Early growth response factor 1 (EGR1) is a transcription factor that is mainly involved in the processes of tissue injury, immune responses, and fibrosis. Recent studies have shown that EGR1 is closely related to the initiation and progression of cancer and may participate in tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis and in tumor angiogenesis. Nonetheless, the specific mechanism whereby EGR1 modulates these processes remains to be elucidated. This review article summarizes possible mechanisms of action of EGR1 in tumorigenesis and tumor progression and may serve as a reference for clinical efficacy predictions and for the discovery of new therapeutic targets.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and has high morbidity and mortality rates. Central nervous system (CNS) metastasis is one of the most frequent complications in patients with NSCLC and seriously affects the quality of life (QOL) and overall survival (OS) of patients, with a median OS of untreated patients of only 1–3 months. There are various treatment methods for NSCLC CNS metastasis, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, which do not meet the requirements of patients in terms of improving OS and QOL. There are still many problems in the treatment of NSCLC CNS metastasis that need to be solved urgently. This review summarizes the research progress in the treatment of NSCLC CNS metastasis to provide a reference for clinical practice.

The facial nerve decompression via mastoid is simple and easy to expose the vertical segment of the facial nerve (VFN). The objective of this study was to find out the relationship between the VFN and anatomic landmarks to facilitate prediction of the location of VFN during facial nerve decompression. The different landmarks were cochlear window (CW), oval window (OW), promontorium tympani (PT), and mastoid antrum (MA). Parameters of 140 patients (280 observations) with healthy middle ears were measured on high-resolution spiral multislice computed tomographic multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images that were parallel to the base plane. The data gained were analyzed by statistical method and were also analyzed with respect to side and gender. The angle between orientation of VFN to the CW of the longest distance and horizontal axis was larger on the left side than that of the right (P < 0.05). Our results may provide more detailed information to predict the location of VFN during facial nerve decompression through mastoid.

This study aims to find accurate angles and depths of lateral ventricle puncture using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reconstruction, as well as to provide an optimized and alternative puncturing strategy.A total of 90 computed tomography (CT) images and 30 CT images with DTI were analyzed. The measurements were performed on coronal, sagittal, and horizontal planes. Some distances and angles were measured to determine the best angle and penetration depth during the puncture process. Important landmarks of the lateral ventricle were also measured, and a comparison of the differences between 2 hemispheres was also assessed.It showed that the vertical distance from the superior margin to inferior margin of the lateral ventricle was 22.2 ± 0.5 mm and the length was 124.1 ± 2.1 mm. In the frontal horn puncture approach, the penetration depth should be limited between 105.2 and 109.4 mm, the angle should be 71.6 ± 2.7°. During the occipital horn puncture approach, puncturing depth was from 90.7 to 111.4 mm, and angle was 15.3 ± 1.8°. Through the parietal lobe puncture approach, which was firstly brought out in this study, the puncturing length should be 124.4 to 130.2 mm and angle was 56.6 ± 2.0°.The traditional recommended protocol of lateral ventricle puncture is not accurate, the refined lateral ventricle puncture protocol established in this study will reduce injury and remain function. A DTI imaging examination combining with nerve fibers reconstruction were strongly recommended before lateral ventricle puncture, which will help neurosurgeons to determine the best puncturing angles and depth.