Comparison of learning curves and related postoperative indicators between endoscopic and robotic thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUD: Endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) and robotic thyroidectomy (RT) yield similar perioperative outcomes. This study investigated how the learning curve (LC) affects perioperative outcomes between ET and RT, identifying factors that influence the LC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two researchers individually searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies published until February 2024. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale assessed study quality. Random effects model was used to compute the odds ratio and weighted mean difference (WMD). Poisson regression comparison of the number of surgeries (NLC) was required for ET and RT to reach the stable stage of the LC. Heterogeneity was measured using Cochran's Q. Publication bias was tested using funnel plots, and sensitivity analysis assessed findings robustness. Subgroup analysis was done by operation type and patient characteristics. RESULTS: This meta-analysis involved 33 studies. The drainage volume of ET was higher than that of RT (WMD=-17.56 [30.22, -4.49]). After reaching the NLC, the operation time of ET and RT was shortened (ET: WMD=28.15[18.04, 38.26]; RT: WMD=38.53[29.20, 47.86]). Other perioperative outcomes also improved to varying degrees. Notably, RT showed more refined central lymph node resection(5.67 vs. 4.71), less intraoperative bleeding (16.56 mL vs. 42.30 mL), and incidence of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury(24.59 vs. 26.77). The NLC of RT was smaller than that of ET(Incidence-rate ratios [IRR]=0.64[0.57, 0.72]). CUSUM analysis (ET: IRR=0.84[0.72, 0.99]; RT: IRR=0.55[0.44, 0.69]) or a smaller number of respondents (ET: IRR=0.26[0.15, 0.46]; RT: IRR=0.51[0.41, 0.63]) was associated with smaller NLC. In RT, transoral approach (IRR=2.73[1.96, 4.50]; IRR=2.48[1.61, 3.84]) and retroauricular approach (RAA) (IRR=2.13[1.26, 3.60]; IRR=1.78[1.04, 3.05]) had smaller NLC compared to bilateral axillo-breast and transaxillary approach (TAA). In ET, the NLC of RAA was smaller than that of TAA (IRR=1.61[1.04, 2.51]), breast approach(IRR=1.67[1.06, 2.64]), and subclavian approach(IRR=1.80[1.03, 3.14]). CONCLUSIONS: Rich surgical experience can improve surgical results of ET and RT. After reaching the NLC, the perioperative outcomes of RT are better than those of ET. Study subjects, surgical approaches, and analysis methods can affect NLC.

Overexpression of long non-coding RNA H19 is associated with unfavorable prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer and increased proliferation and migration in colon cancer cells.

Long non-coding RNA-imprinted maternally expressed transcript (non-protein coding) (H19) has been previously identified to be involved in the development of a number of types of cancer. However, the function of H19 in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer remains unclear. The expression level of H19 in colorectal tumor tissues, and the association between H19 expression and clinicopathological variables and prognosis was investigated in the present study. In addition, the effect of H19 overexpression on viability, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of colon cancer cells was investigated in HCT-116 and SW-480 cells. The results of the present study suggest that overexpression of H19 is associated with decreased recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates in patients with colorectal cancer, and increased viability and migration in colon cancer cells. The induction of the EMT process may be an underlying molecular mechanism associated with the H19-induced increased metastasis potential of colon cancer cells.

Upregulation of PAWR by small activating RNAs induces cell apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells.

RNA activation (RNAa) is a promising discovery whereby expression of a particular gene can be induced by targeting its promoter using small double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) also termed small activating RNAs (saRNAs). We previously reported that several small dsRNAs targeting the PRKC apoptosis WT1 regulator (PAWR) promoter can upregulate PAWR gene expression effectively in human cancer cells. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antitumor potential of PAWR gene induction by these saRNAs in prostate cancer cells. Promisingly, we found that upregulation of PAWR by saRNA inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells by inducing cell apoptosis which was related to inactivation of the NF-κB and Akt pathways. The decreased anti­apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and activation of the caspase cascade and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) also supported the efficacy of the treatment. Overall, these data suggest that activation of PAWR by saRNA may have a therapeutic benefit for prostate and other types of cancer.

Protective effect of hydrogen sulfide on TNF-α and IFN-γ-induced injury of intestinal epithelial barrier function in Caco-2 monolayers.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Studies have verified the protective effect of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) on gastric ulcer and ulcerative colitis, but the mechanisms are not fully illustrated. In this study, the possible protective effect of H2S on TNF-α/IFN-γ induced barrier dysfunction was investigated in Caco-2 cell monolayers. METHOD: The barrier function of Caco-2 monolayers was evaluated by measuring trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC-Dextran 4 kDa (FD-4) trans-membrane flux. ZO-1 and Occludin were chosen as markers of the localization of tight junction (TJ) proteins for immunofluorescence. The expression of MLCK and phosphorylation level of myosin light chain (MLC) were measured by immunoblotting. The activation of NF-kB p65 was analyzed by EMSA and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: NaHS at 500 uM significantly attenuated TNF-α/IFN-γ-indueced Caco-2 monolayer barrier injury. The increased expression of MLCK and increased phosphorylation level of MLC induced by TNF-α/IFN-γ was also inhibited significantly by NaHS. Additionally, NaHS inhibited TNF-α/IFN-γ induced activation and nuclear translocation of NF-kB p65. CONCLUSION: The present study reveals the protective effect of H2S on TNF-α and IFN-γ-induced injury of intestinal epithelial barrier function in Caco-2 monolayers and suggests that the suppression of MLCK-P-MLC signaling mediated by NF-kB P65 might be one of the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of H2S.

[Diagnosis and treatment of prostatic malignant mesenchymal tumors: Analysis of 20 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of prostatic malignant mesenchymal tumors (PMMT). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and follow-up data about 20 cases of PMMT and reviewed the literature relevant to the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the disease. RESULTS: Based on the results of pathology and immunohistochemistry, the 20 PMMT cases included leiomyosarcoma (n = 7), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 5), prostatic stromal sarcoma (n = 3), chondrosarcoma (n = 1), and undifferentiated PMMT (n = 4). Twelve of the patients were treated by radical prostatectomy (3 concurrently by sigmoid colostomy and 1 by cystostomy), 2 by pelvic tumor resection following arterial embolization, 1 by total pelvic exenteration, 1 by colostomy with pelvic lymph node biopsy, and 4 by conservative therapy because of metastasis to the lung, pelvis and bone. Of the 20 patients, 9 died of systemic metastasis within 3 months after treatment, 3 died at 6, 7, and 14 months, respectively, 3 survived with tumor for 5, 11, and 12 months, respectively, 2 survived without tumor for 12 and 24 months so far, all subjected to periodic chemotherapy postoperatively, and 3 lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: PMMT is a tumor of high malignancy and rapid progression, for which transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy remains the main diagnostic method. The clinical stage of the tumor is an important factor influencing its prognosis and the survival rate of the patients can be improved by early diagnosis and combined therapy dominated by radical prostatectomy.

Aberrant methylation of the SPARC gene promoter and its clinical implication in gastric cancer.

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) gene has been shown to be epigenetically silenced in several cancers. We investigated the loss of expression and promoter methylation of this tumor suppressor gene in gastric cancers and correlated the data with clinicopathological features. We observed the loss of SPARC mRNA and SPARC protein expression in 7 of 10 (70%) gastric cancer cell lines. Upon treatment of expression-negative cell lines with a demethylating agent, expression of mRNA and protein was restored in all cells. Methylation rate of SPARC gene was 80% in ten gastric cancer cell lines and 74% (163 of 220) in primary tumors, while it was 5% in normal gastric mucosa (n = 40). In intestinal gastric cancer, SPARC methylation correlated with a negative prognosis (P < 0.001; relative risk 2.754, 95% confidence interval 1.780-4.261). Immunostaining revealed that SPARC protein was overexpressed in stromal fibroblasts adjacent to neoplastic epithelium but rarely expressed in the primary gastric cancer cells. These results implicate SPARC promoter methylation as an important factor in the tumorigenesis of gastric carcinomas and provide new insights into the potential use of SPARC as a novel biomarker and the potential clinical importance in human gastric cancers.

A case report of retroperitoneal pararenal Castleman's disease associated with myasthenia gravis.

BACKGROUND: Castleman's disease (CD) is a relatively rare disorder characterized by the benign proliferation of lymphoid tissue. The combination of an occurrence of retroperitoneal pararenal CD with myasthenia gravis (MG) is extremely rare. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was admitted to our hospital for investigation of a retroperitoneal pararenal tumor which had been coincidentally diagnosed at a local hospital where he was admitted because of MG. The patient subsequently underwent an exploratory laparotomy and suffered from postoperative myasthenic crisis. Pathological examination revealed a left retroperitoneal mass of CD (hyaline vascular type). There was no recurrence of disease found after 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: CD with MG is a rare condition. Postoperative myasthenic crisis is a severe complication. The possibility of its occurrence must be in physicians' minds and the risk of postoperative myasthenic crisis must be carefully considered when evaluating MG patients undergoing surgery.

Early changes in brain FDG metabolism during anticancer therapy in patients with pharyngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The current study aimed to evaluate whether therapy-related changes occurred in brain metabolism at an earlier stage during the course of anticancer therapy. METHODS: We recruited 14 non-diabetic male patients with newly diagnosed pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. We analyzed the patients' serial brain FDG PET/CT scans by SPM8 to establish whether any therapy-related changes had occurred in brain FDG metabolism, either during or after the course of therapy. RESULTS: Decreased metabolism was noted during the anticancer therapy, displaying a symmetric pattern involving bilateral basal ganglia and bilateral occipital lobes. The decrease in FDG metabolism in these regions persisted after the anticancer therapy had terminated. However, relative recovery of the metabolism was noted in the bilateral occipital lobes, whereas further deterioration was noted in bilateral basal ganglia. CONCLUSIONS: The current study revealed that unappreciable changes in brain metabolism can occur during the early course of anticancer therapy, and persist even after therapy has terminated. Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, these changes may be related to the systemic effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy as well as subclinical cancer-related depressive or adjustment mood disorder.

Inguinoscrotal hernia of the ureter combined with renal pelvic carcinoma.

Inguinoscrotal herniation of the ureter is a rare finding, with the potential for serious surgical complications. Here we report an extremely rare case of inguinoscrotal hernia of the ureter combined with renal pelvic carcinoma. This 61-year-old man was diagnosed with right renal pelvic tumor, bilateral hydronephrosis with inguinoscrotal hernia of the right ureter, and left ureteral calculus. He was successfully treated with right nephroureterectomy, inguinoscrotal hernia repair, and left ureterolithotomy. Pathologic examinations revealed a high-grade transitional cell carcinoma.

Antitumor effects of human interferon-alpha 2b secreted by recombinant bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine on bladder cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to construct a recombinant bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine (rBCG) that secretes human interferon-alpha 2b (IFNα-2b) and to study its immunogenicity and in vitro antitumor activity against human bladder cancer cell lines T24 and T5637. METHODS: The signal sequence BCG Ag85B and the gene IFNα-2b were amplified from the genome of BCG and human peripheral blood, respectively, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The two genes were cloned in Escherichia coli-BCG shuttle-vector pMV261 to obtain a new recombinant plasmid pMV261-Ag85B-IFNα-2b. BCG was transformed with the recombinant plasmid by electroporation and designated rBCG-IFNα-2b. Mononuclear cells were isolated from human peripheral blood (PBMCs) and stimulated with rBCG-IFNα-2b or wild type BCG for 3 d, and then cultured with human bladder cancer cell lines T24 and T5637. Their cytotoxicities were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. RESULTS: BCG was successfully transformed with the recombinant plasmid pMV261-Ag85B-IFNα-2b by electroporation and the recombinant BCG (rBCG-IFNα-2b) was capable of synthesizing and secreting cytokine IFNα-2b. PBMC proliferation was enhanced significantly by rBCG-IFNα-2b, and the cytotoxicity of PBMCs stimulated by rBCG-IFNα-2b to T24 and T5627 was significantly stronger in comparison to wild type BCG. CONCLUSIONS: A recombinant BCG, secreting human IFNα-2b (rBCG-IFNα-2b), was constructed successfully and was superior to control wild type BCG in inducing immune responses and enhancing cytotoxicity to human bladder cancer cell lines T24 and T5637. This suggests that rBCG-IFNα-2b could be a promising agent for bladder cancer patients in terms of possible reductions in both clinical dosage and side effects of BCG immunotherapy.

Metachronous pulmonary and adrenal metastases after liver transplantation for hepatocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The worldwide experience of surgical resection for isolated metastasis following liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited. METHODS: The case of a 60-year-old patient performed successful surgical management for metachronous pulmonary and adrenal metastases from HCC after LT. RESULTS: Eighty months after LT, he was presently alive and disease-free with a normal AFP value. CONCLUSION: The case is an interesting report on a somehow indolent metastatic spread of HCC after LT. It should be considered that metachronous metastatic resectable disease, with no data of recurrence at the primary site in an operable patient, is an indication to perform a surgical resection.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, an erectile neurotransmitter, improves erectile function more significantly in castrated rats than in normal rats.

OBJECTIVE: • To investigate the regulatory role of androgen in VIP-mediated erectile effect. Androgen is essential for physiological erection. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is an important erectile neurotransmitter. While previous studies demonstrated that VIP expression in the penis was androgen-independent, it remains controversial whether androgen has any effect on VIP-mediated erection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: • Male SD rats were divided into a control group, a castration group, and a castration-with-testosterone-replacement group. Four weeks later, each group was subdivided into low and high-dose VIP subgroups and subjected to intracavernous injection of 0.5 and 2 µg VIP, respectively. • Erectile function was tested by recording intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) before and after VIP injection. • The expressions of the VIP-receptor (VPAC2), G-protein stimulatory and inhibitory alpha subunits (Gs-α, Gi-α), and PDE3A in rat corpus cavernosum (CC) was qualified by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: • Castration reduced erectile function while testosterone restored it. VIP improved erectile function in a dose-dependent manner. • High-dose VIP significantly enhanced erectile function in castrated rats and there was no difference of ICP/MAP among three groups after injection of high-dose VIP. • Low-dose VIP also resulted in a higher improvement of erectile function in castrated rats, although the ICP/MAP was lower in these rats than in the other two groups. VPAC2 and Gs-α were up-regulated while Gi-α and PDE3A were down-regulated in CC of castrated rats. CONCLUSION: • VIP improves erectile function much more significantly in hypogonadal condition, mainly due to the higher expression of VPAC2, Gs-α, and lower expression of Gi-α and PDE3A in CC of castrated rats. Androgen may negatively regulate the erectile effect of VIP.

Surgical therapies of female stress urinary incontinence: experience in 228 cases.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) with Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz (MMK) procedure in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treatment. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-eight patients were enrolled in this study. TVT procedure was performed in 105 cases, MMK procedure was performed in 81 cases, Chi-square test was used, and P < 0.01 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The short-term success rate was about 89% in MMK group. However, the success rate fell to 68.2% at 5 years and 32% at 10 years. The short-term cure rate of TVT procedure was about 90.0%, and the 5-year cure rate was 84.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The short-term cure rate in both groups was similar, but the long-term success rate of the MMK procedure decreased sharply with time. The TVT technique provides long-term cure rates of over 84% with minimal complications. Patients who underwent TVT experienced shorter operation time, less blood loss, and less hospital stay.

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus with dilatation of bilateral renal pelvis, ureter and bladder.

OBJECTIVE: Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) with dilatation of upper urinary tract and bladder is rarely reported. This study evaluated the urological manifestations and treatment results of this rare condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: According to a fluid deprivation test, seven men and two women were diagnosed as NDI, and underwent ultrasonography, magnetic resonance urography, cystography, and urodynamic and laboratory examination. A micturition diary and symptoms were recorded before and during treatment. All patients were given hydrochlorothiazide and followed up with ultrasonography, the postvoiding residual volume (PVR), urinalysis and kidney function tests. RESULTS: All patients presented with polydipsia and polyuria with severe dilatation of upper urinary tract and bladder. Urodynamics showed that the mean values of the bladder capacity, bladder pressure at the end of filling, maximum flow rate (Q(max)), detrusor pressure and PVR were 1056.3 ml, 40.5 cmH(2)O, 30.8 ml/s, 51.3 cmH(2)O, 436.3 ml, respectively. The total urine volume in all patients decreased by more than 50% after administration of hydrochlorothiazide, which improved the symptoms and hydronephrosis in seven cases. The symptoms of other two cases were relieved after treatment with an electric transurethral incision of the bladder neck and a cystostomy. CONCLUSIONS: NDI should be considered in patients with dilatation of the urinary tract and polyuria. Higher bladder pressure at the end of filling may contribute to the dilatation of urinary tract. Normal detrusor contractility with large PVR is a unique manifestation of this condition. Controlling the urine volume and reducing the PVR are of key importance in the treatment of this condition.

[Construction of recombinant bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine secreting human interferon-alpha 2b].

OBJECTIVE: To construct a recombinant bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine (rBCG) secreting human interferon-alpha 2b (IFN alpha-2b). METHODS: BCG Ag85B signal sequence and IFN alpha-2b gene were amplified from the genome of BCG and of human peripheral blood by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. IFN alpha-2b gene was cloned in E. coli-BCG shuttle-vector pMV261 to get pMV261-IFN alpha-2b. A new recombinant plasmid pMV261-IFN alpha-2b was constructed by inserting BCG Ag85B signal sequence into pMV261-Ag85B-IFN alpha-2b. Then, BCG was transformed with this recombinant plasmid by electroporation, and designated as rBCG-IFN alpha-2b. The DNA and protein expressions of IFN alpha-2b gene in rBCG were determined by PCR and Western blot respectively. Also the quantity of IFN alpha-2b protein secreted by rBCG in culture supernatants was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: By partial nucleotide sequencing, the DNA sequences of human IFN alpha-2b and BCG Ag85B were consistent with that in the Gene Bank, and were correctly inserted into the shuttle expression vector pMV261 to construct recombinant plasmid pMV261-Ag85B-IFN alpha-2b. BCG was successfully transformed with this recombinant plasmid by electroporation and the recombinant BCG (rBCG-IFN alpha-2b) was capable of synthesizing and secreting cytokine IFN alpha-2b. The concentration of IFN alpha-2b in culture supernatants was quantified by ELISA and calculated to be approximately 301.45 pg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Recombinant BCG secreting human IFN alpha-2b (rBCG-IFN alpha-2b) was constructed successfully and the specific IFN alpha-2b protein can be expressed highly and steadily by rBCG vaccine.

[Predictive factors for conversion of transurethral resection of the prostate to open prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors for the conversion of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to open prostatectomy and to provide clinical evidence for surgical options. METHODS: From January 1997 to March 2005, we performed 1 086 TURP and made retrospective analyses of 11 risk factors concerning the demographics, clinical history, laboratory data, ultrasound results, and intraoperative complications of the patients. In addition, multivariate logistic regression was used to determine those variables predicting the conversion of TURP. RESULTS: Thirty-nine (3.59%) of the TURP cases required conversion, mostly because of uncontrollable hemorrhage (71.79%). Multivariate analyses showed that a prostate volume > 85.2 ml (OR = 2.568, P < 0.01), intraoperative slit of capsula prostatic (OR = 1.916, P < 0.01) and a second midstream bladder specimen (VB2) white blood cell count of the urine > 13.5/HP (OR = 1.486, P < 0.01) predicted the conversion to open prostatectomy. CONCLUSION: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with a huge prostate and those with intraoperative slit of capsula prostatic undergoing TURP are more likely to be converted. And uncontrollable hemorrhage, huge prostate and poor endoscopic vision are the major reasons for the conversion.

Preventive effect of gelatinizedly-modified chitosan film on peritoneal adhesion of different types.

AIM: To comparatively study the preventive effect of gelatinizedly-modified chitosan film on peritoneal adhesions induced by four different factors in rats. METHODS: Chitosan was chemically modified by gelatinization, and made into films of 60 microm in thickness, and sterilized. Two hundred Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups, Sham-operation group (group A), wound-induced adhesion group (group B), purified talc-induced adhesion group (group C), vascular ligation-induced adhesion group (group D), and infection-induced adhesion group (group E), respectively. In each group, the rats were treated with different adhesion-inducing methods at the cecum of vermiform processes and then were divided into control and experimental subgroups. Serous membrane surface of vermiform processes were covered with the films in the experimental subgroups, and no films were used in the control subgroups. After 2 and 4 wk of treatments, the abdominal cavities were reopened and the adhesive severity was graded blindly according to Bhatia's method. The cecum of vermiform processes were resected for hydroxyproline (OHP) measurement and pathological examination. RESULTS: Adhesion severity and OHP level: After 2 and 4 wk of the treatments, in the experimental subgroups, the adhesions were significantly lighter and the OHP levels were significantly lower than those of the control subgroups in group B (2 wk: 0.199 +/- 0.026 vs 0.285 +/- 0.041 microg/mg pr, P < 0.001; 4 wk: 0.183 +/- 0.034 vs 0.276 +/- 0.03 microg/mg pr, P < 0.001), D (2 wk: 0.216 +/- 0.036 vs 0.274 +/- 0.040 microg/mg pr, P = 0.004; 4 wk: 0.211 +/- 0.044 vs 0.281 +/- 0.047 microg/mg pr, P = 0.003) and E (2 wk: 0.259 +/- 0.039 vs 0.371 +/- 0.040 microg/mg pr, P < 0.001; 4 wk: 0.242 +/- 0.045 vs 0.355 +/- 0.029 microg/mg pr, P < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in groups A (2 wk: 0.141 +/- 0.028 vs 0.137 +/- 0.026 microg/mg pr, P = 0.737; 4 wk: 0.132 +/- 0.031 vs 0.150 +/- 0.035 microg/mg pr, P = 0.225) and C (2 wk: 0.395 +/- 0.044 vs 0.378 +/- 0.043 microg/mg pr, P = 0.387; 4 wk: 0.370 +/- 0.032 vs 0.367 +/- 0.041 microg/mg pr, P = 0.853); Pathological changes: In group B, the main pathological changes were fibroplasias in the treated serous membrane surface and in group D, the fibroplasia was shown in the whole layer of the vermiform processes. In group E, the main pathological changes were acute and chronic suppurative inflammatory reactions. These changes were lighter in the experimental subgroups than those in the control subgroups in the three groups. In group C, the main changes were foreign body giant cell and granuloma reactions and fibroplasias in different degrees, with no apparent differences between the experimental and control subgroups. CONCLUSION: The gelatinizedly-modified chitosan film is effective on preventing peritoneal adhesions induced by wound, ischemia and infection, but the effect is not apparent in foreign body-induced adhesion.

Successful allogeneic stem cell transplantation for an adult with refractory anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expression exists in approximately 60% of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) cases. Compared with the ALK-negative cases, ALK-positive cases are usually characterized by a good response to chemotherapy and a good prognosis. In the relapsed or refractory ALCL cases, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation has been widely used as a salvage therapy. However, 40% of patients who received transplants after more than 2 complete remissions eventually experienced disease progression, despite receiving autologous stem cell transplantation. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation has been proposed as a therapeutic option in refractory ALCL cases, but clinical reports of adult patients are rare. Herein, we report the case of an adult with refractory ALK-positive ALCL who was successfully treated with salvage high-dose chemotherapy followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation.