Visualizing Wallerian degeneration in the corticospinal tract after sensorimotor cortex ischemia in mice

Stroke can cause Wallerian degeneration in regions outside of the brain,particularly in the corticospinal tract.To investigate the fate of major glial cells and axons within affected areas of the corticospinal tract following stroke,we induced photochemical infarction of the sensorimotor cortex leading to Wallerian degeneration along the full extent of the corticospinal tract.We first used a routine,sensitive marker of axonal injury,amyloid precursor protein,to examine Wallerian degeneration of the corticospinal tract.An antibody to amyloid precursor protein mapped exclusively to proximal axonal segments within the ischemic cortex,with no positive signal in distal parts of the corticospinal tract,at all time points.To improve visualization of Wallerian degeneration,we next utilized an orthograde virus that expresses green fluorescent protein to label the corticospinal tract and then quantitatively evaluated green fluorescent protein-expressing axons.Using this approach,we found that axonal degeneration began on day 3 post-stroke and was almost complete by 7 days after stroke.In addition,microglia mobilized and activated early,from day 7 after stroke,but did not maintain a phagocytic state over time.Meanwhile,astrocytes showed relatively delayed mobilization and a moderate response to Wallerian degeneration.Moreover,no anterograde degeneration of spinal anterior horn cells was observed in response to Wallerian degeneration of the corticospinal tract.In conclusion,our data provide evidence for dynamic,pathogenic spatiotemporal changes in major cellular components of the corticospinal tract during Wallerian degeneration.

Epidemiology of biliary tract cancer in China:A narrative review

Biliary tract cancer(BTC)is a group of rare malignancies that affect the gallbladder and bile ducts.Although rare,BTC is becoming a significant public health burden in China,particularly among males and older individuals.The increasing trends in BTC incidence and mortality in China are influenced by various demographic,environmental,and lifestyle factors.In this review,we examine available epidemiological data on the incidence,mortality,prognosis,and trends of different BTC subtypes in China.We also discuss the challenges and opportunities for improving the prevention,diagnosis,and management of BTC in China,and identify areas for further research and intervention.The article aims to provide a better understanding of the epidemiological features of BTC in China and to inform public health strategies and clinical practice.

Epidemiologic Profile Urinary Tract Infections: Experience of the Microbiology Laboratory of the University Hospital Mohamed VI in Tangier

Urinary tract infection is one of the most common bacterial infections in humans. The urine cytobacteriological examination is the key test for its diagnosis. This work aims to Evaluate the prevalence of urinary tract infection at the Microbiology Laboratory of the University Hospital Mohamed VI in Tangier and to highlight its epidemiological and bacteriological characteristics. It was a descriptive study with retrospective data collection which took place from January 2021 to June 2022, at the Microbiology Laboratory of the university hospital Mohamed VI in Tangier. It covered all urine cytobacteriological examinations (ECBU) during the study period. We identified 77 cases of urinary tract infections out of 300 requests for (ECBU), that is a positivity rate of 25 %. The mean age was 55 years. The male gender was predominant. The epidemiological profile of the isolated strains was dominated by Enterobacteriaceae 81 %, followed by Gram-positive cocci 11 % and non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria 8 %. The main bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections in order of frequency: Escherichia coli 42 %, Klebsiella pneumoniae 20 %, Enterobacter cloacae 9 %, Staphylococcus aureus 6 %, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 5 % and Acinetobacter baumannii 3%. Most of the analyzed organisms showed resistance, especially to the beta-lactam antibiotic;the enterobacteria strains isolated had revealed resistance to amoxicillin: 74%, to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in 40% of cases, and to third-generation cephalosporins in 24%. In terms of resistance mechanisms, 11 % of the Enterobacteriaceae were extended-spectrum β-lactamase producers and 9 % of the specimens were identified as carbapenemase producers. Of the Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated, 75% were resistant to meticillin. The Glycopeptides and linezolid were the most active molecules on these isolated strains. 15% of Enterococcus species isolated in our laboratory were resistant to glycopeptides (vancomycin and teicoplanin).

Beta-lactam antibiotic resistance among Escherichia coli isolates from patients with urinary tract infections in Vietnam:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To investigate the evolving patterns of antimicrobial resistance against beta-lactam antibiotics in Escherichia coli isolates from urinary tract infection patients in Vietnam,covering the period from 2005 to 2022.Methods:29 Descriptive studies published between 2010 and 2022 in English and Vietnamese were included in the analysis.Data on resistance rates to beta-lactam antibiotics,including cephalosporins and carbapenems,were extracted and analyzed.Weighted pooled resistance rates were calculated using random-effects models.Annual trends in resistance were assessed using linear regression analysis.Results:Among the beta-lactam antibiotics studied,Escherichia coli exhibited varying levels of resistance,with cephalosporins showing higher resistance rates compared to carbapenems.Weighted pooled resistance rates were 66%for cefotaxime,65%for ceftriaxone,54%for ceftazidime,and 56%for cefepime.In contrast,carbapenems demonstrated lower resistance rates,with weighted pooled resistance rates ranging from 3%to 4%for meropenem,ertapenem,and imipenem.Resistance rates were also observed for amoxicillin/clavulanate(35%),ticarcillin/clavulanate(26%),and piperacillin/tazobactam(12%).Significant annual increases in resistance were noted for imipenem(0.56%,P<0.001).Conclusions:This study highlights the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infections in Vietnam and emphasizes the importance of prudent antibiotic use and the regular monitoring of resistance patterns.These insights are useful for guiding healthcare professionals in optimizing treatment strategies and for policymakers in formulating evidence-based clinical guidelines to combat antibiotic resistance effectively.

Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Urinary Tract Pathogens, with Molecular Identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Acinetobacter spp., Using Multiplex Real-Time PCR

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogens are a significant public health problem, and their treatment primarily relies on antibiotic therapy. However, the increasing global development of antibiotic resistance necessitates updating diagnostic techniques to ensure higher sensitivity and specificity, especially with advancements in science and medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of UTIs and antibiotic resistance profiles through urine culture, as well as to identify Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Acinetobacter spp. in urine samples using a molecular approach with multiplex real-time PCR. From May 3 to July 25, 2023, at the Pietro Annigoni Biomolecular Research Center (CERBA) and Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (HOSCO), 209 urine samples collected from patients with suspected UTIs were analyzed using both urine culture and multiplex real-time PCR. Among the 209 patients, 52.15% were male and 47.85% female, with an average age of 46.87 ± 21.33 years. Urine cultures revealed an overall UTI prevalence of 23.44%, with a prevalence of 8.13% in men versus 15.31% in women (P = 0.023). The bacterial prevalence rates were as follows: Escherichia coli (12.92%), Klebsiella spp. (7.18%), Enterobacter cloacae (1.44%), Staphylococcus aureus (0.96%), and other bacteria. Klebsiella spp. demonstrated 100% resistance to Amoxicillin and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid, while Escherichia coli showed 96.2% and 65.4% resistance to Amoxicillin and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid, respectively. PCR analysis of the target bacteria revealed mono-infection prevalence rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.39%), Klebsiella oxytoca (7.79%), and Acinetobacter spp. (7.79%), along with a co-infection prevalence rate of Klebsiella pneumoniae/Acinetobacter spp. (1.30%). This study demonstrated that PCR, with its high sensitivity and specificity, could effectively distinguish Klebsiella pneumoniae from Klebsiella oxytoca and detect Acinetobacter spp. in less than 24 hours—something urine culture alone could not achieve. The relative ease of automating urine PCR testing, combined with its diagnostic accuracy and rapid turnaround time, makes it a valuable addition to modern medical practice for the laboratory diagnosis of UTIs.

Urinary Tract Infection in Pediatric Emergency Department of Mohamed VI Hospital in Marrakech: Epidemiological Profile and Antibiotic Resistance

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most frequent bacterial infections in pediatrics. The aim of our work was to establish the epidemiological and bacteriological profile of UTIs in children and then to study the sensitivity of the bacterial strains isolated to antibiotics. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study over 3 years (2019-2022), including all cytobacteriological examination of urine (CBEU), performed in children aged 3 months to 14 years, admitted and treated for UTI, in the pediatric emergency department of Mohamed VI University Hospital. Results: A total of 239 children were included in our study. The mean age was 26 months. The sex ratio was 1.08. Escherichia coli was the most isolated bacterial strain in 79% of samples. The tested strains showed a high level of sensitivity to susceptibility rate toward amikacin (91%) and ciprofloxacin (100%) and whereas the level of resistance was high to the most current recommended antibiotics, mainly beta-lactams. Management was based, in severe forms of pyelonephritis, dual antibiotic therapy based on Third-generation cephalosporins combined with gentamycin. Favorable outcome was noted in 94% of children. Conclusion: Awareness-raising on the proper use of antibiotics, issuing national recommendations for the treatment of urinary tract infections in order to standardize therapeutic regimens is strongly recommended. Effective control of these infections requires a global prevention strategy that implies close collaboration between epidemiologists, clinicians, bacteriologists, hygienists and the health care team.

Plasma Metabonomics of Human Adenovirus-infected Patients with Pneumonia and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Objective Human adenovirus(HAdV)infection is common and can develop to serious conditions with high mortality,yet the mechanism of HAdV infection remains unclear.In the present study,the serum metabolite profiles of HAdV-7-infected patients with pneumonia or upper respiratory tract infection(URTI)were explored.Methods In total,35 patients were enrolled in the study following an outbreak of HAdV-7 in the army,of whom 14 had pneumonia and 21 had URTI.Blood samples were collected at the acute stage and at the recovery stage and were analyzed by untargeted metabolomics.Results Over 90% of the differential metabolites identified between the pneumonia patients and URTI patients were lipids and lipid-like molecules,including glycerophospholipids,fatty acyls,and sphingolipids.The metabolic pathways that were significantly enriched were primarily the lipid metabolism pathways,including sphingolipid metabolism,glycerophospholipid metabolism,and linoleic acid metabolism.The sphingolipid metabolism was identified as a significantly differential pathway between the pneumonia patients and URTI patients and between the acute and recovery stages for the pneumonia patients,but not between the acute and recovery stages for the URTI patients.Ceramide and lactosylceramide,involved in sphingolipid metabolism,were significantly higher in the pneumonia patients than in the URTI patients with good discrimination abilities[area under curve(AUC)0.742 and 0.716,respectively;combination AUC 0.801].Conclusion Our results suggested that HAdV modulated lipid metabolism for both the patients with URTI and pneumonia,especially the sphingolipid metabolism involving ceramide and lactosylceramide,which might thus be a potential intervention target in the treatment of HAdV infection.

Characterization of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase and Carbapenamase Producing Enterobacteriaceae Causing Urinary Tract Infection among Children in Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Enterobacteriaceae causing urinary tract infections (UTI) have developed resistance to the commonly used antibiotics due to emergence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) and Carbapenamase producing Enterobactericeae which are a public health problem worldwide. This study aims to determine the prevalence and characterize ESBLs and carbapenamase producing Enterobactericeae. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Nairobi. 238 urine samples were collected from patients with urinary symptoms attending the outpatient department within the period 2020-2021. The urine were examined macroscopically and microscopically. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were done using VITEK® 2 Compact system (BioMérieux). Double disc synergy test and modified hodge tests were done as confirmatory tests for ESBLs and Carbapenamase phenotypes respectively. Polymerase Chain Reaction was used for the detection of blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaKPC and blaOXA-48 genes. Results: From the 238 children sampled the prevalence of UTI caused by Enterobactericeae was 22.3%. The Enterobacteriaceae species isolated were Escherichia coli (84.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.66%), Proteus mirabillis (5.66%), Enterobacter aerogenes (1.89%) and Morganella morganii (1.89%). The isolated species were resistant to ampicillin. Meropenem had the highest susceptibility. Only E. coli species had the ESBLs (26.4%) and carbapenamase (1.9%) phenotypes. 100% had BlaCTX-M while 50% had blaTEM resistant gene. There was a significant association (p Conclusion: Ampicillin resistance resulted to use of alternative drugs and Meropenem was the drug of choice where increased resistance to the recommended drugs was noted. Further research on resistant genes is recommended.

Seasonal variation of melatonin secretion across various segments of the gastrointestinal tract in rats

Objective:To investigate whether melatonin(MT)secretion in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract(GIT)exhibits seasonal variations and its correlation with immune regulation.Methods: Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control and model groups,and the pineal gland was removed in the model group.Stomach,jejunum,ileum,and colon tissues were obtained during the spring equinox,summer solstice,beginning of autumn,autumn equinox,and winter solstice.The levels of MT,MT receptors(MR),arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase(AANAT),hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase(HIOMT),interleukin-2(IL-2),and interleukin-10(IL-10)in the GIT were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Except for the stomach,the jejunum,ileum,and the colon showed seasonal tendencies in MT secretion.In the control group,MT secretion in the jejunum and ileum was the highest in the long summer,and colonic MT secretion was the highest in winter.In the model group,MT levels in the colon were highest in the summer.The seasonal rhythms of the MR,AANAT,HIOMT,IL-2,and IL-10 in the colon were roughly similar to those of MT,and changed accordingly after pinealectomy.Conclusions: Gastrointestinal MT secretion is related to seasonal changes,and MT secretion in each intestinal segment is influenced by different seasons.The biological effects of MT in the gut are inextricably linked to the mediation of MR,and a hormone-receptor linkage exists between MT and MR.The effect of seasonal changes on the gastrointestinal immune system may be mediated through the regulation of seasonal secretion of MT.

Clinical and socioeconomic determinants of survival in biliary tract adenocarcinomas

BACKGROUND Despite advances in detection and treatments,biliary tract cancers continue to have poor survival outcomes.Currently,there is limited data investigating the significance of socioeconomic status,race/ethnicity,and environmental factors in biliary tract cancer survival.Data from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results database for biliary and gallbladder adenocarcinomas were extracted from 1975 to 2016.Socioe-conomic data included smoking,poverty level,education,adjusted household income,and percentage of foreign-born persons and urban population.Survival was calculated with Cox proportional hazards models for death in the 5-year period following diagnosis.RESULTS Our study included 15883 gallbladder,11466 intrahepatic biliary,12869 extrahepatic biliary and 7268 ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma cases.When analyzing county-specific demographics,patients from counties with higher incomes were associated with higher survival rates[hazard ratio(HR)=0.97,P<0.05].Similarly,counties with a higher percentage of patients with a college level education and counties with a higher urban population had higher 5-year survival rates(HR=0.96,P=0.002 and HR=0.97,P=0.004,respectively).CONCLUSION Worse survival outcomes were observed in lower income counties while higher income and education level were associated with higher 5-year overall survival among gallbladder and biliary malignancies.

Nab-paclitaxel plus capecitabine as first-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancers:An open-label,non-randomized,phase II clinical trial

BACKGROUND Biliary tract cancers(BTCs)are a heterogeneous group of tumors with high malignancy,poor prognosis,and limited treatment options.AIM To explore the efficacy and safety of nab-paclitaxel plus capecitabine as first-line treatment for advanced and metastatic BTCs.METHODS This open-label,non-randomized,double-center,phase II clinical trial recruited systemic therapy-naive patients with unresectable or metastatic BTCs between April 2019 and June 2022 at Beijing Cancer Hospital and the First Hospital of China Medical University.Eligible patients were administered nab-paclitaxel(150 mg/m^(2),day 1)and capecitabine(2000 mg/m^(2),twice daily,days 1-7)in 14-day cycles until experiencing intolerable toxicity or disease progression.The primary outcome was the objective response rate(ORR).The secondary outcomes included the disease control rate(DCR),overall survival(OS),progression-free survival(PFS),and safety.RESULTS A total of 44 patients successfully completed the trial,with a median age of 64.00 years(interquartile range,35.00-76.00),and 26(59.09%)were females.Tumor response assessment was impeded for one patient due to premature demise from tumor hemorrhage.Among the remaining 43 patients undergoing at least one imaging assessment,the ORR was 23.26%[95%confidence interval(CI):11.80%-38.60%],and the DCR was 69.77%(95%CI:53.90%-82.80%).The median OS was 14.1 months(95%CI:8.3-19.9),and the median PFS was 4.4 months(95%CI:2.5-6.3).A total of 41 patients(93.18%)experienced at least one adverse event(AE),with 10 patients(22.73%)encountering grade≥3 AEs,and the most frequent AEs of any grade were alopecia(79.50%),leukopenia(54.55%),neutropenia(52.27%),and liver dysfunction(40.91%),and no treatment-related deaths were documented.CONCLUSION Nab-paclitaxel plus capecitabine may be an effective and safe first-line treatment strategy for patients with advanced or metastatic BTCs.

Malignant melanoma:An important differential diagnosis for clear cell sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract

A case report by Liu et al describes the characteristics of metastatic clear cell sarcoma(CCS)of the pancreas and provides valuable therapeutic insights for this rare malignancy.This case is interesting because of its rarity,suggesting that the pancreas may be a potential target organ for CCS,either primary or metastatic.At the same time,the authors also emphasize the importance of regular postoperative follow-up for timely detection of recurrent lesions,as CCS is characterized by a high degree of malignancy and a high rate of recurrent metastases.Considering that CCS of the gastrointestinal tract is easily confused with malignant melanoma(MM)of the gastrointestinal tract,here we compare the clinical features,histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of CCS and MM of the gastrointestinal tract,hoping to provide a reference for clinical work.

Association between gut microbiota and hepatocellular carcinoma and biliary tract cancer:A mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies have begun to discuss the relationship between gut microbiota and diseases,yet there is currently a lack of corresponding articles describing the association between gut microbiota and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and biliary tract cancer(BTC).This study aims to explore the relationship between them using Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis method.AIM To assess the relationship between gut microbiota and HCC and BTC.METHODS We obtained Genome-wide association study(GWAS)data for the gut microbiome from the intestinal microbiota genomic library(MiBioGen,https://mibiogen.gcc.rug.nl/).Additionally,we accessed data pertaining to HCC and BTC from the IEU open GWAS platform(https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/).Our analysis employed fundamental instrumental variable analysis methods,including inverse-variance weighted,MR and Egger.To ensure the dependability of the results,we subjected the results to tests for multiple biases and heterogeneity.RESULTS During our investigation,we discovered 11 gut microbiota linked to an increased risk to BTC and HCC.The former included the genus Eubacterium hallii group(P=0.017),Candidatus Soleaferrea(P=0.034),Flavonifractor(P=0.021),Lachnospiraceae FCS020(P=0.034),the order Victivallales(P=0.018),and the class Lentisphaeria(P=0.0.18).The latter included the genus Desulfovibrio(P=0.042),Oscillibacter(P=0.023),the family Coriobacteriaceae(P=0.048),the order Coriobacteriales(P=0.048),and the class Coriobacteriia(P=0.048).Furthermore,in BTC,we observed 2 protective gut microbiota namely the genus Dorea(P=0.041)and Lachnospiraceae ND3007 group(P=0.045).All results showed no evidence of multiplicity or heterogeneity.CONCLUSION This study explores a causal link between gut microbiota and HCC and BTC.These insights may enhance the mechanistic knowledge of microbiota-related HCC and BTC pathways,potentially informing therapeutic strategies.

Analysis of sleep quality,disease uncertainty,and psychological tolerance in patients undergoing chemotherapy for digestive tract malignancies

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among digestive tract malignancies,following gastric cancer.Sleep is of great significance for maintaining human health.The incidence of sleep disorders in patients with cancer is approximately twice that observed in the general population.Lack of sleep can prolong hospital stays,increase the likelihood of infection,and increase mortality rates.Therefore,studying the factors related to sleep quality is significant for improving the quality of life of patients with malignant tumors of the digestive tract.AIM To investigate the relationships among sleep quality,disease uncertainty,and psychological resilience in patients undergoing chemotherapy for digestive tract malignancies.METHODS A total of 131 patients with malignant digestive tract tumors who were treated at Hefei BOE Hospital between April 2021 and September 2022 were selected as research participants.Based on their Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)scores,participants were divided into either the sleep disorder group(PSQI score>7)or the normal sleep group(PSQI score≤7).The clinical data—together with the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale for Adults(MUIS-A)and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC)scores—were compared.RESULTS In this study,78(59.54%)patients with digestive tract malignancies developed sleep disorders after chemotherapy.Sleep disorder incidence was higher in patients with colorectal cancer than in those with gastric and esophageal cancers(P<0.05).The total MUIS-A score and those for each item in the sleep disorder group were higher than those in the normal sleep group.The total CD-RISC score and those for each item in the sleep disorder group were lower than those in the normal sleep group(P<0.05).The PSQI scores of patients with malignant digestive tract tumors were positively correlated with the scores for lack of disease information,disease uncertainty,and unpredictability in the MUIS-A and negatively correlated with the scores for tenacity,self-improvement,and optimism in the CD-RISC(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Patients undergoing chemotherapy for digestive tract malignancies are prone to sleep problems related to disease uncertainty and psychological resilience.Therefore,interventions can be implemented to improve their sleep quality.

Impact of open hepatectomy on postoperative bile leakage in patients with biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND Bile leakage is a common and serious complication of open hepatectomy for the treatment of biliary tract cancer.AIM To evaluate the incidence,risk factors,and management of bile leakage after open hepatectomy in patients with biliary tract cancer.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 120 patients who underwent open hepatectomy for biliary tract cancer from February 2018 to February 2023.Bile leak was defined as bile drainage from the surgical site or drain or the presence of a biloma on imaging.The incidence,severity,timing,location,and treatment of the bile leaks were recorded.The risk factors for bile leakage were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.RESULTS The incidence of bile leak was 16.7%(20/120),and most cases were grade A(75%,15/20)according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery classification.The median time of onset was 5 d(range,1-14 d),and the median duration was 7 d(range,2-28 d).The most common location of bile leakage was the cut surface of the liver(70%,14/20),followed by the anastomosis site(25%,5/20)and the cystic duct stump(5%,1/20).Most bile leaks were treated conservatively with drainage,antibiotics,and nutritional support(85%,17/20),whereas some required endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stenting(10%,2/20)or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography with drainage(5%,1/20).Risk factors for bile leakage include male sex,hepatocellular carcinoma,major hepatectomy,blood loss,and blood transfusion.CONCLUSION Bile leakage is a frequent complication of open hepatectomy for biliary tract cancer.However,most cases are mild and can be conservatively managed.Male sex,hepatocellular carcinoma,major hepatectomy,blood loss,and blood transfusion were associated with an increased risk of bile leak.

Transmembrane serine protease 4 expression in the prognosis of radical resection for biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND Recent advancements in biliary tract cancer(BTC)treatment have expanded beyond surgery to include adjuvant therapy,yet the prognosis remains poor.Identifying prognostic biomarkers could enhance the assessment of patients who have undergone radical resection for BTC.AIM To determine transmembrane serine protease 4(TMPRSS4)utility as a prognostic biomarker of radical resection for BTC.METHODS Medical records of patients who underwent radical resection for BTC,excluding intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma,were retrospectively reviewed.The associations between TMPRSS4 expression and clinicopathological factors,overall survival,and recurrence-free survival were analyzed.RESULTS Among the 85 patients undergoing radical resection for BTC,46(54%)were TMPRSS4-positive.The TMPRSS4-positive group exhibited significantly higher preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)values and greater lymphatic invasion than the TMPRSS4-negative group(P=0.019 and 0.039,respectively).Postoperative overall survival and recurrence-free survival were significantly worse in the TMPRSS4-positive group(median survival time:25.3 months vs not reached,P<0.001;median survival time:28.7 months vs not reached,P=0.043,respectively).Multivariate overall survival analysis indicated TMPRSS4 positivity,pT3/T4,and resection status R1 were independently associated with poor prognosis(P=0.032,0.035 and 0.030,respectively).TMPRSS4 positivity correlated with preoperative CA19-9 values≥37 U/mL and pathological tumor size≥30 mm(P=0.016 and 0.038,respectively).CONCLUSION TMPRSS4 is a potential prognostic biomarker of radical resection for BTC.

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of MET-variant digestive tract tumors

The receptor tyrosine kinase encoded by the MET gene plays an important role in various cellular processes such as growth,survival,migration and angiogenesis,and its abnormal activation is closely related to the occurrence and development of various tumors.This article reviews the recent advances in diagnosis and treatment of MET-variant digestive tract tumors.In terms of diagnosis,the application of next-generation sequencing technology and liquid biopsy technology makes the detection of MET variants more accurate and efficient,providing a reliable basis for individualized treatment.In terms of treatment,MET inhibitors such as crizotinib and cabotinib have shown good efficacy in clinical trials.In addition,the combination of immunotherapy and MET inhibitors also demonstrated potential synergies,further improving the therapeutic effect.However,the complexity and heterogeneity of drug resistance mechanisms are still one of the difficulties in current research.In the future,it is necessary to further deepen the understanding of the mechanism of MET variation and explore new combination treatment strategies to improve the overall survival rate and quality of life of patients.The diagnosis and treatment of MET-variant digestive tract tumors are moving towards precision and individualization,and have broad application prospects.

Endoscopic resection for calcifying fibrous tumors of the gastrointestinal tract

BACKGROUND Calcifying fibrous tumors(CFTs)are rare mesenchymal lesions that can occur in various sites throughout the body,including the tubular gastrointestinal(GI)tract.AIM To analyze the clinical findings of 36 patients with GI tract CFTs to provide guidance for diagnosis and treatment.METHODS This retrospective study included 36 patients diagnosed with CFTs of the GI tract.We collected demographic and clinical information and conducted regular follow-ups to assess for local recurrence.RESULTS The stomach was the most commonly involved site,accounting for 72.2%of the 36 CFTs.Endoscopic mucosal resection(n=1,2.8%),endoscopic submucosal dissection(n=14,38.9%),endoscopic full-thickness resection(n=16,44.4%),and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection(n=5,13.9%)were used to resect calcifying fibrous tumors.Overall,34(94.4%)CFTs underwent complete endoscopic resections with a mean procedure time of 39.8±29.8 min.The average maximum diameter of the tumors was 10.6±4.3 cm.No complications,such as bleeding or perforation,occurred during an average hospital stay of 2.9±1.2 d.In addition,two patients developed new growth of CFTs near the primary tumor sites,and none of the patients developed distant metastases during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION GI tract CFTs are rare and typically benign tumors that can be effectively managed with endoscopic procedures.

Coinfection with hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis with abdominal wall abscess and sinus tract formation:A case report

BACKGROUND Hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis coinfections,particularly with concurrent abscesses and sinus tract formation,are extremely rare.This article presents a case of a patient diagnosed with this unique presentation,discussing the typical imaging manifestations of both echinococcosis types and detailing the diagnosis and surgical treatment experience thereof.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old Tibetan woman presented with concurrent hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis,accompanied by abdominal wall abscesses and sinus tract formation.Initial conventional imaging examinations suggested only hepatic cystic echinococcosis,but intraoperative and postoperative pathological examination revealed the coinfection.Following radical resection of the lesions,the patient’s condition improved,and she was discharged soon thereafter.Subsequent outpatient follow-ups confirmed no recurrence of the hydatid lesion and normal surgical wound healing.Though mixed hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis with abdominal wall abscesses and sinus tract formations are rare,the general treatment approach remains consistent with that of simpler infections of alveolar echinococcosis.CONCLUSION Lesions involving the abdominal wall and sinus tract formation,may require radical resection.Long-term prognosis includes albendazole and follow-up examinations.

Upper Tract Treatment of Urogenital Fistulas at the National Fistula Treatment Center (CNTF)

Introduction: Urogenital fistula is the existence of an abnormal pathway between a urinary organ and a genital organ. It is a public health problem because of its frequency and social aspect. The aim of this study was to analyse the management of urogenital fistulas by the upper route at the National Fistula Treatment Centre in N’Djamena. Material and Methods: This was a 10-year retrospective descriptive and analytical study from May 2011 to April 2021. The records of all patients who had received fistula treatment during this period were identified and analysed. Results: During the study period 2369 patients were managed for cure of urogenital fistula including 84 by the upper route, i.e. 3.5%. The mean age was 28.5 ± 8.13 years. Loss of urine was the most common reason for consultation (71.4%). Primigravida were represented in 50% (n = 42). The average gestational age was 3.2 ± 2.8 with extremes of 0 to 9 pregnancies. Obstetric aetiology was the most common (92.8%). Ureterovaginal fistulas were the most common anatomoclinical type (36.9%). Uretero-vesical reimplantation was the main surgical procedure (41.7%). Late postoperative follow-up was successful in 85.7% of cases. Conclusion: Urogenital fistulas are common in our practice. The only way to combat this scourge is through prevention through information, education and communication.