Endoscopic treatment of scarred polyps with a non-thermal device(Endorotor):A review of the literature

Endoscopic resection(ER)of colorectal polyps has become a daily practice in most endoscopic units providing a colorectal cancer screening program and requires the availability of local experts and high-end endoscopic devices.ER procedures have evolved over the past few years from endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)to more advanced techniques,such as endoscopic submucosal dissection and endo-scopic full-thickness resection.Complete resection and disease eradication are the ultimate goals of ER-based techniques,and novel devices have been developed to achieve these goals.The EndoRotor®Endoscopic Powered Resection System(Interscope Medical,Inc.,Northbridge,Massachusetts,United States)is one such device.The EndoRotor is a powered resection tool for the removal of alimentary tract mucosa,including post-EMR persistent lesions with scarring,and has both CE Mark and FDA clearance.This review covers available published evidence documenting the usefulness of EndoRotor for the management of recurrent colorectal polyps.

糖尿病相关的足溃疡分类指南(2023年更新版)——《国际糖尿病足工作组:糖尿病相关的足病预防与管理指南(2023)》的一部分

本文是对国际糖尿病足工作组(IWGDF)2019年指南的更新,针对在日常临床工作中使用的糖尿病伴足溃疡的分类提出了新指南。本指南基于对现有文献的系统综述,确定了149篇文献中涉及的28种分类,随后使用推荐、评估、发展和评价分级(GRADE)方法获取了专家意见。首先,我们通过对诊断试验的判断总结,制定了一份可能适合在临床实践中使用的分类系统的清单,重点关注每个系统在预测溃疡相关并发症的可用性、准确性和可靠性以及资源可及性。其次,经过小组讨论和共识研讨,我们确定了哪些分类系统应该用于特定的临床场景。总之,对于糖尿病合并足溃疡患者,我们推荐:①医务人员之间的沟通:使用部位、缺血、神经病变、细菌感染、溃疡面积、溃疡深度(SINBAD)分类(第一选择)或考虑使用创面、缺血、足感染(WIfI)分类系统(替代选择,当具备所需的设备和专业水平,并且具有可行性时),针对每例患者,应具体描述组成分类系统的每个变量而不是仅仅报告总分;②不推荐任何现有分类系统用以预测特定个体的具体的溃疡结局;③对于描述有感染的溃疡患者的特征:使用美国感染性疾病学会(IDSA)/IWGDF(第一选择)分类或考虑使用WIfI系统(替代选择,当具备所需的设备和专业水平,并且具有可行性时);④对于描述周围动脉病变患者的特征:考虑使用WIfI系统作为对愈合可能性和截肢风险进行分层的手段;⑤对于人群结果的稽查:使用SINBAD评分。基于GRADE分级,本文提出的所有推荐,证据的可信度是低的。然而,基于对当前数据的合理应用,本文的推荐具有临床应用价值。

Budd-Chiari syndrome in myeloproliferative neoplasms:A review of literature

Myeloproliferative neoplasms(MPNs)are defined as clonal disorders of the hematopoietic stem cell in which an exaggerated production of terminally differentiated myeloid cells occurs.Classical,Philadelphia-negative MPNs,i.e.,polycythemia vera,essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis,exhibit a propensity towards the development of thrombotic complications that can occur in unusual sites,e.g.,portal,splanchnic or hepatic veins,the placenta or cerebral sinuses.The pathogenesis of thrombotic events in MPNs is complex and requires an intricate mechanism involving endothelial injury,stasis,elevated leukocyte adhesion,integrins,neutrophil extracellular traps,somatic mutations(e.g.,the V617F point mutation in the JAK2 gene),microparticles,circulating endothelial cells,and other factors,to name a few.Herein,we review the available data on Budd-Chiari syndrome in Philadelphia-negative MPNs,with a particular focus on its epidemiology,pathogenesis,histopathology,risk factors,classification,clinical presentation,diagnosis,and management.

Impact of mechanical bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery:A meta-analysis

AIM To analyse the effect of mechanical bowel preparation vs no mechanical bowel preparation on outcome in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.METHODS Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies comparing adult patients receiving mechanical bowel preparation with those receiving no mechanical bowel preparation, subdivided into those receiving a single rectal enema and those who received no preparation at all prior to elective colorectal surgery. RESULTS A total of 36 studies(23 randomised controlled trials and 13 observational studies) including 21568 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery were included. When all studies were considered, mechanical bowel preparation was not associated with any significant difference in anastomotic leak rates(OR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.74 to 1.10, P = 0.32), surgical site infection(OR = 0.99, 95%CI: 0.80 to 1.24, P = 0.96), intraabdominal collection(OR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.63 to 1.17, P = 0.34), mortality(OR = 0.85, 95%CI: 0.57 to 1.27, P = 0.43), reoperation(OR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.75 to 1.12, P = 0.38) or hospital length of stay(overall mean difference 0.11 d, 95%CI:-0.51 to 0.73, P = 0.72), when compared with no mechanical bowel preparation, nor when evidence from just randomized controlledtrials was analysed. A sub-analysis of mechanical bowel preparation vs absolutely no preparation or a single rectal enema similarly revealed no differences in clinical outcome measures. CONCLUSION In the most comprehensive meta-analysis of mechanical bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery to date, this study has suggested that the use of mechanical bowel preparation does not affect the incidence of postoperative complications when compared with no preparation. Hence, mechanical bowel preparation should not be administered routinely prior to elective colorectal surgery.

Inguinodynia following Lichtenstein tension-free hernia repair:A review

Chronic Groin Pain (Inguinodynia) following inguinal hernia repair is a significant,though under-reported problem. Mild pain lasting for a few days is common following mesh inguinal hernia repair. However,moderate to severe pain persisting more than 3 mo after inguinal herniorrhaphy should be considered as pathological. The major reasons for chronic groin pain have been identified as neuropathic cause due to inguinal nerve(s) damage or non-neuropathic cause due to mesh or other related factors. The symptom complex of chronic groin pain varies from a dull ache to sharp shooting pain along the distribution of inguinal nerves. Thorough history and meticulous clinical examination should be performed to identify the exact cause of chronic groin pain,as there is no single test to confirm the aetiology behind the pain or to point out the exact nerve involved. Various studies have been performed to look at the difference in chronic groin pain rates with the use of mesh vs non-mesh repair,use of heavyweight vs lightweight mesh and mesh fixation with sutures vs glue. Though there is no convincing evidence favouring one over the other,lightweight meshes are generally preferred because of their lesser foreign body reaction and better tolerance by the patients. Identification of all three nerves has been shown to be an important factor in reducing chronic groin pain,though there are no well conducted randomised studies to recommend the benefits of nerve excision vs preservation. Both nonsurgical and surgical options have been tried for chronic groin pain,with their consequent risks of analgesic sideeffects,recurrent pain,recurrent hernia and significant sensory loss. By far the best treatment for chronic groin pain is to avoid bestowing this on the patient by careful intra-operative handling of inguinal structures and better patient counselling pre-and post-herniorraphy.

Diabetes mellitus and stroke: A clinical update

Cardiovascular disease including stroke is a major complication that tremendously increases the morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus(DM). DM poses about four times higher risk for stroke. Cardiometabolic risk factors including obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia often co-exist in patients with DM that add on to stroke risk. Because of the strong association between DM and other stroke risk factors, physicians and diabetologists managing patients should have thorough understanding of these risk factors and management. This review is an evidence-based approach to the epidemiological aspects, pathophysiology, diagnostic work up and management algorithms for patients with diabetes and stroke.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in variceal hemorrhage:Timing,effectiveness and Clostridium difficile rates

AIM:To investigate if antibiotics administered within 8 h of endoscopy reduce mortality or increase the incidence of Clostridium difficile infection(CDI).METHODS:A 2-year retrospective analysis of all patients who presented with first variceal hemorrhage was undertaken.The primary outcome measure was 28-d mortality.Secondary outcome measures were 28-d rebleeding rates and 28-d incidence of CDI.All patients were admitted to a tertiary liver unit with a consultantled,24-h endoscopy service.Patients received standard care including terlipressin therapy.Data collection included:primary and secondary outcome measures,timing of first administration of intravenous antibiotics,eti-ology of liver disease,demographics,endoscopy details and complications.A prospective study was undertaken to determine the incidence of CDI in the study population and general medical inpatients admitted for antibiotic therapy of at least 5 d duration.Statistical analysis was undertaken using univariate,non-parametric tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS:There were 70 first presentations of variceal hemorrhage during the study period.Seventy percent of cases were male and 65.7% were due to chronic alcoholic liver disease.In total,64/70(91.4%) patients received antibiotics as prophylaxis during their admission.Specifically,53/70(75.7%) received antibiotics either before endoscopy or within 8 h of endoscopy [peri-endoscopy(8 h) group],whereas 17/70(24.3%) received antibiotics at > 8 h after endoscopy or not at all(non peri-endoscopy group).Overall mortality and rebleeding rates were 13/70(18.6%) and 14/70(20%),respectively.The periendoscopy(8 h) group was significantly less likely to die compared with the non peri-endoscopy group [13.2% vs 35.3%,P = 0.04,odds ratio(OR) = 0.28(0.078-0.997)] and showed a trend towards reduced rebleeding [17.0% vs 29.4%,P = 0.27,OR = 0.49(0.14-1.74)].On univariate analysis,the non peri-endoscopy group [P = 0.02,OR = 3.58(1.00-12.81)],higher model for end-stage liver disease(MELD) score(P = 0.02),presence of hepatorenal syndrome [P < 0.01,OR = 11.25(2.24-56.42)] and suffering a clinical episode of sepsis [P = 0.03,OR = 4.03(1.11-14.58)] were significant predictors of death at 28 d.On multivariate logistic regression analysis,lower MELD score [P = 0.01,OR = 1.16(1.04-1.28)] and periendoscopy(8 h) group [P = 0.01,OR = 0.15(0.03-0.68)] were independent predictors of survival at 28 d.The CDI incidence(5.7%) was comparable to that in the general medical population(5%).CONCLUSION:Antibiotics administered up to 8 h following endoscopy were associated with improved survival at 28 d.CDI incidence was comparable to that in other patient groups.

White light endoscopy,narrow band imaging and chromoendoscopy with magnification in diagnosing colorectal neoplasia

AIM:To evaluate the sensitivity(Sn),specificity(Sp),positive predictive value(PPV) and negative predictive value(NPV) of 3 different techniques:high resolution white light endoscopy(WLE),Narrow Band Imaging(NBI) and Chromoendoscopy(CHR),all with magnification in differentiating adenocarcinomas,adenomatous and hyperplastic colorectal polyps.METHODS:Each polyp was sequentially assessed first by WLE,followed by NBI and finally by CHR.Digital images of each polyp with each modality were taken and stored.Biopsies or polypectomies were then performed followed by blinded histopathological analysis.Each image was blindly graded based on the Kudo's pit pattern(KPP).In the assessment with NBI,the mesh brown capillary network pattern(MBCN) of each polyp was also described.The Sn,Sp,PPV and NPV of differentiating hyperplastic(Type Ⅰ & Ⅱ-KPP,Type Ⅰ-MBCN) adenomatous(Types Ⅲ,Ⅳ-KPP,Type Ⅱ-MBCN) and carcinomatous polyps(Type Ⅴ-KPP,Type Ⅲ-MCBN) was then compared with reference to the final histopathological diagnosis.RESULTS:A total of 50 colorectal polyps(5 adenocarcinomas,38 adenomas,7 hyperplastic) were assessed.CHR and NBI [KPP,MBCN or the combined classification(KPP & MBCN)] were superior to WLE in the prediction of polyp histology(P < 0.001,P=0.002,P=0.001 and P < 0.001,respectively).NBI,using the MBCN pattern or the combined classification showed higher numerical accuracies compared to CHR,but this was not statistically significant(P=0.625,0.250).CONCLUSION:This feasibility study demonstrated that this combined classification with NBI could potentially be useful in routine clinical practice,allowing the endoscopist to predict histology with higher accuracies using a less cumbersome and technically less challenging method.

Current trends in the diagnosis and management of post-herniorraphy chronic groin pain

Inguinodynia(chronic groin pain) is one of the recognised complications of the commonly performed Lichtenstein mesh inguinal hernia repair.This has major impact on quality of life in a significant proportion of patients.The pain is classif ied as neuropathic and nonneuropathic related to nerve damage and to the mesh,respectively.Correct diagnosis of this problem is relatively difficult.A thorough history and clinical examination are essential,as is a good knowledge of the groin nerve distribution.In spite of the common nature of the problem,the literature evidence is limited.In this paper we discuss the diagnostic tools and treatment options,both non-surgical and surgical.In addition,we discuss the criteria for surgical intervention and its optimal timing.

Era of Barrett’s surveillance: Does equipment matter?

Barrett’s esophagus is a consequence of long standing gastro-esophageal reflux disease and predisposes to the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Regular surveillance endoscopies can detect curable early neoplasia in asymptomatic patients, which in turn could improve the prognosis compared to symptomatic cancer. Early neoplastic lesions, which are amenable for local therapy, could be treated endoscopically, avoiding a major surgery. However, in the absence of obvious mucosal lesions, random four quadrant biopsies are done, which is associated with significant sampling error. Newer imaging modalities, such as autofluorescence endoscopy, are helpful in detecting subtle lesions that could be examined in detail with narrow band imaging to characterize and target biopsies. This has the potential benefit of reducing the number of random biopsies with a better yield of dysplasia. Confocal endomicroscopy provides "optical biopsies" and is a valuable tool in targeting biopsies to improve dysplasia detection; however, this is technically challenging. Fuji intelligent chromoendoscopy and I-Scan are recent additions to the imaging armamentarium that have produced notable early results. While all these additional new imaging techniques are promising, a thorough examination by high resolution white light endoscopy after clearing the mucosa with mucolytics should be the minimum standard to improve dysplasia detection during Barrett’s surveillance.

Evidence-based considerations on bowel preparation for colonoscopy

We recently read with interest the article,“Novel frontiers of agents for bowel cleansing for colonoscopy”.This is a practical narrative review,which could be of particular importance to clinicians in order to improve their current practice.Although we appreciate the venture of our colleagues,based on our in-depth analysis,we came across several minor issues in the article;hence,we present our comments in this letter.If the authors consider these comments further in their relevant research,we believe that their contribution would be of considerable importance for future studies.

国际糖尿病足工作组:糖尿病足溃疡分类指南——《国际糖尿病足工作组:糖尿病足防治国际指南(2019)》的一部分

国际糖尿病足工作组(IWGDF)自1999年以来一直以循证为基础发布糖尿病足病的预防和管理指南。本文中针对日常临床工作中糖尿病足溃疡的分类提出了新指南,并对既有的分类进行了综述。新指南只对现患糖尿病足溃疡进行分类,不包括用于定义未来溃疡风险的分类系统。本指南的制定是基于对现有文献的综述以及专家对最大程度影响临床结局的8个关键因素的鉴定。分类级别是根据关键因素的数量、内部和外部有效性验证以及使用意向而制定的。判定分类评分的关键因素有3种:患者相关的因素(终末期肾衰竭)、肢体相关的因素(周围动脉病变和保护性感觉丧失)和溃疡相关的因素(面积、深度、部位、单发或多发以及感染)。特殊分类系统要考虑以下5种临床情况:①卫生专业人员之间交流;②预测单个溃疡预后;③对个案临床决策的辅助;④伤口评估,有感染或无感染及周围动脉病变(评估灌注及血管重建的潜在益处);⑤用于地方、区域或国家人群结局的稽查。指南推荐:①医务人员之间交流使用SINBAD系统。②无适用于预测个体溃疡预后的分类。③感染的评估采用美国传染病学会/国际糖尿病足工作组(IDSA/IWGDF)分类系统。④评估灌注及血管重建的潜在获益使用创面、缺血、足感染(WIfI)系统。⑤人群结局的稽查使用SINBAD系统。

L-carnitine supplementation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)dominates the landscape of modern hepatology.Affecting 25%of the general population,there is critical unmet need to identify broadly available,safe and cost-effective treatments.Cumulative evidence in animal and human models suggests that intrahepatic and skeletal muscle fatty acid oxidation is impaired in NAFLD,such that lipid accretion is not matched by efficient utilisation.L-carnitine is a crucial mediator of fatty acid metabolism in vivo,promoting mitochondrial lipidβ-oxidation and enhancing tissue metabolic flexibility.These physiological properties have generated research interest in L-carnitine as a potentially effective adjunctive therapy in NAFLD.AIM To systematically review randomised trials reporting effects of dietary L-carnitine supplementation on liver biochemistry,liver fat and insulin sensitivity in NAFLD.METHODS Search strategies,eligibility criteria and analytic methods were specified a priori(PROSPERO reference:CRD42018107063).Ovid MEDLINE,Ovid EMBASE,PubMed,Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched from their inception until April 2019.Outcome measures included serum concentrations of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase(ALT and AST),liver fat and insulin sensitivity assessed by the homeostasis model of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR).A random effects meta-analysis was performed for,ALT,AST and HOMA-IR measures separately.Between-study heterogeneity was measured using I2 statistics.RESULTS Five eligible randomised trials were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis(n=338).All of the 5 included trials assessed the effect of L-carnitine on serum ALT,identified from Italy,South Korea and Iran.Weighted mean difference(WMD)for ALT between L-carnitine and control groups after intervention was-25.34 IU/L[95%CI:-41.74-(-8.94);P=0.002].WMD for AST between L-carnitine and control groups was-13.68 IU/L(95%CI:-28.26-0.89;P=0.066).In three studies(n=204),HOMA-IR was evaluated.WMD for HOMA-IR between L-carnitine and control groups was-0.74 units[95%CI:-1.02-(-0.46);P<0.001].Two studies using validated outcome measures reported a significant reduction in liver fat in L-carnitine vs control groups post-intervention(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Pooled results indicate that L-carnitine supplementation attenuates ALT,liver fat and insulin resistance in NAFLD cohorts,confirming a beneficial effect of Lcarnitine for a highly prevalent condition with a growing economic burden.

The Effect of Angulated Radius Fractures in Forearm Rotation: A Computer Based Model

Background: Forearm fractures amongst children are quite a common presentation. The accuracy of correct alignment in forearm bones is important as it determines the degree of forearm rotation (pronation-supination). However in children due to the potential for continuous growth, a degree of angulation is acceptable. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of angulation of forearm fracture on forearm rotation using computer stimulation. Methods: Using a 3D computer modelling software (Wildfire Pro Engineer 4.0, Creo by PTC, Needham, MA), an accurate to scale model of the radius and ulna was replicated from a 7 year old forearm. A realistic representation of pronation/supination of the forearm was applied and a fracture at the junction of proximal one third and distal two third was created. A rotational simulation was created and ended when maximum pronation and supination was reached. Maximum pronation and supination was reached when either no more rotation could occur due to a misalignment of the radius and ulna or there was a collision of the bones. The simulation was repeated in increments of angulation of 2° up to 26°. The angulations that resulted in a combined range of motion (50° pronation and 80° supination) less than 130° were recorded as unacceptable and the others were as acceptable. Findings: The study showed that radius angulation fracture of >16° in the proximal third of the radius would result in an unacceptable reduction of pronation-supination to less than 130°. Conclusion: Patients with more >16° of radius angulation in a distal third shaft fracture of the radius may result in clinical reduction in forearm rotation.

Combination of corticosteroids and 5-aminosalicylates or corticosteroids alone for patients with moderate-severe active ulcerative colitis:A global survey of physicians'practice

AIM To examine treatment decisions of gastroenterologists regarding the choice of prescribing 5-aminosalycilates(5ASA) with corticosteroids(CS) versus corticosteroids alone for patients with active ulcerative colitis(UC). METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire exploring physicians' attitude toward 5ASA + CS combination therapy vs CS alone was developed and validated. The questionnaire was distributed to gastroenterology experts in twelve countries in five continents. Respondents' agreement with stated treatment choices were assessed by standardized Likert scale. Background professional characteristics of respondents were analyzed for correlation with responses. RESULTS Six hundred and sixty-four questionnaires were distributed and 349 received(52.6% response rate). Of 340 eligible respondents, 221(65%) would continue 5ASA in a patient hospitalized for intravenous CS treatment due to a moderate-severe UC flare, while 108(32%) would stop the 5ASA(P < 0.001), and 11(3%) are undecided. Similarly, 62% would continue 5ASA in an out-patient starting oral CS. However, only 140/340(41%) would proactively start 5ASA in a hospitalized patient not receiving 5ASA before admission. Most(94%) physicians consider the safety profile of 5ASA as very good. Only 52% consider them inexpensive, 35% perceive them to be expensive and 12% are undecided. On multi-variable analysis, less years of practice and perception of a plausible additive mechanistic effect of 5ASA + CS were positively associated with the decision to continue 5ASA with CS. CONCLUSION Despite the absence of data supporting its benefit, most gastroenterologists endorse combination of 5ASA + CS for patients with active moderate-to-severe UC. Randomized controlled trials are needed to assess if 5ASA confer any benefit for these patients.

Reconstructing the puzzle of the role of therapeutic endoscopy in the management of post-bariatric surgery complications

We have recently read with interest the mini-review article"Therapeutic endoscopy for the treatment of post-bariatric surgery complications".The abovementioned article is a brief overview of the different endoscopic modalities employed in the management of bariatric surgery complications and represents an important decision support tool for clinicians to improve their current practice.Although we appreciate the endeavor of Larsen and Kozarek,based on our indepth analysis,we came across several minor issues in this article;thus,we present our comments in this letter.In case the authors contemplate these comments in their relevant research,we believe that their contribution would be considerable for future studies.

Teriparatide anabolic therapy as potential treatment of type Ⅱ dens non-union fractures

Odontoid fractures account for 5% to 15% of all cervical spine injuries and 1% to 2% of all spine fractures. Type Ⅱ fractures are the most common fracture pattern in elderly patients. Treatment(rigid and non-rigid immobilization, anterior screw fixation of the odontoid and posterior C1-C2 fusion) remains controversial and represents a unique challenge for the treating surgeon. The aims of treatment in the elderly is to quickly restore pre-injury function while decreasing morbidity and mortality associated with inactivity, immobilization with rigid collar and prolonged hospitalization. Conservative treatment of type Ⅱ odontoid fractures is associated with relatively high rates of non-union and in a few cases delayed instability. Options for treatment of symptomatic non-unions include surgical fixation or prolonged rigid immobilization. In this report we present the case of a 73-year-old woman with post-traumatic odontoid nonunion successfully treated with Teriparatide systemic anabolic therapy. Complete fusion and resolution of the symptoms was achieved 12 wk after the onset of the treatment. Several animal and clinical studies have confirmed the potential role of Teriparatide in enhancing fracture healing. Our case suggests that Teriparatide may have a role in improving fusion rates of C2 fractures in elderly patients.

Resection margin influences the outcome of patients with bilobar colorectal liver metastases

AIM To evaluate the outcome of patients with bilobar colorectal liver metastases(CRLM) and identify clinicopathological variables that influenced survival.METHODS Patients with bilobar CRLM were identified from a prospectively maintained hepatobiliary database during the study period(January 2010-June 2014). Collated data included demographics, primary tumour treatment, surgical data, histopathology analysis and clinical outcome. Down-staging therapy included Oxaliplatinor Irinotecan- based regimens, and Cetuximab was also used in patients that were K-RAS wild-type. Response to neo-adjuvant therapy was assessed at the multidisciplinary team meeting and considered for surgery if all macroscopic CRLM were resectable with a clear margin while preserving sufficient liver parenchyma.RESULTS Of the 136 patients included, thirty-two(23.5%) patients were considered inoperable and referred for palliative chemotherapy, and thirty-four(25%) patients underwent liver resection. Seventy(51.4%) patients underwent down-staging therapy, of which 37(52.8%) patients responded sufficiently to undergo liver resection. Patients that failed to respond to down-staging therapy(n = 33, 47.1%) were referred for palliative therapy. There was a significant difference in overall survival between the three groups(surgery vs down-staging therapy vs inoperable disease, P < 0.001). All patients that underwent hepatic resection, including patients that had down-staging therapy, had a significantly better overall survival compared to patients that were inoperable(P < 0.001). On univariate analysis, only resection margin significantly influenced disease-free survival(P = 0.017). On multi-variate analysis, R0 resection(P = 0.030) and female(P = 0.036) gender significantly influenced overall survival. CONCLUSION Patients undergoing liver resection with bilobar CRLM have a significantly better survival outcome. R0 resection is associated with improved disease-free and overall survival in this patient group.

Magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers of gastrointestinal motor function and fluid distribution

Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a well established technique that has revolutionized diagnostic radiology. Until recently, the impact that MRI has had in the assessment of gastrointestinal motor function and bowel fluid distribution in health and in disease has been more limited, despite the novel insights that MRI can provide along the entire gastrointestinal tract. MRI biomarkers include intestinal motility indices, small bowel water content and whole gut transit time. The present review discusses new developments and applications of MRI in the upper gastrointestinal tract, the small bowel and the colon reported in the literature in the last 5 years.

Does the molecular classification of breast cancer point the way for biomarker identification in prostate cancer?

There is significant variation in clinical outcome between patients diagnosed with prostate cancer(Ca P). Although useful, statistical nomograms and risk stratification tools alone do not always accurately predict an individual's need for and response to treatment. The factors that determine this variation are not fully elucidated. In particular, cellular response to androgen ablation and subsequent paracrine/autocrine adaptation is poorly understood and despite best therapies, median survival in castrate resistant patients is only approximately 35 mo. We propose that one way of understanding this is to look for correlates in other comparable malignancies, such as breast cancer, where markers of at least 4 distinct gene clusters coding for 4 different phenotypic subtypes have been identified. These subtypes have been shown to demonstrate prognostic significance and successfully guide appropriate treatment regimens. In this paper we assess and review the evidence demonstrating parallels in the biology and treatment approach between breast and Ca P, and consider the feasibility of patients with Ca P being stratified into different molecular classes that could be used to complement prostate specific antigen and histological grading for clinical decision making. We show that there are significant correlations between the molecular classification of breast and Ca P and explain how techniques used successfully to predict response to treatment in breast cancer can be applied to the prostate. Molecular phenotyping is possible in Ca P and identification of distinct subtypes may allow personalised risk stratification way beyond that currently available.