Longitudinal patient-reported outcomes after minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is characterized by a poor prognosis and high complication rate, resulting in a heavy symptom burden and poor health-related quality of life (QOL). We evaluated longitudinal patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to analyze the correlations between symptoms and QOL and their changing characteristics during postoperative rehabilitation. METHODS: We investigated patients with ESCC who underwent minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy at Sichuan Cancer Hospital between April 2019 and December 2019. Longitudinal data of the clinical characteristics and PROs were collected. The MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QOL questionnaires were used to assess symptoms and QOL and compare the trajectories of PROs during the investigation. RESULTS: A total of 244 patients with ESCC were enrolled in this study. Regarding QOL, role and emotional functions returned to baseline at 1 month after surgery, and cognitive and social functions returned to baseline at 3 months after surgery. However, physical function and global QOL did not return to baseline at 1 year after surgery. At 7 days and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, the main symptoms of the patients were negatively correlated with physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functions and the overall health status (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with ESCC experience reduced health-related QOL and persisting symptoms after minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy, but a recovery trend was observed within 1 month. The long-term QOL after esophagectomy is acceptable.

Long-Term Survival After Surgical Treatment of Thymic Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis from the Chinese Alliance for Research of Thymoma Database.

BACKGROUND: Thymic carcinoma is a type of rare and highly malignant tumor that originates from the thymic epithelium. Treatment and prognosis of thymic carcinoma remain controversial. We retrospectively analyzed survival data from a large-sample multicenter database in China. METHODS: The Chinese Alliance for Research of Thymoma constructed a retrospective database of patients with thymic epithelial tumors, which enrolled 1930 patients from January 1996 to August 2013, including 329 with thymic carcinomas. In this study, we analyzed clinical, pathologic, and treatment information, measured long-term survival rates, and identified relevant prognostic factors. RESULTS: Of 329 patients, R0 resection was performed in 211 (57.7 %), R1 in 34 (9.2 %), and R2 in 84 (22.5 %).The 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 78.3, 67.1, and 47.9 %, respectively. In univariate analysis, early Masaoka-Koga stage, R0 resection, and postoperative radiotherapy were associated with better overall survival.Early Masaoka-Koga stage and postoperative radiotherapy were also associated with disease-free survival. In multivariate analyses, R0 resection, Masaoka-Koga stage, and postoperative radiotherapy were significant prognostic factors of survival. CONCLUSIONS: Complete resection is the preferred primary treatment for thymic carcinoma. R0 resection, early Masaoka-Koga stage, and postoperative radiotherapy are significant predictors of improved survival.

Genome-wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the CDPK Gene Family in Grape, Vitis spp.

BACKGROUND: Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) play vital roles in plant growth and development, biotic and abiotic stress responses, and hormone signaling. Little is known about the CDPK gene family in grapevine. RESULTS: In this study, we performed a genome-wide analysis of the 12X grape genome (Vitis vinifera) and identified nineteen CDPK genes. Comparison of the structures of grape CDPK genes allowed us to examine their functional conservation and differentiation. Segmentally duplicated grape CDPK genes showed high structural conservation and contributed to gene family expansion. Additional comparisons between grape and Arabidopsis thaliana demonstrated that several grape CDPK genes occured in the corresponding syntenic blocks of Arabidopsis, suggesting that these genes arose before the divergence of grapevine and Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic analysis divided the grape CDPK genes into four groups. Furthermore, we examined the expression of the corresponding nineteen homologous CDPK genes in the Chinese wild grape (Vitis pseudoreticulata) under various conditions, including biotic stress, abiotic stress, and hormone treatments. The expression profiles derived from reverse transcription and quantitative PCR suggested that a large number of VpCDPKs responded to various stimuli on the transcriptional level, indicating their versatile roles in the responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Moreover, we examined the subcellular localization of VpCDPKs by transiently expressing six VpCDPK-GFP fusion proteins in Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts; this revealed high variability consistent with potential functional differences. CONCLUSIONS: Taken as a whole, our data provide significant insights into the evolution and function of grape CDPKs and a framework for future investigation of grape CDPK genes.

Clinical features and outcome of acute hepatitis B in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The impact of pregnancy on the clinical course of acute hepatitis B (AHB) is still largely unclear, mainly because most studies have not included matched controls. This study was conducted to investigate the clinical features and outcome of AHB in pregnancy using matched controls. METHODS: Consecutive AHB inpatients who were admitted to Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Jinan, between January 2006 and December 2010 were evaluated and followed. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, and results of laboratory tests were compared between pregnant patients and age and sex matched non-pregnant patients at admission, discharge, and final follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 618 AHB inpatients were identified during the study period. 22 pregnant patients and 87 age and sex matched non-pregnant patients were enrolled in this study. Prodromal fever was less common (0% vs. 20.7%, P=0.02), serum alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly lower, and HBsAg>250 IU/mL rate and serum bilirubin levels were significantly higher in pregnant patients than in non-pregnant patients. After a mean (range) of 7(5.2-8.3) months follow-up, 18.2% pregnant patients and 4.6% non-pregnant patients were still HBsAg positive (P=0.03). For pregnant patients, the relative risk (95% confidence interval) of HBsAg positive at the end of follow-up was 4.6 (1.1-20.2). The median (95% confidence interval) days of HBsAg seroclearance form disease onset in pregnant and non-pregnant patients were 145.0 (110.5-179.5) and 80.0 (62.6-97.4), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The HBsAg loss and seroconversion were delayed and lower in pregnant patients. Pregnancy might be a possible risk of chronicity following acute HBV infection.

Changes in the recent three decades and survey on the current status of surgical treatment for esophageal cancer in China.

BACKGROUND: To review the changes and survey on status quo of the surgical treatment for esophageal cancer in China. The differences in diagnosis and treatment for esophageal cancer among hospitals in different regions across China were also investigated. METHODS: We sent questionnaires to 46 hospitals across China, investigating the volume of esophageal cancer surgeries, surgical procedures, and perioperative management under the guidance of esophageal surgery chiefs. RESULTS: A total of 46 questionnaires were sent out and collected. The survey results showed that in the past 5 years, the volume of surgeries for esophageal cancer remained stable by 23.9% of those hospitals, increased by 30.4%, and decreased by 45.7%. Of those patients treated by surgery, 19.1% were in the early stages, and 80.9% were in locally advanced stages. In terms of surgical procedures, 73.4% of the patients were treated by minimally invasive surgery and 85.7% of esophageal substitutes were a gastric conduit, 93.1% of the substitutes were pulled to the neck through the esophageal bed. For the lymph node dissection, 78.5% of the patients had a complete two-field lymph node dissection including the para-recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes. Of the patients with neoadjuvant therapy, 53.5% received chemotherapy or chemotherapy plus immunotherapy (47.0%), and 43.5% had chemoradiation. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, in China, minimally invasive surgery-oriented multimodality treatment, including complete two-field lymph node dissection, has become the standard approach for esophageal cancer management. Over the past decade, this standardized approach has significantly improved prognosis compared to previous decades.

[Application of artificial pneumothorax in semi-prone position to the video-assisted thoracic surgery of esophageal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the safety and effectiveness of artificial pneumothorax in semi-prone position applied to video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of esophageal cancer. METHODS: The clinical data of 59 patients with esophageal cancer, who underwent thoracoscopic resection of esophageal cancer during April 2010 to April 2011, were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively to evaluate the operation time, lymph node dissection and metastatic nodes, post-operative complications, and comparison of the pre- and post-operative TNM staging. There were 9 cases of the upper thoracic esophagus, 44 of the thoracic segment esophagus, and 6 of the lower thoracic segment esophagus. One case of esophageal adenocarcinoma and 1 case of esophageal small cell carcinoma were treated by 2 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The patients were in semi-prone position, and an artificial pneunothorax was created with injection of CO2 (at a pressure of 6 - 8 mmHg) via the trocar. The entire thoracic esophagus was dissociated, mediastinal lymph nodes dissected by thoracoscopy, stomach dissociated, abdominal lymph nodes were dissected through abdominal incision, and esophagogastric anastomosis was performed. RESULTS: Among the 59 patients, 51 patients completed the thoracoscopic surgery, and 8 were converted to thoracotomy, due to azygos arch bleeding in two cases, membranous tracheal perforation in one case, inferior vena cava bleeding in one case, bronchial artery bleeding in one case, and dense pleural adhesions in three cases. The average operation time of the thoracoscopic surgery was 220.3 (180 - 330) min, and the average operation time for the operation in the thoracic part was 96.6 (80 - 120) min. The average blood loss was 220.8 (100 - 300) ml, the postoperative chest tube was placed for 2 to 4 days (average 3.2), postoperative drainage volume was: 60 - 300 ml (201.6 ml in average) in the 1st day, 30 - 280 ml in the 2nd day, and 0 - 160 ml in the 3rd day. The length of hospital stay was 11.5 days (9 - 14 d). No mortality, anastomotic fistula, and chylothorax occurred in our patient group. One case of arrhythmia, two cases of transient hoarseness, and two cases of pulmonary infection were all improved under symptomatic treatment. The overall complication rate was 9.8% (5/51). 714 lymph nodes were dissected in the 51 patient-group, with an average 14 lymph nodes per patient, including 512 chest lymph nodes (10 on average). The pathology report showed right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node metastasis in 6 cases, left recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node metastasis in 3 cases, subcarinal lymph node metastasis in 2 cases, lesion lymph node metastasis in 1 case, and esophagogastric junction lymph node metastasis in 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) conducted in semi-prone position combined with artificial pneumothorax for the treatment of esophageal cancer is technically feasible and safe, as effective as open thoracic surgery, not only to maintain the intact thorax, significantly lighter postoperative pain, and reduces perioperative complication, but also better wound appearance. The operation is welcomed by patients and meets the requirements of the development of esophageal surgery, and it is a quite ideal treatment of early and intermediate stage esophageal cancer.

[Clinical outcomes and selection conditions of three-field lymph node dissection for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficiency of cervical lymph node metastasis dissection and postoperative morbidity after selective three-field lymph node dissection (3FLND) for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and explore the proper selection conditions. METHODS: According to the conditions as follows: systemic evaluation, tumor T staging, tumor location, cervical CT and ultrasonography and the number of lymph nodes metastases, 85 patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were selected and received 3FLND. RESULTS: In the same period 45.5% (85/187) of the patients received 3FLND selectively based on the conditions. The rate of the cervical lymph nodes metastasis was 40.0% (34/85). The rate of the cervical positive lymph nodes of the upper, middle and lower thoracic esophageal carcinomas with enlarged lymph nodes suggested by cervical CT and ultrasonography was 68.4% (13/19), 41.7% (20/48) and 16.7% (1/6), respectively. Twelve patients with upper thoracic esophageal carcinoma with enlarged lymph nodes unrevealed by cervical CT and ultrasonography showed no histopathological lymph node metastasis. In the same period 17.1% (32/187) of the patients were selectively not undergone three-field lymph node dissection. The cervical lymph node metastasis rates in patients with upper and middle mediastinal lymph node metastasis were 79.3% (23/29) and 58.6% (17/29), significantly higher than 8.9% (5/56) and 7.1% (4/56) in the patients without upper and middle mediastinal lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). There was no in-hospital mortality in the group. The incidence of pulmonary complications and over-all postoperative morbidity was 24.7% and 42.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Selective 3FLND based on certain conditions can reduce the risk of postoperative morbidity and improve the efficiency of metastatic cervical lymph node dissection in thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The thoracic tracheoesophageal groove positve lymph node indicated by CT scans should be one of selective conditions for 3FLND. The upper thoracic esophageal carcinoma should selectively receive 3FLND. The selection standards should be more strict for the lower thoracic esophageal carcinoma.

[A multi-centered randomized controlled study of neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery versus surgery alone for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus: an interim analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and validity of neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for locally advanced esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: Patients with IIB, III staged squamous cell carcinoma of thoracic esophagus were randomly allocated to either preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery (arm A) or surgery alone (arm B). In arm A, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were performed concurrently. Patients received two cycles of vinorelbine and cisplatin. Vinorelbine at 25 mg/m(2) per day was administered as a bolus infusion at d1, d8, d22 and d29. Cisplatin at 75 mg/m(2) was administered by an intravenous infusion at d1 and d22 (or 25 mg/m(2) days 1 - 4 and 22 - 25). A total radiotherapeutic dose of 40 Gy was delivered in 20 daily fractions of 2.0 Gy each (5 d/wk for 4 weeks). Three-incisioned esophagectomy was performed at Weeks 4 - 6 after chemoradiotherapy. Primary outcome was overall survival time. An interim analysis was performed in June 2011. RESULTS: From July 2007 to June 2011, 123 eligible patients were randomly assigned at 7 cooperative cancer centers (54 cases in arm A vs 69 cases in arm B). In arm A, the clinical response rate of chemoradiotherapy was 90.7%. All patients finished the preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Forty-nine cases continued to receive esophagectomy. The pathological complete response rate was 29.6%. The rate of R0 resection in arm A was significant higher than that in arm B(96.0% vs 85.5%, P = 0.015). The most common grade 3/4 toxicity of chemoradiotherapy was leukopenia occurring in 33 cases (61.1%). Vomiting and esophagitis were usually of Grade 1/2. No patient died or abandoned surgery because of chemoradiation toxicity. Between arms A and B, operative duration, blood loss, duration of chest tube drainage and length of postsurgical hospital stay were similar. The incidences of postoperative heart failure (2.0% vs 1.4%, P = 1.000), anastomotic leakage (8.2% vs 11.6%, P = 0.759) and hoarseness (6.1% vs 4.3%, P = 0.691) were not significantly different. The incidence of pulmonary infection in arm A was slightly higher than that in arm B (8.2% vs 1.4%, P = 0.094). No perioperative deaths occurred in either group. There were no significant differences in overall survivals at 1, 2 years between arms A and B (85.6%/75.5% vs 79.1%/66.1%, P = 0.207). The disease-free survivals at 1, 2 years in arm A were slightly higher than in arm B (86.6%/83.2% vs 70.9%/61.8%, P = 0.075). CONCLUSION: Neo-adjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery may achieve a high clinical response rate and pathologic complete tumor regression rate. It significantly increases the R0 resection rate and down stage the esophageal cancer patients. But its ultimate efficacy awaits further follow-up studies.

[Effect of minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy on acute phase responses in patients with esophageal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy on acute phase responses in patients with esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with middle or low thoracic esophageal carcinoma underwent Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy. The patients were divided into small incision group (n = 25) and conventional group (n = 23) according to the patients' will. Serum levels of acute phase proteins C reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (HPT), α1-acid glycoprotein (α1-AG), ceruloplasmin (CER), transferrin (TRF), ß2-microglobulin (ß2-MG), album protein (ALB), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were measured and compared on 1st day before operation, at 18 hours as well as 3rd and 7th day after operation. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in all the acute phase proteins indicators and IL-6 between the small incision and conventional groups at each time points after operation (P > 0.05). In both groups the levels of CRP, α1-AG and HPT were significantly higher after operation than before operation (P < 0.05). The levels of ALB and TRF were significantly lower after operation than before operation (P < 0.05). The levels of CER and ß2-MG were not significantly different during perioperative period (P > 0.05). The level of TNF-α was significantly higher in the small incision group than that in the conventional group at the 18 hours postoperationally (P < 0.05), and were not significantly different on the other time points between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with conventional operation, the small incision Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy do not significantly alleviate the stress of the surgical trauma in patients. Unchanging the essence of operation, if one is trying to minimize the stress caused by surgery on patients, the key factor is not the size of incision. An effective approach should be found in other operation-related factors.

Optimal preoperative neoadjuvant therapy for resectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, especially in East Asia. ESCC accounts for more than 90% of esophageal cancer. Currently, neoadjuvant therapy in combination with surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment. However, the overall survival rate of patients with locally advanced ESCC is not satisfactory even when treated following the standard treatment guidelines. With neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, chemotherapy, or emerging immunotherapy, continuous exploration of efficacy in relation to ESCC is expected to improve overall survival further. Here, we review and summarize current evidence for efficacy of preoperative therapy for locally advanced ESCC.

Identification and Transcript Analysis of the TCP Transcription Factors in the Diploid Woodland Strawberry Fragaria vesca.

Plant-specific TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1, CYCLOIDEA, and PROLIFERATING CELL FACTORS (TCP) transcription factors play versatile functions in multiple processes of plant growth and development. However, no systematic study has been performed in strawberry. In this study, 19 FvTCP genes were identified in the diploid woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) accession Heilongjiang-3. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the FvTCP genes were classified into two main classes, with the second class further divided into two subclasses, which was supported by the exon-intron organizations and the conserved motif structures. Promoter analysis revealed various cis-acting elements related to growth and development, hormone and/or stress responses. We analyzed FvTCP gene transcript accumulation patterns in different tissues and fruit developmental stages. Among them, 12 FvTCP genes exhibited distinct tissue-specific transcript accumulation patterns. Eleven FvTCP genes were down-regulated in different fruit developmental stages, while five FvTCP genes were up-regulated. Transcripts of FvTCP genes also varied with different subcultural propagation periods and were induced by hormone treatments and biotic and abiotic stresses. Subcellular localization analysis showed that six FvTCP-GFP fusion proteins showed distinct localizations in Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts. Notably, transient over-expression of FvTCP9 in strawberry fruits dramatically affected the expression of a series of genes implicated in fruit development and ripening. Taken together, the present study may provide the basis for functional studies to reveal the role of this gene family in strawberry growth and development.

The WRKY transcription factors in the diploid woodland strawberry Fragaria vesca: Identification and expression analysis under biotic and abiotic stresses.

WRKY proteins comprise a large family of transcription factors that play important roles in response to biotic and abiotic stresses and in plant growth and development. To date, little is known about the WRKY gene family in strawberry. In this study, we identified 62 WRKY genes (FvWRKYs) in the wild diploid woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca, 2n = 2x = 14) accession Heilongjiang-3. According to the phylogenetic analysis and structural features, these identified strawberry FvWRKY genes were classified into three main groups. In addition, eight FvWRKY-GFP fusion proteins showed distinct subcellular localizations in Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts. Furthermore, we examined the expression of the 62 FvWRKY genes in 'Heilongjiang-3' under various conditions, including biotic stress (Podosphaera aphanis), abiotic stresses (drought, salt, cold, and heat), and hormone treatments (abscisic acid, ethephon, methyl jasmonate, and salicylic acid). The expression levels of 33 FvWRKY genes were upregulated, while 12 FvWRKY genes were downregulated during powdery mildew infection. FvWRKY genes responded to drought and salt treatment to a greater extent than to temperature stress. Expression profiles derived from quantitative real-time PCR suggested that 11 FvWRKY genes responded dramatically to various stimuli at the transcriptional level, indicating versatile roles in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Interaction networks revealed that the crucial pathways controlled by WRKY proteins may be involved in the differential response to biotic stress. Taken together, the present work may provide the basis for future studies of the genetic modification of WRKY genes for pathogen resistance and stress tolerance in strawberry.

Identification and expression analysis of heat shock transcription factors in the wild Chinese grapevine (Vitis pseudoreticulata).

Heat shock transcription factors (Hsfs) are known to play pivotal roles in the adaptation of plants to heat stress and other stress stimuli. While grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most important fruit crops worldwide, little is known about the Hsf family in Vitis spp. Here, we identified nineteen putative Hsf genes (VviHsfs) in Vitis spp based on the 12 × grape genome (V. vinifera L.). Phylogenetic analysis revealed three classes of grape Hsf genes (classes A, B, and C). Additional comparisons between grape and Arabidopsis thaliana demonstrated that several VviHsfs genes occurred in corresponding syntenic blocks of Arabidopsis. Moreover, we examined the expression profiles of the homologs of the VviHsfs genes (VpHsfs) in the wild Chinese Vitis pseudoreticulata accession Baihe-35-1, which is tolerant to various environmental stresses. Among the nineteen VpHsfs, ten VpHsfs displayed lower transcript levels under non-stress conditions and marked up-regulation during heat stress treatment; several VpHsfs also displayed altered expression levels in response to cold, salt, and hormone treatments, suggesting their versatile roles in response to stress stimuli. In addition, eight VpHsf-GFP fusion proteins showed differential subcellular localization in V. pseudoreticulata mesophyll protoplasts. Taken together, our data may provide an important reference for further studies of Hsf genes in Vitis spp.

Identification and utilization of a new Erysiphe necator isolate NAFU1 to quickly evaluate powdery mildew resistance in wild Chinese grapevine species using detached leaves.

The most economically important disease of cultivated grapevines worldwide is powdery mildew caused by the biotrophic fungal pathogen Erysiphe necator. To integrate effective genetic resistance into cultivated grapevines, numerous disease resistance screens of diverse Vitis germplasm, including wild species, have been conducted to identify powdery mildew resistance, but the results have been inconsistent. Here, a new powdery mildew isolate that is infectious on grapevines, designated Erysiphe necator NAFU1 (En. NAFU1), was identified and characterized by phylogeny inferred from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of pathogen ribosomal DNA sequences. Three classical methods were compared for the maintenance of En. NAFU1, and the most convenient method was maintenance on detached leaves and propagation by contact with infected leaves. Furthermore, controlled inoculations of En. NAFU1 were performed using detached leaves from 57 wild Chinese grapevine accessions to quickly evaluate powdery mildew resistance based on trypan blue staining of leaf sections. The results were compared with previous natural epidemics in the field. Among the screened accessions inoculated with En. NAFU1, 22.8% were resistant, 33.3% were moderately resistant, and 43.9% were susceptible. None of the accessions assessed herein were immune from infection. These results support previous findings documenting the presence of race-specific resistance to E. necator in wild Chinese grapevine. The resistance of wild Chinese grapevine to En. NAFU1 could be due to programmed cell death. The present results suggest that En. NAFU1 isolate could be used for future large-scale screens of resistance to powdery mildew in diverse Vitis germplasms and investigations of the interaction between grapevines and pathogens.

Identification, isolation, and expression analysis of heat shock transcription factors in the diploid woodland strawberry Fragaria vesca.

Heat shock transcription factors (Hsfs) are known to play dominant roles in plant responses to heat, as well as other abiotic or biotic stress stimuli. While the strawberry is an economically important fruit plant, little is known about the Hsf family in the strawberry. To explore the functions of strawberry Hsfs in abiotic and biotic stress responses, this study identified 17 Hsf genes (FvHsfs) in a wild diploid woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca, 2n = 2x = 14) and isolated 14 of these genes. Phylogenetic analysis divided the strawberry FvHsfs genes into three main groups. The evolutionary and structural analyses revealed that the FvHsf family is conserved. The promoter sequences of the FvHsf genes contain upstream regulatory elements corresponding to different stress stimuli. In addition, 14 FvHsf-GFP fusion proteins showed differential subcellular localization in Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts. Furthermore, we examined the expression of the 17 FvHsf genes in wild diploid woodland strawberries under various conditions, including abiotic stresses (heat, cold, drought, and salt), biotic stress (powdery mildew infection), and hormone treatments (abscisic acid, ethephon, methyl jasmonate, and salicylic acid). Fifteen of the seventeen FvHsf genes exhibited distinct changes on the transcriptional level during heat treatment. Of these 15 FvHsfs, 8 FvHsfs also exhibited distinct responses to other stimuli on the transcriptional level, indicating versatile roles in the response to abiotic and biotic stresses. Taken together, the present work may provide the basis for further studies to dissect FvHsf function in response to stress stimuli.

[Characteristics of lymphatic metastasis and surgical approach of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of lymphatic metastasis in different types of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) and provide guidance for surgical approach adoption. METHODS: Clinical data of 228 patients with AEG undergoing surgery were analyzed retrospectively. According to Siewert classification, there were 9 cases of type I (3.9%) who all underwent left thoracoabdominal approach procedures. A total of 121 patients belonged to type II (53.1%), of whom 12 underwent left transthoracic approach, 48 left thoracoabdominal approach, and 61 transabdominal approach. Ninety-eight patients belonged to type III (43%), of whom 22 underwent left thoracoabdominal approach procedures and 76 transabdominal. The pattern of lymph node metastasis was analyzed and the association between surgical approach and oncological clearance was examined. RESULTS: The resection margin was positive in 20(8.8%) patients, including 10 with type II (8.3%) and 10 with type III (10.2%), and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The rate of positive resection margin was 12.4%(17/137) in the transabdominal group and 16.7%(2/12) in the left transthoracic group, both significantly higher than the left thoracoabdominal group (1.1%, 1/88) (both P<0.05). Lymph node metastasis was found in 159(69.7%) patients. The metastasis was found in 4 of 9 patients with type I cancer and two were thoracic metastasis, no metastasis was found in the upper mediastinum. For type II cancer, the rate of lymph node metastasis was 66.9%(81/121), including thoracic metastasis ( n=32, 26.4%) and abdominal metastasis (n=81, 66.9%). For type III cancer, the rate of lymph node metastasis was 66.9%(81/121), including thoracic metastasis (n=15, 15.3%) and abdominal metastasis (n=69, 70.4%). CONCLUSIONS: For type I AEG, left thoracoabdominal approach should be used because the pattern of lymph node metastasis is similar to that of the distal esophageal carcinoma. For type II , left thoracoabdominal approach should be used to ensure adequate resection of the tumor and clearance of lymph node in the lower esophagus and upper mediastinum because of high rate of intrathoracic lymph node metastasis. For type III cancer, transabdominal incision offers better benefit with less impact on respiratory function. However, thoracic incision should be used to ensure adequate clearance for tumors of larger size and significant external invasion.

[Application of colonic interposition in the digestive tract reconstruction after esophagectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of colonic interposition after esophagectomy. METHODS: One hundred and thirty six patients with esophageal cancer underwent colonic interposition after esophagectomy in the Sichuan Tumor Hospital from October 1992 to October 2010. Clinical data of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Out of the 136 patients, 118 grafts were transverse colon in clockwise peristalsis supplied by ascending branches of the left colonic artery. Twelve grafts were right part of transverse colon and ascending colon in clockwise peristalsis. Six grafts were left part of transverse colon and descending colon in counterclockwise peristalsis. All the 18 grafts were supplied by the middle colonic artery. The total perioperative complication rate was 26.4% (36/136), including anastomotic leakage in 15 cases, colon necrosis in 5 cases. The mortality was 12.5%(17/136), in which 5 patients died of colonic perforation, 4 died of colon necrosis, 4 died of severe lung infection after operation, 3 died of ARDS and 1 died of systemic infection of unknown origin. Anastomotic stenosis occurred in 2 patients, reflux in 2 cases, and 3 patients suffered from bowel dysmotility. CONCLUSIONS: Colon interposition is a complex procedure with significant trauma, high morbidity, and mortality. However, it is a valid alternative to reconstruct the gastrointestinal tract when the stomach is not feasible.

[Value of radiotherapy and chemotherapy after SEMS implantation operation in patients with malignant esophageal stricture].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Owing to the lack of a systematic comparative study, it still remains a controversial issue whether a patient with malignant esophageal tumor causing dysphagia should receive radiotherapy or/and chemotherapy after the SEMS (self-expanding esophageal metal stents) implantation operation. The present paper aims at a careful study of this field. METHODS: A total of 283 specimens were divided into two groups, namely, the group merely receiving the SEMS implantation operation (Group 1, n=91) and the group receiving a combined treatment of the SEMS implantation operation followed by radiotherapy /and chemotherapy (Group 2, n=192). The survival time of the patients in the two different groups was compared and the factors associated with the survival time were analyzed by means of Cox regression method. RESULTS: The survival time of the patients in group 2 was apparently much longer than that of the patients in group 1 (499.27+/-239.7 days and 312.81+/-192.77 days, respectively, P< 0.0001). The factors associated with the survival time included the choice of treatment method, incidence of distant metastasis and lymph node metastasis, formation of esophageal fistula and the location of diseased area. Among them the relative risk of treatment method is the highest. CONCLUSION: A combined treatment of SEMS implantation operation followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy is significantly associated with the effect of treatment and will undoubtedly prolong the life of the patients with malignant esophageal tumor causing dysphagia.