Utilizing the Adsorbability of Pseudoboehmite for Tailoring the Stability of an Aluminum Sulfate Alkali-free Accelerator for Shotcrete.

Shotcrete is widely used in tunnels, bridges, culverts, and other large-scale projects. The accelerator is an additive employed to expedite the setting time of shotcrete. Previous research primarily concentrated on enhancing the early strength of accelerators, whereas their long-term stability has been inadequately investigated. In this study, pseudoboehmite (PB) and amorphous aluminum hydroxide (AAH) were incorporated into the accelerator to enhance its stability over a period of 90 days without any signs of crystallization or delamination. Furthermore, the accelerator exhibited an initial setting time of 170 s, a final setting time of 550 s, and a compressive strength of 11.58 MPa after 1 day. The mechanism of effects was studied by isothermal calorimetry, FTIR, XRD, TG-DTG, and SEM analysis. The enhancement in stability is attributed to the distinctive adsorption and thixotropic properties of PB, which facilitate the formation of an electrical double-layer structure in acidic solutions. The expedited setting and hardening are primarily due to the equilibrium between Al3+, SO42-, and Ca2+ ions, which accelerates the hydration process of cement. This research offers a methodology for developing a high-performance, alkali-free liquid accelerator.

linc00174 deteriorates the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy via miR-26a-5p/PTEN/Akt signalling cascade-mediated pyroptosis.

PURPOSE: We aim to investigate the potential role and underlying mechanisms of linc00174 on pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of DR. METHODS: Expression patterns of linc00174, miR-26a-5p and PTEN in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMECs) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Biological functions of linc00174 on cell proliferation and pyroptosis were evaluated by CCK-8, flow cytometry, caspase-1 activity assays, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was employed to verify the interaction between miR-26a-5p and linc00174/PTEN. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DR in mice was further constructed to verify the potential role of linc00174 in vivo. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical staining were performed to assess the pathological changes and caspase-1 expression in retinal tissues. RESULTS: Up-regulated linc00174 and PTEN and down-regulated miR-26a-5p were uncovered in hRMECs treated with high glucose (HG). Mechanistically, linc00174 served as a sponge of miR-26a-5p to facilitate PTEN expression. Functionally, knockdown of linc00174 inhibited HG-induced pyroptosis of hRMECs via targeting miR-26a-5p. Moreover, linc00174/miR-26a-5p axis participated in HG-induced pyroptosis via PTEN/Akt signaling cascade. Further, silencing of linc00174 attenuated pyroptosis via regulating miR-26a-5p/PETN axis in DR mice. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our study reveals that linc10074 deteriorates the pathogenesis of DR via miR-26a-5p/PTEN/Akt signalling cascade, which may shed light on the discovery of potential therapeutic agents for DR treatment.

Role of Glutamine in the Management of Oral Mucositis in Patients with Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

As the effectiveness of glutamine supplementation for oral mucositis (OM) in patients with cancer remains controversial, a comprehensive summary and analysis of available evidence is necessary. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the benefits of glutamine supplementation on OM and OM-related adverse reactions in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy (CT) and/or radiotherapy (RT), using data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for RCTs on the use of glutamine for treating OM, published until September 11, 2020. Risk ratios (RRs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using RevMan 5.3. Fifteen studies with 988 participants were included. Glutamine did not reduce the incidence of OM (RR 0.94), but it reduced the severity of OM (SMD -0.73) and incidence of severe OM (RR 0.41). Additionally, glutamine reduced the incidence of opioid analgesic use (RR 0.84), feeding tube use (RR 0.46), hospitalization (RR 0.39), and treatment interruption (RR 0.49) caused by OM. Glutamine effectively improved OM and reduced OM-related adverse reactions in patients with cancer receiving CT and/or RT.

Probiotics or Synbiotics for Preventing Postoperative Infection in Hepatopancreatobiliary Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative infection of hepatopancreatobiliary cancer (HPBC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Probiotics and synbiotics are potential prevention strategies, but evidence on the efficacy of probiotics or synbiotics in the prevention of postoperative infection for HPBC remains controversial. This study aimed to define the impact of probiotics or synbiotics on the incidence of postoperative infection in HPBC patients. METHODS: A systematic search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted from inception to February 2, 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of probiotics or synbiotics in HPBC. Data were pooled and expressed as the risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Eight RCTs involving 445 participants were included. Supplementation with probiotics or synbiotics significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative infection (RR 0.55) in HPBC patients, and both probiotics (RR 0.68) and synbiotics (RR 0.41) were effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative infection. In addition, probiotics or synbiotics can reduce duration of antibiotic use (MD -3.52) and length of hospital stay (MD -4.21). CONCLUSION: Probiotics or synbiotics are effective strategies for the prevention of postoperative infection in HPBC patients.

Iron Supplementation Effectively Ameliorates Anemia and Reduces the Need for Blood Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Anemia is common and harmful in patients undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. Blood transfusion (BT) is used to treat anemia, but results in a poor oncology prognosis. Iron supplementation may be effective in improving anemia and reducing the need for BT, however, the results remain controversial. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of iron supplementation in improving hemoglobin concentrations (Hb) and reducing the need for BT. METHODS: Up to February 10, 2021, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase databases were searched for studies evaluating the effects of iron supplementation on CRC surgery patients. Meta-analysis was conduct using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Seven trials with 879 participants in total were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled findings suggested that iron supplementation effectively increased Hb (MD 0.41; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.69, P = 0.006) and reduced the risk of BT (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.45, 0.78, P = 0.0002) compared with the control group. In addition, subgroup analyses showed that these benefits were observed with both oral and intravenous iron supplementation. CONCLUSION: Iron supplementation is effective in ameliorating anemia and reducing the need for BT in CRC surgery patients.

Could Immunonutrition Help in the Fight against COVID-19 in Cancer Patient?

The rapid and widespread global pandemic of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has had unprecedented negative health and economic impacts. Immune responses play a key role in the development of COVID-19, including the disruption of immune balance and cytokine storms caused by excessive inflammatory responses. Due to the effects of cancer itself and treatment, patients often accompanied by immunosuppression appear to be a susceptible population for COVID-19. Worryingly, COVID-19 with cancer is associated with a poor prognosis. Cancer patients are a vulnerable group, threatened by COVID-19, finding a way to combat COVID-19 for them is urgent. Immunonutrition is closely related to balance and strong immune function. Supplementary immunonutrition can improve the immune function and inflammatory response of cancer patients after surgery, which provides evidence for the role of immunonutrition in combating COVID-19. We reviewed possible mechanisms of immunonutrition against COVID-19, including enhancing immune cell function, increasing immune cell count, ameliorating excessive inflammatory response, and regulating gut microbiota. Immunonutrition supplementation in cancer patients may be beneficial to enhance immune function in the early stage of COVID-19 infection and control excessive inflammatory response in the late stage. Therefore, immunonutrition is a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in cancer.

A novel colorectal anastomotic method in natural orifice specimen extraction surgery for colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: We introduced a novel colorectal anastomotic technique, double-angle anastomosis combined with the double stapling technique (DAA-DST), to simplify the anastomosis step during natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) and compared its safety and effectiveness with purse string anastomosis combined with the double stapling technique (PSA-DST). METHODS: Between January 2018 and March 2021, 63 patients with colorectal cancer underwent NOSES with DAA-DST or PSA-DST. We compared the perioperative and oncological outcomes between the groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the operation time, blood loss, time to first passage of flatus and excrement or hospital stay duration between PSA-DST and DAA-DST groups. The overall postoperative complication rates were similar (DAA-DST vs PSA-DST, 21.2% vs 26.7%, p = 0.78), including the rate of anastomotic leakage (6.1% vs 10%, p = 0.91). The rate of successful DAA-DST was higher than that of PSA-DST (100% vs 93.3%). The DAA-DST group had a lower rate of positive drain fluid culture than the PSA-DST group (18.2% vs 26.7% p = 0.61). Recurrence (3.01% vs 6.67%, p = 0.93) and metastasis rates (6.06% vs 6.67%, p = 0.98) were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: DAA-DST is a safe and effective procedure and can simplify the procedure of NOSES.

CdS Nanocubes Adorned by Graphitic C3N4 Nanoparticles for Hydrogenating Nitroaromatics: A Route of Visible-Light-Induced Heterogeneous Hollow Structural Photocatalysis.

Modulating the transport route of photogenerated carriers on hollow cadmium sulfide without changing its intrinsic structure remains fascinating and challenging. In this work, a series of well-defined heterogeneous hollow structural materials consisting of CdS hollow nanocubes (CdS NCs) and graphitic C3N4 nanoparticles (CN NPs) were strategically designed and fabricated according to an electrostatic interaction approach. It was found that such CN NPs/CdS NCs still retained the hollow structure after CN NP adorning and demonstrated versatile and remarkably boosted photoreduction performance. Specifically, under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm), the hydrogenation ratio over 2CN NPs/CdS NCs (the mass ratio of CN NPs to CdS NCs is controlled to be 2%) toward nitrobenzene, p-nitroaniline, p-nitrotoluene, p-nitrophenol, and p-nitrochlorobenzene can be increased to 100%, 99.9%, 83.2%, 93.6%, and 98.2%, respectively. In addition, based on the results of photoelectrochemical performances, the 2CN NPs/CdS NCs reach a 0.46% applied bias photo-to-current efficiency, indicating that the combination with CN NPs can indeed improve the migration and motion behavior of photogenerated carriers, besides ameliorating the photocorrosion and prolonging the lifetime of CdS NCs.

Isolation and identification of human metabolites from a novel anti-tumor candidate drug 5-chlorogenic acid injection by HPLC-HRMS/MSn and HPLC-SPE-NMR.

A novel anti-tumor candidate drug, 5-chlorogenic acid (5-CQA) injection, was used for the treatment of malignant glioma in clinical trial (phase I) in China. The isolation and identification of the metabolites of 5-CQA injection in humans were investigated in the present study. Urine and feces samples obtained after intramuscular administration of 5-CQA injection to healthy adults have been analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass and multiple-stage mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS/MSn). No metabolite was detected in human feces; however, in human urine, a total of six metabolites were identified including isomerized 5-CQA (P1 and P2), hydrolyzed 5-CQA (M1and M2), and methylated 5-CQA (M3 and M4). Among them, M3 and M4 were the main metabolites and target analytes for human mass balance study. Additionally, the structure of M3 and M4 was characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography-solid phase extraction-nuclear magnetic resonance (HPLC-SPE-NMR), and the results demonstrated that the methoxy group of M3 and M4 was exclusively attributed to C-3' and C-4', respectively. Due to the unavailability of commercial reference, the pure products of M3 and M4 were synthesized by 5-CQA methylation and followed by isolation and purification. Moreover, the potential activity of M3 and M4 on malignant glioma was predicted using a reverse molecular docking analysis on eight malignant glioma-related pathways. The results showed that M3 and M4 had various interactions against malignant glioma-related targets. Our study provides an insight into the metabolism of 5-CQA injection in humans and supports the clinical human mass balance study. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Effectiveness of various interventions for non-traumatic osteonecrosis: a pairwise and network meta-analysis.

Background: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is acknowledged as a prevalent, challenging orthopedic condition for patients. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various interventions for non-traumatic ONFH and provide guidance for clinical decision-makers. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from inception to February 2023 for relevant randomized controlled trials evaluating treatments for femoral head necrosis, without language restrictions. Quality evaluation was performed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool, and analysis was performed using Stata 15.1. Results: Eleven randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The meta-analysis results revealed that CellTherapy [MD= -3.46, 95%CI= (-5.06, -1.85)], InjectableMed [MD= -3.68, 95%CI= (-6.11, -1.21)], ESWT [MD= -2.84, 95%CI= (-4.23, -1.45)], ESWT+InjectableMed [MD= -3.86, 95%CI= (-6.22, -1.53)] were significantly more effective in improving VAS pain score than CD+PTRI, as well as CD+BG+CellTherapy, and CD+BG. Furthermore, CD+BG+CellTherapy was better than CD+BG [MD= -0.97, 95%CI= (-1.71, -0.19)]. The SUCRA ranking for HHS score indicated that CellTherapy (77%) has the best effectiveness rate, followed by ESWT+InjectableMed (72.2%), ESWT (58.3%), InjectableMed (50%), CD+PTRI (31.4%), and CD+BG (11%). In terms of WOMAC and Lequesne scores, the meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences between the experimental group CD+BG+CellTherapy and the control group CD+BG. Conclusion: CellTherapy and non-surgical ESWT combined with medication or CellTherapy have the best effect on ONFH. Surgical CD+BG combined with CellTherapy is more effective than CD+BG alone. ESWT+InjectableMed is recommended for short-term or acute onset patients, while ESWT is recommended for long-term patients. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024540122.

Effects of biochar and wood vinegar co-application on composting ammonia and nitrous oxide losses and fertility.

Composting faces challenges with nitrogen (N) losses through ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. In this study, wood vinegar (WV) and biochar (BC) were applied individually or combined into wheat straw and chicken manure composting. Results showed that BC and WV reduced NH3 volatilizations by 22-23 % individually, but their combined application achieved a 59 % reduction. However, this combination increased N2O emissions by 174 %. The BC + WV treatment improved compost quality, evidenced by increased total N content by 22 % and enhanced the biological index, promoting additional dissolved organic matter production. Overall, BC and WV applications improved compost quality, reduced gaseous N losses, and supported the re-utilization of agricultural residues. The combined use of BC and WV significantly enhances compost quality and reduces NH3 emissions, offering a promising solution for sustainable agricultural residue management.

GLUT3 transcriptional activation by ZEB1 fuels the Warburg effect and promotes ovarian cancer progression.

Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is characterized by early metastasis and high mortality rates, underscoring the need for deeper understanding of these aspects. This study explores the role of glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) driven by zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in OvCa progression and metastasis. Specifically, this study explored whether ZEB1 promotes glycolysis and assessed the potential involvement of GLUT3 in this process in OvCa cells. Our findings revealed that ZEB1 and GLUT3 were excessively expressed and closely correlated in OvCa. Mechanistically, ZEB1 activates the transcription of GLUT3 by binding to its promoter region. Increased expression of GLUT3 driven by ZEB1 dramatically enhances glycolysis, and thus fuels Warburg Effect to promote OvCa progression and metastasis. Consistently, elevated ZEB1 and GLUT3 expression in clinical OvCa is correlated with poor prognosis, reinforcing the profound contribution of ZEB1-GLUT3 axis to OvCa. These results suggest that activation of GLUT3 expression by ZEB1 is crucial for the proliferation and metastasis of OvCa via fueling glycolysis, shedding new light on OvCa treatment.

Prophylactic effects of probiotics or synbiotics on postoperative ileus after gastrointestinal cancer surgery: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus is a major problem following gastrointestinal cancers surgery, several randomized controlled trials have been conducted investigating the use of probiotics or synbiotics to reduce postoperative ileus, but their findings are controversial. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effect of probiotics or synbiotics on early postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. METHODS: The Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of probiotics or synbiotics on postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function as of April 27, 2021. Outcomes included the time to first flatus, time to first defecation, days to first solid diet, days to first fluid diet, length of postoperative hospital stay, incidence of abdominal distension and incidence of postoperative ileus. The results were reported as the mean difference (MD) and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: A total of 21 RCTs, involving 1776 participants, were included. Compared with the control group, probiotic and synbiotic supplementation resulted in a shorter first flatus (MD, -0.53 days), first defecation (MD, -0.78 days), first solid diet (MD, -0.25 days), first fluid diet (MD, -0.29 days) and postoperative hospital stay (MD, -1.43 days). Furthermore, Probiotic and synbiotic supplementation reduced the incidence of abdominal distension (RR, 0.62) and incidence of postoperative ileus (RR, 0.47). CONCLUSION: Perioperative supplementation of probiotics or synbiotics can effectively promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function after gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

Semi-Infinite Structure Analysis with Bimodular Materials with Infinite Element.

The modulus of elasticity of some materials changes under tensile and compressive states is simulated by constructing a typical material nonlinearity in a numerical analysis in this paper. The meshless Finite Block Method (FBM) has been developed to deal with 3D semi-infinite structures in the bimodular materials in this paper. The Lagrange polynomial interpolation is utilized to construct the meshless shape function with the mapping technique to transform the irregular finite domain or semi-infinite physical solids into a normalized domain. A shear modulus strategy is developed to present the nonlinear characteristics of bimodular material. In order to verify the efficiency and accuracy of FBM, the numerical results are compared with both analytical and numerical solutions provided by Finite Element Method (FEM) in four examples.

Transcecum catheterization ileostomy is safe and effective to prevent anastomotic leakage in post-laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery: a single-center retrospective study.

Background: Preventive ileostomy (PI) is conventionally performed to prevent anastomotic leakage (AL) after laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LTME) for low rectal cancer; however, secondary surgery is required to remove the ostomy tube. We designed a new type of ostomy, transcecum catheterization ileostomy (TCI) to prevent AL. Its principle is similar to PI, but no secondary operation is needed. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of TCI in AL prevention. Methods: We analyzed the data of patients who underwent LTME with low anastomosis in Chongqing University Cancer Hospital from October 2015 to August 2021. Patients were divided into three groups according to their choice: those who underwent TCI (TCI group), those who underwent PI (PI group), and those who undergo none (C group). Intra-operation situation, postoperative efficacy and safety indicators were compared between three groups. Results: Out of the total 534 patients included, 171 underwent TCI, 156 underwent PI, and 207 underwent none. No statistically difference was noted in baseline characteristics between three groups (all P>0.05). Operation time was longer in TCI group and PI group than in C group (P<0.001). No difference was noted in intraoperative blood loss or the number of lymph nodes dissected (P=0.685 and P=0.153). Moreover, no difference was noted in the serum levels of immune cells on postoperative day 1, 3, and 7 (all P>0.05) or in the levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin 6 (IL-6; all P>0.05). No difference was noted in postoperative incision, pulmonary infection rates and intestinal obstruction incidence (P=0.530, P=0.971, and P=0.938). AL incidence and AL-related reoperation rates were lower in TCI or PI group (P=0.002 and P<0.001). The rate of anastomotic stricture was lower in TCI group than in the other two groups (P<0.001). Conclusions: TCI is effective to prevent AL when performed during LTME. But TCI cannot completely avoid AL. When AL occurs, TCI can reduce the degree of abdominal infection and the secondary surgical rate related AL. TCI presents an alternative option to PI, that does not require secondary operation. Therefore, TCI is safe and worthy of application.

Effects of wound infection on prognosis after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection of rectal cancer.

Background: In two facilities in Chongqing, this research sought to retrospectively evaluate the effects of perineal wound infection on survival after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (LAPR) of rectal cancer. Methods: To obtain clinical information on patients who underwent LAPR between January 2013 and December 2021, we performed a multicenter cohort study. A total of 473 patients were enrolled: 314 in the non-infection group and 159 in the group with perineal infection. The general data, perioperative conditions, and tumor outcomes between groups were analyzed. The infection rates, recurrence rates, and survival rates of the two centers were compared. Results: The age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), preoperative complications, preoperative treatment, and intraoperative conditions of patients in the LAPR infection group were not statistically different from those in the non-infection group. The percentage of men, typical postoperative hospital stay, length of initial postoperative therapy, and recurrence and metastasis rates were all considerably higher in the infection group than those in the non-infection group. Wound infection was an independent factor affecting tumor recurrence and metastasis after LAPR as well as an independent factor shortening patient survival time according to multivariate analysis. The incidence of wound infection, the rate of recurrence, and the rate of mortality did not vary significantly across sites. Conclusion: Wound infection after LAPR increases the mean postoperative hospital stay, prolongs the time to first postoperative treatment, and decreases the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Therefore, decreasing the rate of LAPR wound infection is expected to shorten the postoperative hospital stay and prolong the patient DFS and OS. Patients with postoperative infection may require intensive adjuvant therapy.

Successful reversal of ostomy 13 years after Hartmann procedure in a patient with colon cancer: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The Hartmann procedure is currently recognized as a common, safe, and feasible surgical procedure. However, its reversal rate is low, and the optimal timing for Hartmann reversal surgery is controversial. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old man came to our hospital with a complaint of an intestinal fistula next to the stoma. The patient had undergone a Hartmann procedure 13 years prior. We performed colonoscopy, computed tomography, and other diagnostics before successfully reversing the stoma. CONCLUSION: Although the optimal time for Hartmann procedure reversal is controversial, time may ultimately not be a factor in the success of reversal.

Effect of onion on blood lipid profile: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that onion supplementation may be effective in the treatment of dyslipidemia; however, the results remain controversial. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate potential benefits of onion on lipid profile. METHODS: Up to 12 October 2020, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of onion on lipid profile. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Meta-analysis was conducted using the fixed-effects model. RESULTS: Ten trials with 446 participants in total were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled findings of 10 studies suggested that onion supplementation significantly improved high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (MD: 2.29 mg/dl; 95% CI: 0.87, 3.72; I 2 = 0%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) (MD: -6.64 mg/dl; 95% CI: -10.91, -2.36; I 2 = 32%),while onion supplementation did not significantly lower triglycerides (TG) (MD: -6.55 mg/dl; 95% CI: -15.64, 2.53; I 2 = 45%). Analysis of nine trials showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) (MD: -5.39 mg/dl; 95% CI: -10.68, -0.09; I 2 = 49%) in patients with onion supplementation compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: In summary, supplementation of onion was beneficial to control dyslipidemia, including improving levels of HDL, LDL, and TC, but could not reduce TG level. The therapeutic benefits of onion for dyslipidemia need to be treated with caution considering that some of the results are not robust.

Colonic pouch confers better bowel function and similar postoperative outcomes compared to straight anastomosis for low rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: With advancements in laparoscopic technology and the wide application of linear staplers, sphincter-saving procedures are increasingly performed for low rectal cancer. However, sphincter-saving procedures have led to the emergence of a unique clinical disorder termed anterior rectal resection syndrome. Colonic pouch anastomosis improves the quality of life of patients with rectal cancer > 7 cm from the anal margin. But whether colonic pouch anastomosis can reduce the incidence of rectal resection syndrome in patients with low rectal cancer is unknown. AIM: To compare postoperative and oncological outcomes and bowel function of straight and colonic pouch anal anastomoses after resection of low rectal cancer. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 72 patients with low rectal cancer who underwent sphincter-saving procedures with either straight or colonic pouch anastomoses. Functional evaluations were completed preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 mo postoperatively. We also compared perioperative and oncological outcomes between two groups that had undergone low or ultralow anterior rectal resection. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mean operating time, blood loss, time to first passage of flatus and excrement, and duration of hospital stay between the colonic pouch and straight anastomosis groups. The incidence of anastomotic leakage following colonic pouch construction was lower (11.4% vs 16.2%) but not significantly different than that of straight anastomosis. Patients with colonic pouch construction had lower postoperative low anterior resection syndrome scores than the straight anastomosis group, suggesting better bowel function (preoperative: 4.71 vs 3.89, P = 0.43; 1 mo after surgery: 34.2 vs 34.7, P = 0.59; 6 mo after surgery: 22.70 vs 29.0, P < 0.05; 12 mo after surgery: 15.5 vs 19.5, P = 0.01). The overall recurrence and metastasis rates were similar (4.3% and 11.4%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Colonic pouch anastomosis is a safe and effective procedure for colorectal reconstruction after low and ultralow rectal resections. Moreover, colonic pouch construction may provide better functional outcomes compared to straight anastomosis.

Small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the rectum - a rare tumor type with poor prognosis: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) of the rectum is a rare tumor associated with poor prognosis. CASE SUMMARY: We report a case of a 77-year-old male who came into our hospital because of blood with his stool. An endoscopy revealed a cauliflower-like neoplasm in his rectum. Imaging examination showed that the lesion in the upper rectum was likely rectal cancer, and there was no evidence of metastasis. The patient was treated with surgery. Pathological examination confirmed SNEC of the rectum and an R0 resection was achieved. However, 1 mo after the operation, the patient developed intestinal and ureteral obstructions due to peritoneal metastases. Finally, the patient died from renal failure. CONCLUSION: SNEC of the rectum is a high-grade carcinoma with an aggressive phenotype, and surgery should be cautiously considered.