EBUS-TBLC increase the diagnosis rate in different type of peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Background and objective: Recently, endobronchial ultrasonography with guide sheath-guided (EBUS-GS) has been increasingly used in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) from human natural orifice. However, the diagnostic rate is still largely dependent on the location of the lesion and the probe. Here, we reported a new procedure to improve the diagnostic rate of EBUS-transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (EBUS-TBLC), which performed under general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in all of the patients. This study retrospectively evaluated the diagnosis of PPLs with 'blind-ending' type (Type I) and 'pass-through' type procedures (Type II) of EBUS-GS-TBLB or EBUS-TBLC respectively. Methods: Retrospective review of 136 cases performed by EBUS-GS-TBLB or EBUS-TBLC for PPLs over 2 years. Results: A total of 126 cases EBUS-GS-TBLB or EBUS-TBLC were performed during the study period. Among them, 66 (52.4%) were performed Type I and 60 (47.6%) were performed Type II. Clinical baseline characteristics did not differ between two groups. The overall diagnosis rate of 126 patients with EBUS-GS-TBLB or EBUS-TBLC was 73% (92/126), and different method type have significant influence on the diagnostic yield (P = 0.012, x2 = 4.699). Among them, diagnostic yields for Type I with forceps biopsy (n=34), Type I with cryobiopsy (n=32), Type II with forceps biopsy (n=30), and Type II with cryobiopsy (n=30) were 72.5%, 64.5%, 70.4% and 74.2% respectively (Figure 2A). The study further compared the outcomes of different procedures in concentric and eccentric lesion. Diagnostic yields for Type I with eccentric (n=30), Type I with concentric (n=36), Type II with eccentric (n=34), and Type II with concentric (n=26) were 58.2%, 76.9%, 60.2% and 74.8%, respectively (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications in 126 patients was 2.6%. Conclusion: EBUS-GS-TBLB and EBUS-TBLC both are very safe and highly diagnostic technique; different method types have significant influence on the diagnostic yield. Moreover, Type II procedure has higher diagnostic yield. In addition, Type I with eccentric had the lowest diagnosis yield.

Mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiota affects gastrointestinal tumours and therapeutic effects.

The intestinal microbiota is considered to be a forgotten organ in human health and disease. It maintains intestinal homeostasis through various complex mechanisms. A significant body of research has demonstrated notable differences in the gut microbiota of patients with gastrointestinal tumours compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, the dysregulation of gut microbiota, metabolites produced by gut bacteria, and related signal pathways can partially explain the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and development of gastrointestinal tumours. Therefore, this article summarizes the latest research progress on the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal tumours. Firstly, we provide an overview of the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota and discuss the mechanisms by which the intestinal flora directly or indirectly affects the occurrence and development of gastrointestinal tumours by regulating the immune system, producing bacterial toxins, secreting metabolites. Secondly, we present a detailed analysis of the differences of intestinal microbiota and its pathogenic mechanisms in colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, etc. Lastly, in terms of treatment strategies, we discuss the effects of the intestinal microbiota on the efficacy and toxic side effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy and address the role of probiotics, prebiotics, FMT and antibiotic in the treatment of gastrointestinal tumours. In summary, this article provides a comprehensive review of the pathogenic mechanisms of and treatment strategies pertaining to the intestinal microbiota in patients with gastrointestinal tumours. And provide a more comprehensive and precise scientific basis for the development of microbiota-based treatments for gastrointestinal tumours and the prevention of such tumours.

SSR4 as a prognostic biomarker and related with immune infiltration cells in colon adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Signal sequence receptor subunit delta (SSR4) gene is reported to encode the translocon-associated protein δ and related with the human immune regulation. However, the expression of SSR4 in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and its correlation with clinical treatment remains unclear. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: SSR4 mRNA expression level and its relationship with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in COAD were evaluated through several databases. Furthermore, the study collected 238 cases of COAD tissue samples to detect the association of SSR4 protein expression level in TILs with clinical pathological information, and the prognosis of COAD. RESULTS: SSR4 mRNA was significantly highly expressed in COAD tissues and significantly correlated with several types of TILs in COAD. Moreover, SSR4 highly expressed in many types of TILs, especially highly expressed in plasma cell from COAD patients with advanced TNM stage. High SSR4 protein expression in TILs was associated with lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging, and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) efficacy. COAD patients with high SSR4 expression in TILs had better overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, high SSR4 mRNA and protein expression in TILs can be used as a prognostic biomarker for predicting better overall survival and treatment efficacy in COAD patients.

Multivariable analysis of factors associated with hospital readmission following pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignant diseases.

BACKGROUND: Readmission rates after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for malignant diseases have a significant impact on survival rate. Identification of risk factors for readmission may improve discharge plans and postoperative care. Data exist on the morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing PD, but there are few reports about hospital readmissions after this procedure. Our aims were to evaluate the proportion and reasons for readmissions after PD for malignant diseases, the factors influencing readmissions, and to analyze the relationship between readmission rate and survival rate. METHODS: Four hundred and thirty-six patients, who had undergone PD for malignant diseases in our centre from October 1999 to October 2009, a 10-year period, excluding perioperative (30-day) mortality, were identified. All readmissions within 1 year following PD were analyzed with respect to timing, location, reasons for readmission and outcome. We reviewed the hospitalization and readmissions for patients undergoing PD, and compared patients requiring readmission to patients that did not require readmission. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-five patients (33.26%) were readmitted within 1 year following PD, for further treatment or complications. In those cases, diagnoses associated with high rates of readmission included radiation and/or chemotherapy (48.96%), progression of disease (11.72%), infection (11.72%), gastrointestinal dysfunction/obstruction (6.20%), surgery-related complications (2.76%) and pain (4.14%). The proportion of T4 in readmission group was lower than no readmission group (P < 0.05). The proportion of node positive cases in readmission group was much higher than no readmission group (P < 0.01). The number of readmission for complications reduced gradually in the first three months, and reached a second peak in the sixth and seventh month. Median survival was lower for the readmission group compared with the no readmission group (21 versus 46 months, P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: These results may assist in both anticipating and facilitating postoperative care as well as managing patient expectations.