Is research related to a country's economic development? An analysis of biomedical publications from several GCC and ASEAN countries from 1994-2013

INTRODUCTION

Biomedical research has traditionally been the domain of developed countries. We aim to study the effects of the increased focus on biomedical and medical research on level 1-4 publications in several industrialised and newly industrialised countries endowed with petroleum and gas resources.

METHODS

We identified all level 1-4 publications from 01/01/1994 to 31/12/2013 via PubMed using advanced options. The population and GDP (current US$) data from 1994-2013 were obtained through data provided by the World Bank and the raw data was normalised based on these two indicators.

RESULTS

From 1994-2013, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia were responsible for the highest absolute number of level 1 to 4 biomedical and medical research publications with 2551 and 1951 publications respectively. When normalised to population, Kuwait and Qatar had the highest publication rates, with 7.84 and 3.99 publications per 100,000 inhabitants respectively in a five yearly average. Kuwait produced the largest number of publications per billion (current US$) of GDP, at 2.92 publications, followed by Malaysia at 2.82 publications in a five yearly average.

CONCLUSION

The population size of a country as well as GDP can influence the number of level 1-4 publications in some countries. More importantly, effective government policy which stimulates research as well as a culture which actively promotes research as shown by Malaysia have proven to have a larger influence on the amount of level 1-4 biomedical and medical publications.

Abstract P4-04-08: Genomic and transcriptomic characterization of papillary carcinomas of the breast

Introduction: Papillary carcinomas (PCs) are a rare (<1%) special histological type of breast cancer that often affects postmenopausal women, and has an overall favorable outcome. Based on their histological characteristics, these tumors are classified into three different subtypes, namely encapsulated papillary carcinomas (EPC), solid papillary carcinomas (SPC) and invasive papillary carcinomas (IPC). In this study, we sought i) to investigate whether PCs constitute a molecular entity distinct from grade- and ER-matched invasive ductal carcinomas of no special type (IDC-NST) at the transcriptomic level, ii) to investigate whether EPC, SPC and IPC display distinct transcriptomic profiles, iii) to characterize the repertoire of copy number alterations in the different subtypes of PC, and iv) to identify recurrent fusion genes that may be potential drivers of this disease.

Material and methods: DNA and RNA were extracted from microdissected PCs (4 SPCs, 5 IPCs and 7 EPCs) and grade- and ER-matched IDC-NSTs (RNA only). 16 PCs and 16 grade- and ER-matched IDC-NSTs were subjected to gene expression profiling using the Illumina Human HT-12 v4 platform. Genes differentially expressed between the PC subtypes were identified using SAM, and functional annotation of these genes was performed using DAVID. Intrinsic molecular subtypes were determined using the PAM50 single sample predictor. Copy number profiling was performed using Affymetrix Human SNP 6.0 arrays with DNA extracted from 16 PCs. In addition, 8 PCs (3 IPCs, 3 EPCs, 2 SPCs) were subjected to paired-end massively parallel RNA sequencing (Illumina GAIIx). Putative expressed fusion transcripts were identified using validated algorithms (i.e. deFuse and Chimerascan), and confirmed by reverse transcription PCR.

Results: PCs were preferentially of histological grade I/II (82%) and ER-positive (100%). Unsupervised analysis revealed that PC subtypes show a high degree of similarity at the transcriptomic level, and form clusters distinct from grade- and ER-matched IDC-NSTs. Compared with IDC-NSTs, PCs displayed reduced expression of genes related to cell motility, adhesion and extracellular matrix. PAM50 subtyping classified 87.5%, 50% and 100% of EPCs, SPCs and IPCs as of luminal subtypes, respectively. 12.5% of EPCs were classified as of basal-like subtype, and 50% of SPCs as of HER2-enriched subtype. At the genomic level, PC subtypes displayed similar patterns of gene copy number aberrations. Five in-frame fusion genes, USF1-CCDC38, MDC1-SFTA2, DLD-LMBR1, PDCL-DENND1A and SUGT1-NOL6, were identified and validated in PCs, however none of these were recurrent in the cases included in this study.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the majority of PCs are of luminal subtype, and support the contention that at the transcriptomic level, PCs are distinct from grade- and ER-matched IDC-NSTs. Our findings also demonstrate that unlike some other histological special types of breast cancer, PCs are not underpinned by a highly recurrent expressed fusion gene.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P4-04-08.

Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation: long-term outcome and patient satisfaction

OBJECTIVE

Conventional Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy is associated with significant pain and potentially hazardous complications. Doppler-Guided Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (DGHAL) may offer a lower risk, pain-free alternative. We present our early and long-term outcome experience with DGHAL, combined with patient views and satisfaction with the procedure.

METHOD

One hundred and thirteen DGHALs were performed over a 13 month period by two surgeons in a single centre. Patients graded the severity of postoperative pain on visual-analogue scales. Clinical follow-up was at 6 weeks (n = 103), with long-term follow-up (n = 90) by postal questionnaire at median of 30 months.

RESULTS

Seven out of one hundred and three (6%) patients reported postoperative discomfort requiring analgesia. Ninety-three out of one hundred and three (90%) patients reported complete relief or significant improvement in their symptoms at 6 weeks, dropping to 77/90 (86%) at 30 months. Anal fissures developed in 2/103 (2%) patients, both treated with Diltiazem ointment. Further surgery was required in 8/90 (9%) patients. Eighty-two out of ninety (91%) patients said they would undergo DGHAL again.

CONCLUSION

DGHAL is a relatively painless, safe, and effective procedure for symptomatic stage I-III haemorrhoids, for which we have demonstrated long-term durability and acceptability. Its role lies between office based procedures and more invasive operative interventions.

A poor response to proton pump inhibition is not a contraindication for laparoscopic antireflux surgery for gastro esophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

We aimed to determine if a poor response to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can predict a poor outcome following laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) in our surgically treated population.

METHODS

A total of 324 patients undergoing LARS were included in this study. Following standardized assessment, patients recorded the efficacy of their medication on visual analogue scales. Pre- and postoperative symptom scores were recorded, with outcomes measured by modified Visick scores.

RESULTS

There were 233 good responders (>50% relief) and 91 poor responders (<49% relief). Both groups demonstrated a significant decline in postoperative symptom scores. Ninety-four percent of good responders had an excellent or good outcome, compared to 87% of poor responders. Twenty-seven patients reported a fair or poor outcome, despite improved postoperative symptom scores. Fifteen of these patients reported continuing heartburn; five had positive pH tests.

CONCLUSION

Our results do not support the assumption that a poor response to PPIs equates to a poor outcome after LARS.