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Background: The breast and the factors that affect the sensitivity of the nipple-areola complex have been a significant subject of study in recent years. The main purpose of this study was to provide an objective assessment of the effect of volumetric differences on nipple-areola complex sensitivity., Methods: Data were collected examining the right breast of 34 female volunteers. The mechanosensitive Aβ-fiber and mechanoinsensitive C-fiber function of the nipple-areola complex was assessed after mechanical and chemical stimulation, respectively. Flare responses were elicited chemically by the application of histamine by means of iontophoresis and recorded by laser Doppler imaging. The correlation of the maximum flare area responses with the breast volume and nipple-areola complex and the response from the von Frey fiber test was estimated using linear regression analysis., Results: Nipple-areola complex area increased with breast volume and, similarly, the area of histamine-induced axon reflex flare response follows the larger nipple-areola complex. However, a larger nipple-areola complex correlated with higher local mechanical thresholds. Higher mechanical thresholds were linked to smaller axon reflex area, suggesting combined small- and thick-fiber neuropathy., Conclusions: Objective small-fiber assessment using laser Doppler imaging and subjective mechanical threshold tests were used successfully to quantify function of Aβ and C fibers in the nipple-areola complex. Increased breast volume was linked to larger nipples, but also to impairment of Aβ and C fibers. Sensory testing can be incorporated into preoperative and postoperative management of patients undergoing breast operations to assess changes of neuronal function of the nipple-areola complex after surgery.

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) is a severe complication associated with the use of iodinated contrast media (CM); a sudden but potentially reversible fall in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) typically occurring 48-72 hours after CM administration. Principal risk factors related with the presentation of CIAKI are preexisting chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. Studies on CIAKI present considerable complexity because of differences in CM type and dose, controversies in definition and baseline comorbidities. Despite that, it should be noted that CIAKI poses a serious health problem because it is a very common cause of hospitalacquired AKI, linked to increased morbidity and mortality and utilizing growing healthcare resources. The pathogenesis of CIAKI is heterogeneous and, thus, is incompletely understood. Three basic mechanisms appear to simultaneously occur for CIAKI development: Renal vasoconstriction and medullary hypoxia, tubular cell toxicity and reactive oxygen species formation. The relative contribution of each one of these mechanisms is unknown but they ultimately lead to epithelial and endothelial cell apoptosis and GFR reduction. Further research is needed in order to better clarify CIAKI pathophysiology and accordingly introduce effective preventive and therapeutic strategies., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

While colorectal and hepatic resections are commonly performed through a laparoscopic approach, the safety and feasibility of total laparoscopic synchronous resections (LSR) of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) have not been established. In this systematic review, short- and long-term outcomes were comparable for patients undergoing LSR and open synchronous resection. LSR was safe and feasible for patients with synchronous CRLM and should be considered in well-selected patients., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Gastric cancer is reported to be the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Minimally invasive surgical treatment for gastric cancer is a very challenging approach which offers undoubtedly important advantages., Materials and Methods: There is intense debate concerning the minimally invasive surgical approach for advanced gastric cancer especially in the Western population. A careful literature search was conducted in order to clarify the feasibility and safety of pure laparoscopic total gastrectomy in the West., Results: Herewith we aim to summarize the current scientific evidence assessing the feasibility and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer in the West. A lack of data from Western institutions regarding minimally invasive surgical approach for gastric cancer is yet a reality. Nevertheless, the laparoscopic procedure appears to provide satisfactory short-term oncologic outcomes and improved postoperative outcomes., Conclusion: It is obvious that future well-conducted trials on long-term results are necessary for Western patients in order safe conclusions to be reached regarding a potential definitive 'place' for laparoscopy in the curative gastric cancer treatment., (Copyright © 2018 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) represents undoubtedly a rare life-threatening condition. Herein, we present a rare case of a 69-year-old woman, with a history of hepatic flexure tumor and an indwelling central venous port, presenting with acute signs and symptoms of SVCS due to thrombosis of the catheter. The patient was treated with intravenous anticoagulation and fibrinolytic therapy and showed regression of symptoms. It is reported that central venous catheters are routinely used in clinical practice mainly in oncological cases for chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition or dialysis. However, complications related to implantation technique, care, or maintenance of these catheters may arise. High index of suspicion for SVCS should always arise when a patient presents with common symptoms and long-term central catheters, in order to avoid unfavorable outcomes. Local thrombolysis appears to be a safe and effective therapy for port catheter-associated thrombosis.

Complete (R0) resection and regional lymph nodes (LNs) dissection represent undoubtedly the basic surgical tools for patients with gastric cancer. It is reported that the LN metastasis rate in patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) is approximately 15-20%. Therefore, the innovative clinical application of sentinel node navigation surgery (SNNS) for EGC might be able to prevent unnecessary LN dissection as well as to reduce significantly the volume of gastric resection. Recent evidence suggests that double tracer methods appear superior compared to single tracer techniques. However, the researchers' interest is now focused on the identification of new LN detection methods utilizing sophisticated technology such as infrared ray endoscopy, fluorescence imaging and near-infrared technology. Despite its notable limitations, hematoxylin-eosin is still considered the mainstay staining for assessing the metastatic status of LNs. In this review, we summarize the current evidences and we provide the latest scientific information assessing safety, efficacy and potential limitations of the innovative sentinel node (SN) navigation technique for gastric cancer. We try also to provide a "view" towards a future potential application of personalized minimally invasive surgery in gastric cancer field., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.