A meta-analysis based on case-control studies shows the similar prognosis between male and female patients with breast cancer

Objective： Male breast cancer （MBC） is a rare disease, and studies to compare the prognosis between the MBC and female breast cancer （FBC） available now were case-control studies and population-based studies, however, with controversial outcomes. To further investigate whether sex affects the prognosis of breast cancer, we performed a meta-analysis based on all the peered papers. Methods： The PubMed database was screened. Subsequently, the hazard ratios （HRs） for overall survival （OS） and disease special survival （DSS）, were pooled using the Review Manager 5.0 package. Results： This study comprised of 254 MBC and 733 FBC patients enrolled in six case-control studies. There was no statistically significant heterogeneity among the trials for either outcome variable. The pooled HR showed that there was no significant difference in 5-year or 10-year DSS （HR： 1.25, 95% CI： 0.76-2.08; HR： 1.04, 95% CI： 0.68-1.5g） and 5-year or 10-year OS （HR： 0.76, 95% CI： 0.51-1.14; HR： 0.74, 95% CI： 0.54-1.02） between MBCs and FBCs. Conclusion： MBC and FBC with similar prognosis are found in this meta-analysis based on only case-control studies which matched main potential prognostic factors such as age, clinical stage, and time at diagnosis.

Abscess in the inguinal hernial sac after peritonitis surgery: A case report

In this paper, we report an extremely rare case of an abscess that developed in the inguinal hernial sac after surgery for peritonitis. A 60-year-old man underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer. One day after this operation, peritoneal drainage and ileostomy were performed for rectal anastomotic leakage. Five days after the second operation, computed tomography revealed an abscess in the left inguinal hernial sac. Subsequently, hernioplasty and resection of the inflamed sac were performed.

Impact of Fiscal Policy on Economy After Accession to the Euro Area： The Case of Poland

The impact of Polish fiscal policy on economy after accession to the euro area is analyzed in the article. It was found that government spending financed by distortionary taxation affects output in a different way than in case of government spending financed by bonds. Poland＇s accession to the Economic and Monetary Union will reduce the possibility of increased government spending financed by bonds, which in light of the presented model will greatly reduce the possibility of stimulating the economy through fiscal policy.

Asymptomatic giant struma ovarii in a post-menopausal female: a case report

Struma ovarii, a rare varity of ovarian neoplasm, belongs to the group of monodermic teratomas mainly composed of thyroid tissue. The preoperative diagnosis is always difficult to identify without histopathological examination. Surgery is the only treatment because malignant alteration is possible and thyroid hyperactivity or hyperthyroidism may occur. Our patient, a post-menopausal women, had unilateral, large, multiloculated ovary mass of 20 cmx 15 cm × 10 cm size without any thyroid hyper activity. The radical excision of the tumor with right ovary was preformed. Histopathological examination confirmed struma ovarii. The post-operative period was uneventful and her thyroid function remained normal.

Prognostic factors for 5-year survival after local excision of rectal cancer

AIM:To evaluate the prognostic factors for 5-year survival after local excision of rectal cancer,and to examine the therapeutic efficacy and surgical indications for this procedure. METHODS:Clinical data,obtained from 106 local rectal cancer excisions performed between January 1980 and December 2005,were retrospectively analyzed.Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method,statistical comparisons were performed using the log-rank test,and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS:Transanal,transsacral,and transvaginal excisions were performed in 92,12,and 2 cases, respectively.The rate of complication,local recurrence, and 5-year survival was 6.6%,17.0%,and 86.7%, respectively.Univariate analysis showed that T stage, vascular invasion,and local recurrence were related to the prognosis of the cases(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that T stage[P=0.011,95% confidence interval(CI)=1.194-3.878]and local recurrence(P=0.022,95%CI=1.194-10.160)were the major prognostic factors for 5-year survival of cases after local excision of rectal cancer. CONCLUSION:Local rectal cancer excision is associated with few complications,and suitable for stages Tis and T1 rectal cancer.Prevention of local recurrence,active postoperative follow-up,and administration of salvage therapy are the effective methods to increase the efficacy of local excision of rectal cancer.

Evaluation of Land Reclamation and Implications of Ecological Restoration for Agro-pastoral Ecotone: Case Study of Horqin Left Back Banner in China

The agro-pastoral ecotone has been recognized as the main distribution area of reserved land resource for cultivation. Accordingly, clarifying this assumption, as well as concerting land reclamation and ecological restoration, is important to ensure food security and environmental improvement in the agro-pastoral ecotone. We selected Horqin Left Back Banner(HLBB) as the subject of our case study. The landscape ecological security pattern of this area was determined using the minimum cumulative resistance model. Over-cultivation, quantity of reserved land resource for cultivation, and changes in landscape indexes before and after land use adjustment were then analyzed. Over-cultivation is a serious problem in the agro-pastoral ecotone. Reserved land resource for cultivation is less than that considered previously, and the area of reserved land resource for cultivation in HLBB only accounts for 11.50% of total uncultivated land. With regard to changes in landscape indexes, the adjusted land use pattern is effective for anti-desertification. The compensation standard for abandoned cultivated land should be improved and the comprehensive results of ‘Grain for Green' should be evaluated to further implement ecological restoration in the agro-pastoral ecotone.

PULMONARY EMBOLISM DURING PREGNANCY AND THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD: REPORT OF 2 CASES

Objective. To investigate the high risk factors, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) during pregnancy and the postpartum period.Methods. Two cases of PE during pregnancy and postpartum period were reported retrospectively.Results. The first case was a pregnant woman with congenital heart disease at 39-week gestation. She underwent a successful cesarean section (CS) because of heart disease, but she manifested tachycardia, tachypnea, cyanosis, and dyspnea suddenly on the 10th day after CS and died soon after the onset of these symptoms. The diagnosis of PE was highly suspected clinically. The second case was a twin-pregnancy woman at 35-week gestation. Because of severe perinatal myocardiopathy, cesarean section was performed. Unfortunately, the patient died abruptly on the operation table. The diagnosis of PE was confirmed by autopsy.Conclusions. The maternal mortality of PE during pregnancy and postpartum period is quite high. Whenever there is any doubt, objective examinations for PE should be started early in order to strive for the chances of the anticoagulant therapy.

Chylous ascites after whole pelvis suspension:case report and literature review

We report a case of Chylous ascites after whole pelvis suspension and to discuss the possible reasons. An 85-year-old female patient with anterior vaginal prolapse 1V （AVP IV）, vaginal vault proplapse IV and posterior vaginal prolapse IV （PVP IV）, developed Chylous ascites 2 weeks after she received whole pelvis suspension, The cause of chylous ascites in the present case was not associated with malignant tumor, hepatic cirrhosis, or inflammation. Therefore, surgical trauma may be considered the cause of disorder. X-ray lymphangioadenography should be performed to draw a final conclusion.

A case of biliary gastric fistula following percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma

Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation （RFA） is an effective and safe therapeutic modality in the management of liver malignancies, performed with ultrasound guidance. Potential complications of RFA include liver abscess, ascites, pleural effusion, skin burn, hypoxemia, pneumothorax, subcapsular hematoma, hemoperitoneum, liver failure, tumour seeding, biliary lesions. Here we describe for the first time a case of biliary gastric fistula occurred in a 66-year old man with a Child＇s class A alcoholic liver cirrhosis as a complication of RFA of a large hepatocellular carcinoma lesion in the nl segment. In the light of this case, RFA with injection of saline between the liver and adjacent gastrointestinal tract, as well as laparoscopic RFA, ethanol injection （PEI）, or other techniques such as chemoembolization, appear to be more indicated than percutaneous RFA for large lesions close to the gastrointestinal tract.

Construction and Demolition Debris Management for Sustainable Reconstruction after Disasters： Italian Case Studies

The Italian earthquakes of recent decades created an emergency situation that required immediate post-earthquake reconstruction policies, which led to an increase in the demand for construction minerals. In particular, extraction in active quarries has been intensified, and new quarries opened according to extraordinary procedures notwithstanding current regulations. The objective of this work is to investigate the consequences that a seismic event may produce on both the built-up environment, i.e. the totality of urban and suburban settlements and infrastructure, and the natural environment, which is often compromised by hasty emergency procedures aimed at mineral extraction. As a result, correct evaluation of the demand for minerals and the recycling of earthquake debris are the fundamental elements of coherent post seismic reconstruction, by means of which post-earthquake policies could be reconciled with environmental protection.

Study of 160 breast cancer patients with distant metastasis after operation by way of TCM syndromes classification

Objective: To discuss the relationship between the postoperative breast cancer with distant metastasis and the TCM syndromes classification. Methods: 160 postoperative 5-year breast cancer patients from 1995 to 2000 were tracked, summed up and analysized TCM syndromes as stagnation of hepatic qi, deficiency of spleen and pathogenic phlegm reten- tion, blood stasis and toxin stagnation, deficiencies of both blood and qi. Results: (1) For blood stasis and toxin stagnation TCM syndrome, the metastatic rate raised to 45% during 5 years. However, the metastatic rates of other three TCM syn- dromes are 15%, 17.5% and 22.5% respectively. The general distant metastasis rate was 27.5% (P<0.01). (2) Lymph node metastasis, tumor size, Her-2 and its receptor have no obvious relation with TCM syndromes classification (P>0.05). Conclu- sion: (1) TCM syndrome classification has close relation with breast cancer distant metastasis. Distant metastasis have close relationship with blood stasis and toxin stagnation syndrome. (2) Lymph node metastasis, tumor size, Her-2 and its receptor have no obvious relation with TCM syndromes classification, which suggested that metastatic ability has been programmed in the early stage of carcinoma initiation. (3) Significantly enlightening for predict the prognosis under the guide of TCM syn- drome classification and take right therapeutic strategy: attack pathogen and activate blood circulation against cancer.

Tribal Councils as a Decision-Making Mechanism for Post-disaster Reconstructions： A Case Study of Ulaljuc

Since the 1990s, indigenous people in Taiwan have engaged in tribal councils for the purpose of integrating the tribal authority and the modern administrative system. The establishment of tribal councils provides a communicative forum for tribal leaders, village, and the association of community development to make decisions of common tribal affairs. When disasters happen, the internal tribal response strategies and external assistance mechanisms might cooperate through either traditional or modern administrative systems. The research focused on how these organizations, while in interim housing, influenced the reconstruction and rehabilitation after disasters. The research＇s findings suggested that tribal councils, a pre-existing mechanism, seemed to be an appropriate forum for negotiation and decision-making for tribal affairs.

Analysis of Prognostic Factors of Esophageal and Gastric Cardiac Carcinoma Patients after Radical Surgery Using Cox Proportional Hazard Model-A Random Sampling Study from the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University during the Period of 1996-2004

OBJECTIVE To retrospectively analyze clinical data of patientsfrom our hospital who underwent radical surgery for esophagealcarcinoma and for adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia,as well asto investigate prognostic factors affecting the long-term survival ofthe patients.METHODS Data from the patients eligible for our study,admitted to the 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University fromJanuary 1996 to December 2004,were randomized,and 12distinctive clinicopathologic factors influencing the survival rateof those who underwent radical surgery for esophageal carcinomaor carcinoma of the gastric cardia were collected.Univariate andmultivariate analysis of these individual variables were performedusing the Cox proportional hazard model.RESULTS It was shown by univariate analysis that age,tumorsize,pathologic type,lymph node status,TNM staging,depthof infiltration and encroachment into local organs,etc.,were thefactors that markedly influenced the prognosis of patients(P<0.01).Multivariate analysis showed that pathologic type,numberof the lymph node metastases,involvement of local organs,andTNM staging were independent prognostic factors(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The independent factors influencing theprognosis of patients with esophageal cancer and carcinoma ofthe gastric cardia include pathologic type,number of lymph nodemetastases,involvement of local organs and TNM staging.Themain prognostic factors affecting the patient's survival are patientage,tumor size and depth of infiltration.In addition,patients withinvolvement of the local organs have a worse prognosis,and theyshould be closely followed up.

Vegetation Dynamism in the Mixed Conifer/Broadleaves Species Artificial Stands Crossed by Fire： The Arci Mountain Case Study in Sardinia

Immediate cutting and logging of mixed conifer/broadleaves species in a man-made forest crossed by fire in 2009 in the Arci Mountain in Sardinia can not guarantee as the best post-fire regeneration. The study case reports the differences in the density and in the height of seedlings. The release of damaged Pinus halepensis Mill. stems seems to confirm the tree seeder role of this species.

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma in retroperitoneum:A case report and review of the literature

Extramedullary plasmacytoma(EPM) is a plasma cell tumor arising outside of the bone marrow.Solitary EMP is an uncommon neoplasm and rarely occurs in the retroperitoneum and lacks distinctive clinical manifestations.We report a 26-year-old man with a solitary EMP in the retroperitoneum and discuss its clinical features,diagnosis and treatment.

Surgical treatment of three cases of Cantrell's syndrome

This ten-year retrospective study was designed to examine the morbidity and mortality of three cases of Cantrell＇s syndrome between 1998 and 2008. The three patients showed different degrees of Cantrell＇s pentalogy including abdominal ectopia cordis, thoracic-abdominal ectopia cordis and left ventricular diverticulum. Of the three, the 5-month-old boy suffering from complicated congenital heart disease with abdominal ectopia cordis received a successful single stage repair and reconstruction of the abdominal wall. The 33-week-old premature girl with thoracic-abdominal ectopia cordis underwent two stage correction of tetraology of Fallot. The 4-year-old girl underwent ectomy of left ventricular diverticulum and thoracoabdominal wall repair. Twenty-four to thirty-five months follow-up were satisfactory. We hold that two-stage repair are technically feasible for Cantrell＇s syndrome, especially for those with complex congenital heart diseases. Post-operative ventilatory support and multiple post-operative care should be prolonged. Malnutrition, infection and arrhytbmia are central problems in medical care and surgery should be considered if there was progressive heart failure or hemodynamic instability.

Stomach One-Point Cancer: One Case Report and Literature Review

IntroductionGastric cancer is one of the most common cancers and one of the most frequent causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Early detection and accurate preoperative staging of gastric cancer is essential for planning optimal therapy such as endoscopic mucosal resection or gastric resection and offers the best prognosis. With advanced technology in diagnostic instruments and the mass screening, early gastric cancer has been detected easier. One-point cancer of gastric is a special type of early gastric cancer. Diagnosis of one-point cancer of gastric is important for both the immediate treatment and the prognosis. There is still no consensus on the operation extent and postoperative treatment for patients with one-point cancer of gastric. Learned from previous reports, we know that existed in the superficial layer of the gastric mucosa and the superficial ulcer is one of the important characteristics of one point cancer of gastric. Herein, we report a case of one point cancer of gastric with the appearance of a deep infiltrating ulcer. To the best of our knowledge, no such type of one point cancer of gastric has been reported.

Innovative Applications of Post-Tension for Restoration and Rehabilitation of Bridges and Structures--Case Studies in India

This paper deals with new and innovative case studies of application of post-tensioning for restoration of structures for buildings, bridges and rock stabilization in India. In earlier situations for these types of cases conventional method of repair and rehabilitation has been used. These innovative approaches for restoration have led to enormous saving of cost and time. The advantages of post tensioning are well known in the civil industry and are being used for the last 40 to 50 years. Post tensioning is one of the best methods to induce stresses in the concrete before application of live load and this technique can also be widely used for restoration and rehabilitation of structures. Unlike the use of post-tensioning in new structures there are no definite methods or codes for application in restoration and rehabilitation of structures. For restoration and rehabilitation of structures, PT （post tensioned） technique can be applied in combination with other techniques and materials available. Bridge lifting is a tricky and risky job especially when the superstructure is displaced appreciably by a natural calamity, etc.. Not only the present state of structure needs proper study before commencement of restoration and rehabilitation but also calls for careful execution. This paper deals with case studies of innovative applications of post tensioning in restoration and rehabilitation of structures and restoration of bridge structure in Andaman ＆ Nicobar Island, India affected by Sumatra quake.

Deep venous thrombosis after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma:A case report

The treatment of gastric carcinoma consists of neoadjuvant chemoradiation,partial gastrectomy,subtotal gastrectomy,total gastrectomy,extended resection,and postoperative chemotherapy.Currently,gastrectomy and extended lymphadenectomy is the optimal choice for late gastric carcinoma.Postoperative complications are common after total gastrectomy including hemorrhage,anastomotic leakage,f istula,and obstruction.However,deep venous thrombosis(DVT) is an uncommon complication after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma.We describe a case of a 68-year-old female patient with DVT after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma.The patient was treated with anticoagulants and thrombolytics and subjected to necessary laboratory monitoring.The patient recovered well after treatment and was symptom-free during a 3-mo follow-up.We conclude that correct diagnosis and treatment of DVT are crucial.

Prognostic Factors of Ampulla of Vater Carcinoma after Radical Surgery

OBJECTIVE Ampullary carcinoma is a rare disease with betterprognosis than other periampullary neoplasms. This studyinvestigated the association between clinicopathologic factors andprognosis after radical resection of ampulla of Vater carcinoma.METHODS Clinical data from 105 patients who underwentradical pancreaticoduodenectomy from January 1990 to December2005 were retrospectively analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method,log-rank test, and the Cox proportional hazard model.RESULTS The in-hospital mortality rate was 8.6%, the lymphnode metastasis rate was 37.1%, and the five-year survival ratewas 42.8%. Pancreatic involvement (P = 0.027), tumor diameter (P= 0.008), T stage (P = 0.003), TNM stage (P < 0.001), and number ofmetastatic lymph nodes (P < 0.001) were associated with prognosiswhen the univariate analysis was used. Multivariate analysisshowed that the number of lymph node metastases (P < 0.001;OR: 1.923; CI: 1.367-2.705) and tumor diameter (P = 0.03; OR: 1.432;CI: 1.035-1.981) were the independent prognostic factors.CONCLUSION The number of metastatic lymph nodes andtumor diameter are important pathologic factors predictingprognosis of ampulla of Vater carcinoma after radical resection,and lymph node dissection during the radical surgery effectivelyimproves the survival rate.