Novel miR-490-3p/hnRNPA1-b/PKM2 axis mediates the Warburg effect and proliferation of colon cancer cells via the PI3K/AKT pathway

BACKGROUND Heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein A1(hnRNPA1)has been reported to enhance the Warburg effect and promote colon cancer(CC)cell proliferation,but the role and mechanism of the miR-490-3p/hnRNPA1-b/PKM2 axis in CC have not yet been elucidated.AIM To investigate the role and mechanism of a novel miR-490-3p/hnRNPA1-b/PKM2 axis in enhancing the Warburg effect and promoting CC cell proliferation through the PI3K/AKT pathway.METHODS Paraffin-embedded pathological sections from 220 CC patients were collected and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis to determine the expression of hnRNPA1-b.The relationship between the expression values and the clinicopathological features of the patients was investigated.Differences in mRNA expression were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,while differences in protein expression were analyzed using western blot.Cell proliferation was evaluated using the cell counting kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine assays,and cell cycle and apoptosis were detected using flow cytometric assays.The targeted binding of miR-490-3p to hnRNPA1-b was validated using a dual luciferase reporter assay.The Warburg effect was evaluated by glucose uptake and lactic acid production assays.RESULTS The expression of hnRNPA1-b was significantly increased in CC tissues and cells compared to normal controls(P<0.05).Immunohistochemical results demonstrated significant variations in the expression of the hnRNPA1-b antigen in different stages of CC,including stage I,II-III,and IV.Furthermore,the clinicopathologic characterization revealed a significant correlation between hnRNPA1-b expression and clinical stage as well as T classification.HnRNPA1-b was found to enhance the Warburg effect through the PI3K/AKT pathway,thereby promoting proliferation of HCT116 and SW620 cells.However,the proliferation of HCT116 and SW620 cells was inhibited when miR-490-3p targeted and bound to hnRNPA1-b,effectively blocking the Warburg effect.CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the novel miR-490-3p/hnRNPA1-b/PKM2 axis could provide a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of CC.

Successful emergency resection of a massive intra-abdominal hemophilic pseudotumor

An intra-abdominal pseudotumor is a rare complication of hemophilia. Surgical treatment is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates and reported cases are scarce. We present a 66-year-old Caucasian male suffering from severe hemophilia type A treated for 10 years with Factor Ⅷ. Major complications from the disease were chronic hepatitis B and C, cerebral hemorrhage and disabling arthropathy. Twenty-three years ago, retro-peritoneal bleeding led to the development of a large intra-abdominal pseudotumor, which was followed-up clinically due to the high surgical risk and the lack of clinical indication. The patient presented to the emergency department with severe sepsis and umbilical discharge that had appeared over the past two days. Abdominal computed tomography images were highly suggestive of a bowel fistula. The patient was taken to the operating room under continuous infusion of factor Ⅷ. Surgical exploration revealed a large infected pseudotumor with severe intra-abdominal adhesions and a left colonic fistula. The pseudotumor was partially resected en bloc with the left colon leaving the posterior wall intact. The postoperative period was complicated by septic shock and a small bowel fistula that required reoperation. He was discharged on the 73 rd hospital day and is well 8 mo after surgery. No bleeding complications were encountered and we consider surgery safe under factor Ⅷ replacement therapy.

Treatment of colonic varices and gastrointestinal bleeding by recanalization and stenting of splenic-vein-thrombosis:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Splenic vein thrombosis is a known complication of pancreatitis.It can lead to increased blood flow through mesenteric collaterals.This segmental hypertension may result in the development of colonic varices(CV)with a high risk of severe gastrointestinal bleeding.While clear guidelines for treatment are lacking,splenectomy or splenic artery embolization are often used to treat bleeding.Splenic vein stenting has been shown to be a safe option.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old female patient was admitted due to recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.She was anemic with a hemoglobin of 8.0 g/dL.As a source of bleeding,CV were identified.Computed tomography scans revealed thrombotic occlusion of the splenic vein,presumably as a result of a severe acute pancreatitis 8 years prior.In a selective angiography,a dilated mesenterial collateral leading from the spleen to enlarged vessels in the right colonic flexure and draining into the superior mesenteric vein could be confirmed.The hepatic venous pressure gradient was within normal range.In an interdisciplinary board,transhepatic recanalization of the splenic vein via balloon dilatation and consecutive stenting,as well as coiling of the aberrant veins was discussed and successfully performed.Consecutive evaluation revealed complete regression of CV and splenomegaly as well as normalization of the red blood cell count during follow-up.CONCLUSION Recanalization and stenting of splenic vein thrombosis might be considered in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding due to CV.However,a multidisciplinary approach with a thorough workup and discussion of individualized therapeutic strategies is crucial in these difficult to treat patients.

CHANGES OF PLASMA AMINO ACID IN TPN SUPPORTED PATIENTS WITH INTRA-ABDOMINAL INFECTION

The changes of plasma aminogram were observed prospectively on 95 cases of enteric fistula associated with intra-abdominal infection under the supplement of TPN(total parenteral nutrition) with a conventional balanced nutritional amino acid solution Anfumine 14s (8.5% Tianjin, China). Plasma levels of amino acid and albumin were determined on the day of initiation of TPN and weekly through the Course of nutritional support and the day of termination of TPN or 2-5 days within death. Initial plasma aminograms obtained on the day before the TPN support were of characterics of aminogram of both sepsis and starvation. The initial total amount of plasma free amino acid was lower than normal and gradually elevated to normal range after two weeks TPN supplement in survivors. While in nonsurvivors, the total free amino acid was increased rapidly and reached the peak value at preterminal stage, significantly higher than the normal range. The level of phenylalanine was constantly high through the course of investigation, either in survivors or nonsurvivors. Proline also elevated proportional to the severity of infection, but to a lesser degree In contrast, the plasma ratio of BCAA/AAA (branched-chain amino acids /aromatic amino acids) was lower than normal and the level of arginine was decreased proportional to the severity of infectionAuthors considered that (1) the amino acid solution specific for starved septic patients should contain lower content of phenylalnine and higher amount of BCAA and arginine as compared with the conventional nutritional amino acid solution; (2) constant elevation of plasma phenylalanine and proline associated with progressive decrease of arginine is one of the meaningful predictive criteria for prognosis of septic patients; (3) inappropriate administration of exogeneous amino acids in metabolic decompensated septic patients might do more harm rather than benefit.

Major roles of the circadian clock in cancer

Circadian rhythms are natural rhythms that widely exist in all creatures,and regulate the processes and physiological functions of various biochemical reactions.The circadian clock is critical for cancer occurrence and progression.Its function is regulated by metabolic activities,and the expression and transcription of various genes.This review summarizes the composition of the circadian clock;the biological basis for its function;its relationship with,and mechanisms in,cancer;its various functions in different cancers;the effects of anti-tumor treatment;and potential therapeutic targets.Research in this area is expected to advance understanding of circadian locomotor output cycles kaput(CLOCK)and brain and muscle ARNT-like protein 1(BMAL1)in tumor diseases,and contribute to the development of new anti-tumor treatment strategies.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided transrectal drainage of a pelvic abscess after Hinchey Ⅱ sigmoid colon diverticulitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Acute diverticulitis is one of the most prevalent complications of diverticular disease and may result in abscess formation, perforation, fistula formation, obstruction, or bleeding. Diverticular abscesses may be initially treated with antibiotics and/or percutaneous drainage and/or surgery. Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided drainage techniques are increasingly used as a minimally invasive alternative to percutaneous or surgical approaches, as they are associated with better treatment outcomes, shorter recovery time and duration of hospitalization.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old female presented to the emergency department on account of abdominal pain and fever. Clinical examination revealed tenderness in the left lower abdominal quadrant, with elevated inflammatory markers in laboratory tests. Abdominal computed tomography(CT) revealed an 8 cm × 8 cm × 5 cm well-encapsulated abscess of the sigmoid colon, surrounded by numerous diverticula. A diagnosis of Hinchey Ⅱ diverticular abscess was made, and the patient was admitted and commenced on appropriate antibiotic treatment. A transrectal EUS showed a fluid collection in direct contact with the sigmoid colon. Transluminal drainage was performed, and a lumen-apposing metal stent was inserted into the abscess collection. A follow-up CT scan showed a regression of the collection. The patient’s general condition improved, and the stent was removed during a follow-up transrectal EUS that revealed no visible collection.CONCLUSION We report the first successful management of a pelvic abscess in patient with Hinchey Ⅱ acute diverticulitis using EUS-guided transluminal drainage in Slovenia. The technique appears effective for well-encapsulated intra-abdominal abscesses larger than 4 cm in direct contact with the intestinal wall of left colon.

Age-specific causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children

The etiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB)varies by age,from newborns to adolescents,with some of the causes overlapping between age groups.While particular causes such as vitamin K deficiency and cow’s milk protein allergy are limited to specific age groups,occurring only in neonates and infants,others such as erosive esophagitis and gastritis may be identified at all ages.Furthermore,the incidence of UGIB is variable throughout the world and in different hospital settings.In North America and Europe,most UGIBs are nonvariceal,associated with erosive esophagitis,gastritis,and gastric and duodenal ulcers.In recent years,the most common causes in some Middle Eastern and Far Eastern countries are becoming similar to those in Western countries.However,variceal bleeding still predominates in certain parts of the world,especially in South Asia.The most severe hemorrhage arises from variceal bleeding,peptic ulceration,and disseminated intravascular coagulation.Hematemesis is a credible indicator of a UGI source of bleeding in the majority of patients.Being familiar with the most likely UGIB causes in specific ages and geographic areas is especially important for adequate orientation in clinical settings,the use of proper diagnostic tests, and rapid initiation of the therapy. The fundamental approach to the management of UGIBincludes an immediate assessment of severity, detecting possible causes, and providing hemodynamic stability,followed by early endoscopy. Unusual UGIB causes must always be considered when establishing a diagnosis inthe pediatric population because some of them are unique to children. Endoscopic techniques are of significantdiagnostic value, and combined with medicaments, may be used for the management of acute bleeding. Finally,surgical treatment is reserved for the most severe bleeding.

Effectiveness of a new approach to minimally invasive surgery in palliative treatment of patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND Palliative endoscopic biliary drainage is the primary treatment option for the management of patients with jaundice which results from distal malignant biliary obstruction(DMBO).In this group of patients,decompression of the bile duct(BD)allows for pain reduction,symptom relief,chemotherapy administration,improved quality of life,and increased survival rate.To reduce the unfavorable effects of BD decompression,minimally invasive surgical techniques require continuous improvement.AIM To develop a technique for internal-external biliary-jejunal drainage(IEBJD)and assess its effectiveness in comparison to other minimally invasive procedures in the palliative treatment of patients with DMBO.METHODS A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed,which included 134 patients with DMBO who underwent palliative BD decompression.Biliary-jejunal drainage was developed to divert bile from the BD directly into the initial loops of the small intestine to prevent duodeno-biliary reflux.IEBJD was carried out using percutaneous transhepatic access.Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD),endoscopic retrograde biliary stenting(ERBS),and internal-external transpapillary biliary drainage (IETBD) were used for the treatment of studypatients. Endpoints of the study were the clinical success of the procedure, the frequency andnature of complications, and the cumulative survival rate.RESULTSThere were no significant differences in the frequency of minor complications between the studygroups. Significant complications occurred in 5 (17.2%) patients in the IEBJD group, in 16 (64.0%)in the ERBS group, in 9 (47.4%) in the IETBD group, and in 12 (17.4%) in the PTBD group.Cholangitis was the most common severe complication. In the IEBJD group, the course ofcholangitis was characterized by a delayed onset and shorter duration as compared to other studygroups. The cumulative survival rate of patients who underwent IEBJD was 2.6 times higher incomparison to those of the PTBD and IETBD groups and 20% higher in comparison to that of theERBS group.CONCLUSIONIEBJD has advantages over other minimally invasive BD decompression techniques and can berecommended for the palliative treatment of patients with DMBO.

Predictive value of preoperative albumin-bilirubin score and other risk factors for short-term outcomes after open pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND Pancreatoduodenectomy represents a complex procedure involving extensive organ resection and multiple alimentary reconstructions.It is still associated with high morbidity,even in high-volume centres.Prediction tools including preoperative patient-related factors to preoperatively identify patients at high risk for postoperative complications could enable tailored perioperative management and improve patient outcomes.AIM To evaluate the clinical significance of preoperative albumin-bilirubin score and other risk factors in relation to short-term postoperative outcomes in patients after open pancreatoduodenectomy.METHODS This retrospective study included all patients who underwent open pancreatic head resection(pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy or Whipple resection)for various pathologies during a five-year period(2017-2021)in a tertiary care setting at University Medical Centre Ljubljana,Slovenia and Cattinara Hospital,Trieste,Italy.Short-term postoperative outcomes,namely,postoperative complications,postoperative pancreatic fistula,reoperation,and mortality,were evaluated in association with albumin-bilirubin score and other risk factors.Multiple logistic regression models were built to identify risk factors associated with these short-term postoperative outcomes.RESULTS Data from 347 patients were collected.Postoperative complications,major postoperative complications,postoperative pancreatic fistula,reoperation,and mortality were observed in 52.7%,22.2%,23.9%,21.3%,and 5.2%of patients,respectively.There was no statistically significant association between the albumin-bilirubin score and any of these short-term postoperative complications based on univariate analysis.When controlling for other predictor variables in a logistic regression model,soft pancreatic texture was statistically significantly associated with postoperative complications[odds ratio(OR):2.09;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.19-3.67];male gender(OR:2.12;95%CI:1.15-3.93),soft pancreatic texture(OR:3.06;95%CI:1.56-5.97),and blood loss(OR:1.07;95%CI:1.00-1.14)were statistically significantly associated with major postoperative complications;soft pancreatic texture was statistically significantly associated with the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula(OR:5.11;95%CI:2.38-10.95);male gender(OR:1.97;95%CI:1.01-3.83),soft pancreatic texture(OR:2.95;95%CI:1.42-6.11),blood loss(OR:1.08;95%CI:1.01-1.16),and resection due to duodenal carcinoma(OR:6.58;95%CI:1.20-36.15)were statistically significantly associated with reoperation.CONCLUSION The albumin-bilirubin score failed to predict short-term postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy.However,other risk factors seem to influence postoperative outcomes,including male sex,soft pancreatic texture,blood loss,and resection due to duodenal carcinoma.

Spontaneous gastric hematoma as a rare cause of acute abdomen:A case report

BACKGROUND Spontaneous gastric hematoma is an exceedingly rare condition characterized by the accumulation of blood within the gastric wall without any apparent iatrogenic or traumatic cause.Coagulopathies are the most frequent cause of gastric he-matomas.However,other causes include amyloidosis,pancreatitis,visceral vas-cular aneurysms,endoscopy complications and others.The pathophysiology of spontaneous gastric hematoma is not completely understood.However,it is postulated that it is caused by disruption of submucosal vessels that leads to dissection of the muscularis layer and formation of false lumen.The rarity of this condition increases the challenge of diagnosis,and there is no standard treatment protocol.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a spontaneous gastric hematoma in a 22-year-old male.He presented to our emergency department complaining of pain in the left flank area lasting for 2 wk.There was no history of trauma,antico-agulant medications or endoscopy procedures.His hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were slightly lower than normal.Multi-slice computed tomography,ultrasound and endoscopy confirmed a gastric intramural hematoma.We recommended conservative treatment because there was no hemodynamic instability nor significant bleeding.The patient responded well,and there were no unexpected events.At the 3-mo follow-up,the ultrasound exa-mination revealed complete regression of the hematoma.CONCLUSION After reviewing the literature and our experience,we recommend that more of these cases should be treated conservatively.The tendency to treat these cases with potentially burdensome procedures such as total or subtotal gastrectomy should be significantly reduced.

Baseline radiologic features as predictors of efficacy in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with liver metastases receiving surufatinib

Objective:Currently,pre-treatment prediction of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with liver metastases(PNELM)receiving surufatinib treatment was unsatisfying.Our objective was to examine the association between radiological characteristics and efficacy/prognosis.Methods:We enrolled patients with liver metastases in the phase III,SANET-p trial(NCT02589821)and obtained contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT)images.Qualitative and quantitative parameters including hepatic tumor margins,lesion volumes,enhancement pattern,localization types,and enhancement ratios were evaluated.The progression-free survival(PFS)and hazard ratio(HR)were calculated using Cox’s proportional hazard model.Efficacy was analyzed by logistic-regression models.Results:Among 152 patients who had baseline CECT assessments and were included in this analysis,the surufatinib group showed statistically superior efficacy in terms of median PFS compared to placebo across various qualitative and quantitative parameters.In the multivariable analysis of patients receiving surufatinib(N=100),those with higher arterial phase standardized enhancement ratio-peri-lesion(ASER-peri)exhibited longer PFS[HR=0.039;95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.003−0.483;P=0.012].Furthermore,patients with a high enhancement pattern experienced an improvement in the objective response ratio[31.3%vs.14.7%,odds ratio(OR)=3.488;95%CI:1.024−11.875;P=0.046],and well-defined tumor margins were associated with a higher disease control rate(DCR)(89.3%vs.68.2%,OR=4.535;95%CI:1.285−16.011;P=0.019)compared to poorlydefined margins.Conclusions:These pre-treatment radiological features,namely high ASER-peri,high enhancement pattern,and well-defined tumor margins,have the potential to serve as predictive markers of efficacy in patients with PNELM receiving surufatinib.

Splenic hamartomas in children

Splenic hamartomas(SHs)are uncommon,benign vascular lesions of unclear etiology and are mostly found incidentally on abdominal images,at surgery,or at autopsy.Since the first case description,in 1861,less than 50 pediatric SH cases have been reported in the literature.In this article,we have performed an analysis of all SH cases in children published in the literature to date and presented our case of an 8-year-old male with SH.These lesions in children were shown to cause symptoms more often than in the adult population.The observed SH sizes in children ranged from a few millimeters to 18 cm,and the symptomatic lesions were mostly larger or multiple.The most common clinical finding was splenomegaly.Signs of hypersplenism were present in children with a single SH larger than 4.5 cm(diameter range:4.5-18.0 cm)and in those with multiple hamartomas,ranging from a few millimeters to 5 cm.Eighty percent of patients with available laboratory findings had hematological abnormalities such as anemia,thrombocytopenia,or pancytopenia.Other symptoms and signs included abdominal pain,recurrent infections,fever,night sweats,lethargy,growth retardation,and weight loss.The use of multiple imaging modalities may suggest the preoperative diagnosis of a splenic mass in children and determine the therapeutic approach.However,the final diagnosis of SH relies on histopathological evaluation.Surgery,including total or partial splenectomy(PS),is the mainstay of SH management.Milickovic M et al.Splenomas in children WJCC https://www.wjgnet.com 1910 April 16,2024 Volume 12 Issue 11 Although total splenectomy carries a greater risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection than PS it has remained the most performed surgical procedure in children with SH.In the majority of pediatric patients with symptomatic SH,resolution of symptoms and resolution or improvement of cytopenias occurred after surgical treatment.

Indocyanine green:The guide to safer and more effective surgery

In this editorial we comment on the article by Kalayarasan and co-workers published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.The authors present an interesting review on the use of indocyanine green fluo-rescence in different aspects of abdominal surgery.They also highlight future perspectives of the use of indocyanine green in mini-invasive surgery.Indo-cyanine green,used for fluorescence imaging,has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is safe for use in humans.It can be administered in-travenously or intra-arterially.Since its advent,there have been several advance-ments in the applications of indocyanine green,especially in the surgical field,such as intraoperative mapping and biopsy of sentinel lymph node,measurement of hepatic function prior to resection,in neurosurgical cases to detect vascular anomalies,in cardiovascular cases for patency and assessment of vascular ab-normalities,in predicting healing following amputations,in helping visualization of hepatobiliary anatomy and blood vessels,in reconstructive surgery,to assess flap viability and for the evaluation of tissue perfusion following major trauma and burns.For these reasons,the intraoperative use of indocyanine green has become common in a variety of surgical specialties and transplant surgery.Co-lorectal surgery has just lately begun to adopt this technique,particularly for perfusion visualization to prevent anastomotic leakage.The regular use of in-docyanine green coupled with fluorescence angiography has recently been pro-posed as a feasible tool to help improve patient outcomes.Using the best available data,it has been shown that routine use of indocyanine green in colorectal surgery reduces the rates of anastomotic leak.The use of indocyanine green is proven to be safe,feasible,and effective in both elective and emergency scenarios.However,additional robust evidence from larger-scale,high-quality studies is essential before incorporating indocyanine green guided surgery into standard practice.

Intermittent melena and refractory anemia due to jejunal cavernous lymphangioma:A case report

BACKGROUND Lymphangiomas in the gastrointestinal tract are extremely rare in adults.As a benign lesion,small intestine lymphangiomas often remain asymptomatic and pose challenges for definitive diagnosis.However,lymphangiomas can give rise to complications such as abdominal pain,bleeding,volvulus,and intussusception.Here,we report a case of jejunal cavernous lymphangioma that presented with intermittent melena and refractory anemia in a male adult.CASE SUMMARY A 66-year-old man presented with intermittent melena,fatigue and refractory anemia nine months prior.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy were performed many times and revealed no apparent bleeding.Conservative management,including transfusion,hemostasis,gastric acid secretion inhibition and symptomatic treatment,was performed,but the lesions tended to recur shortly after surgery.Ultimately,the patient underwent capsule endoscopy,which revealed a more than 10 cm lesion accompanied by active bleeding.After singleballoon enteroscopy and biopsy,a diagnosis of jejunal cavernous lymphangioma was confirmed,and the patient underwent surgical resection.No complications or recurrences were observed postoperatively.CONCLUSION Jejunal cavernous lymphangioma should be considered a cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.Capsule endoscopy and single-balloon enteroscopy can facilitate diagnosis.Surgical resection is an effective management method.

Association between Helicobacter pylori infection,mismatch repair,HER2 and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The influence of Helicobacter-pylori(H.pylori)infection and the characteristics of gastric cancer(GC)on tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte(TIL)levels has not been extensively studied.Analysis of infiltrating-immune-cell subtypes as well as survival is necessary to obtain comprehensive information.AIM To determine the rates of deficient mismatch-repair(dMMR),HER2-status and H.pylori infection and their association with TIL levels in GC.METHODS Samples from 503 resected GC tumors were included and TIL levels were evaluated following the international-TILs-working-group recommendations with assessment of the intratumoral(IT),stromal(ST)and invasive-border(IB)compartments.The density of CD3,CD8 and CD163 immune cells,and dMMR and HER2-status were determined by immunohistochemistry(IHC).H.pylori infection was evaluated by routine histology and quantitative PCR(qPCR)in a subset of samples.RESULTS dMMR was found in 34.4%,HER2+in 5%and H.pylori-positive in 55.7%of samples.High IT-TIL was associated with grade-3(P=0.038),while ST-TIL with grade-1(P<0.001),intestinal-histology(P<0.001)and no-recurrence(P=0.003).dMMR was associated with high TIL levels in the ST(P=0.019)and IB(P=0.01)compartments,and STCD3(P=0.049)and ST-CD8(P=0.05)densities.HER2-was associated with high IT-CD8(P=0.009).H.pylorinegative was associated with high IT-TIL levels(P=0.009)when assessed by routine-histology,and with high TIL levels in the 3 compartments(P=0.002-0.047)and CD8 density in the IT and ST compartments(P=0.001)when assessed by qPCR.A longer overall survival was associated with low IT-CD163(P=0.003)and CD8/CD3(P=0.001 in IT and P=0.002 in ST)and high IT-CD3(P=0.021),ST-CD3(P=0.003)and CD3/CD163(P=0.002).CONCLUSION TIL levels were related to dMMR and H.pylori-negativity.Low CD8/CD3 and high CD163/CD3 were associated with lower recurrence and longer survival.

Pathophysiology and prevention of postoperative peritoneal adhesions

Peritoneal adhesions represent an important clinical challenge in gastrointestinal surgery. Peritoneal adhesions are a consequence of peritoneal irritation by infection or surgical trauma, and may be considered as the pathological part of healing following any peritoneal injury, particularly due to abdominal surgery. The balance between fi brin deposition and degradation is critical in determining normal peritoneal healing or adhesion formation. Postoperative peritoneal adhesions are a major cause of morbidity resulting in multiple complications, many of which may manifest several years after the initial surgical procedure. In addition to acute small bowel obstruction, peritoneal adhesions may cause pelvic or abdominal pain, and infertility. In this paper, the authors reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis and various prevention strategies of adhesion formation, using Medline and PubMed search. Several preventive agents against postoperative peri-toneal adhesions have been investigated. Their role aims in activating fi brinolysis, hampering coagulation, diminishing the inflammatory response, inhibiting col-lagen synthesis or creating a barrier between adjacentwound surfaces. Their results are encouraging but most of them are contradictory and achieved mostly in animal model. Until additional fi ndings from future clinical researches, only a meticulous surgery can be recommended to reduce unnecessary morbidity and mortality rates from these untoward effects of surgery. In the current state of knowledge, pre-clinical or clini-cal studies are still necessary to evaluate the effective-ness of the several proposed prevention strategies of postoperative peritoneal adhesions.

Inhibitory effect of modified citrus pectin on liver metastases in a mouse colon cancer model

AIM: To discuss the expression of glactin-3 in liver metastasis of colon cancer and its inhibition by modi- fied citrus pectin (MCP) in mice. METHODS: Seventy-five Balb/c mice were randomly di- vided into negative control group (n = 15), positive con- trol group (n = 15), low MCP concentration group (n = 15), middle MCP concentration group (n = 15) and high MCP concentration group (n = 15). CT26 colon cancer cells were injected into the subcapsule of mouse spleen in positive control group, low, middle and high MCP concentrations groups, except in negative control, to set up a colon cancer liver metastasis model. The concen- tration of MCP in drinking water was 0.0%, 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0% (wt/vol), respectively. Liver metastasis of colon cancer was observed after 3 wk. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the concentration of galectin-3 in serum. Expression of ga- lectin-3 in liver metastasis was detected by immunohis- tochemistry. RESULTS: Except for the negative group, the percent- age of liver metastasis in the other 4 groups was 100%, 80%, 73.3% and 60%, respectively. The number of liver metastases in high MCP concentration group was significantly less than that in positive control group (P = 0.008). Except for the negative group, the median volume of implanted spleen tumor in the other 4 groups was 1.51 cm3, 0.93 cm3, 0.77 cm3 and 0.70 cm3, respec- tively. The volume of implanted tumor in middle and high MCP concentration groups was significantly smaller than that in positive control group (P = 0.019; P = 0.003). The concentration of serum galectin-3 in positive control and MCP treatment groups was significantly higher than that in the negative control group. However, there was no significant difference between them. Except for the negative control group, the expression of galectin-3 in liver metastases of the other 4 groups showed no sig- nificant difference. CONCLUSION: Expression of galetin-3 increases sig- nificantly in liver metastasis of colon cancer, which can be effectively inhibited by MCP.

Positive impact of adding No.14v lymph node to D2 dissection on survival for distal gastric cancer patients after surgery with curative intent

Background： D2 lymphadenectomy has been increasingly regarded as standard surgical procedure for advanced gastric cancer （GC）, while the necessity of No.14v lymph node （14v） dissection for distal GC is still controversial. Methods： A total of 920 distal GC patients receiving at least a D2 lymph node dissection in Department of Gastric Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital were enrolled in this study, of whom, 243 patients also had the 14v dissected. Other 677 patients without 14v dissection were used for comparison. Results： Forty-five （18.5%） patients had 14v metastasis. There was no significant difference in 3-year overall survival （OS） rate between patients with and without 14v dissection. Following stratified analysis, in TNM stages I, II, IIIa and IV, 14v dissection did not affect 3-year OS; in contrast, patients with 14v dissection had a significant higher 3-year OS than those without in TNM stages IIIb and IIIc. In multivariate analysis, 14v dissection was found to be an independent prognostic factor for GC patients with TNM stage IIIb/IIIc disease [hazard ratio （HR）, 1.568; 95% confidence interval （CI）： 1.186-2.072; P=0.002]. GC patients with 14v dissection had a significant lower locoregional, especially lymph node, recurrence rate than those without 14v dissection （11.7 % vs. 21.1%, P=0.035）. Conclusions： Adding 14v to D2 lymphadenectomy may be associated with improved 3-year OS for distal GC staged TNM IIIb/IIIc.

Prognositic factors and clinicopathologic characteristics of small gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach:a retrospective analysis of 31 cases in one center

Objective:To analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic factors of small gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST) of the stomach.Methods:A total of 31 small gastric GIST patients,including 10 males and 21 females,with a median age of 58 years(37-81 years),who underwent surgery at any time from 1999 to 2012 were included in this study.The clinical records of the patients were analyzed retrospectively.Results:Abdominal discomfort and pain(10 cases,32.3%,respectively) were the two most common complaints among the patients.All patients received surgery,11 received gastric wedge resection,11 received subtotal gastrectomy,5 received laparoscopic gastric wedge resection,and 4 received endoscopic submucosal dissection.No severe adverse complication was observed.A total of 29 patients(93.5%) were followed up.During the follow-up,2 patients were found to exhibit tumor recurrence,and 1 patient had liver metastases.One patient died of tumor progression,while another died of another malignant tumor.Median progression free survival(PFS) time was 120.3 months,and median overall survival(OS) time was 130.4 months.Conclusion:Small gastric GIST has better prognosis.Surgery is the best choice for therapy.Micro-invasive procedures are safe and effective for elective patients.Tumor necrosis,tumor bleeding,and muscle invasion are potential prognostic factors of small gastric GIST.

Transanal total mesorectal excision:Towards standardization of technique

AIM: To describe the role of Transanal total mesorectal excision(Ta TME) in minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery, to examine the differences in patient selection and in reported surgical techniques and their impactson postoperative outcomes and to discuss the future of Ta TME. METHODS: MEDLINE(Pub Med), EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library were systematically searched through the 1st of March 2015 using a predefined search strategy. RESULTS: A total of 20 studies with 323 patients were included. Most studies were single-arm prospective studies with fewer than 100 patients. Multiple transanal access platforms were used, and the laparoscopic approach was either multi- or single port. The procedure was initiated transanally or transabdominally. If a simultaneous approach with 2 operating surgeons was chosen, the operative time was significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: Ta TME was also associated with better TME specimens and a longer distal resection margin. Ta TME is thus feasible in expert hands, but the learning curve and safety profile are not well defined. Longterm follow-up regarding anal function and oncological outcomes should be performed in the future.