Digital Screen Time and the Risk of Female Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Matched Case-Control Study

Background

As the use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and computers continues to rise globally, concerns have been raised about their potential impact on human health. Exposure to high energy visible (HEV) blue light, emitted from digital screens, particularly the so-called artificial light at night (ALAN), has been associated with adverse health effects, ranging from disruption of circadian rhythms to cancer. Breast cancer incidence rates are also increasing worldwide.

Objective

This study aimed at finding a correlation between breast cancer and exposure to blue light from mobile phone.

Material and Methods

In this retrospective matched case-control study, we aimed to investigate whether exposure to blue light from mobile phone screens is associated with an increased risk of female breast cancer. We interviewed 301 breast cancer patients (cases) and 294 controls using a standard questionnaire and performed multivariate analysis, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests for data analysis.

Results

Although heavy users in the case group of our study had a statistically significant higher mean 10-year cumulative exposure to digital screens compared to the control group (7089±14985 vs 4052±12515 hours, respectively, P=0.038), our study did not find a strong relationship between exposure to HEV and development of breast cancer.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that heavy exposure to HEV blue light emitted from mobile phone screens at night might constitute a risk factor for promoting the development of breast cancer, but further large-scale cohort studies are warranted.

Grading of Gliomas by Contrast-Enhanced CT Radiomics Features

Background

Gliomas, as Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors, are greatly common with 80% of malignancy. Treatment methods for gliomas, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy depend on the grade, size, location, and the patient's age.

Objective

This study aimed to quantify glioma based on the radiomics analysis and classify its grade into High-grade Glioma (HGG) or Low-grade Glioma (LGG) by various machine-learning methods using contrast-enhanced brain Computerized Tomography (CT) scans.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study involved acquiring and segmenting data, selecting and extracting features, classifying, analyzing, and evaluating classifiers. The study included a total of 62 patients (31 with LGG and 31 with HGG). The tumors were segmented by an experienced CT-scan technologist with 3D slicer software. A total of 14 shape features, 18 histogram-based features, and 75 texture-based features were computed. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) and Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) were used to evaluate and compare classification models.

Results

A total of 13 out of 107 features were selected to differentiate between LGGs and HGGs and to perform various classifier algorithms with different cross-validations. The best classifier algorithm was linear-discriminant with 93.5% accuracy, 96.77% sensitivity, 90.3% specificity, and 0.98% AUC in the differentiation of LGGs and HGGs.

Conclusion

The proposed method can identify LGG and HGG with 93.5% accuracy, 96.77% sensitivity, 90.3% specificity, and 0.98% AUC, leading to the best treatment for glioma patients by using CT scans based on radiomics analysis.

A Novel Germline Pathogenic Variant of RECQL4 Gene in an Iranian Pedigree with Familial Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Brief Report

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common human solid tumor and the leading cause of cancer death. SCC of the breast is a very rare type of cancer that has not been well researched. Early identification of the genetic factors involved can lead to early diagnosis and targeted treatment. The present study was conducted in 2018 at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (Isfahan, Iran). The proband was a 66-year-old woman with SCC of the breast and a positive family history of cancer. Blood DNA samples were used for whole-exome sequencing to identify germline pathogenic variants. Variant annotation and prioritization were done on variant call format files using bioinformatics software tools. The screened variants were confirmed using the Sanger sequencing method. Co-segregation analysis was performed on the blood DNA samples of the first- and second-degree relatives of the proband to assess the presence of the mutation. A novel germline pathogenic variant was identified in the RECQL4 gene of the family. RECQL4 is a known protein in DNA repair and replication. Considering its effect on other types of SCC, it may play an important role in SCC initiation and progression in the breast.

coli Produces Carbapenemase Isolated from Cancer Patients in Al-Basrah, Iraq

One of the most important nosocomial organisms that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cancer patients is Escherichia coli. A significant cause of concern in managing UTIs is the development of carbapenem-resistant bacteria. Escherichia coli with carbapenem resistance has become a more serious problem, particularly in Iraq. In this regard, the present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant E. coli in Al-Basrah, Iraq. Conventional tests and the Vitek®2 system were used to identify the isolates and determine the susceptibility of E.coli isolates to antimicrobials. In addition, E.coli isolates were tested by mCIM and eCIM methods. Moreover, the major carbapenemase genes, including blaSPM, blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaKPC were detected by polymerase chain reaction. In total, 120 urine samples were collected from cancer patients who were suspected of having urinary tract infections at Basrah Center of Oncology Al-Sader Teaching Hospital, Basrah, Iraq. Identification of bacterial growth by using biochemical tests revealed different bacterial species. The most frequent bacteria were E. coli (n=22, 53.65%) isolates. The results showed that 13 (59.09%) and 11 (50%) out of 22 E. coli isolates were positive for the production of carbapenemase, based on the eCIM and sCIM, respectively. The majority of E.coli in this study possessed the blaVIM gene (n=13, 59.1%), followed by the blaKPC gene (n=5, 22.73%), blaIMP gene (n=5, 22.73%), and blaSPM gene (n=4, 18.18%). There is a spread of more than one type of carbapenemase among the E. coli isolates collected from UTI cancer patients in Basrah Hospital. The E. coli identified in the current study had a strong capacity to produce carbapenemase enzymes against the four generations of antibiotics, including imipenem and meropenem antibiotics.

A Promising Natural Anticancer Compound Derived from Gymnoascus dankaliensis

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells and is universally estimated to be a common cause of death. No decisive treatment has been identified to cure cancer; therefore, scientists have focused on developing safe and effective treatments. The activity of natural compounds isolated from living organisms, such as fungi, has been investigated in cancer cells. This study aimed to isolate and analyze natural products, as secondary metabolites (SM), of the fungus Gymnoascus dankaliensis (G. dankaliensis) and identify their activity against SR and HCT-18 (HRT-18) cell lines. G. dankaliensis was isolated from dung samples and identified using a molecular method. The internal transcribed spacer region was amplified from the isolated genomic DNA and sequenced afterward. The isolate was grown on a rice medium as a solid-state fermentation medium to extract natural metabolite products using the ethyl acetate extraction method. The GC-MS analyzed the compound of the natural extract, and the activity of the natural extract was identified against SR and HCT-18 cell lines. The results revealed the ability of G. dankaliensis to produce a natural product as an SM composed of five compounds. The growth of the treated SR and HCT-8 cell lines with the natural extract was inhibited after incubation for 27 h, with the IC50 being 3.57 and 8.61 µg/mL on the HCT-18 and SR cell lines, respectively. In conclusion, the natural extract isolated from the SM of G. dankaliensis showed activity against cancer cells, affecting the SR and HCT-18 cell lines, compared to the control. These results revealed that the product is a promising anticancer treatment.

The biological function of m6A methyltransferase KIAA1429 and its role in human disease

KIAA1429 is a major m6A methyltransferase, which plays important biological and pharmacological roles in both human cancer or non-cancer diseases. KIAA1429 produce a tumorigenic role in various cancers through regulating DAPK3, ID2, GATA3, SMC1A, CDK1, SIRT1 and other targets, promoting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis and tumor growth . At the same time, KIAA1429 is also effective in non-tumor diseases, such as reproductive system and cardiovascular system diseases. The potential regulatory mechanism of KIAA1429 dependent on m6A modification is related to mRNA, lncRNA, circRNA and miRNAs. In this review, we summarized the current evidence on KIAA1429 in various human cancers or non-cancer diseases and its potential as a prognostic target.

Assessment of Field-in-Field, 3-Field, and 4-Field Treatment Planning Methods for Radiotherapy of Gastro-Esophageal Junction Cancer

Background

Gastro-esophageal (GE) junction cancer is the fastest-growing tumor, particularly in the United States (US).

Objective

This study aimed to compare dosimetric and radiobiological factors among field-in-field (FIF), three-field (3F), and four-field box (4FB) radiotherapy planning techniques for gastro-esophageal junction cancer.

Material and Methods

In this experimental study, thirty patients with GE junction cancer were evaluated, and three planning techniques (field-in-field (FIF), three-field (3F), and four-field box (4FB)) were performed for each patient for a 6-MV photon beam. Dose distribution in the target volume, the monitor units (MUs) required, and the dose delivered to organs at risk (OARs) were compared for these techniques using the paired-sample t-test.

Results

A significant difference was measured between the FIF and 3F techniques with respect to conformity index (CI), dose homogeneity index (HI), and tumor control probability (TCP) for the target organ, as well as the D_mean for the heart, kidneys, and liver. For the spinal cord, the FIF technique showed a slight reduction in the maximum dose compared to the other two techniques. In addition, the V_{20 Gy} of the lungs and the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) of all OARs were reduced with FIF method.

Conclusion

The FIF technique showed better performance for treating patients with gastro-esophageal junction tumors, in terms of dose homogeneity in the target, conformity of the radiation field with the target volume, TCP, less dose to healthy organs, and fewer MU.

Meta-Analysis of EGF-Stimulated Normal and Cancer Cell Lines to Discover EGF-Associated Oncogenic Signaling Pathways and Prognostic Biomarkers

BACKGROUND

Although epidermal growth factor (EGF) controls many crucial processes in the human body, it can increase the risk of developing cancer when overexpresses.

OBJECTIVES

This study focused on detecting cancer-associated genes that are dysregulated by EGF overexpression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), two independent meta-analyses with normal and cancer RNA-Seq samples treated by EGF were conducted. The new DEGs detected only via two meta-analyses were used in all downstream analyses. To reach count data, the tools of FastQC, Trimmomatic, HISAT2, SAMtools, and HTSeq-count were employed. DEGs in each individual RNA-Seq study and the meta-analysis of RNA-Seq studies were identified using DESeq2 and metaSeq R package, respectively. MCODE detected densely interconnected top clusters in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs obtained from normal and cancer datasets. The DEGs were then introduced to Enrichr and ClueGO/CluePedia, and terms, pathways, and hub genes enriched in Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG and Reactome were detected.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis of normal and cancer datasets revealed 990 and 541 new DEGs, all upregulated. A number of DEGs were enriched in protein K48-linked deubiquitination, ncRNA processing, ribosomal large subunit binding, and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum. Hub genes overexpression (DHX33, INTS8, NMD3, OTUD4, P4HB, RPS3A, SEC13, SKP1, USP34, USP9X, and YOD1) in tumor samples were validated by TCGA and GTEx databases. Overall survival and disease-free survival analysis also confirmed worse survival in patients with hub genes overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

The detected hub genes could be used as cancer biomarkers when EGF overexpresses.

Magnetic Targeting of Magneto-Plasmonic Nanoparticles and Their Effects on Temperature Profile of NIR Laser Irradiated to CT26 Tumor in BALB/C Mice

BACKGROUND

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising method in the field of cancer hyperthermia. In this method, interaction between laser light and photosensitizer material, such as plasmonic nanoparticles, leads into a localized heating. Recent efforts in the area of PTT aim to exploit targeting strategies for preferential accumulation of plasmonic nanoparticles within the tumor.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of magneto-plasmonic (Au@Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles on temperature profile of CT26 tumor, bearing mice were irradiated by NIR laser.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this in vivo study, Au@Fe₂O₃ NPs were injected intraperitoneally to Balb/c mice bearing CT26 colorectal tumor. Immediately after injection, a magnet (magnetic field strength of 0.4 Tesla) was placed on the tumor site for 6 hours in order to concentrate nanoparticles inside the tumor. In the next step, the tumors were exposed with NIR laser source (808 nm; 2 W/cm²; 5 min).

RESULTS

Tumor temperature without magnetic targeting increased ~7 ± 0.9 °C after NIR irradiation, whereas the tumors in magnetic targeted group experienced a temperature rise of ~12 ± 1.4 °C.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that Au@Fe₂O₃ nanoparticle is a good candidate for therapeutic nanostructure in cancer photothermal therapy.

Comparison of Air-Gaps Effect in a Small Cavity on Dose Calculation for 6 MV Linac

Background:

Many authors stated that cavities or air-gaps were the main challenge of dose calculation for head and neck with flattening filter medical linear accelerator (Linac) irradiation.

Objective:

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of air-gap dose calculation on flattening-filter-free (FFF) small field irradiation.

Material and Methods:

In this comparative study, we did the experimental and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation to evaluate the presence of heterogeneities in radiotherapy. We simulated the dose distribution on virtual phantom and the patient’s CT image to determine the air-gap effect of open small field and modulated photon beam, respectively. The dose ratio of air-gaps to tissue-equivalent was calculated both in Analytical Anisotropic Algorithm (AAA) and MC.

Results:

We found that the dose ratio of air to tissue-equivalent tends to decrease with a larger field size. This correlation was linear with a slope of -0.198±0.001 and -0.161±0.014 for both AAA and MC, respectively. On the other hand, the dose ratio below the air-gap was field size-dependent. The AAA to MC dose calculation as the impact of air-gap thickness and field size varied from 1.57% to 5.35% after the gap. Besides, patient’s skin and oral cavity on head and neck case received a large dose discrepancy according to this study.

Conclusion:

The dose air to tissue-equivalent ratio decreased with smaller air gaps and larger field sizes. Dose correction for AAA calculation of open small field size should be considered after small air-gaps. However, delivered beam from others gantry angle reduced this effect on clinical case.

Targeted Photothermal Therapy of Melanoma in C57BL/6 Mice using Fe3O4@Au Core-shell Nanoparticles and Near-infrared Laser

BACKGROUND

Gold nanoshells can be tuned to absorb a particular wavelength of light. As a result, these tunable nanoparticles (NPs) can efficiently absorb light and convert it to heat. This phenomenon can be used for cancer treatment known as photothermal therapy. In this study, we synthesized Fe₃O₄@Au core-shell NPs, magnetically targeted them towards tumor, and used them for photothermal therapy of cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The main purpose of this research was to synthesize Fe₃O₄@Au core-shell NPs, magnetically target them towards tumor, and use them for photothermal therapy of cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this experimental study, twenty mice received 2 × 10⁶ B16-F10 melanoma cells subcutaneously. After tumors volume reached 100 mm³, the mice were divided into five groups including a control group, NPs group, laser irradiation group, NPs + laser group and NPs + magnet + laser group. NPs were injected intravenously. After 6 hours, the tumor region was irradiated by laser (808 nm, 2.5 W/cm², 6 minutes). The tumor volumes were measured every other day.

RESULTS

The effective diameter of Fe₃O₄@Au NPs was approximately 37.8 nm. The average tumor volume in control group, NPs group, laser irradiation group, NPs + laser irradiation group and NPs + magnet + laser irradiation group increased to 47.3, 45.3, 32.8, 19.9 and 7.7 times, respectively in 2 weeks. No obvious change in the average body weight for different groups occurred.

CONCLUSION

Results demonstrated that magnetically targeted nano-photothermal therapy of cancer described in this paper holds great promise for the selective destruction of tumors.

Faecal immunochemical test to triage patients with abdominal symptoms for suspected colorectal cancer in primary care: review of international use and guidelines

BACKGROUND

Recently, faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) have been introduced for investigation of primary care patients with low-risk symptoms of colorectal cancer (CRC), but recommendations vary across the world. This systematic review of clinical practice guidelines aimed to determine how FITs are used in symptomatic primary care patients and the underpinning evidence for these guidelines.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase and TRIP databases were systematically searched, from 1 November 2008 to 1 November 2018 for guidelines on the assessment of patients with symptoms suggestive of CRC. Known guideline databases, websites and references of related literature were searched. The following questions were addressed: (i) which countries use FIT for symptomatic primary care patients; (ii) in which populations is FIT used; (iii) what is the cut-off level used for haemoglobin in the faeces (FIT) and (iv) on what evidence are FIT recommendations based.

RESULTS

The search yielded 2433 publications; 25 covered initial diagnostic assessment of patients with symptoms of CRC in 15 countries (Asia, n = 1; Europe, n = 13; Oceania, n = 4; North America, n = 5; and South America, n = 2). In three countries (Australia, Spain and the UK), FIT was recommended for patients with abdominal symptoms, unexplained weight loss, change in bowel habit or anaemia despite a low level of evidence in the symptomatic primary care patient population.

CONCLUSIONS

Few countries recommend FITs in symptomatic patients in primary care either because of limited evidence or because symptomatic patients are directly referred to secondary care without triage. These results demonstrate a clear need for research on FIT in the symptomatic primary care population.

Risk of cancer in patients treated with recombinant human growth hormone in childhood

Recombinant human growth hormone (GH) has been in use for over 30 years, and its indications have gradually expanded from the classical replacement therapy in GH deficiency (GHD) to pharmacological therapy in patients with normal GH secretion. The insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I ) is closely GH dependent and is the effector of GH biological actions in peripheral tissues. Since IGF-I has potent mitogenic and antiapoptotic effects, the use of GH, especially outside GHD, has raised safety concern regarding cancer risk. The results of experimental, epidemiological and observational studies are not univocal and a number of biases and confounders affect the interpretation of data. The aim of this review is to critically review the data linking GH therapy during childhood with cancer risk, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of the available evidence.