Bioinformatics Analyses Indicate That Cathepsin G (CTSG) is a Potential Immune-Related Biomarker in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC).

PURPOSE: Plenty of studies showed that the immune system was associated with cancer initiation and progression. This study aimed to explore the prognostic biomarkers from immune-related genes (IRGs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: RNA-seq data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and IRGs and transcription factors (TFs) were extracted. Then, the co-expression network between IRGs and TFs was constructed using the "WGCNA" package in R software. Furthermore, a gene expression signature according to IRGs was constructed to predict OSCC prognosis and its accuracy was validated by survival analysis. Subsequently, correlation analyses between risk-score and immune cells level and clinical parameters were performed. Finally, immune-related biomarkers were selected and further investigated using gain-of-function assays in vitro. RESULTS: A total of 32 normal cases and 317 OSCC cases were selected in our study. Differentially-expressed analysis indicated that there were 381 differentially-expressed IRGs and 62 TFs in OSCC. Among them, 25 TFs and 21 IRGs were enrolled in the co-expression network. Furthermore, we found that gene expression signature on the basis of 10 IRGs could predict the prognosis accurately and a high-risk score based on gene expression signature meant a high T classification, terminal clinical stage, and low immune cells level in OSCC. Finally, cathepsin G (CTSG) was identified as a potential immune-related biomarker and therapeutic target in OSCC. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, IRGs were directly involved in the development and progression of OSCC. Furthermore, CTSG was identified as a potential independent biomarker and might be an immunotherapeutic target in OSCC treatment.

Drainage During Endoscopic Thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Conventional cervical drainage tubes are placed crossing the suprasternal fossa during endoscopic thyroidectomy. In our clinical experience, some patients show shallow or absent suprasternal fossa, which affects the cosmetic outcome in the patient. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the feasibility and significance of restoring the suprasternal fossa by changing the position of neck drainage tubes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 117 female patients were enrolled and divided into 2 groups, including 59 and 58 individuals in the Conventional (conventional anterior neck region negative pressure drainage) and Improvement (improved method with a negative pressure drainage) groups. Then, restoration of the suprasternal fossa in all subjects was observed at 1 day postsurgery, the day of extubation, and 3 months postoperatively. In addition, drainage volume, the time to extubation, and abnormal neck sensations were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Compared with the Conventional group, the Improvement group showed improved restoration of the suprasternal fossa, with the patients more satisfied with the cosmetic outcome. However, operation time, postoperative drainage volume, and extubation time were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: In endoscopic thyroidectomy via the chest and breast approach, using the new drainage technique described here could yield improved restoration of the suprasternal fossa, ameliorating the cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction.

Utility of a novel elastic traction system in endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach: initial experience with 34 patients.

Objective To summarize our experiences in using an elastic traction, space-making technique for endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach in the treatment of early-stage differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach for thyroid carcinoma in our department. We used our self-developed "mini elastic traction space-maker" in a group of 34 patients; another 45 patients who underwent the procedure with the conventional CO2 insufflation method were enlisted as the control group. Results All patients had successful unilateral lobectomy and central lymph node dissection (CLND) surgeries. The adoption of the intraoperative elastic traction system increased the height of the subcutaneous working space (by 1 cm) and significantly decreased the times required for lobectomy and CLND compared with the controls (46.7 ± 4.7 min vs. 50.7 ± 4.9 min). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the set-up time to create the working space. Conclusions The elastic traction, space-making technique is a safe and feasible technique for endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach.