MSLN induced EMT, cancer stem cell traits and chemotherapy resistance of pancreatic cancer cells.

Chemoresistance is one of the main reasons for poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer. The effects of mesothelin (MSLN) on chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer are still unclear. We aim to investigate potential roles of MSLN in chemoresistance and its relationship with proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stemness of pancreatic cancer cells. Human pancreatic cancer cell lines ASPC-1 and Mia PaCa-2 with high and low expression of MSLN, respectively, were selected. The ASPC-1 with MSLN knockout (KO) and Mia PaCa-2 of MSLN overexpression (OE) were generated. The effects of MSLN on cell phenotypes, expression of EMT-related markers, clone formation, tumor sphere formation, and pathologic role of MSLN in tumorigenesis were detected. Sensitivity of tumor cells to gemcitabine was evaluated. The results showed that adhesion, proliferation, migration and invasion were decreased significantly in ASPC-1 with MSLN KO, whereas increased significantly in Mia PaCa-2 with MSLN OE. The size and the number of clones and tumor spheres were decreased in ASPC-1 with MSLN KO, and increased in Mia PaCa-2 with MSLN OE. In xenograft model, tumor volume was decreased (tumor grew slower) in MSLN KO group compared to control group, while increased in MSLN OE group. Mia PaCa-2 with MSLN OE had a higher IC50 of gemcitabine, while ASPC-1 with MSLN KO had a lower IC50. We concluded that MSLN could induce chemoresistance by enhancing migration, invasion, EMT and cancer stem cell traits of pancreatic cancer cells. Targeting MSLN could represent a promising therapeutic strategy for reversing EMT and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Metabolic Characteristics of Metabolically Healthy Obesity in Patients Seeking Bariatric Surgery: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity. However, a subset of individuals seeking bariatric surgery may exhibit a metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) phenotype, suggesting that they may not experience metabolic complications despite being overweight. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and metabolic features of MHO in a population undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: A representative sample of 665 participants aged 14 or older who underwent bariatric surgery at our center from January 1, 2010 to January 1, 2020 was included in this cohort study. MHO was defined based on specific criteria, including blood pressure, waist-to-hip ratio, and absence of diabetes. RESULTS: Among the 665 participants, 80 individuals (12.0%) met the criteria for MHO. Female gender (P = .021) and younger age (P < .001) were associated with a higher likelihood of MHO. Smaller weight and BMI were observed in individuals with MHO. However, a considerable proportion of those with MHO exhibited other metabolic abnormalities, such as fatty liver (68.6%), hyperuricemia (55.3%), elevated lipid levels (58.7%), and abnormal lipoprotein levels (88%). CONCLUSION: Approximately 1 in 8 individuals referred for bariatric surgery displayed the phenotype of MHO. Despite being metabolically healthy based on certain criteria, a significant proportion of individuals with MHO still exhibited metabolic abnormalities, such as fatty liver, hyperuricemia, elevated lipid levels, and abnormal lipoprotein levels, highlighting the importance of thorough metabolic evaluation in this population.

Quercetin Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cardiac Inflammation via Inhibiting Autophagy and Programmed Cell Death.

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the potential modulatory role of quercetin against Endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced septic cardiac dysfunction. Methods: Specific pathogen-free chicken embryos ( n = 120) were allocated untreated control, phosphate buffer solution (PBS) vehicle, PBS with ethanol vehicle, LPS (500 ng/egg), LPS with quercetin treatment (10, 20, or 40 nmol/egg, respectively), Quercetin groups (10, 20, or 40 nmol/egg). Fifteen-day-old embryonated eggs were inoculated with abovementioned solutions via the allantoic cavity. At embryonic day 19, the hearts of the embryos were collected for histopathological examination, RNA extraction, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical investigations, and Western blotting. Results: They demonstrated that the heart presented inflammatory responses after LPS induction. The LPS-induced higher mRNA expressions of inflammation-related factors (TLR4, TNFα, MYD88, NF-κB1, IFNγ, IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, p38, MMP3, and MMP9) were blocked by quercetin with three dosages. Quercetin significantly decreased immunopositivity to TLR4 and MMP9 in the treatment group when compared with the LPS group. Quercetin significantly decreased protein expressions of TLR4, IFNγ, MMP3, and MMP9 when compared with the LPS group. Quercetin treatment prevented LPS-induced increase in the mRNA expression of Claudin 1 and ZO-1, and significantly decreased protein expression of claudin 1 when compared with the LPS group. Quercetin significantly downregulated autophagy-related gene expressions (PPARα, SGLT1, APOA4, AMPKα1, AMPKα2, ATG5, ATG7, Beclin-1, and LC3B) and programmed cell death (Fas, Bcl-2, CASP1, CASP12, CASP3, and RIPK1) after LPS induction. Quercetin significantly decreased immunopositivity to APOA4, AMPKα2, and LC3-II/LC3-I in the treatment group when compared with the LPS group. Quercetin significantly decreased protein expressions of AMPKα1, LC3-I, and LC3-II. Quercetin significantly decreased the protein expression to CASP1 and CASP3 by immunohistochemical investigation or Western blotting in treatment group when compared with LPS group. Conclusion: Quercetin alleviates cardiac inflammation induced by LPS through modulating autophagy, programmed cell death, and myocardiocytes permeability.

Clinical study on the necessity and feasibility of routine MRCP in patients with cholecystolithiasis before LC.

BACKGROUND: In the past quite a long time, intraoperative cholangiography(IOC)was necessary during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Now magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the main method for diagnosing common bile duct stones (CBDS). Whether MRCP can replace IOC as routine examination before LC is still inconclusive. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical data of patients undergoing LC for cholecystolithiasis, and to explore the necessity and feasibility of preoperative routine MRCP in patients with cholecystolithiasis. METHODS: According to whether MRCP was performed before operation, 184 patients undergoing LC for cholecystolithiasis in the Department of General Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018 were divided into non-MRCP group and MRCP group for this retrospective study. The results of preoperative laboratory test, abdominal ultrasound and MRCP, biliary related comorbidities, surgical complications, hospital stay and hospitalization expenses were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Among the 184 patients, there were 83 patients in non-MRCP group and 101 patients in MRCP group. In MRCP group, the detection rates of cholecystolithiasis combined with CBDS and common bile duct dilatation by MRCP were higher than those by abdominal ultrasound (P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in non-MRCP group (8.43%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in MRCP group (0%). There was no significant difference in hospital stay (P > 0.05), but there was significant difference in hospitalization expenses (P < 0.05) between the two groups. According to the stratification of gallbladder stone patients with CBDS, hospital stay and hospitalization expenses were compared, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative MRCP can detect CBDS, cystic duct stones and anatomical variants of biliary tract that cannot be diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound, which is helpful to plan the surgical methods and reduce the surgical complications. From the perspective of health economics, routine MRCP in patients with cholecystolithiasis before LC does not increase hospitalization costs, and is necessary and feasible.

Giant lipoma in the Retzius space resected under laparoscopy: A case report.

Lipoma is a common type of benign soft tissue tumor that can occur in the shoulders, neck and back, in addition to other body parts. The Retzius space is a small anatomical space between the pubic symphysis and the bladder located extraperitoneally and filled with loose fatty connective tissue. Giant lipomas are rare in the Retzius space. A 61-year-old Chinese male arrived at Beijing Yanhua Hospital (Beijing, China) due to frequent urination, and CT scan images of the lower abdomen observed a large pelvic mass and left inguinal hernia. Preoperative clinical manifestations and auxiliary examination suggested that the tumor originated from the urinary bladder wall. The maximum tumor diameter was ~25 cm and abdominal pressure was increased. Therefore, laparoscopic pelvic tumor resection combined with inguinal hernia repair was attempted. Intraoperatively, the tumor was found to originate from the Retzius space and the postoperative pathological diagnosis was lipoma. The present case report may serve as a reference for minimally invasive treatment of this type of rare disease in future.

Identification of optimal primary tumor resection candidates for metastatic gastric cancer: Nomograms based on propensity score matching.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to develop and validate nomograms for screening patients with metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) who are candidates for primary tumor resection (PTR) and evaluating the prognosis of mGC patients after PTR. METHODS: From 2010 to 2016, we screened mGC patients with complete data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Depending on whether or not PTR was performed, we categorized patients into surgery and non-surgery groups. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to balance the characteristics of the two groups. The endpoints were overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Two predictive nomograms were developed using logistic regression to assess the likelihood of benefit. Two additional prognostic nomograms were developed to assess prognosis in mGC patients after PTR by Cox regression. Finally, nomograms were evaluated using a variety of methodologies. RESULTS: Our study included 3594 mGC patients who met the criteria. PTR was associated with improved OS and CSS time (median OS time after PSM: 15 vs. 7 months, P < 0.05; median CSS time after PSM: 17 vs. 7 months, P < 0.05). The OS-related predictive nomogram, including age, histologic type, grade, T stage, and chemotherapy, was developed. Moreover, the CSS-related predictive nomogram, including age, histologic type, grade, and chemotherapy, was developed. Sex, histologic type, grade, T stage, N stage, and chemotherapy were found to be correlated with OS. Furthermore, the CSS correlated with histologic type, grade, T stage, N stage, and chemotherapy. Both predictive and prognostic nomograms were found to be valuable and reliable after different types of validation. CONCLUSION: Predictive nomograms were developed and validated for identifying the optimal PTR mGC candidates. Prognostic nomograms were developed and validated for assessing the prognosis of mGC patients after PTR.

A nomogram based on adipogenesis-related methylation sites in intraoperative visceral fat to predict EWL% at 1 year following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a crucial surgical procedure for patients with obesity. However, epigenetic research in LSG is still in its infancy from the perspective of adipogenesis. OBJECTIVES: This work aims to develop a model to predict 1 year excess weight loss percentage (EWL)% following LSG in Chinese patients with obesity by examining the DNA methylation profiles of intraoperative visceral fat. SETTING: University hospital, Beijing, China. METHODS: Firstly, we classified patients with obesity as either the satisfied group or unsatisfied group depending on whether their EWL% was 50% or higher at 1 year following LSG. After that, we analyzed differentially methylated sites (DMSs) between the satisfied group and unsatisfied group. DMSs were mapped to the corresponding differentially methylated genes. Then, we took the intersection of adipogenesis-related genes and differentially methylated genes and obtained adipogenesis-related DMSs. Next, hub methylation sites were identified by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis. Finally, a nomogram was developed to predict EWL% of Chinese patients with obesity at 1 -year following LSG. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients with obesity were enrolled in the study, including 13 in the satisfied group and 13 in the unsatisfied group. A total of 16 genes and 31 DMSs were involved in the adipogenesis signaling pathway. Finally, 4 hub methylation sites (cg06093355, cg00294552, cg00753924, and cg17092065) were identified and a predictive nomogram was established. CONCLUSIONS: The predictive nomogram based on methylation sites including cg06093355, cg00294552, cg00753924, and cg17092065 can predict EWL% at 1 year following LSG in Chinese patients with obesity efficiently.

An Assessment of the Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the Chinese Population Using Multiple Cardiovascular Risk Models.

Background: Many studies have reported that bariatric surgery may reduce postoperative cardiovascular risk in patient with obesity, but few have addressed this risk in the Chinese population. Objective: To assess the impact of bariatric surgery on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in the Chinese population using the World Health Organization (WHO) risk model, the Global risk model, and the Framingham Risk Score. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data collected on patient with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery at our institution between March 2009 and January 2021. Their demographic characteristics, anthropometric variables, and glucolipid metabolic parameters were assessed preoperatively and at their 1-year postoperative follow-up. Subgroup analysis compared body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2, as well as gender. We used the 3 models to calculate their CVD risk. Results: We evaluated 61 patients, of whom 26 (42.62%) had undergone sleeve gastrectomy (SG) surgery and 35 (57.38%) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. Of the patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2, 66.67% underwent SG, while 72.97% with BMI < 35 kg/m2 underwent RYGB. HDL levels were significantly higher at 12 months postoperatively relative to baseline. When the models were applied to calculate CVD risk in Chinese patients with obesity, the 1-year CVD risk after surgery were reduced lot compared with the preoperative period. Conclusion: Patient with obesity had significantly lower CVD risks after bariatric surgery. This study also demonstrates that the models are reliable clinical tools for assessing the impact of bariatric surgery on CVD risk in the Chinese population.

Long-term weight loss outcome of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass predicted by weight loss at 6 months in Chinese patients with BMI ≥ 32.5 kg/m2.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is classic bariatric procedure with long-term safety and efficacy. However, no studies have focused on predicting long-term weight loss after LRYGB in Chinese patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 32.5 kg/m2. To explore the relationship between initial and long-term weight loss after LRYGB in patients with BMI ≥ 32.5 kg/m2. All patients were followed-up to evaluate BMI, percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), and comorbidities. Linear and logistic regression were performed to assess the relationship between initial and long-term weight loss. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine optimal cutoff value. We enrolled 104 patients. The median preoperative BMI was 41.44 (37.92-47.53) kg/m2. %EWL ≥ 50% at 5 years was considered as successful weight loss, and 75.00% of the patients successfully lost weight. The cure rates of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus at 1 year were 84.38%, 33.93%, and 60.82%, respectively. %EWL at 6 months and 5 years were positively correlated and its relationship could be described by following linear equation: %EWL5 years = 43.934 + 0.356 × %EWL6 months (P < .001; r2 = 0.166). The best cutoff %EWL at 6 months after LRYGB to predict 5-year successful weight loss was 63.93% (sensitivity, 53.85%; specificity, 84.62%; area under the curve (AUC) = 0.671). In Chinese patients with BMI ≥ 32.5 kg/m2, %EWL at 6 months and 5 years were positively correlated and %EWL at 5 years could be calculated by following linear equation: %EWL5 years = 43.934 + 0.356 × %EWL6 months.

Combination of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Preoperative Body Mass Index to Predict Weight Loss After Laproscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Chinese Patients with Body Mass Index ≥ 32.5 kg/m2.

BACKGROUND: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with obesity predict laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) for weight loss with good efficiency. However, prediction of weight loss after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy using SNPs has not been well investigated. OBJECTIVES: To predict weight loss after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy using obesity-related SNPs and clinical variants in Chinese patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 32.5 kg/m2. METHODS: We detected 29 SNPs. Binary logistic regression was used to screen SNPs and clinical variables with predictive value. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted for clinical variables, SNPs, and their combination, and areas under the ROC curve (AUC) were compared. Internal and external validation tests were performed. RESULTS: rs12535708, rs651821, and rs5082 were constructed as the genetic risk score (GRS). Preoperative BMI was constructed as the clinical risk score (CRS). Preoperative BMI and SNPs were constructed as the cumulative genetic risk score (CGRS). ROC curves of GRS, CRS, and CGRS showed that the optimal cutoffs were 0.831 (AUC = 0.840; sensitivity, 92.96%; specificity, 64.29%), 43.46 kg/m2 (AUC = 0.830; sensitivity, 76.06%; specificity, 85.71%), and 0.921 (AUC = 0.931; sensitivity, 77.46%; specificity, 92.86%), respectively. The AUC of CGRS was significantly greater than that of CRS (P < 0.05) and greater than GRS without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: In Chinese patients with BMI ≥ 32.5 kg/m2, GRS and CRS could predict weight loss success. However, CGRS was superior to GRS or CRS alone.

Long-Term Weight Loss Outcome of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Predicted by the Percentage of Excess Weight Loss at 6 Months in Chinese Patients with Body Mass Index ≥ 32.5 Kg/m2.

Purpose: To evaluate the predictive effect of the initial weight loss on the long-term weight loss in Chinese patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 32.5 kg/m2 who underwent LSG. Patients and Methods: The follow-up was completed via phone or WeChat for outpatients and at the hospital for inpatients. We evaluated the BMI, percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), and type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia statuses. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed on the relationship between the initial and long-term weight loss. The optimal cut-off value was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: We enrolled 307 patients, with a median preoperative BMI of 39.68 (35.68, 45.47) kg/m2. %EWL ≥ 50% was regarded as successful weight loss, and 76.55% of the patients lost their weight successfully. (Reviewer #1, comment #4) %EWL at 6 months and 5 years were positively correlated (P < 0.001). Further, the following linear equation could express the relationship: (%EWL5 years = 29.193 + 0.526 × %EWL6 months). %EWL ≥ 58.57% at 6 months was the best predictor of successful weight loss at 5 years after LSG (Reviewer #1, comment #5) (sensitivity, 73.62%; specificity, 73.61%; AUC value, 0.780). Internal verification of the prediction model revealed satisfactory results in terms of discrimination and calibration. Conclusion: In Chinese patients with BMI ≥ 32.5 kg/m2 who underwent LSG, %EWL at 6 months and 5 years were correlated. %EWL ≥ 58.57% at 6 months was a predictor of successful long-term weight loss.

Short- and long-term outcomes as well as anal function of transanal natural orifice specimen extraction surgery versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid colon or rectal cancer resection: a retrospective study with over 5-year follow-up.

Introduction: To date, long-term safety including functional outcomes of transanal natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) for colorectal cancer resection has not been confirmed. Aim: To explore the short- and long-term outcomes as well as anal function of transanal NOSES versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid colon or rectal cancer resection. Material and methods: A retrospective review of data from a prospectively maintained database was performed to analyze the data of 69 patients who underwent transanal NOSES for sigmoid colon or rectal cancer resections and another 69 matched patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic (CL) surgery. Anal function of patients was evaluated using the Wexner fecal incontinence scale postoperatively. Results: Transanal NOSES resulted in faster recovery of intestinal function, shorter postoperative length of stay, less incisional pain, fewer postoperative complications and shorter scars than CL surgery (p < 0.05). The two groups had similar overall survival (p = 0.863) and disease-free survival (p = 0.961). Wexner scores of the NOSES group at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery were higher than in the CL group (p < 0.05), and there was no difference between the two groups at 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery. Conclusions: Transanal NOSES achieves similar survival outcomes to CL surgery. Transanal NOSES has the advantages of faster recovery, shorter postoperative hospital stay, less incisional pain, shorter scars, etc. However, transanal NOSES can indeed impair anal function, needing more attention.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Affects Coagulation System of Obese Patients.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is nowadays the most popular bariatric procedure for obesity. However, whether LSG increases the risk of thrombosis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate potential effects of LSG on coagulation system. METHODS: Fifty-five obese patients underwent LSG between 2016 and 2018. The LSG was performed with pneumoperitoneum pressure maintained at 13 mmHg. Venous blood specimens were collected from each patient before surgery, at the end of pneumoperitoneum (i.e., 0 h after surgery), and at 24 h after surgery to determine prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), platelet count (PLT), D-dimer (D-D), red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), plateletcrit (PCT), cholesterol (CHOL), triglyceride (TRIG), and serum calcium (Ca). All patients were examined on the veins of the lower limbs by color Duplex sonography (CDS) before surgery and at 24 h after surgery, respectively. RESULTS: All patients successfully underwent LSG. No severe surgery-related complications were observed during 1-month follow-up after operation. Preoperative BMI was 43.6 ± 8.3 kg/m2. The levels of coagulation factors were within the normal range before surgery, except a relatively higher PLT. The PT and D-D were increased at 0 h and 24 h after surgery (P < 0.05), whereas APTT was decreased (P < 0.05). The postoperative FIB remained similar to the preoperative one (P > 0.05). The CDS identified no thrombus in the veins of the lower limbs, either before surgery or at 24 h after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: LSG may cause postoperative hypercoagulability of patients with obesity.

Abdominal infectious complications associated with the dislocation of intraperitoneal part of drainage tube and poor drainage after major surgeries.

Abdominal drainage, serving as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool, has been widely applied to prevent complications after major abdominal surgical procedures. However, dislocation of intraperitoneal portion of drainage tube and poor drainage after major surgery has never been detailed. In this retrospective study, we determined whether postoperative abdominal infectious complications are attributed to dislocation of intraperitoneal portion of drainage tube. Patients were recruited from the Department of General Surgery at Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, between June 2015 and June 2018. All of the enrolled patients had undergone different major abdominal surgical procedures with abdominal drainage. According to different fixation methods of the drainage tube, the patients were categorised as follows: group 1 as conventional extra-abdominal fixation where the tubes were fixed on abdominal wall; group 2 as double fixation where the tubes were fixed by both extra-abdominal and intra-abdominal fixation. Among 60 patients (40 in group 1 and 20 in group 2) with suspected postoperative abdominal infection, abdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed to determine the presence of abnormality. Dislocation of drainage tubes, morbidity, treatment, and prognosis were compared between the two groups. None of the patients showed slip knot or drainage tube slipping from the abdomen based on physical examination and CT imaging. Drainage tube was fixed firmly on the abdominal wall. In group 1, 18 (45%) patients developed postoperative complications resulting from abdominal infection where severe dislocation of intraperitoneal portion of drainage tubes was confirmed by CT. Drainage tubes of six cases were significantly dislocated to the anterior abdominal wall from the target area; 7 upper abdominal drainage tubes dislocated to the lower abdomen; and 5 lower abdominal drainage tubes dislocated to the upper abdomen. Common complications included localised peritonitis (n = 4), abdominal abscess (n = 8), and anastomotic leakage (n = 6). Among them, 8 patients were cured by abdominal puncture catheter drainage; 5 underwent secondary operation and 5 were cured by conservative treatment. In group 2, no tube dislocation was identified by CT. Five patients (25%) developed complications, including localised peritonitis (n = 1), abdominal abscess (n = 1), and anastomotic leakage (n = 3). All the five patients were cured by conservative treatment. Postoperative abdominal infection complications can stem from dislocation of intraperitoneal portion of drainage tube and poor drainage after major abdominal surgery. Maintaining the intraperitoneal portion of drainage tube at the proper location, for example, by applying intraabdominal fixation, is paramount to decrease the incidence and severity of postoperative complications.

The value of preoperative lymphocytes-to-monocytes ratio in predicting lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to evaluate value of preoperative lymphocytes-to-monocytes ratio (LMR) as a predictor for lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer. METHODS: Patients with pathologically diagnosed malignant gastric tumor were reviewed retrospectively. Patients' demographic data, clinical manifestations and LMR were collected. The postoperative pathology data including the tumor size, tumor sites, differentiation degree of tumor, depth of tumor invasion, metastatic lymph nodes, total dissected lymph nodes, distant metastasis, vessel carcinoma embolus, neural invasion, Lauren's classification, Ki-67 and TNM stage were collected. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the cut-off point of LMR. The association between LMR and the clinicopathologic factors was further analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 177 subjects were enrolled into the study. LMR =3.79 was used as cut-off point; the patients with LMR ≥3.79 were classified as high-LMR group (123 cases) and the patients with LMR <3.79 as low-LMR group (54 cases). LMR was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Low preoperative LMR was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer patients, and had predictive value for lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer patients.

Long-limb length difference had no effect on outcomes of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for obese Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A CONSORT compliant article.

Bariatric surgery is effective in treating different components of metabolic syndrome including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and hyperlipidemia. But there is no consensus on the ideal biliopancreatic and Roux limb length. This study aimed to explore the effect of biliopancreatic limb and Roux limb lengths during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) procedures on weight loss and T2DM control.We studied the clinical records of 58 patients with metabolic syndrome, T2DM, and body mass index (BMI) 32 to 50 kg/m who underwent LRYGB in our hospital. The short limb group (Group A) underwent LRYGB with a limb length of 160 to 200 cm (n = 31) and the long limb group (Group B) underwent LRYGB with a limb length of 210 to 240 cm (n = 27) were compared.The occurrence of acute or chronic internal hernia in Group B was higher than that in Group A (P = .026). Twelve months after surgery, patients from the 2 groups were also observed with reduction in BMI, percent excess weight loss (EWL), preoperative FPG, and HbA1c as compared with these indicators before surgery. However, the differences of these indicators between 2 groups were not significant at the time point of before and 3, 6, 12 months after surgery.LRYGB had significant effects on weight loss and diabetes control in obese T2DM patients. However, there was no significant difference in the short term on weight loss and diabetes control in the patients receiving different limb lengths.

Enhanced expression of the long non-coding RNA SNHG16 contributes to gastric cancer progression and metastasis.

This paper aimed to probe into the expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG16 in human gastric cancer (GC) and its potential tumor biological functions. The expression of lncRNA SNHG16 was detected in GC and adjacent tissues and GC cell lines using qRT-PCR. GC MGC-803 cells were transfected with siRNA of lncRNA SNHG16, as well as blank and negative control. A series of experiments including CCK-8, flow cytometry, transwell, and wound healing assay were adopted to evaluate the effects of lncRNA SNHG16 on cell growth and metastasis. Besides, the nude mouse xenograft tumor model was established to draw tumor growth curve and measure tumor volume during treatments. TUNEL staining was used to determine the apoptosis rate of tissues. The expression of lncRNA SNHG16 in GC tissue, significantly associated with invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage and histological differentiation (all P< 0.05), was upregulated compared with adjacent tissues. Transfected with siRNA of lncRNA SNHG16 inhibited GC MGC-803 cell proliferation, and arrested cells in the G0/G1 phase, and then promoted apoptosis rate with reduced cell invasion and shortened migration distance. Additionally, the nude mice xenograft presented lower tumor growth rate and weight loss alongside elevated apoptosis rate of tumor tissues. LncRNA SNHG16 is highly expressed in GC, while suppression of SNHG16 expression can inhibit proliferation, weaken invasion and migration of GC cells, and enhance apoptosis, to be a novel target for GC clinical treatment.

Early versus delayed laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for common bile duct stone-related nonsevere acute cholangitis.

It is undetermined when and how laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) should be used in patients with common bile duct (CBD) stone-related nonsevere acute cholangitis. We aimed to evaluate the effect of LCBDE on the clinical outcome of those patients within (early) or beyond (delayed) 72 hours of emergent admission. Surgery-related complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), and total cost, as well as demographic and clinical parameters were compared between the two groups. Finally, 3 and 5 patients in early and delayed LCBDE group, respectively, had retained stones, which were removed by choledochoscopy before T-tube was removed. Each group had 3 patients who developed biliary leak, which was conservatively cured by the drainage. Shorter LOS and less total cost were observed in early group compared to the late one (13.34 ± 4.48 vs. 18.32 ± 9.13, p < 0.05; 17712 ± 5446.63 vs. 21776 ± 7230.41 ¥RMB, p < 0.05). Improvement of cholangitis was achieved in all patients with LCBDE. None of the patients developed stricture of the CBD after LCBDE. To conclude, both early and delayed LCBDE are safe and effective for the treatment of CBD stone-related nonsevere acute cholangitis during emergent admissions. Early LCBDE may be superior to delayed procedure due to the shorter LOS and less cost.

Endoscopic Surgery for Omohyoid Muscle Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Omohyoid muscle syndrome (OMS) (not omohyoid syndrome) is a rare clinical condition that has a characteristic feature of a protruding lateral neck mass during swallowing. The use of endoscopic surgery on the neck is now pretty well established for thyroid and parathyroid glands. Patients with OMS usually undergo simple surgical transection of the omohyoid muscle. The procedure leaves operative scars on the neck, and most patients worry about the cosmetic problems. We report here the first use of an endoscopic procedure instead of traditional surgery for treatment of OMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a rare case of a 26-year-old Chinese man who noted a protruding mass involving the right side of his neck during the past 10 years. OMS was diagnosed. Laparoscopic simple transection of the omohyoid muscle by an ultrasonically activated scalpel was performed. RESULTS: After laparoscopic transection of the omohyoid muscle, the neck mass completely disappeared during swallowing, and there were no operative scars on the neck. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of laparoscopy for treatment of OMS. We believe that the laparoscopic procedure is made acceptable for this unusual disease because of the cosmetic result.

Short- and long-term outcomes of kidney transplants with kidneys lavaged by retrograde perfusion technique.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of the retrograde perfusion technique in kidney transplantation. METHODS: Between January 2001 and June 2011, 24 cases of kidney transplantation with kidneys perfused using the retrograde perfusion technique due to renal artery variations or injury were selected as the observation group (retrograde perfussion group, RP group). Twenty-two cases of kidney transplantation via conventional perfusion were chosen as the control group (antegrade perfussion group, AP group). There were no statistically significant differences in donor data between the two groups. Cold ischemia time, warm ischemia time, renal perfusion time, amount of perfusion fluid, acute renal tubular necrosis, wound infection, urinary fistula, graft kidney function, and the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates for the grafted kidney in both groups were observed and recorded. RESULTS: The kidney perfusion time was shorter in the RP group than that in the AP group (3.14 ± 1.00 vs. 5.02 ± 1.15 min, P = 0.030). There were 10 cases of acute renal tubule necrosis in the RP group and 5 in the AP group. The length of hospital stay was 40 ± 14 d in the RP group and 25 ± 12 d in the AP group. The follow-up time was 3.5-8.5 years (mean 6.25 years). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates for the grafted kidney were 95.8%, 75.5%, and 65.5% in the RP group and 97.1%, 82.5%, and 68.4% in the AP group, respectively (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that retrograde perfusion is safe and practicable for cadaveric kidney harvesting and can be regarded as a better alternative or remedial measure for a poorly perfused kidney due to vascular deformity or injury.