Characteristics of Abdominal Fat Based on CT Measurements to Predict Early Recurrence After Initial Surgery of NMIBC in Stage Ta/T1.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the predictive value of abdominal fat characteristics measured by computed tomography (CT) in identifying early recurrence within one year post-initial transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) in patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). A predictive model integrating fat features and clinical factors was developed to guide individualized treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 203 NMIBC patients from two medical centers was conducted. Abdominal CT images were analyzed using 3D Slicer software. Spearman correlation, logistic regression, and the Lasso algorithm were employed for data analysis. Predictive efficacy was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA). Calibration was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. RESULTS: Significant differences in abdominal fat characteristics were found between the recurrence and nonrecurrence groups. All fat features positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), with bilateral perirenal fat thickness (PrFT) showing superior predictive performance. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of early recurrence, including tumor number, early perfusion chemotherapy, left and right PrFT, and visceral fat area (VFA) at umbilical and renal hilum levels. The Lasso-based model achieved an AUC of 0.904, outperforming existing models. CONCLUSION: Abdominal fat characteristics, especially bilateral PrFT, strongly correlate with early recurrence in NMIBC. The Lasso-based model, integrating fat and clinical factors, offers superior predictive efficacy and could improve individualized treatment strategies.

Function of NEK2 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and its effect on the tumor microenvironment.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have revealed the critical functions of NEK2 in controlling the cell cycle which is linked to poor prognosis in multiple tumor types, but less research has been devoted to clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). METHODS: We downloaded clinical data from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) and TCGA databases together with transcriptional and mutational datasets. Strongly coexpressed genes with NEK2 were extracted from TCGA-KIRC cohort, and were submitted to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) for functional analyses. According to NEK2 levels, the survival status, mutational characteristics, response to immunotherapy and sensitivity to drugs of the patients were studied. The potential correlations between NEK2 levels and immune cell state as well as immune cell infiltration were examined using the GEPIA, TIMER and TISIDB databases. Double immunofluorescence (IF) was performed to identify the NEK2 overexpression and relationship with CD8 in ccRCC. RESULTS: The NEK2 gene was overexpressed and would enhance the nuclear division and cell cycle activities in ccRCC. ccRCC patients with high NEK2 expression had worse clinical outcomes, higher mutation burden and better therapeutic response. Moreover, NEK2 gene overexpression was positively related to various immune cell marker sets, which was also proved by validation cohort, and more infiltration of various immune cells. CONCLUSION: ccRCC patients with NEK2 high expression have a poorer prognosis than those with NEK2 low expression, resulting from its function of promoting proliferation, accompanied by increased infiltration of CD8 + T cells and Tregs and T-cell exhaustion and will respond better to proper treatments.

A Case of Primary Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma of the Bladder With Review.

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) was characterized by epithelial neoplastic cells developing in solid or incohesive sheets mixed with a noticeable lymphoid infiltration. Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the bladder (LELCB), which was first described by Zukerberg, is a rare variant of LELC. Here we reported a new case of LELCB occurring in a 70-year-old woman presenting with hematuria. Computed tomography (CT) and cystoscopy revealed a tumor on the left upper wall of the bladder. A partial cystectomy was finally performed. Pathological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed LELCB. After receiving systemic adjuvant chemotherapy, the patient conducted a 25-month follow-up without experiencing a recurrence.

Giant Adrenal Cyst: A Case Report.

Giant adrenal cysts are rare lesions, most often discovered incidentally. In this case report, a patient presenting with nonspecific abdominal distension is described. Imaging studies revealed a vast cystic mass closely attached to the left adrenal gland. Neither routine laboratory tests nor endocrine function tests revealed abnormalities. By performing open surgery, the cystic mass was completely removed. According to the pathological results, the wall of the cystic mass has an endothelial structure and some vascular components. Comprehensive analysis indicated that this case was an angiomatous adrenal endothelial cyst which was an extremely uncommon form of an adrenal cyst. Over a one-year follow-up, no evidence of recurrence was observed in the patient postoperatively. Through this case, we wish to raise awareness of this disease.