Background: Laparoscopic liver resection is growing in popularity, but the long-term outcome of patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection for malignancy has not been established. This paper is a meta-analysis and compares the long-term survival of patients undergoing laparoscopic (LHep) versus open (OHep) liver resection for the treatment of malignant liver tumours.Methods: A PubMed database search identified comparative human studies analysing LHep versus OHep for malignant tumours. Clinical and survival parameters were extracted. The search was last conducted on 18 March 2012.Results: In total, 1002 patients in 15 studies were included (446 LHep and 556 OHep). A meta-analysis of overall survival showed no difference [1-year: odds ratio (OR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42 to 1.20, P = 0.202; 3-years: OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.03, P = 0.076; 5-years: OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.10, P = 0.173]. Subset analyses of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal metastases (CRM) were performed. There was no difference in the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival for HCC or in the 1-year survival for CRM, however, a survival advantage was found for CRM at 3 years (LHep 80% versus OHep 67.4%, P = 0.036).Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery should be considered an acceptable alternative for the treatment of malignant liver tumours.

Normal volunteers have provided insight into the stress response to infection that is understood only partially.

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Background The federal government’s plan to End the HIV Epidemic by 2030 includes a primary goal to reduce new HIV infections by 90 percent. One key contributor to this plan is pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication taken by HIV-uninfected individuals to prevent infection. While knowledge and acceptance of PrEP among clinicians is growing, few studies have assessed knowledge and awareness among future healthcare professionals in academic training programs. Given the limited research on PrEP among healthcare professional students, a better understanding of knowledge and familiarity with PrEP prescription may inform the development of educational interventions targeting this population in an effort to increase implementation. The present study aimed to assess and compare healthcare trainees’ PrEP awareness, knowledge, and familiarity with prescription guidelines with a broad goal to better understand and prevent gaps in academic training regarding PrEP. Methods A cross-sectional web-based survey of medical, nurse practitioner, and pharmacy students enrolled at two universities was conducted between October 2017-January 2018. The study assessed participants’ awareness, knowledge, and familiarity with PrEP prescribing guidelines and willingness to prescribe PrEP and refer to another healthcare provider. Results The survey was completed by 744 participants (overall response rate = 36.2%). There were significant differences among student groups in all domains. Pharmacy students had the greatest PrEP knowledge, awareness, and familiarity with prescribing guidelines. However, medical students reported the greatest comfort with performing PrEP-related clinical activities and willingness to refer a candidate to another provider. Greater familiarity with PrEP prescription guidelines was associated with willingness to prescribe the medication. Conclusions Healthcare professional students’ responses enhance our understanding of the relevant experiences and perspectives of future healthcare providers that influence their knowledge towards the promotion of PrEP through prescription and referral intentions. The gaps in students’ knowledge offer opportunities for the development of educational strategies to support HIV prevention among future healthcare professionals.