1.The impact of short-course total neoadjuvant therapy, long-course chemoradiotherapy, and upfront surgery on the technical difficulty of total mesorectal excision: an observational study with an intraoperative perspective
Cheryl Xi-Zi CHONG ; Frederick H. KOH ; Hui-Lin TAN ; Sharmini Su SIVARAJAH ; Jia-Lin NG ; Leonard Ming-Li HO ; Darius Kang-Lie AW ; Wen-Hsin KOO ; Shuting HAN ; Si-Lin KOO ; Connie Siew-Poh YIP ; Fu-Qiang WANG ; Fung-Joon FOO ; Winson Jianhong TAN
Annals of Coloproctology 2024;40(5):451-458
Purpose:
Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) is becoming the standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer. However, surgery is deferred for months after completion, which may lead to fibrosis and increased surgical difficulty. The aim of this study was to assess whether TNT (TNT-RAPIDO) is associated with increased difficulty of total mesorectal excision (TME) compared with long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCRT) and upfront surgery.
Methods:
Twelve laparoscopic videos of low anterior resection with TME for rectal cancer were prospectively collected from January 2020 to October 2021, with 4 videos in each arm. Seven colorectal surgeons assessed the videos independently, graded the difficulty of TME using a visual analog scale and attempted to identify which category the videos belonged to.
Results:
The median age was 67 years, and 10 patients were male. The median interval to surgery from radiotherapy was 13 weeks in the LCRT group and 24 weeks in the TNT-RAPIDO group. There was no significant difference in the visual analog scale for difficulty in TME between the 3 groups (LCRT, 3.2; TNT-RAPIDO, 4.6; upfront, 4.1; P=0.12). A subgroup analysis showed similar difficulty between groups (LCRT 3.2 vs. TNT-RAPIDO 4.6, P=0.05; TNT-RAPIDO 4.6 vs. upfront 4.1, P=0.54). During video assessments, surgeons correctly identified the prior treatment modality in 42% of the cases. TNT-RAPIDO videos had the highest recognition rate (71%), significantly outperforming both LCRT (29%) and upfront surgery (25%, P=0.01).
Conclusion
TNT does not appear to increase the surgical difficulty of TME.
3.Clinicopathological and molecular genetic characteristics of ELOC mutated renal cell carcinoma.
Z WEN ; W H ZHANG ; J Y LIANG ; J CHAI ; Y M WANG ; W N XU ; Z WANG ; L N FAN
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2023;52(12):1204-1209
Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, molecular genetic features, differential diagnosis and prognosis of ELOC mutated renal cell carcinoma. Methods: From January 2015 to June 2022, 11 cases of renal cell carcinoma with clear-cell morphology, expression of CAⅨ and CK7 and no 3p deletion were collected. Two cases of ELOC mutant renal cell carcinoma were diagnosed using whole exome sequencing (WES). The clinical features, morphology, immunophenotype, FISH and WES results were analyzed. The relevant literature was reviewed. Results: The two patients were both male, aged 29 and 51 years, respectively. They were both found to have a renal mass by physical examination. The maximum diameters of the tumors were 3.5 cm and 2.0 cm, respectively. At the low magnification, the tumors were well-defined. The tumor cells showed a pushing border and were separated by thick fibrous bands, forming nodules. The tumor cells were arranged in a variety of patterns, including tubular, papillary, solid nest or alveolar. At high magnification, the tumor cells were large, with well-defined cell borders and clear cytoplasm or fine eosinophilic granules. CAⅨ was diffusely box-like positive in both cases. Case 1 was partially and moderately positive for CK7, strongly positive for CD10, diffusely and moderately positive for P504S, and weakly positive for 34βE12. In case 2, CK7 and CD10 were both partially, moderately positive and P504s were diffusely positive, but 34βE12 was negative. FISH results showed that both cases had no 3p deletion. ELOC c.235T>A (p.Y79N) mutation was identified using WES in case 1, while ELOC c.236_237inv (p.Y79C) mutation was identified in case 2. Conclusions: As a new clinical entity, ELOC mutated renal cell carcinoma may be underdiagnosed due to its overlap with clear cell renal cell carcinoma in morphology and immunophenotype. The diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma with ELOC mutation should be confirmed by morphology, immunohistochemistry, FISH and gene mutation detection. However, more additional cases are needed to explain its biological behavior and prognosis.
Humans
;
Male
;
Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics*
;
Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology*
;
Chromosome Aberrations
;
Kidney Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Molecular Biology
;
Mutation
;
Prognosis
4.Assessing the Practical Differences in LDL-C Estimates Calculated by Friedewald, Martin/Hopkins, or NIH Equation 2: An Observation CrossSectional Study
Inga WANG ; Mohammad H RAHMAN ; Stephen HOU ; Hui-Wen LIN
Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis 2023;12(3):252-266
Objective:
Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) remains a clinically important cholesterol target in primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The present study aimed to assess the practical differences among three equations utilized for the estimation of LDL-C: the Friedewald, the Martin/Hopkins, and the NIH equation 2.
Methods:
Blood lipid measurements from 4,556 noninstitutionalized participants, aged 12 to 80, were obtained from the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey study. We 1) assessed the differences between three calculated LDL-C estimates, 2) examined the correlations between LDL-C estimates using correlation coefficients and regression, and 3) investigated the degree of agreement in classifying individuals into the LDL-C category using weighted Kappa and percentage of agreement.
Results:
The differences in LDL-C estimates between equations varied by sex and triglyceride levels (p<0.001). Overall, the mean of absolute differences between Friedewald and Martin/ Hopkins was 3.17 mg/dL (median=2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] [3.07–3.27]). The mean of absolute differences between Friedewald and NIH Equation 2 was 2.08 mg/dL (median=2.0, 95% CI [2.03–2.14]). Friedewald correlated highly with Martin/Hopkins (r=0.991, rho=0.989) and NIH Equation 2 (r=0.998, rho=0.997). Cohen’s weighted Kappa=0.92 between Friedewald and Martin/Hopkins, and 0.95 between Friedewald and NIH equation 2. The percentage of agreement in classifying individuals into the same LDL-C category was 93.0% between Friedewald and Martin/Hopkins, and 95.4% between Friedewald and NIH equation 2.
Conclusion
Understanding the practical differences in LDL-C calculations can be helpful in facilitating decision-making during a paradigm shift.
5.Indigenous microbiota protects development of medication-related osteonecrosis induced by periapical disease in mice.
Wen DU ; Mengyu YANG ; Terresa KIM ; Sol KIM ; Drake W WILLIAMS ; Maryam ESMAEILI ; Christine HONG ; Ki-Hyuk SHIN ; Mo K KANG ; No-Hee PARK ; Reuben H KIM
International Journal of Oral Science 2022;14(1):16-16
Bacterial infection is a common finding in patients, who develop medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) by the long-term and/or high-dose use of anti-resorptive agents such as bisphosphonate (BPs). However, pathological role of bacteria in MRONJ development at the early stage remains controversial. Here, we demonstrated that commensal microbiota protects against MRONJ development in the pulp-exposed periapical periodontitis mouse model. C57/BL6 female mice were treated with intragastric broad-spectrum antibiotics for 1 week. Zoledronic acid (ZOL) through intravenous injection and antibiotics in drinking water were administered for throughout the experiment. Pulp was exposed on the left maxillary first molar, then the mice were left for 5 weeks after which bilateral maxillary first molar was extracted and mice were left for additional 3 weeks to heal. All mice were harvested, and cecum, maxilla, and femurs were collected. ONJ development was assessed using μCT and histologic analyses. When antibiotic was treated in mice, these mice had no weight changes, but developed significantly enlarged ceca compared to the control group (CTL mice). Periapical bone resorption prior to the tooth extraction was similarly prevented when treated with antibiotics, which was confirmed by decreased osteoclasts and inflammation. ZOL treatment with pulp exposure significantly increased bone necrosis as determined by empty lacunae and necrotic bone amount. Furthermore, antibiotics treatment could further exacerbate bone necrosis, with increased osteoclast number. Our findings suggest that the commensal microbiome may play protective role, rather than pathological role, in the early stages of MRONJ development.
Animals
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Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw/prevention & control*
;
Bone Density Conservation Agents
;
Diphosphonates
;
Female
;
Humans
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Mice
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Microbiota
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Periapical Diseases
;
Zoledronic Acid
6.Characteristics of immune function of full-term infants with different feeding patterns at the age of 3 months: a prospective cohort study.
Jing-Ran MA ; Zheng-Hong LI ; Wen-Juan ZHANG ; Chun-Li ZHANG ; Yu-Heng ZHANG ; Hua MEI ; Na ZHUO ; Hong-Yun WANG ; Dan WU
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2021;23(10):1002-1007
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the characteristics of immune function of healthy full-term infants at the age of 3 months, and to analyze the relationship of immune function with feeding pattern and sex.
METHODS:
A total of 84 healthy full-term infants born in four hospitals in Beijing and Hohhot, China were prospectively recruited. Their feeding patterns remained unchanged within 4 months after birth. They were divided into a breast-feeding group and a milk powder feeding group according to their feeding patterns. At the age of 3 months after birth, peripheral venous blood samples of the two groups were collected to evaluate cellular immunity and humoral immunity and perform routine blood test. The laboratory indices were compared between infants with different feeding patterns and sexes.
RESULTS:
Compared with the milk powder feeding group, the breast-feeding group had significantly lower proportion of T cell second signal receptor CD28, immunoglobulin M, and proportion and absolute count of neutrophils (
CONCLUSIONS
Sex has no significant effect on the proportion of lymphocyte subsets in 3-month-old full-term infants, but feeding patterns are associated with the proportion of CD28
Breast Feeding
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes
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Female
;
HLA-DR Antigens
;
Humans
;
Infant
;
Lymphocyte Activation
;
Male
;
Prospective Studies
7.Urodynamic assessment of bladder storage function after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.
Ting-Ting CAO ; Hong-Wu WEN ; Yu-Nong GAO ; Qiu-Bo LYU ; Hui-Xin LIU ; Sha WANG ; Shi-Yan WANG ; Hua-Xin SUN ; Na YU ; Hai-Bo WANG ; Yi LI ; Zhi-Qi WANG ; Olivia H CHANG ; Xiu-Li SUN ; Jian-Liu WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2020;133(19):2274-2280
BACKGROUND:
After radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer, the most common complication is lower urinary tract symptoms. Post-operatively, bladder capacity can alter bladder function for a prolonged period. This study aimed to identify factors affecting bladder storage function.
METHODS:
A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted. Information of patients with stages IA2 to IIB cervical cancer with urodynamic study results were retrospectively collected from nine hospitals between June 2013 and June 2018 according to the inclusion criteria. Demographic, surgical, and oncological data were collected. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify clinical factors associated with bladder storage function.
RESULTS:
Two hundred and three patients with cervical cancer had urodynamic testing post-operatively. Ninety-five (46.8%) patients were diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The incidence of low bladder compliance (LBC) was 23.2%. Twenty-seven (13.3%) patients showed detrusor overactivity (DO). Fifty-seven patients (28.1%) presented with a decreased maximum cystometric capacity (DMCC). The probability of composite bladder storage dysfunction was 68.0%. Multivariate analysis confirmed that laparoscopy represents a protective factor for SUI with an odds ratio of 0.498 (P = 0.034). Patients who underwent a nerve-sparing procedure were less odds to experience SUI (P = 0.014). A significant positive correlation between LBC and DO was observed (P < 0.001). A greater length of the resected vagina and chemoradiotherapy were common risk factors for LBC and DO, while radiotherapy exerted a stronger effect than chemotherapy. Additionally, patients who received chemoradiotherapy frequently developed a DMCC. The follow-up time was not correlated with bladder storage function.
CONCLUSION
A nerve-sparing procedure without longer resected vagina is recommended for protecting the bladder storage function.
8.Impact of a pharmacy-led smoking cessation clinic in a dermatology centre.
Hui Mei CHENG ; Wen Chun LIU ; Germaine CHUA ; Choon Fong LIEW ; Winnie LI ; Winnie CHOO ; Hazel H OON
Singapore medical journal 2019;60(1):31-33
INTRODUCTION:
Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and has a deleterious effect on dermatological conditions, such as skin cancers, hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a pharmacist-led smoking cessation clinic in reducing cigarette smoking at a tertiary referral dermatology centre. We described the impact of this clinic to provide guidance on how such a model could be further improved and implemented more widely.
METHODS:
In this single-centre, retrospective study, 74 currently smoking patients who received counselling at a structured smoking cessation clinic between January 2010 and March 2013 were identified. Information on baseline demographic characteristics and detailed past medical history, including smoking history, was collected. Follow-up was conducted at two weeks and three months.
RESULTS:
At the first follow-up at two weeks, which was attended by 57 patients, 9 (15.8%) had stopped smoking and 26 (45.6%) showed reduction in the number of cigarette sticks smoked per day, with an average reduction of 4.1 cigarette sticks per day. However, a few patients also reported no change or increased number of cigarette sticks smoked per day following counselling.
CONCLUSION
A structured pharmacist-led smoking cessation clinic is effective and can be made a part of the holistic management of dermatological conditions.
Adolescent
;
Adult
;
Dermatology
;
organization & administration
;
Female
;
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
;
complications
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Program Development
;
Psoriasis
;
complications
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Skin Neoplasms
;
complications
;
Smoking Cessation
;
methods
;
Tobacco Use Disorder
;
therapy
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Young Adult
9.Dental care utilization of immigrants in Chengdu, China.
Wen CHEN ; Xiao-Han ZHANG ; Shannon-H HOUSER ; Xue-Dong ZHOU ; Xing QU
West China Journal of Stomatology 2018;36(4):428-434
OBJECTIVEThis study considered Chengdu, Sichuan, China as an example to investigate the dental service utilization by foreigners and its influencing factors. Results of the study can be referred by dental practitioners to explore international development of dental services and can be provided for health policy makers to formulate oral health policies for immigrants.
METHODSA simple random sampling method with a questionnaire was designed based on Anderson's health utilization model and "Oral Health Questionnaire for Adults" by the World Health Organization. Oral health condition, consciousness, and demographic data were collected. Binary Logistic regression and stratified analysis with SPSS 20.0 were performed.
RESULTSA total of 654 immigrants repre-senting 75 countries participated in the study. Among all participants, 102 (15.6%) experienced dental problems while in residence in China but paid no visit to dentists. Female immigrants, who spent considerable time living in Chengdu, experienced oral problems in a year, used dental floss, and reported family members in Chengdu, were more likely to visit Chinese dentists. Participants who lived in Chengdu for at least 10.5 months were the threshold distinguishing differences in dental visits in the country.
CONCLUSIONSThe policymakers in Chengdu should consider creating a convenient and conducive dental care environment for immigrants. Additional information related to urgent oral and routine care should be provided to short- and long-term living immigrants in China. Dental practitioners in China should also contemplate on collaborating with foreign dental insurance companies to ensure better dental care access for immigrant patients.
10.The clinical value of China Savin pollen extract used for skin prick test.
Kai GUAN ; J X ZHOU ; R Q WANG ; J YIN ; L L WANG ; Y X ZHI ; J L SUN ; H LI ; L P WEN ; J Q GU ; R TANG ; Z X WANG ; L S LI ; T XU
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2018;32(3):161-166
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of China Savin pollen extract which was used for skin prick test (SPT) in the diagnosis of China Savin pollen allergy. Patients with diagnosis of allergic diseases were collected from Allergy Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital. All patients were given SPT with China Savin pollen extract, and the mean wheal diameter (MWD) was measured after 15 minutes. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed based on the results of serum specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE). The effectiveness of SPT in the diagnosis of China Savin pollen allergy was evaluated under different diagnostic cutoff values. Adverse events were also recorded to evaluate the safety. A total of 1 029 patients were enrolled in this study without drop out case. There were 1 007 patients in full analysis set (FAS) and 765 patients in per protocol analysis set (PPS). The elimination rate was 25.66%. The area under the ROC curve of FAS is 0.814 (95%: 0.788-0.839); which of PPS is 0.829 (95%: 0.801-0.857). Based on the ROC curve of PPS, the optimal and the 95% specificity diagnostic cutoff values of MWD were 3.25 mm and 4.75 mm respectively. Based on different diagnostic cutoff value (3.00, 3.25 and 4.75 mm), the sensitivities of SPT with China Savin pollen extract were 0.740 0 (95%: 0.701 6-0.778 4), 0.700 (95%: 0.659 8-0.740 2) and 0.532 (95%: 0.488 3-0.575 7) respectively, whereas the specificity was gradually increased in sequence, which was 0.769 8 (95%: 0.719 1-0.820 5), 0.826 4 (95%: 0.780 8-0.872 0) and 0.950 9 (95%: 0.924 9-0.976 9) respectively. There were 7 adverse events observed among 6 patients (rate: 0.583%, 6/1 029). The manifestation was mild. There was no severe adverse event. SPT with China Savin pollen extract is an effective and safe tool for the diagnosis of China Savin pollen allergy. The effectiveness of diagnosis could be improved based on integration of medical history and different diagnostic threshold values of SPT.
Allergens
;
adverse effects
;
China
;
Humans
;
Immunoglobulin E
;
Pollen
;
adverse effects
;
Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal
;
diagnosis
;
Skin Tests

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