Appendicitis: Higher risk in Mexican Americans?

Objectives. Mexican Americans (MAs), compared to white non‐Hispanics (WNHs), have higher rates of biliary disease, noninsulin dependent diabetes, and endstage renal disease but lower rates of lung cancer, hip fractures, and mortality from coronary heart disease. Relatively little research has been done to identify other ethnic differences in disease incidence. We used surgical procedure rates to confirm known ethnic differences and to explore our clinical suspicion that MAs have higher rates of appendectomy than WNHs.

Methods. We used a registry of surgical procedures at two teaching hospitals in South Texas to calculate proportional operation ratios (PORs) for MAs versus WNHs. These two hospitals are the primary source of acute hospital care for the indigent in the area. The POR is arithmetically identical to proportional incidence and mortality ratios.

Results. MAs underwent appendectomy proportionally more often than WNHs at both hospitals (POR = 1.41 and 1.75, p < 0.0001). Other significant PORs were consistent with known ethnic disease differences in biliary tract operations, vascular access for chronic hemodialysis, lung cancer, and coronary artery bypass.

Conclusions. These findings support the hypothesis that MAs may undergo appendectomy more often than WNHs and so may be at higher risk of appendicitis.     

Curcumin Encapsulated into Biocompatible Co-Polymer PLGA Nanoparticle Enhanced Anti-Gastric Cancer and Anti-Helicobacter Pylori Effect

Background: The current disadvantages (high cost, toxicity, resistance) of chemotherapy for gastric cancer opted people for alternative therapy from natural source. Curcumin (natural product) possess multiple biological activities but low bio-availability limits their uses as therapeutic. The Nano-formulation of curcumin increased the bioavailability and productivity of anti-cancer and anti-bacterial properties. The present study was initiated to determine the anti-cancer and anti-bacterial effect of Nano curcumin against gastric cancer and H. pylori. Methods: Curcumin loaded PLGA nanoparticles (CUR-NPs) was prepared by single emulsion solvent evaporation method. The MIC were determined using agar dilution method to find the anti-H. Pylori activity of Nano curcumin. The cytotoxicity of Nano curcumin was evaluated by MTT assay and the apoptotic effect (cell cycle arrest and morphology change) was shown by PI staining and microscopy. Results: The MIC of nanocurcumin and curcumin for all four H. pylori strains were 8 µg/ml and 16 µg/ml respectively. The inhibition rate of gastric cancer cells after treatment with curcumin was increased from 6% to 67% for 24h, from 8% to 75% for 48h, from 10% to 83% for 72h. In case of nanocurcumin, the inhibition rate increased from 7% to 69% for 24h, 11% to 87% for 48h and 16% to 97% for 72h. The IC50 of curcumin and Nano-curcumin were 24.20 µM and 18.78 µM respectively for 72 h. The population of cells in sub-G0 population increased from 4.1% in the control group to 24.5% and 57.8% when treated with curcumin and nanocurcumin respectively. After 72h of treatment with nanocurcumin, the apoptotic cells population increased as compared to native curcumin treated cells. Conclusion: The Nano curcumin might be used as a potential therapeutics against gastric cancer and H. Pylori. There is need of further in vivo study in order to validate CUR-NPs activity.     

Prevalence of HOXB13 mutation in a population of Ashkenazi Jewish men treated for prostate cancer

We performed a retrospective analysis of germline DNA samples from Ashkenazi Jewish men and a comparison group of non-Ashkenazi men treated for prostate cancer at our institution to determine the prevalence of HOXB13 G84E mutation in prostate cancer patients of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, an ethnic group common to the New York City area. Patients were genotyped for G84E using a TaqMan assay (Applied Biosystems). Positive cases were confirmed using Sanger sequencing. Median age at prostate cancer diagnosis was 68 years for 889 Ashkenazi Jewish patients, 64 years for 920 non-Ashkenazi Jewish patients. The median follow up was 9 years for Ashkenazi Jewish patients and 8.8 years for non-Ashkenazi Jewish patients. Only 4 patients were found to be heterozygous carriers of G84E. They were all of non-Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and were diagnosed at 70, 66, 78, and 49 years of age. Two of them presented with high-risk prostate cancer. The prevalence of G84E in the non-Ashkenazi sample was 0.4 %. HOXB13 G84E mutation was not observed in prostate cancer patients of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry treated at our institution. Screening for G84E, therefore, may be unnecessary in Ashkenazi Jewish men if these results are validated by other studies.     

Lateral segmental mandibulectomy reconstruction with bridging reconstruction plate and anterolateral thigh free flap: a case series of 30 consecutive patients

Lateral posterior segmental mandibular defects present a reconstructive challenge and an osseous flap would be the gold standard to reconstruct such a defect. However, combining a mandibular reconstruction plate (MRP) with a soft-tissue free flap (to restore mucosal integrity and provide durable coverage of the plate itself) offers an alternative option for posterior segmental mandibular defects in patients who are not suitable for osseous reconstruction, or do not choose it. We retrospectively reviewed 30 consecutive patients (19 male and 11 female) who underwent reconstruction of a segmental mandibulectomy defect using a bridging MRP and anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap. The mean (range) age was 67 (31-87) years. The American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) status of the study population comprised Grade 1 (n = 10), Grade 2 (n = 18), and Grade 3 (n = 2). The majority of patients had oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (n = 26) involving the mandible, two had osteoradionecrosis, and two mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Four patients had complications specific to the reconstruction, and flap loss occurred in one (96.7% success rate). Metalwork infection occurred in three, including one plate extrusion and one plate fracture. The median length of stay was 10 days, and mean (range) duration of follow up 23.3 (1-96) months. This technique is an alternative reconstructive option for the non-tooth-bearing mandible. Reconstructing a posterolateral segmental mandibulectomy defect with a bridging MRP and ALT free flap offers a robust reconstructive alternative with a favourable complication profile.     

Effect of zinc treatment on clinical outcomes in patients with liver cirrhosis:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Zinc is an essential trace element integral to many cellular and immune functions. Zinc deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with cirrhosis and related to disease severity.AIM To evaluate whether zinc supplementation improves clinical outcomes(disease severity and mortality) in patients with cirrhosis.METHODS This prospectively registered systematic review(PROSPERO reference: CRD42018118219) included all studies in Medline, Embase or Cochrane database with inclusion criteria of adult human studies, comparing zinc supplementation of at least 28 d with standard care or placebo in patients with cirrhosis. Mortality and clinical severity score data were extracted. Random effects meta-analyses compared mortality at 6 mo and 2 years. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool.RESULTS Seven hundred and twelve articles were identified of which four were eligible. Zinc formulations and doses varied(elemental zinc 3.4-214 mg daily) for different intervention periods in patients with differing etiology and severity of cirrhosis. Two studies were considered to be at high risk of bias. There was no significant difference in 6-mo mortality between patients treated with zinc versus controls [risk ratio 0.98(0.90-1.05)]. Changes in severity scores were not reported in any study.CONCLUSION Zinc supplementation is not associated with reduced mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Findings are limited by the small number of eligible studies and significant heterogeneity in intervention and patient population.     

Oxidative stress in alcohol-related liver disease

Alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of the global burden of disease and results in high healthcare and economic costs. Heavy alcohol misuse leads to alcohol-related liver disease, which is responsible for a significant proportion of alcohol-attributable deaths globally. Other than reducing alcohol consumption, there are currently no effective treatments for alcohol-related liver disease. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance in the production and elimination of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants. It plays important roles in several aspects of alcohol-related liver disease pathogenesis. Here, we review how chronic alcohol use results in oxidative stress through increased metabolism via the cytochrome P4502E1 system producing reactive oxygen species, acetaldehyde and protein and DNA adducts. These trigger inflammatory signaling pathways within the liver leading to expression of pro-inflammatory mediators causing hepatocyte apoptosis and necrosis. Reactive oxygen species exposure also results in mitochondrial stress within hepatocytes causing structural and functional dysregulation of mitochondria and upregulating apoptotic signaling. There is also evidence that oxidative stress as well as the direct effect of alcohol influences epigenetic regulation. Increased global histone methylation and acetylation and specific histone acetylation inhibits antioxidant responses and promotes expression of key pro-inflammatory genes. This review highlights aspects of the role of oxidative stress in disease pathogenesis that warrant further study including mitochondrial stress and epigenetic regulation. Improved understanding of these processes may identify novel targets for therapy.     

Prevalence and association of lifestyle factors with extracranial carotid atherosclerosis in non-cardioembolic anterior circulation strokes in adult males less than 50 years: One year cross-sectional study

Background:

Data is scarce on prevalence of extracranial carotid atherosclerosis (ECA) in strokes <50 years and its association with lifestyle factors.

Objective:

Study role of (a) ECA in non-cardio-embolic anterior circulation young strokes, and (b) smoking and alcohol in ECA.

Materials and Methods:

Cardiovascular risk factors and evidence of ECA on carotid doppler ultrasound (CDUS) was evaluated in an one-year preliminary cross-sectional study of consecutive strokes between 20 years and 49 years. Females were excluded.

Results:

There were 46 male strokes (mean age 38.26 yrs), 17.39% had hypertension, 2.23% had coronary artery disease; none was diabetic. Tobacco users and alcohol consumers were 24/46 (52.17%) cases each. ECA was found in 14/46 (30.44%) cases. Seven of these 14 (50%) i.e., 7/46 cases (15.21%) had carotid occlusion, four had <50%, three had >70% stenosis. ‘Smoking and smokeless tobacco use’ was found in 71.42% (10/14) symptomatic carotid lesions compared to 43.75% (14/32) strokes without carotid lesions. Prevalence odds ratio for tobacco use and ECA was 3.21 (95% CI: 0.83-12.44) while that of alcohol and ECA was 1.33 (95% CI: 0.38-4.72).

Conclusion:

Prevalence of ECA in strokes <50 years was high due to lifestyle factors which predispose to atherosclerosis at younger age.Key Words: Alcohol, extracranial carotid atherosclerosis, lifestyle factors, smoking, young stroke