[Clinicopathological features of autoimmune gastritis].

Objective: To study the clinicopathological characteristics and pathologic diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis. Methods: Fourteen biopsies of autoimmune gastritis were collected from January 2018 to March 2019 at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital. Their clinical data, histological features and immunohistochemical (IHC) results were analyzed, with review of relevant literature. Results: All 14 patients' ages ranged from 41 to 79 years (mean 55 years). There were 12 females and 2 males. All patients had non-specific symptoms, but they all had positive serum anti-parietal cell antibody and/or anti-intrinsic factor antibody. Seven patients had variable degree of anemia. Two patients had concomitant H. pylori infection. Two patients presented with multiple protruding polyps in corpus/fundus, 0.2 to 0.9 cm in diameter, or multiple large lobulated and broad based polyps (0.8 to 3.5 cm in diameters). The former cases were diagnosed as type 1 neuroendocrine tumors, the latter were multiple hyperplastic polyps. Microscopically, autoimmune gastritis showed typical morphology, characterized by diffuse corpus-restricted atrophic gastritis with variable proportions of intestinal metaplasia, or pseudopyloric metaplasia, pancreatic, acinar metaplasia, foveolar hyperplasia and hyperplasia of the endocrine-like cells (ECL cells). Hyperplasia of ECL cells often needed IHC staining to confirm. CgA/Syn IHC stain highlighted linear and micronodular ECL cell hyperplasia. In the absence of concurrent or past H. pylori infection, the antrum was usually normal. Gastrin IHC stain showed hyperplasia of gastrin-producing cells (G cells) in the antrum. Two cases were in the early phase, six were in florid phase, and six were end phase. Conclusions: Most patients of autoimmune gastritis have non-specific symptoms or are asymptomatic and show various endoscopic findings. There are three histologic phases of autoimmune gastritis. Recognition of this entity would be beneficial for pathologists to avoid misdiagnosis. Pathologists can make preferred diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis depending on the histologic clues and prompt appropriate and timely management for the patients.

[Clinicopathologic features of myxoid adrenocortical adenomas].

Objective: To study the clinicopathologic characteristics, immunophenotype, pathologic diagnosis and differential diagnosis of myxoid adrenocortical adenomas. Methods: The clinical data, histological features and immunohistochemical results of 4 cases of myxoid adrenocortical adenomas were analyzed, which were collected from January 2014 to December 2016 at Guangdong General Hospital, with review of literature. Results: Four cases of myxoid adrenocortical adenomas were presented. The patients ages ranged from 26 to 45 years (mean =35 years). Microscopically, it showed a typical morphology, characterized by small-sized tumor cell cords or pseudo-glands embedded in an abundant extracellular myxoid matrix. Immunohistochemical staining showed tumor cells were strongly positive for Melan A, vimentin and focally for α-inhibin, one case showed strong and diffuse positivity for CAM5.2, and two cases showed diffuse positivity for synaptophysin, while negative for CgA, S-100 protein, epithelial antigen, CK7, CK20 and CKpan. Conclusions: Myxoid adrenocortical adenomas are extremely rare, which may cause confusion with metastatic well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours, sex cord-stromal tumoursor metanephric adenoma. Recognition of this entity would be beneficial for pathologists to avoid misdiagnosis, and unnecessary treatment.

Global availability of parenteral nutrition: Pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic surveys.

OBJECTIVE: Parenteral nutrition represents a therapeutic option for patients with type 3 intestinal failure. If used exclusively, parenteral nutrition has to be complete to provide all essential nutrients. The aim was to assess the availability of parenteral nutrition in all parts of the world, to better comprehend the global situation, and to prepare an action plan to increase access to parenteral nutrition. METHODS: An international survey using an electronic questionnaire was conducted in August 2019 and repeated in May 2022. An electronic questionnaire was sent to 52 members or affiliates of the International Clinical Nutrition Section of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Questions addressed the availability of parenteral nutrition admixtures and their components, reimbursement, and prescribing pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic. All participating countries were categorized by their economic status. RESULTS: Thirty-six country representatives responded, answering all questions. Parenteral nutrition was available in all countries (100%), but in four countries (11.1%) three-chamber bags were the only option, and in six countries a multibottle system was still used. Liver-sparing amino acids were available in 18 (50%), kidney-sparing in eight (22.2%), and electrolyte-free in 11 (30.5%) countries (30.5%). In most countries (n = 28; 79.4%), fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins were available. Trace elements solutions were unavailable in four (11.1%) countries. Parenteral nutrition was reimbursed in most countries (n = 33; 91.6%). No significant problems due to the coronavirus pandemic were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the apparent high availability of parenteral nutrition worldwide, there are some factors that may have a substantial effect on the quality of parenteral nutrition admixtures. These shortages create an environment of inequality.

Cullin1 is a novel marker of poor prognosis and a potential therapeutic target in human breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the role of Cullin1 (Cul1) in the development of breast cancer, we examined the expression of Cul1 in breast cancer tissues and analyzed the correlation between Cul1 expression and clinicopathologic variables and patients survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the Cul1 expression by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray (TMA) which includes 393 breast cancer tissues. We also studied the role of Cul1 in breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion by carrying out CCK8 cell proliferation assay, cell migration and invasion assay. RESULTS: The Cul1 expression was significantly correlated with breast cancer histology grade (P = 0.000), estrogen receptor status (P = 0.001), progesterone receptor status (P = 0.001) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status (P = 0.002). Furthermore, we showed a strong correlation between high Cul1 expression and worse 5-year overall and disease-specific survival rates in breast cancer patients (P = 0.026 and P = 0.015, respectively). Finally, we found that Cul1 knockdown inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities. CONCLUSIONS: Cul1 overexpression is significantly correlated with breast cancer progression and predicts worse survival. Cul1 regulates breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

Nanocarbonitride precipitation contribution to the yield stress of a V-Nb microalloyed steel.

Nanocarbonitride precipitation during thermomechanical processing is well known as one of the important mechanisms to increase mechanical properties of hot rolled microalloyed steels. Some studies of industrial hot rolled strips have quantified the contribution of the different ways of precipitation: in austenite, at the interface austenite/ferrite, or in supersaturated ferrite during final cooling. Thin slabs of microalloyed steels (0.07-0.08% V and 0.02-0.04% Nb) were thermomecanically processed on a laboratory-scale rolling mill. The different modes of nanocarbonitride precipitation were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. It was observed interphase precipitation with average diameter of nanocarbonitride of 4.4 nm and potential contribution to strengthening of 90 MPa, according to the Orowan-Ashby model. From the Orowan-Ashby model of precipitation strengthening, strength contributions of about 50 MPa were found for nanocarbonitride particles formed in austenite. The inclusion of a holding extra period of 15 minutes just below the Finishing Rolling Initial Temperature has confirmed an important contribution to the yield stress given by the nanocarbonitride particles formed in austenite.

Nanofabrication for transistor matrix produced by self-aligned imprint lithography.

This paper describes an approach of combining nanofabrication techniques with roll-to-roll fabrication of thin film transistor backplanes for flexible display applications.

The impact of admission diagnosis on gastric emptying in critically ill patients.

INTRODUCTION: Disturbed gastric emptying (GE) occurs commonly in critically ill patients. Admission diagnoses are believed to influence the incidence of delayed GE and subsequent feed intolerance. Although patients with burns and head injury are considered to be at greater risk, the true incidence has not been determined by examination of patient groups of sufficient number. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of admission diagnosis on GE in critically ill patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of patient demographics, diagnosis, intensive care unit (ICU) admission details, GE, and enteral feeding was performed on an unselected cohort of 132 mechanically ventilated patients (94 males, 38 females; age 54 +/- 1.2 years; admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II [APACHE II] score of 22 +/- 1) who had undergone GE assessment by 13C-octanoic acid breath test. Delayed GE was defined as GE coefficient (GEC) of less than 3.20 and/or gastric half-emptying time (t50) of more than 140 minutes. RESULTS: Overall, 60% of the patients had delayed GE and a mean GEC of 2.9 +/- 0.1 and t50 of 163 +/- 7 minutes. On univariate analysis, GE correlated significantly with older age, higher admission APACHE II scores, longer length of stay in ICU prior to GE measurement, higher respiratory rate, higher FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen), and higher serum creatinine. After these factors were controlled for, there was a modest relationship between admission diagnosis and GE (r = 0.48; P = 0.02). The highest occurrence of delayed GE was observed in patients with head injuries, burns, multi-system trauma, and sepsis. Delayed GE was least common in patients with myocardial injury and non-gastrointestinal post-operative respiratory failure. Patients with delayed GE received fewer feeds and stayed longer in ICU and hospital compared to those with normal GE. CONCLUSION: Admission diagnosis has a modest impact on GE in critically ill patients, even after controlling for factors such as age, illness severity, and medication, which are known to influence this function.

Recommended and actual calorie intake of intensive care unit patients in a private tertiary care hospital in the Philippines.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the computed nutrient requirements of geriatric patients under critical care with their actual intake within the first 3 d after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and determined the percentage of patients who achieved adequate intake. METHODS: Fifty-eight geriatric patients who were admitted to the ICU from September to December 2002 were prospectively enrolled. Recommended and actual calorie intakes per patient were recorded and mean amount of carbohydrate, protein, and fat consumed were calculated. Student's t test was used to compare actual with recommended nutrient intakes. RESULTS: Actual in relation to recommended nutrient intake was inadequate (41.5% on day 1 to 71.7% on day 3 for calories and 21.1% on day 1 to 24.3% on day 3 for protein, P < 0.001). Carbohydrate intake was low (falling from 61.9% on day 1 to 39.8% on day 3, P < 0.001) and fat intake was also low (increasing from 29.4% to 37.9% on day 3, P < 0.001). The percentage of patients who achieved adequate intake was 51.2% on day 1 and increased to 73.2% on day 3. CONCLUSIONS: The intake of geriatric patients in the ICU is low, with differences in actual and recommended intakes. Delivering what is recommended is still a goal to be realized in the ICU setting.

[Esophago-gastric mucosal anastomosis with staples after resection of cancer of the esophagus and gastric cardia].

OBJECTIVE: To delve an effective method to prevent anastomotic leakage and stenosis. METHODS: Staples were used to carry out mucosal anastomosis between the esophagus and stomach. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty four patients were so treated. The morbidity rate was 9.3% and the mortality rate was 1.4%. No leakage or stenosis was found in this series. CONCLUSION: Using staples to perfonm mucosal anastomotis has the advantages of being simple and safe. Besides prevention of leakage and stenosis, sufficient length of resection of the esophagus helps reduce the likelihood of residual stump cancer recurrence.

[Invagination anastomosis of the esophagus--a new method of anastomosing after resection of esophageal or cardial carcinoma].

A new method of anastomosis after resection of esophageal or cardial carcinoma was carried out in 141 patients in our hospital from Feb. 1983 to Sept. 1985. After resection of the tumor, the proximal end of esophagus was invaginated into the stomach lumen and a tight suture was applied between the outer wall of esophagus and stomach. Extroversion suture of the mucosa in the esophageal end, being free in the stomach lumen, was made to prevent bleeding and stenosis. The operative mortality was 0.7% (1/141) and no anastomotic leak was found. Our experiences indicate that this operative procedure is easy, simple and obviously reduces the complication in the anastomotic region.

[Interactions between domains within the NH2- and COOH-terminal fragments of presenilins].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the interactions between domains within the NH2- and COOH-terminal regions of presenilins. METHODS: The various constructions corresponding to NH2-terminal fragment (NTF) and COOH-terminal fragment (CTF) derivatives of presenilin 1 (PS1) and presenilin 2 (PS2) were generated by RT-PCR, and their interactions were assayed by yeast two-hybrid system. RESULTS: Domains within the NH- and COOH-terminal fragments of presenilins could directly interact with each other, and therefore form high molecular weight complex. The interaction site between domains within PS1 located at amino acid 361-447 of PS1 CTF, without the involvement of other partners. Similar interaction was not observed between PS11-360 and PS2341-448, PS2(1)-340 and PS1(361)-467. CONCLUSIONS: Intramolecular interaction between domains within the NH2- and COOH-terminal regions of presenilins may be critical to the folding and assembly of mature PS molecules.

[Fragile X mental retardation protein interacts with human NDK/Nm23-H2].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the physiological role of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and screen the proteins interacting with FMRP in human fetal hippocampus cDNA library. METHODS: Human fetal hippocampus cDNA library was constructed in yeast two-hybrid DAD vector pGAD10. Quality of the library was measured by picking up random colonies as templates for PCR testing. Proteins interacting with FMRP were screened by yeast two-hybrid system. Furthermore, the interaction site of FMRP was mapped in yeast. RESULTS: The average length of inserts of the two-hybrid library was 1.5 kb, and the ratio of recombinant colonies was about 90%. Human NDK/Nm23-H2 was found interacting with FMRP. NDK/Nm23-H2 interacted with FMRP exon 1-12, as well as FMRP isoforms without exon 12, and exons 14-17. NDK/Nm23-H2 couldn't interact with FMRP exon 1-6 and exon 2-7 fragments. CONCLUSIONS: Human NDK/Nm23-H2 can bind FMRP directly. The interaction site of FMRP is located at its exon 1-11. This interaction in vitro might alter the intracellular distribution of NDK/Nm23-H2, and even regulates the transcription and expression of FMRP.

Intussusception anastomosis of the esophagus: a new method of anastomosis after resection of esophageal or cardiac carcinoma.

A new method of anastomosis after resection of esophageal or cardiac carcinoma was carried out in 141 patients in Anyang Cancer Hospital from February 1983 to September 1985. After resection of the tumor, the proximal end of the esophagus was intussuscepted into the stomach lumen and extroversion sutures were applied on the esophageal mucosa to prevent bleeding and stenosis. In this series, the operative mortality was 0.7% (1/141) and no anastomotic leakage was found. We consider that this modified operative procedure is fairly easy, simple, and beneficial in reducing surgical complications.