The association between health behaviours and academic performance moderated by trait mindfulness amongst university students: an observational study.

Objectives: To target health communication at less health-conscious groups, evidence on health behaviours' effects on non-health-related outcomes - such as academic performance - is necessary. Recent research has highlighted the associations of various health behaviours on academic performance of university students. However, there is a lack of research investigating the most predominant health behaviours simultaneously and their association with academic performance, as well as the factors that potentially influence the direction or strength of these associations. Therefore, this study investigated (I) which of the predominant health behaviours (physical activity, healthy diet, sleep, sedentary behaviour, alcohol consumption, smoking, drug use) are most associated with academic performance and (II) whether the personal resource of trait mindfulness moderates these associations. Methods: An online survey was conducted amongst university students during the 2021 summer semester. Group differences in academic performance regarding health behaviours were analysed using ANOVA (N = 1,049). A first linear regression model (N = 571), considering all selected health behaviours simultaneously, assessed their association with academic performance. A second model (N = 540) assessed interaction effects of health behaviours and trait mindfulness. Separate regressions assessed each interaction's association with academic performance. Results: Sleep, fruit and vegetable consumption, and gender were significantly associated with academic performance. The second model showed no significant interaction effects. Conclusion: Targeting sleep and fruit and vegetable consumption might be the most promising strategies for elevating students' academic performance, thereby enabling health communication strategies to reach groups driven by performance improvements rather than health benefits.

Functional results after hiatal repair and gastropexy without fundoplication in patients with paraoesophageal hernia.

PURPOSE: Paraoesophageal hernias (PEH) are associated with a high complication rate and often occur in elderly and fragile patients. Surgical gastropexy without fundoplication is an accepted alternative procedure; however, outcomes and functional results are rarely described. Our study aims to evaluate short-term outcomes and the long-term quality of life after gastropexy as treatment for PEH. METHODS: Single center cohort analysis of all consecutive patients who underwent gastropexy for PEH without fundoplication. Postoperative outcomes and functional results were retrospectively collected. Reflux symptoms developed postoperatively were reported using the validated quality of life questionnaire: GERD-Health Related Quality of Life Qestionnaire (GERD-HRQL). RESULTS: Thirty patients (median age: 72 years (65-80)) were included, 40% classified as ASA III. Main PEH symptoms were reflux (63%), abdominal/thoracic pain (47%), pyrosis (33%), anorexia (30%), and food blockage (26%). Twenty-six laparoscopies were performed (86%). Major complications (III-IVb) occurred in 9 patients (30%). Seven patients (23%) had PEH recurrence, all re-operated, performing a new gastropexy. Median follow-up was 38 (17-50) months. Twenty-two patients (75%) reported symptoms resolution with median GERD-HRQL scale of 4 (1-6). 72% (n = 21) reported operation satisfaction. GERD-HRQL was comparable between patients who were re-operated for recurrence and others: 5 (2-19) versus 3 (0-6), p = 0.100. CONCLUSION: Gastropexy without fundoplication was performed by laparoscopy in most cases with acceptable complications rates. Two-thirds of patients reported symptoms resolution, and long-term quality-of-live associated to reflux symptoms is good. Although the rate of PEH recurrence requiring a new re-intervention remained increased (23%), it does not seem to affect long-term functional results.

Sex-related differences in oncologic outcomes, operative complications and health-related quality of life after curative-intent oesophageal cancer treatment: multicentre retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Oesophageal cancer, in particular adenocarcinoma, has a strong male predominance. However, the impact of patient sex on operative and oncologic outcomes and recovery of health-related quality of life is poorly documented, and was the focus of this large multicentre cohort study. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent oncological oesophagectomy from 2009 to 2015 in the 20 European iNvestigation of SUrveillance after Resection for Esophageal cancer study group centres were assessed. Clinicopathologic variables, therapeutic approach, postoperative complications, survival and health-related quality of life data were compared between male and female patients. Multivariable analyses adjusted for age, sex, tumour histology, treatment protocol and major complications. Specific subgroup analyses comparing adenocarcinoma versus squamous cell cancer for all key outcomes were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 3974 patients were analysed, 3083 (77.6%) male and 891 (22.4%) female; adenocarcinoma was predominant in both groups, while squamous cell cancer was observed more commonly in female patients (39.8% versus 15.1%, P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated improved outcomes in female patients for overall survival (HRmales 1.24, 95% c.i. 1.07 to 1.44) and disease-free survival (HRmales 1.22, 95% c.i. 1.05 to 1.43), which was caused by the adenocarcinoma subgroup, whereas this difference was not confirmed in squamous cell cancer. Male patients presented higher health-related quality of life functional scores but also a higher risk of financial problems, while female patients had lower overall summary scores and more persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study reveals uniquely that female sex is associated with more favourable long-term survival after curative treatment for oesophageal cancer, especially adenocarcinoma, although long-term overall and gastrointestinal health-related quality of life are poorer in women.

Low-Dose Radiation Yields Lower Rates of Pathologic Response in Esophageal Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Although neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) followed by surgery is standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (E/GEJ) cancer, the optimal radiation dose is still under debate. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of different preoperative radiation doses (41.4 Gy, 45 Gy or 50.4 Gy) on pathologic response and survival in E/GEJ cancer patients. METHODS: All consecutive patients with E/GEJ tumors, treated with curative intent between January 2009 and December 2016 in two referral centers were divided into three groups (41.4 Gy, 45 Gy and 50.4 Gy) according to the dose of preoperative radiotherapy. Pathologic complete response (pCR) rates, postoperative morbidity, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared among the three groups, with separate analyses for adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). RESULTS: From the 326 patients analyzed, 48 were included in the 41.4 Gy group (14.7%), 171 in the 45 Gy group (52.5%) and 107 in the 50.4 Gy group (32.8%). Postoperative complication rates were comparable (p = 0.399). A pCR was observed in 15%, 30%, and 34% of patients in the 41.4 Gy, 45 Gy and 50.4 Gy groups, respectively (p = 0.047). A 50.4 Gy dose was independently associated with pCR (odds ratio 2.78, 95% confidence interval 1.10-7.99) in multivariate analysis. Within AC patients, pCR was observed in 6.2% of patients in the 41.4 Gy group, 29.2% of patients in the 45 Gy group, and 22.7% of patients in the 50.4 Gy group (p = 0.035). No OS or DFS differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A pCR was less common after a preoperative radiation dose of 41.4 Gy in AC patients. Radiation dose had no impact on postoperative morbidity, long-term survival, and recurrence.

Prospective evaluation of MR-TRG (Tumor Regression Grade) in esophageal cancer after neo-adjuvant therapy: Preliminary results.

PURPOSE: To develop MRI-based criteria to assess tumor response to neoadjuvant therapies (NAT) of esophageal cancers (EC) and to evaluate its diagnostic performance in predicting the pathological Tumor Regression Grade (pTRG). METHOD: From 2018 to 2022, patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced EC underwent MRI examinations for initial staging and restaging after NAT. Magnetic Resonance TRG (MR-TRG), equivalent to the Mandard and Becker classifications, were developed and independently assessed by two radiologists, blinded to pTRG, using T2W and DW-MR Images. All patients underwent surgery and benefited from a blinded pTRG evaluation by two pathologists. The agreement between readers and between MR-TRG and pTRG were assessed with Cohen's Kappa. The correlation of MR-TRG and pTRG was determined using Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: 28 patients were included. Interrater agreement was substantial between radiologists, improved when grouping grade 1 and 2 (κ = 0.78 rose to 0,84 for Mandard and 0.68 to 0,78 for Becker score). Agreement between pTRG and MR-TRG was moderate with a percentaged agreement (p) = 87.5 %, kappa (κ) = 0.54 and p = 83.3 %, κ = 0.49 for Mandard and Becker, respectively. Agreement was improved to substantial when grouping grades 1-2 for Mandard and 1a-1b for Becker with p = 89.3 %, κ = 0.65 and p = 85.2 %, κ = 0.65 respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of MR-TRG in predicting pTRG were 88.2 % and 72.7 % for Mandard system (scores 1-2 versus 3-5), and 83.3 % and 80 % for Becker system (scores 1a-1b versus 2-3). CONCLUSION: A substantial agreement between MR-TRG and pTRG was achieved when grouping grade 1-2. Hence, MR-TRG could be used as a surrogate of complete and near-complete pTRG.

Cigarette Smoking, Risky Alcohol Consumption, and Marijuana Smoking among University Students in Germany: Identification of Potential Sociodemographic and Study-Related Risk Groups and Predictors of Consumption.

(1) Background: Cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption, and marijuana smoking are the most common behaviors related to legal and illicit drug use worldwide, including among university students. To plan effective evidence-based programs to prevent the risky consumption of these substances among university students, the present study aimed to identify potential sociodemographic and study-related risk groups and predictors of consumption. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional online health survey with approximately 270 health-related items was conducted among students at the University of Mainz, Germany. Cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C score: female ≥ 4, male ≥ 5), and marijuana smoking were chosen as dependent variables. Of the 270 health-related items, 56 were chosen as independent variables and collated into five groups (sociodemographic, psychological, study-related psychosocial, general psychosocial and health behavior). The prevalence of cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption, and marijuana smoking was assessed using established and validated instruments. Pearson's chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in prevalence between the sociodemographic and study-related groups, and binary logistic regression was used for analyses with stepwise inclusion of the five variable groups. (3) Results: Of the 3991 university students who entered the analyses, 14.9% reported smoking cigarettes, 38.6% reported risky alcohol consumption, and 10.9% reported smoking marijuana. The prevalence of these differed between genders, fields of study, and aspired degree level, among other factors. Binary logistic regression analyses revealed nine significant predictors (p ≤ 0.05) of cigarette smoking (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.314), 18 significant predictors of risky alcohol consumption (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.270), and 16 significant predictors of marijuana smoking (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.239). (4) Conclusions: This study showed cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption, and marijuana smoking among university students in Germany to be associated with multiple factors, especially health behaviors. Furthermore, each of the substances was highly associated with each of the two other substances we examined. Other variable groups, such as psychological or psychosocial variables, seemed to play a rather minor role. Therefore, our recommendation for future prevention programs is that substance use among university students should be addressed as a whole, not just in terms of specific substances.

Impact of preoperative statin medication on long-term outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma: an international multicentric cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Statin treatment has been shown in certain population studies and meta-analyses to improve survival of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This study assessed if patients with statin treatment had better overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after upfront pancreatoduodenectomy for PDAC. METHODS: Consecutive PDAC patients were retrospectively collected from three centers in Europe and USA (study period: 2000-2017). Adult patients who underwent upfront pancreatoduodenectomy and survived the first 90 postoperative days were included. Patients with metastasis at diagnosis or with macroscopic incomplete resection were excluded. Patients were considered under statin if started at least one month before pancreatoduodenectomy. Survival rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier method and compared with log-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 496 patients were included. Median age was 67 years (IQR 59-75), 48% (n = 236) were women, and 141 patients (28%) received statin treatment already preoperatively. Patients with and without statin treatment were comparable in terms of demographics and pre-/intraoperative characteristics, except for age and pre-existing diabetes. Median OS and DFS were similar in patients with and without statin treatment (OS: 29, 95% CI 22-36 vs. 27 months, 95% CI 22-32, p = 0.370, DFS: 18, 95% CI 14-22 vs. 16 months, 95% CI 14-18, p = 0.430). On multivariable Cox regression, lymph node involvement (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.6-2.2, p < 0.001), tumor differentiation (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6, p = 0.003), and postoperative chemotherapy (HR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4-0.7, p < 0.001) were predictors of OS, whereas statin treatment was not a prognostic factor (HR 0.9, 95% CI 0.7-1.2, p = 0.376). CONCLUSION: In this international cohort of PDAC patients, statin treatment did not influence survival after upfront pancreatoduodenectomy. Nodal involvement, tumor differentiation, and postoperative chemotherapy were independent predictors of OS.

Functional, biological, and radiological evaluation of the pancreaticojejunal anastomosis 1 year after pancreatoduodenectomy: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: This prospective study aimed to analyze the functional, biological, and radiological aspects of the pancreatic anastomosis 1 year after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: From 2016 to 2019, patients with PD indication were screened. Questionnaires about pancreas insufficiency, fecal elastase tests, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed before and 1 year after PD. RESULTS: Twenty patients were prospectively included. The only difference between pre- and postoperative questionnaires was constipation (less frequent 1 year after PD). Median pre- and postoperative fecal elastase levels were 96 µg/g (IQR 15-196, normal value > 200) and 15 µg/g (IQR 15-26, p = 0.042). There were no significant differences in terms of main pancreatic duct (MPD) size (4, IQR 3-5 vs. 4 mm, IQR 3-5, p = 0.892), border regularity, stenosis, visibility, image improvement, and secondary pancreatic duct dilation before and after secretin injection. All patients but one (2 refused and 2 were lost to follow-up, 15/16, 94%) had a patent pancreaticojejunal anastomosis on 1-year MRI. CONCLUSION: Although median 1-year fecal elastase was significantly lower than preoperatively, suggesting that exocrine secretion was altered, the anatomical outcome as assessed by MRI was excellent showing high patency rate (15/16, 94%) at 1 year. This emphasizes the difference between anatomy and function.

Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Versus Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Locally Advanced Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in the European Multicenter ENSURE Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare clinicopathologic, oncologic, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) outcomes following neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) and chemotherapy (nCT) in the ENSURE international multicenter study. BACKGROUND: nCT and nCRT are the standards of care for locally advanced esophageal cancer (LAEC) treated with curative intent. However, no published randomized controlled trial to date has demonstrated the superiority of either approach. METHODS: ENSURE is an international multicenter study of consecutive patients undergoing surgery for LAEC (2009-2015) across 20 high-volume centers (NCT03461341). The primary outcome measure was overall survival (OS), secondary outcomes included histopathologic response, recurrence pattern, oncologic outcome, and HRQL in survivorship. RESULTS: A total of 2211 patients were studied (48% nCT, 52% nCRT). pCR was observed in 4.9% and 14.7% ( P <0.001), with R0 in 78.2% and 94.2% ( P <0.001) post nCT and nCRT, respectively. Postoperative morbidity was equivalent, but in-hospital mortality was independently increased [hazard ratio (HR)=2.73, 95% CI: 1.43-5.21, P= 0.002] following nCRT versus nCT. Probability of local recurrence was reduced (odds ratio=0.71, 95% CI: 0.54-0.93, P =0.012), and distant recurrence-free survival time reduced (HR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.02-1.37, P =0.023) after nCRT versus nCT, with no difference in OS among all patients (HR=1.10, 95% CI: 0.98-1.25, P =0.113). On subgroup analysis, patients who underwent R0 resection following nCT as compared with nCRT had improved OS (median: 60.7 months, 95% CI: 49.5-71.8 vs 40.8 months, 95% CI: 42.8-53.4, P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this European multicenter study, nCRT compared with nCT was associated with reduced probability of local recurrence but reduced distant recurrence-free survival for patients with LAEC, without differences in OS. These data support tailored patient-specific decision-making in the overall approach to achieving optimum outcomes in LAEC.

Impact of positive microscopic resection margins (R1) after gastrectomy in diffuse-type gastric cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Diffuse-type gastric cancer (DTGC) is associated with poor outcome. Surgical resection margin status (R) is an important prognostic factor, but its exact impact on DTGC patients remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of microscopically positive margins (R1) after gastrectomy on survival and tumour recurrence in DTGC patients. METHODS: All consecutive DTGC patients from two tertiary centers who underwent curative oncologic gastrectomy from 2005 to 2018 were analyzed. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) for R0 versus R1 patients. Secondary endpoints included disease-free survival (DFS), recurrence patterns as well as the overall survival benefit of chemotherapy in this DTGC patient cohort. RESULTS: Overall, 108 patients were analysed, 88 with R0 and 20 with R1 resection. Patients with negative lymph nodes and negative margins (pN0R0) had the best OS (median 102 months, 95% CI 1-207), whereas pN + R0 patients had better median OS than pN + R1 patients (36 months 95% CI 13-59, versus 7 months, 95% CI 1-13, p < 0.001). Similar findings were observed for DFS. Perioperative chemotherapy offered a median OS of 46 months (95% CI 24-68) versus 9 months (95% CI 1-25) after upfront surgery (p = 0.022). R1 patients presented more often early recurrence (< 12 postoperative months, 30% vs 8%, p = 0.002), however, no differences were observed in recurrence location. CONCLUSION: DTGC patients with microscopically positive margins (R1) presented poorer OS and DFS, and early tumour recurrence in the present series. R0 resection should be obtained whenever possible, even if other adverse biological features are present.

A Comprehensive Review of Prognostic Factors in Patients with Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

Gastric adenocarcinoma remains associated with a poor long-term survival, despite recent therapeutical advances. In most parts of the world where systematic screening programs do not exist, diagnosis is often made at advanced stages, affecting long-term prognosis. In recent years, there is increasing evidence that a large bundle of factors, ranging from the tumor microenvironment to patient ethnicity and variations in therapeutic strategy, play an important role in patient outcome. A more thorough understanding of these multi-faceted parameters is needed in order to provide a better assessment of long-term prognosis in these patients, which probably also require the refinement of current staging systems. This study aims to review existing knowledge on the clinical, biomolecular and treatment-related parameters that have some prognostic value in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma.

Assessment of the Predictive Value of Preoperative Serum Albumin and Postoperative Albumin Drop (ΔAlb) for Complications after Pancreas Surgery: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Serum albumin has been shown to be predictive of complications after various gastrointestinal operations. The present study aimed to assess whether preoperative serum albumin and serum albumin drop on postoperative day 1 are associated with postoperative complications after pancreatic surgery. METHODS: A single-center cross-sectional study was performed. All patients who underwent pancreatectomy between January 2010 and June 2019 and had preoperative serum albumin value and serum albumin value on postoperative day 1 were included. ΔAlb was defined as the difference between preoperative serum albumin and serum albumin on postoperative day 1. Binary logistic regressions were performed to determine independent predictors of postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 185 patients were included. Pancreatoduodenectomies were performed in 133 cases, left pancreatectomies in 36, and other pancreas operations in 16. The preoperative serum albumin value was found to be an independent predictor of complications (OR 0.9, 95%CI 0.9-1.0, p = 0.041), whereas ΔAlb was not significantly associated with postoperative complications (OR 1.0, 95%CI 0.9-1.1, p = 0.787). The threshold of 44.5 g/L for preoperative albumin level was found to have the highest combined sensitivity and specificity based on the maximum Youden index. Patients with preoperative albumin < 44.5 g/L had a higher incidence of postoperative complications and higher median comprehensive complication index than patients with preoperative albumin ≥ 44.5 g/L. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted that preoperative serum albumin is an independent predictor of postoperative complications after pancreas surgery.

Preoperative hiatal hernia in esophageal adenocarcinoma; does it have an impact on patient outcomes?

BACKGROUND: The impact of hiatal hernia (HH) on oncologic outcomes of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of pre-existing HH (≥3 cm) on histologic response after neoadjuvant treatment (NAT), overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). METHODS: All consecutive patients with oncological esophagectomy for AC from 2012 to 2018 in our center were eligible for assessment. Categorical variables were compared with the X2 or Fisher's test, continuous ones with the Mann-Whitney-U test, and survival with the Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test. RESULTS: Overall, 101 patients were included; 33 (32.7%) had a pre-existing HH. There were no baseline differences between HH and non-HH patients. NAT was used in 81.8% HH and 80.9% non-HH patients (p = 0.910), most often chemoradiation (63.6% and 57.4% respectively, p = 0.423). Good response to NAT (TRG 1-2) was observed in 36.4% of HH versus 32.4% of non-HH patients (p = 0.297), whereas R0 resection was achieved in 90.9% versus 94.1% respectively (p = 0.551). Three-year OS was comparable for the two groups (52.4% in HH, 56.5% in non-HH patients, p = 0.765), as was 3-year DFS (32.7% for HH versus 45.6% for non-HH patients, p = 0.283). CONCLUSION: HH ≥ 3 cm are common in patients with esophageal AC, concerning 32.7% of all patients in this series. However, its presence was neither associated with more advanced disease upon diagnosis, worse response to NAT, nor overall and disease-free survival. Therefore, such HH should not be considered as risk factor that negatively affects oncological outcome after multimodal treatment of esophageal AC.

Impact of Variations in the Nursing Care Supply-Demand Ratio on Postoperative Outcomes and Costs.

INTRODUCTION: Improving surgical outcomes is a priority during the last decades because of the rising economic health care burden. The adoption of enhanced recovery programs has been proven to be part of the solution. In this context, the impact of variations in the nursing care supply-demand ratio on postoperative complications and its economic consequences is still not well elucidated. Because patients require different amounts of care, the present study focused on the more accurate relationship between demand and supply of nursing care rather than the nurse-to-patient ratio. METHODS: Through a 3-year period, 838 patients undergoing elective and emergent colorectal and pancreatic surgery within the institutional enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol were retrospectively investigated. Nursing demand and supply estimations were calculated using a validated program called the Projet de Recherche en Nursing (PRN), which assigns points to each patient according to the nursing care they need ( estimated PRN) and the actual care they received ( real PRN), respectively. The real/estimated PRN ratio was used to create 2 patient groups: one with a PRN ratio higher than the mean (PRN+) and a second with a PRN ratio below the mean (PRN-). These 2 groups were compared regarding their postoperative complication rates and cost-revenue characteristics. RESULTS: The mean PRN ratio was 0.81. A total of 710 patients (84.7%) had a PRN+ ratio, and 128 (15.3%) had a PRN- ratio. Multivariable analysis focusing on overall complications, severe complications, and prolonged length of stay revealed no significant impact of the PRN ratio for all outcomes ( P > 0.2). The group PRN- had a mean margin per patient of U.S. dollars 1426 (95% confidence interval, 3 to 2903) compared with a margin of U.S. dollars 676 (95% confidence interval, -2213 to 3550) in the PRN+ group ( P = 0.633). CONCLUSIONS: A PRN ratio of 0.8 may be sufficient for patients treated following enhanced recovery after surgery guidelines, pending the adoption of an accurate nursing planning system. This may contribute to better allocation of nursing resources and optimization of expenses on the long run.

Comparison of integrin αvß3 expression with 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET/CT and glucose metabolism with 18F-FDG PET/CT in esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancers.

BACKGROUND: The primary aims of this study were to compare in patients with esophageal or esophagogastric junction cancers the potential of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET/CT with that of 18F-FDG PET/CT regarding tumoral uptake and distribution, as well as histopathologic examination. METHODS: Ten 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD and ten 18F-FDG PET/CT were performed in nine prospectively included participants (1 woman; aged 58 ± 8.4 y, range 40-69 y). Maximum SUV (SUVmax) and metabolic tumor volumes (MTV) were calculated. The Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation analysis (ρ) were used. RESULTS: 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET/CT detected positive uptake in 10 primary sites (8 for primary tumors and 2 for local relapse suspicion), 6 lymph nodes and 3 skeletal sites. 18F-FDG PET/CT detected positive uptake in the same sites but also in 16 additional lymph nodes and 1 adrenal gland. On a lesion-based analysis, SUVmax of 18F-FDG was significantly higher than those of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD (4.9 [3.7-11.3] vs. 3.2 [2.6-4.2] g/mL, p = 0.014). Only one participant showed a higher SUVmax in an osseous metastasis with 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD as compared to 18F-FDG (6.6 vs. 3.9 g/mL). Correlation analysis showed positive correlation between 18F-FDG and 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET parameters (ρ = 0.56, p = 0.012 for SUVmax, ρ = 0.78, p < 0.001 for lesion-to-background ratios and ρ = 0.58, p = 0.024 for MTV). We observed that 18F-FDG uptake was homogenous inside all the confirmed primary sites (n = 9). In contrast, 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET showed more heterogenous uptake in 6 out of the 9 confirmed primary sites (67%), seen mostly in the periphery of the tumor in 5 out of the 9 confirmed primary sites (56%), and showed slight extensions into perilesional structures in 5 out of the 9 confirmed primary sites (56%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD has lower potential in the detection of esophageal or esophagogastric junction malignancies compared to 18F-FDG. However, the results suggest that PET imaging of integrin αvß3 expression may provide complementary information and could aid in tumor diversity and delineation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration: NCT02666547. Registered January 28, 2016-Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02666547 .

Drain Versus No Drain in Open Mesh Repair for Incisional Hernia, Results of a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Open mesh repair of incisional hernia is associated with different local complications, particularly bleeding and seroma formation. Traditionally, drains have been placed perioperatively to prevent these complications, despite the lack of scientific evidence or expert consensus. We formulated the hypothesis that the absence of drainage would reduce number of patients presenting collections or complications. The present study aimed to compare postoperative complication rates after open mesh repair for incisional hernia with or without prophylactic wound drainage. METHODS: Prospective randomized study using standardized surgical technique and drain placement. The primary endpoint was the evaluation of residual fluid collection with ultrasound on postoperative day 30. Other complications, subdivided into medical and surgical, were analyzed as secondary endpoints. RESULTS: There were 144 patients randomized (70 with drain, 74 without drain). No difference was identified between both groups for fluid collection at 30 days (60.3% vs. 62%, p = 0.844). However, less surgical complications were identified in the drain group (21.7% vs. 42.7%, p = 0.007), with a lower wound dehiscence rate (1.5% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic drainage in open incisional hernia repair does not objectively reduce the rate of postoperative fluid collections. Therefore, our results do not support the use of routine drainage in incisional hernia repair. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00478348).

International assessment and validation of the prognostic role of lymph node ratio in patients with resected pancreatic head ductal adenocarcinoma.

Background: Lymph node ratio (LNR; positive/harvested lymph nodes) was identified as overall survival predictor in several cancers, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma. It remains unclear if LNR is predictive of overall survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients staged pN2. This study assessed the prognostic overall survival role of LNR in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients in relation with lymph node involvement. Methods: A retrospective international study in six different centers (Europe and United States) was performed. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy from 2000 to 2017 were included. Patients with neoadjuvant treatment, metastases, R2 resections, or missing data regarding nodal status were excluded. Survival curves were calculated using Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank test. Multivariable Cox regressions were performed to find independent overall survival predictors adjusted for potential confounders. Results: A total of 1,327 patients were included. Lymph node involvement (pN+) was found in 1,026 patients (77%), 561 pN1 (55%) and 465 pN2 (45%). Median LNR in pN+ patients was 0.214 [interquartile range (IQR): 0.105-0.364]. On multivariable analysis, LNR was the strongest overall survival predictor in the entire cohort [hazard ratio (HR) =5.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.1-9.9; P<0.001] and pN+ patients (HR =3.8; 95% CI: 2.2-6.6; P<0.001). Median overall survival was better in patients with LNR <0.225 compared to patients with LNR ≥0.225 in the entire cohort and pN+ patients. Similar results were found in pN2 patients (worse overall survival when LNR ≥0.225). Conclusions: LNR appeared as an important prognostic factor in patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma and permitted to stratify overall survival in pN2 patients. LNR should be routinely used in complement to tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage to better predict patient prognosis.

Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy versus Chemotherapy for Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma; Which Is the Optimal Treatment Option?

Background: Locally advanced gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJ) is treated with either perioperative chemotherapy (CT) or preoperative radiochemotherapy (RCT) followed by surgery. The aim of this study was to compare pathologic response and long-term outcomes in junction adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant RCT versus CT. Methods: All patients with locally advanced GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) followed by surgery between 2009 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 94 patients were included, 67 (71.2%) RCT and 27 (28.8%) CT. Complete pathologic response was more frequent in RCT patients (13.4% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.009) with a trend to better lymph node control (ypN0) (55.2% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.057). RCT offered no benefit in R0 resection (66.7% vs. 72.1% CT, p = 0.628) and was related to higher postoperative cardiovascular complications (35.8% vs. 11.1%; p = 0.017). Long-term overall and disease-free survival were similar (5-year OS 61.1% RCT vs. 75.7% CT, p = 0.259; 5-year DFS 33.5% RCT vs. 22.8% CT; p = 0.763). NAT type was neither independently associated with pathologic response nor long-term survival. Discussion: Patients with locally advanced GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with RCT had more postoperative cardiovascular complications but higher rates of complete pathologic response and a trend to superior locoregional lymph node control. This did not translate in a survival or recurrence benefit.