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The aim of this study was to describe the rates and causes of unplanned readmissions at different time periods following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).The rates and causes of readmission at different time periods after PCI remain incompletely elucidated.Patients undergoing PCI between 2010 and 2014 in the U.S. Nationwide Readmission Database were evaluated for the rates, causes, predictors, and costs of unplanned readmission between 0 and 7 days, 8 and 30 days, 31 and 90 days, and 91 and 180 days after index discharge.This analysis included 2,412,000 patients; 2.5% were readmitted between 0 and 7 days, 7.6% between 8 and 30 days, 8.9% between 31 and 90 days, and 8.0% between 91 and 180 days (cumulative rates 2.5%, 9.9%, 18.0%, and 24.8%, respectively). The majority of readmissions during each time period were due to noncardiac causes (53.1% to 59.6%). Nonspecific chest pain was the most common identifiable noncardiac cause for readmission during each time period (14.2% to 22.7% of noncardiac readmissions). Coronary artery disease including angina was the most common cardiac cause for readmission during each time period (37.4% to 39.3% of cardiac readmissions). The second most common cardiac cause for readmission was acute myocardial infarction between 0 and 7 days (27.6% of cardiac readmissions) and heart failure during all subsequent time periods (22.2% to 23.7% of cardiac readmissions).Approximately 25% of patients following PCI have unplanned readmissions within 6 months. Causes of readmission depend on the timing at which they are assessed, with noncardiovascular causes becoming more important at longer time points.

The cost of inpatient percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) procedure is related to length of stay (LOS). It is unknown, how LOS may be associated with readmission rates and costs of index PCI and readmissions in elective PCI. This study aims to evaluate rates, predictors, causes, and costs associated with 30-day unplanned readmissions according to lLOS in patients, who underwent elective PCI. We included patients in the Nationwide Readmission Database, who were admitted to hospital from 2010 to 2014, who underwent uncomplicated elective PCI. LOS was defined as 0, 1, 2, and ≥3 days. A total of 324,345 patients were included in the analysis and the 30-day unplanned readmission was 4.75%, 4.67%, 6.44%, and 9.42% in the LOS groups 0, 1, 2, and ≥3 days, respectively. Prolonged LOS was associated with increased average total 30-day cost (index and readmission cost, 0 days $15,063, 1 day $14,693, 2 days $18,136, and ≥3 days $24,336). Compared with 0 days, the odds of readmissions were greater for 2 days (odds ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.87, p = 0.016) and ≥3 days (odds ratio 1.70, 95% confidence interval 1.28 to 2.24, p

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement over the last few years has revolutionized the way severe aortic stenosis patients are being managed [ [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] ]. Randomized clinical trials commonly excluded bicuspid aortic valves and pure native severe aortic regurgitation [ 2 , 4 ]. We present a case with severe acute aortic regurgitation complicated by refractory pulmonary oedema successfully managed by transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement using a Sapien 3 valve.

Introduction Colchicine has been used in diverse clinical settings. Primary idiopathic pericarditis is complicated by recurrence in 15 to 30% of cases. Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine and steroids are the commonly prescribed medications. We synthesised the available evidence from the randomised trials to assess the efficacy and safety of colchicine in primary and recurrent pericarditis. Methods A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Original data was abstracted from each study and used to calculate an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results Seven randomised trials comprising 1275 patients met full criteria for analysis. Two open label randomised controlled trials and five double-blind randomised controlled trials were included. Colchicine was useful in reducing the incidence of primary pericarditis (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.22- 0.65) as well as recurrent pericarditis (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.22-0.44). The most common side-effects were related to the gastrointestinal system and no severe adverse events were observed. Colchicine cessation either by patient or physician was similar in both groups (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 0.86-2.71). Conclusion Colchicine is effective in preventing both primary and recurrent episodes of pericarditis. The number needed to treat for preventing recurrent pericarditis was five. Gastrointestinal side-effects were the most common adverse events.

Background Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency can result in irreversible structural brain changes if not treated appropriately. Long-term use of acid-lowering agents (ALA) has been linked to vitamin B12 deficiency, but results are inconsistent. Aim To evaluate the association between prolonged ALA use and vitamin B12 deficiency by performing a meta-analysis. Methods A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Web of Science. Original data were abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results Of the articles reviewed, four case–control studies (4254 cases and 19 228 controls) and one observational study met full criteria for analysis. The long-term ALA use was significantly associated with development of vitamin B12 deficiency (hazard ratio 1.83, 95% CI: 1.36–2.46, P-value 0.00). Conclusion Chronic use of ALA is a risk factor for developing vitamin B12 deficiency. Judicious prescribing of ALA and regular monitoring of vitamin B12 in patients who are inevitably on long-term ALA therapy are recommended.

HIV-infected patients have a significantly higher risk of developing acute coronary syndrome. We describe a case of catheter and arterial thrombosis during coronary angiography in a 65-year-old male infected with human immunodeficiency virus and on combined antiretroviral therapy.

Background\ud The assessment of patients presenting with angina using invasive angiography alone is imperfect. By contrast, fractional flow reserve (FFR) allows for assessment of lesion-specific ischemia, which is predictive of clinical outcome. A series of studies has demonstrated that the availability of FFR data at the time of diagnostic angiography leads to significant differences in the management of those patients.\ud \ud Hypothesis: The objective of this paper is to assess the consistency in the difference in management resulting from an FFR-directed versus and angiogram-directed strategy in appropriate observational and randomized trials.\ud \ud Methods\ud A methodical search was made using MEDLINE, Current Contents Connect, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Cochrane library, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science.\ud \ud Results\ud Eight studies were identified using the eligibility criteria. A total of 2468 patients were recommended to have optimal medical therapy (OMT) alone after initial angiographic assessment but, after FFR results were available, a total of 716 (29.0%) were referred for revascularization (PCI 626 patients [25.36%]; CABG 90 patients [3.64%]). Similarly, 3766 patients were originally committed to PCI after initial angiography: of these 1454 patients (38.61%) were reconsidered to be suitable for OMT alone and 71 individuals (1.8%) were deemed suitable for CABG after FFR data were available. Further, of 366 patients referred for CABG based on angiographic data, the availability of FFR data changed the final decision to OMT alone in 65 patients (17.76%) and PCI in 51 patients (13.9%). Overall, the angiogram-derived management was changed in 22%–48% of these study populations when FFR data were available.\ud \ud Conclusions\ud Some use of FFR during coronary angiography alters the angiogram-directed management in a remarkably consistent manner. These data suggest that routine use of FFR at the diagnostic angiogram would improve patient care.

Introduction Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an alternative to open surgery in those deemed high risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of this emerging procedure. We have examined available literature to provide an overview of valve-in-valve implantation using transcatheter heart valves (THVs) in aortic, mitral, pulmonary, tricuspid positions. Methods A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Results Only 61 studies met full criteria and were included the review. This included 31 studies reporting transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve implantation, mitral valve-in-valve implantation (13 studies), tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation (12 studies), and pure native aortic valve regurgitation (nine studies). One of the limitations of this review is that most of the studies included were case reports, together with some case series. Conclusion Valve-in-valve implantation can be considered as an acceptable alternative to conventional open heart surgery for elderly high-risk surgical patients with bioprosthetic degeneration. Long-term follow-up of treated patients will be necessary to establish the true role of valve-in-valve implantation for bioprosthetic degeneration. Patients should be evaluated on an individual basis until outcomes are proven in large cohort studies or randomised trials.

Background The optimal management of patients with symptomatic gallstones and possible or proven common bile duct (CBD) stones and gallstones is still evolving. Today a number of options exist: preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (pre-op ERCP), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) combined with intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy (IOES), laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) and postoperative ERCP (post-op ERCP). This meta-analysis was done to compare these management options and determine if any single option was clearly superior. Methods A systematic search was conducted using several electronic databases. The search revealed 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Six comparing pre-op ERCP with LCBDE, five comparing pre-op ERCP with IOES, two comparing IOES with LCBDE and two comparing post-op ERCP with LCBDE, comprising a total of 1992 patients. Results The pre-op ERCP group had a significantly higher incidence of ERCP related complications (odds ratio: 2.40, 95% confidence interval: 1.21–4.75). Conclusions The evidence provided by this meta-analysis suggests that both of these approaches would appear comparable. To fully address which would be the better approach would require an RCT as discussed above.

Acute supraglottitis is a medical emergency as it can rapidly lead to airway compromise. With routine pediatric immunization for Hemophilus influenzae serotype b, supraglottitis is now more prevalent in adults, with a shift in the causative organisms and a change in the natural history of this disease. Here, we present a case of supraglottitis due to group B streptococcus that occurred in an adult with previously undetected immunoglobulin 4 (IgG4) and complement protein C2 deficiency. Laryngoscope, 125:852–855, 2015

Introduction Rectal melanoma is one type of mucosal melanoma and accounts for fewer than 2% of all mucosal melanomas; it is a rare, aggressive disease with dismal prognosis.

Summary Background Carcinoma of the gall-bladder is the fifth commonest gastrointestinal tract cancer and is endemic in several countries. An association of chronic typhoid carriage and carcinoma of the gall-bladder has been reported. Aim To clarify whether chronic Salmonella typhi carrier state is associated with carcinoma of the gall-bladder. Methods A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Web of Science. Original data were abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results Of the articles selected, only 17 studies met full criteria for analysis. The overall OR for chronic S. typhi carrier state was 4.28(95% CI: 1.84–9.96). Most of the studies were from South Asia especially India and China. When a subgroup analysis was performed according to region, a significant association was observed in South-East Asia (OR: 4.13, 95% CI: 2.87–5.94, P value

Background Up to half of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention have multivessel coronary artery disease ( MVD ) with conflicting data regarding optimal revascularization strategy in such patients. This paper assesses the evidence for complete revascularization ( CR ) versus incomplete revascularization in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, and its prognostic impact using meta‐analysis. Methods and Results A search of PubMed, EMBASE , MEDLINE , Current Contents Connect, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, Science Direct, and Web of Science was conducted to identify the association of CR in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with major adverse cardiac events and mortality. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to estimate the odds of adverse outcomes. Meta‐regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship with continuous variables and outcomes. Thirty‐eight publications that included 156 240 patients were identified. Odds of death ( OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.61‐0.78), repeat revascularization ( OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.45‐0.80), myocardial infarction ( OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.50‐0.81), and major adverse cardiac events ( OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.50‐0.79) were significantly lower in the patients who underwent CR . These outcomes were unchanged on subgroup analysis regardless of the definition of CR . Similar findings were recorded when CR was studied in the chronic total occlusion ( CTO ) subgroup ( OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.53‐0.80). A meta‐regression analysis revealed a negative relationship between the OR for mortality and the percentage of CR . Conclusion CR is associated with reduced risk of mortality and major adverse cardiac events, irrespective of whether an anatomical or a score‐based definition of incomplete revascularization is used, and this magnitude of risk relates to degree of CR . These results have important implications for the interventional management of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.

We present a case of a young healthy lady with anomalous coronary arteries who presented with cardiogenic syncope. She had a common origin of the left and right main coronary arteries from the right sinus of Valsalva with resultant malignant narrowing of the proximal 2 cm of the left main coronary artery due to extrinsic compression between the aorta and pulmonary artery. She underwent surgical correction that involved the creation of a new left main origin in the left coronary sinus with a 4mm punch. A short segment of the saphenous vein was anastomosed to this opening and then to the left main coronary artery and the original left main coronary artery was oversewn at the aorta.

We report a case of a 43-year-old man, with history of intravenous drug abuse and hepatitis C, admitted for infective tricuspid and aortic valve endocarditis due to Citrobacter koseri ( C. koseri ). C. koseri is a motile gram-negative bacillus that usually causes various infections in humans involving the urinary, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts. Infections are commonly reported in neonates, the elderly, and immunocompromised or debilitated hosts. It rarely causes infection in immunocompetent patients.

Introduction The prevalence of patent foramen ovale among patients with cryptogenic stroke is higher than that in the general population. Closure with a percutaneous device is often recommended in such patients, but it is not known whether this intervention reduces the risk of recurrent stroke. Methods A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Original data were abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled event rate (ER), odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results Only three randomised trials comprising 2303 patients met full criteria for analysis. Procedural success (ER: 94.20%, 95% CI: 87.6–97.4%) and effective closure (ER: 92.70%, 95% CI: 85.9–96.4%) of closure therapy were good. The odds ratio for stroke (OR: 0.654, 95% CI: 0.358–1.193) and transient ischaemic attack (OR: 0.768, 95% CI: 0.413–1.429) did not confer a benefit of PFO closure over medical therapy. Age { 45 years (OR: 0.707, 95% CI: 0.27–1.856)}, gender {males (OR: 0.498, 95% CI: 0.247–1.004), females (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.597–2.255)}, substantial shunt size (OR: 0.354, 95% CI: 0.089–1.406) and the presence of atrial septal aneurysm (OR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.21–2.33) did not influence the treatment effect of PFO closure. However, the adverse events like major vascular complication (OR: 10.905, 95% CI: 1.997–59.562) and atrial fibrillation (OR: 3.297, 95% CI: 0.874–12.432) were significantly higher in the closure group. Conclusions In patients with cryptogenic stroke or TIA who had a patent foramen ovale, closure with a device does not confer an advantage over medical therapy and is associated with adverse events like major vascular complication and atrial fibrillation.

Cancer of the esophagus is an aggressive disease with early lymphatic and hematogenous dissemination and at present often considered as one clinical entity because of their comparable increasing incidence, prognosis and optimal treatment options. However, it is still a matter of debate whether these malignancies have the same pathogenesis and genotype. Despite recent advances, treatment of upper gastrointestinal malignancies remains a significant challenge. Molecular pathology has revealed many molecular mechanisms of disease progression, which are related to prognosis. Better knowledge of molecular bases may lead to new paradigms, improved prognostication, early diagnosis and individually tailored therapeutic options. This review summarizes the rationale, preclinical evidence, retrospective clinical analyses and the interim clinical data pertaining HER2 therapy and many other molecular pathways.

Background The current recommendation for patients with cutaneous melanoma and a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a complete lymph node dissection (CLND). However, metastatic melanoma is not present in approximately 80% of CLND specimens. A meta-analysis was performed to identify the clinicopathological variables most predictive of non-sentinel node (NSN) metastases when the sentinel node is positive in patients with melanoma. Methods A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The search identified 54 relevant articles reporting the frequency of NSN metastases in melanoma. Original data was abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Findings The pooled estimates that were found to be significantly associated with the high likelihood of NSN metastases were: ulceration (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.53–2.31), satellitosis (OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.86–5.66), neurotropism (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.39–4.53), >1 positive SLN (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.2–2.62), Starz 3 (old) (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 0.89–3.76), Angiolymphatic invasion (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.34–4.54), extensive location (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.74–2.81), macrometastases >2 mm (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.61–2.35), extranodal extension (OR: 3.38, 95% CI: 1.79–6.40) and capsular involvement (OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.37–7.27). There were 3 characteristics not associated with NSN metastases: subcapsular location (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.38–0.67), Rotterdam Criteria Interpretation This meta-analysis provides evidence that patients with low SLN tumor burden could probably be spared the morbidity associated with CLND. We identified 9 factors predictive of non-SLN metastases that should be recorded and evaluated routinely in SLN databases. However, further studies are needed to confirm the standard criteria for not performing CLND.

The gain by performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) during prophylactic mastectomy (PM) is debatable, and we performed a meta-analysis of existing literature to evaluate that the role of SLNB in subjects undergoing PM. A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The search identified 11 relevant articles reporting on patients who underwent SLNB at the time of PM. Data were abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). We included 14 studies comprising of 2,708 prophylactic mastectomies. Among 2,708 prophylactic mastectomies, the frequency of occult invasive cancer (51 cases) was 1.8% and the rate of positive SLNs (33 cases) was 1.2%. In 25 invasive cancers at the time of PM were found to have negative SLNs which avoided axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). In seven cases with positive SLNBs were found not to have invasive cancer at the time of PM and needed a subsequent ALND. Most of the patients with positive SLNs had locally advanced disease in the contralateral breast. SLNB may be suitable for patients with ipsilateral, locally advanced breast cancer and is not recommend for all patients undergoing PM.

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked genetic disorder, leading to a deficiency of α-Galactosidase A. This results in accumulation of Globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) within lysosomes in a wide variety of cells. We describe a patient with Fabry disease who presented with ventricular tachycardia and chest pain.

A new series of benzothiazolo-benzothiadiazine hybrids (9a-g) has been synthesized and evaluated for their antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Some of these hybrids in this series exhibited antibacterial activity comparable to ampicillin. In addition, some of the compounds showed DNA gyrase inhibitory activity at a moderate level compared to ciprofloxacin.

Poland syndrome is a rare congenital abnormality with an estimated incidence of 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 30,000 live births. We report and discuss this rare combination of pulmonary hypertension and dextrocardia with Poland syndrome. This case report also highlights the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms during foetal development and the potential to misdiagnose cardiac ischaemia in a patient with an anatomic anomaly.

An 85 year old female was brought in to hospital confused, dyspnoeic and pre-syncopal and was found to be bradycardic down to 19bpm and hypothermic down to 34.5 °C. She was found to be hypothyroid which required insertion of a temporary pacing system. Thyroid function resolved and she was no long pacing dependent. This case highlights the sinister outcomes that can arise from thyroid dysfunction, which can be successfully treated if identified early enough.

This case depicts rarely seen images of infective endocarditis in a patient who was managed non-surgically. We present various echocardiograms which closely follow the progression the infective endocarditis in a patient with previous cardiac surgery and prosthetic material in situ. A 51 year old gentleman presented presented with complaints of fevers and gastrointestinal infective symptoms in the context of previously having undergone an aortic root replacement and metallic aortic valve implantation several years prior for a previous episode of aortic dissection whilst utilising illicit intravenous drug use. Echocardiography noted an aortic valve vegetation and blood cultures grew non typhoidal Salmonella Typhimurium. A surgical opinion deemed he was not an appropriate candidate for surgical intervention due to tissue friability and continuous intravenous drug use. Serial echocardiograms show the formation of an aortic root abscess, which fistulised between the left ventricle, right ventricle and right atrium. His clinical condition stabilised and was discharged from hospital with close community monitoring and life-long antibiotic therapy. This case depicts the remarkable images surrounding the natural progression of infective endocarditis managed without surgical intervention, together with the difficulties and limitations in managing prosthetic valve endocarditis.

Background Partial adrenalectomy is typically performed for the treatment of hereditary and sporadic bilateral tumours, to reduce the risk of adrenal failure, particularly in younger patients. Partial adrenalectomy proposes a postoperative steroid-free course nevertheless, is associated with the risk of local recurrence. In this study we evaluate the recurrence and functional outcomes of partial adrenalectomy. Methods A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The search identified 60 relevant articles reporting on patients who underwent partial adrenalectomy. Data was extracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled event rate and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results The overall recurrence rate was 8% (95% CI: 0.05–0.12) and the 85% (95% CI: 0.78–0.9) of the patients were steroid free. The recurrence rates were the least in the retroperitoneoscopic group 1% (95% CI: 0–0.04) and Conn's syndrome group 2% (95% CI: 0.01–0.05) and highest in open group 15% (95% CI: 0.07–0.28) and Pheochromocytoma group 10% (95% CI: 0.07–0.16). Steroid independence rates were best in the Conn's syndrome group 97% (95% CI: 0.85–0.99) and laparoscopic group 88% (95% CI: 0.75–0.95). Conclusions Partial adrenalectomy can obviate the need for steroid replacement in the majority of patients and local recurrence rates appear to be infrequent. For patients with hereditary and bilateral adrenal tumours, partial adrenalectomy should be recommended as a primary surgical approach whenever possible.

Acute supraglottitis is a medical emergency as it can rapidly lead to airway compromise. With routine pediatric immunization for Hemophilus influenzae serotype b, supraglottitis is now more prevalent in adults, with a shift in the causative organisms and a change in the natural history of this disease. Here, we present a case of supraglottitis due to group B streptococcus that occurred in an adult with previously undetected immunoglobulin 4 (IgG4) and complement protein C2 deficiency.

Summary Objectives Several studies have investigated the relationship between the use of dentures and the duration of denture use and cancer development. Of particular interest is whether ill-fitting dentures increase the likelihood of the development of oral cancer. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the relationship between dentures and the development of cancer. Materials and Methods We searched several databases (PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) to find published papers on the topic. In particular, the duration of denture use and the comfort and fit of the dentures were investigated. Results The use of dentures by itself is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.01–1.99). In addition, ill-fitting dentures appears to substantially increase the risk of developing cancer (OR: 3.90, 95% CI: 2.48–6.13). In addition, there was no link between the duration of denture use and cancer development. This might be due to the arbitrary nature of what we defined as short and long term denture use and may have been affected by the inconsistency in time categorization between different studies. Conclusion Ill-fitting dentures are a risk factor for the development of oral cancer, greater patient education and regular checking of dentures by dentists should be undertaken as a prevention measure.

Patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who require neoadjuvant therapy have significant dysphagia and may severely impair nutritional status. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of self-expandable metal stents prior to neoadjuvant therapy.A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Original data was abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).Only nine studies comprising of 180 patients were included for analysis. The overall procedural success rate was 95% (95% CI, 0.895-0.977). There was a substantial decrease in the dysphagia scores standard difference in means (SDM) -0.81 [standard error (SE) 0.15, 95% CI, -1.1 to -0.51], similar increase in weight SDM 0.591 (SE 0.434, 95% CI, -0.261 to 1.442) and serum albumin SDM 0.35 (SE 0.271, 95% CI, -0.181 to 0.881). The incidence of major adverse events included stent migration 32% (95% CI, 0.258-0.395) and chest discomfort 51.4% (95% CI, 0.206-0.812).Placement of stents in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer significantly improves dysphagia and allows for oral nutrition during neoadjuvant therapy. Stents appear to be effective for palliating dysphagia. Stent migration was a common occurrence; however, migration may be a sign of tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy.

The acute surgical unit (ASU) is a novel model for the provision of emergency general surgery care. The ASU model was initially developed in New South Wales hospitals during 2005 and 2006. Several studies have analysed the effects on patient outcomes and timeliness of care for nontrauma patients presenting with acute general surgical conditions. The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of the ASU model compared with the traditional on-call model for specific conditions. A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Original data were extracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odd ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI). The search identified 18 studies; appendectomy (n = 9), acute cholecystitis (n = 7), and small-bowel obstruction (SBO) (n = 2). In the appendectomy cohort, the proportion of appendicular perforation were similar in pre-ASU and ASU period (OR 1.02, 95 % CI 0.77–1.37, p = 0.13). The incidence of complications in the appendectomy cohort was significantly lower in the ASU group; 14.5 % pre-ASU and 10.9 % post-ASU (OR 1.649, 95 % CI 0.732–3.714, p = 0.009). The negative appendectomy rate was similar for the pre- and post-ASU groups (OR 1.07, 95 % CI 0.88–1.31, p = 0.83). Likewise the conversion rate to open surgery and total hospital stay were similar between the two groups. The proportion of night time operations reduced significantly in the ASU period (OR 1.9, 95 % CI 1.32–2.74, p = 0.001). In the acute cholecystitis cohort, the conversion rate to open surgery was significantly higher in the pre-ASU group (15.1 %) compared with the post-ASU group (7.5 %) (OR 1.879, 95 % CI 1.072–3.293, p = 0.04) The incidence of complications was higher in the pre-ASU (14 %) compared with the post-ASU (6.8 %) group (OR 2.231, 95 % CI 1.372–3.236, p = 0.03). The mean hospital stay was significantly lower in the ASU period (5.3 vs. 3.7 days, p = 0.0063). There was insufficient data available to analyse outcomes for SBO. The ASU model provides a safe surgical environment for patients and is associated with a reduced complication rate for appendectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. There is a reduced conversion rate and a shorter length of stay for patients with acute cholecystitis. Overall, the ASU model has translated to better outcomes for patients presenting with acute general surgical conditions.

Introduction In acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), coronary reperfusion with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to treat the culprit lesion responsible for infarction improves clinical outcomes in nearly all patients. The concurrent treatment of non-infarct vessels with significant stenoses during initial angiography remains an area of controversy. Methods A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Original data were abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results Only four randomised trials comprising 775 patients met full criteria for analysis. The incidence of non-fatal MI (3.25% vs 8.51%, OR: 0.376, 95% CI: 0.192-0.763), refractory angina (4.01% vs 9.57%, OR: 0.400, 95% CI: 0.241-0.741) and repeat revascularisation (10.52% vs 24.20%, OR: 0.336, 95% CI: 0.202-0.661) was lower in the multivessel revascularisation cohort. Death from cardiac causes or refractory angina or non-fatal MI (11.78% vs 28.86%, OR: 0.336, 95% CI: 0.223-0.505) and death from cardiac causes or non-fatal MI (5.26% vs 12.76%, OR: 0.420, 95% CI: 0.245-0.722) were significantly lower in the multivessel revascularisation cohort. The Median Contrast Volume and Procedure Length were similar in both cohorts. Conclusions In patients with acute STEMI who undergo primary PCI, a strategy of treatment of significant non-infarct stenosis (preventive PCI) in addition to the culprit lesion responsible for infarction may result in improved cardiovascular outcomes and reduced overall mortality; however there is insufficient data to fully validate this from currently published literature.

The incidence of esophageal cancer is rising, and survival rates remain poor. This meta-analysis summarizes five molecular mechanisms of disease progression, which are related to prognosis.A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Original data was abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled event rate and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).Our analysis included five octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) studies (564 patients), six sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) studies (336 patients), five oestrogen receptor (ER) studies (367 patients), seven MET or MNNG HOS Transforming gene (c-Met) studies (1,015 patients) and six insulin like growth factor receptor studies (764 patients). Incidence of OCT4 in SCC was 53.60% (95% CI: 0.182-0.857) and the overall hazard ratio for poor clinic outcome was 2.9 (95% CI: 1.843-4.565). The incidence of SOX2 in SCC was 69.2% (95% CI: 0.361-0.899) however, was associated with significant heterogeneity of 90.94%. The prevalence of Oestrogen receptor α and β in SCC were 37.90% (95% CI: 0.317-0.444) and 67.20% (95% CI: 0.314-0.901) respectively. The prevalence of MET in EAC was 33.20% (95% CI: 0.031-0.884) and the incidence of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) in EAC was 67.70% (95% CI: 0.333-0.898).Our results show that the status of ER, OCT4 and SOX2 expression correlates with the unfavourable prognosis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study also highlights the potential impact of the IGF-1R on the biology of EAC and the expression of Met was recognised as a significant prognostic factor. Our data supports the concept of IGF axis, ER, Met, OCT4 and SOX2 inhibition as (neo-) adjuvant treatment.

Peptic ulcer disease continues to be issue especially due to its high prevalence in the developing world. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection associated duodenal ulcers should undergo eradication therapy. There are many regimens offered for H. pylori eradication which include triple, quadruple, or sequential therapy regimens. The central aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the evidence for H. pylori therapy from a meta-analytical outlook. The consequence of the dose, type of proton-pump inhibitor, and the length of the treatment will be debated. The most important risk factor for eradication failure is resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole.

Desmoplastic fibroblastomas (DFs) are rare fibrous soft tissue tumours that usually arise in subcutaneous tissue or skeletal muscle in a variety of anatomical sites. These lesions most frequently present as painless, slow-growing mobile masses. A case of DF is described in a 47-year-old man who presented with a painless right parotid mass of 2 months duration. At surgery, the lesion was attached to the tail of the right parotid gland. Histopathological examination demonstrated a fibrous lesion comprising spindled and stellate shaped fibroblasts with focal myxoid stromal change. The features were consistent with a DF. This report documents a rare parotid lesion which may mimic other more common parotid gland neoplasms.

The oncogenic potential of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) is well known in the context of breast cancer however; its relationship with the development of Barrett's Esophagus (BE) and Esophageal Cancer (EC) is unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the overall prevalence and survival of HER2+ in BEEC.Several databases were searched including article reference lists. Inclusion criteria required that studies measured HER2 positivity in subjects with BE or EC.33 studies were included in the meta-analysis (10 BE23 EC studies). The prevalence of HER2+ was found to be 24% (95% CI: 15-36%) in BE and 26% (95% CI: 19-34%) in EC. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) had a higher ER of 32% (95% CI: 20-48%) in comparison with adenocarcinoma (ADC) with an ER of 21% (95% CI: 14-32%). Sub group analyses showed a high geographical variance, Asia was found to be the highest prevalent area with an ER 42% (95% CI: 22-64%). The difference in survival rate between groups HER2-HER2+ was found to be 7 months.Our results highlight a high prevalence of HER2+ in subjects with adenocarcinoma. HER2+ appears to decrease the survival time of EC patients.

Introduction Many patients deemed inoperable for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) have been treated successfully by transcatheter aortic-valve replacement (TAVR). This meta-analysis is designed to evaluate the performance of TAVR in comparison with SAVR. Methods A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, the Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Web of Science. Original data were abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled OR and 95% CI. Results Among three randomised controlled trials (RCTs), differences between the two cohorts were not statistically significant for the frequency of stroke (OR=1.94, 95% CI=0.813 to 4.633), incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), (OR=0.765, 95% CI=0.05 to 11.76) 30-day mortality rate, 1-year mortality rate (0.82, 95% CI=0.62 to 1.09) and acute kidney injury incidence rate. The non-RCTs demonstrated that the TAVR group had an amplified frequency aortic regurgitation at discharge (OR=5.465, 95% CI=3.441 to 8.680). While differences between the two cohorts were not statistically significant for the incidence of MI (OR=0.697, 95% CI=0.22 to 2.21), stroke (OR=0.575, 95% CI=0.263 to 1.259), acute renal failure requiring haemodialysis (OR=0.943, 95% CI=0.276 to 3.222), 30-day mortality (OR=0.869, 95% CI=0.621 to 1.216) and the need for a pacemaker (OR=1.832, 95% CI=0.869 to 3.862), a lower incidence of patients needing transfusion (OR=0.349, 95% CI=0.121 to 1.005) and new-onset atrial fibrillation (OR=0.296, 95% CI=0.124 to 0.706) was seen in the TAVR group. Conclusions Randomised and observational evidence adjusted on the baseline patient’s characteristics finds a similar risk for 30 days mortality, 1-year mortality, stroke, MI and acute kidney injury in TAVR and SAVR.

Introduction: The prevalence of patent foramen ovale among patients with cryptogenic stroke is higher than that in the general population. Closure with a percutaneous device is often recommended in such patients, but it is not known whether this intervention reduces the risk of recurrent stroke. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Original data were abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled event rate (ER), odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Only three randomised trials comprising 2303 patients met full criteria for analysis. Procedural success (ER: 94.20%, 95% CI: 87.6–97.4%) and effective closure (ER: 92.70%, 95% CI: 85.9–96.4%) of closure therapy were good. The odds ratio for stroke (OR: 0.654, 95% CI: 0.358–1.193) and transient ischaemic attack (OR: 0.768, 95% CI: 0.413–1.429) did not confer a benefit of PFO closure over medical therapy. Age { 45 years (OR: 0.707, 95% CI: 0.27–1.856)}, gender {males (OR: 0.498, 95% CI: 0.247–1.004), females (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.597–2.255)}, substantial shunt size (OR: 0.354, 95% CI: 0.089–1.406) and the presence of atrial septal aneurysm (OR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.21–2.33) did not influence the treatment effect of PFO closure. However, the adverse events like major vascular complication (OR: 10.905, 95% CI: 1.997–59.562) and atrial fibrillation (OR: 3.297, 95% CI: 0.874–12.432) were significantly higher in the closure group. Conclusions: In patients with cryptogenic stroke or TIA who had a patent foramen ovale, closure with a device does not confer an advantage over medical therapy and is associated with adverse events like major vascular complication and atrial fibrillation. (Heart, Lung and Circulation 2013;22:903–909)

Introduction: Retrograde transfemoral and antegrade transapical approaches are mostly used for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This meta-analysis is designed to assess the performance of the transfemoral and transapical approach. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Original data was abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Only 14 studies comprising of 6965 patients met full criteria for analysis. The mean duration of hospitalisation and procedure duration were similar among the 2 cohorts. The 30 days mortality (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.531-0.921), the need for haemodialysis (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.157-0.525) and one year mortality (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.564-0.927) were lower in the transfemoral cohort. The frequency of stroke at 30 days and new pacemaker insertion were comparable. However, the prevalence of vascular complication (OR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.821-4.563) was higher in the transfemoral group. The incidence of aortic regurgitation (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.844-1.855), valve embolization (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 0.622-6.448), major bleeding incidence rates (OR:0.77, 95% CI: 0.488-1.225), coronary obstruction (OR:0.74, 95% CI:0.234-2.311), myocardial infarction (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.28-2.00), conversion to open cardiac surgery (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.062-1.343) and successful implantation (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.394-1.149) were comparable in the two cohorts. Conclusions: In the absence of a randomized controlled study, the ability to discriminate true differences is challenging. Even though the complications rate was much lower in transfemoral group as compared to transapical group, the current literature does not support a clear superiority of one approach to TAVR over the other.