Nucleotide excision repair gene polymorphisms and hepatoblastoma susceptibility in Eastern Chinese children:A five-center case-control study

Objective:Nucleotide excision repair(NER)plays a vital role in maintaining genome stability,and the effect of NER gene polymorphisms on hepatoblastoma susceptibility is still under investigation.This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between NER gene polymorphisms and the risk of hepatoblastoma in Eastern Chinese Han children.Methods:In this five-center case-control study,we enrolled 966 subjects from East China(193 hepatoblastoma patients and 773 healthy controls).The TaqMan method was used to genotype 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in NER pathway genes,including ERCC1,XPA,XPC,XPD,XPF,and XPG.Then,multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed,and odds ratios(ORs)and 95%confidence intervals(95%CIs)were utilized to assess the strength of associations.Results:Three SNPs were related to hepatoblastoma risk.XPC rs2229090 and XPD rs3810366 significantly contributed to hepatoblastoma risk according to the dominant model(adjusted OR=1.49,95%CI=1.07−2.08,P=0.019;adjusted OR=1.66,95%CI=1.12−2.45,P=0.012,respectively).However,XPD rs238406 conferred a significantly decreased risk of hepatoblastoma under the dominant model(adjusted OR=0.68,95%CI=0.49−0.95;P=0.024).Stratified analysis demonstrated that these significant associations were more prominent in certain subgroups.Moreover,there was evidence of functional implications of these significant SNPs suggested by online expression quantitative trait loci(eQTLs)and splicing quantitative trait loci(sQTLs)analysis.Conclusions:In summary,NER pathway gene polymorphisms(XPC rs2229090,XPD rs3810366,and XPD rs238406)are significantly associated with hepatoblastoma risk,and further research is required to verify these findings.

Outcomes of surgical correction of Peyronie’s disease with plaque excision and grafting: Comparison of testicular tunica vaginalis graft versus bovine pericardium graft

Objective:Peyronie’s disease(PD)is an abnormal wound healing in the penile tunica albuginea.After fibrotic plaque excision,different graft materials have been used to repair the defects,but the optimal graft remains unknown.This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes of testicular tunica vaginalis grafts and bovine pericardium grafts in patients with severe PD.Methods:A retrospective comparative study was conducted on 33 PD patients undergoing partial plaque excision and grafting from September 2015 to May 2021.The patients were divided into two groups depending on the type of graft used.For 15 patients in Group B,testicular tunica vaginalis grafts were used to repair the defect,while for 18 patients in Group A,bovine pericardium grafts were used.Data of the patient’s age,comorbidities,sexual function,penile curvature,postoperative complications,need for further treatment,change in penile length,and satisfaction were gathered and compared between the groups.Sexual function was evaluated using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF-5),and a functional less than 20-degree penile curvature after surgery was considered a successful intervention.Results:There was no difference in age,comorbidities,degree of curvature,perioperative IIEF-5,operative time,plaque size,or complication rates.After surgery,a statistically significant improvement in curvature degree(p<0.05)and satisfactory penile appearance(p<0.05)were seen in both groups without any superiority between the two groups(p=0.423 and p=0.840,respectively).With a 30-month follow-up,the IIEF-5 was consistent in both groups,with no statistical significance between the groups(p=0.492).The main change in penile length during the operation was increased and still positive in the last follow-up in both groups without statistical significance(p=0.255 and p=0.101,respectively).Conclusion:Partial plaque excision and corporoplasty with both testicular tunica vaginalis or bovine pericardium grafts are equally effective in treating males with clinically significant PD.

Comparing short-term outcomes of robot-assisted and conventional laparoscopic total mesorectal excision surgery for rectal cancer in elderly patients

BACKGROUND Da Vinci Robotics-assisted total mesorectal excision(TME)surgery for rectal cancer is becoming more widely used.There is no strong evidence that roboticassisted surgery and laparoscopic surgery have similar outcomes in elderly patients with TME for rectal cancer.AIM To determine the improved oncological outcomes and short-term efficacy of robot-assisted surgery in elderly patients undergoing TME surgery.METHODS A retrospective study of the clinical pathology and follow-up of elderly patients who underwent TME surgery at the Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology at the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine was conducted from March 2020 through September 2023.The patients were divided into a robotassisted group(the R-TME group)and a laparoscopic group(the L-TME group),and the short-term efficacy of the two groups was compared.RESULTS There were 45 elderly patients(≥60 years)in the R-TME group and 50 elderly patients(≥60 years)in the L-TME group.There were no differences in demographics,conversion rates,or postoperative complication rates.The L-TME group had a longer surgical time than the R-TME group[145(125,187.5)vs 180(148.75,206.25)min,P=0.005),and the first postoperative meal time in the L-TME group was longer than that in the R-TME(4 vs 3 d,P=0.048).Among the sex and body mass index(BMI)subgroups,the R-TME group had better out-comes than did the L-TME group in terms of operation time(P=0.042)and intraoperative assessment of bleeding(P=0.042).In the high BMI group,catheter removal occurred earlier in the R-TME group than in the L-TME group(3 vs 4 d,P=0.001),and autonomous voiding function was restored.CONCLUSION The curative effect and short-term efficacy of robot-assisted TME surgery for elderly patients with rectal cancer are similar to those of laparoscopic TME surgery;however,robotic-assisted surgery has better short-term outcomes for individuals with risk factors such as obesity and pelvic stenosis.Optimizing the learning curve can shorten the operation time,reduce the recovery time of gastrointestinal function,and improve the prognosis.

Beyond total mesorectal excision: The emerging role of minimally invasive surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer

Multivisceral resection and/or pelvic exenteration represents the only potential curative treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer(LARC);however,it poses significant technical challenges,which account for the high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure.As complete histopathologic resection is the most important determinant of patient outcomes,LARC often requires an extended resection beyond the total mesorectal excision plane to obtain clear re-section margins.In an era when laparoscopic surgery and robot-assisted surgery are becoming commonplace,the optimal approach to extensive pelvic inter-ventions remains controversial.However,acceptance of the suitability of mini-mally invasive surgery is slowly gaining traction.Nonetheless,there is still a lack of evidence in the literature about minimally invasive approaches in multiple and extensive surgical resections,highlighting the need for research studies to explore,validate,and develop this issue.This editorial aims to provide a critical overview of the currently available applications and challenges of minimally invasive abdo-minopelvic surgery for LARC.Furthermore,we discuss recent developments in the field of robotic surgery for LARC,with a specific focus on new innovations and emerging frontiers.

Local excision of early rectal cancer: A multi-centre experience of transanal endoscopic microsurgery from the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND Total mesorectal excision remains the gold standard for the management of rectal cancer however local excision of early rectal cancer is gaining popularity due to lower morbidity and higher acceptance by the elderly and frail patients.AIM To investigate the results of local excision of rectal cancer by transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEMS)approach carried out at three large cancer centers in the United Kingdom.METHODS TEMS database was retrospectively reviewed to assess demographics,operative findings and post operative clinical and oncological outcomes.This is a retro-spective review of the prospective databases,which included all patients operated with TEMS approach,for early rectal cancer(Node-negative T1-T2),selected T3 in unfit/frail patients.RESULTS Two hundred and twenty-two patients underwent TEMS surgery.This included 144 males(64.9%)and 78 females(35.1%),Median age was 71 years.The median distance of the tumours from the anal verge 4.5 cm.Median tumour size was 2.6 cm.The most frequent operative position of the patient was lithotomy(32.3%),Full-thickness rectal wall excision was done in 204 patients.Median operating time was 90 minutes.Average blood loss was minimal.There were two 90-day mortalities.Complete excision of the tumour with free microscopic margins by>1mm were accomplished in 171 patients(76.7%).Salvage total mesorectal excision was performed in 42 patients(19.8%).Median disease-free survival was 65 months(range:3-146 months)(82.8%),and median overall survival was 59 months(0-146 months).CONCLUSION TEMS provides a promising option for early rectal cancers(Large adenomas-cT1/cT2N0),and selected therapy-responding cancers.Full-thickness complete excision of the tumour is mandatory to avoid jeopardising the oncological outcomes.

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Following Cryotherapy, Thermal Ablation and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Treatment: A Pilot Study among Zambian Women

Background: Cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia treatments have become essential interventions to manage cervical lesions. Majority of the recipients of these treatments are women within the reproductive age group, who according to literature may be at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This pilot study is part of a study investigating adverse pregnancy outcomes among women who received Cryotherapy, Thermal ablation and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure compared to the untreated women in Zambia. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study analyzed records of 886 (n = 443 treated and n = 443 untreated) women aged 15 - 49 years. The women were either screened with Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid or treated for Cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia at the Adult Infectious Disease Centre between January 2010 and December 2020. Women meeting the criteria were identified using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid screening records and telephone interviews to obtain the adverse pregnancy outcome experienced. Data were analysed using STATA version 16 to determine the prevalence and obtain frequency distribution of outcomes of interest. Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression estimated odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes across the three treatments. Results: The respondents were aged 15 to 49 years. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed to be more prevalent in the treatment group (18.5%) compared to the untreated group (5.4%). Normal pregnancy outcomes were lower in the treated (46.3%;n = 443) than the untreated (53.7%;n = 443). The treated group accounted for the majority of abortions (85.2%), prolonged labour (85.7%) and low birth weight (80%), whereas, the untreated accounted for the majority of still births (72.7%). Women treated with cryotherapy (aOR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.32 - 4.49, p = 0.004), thermal ablation (aOR = 6.37, 95% CI = 0.99 - 41.2, p = 0.052) and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (aOR = 9.67, 95% CI = 2.17 - 43.1, p = 0.003) had two-, six- and ten-times higher odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes respectively, relative to women who required no treatment. Conclusion: Adverse pregnancy outcomes are prevalent among women who have received treatment in Zambia. The findings indicate that treating Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia has been linked to higher chances of experiencing abortion, delivering low birth weight babies and enduring prolonged labor that may result in a caesarean section delivery. Cervical neoplasia treatments, particularly Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure, are associated with significantly increased odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is essential to include information about prior Cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia treatment outcomes in obstetric care.

Hysteroscopic cervical biopsy for women with persistent human papillomavirus infection after loop electrosurgical excision procedure: A case report

BACKGROUNDAlmost all cases of cervical cancer can be attributed to human papillomavirus(HPV) infection. The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is widelyused to treat HPV-mediated disease;thus, cervical cancer is highly preventable.However, LEEP does not necessarily clear HPV rapidly and may affect theaccuracy of the results of ThinPrep cytology test (TCT) and cervical biopsy due tothe formation of cervical scars.CASE SUMMARYA 40-year-old woman underwent LEEP for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade1 approximately 10 years ago. Subsequent standard cervical cancer screeningsuggested persistent HPV-52 infection, but TCT results were negative. Cervicalbiopsy under colposcopy was performed thrice over a 10-year period, yieldingnegative pathology results. She developed abnormal vaginal bleeding after sexualactivity, persisting for approximately 1 year, and underwent hysteroscopy in ourhospital. Histopathologic evaluation confirmed adenocarcinoma in situ of theuterine cervix.CONCLUSIONPatients with long-term persistent, high-risk HPV infection and negative pathologyresults of cervical biopsy after LEEP are at risk of cervical cancer. Hysteroscopicresection of cervical canal tissue is recommended as a supplement tocervical biopsy because it helps define the lesion site and may yield a pathologicdiagnosis.

Laparoscopic right radical hemicolectomy: Central vascular ligation and complete mesocolon excision vs D3 lymphadenectomy - How I do it?

In colon cancer surgery,ensuring the complete removal of the primary tumor and draining lymph nodes is crucial.Lymphatic drainage in the colon follows the vascular supply,typically progressing from pericolic to paraaortic lymph nodes.While NCCN guidelines recommend the removal of 10-12 lymph nodes for ade-quate oncological resection,achieving complete oncological resection involves more than just meeting these numerical targets.Various techniques have been developed and studied over time to attain optimal oncological outcomes.A key technique central to this goal is identifying the ileocolic vessels at their origin from the superior mesenteric vessels.Complete excision of the visceral and parietal mesocolon ensures the intact removal of the specimen,while D3 lymphade-nectomy targets all draining regional lymph nodes.Although these principles emphasize different aspects,they ultimately converge to achieve the same goal of complete oncological resection.This article aims to simplify the surgical steps that align with the principle of central vascular ligation and mesocolon mobilization while ensuring adequate D3 dissection.

Clinical Outcomes of Complete Mesocolic Excision for Right-Sided Colon Cancer Using 3D Laparoscopy versus 2D Laparoscopy

Objective:To study the clinical outcomes of complete mesocolic excision(CME)for right-sided colon cancer using 3D(three-dimensional)laparoscopy compared to 2D(two-dimensional)laparoscopy.Methods:From January 2022 to December 2023,58 patients with right-sided colon cancer treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University were randomly divided into a 3D laparoscopy group(observation group)and a 2D laparoscopy group(control group),with 29 patients in each group.Intraoperative blood loss,postoperative time to first flatulence,length of hospital stay,and incidence of complications in both groups were recorded.Results:There was a statistically significant difference in intraoperative blood loss between the two groups(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the time to first flatulence between the groups(P>0.05).However,there was a statistically significant difference in the length of hospital stay(P<0.05)and the incidence of complications(P<0.05)between the two groups.Conclusion:3D laparoscopy for CME can reduce intraoperative blood loss,shorten hospital stay,and decrease postoperative complications,showing significant clinical advantages over traditional 2D laparoscopy.

Clinical Study on the Treatment of Low Anal Fistula in Infants and Young Children by Anal Gland Excision and Virtual Hanging Procedure

Objective:To compare the efficacy of anal adenectomy with virtual hanging wire and anal fistulotomy in the treatment of low anal fistula in infants and children.Methods:60 children with low anal fistula who were admitted to our hospital from October 2021 to March 2022 and met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups of 30 cases each;the treatment group was treated with anal adenectomy and virtual hanging wire surgery,and the control group was treated with anal fistula resection.The clinical efficacy after treatment was compared.Results:The total effective rate of both groups was 96.67%and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The postoperative pain score of the treatment group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The length of hospitalization and healing time of the treatment group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The anal function of the patients in both groups was normal,and there was no adverse reaction.Conclusion:Anal gland excision and virtual hanging surgery for the treatment of low anal fistula in infants and children have the advantages of mild pain,reduced length of hospitalization,short healing time,and better patient experience as compared to anal fistula excision.

Early burn wound excision in mass casualty events

Dear Editor,The aim of the letter is to stress the need of creating unified recommendations concerning early burn wound excision in cases of mass casualty burns exclusively.There are several triage methods,both for civilian and military circumstances,that govern burn casualty triage and evacuation from the incident site,as well as hospital referral up to 120 h from the disaster.

Anaesthetic Management and Challenges for Carotid Body Tumour Excision in a Young Nigerian: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Background: Carotid body tumours (CBTs) are rare tumours that arise from chemoreceptor cells at the bifurcation of carotid artery. Excision of CBT poses several anesthetic challenges and may be complicated with marked intraoperative hemodynamic instability and turbulent postoperative recovery. Attention to details and a meticulous anesthetic plan are essential for successful anesthetic management. Aim: To present anaesthetic management and challenges for carotid body tumour excision in a young Nigerian. Case Presentation: A 26-year-old man presented with left sided slow growing neck tumour. The tumour was completely excised with no anaesthetic or surgical complication. Histology and immunohistochemistry of the excised tumour confirmed paraganglioma. He was discharged fifteenth post-operative day. Conclusion: General anesthesia is the preferred technique. The basic elements of anesthetic management are protection of hemodynamic stability and maintenance of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP).

Use of artificial intelligence in total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer surgery: State of the art and perspectives

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is a major public health problem,with 1.9 million new cases and 953000 deaths worldwide in 2020.Total mesorectal excision(TME)is the standard of care for the treatment of rectal cancer and is crucial to prevent local recurrence,but it is a technically challenging surgery.The use of artificial intelligence(AI)could help improve the performance and safety of TME surgery.AIM To review the literature on the use of AI and machine learning in rectal surgery and potential future developments.METHODS Online scientific databases were searched for articles on the use of AI in rectal cancer surgery between 2020 and 2023.RESULTS The literature search yielded 876 results,and only 13 studies were selected for review.The use of AI in rectal cancer surgery and specifically in TME is a rapidly evolving field.There are a number of different AI algorithms that have been developed for use in TME,including algorithms for instrument detection,anatomical structure identification,and image-guided navigation systems.CONCLUSION AI has the potential to revolutionize TME surgery by providing real-time surgical guidance,preventing complic-ations,and improving training.However,further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of AI in TME surgery.

Distribution and engulfment behavior of TiB_2 particles or clusters in wedge-shaped copper casting ingot

Wedge-shaped copper casting experiment was conducted to study the engulfment behavior of TiB2 particle and the interaction between particle or cluster and the solid/liquid front in commercial pure aluminum matrix. The experimental results show that the particle size distribution obeys two separate systems in the whole wedge-cast sample. Furthermore, it is found that the big clusters are pushed to the center of the wedge shaped sample and the single particle or small clusters consisting of few particles are engulfed into the α-Al in the area of the sample edge. The cluster degree of particles varies in different areas, and its value is 0.2 and 0.6 for the cluster fraction in the edge and in the center of the wedge sample, respectively. The cluster diameter does not obey the normal distribution but approximately obeys lognormal distribution in the present work. More importantly, in the whole sample, the particle size obeys two separate log-normal distributions.

Full-thickness excision using transanal endoscopic microsurgery for treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors

AIM:To assess the efficacy of full-thickness excision using transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM) in the treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors.METHODS:We analyzed the data of all rectal neuroendocrine tumor patients who underwent local full-thickness excision using TEM between December 2006 and December 2014 at our department. Data collected included patient demographics,tumor characteristics,operative details,postoperative outcomes,pathologic findings,and follow-ups. RESULTS:Full-thickness excision using TEM was performed as a primary excision(n = 38) or as complete surgery after incomplete resection by endoscopic polypectomy(n = 21). The mean size of a primary tumor was 0.96 ± 0.21 cm,and the mean distance of the tumor from the anal verge was 8.4 ± 1.4 cm. The mean duration of the operation was 57.6 ± 13.7 min,and the mean blood loss was 13.5 ± 6.6 m L. No minor morbidities,transient fecal incontinence,or wound dehiscence was found. Histopathologically,all tumors showed typical histology without lymphatic or vessel infiltration,and both deep and lateral surgical margins were completely free of tumors. Among 21 cases of complete surgery after endoscopic polypectomy,9 were histologically shown to have a residual tumor in the specimens obtained by TEM. No additional radical surgery was performed. Norecurrence was noted during the median of 3 years' follow-up.CONCLUSION:Full-thickness excision using TEM could be a first surgical option for complete removal of upper small rectal neuroendocrine tumors.

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with natural orifice specimen extraction

AIM:To introduce transvaginal or transanal specimen extraction in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision surgery to avoid an abdominal incision. METHODS:Between January 2009 and December 2011,21 patients with rectal cancer underwent laparoscopic radical resection and the specimen was retrieved by two different ways:transvaginal or transanal rectal removal.Transvaginal specimen extraction approach was strictly limited to elderly post-menopausal women who need hysterectomy.Patients aged between 30 and 80 years,with a body mass index of less than 30 kg/m2, underwent elective surgery.The surgical technique and the outcomes related to the specimen extraction,such as duration of surgery,length of hospital stay,and the complications were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS:Laparoscopic resection using a natural orifice removal approach was successful in all of the 21 patients.Median operating time was 185 min(range,122-260 min)and the estimated blood loss was 48 mL. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.5 d(range,2-11 d).One patient developed postoperative ileus and had an extended hospital stay.The patient complained of minimal pain.There were no postoperative complications or surgery-associated death.The mean size of the lesion was 2.8 cm(range,1.8-6.0 cm),and the mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 18.7(range, 8-27).At a mean follow-up of 20.6 mo(range,10-37 mo),there were no functional disorders associated with the transvaginal and transanal specimen extraction. CONCLUSION:Transvaginal or transanal extraction in L-TME is a safe and effective procedure.Natural orifice specimen extraction can avoid the abdominal wall incision and its potential complications.

Total mesorectal excision for mid and low rectal cancer: laparoscopic vs robotic surgery

AIM: To compare the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic surgery for middle and low rectal cancer.METHODS: This is a retrospective study on a prospectively collected database containing 111 patients who underwent minimally invasive rectal resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) with curative intent between January 2008 and December 2014 (robot, n = 53; laparoscopy, n = 58). The patients all had a diagnosis of middle and low rectal adenocarcinoma with stage&#x02005;I-III disease. The median follow-up period was 37.4 mo. Perioperative results, morbidity a pathological data were evaluated and compared. The 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were calculated and compared.RESULTS: Patients were comparable in terms of preoperative and demographic parameters. The median surgery time was 192 min for laparoscopic TME (L-TME) and 342 min for robotic TME (R-TME) (P &#x0003c; 0.001). There were no differences found in the rates of conversion to open surgery and morbidity. The patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery stayed in the hospital two days longer than the robotic group patients (8 d for L-TME and 6 d for R-TME, P &#x0003c; 0.001). The pathologic evaluation showed a higher number of harvested lymph nodes in the robotic group (18 for R-TME, 11 for L-TME, P &#x0003c; 0.001) and a shorter distal resection margin for laparoscopic patients (1.5 cm for L-TME, 2.5 cm for R-TME, P &#x0003c; 0.001). The three-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were similar between groups.CONCLUSION: Both L-TME and R-TME achieved acceptable clinical and oncologic outcomes. The robotic technique showed some advantages in rectal surgery that should be validated by further studies.

Application of modified primary closure of the pelvic floor in laparoscopic extralevator abdominal perineal excision for low rectal cancer

AIM To introduce a novel,modified primary closure technique of laparoscopic extralevator abdominal perineal excision(LELAPE) for low rectal cancer.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data from 76 patients with rectal cancer who underwent LELAPE from March 2013 to May 2016.Patients were classified into the modified primary closure group(32 patients) and the biological mesh closure group(44 patients).The total operating time,reconstruction time,postoperative stay duration,total cost,postoperative complications and tumor recur-rence were compared.RESULTS All surgery was successfully performed.The pelvic reconstruction time was 14.6 ± 3.7 min for the modified primary closure group,which was significantly longer than that of the biological mesh closure group(7.2 ± 1.9 min,P < 0.001).The total operating time was not different between the two groups(236 ± 20 min vs 248 ± 43 min,P = 0.143).The postoperative hospital stay duration was 8.1 ± 1.9 d,and the total cost was 9297 ± 1260 USD for the modified primary closure group.Notably,both of these categories were significantly lower in this group than those of the biological mesh closure group(P = 0.001 and P = 0.003,respectively).There were no differences observed between groups when comparing other perioperative data,long-term complications or oncological outcomes.CONCLUSION The modified primary closure method for reconstruction of the pelvic floor in LELAPE for low rectal cancer is technically feasible,safe and cost-effective.

Total mesopancreas excision for pancreatic head cancer: analysis of 120 cases

Objective： To evaluate the feasibility and safety of total mesopancreas excision （TMpE） in the treatment of pancreatic head cancer. Methods： The clinical and pathological data of 120 patients with pancreatic head cancer who had undergone TMpE in our center from May 2010 to January 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Results： The mean operative time was （275.0±50.2） min and the average intra-operative blood loss was （390.0±160.5） mL. Post-operative complications were reported in 45 patients, while no peri-operative death was noted. The specimen margins were measured in three dimensions, and 86 patients （71.6%） achieved R0 resection. Conclusions： TMpE is safe and feasible for pancreatic head cancer and is particularly helpful to increase the R0 resection rate.

Polymorphisms in base excision repair genes: Breast cancer risk and individual radiosensitivity

Breast cancer(BC) is the most common cancer among women worldwide. The aetiology and carcinogenesis of BC are not clearly defined, although genetic, hormonal, lifestyle and environmental risk factors have been established. The most common treatment for BC includes breast-conserving surgery followed by a standard radiotherapy(RT) regimen. However, radiation hypersensitivity and the occurrence of RT-induced toxicity in normal tissue may affect patients' treatment. The role of DNA repair in cancer has been extensively investigated, and an impaired DNA damage response may increase the risk of BC and individual radiosensitivity. Single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in DNA repair genes may alter protein function and modulate DNA repair efficiency, influencing the development of various cancers, including BC. SNPs in DNA repair genes have also been studied as potential predictive factors for the risk of RT-induced side effects. Here, we review the literature on the association between SNPs in base excision repair(BER) genes and BC risk. We focusedon X-ray repair cross complementing group 1(XRCC1), which plays a key role in BER, and on 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1, apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, which encode three important BER enzymes that interact with XRCC1. Although no association between SNPs and radiation toxicity has been validated thus far, we also report published studies on XRCC1 SNPs and variants in other BER genes and RT-induced side effects in BC patients, emphasising that large well-designed studies are needed to determine the genetic components of individual radiosensitivity.