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Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης

Sunday, January 31, 2021

Log odds of positive lymph nodes is a better prognostic factor for oesophageal signet ring cell carcinoma than N stage.

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Log odds of positive lymph nodes is a better prognostic factor for oesophageal signet ring cell carcinoma than N stage.

World J Clin Cases. 2021 Jan 06;9(1):24-35

Authors: Wang F, Gao SG, Xue Q, Tan FW, Gao YS, Mao YS, Wang DL, Zhao J, Li Y, Yu XY, Cheng H, Zhao CG, Mu JW

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Signet ring cell carcinoma is a rare type of oesophageal cancer, and we hypothesized that log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) is a better prognostic factor for oesophageal signet ring cell carcinoma.
AIM: To explore a novel prognostic factor for oesophageal signet ring cell carcinoma by comparing two lymph node-related prognostic factors, log odds of positive LODDS and N stage.
METHODS: A total of 259 cases of oesophageal signet ring cell carcinoma after oesopha-gectomy were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2006 and 2016. The prognostic value of LODDS and N stage for oesophageal signet ring cell carcinoma was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. The Akaike information criterion and Harrell's C-index were used to assess the value of two prediction models based on lymph nodes. External validation was performed to further confirm the conclusion.
RESULTS: The 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of all the cases were 41.3% and 27.0%, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier method showed that LODDS had a higher score of log rank chi-squared (OS: 46.162, CSS: 41.178) than N stage (OS: 36.215, CSS: 31.583). Univariate analyses showed that insurance, race, T stage, M stage, TNM stage, radiation therapy, N stage, and LODDS were potential prognostic factors for OS (P < 0.1). The multivariate Cox regression model showed that LODDS was an significant independent prognostic factor for oesophageal signet ring carcinoma patients after surgical resection (P < 0.05), while N stage was not considered to be a significant prognostic factor (P = 0.122). Model 2 (LODDS) had a higher degree of discrimination and fit than Model 1 (N stage) (LODDS vs N stage, Harell's C-index 0.673 vs 0.656, P < 0.001; Akaike information criterion 1688.824 vs 1697.519, P < 0.001). The results of external validati on were consistent with those in the study cohort.
CONCLUSION: LODDS is a superior prognostic factor to N stage for patients with oesophageal signet ring cell carcinoma after oesophagectomy.

PMID: 33511169 [PubMed]

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Modified procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids: Lower recurrence, higher satisfaction.

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Modified procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids: Lower recurrence, higher satisfaction.

World J Clin Cases. 2021 Jan 06;9(1):36-46

Authors: Chen YY, Cheng YF, Wang QP, Ye B, Huang CJ, Zhou CJ, Cai M, Ye YK, Liu CB

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoidal prolapse is a common benign disease with a high incidence. The treatment procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) remains an operative method used for internal hemorrhoid prolapse. Although it is related to less pos-operative pain, faster recovery and shorter hospital stays, the postoperative recurrence rate is higher than that of the Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy (MMH). We have considered that recurrence could be due to shortage of the pulling-up effect. This issue may be overcome by using lower purse-string sutures [modified-PPH (M-PPH)].
AIM: To compare the therapeutic effects and the patients' satisfaction after M-PPH, PPH and MMH.
METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 1163 patients (M-PPH, 461; original PPH, 321; MMH, 381) with severe hemorrhoids (stage III/IV) who were admitted to The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from 2012 to 2014. Early postoperative complications, efficacy, postoperative anal dysfunction and patient satisfaction were compared among the three groups. Established criteria were used to assess short- and long-term postoperative complications. A visual analog scale was used to evaluate postoperative pain. Follow-up was conducted 5 years postoperatively.
RESULT: Length of hospital stay and operating time were significantly longer in the MMH group (8.05 ± 2.50 d, 19.98 ± 4.21 min; P < 0.0001) than in other groups. The incidence of postoperative anastomotic bleeding was significantly lower after M-PPH than after PPH or MMH (1.9%, 5.1% and 3.7%; n = 9, 16 and 14; respectively). There was a significantly higher rate of sensation of rectal tenesmus after M-PPH than after MMH or PPH (15%, 8% and 10%; n = 69, 30 and 32; respectively). There was a significantly lower rate of recurrence after M-PPH than after PPH (8.7% and 18.8%, n = 40 and 61; P < 0.0001). The incidence of postoperative anal incontinence differed significantly only between the MMH and M-PPH groups (1.3% and 4.3%, n = 5 and 20; P = 0.04). Patient satisfaction was significantly greater after M-PPH than after other surgeries.
CONCLUSION: M-PPH has many advantages for severe hemorrhoids (Goligher stage III/IV), with a low rate of anastomotic bleeding and recurrence and a very high rate of patient satisfaction.
M-PPH:

PMID: 33511170 [PubMed]

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Angiotensin converting enzymes inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers should be continued in COVID-19 patients with hypertension.

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Angiotensin converting enzymes inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers should be continued in COVID-19 patients with hypertension.

World J Clin Cases. 2021 Jan 06;9(1):47-60

Authors: Tian C, Li N, Bai Y, Xiao H, Li S, Ge QG, Shen N, Ma QB

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recent studies have revealed that sustained ingestion of angiotensin converting enzymes inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs) had no harmful effects on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients complicated with hypertension.
AIM: To investigate the impact on COVID-19 patients complicated with hypertension who discontinued using ACEIs/ARBs.
METHODS: All COVID-19 patients complicated with hypertension admitted to our isolated unit were consecutively recruited in this study. Some patients switched from ACEIs/ARBs to calcium channel blocker (CCBs) after admission, while others continued using non-ACEIs/ARBs. We compared characteristics and clinical outcomes between these two groups of patients.
RESULTS: A total of 53 patients were enrolled, 27 patients switched from ACEIs/ARBs to CCBs while 26 patients continued with non-ACEIs/ARBs. After controlling potential confounding factors using the Cox proportional hazards model, hospital stay was longer in patients who discontinued ACEIs/ARBs, with a hazard ratio of 0.424 (95% confidence interval: 0.187-0.962; P = 0.040), upon discharge than patients using other anti-hypertensive drugs. A sub-group analysis showed that the effect of discontinuing use of ACEIs/ARBs was stronger in moderate cases [hazard ratio = 0.224 (95% confidence interval: 0.005-0.998; P = 0.0497)].
CONCLUSION: Patients in the discontinued ACEIs/ARBs group had longer hospital stays. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 patients complicated with hypertension should continue to use ACEIs/ARBs.

PMID: 33511171 [PubMed]

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Massively prolapsed intervertebral disc herniation with interlaminar endoscopic spine system Delta endoscope: A case series.

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Massively prolapsed intervertebral disc herniation with interlaminar endoscopic spine system Delta endoscope: A case series.

World J Clin Cases. 2021 Jan 06;9(1):61-70

Authors: Meng SW, Peng C, Zhou CL, Tao H, Wang C, Zhu K, Song MX, Ma XX

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Surgery is often indicated for patients with massively prolapsed intervertebral disc herniation. The interlaminar endoscopic spine system (iLESSYS) Delta 6-mm working channel endoscope has advantages over other systems. The aim of this study was to explore the benefits and complications of using the iLESSYS Delta for the treatment of massively prolapsed intervertebral disc herniation.
AIM: To explore the clinical benefits of treating massively prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc herniation with the iLESSYS Delta endoscope.
METHODS: In this study, the data of 37 patients who underwent surgery with the iLESSYS Delta endoscope at The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and complications were collected. The visual analog scale (VAS), oswestry disability index (ODI), and modified MacNab criteria were determined before and at 1 d, 3 mo, and 6 mo after surgery.
RESULTS: The mean intraoperative blood loss was 20.4 ± 1.2 mL. The mean operation time was 97.3 ± 12.4 min. The VAS scores for leg and back pain decreased from 68.0 ± 7.3, 34.4 ± 8.5 before operation to 2.5 ± 1.7, 5.5 ± 1.9 at 6 mo after surgery, respectively. The ODI also decreased from 60.2 ± 7.3 to 17.9 ± 3.4 at 6 mo after surgery. The improvement rate of the MacNab score was 86.4%, which was considered excellent. No spinal dural injury, nerve root injury, secondary protrusion of intervertebral disc, or myeloid hypertension was found during follow-up.
CONCLUSION: The iLESSYS Delta 6-mm working channel endoscope has several advantages in terms of clinical and functional benefits, complications, and low risk of residual vertebral pulp in treating patients with massively prolapsed intervertebral disc herniation.

PMID: 33511172 [PubMed]

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Primary lung cancer with radioiodine avidity: A thyroid cancer cohort study.

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Primary lung cancer with radioiodine avidity: A thyroid cancer cohort study.

World J Clin Cases. 2021 Jan 06;9(1):71-80

Authors: Lu YL, Chen ST, Ho TY, Chan WH, Wong RJ, Hsueh C, Lin SF

Abstract
BACKGROUND: A proportion of lung cancers show sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) expression. Lung cancers with NIS expression may uptake radioiodine (RAI) and show RAI-avid lesions on RAI scan for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) surveillance.
AIM: To investigate the possibility of RAI uptake by lung cancer in a cohort with thyroid cancer.
METHODS: RAI-avid lung cancers were analyzed using a prospectively maintained database of patients with thyroid cancer who were registered at a medical center between December 1, 1976 and May 28, 2018. NIS expression in lung cancer was assessed using immunohistochemical staining.
RESULTS: Of the 5000 patients with thyroid cancer from the studied dataset, 4602 had DTC. During follow-up, 33 patients developed primary lung cancer. Of these patients, nine received an iodine-131 (131I) scan within 1 year before the diagnosis of lung cancer. One of these nine lung cancers was RAI-avid. NIS expression was evaluated, and three of the eight available lung cancers revealed NIS expression. The proportions of lung cancer cells with NIS expression were 60%, 15%, and 10%. The RAI-avid lung cancer had the highest level of expression (60%). The RAI-avid lung cancer had a spiculated border upon single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography, which led to an accurate diagnosis.
CONCLUSION: A proportion of lung cancer demonstrates NIS expression and is RAI-avid. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility in the interpretation of RAI scintigraphy.

PMID: 33511173 [PubMed]

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Is traumatic meniscal lesion associated with acute fracture morphology changes of tibia plateau? A series of arthroscopic analysis of 67 patients.

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Is traumatic meniscal lesion associated with acute fracture morphology changes of tibia plateau? A series of arthroscopic analysis of 67 patients.

World J Clin Cases. 2021 Jan 06;9(1):81-90

Authors: Chen YD, Chen SX, Liu HG, Zhao XS, Ou WH, Li HX, Huang HX

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) has become a routine preoperative examination for tibial plateau fractures (TPFs). Assessing the location of the fragment and intercondylar eminence fracture can provide clinicians with valuable information; however, the evaluation of traumatic meniscal lesion (TML) and arthroscopic management are controversial.
AIM: To predict TML by three-dimensional skeletal anatomy changes in unilateral TPF and bilateral TPF on preoperative thin layer CT.
METHODS: Acute fracture of tibial plateau patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery between December 2017 and December 2019 were included in this retrospective study. The type, zone, and location of TMLs were diagnosed based on the operation records and/or arthroscopic videos. Measurement of three-dimensional fracture morphology included the following: Frontal fragment width of plateau, sagittal fragment subsiding distance (FSD), sagittal fracture line distance, sagittal posterior tibial slope, and transversal area ratio of fragment area) on preoperative CT three-dimensional plane. The correlation of TML with skeletal values was calculated according to unicondylar TPFs and bicondylar TPFs.
RESULTS: A total of 67 patients were enrolled in this study, among which 30 patients had TMLs, lateral/medial (23/7). FSD was a particularly positive factor to predict TML, with odds ratio of 2.31 (1.26-5.63). On sagittal view of CT, FSD degree of 8 mm and posterior tibial slope exceeding 11.74° implied enhanced risk of TML in bicondylar TPFs. On coronal view, once fragment width of plateau surpassed 3 cm, incidence of TML reached 100%. On transverse view, area ratio of fragment as enhanced risk of 5.5% and FSD > 4.3 mm for predicting TML were observed in unicondylar TPFs.
CONCLUSION: TML can be predicted by different parameters on preoperative CT views according to unicondylar fractures and bicondylar TPFs.

PMID: 33511174 [PubMed]

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Role of relaxin in diastasis of the pubic symphysis peripartum.

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Role of relaxin in diastasis of the pubic symphysis peripartum.

World J Clin Cases. 2021 Jan 06;9(1):91-101

Authors: Wang Y, Li YQ, Tian MR, Wang N, Zheng ZC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Separation of the pubic symphysis can occur during the peripartum period. Relaxin (RLX) is a hormone primarily secreted by the corpus luteum that can mediate hemodynamic changes during pregnancy as well as loosen the pelvic ligaments. However, it is unknown whether RLX is associated with peripartum pubic symphysis separation and if the association is affected by other factors.
AIM: To study the association between RLX and peripartum pubic symphysis separation and evaluate other factors that might affect this association.
METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of pregnant women between April 2019 and January 2020. Baseline demographic characteristics, including gestational age, weight, neonatal weight, delivery mode and duration of the first and second stages of labor, were recorded. The clinical symptoms were used as a screening index during pregnancy, and the patients with pubic symphysis and inguinal pain were examined by color Doppler ultrasonography to determine whether there was pubic symphysis separation. Serum RLX concentrations were evaluated 1 d after delivery using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and pubic symphysis separation was diagnosed based on postpartum X-ray examination. We used an independent-sample t test to analyze the association between serum RLX levels and peripartum pubic symphysis separation. Multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate whether the association between RLX and peripartum pubic symphysis separation was confounded by other factors, and the association between RLX and the severity of pubic symphysis separation was also assessed. We used Pearson correlation analysis to determine the factors related to RLX levels as well as the correlation between the degree of pubic symphysis separation and activities of daily living (ADL) and pain.
RESULTS: A total of 54 women were enrolled in the study, with 15 exhibiting (observational group) and 39 not exhibiting (control group) peripartum pubic symphysis separation. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of maternal age, gestational age, pre-pregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, delivery modes, or duration of the first or second stages of labor between the 2 groups. We did, however, note a statistically significant difference in serum RLX concentrations and neonatal weight between the observational and control groups (122.3 ± 0.7 µg/mL vs 170.4 ± 42.3 µg/mL, P < 0.05; 3676.000 ± 521.725 g vs 3379.487 ± 402.420 g, P < 0.05, respectively). Multivariate regression analyses showed that serum RLX level [odds ratio (OR): 1.022) and neonatal weight (OR: 1.002) were associated with pubic symphysis separation peripartum. The degree of separation of the pubic symphysis was negatively correlated with ADL and positively correlated wit h pain. There was no statistically significant association between serum RLX levels and the severity of pubic symphysis separation after adjusting for confounding factors.
CONCLUSION: Serum RLX levels and neonatal weight were associated with the occurrence, but not the severity, of peripartum pubic symphysis separation.

PMID: 33511175 [PubMed]

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Comparative profile for COVID-19 cases from China and North America: Clinical symptoms, comorbidities and disease biomarkers.

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Comparative profile for COVID-19 cases from China and North America: Clinical symptoms, comorbidities and disease biomarkers.

World J Clin Cases. 2021 Jan 06;9(1):118-132

Authors: Badawi A, Vasileva D

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Large inter-individual and inter-population differences in the susceptibility to and outcome of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been noted. Understanding these differences and how they influence vulnerability to infection and disease severity is critical to public health intervention.
AIM: To analyze and compare the profile of COVID-19 cases between China and North America as two regions that differ in many environmental, host and healthcare factors related to disease risk.
METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis to examine and compare demographic information, clinical symptoms, comorbidities, disease severity and levels of disease biomarkers of COVID-19 cases from clinical studies and data from China (105 studies) and North America (19 studies).
RESULTS: COVID-19 patients from North America were older than their Chinese counterparts and with higher male: Female ratio. Fever, cough, fatigue and dyspnea were the most common clinical symptoms in both study regions (present in about 30% to 75% of the cases in both regions). Meta-analysis for the prevalence of comorbidities (such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, and chronic kidney diseases) in COVID-19 patients were all significantly more prevalent in North America compared to China. Comorbidities were positively correlated with age but at a significantly younger age range in China compared to North American. The most prevalent infection outcome was acute respiratory distress syndrome which was 2-fold more frequent in North America than in China. Levels of C-reactive protein were 4.5-fold higher in the North American cases than in cases from China.
CONCLUSION: The differences in the profile of COVID-19 cases from China and North America may relate to differences in environmental-, host- and healthcare-related factors between the two regions. Such inter-population differences-together with intra-population variability-underline the need to characterize the effect of health inequities and inequalities on public health response to COVID-19 and can assist in preparing for the re-emergence of the epidemic.

PMID: 33511177 [PubMed]

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IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 1285: Exercise-Induced Release of Cardiac Troponins in Adolescent vs. Adult Swimmers

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IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 1285: Exercise-Induced Release of Cardiac Troponins in Adolescent vs. Adult Swimmers

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph18031285

Authors: Rafel Cirer-Sastre Francisco Corbi Isaac López-Laval Luis Enrique Carranza-García Joaquín Reverter-Masià

To examine the exercise-induced release of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in adolescent and adult swimmers. Thirty-two trained male (18 adolescents, 14 adults) swam at maximal pace in a 45 min distance trial, and blood samples were drawn before, immediately and 3 h after exercise for subsequent cTnT analysis and comparison. Having comparable training experience and baseline values of cTnT (p = 0.78 and p = 0.13), adults exercised at lower absolute and relative intensity (p &lt; 0.001 and p &lt; 0.001, respectively), but presented higher immediate cTnT after exercise than adolescents (p &lt; 0.001). Despite that, peak concentrations were observed at 3 h post exercise and peak elevations were comparable between groups (p = 0.074). Fourteen (44%) apparently healthy subjects exceeded the cutoff value for myocardial infarction (MI). Adolescents presented a delayed elevation of cTnT compared with adults, but achieved similar peak values.

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Polymerase chain reaction-based tests for detecting Helicobacter pylori clarithromycin resistance in stool samples: A meta-analysis.

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Polymerase chain reaction-based tests for detecting Helicobacter pylori clarithromycin resistance in stool samples: A meta-analysis.

World J Clin Cases. 2021 Jan 06;9(1):133-147

Authors: Gong RJ, Xu CX, Li H, Liu XM

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is closely associated with the etiology of a variety of gastric diseases. The effective eradication of H. pylori infection has been shown to reduce the incidence of gastric carcinoma. However, the rate of H. pylori eradication has significantly declined due to its increasing resistance to antibiotics, especially to clarithromycin. Therefore, the detection of clarithromycin resistance is necessary prior to the treatment of H. pylori. Although many studies have been conducted on the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based tests to detect clarithromycin resistance in stool samples, no accurate data on the feasibility of these tests are available. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the feasibility of these noninvasive tests.
AIM: To evaluate the reliability of PCR-based tests for detecting H. pylori clarithromycin resistance in stool samples.
METHODS: We searched PubMed, Medline, Embase, and other databases for articles that evaluated the value of the PCR analysis of stool samples for detecting the resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin. We collected cross-sectional studies that met the inclusion criteria. Diagnostic accuracy measures were pooled using a random-effects model. The risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Subgroup analysis was also conducted according to PCR type, purification technique, reference standard, mutation site, sample weight, number of patients, and age group, and the clinical utility of diagnostic tests was evaluated using the Likelihood Ratio Scatter Graph.
RESULTS: Out of the 1818 identified studies, only 11 met the eligibility criteria, with a total of 592 patients assessed. A meta-analysis of the random-effect model showed that PCR-based analysis of stool samples had high diagnostic accuracy for detecting clarithromycin resistance in patients infected with H. pylori. The combined sensitivity was 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83-0.95], Q = 30.34, and I 2 = 67.04, and the combined specificity was 0.97 (95%CI: 0.62-1.00), Q = 279.54, and I 2 = 96.42. The likelihood ratio for a positive test was 33.25 (95%CI: 1.69-652.77), and that for a negative test was 0.10 (95%CI: 0.05-0.18), with an area under the curve of 0.94. The diagnostic odds ratio was 347.68 (95%CI: 17.29-6991.26). There was significant statistical heterogeneity, and the sub-analyses showed significant differences in the number of patients, sample weight, purification methods, PCR types, mutation points, and reference standards. The included studies showed no risk of publication bias.
CONCLUSION: PCR-based tests on stool samples have high diagnostic accuracy for detecting H. pylori clarithromycin resistance.

PMID: 33511178 [PubMed]

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