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Simple Summary: The peritoneum, a common metastatic site of colorectal cancer (CRC), has a high incidence and poor prognosis that makes it difficult to diagnose early. Peritoneal metastasis (PM) depends on the synergistic action of multiple molecules and the regulation of various components of the tumor microenvironment. A multidisciplinary combination approach is still recommended for treating the disease currently. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) may benefit patients with CRC-PM, but further clinical trials and higher-level evidence-based medical evidence are needed. Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is a common mode of distant metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC) and has a poorer prognosis compared to other metastatic sites. The formation of PM foci depends on the synergistic effect of multiple molecules and the modulation of various components of the tumor microenvironment. The current treatment of CRC-PM is based on systemic chemotherapy. However, recent developments in local therapeutic modalities, such as cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC), have improved the survival of these patients. This article reviews the research progress on the mechanism, characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment strategies of CRC-PM, and discusses the current challenges, so as to deepen the understanding of CRC-PM among clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CircRNAs play crucial roles in multiple tumours. However, the functions of most circRNAs in cervical cancer remain unclear. Methods: This study collected GSE113696 data from the GEO database to search for differentially expressed circRNAs in cervical cancer. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was used to detect the expression level of circNEIL3 in cervical cancer cells and tissues. Then, functional experiments in vitro and in vivo were performed to evaluate the effects of circNEIL3 in cervical cancer. Results: CircNEIL3 was highly expressed in cervical cancer. In vivo and in vitro experiments verified that circNEIL3 enhanced the proliferation capacity of cervical cancer cells. RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assay, pull-down assay, and fluorescent in situ hybridization confirmed the interaction between circNEIL3 and miR-137 in cervical cancer. A luciferase reporter assay showed that circNEIL3 adsorbed miR-137 and upregulated KLF12 to regulate the proliferation of cervical cancer cells. Conclusions: CircNEIL3 is an oncogene in cervical cancer and might serve as a ceRNA that competitively binds to miR-137, thereby indirectly upregulating the expression of KLF12 and promoting the proliferation of cervical cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The amorphous all-bio-based polyester material is synthesized with originally renewable monomers. Such polyester material could be applied in 3D printing technology, overcoming the environmental pollution and realising the sustainable development of 3D printing materials. • The introduction of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid in the bio-polyester structure makes the bio-based polyester materials have excellent mechanical and thermal properties, and overcomes the defects of poor toughness and thermal stability of PLA. • By changing the content of 1,2-propanediol in raw material, a series of performance-adjustable polyester materials were prepared, The 3D printing of amorphous plastic was firstly studied by using the glass transition temperature to control the cooling and shaping of the material. The 3D-printing technology allows to manufacture polymers into desired shape. This work presents novel bio-based copolyesters (PHPF) prepared by the polycondensation of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, 1,6-hexanediol and 1,2-propanediol as 3D-printed materials. These PHPF exhibit superior thermal stability. By tailoring the contents of 1,2-PDO, the PHPF exhibit optimum mechanical properties with tensile strength of 42.7 Mpa, elongation at break of 515% and impact strength of 35.62 KJ/m2, respectively. The 3D-printed PHPF shows a satisfactory mechanical properties obtained from tensile test and reliable microstructure observed by SEM. Both the thermal stability and mechanical properties of PHPF were far beyond polylactide, a present most used bio-based 3D-printed polymer, which revealed PHPF deserve to be promising 3D-printing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Inflammation is closely associated with the initiation and development of tumors. Based on the counts of peripheral neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes, we established a new systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) to predict postoperative survival of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods A total of 916 ESCC patients treated with radical esophagectomy were enrolled in the present study. Results Survival analysis indicated that the median overall survival (OS) in patients with SIRI≤1.2 was significantly higher than that in patients with SIRI>1.2. The nomogram including SIRI could more accurately predict OS compared with the TNM staging system. In addition, the changes of SIRI from baseline to 8 weeks after the operation were correlated with patient survival. The patients with an increase in SIRI >75% had worse OS compared with those with no change, while the patients with a decrease in SIRI >75% or in the scope of 25% ~75% exhibited better OS. Conclusions SIRI was an independent prognostic index of ESCC patients after the radical resection. The nomogram integrating the SIRI could help clinicians to screen the high-risk patients and formulate the individualized treatment schemes. Highlights • The SIRI was identified to be an independent prognostic factor for ESCC. • The nomogram based on SIRI can efficiently predict the prognosis of ESCC patients. • The changes of SIRI from baseline to 8 weeks were correlated with patient survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The role of Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the prognosis of patients with lung cancer is still controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic role of TILs in lung cancer. Methods: Studies were recruited by searching PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library and assessed by further quality evaluation. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to investigate the association between TIL subsets and lung cancer patients' outcome. Results: A total of 29 articles including 8,600 patients were enrolled into the meta-analysis. Our results indicated that high level of CD8+ cells infiltration in tumor stroma (TS) or tumor nest (TN) was associated with better OS in lung cancer patients (HR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.62-0.93, P = 0.006; HR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.67-0.96; P = 0.018, respectively). Similar results could be also observed in CD3+ T cells infiltration. High CD4+ T lymphocytes infiltration in TS was explicitly accompanied by better OS (HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.46-0.91; P = 0.013), rather than in TN. In contrast, high density of FOXP3+ T cells infiltration in TS showed a poor PFS (HR = 2.67, 95% CI, 1.74-4.08, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This meta-analysis clarified that high level of CD8+ and CD3+ T cells infiltration in TS or TN, and high CD4+ T lymphocytes infiltration in TS showed better OS in lung cancer patients, whereas high density of FOXP3+ T cells infiltration in TS could be recognized as a negative prognostic factor. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Immune escape plays an important role in tumor progression. In the present study, the expression of B7-H1, B7-H4 and Foxp3 involved in immune escape in gastric carcinoma was investigated and the corresponding clinical significance was evaluated. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of B7-H1, B7-H4 and Foxp3 in 100 gastric cancer specimens, and 30 paracarcinoma tissues were used as the control. Results: Both B7-H1 and B7-H4 showed high expression levels in gastric cancer tissues (65.0 and 71.0 %, respectively), and the expressions of B7-H1 and B7-H4 were positively correlated with the depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage ( P < 0.05). The number of Foxp3 Tregs was much higher in gastric cancer tissues than control tissues, which was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis ( P < 0.05). Similarly, a positive correlation between B7-H1 or B7-H4 expression and the number of Foxp3 Tregs was observed. The median overall survival rate of patients with high expression of B7-H1, B7-H4 and Foxp3 was significantly poorer than that of patients with low expression of these proteins ( P < 0.05). Cox regression multivariate analysis confirmed that lymph node metastasis, AJCC stage, and B7-H1 and Foxp3 overexpression were independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: B7-H1, B7-H4 and Foxp3 were overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues. B7-H1 and Foxp3 are negative prognostic factors for patients with gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, many studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNA) exhibit altered expression in various cancers and may serve as prognostic biomarkers. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic role of miR-200c expression in different cancers. Methods: Studies were recruited by searching PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library (last search update was May 2014) and assessed by further quality evaluation. Results: A total of 25 studies dealing with various carcinomas were identified for systematic review. Among them, 18 studies were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. Our results indicated that the expression of tissue miR-200c was not associated with OS and PFS in various carcinomas; however, downregulation of tissue miR-200c did predict poor OS of patients with stage I disease (HR=0.41, 95% CI 0.25-0.68, P=0.001). Furthermore, overexpression of blood miR-200c was significantly related to poor OS and PFS (HR=3.07 95% CI 1.58-5.96 P=0.001, HR=2.26 95% CI 1.66-3.08 P<0.001, respectively), especially in patients with advanced disease. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis clarified that low expression of miR-200c in primary tissue was significantly associated with poor survival in cancer patients at early stage, whereas a high level of blood miR-200c predicted poor prognosis in patients with advanced tumors. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amplification and overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) has been shown in subgroups of gastric cancer, correlated to more aggressive disease and predictive for the treatment with HER-2 antibodies. In this study, we examined the prognostic value of HER-2 expression in primary gastric cancer and in associated lymph node metastases and confirmed the role of HER-2 in tumor angiogenesis by examining vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect HER-2 and VEGF expression in 110 gastric cancer specimens and associated lymph node metastases and in 96 specimens of normal gastric mucosa. Results: The expression level of HER-2 in gastric tissues was significantly higher than in normal tissues (19.1 % vs. 8.3 %; P < 0.05). HER-2 overexpression was homogeneous in primary gastric cancer and metastatic lymph nodes ( P = 0.607). There was a significant positive correlation of HER-2 expression and VEGF expression ( P = 0.007). HER-2 overexpression in primary tumor correlated with lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage. Cox regression multivariate analyses confirmed that tumor size, histological grade, lymph node ratio, AJCC stage, chemotherapy, and HER-2 expression were all prognostic factors. Patients with HER-2 positivity in both primary and metastatic tissues (+/+) had the poorest survival (OS, 12.5 months; DFS, 11.0 months) ( P < 0.01). Conclusions: HER-2 was significantly overexpressed in gastric cancer versus normal tissue and correlated with VEGF expression. HER-2 in tumor or lymph nodes was an independent negative prognostic factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We conducted this study to evaluate the expression of leptin and its receptor, OB-Rb in gastric cancer and their relationship to clinicopathological features, VEGF and HER-2 expression, as well as the prognostic value. One hundred and ten gastric cancer specimens were detected for leptin, OB-Rb, VEGF and HER-2 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and 96 specimens of normal gastric mucosa served as the control. The expression level of leptin, OB-Rb and HER-2 in gastric tissues were significantly higher than normal tissues (49.1% vs. 34.0%, 60.9% vs. 46.0%, 19.1% vs. 8.0%, P <0.05). There was a correlation between the expression of leptin and HER-2, both of which were significantly associated with invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, AJCC stage and VEGF expression. However, there was no correlation between OB-Rb expression and all clinicopathological features. Cox regression analyses showed that age, tumor size, histological grade, serosa invasion, AJCC stage, chemotherapy, leptin and HER-2 overexpression were prognostic factors. The survival of patients with leptin positive expression was significantly poorer than those with negative expression (OS: 20.0months vs. 32.5months, FPS: 12.0months vs. 18.0months, P <0.01). Leptin, rather than OB-Rb, played an important role in the progression and angiogenesis of gastric cancer, and was a prognostic factor for poor outcome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a new type of endogenous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). circRNA regulates gene expression in many biological processes, and it also participates in the initiation and development of various diseases, including tumors, which are the focus of present research. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technique, an increasing number of circRNAs closely related to tumors have been discovered. According to numerous studies, there is a significant difference in the expressions of circRNAs among a variety of tumor tissues and para-carcinoma normal tissues. Some specifically expressed circRNAs may potentially serve as new biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and prognosis. This systemic review briefly introduces the characteristics, biogenesis, and functions of circRNAs, as well as discusses their relationship with cancer in detail. In addition, this article also describes several research strategies for circRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), based on peripheral lymphocyte, neutrophil, and platelet counts, was recently investigated as a prognostic marker in several tumors. However, SII has not been reported in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We evaluated the prognostic value of the SII in 916 patients with ESCC who underwent radical surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were calculated by the Cox proportional hazards regression model. The time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to compare the discrimination ability for OS. PSM (propensity score matching) was carried out to imbalance the baseline characteristics. Our results showed that SII, PLR, NLR and MLR were all associated with OS in ESCC patients in the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. However, only SII was an independent risk factor for OS (HR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.53, P = 0.042) among these systemic inflammation scores. The AUC for SII was bigger than PLR, NLR and MLR. In the PSM analysis, SII still remained an independent predictor for OS (HR = 1.30, CI 1.05-1.60, P = 0.018). SII is a novel, simple and inexpensive prognostic predictor for patients with ESCC undergoing radical esophagectomy. The prognostic value of SII is superior to PLR, NLR and MLR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-epidermal-growth-factor-receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are of great significance for RAS and BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. However, the generation of primary and secondary resistance to anti-EGFR mAbs has become an important factor restricting its efficacy. Recent studies have revealed that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are implicated in anti-EGFR antibodies resistance, affecting the sensitivity of CRC cells to Cetuximab and Panitumumab. This paper briefly reviewed the research advance of the expression, signaling network and functional mechanism of ncRNAs related to anti-EGFR mAbs resistance in CRC, as well as their relationship with clinical prognosis and the possibility of therapeutic targets. In addition, some ncRNAs that are involved in the regulation of signaling pathways or genes related to anti-EGFR resistance, but need to be further verified by resistance experiments were also included in this review, thereby providing more ideas and basis for ncRNAs as CRC prognostic markers and anti-EGFR therapy sensitizers. 8kJBXycQ7kTgS4hhZ9bev8 Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimal sarcoma of pulmonary artery (PAIS) is a rare disease with no characteristic symptoms. No standard therapeutic guidelines have been established so far. A 55-year-old woman who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy in 2005 with a pathological and immunohistochemical result of PAIS was re-admitted to our hospital on August 24, 2009, presenting with cough and dyspnea. The thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a 12.5 cm × 9 cm well-defined mass in the right lobe, considered a local neoplasm recurrence after a 44 month symptom-free period. As surgical resection was not proposed, she received combined chemotherapy consisting of doxorubicin, cisplatin, and ifosfamide for two cycles. Because of intolerable side effects, she received vinorelbine and cisplatin for the next four cycles. CT scans after six cycles showed remarkable regression of the tumor. After that, she began to take oral cyclophosphamide (50 mg t.i.d) everyday as a maintenance therapy. As of the time of writing, 19 months after the onset of the recurrence, she remains stable. Several antineoplastic drugs have been reported to be used in PAIS, with poor effects in most cases. To our knowledge, this is the first case of PAIS that has been successfully treated by a vinorelbine-based regimen used as second-line chemotherapy. Vinorelbine is a promising drug that may be relatively well tolerated in heavily pretreated patients with PAIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An increasing number of studies have found that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression, whereas their molecular mechanisms of function remain largely unknown. Aims: This study was aimed to explore the biological function and underlying mechanism of a new lncRNA LINC00200 in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: qRT-PCR analysis was conducted to examine the LINC00200 expression level in both GC tissues and cell lines. Functional assays were carried out to detect the effect of LINC00200 on GC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. The interaction between LINC00200 and miR-143-3p was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays. Rescue assays were performed to confirm the influence of LINC00200-miR-143-3p-SERPINE1 axis on GC development. Results: LINC00200 was found to be upregulated in GC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, knockdown of LINC00200 suppressed GC cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro and inhibited tumorigenesis in mouse xenografts. Finally, mechanism research indicated that LINC00200 functioned as a ceRNA to sponge for miR-143-3p, thus leading to the disinhibition of its target gene SERPINE1. Conclusions: LINC00200 is significantly overexpressed in GC and accelerates GC progression through regulating miR-143-3p/SERPINE1 axis. Our results may provide a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for the management of GC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D-printing of polymers provides the opportunity to fabricate materials into customized sizes and shapes. The present study describes fully renewable thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) consisting of synthesized biobased elastomer (PLBSI) and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) by in situ dynamic vulcanization for 3D-printed materials. The morphology study implied in situ dynamic vulcanization and phase inversion occurs and leads the PLBSI elastomer dispersed as microparticles in PLA matrix. Then, the morphological evolution mechanism was proposed and indicated the dispersed PLBSI elastomer microparticles are actually agglomerates of elastomer nanoparticles. The PLBSI/PLA TPVs perform good processability and reprocessability by rheological and recyclability tests. Besides, good in vitro degradability and cytotoxicity suggests PLBSI/PLA TPVs are promising sustainable biomaterials. The superior strength and elasticity confirmed by the tensile tests of 3D-printed samples, and firm microstructure and the reliable printed accuracy of 3D-printed samples investigated by SEM implied the PLBSI/PLA TPVs were ideal 3D-printing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly purified 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO) was obtained from glycerol by using metabolically engineered Escherichia coli through biosynthetic pathways. The bio-elastomers with high strength and elasticity was then prepared from the synthetic 2,3-butanediol and several commercially renewable monomers as promising materials for engineering applications. The molecular weights, chemical structures, and thermal transitions of the bio-elastomers were confirmed by GPC, NMR, FTIR, TGA, DSC and WAXD. Importantly, the introduction of 2,3-BDO can limit and even prevent the crystallization of these bio-elastomers, which makes them amorphous and ensure their high elasticity. Furthermore, the bio-elastomers were highly reinforced with nanosilica which can meet the requirements for the majority of rubber products. Results of in vitro degradation tests prove these bio-elastomers can adjust the degradation rate of their composites by crosslinking. Cell adhesion and proliferation were adopted to evaluate the potential biocompatibility of SiO 2 /PBPSSI composites and the results indicated that all the SiO 2 /PBPSSI composites were essentially noncytotoxic. In general, the petroleum-independent monomers, relatively simple synthesis and adjustable degradation rate could greatly reduce environmental impact and the fine mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility make these novel synthetic bio-elastomers sustainable materials for engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purposes: This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and toxicity of gefitinib as first line treatment in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Tumor tissue, derived from either the original tumor or the metastatic or recurrent site was taken from chemo-naïve patients with advanced (stage IIIB, IV and recurrent) NSCLC. Tumor genomic DNA underwent direct sequencing for EGFR exons 18, 19, 20 and 21. Sixty-one patients received 250mg of gefitinib daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Results: Out of 61 patients, 26 patients (42.6%) were EGFR mutations and 11 patients were wild type, 24 patients were status unknown. One patient achieved complete remission (CR). While 17 patients achieved partial remission (PR) and 23 experienced stable disease (SD). There were 20 patients developed progressive disease (PD). The tumor response rate and disease control rate was 29.5 and 67.2%, respectively, and symptom remission rate was 66.7% as well. Median remission time was 9 days. Median over survival time was 13.0 months. Median progression-free survival time was 5.0 months. The MST of patients with EGFR mutation was 17.0 months, while the MST of patients with EGFR status unknown or wild type was 11.0 months. The PFS of patients with EGFR mutation was 9.0 months and it in EGFR status unknown or wild type was 2.5 months .The most common toxicity included rash (54.1%) and diarrhea (31.1%). Dehydration and pruritus of skin was observed in 31.1 and 26.2% of the patients respectively. Hepatic toxicity occurred in 8.2% of patients and oral ulceration occurred in six patients (9.8%). Conclusion: Single agent treatment with gefitinib is effective in patients with advanced NSCLC, especially in patients with EGFR mutation, and well tolerated in Chinese patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]