The Association Between Institutional Case Volume of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a complex, high-risk procedure with significant morbidity and mortality. The positive impact of higher institutional case volume on survival has been reported in various high-risk procedures. The association between annual institutional HSCT case volume and mortality was analyzed using the National Health Insurance Service database. METHODS: Data on 16,213 HSCTs performed in 46 Korean centers between 2007 and 2018 were extracted. Centers were divided into low- or high-volume centers using an average of 25 annual cases as the cut-off. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for 1-year mortality after allogeneic and autologous HSCT were estimated using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: For allogeneic HSCT, low-volume centers (≤25 cases/y) were associated with higher 1-year mortality (adjusted OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04-1.31, P = .008). However, low-volume centers did not show higher 1-year mortality (adjusted OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.89-1.19, P = .709) for autologous HSCT. Long-term mortality after HSCT was significantly worse in low-volume centers (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.17, 95% CI, 1.09-1.25, P < .001 and adjusted HR 1.09, 95% CI, 1.01-1.17, P = .024, allogeneic and autologous HSCT, respectively) compared with high-volume centers. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that higher institutional HSCT case volume seems to be associated with better short- and long-term survival.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham, 1802) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham, 1802) is a serious pest of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) in Europe and the USA. We have determined a 20,124 bp mitogenome of C. obstrictus which includes 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNAs, and a single large non-coding region of 2,773 bp. The base composition was AT-biased (81.4%). Hypothetical ORFs are identified in the control region. Phylogenetic trees present that C. oibstricus is clustered with Alcides juglans (Alcidinae). It also shows polyphyletic manner for two tribes, requiring more mitogenomes to resolve it.

Comparison of titanium and biodegradable miniplates for fixation of mandibular fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to compare the use of biodegradable miniplates and titanium miniplates for the fixation of mandibular fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: BioSorb FX biodegradable plates and screws and titanium miniplates were used in 91 patients (65 males and 26 females; age range 11 to 69 years) for the treatment of mandibular fractures. The clinical and radiographic findings were recorded at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 4.41%. In the biodegradable plate group, infection occurred in 2 cases (4.26%) and was resolved by incision and drainage and antibiotics. In the titanium plate group, infection occurred in 1 case and plate fracture in 1 case (4.56%). The fractured plate was removed, and a new titanium miniplate was applied using a trocar. The infection was resolved with antibiotics. No adverse tissue reactions, malocclusions, or malunions occurred during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results have shown that the rate of morbidity is very low with the use of biodegradable plates and titanium plates, suggesting that biodegradable and titanium plates have the potential for successful use in the fixation of mandibular fractures.