Tumour burden score combined with albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio predicts prognosis in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Tumour morphology (tumour burden score (TBS)) and liver function (albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR)) have been shown to correlate with outcomes in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). This study aimed to evaluate the combined predictive effect of TBS and AAPR on survival outcomes in ICC patients. We conducted a retrospective analysis using a multicentre database of ICC patients who underwent curative surgery from 2011 to 2018. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to examine the relationship between a new index (combining TBS and AAPR) and long-term outcomes. The predictive efficacy of this index was compared to other conventional indicators. A total of 560 patients were included in the study. Based on TBS and AAPR stratification, patients were classified into three groups. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that 124 patients with low TBS and high AAPR had the best overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), while 170 patients with high TBS and low AAPR had the worst outcomes (log-rank p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses identified the combined index as an independent predictor of OS and RFS. Furthermore, the index showed superior accuracy in predicting OS and RFS compared to other conventional indicators. Collectively, this study demonstrated that the combination of liver function and tumour morphology provides a synergistic effect in evaluating the prognosis of ICC patients. The novel index combining TBS and AAPR effectively stratified postoperative survival outcomes in ICC patients undergoing curative resection.

Global Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, Surveillance, Treatment Allocation, and Outcomes of Alcohol-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although the burden of alcohol-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing with rising alcohol consumption, clinical presentation and outcomes of alcohol-associated HCC have not been systematically assessed. We aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, surveillance rates, treatment allocation, and outcomes of alcohol-associated HCC. METHODS: Medline and Embase were searched from inception to January 2023. Proportional data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model. The odds ratio (OR) or mean difference comparing alcohol-associated HCC and other causes was obtained with pairwise meta-analysis. Survival outcomes were evaluated using a pooled analysis of hazard ratios. RESULTS: Of 4824 records identified, 55 articles (86,345 patients) were included. Overall, 30.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.0%-37.7%) of HCC was alcohol associated, with the highest proportion in Europe and the lowest in the Americas. People with alcohol-associated HCC were more likely male but were similar in age and comorbidities compared with other causes. A total of 20.8% (95% CI, 11.4%-34.9%) of people with alcohol-associated HCC underwent surveillance compared with 35.0%, 31.6%, and 21.4% in hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and metabolic dysfunction-associated HCC, respectively (all P < .05). Alcohol-associated HCC had a lower likelihood of Barcelona Clínic Liver Cancer C stage (0/A) (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-0.9; P = .018) and curative therapy (24.5% vs 33.9%; OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9; P = .003), and higher mortality (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5; P = .012) when compared with other causes. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol-associated HCC is associated with lower surveillance rates, more advanced BCLC stage, lower likelihood of receiving curative therapy, and poorer survival. These data call for measures to reduce heavy alcohol consumption and improve strategies for effective HCC surveillance in high-risk individuals.

C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio Is an Independent Risk Factor for Recurrence and Survival Following Curative Resection of Stage I-III Colorectal Cancer in Older Patients.

BACKGROUND: The number of older patients with cancer has increased, and colorectal cancer is expected to be affected by this trend. This study aimed to compare prognostic factors, including nutritional and inflammation-based indices, between patients aged ≥ 70 and < 70 years following curative resection of stage I-III colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 560 patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer who underwent curative resection between May 2010 and June 2018. A retrospective analysis was performed to identify prognosis-associated variables in patients aged ≥ 70 and < 70 years. RESULTS: Preoperative low body mass index, high C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, and comorbidities were mainly associated with poor prognosis in patients aged ≥ 70 years. Tumor factors were associated with a poor prognosis in patients aged < 70 years. The C-reactive protein/albumin ratio was independently associated with poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival in those aged ≥ 70 years. The time-dependent area under the curve for the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio was superior to those of other nutritional and inflammation-based indices in most postoperative observation periods in patients aged ≥ 70 years. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor factors were associated with a poor prognosis in patients aged < 70 years. In addition to lymph node metastasis, preoperative statuses were associated with poor prognosis in patients aged ≥ 70 years. Specifically, the preoperative C-reactive protein/albumin ratio was independently associated with long-term prognosis in patients aged ≥ 70 years with stage I-III colorectal cancer after curative resection.

Protocol-based CT-guided brachytherapy for patients with prostate cancer and previous rectal extirpation-a curative approach.

OBJECTIVE: There are numerous curative treatment possibilities for prostate cancer. In patients who have undergone rectal extirpation for rectal cancer treatment, curative options are limited due to anatomic changes and previous irradiation of the pelvis. In this analysis, we validate the feasibility of CT-guided transperineal interstitial brachytherapy for this specific scenario. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the treatment procedures and outcomes of 5 patients with metachronic nonmetastatic prostate cancer. Ultrasound-guided brachytherapy was not possible in any of the patients. Of these 5 patients, 3 were treated for prostate cancer using temporary brachytherapy with Ir-192 only, and 2 were treated with external-beam radiation therapy and temporary brachytherapy as a boost. CT-guided brachytherapy was performed in all patients. We analyzed the feasibility, efficacy, treatment-related toxicity, and quality of life (EORTC-30, IEFF, IPSS, and ICIQ questionnaires) of the treatments. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 35 months. Two out of five patients received boost irradiation (HDR 2â€¯× 9 Gy, PDR 30 Gy). Three out of five patients were treated with PDR brachytherapy in two sessions up to a total dose of 60 Gy. Dosimetric parameters were documented as median values as follows: V100 94.7% (94.5-98.4%), D2bladder 64.3% (50.9-78.3%), D10urethra 131.05% (123.2%-141.2%), and D30urethra 122.45% (116.2%-129.5%). At the time of analysis, no biochemical recurrence had been documented. Furthermore, neither early nor late side effects exceeding CTCAE grade 2 were documented. CONCLUSION: CT-guided transperineal brachytherapy of the prostate in patients with previous rectal surgery and radiation therapy is safe and represents a possible curative treatment option. Brachytherapy can be considered for patients with metachronic prostate cancer in this specific scenario, albeit preferably in experienced high-volume centers.

Impact of preoperative antiviral therapy on the prognosis of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: For chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection patients, increasing evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness of expanding the indications and applicable population for antiviral therapy. However, the expanded indication of antiviral therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be further explored. METHODS: 196 HBV-related HCC patients who received radical hepatectomy and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) therapy at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital were enrolled in this study. HCC recurrence, overall survival (OS), early virological (VR) and biochemical responses (BR) of patients were compared between different NAs therapy and the use of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapy. RESULTS: NAs therapy at different timing of surgery was a strong independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence and overall mortality of HBV-related HCC patients. Furthermore, in HCC patients who received postoperative anti-PD-1 therapy, patients with HBV DNA < 1000 copy/mL had significantly better recurrence-free survival (RFS) and OS than those with HBV DNA ≥ 1000 copy/mL (HR: 7.783; P = 0.002; HR: 6.699; P < 0.001). However, the differences of RFS and OS rates between entecavir group and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate group were not statistically significant. Similar results were also observed in the rates of early VR, BR and combined VR and BR. CONCLUSION: Timely and reasonable preoperative NAs therapy showed clinical benefit in improving the prognosis of patients with HBV-related HCC, even in the case of normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level and negative hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg). Furthermore, a possible synergistic effect between antiviral therapy and anti-PD-1 therapy was founded and need further verification.

A multicenter, retrospective study of a through-the-needle injection-capable electrosurgical knife for endoscopic submucosal dissection.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a technically challenging resection technique for en-bloc removal of dysplastic and early cancerous gastrointestinal (GI) lesions. We conducted a single-arm retrospective study evaluating the safety and efficacy of a new through-the-needle injection-capable electrosurgical knife used in upper and lower ESD procedures performed at 6 US academic centers. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected on consecutive cases in which the new ESD knife was used. The primary efficacy endpoint was successful ESD (en bloc resection with negative margins). Secondary efficacy endpoints included en-bloc resection rate, curative resection rate, median ESD time, and median dissection speed. The safety endpoint was device- or procedure-related serious adverse events (SAEs). RESULTS: ESD of 581 lesions in 579 patients were reviewed, including 187 (32.2%) upper GI and 394 (67.8%) lower GI lesions. Prior treatment was reported in 283 (48.9%) patients. Successful ESD was achieved in 477 (82.1% of 581) lesions ‒ lower for patients with versus without submucosal fibrosis (73.6% versus 87.0%, respectively, P < 0.001), but similar for those with versus without previous treatment (81.7% versus 82.3%, respectively, P = 0.848). Four hundred and forty-three (76.2% of 581) lesions met criteria for curative resection. Median ESD time was 1.0 (range 0.1-4.5) hour. Median dissection speed was 17.1 (IQR 5.3-29.8) cm2/hour. Related SAEs were reported in 15 (2.6%) patients, including delayed hemorrhage (1.9%), perforation (0.5%), or postpolypectomy syndrome (0.2%). CONCLUSION: A newly developed through-the-needle injection-capable ESD knife showed a good success rate and excellent safety at US centers. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04580940).

Protocol of a randomised, controlled trial comparing immediate curative therapy with conservative treatment in men aged ≥75 years with non-metastatic high-risk prostate cancer (SPCG 19/GRand-P).

BACKGROUND: Older men (aged ≥75 years) with high risk, non-metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) are increasingly treated with curative therapy (surgery or radiotherapy). However, it is unclear if curative therapy prolongs life and improves health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in this age group compared to conservative therapy, which has evolved considerably during the last decade. STUDY DESIGN: The Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group (SPCG) 19/Norwegian Get-Randomized Research Group-Prostate (GRand-P) is a randomised, two-armed, controlled, multicentre, phase III trial carried out at study centres in Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. ENDPOINTS: The primary endpoints are overall survival and HRQoL (burden of disease scale, European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] Elderly Cancer patients). Secondary endpoints are PCa-specific survival, metastasis-free survival, role-functioning scale (EORTC quality of life questionnaire 30-item core), urinary irritative/obstructive scale (26-item Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite [EPIC-26]), bowel scale (EPIC-26), intervention-free survival, PCa morbidity, use of secondary and tertiary systemic therapies, mean quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and mean total healthcare costs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 980 men (aged ≥75 years) with non-metastatic, high-risk PCa will initially be screened with Geriatric 8 (G8) health status screening tool and Mini-COG© brief cognitive test. Participants identified by G8 as 'fit' or 'frail' will be randomised (ratio 1:1) to either immediate curative therapy (radiotherapy or prostatectomy) or conservative therapy (endocrine therapy or observation). Participants who are unable or unwilling to participate in randomisation will be enrolled in a separate observation group. Randomised patients will be followed for 10 years. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethics approval has been granted in Norway (457593), Denmark (H-22051998), Finland (R23043) and Sweden (Dnr 2023-05296-01). The trial is registered on Clinicaltrials.org (NCT05448547).

Impact of early economic activity loss on all-cause mortality in gastric cancer survivors following curative treatment: a nationwide study in Korea.

BACKGROUND: The impact of economic engagement on the health of cancer survivors is notable. Our study aims to explore the association between early loss of economic activity (EA) and the risk of all-cause mortality among gastric cancer survivors. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilized data from Korea's National Health Insurance Service, focusing on 30-59-year-old gastric cancer patients who received either surgery or endoscopic procedures from January 2009 to December 2013. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality. Early loss of EA was identified when a patient's insurance status shifted to dependent within one year following treatment. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all-cause mortality were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, conducting separate analyses for surgical and endoscopic groups. RESULTS: Among 24,159 patients (median follow-up, 9.9 years), 2976 (12.3%) experienced all-cause mortality. Specifically, 2835 of these deaths occurred in patients who underwent surgery, while 141 were in the endoscopic procedure group. Early loss of EA was recorded in 14.4% of the surgery group and 7.7% of the endoscopic procedure group. Adjusted HRs (95% CI) for all-cause mortality associated with early loss of EA were 1.39 (1.27-1.54) for the surgery group and 2.27 (1.46-3.52) for the endoscopic procedure group. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights a significant association between the early loss of EA and an increased risk of all-cause mortality in those who have undergone curative treatments for gastric cancer. It underscores the crucial role of sustaining EA in enhancing the health outcomes of these survivors.

Sidedness is not a prognostic factor in an unselected cohort of patients with colon cancer but prognosis for caecal carcinoma is worse - A multivariate analysis of a large single institution database.

PURPOSE: Sidedness has emerged as a prognostic factor for metastatic colorectal cancer treated with modern systemic therapies. This study investigates whether it is also relevant for an unselected patient cohort including all stages. METHODS: All consecutive patients admitted with colon cancer between 1995 and 2018 were retrieved from an institution-held database. Patients were divided into two cohorts. The first cohort included patients without distant metastases who were able to undergo curative resection. The second cohort presented with distant metastases (stage IV). Potentially prognostic factors were subjected to multivariate Cox Regression analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 1,606 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. An R0-resection was achieved in 1,222 patients without distant metastases. Five-year cause-specific survival rate was 89.3% for this group. There was no difference between right- and left-sided cancers (88.2% vs. 90.1%, p = 0.220). However, prognosis of caecal carcinoma was significantly worse than that of all other sites combined (83.5% vs. 90.2%, p = 0.007). In multivariate analysis, pT-category, pN-category, grading, vascular invasion, emergency operation, adjuvant chemotherapy, and caecal carcinoma remained as independent prognostic factors. In the 384 patients with stage IV-disease, 3-year overall survival for right- vs. left-sided cancers differed only in univariate analysis (17.7% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: In non-metastatic colon cancer, location in the caecum is an independent prognostic factor. In unselected patients with stage IV colon cancer, sidedness was not found to be a prognostic factor. Differentiation into right- and left-sided tumors may be simplistic, and further studies on the biological behavior of different colonic sites are warranted.

Algorithms to identify radiotherapy intent in unresected non-metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer: an I-O Optimise analysis.

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the performance of algorithms for identifying radiotherapy (RT) treatment intent in real-world data from patients with non-metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Using data from IPO-Porto hospital (Portugal) and the REAL-Oncology database (England), three algorithms were developed based on available RT information (#1: RT duration, #2: RT duration and type, #3: RT dose) and tested versus reference datasets. Study results showed that all three algorithms had good overall accuracy (91-100%) for patients receiving RT plus systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) and algorithms #2 and #3 also had good accuracy (>99%) for patients receiving RT alone. These algorithms could help classify treatment intent in patients with NSCLC receiving RT with or without SACT in real-world settings where intent information is missing/incomplete.

One objective of many real-world studies is to evaluate which cancer treatments are given during routine visits to hospitals or cancer centers and assess how well the treatments work. This objective is easier to achieve when we know the reason for the cancer treatment (known as treatment intent), but doctors often do not record whether the treatment was given to actively treat the cancer (curative intent) or to slow down a cancer's growth or control symptoms in people with incurable cancer (palliative intent). In this article, we describe the development and testing of algorithms to determine treatment intent in people with lung cancer given radiotherapy (the controlled application of radiation to cancer cells). These algorithms involve following a step-by-step process based on three key questions: for how long was the radiotherapy given? what type of radiotherapy was given? and what dose of radiotherapy was given? Answers were then tested true or false against reference answers provided by doctors who know a lot about radiotherapy. We found that all three algorithms were able to determine the correct treatment intent in more than nine out of ten people given radiotherapy with systemic anticancer therapy (e.g., chemotherapy) and two algorithms were able to determine the correct treatment intent in more than nine out of ten people given radiotherapy alone. These algorithms may be helpful in determining treatment intent in people given radiotherapy to treat lung cancer in real-world settings, and may help us learn more about real-world lung cancer treatment.

Prognostic impact of primary tumour location after curative resection in Stage I-III colorectal cancer: a single-centre retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship of tumour site with post-recurrence course and outcome after primary surgery in resectable colorectal cancer is unclear. This study investigated the prognostic impact of primary tumour location following radical resection without preoperative treatment in Stage I-III colorectal cancer. METHODS: We analyzed 3770 patients with Stage I-III colorectal cancer who underwent curative resection at our hospital during 2000-15. We defined the right-sided colon as the cecum, ascending colon and transverse colon, and the left-sided colon as the descending colon, sigmoid and rectosigmoid junction. Patients were divided into three groups according to tumour site: right-sided colon, left-sided colon and rectum. Endpoints were overall survival, recurrence-free survival by stage and survival after recurrence, respectively. RESULTS: The 5-year overall survival rates of patients with stage I left-sided colon cancer, right-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer were 98.2, 97.3 and 97.2%, respectively (P = 0.488). The 5-year overall survival rates of patients with Stage II left-sided colon cancer, right-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer were 96.2, 88.7 and 83.0, respectively (P = 0.070). The 5-year overall survival rates of patients with Stage III left-sided colon cancer, right-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer were 88.7, 83.0 and 80.2, respectively (P = 0.001). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of patients with Stage I left-sided colon cancer, right-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer were 95.1, 94.5 and 90.6% (P = 0.027). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of patients with Stage II left-sided colon cancer, right-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer were 85.2, 90.2 and 76.1%, respectively (P < 0.001). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of patients with Stage III left-sided colon cancer, right-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer were 75.3, 75.3 and 59.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). Right-sided colon cancer was significantly associated with better recurrence-free survival compared with left-sided colon cancer (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03-1.63; P = 0.025) and rectal cancer (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.51-2.38; P < 0.001) after adjusting for clinical factors. Amongst patients with recurrence, right-sided colon cancer was significantly associated with poorer survival after recurrence compared with left-sided colon cancer (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.97; P = 0.036), and showed a tendency towards poorer survival after recurrence compared with rectal cancer (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.57-1.10; P = 0.164). CONCLUSIONS: In Stage I-III colorectal cancer without preoperative treatment, our results suggest that the three tumour sites (right-sided colon, left-sided colon or rectum) may have prognostic significance for recurrence-free survival and survival after recurrence, rather than sidedness alone.

Patterns of acute hospital and specialist palliative care use among people with non-curative upper gastrointestinal cancer.

PURPOSE: Upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers contribute to 16.7% of UK cancer deaths. These patients make high use of acute hospital services, but detail about palliative care use is lacking. We aimed to determine the patterns of use of acute hospital and hospital specialist palliative care services in patients with advanced non-curative upper GI cancer. METHODS: We conducted a service evaluation of hospital use and palliative care for all patients with non-curative upper GI cancer seen in one large hospital, using routinely collected data (2019-2022). We report and characterise hospital admissions and palliative care within the study time period, using descriptive statistics, and multivariable Poisson regression to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted incidence rate ratio of hospital admissions. RESULTS: The total with non-curative upper GI cancer was 960. 86.7% had at least one hospital admission, with 1239 admissions in total. Patients had a higher risk of admission to hospital if: aged ≤ 65 (IRR for 66-75 years 0.71, IRR 76-85 years 0.68; IRR > 85 years 0.53; p < 0.05), or lived in an area of lower socioeconomic status (IMD Deciles 1-5) (IRR 0.90; p < 0.05). Over the 4-year period, the rate of re-admission was higher in patients not referred to palliative care (rate 0.52 readmissions/patient versus rate 1.47 readmissions/patient). CONCLUSION: People with advanced non-curative gastrointestinal cancer have frequent hospital admissions, especially if younger or from areas of lower socioeconomic status. There is clear association between specialist palliative care referral and reduced risk of hospitalisation. This evidence supports referral to specialist palliative care.

Early gastric cancer of young patients treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection: focusing on the different characteristics and prognosis of elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: A small portion of patients are diagnosed with early gastric cancer (EGC) and undergo endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) at a young age. However, their clinical outcomes are rarely known. AIM: We investigated to identify the feasibility and clinical outcomes of ESD for EGC focusing on young patients. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical characteristics and outscomes of patients who had undergone ESD for the treatment of EGC at < 50 years of age. We enrolled patients who had been diagnosed with EGC and had undergone ESD between 2006 and 2020. We divided them by age as follows: ≤ 50 and > 50 years into the young age (YA) and other age (OA) groups, respectively. RESULTS: Altogether, 1681 patients underwent ESD for EGC (YA group: 124 [7.4%], OA group: 1557 [92.6%]). The YA group had less severe atrophy and more undifferentiated (37.1% vs. 13.9%, P < 0.001) and diffuse type (25% vs. 7.7%, P < 0.001) histology. The curative resection rate was not significantly different between the groups. However, among 1075 patients who had achieved curative resection and had been followed-up for > 12 months, the YA group had a lower incidence of MGN (5.2% vs. 17.5%, P = 0.004) and MGC (2.6% vs. 10.9%, P = 0.019) than those exhibited by the OA group. The YA group was a significant negative predictor of MGN (odds ratio [OR]: 2.983, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.060-8.393, P = 0.038), and marginally negative predictor in MGC (OR: 3.909, 95% CI: 0.939-16.281, P = 0.061). CONCLUSION: ESD is a favorable and effective therapeutic modality for EGC patients aged < 50 years, once curative resection is achieved.

Curative surgical treatment of common bile duct stones: Retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In the event of symptomatic common bile duct (CBD) stones with dilated CBD, one possible curative treatment option is stone extraction through choledocotomy associated with cholecystectomy. Endoscopic treatment is only reserved for residual stones at 6 weeks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results from laparoscopic curative surgical treatment of CBD stones with dilated CBD. METHODS: This is a retrospective single-centered cohort study. All consecutive patients admitted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy with evidence of CBD stones with dilated CBD from January 2010 to December 2020 at our center were included. Success was defined by CBD clearance at 6 weeks. Need for additional procedures, such as endoscopic sphincterotomy, immediate, and end-of-procedure morbi-mortality as well as factors associated with procedure failure, were also studied. RESULTS: A total of 246 patients who received curative treatment were included in the study. The success rate for the curative treatment was 93.1% (229 patients). Immediate postoperative morbidity was 24.4% with a 5.3% reintervention rate. Immediate and 6-week postoperative mortality rates were zero and 0.4%, respectively. The mean length of stay was 11.3 days. Factors associated with procedure failure appeared to be the occurrence of an early postoperative complication and the need for readmission during the period between surgery and drain removal. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that laparoscopic curative surgical treatment for symptomatic CBD stones may be performed with acceptable results without routine need for additional procedures.

Clinical comparison of lateral supine position mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy and anatrophic nephrolithotomy in the treatment of complete staghorn renal calculi.

BACKGROUND: At present, the guidelines for urology recommend percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) as the preferred treatment for staghorn renal calculi (SRC). However, for complete SRC, it has been questioned by clinicians and patients due to high residual stone rate, complications, repeated hospitalizations and high treatment cost. Anatrophic nephrolithotomy (ANL) is a traditional and classic method for the treatment of SRC. Due to its high trauma and high technical requirements, it is difficult to carry out in primary hospitals, and gradually replaced by PCNL. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of PCNL and ANL in the treatment of complete SRC. METHODS: Overall, 238 patients with complete SRC were divided into mini-PCNL in lateral supine position group, (n = 190) and ANL group (n = 94) according to treatment for a retrospective cohort study. The calculi parameters, renal function index, comorbidities of calculi, surgical complications, length and frequency of hospitalization, treatment costs, results of postoperative satisfaction survey were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The risk of the residual stone rate after mini-PCNL in lateral supine position was 239 times (OR = 238.667, P < 0.0001), the number of residual stone 1.3 times (OR = 1.326, P < 0.0001), the amount of residual stone 2.2 times (OR = 2.224, P < 0.0001) that of ANL. The risk of the cost of initial treatment after mini-PCNL in lateral supine position was 3.3 times (OR = 3.273, P < 0.0001), the total cost of treatment 4 times (OR = 4.051, P < 0.0001), the total length of hospital stays 1.4 times (OR = 1.44, P < 0.0001) that of ANL, the incidence of postoperative renal atrophy was 2.2 times (OR = 2.171, P = 0.008) higher in the ANL than in the mini-PCNL in lateral supine position. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) reduction after ANL was 1.4 times (OR = 1.381, P = 0.037) greater than that after mini-PCNL in lateral supine position at 24-month follow-up. The risk of the overall satisfaction of ANL was 58 times (OR = 57.857, P < 0.0001) higher than that of mini-PCNL in lateral supine position, the number of branches of staghorn greater than 8 is a high risk factor for the occurrence of residual stone after mini-PCNL in lateral supine position (OR = 353.137, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Although the risk of renal atrophy and decreased GFR after ANL is higher than that of mini-PCNL in lateral supine position, the efficacy of traditional ANL in the treatment of complete SRC was generally superior to that of mini-PCNL in lateral supine position. Moreover, number of branches of staghorn greater than 8 are the preferred ANL for complete SRC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2100047462. The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; registration date: 19/06/2021.

Predictive factors of 90-day mortality after curative hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a western single-center observational study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify predictive risk factors associated with 90-day mortality after hepatic resection (HR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: All patients undergoing elective resection for HCC from a single- institutional and prospectively maintained database were included. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify pre- and intraoperative as well as histopathological predictive factors of 90-day mortality after elective HR. RESULTS: Between August 2004 and October 2021, 196 patients were enrolled (148 male /48 female). The median age of the study cohort was 68.5 years (range19-84 years). The rate of major hepatectomy (≥ 3 segments) was 43.88%. Multivariate analysis revealed patient age ≥ 70 years [HR 2.798; (95% CI 1.263-6.198); p = 0.011], preoperative chronic renal insufficiency [HR 3.673; (95% CI 1.598-8.443); p = 0.002], Child-Pugh Score [HR 2.240; (95% CI 1.188-4.224); p = 0.013], V-Stage [HR 2.420; (95% CI 1.187-4.936); p = 0.015], and resected segments ≥ 3 [HR 4.700; (95% 1.926-11.467); p = 0.001] as the major significant determinants of the 90-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Advanced patient age, pre-existing chronic renal insufficiency, Child-Pugh Score, extended hepatic resection, and vascular tumor involvement were identified as significant predictive factors of 90-day mortality. Proper patient selection and adjustment of treatment strategies could potentially reduce short-term mortality.

Relationship between carbapenem use and major diagnostic category in curative care beds: Analysis of a 2020 Japanese national administrative database.

Excessive carbapenem use has contributed to the spread of carbapenem-resistant bacteria. In response, Japan's revised National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) 2023-2027 set the goal of a 20 % reduction in carbapenem use. The aim of this study is to reveal the circumstances associated with carbapenem use in diagnosis procedure combination (DPC) community hospitals and fee-for-service hospitals, which account for the majority of the hospitals in Japan. We analyzed publicly available data from the Survey of Discharged Patients conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2020. We used multiple regression analysis to identify the factors associated with carbapenem use in small- to medium-sized hospitals. Considerable carbapenem use was observed in small- to medium-sized hospitals. There was a large difference in carbapenem use among curative care beds in both DPC community hospitals and non-DPC hospitals. Linear regression models showed the significant association of several major diagnostic categories (MDCs) with carbapenem use. In particular, rates of MDC No.02 (eye) and 05 (circulatory system) were potentially associated with excessive or inappropriate carbapenem use. A notable and novel study finding was that there was a large difference in carbapenem consumption as the number of curative care beds increased in both DPC community hospitals and non-DPC hospitals. This may contribute to the identification of carbapenem overuse and toward achieving the goal of the National Action Plan on AMR 2023-2027. Furthermore, identifying factors associated with carbapenem use helps in understanding disease-specific prescribing practices and detecting potential overuse.

Efficacy and safety of esketamine combined with propofol for curative endoscopic resection in colorectum: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Curative endoscopic resection is widely used to treat colonic polyps and early stage cancers. The anesthetic strategy commonly involves the use of propofol combined with a small dose of opioids for sedation. Adverse respiratory or cardiovascular events such as hypotension often occur when attempting to achieve the necessary level of sedation. Several studies have suggested its advantages owing to the anesthetic, analgesic, and sympathomimetic properties of esketamine. However, there are no reports on curative colorectal endoscopic resection. We designed this randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of esketamine combined with propofol for sedation in patients undergoing curative colorectal endoscopic resection. METHODS: A total of 166 patients who underwent curative colorectal endoscopic resection were randomly assigned to groups A (propofol + fentanyl) or E (propofol + esketamine). Ideal sedation was assessed using the MOAA/S scale and was achieved using TCI-propofol with different doses of fentanyl and esketamine. The propofol consumption and vasoactive drug dosages were recorded. Sedation-related times, adverse events, and satisfaction were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 160 patients, the total propofol consumption was significantly lower in group E (n = 81) (300 mg) than in group A (n = 79) (350 mg). Hypotension and bradycardia were significantly lower in Group E than in Group A. The groups showed no significant differences in other adverse events, induction time, recovery time, or patient or endoscopist satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Compared to fentanyl, esketamine helps decrease propofol consumption and increases cardiovascular stability during curative colorectal endoscopic resection in American Society of Anesthesiologists Class I-III patients without affecting anesthesia, patient and endoscopist satisfaction, or other adverse events. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( www.chictr.org.cn ; registration number: ChiCTR2300069014 on 03/03/2023).

Long-term outcomes after non-curative endoscopic resection for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma followed by additional chemoradiotherapy.

Endoscopic resection (ER) of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is evaluated pathologically, and additional treatment is recommended for cases resulting in non-curative resection, defined as pMM with lymphovascular invasion (LVI), pSM, or positive vertical margin. This study aimed to assess long-term outcomes and risk factors for recurrence in patients with ESCC treated with non-curative ER followed by additional chemoradiotherapy (CRT). We retrospectively reviewed the clinical courses of patients who underwent non-curative ER followed by additional CRT for ESCCs between August 2007 and December 2017. Recurrence rates and risk factors for recurrence were analyzed. Among 97 patients with non-curative ER, 73 underwent additional CRT. With a median follow-up period of 71 months, recurrences were observed in 10 (14%) of 73 patients, with a median interval of 24.5 (1-59 months). The 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival were 89 and 85%, respectively, and the 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 96 and 91%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that lymphatic invasion was an independent risk factor for recurrence in patients with non-curative ESCC receiving additional CRT. Among the 10 patients with recurrence, 4, 3, 2, and 1 underwent surgery, chemotherapy, supportive care, and CRT, respectively. Notably, all four patients who underwent surgery survived, regardless of regional and/or distant lymph node metastasis. Lymphatic invasion is an independent risk factor for the recurrence of non-curative ESCCs. Careful follow-up is required for at least 5 years after ER with additional CRT.

Identification and Fungicide Screening of Fungal Species Associated with Walnut Anthracnose in Shaanxi and Liaoning Provinces, China.

Walnut is cultivated around the world for its precious woody nut and edible oil. Recently, walnut infected by Colletotrichum spp. resulted in a great yield and quality loss. In August and September 2014, walnut fruits with anthracnose were sampled from two commercial orchards in Shaanxi and Liaoning provinces, and five representative isolates were used in this study. To identify the pathogen properly, four genes per region (internal transcribed spacer, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, actin, and chitin synthase) were sequenced and used in phylogenetic studies. Based on multilocus phylogenetic analysis, five isolates clustered with Colletotrichum fioriniae, including its ex-type, with 100% bootstrap support. The results of multilocus phylogenetic analyses, morphology, and pathogenicity confirmed that C. fioriniae was one of the walnut anthracnose pathogens in China. All 13 fungicides tested inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination. Flusilazole, fluazinam, prochloraz, and pyraclostrobin showed the strongest suppressive effects on the mycelial growth than the others, the average EC50 values ranged from 0.09 to 0.40 µg/ml, and there was not any significant difference (P < 0.05). Pyraclostrobin, thiram, and azoxystrobin were the most effective fungicides on spore germination (P < 0.05), and the EC50 values ranged from 0.01 to 0.44 µg/ml. Pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin, fluazinam, flusilazole, mancozeb, thiram, and prochloraz exhibited a good control effect on walnut anthracnose caused by C. fioriniae, and preventive activities were greater than curative activities. Pyraclostrobin at 250 a.i. µg/ml and fluazinam at 500 a.i. µg/ml provided the highest preventive and curative efficacy, and the values ranged from 81.3 to 82.2% and from 72.9 to 73.6%, respectively. As a consequence, mancozeb and thiram could be used at the preinfection stage, and pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin, flusilazole, fluazinam, and prochloraz could be used at the early stage for effective prevention and control of walnut anthracnose caused by C. fioriniae. The results will provide more significant instructions for controlling the disease effectively in northern China.