Clinical Efficacy of Laparoscopic Sentinel Node Navigation Surgery for Stomach Preservation in Patients With Early Gastric Cancer: 5-year Results of the SENORITA Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare laparoscopic standard gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic sentinel node navigation surgery (LSNNS) for EGC in terms of 5-year long-term oncologic outcomes. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The oncological safety of LSNNS for early gastric cancer (EGC) has not been confirmed. Three-year disease-free survival (DFS), which is the primary endpoint of the phase III multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial (SEntinel Node ORIented Tailored Approach [SENORITA] trial), did not show the non-inferiority of LSNNS relative to LSG. METHODS: The SENORITA trial, a multicenter randomized clinical trial, was designed to show that LSNNS is non-inferior to LSG in terms of 3-year DFS. In the present study, we collected 5-year follow-up data from 527 patients recruited in the SENORITA trial as the full analysis set (FAS). Disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and recurrence patterns were evaluated using the FAS of both LSG (n=269) and LSNNS (n=258). RESULTS: The 5-year DFS was not significantly different between the LSG and LSNNS groups (P=0.0561). During the 5-year follow-up, gastric cancer-related events, such as metachronous cancer, were more frequent in the LSNNS group than in the LSG group. However, ten recurrent cancers in the remnant stomach of both groups were curatively resected by additional gastrectomy and one by additional endoscopic resection. Two of the 198 patients who underwent local resection for stomach preservation based on the LSNNS results developed distant metastasis. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the 5-year OS and DSS (P=0.7403 and P=0.9586, respectively) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The 5-year DFS, DSS and OS did not differ significantly between the two groups. Considering the benefits of LSNNS on postoperative quality of life, LSNNS could be recommended as an alternative treatment option for EGC.

Feasibility of Regional Lymphadenectomy for Stomach-Preserving Surgery in Early Gastric Cancer Omitting Sentinel Node Navigation: A Post Hoc Analysis of the SENORITA Trial.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel node navigation (SNN) has been known as the effective treatment for stomach-preserving surgery in early gastric cancer; however, SNN presents several technical difficulties in real practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of regional lymphadenectomy omitting SNN, using the post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Using data from the SENORITA trial that compared laparoscopic standard gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy and laparoscopic SNN, 237 patients who underwent SNN were included in this study. Tumor location was divided into longitudinal and circumferential directions. According to the location of the tumor, the presence or absence of lymph node (LN) metastases between sentinel and non-sentinel basins were analyzed. Proposed regional LN stations were defined as the closest area to the primary tumor. Sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values (NPV) of SNN and regional lymphadenectomy were compared. RESULTS: Metastasis to non-sentinel basins with tumor-free in sentinel basins was observed in one patient (0.4%). The rate of LN metastasis to non-regional LN stations without regional LN metastasis was 2.5% (6/237). The sensitivity and NPV of SNN were found to be significantly higher than those of regional lymphadenectomy (96.8% vs. 80.6% [p = 0.016] and 99.5% vs. 97.2% [p = 0.021], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that regional lymphadenectomy for stomach-preserving surgery, omitting SNN, was insufficient; therefore, SNN is required in stomach-preserving surgery.

Lysine-homologue substitution: Impact on antimicrobial activity and proteolytic stability of cationic stapled heptapeptides.

Numerous natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit a cationic amphipathic helical conformation, wherein cationic amino acids, such as lysine and arginine, play pivotal roles in antimicrobial activity by aiding initial attraction to negatively charged bacterial membranes. Expanding on our previous work, which introduced a de novo design of amphipathic helices within cationic heptapeptides using an 'all-hydrocarbon peptide stapling' approach, we investigated the impact of lysine-homologue substitution on helix formation, antimicrobial activity, hemolytic activity, and proteolytic stability of these novel AMPs. Our results demonstrate that substituting lysine with ornithine enhances both the antimicrobial activity and proteolytic stability of the stapled heptapeptide AMP series, while maintaining low hemolytic activity. This finding underscores lysine-homologue substitution as a valuable strategy for optimizing the therapeutic potential of diverse cationic AMPs.

An international Delphi consensus for surgical quality assessment of lymphadenectomy and anastomosis in minimally invasive total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive total gastrectomy (MITG) is a mainstay for curative treatment of patients with gastric cancer. To define and standardize optimal surgical techniques and further improve clinical outcomes through the enhanced MITG surgical quality, there must be consensus on the key technical steps of lymphadenectomy and anastomosis creation, which is currently lacking. This study aimed to determine an expert consensus from an international panel regarding the technical aspects of the performance of MITG for oncological indications using the Delphi method. METHODS: A 100-point scoping survey was created based on the deconstruction of MITG into its key technical steps through local and international expert opinion and literature evidence. An international expert panel comprising upper gastrointestinal and general surgeons participated in multiple rounds of a Delphi consensus. The panelists voted on the issues concerning importance, difficulty, or agreement using an online questionnaire. A priori consensus standard was set at > 80% for agreement to a statement. Internal consistency and reliability were evaluated using Cronbach's α. RESULTS: Thirty expert upper gastrointestinal and general surgeons participated in three online Delphi rounds, generating a final consensus of 41 statements regarding MITG for gastric cancer. The consensus was gained from 22, 12, and 7 questions from Delphi rounds 1, 2, and 3, which were rephrased into the 41 statetments respectively. For lymphadenectomy and aspects of anastomosis creation, Cronbach's α for round 1 was 0.896 and 0.886, and for round 2 was 0.848 and 0.779, regarding difficulty or importance. CONCLUSIONS: The Delphi consensus defined 41 steps as crucial for performing a high-quality MITG for oncological indications based on the standards of an international panel. The results of this consensus provide a platform for creating and validating surgical quality assessment tools designed to improve clinical outcomes and standardize surgical quality in MITG.

Can conservative treatment be effective for thoracolumbar injuries patients with TLICS scores of 4 or 5? An analysis of initial radiological findings and clinical risk factors for treatment failure.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the outcomes of conservative management in patients with thoracolumbar fractures classified with a Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity (TLICS) score of 4 or 5, and to analyze initial imaging findings and clinical risk factors associated with treatment failure. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, patients with thoracolumbar fractures and a TLICS score of 4 or 5, determined through MRI from January 2017 to December 2020, were included. Patients undergoing conservative treatment were categorized into two groups: Group 1 (treatment success) and Group 2 (treatment failure), based on initial and 6-month follow-up outcomes. Clinical data were compared between the two groups. Initial radiological assessments included three kyphosis measurements (Cobb angle, Gardner angle, and sagittal index [SI]), anterior and posterior wall height, and central canal compromise (CC). Additionally, risk factors contributing to treatment failure were analyzed. RESULTS: The conservative treatment group comprised 84 patients (mean age, 60.25 ± 15.53; range 22-85; 42 men), with 57 in Group 1 and 27 in Group 2. Group 2 exhibited a higher proportion of women, older age, and lower bone mass density (p = 0.001-0.005). Initial imaging findings in Group 2 revealed significantly greater values for Cobb angle, SI, and CC (p = 0.001-0.045 or < 0.001; with cutoff values of 18.2, 12.8, and 7.8%, respectively), and lower anterior wall height (p = 0.001), demonstrating good to excellent interobserver agreement (0.72-0.99, p < 0.001). Furthermore, osteoporosis was identified as a significant risk factor (odds ratio = 5.64, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Among patients with TLICS scores of 4 or 5, those experiencing conservative treatment failure exhibited unfavorable initial radiological findings, a higher proportion of women, advanced age, and osteoporosis. Additionally, osteoporosis emerged as a significant risk factor for treatment failure.

Antioxidant Efficacy of Hwangryunhaedok-tang through Nrf2 and AMPK Signaling Pathway against Neurological Disorders In Vivo and In Vitro.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a representative cause of dementia and is caused by neuronal loss, leading to the accumulation of aberrant neuritic plaques and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. Oxidative stress is involved in the impaired clearance of amyloid beta (Aß), and Aß-induced oxidative stress causes AD by inducing the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. Hwangryunhaedok-tang (HHT, Kracie K-09®), a traditional herbal medicine prescription, has shown therapeutic effects on various diseases. However, the studies of HHT as a potential treatment for AD are insufficient. Therefore, our study identified the neurological effects and mechanisms of HHT and its key bioactive compounds against Alzheimer's disease in vivo and in vitro. In a 5xFAD mouse model, our study confirmed that HHT attenuated cognitive impairments in the Morris water maze (MWM) test and passive avoidance (PA) test. In addition, the prevention of neuron impairment, reduction in the protein levels of Aß, and inhibition of cell apoptosis were confirmed with brain tissue staining. In HT-22 cells, HHT attenuates tBHP-induced cytotoxicity, ROS generation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. It was verified that HHT exerts a neuroprotective effect by activating signaling pathways interacting with Nrf2, such as MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, and LKB1/AMPK. Among the components, baicalein, a bioavailable compound of HHT, exhibited neuroprotective properties and activated the Akt, AMPK, and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. Our findings indicate a mechanism for HHT and its major bioavailable compounds to treat and prevent AD and suggest its potential.

Tumour infiltrating lymphocytes and survival after adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer: post-hoc analysis of the CLASSIC trial.

BACKGROUND: Only a subset of gastric cancer (GC) patients with stage II-III benefits from chemotherapy after surgery. Tumour infiltrating lymphocytes per area (TIL density) has been suggested as a potential predictive biomarker of chemotherapy benefit. METHODS: We quantified TIL density in digital images of haematoxylin-eosin (HE) stained tissue using deep learning in 307 GC patients of the Yonsei Cancer Center (YCC) (193 surgery+adjuvant chemotherapy [S + C], 114 surgery alone [S]) and 629 CLASSIC trial GC patients (325 S + C and 304 S). The relationship between TIL density, disease-free survival (DFS) and clinicopathological variables was analysed. RESULTS: YCC S patients and CLASSIC S patients with high TIL density had longer DFS than S patients with low TIL density (P = 0.007 and P = 0.013, respectively). Furthermore, CLASSIC patients with low TIL density had longer DFS if treated with S + C compared to S (P = 0.003). No significant relationship of TIL density with other clinicopathological variables was found. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to suggest TIL density automatically quantified in routine HE stained tissue sections as a novel, clinically useful biomarker to identify stage II-III GC patients deriving benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Validation of our results in a prospective study is warranted.

Predictive Value of KLASS-02-QC Assessment Score on KLASS-02 Surgical Outcomes: Validation of Surgeon Quality Control and Standardization for D2 Lymphadenectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to audit the 22 items and assessed each item's predictive value on surgical outcomes. BACKGROUND: The KLASS-02 trial revealed that the oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy are not inferior to open distal gastrectomy in patients with advanced gastric cancer. The surgeons participating in this trial were chosen based on the assessment scores from the KLASS-02-QC trial, which used 22 items for standardization of D2 lymphadenectomy and quality control. METHODS: We reviewed proficiency scores (PSs) for 22 items for 20 surgeons who participated in KLASS-02. The surgeons were divided into 2 groups according to PS, and the perioperative outcomes of 924 patients enrolled in KLASS-02 were compared between groups. Each item's predictive value for perioperative outcome was then assessed using multivariable regression models. RESULTS: Of the total 924 patients, 529 were operated on by high-score surgeons (high PS) and 395 were operated on by low-score surgeons (low-PS). High-PS group had less intraoperative blood loss, longer operation times, and fewer complications, major complications, reoperations, and shorter first flatus and hospital stay than low-PS group ( P =0.006, P <0.001, P <0.001, P <0.001, P =0.042, P =0.013, and P <0.001, respectively). Some items used in KLASS-02-QC predicted perioperative outcomes, such as intraoperative blood loss, major complications, reoperation, and hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study only analyzed data associated with qualified surgeons, the 22 items effectively assessed the surgeons based on PS. A high score was associated with longer operation times, but better perioperative outcomes.

Standard follow-up after curative surgery for advanced gastric cancer: secondary analysis of a multicentre randomized clinical trial (KLASS-02).

BACKGROUND: The benefit of regular follow-up after curative resection for gastric cancer is controversial as there is no evidence that it will improve survival. This study assessed whether regular follow-up leads to improved survival in patients after surgery for gastric cancer. METHODS: A secondary analysis was undertaken of patients who participated in an RCT of laparoscopic versus open distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer between November 2011 and April 2015. Depending on whether patients were compliant with the initial trial follow-up protocol or not, they were analysed as having had either regular or irregular follow-up. Clinicopathological characteristics, recurrence patterns, detection, treatments, and survival were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The regular and irregular follow-up groups comprised 712 and 263 patients respectively. Disease recurrence within 36 months was more common in the regular group than in the irregular group (17.0 versus 11.4 per cent; P = 0.041). Recurrence patterns did not differ between the groups. The 3-year recurrence-free survival rate was worse in the regular than in the irregular group (81.2 versus 86.5 per cent; P = 0.031). However, the 5-year overall survival rate was comparable (84.5 versus 87.5 per cent respectively; P = 0.160). Multivariable analysis revealed that type of follow-up was not an independent factor affecting 5-year overall survival. CONCLUSION: Regular follow-up after radical gastrectomy was not associated with improved overall survival.

Forsythiaside A Activates AMP-Activated Protein Kinase and Regulates Oxidative Stress via Nrf2 Signaling.

Forsythiaside A (FA) is an active constituent isolated from Forsythia suspensa, a beneficial herb used in traditional medicine known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Although various studies have suggested that FA has the protective effects, its impacts on arachidonic acid (AA) plus iron in vitro models and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse liver damage in vivo have not been explored. In this study, HepG2 cells were subjected to AA + iron treatment to induce apoptosis and mitochondrial impairment and determine the molecular mechanisms. FA exhibited protective effects by inhibiting cell damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by AA + iron, as assessed via immunoblot and flow cytometry analyses. Further molecular investigations revealed that FA resulted in the activation of extracellular-signal-related protein kinase (ERK), which subsequently triggered the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a critical regulator of cellular oxidative stress. Additionally, FA modulated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, which is a significant antioxidant transcription factor regulated by the AMPK pathway. For in vivo studies, mice were orally administered FA and then subjected to induction of CCl4-based hepatotoxicity. The protective effect of FA was confirmed via blood biochemistry and immunohistochemical analyses. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated the protective effects of FA against oxidative stress both in vitro and in vivo, thus indicating that FA is a potential candidate for liver protection. Our study sheds light on the mechanistic pathways involved in the antioxidant effects of FA, highlighting the hepatoprotective potential of naturally occurring compounds in traditional herbs, such as FA.

Gastric cancer surgery in South Korea: Past, present, and future.

Gastric cancer remains a significant global health concern and its surgical management approaches have undergone significant changes in South Korea and worldwide. Subtotal or total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection is well established as a standard surgical procedure for gastric cancer. With the active implementation of cancer screening in South Korea, the proportion of early gastric cancer cases has significantly increased over the past few decades, leading to a steady increase in the survival rate among patients. Furthermore, recent advances in surgical instruments and techniques have made minimally invasive surgery increasingly prevalent, not only for early but also for advanced gastric cancer. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution and current status of gastric cancer surgery in South Korea.

Radiological criteria for selecting candidates for neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer: an exploratory analysis from the PRODIGY study.

BACKGROUND: In this exploratory analysis from the PRODIGY study, we aimed to define the radiological criteria to identify patients with gastric cancer who may derive maximal clinical benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: There were 246 patients allocated to receive surgery followed by adjuvant S-1 (SC group) and 238 allocated to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CSC group). As the PRODIGY's radiological method of lymph node (LN) evaluation considers short diameter and morphology (the size and morphology method), a method considering only short diameter was also employed. In the SC group, the correlation between radiologic and pathologic findings was analyzed. The hazard ratio (HR) for the progression-free survival (PFS) of the CSC group was analyzed in subgroups with different cT/N stages. RESULTS: cT4 disease showed a sensitivity of 85.6% for detecting pT4 and had a low proportion of pathologic stage (pStage) I disease (4.5%). Among the criteria determined by different cT/N stages by each method of LN positivity, those involving cT4Nany or cT4N + by both methods had a minimal proportion of pStage I disease (≤ 5%), while cT4Nany by both methods and cT4N + by the size and morphology method exhibited ≥ 75.9% sensitivity for detecting pStage III disease. The relative risk reduction in PFS of the CSC group was greatest in patients meeting the cT4Nany criterion defined by both methods (HR 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.48-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: The cT4Nany criterion, regardless of the radiological method used for LN evaluation, may help select patients with resectable gastric cancer for neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Determinants of clinical outcomes of gastric cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a sub-analysis of the PRODIGY study.

BACKGROUND: In this post hoc analysis of the PRODIGY study, we aimed to investigate factors associated with survival outcomes and provide evidence for designing optimal perioperative treatment strategies for gastric cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 212 patients in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group of the PRODIGY study were included as the study population. The prognostic impact of clinicopathologic factors, including the initial radiological clinical stage (cStage) and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy pathological stage (ypStage), was analyzed. RESULTS: The median age was 58 years. The majority of patients (77.4%) had cStage III disease, and about 10% and 25% had ypStage 0 and I disease, respectively. According to the initial cStage, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly different (P < 0.01). PFS and OS were also different according to the ypStage (P < 0.01). In multivariate analyses, cStage IIIC disease (vs. cStage II) and ypStage II and III disease (vs. ypStage 0/I) were independent factors for poor survival outcomes. Based on the patterns of PFS and OS according to both cStage and ypStage, three patient groups were defined. These groups showed distinct PFS and OS (P < 0.01) with 5-year PFS rates of 95.7%, 77.9%, and 31.3% and 5-year OS rates of 95.7%, 82.4%, and 42.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both initial cStage and ypStage were independent factors for survival outcomes of gastric cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Efforts should be made to develop optimal peri-operative treatment strategies for patients at different risks according to cStage and ypStage.

Efficacy of endoscopic management for anastomotic leakage after gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage (AL) after gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients is associated with high mortality rates. Various endoscopic procedures are available to manage this postoperative complication. The aim of study was to evaluate the outcome of two endoscopic modalities, clippings and stents, for the treatment of AL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: There were 4916 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy between December 2007 and January 2016 at the National Cancer Center, Korea. A total of 115 patients (2.3%) developed AL. Of these, 85 patients (1.7%) received endoscopic therapy for AL and were included in this retrospective study. The endpoints were the complete leakage closure rates and risk factors associated with failure of endoscopic therapy. RESULTS: Of the 85 patients, 62 received endoscopic clippings (with or without detachable snares), and 23 received a stent insertion. Overall, the complete leakage closure rate was 80%, and no significant difference was found between the clipping and stent groups (79.0% vs. 82.6%, respectively; P = 0.89). The complete leakage closure rate was significantly lower in the duodenal and jejunal stump sites (60%) than esophageal sites (86.1%) and gastric sites (94.1%; P = 0.026). The multivariate analysis showed that stump leakage sites (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.51; P = 0.031) and the presence of intra-abdominal abscess (aOR, 4.92; P = -0.025) were associated with unsuccessful leakage closures. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic therapy using clippings or stents is an effective method for the postoperative management of AL in gastric cancer patients. This therapy can be considered a primary treatment option due to its demonstrated efficacy, safety, and minimally invasive nature.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic resection followed by additional surgery after non-curative resection in undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer: a nationwide multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: Undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer (UD EGC) shows lower curative resection rates after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Additional surgery is recommended after non-curative resection. We evaluated the long-term outcomes of ESD followed by additional surgery after non-curative resection in UD EGC compared to those for surgery as initial treatment. METHODS: We reviewed 1139 UD EGC patients who underwent ESD at 18 hospitals and 1956 patients who underwent surgery at two hospitals between February 2005 and May 2015. We enrolled 636 patients with non-curative ESD and 1429 surgery subjects beyond the curative ESD criteria. Among them, 133 patients with additional surgery after ESD (ESD + OP group) and 252 patients without additional surgery (ESD-only group) were matched 1:1 using propensity scores to patients with surgery as initial treatment (surgery group). Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared. RESULTS: Signet ring cell carcinoma and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (PDA) were observed in 939 and 1126 cases, respectively. OS was significantly longer in the surgery group than in the ESD + OP group, especially for PDA. However, RFS was shorter in the ESD-only group than those in the ESD + OP and surgery groups. RFS did not differ significantly between the ESD + OP and surgery groups. Compared to the surgery group, the ESD-only and ESD + OP groups had an overall hazard ratio for RFS of 3.58 (95% confidence interval 1.44-8.88) and 0.46 (0.10-2.20), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ESD followed by additional surgery after non-curative resection showed comparable cancer-specific outcomes to initial surgery in UD EGC.

Effectiveness of Intraoperative Endoscopy for Localization of Early Gastric Cancer during Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative localization of tumors has been considered crucial in determining adequate resection margins during laparoscopic gastrectomy for early gastric cancer (EGC). This study has evaluated the effectiveness of intraoperative endoscopy for localization of EGC during the totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. METHODS: Patients with EGC who received totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy from January 2018 to March 2020 were included in this study. Except the tumors located in the antrum, the patients were categorized into two groups: no localization procedure (n = 144) and intraoperative endoscopy (n = 65). To evaluate the effectiveness of the localization procedure, proximal resection margin (PRM) involvement by the tumor and approximation of optimal PRM were compared, including their postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: There were 3 patients (2.1%) with tumor involvement of the PRM at the initial gastric resection in the no localization group. Distance from the tumor to the PRM was determined to be not significantly different between the no localization group and intraoperative endoscopy group. The PRM distribution pattern and reconstruction method were also not significantly different between the two groups. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Intraoperative endoscopy for localization of EGC is an effective method to avoid tumor involvement at the resection margin during the laparoscopic gastrectomy with intracorporeal gastric resection and reconstruction.

Risks and benefits of additional surgery for early gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach meeting non-curative resection criteria after endoscopic submucosal dissection.

BACKGROUND: Additional surgery is recommended after non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer. However, it is not easy to recommend for tumors located in the upper third of the stomach, because it would be a total or proximal gastrectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the actual risks and benefits of additional gastrectomy for upper third tumors. METHODS: We reviewed the clinicopathological data of patients who underwent total or proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach between March 2002 and January 2021. The incidence of lymph node metastasis and postoperative complications were calculated, and risk factors for lymph node metastasis were identified using logistic regression analysis. Survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 523 patients underwent total or proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer; 379 of them had tumors meeting the non-curative resection criteria for endoscopic submucosal dissection. The overall lymph node metastasis rate was 9.5%, and lymphovascular invasion was the only significant risk factor for lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001). The most common sites of lymph node metastasis were stations 1, 3, and 7, with their rates being 3.2%, 3.7%, and 3.2%, respectively. Overall and severe (Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher) postoperative complication rates were 21.1% and 14.0%, respectively, while postoperative mortality was 0.5% (2/379). The 5-year overall survival rates for patients with and without lymph node metastasis were 96.1% and 81.1%, respectively (p = 0.076). CONCLUSIONS: Before planning an additional gastrectomy after non-curative endoscopic resection for the upper third tumor, we should consider both the benefit of the 9.5% curability for lymph node metastasis and the risks of the 21% postoperative complications and 0.5% mortality.

The progression of the vertebral body bruise associated with a spinal fracture.

BACKGROUND: Advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have made it possible to find the vertebral body bruise (VBB), which was not found in computed tomography (CT) after trauma. There has been only one study with adult patients about whether traumatic VBB will cause a collapse of the vertebral body or not. The purpose is to elucidate the progression of VBB in non-osteoporotic adult patients and to identify the possible factors influencing the progression. METHOD: The VBB was defined on MRI as band-like or diffuse zones of high signal intensity on T2-weighted sequences without fracture of the cortex based on CT. The study population with traumatic VBB associated with non-osteoporotic spinal fracture was composed of 15 females and 21 males. The minimal follow-up period was 6 months. The ratio of anterior to posterior heights of the VBB, the ratio of anterior heights of the VBB to the average of those of cranial and caudal adjacent vertebral bodies, the anterior wedge angle of the VBB, and the focal angle around the VBB were compared between the initial and final visits. We evaluated the age of the patients, the C2 plumb line distance, the regional location of VBB, the etiology of VBB, and the treatment methods of the fractures as possible risk factors influencing the progression. RESULTS: There was no difference in the ratios and angles between the initial and final visits. The differences in the ratios and angles between the initial and final visits were not dependent on the possible risk factors. The anterior superior area is the most common in the distribution of VBB. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike compression fractures, the vertebral body with traumatic VBB found in adult patients with non-osteoporotic spinal fractures of AO classification A or B types did not develop collapse. In clinical practice, it is reasonable to diagnose it as a spinal fracture rather than a VBB if the collapse of a possible VBB occurs.

A Highly Sensitive and Flexible Capacitive Pressure Sensor Based on Alignment Airgap Dielectric.

Flexible capacitive pressure sensors with a simple structure and low power consumption are attracting attention, owing to their wide range of applications in wearable electronic devices. However, it is difficult to manufacture pressure sensors with high sensitivity, wide detection range, and low detection limits. We developed a highly sensitive and flexible capacitive pressure sensor based on the porous Ecoflex, which has an aligned airgap structure and can be manufactured by simply using a mold and a micro-needle. The existence of precisely aligned airgap structures significantly improved the sensor sensitivity compared to other dielectric structures without airgaps. The proposed capacitive pressure sensor with an alignment airgap structure supports a wide range of working pressures (20-100 kPa), quick response time (≈100 ms), high operational stability, and low-pressure detection limit (20 Pa). Moreover, we also studied the application of pulse wave monitoring in wearable sensors, exhibiting excellent performance in wearable devices that detect pulse waves before and after exercise. The proposed pressure sensor is applicable in electronic skin and wearable medical assistive devices owing to its excellent functional features.

Coordination of AMPK and YAP by Spatholobi Caulis and Procyanidin B2 Provides Antioxidant Effects In Vitro and In Vivo.

The liver is vulnerable to oxidative attacks from heavy metals, such as iron, as well as some drugs, including acetaminophen. It has been shown that enhanced oxidative stress in the liver leads to excessive ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in organ injury. The beneficial effects of Spatholobi Caulis (SC), a natural herbal medicine, include treating ischemic stroke, inhibiting tumor cell invasion, pro-angiogenic activities, and anti-inflammatory properties. Scientific studies on its effects against hepatotoxic reagents (e.g., iron and acetaminophen), as well as their underlying mechanisms, are insufficient. This study examined the antioxidant effects and mechanisms of SC in vitro and in vivo. In cells, the proinflammatory mediator, arachidonic acid (AA), plus iron, significantly induced an increase in ROS generation, the damage in mitochondrial membrane potential, and the resulting apoptosis, which were markedly blocked by SC. More importantly, SC affected the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related proteins, which were vital to regulating oxidative stress in cells. In addition, SC mediated the expression of Yes-associated protein (YAP)-related proteins. Among the active compounds in SC, the procyanidin B2, but not liquiritigenin, daidzein, and genistein, significantly inhibited the cytotoxicity induced by AA + iron, and activated the LKB1-AMPK pathway. In mice, the oral administration of SC alleviated the elevations of ALT and histological changes by the acetaminophen-induced liver injury. These results reveal the potential of SC and a key bioactive component, procyanidin B2, as antioxidant candidates for hepatoprotection.