of Medial to Lateral Tibial Plateau and Knee Alignment in Adults.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the surface area ratio of medial tibial plateau (MTP) to lateral tibial plateau (LTP) and the mechanical tibiofemoral angle (mTFA). METHODS: Lower limb computed tomography (CT) images were collected at our hospital. Then, the original CT data were analyzed and reconstructed using medical image processing software. The proximal and distal centres of the femur and tibia were marked. The surface areas of MTP and LTP were identified using image processing software. GraphPad Prism 8.0.2 was used to perform the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The surface area ratio of MTP to LTP was significantly correlated with the mTFA in all patients (P<0.0001), male group (P<0.0001), female group (P<0.0001), varus group (P<0.0001), and valgus group (P=0.002). Furthermore, the surface area of MTP and LTP was significantly greater in the male group than in the female group (P<0.0001). There was significant difference in the surface area of the MTP between the varus and valgus groups (P<0.0001). Significant difference was also observed in the surface area ratio of MTP to LTP between the varus and valgus groups (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The surface area ratio of MTP to LTP was correlated with the mTFA. Within a certain range, the smaller the mTFA, the greater the surface area ratio of MTP to LTP. For patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, of whom the surface area of the MTP was basically equal to that of the LTP, it is recommended that the osteotomy should be performed in accordance with mechanical alignment standards, and that a symmetrical tibial plateau prosthesis should be used. For patients whose surface area of MTP is significantly greater than that of the LTP, it is recommended that the osteotomy should be performed in accordance with kinematic alignment standards, and that an anatomical tibial plateau prosthesis should be used.

Local hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy for the treatment of multiple recurrences of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a type of soft tissue sarcoma, the histologic origin and differentiation direction of which are still unclear. There are few treatment options for UPS other than surgery. Herein we describe a patient who had multiple recurrences of UPS postoperatively, but R0 resection was achieved by local hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy, thus providing a new treatment approach for similar situations. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old man sought evaluation from a physician for a mass on his right back. After surgery, the pathologic diagnosis was fibrosarcoma. During the follow-up evaluations until 2021, the patient had four relapses of varying degrees. Postoperative pathology confirmed the recurrence of UPS on the right back. In March 2021, he underwent local hyperthermia combined with two cycles of chemotherapy for recurring lesions. After magnetic resonance imaging re-examination and preoperative examination, the patient chose surgery again. During the operation, the tumors were easy to excise, the amount of bleeding decreased significantly, and the pathologic evaluation confirmed that one of the specimens was an R0 excision. CONCLUSION: Local hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy enables R0 resection to be achieved in patients with advanced UPS recurrence.

Molecular epidemiology of scrub typhus in Taiwan during 2006-2016.

Scrub typhus is the most common endemic vector-borne disease in Taiwan. We identified a total of 4,857 laboratory-confirmed cases during 2006-2016 with hyperendemic foci on offshore islands, including Penghu (778 cases, 16.0%) and Kinmen (716 cases, 14.7%), and eastern Taiwan, including Taitung (628 cases, 12.9%) and Hualien (508 cases, 10.5%). Scrub typhus cases occur year-round throughout Taiwan, with a summer peak in June and July. A total of 545 O. tsutsugamushi isolates were successfully obtained from patients infected in diverse geographic areas, including Taiwan and three offshore islands, and the complete open reading frame of the 56 kDa type-specific antigen gene (tsa56) sequence of these isolates was examined. High phylogenetic diversity was found in these isolates, which could be grouped into 36 distinct sequence types. Most isolates belonged to the Karp (49.9%; 272/545), followed by the TW-22 (17.8%; 97/454) and Kawasaki (14.7%; 80/545) genotypes. In conclusion, our data indicate the widespread presence of tsa56 genotypes closely related to Thailand and Korean strains and the presence of the unique endemic strains TW-12, TW-22, TW-29, and TW-36 in Taiwan.

The Research Progress of Bufalin in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers in the world with a five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Nonetheless, selecting an appropriate therapeutic agent to inhibit the development of hepatoma cells is still a challenge. Bufalin, a component of the traditional Chinese medicine Chansu, has been shown to inhibit the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of HCC through various signaling pathways. In addition, bufalin and sorafenib demonstrate a synergistic effect in cancer therapeutics. This review highlighted on several focal signaling pathways involved in the inhibitory effects of bufalin on HCC and its synergistic mechanisms with sorafenib. The immunotherapy effect of bufalin has also been discussed as a novel property.

Evaluation of the efficacy of CT-guided 3D template-assisted 125I seed implantation in the treatment of unresectable STS: a multicenter retrospective study.

To observe the safety and efficacy of CT-guided 3D template-assisted radioactive 125I seed implantation in the treatment of unresectable advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Sixty-two patients who underwent continuous 3D template-assisted radioactive 125I seed implantation for the treatment of unresectable advanced STS from August 2017 to August 2018 were selected from four tumor treatment centers for retrospective analysis. The postoperative adverse reactions and tumor response were recorded, and the postoperative complications were observed and treated at the same time. The overall survival (OS) rate was determined. All patients successfully completed 125I seed implantation. In practice, the median number of puncture needles used during the operation was 20, and the median number of 125I particles was 88. There were no statistical differences in the relative dosimetry parameters before and after the operation (P > 0.05). Tumor evaluation was performed 6 months after the operation. The effective rate was 61.3%, and the local control rate was 93.5%. As of March 2020, the 1-year survival rate was 85.2%, and the 2-year survival rate was 49.0%. The OS was 23 months. CT-guided 3D template-assisted 125I seed implantation for the treatment of unresectable STS has a high local control rate, thereby further prolonging the OS of patients with unresectable STS.

Clinical application of gelatin sponge microparticles-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with synchronous antigen-presenting dendritic cell sequential reinfusion for treatment of advanced large liver cancer: A single-center, prospective, non-randomized, controlled trial.

ABSTRACT: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of gelatin sponge microparticles-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (GSMs-TACE) plus synchronous antigen-presenting dendritic cell (DC) sequential reinfusion for advanced large liver cancer (LC).Patients with large LC were assigned to the experimental (combined sequential DC therapy) or control group. All patients received standardized GSMs-TACE. In the experimental group, 60 mL of peripheral blood was collected for in vitro culture of DCs (10-14 days). Then, intravenous reinfusion was conducted 3 times within 10, 20, and 30 days after surgery. Adverse reactions during the treatment were recorded and evaluated. The overall survival, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization frequency, and physical score (PS) were calculated.The median survival time of the experimental group was significantly longer than that of the control group. There were significant differences in median progression-free survival between the 2 groups (P < .05) and the objective effective rate at 1 and 6 months and 1 year (P < .05), but not 2 years (P > .05). The PSs of 2 groups were significantly improved at 1 month after GSMs-TACE, with more obvious improvement in the experimental group (P < .05).GSMs-TACE plus synchronous DC sequential reinfusion significantly prolonged the median survival time, improved the tumor response rate and PS, prolonged progression-free survival, and reduced intervention frequency. GSMs-TACE plus synchronous DC sequential reinfusion treatment is suitable for comprehensive treatment of patients with advanced larger LC in China.

Clinical application of gelatin sponge microparticles combined with pirarubicin for hepatic transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in breast cancer liver metastasis treatment: results of a single-center long-term study.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the safety and long-term clinical efficacy of gelatin sponge microparticles combined with the chemotherapy drug pirarubicin for hepatic transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (GSMs-TACE) in order to treat breast cancer liver metastasis (BCLM). METHODS: Twenty-seven BCLM patients who underwent GSMs-TACE from July 2010 to July 2016 were enrolled. Tumor target blood vessels were slowly and regionally embolized with absorbable gelatin sponge particles and pirarubicin injections. Plain computed tomography (CT) scans and biochemical indexes were re-examined at 4 days after treatment, and enhanced CT scans or magnetic resonance images and biochemical indexes, 1 month later. For patients with stable tumors, the follow-up period was 2 to 3 months, and the tumor response was evaluated using Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Adverse reactions, survival time, and prognostic factors were assessed. RESULTS: By October 2019, 27 patients with BCLM had undergone GSMs-TACE, with an average of 2.44 ± 1.58 treatments. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 62.96%, 22.22%, and 14.81%, respectively, and the mOS was 22.0 months. No serious complications, such as acute liver failure and liver abscess, had occurred. There were two cases of acute cholecystitis that recovered after symptomatic treatment. Multivariate analysis of the prognosis showed that the primary tumor size, number of metastatic lymph nodes, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) status, and time to postoperative liver metastasis and combination therapy were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prognosis of BCLM was poor. GSMs-TACE was safe and effective for BCLM treatment and could prolong the median survival time of patients. Therefore, it is worthy of widespread clinical application.

Evaluation of radioactive 125I seed implantation for the treatment of refractory malignant tumours based on a CT-guided 3D template-assisted technique: efficacy and safety.

BACKGROUND: To observe the medium- and long-term clinical efficacy and safety of radioactive 125I seed implantation for refractory malignant tumours based on CT-guided 3D template-assisted technique. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with refractory malignant tumours who underwent radioactive 125I seed implantation based on CT-guided 3D template-assisted technique were selected. The post-operative adverse reactions were recorded. The number of puncture needles and particles used in the operation, dosimetric parameters, post-operative physical strength scores, and tumour response were statistically analysed. The overall survival time and survival rate were calculated, and the effect and prognosis were assessed. RESULTS: 125I seed implantation was successful in all patients without serious complications. The average number of implanted puncture needles was 17 (19.12 ± 13.00), and the median number of particles was 52 (55.12 ± 32.97). D90 in the post-operative clinical target volume (CTV) (93.24 ± 15.70 Gy) was slightly lower than that in the pre-operative CTV (93.92 ± 17.60 Gy; P > 0.05). The D90 in the post-operative planning target volume (PTV) (142.16 ± 22.25 Gy) was lower than the pre-operative PTV (145.32 ± 23.48 Gy; P > 0.05). The tumour responses at 6 months post-operatively: complete remission (CR), 20% (5/25); partial remission (PR), 48% (12/25); stable disease (SD), 24% (6/25); progressive disease (PD), 8% (2/25); CR + PR, 68% (17/25); and local control rate, 92% (23/25). The 6-, 12-, and 24-month survival rates were 100, 88, and 52%, respectively. The post-operative physical strength score (Karnofsky performance score, KPS) exhibited a gradual trend towards recovery, which rose to the highest value 12 months after implantation and then decreased slightly, but the average score was still > 90 points. There was one intra-operative pneumothorax, and two patients with superficial malignant tumours developed skin ulcerations. Multivariate analysis of prognosis showed that tumour sites and types were independent risk factors affecting survival. The number of needles and particles and template types were not the factors. CONCLUSIONS: 3D template combined with CT-guided radioactive 125I seed implantation can improve the rational distribution of radiation dose in the tumour target area because accurate radioactive 125I particle implantation was achieved. This technique has fewer complications and can further extend the overall survival and improve the quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration number: ChiCTR2000034566 2020/7/10 0:00:00 Retrospectively registered.

Rare case of a male breast tumour secondary to poorly differentiated rectal adenocarcinoma.

Rectal cancer metastasis to the breast is rare. A case history is presented of a 57-year-old man with breast metastases from rectal carcinoma. However, this patient did not have metastasis in common metastatic sites, such as the liver, lung, and other organs. The patient had undergone chemotherapy for advanced rectal carcinoma 6 months earlier and presented with a mammary mass. An ultrasound-directed core needle biopsy of the breast mass was performed. Cytology indicated an adenocarcinoma with poor to moderate differentiation in the breast mass Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed cytokeratin (CK) expression with a pattern that is characteristic of colorectal tumours: CK7(-), CK20(+), CDX2(-), Villin(+) TOPOII(-), and a Ki-67 index of 30%. The 3 main breast tumour markers were negative. Based on these histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, the patient was diagnosed with breast metastases from rectal carcinoma. Distant metastasis should be taken into account when a patient has a medical history of rectal adenocarcinoma, even when a rare metastasis site is involved. We should be vigilant when patients have some features that are favorable for metastasis. Histopathological characteristics and immunohistochemical tests are helpful for diagnosis. Regardless of surgical treatment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, standard chemotherapy regimens for intestinal tumors, and EGFR molecular-targeted drugs, there is no obvious effect and the prognosis is poor. The treatment method needs further study.