The Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study (REDS) was established in 1989 with funding from the National Heart,Lung,and Blood Institute ( NHLBI ) of the National Institutes of Health in the United States.The initial prog...The Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study (REDS) was established in 1989 with funding from the National Heart,Lung,and Blood Institute ( NHLBI ) of the National Institutes of Health in the United States.The initial program coordinated activities in five large US blood centers in San Francisco,Los Angeles,Oklahoma City,Detroit,and Baltimore with a coordinating center Westat in Rockville MD.展开更多
BACKGROUND Research exploring the influence of healthier lifestyle modification(LSM)on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB)is limited.AIM To emulate a target trial to dete...BACKGROUND Research exploring the influence of healthier lifestyle modification(LSM)on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB)is limited.AIM To emulate a target trial to determine the effect of LSM on HCC incidence and mortality among patients with CHB by large-scale population-based observational data.METHODS Among the patients with CHB enrolled in the Korean National Health Insurance Service between January 1,2009,and December 31,2017,those aged≥20 years who drank alcohol,smoked cigarettes,and were sedentary were analyzed.Exposure included at least one LSM,including alcohol abstinence,smoking cessation,and regular exercise.The primary outcome was HCC development,and the secondary outcome was liver-related mortality.We used 2:1 propensity score matching to account for covariates.RESULTS With 48766 patients in the LSM group and 103560 in the control group,the adjusted hazard ratio(HR)for incident HCC and liver-related mortality was 0.92[95%confidence interval(CI):0.87-0.96]and 0.92(95%CI:0.86-0.99)in the LSM group,respectively,compared with the control group.Among the LSM group,the adjusted HR(95%CI)for incident HCC was 0.84(0.76-0.94),0.87(0.81-0.94),and 1.08(1.00-1.16)for alcohol abstinence,smoking cessation,and regular exercise,respectively.The adjusted HR(95%CI)for liver-related mortality was 0.92(0.80-1.06),0.81(0.72-0.91),and 1.15(1.04-1.27)for alcohol abstinence,smoking cessation,and regular exercise,respectively.CONCLUSION LSM lowered the risk of HCC and mortality in patients with CHB.Thus,active LSM,particularly alcohol abstinence and smoking cessation,should be encouraged in patients with CHB.展开更多
Susceptibility weighted imaging(SWI) is a recently developed magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) technique that is increasingly being used to narrow the differential diagnosis of many neurologic disorders. It exploits the...Susceptibility weighted imaging(SWI) is a recently developed magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) technique that is increasingly being used to narrow the differential diagnosis of many neurologic disorders. It exploits the magnetic susceptibility differences of various compounds including deoxygenated blood, blood products, iron and calcium, thus enabling a new source of contrast in MR. In this review, we illustrate its basic clinical applications in neuroimaging. SWI is based on a fully velocity-compensated, high-resolution, three dimensional gradientecho sequence using magnitude and phase images either separately or in combination with each other, in order to characterize brain tissue. SWI is particularly useful in the setting of trauma and acute neurologic presentations suggestive of stroke, but can also characterize occult low-flow vascular malformations, cerebral microbleeds, intracranial calcifications, neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors. Furthermore, advanced MRI post-processing technique with quantitative susceptibility mapping, enables detailed anatomical differentiation based on quantification of brain iron from SWI raw data.展开更多
Important roles for reactive oxygen species （ROS） in physiology and pathophysiology have been increasingly recognized. Under normal conditions, ROS serve as signaling molecules in the regulation of cellular function...Important roles for reactive oxygen species （ROS） in physiology and pathophysiology have been increasingly recognized. Under normal conditions, ROS serve as signaling molecules in the regulation of cellular functions. However, enhanced ROS production as a result of the activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH） oxidase contributes significantly to the pathogeneses of vascular diseases. Although it has become evident that increased ROS is associated with erectile dysfunction （ED）, the sources of ROS in the penis remain largely unknown. In recent years, emergent evidence suggests the possible role of NADPH oxidase in inducing ED. In this review, we examine the relationship between ROS and ED in different disease models and discuss the current evidence basis for NADPH oxidase-derive＇d ROS in ED.展开更多
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of death in Western women. Breast cancer most commonly metastasizes to the bone and has a particular affinity with the spine, accounting for 2/3...Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of death in Western women. Breast cancer most commonly metastasizes to the bone and has a particular affinity with the spine, accounting for 2/3 of osseous metastases discovered. With significant improvements in cancer therapies, the number of patients at risk for symptomatic spinal metastases is likely to increase. Patients may suffer from intractable pain and neurological dysfunction, negatively influencing their quality of life. Timely diagnosis of patients is crucial and has been aided by several breakthrough advances in imaging techniques which aid in detection, staging, and follow-up of bone metastases. Breast metastases are usually responsive to hormonal therapy and pharmacologic interventions, but skeletal metastases often require surgical intervention. The treatments are palliative but goals include the preserving or restoring neurologic function, ensuring spinal stability, and relieving pain. Advances in surgical techniques and instrumentation have allowed more effective decompres-sion and stabilization of the spine, and with the support of recent evidence the trend has shifted towards using more advanced surgical options in appropriately selected patients. In this review, the clinical presentation, diagnosis, patient selection, and surgical management of breast cancer metastatic to the spine are discussed.展开更多
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) dilatation for cricopharyngeal (CP) dysfunction. To determine if: (1) indication for dilatation; or (2) technique of dilatation correlated with s...To evaluate the safety and efficacy of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) dilatation for cricopharyngeal (CP) dysfunction. To determine if: (1) indication for dilatation; or (2) technique of dilatation correlated with symptom improvement. METHODSAll balloon dilatations performed at our institution from over a 3-year period were retrospectively analyzed for demographics, indication and dilatation site. All dilatations involving the UES underwent further review to determine efficacy, complications, and factors that predict success. Dilatation technique was separated into static (stationary balloon distention) and retrograde (brusque pull-back of a fully distended balloon across the UES). RESULTSFour hundred and eighty-eight dilatations were reviewed. Thirty-one patients were identified who underwent UES dilatation. Median age was 63 years (range 27-81) and 55% of patients were male. Indications included dysphagia (28 patients), globus sensation with evidence of UES dysfunction (2 patients) and obstruction to echocardiography probe with cricopharyngeal (CP) bar (1 patient). There was evidence of concurrent oropharyngeal dysfunction in 16 patients (52%) and a small Zenker’s diverticula (≤ 2 cm) in 7 patients (23%). Dilator size ranged from 15 mm to 20 mm. Of the 31 patients, 11 had dilatation of other esophageal segments concurrently with UES dilatation and 20 had UES dilatation alone. Follow-up was available for 24 patients for a median of 2.5 mo (interquartile range 1-10 mo), of whom 19 reported symptomatic improvement (79%). For patients undergoing UES dilatation alone, follow-up was available for 15 patients, 12 of whom reported improvement (80%). Nineteen patients underwent retrograde dilatation (84% response) while 5 patients had static dilatation (60% response); however, there was no significant difference in symptom improvement between the techniques (P = 0.5). Successful symptom resolution was also not significantly affected by dilator size, oropharyngeal dysfunction, Zenker’s diverticulum, age or gender (P > 0.05). The only complication noted was uvular edema and a shallow ulcer after static dilatation in one patient, which resolved spontaneously and did not require hospital admission. CONCLUSIONUES dilatation with a through-the-scope balloon by either static or retrograde technique is safe and effective for the treatment of dysphagia due to CP dysfunction. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating retrograde balloon dilatation of the UES.展开更多
The use of cooled dialysate temperatures first came about in the early 1980s as a way to curb the incidence of intradialytic hypotension （IDH）. IDH was then, and it remains today, the most common complication affect...The use of cooled dialysate temperatures first came about in the early 1980s as a way to curb the incidence of intradialytic hypotension （IDH）. IDH was then, and it remains today, the most common complication affecting chronic hemodialysis patients. It decreases quality of life on dialysis and is an independent risk factor for mortality. Cooling dialysate was first employed as a technique to incite peripheral vasoconstriction on dialysis and in turn reduce the incidence of intradialytic hypotension. Although it has become a common practice amongst in-center hemodialysis units, cooled dialysate results in up to 70% of patients feeling cold while on dialysis and some even experience shivering. Over the years, various studies have been performed to evaluate the safety and effcacy of cooled dialysate in comparison to a standard, more thermoneutral dialysate temperature of 37℃. Although these studies are limited by small sample size, they are promising in many aspects. They demonstrated that cooled dialysis is safe and equally efficacious as thermoneutral dialysis. Although patients report feeling cold on dialysis, they also report increased energy and an improvement in their overall health following cooled dialysis. They established that cooling dialysate temperatures improves hemodynamic tolerability during and after hemodialysis, even in patients prone to IDH, and does so without adversely affecting dialysis adequacy. Cooled dialysis also reduces the incidence of IDH and has a protective effect over major organs including the heart and brain. Finally, it is an inexpensive measure that decreases economic burden by reducing necessary nursing intervention for issues that arise on hemodialysis such as IDH. Before cooled dialysate becomes standard of care for patients on chronic hemodialysis, larger studies with longer follow-up periods will need to take place to confrm the encouraging outcomes mentioned here.展开更多
Small-bowel carcinoid tumors are the most common form(42%) of gastrointestinal carcinoids, which by themselves comprise 70% of neuroendocrine tumors. Although primary small bowel neoplasms are overall rare(3%-6% of al...Small-bowel carcinoid tumors are the most common form(42%) of gastrointestinal carcinoids, which by themselves comprise 70% of neuroendocrine tumors. Although primary small bowel neoplasms are overall rare(3%-6% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms), carcinoids still represent the second most common(20%-30%) primary small-bowel malignancy after small bowel adenocarcinoma. Their imaging evaluation is often challenging. State-of-the-art high-resolution multiphasic computed tomography together with advanced postprocessing methods provides an excellent tool for their depiction. The manifold interactive parameter choices however require knowledge of when to use which technique. Here, we discuss the imaging appearance and evaluation of duodenal, jejunal and ileal carcinoid tumors, including the imaging features of the primary tumor, locoregional mesenteric nodal metastases, and distant metastatic disease. A protocol for optimal lesion detection is presented, including the use of computed tomography enterography, volume acquisition, computed tomography angiography and three-dimensional mapping. Imaging findings are illustrated with a series of challenging cases which illustrate the spectrum of possible disease in the small bowel and mesentery, the range of possible appearances in the bowel itself on multiphase data and extraluminal findings such as the desmoplastic reaction in mesentery and hypervascular liver metastases. Typical imaging pitfalls and pearls are illustrated.展开更多
BACKGROUND: There are few data on blood group(BG) types and types of pancreatic cancers. The aims of this study were to study BG types and BG-antigens in pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs). MET...BACKGROUND: There are few data on blood group(BG) types and types of pancreatic cancers. The aims of this study were to study BG types and BG-antigens in pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs). METHODS: BG type and tumor BG-antigen(glycoprotein) expression(studied by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays) were analyzed with regard to characteristics of 101 surgically resected pancreatic IPMNs. RESULTS: Non-O BG type predicted invasive carcinoma independently from high serum CA19-9 and male gender. BG type A was observed more frequently in women than in men. Chronic pancreatitis was more frequently seen in patients with BG type B or AB. Aberrant tumor expression(with regard to BG type) of loss of A antigen expression type occurred in 15.0% of IPMNs and of loss of B antigen expression type in 62.5% of IPMNs. Intraneoplasm BG-antigen expression was not related to dysplasia grade or invasion. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest that in pancreatic IPMN, non-O BG type predicted invasive carcinoma, whereas for intratumor BG-antigen expression no specific patterns were detected with regard to the progression of glandular epithelial dysplasia or invasion.展开更多
Background Aging is a multifactorial process associated with an impairment of autonomic nervous system(ANS)function.Progressive ANS remodeling includes upregulation of expression of circulating catecholamines and depl...Background Aging is a multifactorial process associated with an impairment of autonomic nervous system(ANS)function.Progressive ANS remodeling includes upregulation of expression of circulating catecholamines and depletion of cardiac autonomic nerve fibers,and it is responsible,in part,for the increased susceptibility to cardiac diseases observed in elderly subjects.Neurotrophic factors,such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and nerve growth factor(NGF),are involved in synaptogenesis and neurite outgrowth processes,supporting neuronal cell differentiation and maturation.However,whether and how these factors and their downstream signaling are involved in cardiac aging remains unclear.Here,we tested whether,in the aged heart,the overall extent of autonomic fibers is reduced,owing to lower production of trophic factors such as BDNF and NGF.Methods In vivo,we used young(age:3 months;n=10)and old(age:24 months;n=11)male Fisher rats,whereas,we used human neuroblastoma(SH-SY5 Y)cells in vitro.Results Compared to the young rats,old rats displayed a marked reduction in the overall ANS fiber density,affecting both sympathetic and cholinergic compartments,as indicated by dopamineβ-hydroxylase(dβh)and vesicular acetylcholine transporter(Va Ch T)immunohistochemical staining.In addition,a marked downregulation of GAP-43 and BDNF protein was observed in the left ventricular lysates of old rats compared to those of young rats.Interestingly,we did not find any significant difference in cardiac NGF levels between the young and old groups.To further explore the impact of aging on ANS fibers,we treated SH-SY5 Y cells in vitro with serum obtained from young and old rats.Sera from both groups induced a remarkable increase in neuronal sprouting,as evidenced by a crystal violet assay.However,this effect was blunted in cells cultured with old rat serum and was accompanied by a marked reduction in GAP-43 and BDNF protein levels.Conclusions Our data indicate that physiological aging is associated with an impairment of ANS structure and function and that reduced BDNF levels are responsible,at least in part,for these phenomena.展开更多
There has been a growing interest in developing endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided interventions for pancreatic cancer,some of which have become standard of care.There are two main factors that drive these advancements...There has been a growing interest in developing endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided interventions for pancreatic cancer,some of which have become standard of care.There are two main factors that drive these advancements to facilitate treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer,ranging from direct locoregional therapy to palliation of symptoms related to inoperable pancreatic cancer.Firstly,an upper EUS has the capability to access the entire pancreas–lesions in the pancreatic head and uncinate process can be accessed from the duodenum,and lesions in the pancreatic body and tail can be accessed from the stomach.Secondly,there has been a robust development of devices that allow through-theneedle interventions,such as placement of fiducial markers,brachytherapy,intratumoral injection,gastroenterostomy creation,and ablation.While these techniques are rapidly emerging,data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial for some procedures are awaited prior to their adoption in clinical settings.展开更多
文摘The Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study (REDS) was established in 1989 with funding from the National Heart,Lung,and Blood Institute ( NHLBI ) of the National Institutes of Health in the United States.The initial program coordinated activities in five large US blood centers in San Francisco,Los Angeles,Oklahoma City,Detroit,and Baltimore with a coordinating center Westat in Rockville MD.
文摘BACKGROUND Research exploring the influence of healthier lifestyle modification(LSM)on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB)is limited.AIM To emulate a target trial to determine the effect of LSM on HCC incidence and mortality among patients with CHB by large-scale population-based observational data.METHODS Among the patients with CHB enrolled in the Korean National Health Insurance Service between January 1,2009,and December 31,2017,those aged≥20 years who drank alcohol,smoked cigarettes,and were sedentary were analyzed.Exposure included at least one LSM,including alcohol abstinence,smoking cessation,and regular exercise.The primary outcome was HCC development,and the secondary outcome was liver-related mortality.We used 2:1 propensity score matching to account for covariates.RESULTS With 48766 patients in the LSM group and 103560 in the control group,the adjusted hazard ratio(HR)for incident HCC and liver-related mortality was 0.92[95%confidence interval(CI):0.87-0.96]and 0.92(95%CI:0.86-0.99)in the LSM group,respectively,compared with the control group.Among the LSM group,the adjusted HR(95%CI)for incident HCC was 0.84(0.76-0.94),0.87(0.81-0.94),and 1.08(1.00-1.16)for alcohol abstinence,smoking cessation,and regular exercise,respectively.The adjusted HR(95%CI)for liver-related mortality was 0.92(0.80-1.06),0.81(0.72-0.91),and 1.15(1.04-1.27)for alcohol abstinence,smoking cessation,and regular exercise,respectively.CONCLUSION LSM lowered the risk of HCC and mortality in patients with CHB.Thus,active LSM,particularly alcohol abstinence and smoking cessation,should be encouraged in patients with CHB.
文摘Susceptibility weighted imaging(SWI) is a recently developed magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) technique that is increasingly being used to narrow the differential diagnosis of many neurologic disorders. It exploits the magnetic susceptibility differences of various compounds including deoxygenated blood, blood products, iron and calcium, thus enabling a new source of contrast in MR. In this review, we illustrate its basic clinical applications in neuroimaging. SWI is based on a fully velocity-compensated, high-resolution, three dimensional gradientecho sequence using magnitude and phase images either separately or in combination with each other, in order to characterize brain tissue. SWI is particularly useful in the setting of trauma and acute neurologic presentations suggestive of stroke, but can also characterize occult low-flow vascular malformations, cerebral microbleeds, intracranial calcifications, neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors. Furthermore, advanced MRI post-processing technique with quantitative susceptibility mapping, enables detailed anatomical differentiation based on quantification of brain iron from SWI raw data.
文摘Important roles for reactive oxygen species （ROS） in physiology and pathophysiology have been increasingly recognized. Under normal conditions, ROS serve as signaling molecules in the regulation of cellular functions. However, enhanced ROS production as a result of the activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH） oxidase contributes significantly to the pathogeneses of vascular diseases. Although it has become evident that increased ROS is associated with erectile dysfunction （ED）, the sources of ROS in the penis remain largely unknown. In recent years, emergent evidence suggests the possible role of NADPH oxidase in inducing ED. In this review, we examine the relationship between ROS and ED in different disease models and discuss the current evidence basis for NADPH oxidase-derive＇d ROS in ED.
文摘Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of death in Western women. Breast cancer most commonly metastasizes to the bone and has a particular affinity with the spine, accounting for 2/3 of osseous metastases discovered. With significant improvements in cancer therapies, the number of patients at risk for symptomatic spinal metastases is likely to increase. Patients may suffer from intractable pain and neurological dysfunction, negatively influencing their quality of life. Timely diagnosis of patients is crucial and has been aided by several breakthrough advances in imaging techniques which aid in detection, staging, and follow-up of bone metastases. Breast metastases are usually responsive to hormonal therapy and pharmacologic interventions, but skeletal metastases often require surgical intervention. The treatments are palliative but goals include the preserving or restoring neurologic function, ensuring spinal stability, and relieving pain. Advances in surgical techniques and instrumentation have allowed more effective decompres-sion and stabilization of the spine, and with the support of recent evidence the trend has shifted towards using more advanced surgical options in appropriately selected patients. In this review, the clinical presentation, diagnosis, patient selection, and surgical management of breast cancer metastatic to the spine are discussed.
文摘To evaluate the safety and efficacy of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) dilatation for cricopharyngeal (CP) dysfunction. To determine if: (1) indication for dilatation; or (2) technique of dilatation correlated with symptom improvement. METHODSAll balloon dilatations performed at our institution from over a 3-year period were retrospectively analyzed for demographics, indication and dilatation site. All dilatations involving the UES underwent further review to determine efficacy, complications, and factors that predict success. Dilatation technique was separated into static (stationary balloon distention) and retrograde (brusque pull-back of a fully distended balloon across the UES). RESULTSFour hundred and eighty-eight dilatations were reviewed. Thirty-one patients were identified who underwent UES dilatation. Median age was 63 years (range 27-81) and 55% of patients were male. Indications included dysphagia (28 patients), globus sensation with evidence of UES dysfunction (2 patients) and obstruction to echocardiography probe with cricopharyngeal (CP) bar (1 patient). There was evidence of concurrent oropharyngeal dysfunction in 16 patients (52%) and a small Zenker’s diverticula (≤ 2 cm) in 7 patients (23%). Dilator size ranged from 15 mm to 20 mm. Of the 31 patients, 11 had dilatation of other esophageal segments concurrently with UES dilatation and 20 had UES dilatation alone. Follow-up was available for 24 patients for a median of 2.5 mo (interquartile range 1-10 mo), of whom 19 reported symptomatic improvement (79%). For patients undergoing UES dilatation alone, follow-up was available for 15 patients, 12 of whom reported improvement (80%). Nineteen patients underwent retrograde dilatation (84% response) while 5 patients had static dilatation (60% response); however, there was no significant difference in symptom improvement between the techniques (P = 0.5). Successful symptom resolution was also not significantly affected by dilator size, oropharyngeal dysfunction, Zenker’s diverticulum, age or gender (P > 0.05). The only complication noted was uvular edema and a shallow ulcer after static dilatation in one patient, which resolved spontaneously and did not require hospital admission. CONCLUSIONUES dilatation with a through-the-scope balloon by either static or retrograde technique is safe and effective for the treatment of dysphagia due to CP dysfunction. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating retrograde balloon dilatation of the UES.
文摘The use of cooled dialysate temperatures first came about in the early 1980s as a way to curb the incidence of intradialytic hypotension （IDH）. IDH was then, and it remains today, the most common complication affecting chronic hemodialysis patients. It decreases quality of life on dialysis and is an independent risk factor for mortality. Cooling dialysate was first employed as a technique to incite peripheral vasoconstriction on dialysis and in turn reduce the incidence of intradialytic hypotension. Although it has become a common practice amongst in-center hemodialysis units, cooled dialysate results in up to 70% of patients feeling cold while on dialysis and some even experience shivering. Over the years, various studies have been performed to evaluate the safety and effcacy of cooled dialysate in comparison to a standard, more thermoneutral dialysate temperature of 37℃. Although these studies are limited by small sample size, they are promising in many aspects. They demonstrated that cooled dialysis is safe and equally efficacious as thermoneutral dialysis. Although patients report feeling cold on dialysis, they also report increased energy and an improvement in their overall health following cooled dialysis. They established that cooling dialysate temperatures improves hemodynamic tolerability during and after hemodialysis, even in patients prone to IDH, and does so without adversely affecting dialysis adequacy. Cooled dialysis also reduces the incidence of IDH and has a protective effect over major organs including the heart and brain. Finally, it is an inexpensive measure that decreases economic burden by reducing necessary nursing intervention for issues that arise on hemodialysis such as IDH. Before cooled dialysate becomes standard of care for patients on chronic hemodialysis, larger studies with longer follow-up periods will need to take place to confrm the encouraging outcomes mentioned here.
文摘Small-bowel carcinoid tumors are the most common form(42%) of gastrointestinal carcinoids, which by themselves comprise 70% of neuroendocrine tumors. Although primary small bowel neoplasms are overall rare(3%-6% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms), carcinoids still represent the second most common(20%-30%) primary small-bowel malignancy after small bowel adenocarcinoma. Their imaging evaluation is often challenging. State-of-the-art high-resolution multiphasic computed tomography together with advanced postprocessing methods provides an excellent tool for their depiction. The manifold interactive parameter choices however require knowledge of when to use which technique. Here, we discuss the imaging appearance and evaluation of duodenal, jejunal and ileal carcinoid tumors, including the imaging features of the primary tumor, locoregional mesenteric nodal metastases, and distant metastatic disease. A protocol for optimal lesion detection is presented, including the use of computed tomography enterography, volume acquisition, computed tomography angiography and three-dimensional mapping. Imaging findings are illustrated with a series of challenging cases which illustrate the spectrum of possible disease in the small bowel and mesentery, the range of possible appearances in the bowel itself on multiphase data and extraluminal findings such as the desmoplastic reaction in mesentery and hypervascular liver metastases. Typical imaging pitfalls and pearls are illustrated.
文摘BACKGROUND: There are few data on blood group(BG) types and types of pancreatic cancers. The aims of this study were to study BG types and BG-antigens in pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs). METHODS: BG type and tumor BG-antigen(glycoprotein) expression(studied by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays) were analyzed with regard to characteristics of 101 surgically resected pancreatic IPMNs. RESULTS: Non-O BG type predicted invasive carcinoma independently from high serum CA19-9 and male gender. BG type A was observed more frequently in women than in men. Chronic pancreatitis was more frequently seen in patients with BG type B or AB. Aberrant tumor expression(with regard to BG type) of loss of A antigen expression type occurred in 15.0% of IPMNs and of loss of B antigen expression type in 62.5% of IPMNs. Intraneoplasm BG-antigen expression was not related to dysplasia grade or invasion. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest that in pancreatic IPMN, non-O BG type predicted invasive carcinoma, whereas for intratumor BG-antigen expression no specific patterns were detected with regard to the progression of glandular epithelial dysplasia or invasion.
基金supported by R01 HL136918(to N.P.)STAR 2016 program(to GR)partly supported by the Italian Ministry of Education,Universities,and Research-Rita Levi Montalcini 2016(to AC)。
文摘Background Aging is a multifactorial process associated with an impairment of autonomic nervous system(ANS)function.Progressive ANS remodeling includes upregulation of expression of circulating catecholamines and depletion of cardiac autonomic nerve fibers,and it is responsible,in part,for the increased susceptibility to cardiac diseases observed in elderly subjects.Neurotrophic factors,such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and nerve growth factor(NGF),are involved in synaptogenesis and neurite outgrowth processes,supporting neuronal cell differentiation and maturation.However,whether and how these factors and their downstream signaling are involved in cardiac aging remains unclear.Here,we tested whether,in the aged heart,the overall extent of autonomic fibers is reduced,owing to lower production of trophic factors such as BDNF and NGF.Methods In vivo,we used young(age:3 months;n=10)and old(age:24 months;n=11)male Fisher rats,whereas,we used human neuroblastoma(SH-SY5 Y)cells in vitro.Results Compared to the young rats,old rats displayed a marked reduction in the overall ANS fiber density,affecting both sympathetic and cholinergic compartments,as indicated by dopamineβ-hydroxylase(dβh)and vesicular acetylcholine transporter(Va Ch T)immunohistochemical staining.In addition,a marked downregulation of GAP-43 and BDNF protein was observed in the left ventricular lysates of old rats compared to those of young rats.Interestingly,we did not find any significant difference in cardiac NGF levels between the young and old groups.To further explore the impact of aging on ANS fibers,we treated SH-SY5 Y cells in vitro with serum obtained from young and old rats.Sera from both groups induced a remarkable increase in neuronal sprouting,as evidenced by a crystal violet assay.However,this effect was blunted in cells cultured with old rat serum and was accompanied by a marked reduction in GAP-43 and BDNF protein levels.Conclusions Our data indicate that physiological aging is associated with an impairment of ANS structure and function and that reduced BDNF levels are responsible,at least in part,for these phenomena.
文摘There has been a growing interest in developing endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided interventions for pancreatic cancer,some of which have become standard of care.There are two main factors that drive these advancements to facilitate treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer,ranging from direct locoregional therapy to palliation of symptoms related to inoperable pancreatic cancer.Firstly,an upper EUS has the capability to access the entire pancreas–lesions in the pancreatic head and uncinate process can be accessed from the duodenum,and lesions in the pancreatic body and tail can be accessed from the stomach.Secondly,there has been a robust development of devices that allow through-theneedle interventions,such as placement of fiducial markers,brachytherapy,intratumoral injection,gastroenterostomy creation,and ablation.While these techniques are rapidly emerging,data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial for some procedures are awaited prior to their adoption in clinical settings.
