Cancer Stem Cells and Circulatory Tumor Cells Promote Breast Cancer Metastasis

Breast cancer (BC) is a highly metastatic, pathological cancer that significantly affects women worldwide. The mortality rate of BC is related to its heterogeneity, aggressive phenotype, and metastasis. Recent studies have highlighted that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for the interplay between metastasis mediators in BC. BC stem cells, tumor-derived exosomes, circulatory tumor cells (CTCs), and signaling pathways dynamically remodel the TME and promote metastasis. This review examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) that facilitate metastasis. This review also discusses the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs), tumor-derived exosomes, and CTs in promoting BC metastasis. Furthermore, the review emphasizes major signaling pathways that mediate metastasis in BC. Finally, the interplay among CSCs, exosomes, and CTCs in mediating metastasis have been highlighted. Therefore, understanding the molecular cues that mediate the association of CSCs, exosomes, and CTCs in TME helps to optimize systemic therapy to target metastatic BC.     

经口腔前庭腔镜甲状腺癌根治术的临床实践及与开放性手术比较

目的 经口腔前庭腔镜甲状腺癌根治术的临床实践及与开放性手术进行比较。方法 回顾性收集并比较分析自2019年3月至2019年12月中国科学院大学宁波华美医院甲状腺外科行经口腔前庭腔镜甲状腺切除术和传统开放性甲状腺切除术的甲状腺肿瘤患者各45例临床资料（行经传统开放术式患者样本量较大,随机抽样选择45例）,比较分析两组在性别、年龄、BMI、病理类型,清扫淋巴结数量以及手术时长,术后引流量,术后出现相关并发症,远期预后等指标。结果 两种术式患者术前术后相关临床资料无明显统计学差异,术中指标如出血量,淋巴清扫方面两组亦无统计学差异,但术中手术时间较开放组延长（P<0.05）,手术费用较开放组更多,住院时长较开放组更短。结论 选择合适的患者,行经口腔前庭入路腔镜甲状腺癌根治术安全可行,在美容效果上有优势。     

Shortcomings on genetic testing of Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in India: Can we collaborate to establish Indian FH registry?

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common autosomal dominant disorder that affects ～1 in 250–500 individuals globally. The only prevalence study in India shows FH in 15% of patients with premature CAD in North Indians. There are only 6 genetic studies in India of the total mutations, 32% are LDLR mutations, 4% are ApoB, 2% are PCSK9 mutations and the mutational spectrum for 37% is unknown. This calls for widespread genetic screening which could help identify definite FH patients.European Atherosclerosis Society-Familial Hypercholesterolemia Studies Collaboration (EAS- FHSC) has taken an initiative to develop a worldwide registry of FH. India is also a part of the collaboration and 3 groups from Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai are actively contributing to this registry. We believe this review might help to understand the Indian scenario of FH and investigators across India can contribute in managing FH in India and further help in the detection, diagnosis and treatment.     

Complications in patients of acetabular fractures and the factors affecting the quality of reduction in surgically treated cases

IntroductionAcetabulum fractures, though relatively uncommon, are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. These involve high energy trauma and due to their complex nature, the management requires understanding the relevant surgical anatomy, defining the injury via appropriate radiographic assessment and determining a suitable treatment plan. Literature is scarce for the demographic data, fracture patterns, associated injuries, management and early complications in the Indian scenario. These factors play a pivotal role in the ultimate recovery of the patients. Therefore this study was conceptualised to assess the epidemiology and evaluate the complications of these fractures. Furthermore the effects of various factors determining the quality of reduction in surgically treated patients were also assessed.MethodologyThis was a prospective observational study in which patients presenting to the advance trauma centre of our institute with acetabulum fractures were included. Demographical data of the patients, mechanisms of injuries, fractures morphologies, complications and radiological outcomes were recorded prospectively.Results116 patients with acetabular fractures were included in the study. 81% of these were males, with average age of 39.95 ± 15.87 years; with road traffic accidents being the predominant mode of injuries. Mortality was reported in 5 patients; 4 patients had deep venous thrombosis and sciatic nerve injuries were seen in 12 patients of which 4 were iatrogenic. 8 patients had some form of infection, out of which 4 required multiple debridements. 4 cases developed heterotrophic ossification while 2 cases had loss of reduction. The timing of surgery and other associated fractures had significant effect on the quality of reduction (p < 0.05); while age, gender, mode of injury or individual fracture patterns had no such effect.ConclusionsProper radiological assessment and evaluation of fracture configuration is important for management of acetabulum fractures. When indicated, this should be followed by early open reduction and internal fixation to achieve anatomical reduction, with management of associated injuries for better outcomes.     

甘肃地区乳腺癌患者的CYP2D6基因多态性及代谢表型特征分析

目的:分析乳腺癌患者的CYP2D6基因多态性和代谢表型，为乳腺癌患者进行他莫西芬（TAM）个体化临床治疗提供参考依据。方法:选取2018年1月至2019年1月于我院乳腺科确诊的170例乳腺癌患者外周血，通过Sanger测序技术对CYP2D6基因的9个外显子进行全面具体分析。结果:本研究主要发现有5个CYP2D6等位基因变异位点:CYP2D6*10、CYP2D6*4、CYP2D6*7、CYP2D6*41和CYP2D6*5，其对应的发生频率分别为66.5%、5.9%、2.4%、0.6%和0.6%；其中，CYP2D6*10/*10基因型在乳腺癌患者中占据主导地位，发生频率为60.6%。结论:中国甘肃地区乳腺癌患者，多以CYP2D6*10等位基因、CYP2D6*10/*10基因型、TAM中间代谢型为主，这可为乳腺癌患者选择相应的个体化药物治疗方案以及本地区乳腺癌患者今后大规模的药物遗传基因组学研究提供参考数据。     

Assessment of collateral hand circulation by modified Allen’s test in normal Indian subjects

BackgroundAllen’s test (AT) and Modified Allen’s Test (MAT) are used as screening methods for assessment of the hand circulation. Few people lack the dual blood supply of hand and are at risk of hand ischemia after any intervention on radial artery. The Purpose of the study was to assess the collateral circulation of hand using MAT in normal Indian subjects and in elderly population to know the prevalence of positivity of Allen’s test.Methods900 participants (1800 hands) were divided in two groups. Group I had participants with age <50 years and group II had participants with age ≥50 years. MAT was performed in all participants and results were compared between the two groups.ResultsIn group I (n = 450, 900 hands), 313 were males and 137 were females, with mean age of 35.04 years. The relative percentages of a normal, equivocal, borderline and abnormal MAT were 77.8%, 16.6%, 3.7% and 1.6%, respectively. In group II (n = 450, 900 hands), 248 were males and 202 were females, with mean age of 60.4 years. The relative percentages of a normal, equivocal, borderline and abnormal MAT were 69.0%, 18.6%, 6.60% and 5.66%, respectively. A positive/abnormal test was significantly more common (5.66% Vs 1.66%, P < 0.00001) in older group.ConclusionMAT is simple, time tested and non invasive test to assess collateral circulation of the hand. A negative MAT safely selects patients for radial artery harvest; however, if the test is positive and in older patients then a second objective test may be needed.