How does proactive personality affect employee creativity and ostracism? The mediating role of envy.

When working alongside proactive colleagues, do you elevate yourself through benign envy or resort to malicious envy? To address this intriguing question, we constructed a model based on social comparison theory to measure the double-edged sword effects of proactive personality on employee outcomes. We hypothesized that proactive employees would induce two distinct tendencies in their peers-workplace ostracism and employee creativity-due to peer envy. The study analyzed 389 valid responses from full-time employees in Chinese organizations using structural equation modeling. Results indicate that proactive personality positively influences benign envy among peers, which in turn positively affects employee creativity. Moreover, benign envy mediates the relationship between proactive personality and employee creativity. On the other hand, proactive personality positively influences malicious envy among peers, which in turn positively affects workplace ostracism. Additionally, malicious envy mediates the relationship between proactive personality and workplace ostracism. This study intertwines personality, emotions, and workplace outcomes, thereby advancing the existing literature on social comparison theory. Additionally, it furnishes valuable insights for organizational human resource management, particularly in the realms of employee recruitment and workplace relationship management.

Plasma exosomal hsa_circ_0079439 as a novel biomarker for early detection of gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Due to the poor prognosis of gastric cancer (GC), early detection methods are urgently needed. Plasma exosomal circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been suggested as novel biomarkers for GC. AIM: To identify a novel biomarker for early detection of GC. METHODS: Healthy donors (HDs) and GC patients diagnosed by pathology were recruited. Nine GC patients and three HDs were selected for exosomal whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing. The expression profiles of circRNAs were analyzed by bioinformatics methods and validated by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels and area under receiver operating characteristic curve values of plasma exosomal circRNAs and standard serum biomarkers were used to compare their diagnostic efficiency. RESULTS: There were 303 participants, including 240 GC patients and 63 HDs, involved in the study. The expression levels of exosomal hsa_circ_0079439 were significantly higher in GC patients than in HDs (P < 0.0001). However, the levels of standard serum biomarkers were similar between the two groups. The area under the curve value of exosomal hsa_circ_0079439 was higher than those of standard biomarkers, including carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9, CA72-4, alpha-fetoprotein, and CA125 (0.8595 vs 0.5862, 0.5660, 0.5360, 0.5082, and 0.5018, respectively). The expression levels of exosomal hsa_circ_0079439 were significantly decreased after treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of exosomal hsa_circ_0079439 were obviously higher in early GC (EGC) patients than in HDs (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that plasma exosomal hsa_circ_0079439 is upregulated in GC patients. Moreover, the levels of exosomal hsa_circ_0079439 could distinguish EGC and advanced GC patients from HDs. Therefore, plasma exosomal hsa_circ_0079439 might be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of GC during both the early and late stages.

Cholangioscopy-assisted extraction through novel papillary support for small-calibre and sediment-like common bile duct stones.

BACKGROUND: To date, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has become a well-established treatment for common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, it is not suitable for some special patients, such as pregnant women, children or those who cannot stop taking anti-coagulation/anti-platelet agents because of radiation injury and the risk of postoperative bleeding resulting from endoscopic sphincterotomy. To overcome these two problems, this study introduced cholangioscopy-assisted extraction through a novel papillary support for small-calibre and sediment-like CBD stones. AIM: To assess the feasibility and safety of cholangioscopy-assisted extraction through a novel papillary support (CEPTS) for small-calibre and sediment-like common bile duct (CBD) stones. METHODS: This Retrospective study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Chinese PLA General Hospital. We designed a covered single dumbbell-style papillary support between 2021 and 2022. Between July 2022 and September 2022, 7 consecutive patients with small-calibre (cross diameter ≤ 1.0 cm) or sediment-like CBD stones underwent CETPS procedures in our center. The clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of these 7 patients were extracted from a prospectively collected database. And the related data were analyzed. Informed consent was obtained from all participating patients. RESULTS: A total of 2 patients had yellow sediment-like CBD stones, and aspiration extraction was performed after the insertion of papillary support. Of the 5 patients with clumpy CBD stones (0.4-1.0 cm), 2 underwent basket extraction under direct vision for a single stone (0.5-1.0 cm, black and black grey), 1 underwent balloon plus aspiration extraction under direct vision for 5 stones (0.4-0.6 cm, brown), and 2 underwent aspiration extraction only for a single stone (0.5-0.6 cm, yellow, none). Technical success, namely, no residual stones in the CBD or left and right hepatic ducts, was achieved in all 7 cases (100%). The median operating time was 45.0 minutes (range 13.0-87.0 minutes). Postoperative pancreatitis (PEP) occurred in one case (14.3%). Hyperamylasaemia without abdominal pain was noted in 2 of 7 patients. No residual stones or cholangitis were found during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: CETPS appeared to be feasible to treat patients with small-calibre or sediment-like CBD stones. Patients, especially pregnant women and those who cannot stop anticoagulation/anti-platelet agents, could benefit from this technique.

Effect of Thermal Treatment on the Internal Structure, Physicochemical Properties and Storage Stability of Whole Grain Highland Barley Flour.

In this study, to improve the processing performance of whole grain highland barley flour (whole grain HB flour), they were prepared by sand-roasting, far-infrared baking, steam explosion, and extrusion, and the effects of on functional properties and storage characteristics were measured. The results indicated that sand-roasting, far-infrared baking, and steam explosion all caused cracks and honeycomb structures in the outer layer and endosperm of the highland barley. The XRD analysis results indicated that highland barley starch treated by far-infrared baking exhibited typical A-type crystal structure, while sand-roasting, steam explosion, and extrusion presented the typical V-type. The results of DSC analysis revealed that the onset temperature (To), peak temperature (Tp), gelatinization enthalpy (ΔH), peak viscosity (PV), trough viscosity (TV), and final viscosity (FV) decreased significantly, while the swelling power, water-holding capacity and oil-holding capacity increased significantly. During the storage period, the moisture content and lipase activity of the whole grain HB flour after thermal treatment remained at a low level; the fatty acid value, peroxide value, and malondialdehyde value increased; finally, the cooked whole grain HB flour was unstable during storage. The functional properties of whole grain HB flour can be improved by steam explosion, and will then have better storage stability.

Evaluation of Nutritional Components, Phenolic Composition, and Antioxidant Capacity of Highland Barley with Different Grain Colors on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau.

The nutritional composition, polyphenol and anthocyanin composition, and antioxidant capacity of 52 colored highland barley were evaluated. The results showed that the protein content of highland barley in the black group was the highest, the total starch and fat contents in the blue group were the highest, the amylose content in the purple group was quite high, the fiber content in the yellow group was quite high, and the ß-glucan content of the dark highland barley (purple, blue and black) was quite high. The polyphenol content and its antioxidant capacity in the black group were the highest, while the anthocyanin content and its antioxidant capacity in the purple highland barley were the highest. Ten types of monomeric phenolic substances were the main contributors to DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP antioxidant capacity. All varieties could be divided into four categories according to nutrition or function. The grain color could not be used as an absolute index to evaluate the quality of highland barley, and the important influence of variety on the quality of highland barley also needed to be considered. In actual production, suitable raw materials must be selected according to the processing purpose and variety characteristics of highland barley.

Polyphenol and Anthocyanin Composition and Activity of Highland Barley with Different Colors.

In this research, the composition of free phenols, bound phenols, and anthocyanins and their in vitro antioxidant activity and in vitro α-glucosidase inhibiting activity were observed in different barley colors. The outcomes revealed that the contents of total phenols (570.78 mg/100 gDW), total flavonoids (47.08 mg/100 gDW), and anthocyanins (48.07 mg/100 g) were the highest in purple barley. Furthermore, the structure, composition, and concentration of phenolics differed depending on the colors of barley. The types and contents of bound total phenolic acids and flavonoids were greater than those of free total phenolic acids and flavonoids. The main phenolic acids in blue barley were cinnamic acid polyphenols, whereas in black, yellow, and purple barley, benzoic acid polyphenols were the main phenolic acids, and the main types of flavonoids in black and blue barley were chalcones and flavanones, respectively, whereas flavonol was the main type of flavonoid in yellow and purple barley. Moreover, cornflower pigment-3-glucoside was the major anthocyanin in blue, yellow, and purple barley, whereas the main anthocyanin in black barley was delphinidin-3-glucoside. The dark color of barley indicated richness in the anthocyanins. In addition, the free polyphenol fractions had stronger DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging capacity as compared to the bound ones. In vitro α-glucosidase-inhibiting activity was greater in bound polyphenols than in free polyphenols, with differences between different varieties of barley. Purple barley phenolic fractions had the greatest ABTS radical scavenging and iron ion reduction capacities, as well as the highest α-glucosidase-inhibiting activity. The strongest DPPH radical scavenging capacity was found in yellow barley, while the strongest in vitro α-glucosidase-inhibiting activity was found in anthocyanins isolated from black barley. Furthermore, in different colors of barley, there was a strong association between the concentration of specific phenolic compounds and antioxidant and α-glucosidase-inhibiting activities. The outcomes of this study revealed that all colored barley seeds tested were high in phenolic compounds, and had a good antioxidant impact and α-glucosidase-inhibiting activity. As a result, colored barley can serve as an antioxidant and hypoglycemic food. Polyphenols extracted from purple barley and anthocyanins extracted from black barley stand out among them.

Clinical efficacy and prognostic risk factors of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation for gastric low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia.

BACKGROUND: The use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been reported in the treatment of gastric low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN). However, its efficacy and prognostic risk factors have not been well analyzed. AIM: To explore the efficacy and prognostic risk factors of RFA for gastric LGIN in a large, long-term follow-up clinical study. METHODS: The clinical data of 271 consecutive cases from 198 patients who received RFA for treatment of gastric LGIN at the Chinese PLA General Hospital from October 2014 to October 2020 were reviewed in this retrospective study. Data on operative parameters, complications, and follow-up outcomes including curative rates were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The curative rates of endoscopic RFA for gastric LGIN at 3 mo, 6 mo, and 1-5 years after the operation were 93.3%, 92.8%, 91.5%, 90.3%, 88.5%, 85.7%, and 83.3%, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and disease duration > 1 year had a significant effect on the curative rate (P < 0.001 and P = 0.013, respectively). None of patients had bleeding, perforation, infection, or other serious complications after RFA, and the main discomfort was postoperative abdominal pain. CONCLUSION: RFA was safe and effective for gastric LGIN during long-term follow-up. H. pylori infection and disease course > 1 year may be the main risk factors for relapse of LGIN after RFA.

The dispersal-related traits of an invasive plant Galinsoga quadriradiata correlate with elevation during range expansion into mountain ranges.

Detecting shifts in trait values among populations of an invasive plant is important for assessing invasion risks and predicting future spread. Although a growing number of studies suggest that the dispersal propensity of invasive plants increases during range expansion, there has been relatively little attention paid to dispersal patterns along elevational gradients. In this study, we tested the differentiation of dispersal-related traits in an invasive plant, Galinsoga quadriradiata, across populations at different elevations in the Qinling and Bashan Mountains in central China. Seed mass-area ratio (MAR), an important seed dispersal-related trait, of 45 populations from along an elevational gradient was measured, and genetic variation of 23 populations was quantified using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Individuals from four populations were then planted in a greenhouse to compare their performance under shared conditions. Changing patterns of seed dispersal-related traits and populations genetic diversity along elevation were tested using linear regression. Mass-area ratio of G. quadriradiata increased, while genetic diversity decreased with elevation in the field survey. In the greenhouse, populations of G. quadriradiata sourced from different elevations showed a difference response of MAR. These results suggest that although rapid evolution may contribute to the range expansion of G. quadriradiata in mountain ranges, dispersal-related traits will also likely be affected by phenotypic plasticity. This challenges the common argument that dispersal ability of invasive plants increases along dispersal routes. Furthermore, our results suggest that high-altitude populations would be more effective at seed dispersal once they continue to expand their range downslope on the other side. Our experiment provides novel evidence that the spread of these high-altitude populations may be more likely than previously theorized and that they should thus be cautiously monitored.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization rate of an exotic plant, Galinsoga quadriradiata, in mountain ranges changes with altitude.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are suggested to be important for invasions by many exotic plants. However, it is not yet known how associations between AMF and invasive plant populations change in mountains ranges and how changed associations affect further expansion of different populations in new habitats. We conducted a field survey to detect AMF colonization rate of the invasive Galinsoga quadriradiata along an elevational gradient ranging from 223 to 1947 masl in the Qinling and Bashan Mountains, China. Additionally, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to compare plant growth performance among five elevational populations. In the field, total plant mass and seed production, as well as root AMF colonization rate, significantly decreased with elevation. When populations were grown in a novel soil environment in the greenhouse, the high-altitude populations achieved higher seed and total mass at lower AMF colonization rate than the low-altitude populations. Moreover, high AMF association was related to high intraspecific competition within low-altitude populations and limited seed production. Our results revealed that the associations between AMF and G. quadriradiata decrease with altitude in mountain ranges, and this may indicate that differentiation of association between AMF and elevational populations occurs during range expansion of G. quadriradiata. The results of the greenhouse experiment suggest that the high-altitude populations are more aggressive than the low-altitude populations in a non-stressful environment.

Endoscopic versus surgical resection in the management of gastric schwannomas.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gastric schwannoma (GS) is not well clinically recognized and surgical resection (SR) remains the mainstay of treatment. Recently, endoscopic resection (ER) appears to be a safe and effective alternative. However, its comparative outcomes with SR is lacking. Our aim was to first compare clinical outcomes and costs between ER and SR in the management of GSs. METHODS: A total of 46 consecutive patients with GSs who underwent ER (n = 16) or SR (n = 30) in our large tertiary center between July 2007 and Oct 2018 were included. Clinicopathologic features, clinical outcomes, medical costs and follow-up were retrospectively reviewed and compared between two groups. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics are comparable except for a smaller tumor size in ER group (22.9 vs 41.0 mm, p = 0.002). Complete resection was achieved in 87.5% of patients with ER and 100% of patients with SR (p = 0.116). The ER group had a significant shorter operative time (91.6 vs 128.2 min), less blood loss (16.9 vs 62.7 mL) and lower operation cost (21,054.4 vs 30,843.4 RMB) than SR group (all p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in adverse events (12.5% vs 10%, p = 0.812) and length of postoperative hospital stay (8.3 vs 8.2 days, p = 0.945). During a long-term follow-up of mean 37.4 months (range 6-140 months), no residue, recurrence or metastasis was observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with SR, ER has the similar safety and efficacy in the management of GSs, but contributes to a shorter operation time and lower medical costs. ER may be considered as the first-line treatment, especially for patients with GSs smaller than 30 mm.

Efficacy and safety of hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection compared with endoscopic submucosal dissection for rectal neuroendocrine tumors and risk factors associated with incomplete endoscopic resection.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rising in prevalence, particularly with the rectal area. This study evaluated and compared the safety and effectiveness of hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with those of ESD for rectal NETs and risk factors associated with incomplete endoscopic resection. METHODS: A total of 272 consecutive patients who underwent ESD or hybrid ESD for rectal NETs at the Chinese PLA General Hospital in the period from February 2011 to September 2018 were involved in this study. Data were collected from clinical and endoscopic databases. The procedure time, en bloc resection, complete resection, complication, and recurrence rates were evaluated. RESULTS: In the hybrid ESD group were 111 patients (who had 119 lesions between them), with a further 161 patients (164 lesions) in the ESD group. No significance was found in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Hybrid ESD had a significantly shorter mean procedure time than ESD (13.2±8.3 vs. 18.1±9.7 min, P=0.000). Hybrid ESD showed similar en bloc resection (99.2% vs. 98.2%; P=0.373), complete resection (94.1% vs. 90.9%, P=0.641), and postprocedural bleeding (2.5% vs. 0.6%, P=0.313) rates to ESD. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that higher histopathological grade was associated with incomplete resection. CONCLUSIONS: For rectal NET, both ESD and hybrid ESD are effective and safe forms of treatment. Hybrid ESD provides an alternative option in the treatment of rectal NETs. Further developments are needed to improve the complete resection rate, especially concerning tumors with higher histopathological grade.

Endoscopic submucosal excavation and endoscopic full-thickness resection for gastric schwannoma: five-year experience from a large tertiary center in China.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic resection (ER) is an effective and safe method for gastric submucosal tumors, mostly composed of gastrointestinal stromal tumors and leiomyomas. The role of ER in gastric schwannoma (GS) has rarely been described. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ER for GS. METHODS: This is a retrospective study in consecutive patients who underwent ER for GS from March 2013 to October 2018 at our center. Clinicopathological, endoscopic, and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 16 consecutive patients (9 females, 56.3%) were included, with a mean age of 50.4 years (range 25-75 years). The mean tumor size was 22.9 ± 15.1 mm (range 10-55 mm). Thirteen tumors (81.3%) were located in the middle third of the stomach and 12 tumors (75%) grew with intraluminal pattern. Endoscopic submucosal excavation (ESE) was performed in 7 patients while endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) was done in 9 patients. R0 resection was achieved in 14 patients (87.5%). The mean operative time was 91.6 ± 52.8 min (range 36-203 min) and the mean postoperative length of hospital stays was 8.3 ± 2.7 days (range 6-13 days). No adverse events were encountered except for fevers in 2 patients. No patients required surgical resection or intervention. During long-term follow-up of mean 21.8 months (range 6-62 months), no residue, recurrence, or metastasis was observed. CONCLUSIONS: ER is effective and safe for patients with GS with favorable long-term outcomes.

Ling classification describes endoscopic progressive process of achalasia and successful peroral endoscopy myotomy prevents endoscopic progression of achalasia.

AIM: To verify the hypothesis that the Ling classification describes the endoscopic progressive process of achalasia and determine the ability of successful peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) to prevent endoscopic progression of achalasia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the endoscopic findings, symptom duration, and manometric data in patients with achalasia. A total of 359 patients (197 women, 162 men) with a mean age of 42.1 years (range, 12-75 years) were evaluated. Symptom duration ranged from 2 to 360 mo, with a median of 36 mo. Patients were classified with Ling type I (n = 119), IIa (n = 106), IIb (n = 60), IIc (n = 60), or III (n = 14), according to the Ling classification. Of the 359 patients, 349 underwent POEM, among whom 21 had an endoscopic follow-up for more than 2 years. Pre-treatment and post-treatment Ling classifications of these 21 patients were compared. RESULTS: Symptom duration increased significantly with increasing Ling classification (from I to III) (P < 0.05), whereas lower esophageal sphincter pressure decreased with increasing Ling type (from I to III) (P < 0.05). There was no difference in sex ratio or onset age among the Ling types, although the age at time of diagnosis was higher in Ling types IIc and III than in Ling types I, IIa, and IIb. Of the 21 patients, 19 underwent high-resolution manometry both before and after treatment. The mean preoperative and postoperative lower esophageal sphincter pressure were 34.6 mmHg (range, 15.3-59.4 mmHg) and 15.0 mmHg (range, 2.1-21.6 mmHg), respectively, indicating a statistically significant decrease after POEM. All of the 21 patients were treated successfully by POEM (postoperative Eckardt score ≤ 3) and still had the same Ling type during a mean follow-up period of 37.8 mo (range, 24-51 mo). CONCLUSION: The Ling classification represents the endoscopic progressive process of achalasia and may be able to serve as an endoscopic assessment criterion for achalasia. Successful POEM (Eckardt score ≤ 3) seems to have the ability to prevent endoscopic evolvement of achalasia. However, studies with larger populations are warranted to confirm our findings.

Fibrin sealant for closure of mucosal penetration at the cardia during peroral endoscopic myotomy: A retrospective study at a single center.

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of fibrin sealant for closure of mucosal penetration at the cardia during peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). METHODS: Twenty-four patients who underwent POEM and experienced mucosal injury of the cardia during the procedure were retrospectively identified. Of the 24 patients, 21 had mucosal penetration and 3 had only slight mucosal damage without penetration. The 21 patients with mucosal penetration received fibrin sealant for closure at the site of penetration. Penetration-related characteristics, treatment, and recovery were reviewed for all 21 patients to assess the efficacy and safety of fibrin sealant for closure of mucosal penetration at the cardia. Clinical data, including general characteristics, procedure-related parameters, Eckardt scores, lower esophageal sphincter pressures (LESP), and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) results, were analyzed to determine their influence on treatment success after mucosal penetration during POEM. RESULTS: All 21 patients had a solitary mucosal penetration in the cardia (12 in esophageal region of the cardia, 9 in the stomach region of the cardia, and 1 in both the esophageal and stomach regions). Twelve had a hole-like penetration and 9 had a linear penetration. For those with a hole-like penetration, the mean size was 0.14 cm2 (0.02-0.32 cm2). For those with a linear penetration, the median size was 0.37 cm (0.10-1.00 cm). Closure of the mucosal penetration using fibrin sealant was performed successfully in all 21 patients (two patients required 5 mL fibrin sealant, and the remaining 19 patients required 2.5 mL). Two patients had a nasogastric tube placed for five days after POEM; the remaining 19 patients were kept fasting for 3 d. All 21 patients were discharged after a median of 5 d (range: 5-7 d) postoperatively. During a median 42 mo (range: 9-62 mo) follow-up, all 21 patients with a mucosal penetration successfully healed without the occurrence of infection, ulcer, or esophagitis. Furthermore, the median LESP decreased from 31.9 mmHg (range: 21.9-67.1 mmHg) preoperatively to 20.3 mmHg (range: 6.0-41.0 mmHg) postoperatively (P < 0.05). The median preoperative and postoperative Eckardt scores were 5.0 (range; 4-10) and 1.0 (range: 0-4), respectively (P < 0.05). Of the 21 patients with mucosal penetration, symptom remission, which is defined as a postoperative Eckardt score ≤ 3, was achieved in 20 patients (95.2%) indicating that mucosal penetration did not influence the success of POEM treatment if closed successfully using fibrin sealant. CONCLUSION: Fibrin sealant is safe and effective for closure of mucosal penetration during POEM. Mucosal penetrations do not appear to influence the treatment success of POEM if closed successfully using fibrin sealant. Additional studies regarding the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of fibrin sealant for closure of larger mucosal penetrations is warranted.

[Management of moderate to severe pediatric concealed penis in children by Devine's technique via incision between the penis and scrotum].

OBJECTIVE: To search for a simple and effective surgical approach to the management of moderate to severe pediatric concealed penis in children. METHODS: We used Devine's technique via incision between the penis and scrotum in the treatment of 68 cases of moderate to severe pediatric concealed penis. The patients were aged 3 -13 (mean 6.5) years, 30 with moderate and 38 with severe pediatric concealed penis. RESULTS: This strategy achieved good near- and long-term effects and satisfactory appearance of the penis, which was similar to that of circumcision. At 3 months after surgery, the penile length was 3 - 5.2 cm, averaging (2.35 +/- 0.35) cm. CONCLUSION: Devine's technique via incision between the penis and scrotum is a simple and effective surgical option for moderate to severe pediatric concealed penis in children.

[A comparative study of nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of nephrectomy versus radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: A total of 134 patients with renal carcinoma without metastasis in lymphatic system and distant sites were recruited. In random, 69 cases of renal cell carcinoma were elected for nephrectomy and the others radical nephrectomy. The operating time, blood loss, fasting time, postoperative hospital stay, information of tumor recurrence and metastasis, survival time without tumor, survival rate and perioperative complication were compared between two groups. RESULTS: In cases of nephrectomy, the operating time ranged from 60 - 135 minutes and blood loss 70 - 100 ml. In 4 cases, membrana pleuro-peritonealis was damaged. The fasting time ranged from 6 - 24 hours and postoperative hospital stay 5 - 8 days; the staging of all 69 cases was detected; follow-up studies ranged from 5 - 15 years, finding 1 case tumor metastasis in adrenal body and 1 case recurrent tumor in cases of radical nephrectomy, operating time ranged from 105 - 185 minutes and blood loss 150 - 2000 ml. Membrana pleuro-peritonealis was breached in 3 cases. The fasting time ranged from 12 - 90 hours and postoperative hospital stay 8 - 12 days. The staging of all 65 cases was detected. Follow-up studies of 5 - 15 years revealed 1 case of tumor metastasis in brain and 1 case of recurrent tumor. There was no significant difference in perioperative complication, tumor recurrence, tumor metastasis and survival time without tumor between those two groups (P > 0.05). The blood loss, operating time, fasting and postoperative hospital stay were less than that in radical nephrectomy group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients without metastasis in lymphatic system and distant sites, nephrectomy is both effective and safe. It has the advantages of a short operating time, a short postoperative hospital stay and less damage and blood loss than radical nephrectomy.

[Preventive strategies and causes of common complications of ureteroscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the causes of common complications of ureteroscopy and how to prevent them. METHODS: A total of 768 cases of common complications of ureteroscopy were retrospectively analyzed from February 2004 to February 2009. RESULTS: The intra-operative complications were failed entry (n = 6, 0.78%), ureterostoma injury and ureterostoma submucosa pseudocana (n = 12, 1.56%), ureteral perforation (n = 16, 2.08%), stone displacement (n = 13, 1.87%) and ureteral mucosa evulsion (n = 3, 0.39%). And the post-operative complications were lumbago or renal colic (n = 11, 1.43%), infection (n = 9, 1.17%)and severe hematuria (n = 5, 0.65%). CONCLUSION: Skillful operative techniques and strict indications are key to reducing complications of ureteroscopy.