Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form in Greek

Background

Patient-reported outcomes require validation in a particular language and culture before administration for clinical use.

Materials and methods

A systematic translation of the IKDC Subjective Knee Form was initially tested in 30 patients with various knee pathologies to develop the first Greek version (IKDC/SKF-GR). It was then administered to another 80 patients. The test–retest reliability (n = 35) and internal consistency (n = 80) were examined. Construct validity was tested by correlating the IKDC/SKF-GR with the SF-36 subscales (n = 80) and content validity by measuring floor/ceiling effects. Responsiveness was measured in patients with meniscus pathology (n = 24).

Results

Patients filled the form without omissions/questions regarding the phrasing of items. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s α = 0.87) and test–retest reliability very good (ICC_2,1 = 0.95, SEM = 4.4 and SDC = 12.2). Correlations with the SF-36 subscales confirmed its construct validity. No floor/ceiling effects were recorded. The effect size was large (ES = 1.26).

Conclusions

The IKDC/SKF-GR has comparable measurement properties to the original form.

Level of evidence

Level II.

     

Ranula: Current Concept of Pathophysiologic Basis and Surgical Management Options

Background

There is no consensus opinion on a definitive surgical management option for ranulas to curtail recurrence, largely from the existing gap in knowledge on the pathophysiologic basis.

Aim

To highlight the current scientific basis of ranula development that informed the preferred surgical approach.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Public Tertiary Academic Health Institution.

Method

A 7-year 7-month study of ranulas surgically managed at our tertiary health institution was undertaken—June 1, 2008–December 31, 2015—from case files retrieved utilising the ICD-10 version 10 standard codes.

Results

Twelve cases, representing 0.4 and 1.2% of all institutional and ENT operations, respectively, were managed for ranulas with a M:F = 1:1. The ages ranged from 5/12 to 39 years, mean = 18.5 years, and the disease was prevalent in the third decade of life. Main presentation in the under-fives was related to airway and feeding compromise, while in adults, cosmetic facial appearance. Ranulas in adults were plunging (n = 8, 58.3%), left-sided save one with M:F = 2:1. All were unilateral with R:L = 1:2. Treatment included aspiration (n = 2, 16.7%) with 100% recurrence, intra-/extraoral excision of ranula only (n = 4, 33.3%) with recurrence rate of 50% (n = 2, 16.7%), while marsupialisation in children (n = 1, 8.3%) had no recurrence. Similarly, transcervical approach (n = 5, 41.7%) with excision of both the ranula/sublingual salivary gland recorded zero recurrence. Recurrence was the main complication (n = 4, 33.3%).

Conclusion

With the current knowledge on the pathophysiologic basis, extirpation of both the sublingual salivary gland and the ranula by a specialist surgeon is key for a successful outcome.

     

Oxidative stress markers in type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic nephropathy

Background

Epidemiological studies show that 5–40 % of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients have diabetic nephropathy, and oxidative stress is one of several underlying mechanisms. We investigated associations between oxidative stress markers and severity of diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

Fifty-nine T2DM patients from the endocrinology outpatient department were included, and their levels of oxidative stress markers were measured. Three groups were determined by their urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR): group A (UACR < 30 mg/g, n = 22); group B (30 ≤ UACR < 300 mg/g, n = 22); and group C (UACR ≥ 300 mg/g, n = 15).

Results

Vitamin C levels correlated negatively and moderately with serum creatinine (γ = ?0.459, p < 0.001), urine albumin (γ _s = ?0.458, p = 0.001) and UACR (γ _s = ?0.408, p = 0.001), but only weakly with hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Vitamin C levels decreased as 8-OHdG, serum creatinine, albumin and UACR increased. T2DM patients with more severe diabetic nephropathy had lower vitamin C levels.

Conclusion

Our results identified several oxidative stress markers that may be clinically important in diabetic nephropathy. Studies with larger sample sizes should be undertaken to confirm these findings.

     

Feasibility of the liver-first approach for patients with initially unresectable and not optimally resectable synchronous colorectal liver metastases

Purpose

To investigate the outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer and initially unresectable or not optimally resectable liver metastases, who were treated using the liver-first approach in the era of modern chemotherapy in Japan.

Methods

We analyzed and compared data retrospectively on patients with asymptomatic resectable colorectal cancer and initially unresectable or not optimally resectable liver metastases, who were treated either using the liver-first approach (n = 12, LF group) or the primary-first approach (n = 13, PF group).

Results

Both groups of patients completed their therapeutic plan and there was no mortality. Postoperative morbidity rates after primary resection and hepatectomy, and post-hepatectomy liver failure rate were comparable between the groups (p = 1.00, p = 0.91, and p = 0.55, respectively). Recurrence rates, median recurrence-free survival since the last operation, and 3-year overall survival rates from diagnosis were also comparable between the LF and PF groups (58.3 vs. 61.5 %, p = 0.87; 10.5 vs. 18.6 months, p = 0.57; and 87.5 vs. 82.5 %, p = 0.46, respectively).

Conclusions

The liver-first approach may be an appropriate treatment sequence without adversely affecting perioperative or survival outcomes for selected patients.

     

Prognostic value of urinary cytology and other biomarkers for recurrence and progression in bladder cancer: a prospective study

Purpose

Urinary cytology (C) and cystoscopy remain the gold standard for the detection and screening of bladder cancer (BC). In this prospective study, we analyzed whether baseline C, ImmunoCyt (I), BTA Stat (B), hemoglobin dipstick (H), and NMP22 BladderChek (N) can predict recurrence and progression.

Methods

Urinary samples from 91 patients with BC were prospectively collected over an 18-month period. Baseline characteristics of the population included patient demographics, various clinicopathological variables and use of intravesical therapy. Progression and recurrence were then assessed after a median follow-up of 48 months (IQR 23.7–59.5). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using COX proportional hazards models.

Results

On univariate analysis, C (HR 1.36; p = 0.26), I (HR 0.89; p = 0.66), B (HR 0.80; p = 0.42), H (HR 0.75; p = 0.30), and N (HR 0.82; p = 0.48) were not associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS). With regard to progression-free survival (PFS), C was significantly prognostic (HR 2.67; p = 0.017), whereas I, B, H, and N were not. On multivariable analysis, NMP22 was the only marker to be independently associated with RFS (HR 0.41, p < 0.01) and PFS (HR 0.32, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, baseline C, B, I, and H were not independently prognostic. Prognostic impact of NMP22 requires further validation in a multicenter larger study.

     

The Role of Attachment in Body Weight and Weight Loss in Bariatric Patients

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore the role of attachment styles in obesity.

Material and Methods

The present study explored differences in insecure attachment styles between an obese sample waiting for bariatric surgery (n = 195) and an age, sex and height matched normal weight control group (n = 195). It then explored the role of attachment styles in predicting change in BMI 1 year post bariatric surgery (n = 143).

Results

The bariatric group reported significantly higher levels of anxious attachment and lower levels of avoidant attachment than the control non-obese group. Baseline attachment styles did not, however, predict change in BMI post surgery.

Conclusion

Attachment style is different in those that are already obese from those who are not. Attachment was not related to weight loss post surgery.

     

Is reduction better than arthrodesis in situ in surgical management of low-grade spondylolisthesis? A system review and meta analysis

Purpose

To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of arthrodesis in situ with arthrodesis after reduction in low-grade spondylolisthesis.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive search of both observational and randomized clinical trials published up to April 2016 in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. The outcomes included age, sex, operative time, blood loss, and at least 2 years clinical results of Oswestry disability index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS), lumbar lordosis, slippage, fusion rate, the rate of good and excellent and the complication rate. Two authors independently extracted the articles and the predefined data.

Results

Seven eligible studies, involving four RCTs and three cohort studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Patients who underwent reduction did achieved better slippage correction comparing with arthrodesis in situ (P < 0.00001). However, there was no significant difference in the case of operative time, blood loss, VAS (P = 0.36), ODI (P = 0.50), lumbar lordosis (P = 0.47), the rate of good and excellent (P = 0.84), fusion rate (P = 0.083) and complication rate (P = 0.33) between the arthrodesis in situ group and the reduction group.

Conclusions

On the basis on this review, arthrodesis after reduction of low-grade spondylolisthesis potentially reduced vertebral slippage. Reduction was neither associated with a longer operative time nor more blood loss. There was no significant difference in the outcomes between reduction and arthrodesis in situ group. Both procedures could be expected to achieve good clinical result.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic Level IIa.

     

The Primary Stability of a Bioabsorbable Poly-L-Lactic Acid Suture Anchor for Rotator Cuff Repair Is Not Improved with Polymethylmethacrylate or Bioabsorbable Bone Cement Augmentation

Background

The incidence of osteoporosis and rotator cuff tears increases with age. Cement augmentation of bones is an established method in orthopedic and trauma surgery.

Questions/Purposes

This study analyses if polymethylmethacrylate or bioabsorbable cement can improve the primary stability of a bioabsorbable suture anchor in vitro in comparison to a non-augmented suture anchor in osteoporotic human humeri.

Methods

The trabecular bone mineral density was measured to ensure osteopenic human specimens. Then the poly-l-lactic acid Bio-Corkscrew® FT was implanted in the greater tuberosity footprint with polymethylmethacrylate Refobacin® cement augmentation (n = 8), with Cerament? Bone Void Filler augmentation (n = 8) and without augmentation (n = 8). Using a cyclic testing protocol, the failure loads, system displacement, and failure modes were recorded.

Results

The Cerament? augmented Bio-Corkscrew® FT yielded the highest failure loads (206.7 N), followed by polymethylmethacrylate Refobacin® augmentation (206.1 N) and without augmentation (160.0 N). The system displacement was lowest for Cerament? augmentation (0.72 mm), followed by polymethylmethacrylate (0.82 mm) and without augmentation (1.50 mm). Statistical analysis showed no significant differences regarding the maximum failure loads (p = 0.1644) or system displacement (p = 0.4199). The main mode of failure for all three groups was suture slippage.

Conclusion

The primary stability of the Bio-Corkscrew® FT is not influenced by bone cement augmentation with polymethylmethacrylate Refobacin® or with bioabsorbable Cerament? in comparison to the non-cemented anchors. The cement augmentation of rotator cuff suture anchors in osteoporotic bones remains questionable since biomechanical tests show no significant advantage.

     

Common Hepatic Artery Abutment or Encasement Is an Adverse Prognostic Factor in Patients with Borderline and Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer

Background

Localized and unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) comprises one third of new diagnoses and includes borderline resectable (BR) and locally advanced (LA) unresectable disease. In a cohort of patients who were treated and followed at a single institution, we assessed clinical and radiographic predictors of outcome.

Methods

The study included 69 consecutive patients with BR or LA PDA. Serial imaging studies were reviewed by both a pancreatic surgeon and a radiologist for vascular abutment or encasement by cancer, and they were recorded.

Results

The cohort included 25 patients with BR and 44 patients with LA PDA, with median overall survivals (OS) of 15 and 14 months, respectively (p = 0.802). Fifteen patients were resected (22%), with a median OS of 21 months from diagnosis (HR 2.50, p = 0.006) and 13 months from resection. Median OS from diagnosis was 33 months in patients without lymph node metastases at resection (n = 10), but just 17 months with lymph node metastases (n = 5, HR = 8.95, p = 0.011). There were 12 two-year survivors in the total cohort (17%), and seven of them never underwent resection. First-line treatments consisted of gemcitabine (n = 13), modern first-line combinations (FOLFIRNOX or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel, n = 24), or alternative multi-agent therapies (n = 32); there were no statistical differences between treatment subgroups (OS of 10, 13, and 16 months, respectively). Common hepatic artery (CHA) abutment or encasement at diagnosis was associated with poor survival (adjusted hazard ratio, CHA abutment = 2.47 (p = 0.015) and CHA encasement = 2.16 (p = 0.036)).

Conclusion

In this cohort, common hepatic arterial abutment or encasement and residual lymph node disease at resection portended a particularly poor outcome in patients with localized, unresectable PDA.

     

Usefulness of Inflammation-Based Prognostic Score in Patients Undergoing Lung Metastasectomy for Colorectal Carcinoma

Objectives

There is increasing evidence that Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), based on systemic inflammatory response and albumin level, is a useful predictor of overall survival in patients with various types of cancer.

Methods

Patients with lung metastasis from colorectal carcinoma who underwent a lung metastasectomy from 2000 to 2015 were retrospectively investigated. Routine laboratory measurements including serum C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and the tumor marker carcinoembryonic antigen were performed before the metastasectomy.

Results

Ninety-nine patients underwent 132 lung metastasectomy procedures during the study period. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that GPS (p = 0.017), number of metastases (p = 0.004), and the presence of liver metastasis (p = 0.010) were associated with overall survival, while univariate analysis selected GPS (p = 0.028), number of metastases (p = 0.005), and liver metastasis (p = 0.014) as predictive factors associated with overall survival. Multivariate analysis also indicated GPS (p = 0.004), number of metastases (p = 0.004), and liver metastasis (p = 0.013) as predictive factors associated with overall survival.

Conclusion

In addition to number of metastases and liver metastasis, GPS is an important predictor of overall survival in colorectal cancer patients who undergo a lung metastasectomy.

     

Population-based normative data for the Scoliosis Research Society 22r questionnaire in adolescents and adults,including a comparison with EQ-5D

Purpose

The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) 22r questionnaire is a widely used instrument. To estimate the disorder´s impact on quality of life and to gain knowledge about treatment effects, normative values are needed.

Methods

Individuals were randomly invited from the general population. 272 individuals (145 females) answered the SRS-22r and EuroQol 5-dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaires and stratified according to sex and age; ≤19 years (n = 61), 20–39 years (n = 66), 40–59 years (n = 84) and ≥60 years (n = 61). The correlation between SRS-22r and EQ-5D were analyzed.

Results

There were modest variations in mean SRS-22r scores (ranging between 4.3 and 4.7). EQ-5D followed the same pattern. The correlation between the SRS-22r was 0.62 (p = 0.001) and 0.61 (p < 0.001) for the EQ-5D UK tariff and EQ-5D Swedish tariff, respectively.

Conclusion

We provide the first SRS-22r normative data for adolescents and adults overall. We found a good correlation between SRS-22r and EQ-5D in individuals without spinal deformity.

     

Incidence of and risk factors for venous thromboembolism during surgical treatment for esophageal cancer: a single-institution study

Purpose

During the treatment of esophageal cancer with curative intent, patients sometimes experience deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or a central venous catheter-associated thrombus. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed our new-onset esophageal cancer patients and determined the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), the location of the thrombus and the risk factors for VTE.

Methods

One hundred and fifty-three patients undergoing treatment with curative intent were reviewed as candidates. The existence of VTE was assessed from the neck to the pelvis with computed tomography at the initial visit, after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and postoperatively.

Results

Twenty-one VTE events (13.7 %) were observed, 16 of which (76.2 %) were suggested to be associated with central venous catheterization. When both the pre-therapeutic plasma fibrinogen and C-reactive protein levels were high (≥350 mg/dL and ≥0.2 µg/mL, respectively), the risk of preoperative VTE and overall VTE were significantly higher than normal (p = 0.040, and p = 0.030, respectively). Adenocarcinoma histology and neck lymph node dissection were the independent risk factors that significantly increased the overall risk of VTE (p = 0.015, and p = 0.017, respectively).

Conclusions

This study revealed that the pre-therapeutic plasma fibrinogen level, C-reactive protein level, adenocarcinoma histology and neck lymph node dissection are the risk factors for venous thromboembolism in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing treatment with curative intent.

     

Massive Weight Loss Obtained by Bariatric Surgery Affects Semen Quality in Morbid Male Obesity: a Preliminary Prospective Double-Armed Study

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of massive weight loss on the seminal parameters at 6 months from bariatric surgery.

Design

Two-armed prospective study performed in 31 morbidly obese men, undergoing laparoscopic roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (n = 23) or non-operated (n = 8), assessing sex hormones, conventional (sperm motility, morphology, number, semen volume), and non-conventional (DNA fragmentation and seminal interleukin-8), semen parameters, at baseline and after 6 months from surgery or patients’ recruitment.

Results

In operated patients only, a statistically significant improvement in the sex hormones was confirmed. Similarly, a positive trend in the progressive/total sperm motility and number was observed, though only the increase in semen volume and viability was statistically significant (Δ = 0.6 ml and 10%, P < 0.05, respectively). A decrease in the seminal interleukin-8 levels and in the sperm DNA fragmentation was also present after bariatric surgery, whereas these parameters even increased in non-operated subjects. Age-adjusted multivariate analysis showed that the BMI variations significantly correlated with the changes in the sperm morphology (β = ?0.675, P = 0.025), sperm number (β = 0.891, P = 0.000), and semen volume (r = 0.618, P = 0.015).

Conclusion

The massive weight loss obtained with bariatric surgery was associated with an improvement in some semen parameters. The correlations found between weight loss and semen parameter variations after surgery suggest that these might occur early downstream of the testis and more slowly than the changes in the sex hormones.

     

Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Cyanoacrylate Glue Versus Suture Fixation in Lichtenstein Hernia Repair: 7-Year Outcome Analysis

Background

Lichtenstein hernioplasty has relatively low recurrence rate, but chronic inguinal pain may cause harm to the patient. The aim of our study was to compare long-term results of cyanoacrylate glue versus absorbable sutures for mesh fixation in Lichtenstein hernioplasty.

Methods

Lichtenstein hernioplasty (n = 302) was performed under local anesthesia in three hospitals. The patients were randomized to receive either 1 ml of butyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue glue (Glubran^®; 151 hernias) or absorbable polyglycolic acid sutures (Dexon^®; 151 hernias) for mesh fixation (Optilene^® mesh). Short-term results were published previously. Chronic groin pain, foreign body sensation, use of analgesics, recurrence and re-operations were analyzed 7 years after surgery.

Results

We reached 236 patients (78%) to present study. In the glue group (n = 115), there were five (4.3%) and in the suture group (n = 121) three (2.5%) recurrent hernias (p = 0.491). The prevalence of chronic pain (NRS ≥ 3) in the patients without re-operations was similar in two groups: 15/118 (13%) and 13/111 (12%), respectively (p = 0.843). There were no significant differences in the foreign body sensation (8/14, p = 0.267) or in the need of analgesics (2/2, p = 1.00) between the two study groups.

Conclusion

Both cyanoacrylate glue and mesh fixation with absorbable sutures were equal in terms of chronic pain and rate of recurrences in Lichtenstein hernioplasty after 7-year follow-up.

Trial registration number

NCT00659542.

     

Tumor diameter accurately predicts perioperative outcomes in T1 renal cancer treated with robot-assisted partial nephrectomy

Purpose

To compare diameter as a continuous variable with categorical R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score (RNS) in predicting surgical outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients receiving RPN at our institution between July 2007 and June 2014 (n = 286). Three separate multivariate analyses were performed to assess the relationship between RNS components (R = radius, E = endophyticity, N = nearness to collecting system, L = location relative to polar lines), total RNS, and diameter as a continuous variable with operating time, warm ischemia time (WIT), and estimated blood loss (EBL). Each linear regression model’s quality of fit to the data was assessed with coefficients of determination (R ²).

Results

Continuous tumor diameter and total RNS were each significantly correlated to operative time, EBL, and WIT (p < 0.001). Categorical R related to operative time (R = 2 vs. R = 1, p = 0.001; R = 3 vs. R = 1, p = 0.001) and WIT (R = 2 vs. R = 1, p = 0.003; R = 3 vs. R = 1, p = 0.016), but not to EBL. For each of these outcomes, diameter outperformed both R and total RNS, as assessed by R ². Age, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and anterior versus posterior location did not correlate with surgical outcomes.

Conclusions

In this series of RPN from a high-volume center, surgical outcomes more closely related to tumor diameter than RNS. While RNS provides surgeons a standardized tool for preoperative planning of renal masses, tumor size may be employed as a more familiar measurement when counseling patients on potential outcomes.

     

Coexistent Loss of the Expressions of BRCA1 and p53 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Background

To investigate the prognostic significance of altered breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) and p53 expression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methods

Immunohistochemical expression of BRCA1 and p53 was examined in the tumor tissues of 465 TNBC cases and relations were sought with clinicopathological features and patient survival.

Results

Loss of BRCA1 expression was found in 29.5% (137/465) of TNBCs. Positive expression of p53 was observed in 49.9% (232/465). Patients with loss of BRCA1 expression had a tendency to have higher rate of lymph node metastasis (p = 0.075). An association between p53 expression and high histological grade was observed (p = 0.039). TNBC patients with loss of BRCA1 expression had a tendency to have poorer overall survival (OS) than those positive for BRCA1 (p = 0.09). TNBC patients with positive p53 expression showed better OS than those with p53 negativity (p = 0.001). In terms of combined expression patterns, significantly poorer overall survival (OS) was observed for BRCA1-negative/p53-negative TNBCs and best OS for BRCA1-positive/p53-positive TNBCs (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Combined expression patterns of BRCA1 and p53 could serve as useful prognostic markers in TNBC.

     

Small-Volume,Fast-Emptying Gastric Pouch Leads to Better Long-Term Weight Loss and Food Tolerance After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Introduction

Anatomical and functional influences on gastric bypass (GBP) results are often poorly evaluated and not yet fully understood.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of the gastric pouch volume and its emptying rate on long-term weight loss and food tolerance after GBP.

Materials and Methods

Weight loss, food tolerance, pouch volumetry (V) by three-dimensional reconstruction, and pouch emptying rate by 4 h scintigraphy were evaluated in 67 patients. Cutoffs were identified for V and retention percentage (%Ret) at 1 h (%Ret1). From these parameters, the sample was categorized, looking for associations between V, %Ret, weight loss, and food tolerance, assessed by a questionnaire for quick assessment of food tolerance (SS).

Results

PO median follow-up time was 47 months; median V was 28 mL; %Ret at 1, 2, and 4 h were 8, 2, and 1%, respectively. There were associations between V ≤ 40 mL and higher emptying rates up to 2 h (V ≤ 40 mL: %Ret1 = 6, %Ret2 = 2, p = 0.009; V > 40 mL: %Ret1 = 44, %Ret2 = 13.5, p = 0.045). An association was found between higher emptying speed in 1 h and higher late weight loss (WL), represented by lower percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) regain (p = 0.036) and higher %EWL (p = 0.033) in the group with %Ret1 ≤ 12%, compared to the group %Ret1 ≥ 25%. Better food tolerance (SS > 24), was associated with lower %Ret1 (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Smaller pouch size is associated with a faster gastric emptying, greater WL maintenance, and better food tolerance. These data suggest that a small pouch with rapid emptying rate is an important technical parameter for good outcomes in GBP.

     

Clinicopathological and long-term prognostic features of membranous nephropathy with crescents: a Japanese single-center experience

Background

Three recent studies from the United States and China reported the clinicopathological features and short-term prognosis in patients with membranous nephropathy (MN) and crescents in the absence of secondary MN, anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibodies, and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA).

Methods

We compared clinicopathological and prognostic features in 16 MN patients with crescents (crescent group) and 38 MN patients without crescents (control group), in the absence of secondary MN, anti-GBM antibodies, and ANCA. Median follow-up periods in the crescent and control groups were 79 and 50 months, respectively.

Results

Decreased estimated glomerular filtration rates (<50 mL/min/1.73 m²), glomerulosclerosis, and moderate-to-severe interstitial fibrosis were more frequently observed in the crescent group than in the control group (P = 0.043, P = 0.004, and P = 0.035, respectively). Positive staining rates for glomerular IgG2 and IgG4 were significantly different between the 2 groups (P = 0.032, P = 0.006, respectively). Doubling of serum creatinine during follow-up was more frequently observed in the crescent group than in the control group (P = 0.002), although approximately two-thirds of patients in the crescent group were treated with immunosuppressive therapy. Crescent formation and interstitial fibrosis were risks for doubling of serum creatinine [hazard ratio (HR) = 10.506, P = 0.012; HR = 1.140, P = 0.009, respectively].

Conclusions

This is the first Japanese study demonstrating significant differences in clinicopathological and prognostic features between the 2 groups. Most patients in the crescent group may develop a long-term decline in renal function despite immunosuppressive therapy.

     

Multifocal Versus Solitary Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Background

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) which accounts for >85 % of all thyroid cancers in iodine-rich areas, appears either as a single tumor or as two or more, neoplastic foci within the thyroid gland (Multifocal PTC). We present the comparative results between solitary and MFC PTC.

Materials and methods

Demographics, tumor characteristics (size, laterality, foci number, histologic subtype) and TNM staging were compared between solitary and MFPTC patients. The presence of lymphocytic or Hashimoto’s thyroditis was also recorded.

Results

From January 2008 to December 2012, among 647 PTC patients, 241(37.2 %) had MFPTC 177 females (73.4 %) and 64 males (26.6 %), mean age 48.5 years (range 12–87). Mean number of tumor foci was 3.3 (range 2–26). MFPTC patients presented with more advanced T stage (28.2 vs. 18.7 %, p = 0.01) and more LN metastases (28.6 vs. 15.5 %, p < 0.001). Foci number correlates with male gender and LN metastases (p = 0.014 and p = 0.019, respectively). Central (N1a) or lateral (N1b) LN involvement correlates strongly with male gender (p  = 0.024) and younger age (p < 0.001). The follicular variant was the next most frequent histologic subtype associated with extremely rare LN metastases.

Conclusion

MFPTC comprises a more aggressive form of papillary thyroid cancer since it is associated with more frequent N1a/ N1b disease and occurs more frequently in T3/T4 patients. MFPTC foci number correlates with male gender and LN metastases.

     

Small bowel in vivo bioengineering using an aortic matrix in a porcine model

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of an in vivo small bowel bioengineering model using allogeneic aortic grafts in pigs.

Background

The best treatment for short bowel syndrome is still unclear. Intestinal transplantation, as well as lifelong parenteral nutrition is associated with a 5-year survival rate of less than 50 %. We have already used allogeneic arterial segments to replace the upper airway in sheep. The results were encouraging with an induced transformation of the aortic wall into tracheo-bronchial bronchial-type tissue.

Methods

Seven young mini-pigs were used. A 10-cm-diameter, allogeneic, aortic graft was interposed in an excluded small bowel segment and wrapped by the neighboring omentum. Animals were autopsied at 1 (n = 2), 3 (n = 3), and 6 months (n = 2), respectively. Specimens were examined macroscopically and microscopically.

Results

The overall survival rate of the animals was 71.4 %. No anastomotic leak occurred. Histologic analysis revealed intestinal-like wall transformation of the aortic graft in the surviving animals.

Conclusion

Aortic-enteric anastomosis is feasible in a porcine model. Moreover, in vivo, bioengineered, intestinal-like transformation of the vascular wall was identified.