Background::Given that seizures may be triggered by vaccination, this study aimed to evaluate the risk and correlative factors of seizures in patients with epilepsy (PWE) after being vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods::This study retrospectively enrolled PWE who were vaccinated against COVID-19 in the epilepsy centers of 11 hospitals in China. We divided the PWE into two groups as follows: (1) patients who developed seizures within 14 days of vaccination were assigned to the SAV (with seizures after vaccination) group; (2) patients who were seizure-free within 14 days of vaccination were assigned to the SFAV (seizure-free after vaccination) group. To identify potential risk factors for seizure reccurence, the binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Besides, 67 PWE who had not been vaccinated were also included for elucidating the effects of vaccination on seizures recurrence, and binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether vaccination would affect the recurrence rate of PWE who had drug reduction or withdrawal.Results::The study included a total of 407 patients; of which, 48 (11.8%) developed seizures within 14 days after vaccination (SAV group), whereas 359 (88.2%) remained seizure-free (SFAV group). The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that duration of seizure freedom ( P < 0.001) and withdrawal from anti-seizure medications (ASMs) or reduction in their dosage during the peri-vaccination period were significantly associated with the recurrence of seizures (odds ratio= 7.384, 95% confidence interval = 1.732–31.488, P = 0.007). In addition, 32 of 33 patients (97.0%) who were seizure-free for more than three months before vaccination and had a normal electroencephalogram before vaccination did not have any seizures within 14 days of vaccination. A total of 92 (22.6%) patients experienced non-epileptic adverse reactions after vaccination. Binary logistic regression analysis results showed that vaccine did not significantly affect the recurrence rate of PWE who had the behavior of ASMs dose reduction or withdrawal ( P = 0.143). Conclusions::PWE need protection from the COVID-19 vaccine. PWE who are seizure-free for >3 months before vaccination should be vaccinated. Whether the remaining PWE should be vaccinated depends on the local prevalence of COVID-19. Finally, PWE should avoid discontinuing ASMs or reducing their dosage during the peri-vaccination period.

Background::Response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is affected by multiple factors. This study aimed to explore whether sites of metastasis are associated with clinical outcomes of ICIs in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.Methods::The data of NSCLC patients with high programmed death-ligand 1 expression and good performance status receiving first-line ICIs monotherapy from Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital between May 2019 and July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Metastatic sites included liver, bone, brain, adrenal gland, pleura, and contralateral lung. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between different metastatic sites and metastatic burden by the Kaplan-Meier method. Organ-specific disease control rate (OSDCR) of different individual metastatic sites was evaluated.Results::Forty NSCLC patients meeting the criteria were identified. The presence of liver metastasis was significantly associated with shorter PFS (3.1 vs. 15.5 months, P = 0.0005) and OS (11.1 months vs. not reached, P = 0.0016). Besides, patients with bone metastasis tend to get shorter PFS (4.2 vs. 15.5 months, P = 0.0532) rather than OS ( P = 0.6086). Moreover, the application of local treatment could numerically prolong PFS in patients with brain metastasis (15.5 vs. 4.3 months, P = 0.1894). More metastatic organs involved were associated with inferior PFS ( P = 0.0052) but not OS ( P = 0.0791). The presence of liver metastasis or bone metastasis was associated with more metastatic organs (Phi[φ]: 0.516, P = 0.001). The highest OSDCR was observed in lung (15/17), and the lowest in the liver (1/4). Conclusions::Metastases in different anatomical locations may be associated with different clinical outcomes and local tumor response to ICIs in NSCLC. ICIs monotherapy shows limited efficacy in patients with liver and bone metastasis, thus patients with this type of metastasis might require more aggressive combination strategies.

Objective: To investigate an optimal chemotherapy regimen for patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma harboring common EGFR mutations. Methods: Clinical data of 4,021 patients diagnosed with advanced primary lung adenocarcinoma who were admitted to Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute from June 2007 to June 2014 were retrospectively collected. The efficacy of the standard chemotherapy regimen in patients diagnosed with luny adenocarcinoma harboring common EGFR mutations was analyzed. Results: In total, 205 patients were included in the study, and 119, 60 and 81 patients received gemcitabine plus platinum, pemetrexed plus platinum, and paclitaxel plus platinum regimens, respectively. Statistical difference was not observed in the objective response rate (ORR,25.2%, 25.0%, 30.8%, respectively) and progression free survival (PFS, 5.5, 5.2, 6.2 months, respectively) between these three treatment regimens (P=0.979, P=0.811). Conclusions: Platinum-based chemotherapy regimens based on gemcitabine, pemetrexed, and paclitaxel have similar efficacy in patients diagnosed with advanced primary lung adenocarcinoma harboring common EGFR mutations.

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical diagnostic features and treatment of desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT), and to improve the understanding and management of this tumor.

METHODSThe clinicopathological data of nine patients treated in our hospital from October 2004 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed and a review of the literature was made. The clinical manifestations, pathological characteristics, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this tumor were summarized and analyzed.

RESULTSNine patients with DSRCT, 5 males and 4 females, with an average age of 21 years (range 8-56 years) were included in this study. Ultrasound examination revealed irregular low-density mass shadow in the abdominal cavity. CT examination found that 6 cases had abdominal and retroperitoneal multiple solid tumor nodules, uneven density, and visible low density fluid area. Postoperative pathological examination revealed that the tumor cells were small, mostly elliptic, gathered to form clear structure of nests with clear irregular boundaries. The central portion of large tumor nests often showed necrosis. Scattered fibroblasts and large amount of hyalinization of collagen fibers were seen in the interstitial tissue around the nests. Six patients received laparotomy surgery, however, all failed to resect the tumor completely. Three patients received postoperative chemotherapy, i. e. two cases had carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy, and one case of chemotherapy regimen not specified. Two patients had radiation and chemotherapy (no concrete plan was available). Another case was lost to follow-up. Two of the three patients without surgery received chemotherapy with CAP (cyclophosphamide+adriamycin+carboplatin) and total rectal lesions, pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes, ilium metastases radiation therapy. Another one patient received EP regimen (DDP+VP16) which was then changed into a TP chemotherapy alone. Eight of the nine cases died shortly after surgery, and only one patient treated with chemotherapy alone was still alive after 11 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSDesmoplastic small round cell tumor is a very rare, special type of soft tissue tumor, with very poor prognosis. This tumor may be preliminarily diagnosed according to the imaging characteristics and detection of tumor markers, however, final diagnosis is made by pathology. Surgery is the priority of treatment, combined with complementary radiation and chemotherapy.

Abdominal Neoplasms ; complications ; diagnosis ; mortality ; therapy ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; analysis ; Carboplatin ; administration & dosage ; Child ; Combined Modality Therapy ; methods ; Cyclophosphamide ; administration & dosage ; Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor ; complications ; diagnosis ; mortality ; therapy ; Doxorubicin ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paclitaxel ; administration & dosage ; analysis ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

Objective To explore the clinical diagnostic features and treatment of desmoplastic small round cell tumor ( DSRCT ) , and to improve the understanding and management of this tumor. Methods The clinicopathological data of nine patients treated in our hospital from October 2004 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed and a review of the literature was made. The clinical manifestations, pathological characteristics, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this tumor were summarized and analyzed. Results Nine patients with DSRCT, 5 males and 4 females, with an average age of 21 years ( range 8?56 years) were included in this study. Ultrasound examination revealed irregular low?density mass shadow in the abdominal cavity. CT examination found that 6 cases had abdominal and retroperitoneal multiple solid tumor nodules, uneven density, and visible low density fluid area. Postoperative pathological examination revealed that the tumor cells were small, mostly elliptic, gathered to form clear structure of nests with clear irregular boundaries. The central portion of large tumor nests often showed necrosis. Scattered fibroblasts and large amount of hyalinization of collagen fibers were seen in the interstitial tissue around the nests. Six patients received laparotomy surgery, however, all failed to resect the tumor completely. Three patients received postoperative chemotherapy, i.e. two cases had carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy, and one case of chemotherapy regimen not specified. Two patients had radiation and chemotherapy ( no concrete plan was available) . Another case was lost to follow?up. Two of the three patients without surgery received chemotherapy with CAP ( cyclophosphamide + adriamycin + carboplatin) and total rectal lesions, pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes, ilium metastases radiation therapy. Another one patient received EP regimen ( DDP+VP16) which was then changed into a TP chemotherapy alone. Eight of the nine cases died shortly after surgery, and only one patient treated with chemotherapy alone was still alive after 11 months of follow?up. Conclusions Desmoplastic small round cell tumor is a very rare, special type of soft tissue tumor, with very poor prognosis. This tumor may be preliminarily diagnosed according to the imaging characteristics and detection of tumor markers, however, final diagnosis is made by pathology. Surgery is the priority of treatment, combined with complementary radiation and chemotherapy.

Objective To explore the clinical diagnostic features and treatment of desmoplastic small round cell tumor ( DSRCT ) , and to improve the understanding and management of this tumor. Methods The clinicopathological data of nine patients treated in our hospital from October 2004 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed and a review of the literature was made. The clinical manifestations, pathological characteristics, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this tumor were summarized and analyzed. Results Nine patients with DSRCT, 5 males and 4 females, with an average age of 21 years ( range 8?56 years) were included in this study. Ultrasound examination revealed irregular low?density mass shadow in the abdominal cavity. CT examination found that 6 cases had abdominal and retroperitoneal multiple solid tumor nodules, uneven density, and visible low density fluid area. Postoperative pathological examination revealed that the tumor cells were small, mostly elliptic, gathered to form clear structure of nests with clear irregular boundaries. The central portion of large tumor nests often showed necrosis. Scattered fibroblasts and large amount of hyalinization of collagen fibers were seen in the interstitial tissue around the nests. Six patients received laparotomy surgery, however, all failed to resect the tumor completely. Three patients received postoperative chemotherapy, i.e. two cases had carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy, and one case of chemotherapy regimen not specified. Two patients had radiation and chemotherapy ( no concrete plan was available) . Another case was lost to follow?up. Two of the three patients without surgery received chemotherapy with CAP ( cyclophosphamide + adriamycin + carboplatin) and total rectal lesions, pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes, ilium metastases radiation therapy. Another one patient received EP regimen ( DDP+VP16) which was then changed into a TP chemotherapy alone. Eight of the nine cases died shortly after surgery, and only one patient treated with chemotherapy alone was still alive after 11 months of follow?up. Conclusions Desmoplastic small round cell tumor is a very rare, special type of soft tissue tumor, with very poor prognosis. This tumor may be preliminarily diagnosed according to the imaging characteristics and detection of tumor markers, however, final diagnosis is made by pathology. Surgery is the priority of treatment, combined with complementary radiation and chemotherapy.

Objective To investigate the relationship of the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)and the mi-crovessel density (MVD)with multi-slice spiral CT perfusion imaging.Methods 80 patients with solitary pulmonary nodules under-went perfusion scan by 16-slice spiral CT.Among them,45 diagnosed as lung cancer by pathology were enrolled in the study.After surgery,the slice of the pecimen was selected similar to the corresponding slice of CT images,and the immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine the expression of VEGF and the MVD.Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the rela-tionship of expression of VEGF and the MVD with CT perfusion parameters.Results There was more expression of VEGF and the MVD in NSCLC.There were positive correlations between VEGF,MVD and BF (both P<0.05).The peak enhancement image (PEI)and TTP have significant correlations with MVD (P<0.05).Conclusion Some parameters of lung CT perfusion imaging are correlated with MVD and VEGF.

Objective To investigate the clinical and neuroimaging features of Vogt-KoyanagiHarada syndrome ( VKH ).Methods Cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF ), neuroimaging examination, clinical manifestation and pharmacotherapy features were investigated in 5 patients diagnosed as VKH. ResultsAll 5 patients were diagnosed as uveitis in the early stage of disease.All patients suffered “ headache”.Meningeal irritation sign was appeared in 3 cases. The MRI enhanced scan of all 5 cases showed abnormal enhancement of meninges. CSF examination showed increased leukocyte number ((4--196) × 106/L). All patients were alleviatedwith combination therapyof high dose of steroid with cyclophosphamide.ConclusionsVKH is a systemic disease that usually involving the uvea, central nervous system, internal ear and the skin. MRI and CSF examination are valuable for diagnosis. High dose of steroid combined with cyclophosphamide is an effective therapeutic strategy.

Objective To investigate the clinical and neuroimaging features of hypoglycemia encephalopathy in the elderly. Methods The history and clinical features of 36 patients who had undergone brain CT and MRI were analyzed retrospectively. Results Twenty-seven patients had infections and fevers as a trigger, presenting all kinds of symptoms. Eleven cases were found to have abnormal signals in bilateral caudate nucleus and lenticular nucleus in MRL But CT examination showed no new lesions in corresponding position. Hypoglycemia encephalopathy were commanly found in the elderly who had diabetes mellitus and treated with drugs. After being followed up for 6 months, their neuroimaging did not change. Conclusions Because the patients often present unconsciousness and weakness with a sudden onset, hypoglycemia is easily mistaken for other disorders, especially in the elderly. For those with consciousness, we should pay more attations to hypoglycemia. Brain CT has no value of diagnosing hypoglycemia encephalopathy, while MRI plays an impotant role in diagnosing the disease. The characteristic MRI features predicts a bad prognosis.

Objective To study the role of calcium homeostatic and kinetics in the epileptogenesis activity. Methods Hippocampal neurons were acutely isolated from controls and status epilepticus (SE) models induced by lithium-pilocarpine at different time point. The [Ca2+]i levels were detected by laser scanning confocal microscope. And the ability to restore resting [Ca2+]i levels after a brief exposure to 5 μmol/L glutamate in control and epileptic neurons were evaluated. Results The [Ca2+]i level of acute separated hippocampal neurons in the control rats was (95.4±22. 1) nmol/L After injection of lithium pilocarpine, the [Ca2+]i level in hippecampal neurons increased dramatically to (867.6±35.2) nmol/L, and decreased to (292.8 ± 18.3) nmol/L on the 7th day, lasting for about 30 days ((220. 8± 17.6) nmol/L), it is higher than that in the control group (t = 12. 55, P < 0.01). The distribution of neuronal [Ca22+]i showed that 92% of control neurons were in the normal range of [Ca2+]i level (25-150 nmol/L) ; After 6 hours, however [Ca2+]i levels of all SE neurons increased, and 85% of which were higher than 500 nmol/L; After 7, 14 and 30 days, there were 75%, 60% and 52% of SE neurons still manifested an elevated [Ca22+]i level, but less than 500 nmol/L. After the exposure to 5 μmol/L glutamate treatment for 2 minutes, [Ca2+]i of the control neurons restored to baseline values in (9. 5±3.4) minutes, whereas the SE rats of acute, latent and chronic phases did not (t = 5.08, 4. 56, 4. 21, all P < 0. 01). Conclusion Lithium-pilocarpine induced epilepsy causes a long-term alteration of calcium homeostatic mechanisms of hippocampus neurons, which may play an important role in the development and maintenance of spontaneous recurrent seizures.