Predictive value of the Naples prognostic score on postoperative outcomes in patients with rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: The Naples prognostic score (NPS) is a prognostic index based on the nutritional and inflammatory status. However, its utility in predicting postoperative complications (POCs) has not been examined in rectal cancer (RC). We evaluated the predictive value of the preoperative NPS for POCs in RC. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 235 patients who underwent surgery for RC. The NPS was calculated based on serum albumin, serum total cholesterol, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR). Severe POCs were defined as Clavien-Dindo classification grade ≥ III. The optimal cut-off value of the NPS was determined by a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The NPS, NLR, LMR, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), C-reactive protein (CRP)-to-albumin ratio (CAR), Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), Onodera prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and controlling nutritional status score (CONUT) were investigated as inflammation-based and/or nutritional markers. Predictors of severe POCs were analyzed by logistic regression modeling. RESULTS: Severe POCs were observed in 64 patients (27.2%). Male sex, operation time (> 257 min), blood loss (≥ 30 mL), albumin (< 4.0 g/dL), CRP (≥ 1.0 mg/dL), total cholesterol (≤ 180 mg/dL), NPS (≥ 2), LMR (≥ 3.48), PLR (≥ 103.6), CAR (> 0.025), GPS (≥ 1), PNI (< 48.1) and CONUT (≥ 2) were significantly associated with severe POCs. The multivariate analysis revealed that male sex, operation time (> 257 min), and a high NPS (≥ 2) were independent predictors of severe POCs. The ROC curve analysis revealed that the NPS had the greatest predictive value among the inflammation-based and/or nutritional markers. CONCLUSION: The NPS is a valuable predictor of severe POCs in RC.

A modular architecture for organizing, processing and sharing neurophysiology data.

We describe an architecture for organizing, integrating and sharing neurophysiology data within a single laboratory or across a group of collaborators. It comprises a database linking data files to metadata and electronic laboratory notes; a module collecting data from multiple laboratories into one location; a protocol for searching and sharing data and a module for automatic analyses that populates a website. These modules can be used together or individually, by single laboratories or worldwide collaborations.

[A Case of Perforation at the Stump of Descending Colon after Hartmann's Operation Performed after Transverse Colostomy].

A 77-year-old man with complaining of anemia and abdominal pain was admitted to our hospital. An abdominal computed tomography showed the sigmoid colon tumor with bowel obstruction. Laparoscopic transverse colostomy was performed to release intestinal obstruction. After first operation, he was diagnosed the sigmoid colon cancer: cT4b(bladder), cN0, cM0, and cStage Ⅱc. Radical laparoscopic operation(Hartmann's operation)was performed. On the 4th postoperative day, fecal juice was discharged from the abdominal drain placed in the Douglas fossa, so emergency laparotomy was performed. The intraoperative findings showed perforation in the blind end of the descending colon. The descending colon was resected from a site approximately 5 cm anal side of the transverse colostomy to the blind end. It was thought that perforation occurred due to an increase in internal pressure in the residual intestinal tract after Hartmann's surgery without blood flow disorder. We believe that further attention is required to the management of residual intestinal tract at the blind end for the obstructive colorectal cancer.

Usefulness of the skeletal muscle index in postoperative ileus of colorectal cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications of colorectal cancer mainly include infections (surgical site infection, remote infection, etc.), post-operative ileus (POI), and anastomosis leakage. POI reportedly prolongs the hospital stay and increases medical costs. Therefore, predicting POI is very important. There have been some reports on the relationships between sarcopenia and postoperative complications in colorectal cancer patients, but none have been limited to POI. We therefore conducted a retrospective clinical study with a logistic regression analysis to confirm the risk factors for ileus after colorectal cancer surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 213 patients who underwent elective oncological colorectal surgery for colorectal cancer from November 2017 to July 2021. The skeletal muscle mass (SMM, kg) was estimated using a whole-body bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and the skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated as the SMM/height2. We divided all patients into 2 groups based on a low SMI (male < 8.958 kg/m2, female < 8.443 kg/m2) or normal SMI. Preoperative and intraoperative factors as well as, postoperative outcomes were then compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The median (range) age of the 213 included patients was 72.0 (33-91) years old. Complications were noted in 96 patients (45.1%), including 21 (9.9%) with POI. There were 68 (31.9%) low SMI patients. POI occurred significantly more frequently in low SMI patients (19.1%) than in normal SMI patients (5.5%) (p = 0.005). In the multivariate analysis, bleeding (p = 0.039) and a low SMI (p = 0.031) were significantly associated with POI. In addition, a propensity score matching analysis was performed to further reduce the selection bias. As a result, a low SMI was the only independent POI predictor among the 78 matched cases. CONCLUSION: A preoperative low SMI in colorectal cancer patients was considered a risk factor for POI.

The impact of the surgical Apgar score on oncological outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer: a propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: The surgical Apgar score (SAS) predicts postoperative complications (POCs) following gastrointestinal surgery. Recently, the SAS was reported to be a predictor of not only POCs but also prognosis. However, the impact of the SAS on oncological outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been fully examined. The present study therefore explored the oncological significance of the SAS in patients with CRC, using a propensity score matching (PSM) method. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 639 patients who underwent radical surgery for CRC. The SAS was calculated based on three intraoperative parameters: estimated blood loss, lowest mean arterial pressure, and lowest heart rate. All patients were classified into 2 groups based on the SAS (≤6 and >6). The association of the SAS with the recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was analyzed. RESULTS: After PSM, each group included 156 patients. Univariate analyses revealed that a lower SAS (≤6) was significantly associated with a worse OS and CSS. A multivariate analysis revealed that the age ≥75 years old, ASA-Physical Status ≥3, SAS ≤6, histologically undifferentiated tumor type, and an advanced pStage were independent factors for the OS, and open surgery, a SAS ≤6, histologically undifferentiated tumor type and advanced pStage were independent factors for the CSS. CONCLUSIONS: A lower SAS (≤6) was an independent prognostic factor for not only the OS but also the CSS in patients with CRC, suggesting that the SAS might be a useful biomarker predicting oncological outcomes in patients with CRC.

[A Case of Advanced Rectal Cancer with Metastasis Successfully Treated with an Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Drug].

A 63-year-old asymptomatic woman was diagnosed with multiple liver tumors and a left pulmonary tumor by CT. Colonoscopy( CS)showed a Type 2, quarter circular tumor on Rb. The diagnosis was cT3N1aM1b(H3, PUL1), cStage Ⅳb rectal cancer. She was administered 8 courses of induction-adjuvant chemotherapy with CAPOX and bevacizumab(BEV). After the chemotherapy, CT and CS revealed shrinkage(up to 50%)of the metastatic liver tumor and primary tumor, and decreasing tumor marker levels. Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection and partial hepatectomy(S5/6, S8)were performed. After the operation, she was administered 2 courses of chemotherapy with UFT and LV, after which thoracoscopy-assisted upper lobectomy of the left lung was performed. Currently, at 1 and a half years after treatment, no recurrence has been observed, and she is being followed up as an outpatient.

Characteristic Analysis of Trigonelline Contained in Raphanus sativus Cv. Sakurajima Daikon and Results from the First Trial Examining Its Vasodilator Properties in Humans.

Vascular disease poses a major public health problem worldwide. Trigonelline isolated from Raphanus sativus cv. Sakurajima Daikon (Sakurajima radish) induces nitric oxide production from vascular endothelial cells and enhances vascular function. Here, we investigated the characteristics of trigonelline and its effects on endothelial function after consumption of Sakurajima radish by humans. Our results show that Sakurajima radish contains approximately 60 times more trigonelline than other radishes and squashes. Additionally, no significant differences were observed between varieties of Sakurajima radish, suggesting that any type of Sakurajima radish can be ingested for trigonelline supplementation. The effects of cooking and processing Sakurajima radish were also evaluated, as were the effects of freezing, and changes in osmotic pressure and pH. A first-in-human trial using Sakurajima radish showed that ingestion of 170 g/day of Sakurajima radish for ten days increased blood trigonelline concentrations and significantly improved flow-mediated dilation, which is a measure of vascular endothelial function. Overall, our findings suggest that the trigonelline contained in Sakurajima radish may contribute to improved human vascular endothelial function. Hence, Sakurajima radish may enhance vascular endothelial function as a functional food.

Characterization of HIV-1 CRF01_AE env Genes Derived from Recently Infected Indonesian Individuals.

To eradicate human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, a comprehensive strategy including preventive vaccine development is needed. Envelope glycoproteins (Env) play a central role in viral infection and are the major targets of humoral immune responses. Therefore, Env is a candidate vaccine antigen, and its characterization is necessary for vaccine development. The characterization of the transmitted/founder (T/F; i.e., recently infected) virus that is responsible for the establishment of infection and induction of primary anti-HIV-1 immune responses is important. We herein established HIV-1 env clones derived from recently infected Indonesian individuals. All env genes were classified into CRF01_AE. The immunological characterization of env clones was performed by neutralization tests using a series of broadly neutralizing antibodies. The present study is the first to immunologically characterize the CRF01_AE T/F virus circulating in Indonesia.

[A Case of Lymph Node Recurrence Seven Years after Curative Esophagectomy for T1a(LPM)Upper Thoracic Esophageal Cancer].

Herein, we report a case of lymph node recurrence 7 years after curative esophagectomy for T1a(LPM)upper thoracic esophageal cancer. A 70's man underwent radical esophagectomy by using video-assisted thoracic surgery and hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery(VATS and HALS)with gastric tube reconstruction via a posterior mediastinal route for upper thoracic esophageal cancer cT1bN0M0, cStageⅠ in August 2010. The pathological diagnosis was pT1a(LPM), w/d, scc, ly0, v0, ie (+), inf b, pIM0, pPM0, pDM0, pRM0, pN0, pM0, pStage 0. Moreover, he was followed-up without treatment after surgery. In November 2017, 7 years after esophagectomy, follow-up CT revealed left supraclavicular lymph node swelling. FDG-PET revealed high uptake of FDG, and lymph node recurrence was suspected. In January 2018, we performed lymph node biopsy. We could not remove the lymph node completely, because the lt common carotid artery and lt jugular vein were associated with the metastatic lymph node. The pathological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma. Chemoradiation therapy was performed after surgery, and patient recovery was uneventful.

Genotypic Characterization of HIV-1 Subtype C in the Central Region of Nepal.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a major causative agent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Subtype C (HIV-1C) is the most prevalent HIV-1 subtype worldwide. Although it is highly prevalent in Nepal, genotypic information on Nepalese HIV-1C is limited. We herein investigated the origin and dynamics of HIV-1C in Nepal. Nearly full-length sequencing of Nepalese HIV-1C strains and phylogenetic analyses were performed. The results obtained showed that Nepalese HIV-1C is closely related to the Indian and southern African strains and the introduction of HIV-1C into Nepal was estimated to be in the mid-1980s. These results suggest that multiple HIV-1C strains entered Nepal in the mid-1980s, and this was followed by a marked increase in the number of infection cases for the next decade. These results reflect the current transmission dynamics of HIV-1C strains in Nepal and provide valuable information for HIV monitoring and vaccine development.

[A Case of a Patient with Type â £ Adachi Classification Treated with Laparoscopic Ileocecal Resection].

A 72-year-old woman was diagnosed with cecal cancer. Preoperative enhanced abdominal computed tomography(CT) and three-dimensional(3D)-CT angiographyrevealed a celiacomesenteric trunk(CMT). We performed a laparoscopic ileocecal resection without anyproblems owing to the obtained preoperative 3D-CT images. The postoperative course was uneventful. The celiac arteryhas manyanomalies, and 6 categories have been defined. Patients can be divided into 28 groups bycombining these anomalies with mutations in the hepatic artery, as explained byAdachi. Our case was a Type Ⅳ anomaly according to the Adachi classification, which accounts for 2.4% of all cases. We herein report this extremelyrare case.

Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis: How to discourage surgeons using inadequate therapy.

Acute appendicitis (AA) develops in a progressive and irreversible manner, even if the clinical course of AA can be temporarily modified by intentional medications. Reliable and real-time diagnosis of AA can be made based on findings of the white blood cell count and enhanced computed tomography. Emergent laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is considered as the first therapeutic choice for AA. Interval/delayed appendectomy at 6-12 wk after disease onset is considered as unsafe with a high recurrent rate during the waiting time. However, this technique may have some advantages for avoiding unnecessary extended resection in patients with an appendiceal mass. Non-operative management of AA may be tolerated only in children. Postoperative complications increase according to the patient's factors, and temporal avoidance of emergent general anesthesia may be beneficial for high-risk patients. The surgeon's skill and cooperation of the hospital are important for successful LA. Delaying appendectomy for less than 24 h from diagnosis is safe. Additionally, a semi-elective manner (i.e., LA within 24 h after onset of symptoms) may be paradoxically acceptable, according to the factors of the patient, physician, and institution. Prompt LA is mandatory for AA. Fortunately, the Japanese government uses a universal health insurance system, which covers LA.

A 2-4-Amino Acid Deletion in the V5 Region of HIV-1 Env gp120 Confers Viral Resistance to the Broadly Neutralizing Human Monoclonal Antibody, VRC01.

The envelope glycoprotein (Env) gp120 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) plays a critical role in viral entry into host cells. The broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody VRC01, which recognizes the CD4 binding site on gp120, neutralizes more than 90% of HIV-1 isolates. However, some of the CRF01_AE viruses prevalent in Southeast Asia are resistant to VRC01-mediated neutralization. We previously reported that 3 amino acid residues at positions 185, 186, and 197 of gp120 played an important role in the VRC01 resistance of CRF01_AE Env (AE-Env) clones isolated from HIV-infected Thai individuals. However, the VRC01 susceptibility of AE-Env clones was not fully explained by mutations at these 3 residues. In the present study, we examined other factors involved in the acquisition of viral VRC01 resistance. Neutralization tests using lentiviral vectors expressing a series of mutant AE-Env clones revealed that the deletion of 2-4 amino acid residues on the loop structure in the V5 region of gp120 conferred VRC01 resistance to several AE-Env clones. Our results provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying viral VRC01 resistance.

Postoperative Biliary Leak Treated with Chemical Bile Duct Ablation Using Absolute Ethanol: A Report of Two Cases.

BACKGROUND Postoperative bile duct leak following hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery can be intractable, and the postoperative course can be prolonged. However, if the site of the leak is in the distal bile duct in the main biliary tract, the therapeutic options may be limited. Injection of absolute ethanol into the bile duct requires correct identification of the bile duct, and balloon occlusion is useful to avoid damage to the surrounding tissues, even in cases with non-communicating biliary fistula and bile leak. CASE REPORT Two cases of non-communicating biliary fistula and bile leak are presented; one case following pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure), and one case following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Both cases were successfully managed by chemical bile duct ablation with absolute ethanol. In the first case, the biliary leak occurred from a fistula of the right posterior biliary tract following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Cannulation of the leaking bile duct and balloon occlusion were achieved via a percutaneous route, and seven ablation sessions using absolute ethanol were required. In the second case, perforation of the bile duct branch draining hepatic segment V occurred following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Cannulation of the bile duct and balloon occlusion were achieved via a transhepatic route, and seven ablation sessions using absolute ethanol were required. CONCLUSIONS Chemical ablation of the bile duct using absolute ethanol is an effective treatment for biliary leak following hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, even in cases with non-communicating biliary fistula. Identification of the bile duct leak is required before ethanol injection to avoid damage to the surrounding tissues.

Impact of stepwise introduction of esophagojejunostomy during laparoscopic total gastrectomy: a single-center experience in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The number of laparoscopic gastrectomies performed in Japan is increasing with the development of laparoscopic and surgical instruments. However, laparoscopic total gastrectomy is developing relatively slowly because of technical difficulties, particularly in esophagojejunostomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 83 patients with early gastric cancer in the upper portion of the stomach who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy between April 2007 and March 2016. We classified the patients into three periods, mainly on the basis of the esophagojejunostomy procedures performed: first period, various conventional procedures based on the physicians' choice (n=14); second period, transoral method (n=51); and third period, fully intracorporeal technique (n=18). We evaluated the clinical impact of a stepwise introduction of unfamiliar new methods during laparoscopic total gastrectomy. RESULTS: Between the first and second periods, there were significant differences in the blood loss volume, number of harvested lymph nodes, frequency of conversion to open surgery, and postoperative hospital stay. The number of harvested lymph nodes was significantly higher in the third than in the second period, with no detriment to other intraoperative or postoperative factors. CONCLUSION: The use of a unified surgical method for esophagojejunostomy seems to be the key to a successful and advantageous laparoscopic total gastrectomy. Stepwise introduction of a well-established technique of esophagojejunostomy during laparoscopic total gastrectomy will benefit patients, as shown, for example, by the higher number of dissected lymph nodes in the present study. However, a protracted learning curve is required.

Solitary Metastasis to a Distant Lymph Node in the Descending Mesocolon After Primary Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Is Surgical Resection Valid?

BACKGROUND Lymph node metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma is rare, and lymph nodes located on hepatic hilar and hepatoduodenal ligaments are primary targets. Metastasis to a mesocolic lymph node has not been reported previously. CASE REPORT A 65-year-old woman with liver cirrhosis underwent primary resection of hepatocellular carcinoma. Two and a half years later, tumor marker levels increased remarkably and imaging revealed a mesocolic mass. The tumor measured 27 mm in diameter and showed characteristic findings consistent with hepatocellular carcinoma in dynamic computed tomographic images, although the tumor was negative in fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomographic images. A preoperative diagnosis of solitary metastasis to a mesocolic lymph node was made, and we elected to perform surgical resection, although therapeutic strategies for rare solitary extrahepatic metastasis are controversial. The tumor was located in the mesocolon nearly at the wall of the descending colon. Curative resection was performed and histopathological analysis confirmed metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma to a mesocolic lymph node. Tumor marker levels normalized immediately postoperatively. To date, the patient remains free from recurrence without adjuvant therapy. CONCLUSIONS This is the first known case of solitary hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis to a distant mesocolic lymph node, successfully treated. Diagnosing solitary hepatocellular carcinoma metastases to distant lymph nodes can be difficult. Although the ideal therapeutic approach has not be defined, surgical resection of solitary metastatic lymph nodes may be beneficial in carefully selected cases.

Protocol for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Is it rocket science?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) does not require advanced techniques, and its performance has therefore rapidly spread worldwide. However, the rate of biliary injuries has not decreased. The concept of the critical view of safety (CVS) was first documented two decades ago. Unexpected injuries are principally due to misidentification of human factors. The surgeon's assumption is a major cause of misidentification, and a high level of experience alone is not sufficient for successful LC. We herein describe tips and pitfalls of LC in detail and discuss various technical considerations. Finally, based on a review of important papers and our own experience, we summarize the following mandatory protocol for safe LC: (1) consideration that a high level of experience alone is not enough; (2) recognition of the plateau involving the common hepatic duct and hepatic hilum; (3) blunt dissection until CVS exposure; (4) Calot's triangle clearance in the overhead view; (5) Calot's triangle clearance in the view from underneath; (6) dissection of the posterior right side of Calot's triangle; (7) removal of the gallbladder body; and (8) positive CVS exposure. We believe that adherence to this protocol will ensure successful and beneficial LC worldwide, even in patients with inflammatory changes and rare anatomies.