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Ahmed S, Wedekind MF, Del Rivero J, Raygada M, Lockridge R, Glod JW, Flowers C, Thomas BJ, Bernstein DB, Kapustina OB, Jain A, Miettinen M, Raffeld M, Xi L, Tyagi M, Kim J, Aldape K, Malayeri AA, Kaplan RN, Allen T, Vivelo CA, Sandler AB, Widemann BC, Reilly KM. Longitudinal Natural History Study of Children and Adults with Rare Solid Tumors: Initial Results for First 200 Participants. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2468-2482. [PMID: 37966258 PMCID: PMC10699159 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Understanding of tumor biology and identification of effective therapies is lacking for many rare tumors. My Pediatric and Adult Rare Tumor (MyPART) network was established to engage patients, advocates, and researchers and conduct a comprehensive longitudinal Natural History Study of Rare Solid Tumors. Through remote or in-person enrollment at the NIH Clinical Center, participants with rare solid tumors ≥4 weeks old complete standardized medical and family history forms, patient reported outcomes, and provide tumor, blood and/or saliva samples. Medical records are extracted for clinical status and treatment history, and tumors undergo genomic analysis. A total of 200 participants (65% female, 35% male, median age at diagnosis 43 years, range = 2-77) enrolled from 46 U.S. states and nine other countries (46% remote, 55% in-person). Frequent diagnoses were neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN), adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC), medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)-deficient gastrointestinal stromal tumors (sdGIST), and chordomas. At enrollment, median years since diagnosis was 3.5 (range = 0-36.6), 63% participants had metastatic disease and 20% had no evidence of disease. Pathogenic germline and tumor mutations included SDHA/B/C (sdGIST), RET (MTC), TP53 and CTNNB1 (ACC), MEN1 (NEN), and SMARCB1 (poorly-differentiated chordoma). Clinically significant anxiety was observed in 20%-35% of adults. Enrollment of participants and comprehensive data collection were feasible. Remote enrollment was critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 30 patients were enrolled with ACC, NEN, and sdGIST, allowing for clinical/genomic analyses across tumors. Longitudinal follow-up and expansion of cohorts are ongoing to advance understanding of disease course and establish external controls for interventional trials. SIGNIFICANCE This study demonstrates that comprehensive, tumor-agnostic data and biospecimen collection is feasible to characterize different rare tumors, and speed progress in research. The findings will be foundational to developing external controls groups for single-arm interventional trials, where randomized control trials cannot be conducted because of small patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadin Ahmed
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Jaydira Del Rivero
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Margarita Raygada
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Robin Lockridge
- Clinical Research Directorate (CRD), Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - John W. Glod
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Crystal Flowers
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - BJ Thomas
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Donna B. Bernstein
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Oxana B. Kapustina
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ashish Jain
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Research Computing, Department of Information Technology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Markku Miettinen
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mark Raffeld
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Liqiang Xi
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Manoj Tyagi
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jung Kim
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kenneth Aldape
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ashkan A. Malayeri
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Rosandra N. Kaplan
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Taryn Allen
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Clinical Research Directorate (CRD), Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Christina A. Vivelo
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Kelly Government Solutions, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Abby B. Sandler
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Karlyne M. Reilly
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
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Ng FYC, Tan PL, Sundar G. Improving visual outcomes in patients with rare paediatric eye diseases. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2023; 52:625-634. [PMID: 38920150 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.202323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Rare paediatric eye diseases (RPEDs) threaten both vision and life. Recently, rare diseases were recognised as a global public health agenda, with children specified as a priority in the World Health Organization's VISION 2020 against avoidable visual loss. Method We conducted a review through a query of online databases (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library). Articles related to RPEDs were selected based on relevance by 2 authors, with any disagreements adjudicated by the third author. Results We synthesise the current state of knowledge regarding RPEDs, barriers to their care, and recommendations for the future. RPEDs often result in significant visual loss, profoundly impacting the way children comprehend and participate in the world. These diseases may also reduce life expectancy and even be life-threatening. Barriers to the care of RPEDs include an unclear definition of "rare diseases", missed or delayed diagnosis, inadequate knowledge and expertise in management, and challenging research environments. Conclusion Our findings provide an update on the diagnosis and management of RPEDs, which is of relevance to ophthalmologists, paediatricians, healthcare policymakers and social workers. We propose supportive policies and adequate resource allocation to these diseases, comprehensive and patient-centred care, alongside improved education and training, enhanced research capabilities and continued collaboration across institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faye Yu Ci Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Poh Lin Tan
- Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gangadhara Sundar
- Orbit & Oculofacial Surgery Service, Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore
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Telman G, Strauss E, Sosnowska-Sienkiewicz P, Halasz M, Januszkiewicz-Lewandowska D. Simultaneous Occurrence of Multiple Neoplasms in Children with Cancer Predisposition Syndromes: Collaborating with Abnormal Genes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1670. [PMID: 37761810 PMCID: PMC10530991 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of cancer predisposition syndromes (CPSs) plays a crucial role in understanding the etiology of pediatric cancers. CPSs are genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing cancer at an earlier age compared to the risk for the general population. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of three unique cases involving pediatric patients with CPS who were diagnosed with multiple simultaneous or metachronous cancers. The first case involves a child with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, nephroblastoma, glioma, and subsequent medulloblastoma. Genetic analysis identified two pathogenic variants in the BRCA2 gene. The second case involves a child with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, juvenile xanthogranuloma, gliomas, and subsequent JMML/MDS/MPS. A pathogenic variant in the NF1 gene was identified. The third case involves a child with pleuropulmonary blastoma and pediatric cystic nephroma/nephroblastoma, in whom a pathogenic variant in the DICER1 gene was identified. Multiple simultaneous and metachronous cancers in pediatric patients with CPSs are a rare but significant phenomenon. Comprehensive analysis and genetic testing play significant roles in understanding the underlying mechanisms and guiding treatment strategies for these unique cases. Early detection and targeted interventions are important for improving outcomes in these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Telman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna 27/33, 60-572 Poznan, Poland; (G.T.)
| | - Ewa Strauss
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Patrycja Sosnowska-Sienkiewicz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Traumatology and Urology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna 27/33, 60-572 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Halasz
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna 27/33, 60-572 Poznan, Poland; (G.T.)
| | - Danuta Januszkiewicz-Lewandowska
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna 27/33, 60-572 Poznan, Poland; (G.T.)
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Flores-Toro JA, Jagu S, Armstrong GT, Arons DF, Aune GJ, Chanock SJ, Hawkins DS, Heath A, Helman LJ, Janeway KA, Levine JE, Miller E, Penberthy L, Roberts CWM, Shalley ER, Shern JF, Smith MA, Staudt LM, Volchenboum SL, Zhang J, Zenklusen JC, Lowy DR, Sharpless NE, Guidry Auvil JM, Kerlavage AR, Widemann BC, Reaman GH, Kibbe WA, Doroshow JH. The Childhood Cancer Data Initiative: Using the Power of Data to Learn From and Improve Outcomes for Every Child and Young Adult With Pediatric Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:4045-4053. [PMID: 37267580 PMCID: PMC10461939 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.02208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Data-driven basic, translational, and clinical research has resulted in improved outcomes for children, adolescents, and young adults (AYAs) with pediatric cancers. However, challenges in sharing data between institutions, particularly in research, prevent addressing substantial unmet needs in children and AYA patients diagnosed with certain pediatric cancers. Systematically collecting and sharing data from every child and AYA can enable greater understanding of pediatric cancers, improve survivorship, and accelerate development of new and more effective therapies. To accomplish this goal, the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) was launched in 2019 at the National Cancer Institute. CCDI is a collaborative community endeavor supported by a 10-year, $50-million (in US dollars) annual federal investment. CCDI aims to learn from every patient diagnosed with a pediatric cancer by designing and building a data ecosystem that facilitates data collection, sharing, and analysis for researchers, clinicians, and patients across the cancer community. For example, CCDI's Molecular Characterization Initiative provides comprehensive clinical molecular characterization for children and AYAs with newly diagnosed cancers. Through these efforts, the CCDI strives to provide clinical benefit to patients and improvements in diagnosis and care through data-focused research support and to build expandable, sustainable data resources and workflows to advance research well past the planned 10 years of the initiative. Importantly, if CCDI demonstrates the success of this model for pediatric cancers, similar approaches can be applied to adults, transforming both clinical research and treatment to improve outcomes for all patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Allison Heath
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
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Wedekind MF, Reilly KM, Rivero JD, Lockridge R, Allen T, Raygada M, Bernstein D, Thomas BJ, Vivelo C, Levine J, Shonkoev N, Aldape K, Glod J, Sandler AB, Widemann BC. NCI intramural program approach to rare tumors: Natural history study of rare solid tumors in children and adults: A longitudinal, comprehensive data and biospecimen collection protocol. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30495. [PMID: 37345354 PMCID: PMC10733551 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Rare tumors across the world are lacking adequate knowledge, resources, and community. Through partnership with patients, advocacy organizations, researchers, and clinicians, we have developed a comprehensive, longitudinal, prospective, and retrospective natural history protocol to collect, analyze, and share data on patients with rare tumors. A strong collaborative effort is vital to ensure success of enrollment, patient engagement, data collection, and analysis to ultimately develop clinical trials to improve outcomes for patients with rare cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Frances Wedekind
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Karlyne M. Reilly
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jaydira Del Rivero
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Robin Lockridge
- Clinical Research Directorate (CRD), Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD
| | - Taryn Allen
- Clinical Research Directorate (CRD), Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD
| | - Margarita Raygada
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Donna Bernstein
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Barbara J Thomas
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Christina Vivelo
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jason Levine
- Office of Information Technology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Nurlan Shonkoev
- Office of Information Technology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kenneth Aldape
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - John Glod
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Abby B. Sandler
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Brigitte C. Widemann
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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6
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Shen Q, Liu X, Li W, Zhao X, Li T, Zhou K, Zhou J. Emerging Role and Mechanism of circRNAs in Pediatric Malignant Solid Tumors. Front Genet 2022; 12:820936. [PMID: 35116058 PMCID: PMC8804321 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.820936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs with covalent closed-loop structures and are widely distributed in eukaryotes, conserved and stable as well as tissue-specific. Malignant solid tumors pose a serious health risk to children and are one of the leading causes of pediatric mortality. Studies have shown that circRNAs play an important regulatory role in the development of childhood malignant solid tumors, hence are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for tumors. This paper reviews the biological characteristics and functions of circRNAs as well as the research progress related to childhood malignant solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyang Shen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of ENT, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- *Correspondence: Jianfeng Zhou, ; Kai Zhou,
| | - Jianfeng Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Jianfeng Zhou, ; Kai Zhou,
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7
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Kam RL, Cullinane M, Amir LH. Research Challenges and Considerations in Investigating Rare Exposures Using Breast Hypoplasia as an Example. J Hum Lact 2021; 37:633-638. [PMID: 34382473 DOI: 10.1177/08903344211037620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Renee L Kam
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meabh Cullinane
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa H Amir
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.,Breastfeeding Service, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Qian C, Liu Q. FOXO3a inhibits nephroblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induces apoptosis through downregulating the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:796. [PMID: 34515328 PMCID: PMC8446726 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead transcription factor O subfamily 3A (FOXO3a) is an important tumor suppressor gene that is expressed in renal tissue and has been reported to be downregulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). Notably, the overexpression of FOXO3a was previously discovered to inhibit the progression of CCRCC. However, the expression levels of FOXO3a in nephroblastoma cell lines remain unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the expression levels of FOXO3a in nephroblastoma cell lines and to determine the mechanism of action of the biological functions of FOXO3a. Western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR were used to analyze the expression levels of FOXO3a in nephroblastoma cell lines. Subsequently, the effects of the overexpression of FOXO3a and the genetic knockdown of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling protein Axin‑2 on the biological functions were determined through Cell Counting Kit‑8, cell colony formation assays, scratch and Transwell assay and flow cytometric analysis experiments. The expression levels of FOXO3a were discovered to be downregulated in nephroblastoma cell lines. The overexpression of FOXO3a inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of nephroblastoma cells, while inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, the overexpression of FOXO3a downregulated the expression levels of β‑catenin and Cyclin‑D1 proteins involved in the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Cell proliferation and the migration and invasion ability of 17‑94 cells in shRNA‑Axin2‑2 group were promoted. Cell apoptosis was predominantly increased by overexpressed FOXO3a, which was reversed by shRNA‑Axin2‑1. The biological effects of overexpressing FOXO3a on nephroblastoma were reversed after activation of Wnt/β‑catenin. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that FOXO3a may inhibit nephroblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while inducing apoptosis, by downregulating the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. These results may provide a novel method for the early diagnosis and precise treatment of nephroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qian
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277102, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Second People's Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, Jiangsu 226002, P.R. China
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