Published data on the prognostic significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to more accurately assess its prognostic value. The analysis was performed based on the data from 14 studies with 3,656 patients to estimate the correlation between NLR and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in NSCLC. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to estimate the effect. We also conducted subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis. The results demonstrated that elevated pretreatment NLR predicted poorer OS (HR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.39–2.09) and PFS (HR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.27–2.09) in patients with NSCLC. Subgroup analysis indicated that cut-off value of 5 showed consistently prognostic value. There was no significant heterogeneity or publication bias for OS and PFS for included studies. This meta-analysis revealed that elevated pretreatment NLR might be a predicative factor of poor prognosis for NSCLC patients.
Transcatheter arterial embolization has been considered as a promising targeted delivery approach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, chemoembolization was the main treatment for unresectable HCC. However, the traditional chemoembolization treatment suffers from undesirable therapeutic effects and serious side-effects. In this study, the doxorubicin (DOX)-encapsulated and near-infrared (NIR)–responsible copper sulfide (CuS)–based nanotherapeutics was developed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–guided chemo-photothermal therapy of HCC tumor in rats. The DOX-loaded CuS nanocomposites (DOX@BSA-CuS) demonstrated distinct NIR-triggered drug release behavior and high photothermal effect. In an orthotopic HCC rat model, DOX@BSA-CuS nanocomposites were selectively delivered to the tumor site
via
the intra-arterial transcatheter. The proposed DOX@BSA-CuS nanocomposites plus NIR laser irradiation exhibited significant tumor growth suppression performance. Moreover, the treatment progress can be monitored by MRI images. Finally, the preliminary toxicity estimate suggested the negligible side-effect of DOX@BSA-CuS nanocomposites during the therapeutic process. These results suggest the clinical translational potential possibility for imaging-guided arterial embolization with DOX@BSA-CuS nanocomposites for the treatment of HCC.
Background
Distal tibial tuberosity high tibial osteotomy (DTT-HTO) can prevent distalization of the tibial tuberosity and thus patellar infera. However, no studies on the clinical and radiological effects of DTT-HTO on the patellofemoral joint have been conducted. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of DTT-HTO on patella height and patellofemoral joint congruity based on the severity of patellofemoral joint OA.
Methods
Twenty-nine patients (33 knees) who underwent DTT-HTO and second-look arthroscopy when implant was removed between January 2018 and May 2020 were eligible for the study. Among them, 6 were males, and 23 were females, with ages from 51 to 78 years old. The Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), congruence angle (CA), and lateral patellar tilt (LPT) were measured to evaluate the effect of surgery on patellar height and patellofemoral joint congruity. The weight-bearing line ratio (WBLR) was measured to assess lower limb alignment. The cartilage lesion in the patellofemoral joint was assessed arthroscopically during surgery and implant removal by the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grading system at 18–24 months after surgery. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scale was used to evaluate knee joint function.
Results
Twenty-nine patients were followed up for 18–28 months. The preoperative CDI, CA, and LPT changed from 0.92 ± 0.16 to 0.89 ± 0.14, from 5.52 ± 2.19 to 5.44 ± 2.27, and from 6.95 ± 2.88 to 6.54 ± 2.42, respectively, and the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The preoperative WBLR significantly increased from 16.72 ± 6.77 to 58.77 ± 7.69% (p < 0.001). The cartilage lesions in the patella and femoral trochlea did not progress significantly from the first- to the second-look arthroscopy, according to the ICRS grades (p > 0.05). The HSS score significantly improved from 50.64 ± 19.18 preoperatively to 67.33 ± 14.72, 81.63 ± 11.92, and 82.73 ± 8.05 at the 3-month, 12-month, and last follow-up after surgery (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
DTT-HTO can effectively prevent patellar infera, and its effects on postoperative patellofemoral joint congruity and patellofemoral joint OA progression are inconspicuous. It can be recommended as a treatment of varus knee combined with patellar infera or patellofemoral joint OA.
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