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Objective: Radical surgery is the mainstay treatment for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction. The presence of microscopic residual tumor tissue after curative-intent surgery is associated with recurrence. This study compared the outcomes of patients with microscopic residual tumor (Residual+ group) and those without microscopic residual tumor (Residual- group). Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 71 patients with adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction who underwent curative-intent surgery between January 2005 and August 2018. We evaluated the clinical and pathological characteristics and compared recurrences, rates and patterns, between groups. Five-year overall survival (OS) and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: Nineteen (26.8%) patients had microscopic residual tumors, consisting of 8 (11.3%) with positive resection margins, 10 (14.0%) with malignant cells from peritoneal washing fluid cytology, and 1 (1.4%) with both. The median OS in the Residual- group was significantly better than that in the Residual+ group (31.3 vs 11.9 months, P = 0.003). The Residual- group had better 5-year OS (26.2% vs 11.9%, P = 0.015) and 3-year DFS (24.4% vs 9.8%, P = 0.003) than the Residual+ group. During follow-up period, 48% of the patients in the Residual+ group experienced recurrent disease, with a median follow-up time at 7.7 months. Distant metastasis was the most common site of recurrence. Conclusion: Microscopic residual tumor after resection is associated with poorer survival outcomes and higher recurrence rates. Curative surgery should aim to achieve R0 resection in all patients with resectable adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction.

Background/Aims The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected the worldwide practice of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Here we designed a modified N95 respirator with a channel for endoscope insertion and evaluated its efficacy in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods Thirty patients scheduled for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were randomized into the modified N95 (n=15) or control (n=15) group. The mask was placed on the patient after anesthesia administration and particles were counted every minute before (baseline) and during the procedure by a TSI AeroTrak particle counter (9306-04; TSI Inc.) and categorized by size (0.3, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, and 10 µm). Differences in particle counts between time points were recorded. Results During the procedure, the modified N95 group displayed significantly smaller overall particle sizes than the control group (median [interquartile range], 231 [54–385] vs. 579 [213–1,379]×103/m3; p=0.056). However, the intervention group had a significant decrease in 0.3-µm particles (68 [–25–185] vs. 242 [72–588]×103/m3; p=0.045). No adverse events occurred in either group. The device did not cause any inconvenience to the endoscopists or patients. Conclusions This modified N95 respirator reduced the number of particles, especially 0.3-µm particles, generated during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer has a poor prognosis and is increasing in prevalence. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is used for advanced tumors; however, surgery is generally not considered for metastatic and unresectable diseases. Recently, conversion surgery, a treatment which aims for an R0 resection following chemotherapy, has become a novel therapeutic option with better survival rates. In addition to surgery, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) leads to significant tumor reduction, but it is limited by its morbidity. Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) delivers high concentrations of chemotherapy, but does not remove the tumor, making it useful mostly in palliative settings. Intraperitoneal (IP) therapy, known for its minimally invasive nature and repeatability, shows promise but requires further research. Ultimately, an integrated approach involving systemic chemotherapy, radical gastrectomy, HIPEC, PIPAC and IP chemotherapy can be used to optimize treatment outcomes of gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis.

Abstract Background Surgical resection followed by indicated adjuvant therapy offers potential curative treatment in colonic adenocarcinoma. Beyond the well-established seed and soil theory of colon cancer progression, the 'normal-appearing' tissues near the tumor are not genuinely normal and remain as remnants in patients following surgery. Our objective was to elucidate the alteration of gene expression and pathways across various distances of resection margins in right-sided colonic adenocarcinoma. Methods Twenty-seven fresh samples of primary cancer and 56 matched non-tumor tissues adjacent to the tumor (NAT) were collected from patients with resectable right-sided colon cancer. NAT were systematically obtained at varying distances (1, 5, and 10 cm) on both proximal and distal sides. Comprehensive gene expression analysis was performed using 770-gene PanCancer Progression Panel, delineating distinctive pathways and functional predictions for each region. Results Distinctive gene signatures and pathways exhibited by normal-appearing tissues were discovered at varying distances from cancer. Notably, SFRP2, PTGDS, COL1A1, IL1B, THBS2, PTGIS, COL1A2, NPR1, and BGN were upregulated, while ENPEP, MMP1, and NRCAM were downregulated significantly in 1-cm tissue compared to farther distances. Substantial alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and prostaglandin/thromboxane synthesis were significantly evident at the 1-cm distance. Functional analysis indicated enhanced cell viability and survival, alongside reduced cellular death and apoptosis. Conclusions Different distances exerted a significant impact on gene alteration within the normal-looking mucosa surrounding primary cancer, influenced by various mechanisms. These findings may highlight potential therapeutic targets related to the ECM and prostaglandin/thromboxane pathways for treatment strategies.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes cancer metastasis and a tumour-based Glasgow EMT score was associated with adverse clinical features and poor prognosis. In this study, the impact of using the established five tumour-based EMT markers consisting of E-cadherin (E-cad), β-catenin (β-cat), Snail, Zeb-1, and Fascin in combination with the stromal periostin (PN) on the prediction of CRC patients' prognosis were invesigated. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of 202 CRC patients were studies the expressions of E-cad, β-cat, Snail, Zeb-1, Fascin, and PN by immunohistochemistry. Individually, cytoplasmic Fascin (Fc), cytoplasmic Snail (Sc), nuclear Snail (Sn), stromal Snail (Ss), and stromal PN (Ps) were significantly associated with reduced survival. A combination of Ps with Fc, Fs, and Sn was observed in 2 patterns including combined Fc, Fs, and Ps (FcFsPs) and Fc, Sn, and Ps (FcSnPs). These combinations enhanced the prognostic power compared to individual EMT markers and were independent prognostic markers. As the previously established scoring method required five markers and stringent criteria, its clinical use might be limited. Therefore, using these novel combined prognostic markers, either FcFsPs or FcSnPs, may be useful in predicting CRC patient outcomes.

In the highly contagious coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) are associated with high-risk of transmission. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a procedure with the potential to cause dissemination of bodily fluids. At present, there is no consensus that endoscopy is defined as an AGP. This review discusses the current evidence on this topic with additional management. Prevailing publications on coronavirus related to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and aerosolization from the PubMed and Scopus databases were searched and reviewed. Comparative quantitative analyses showed a significant elevation of particle numbers, implying that aerosols were generated by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The associated source events have also been reported. To reduce the dispersion, certain protective measures have been developed. Endoscopic unit protocols are recommended for the concerned personnel. Therefore, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy should be classified as an AGP. Proper practices should be adopted by healthcare workers and patients.

Abstract β-thalassaemia is one of the most common genetic blood diseases worldwide with over 300 mutations in the HBB gene affecting red blood cell functions. Recently, advances in genome editing technology have provided a powerful tool for precise genetic correction. Generation of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) followed by genetic correction of HBB mutations and differentiation into haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) offers a potential therapy to cure the disease. However, the biggest challenge is to generate functional HSPCs that are capable of self-renewal and transplantable. In addition, functional analyses of iPSC-derived erythroid cells are hampered by poor erythroid expansion and incomplete erythroid differentiation. Previously, we generated an immortalised erythroid cell line (SiBBE) with unique properties, including unlimited expansion and the ability to differentiate into mature erythrocytes. In this study, we report a highly efficient genetic correction of HbE mutation in the SiBBE cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The HbE-corrected clones restored β-globin production with reduced levels of HbE upon erythroid differentiation. Our approach provides a sustainable supply of corrected erythroid cells and represents a valuable model for validating the therapeutic efficacy of gene editing systems.

Objective: The current standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer is associated with multimodality therapy. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation significantly decreased the locoregional recurrence rate and improved survival. However, distant metastasis develops rather than local recurrence, which becomes the leading cause of death. This study aimed to evaluate the oncological outcomes of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) in locally advanced rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study recruited 18 patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma (cT3-4 or cN1-2), treated with consolidation TNT. The primary endpoint was pathological complete response (pCR). The secondary endpoint included postoperative outcomes, local recurrences, and distant metastases. Results: The pathologic complete response was observed in 27.8% of consolidation therapy cases. Downstaging of the T-category was achieved in 10 (55.6%) patients, and downstaging of the N-category was achieved in 14 (77.8%) patients. Only one patient who achieved pCR developed distant metastasis, whereas all patients with pathological stage III developed distant metastasis. Conclusions: TNT is a promising approach for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. This strategy improved complete pathologic response rates in TNT, and pCR was found to be associated with fewer local recurrences and greater disease-free survival.

Objective: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multidisciplinary approach that aims to optimize perioperative management, promote postoperative recovery, reduce postoperative complications, and improve long-term survival. The current study aimed to evaluate and compare the postoperative physical activity after gastrectomy between patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal surgery according to ERAS and those who underwent surgery based on the conventional care (CC) protocol. Materials and Methods: This prospective and retrospective review enrolled 60 patients (n = 31, ERAS group; n = 29, CC protocol group) diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the stomach and esophagogastric junction who underwent curative surgical resection. Physical outcomes, including body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, muscle mass, gait speed, and handgrip strength at the preoperative and immediate postoperative periods and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, were comparedbetween the ERAS and CC protocol groups. Results: One month after surgery, the ERAS group had a lower percentage of body weight loss than the CC protocol group. There was no significant difference in terms of muscle mass loss between the two groups. The hand grip strength of the ERAS group increased after surgery. Further, at 1 month postoperatively, the gait speed of patients who underwent total gastrectomy in the ERAS group was significantly higher than that of patients in the CC protocol group. Conclusion: ERAS for gastrectomy was associated with a lower percentage of weight loss and a trend toward physical activity enhancement in the early postoperative period.

Abstract Background The SARS-CoV2 virus has been identified in abdominal cavity of the COVID-19 patients. Therefore, the potential viral transmission from any surgical created smoke in these patients is of concern especially in laparoscopic surgery. This study aimed to compare the amount of surgical smoke and surgical field contamination between laparoscopic and open surgery in fresh cadavers. Methods Cholecystectomy in 12 cadavers was performed and they were divided into 4 groups: laparoscopic approach with or without smoke evacuator, and open approach with or without smoke evacuator. The increased particle counts in surgical smoke of each group were analyzed. In the model of appendectomy, surgical field contamination under ultraviolet light and visual contamination scale between laparoscopic and open approach were compared. Results Open cholecystectomy significantly produced a greater amount of overall particle sizes, particle sizes

Abstract Polycythaemia vera (PV) is a haematological disorder caused by an overproduction of erythroid cells. To date, the molecular mechanisms involved in the disease pathogenesis are still ambiguous. This study aims to identify aberrantly expressed proteins in erythroblasts of PV patients by utilizing mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis. Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were isolated from newly-diagnosed PV patients, PV patients who have received cytoreductive therapy, and healthy subjects. In vitro erythroblast expansion confirmed that the isolated HSCs recapitulated the disease phenotype as the number of erythroblasts from newly-diagnosed PV patients was significantly higher than those from the other groups. Proteomic comparison revealed 17 proteins that were differentially expressed in the erythroblasts from the newly-diagnosed PV patients compared to those from healthy subjects, but which were restored to normal levels in the patients who had received cytoreductive therapy. One of these proteins was S-methyl-5′-thioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), which had reduced expression in PV patients’ erythroblasts. Furthermore, MTAP knockdown in normal erythroblasts was shown to enhance their proliferative capacity. Together, this study identifies differentially expressed proteins in erythroblasts of healthy subjects and those of PV patients, indicating that an alteration of protein expression in erythroblasts may be crucial to the pathology of PV.

Objective: Bariatric surgery is considered the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, and is increasingly performed in Thailand and globally. We aimed to establish the outcomes of bariatric surgery performed at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent bariatric surgery between January 2012 and June 2016. Results: The records of the first 100 patients who underwent bariatric surgery were reviewed, comprising 58 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and 42 patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). The median patient age, preoperative body weight, and BMI were 36 years old, 129 kg, and 46.3 kg/m2. All the procedures were performed by a laparoscopic approach. The median operative times for LSG and LRYGB were 156 [85-435] and 265 [180-435] minutes. The median hospital stay was 3 days [3-14]. The major complication rate was 4%. There was no mortality in the 30-day postoperative period. The mean %excess weight loss (%EWL) of LSG was 56.8 ± 19.8%, 59.9 ± 21.7%, and 55.1 ± 21.3%, at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery. The mean %EWL of LRYGB was 67 ± 18.3%, 66.2 ± 21.4%, and 63.6 ± 19.9%, at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery. In the patients with type-II diabetes mellitus, 67% had complete diabetic remission at 1 year. The median FBS dropped from 127 to 99 mg/dL (p < 0.001) and HbA1c from 6.6% to 5.5% (p < 0.001). The remission rates of hypertension and dyslipidemia were 58% and 73%. Conclusion: The bariatric procedures are safe with a low complication rate. The procedures also provide good outcomes in postoperative weight loss and comorbidity resolution.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes cancer metastasis and a tumour-based Glasgow EMT score was associated with adverse clinical features and poor prognosis. In this study, the impact of using the established five tumour-based EMT markers consisting of E-cadherin (E-cad), β-catenin (β-cat), Snail, Zeb-1, and Fascin in combination with the stromal periostin (PN) on the prediction of CRC patients' prognosis were invesigated. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of 202 CRC patients were studies the expressions of E-cad, β-cat, Snail, Zeb-1, Fascin, and PN by immunohistochemistry. Individually, cytoplasmic Fascin (Fc), cytoplasmic Snail (Sc), nuclear Snail (Sn), stromal Snail (Ss), and stromal PN (Ps) were significantly associated with reduced survival. A combination of Ps with Fc, Fs, and Sn was observed in 2 patterns including combined Fc, Fs, and Ps (FcFsPs) and Fc, Sn, and Ps (FcSnPs). These combinations enhanced the prognostic power compared to individual EMT markers and were independent prognostic markers. As the previously established scoring method required five markers and stringent criteria, its clinical use might be limited. Therefore, using these novel combined prognostic markers, either FcFsPs or FcSnPs, may be useful in predicting CRC patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common procedure for the management of coronary artery obstruction. However, it usually causes vascular wall injury leading to restenosis that limits the long-term success of the PCI endeavor. The ultimate objective of this study was to develop the targeting nanoparticles (NPs) that were destined for the injured subendothelium and attract endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to the damaged location for endothelium regeneration. Biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs were conjugated with double targeting moieties, which are glycoprotein Ib alpha chain (GPIbα) and human single-chain antibody variable fragment (HuscFv) specific to the cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34). GPIb is a platelet receptor that interacts with the von Willebrand factor (vWF), highly deposited on the damaged subendothelial surface, while CD34 is a surface marker of EPCs. A candidate anti-CD34 HuscFv was successfully constructed using a phage display biopanning technique. The HuscFv could be purified and showed binding affinity to the CD34-positive cells. The GPIb-conjugated NPs (GPIb-NPs) could target vWF and prevent platelet adherence to vWF in vitro. Furthermore, the HuscFv-conjugated NPs (HuscFv-NPs) could capture CD34-positive cells. The bispecific NPs have high potential to locate at the damaged subendothelial surface and capture EPCs for accelerating the vessel repair.

Background/Aims: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected the worldwide practice of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Here we designed a modified N95 respirator with a channel for endoscope insertion and evaluated its efficacy in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods: Thirty patients scheduled for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were randomized into the modified N95 (n=15) or control (n=15) group. The mask was placed on the patient after anesthesia administration and particles were counted every minute before (baseline) and during the procedure by a TSI AeroTrak particle counter (9306-04; TSI Inc.) and categorized by size (0.3, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, and 10 μm). Differences in particle counts between time points were recorded. Results: During the procedure, the modified N95 group displayed significantly smaller overall particle sizes than the control group (median [interquartile range], 231 [54-385] vs. 579 [213-1,379]×103/m3; p=0.056). However, the intervention group had a significant decrease in 0.3-μm particles (68 [-25 to 185] vs. 242 [72-588] ×103/m3; p=0.045). No adverse events occurred in either group. The device did not cause any inconvenience to the endoscopists or patients. Conclusions: This modified N95 respirator reduced the number of particles, especially 0.3-μm particles, generated during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer is associated with multimodality therapy. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation significantly decreased the locoregional recurrence rate and improved survival. However, distant metastasis develops rather than local recurrence, which becomes the leading cause of death. This study aimed to evaluate the oncological outcomes of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) in locally advanced rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study recruited 18 patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma (cT3-4 or cN1-2), treated with consolidation TNT. The primary endpoint was pathological complete response (pCR). The secondary endpoint included postoperative outcomes, local recurrences, and distant metastases. Results: The pathologic complete response was observed in 27.8% of consolidation therapy cases and 25% of induction therapy cases. Downstaging of the T-category was achieved in 10 (55.6%) patients, and downstaging of the N-category was achieved in 14 (77.8%) patients. Only one patient who achieved pCR developed distant metastasis, whereas all patients with pathological stage III developed distant metastasis. Conclusion: TNT is a promising approach for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. This strategy improved complete pathologic response rates in TNT, and pCR was found to be associated with fewer local recurrences and greater disease-free survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multidisciplinary approach that aims to optimize perioperative management, promote postoperative recovery, reduce postoperative complications, and improve long-term survival. The current study aimed to evaluate and compare the postoperative physical activity after gastrectomy between patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal surgery according to ERAS and those who underwent surgery based on the conventional care (CC) protocol. Materials and Methods: This prospective and retrospective review enrolled 60 patients (n = 31, ERAS group; n = 29, CC protocol group) diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the stomach and esophagogastric junction who underwent curative surgical resection. Physical outcomes, including body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, muscle mass, gait speed, and handgrip strength at the preoperative and immediate postoperative periods and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, were compared between the ERAS and CC protocol groups. Results: One month after surgery, the ERAS group had a lower percentage of body weight loss than the CC protocol group. There was no significant difference in terms of muscle mass loss between the two groups. The hand grip strength of the ERAS group increased after surgery. Further, at 1 month postoperatively, the gait speed of patients who underwent total gastrectomy in the ERAS group was significantly higher than that of patients in the CC protocol group. Conclusion: ERAS for gastrectomy was associated with a lower percentage of weight loss and a trend toward physical activity enhancement in the early postoperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]