Summary Background A new test ( care HPV; QIAGEN, Gaithersburg, MD, USA) has been developed to detect 14 high-risk types of carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) in about 2·5 h, to screen women in ...developing regions for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). We did a cross-sectional study to assess the clinical accuracy of care HPV as a rapid screening test in two county hospitals in rural China. Methods From May 10 to June 15, 2007, the care HPV test was done locally by use of self-obtained vaginal and provider-obtained cervical specimens from a screening population-based set of 2530 women aged 30 to 54 years in Shanxi province, China. All women were assessed by visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), Digene High-Risk HPV HC2 DNA Test (HC2), liquid-based cytology, and colposcopy with directed biopsy and endocervical curettage as necessary. In 2388 women with complete data, 441 women with negative colposcopy, but unsatisfactory or abnormal cytology or who were positive on HC2 or the new care HPV test, were recalled for a second colposcopy, four-quadrant cervical biopsies, and endocervical curettage. An absence of independence between the tests was not adjusted for and the Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons. Findings Complete data were available for 2388 (94·4%) women. 70 women had CIN2+ (moderate or severe CIN or cancer), of whom 23 had CIN3+. By use of CIN2+ as the reference standard and area-under-the-curve analysis with a two-sided alpha error level of 0·0083, the sensitivities and specificities of the care HPV test for a cut-off ratio cut-point of 0·5 relative light units, were 90·0% (95% CI 83·0–97·0) and 84·2% (82·7–85·7), respectively, on cervical specimens, and 81·4% (72·3–90·5) and 82·4% (80·8–83·9), respectively, on vaginal specimens (areas under the curve not significantly different, p=0·0596), compared with 41·4% (29·9–53·0) and 94·5% (93·6–95·4) for VIA (areas under the curve significantly different, p=0·0001 and p=0·0031, for cervical and vaginal-specimen comparisons for the care HPV test, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of HC2 for cervical specimens were 97·1% (93·2–100) and 85·6% (84·2–87·1), respectively (areas under the curve not significantly different from the care HPV test on cervical specimens, p=0·0163). Interpretation The care HPV test is promising as a primary screening method for cervical-cancer prevention in low-resource regions. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Summary Background Controversy remains over whether high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing should be used as a primary screen for cervical cancer. The aims of our study were to assess ...whether HPV DNA testing could be applied to cervical-cancer screening programmes in China, as well as other similar developing countries. Methods We did a pooled analysis of population-based cervical cancer screening studies done in mainland China from 1999 to 2008 with concurrent HPV DNA testing (Hybrid Capture 2 assay; Qiagen, Gaithersburg, MD, USA), liquid-based cytology (LBC), and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). Eligible women were sexually active, not pregnant, had an intact uterus, and had no history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), cervical cancer, or pelvic irradiation. All women positive for any test were referred for colposcopy and biopsy. Cervical lesions were diagnosed by directed or random biopsy. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of HPV DNA testing for the detection of CIN grade 3 or greater. Findings 30 371 women from 17 cross-sectional, population-based studies in various parts of China were screened. 1523 women were subsequently excluded because of inadequate HPV DNA specimens or they did not have a biopsy taken, which included women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance; low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or worse; positive HPV, negative cytology, and missing or positive colposcopy results; and unsatisfactory cytology results. HPV DNA testing had a higher sensitivity of 97·5% (95% CI 95·7–98·7) for detection of CIN grade 3 or worse, and a lower specificity of 85·1% (82·3–87·9), compared with cytology (sensitivity 87·9% 95% CI 84·7–90·7, specificity 94·7% 93·5–96·0) and VIA (54·6% 48·0–61·2, 89·9% 86·8–93·0). Sensitivity did not vary by study or age (<35 years, 35–49 years, ≥50 years); however, specificity did vary with age (p<0·0001) and was highest in women younger than 35 years (89·4%; 95% CI 86·1–91·5). An increase in the positive cutoff point from the manufacturer recommended 1 pg/mL to 2 pg/mL led to a decrease in the overall HPV DNA positivity from 16·3% to 13·9% (p<0·0001), which could result in a decrease in referral rates, although sensitivity was slightly lower (97·5% to 95·2%). An increase in the cutoff point to 10 pg/mL in women younger than 35 years maintained a high sensitivity 97·7% (95% CI 87·7–99·9) and increased specificity to 93·5% (95% CI 91·9–94·6). Interpretation HPV DNA testing is highly sensitive and moderately specific for CIN grade 3 or worse, with consistent results across study sites and age groups—including women younger than 35 years. A rise in the cutoff point might be beneficial for future screening programmes in China, especially when screening women younger than 35 years. Funding Fogarty International Clinical Research Scholars Program (Fogarty International Center, US National Institutes of Health, through the International Clinical Research Fellows Program at Vanderbilt University); Academic Capacity Development Program of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Education; and Cancer Institute and Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.
Objective The optimal treatment for chronic type B dissection remains controversial. This study reports early and midterm results of thoracic endovascular aortic repair for chronic type B aortic ...dissection. Methods From June 2001 to September 2007, a total of 84 patients with chronic type B aortic dissection underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair. The time between onset of dissection and thoracic endovascular aortic repair was 13.9 ± 22.0 months (range, 1–120 months). All patients were followed up from 6 to 86 months (mean, 33.2 ± 19.2 months). Results The entry tear was completely sealed in 77 cases (91.7%) during thoracic endovascular aortic repair. The incidence of incomplete seal was 8.3%. The 1-month mortality was 1.2%. One patient had retrograde type A dissection 1 month after the operation. Four patients underwent a second thoracic endovascular aortic repair during follow-up, for endoleak in 3 patients and for newly formed intimal tear in 1 patient. Seven patients (8.3%) died during follow-up. Three died of rupture of the thoracic aorta because of endoleak. The Kaplan–Meier actuarial survival curve showed a 5-year survival of 84.4%. At 5 years, 75.2% of patients were alive with neither endoleak nor reintervention. Conclusions Early and midterm results show that thoracic endovascular aortic repair was effective in the treatment of chronic type B aortic dissection. Endoleak was the main cause of death during follow-up. With increased surgical experience and refinement of the stent graft, results are likely to improve in the future.
Background
We aimed to investigate the determinant factors of anti-PD-1 therapy outcome in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
Methods
In this retrospective study, we included 64 patients with ...recurrent/metastatic NPC. The association of patients’ characteristics, C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) with survival benefit of anti-PD-1 therapy were analyzed using Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier analyses. Patients were divided based on the median value of CRP, NLR or LDH into different subgroups.
Results
At a median follow-up time of 11.4 months (range: 1-28 months), median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 1.9 months (95% CI, .18-3.6) and 15 months (95% CI, 10.9-19.1) months, respectively. Pretreatment metastases numbers was significant predictor of PFS (HR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.10-3.63; P = .024) and OS (HR = 2.77; 95% CI 1.36-5.61; P = .005). Baseline LDH level was independent predictor of OS (HR = 7.01; 95% CI 3.09-15.88; P < .001). Patients with LDH level >435 U/L at the baseline had significantly shorter PFS and OS compared to patients with LDH level ≤435 U/L (median PFS: 1.7 vs 3.5 months, P = .040; median OS: 3.7 vs 18.5 months, P < .001). Patients with non-durable clinical benefit (NDB) had significantly higher LDH level at the baseline compared to patients who achieved durable clinical benefit (DCB) (P = .025). Post-treatment levels of CRP, LDH, and NLR were decreased compared to baseline in patients with DCB (P = .030, P = .088, and P = .066, respectively), whereas, there was a significant increase in post-treatment level of LDH compared with baseline in patients with NDB (P = .024).
Conclusions
LDH level at the baseline was an independent predictor of OS and pretreatment metastases numbers was a significant predictor of PFS and OS.
Introduction:
Uptake of cervical cancer screening services in Chinese migrant workers is unknown and may be lower than non-migrant workers in China.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study ...among migrant and non-migrant women aged 21-65 at 7 provinces across China and administered a questionnaire investigating knowledge and attitudes regarding cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HPV vaccine. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate odds of previous cervical cancer screening in migrant workers.
Results:
737 women participated in the study. Mean age was 41.9 ± 7.2 years. 50.2% of the participants were migrant workers. 27.6% of the migrant workers reported previous cervical cancer screening compared to 33.2% of local participants. 36.6% migrant workers reported awareness of HPV compared to 40.2% of local participants. In adjusted analysis migrant status was not associated with increased odds of previous cervical cancer screening (aOR = 1.11 95%CI: 0.76-1.60). High school or higher education compared to less than high school education and employer-sponsored insurance compared to uninsured were associated with increased odds of previous cervical cancer screening (aOR = 2.15 95%CI: 1.41-3.27 and aOR = 1.67 95% CI: 1.14-2.45, respectively). Having heard of HPV compared to no awareness of HPV was associated with increased odds of cervical cancer screening (aOR = 2.02 95%CI: 1.41-2.91). Awareness of HPV among migrant workers was associated with increased odds of cervical cancer screening compared to migrant and local participants without awareness (aOR = 2.82 95% CI: 1.70-4.69 and 2.97 95%CI: 1.51-5.83, respectively).
Conclusions:
Efforts to increase education opportunities, provide insurance, and promote HPV awareness could increase cervical cancer screening uptake in migrant women in China.
Objectives: To investigate the dosimetric advantages of the voluntary deep inspiration breath-hold technique assisted by optical surface monitoring system for whole breast irradiation in left breast ...cancer after breast-conserving surgery and verify the reproducibility and acceptability of this technique. Methods: Twenty patients with left breast cancer receiving whole breast irradiation after breast-conserving surgery were enrolled in this prospective phase II study. Computed tomography simulation was performed during both free breathing and voluntary deep inspiration breath-hold for all patients. Whole breast irradiation plans were designed, and the volumes and doses of the heart, left anterior descending coronary artery, and lung were compared between free breathing and voluntary deep inspiration breath-hold. Cone beam computed tomography was performed for the first 3 treatments, then weekly during voluntary deep inspiration breath-hold treatment to evaluate the accuracy of the optical surface monitoring system technique. The acceptance of this technique was evaluated with in-house questionnaires completed by patients and radiotherapists. Results: The median age was 45 (27-63) years. All patients received hypofractionated whole breast irradiation using intensity-modulated radiation therapy up to a total dose of 43.5 Gy/2.9 Gy/15f. Seventeen of the 20 patients received concomitant tumor bed boost to a total dose of 49.5 Gy/3.3 Gy/15f. Voluntary deep inspiration breath-hold showed a significant decrease in the heart mean dose (262 ± 163 cGy vs 515 ± 216 cGy, P < .001) and left anterior descending coronary artery (1191 ± 827 cGy vs 1794 ± 833 cGy, P < .001). The median delivery time of radiotherapy was 4 (1.5-11) min. The median deep breathing cycles were 4 (2-9) times. The average score for acceptance of voluntary deep inspiration breath-hold by patients and radiotherapists was 8.7 ± 0.9 (out of 12) and 10.6 ± 3.2 (out of 15), respectively, indicating good acceptance by both. Conclusions: The voluntary deep inspiration breath-hold technique for whole breast irradiation after breast-conserving surgery in patients with left breast cancer significantly reduces the cardiopulmonary dose. Optical surface monitoring system–assisted voluntary deep inspiration breath-hold is reproducible and feasible and showed good acceptance by both patients and radiotherapists.
Abstract Background Microskin autografts with conventional wrap and compression are used extensively in the treatment of skin and tissue defects. This comparative study aimed at investigation of the ...clinical application of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in combination with microskin autografts for repair of acute and chronic wounds. Methods A prospective case-control study was performed from December 1, 2010–December 31, 2013 in Changhai Hospital, Shanghai. We compared a study group of patients received microskin autografting covered by NPWT with that of a control group of patients received microskin autografting covered by a conventional gauze. Results A total of 81 patients were in this study, 27 patients were allocated to the study group and 54 patients to the control group. The study group exhibited significant low infection rate and pain score during removal of inner layer at first dressing change after skin grafting compared with those of the control group ( P < 0.05). The time interval between skin grafting and first postoperative change was longer in the study group than that in the control group ( P < 0.01), the study group showed a significant shorter 95% wound healing time ( P < 0.05), and survival rate of microskin autografts in the study group was higher than that in the control group ( P < 0.05). Conclusions NPWT is beneficial for wound closure after microskin autografts, which prolongs the interval between skin transplantation and first postoperative dressing change, reduces pain during removal of inner layer dressing, increases skin graft survival rate, and shortens wound healing time. Therefore, NPWT can be recommended for repair of acute and chronic wounds with microskin autografts.
Background Cortical microinfarcts (CMIs) have been correlated to cognitive decline and dementia. It was previously considered only visible on microscope, but was recently reported to be visible on ...3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and linked to presence of intracranial stenosis. We aimed to investigate CMIs on 3.0 Tesla MRI in patients with M1 middle cerebral artery (MCA-M1) stenosis. Methods Patients with a recent non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and an atherosclerotic MCA-M1 stenosis were recruited. The severity of MCA stenosis was defined as moderate (50%-69%) or severe (70%-99% or focal flow void) on time-of-flight MR angiography (MRA). The distal to proximal signal intensity ratio (SIR) of MCA stenosis was measured on time-of-flight MRA to represent its hemodynamic significance. The presence of CMI(s) in the ipsilateral hemisphere was assessed on axial T1- or T2-weighted images and T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery images. Results Overall, 86 patients (mean age: 62.8 years; 77.9% males) were analyzed, 66 (76.7%) and 20 (23.3%), respectively, having moderate and severe MCA-M1 stenoses. The median SIR was .91. Forty-five (52.3%) patients had ipsilateral CMI(s). Multivariate logistic regression showed a history of dyslipidemia (odds ratio OR = 6.83, P = .008), and an SIR lower than the median (OR = 4.73, P = .014) were independently associated with presence of CMI(s) in ipsilateral hemisphere to an MCA-M1 stenosis. Conclusions Patients with stroke and intracranial stenosis had a high burden of CMI. Except for a history of dyslipidemia, the hemodynamic significance of the arterial stenosis may contribute to the presence of ipsilateral CMI(s) in these patients, which warrants further investigation in prospective, longitudinal studies.
Abstract The effect of local therapy (LT) for oligoprogressive EGFR-mutated NSCLC has not been well established. Forty-six stage IIIB/IV EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients were treated by LT and continuing ...TKIs for oligoprogression. The median OS and PFS after LT were 13.0 and 7.0 months, respectively. EGFR mutation type, sites of LT, and time from first PD to LT were prognostic of OS after LT. Purpose Patients with advanced staged epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) could experience oligoprogression. This study investigated the benefits of local therapy (LT) and continuation of TKIs for oligoprogression retrospectively. Materials and Methods Forty-six stage IIIB/IV EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients on TKIs were treated by LT and continuation of TKIs for oligoprogressive disease. The impact of clinicopathologic variables on survival was explored using Cox regression. Results With a median follow-up of 32 months, the 2-year overall survival (OS) was 65.2%, and the estimated OS was 35.0 months. The median OS after LT (LT-OS) was 13.0 months. The median progression-free survival after LT (LT-PFS) was 7.0 months. Univariate analysis showed that stage at initial diagnosis, EGFR mutation type, site of LT, metastatic status at initial TKIs and time from first PD to LT correlated with LT-OS significantly. Multivariate analysis suggested that EGFR mutation type (p=0.001), sites of LT (p=0.000), and time from first PD to LT (P=0.034) were prognostic of LT-OS. Univariate analysis showed that metastatic status at initial TKIs and time from first PD to LT correlated with LT-PFS significantly. Multivariate analysis suggested that only time from first PD to LT (p=0.000) was prognostic of LT-PFS. Conclusions This study revealed that LTs are feasible and effective for EGFR-mutated NSCLC with oligoprogression. EGFR mutation type, sites of LT and time from first PD to LT were prognostic factors for LT-OS. Time from first PD to LT was prognostic factor for LT-PFS.