[Epidemiological characteristics of a case infected with avian influenza A (H5N6) virus associated with exposure to aerosol]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of a case infected with avian influenza A (H5N6) virus associated with exposure to aerosol and provide evidence for the prevention and control of human infection with avian influenza virus. Methods: Epidemiological investigation was conducted to identify the history of exposure, infection route, and disease progression. Real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR was used to test the samples collected from the case, close contacts, environment and poultry market. Results: The case had no history of exposure to live poultry and poultry market. But before the onset the case had a history of exposure to the live poultry placed in a car with doors and windows closed. The samples collected from the case's lower respiratory tract and the remaining frozen chicken meat were all influenza A (H5N6) virus positive. Conclusions: The source of infection was the live poultry, and the infection route might be the exposure to aerosol in a car with doors and windows closed, where the poultry were temporarily stored. It is necessary to promote centralized poultry slaughtering, cold chain distribution and fresh poultry sale, as well as strengthen health education and establish the concept of consuming fresh poultry.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy might provide survival benefit in patients with stage IIIb/IIIc locally advanced rectal cancer: A retrospective single-institution study with propensity score-matched comparative analysis

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) and total mesorectal excision (TME) are standard treatments of stage II/III locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), currently. Here, we evaluated the oncological outcomes in LARC patients treated with NACRT compared to TME alone, and determined whether tumor regression grade (TRG) and pathologic response after NACRT was related to prognosis.

METHODS

This is a retrospective comparison of 358 LARC patients treated with either TME alone (non-NACRT group, n = 173) or NACRT plus TME (NACRT group, n = 185) during 2003-2013. Perioperative and oncologic outcomes, like overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence were compared using 1:1 propensity score matching analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 133 patients were matched for the analysis. After a median follow-up of 45 months (8-97 months), the 5-year OS (NACRT vs non-NACRT: 75.42% vs 72.76%; P = 0.594) and 5-year DFS (NACRT vs non-NACRT: 74.25% vs 70.13%; P = 0.224) were comparable between NACRT and non-NACRT, whereas the 5-year DFS rate was higher in the NACRT group when only stage IIIb/IIIc patients were considered (NACRT vs. non-NACRT: 74.79% vs. 62.29%; P = 0.056). In the NACRT group of 185 patients, those with pCR/stage I (vs stage II/stage III disease) or TRG3/TRG4 disease (vs TRG0/TRG1/TRG2) had significantly better prognosis.

CONCLUSION

NACRT might provide survival benefit in patients with stage IIIb/IIIc locally advanced rectal cancer.

[Overlap gastroduodenostomy in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer]

Objective: The aim of the current study is to compare the short-term clinical outcomes between Billroth-I reconstruction using an overlap method and delta-shaped anastomosis in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG). Method: A retrospective cohort study was performed. The following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) Preoperative gastroscopy and CT confirmed that the tumor is located in the antrum of the stomach, and the biopsy suggested adenocarcinoma; (2) Chest, abdomen and pelvis enhanced CT showed no evidence of distant metastasis; (3) Preoperative gastric reconstruction CT or endoscopic ultrasonography suggested that the clinical stage of the tumor is stage I-III. (4) During the operation, the tumor position was confirmed to be located in the antrum of the stomach by nanocarbon injection or gastroscope; (5) Complete laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for distal gastrectomy, and the gastrointestinal reconstruction was performed by delta-shaped anastomosis or overlap anastomosis. And the following exclusion criteria were applied: (1) History of gastric surgery; (2) Patients who cannot tolerate laparoscopic surgery because of comorbidities. Finally, data on 43 consecutive patients who underwent TLDG with Billroth-I reconstruction between January 2016 and November 2018 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into those who underwent Billroth-I reconstruction using an overlap method (n=20) or using delta-shaped anastomosis (n=23). The demographic and clinical characteristics and perioperative data of the two groups were analyzed. Measurement data that conformed to the normal distribution were expressed as the mean ± s, and differences between groups were compared using Student's t-test; comparisons between the counting data groups were performed using the χ(2) test or the continuously corrected χ(2) test. Results: The demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the delta-shaped group and the overlap group (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between groups regarding operation time [(185.9±22.8) minutes vs. (184.0±25.8) minutes, t=0.260, P=0.796], blood loss [(50.9±36.0) ml vs. (47.0±30.8) ml, t=0.375, P=0.709], number of stapler reloads used for anastomosis (5.1±0.3 vs. 5.2±0.6, t=-0.465, P=0.651), time to flatus [(3.3±0.9) days vs. (3.6±0.9) days, t=-1.067, P=0.292) and postoperative hospitalization [(8.8±3.1) days vs. (10.4±3.8) days,t=-1.494, P=0.143]. As for the delta-shaped group and the overlap group, the anastomotic leakage rate was 4.3% (1/23) and 0 (χ(2)=0.000, P=1.000), respectively. The incidence of anastomotic bleeding was 4.3% (1/23) and 5.0% (1/20) (χ(2)=0.000, P=1.000), while the incidence of intra-abdominal hemorrhage was 4.3% (1/23) and 0 (χ(2)=0.000, P=1.000). The incidence of gastric emptying disorders was 4.3% (1/23) and 30.0% (6/20), respectively (χ(2)=3.454, P=0.063). All complications were cured after conservative treatment or symptomatic treatment. Conclusion: The overlap method for Billroth-I reconstruction is safe and feasible.

[Exploring of a prognostic long non-coding RNA signature of hepatocellular carcinoma by using public database]

Objective: To explore an effective long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) signature in predicting the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma through the analysis on RNA sequencing data of hepatocellular carcinoma patients and peritumoral tissues in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Methods: The clinical characteristics and RNA sequencing data of 377 hepatocellular carcinoma patients were obtained from TCGA database by the end of February 2018. Then, differentially expressed lncRNAs between 50 pairs of tumor and peritumoral tissues were explored using student's t-test. Next, a lncRNA signature was established through LASSO Cox regression analysis. All the patients were divided into four groups (<P(25), P(25)-, P(50)-, ≥P(75)) based on the cut-off quartiles signature. Finally, compared with the control group (<P(25)), the hazard ratios (HRs) of three groups (P(25)-, P(50)-, ≥P(75)) were calculated by using Cox regression. The survival outcomes of patients in the four groups were compared to evaluate the capacity of the lncRNA signature model. Results: A total of 951 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified between tumor and peritumoral tissues. A three-lncRNA signature, including LNCSRLR, MKLN1-AS and ZFPM2-AS1, was established to predict the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The outcome suggested that the death risk of the ≥P(75) group was 1.57 times larger than that of the <P(25) group (95%CI: 1.06-2.31, P<0.05). Conclusion: The three-lncRNA signature, which established by LNCSRLR, MKLN1-AS and ZFPM2-AS1, was significantly associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients based on TCGA database data.

[Analysis of Clavien-Dindo classification and its prognosis factors of complications after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy]

Objective: To analyze the Clavien-Dindo classification of complications after right hemicolectomy and to explore the prognosis factors for postoperative complications. Methods: The retrospective case-control study was adopted. The clinical data of 176 patients who underwent right hemicolectomy at Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October 2016 to February 2018 were collected. There were 95 male and 81 female patients with age of (62.4±12.7) years. The Clavien-Dindo classification was used for postoperative complications. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to analyze the independent prognosis factors of complications after right colon resection. Results: Of the 176 patients, 2 patients had intraoperative complications (1.1%) and 39 patients had postoperative complications (22.2%), of which 10 cases had more than two complications, with a total of 53 complications. The proportions of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ complications were 41.5% (22/53), 49.1% (26/53), 7.5% (4/53), and 1.9%(1/53). Postoperative complications were associated with age, smoking history of the last 1 year, combined organ resection, lymph node dissection, intracorporeal anastomosis, and preoperative blood AST and Ca levels (all P<0.05). The results of multivariate analysis showed that intracorporeal anastomosis (OR=5.62, 95% CI: 2.46 to 12.85, P=0.00), preoperative blood AST (OR=-0.009, 95% CI: -0.018 to 0.000, P=0.04) and Ca (OR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.95, P=0.02) levels were independent prognosis factors affecting complications after right hemicolectomy. Conclusions: Complications of right hemicolectomy were mainly Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅰ and Ⅱ. Laparoscopic intracorporeal anastomosis should be carefully chosen, which may increase postoperative complications.

A single-center, prospective, randomized clinical trial to investigate the optimal removal time of the urinary catheter after laparoscopic anterior resection of the rectum: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Urinary catheter placement is essential before laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer. Whether early removal of the catheter increases the incidence of urinary retention and urinary tract infection (UTI) is not clear. This study aims to determine the optimal time for removal of the urinary catheter after laparoscopic anterior resection of the rectum.

Methods/design

A total of 220 participants meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group will have their urethral catheters removed on postoperative day 2 and the control group will have their urethral catheters removed on postoperative day 7. In both groups, catheter removal will be performed when the bladder is full. The incidence of urinary retention and UTI in the two groups will be compared to determine the optimal catheter removal time.

Discussion

This is a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial to determine whether early removal of the urinary catheter after laparoscopic anterior resection of the rectum will help to decrease the incidence of postoperative acute urinary retention and UTI.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03065855. Registered on 23 February 2017.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3210-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Robotic versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the evidence available on the safety as well as effectiveness of robotic resection as compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A comparison of laparoscopic and robotic surgical treatments for rectal cancer was collected. Eligible trials that analyzed probabilistic hazard ratios (HR) for endpoints of interest (including perioperative morbidity) and postoperative complications were included in our review.

RESULTS

A total of six studies were included based on the present inclusion criteria. The pooled data showed that R-TME appeared to have association with remarkable reduction in the postoperative morbidity rate as compared to L-TME. Moreover, R-TME was also linked to lower conversion, decreased lymph node number, and longer operation time compared with L-TME. However, there was no difference in hospital stay, positive range of circumferential resection and blood loss between the two study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic rectal cancer surgery provides favorable outcomes and is considered as a safe surgical technique in terms of postoperative oncological safety. Like laparoscopic TME surgery, robotic surgery may be a valid alternative and complementary approach with beneficial effects on minimally-invasive surgery.

[Oncological outcomes analysis of colorectal cancer with unfavorable histological features]

Objective: To explore the effect of unfavorable histological features on the clinical outcomes of patients receiving radical resection of colorectal cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with colorectal cancer who received radical surgery between January 2013 and December 2015 at Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital was performed. The impact of unfavorable histological features on the oncological outcomes of patients with lymph node-negative colorectal cancer were analyzed.A total of 167 patients were enrolled, including 98 males and 69 females with age of (63.6±11.6) years. Observation indicators included age, T stage, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, tumor deposits, number of lymph node dissection, degree of differentiation, tissue type, and circumferential margin. Univariate analysis was performed with χ(2) test and multivariate analysis was performed with Cox regression model. Results: Univariate analysis showed that positive circumferential margins (CRM), tumor deposits and age were associated with disease free survival (DFS) rate; positive CRM, age, tumor deposits, and lymph nodes dissection less than 12 were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) rate (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that over 70 years of age (HR=1.053, 95% CI: 1.013 to 1.095, P=0.009), poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (HR=7.572, 95%CI: 1.815 to 31.587, P=0.005), tumor deposits (HR=4.711, 95% CI: 1.809 to 12.264, P=0.002), mucinous adenocarcinoma (HR=3.063, 95% CI: 1.003 to 9.354, P=0.049), lymphovascular invasion (HR=2.885, 95% CI: 1.062 to 7.832, P=0.038), and nerve infiltration (HR=6.610, 95% CI: 1.037 to 42.122, P=0.046) were adverse prognostic factors of DFS rate; poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (HR=12.200, 95% CI: 1.985 to 74.972, P=0.007), tumor nodules (HR=5.379, 95% CI: 1.636 to 17.685, P=0.006), over 70 years of age (HR=1.062, 95% CI: 1.013 to 1.114, P=0.013), and perineural invasion (HR=8.043, 95% CI: 1.026 to 63.055, P=0.047) were adverse prognostic factors of OS rate. There was no significant difference in the 3-year DFS rate and 3-year OS rate between T1-2 group and T3-4 group (P>0.05). Conclusion: Over 70 years of age, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, tumor nodules, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion are independent adverse prognostic factors of lymph node-negative colorectal cancer.

[A case of human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H7N9) virus through poultry processing without protection measure]

Objective: To investigate the infection pattern and etiological characteristics of a case of human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H7N9) virus and provide evidence for the prevention and control of human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. Methods: Epidemiological investigation was conducted to explore the case's exposure history, infection route and disease progression. Samples collected from the patient, environments and poultry were tested by using real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Virus isolation, genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were conducted for positive samples. Results: The case had no live poultry contact history, but had a history of pulled chicken processing without taking protection measure in an unventilated kitchen before the onset. Samples collected from the patient's lower respiratory tract, the remaining frozen chicken meat and the live poultry market were all influenza A (H7N9) virus positive. The isolated viruses from these positive samples were highly homogenous. An insertion which lead to the addition of multiple basic amino acid residues (PEVPKRKRTAR/GL) was found at the HA cleavage site, suggesting that this virus might be highly pathogenic. Conclusions: Live poultry processing without protection measure is an important infection mode of "poultry to human" transmission of avian influenza viruses. Due to the limitation of protection measures in live poultry markets in Guangzhou, it is necessary to promote the standardized large scale poultry farming, the complete restriction of live poultry sales and centralized poultry slaughtering as well as ice fresh sale.

[Willingness and influencing factors related to "centralized slaughtering, fresh poultry listing and marketing" strategy among the household chefs in Guangzhou]

Objective: To study the willingness and influence factors related to "centralized slaughtering, fresh poultry listing and marketing" strategy, among the household chefs, and provide reference for government to adjust and optimize the strategy on avian influenza prevention. Methods: According to the geographical characteristics and regional functions, 6 'monitoring stations' were selected from 12 residential districts of Guangzhou, respectively. Another 21 meat markets which selling live poultry, were selected in each station and 5 household chefs of each market were invited to attend a face to face interview. Basic information, personal cognitive, willingness and influencing factors to the policy were under study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods were used. Results: A total of 664 household chefs underwent the survey and results showed that the rate of support to the "centralized slaughtering, fresh poultry listing and marketing" strategy was 44.6% (296/664). Results from the multi-factor logistic regression showed that those household chefs who were males (OR=1.618, 95% CI: 1.156-2.264, P=0.005), having received higher education (OR=1.814, 95% CI: 1.296-2.539, P=0.001), or believing that the existence of live poultry stalls was related to the transmission of avian influenza (OR=1.918, 95% CI: 1.341-2.743, P<0.001) were factors at higher risk. These household chefs also intended to avoid the use of live poultry stalls (OR=1.666, 95%CI: 1.203-2.309, P=0.002) and accept the "centralized slaughtering, fresh poultry listing and marketing" strategy. Conclusion: Detailed study on this subject and, setting up pilot project in some areas as well as prioritizing the education programs for household chefs seemed helpful to the implementation of the 'freezing-fresh poultry' policy.

A novel heterozygous germline deletion in MSH2 gene in a five generation Chinese family with Lynch syndrome

Lynch syndrome (LS) is one of the most common familial forms of colorectal cancer predisposing syndrome with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. LS is caused by the germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes including MSH2, MLH1, MSH6 and PMS2. Clinically, LS is characterized by high incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer as well as endometrial, small intestinal and urinary tract cancers, usually occur in the third to fourth decade of the life. Here we describe a five generation Chinese family with LS clinically diagnosed according to the Amsterdam II criteria. Immuno-histochemical staining of MSH2 and MSH6 shows only foci nuclear positive on the surface of the tumor with strong expression of MLH1 and PMS2 with diffuse immunoreactivity. In order to dig into the molecular basis of this LS pedigree, we collected the proband's blood sample, extracted the genomic DNA and applied the genetic screening. As a result, we identified a novel heterozygous deletion in MSH2 gene by targeted next generation sequencing, which is also proved to be co-segregated among other affected family members by following validation. To our knowledge, this novel heterozygous deletion (c.1676_1679 delTAAA) in MSH2 gene causes frameshift mutation (p.Asn560Lysfs*29) and leads to the formation of a truncated MSH2 protein which is confirmed to be a deleterious mutation according to the variant interpretation guidelines of American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Identification of novel DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene mutations can definitely benefit to the clinical diagnosis and management.

[Clinical application and prognostic analysis of interventional treatment for cesarean scar pregnancy]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical value and prognosis of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) treated by uterine artery embolization (UAE).

METHODS

In the study, 492 cases of patients in Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University diagnosed as CSP between January 2011 and December 2014 were chosen, of which 283 were of high-risk group and 209 of low-risk group. According to whether to take UAE, the high-risk group was subdivided into high-risk UAE group(UAE+laparoscopic group), 167 cases, and high-risk non UAE group (chemotherapy+laparoscopic group), 116 cases, while the low-risk group was subdivided into low-risk UAE group (UAE+curettage group), 113 cases, and low-risk non UAE group(chemotherapy+curettage group), 96 cases. The differences of the intraoperative bleeding, length of stay, blood beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) dropped to normal time, menstruation recovery time and the hospitalization expenses were compared. And multivariate regression analysis was used to predict the recurrence risk of CSP.

RESULTS

The high-risk UAE group was better than the high-risk non UAE group in comparison of intraoperative bleeding [(36.5±14.8) mL vs.(76.5±39.7) mL], length of stay [(5.9±0.9) d vs.(9.6±1.3) d], blood β-HCG dropped to normal time [(17.9±8.7) d vs.(28.7±10.1) d] and menstruation recovery time [(18.1±1.6) d vs.(24.3±1.8) d],while the low-risk UAE group was better than the low-risk non UAE group in comparison of intraoperative bleeding [(93.2±43.3) mL vs.(284.8±110.5) mL], length of stay [(10.2±1.4) d vs. (30.7±9.6) d], blood β-HCG dropped to normal time [(50.1±17.6)d vs.(67.5±22.9)d] and menstruation recovery time[(56.3±6.7)d vs.(65.9±9.3) d], all P<0.05. The high-risk UAE group was higher than the high-risk non UAE group in comparison of hospitalization expenses [(20 140±1 520 )Yuan vs.(13 510±1 013) Yuan], and the low-risk group UAE was also higher than the low-risk non UAE group in comparison of hospitalization expenses [(10 095±962 )Yuan vs.(3 890±457) Yuan], all P<0.01. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the treatment method was independent predictor of CSP recurrence risk (OR 2.407, 95%CI 1.176-5.092, P<0.05), and using the comprehensive treatment including UAE could reduce the risk of recurrent CSP.

CONCLUSION

As the efficacy of interventional therapy for CSP was rapid and reliable, fewer complications, faster recovery and lower recurrence, hospitalization with good conditions, and particularly for those patients with CSP who want to fertility again, the comprehensive treatment including UAE treatment should be the first choice.

The Radical Extent of lymphadenectomy - D2 dissection versus complete mesocolic excision of LAparoscopic Right Colectomy for right-sided colon cancer (RELARC) trial: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

The extent of lymphadenectomy during laparoscopic right colectomy can affect the oncological outcome and the safety of surgery. The principle of complete mesocolic excision (CME) has been gradually accepted and increasingly applied by colorectal surgeons. The aim of this study is to investigate whether extended lymphadenectomy (CME) in laparoscopic colectomy could improve the oncological outcomes of patients with right-sided colon cancers, compared with D2 lymphadenectomy.

Methods/design

The Radical Extent of lympadenectomy: D2 dissection versus complete mesocolic excision of LAparoscopic Right Colectomy for right-sided colon cancer (RELARC) study is a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial in which 1072 eligible patients with right-sided colon cancers will be randomly assigned to the CME group or the D2 dissection group during laparoscopic right colectomy. Inclusion criteria are locally advanced colon cancers situated from the cecum to the right third of the transverse colon and clinically staged as T2-4aN0M0 or TanyN + M0. The primary endpoint of this trial is 3-year disease-free survival. Secondary endpoints include 3-year overall survival, postoperative complication rates, perioperative mortality rates, and rates of positive central lymph nodes (the station 3 nodes).

Discussion

The RELARC trial is a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial that will provide evidence on the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy during laparoscopic right colectomy in terms of better oncological outcome and operation safety.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02619942. Registered on 29 November 2015.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1710-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Investigate the radical extent of lymphadenectomy of right colon cancer]

Considering radical surgeries of right colon cancer, the reasonable extent of lymphadenectomy has always been argued. The concept of complete mesocolic excision (CME) has recently been established and optimized, which follows similar oncological principles as total mesorectal excision (TME) does for rectal cancer and is recommended by more and more surgeons. Studies published so far in the literature have been comprehensively reviewed, they do not, however, provide convincing evidence that demonstrate the standardized operation indications. Moreover, the existence of potential surgical risk and discernible oncological benefit has not been determined. Thus future studies are needed to further investigate the safety and efficacy of CME surgery, as has been demonstrated with TME such that it should become the procedure of choice in surgical practice.

Comparison of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery and Total Mesorectal Excision in the Treatment of T1 Rectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) for the treatment of early-stage rectal cancer has attracted attention due to its advantages of reduced surgical trauma, fewer complications, low operative mortality, rapid postoperative recovery and short hospital stay. However, there are still significant controversies regarding TEM for the treatment of rectal cancer, mainly related to the prognosis associated with this method.

Objective

This study sought to compare the efficacy of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and total mesorectal excision (TME) for the treatment of T1 rectal cancer.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and CNKI databases. Based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews, we screened the trials, evaluated the quality and extracted the data.

Results

One randomized controlled trial (RCT) and six non-randomized controlled clinical trials (CCTs) were included in the meta-analysis (a total of 860 rectal cancer patients were included; 303 patients were treated with TEM, and 557 patients were treated with TME). Analysis revealed that all seven studies reported local recurrence rates, and there was a significant difference between the TEM and TME groups [odds ratio (OR) = 4.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) (2.03, 10.53), P = 0.0003]. A total of five studies reported distant metastasis rates, and there was no significant difference between the TEM and TME groups [OR = 0.74, 95%CI (0.32, 1.72), P = 0.49]. A total of six studies reported postoperative overall survival of the patients, and there was no significant difference between the TEM and TME groups [OR = 0.87, 95%CI(0.55, 1.38), P = 0.55]. In addition, two studies reported the postoperative disease-free survival rates of patients, and there was no significant difference between the TEM and TME groups [OR = 1.12, 95%CI (0.31, 4.12), P = 0.86].

Conclusions

For patients with T1 rectal cancer, the distant metastasis, overall survival and disease-free survival rates did not differ between the TEM and TME groups, although the local recurrence rate after TEM was higher than that after TME.

Ectopic variceal bleeding from colonic stoma: two case reports

Parastomal variceal bleeding is a rare complication of portal hypertension, which often occurs in a recurrent manner and might be life-threatening in extreme situations. Treatment options vary, and no standard therapy has been established. Herein, we report 2 such cases. The first patient suffered from parastomal variceal bleeding after Hartmann procedure for rectal cancer. Stomal revision was performed, but bleeding recurred 1 month later. The second patient developed the disease after Miles procedure for rectal cancer. Embolization via the percutaneous transhepatic approach was performed using the Onyx liquid embolic system (LES) (Micro Therapeutics Inc, dba ev3 Neurovascular) in combination with coils, and satisfactory results were obtained after a 4-month follow-up. Our cases illustrate that surgical revision should be used with caution as a temporary solution due to the high risk of rebleeding, whereas transhepatic embolization via the Onyx LES and coils could be considered a safe and effective choice for skillful managers.

Changes in the PD-1 and PD-L1 expressions of splenic dendritic cells in multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome mice and their significance

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of surface molecules in splenic dendritic cells (DC) in multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) mice and their effects on the immunosuppression of sepsis and MODS. One hundred thirty C57BL/6 mice were divided into 7 groups: 6, 12, 24, 48 h, 5-7 days, 10-12 days, and the normal control group. The sepsis-MODS mouse model was established by zymson injection into the peritoneal cavity. Histopathological changes in the spleen were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. After enrichment with BDTM IMag, the expressions of PD-1, PD-L1, MHC-II (I-A(b)), and CD86 in splenic DCs were examined by flow cytometry, and their relationship with sepsis development and MODS was analyzed. The histological structures of the spleen were damaged in the 24-, 48-h, and 10-12-day groups. PD-L1 expression increased 6 h after zymosan injection, decreased to normal levels at 24 and 48 h, and increased at 5-7 days, peaking at 10-12 days. The change in PD-1 expression roughly paralleled that of PD-L1. MHC-II and CD86 increased at 6 and 12 h, and dropped to normal levels at 10-12 days. In the early stage of injury, splenic DCs were mainly activated, whereas in the later stage, the expressions of the negative co-stimulatory molecules, PD-L1 and PD- 1, were upregulated, similar to tolerogenic DCs. Splenic DCs might suppress the stimulation of T lymphocytes in MODS mice through the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway, which would induce immunosuppression and the pathogenesis of MODS.

Transmission of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus from father to child: a report of limited person-to-person transmission, Guangzhou, China, January 2014

We investigated a possible person-to-person transmission within a family cluster of two confirmed influenza A(H7N9) patients in Guangzhou, China. The index case, a man in his late twenties, worked in a wet market that was confirmed to be contaminated by the influenza A(H7N9) virus. He developed a consistent fever and severe pneumonia after 4 January 2014. In contrast, the second case, his five-year-old child, who only developed a mild disease 10 days after disease onset of the index case, did not have any contact with poultry and birds but had unprotected and very close contact with the index case. The sequences of the haemagglutinin (HA) genes of the virus stains isolated from the two cases were 100% identical. These findings strongly suggest that the second case might have acquired the infection via transmission of the virus from the sick father. Fortunately, all 40 close contacts, including the other four family members who also had unprotected and very close contact with the cases, did not acquire influenza A(H7N9) virus infection, indicating that the person-to-person transmissibility of the virus remained limited. Our finding underlines the importance of carefully, thoroughly and punctually following-up close contacts of influenza A(H7N9) cases to allow detection of any secondary cases, as these may constitute an early warning signal of the virus's increasing ability to transmit from person-to-person.

Treatment with Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand reverses lung dendritic cell immunoparalysis and ameliorates zymosan-induced secondary lung injury in mice

Depletion and dysfunction of dendritic cells in the lung can induce local immunoparalysis, which often leads to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)-associated mortality. A therapeutic strategy that reverses this immunoparalysis is required. In the present study, we examined the effects of in vivo Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) treatment on zymosan (zym)-induced secondary lung injury and dendritic cell (DC) immunoparalysis. BALBc mice were divided randomly into four groups (20/group): (1) sham [intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline] + vehicle [subcutaneous (s.c.) 0·01% mouse serum albumin]; (2) sham + Flt3L (s.c.); (3) zym (i.p.) + vehicle; and (4) zym + Flt3L. Injections were for 9 consecutive days; 12 days later we examined: survival rate (monitored for 12 days); lung tissue histopathology (haematoxylin and eosin staining); plasma indices of lung function (pH, PaO(2) , PaCO(2) , HCO(3) (-) ); DC subsets in lung tissue; and lung DCs production of interleukin (IL)-12p70 and IL-10. Zym administration resulted in increased mortality associated with significant lung histopathological changes and abnormal blood gas indices; however, these pathological changes were ameliorated by Flt3L treatment. Zym injections also resulted in significant reductions in DC subsets recovered from lungs [CD11c(+) major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II/I-A(d+) , CD11c(+) CD11b(+) and CD11c(+) B220(+) ]. Importantly, in-vivo Flt3L treatment reversed these trends for DC immunoparalysis by increasing the percentages of recovered DC subsets concomitant with increased DC production of IL-12 p70 and decreased IL-10 production. These results suggest that Flt3L may have therapeutic potential for reversing DC immunoparalysis and ameliorating lung injury secondary to MODS.

Cerebral microbleeds and depression in lacunar stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) are common in stroke survivors and the community-dwelling elderly. The clinical significance of CMB in the development of depression after a stroke is unknown. This study examined the association between poststroke depression (PSD) and CMB.

METHODS

A cohort of 235 patients with acute lacunar stroke admitted to the stroke unit of a university-affiliated regional hospital in Hong Kong was recruited. Three months after the onset of the index stroke, a research assistant administered the locally validated 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. PSD was defined as a Genetic Depression Scale score of ≥7. The presence and location of CMB were evaluated with MRI.

RESULTS

In comparison with the non-PSD group, PSD patients were more likely to have lobar CMB (33.3% versus 19.9%; P=0.022). Lobar CMB remained an independent predictor of PSD in the multivariate analysis, with an odds ratio of 2.08 (P=0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that lobar CMB may play a role in the development of PSD. The importance of CMB in the pathogenesis of depression in stroke survivors and the general elderly population warrants further investigation.

The growth and characterization of ZnO/ZnTe core-shell nanowires and the electrical properties of ZnO/ZnTe core-shell nanowire field effect transistor

Vertically aligned ZnO/ZnTe core-shell nanowires were grown on a-plane sapphire substrate by using chemical vapor deposition with gold as catalyst for the growth of ZnO core and then followed by growing ZnTe shell using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Raman scattering indicate that the core-shell nanostructures have good crystalline quality. Three-dimensional fluorescence images obtained by using laser scanning confocal microscope demonstrate that the nanowires have good optical properties. The core-shell nanowire was then fabricated into single nanowire field effect transistor by standard e-beam photolithography. Electrical measurements reveals that the p-type ZnO/ZnTe FET device has a turn on voltage of -1.65 V and the hole mobility is 13.3 cm2/V s.

Cerebral microbleeds and symptom severity of post-stroke depression: a magnetic resonance imaging study

BACKGROUND

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are common in stroke survivors, although their clinical significance in the development of psychiatric conditions following stroke remains unknown. This study examines the association between post-stroke depression (PSD) symptom severity and CMBs.

METHODS

Amongst the 4088 patients with acute ischemic stroke who had been admitted to the acute stroke unit of a university-affiliated regional hospital in Hong Kong, between December 2004 and May 2009, 994 patients were recruited. A psychiatrist administered the Structural Clinical Interview for DSM-IV to all 994 patients and made a diagnosis of PSD three months after the index stroke. PSD symptom severity was assessed with the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Seventy-eight patients were found to have PSD. The presence and location of CMBs were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patients (7.8%) had PSD. CMBs were identified in 20 PSD patients. Relative to the no-CMB group, the mean GDS score of patients with lobar CMBs was significantly higher (12.6±2.6 versus 10.4±2.5, p=0.01 after adjusting for age, sex, global cognitive functions, neurological deficits and white matter hyperintensities).

LIMITATIONS

Patients with more severe stroke, those who died before the three-month follow-up and those who became depressed later were excluded, as were those unable to give their consent due to dementia or aphasia. These selection biases may limit the generalizability of the findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that lobar CMBs may contribute to PSD symptom severity. The importance of CMBs in the pathogenesis of other psychiatric disorders in stroke survivors and other patient populations warrants further investigation.