[Analysis of prognosis factors of postoperative cardiac complications in colorectal cancer patients with comorbid coronary artery disease].

Objective: To examine the prognosis factors of postoperative cardiac complications in colorectal cancer patients co-morbidated with coronary artery disease. Methods: Clinical data of 449 patients colorectal cancer patients co-morbidated with coronary artery disease accepted redical surgery from April 2013 to April 2020 at Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. There were 306 males and 143 females, aging (68.7±8.9) years (range: 44 to 89 years). Postoperative acute coronary syndrome, new-onset arrhythmia and heart failure that causes clinical symptoms were recorded as cardiac complications. t test, χ2 test and Fisher exact test were used for univariate analysis of prognosis factors of postoperative cardiac events. The variables with P<0.05 were included in the multivariate Logistic regression was used to determine the independent prognosis factors. Results: After surgery, 44 patients (9.8%) suffered from at least one cardiac event, including 30 patients with acute coronary syndrome, 19 patients with new-onset arrhythmia and 9 patients with heart failure. There were 3 deaths in the cohort within 30 days after surgery. Two patients died from cardiac-related complications, and one from septic shock due to postoperative anastomotic leaks. On Univariate analysis showed that cardiac complications were associated with age ≥80 years, co-morbidated diabetes, emergency surgery, re-operation, anastomotic leakage, intestinal flora disorder and elevation of preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (χ2: 4.308 to 12.219, all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis identified age ≥80 years(OR=3.195, 95%CI: 1.379 to 7.407, P=0.007), co-morbidated diabetes (OR=2.551, 95%CI: 1.294 to 5.025, P=0.007), emergency surgery (OR=4.717, 95%CI: 1.052 to 20.833, P=0.043), and elevated preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (OR=1.114, 95%CI: 1.018 to 1.218, P=0.018) as independent prognosis factors for cardiac complications. Conclusions: Emergency surgery, advanced age, co-morbidated type 2 diabetes and elevated preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio may increase the risk of postoperative cardiac complications in colorectal cancer patients with coronary artery disease. Surgeons should strictly master surgical indications, pay attention to preoperative assessment, perioperative monitoring, and diagnosis and treatment of postoperative complications in order to reduce the risk of complications.

Robotic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection after chemoradiation for rectal cancer: a Western perspective.

AIM: There are limited outcome data for lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLND) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), particularly in the West. Our aim was to evaluate the short-term perioperative and oncological outcomes of robotic LPLND at a single cancer centre. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of a prospective database of consecutive patients undergoing robotic LPLND for rectal cancer between November 2012 and February 2020 was performed. The main outcomes were short-term perioperative and oncological outcomes. Major morbidity was defined as Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or above. RESULTS: Forty patients underwent robotic LPLND during the study period. The mean age was 54 years (SD ± 15 years) and 13 (31.0%) were female. The median body mass index was 28.6 kg/m2 (IQR 25.5-32.6 kg/m2 ). Neoadjuvant CRT was performed in all patients. Resection of the primary rectal cancer and concurrent LPLND occurred in 36 (90.0%) patients, whilst the remaining 4 (10.0%) patients had subsequent LPLND after prior rectal resection. The median operating time was 420 min (IQR 313-540 min), estimated blood loss was 150 ml (IQR 55-200 ml) and length of hospital stay was 4 days (IQR 3-6 days). The major morbidity rate was 10.0% (n = 4). The median lymph node harvest from the LPLND was 6 (IQR 3-9) and 13 (32.5%) patients had one or more positive LPLNs. The median follow-up was 16 months (IQR 5-33 months), with 1 (2.5%) local central recurrence and 7 (17.5%) patients developing distant disease, resulting in 3 (7.5%) deaths. CONCLUSION: Robotic LPLND for rectal cancer can be performed in Western patients to completely resect extra-mesorectal LPLNs and is associated with acceptable perioperative morbidity.

Robotic rectal cancer surgery: comparative study of the impact of obesity on early outcomes.

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of robotic total mesorectal excision (TME) in obese versus non-obese patients. A total of 533 patients, of whom 161 were obese (30·2 per cent) underwent robotic proctectomy during the study interval. Patient obesity was not associated with adverse short-term clinical outcomes after robotic rectal cancer surgery. Indicated in the obese perhaps?

Differentially Expressed Homologous Genes Reveal Interspecies Differences of Paragonimus Proliferus based on Transcriptome Analysis.

Paragonimus proliferus (P. proliferus), one of 46 Paragonimus species registered in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database, may be much more widely distributed in Southeast Asia than previously thought, as its reported natural foci have increased in the past decades. However, very little is known about its molecular biology, especially at the transcriptome level. For the first time, the transcriptome of this species was sequenced and compared with four other common Paragonimus species, namely Paragonimus skrjabini, Paragonimus kellicotti, Paragonimus miyazakii, and Paragonimus westermani, to predict homologous genes and differentially expressed homologous genes to explore interspecies differences of Paragonimus proliferus. A total of 7393 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed. Of these, 49 were considered to be core genes because they were differentially expressed in all four comparison groups. Annotations revealed that these genes were related mainly to "duplication, transcription, or translation", energy or nutrient metabolism, and parasitic growth, proliferation, motility, invasion, adaptation to the host, or virulence. Interestingly, a majority (5601/7393) of the identified genes, and in particular the core genes (48/49), were expressed at lower levels in P. proliferus. The identified genes may play essential roles in the biological differences between Paragonimus species. This work provides fundamental background information for further research into the molecular biology of P. proliferus.

Selective central vascular ligation (D3 lymphadenectomy) in patients undergoing minimally invasive complete mesocolic excision for colon cancer: optimizing the risk-benefit equation.

AIM: Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) has been advocated for right colon adenocarcinoma (RC), but the radicality of vascular dissection remains controversial. Our aim is to report outcomes of selective CVL (D3 lymphadenectomy) during minimally invasive CME for RC. METHOD: A prospective database identified patients who were treated for RC between 2009 and 2016. Minimally invasive CME was standard. The radicality of lymphadenectomy was defined as high ligation (HL) versus CVL based on operative reports and videos. Two blinded radiologists independently evaluated the pre- and postoperative CT scans for radiographically abnormal nodes. RESULTS: Of 197 patients who underwent CME, HL was performed in 56 (28%) and CVL in 141 (72%). There were no baseline differences in age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score or pathological staging, and there were no major intra-operative complications in either group (including no major vascular injuries). The median total number of nodes retrieved was 27 and 31 (P = 0.011) in HL and CVL groups, resepctively, with pathologically positive nodes identified in 33.9% and 39.8% (P = 0.704), respectively. Preoperative imaging identified abnormal cN3 nodes in 1.5% of patients; all of whom underwent CVL. No abnormal cN2 or cN3 nodes remained on postoperative imaging. The 60-day mortality was 0.5%, and major morbidity was 4%. One patient (0.5%) had an anastomotic recurrence after a median follow-up of 22 months. CONCLUSION: With imperfect preoperative clinical nodal staging, and in the absence of randomized data, the low morbidity and oncological outcomes observed support the approach of CME with HL as a minimum standard, with CVL (D3 lymphadenectomy) in selected cases.

Randomized clinical trial of accelerated enhanced recovery after minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery (RecoverMI trial).

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) have improved postoperative recovery and shortened length of hospital stay (LOS). Telemedicine technology has potential to improve outcomes and patient experience further. This study was designed to determine whether the combination of MIS, ERP and a structured telemedicine programme (TeleRecovery) could shorten total 30-day LOS by 50 per cent. METHODS: This was a phase II prospective RCT at a large academic medical centre. Eligible patients aged 18-80 years undergoing minimally invasive colorectal resection using an ERP were randomized after surgery. The experimental arm (RecoverMI) included accelerated discharge on postoperative day (POD) 1 with or without evidence of bowel function and a televideoconference on POD 2. The control arm was standard postoperative care. The primary endpoint was total 30-day LOS (postoperative stay plus readmission/emergency department/observation days). Secondary endpoints included patient-reported outcomes measured by EQ-5D-5L™, Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirty patients were randomized after robotic (21 patients) or laparoscopic (9) colectomy, including 14 patients in the RecoverMI arm. Median 30-day total LOS was 28·3 (i.q.r. 23·7-43·6) h in the RecoverMI arm and 51·5 (43·8-67·0) h in the control arm (P = 0·041). There were no differences in severe adverse events or EQ-5D-5L™ score between the study arms. The BPI revealed low pain scores regardless of treatment arm. Satisfaction was high in both arms. CONCLUSION: In patients having surgery for colorectal neoplasms, the trimodal combination of MIS, ERP and TeleRecovery can reduce 30-day LOS while preserving patients' quality of life and satisfaction. Registration number: NCT02613728 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov).

ANTECEDENTES: La cirugía mínimamente invasiva (minimally invasive surgery, MIS) y los protocolos de recuperación intensificada (enhanced recovery protocols, ERP) han mejorado la recuperación postoperatoria y acortan la duración de la estancia (length of stay, LOS). La tecnología de la telemedicina tiene potencial para mejorar aún más los resultados y la experiencia del paciente. Este estudio se diseñó para determinar si la combinación de MIS, ERP y un programa estructurado de telemedicina (TeleRecovery) podría acortar la LOS total a los 30 días en un 50%. MÉTODOS: Se efectuó un ensayo controlado aleatorizado, prospectivo, de fase II en un gran centro médico académico. Los pacientes elegibles de 18-80 años de edad que se sometieron a resección colorrectal MIS mediante ERP se asignaron al azar después de la resección quirúrgica. El brazo experimental (RecoverMI) incluyó el alta acelerada en el día 1 del postoperatorio (postoperative day, POD) con o sin evidencia de recuperación del tránsito intestinal y una televideoconferencia en el día 2 POD. Los pacientes en el grupo control recibieron los cuidados postoperatorios habituales. El criterio de valoración principal fue la LOS total (estancia postoperatoria más reingreso/estancia en urgencias/días de observación) a los 30 días. Los criterios de valoración secundarios incluyeron los resultados referidos por los pacientes medidos por los cuestionarios EQ-5D-5L, el Cuestionario Breve del Dolor (Brief Pain Inventory, BPI) y un cuestionario de satisfacción. RESULTADOS: Treinta pacientes fueron aleatorizados después de una colectomía robótica (21) o laparoscópica (9), incluidos 14 pacientes en el grupo de RecoverMI. La mediana de la LOS total a los 30 días fue de 28,3 horas (rango intercuartílico, RIQ 23,7-43,6) en el grupo de RecoverMI y de 51,5 horas (RIQ 43,8-67,0) en el grupo control (P = 0,04). No hubo diferencias entre los grupos de estudio en los eventos adversos graves o en las puntuaciones del EQ-5D-5L. El BPI mostró puntuaciones bajas de dolor independientemente del grupo de tratamiento. La satisfacción fue alta en ambos grupos. CONCLUSIÓN: Entre los pacientes que se someten a cirugía por cáncer colorrectal, la combinación trimodal de MIS, ERP y TeleRecovery puede reducir la LOS a los 30 días, preservando la calidad de vida y la satisfacción del paciente.

Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Elective Colorectal Surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society Recommendations: 2018.

BACKGROUND: This is the fourth updated Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society guideline presenting a consensus for optimal perioperative care in colorectal surgery and providing graded recommendations for each ERAS item within the ERAS® protocol. METHODS: A wide database search on English literature publications was performed. Studies on each item within the protocol were selected with particular attention paid to meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials and large prospective cohorts and examined, reviewed and graded according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: All recommendations on ERAS® protocol items are based on best available evidence; good-quality trials; meta-analyses of good-quality trials; or large cohort studies. The level of evidence for the use of each item is presented accordingly. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence base and recommendation for items within the multimodal perioperative care pathway are presented by the ERAS® Society in this comprehensive consensus review.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the oncological surgical population: beneficial or harmful? A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective analgesic drugs. Recent studies have indicated a potential beneficial effect on long-term survival outcomes after cancer surgery but a negative impact on anastomotic leaks. The objective of this study was to objectively assess the implications of the perioperative NSAIDs use on anastomotic leaks and cancer recurrence. METHODS: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library for publications up to mid-January 2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies in adults undergoing cancer surgery were included for quality assessment. We excluded animal studies, in vitro experiments and case reports. The selected sudies were graded using the Jadad score or Newcastle-Ottawa scale for RCTs and observational retrospective studies, respectively. RESULTS: The systematic review identified 25 trials that explored the impact of NSAIDs on anastomotic leaks and 16 trials that assessed the association between perioperative NSAIDs and cancer recurrence. Meta-analyses were not performed because of high heterogeneity and low quality of the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: The literature is not conclusive on whether the use of NSAIDs is associated with anastomotic leaks after gastrointestinal cancer surgery. Also, the current evidence is equivocal regarding the effects of short-term NSAIDs on cancer recurrence after major cancer surgery. Three RCTs are being conducted to assess the impact of NSAIDs on cancer recurrence. There are no registered RCTs that are testing the hypothesis of whether the perioperative use of NSAIDs increases the rate of anastomotic leaks.

Lipopolysaccharide derived from the digestive tract provokes oxidative stress in the liver of dairy cows fed a high-grain diet.

The aims of this study were to measure oxidative stress parameters and to investigate the molecular mechanism triggered by grain-induced subacute ruminal acidosis in mid-lactation cows. Twelve Holstein-Friesian cows with an average weight of 455±28kg were divided into 2 groups and subjected to 2 diets over 18wk: either a low-grain (forage-to-concentrate ratio=6:4) or a high-grain (forage-to-concentrate ratio=4:6) diet based on dry matter. Being fed a long-term high-grain diet resulted in a significant decrease in rumen pH and a significant increase in ruminal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 4 h postfeeding in the morning. The increase was also observed in LPS concentrations in the portal vein, hepatic vein, and jugular vein blood plasma as well as reduced milk yield in a high-grain diet. Cows fed a high-grain diet had lower levels of catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and total antioxidant capacity than cows fed a low-grain diet; however, super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were higher in both the liver and the plasma of high-grain than in low-grain cows. Positive correlations were observed between plasma LPS versus hepatic MDA, plasma MDA, and hepatic SOD activity, whereas hepatic GPx and plasma GPx were negatively correlated with plasma LPS. The relative mRNA abundances of GPX1 and CAT were significantly lower in the liver of cows fed a high-grain diet than those fed a low-grain diet, whereas SOD1 was significantly higher in cows fed a high-grain diet than cows fed a low-grain diet. The expression levels of Nrf2, NQO1, MT1E, UGT1A1, MGST3, and MT1A were downregulated, whereas NF-kB was upregulated, in cows fed a high-grain diet. Furthermore, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) total protein and mRNA levels were significantly lower than in low-grains. Our results demonstrate the relationship between the translocated LPS and the suppression of cellular antioxidant defense capacity, which lead to increased oxidative stress and suggests that the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant response may be affected by higher levels of LPS translocated to the bloodstream.

Impact of multimodal therapy in locally recurrent rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The practice of salvaging recurrent rectal cancer has evolved. The aim of this study was to define the evolving salvage potential over time among patients with locally recurrent disease, and to identify durable determinants of long-term success. METHODS: The study included consecutive patients with recurrent rectal cancer undergoing multimodal salvage with curative intent between 1988 and 2012. Predictors of long-term survival were defined by Cox regression analysis and compared over time. Re-recurrence and subsequent treatments were evaluated. RESULTS: After multidisciplinary evaluation of 229 patients, salvage therapy with curative intent included preoperative chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (73·4 per cent; with 41·3 per cent undergoing repeat pelvic irradiation), surgical salvage resection with or without intraoperative irradiation (36·2 per cent), followed by postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (38·0 per cent). Multivisceral resection was undertaken in 47·2 per cent and bone resection in 29·7 per cent. The R0 resection rate was 80·3 per cent. After a median follow-up of 56·5 months, the 5-year overall survival rate was 50 per cent in 2005-2012, markedly increased from 32 per cent in 1988-1996 (P = 0·044). Long-term success was associated with R0 resection (P = 0·017) and lack of secondary failure (P = 0·003). Some 125 patients (54·6 per cent) developed further recurrence at a median of 19·4 months after salvage surgery. Repeat operative rescue was feasible in 21 of 48 patients with local re-recurrence alone and in 17 of 77 with distant re-recurrence, with a median survival of 19·8 months after further recurrence. CONCLUSION: The long-term salvage potential for recurrent rectal cancer improved significantly over time, with the introduction of an individualized treatment algorithm of multimodal treatments and surgical salvage. Durable predictors of long-term success were R0 resection at salvage operation, avoidance of secondary failure, and feasibility of repeat rescue after re-recurrence.

Transthoracic Port Placement Increases Safety of Total Laparoscopic Posterior Sectionectomy.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic posterior sectionectomy is performed infrequently due to the challenges of controlling the right posterior portal pedicle (RPPP) while preserving the anterior pedicle (RAPP), difficulty of visualizing the drainage of the right hepatic vein into the IVC, and the potential for significant blood loss during the caval and hepatovenous dissection. PATIENT: A 62-year-old woman with three liver metastases to SVI and SVII from sigmoid colon cancer underwent five cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFOX and bevacizumab with good response. She underwent a "Primary First" robotic low anterior rectosigmoid resection followed by a laparoscopic posterior sectionectomy. TECHNIQUE: The patient was placed in a Modified French Position. As previously described, a transthoracic trocar was placed for optimal laparoscopic visualization and access of the superior retrohepatic IVC and drainage of the right hepatic vein into IVC. Intraoperative ultrasound was crucial to assess tumor location, define transection plane, and preserve flow to RAPP before division of RPPP. The parenchymal transection follows an oblique angle and exposes the right hepatic vein. CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic port placement augments the safety of the dissection along the IVC inferiorly and the right hepatic vein superiorly due to direct visualization. Also, it provides a direct instrument-to-target axis without the typical fulcrum of dissecting the postero/superior liver. Laparoscopic ultrasound is critical to confirm preserved flow to the RPPP and guide the parenchymal transection. Liver volumetry should be obtained before surgery to determine adequate future liver remnant if conversion to a right lobectomy becomes necessary.

Potential effects of age on screening for primary aldosteronism.

Aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR) is currently regarded as the most reliable and available screening test for primary aldosteronism (PA), however, the falling accuracy of ARR with increasing age has posed crucial challenge for PA screening among older-aged population. To clarify potential effects of age on screening for PA, 216 subjects with PA and 657 subjects with non-PA were recruited and subdivided into four age groups (⩽39, 40-49, 50-59 and ⩾60 years) and their biochemical parameters were compared. As expected, plasma renin activity (PRA) lowered more than plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and led to gradually elevated ARR with increasing age in the non-PA group (P<0.001), whereas this phenomenon was unconspicuous in the PA group. The best cut-off values of ARR for PA screening were elevated in subjects ⩾50 years, whereas the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs), sensitivity, specificity and Youden's index (YI) of ARR were declined with increasing age, especially in patients ⩾60 years (AUC=0.863, sensitivity=95.2%, specificity=69.0%, YI=0.643). The AUCs of PAC increased with increasing age and even slightly surpassed that of ARR in patients ⩾60 years (AUCPAC=0.884). Our data suggest that the criteria of ARR for PA screening in patients ⩾50 years may need setting higher; the falling accuracy of ARR with increasing age, especially in patients ⩾60 years, could be improved by taking into account the absolute value of the PAC when applicable by the center.

Adaption of SYBR Green-based reagent kit for real-time PCR quantitation of GC-rich DNA.

In the mammalian genome, approximately 50% of all genes are controlled by promoters with high GC contents. Analyzing the epigenetic mechanisms regulating their expression is difficult. Hence, we examined a method for stable quantification of such GC-rich DNA sequences. Quantification of DNA during real-time PCR is often based on reagent kits containing the fluorescent dye SYBR Green. However, these ready-made kits may not be suitable for amplifying DNA samples with a high GC content (>70%). DNA segments with eccentric GC contents are frequently found in proximal promoter areas, and their quantification may be necessary in chromatin accessibility by real-time polymerase chain reaction or chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses of epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation. We therefore optimized the SYBR Green I FastStart reaction system by supplementing the system with dimethyl sulfoxide, betaine, and increased DNA polymerase content. Here, we describe the development of the assay and demonstrate its effectiveness for two different DNA templates, showing that these modifications allow for the reliable amplification and quantification of DNA with GC contents exceeding >70% using the LightCycler instrument.

Cytokine profile and prognostic significance of high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: High circulating neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) appears to be prognostic in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We investigated the relationship of NLR with circulating cytokines and molecular alterations. METHODS: We performed retrospective analyses on multiple cohorts of CRC patients (metastatic untreated (n=166), refractory metastatic (n=161), hepatectomy (n=198), stage 2/3 (n=274), and molecularly screened (n=342)). High NLR (ratio of absolute neutrophil-to-lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood) was defined as NLR>5. Plasma cytokines were evaluated using multiplex-bead assays. Kaplan-Meier estimates, non-parametric correlation analysis, and hierarchical cluster analyses were used. RESULTS: High NLR was associated with poor prognosis in mCRC (hazard ratio (HR) 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.03-2.89; P=0.039) independent of known prognostic factors and molecular alterations (KRAS/NRAS/BRAF/PIK3CA/CIMP). High NLR correlated with increased expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-2Rα, hepatocyte growth factor, macrophage-colony stimulating factor, and vascular epidermal growth factor in exploratory (n=39) and validation (n=166) cohorts. Fourteen additional cytokines correlated with high NLR in the validation cohort. All 20 cytokines fell into three major clusters: inflammatory cytokines, angiogenic cytokines, and epidermal growth factor ligands. In mCRC, composite stratification based on NLR-cytokine score provided enhanced prognostic information (HR 2.09; 95% CI: 1.59-2.76; P<0.001) over and above NLR. CONCLUSIONS: High NLR is an independent poor prognostic marker in CRC and correlates with a distinct cytokine profile related to key biological processes involved in carcinogenesis. A composite NLR-cytokine stratification has enhanced prognostic value in mCRC.

Comparative analysis of lifestyle factors, screening test use, and clinicopathologic features in association with survival among Asian Americans with colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnoses and disease-specific survival (DSS) vary between ethnic groups in the United States. However, few studies have assessed differences among Asian subgroups. METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to identify patients with invasive CRC between 1988 and 2008. Differences in clinicopathologic features, and DSS rates were compared among Asian subgroups. The California Health Interview Survey was used to examine risk factors and screening patterns for CRC. RESULTS: The study included 359 374 patients with 8.4% Asian. Patients in all Asian subgroups were younger (median: 68 years) at diagnosis than non-Hispanic white (NHW) patients (median: 72 years). Most Asian subgroups, except Hawaiians, had better DSS than NHW patients although Asian subgroups had more advanced disease than NHW. Indian/Pakistani patients had a higher 5-year DSS than other Asian subgroups. Obesity proportions were lower in Asian subgroups (<50.2%) than in NHW (59.8%). Vietnamese men and Korean women had the lowest proportions of CRC screening. Advance tumour stages were highly associated with worse DSS in each ethnicity group. High tumour grades were associated with worse DSS in NHW, Filipino, and Chinese. Older age at diagnosis was associated with worse DSS in most ethnicity groups except Hawaiian and Vietnamese. CONCLUSION: Disparities exist between Asians and NHW with CRC, and among various Asian subgroups. Differences in cancer clinicopathologic features, patients' behavioural habits, lifestyle, and screening patterns may explain some differences in CRC survival observed among ethnic groups.

Berberine reduces leukocyte adhesion to LPS-stimulated endothelial cells and VCAM-1 expression both in vivo and in vitro.

Leukocyte adhesion to endothelium plays a critical initiating role in inflammation. Berberine, an anti-inflammatory natural compound, is known to attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury and improve survival of endotoxemic animals with mechanism not fully clarified. This study investigated the effects of berberine on the LPS-induced leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion both in vivo and in vitro. We first established an animal model to observe the in vivo LPS-induced adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium of venules in the lung tissue dose-dependently. Pretreatment of LPS-stimulated rats with berberine for 1 h reduced the leukocyte-endothelium adhesion and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression in lung. Pretreatment of LPS-stimulated vascular endothelial cells with berberine also dose-dependently decreased the number of adhered THP-1 cells and VCAM-1 expression at both RNA and protein levels. Berberine was further confirmed to inhibit the nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of LPS-activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B). These data demonstrated an additional molecular mechanism for the profound anti-inflammatory effect of berberine.

Detection and serotyping of dengue virus in serum samples by multiplex reverse transcriptase PCR-ligase detection reaction assay.

The detection and successful typing of dengue virus (DENV) from patients with suspected dengue fever is important both for the diagnosis of the disease and for the implementation of epidemiologic control measures. A technique for the multiplex detection and typing of DENV serotypes 1 to 4 (DENV-1 to DENV-4) from clinical samples by PCR-ligase detection reaction (LDR) has been developed. A serotype-specific PCR amplifies the regions of genes C and E simultaneously. The two amplicons are targeted in a multiplex LDR, and the resultant fluorescently labeled ligation products are detected on a universal array. The assay was optimized using 38 DENV strains and was evaluated with 350 archived acute-phase serum samples. The sensitivity of the assay was 98.7%, and its specificity was 98.4%, relative to the results of real-time PCR. The detection threshold was 0.017 PFU for DENV-1, 0.004 PFU for DENV-2, 0.8 PFU for DENV-3, and 0.7 PFU for DENV-4. The assay is specific; it does not cross-react with the other flaviviruses tested (West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Kunjin virus, Murray Valley virus, Powassan virus, and yellow fever virus). All but 1 of 26 genotypic variants of DENV serotypes in a global DENV panel from different geographic regions were successfully identified. The PCR-LDR assay is a rapid, sensitive, specific, and high-throughput technique for the simultaneous detection of all four serotypes of DENV.