Short- and long-term outcomes of surgical treatment in patients with intestinal Behcet’s disease

BACKGROUND Behcet’s disease(BD),a chronic vasculitic disorder affecting multiple organs,is characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers,arthritis,vasculitis,and intes-tinal ulcers.Although intestinal involvement of BD is common in East Asia,the efficacy and long-term outcomes of surgical treatment of intestinal BD still remain to be established.AIM To evaluate the postoperative clinical course of intestinal BD and determine factors associated with its recurrence.METHODS Data from patients who underwent surgical treatment for intestinal BD between January 2010 and August 2021 were retrospectively reviewed.Patients’demo-graphics,clinical features,postoperative course,complications,and follow-up data were evaluated.RESULTS We analyzed 39 surgeries in 31 patients.The mean patient age was 45.1 years,and the mean interval between the diagnosis of intestinal BD and surgical treatment was 4.9 years(range 1.0-8.0 years).The most common indication for surgery was medical intractability(n=16,41.0%),followed by fistula or abscess(n=11,28.2%).Laparoscopic approaches were used in 19 patients(48.7%),and 5 patients(12.8%)underwent emergency surgeries.The most common surgical procedure was ileocecal resection(n=18,46.2%),followed by right colectomy(n=11,28.2%).A diverting stoma was created in only one patient(2.6%).During a mean follow-up period of 45(range 8-72)months,eight cases(20.5%)of recurrence in five patients required reoperation.The interval between operations was 12.1 months(range 6.3-17.8 mo).Four patients(10.3%)experienced recurrence within 1 year postoperatively,and all eight recurrences occurred within 2 years of the initial surgery.The reoperation rates at 1 and 3 years were 10.3%and 20.5%,respectively.A redo ileocolic anastomosis was performed in all recurrent cases.In multivariate Cox regression analysis,emergency surgery[hazard ratio(HR)9.357,95%confidence interval(CI):1.608-54.453,P=0.013]and elevated C-reactive protein(CRP)levels(HR 1.154,95%CI:1.002–1.328,P=0.047),but not medication use,were predictors of recurrence.CONCLUSION Surgical resection is a feasible treatment option for complicated BD.Reoperation is associated with severe inflam-matory conditions,reflected by increased CRP levels and the requirement for emergency surgery.

Performance of the EDACS-ADP incorporating high-sensitivity troponin assay:Do components of major adverse cardiac events matter?

BACKGROUND:The accelerated diagnostic protocol(ADP)using the Emergency Department Assessment of Chest pain Score(EDACS-ADP),a tool to identify patients at low risk of a major adverse cardiac event(MACE)among patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department,was developed using a contemporary troponin assay.This study was performed to validate and compare the performance of the EDACS-ADP incorporating high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I between patients who had a 30-day MACE with and without unstable angina(MACE I and II,respectively).METHODS:A single-center prospective observational study of adult patients presenting with chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome was performed.The performance of EDACS-ADP in predicting MACE was assessed by calculating the sensitivity and negative predictive value.RESULTS:Of the 1,304 patients prospectively enrolled,399(30.6%;95%confidence interval[95%CI]:27.7%–33.8%)were considered low-risk using the EDACS-ADP.Among them,the rates of MACE I and II were 1.3%(5/399)and 1.0%(4/399),respectively.The EDACS-ADP showed sensitivities and negative predictive values of 98.8%(95%CI:97.2%–99.6%)and 98.7%(95%CI:97.0%–99.5%)for MACE I and 98.7%(95%CI:96.8%–99.7%)and 99.0%(95%CI:97.4%–99.6%)for MACE II,respectively.CONCLUSION:EDACS-ADP could help identify patients as safe for early discharge.However,when unstable angina was added to the outcome,the 30-day MACE rate among the designated lowrisk patients remained above the level acceptable for early discharge without further evaluation.

Long-term outcome of stem cell transplantation with and without anti-tumor necrotic factor therapy in perianal fistula with Crohn’s disease

BACKGROUND Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic option for curing perianal fistula in Crohn’s disease(CD).Anti-tumor necrotic factor(TNF)therapy combined with drainage procedure is effective as well.However,previous studies are limited to proving whether the combination treatment of biologics and stem cell transplantation improves the effect of fistula closure.AIM This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of stem cell transplantation and compare Crohn’s perianal fistula(CPF)closure rates after stem cell transplantation with and without anti-TNF therapy,and to identify the factors affecting CPF closure and recurrence.METHODS The patients with CD who underwent stem cell transplantation for treating perianal fistula in our institution between Jun 2014 and December 2022 were enrolled.Clinical data were compared according to anti-TNF therapy and CPF closure.RESULTS A total of 65 patients were included.The median age of females was 26 years(range:21-31)and that of males was 29(44.6%).The mean follow-up duration was 65.88±32.65 months,and complete closure was observed in 50(76.9%)patients.The closure rates were similar after stem cell transplantation with and without anti-TNF therapy(66.7%vs 81.6%at 3 year,P=0.098).The patients with fistula closure had short fistulous tract and infrequent proctitis and anorectal stricture(P=0.027,0.002,and 0.008,respectively).Clinical factors such as complexity,number of fistulas,presence of concurrent abscess,and medication were not significant for closure.The cumulative 1-,2-,and 3-year closure rates were 66.2%,73.8%,and 75.4%,respectively.CONCLUSION Anti-TNF therapy does not increase CPF closure rates in patients with stem cell transplantation.However,both refractory and non-refractory CPF have similar closure rates after additional anti-TNF therapy.Fistulous tract length,proctitis,and anal stricture are risk factors for non-closure in patients with CPF after stem cell transplantation.

Comparison of macular changes according to the etiology of optic neuritis:a cross-sectional study

AIM:To compare the macular structure including foveal thickness among patients with optic neuritis(ON)according to the etiology and to investigate the possible correlation between structural and visual outcomes METHODS:In this retrospective cross-sectional study,the clinical data of patients with aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G-related ON(AQP4 group,40 eyes),myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG-related ON(MOG group,31 eyes),and multiple sclerosis-related ON(MS group,24 eyes)were obtained.The retinal thickness of the foveal,parafoveal and perifoveal regions were measured.Visual acuity(VA),visual field index and mean deviation were measured as visual outcomes.RESULTS:The AQP4 group showed a significantly thinner fovea(226.4±13.4μm)relative to the MOG(236.8±14.0μm,P=0.015)and MS(238.9±14.3μm,P=0.007)groups.The thickness in the parafoveal area also was thinner in the AQP4 group,though the difference in perifoveal retinal thickness was not significant.Foveal thickness was correlated with VA in the AQP4 group(coefficientρ=-0.418,P=0.014),but not in the MOG and MS groups(P=0.218 and P=0.138,respectively).There was no significant correlation between foveal thickness and visual field test in all three groups.CONCLUSION:The significant thinning in the fovea and parafoveal areas in the AQP4 group compared to the MOG and MS groups are found.Additionally,macular changes in AQP4-ON show a significant correlation with VA.The results provide the possibility that retinal structural damage could reflect functional damage in AQP4-ON,distinct from MOGON and MS-ON.

Recent Advances in Nanoengineering of Electrode-Electrolyte Interfaces to Realize High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries

A suitable interface between the electrode and electrolyte is crucial in achieving highly stable electrochemical performance for Li-ion batteries,as facile ionic transport is required.Intriguing research and development have recently been conducted to form a stable interface between the electrode and electrolyte.Therefore,it is essential to investigate emerging knowledge and contextualize it.The nanoengineering of the electrode-electrolyte interface has been actively researched at the electrode/electrolyte and interphase levels.This review presents and summarizes some recent advances aimed at nanoengineering approaches to build a more stable electrode-electrolyte interface and assess the impact of each approach adopted.Furthermore,future perspectives on the feasibility and practicality of each approach will also be reviewed in detail.Finally,this review aids in projecting a more sustainable research pathway for a nanoengineered interphase design between electrode and electrolyte,which is pivotal for high-performance,thermally stable Li-ion batteries.

Trends in colorectal cancer incidence according to an increase in the number of colonoscopy cases in Korea

BACKGROUND The incidence of colorectal cancer(CRC)and preinvasive CRC(e.g.,early colon cancer and advanced adenoma)is gradually increasing in several countries.AIM To evaluate the trend in incidence of CRC and preinvasive CRC according to the increase in the number of colonoscopies performed in Korea.METHODS This retrospective cohort study enrolled Korean patients from 2002 to 2020 to evaluate the incidence of CRC and preinvasive CRC,and assess the numbers of diagnostic colonoscopies and colonoscopic polypectomies.Colonoscopy-related complications by age group were also determined.RESULTS The incidence of CRC showed a rapid increase,then decreased after 2012 in the 50-75 year-age group.During the study period,the rate of incidence of preinvasive CRC increased at a similar level in patients under 50 and 50-75 years of age.Since 2009,the increase has been rapid,showing a pattern similar to the increase in colonoscopies.The rate of colonoscopic polypectomy in patients aged under 50 was similar to the rate in patients over 75 years of age after 2007.The rate of complications after colonoscopy and related deaths within 3 mo was high for those over 75 years of age.CONCLUSION The diagnosis of preinvasive CRC increased with the increase in the number of colonoscopies performed.As the risk of colonoscopy-related hospitalization and death is high in the elderly,if early lesions at risk of developing CRC are diagnosed and treated under or at the age of 75,colonoscopy-related complications can be reduced for those aged 76 years or over.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Oncology Nurses Toward Clinical Trials-A Secondary Publication

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge and attitudes of oncology nurses toward clinical trials and to provide evidence for the development of clinical trial education programs for oncology nurses.Methods:The study was conducted on 142 nurses who had more than six months of nursing experience working with cancer patients at a tertiary hospital in Seoul,Korea.A structured questionnaire was used to measure the knowledge and attitudes of oncology nurses toward clinical trials.Results:The participants scored an average of 15.03±3.52 out of 19 in terms of knowledge about clinical trials.In terms of attitudes toward clinical trials,the participants scored an average of 5.91±1.37 out of 8.There was a significant positive correlation between the knowledge and attitudes of the participants toward clinical trials(r=0.23,P=0.007).Conclusion:This study found that there was a relationship between the knowledge and attitudes of oncology nurses toward clinical trials.To improve the competency of oncology nurses and provide high-quality care to patients participating in clinical trials,more systematic and sustainable education is required.

Impact of clay particle reattachment on suffusion of sand-clay mixtures

The detached clay particles directly filtrated through the sand-clay mixture lead to suffusion;however,if the detached clay particles are subjected to reattachment,the degree of suffusion may be less significant.This study investigates the impact of clay particle reattachment on suffusion of sand-clay mixtures through laboratory soil-column experiments.The observed breakthrough curves(BTCs)of kaolinite,illite,and montmorillonite for 5 different column lengths(3 in,6 in,9 in,12 in,and 18 in;1 in=2.54 cm)indicated that a higher breakthrough concentration was observed as the column length(L)decreased for kaolinite and illite,whereas a reverse trend was observed for montmorillonite.In addition,the increase in the fraction of filtrated clay particles(Me)with an increase in L(Me=10.42%for L=3 in and Me=3.59%for L=18 in)for the sand-illite mixture indicated that the reattachment effect became more significant as the travel length of detached clay particles increased.The observed BTCs,retention profiles after injection,and fraction of filtrated clay presented herein suggest the need to incorporate the reattachment effect when assessing the suffusion of clay-containing soils.

Disordered Structure and Reversible Phase Transformation from K-Birnessite to Zn-Buserite Enable High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-lon Batteries

The layeredδ-MnO_(2)(dMO)is an excellent cathode material for rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries owing to its large interlayer distance(~0.7 nm),high capacity,and low cost;however,such cathodes suffer from structural degradation during the long-term cycling process,leading to capacity fading.In this study,a Co-doped dMO composite with reduced graphene oxide(GC-dMO)is developed using a simple cost-effective hydrothermal method.The degree of disorderness increases owing to the hetero-atom doping and graphene oxide composites.It is demonstrated that layered dMO and GC-dMO undergo a structural transition from K-birnessite to the Zn-buserite phase upon the first discharge,which enhances the intercalation of Zn^(2+)ions,H_(2)O molecules in the layered structure.The GC-dMO cathode exhibits an excellent capacity of 302 mAh g^(-1)at a current density of 100 mAg^(-1)after 100 cycles as compared with the dMO cathode(159 mAhg^(-1)).The excellent electrochemical performance of the GC-dMO cathode owing to Co-doping and graphene oxide sheets enhances the interlayer gap and disorderness,and maintains structural stability,which facilitates the easy reverse intercalation and de-intercalation of Zn^(2+)ions and H_(2)O molecules.Therefore,GC-dMO is a promising cathode material for large-scale aqueous ZIBs.

New anti-mesenteric delta-shaped stapled anastomosis: Technical report with short-term postoperative outcomes in patients with Crohn’s disease

BACKGROUND Medical treatment for Crohn’s disease(CD)has continuously improved,which has led to a decrease in surgical recurrence rates.Despite these advancements,25%of patients will undergo repeat intestinal surgery.Recurrence of CD com-monly occurs on the mesentery side of the anastomosis site.AIM To compare the new anti-mesenteric side-to-side delta-shaped stapled anasto-mosis(DSA)with the conventional stapled functional end-to-end anastomosis(CSA).METHODS This retrospective study included CD patients who underwent ileo-ileal or ileo-colic anastomosis between January 2020 and December 2023.The DSA technique employed a stapler to maintain the concept of anti-mesentery side-to-side ana-stomosis by performing a 90°vertical closure of the open window compared with the CSA technique.At the corner where the open window is closed,the DSA avoids forming a pouch and creates an anastomosis resembling a delta shape within the intestinal lumen.We compared demographics,preoperative condition,operative findings,and operative outcomes for the two techniques.RESULTS The study included 175 patients,including 92 in the DSA group and 83 in the CSA group.The two groups were similar in baseline characteristics,preoperative medical treatment,and operative findings except for the Montreal classification location.The 30-days postoperative complication rate was signi-ficantly lower in the DSA group compared with the CSA group(16.3%vs 32.5%,P=0.009).Ileus incidence was significantly lower in the DSA group than in the CSA group(4.3%vs 14.5%,P=0.033),and the hospital stay was shorter in the DSA group than in the CSA group(5.67±1.53 days vs 7.39±3.68 days,P=0.001).CONCLUSION The DSA technique was feasible and showed comparable postoperative outcomes with lower short-term complic-ations compared with the CSA technique.Further studies on CD recurrence and long-term complications are warranted.

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal venous tumor thrombosis: A comprehensive review

The natural history of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)with portal vein tumor thrombosis(PVTT)is dismal(approximately 2-4 mo),and PVTT is reportedly found in 10%-40%of HCC patients at diagnosis.According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC)Staging System(which is the most widely adopted HCC management guideline),sorafenib is the standard of care for advanced HCC(i.e.,BCLC stage C)and the presence of PVTT is included in this category.However,sorafenib treatment only marginally prolongs patient survival and,notably,its therapeutic efficacy is reduced in patients with PVTT.In this context,there have been diverse efforts to develop alternatives to current standard systemic chemotherapies or combination treatment options.To date,many studies on transarterial chemoembolization,3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy,hepatic arterial chemotherapy,and transarterial radioembolization report better overall survival than sorafenib therapy alone,but their outcomes need to be verified in future prospective,randomized controlled studies in order to be incorporated into current treatment guidelines.Additionally,combination strategies have been applied to treat HCC patients with PVTT,with the hope that the possible synergistic actions among different treatment modalities would provide promising results.This narrative review describes the current status of the management options for HCC with PVTT,with a focus on overall survival.

Radiologic evaluation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a frequent cause of chronic liver diseases,ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)-related liver cirrhosis.Although liver biopsy is still the gold standard for the diagnosis of NAFLD,especially for the diagnosis of NASH,imaging methods have been increasingly accepted as noninvasive alternatives to liver biopsy.Ultrasonography is a well-established and costeffective imaging technique for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis,especially for screening a large population at risk of NAFLD.Ultrasonography has a reasonable accuracy in detecting moderate-to-severe hepatic steatosis although it is less accurate for detecting mild hepatic steatosis,operator-dependent,and rather qualitative.Computed tomography is not appropriate for general population assessment of hepatic steatosis given its inaccuracy in detecting mild hepatic steatosis and potential radiation hazard.However,computed tomography may be effective in specific clinical situations,such as evaluation of donor candidates for hepatic transplantation.Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging are now regarded as the most accurate practical methods of measuring liver fat in clinical practice,especially for longitudinal followup of patients with NAFLD.Ultrasound elastography and magnetic resonance elastography are increasingly used to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD and to differentiate NASH from simple steatosis.This article will review current imaging methods used to evaluate hepatic steatosis,including the diagnostic accuracy,limitations,and practical applicability of each method.It will also briefly describe the potential role of elastography techniques in the evaluation of patients with NAFLD.

Comparison of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy using an endoscopic linear stapler with laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy using a circular stapler in patients with gastric cancer: a single-center experience

AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy(TLTG) with esophagojejunostomy using a linear stapler compared with laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy(LATG) using a circular stapler in gastric cancer patients.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 687 patients who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer at a single institution from August 2008 to August 2014. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of operation: 421 patients underwent TLTG and 266 underwent LATG. Clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes in the two groups were compared and analyzed.RESULTS The TLTG group had higher mean ages at the time of operation(57.78 ± 11.20 years and 55.69 ± 11.96 years,P = 0.020) and more histories of abdominal surgery(20.2% and 12.4%,P = 0.008) compared with the LATG group. Surgical outcomes such as intraoperative and postoperative transfusions,combined operations,pain scores and administration of analgesics,and complications were similar between the two groups. However,compared with the LATG group,the TLTG group required a shorter operation time(149 min vs 170 min,P < 0.001),had lower postoperative hematocrit change(3.49% vs 4.04%,P = 0.002),less intraoperative events(3.1% vs 10.2%,P < 0.001),less intraoperative anastomosis events(2.4% vs 7.1%,P = 0.003),faster postoperative recovery such as median time to first flatus(3.30 d vs 3.60 d,P < 0.001),faster median commencement of soft diet(4.30 d vs 4.60 d,P < 0.001) and shorter length of postoperative hospital stay(6.75 d vs 7.02 d,P = 0.005). CONCLUSION The intracorporeal method for reconstruction of esophagojejunostomy using a linear stapler may be considered a feasible procedure comparing with extracorporeal anastomosis using circular stapler because TLTG is simpler and more straightforward than LATG. Therefore,TLTG can be recommended as an appropriate procedure for gastric cancer.

Gene expression profiling:Canonical molecular changes and clinicopathological features in sporadic colorectal cancers

AIM： To investigate alternative or subordinate pathways involved in colorectal tumorigenesis and tumor growth, possibly determining at-risk populations and predicting responses to treatment. METHODS： Using microarray gene-expression analysis, we analyzed patterns of gene expression relative to canonical molecular changes and clinicopathological features in 84 sporadic colorectal cancer patients, standardized by tumor location. Subsets of differentially expressed genes were confirmed by real-time reverse-transcript polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. RESULTS： The largest number of genes identified as being differentially expressed was by tumor location, and the next largest number by lymphovascular or neural invasion of tumor cells and by mismatch repair （NMR） defects. Amongst biological processes, the immune response was significantly implicated in entire molecular changes observed during colorectal tumorigenesis （P 〈 0.001）. Amongst 47 differentially expressed genes, seven （PISD, NIBP, BAI2, STOML1, MRPL21, MRPL16, and MKKS） were newly found to correlate with tumorigenesis and tumor growth. Most location-associated molecular changes had distinct effects on gene expression, but the effects of the latter were sometimes contradictory. CONCLUSION： We show that several differentially expressed genes were associated with canonical molecular changes in sporadic colorectal cancers, possibly constituting alternative or subordinate pathways of tumorigenesis. As tumor location was the dominant factor influencing differential gene expression, location-specific analysis may identify location-associated pathways and enhance the accuracy of class prediction.

Genomic change in hepatitis B virus associated with development of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To determine the genomic changes in hepatitis B virus(HBV) and evaluate their role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in patients chronically infected with genotype C HBV.METHODS: Two hundred and forty chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients were subjected and followed for a median of 105 mo. HCC was diagnosed in accordance with AASLD guidelines. The whole X, S, basal core promoter(BCP), and precore regions of HBV were sequenced using the direct sequencing method.RESULTS: All of the subjects were infected with genotype C HBV. Out of 240 CHB patients, 25(10%) had C1653 T and 33(14%) had T1753 V mutation in X region; 157(65%) had A1762T/G1764 A mutations in BCP region, 50(21%) had G1896 A mutation in precore region and 67(28%) had pre-S deletions. HCC occurred in 6 patients(3%). The prevalence of T1753 V mutation was significantly higher in patients who developed HCC than in those without HCC. The cumulative occurrence rates of HCC were 5% and 19% at 10 and 15 years, respectively, in patients with T1753 V mutant, which were significantly higher than 1% and 1% in those with wild type HBV(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: The presence of T1753 V mutation in HBV X-gene significantly increases the risk of HCC development in patients chronically infected with genotype C HBV.

Ratio of metastatic lymph nodes is more important for rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy

AIM:To evaluate the predictive value of the lymph node(LN) ratio(LNR,number of metastatic LNs/ examined LNs) for recurrence in patients with rectal cancer and to compare its applicability according to preoperative chemoradiotherapy(PCRT).METHODS:From 2000 to 2009,967 patients with metastatic LNs after curative resection for locally advanced rectal cancer were identified.Patients were categorized according to PCRT(PCRT vs No PCRT).The cut-off LNR was determined based on the p N1 vs p N2 when the recommended number of LNs was harvested.The 5-year recurrence-free survival(RFS) rates using the Kaplan-Meier method were compared according to p/yp N stage and the LNR in each group.RESULTS:Among patients with the same p/yp N stage,the 5-year RFS rate differed according to the LNR.In addition,the 5-year RFS rate was significantly different between p N and LNR groups in patients with No PCRT.In PCRT group,however,only LNR was associated with prognosis.On multivariate analysis,both p N and LNR were significant independent prognostic factors for 5-year RFS in the No PCRT group.In the PCRT group,only LNR category was found to be associated with RFS(HR = 2.36,95%CI:1.31-3.84,and P = 0.001).CONCLUSION:The LNR is an important prognostic predictor of RFS in rectal cancer patients especially treated with PCRT.Current p N categories could not discriminate between prognostic groups of RFS after PCRT.

Clinical significance of MET gene amplification in metastatic or locally advanced gastric cancer treated with first-line fluoropyrimidine and platinum combination chemotherapy

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of MET gene amplification in patients with gastric cancer in the palliative setting.Methods: MET amplification was assessed using fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) in 50 patients and quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) in 326 patients;259 patients treated with first-line fluoropyrimidine and platinum were included for survival analysis.Results: The results of FISH and qPCR indicated that the c-MET/CEP7 ratio was correlated with gene copy number. The optimal cutoff value for the copy number using qPCR to detect MET gene amplification with FISH was 5(κ=0.778, P<0.001). Twenty-one out of 326 patients(6.4%) were identified as MET amplification with a copy number of >5 detected by qPCR. MET-amplified gastric cancer was associated with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG) performance status(PS) score of ≥2(33.3% vs. 10.5% P=0.007), peritoneal metastasis(76.2% vs. 46.2%, P=0.008), and elevated bilirubin levels(28.6% vs. 7.3%, P=0.006). The median overall survival(OS) and progression-free survival(PFS) were 11.9 and 5.6 months, respectively. MET-amplified gastric cancer was not associated with survival outcomes [hazard ratio(HR)=0.68, 95% confidence interval(95% CI): 0.35-1.32,P=0.254 for PFS;HR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.35-1.32, P=0.251 for OS].Conclusions: qPCR can be used to detect MET gene amplification. MET amplification was not a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with metastatic or unresectable gastric cancer.

Effect of annealing on two different niobium-clad stainless steel PEMFC bipolar plate materials

Niobium (Nb)-clad stainless steels(SS) produced via roll bonding are being considered for use in the bipolar plates of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell(PEMFC) stacks. Because the roll bonding process induces substantial work hardening in the constituent materials, thermal annealing is used to restore ductility to the clad sheet so that it can be subsequently blanked, stamped and dimpled in forming the final plate component. Two roll bonded materials, niobium clad 340L stainless steel (Nb/340L SS) and niobium clad 434 stainless steel (Nb/434 SS) were annealed under optimized conditions prescribed by the cladding manufacturer. Comparative mechanical testing conducted on each material before and after annealing shows significant improvement in ductility in both cases. However, corresponding microstructural analyses indicate an obvious difference between the two heat treated materials. During annealing, an interlayer with thick less than 1 μm forms between the constituent layers in the Nb/340L SS, whereas no interlayer is found in the annealed Nb/434 SS material. Prior work suggests that internal defects potentially can be generated in such an interlayer during metal forming operations. Thus, Nb/434 SS may be the preferred candidate material for this application.

Friction stir welding of 5052 aluminum alloy plates

Friction stir welding between 5052 aluminum alloy plates with a thickness of 2 mm was performed. The tool for welding was rotated at speeds ranging from 500 to 3000 r/min under a constant traverse speed of 100 mm/min. The results show that at all tool rotation speeds, defect-free welds are successfully obtained. Especially at 1000, 2000 and 3000 r/min, the welds exhibit very smooth surface morphologies. At 500, 1000, and 2000 r/min, onion ring structure is clearly observed in the friction-stir-welded zone (SZ). In addition, the onion ring structure region becomes wider as the tool rotation speed is increased. The gain size in the SZ is smaller than that in the base metal, and is decreased with a decrease of the tool rotation speed. In all tool rotation speeds, the SZ exhibits higher average hardness than the base metal. Especially at 500 r/min, the average hardness of the SZ reaches a level about 33% greater than that of the base metal. At 500, 1 000 and 2 000 r/min, the tensile strength of the friction stir welded (FSWed) plates is similar to that of the base metal (about 204 MPa). The elongation of the FSWed plates is lower than that of the base metal (about 22%). However, it is noticeable that the maximum elongation of about 21% is obtained at 1 000 r/min.

Predictors of poor outcomes in patients with wild mushroom-induced acute liver injury

To identify early predictive markers of poor outcomes in patients with acute liver injury from wild mushroom intoxication.METHODSThis observational, retrospective record review involved adults aged ≥ 18 years admitted to emergency department with mushroom intoxication from January 2005 to December 2015. The diagnosis of mushroom intoxication was based on the following: (1) a positive history of recent wild mushroom intake (either raw or cooked); (2) the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, and/or abdominal pain, after ingestion; and (3) the exclusion of other possible causes of acute liver injury. Acute liver injury was defined by a > 5-fold elevation of liver enzymes or moderate coagulopathy [international normalized ratio (INR) > 2.0]. Clinical and laboratory findings were compared in survivors and non-survivors.RESULTSOf 93 patients with mushroom intoxication, 23, 11 men (47.8%) and 12 women (52.2%), of median age 61 years, developed acute liver injury. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 43.5% (10/23). Among the laboratory variables, mean serum alkaline phosphatase (73.38 ± 10.89 mg/dL vs 180.40 ± 65.39 mg/dL, P < 0.01), total bilirubin (2.312 ± 1.16 mg/dL vs 7.16 ± 2.94 mg/dL, P < 0.01) concentrations and indirect/direct bilirubin (2.45 ± 1.39 mg/dL vs 0.99 ± 0.45 mg/dL, P < 0.01) ratio as well as prothrombin time (1.88 ± 0.83 mg/dL vs 10.43 ± 4.81 mg/dL, P < 0.01), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT; 32.48 ± 7.64 s vs 72.58 ± 41.29 s, P = 0.01), were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors. Logistic regression analysis showed that total bilirubin concentration (OR = 3.58, 95%CI: 1.25-10.22), indirect/direct bilirubin ratio (OR = 0.14, 95%CI: 0.02-0.94) and aPTT (OR = 1.30, 95%CI: 1.04-1.63) were significantly associated with mortality. All patients with total bilirubin > 5 mg/dL or aPTT > 50 s on day 3 died.CONCLUSIONMonitoring of bilirubin concentrations and aPTT may help in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with acute liver injury from wild mushroom intoxication.