There has been a long-standing need for guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars that are based on an understanding of the pathomechanisms that underlie these skin fibrotic diseases....There has been a long-standing need for guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars that are based on an understanding of the pathomechanisms that underlie these skin fibrotic diseases.This is particularly true for clinicians who deal with Asian and African patients because these ethnicities are highly prone to these diseases.By contrast,Caucasians are less likely to develop keloids and hypertrophic scars,and if they do,the scars tend not to be severe.This ethnic disparity also means that countries vary in terms of their differential diagnostic algorithms.The lack of clear treatment guidelines also means that primary care physicians are currently applying a hotchpotch of treatments,with uneven outcomes.To overcome these issues,the Japan Scar Workshop(JSW)has created a tool that allows clinicians to objectively diagnose and distinguish between keloids,hypertrophic scars,and mature scars.This tool is called the JSW Scar Scale(JSS)and it involves scoring the risk factors of the individual patients and the affected areas.The tool is simple and easy to use.As a result,even physicians who are not accustomed to keloids and hypertrophic scars can easily diagnose them and judge their severity.The JSW has also established a committee that,in cooperation with outside experts in various fields,has prepared a Consensus Document on keloid and hypertrophic scar treatment guidelines.These guidelines are simple and will allow even inexperienced clinicians to choose the most appropriate treatment strategy.The Consensus Document is provided in this article.It describes(1)the diagnostic algorithm for pathological scars and how to differentiate them from clinically similar benign and malignant tumors,(2)the general treatment algorithms for keloids and hypertrophic scars at different medical facilities,(3)the rationale behind each treatment for keloids and hypertrophic scars,and(4)the body site-specific treatment protocols for these scars.We believe that this Consensus Document will be helpful for physi展开更多
Legumes are highly important food, feed and biofuel crops. With few exceptions, they can enter into an intricate symbiotic relationship with specific soil bacteria called rhizobia. This interaction results in the form...Legumes are highly important food, feed and biofuel crops. With few exceptions, they can enter into an intricate symbiotic relationship with specific soil bacteria called rhizobia. This interaction results in the formation of a new root organ called the nodule in which the rhizobia convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into forms of nitrogen that are useable by the plant. The plant tightly controls the number of nodules it forms, via a complex root-to-shoot-to-root signaling loop called autoregulation of nodulation (AON). This regulatory process involves peptide hormones, receptor kinases and small metabolites. Using modern genetic and genomic techniques, many of the components required for nodule formation and AON have now been isolated. This review addresses these recent findings, presents detailed models of the nodulation and AON processes, and identifies gaps in our understanding of these process that have yet to be fully explained.展开更多
AIM: To clarify the risk factors for bleeding after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). METHODS: A total of 297 consecutive patients who underwent EMR were enrolled. Some of the patients had multiple lesions. Blee...AIM: To clarify the risk factors for bleeding after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). METHODS: A total of 297 consecutive patients who underwent EMR were enrolled. Some of the patients had multiple lesions. Bleeding requiring endoscopic treatment was defined as bleeding after EMR. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), calculated by logistic regression with multivariate adjustments for covariates, were the measures of association. RESULTS: Of the 297 patients, 57 (19.2%) patients with bleeding after EMR were confirmed. With multivariate adjustment, the cutting method of EMR, diameter, and endoscopic pattern of the tumor were associated with the risk of bleeding after EMR. The multivariate-adjusted OR for bleeding after EMR using endoscopic aspiration mucosectomy was 3.07 (95%CI, 1.59-5.92) compared with strip biopsy. The multiple-adjusted OR for bleeding after EMR for the highest quartile (16-50 mm) of tumor diameter was 5.63 (95%CI, 1.84-17.23) compared with that for the lowest (4-7 mm). The multiple-adjusted OR for bleeding after EMR for depressed type of tumor was 4.21 (95%CI, 1.75-10.10) compared with elevated type. CONCLUSION: It is important to take tumor charactedstics (tumor size and endoscopic pattern) and cutting method of EMR into consideration in predicting bleeding after EMR.展开更多
Although auxin and brassinosteroid (BR) synergistically control various plant responses, the molecular mechanism underlying the auxin-BR crosstalk is not wen understood. We previously identified SMOS1, an auxin-regu...Although auxin and brassinosteroid (BR) synergistically control various plant responses, the molecular mechanism underlying the auxin-BR crosstalk is not wen understood. We previously identified SMOS1, an auxin-regulated APETALA2-type transcription factor, as the causal gene of the small organ size 1 (smosl) mutant that is characterized by a decreased final size of various organs in rice. In this study, we identified another smos mutant, smos2, which shows the phenotype indistinguishable from smosl. SMOS2 was identical to the previously reported DWARF AND LOWoTILLERING (DLT), which encodes a GRAS protein involved in BR signaling. SMOS1 and SMOS2/DLT physically interact to cooperatively enhance transcriptional transactivation activity in yeast and in rice nuclei. Consistently, the expression of OsPHI-1, a direct target of SMOS1, is upregulated only when SMOS1 and SMOS2/DLT proteins are both present in rice ceils. Taken together, our results suggest that SMOS1 and SMOS2/DLT form a keystone complex on auxin-BR signaling crosstalk in rice.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common malignant diseases worldwide.While curative therapies,including resection,liver transplantation,and percutaneous ablation(percutaneous ethanol injection and radio...Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common malignant diseases worldwide.While curative therapies,including resection,liver transplantation,and percutaneous ablation(percutaneous ethanol injection and radiofrequency ablation),are applicable for only a portion of the HCC population,transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)has been recognized as an effective palliative treatment option for patients with advanced HCC.TACE is also used even for single HCCs in which it is difficult to perform surgical resection or locoregional treatment due to systemic co-morbidities or anatomical problems.TACE has become widely adopted in the treatment of HCC.By using computed tomography-angiography,TACE is capable of performing diagnosis and treatment at the same time.Furthermore,TACE plays an important role in the multidisciplinary treatment for HCC when combined with other treatment.In this review,we first discuss the history of TACE,and then review the previous findings about techniques of achieving a locoregional treatment effect(liver infarction treatment,e.g.,ultra-selective TACE,balloon-occluded TACE),and the use of TACE as a drugdelivery system for anti-cancer agents(palliative,e.g.,platinum complex agents,drug-eluting beads)for multiple lesions.展开更多
AIM: To assess the utility and safety of single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy(SOCPS) using the Spy Glass system in widespread clinical application for biliary and pancreatic diseases.METHODS: This study was a prosp...AIM: To assess the utility and safety of single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy(SOCPS) using the Spy Glass system in widespread clinical application for biliary and pancreatic diseases.METHODS: This study was a prospective case series conducted in 20 referral centers in Japan. There were 148 patients who underwent SOCPS; 124 for biliary diseases and 24 for pancreatic diseases. The attempted interventions were SOCPS examination, SOCPS-directed tissue sampling, and therapy for stone removal, among others. The main outcomes were related to the procedure success rate in terms of visualizing the target lesions, SOCPS-directed adequate tissue sampling, and complete stone removal. RESULTS: A total of 148 patients were enrolled for the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary and pancreatic lesions or treatment of biliary and pancreatic disease. The overall procedure success rate of visualizing the target lesions was 91.2%(135/148). The overall procedural success rates of visualizing the target lesions of diagnostic SOCPS in the bile duct and pancreatic duct were 95.5%(84/89) and 88.2%(15/17), respectively. Diagnosis: the overall adequate tissue for histologic examination was secured in 81.4% of the 86 patients who underwent biopsy under SOCPS(bile duct, 60/75, 80.0%; pancreatic duct, 10/11, 90.9%). The accuracy of histologic diagnosis using SOCPS-directed biopsies in indeterminate bile duct lesions was 70.7%(53/75). In the pancreatic duct, the accuracy of SOCPS visual impression of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm was 87.5%(14/16). Stone therapy: complete biliary and pancreatic stone clearance combined with SOCPS-directed stone therapy using electrohydraulic lithotripsy or laser lithotripsy was achieved in 74.2%(23/31) and 42.9%(3/7) of the patients, respectively. Others: SOCPS using the Spy Glass system was used in cannulation of the cystic duct in two patients and for passing across the obstructed self-expandable metallic stent for a malignant biliary stricture in two patients. All procedures were successful in both展开更多
IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis(IgG4-SC)is often associated with autoimmune pancreatitis.However,the diffuse cholangiographic abnormalities observed in IgG4-SC may resemble those observed in primary sclerosing cho...IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis(IgG4-SC)is often associated with autoimmune pancreatitis.However,the diffuse cholangiographic abnormalities observed in IgG4-SC may resemble those observed in primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC),and the presence of segmental stenosis suggests cholangiocarcinoma(CC).IgG4-SC responds well to steroid therapy,whereas PSC is only effectively treated with liver transplantation and CC requires surgical intervention.Since IgG4-SC was first described,it has become a third distinct clinical entity of sclerosing cholangitis.The aim of this review was to introduce the diagnostic methods for IgG4-SC.IgG4-SC should be carefully diagnosed based on a combination of characteristic clinical,serological,morphological,and histopathological features after cholangiographic classification and targeting of a disease for differential diagnosis.When intrapancreatic stenosis is detected,pancreatic cancer or CC should be ruled out.If multiple intrahepatic stenoses are evident,PSC should be distinguished on the basis of cholangiographic findings and liver biopsy with IgG4 immunostaining.Associated inflammatory bowel disease is suggestive of PSC.If stenosis is demonstrated in the hepatic hilar region,CC should be discriminated by ultrasonography,intraductal ultrasonography,bile duct biopsy,and a higher cutoff serum IgG4 level of 182 mg/dL.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the predictors of proximal kidney tubular dysfunction(PKTD)induced by adefovir dipivoxil(ADV)treatment for chronic hepatitis B.METHODS:Seventy-nine patients(age at the evaluation of PKTD:56.9±1...AIM:To investigate the predictors of proximal kidney tubular dysfunction(PKTD)induced by adefovir dipivoxil(ADV)treatment for chronic hepatitis B.METHODS:Seventy-nine patients(age at the evaluation of PKTD:56.9±10.7 years)with chronic hepatitis B undergoing long-term oral antiviral nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment were consecutively recruited.PKTD was defined by the presence of at least two of the following five abnormalities:phosphate diabetes,nondiabetic glucosuria,metabolic acidosis,β2-microglobulinuria,or renal hypouricemia.The single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in the SLC22A6 gene encoding human organic anion transporter 1(h OAT1)and ABCC2 encoding multidrug resistance protein 2(MRP2)were analyzed using the Taq Man Allelic Discrimination Demonstration Kit.RESULTS:Nine(30.0%)of the 30 ADV-treated patients were diagnosed with PKTD,while no patients without ADV developed PKTD(P<0.001).Three patients with ADV were diagnosed with symptomatic osteomalacia.Among the patients who took ADV,those with PKTD were of higher age at initiation,had significantly longer treatment duration,and had a significantly lower body mass index than those without PKTD.The incidence of PKTD dramatically increased after 96 mo from the start of ADV administration.In contrast,the SNPs were not correlated with PKTD.Logistic regression analysis extracted older age at initiation(OR=5.0,95%CI:1.1-23.4;P=0.040)and longer treatment duration(OR=3.2,95%CI:1.2-8.6;P=0.020)as significant factors associated with PKTD.CONCLUSION:Our results suggest that the tubular function of the kidney of older patients undergoing longterm ADV treatment should be carefully evaluated.展开更多
Thrombocytopenia is a common complication in liver disease and can adversely affect the treatment of liver cirrhosis,limiting the ability to administer therapy and delaying planned surgical/diagnostic procedures becau...Thrombocytopenia is a common complication in liver disease and can adversely affect the treatment of liver cirrhosis,limiting the ability to administer therapy and delaying planned surgical/diagnostic procedures because of an increased risk of bleeding.Multiple factors,including splenic sequestration,reduced activity of the hematopoietic growth factor thrombopoietin,bone marrow suppression by chronic hepatitis C virus infection and anti-cancer agents,and antiviral treatment with interferon-based therapy,can contribute to the development of thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients.Of these factors,the major mechanisms for thrombocytopenia in liver cirrhosis are(1)platelet sequestration in the spleen;and(2)decreased production of thrombopoietin in the liver.Several treatment options,including platelet transfusion,interventional partial splenic embolization,and surgical splenectomy,are now available for severe thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients.Although thrombopoietin agonists and targeted agents are alternative tools for noninvasively treating thrombocytopenia due to liver cirrhosis,their ability to improve thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients is under investigation in clinical trials.In this review,we propose a treatment approach to thrombocytopenia according to our novel concept of splenic volume,and we describe the current management of thrombocytopenia due to liver cirrhosis.展开更多
Treatment strategies,whether as follow-up or"total incisional biopsy"for gastric noninvasive intraepithelial neoplasia diagnosed by examination of an endoscopic forceps biopsy specimen,are controversial due ...Treatment strategies,whether as follow-up or"total incisional biopsy"for gastric noninvasive intraepithelial neoplasia diagnosed by examination of an endoscopic forceps biopsy specimen,are controversial due to problems associated with the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic forceps biopsy and questions about the safety and efficacy of endoscopic treatment.Based on the histological findings of the biopsy specimen,it is difficult to differentiate between reactive or regenerative changes,inflammation and neoplastic changes,intraepithelial and invasive tumors.Therefore,gastric neoplasia diagnosed as noninvasive intraepithelial often develop into invasive carcinoma during follow-up.Recent advances in endoscopic modalities and treatment devices,such as image-enhanced endoscopy and highfrequency generators,may make endoscopic treatment,such as endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD),a therapeutic option for gastric intraepithelial neoplasia,including low-grade neoplasms.Future studies are required to evaluate whether ESD is a valid strategy for gastric intraepithelial neoplasm with regard to safety and cost effectiveness.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate long-term follow-up of minimum-sized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI). METHODS: PEI was applied to 42 lesions in 31 patients (23 male and eight f...AIM: To evaluate long-term follow-up of minimum-sized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI). METHODS: PEI was applied to 42 lesions in 31 patients (23 male and eight female) with HCC 〈 15 mm in diameter, over the past 15 years. RESULTS: Overall survival rate was 74.1% at 3 years, 49.9% at 5 years, 27.2% at 7 years and 14.5% at 10 years. These results are superior to, or at least the same as those for hepatic resection and radiofrequency ablation. Survival was affected only by liver function, but not by sex, age, etiology of Hepatitis B virus or Hepatitis C virus, α-fetoprotein levels, arterial and portal blood flow, histological characteristics, and tumor multiplicity or size. Patients in Chiid-Pugh class A and B had 5-, 7- and 10-years survival rates of 76.0%, 42.2% and 15.8%, and 17.1%, 8.6% and 0%, respectively (P = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Treatment with PEI is best indicated for patients with HCC 〈 15 mm in Child-Pugh class A.展开更多
Plant metabolomics developed as a powerful tool to examine gene functions and to gain deeper insight into the physiology of the plant cell. In this study, we screened Arabidopsis lines overexpressing rice full-length ...Plant metabolomics developed as a powerful tool to examine gene functions and to gain deeper insight into the physiology of the plant cell. In this study, we screened Arabidopsis lines overexpressing rice full-length (FL) cDNAs (rice FOX Arabidopsis lines) using a gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF/MS)-based technique to identify rice genes that caused metabolic changes. This screening system allows fast and reliable identification of candi- date lines showing altered metabolite profiles. We performed metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of a rice FOX Ara- bidopsis line that harbored the FL cDNA of the rice ortholog of the Lateral Organ Boundaries (LOB) Domain (LBD)/ Asymmetric Leaves2-1ike (ASL) gene of Arabidopsis, At-LBD37/ASL39. The investigated rice FOX Arabidopsis line showed prominent changes in the levels of metabolites related to nitrogen metabolism. The transcriptomic data as well as the results from the metabolite analysis of the Arabidopsis At-LBD37/ASL39-overexpressor plants were consistent with these findings. Furthermore, the metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of the Os-LBD37/ASL39-overexpressing rice plants indicated that Os-LBD37/ASL39 is associated with processes related to nitrogen metabolism in rice. Thus, the combination of a metabolomics-based screening method and a gain-of-function approach is useful for rapid characterization of novel genes in both Arabidopsis and rice.展开更多
While an increase in the number of xyloglucan tethers between the cellulose microfibrils in plant cell walls increases the walls' rigidity, the degradation of these tethers causes the walls to loosen. Degradation can...While an increase in the number of xyloglucan tethers between the cellulose microfibrils in plant cell walls increases the walls' rigidity, the degradation of these tethers causes the walls to loosen. Degradation can occur either through the integration of xyloglucan oligosaccharides due to the action of xyloglucan endotransglucosylase or through direct hydrolysis due to the action of xyloglucanase. This is why the addition of xyloglucan and its fragment oligosac- charides causes plant tissue tension to increase and decrease so dramatically. Experiments involving the overexpression of xyloglucanase and cellulase have revealed the roles of xyloglucans in the walls. The degradation of wall xyloglucan in poplar by the transgenic expression of xyloglucanase, for example, not only accelerated stem elongation in the primary wall, but also blocked upright-stem gravitropism in the secondary wall. Overexpression of cellulase also reduced xylo- glucan content in the walls as cellulose microfibrils were trimmed at their amorphous region, resulting in increased cell volume in Arabidopsis leaves and in sengon with disturbed leaf movements. The hemiceflulose xylogiucan, in its function as a tether, plays a key role in the loosening and tightening of cellulose microfibrils: it enables the cell to change its shape in growth and differentiation zones and to retain its final shape after cell maturation.展开更多
AIM: To explore whether a co-culture of cynomolgus monkey embryonic stem (cES) cells with embryonic liver cells could promote their differentiation into hepatocytes. METHODS: Mouse fetal liver-derived cells (MFLCs) we...AIM: To explore whether a co-culture of cynomolgus monkey embryonic stem (cES) cells with embryonic liver cells could promote their differentiation into hepatocytes. METHODS: Mouse fetal liver-derived cells (MFLCs) were prepared as adherent cells from mouse embryos on embryonic d (ED) 14, after which undifferentiated cES cells were co-cultured with MFLCs. The induction of cES cells along a hepatic lineage was examined in MFLC- assisted differentiation, spontaneous differentiation, and growth factors (GF) and chemicals-induced differentiations (GF-induced differentiation) using retinoic acid, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), FGF2, FGF4, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), oncostatin M (OSM), and dexamethasone. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of α-fetoprotein, albumin (ALB), α-1-antitrypsin, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α was observed earlier in the differentiating cES cells co-cultured with MFLCs, as compared to cES cells undergoing spontaneous differentiation and those subjected to GF-induced differentiation. The expression of cytochrome P450 7a1, a possible marker for embryonic endoderm-derived mature hepatocytes, was only observed in cES cells that had differentiated in a co-culture with MFLCs. Further, the disappearance of Oct3/4, a representative marker of an undifferentiated state, was noted in cells co-cultured with MFLCs, but not in those undergoing spontaneous or GF-induced differentiation. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed an increased ratio of ALB-immunopositive cells among cES cells co-cultured with MFLCs, while glycogen storageand urea synthesis were also demonstrated. CONCLUSION: MFLCs showed an ability to induce cES cells to differentiate toward hepatocytes. The co-culture system with MFLCs is a useful method for induction of hepatocyte-like cells from undifferentiated cES cells.展开更多
To evaluate the clinical impact of surveillance for head and neck (HN) region with narrow band imaging (NBI) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).METHODSSince 2006, we introduced the surveillance...To evaluate the clinical impact of surveillance for head and neck (HN) region with narrow band imaging (NBI) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).METHODSSince 2006, we introduced the surveillance for HN region using NBI for all patients with ESCC before treatment, and each follow-up. The patients with newly diagnosed stage I to III ESCC were enrolled and classified into two groups as follows: Group A (no surveillance for HN region); between 1992 and 2000), and Group B (surveillance for HN region with NBI; between 2006 and 2008). We comparatively evaluated the detection rate of superficial head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and the serious events due to metachronous advanced HNSCC during the follow-up.RESULTSA total 561 patients (group A: 254, group B: 307) were enrolled. Synchronous superficial HNSCC was detected in 1 patient (0.3%) in group A, and in 12 (3.9%) in group B (P = 0.008). During the follow up period, metachronous HNSCC were detected in 10 patients (3.9%) in group A and in 30 patients (9.8%) in group B (P = 0.008). All metachronous lesions in group B were early stage, and 26 patients underwent local resection, however, 6 of 10 patients (60%) in group A lost their laryngeal function and died with metachronous HNSCC.CONCLUSIONSurveillance for the HN region by using NBI endoscopy increase the detection rate of early HNSCC in patients with ESCC, and led to decrease serious events related to advanced metachronous HNSCC.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the causal relationship between hypoadiponectinemia and colorectal carcinogenesis in in vivo experimental model,and to determine the con-tribution of adiponectin defi ciency to colorectal cancer dev...AIM:To investigate the causal relationship between hypoadiponectinemia and colorectal carcinogenesis in in vivo experimental model,and to determine the con-tribution of adiponectin defi ciency to colorectal cancer development and proliferation.METHODS:We examined the influence of adiponectin defi ciency on colorectal carcinogenesis induced by the administration of azoxymethane(AOM)(7.5 mg/kg,in-traperitoneal injection once a week for 8 wk),by using adiponectin-knockout(KO) mice.RESULTS:At 53 wk after the fi rst AOM treatment,KOmice developed larger and histologically more progres-sive colorectal tumors with greater frequency com-pared with wild-type(WT) mice,although the tumor incidence was not different between WT and KO mice.KO mice showed increased cell proliferation of colorec-tal tumor cells,which correlated with the expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) in the colorectal tumors.In addition,KO mice showed higher incidence and frequency of liver tumors after AOM treatment.Thirteen percent of WT mice developed liver tumors,and these WT mice had only a single tumor.In contrast,50% of KO mice developed liver tumors,and 58% of these KO mice had multiple tumors.CONCLUSION:Adiponectin deficiency enhances colorectal carcinogenesis and liver tumor formation induced by AOM in mice.This study strongly suggests that hypoadiponectinemia could be involved in the pathogenesis for colorectal cancer and liver tumor in human subjects.展开更多
AIMTo identify simple and sensitive markers for postoperative complications after gastrectomy, the predictive values were compared among candidate preoperative factors.METHODSThree-hundred and twelve patients with pre...AIMTo identify simple and sensitive markers for postoperative complications after gastrectomy, the predictive values were compared among candidate preoperative factors.METHODSThree-hundred and twelve patients with previously untreated clinical T2-4 gastric cancer who underwent a D2 standard gastrectomy (distal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy) were included in the analysis. Correlations between 21 parameters that can be determined by preoperative routine blood tests and clinically relevant postoperative complications (grade II or higher according to the Clavien-Dindo classification) were evaluated. The optimal cutoff values and clinical significance of the selected markers were further evaluated by subgroup analyses according to age, body mass index, operative procedure and clinical disease stage.RESULTSSixty-six patients (21.1%) experienced grade II or higher postoperative complications. The platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR, total lymphocyte count/platelet count × 100) exhibited the highest area under the curve value (0.639) for predicting postoperative complications among the 21 parameters, and the optimal cutoff value was determined to be 0.71 (sensitivity = 70%, specificity = 56%). In the univariate analysis, the odds ratio of a low PLR for the occurrence of postoperative complications was 2.94 (95%CI: 1.66-5.35, P < 0.001), and a multivariate binomial logistic analysis involving other potential risk factors identified a low PLR as an independent risk factor for postoperative complications (OR = 3.32, 95%CI: 1.82-6.25, P < 0.001). In subgroups classified according to age, body mass index, operative procedure and clinical disease stage, the low PLR group exhibited an increased incidence of postoperative complications.CONCLUSIONThe preoperative PLR is a simple and useful predictor of complications after curative gastrectomy in patients with clinical T2-4 gastric cancer.展开更多
Major depressive disorder(MDD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide,correlating with genetic susceptibility and environmental risk factors.Molecular,functional,and structural imaging approache...Major depressive disorder(MDD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide,correlating with genetic susceptibility and environmental risk factors.Molecular,functional,and structural imaging approaches have been increasingly used to detect neurobiological changes,analyze neurochemical correlates,and parse pathophysiological mechanisms underlying MDD.We reviewed recent neuroimaging publications on MDD in terms of molecular,functional,and structural alterations as detected mainly by magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and positron emission tomography.Altered structure and function of brain regions involved in the cognitive control of affective state have been demonstrated.An abnormal default mode network,as revealed by resting-state functional MRI,is likely associated with aberrant metabolicand serotonergic function revealed by radionuclide imaging.Further multi-modal investigations are essential to clarify the characteristics of the cortical network and serotonergic system associated with behavioral and genetic variations in MDD.展开更多
Preoperative biliary drainage(PBD) was developed to improve obstructive jaundice, which affects a number of organs and physiological mechanisms in patients waiting for surgery. However, its role in patients who will u...Preoperative biliary drainage(PBD) was developed to improve obstructive jaundice, which affects a number of organs and physiological mechanisms in patients waiting for surgery. However, its role in patients who will undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy for biliary obstruction remains controversial. This article aims to review the current status of the use of preoperative drainage for distal biliary obstruction. Relevant articles published from 1980 to 2015 were identified by searching MEDLINE and Pub Med using the keywords "PBD", "pancreaticoduodenectomy", and "obstructive jaundice". Additional papers were identified by a manual search of the references from key articles. Current studies have demonstrated that PBD should not be routinely performed because of the postoperative complications. PBD should only be considered in carefully selected patients, particularly in cases where surgery had to be delayed. PBD may be needed in patients with severe jaundice, concomitant cholangitis, or severe malnutrition. The optimal method of biliary drainage has yet to be confirmed. PBD should be performed by endoscopic routes rather than by percutaneous routes to avoid metastatic tumor seeding. Endoscopic stenting or nasobiliary drainage can be selected. Although more expensive, the use of metallic stents remains a viable option to achieve effective drainage without cholangitis and reintervention.展开更多
Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) is very useful in en bloc resection of large superficial colorectal tumors but is a technically difficult procedure because the colonic wall is thin and endoscopic maneuverability...Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) is very useful in en bloc resection of large superficial colorectal tumors but is a technically difficult procedure because the colonic wall is thin and endoscopic maneuverability is poor because of colonic flexure and extensibility. A high risk of perforation has been reported in colorectal ESD. To prevent complications such as perforation and unexpected bleeding, it is crucial to ensure good visualization of the submucosal layer by creating a mucosal flap, which is an exfoliated mucosa for inserting the tip of the endoscope under it. The creation of a mucosal flap is often technically difficult; however, various types of equipment, appropriate strategy, and novel procedures including our clip-flap method, appear to facilitate mucosal flap creation, improving the safety and success rate of ESD. Favorable treatment outcomes with colorectal ESD have already been reported in many advanced institutions, and appropriate understanding of techniques and development of training systems are required for world-wide standardization of colorectal ESD. Here, we describe recent technical advances for safe and successful colorectal ESD.展开更多
文摘There has been a long-standing need for guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars that are based on an understanding of the pathomechanisms that underlie these skin fibrotic diseases.This is particularly true for clinicians who deal with Asian and African patients because these ethnicities are highly prone to these diseases.By contrast,Caucasians are less likely to develop keloids and hypertrophic scars,and if they do,the scars tend not to be severe.This ethnic disparity also means that countries vary in terms of their differential diagnostic algorithms.The lack of clear treatment guidelines also means that primary care physicians are currently applying a hotchpotch of treatments,with uneven outcomes.To overcome these issues,the Japan Scar Workshop(JSW)has created a tool that allows clinicians to objectively diagnose and distinguish between keloids,hypertrophic scars,and mature scars.This tool is called the JSW Scar Scale(JSS)and it involves scoring the risk factors of the individual patients and the affected areas.The tool is simple and easy to use.As a result,even physicians who are not accustomed to keloids and hypertrophic scars can easily diagnose them and judge their severity.The JSW has also established a committee that,in cooperation with outside experts in various fields,has prepared a Consensus Document on keloid and hypertrophic scar treatment guidelines.These guidelines are simple and will allow even inexperienced clinicians to choose the most appropriate treatment strategy.The Consensus Document is provided in this article.It describes(1)the diagnostic algorithm for pathological scars and how to differentiate them from clinically similar benign and malignant tumors,(2)the general treatment algorithms for keloids and hypertrophic scars at different medical facilities,(3)the rationale behind each treatment for keloids and hypertrophic scars,and(4)the body site-specific treatment protocols for these scars.We believe that this Consensus Document will be helpful for physi
基金the Australian Research Council for Centre of Excellence funding
文摘Legumes are highly important food, feed and biofuel crops. With few exceptions, they can enter into an intricate symbiotic relationship with specific soil bacteria called rhizobia. This interaction results in the formation of a new root organ called the nodule in which the rhizobia convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into forms of nitrogen that are useable by the plant. The plant tightly controls the number of nodules it forms, via a complex root-to-shoot-to-root signaling loop called autoregulation of nodulation (AON). This regulatory process involves peptide hormones, receptor kinases and small metabolites. Using modern genetic and genomic techniques, many of the components required for nodule formation and AON have now been isolated. This review addresses these recent findings, presents detailed models of the nodulation and AON processes, and identifies gaps in our understanding of these process that have yet to be fully explained.
文摘AIM: To clarify the risk factors for bleeding after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). METHODS: A total of 297 consecutive patients who underwent EMR were enrolled. Some of the patients had multiple lesions. Bleeding requiring endoscopic treatment was defined as bleeding after EMR. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), calculated by logistic regression with multivariate adjustments for covariates, were the measures of association. RESULTS: Of the 297 patients, 57 (19.2%) patients with bleeding after EMR were confirmed. With multivariate adjustment, the cutting method of EMR, diameter, and endoscopic pattern of the tumor were associated with the risk of bleeding after EMR. The multivariate-adjusted OR for bleeding after EMR using endoscopic aspiration mucosectomy was 3.07 (95%CI, 1.59-5.92) compared with strip biopsy. The multiple-adjusted OR for bleeding after EMR for the highest quartile (16-50 mm) of tumor diameter was 5.63 (95%CI, 1.84-17.23) compared with that for the lowest (4-7 mm). The multiple-adjusted OR for bleeding after EMR for depressed type of tumor was 4.21 (95%CI, 1.75-10.10) compared with elevated type. CONCLUSION: It is important to take tumor charactedstics (tumor size and endoscopic pattern) and cutting method of EMR into consideration in predicting bleeding after EMR.
文摘Although auxin and brassinosteroid (BR) synergistically control various plant responses, the molecular mechanism underlying the auxin-BR crosstalk is not wen understood. We previously identified SMOS1, an auxin-regulated APETALA2-type transcription factor, as the causal gene of the small organ size 1 (smosl) mutant that is characterized by a decreased final size of various organs in rice. In this study, we identified another smos mutant, smos2, which shows the phenotype indistinguishable from smosl. SMOS2 was identical to the previously reported DWARF AND LOWoTILLERING (DLT), which encodes a GRAS protein involved in BR signaling. SMOS1 and SMOS2/DLT physically interact to cooperatively enhance transcriptional transactivation activity in yeast and in rice nuclei. Consistently, the expression of OsPHI-1, a direct target of SMOS1, is upregulated only when SMOS1 and SMOS2/DLT proteins are both present in rice ceils. Taken together, our results suggest that SMOS1 and SMOS2/DLT form a keystone complex on auxin-BR signaling crosstalk in rice.
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common malignant diseases worldwide.While curative therapies,including resection,liver transplantation,and percutaneous ablation(percutaneous ethanol injection and radiofrequency ablation),are applicable for only a portion of the HCC population,transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)has been recognized as an effective palliative treatment option for patients with advanced HCC.TACE is also used even for single HCCs in which it is difficult to perform surgical resection or locoregional treatment due to systemic co-morbidities or anatomical problems.TACE has become widely adopted in the treatment of HCC.By using computed tomography-angiography,TACE is capable of performing diagnosis and treatment at the same time.Furthermore,TACE plays an important role in the multidisciplinary treatment for HCC when combined with other treatment.In this review,we first discuss the history of TACE,and then review the previous findings about techniques of achieving a locoregional treatment effect(liver infarction treatment,e.g.,ultra-selective TACE,balloon-occluded TACE),and the use of TACE as a drugdelivery system for anti-cancer agents(palliative,e.g.,platinum complex agents,drug-eluting beads)for multiple lesions.
文摘AIM: To assess the utility and safety of single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy(SOCPS) using the Spy Glass system in widespread clinical application for biliary and pancreatic diseases.METHODS: This study was a prospective case series conducted in 20 referral centers in Japan. There were 148 patients who underwent SOCPS; 124 for biliary diseases and 24 for pancreatic diseases. The attempted interventions were SOCPS examination, SOCPS-directed tissue sampling, and therapy for stone removal, among others. The main outcomes were related to the procedure success rate in terms of visualizing the target lesions, SOCPS-directed adequate tissue sampling, and complete stone removal. RESULTS: A total of 148 patients were enrolled for the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary and pancreatic lesions or treatment of biliary and pancreatic disease. The overall procedure success rate of visualizing the target lesions was 91.2%(135/148). The overall procedural success rates of visualizing the target lesions of diagnostic SOCPS in the bile duct and pancreatic duct were 95.5%(84/89) and 88.2%(15/17), respectively. Diagnosis: the overall adequate tissue for histologic examination was secured in 81.4% of the 86 patients who underwent biopsy under SOCPS(bile duct, 60/75, 80.0%; pancreatic duct, 10/11, 90.9%). The accuracy of histologic diagnosis using SOCPS-directed biopsies in indeterminate bile duct lesions was 70.7%(53/75). In the pancreatic duct, the accuracy of SOCPS visual impression of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm was 87.5%(14/16). Stone therapy: complete biliary and pancreatic stone clearance combined with SOCPS-directed stone therapy using electrohydraulic lithotripsy or laser lithotripsy was achieved in 74.2%(23/31) and 42.9%(3/7) of the patients, respectively. Others: SOCPS using the Spy Glass system was used in cannulation of the cystic duct in two patients and for passing across the obstructed self-expandable metallic stent for a malignant biliary stricture in two patients. All procedures were successful in both
文摘IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis(IgG4-SC)is often associated with autoimmune pancreatitis.However,the diffuse cholangiographic abnormalities observed in IgG4-SC may resemble those observed in primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC),and the presence of segmental stenosis suggests cholangiocarcinoma(CC).IgG4-SC responds well to steroid therapy,whereas PSC is only effectively treated with liver transplantation and CC requires surgical intervention.Since IgG4-SC was first described,it has become a third distinct clinical entity of sclerosing cholangitis.The aim of this review was to introduce the diagnostic methods for IgG4-SC.IgG4-SC should be carefully diagnosed based on a combination of characteristic clinical,serological,morphological,and histopathological features after cholangiographic classification and targeting of a disease for differential diagnosis.When intrapancreatic stenosis is detected,pancreatic cancer or CC should be ruled out.If multiple intrahepatic stenoses are evident,PSC should be distinguished on the basis of cholangiographic findings and liver biopsy with IgG4 immunostaining.Associated inflammatory bowel disease is suggestive of PSC.If stenosis is demonstrated in the hepatic hilar region,CC should be discriminated by ultrasonography,intraductal ultrasonography,bile duct biopsy,and a higher cutoff serum IgG4 level of 182 mg/dL.
基金Supported by(In part)Grant-in-Aid for Comprehensive Research from the Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology of Japan
文摘AIM:To investigate the predictors of proximal kidney tubular dysfunction(PKTD)induced by adefovir dipivoxil(ADV)treatment for chronic hepatitis B.METHODS:Seventy-nine patients(age at the evaluation of PKTD:56.9±10.7 years)with chronic hepatitis B undergoing long-term oral antiviral nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment were consecutively recruited.PKTD was defined by the presence of at least two of the following five abnormalities:phosphate diabetes,nondiabetic glucosuria,metabolic acidosis,β2-microglobulinuria,or renal hypouricemia.The single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in the SLC22A6 gene encoding human organic anion transporter 1(h OAT1)and ABCC2 encoding multidrug resistance protein 2(MRP2)were analyzed using the Taq Man Allelic Discrimination Demonstration Kit.RESULTS:Nine(30.0%)of the 30 ADV-treated patients were diagnosed with PKTD,while no patients without ADV developed PKTD(P<0.001).Three patients with ADV were diagnosed with symptomatic osteomalacia.Among the patients who took ADV,those with PKTD were of higher age at initiation,had significantly longer treatment duration,and had a significantly lower body mass index than those without PKTD.The incidence of PKTD dramatically increased after 96 mo from the start of ADV administration.In contrast,the SNPs were not correlated with PKTD.Logistic regression analysis extracted older age at initiation(OR=5.0,95%CI:1.1-23.4;P=0.040)and longer treatment duration(OR=3.2,95%CI:1.2-8.6;P=0.020)as significant factors associated with PKTD.CONCLUSION:Our results suggest that the tubular function of the kidney of older patients undergoing longterm ADV treatment should be carefully evaluated.
基金Supported by Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists,Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology of Japan,No.24791434(to Hayashi H)and Takeda Science Foundation,Japan(to Hayashi H)
文摘Thrombocytopenia is a common complication in liver disease and can adversely affect the treatment of liver cirrhosis,limiting the ability to administer therapy and delaying planned surgical/diagnostic procedures because of an increased risk of bleeding.Multiple factors,including splenic sequestration,reduced activity of the hematopoietic growth factor thrombopoietin,bone marrow suppression by chronic hepatitis C virus infection and anti-cancer agents,and antiviral treatment with interferon-based therapy,can contribute to the development of thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients.Of these factors,the major mechanisms for thrombocytopenia in liver cirrhosis are(1)platelet sequestration in the spleen;and(2)decreased production of thrombopoietin in the liver.Several treatment options,including platelet transfusion,interventional partial splenic embolization,and surgical splenectomy,are now available for severe thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients.Although thrombopoietin agonists and targeted agents are alternative tools for noninvasively treating thrombocytopenia due to liver cirrhosis,their ability to improve thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients is under investigation in clinical trials.In this review,we propose a treatment approach to thrombocytopenia according to our novel concept of splenic volume,and we describe the current management of thrombocytopenia due to liver cirrhosis.
文摘Treatment strategies,whether as follow-up or"total incisional biopsy"for gastric noninvasive intraepithelial neoplasia diagnosed by examination of an endoscopic forceps biopsy specimen,are controversial due to problems associated with the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic forceps biopsy and questions about the safety and efficacy of endoscopic treatment.Based on the histological findings of the biopsy specimen,it is difficult to differentiate between reactive or regenerative changes,inflammation and neoplastic changes,intraepithelial and invasive tumors.Therefore,gastric neoplasia diagnosed as noninvasive intraepithelial often develop into invasive carcinoma during follow-up.Recent advances in endoscopic modalities and treatment devices,such as image-enhanced endoscopy and highfrequency generators,may make endoscopic treatment,such as endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD),a therapeutic option for gastric intraepithelial neoplasia,including low-grade neoplasms.Future studies are required to evaluate whether ESD is a valid strategy for gastric intraepithelial neoplasm with regard to safety and cost effectiveness.
文摘AIM: To evaluate long-term follow-up of minimum-sized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI). METHODS: PEI was applied to 42 lesions in 31 patients (23 male and eight female) with HCC 〈 15 mm in diameter, over the past 15 years. RESULTS: Overall survival rate was 74.1% at 3 years, 49.9% at 5 years, 27.2% at 7 years and 14.5% at 10 years. These results are superior to, or at least the same as those for hepatic resection and radiofrequency ablation. Survival was affected only by liver function, but not by sex, age, etiology of Hepatitis B virus or Hepatitis C virus, α-fetoprotein levels, arterial and portal blood flow, histological characteristics, and tumor multiplicity or size. Patients in Chiid-Pugh class A and B had 5-, 7- and 10-years survival rates of 76.0%, 42.2% and 15.8%, and 17.1%, 8.6% and 0%, respectively (P = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Treatment with PEI is best indicated for patients with HCC 〈 15 mm in Child-Pugh class A.
文摘Plant metabolomics developed as a powerful tool to examine gene functions and to gain deeper insight into the physiology of the plant cell. In this study, we screened Arabidopsis lines overexpressing rice full-length (FL) cDNAs (rice FOX Arabidopsis lines) using a gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF/MS)-based technique to identify rice genes that caused metabolic changes. This screening system allows fast and reliable identification of candi- date lines showing altered metabolite profiles. We performed metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of a rice FOX Ara- bidopsis line that harbored the FL cDNA of the rice ortholog of the Lateral Organ Boundaries (LOB) Domain (LBD)/ Asymmetric Leaves2-1ike (ASL) gene of Arabidopsis, At-LBD37/ASL39. The investigated rice FOX Arabidopsis line showed prominent changes in the levels of metabolites related to nitrogen metabolism. The transcriptomic data as well as the results from the metabolite analysis of the Arabidopsis At-LBD37/ASL39-overexpressor plants were consistent with these findings. Furthermore, the metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of the Os-LBD37/ASL39-overexpressing rice plants indicated that Os-LBD37/ASL39 is associated with processes related to nitrogen metabolism in rice. Thus, the combination of a metabolomics-based screening method and a gain-of-function approach is useful for rapid characterization of novel genes in both Arabidopsis and rice.
文摘While an increase in the number of xyloglucan tethers between the cellulose microfibrils in plant cell walls increases the walls' rigidity, the degradation of these tethers causes the walls to loosen. Degradation can occur either through the integration of xyloglucan oligosaccharides due to the action of xyloglucan endotransglucosylase or through direct hydrolysis due to the action of xyloglucanase. This is why the addition of xyloglucan and its fragment oligosac- charides causes plant tissue tension to increase and decrease so dramatically. Experiments involving the overexpression of xyloglucanase and cellulase have revealed the roles of xyloglucans in the walls. The degradation of wall xyloglucan in poplar by the transgenic expression of xyloglucanase, for example, not only accelerated stem elongation in the primary wall, but also blocked upright-stem gravitropism in the secondary wall. Overexpression of cellulase also reduced xylo- glucan content in the walls as cellulose microfibrils were trimmed at their amorphous region, resulting in increased cell volume in Arabidopsis leaves and in sengon with disturbed leaf movements. The hemiceflulose xylogiucan, in its function as a tether, plays a key role in the loosening and tightening of cellulose microfibrils: it enables the cell to change its shape in growth and differentiation zones and to retain its final shape after cell maturation.
文摘AIM: To explore whether a co-culture of cynomolgus monkey embryonic stem (cES) cells with embryonic liver cells could promote their differentiation into hepatocytes. METHODS: Mouse fetal liver-derived cells (MFLCs) were prepared as adherent cells from mouse embryos on embryonic d (ED) 14, after which undifferentiated cES cells were co-cultured with MFLCs. The induction of cES cells along a hepatic lineage was examined in MFLC- assisted differentiation, spontaneous differentiation, and growth factors (GF) and chemicals-induced differentiations (GF-induced differentiation) using retinoic acid, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), FGF2, FGF4, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), oncostatin M (OSM), and dexamethasone. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of α-fetoprotein, albumin (ALB), α-1-antitrypsin, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α was observed earlier in the differentiating cES cells co-cultured with MFLCs, as compared to cES cells undergoing spontaneous differentiation and those subjected to GF-induced differentiation. The expression of cytochrome P450 7a1, a possible marker for embryonic endoderm-derived mature hepatocytes, was only observed in cES cells that had differentiated in a co-culture with MFLCs. Further, the disappearance of Oct3/4, a representative marker of an undifferentiated state, was noted in cells co-cultured with MFLCs, but not in those undergoing spontaneous or GF-induced differentiation. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed an increased ratio of ALB-immunopositive cells among cES cells co-cultured with MFLCs, while glycogen storageand urea synthesis were also demonstrated. CONCLUSION: MFLCs showed an ability to induce cES cells to differentiate toward hepatocytes. The co-culture system with MFLCs is a useful method for induction of hepatocyte-like cells from undifferentiated cES cells.
文摘To evaluate the clinical impact of surveillance for head and neck (HN) region with narrow band imaging (NBI) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).METHODSSince 2006, we introduced the surveillance for HN region using NBI for all patients with ESCC before treatment, and each follow-up. The patients with newly diagnosed stage I to III ESCC were enrolled and classified into two groups as follows: Group A (no surveillance for HN region); between 1992 and 2000), and Group B (surveillance for HN region with NBI; between 2006 and 2008). We comparatively evaluated the detection rate of superficial head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and the serious events due to metachronous advanced HNSCC during the follow-up.RESULTSA total 561 patients (group A: 254, group B: 307) were enrolled. Synchronous superficial HNSCC was detected in 1 patient (0.3%) in group A, and in 12 (3.9%) in group B (P = 0.008). During the follow up period, metachronous HNSCC were detected in 10 patients (3.9%) in group A and in 30 patients (9.8%) in group B (P = 0.008). All metachronous lesions in group B were early stage, and 26 patients underwent local resection, however, 6 of 10 patients (60%) in group A lost their laryngeal function and died with metachronous HNSCC.CONCLUSIONSurveillance for the HN region by using NBI endoscopy increase the detection rate of early HNSCC in patients with ESCC, and led to decrease serious events related to advanced metachronous HNSCC.
基金Supported by A grant from Foundation for Promotion of Cancer Research in Japan
文摘AIM:To investigate the causal relationship between hypoadiponectinemia and colorectal carcinogenesis in in vivo experimental model,and to determine the con-tribution of adiponectin defi ciency to colorectal cancer development and proliferation.METHODS:We examined the influence of adiponectin defi ciency on colorectal carcinogenesis induced by the administration of azoxymethane(AOM)(7.5 mg/kg,in-traperitoneal injection once a week for 8 wk),by using adiponectin-knockout(KO) mice.RESULTS:At 53 wk after the fi rst AOM treatment,KOmice developed larger and histologically more progres-sive colorectal tumors with greater frequency com-pared with wild-type(WT) mice,although the tumor incidence was not different between WT and KO mice.KO mice showed increased cell proliferation of colorec-tal tumor cells,which correlated with the expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) in the colorectal tumors.In addition,KO mice showed higher incidence and frequency of liver tumors after AOM treatment.Thirteen percent of WT mice developed liver tumors,and these WT mice had only a single tumor.In contrast,50% of KO mice developed liver tumors,and 58% of these KO mice had multiple tumors.CONCLUSION:Adiponectin deficiency enhances colorectal carcinogenesis and liver tumor formation induced by AOM in mice.This study strongly suggests that hypoadiponectinemia could be involved in the pathogenesis for colorectal cancer and liver tumor in human subjects.
文摘AIMTo identify simple and sensitive markers for postoperative complications after gastrectomy, the predictive values were compared among candidate preoperative factors.METHODSThree-hundred and twelve patients with previously untreated clinical T2-4 gastric cancer who underwent a D2 standard gastrectomy (distal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy) were included in the analysis. Correlations between 21 parameters that can be determined by preoperative routine blood tests and clinically relevant postoperative complications (grade II or higher according to the Clavien-Dindo classification) were evaluated. The optimal cutoff values and clinical significance of the selected markers were further evaluated by subgroup analyses according to age, body mass index, operative procedure and clinical disease stage.RESULTSSixty-six patients (21.1%) experienced grade II or higher postoperative complications. The platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR, total lymphocyte count/platelet count × 100) exhibited the highest area under the curve value (0.639) for predicting postoperative complications among the 21 parameters, and the optimal cutoff value was determined to be 0.71 (sensitivity = 70%, specificity = 56%). In the univariate analysis, the odds ratio of a low PLR for the occurrence of postoperative complications was 2.94 (95%CI: 1.66-5.35, P < 0.001), and a multivariate binomial logistic analysis involving other potential risk factors identified a low PLR as an independent risk factor for postoperative complications (OR = 3.32, 95%CI: 1.82-6.25, P < 0.001). In subgroups classified according to age, body mass index, operative procedure and clinical disease stage, the low PLR group exhibited an increased incidence of postoperative complications.CONCLUSIONThe preoperative PLR is a simple and useful predictor of complications after curative gastrectomy in patients with clinical T2-4 gastric cancer.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81425015 and 81271601)the International S&T Cooperation Program of China (2015DFG32740)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (LR13H180001)
文摘Major depressive disorder(MDD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide,correlating with genetic susceptibility and environmental risk factors.Molecular,functional,and structural imaging approaches have been increasingly used to detect neurobiological changes,analyze neurochemical correlates,and parse pathophysiological mechanisms underlying MDD.We reviewed recent neuroimaging publications on MDD in terms of molecular,functional,and structural alterations as detected mainly by magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and positron emission tomography.Altered structure and function of brain regions involved in the cognitive control of affective state have been demonstrated.An abnormal default mode network,as revealed by resting-state functional MRI,is likely associated with aberrant metabolicand serotonergic function revealed by radionuclide imaging.Further multi-modal investigations are essential to clarify the characteristics of the cortical network and serotonergic system associated with behavioral and genetic variations in MDD.
文摘Preoperative biliary drainage(PBD) was developed to improve obstructive jaundice, which affects a number of organs and physiological mechanisms in patients waiting for surgery. However, its role in patients who will undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy for biliary obstruction remains controversial. This article aims to review the current status of the use of preoperative drainage for distal biliary obstruction. Relevant articles published from 1980 to 2015 were identified by searching MEDLINE and Pub Med using the keywords "PBD", "pancreaticoduodenectomy", and "obstructive jaundice". Additional papers were identified by a manual search of the references from key articles. Current studies have demonstrated that PBD should not be routinely performed because of the postoperative complications. PBD should only be considered in carefully selected patients, particularly in cases where surgery had to be delayed. PBD may be needed in patients with severe jaundice, concomitant cholangitis, or severe malnutrition. The optimal method of biliary drainage has yet to be confirmed. PBD should be performed by endoscopic routes rather than by percutaneous routes to avoid metastatic tumor seeding. Endoscopic stenting or nasobiliary drainage can be selected. Although more expensive, the use of metallic stents remains a viable option to achieve effective drainage without cholangitis and reintervention.
文摘Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) is very useful in en bloc resection of large superficial colorectal tumors but is a technically difficult procedure because the colonic wall is thin and endoscopic maneuverability is poor because of colonic flexure and extensibility. A high risk of perforation has been reported in colorectal ESD. To prevent complications such as perforation and unexpected bleeding, it is crucial to ensure good visualization of the submucosal layer by creating a mucosal flap, which is an exfoliated mucosa for inserting the tip of the endoscope under it. The creation of a mucosal flap is often technically difficult; however, various types of equipment, appropriate strategy, and novel procedures including our clip-flap method, appear to facilitate mucosal flap creation, improving the safety and success rate of ESD. Favorable treatment outcomes with colorectal ESD have already been reported in many advanced institutions, and appropriate understanding of techniques and development of training systems are required for world-wide standardization of colorectal ESD. Here, we describe recent technical advances for safe and successful colorectal ESD.