Objective To compare the short- and long-term outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus liver resection and chemotherapy for liver metastases from gastric cancer. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 50 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy and local treatments for liver metastases (RFA, n = 20; liver resection, n = 20; and chemotherapy, n = 10) from 2008 to 2018. Results The short- and long-term outcomes of each local treatment were evaluated. The median overall survival (OS) after RFA was similar to that after liver resection (20 vs. 20 months, respectively) and longer than that after chemotherapy (20 vs. 10 months, respectively). The 3-year OS and progression-free survival (PFS) rates after RFA were 20% and 10%, respectively, while those in the liver resection group were 23.5% and 23.5%, respectively. The 3-year OS rate after chemotherapy was 10%. The size and number of metastases were prognostic factors for patients with gastric cancer with liver metastasis without statistical significance. Conclusions Among patients with liver metastasis from gastric cancer, OS and PFS were satisfactory and comparable between RFA and liver resection but better than those of chemotherapy. RFA is an appropriate option for patients with gastric cancer who have a solitary liver metastasis measuring ≤3.0 cm.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether acylation stimulating protein (ASP) and complement component 3 (C3) are associated with the occurrence and development of coronary heart disease (CHD). The participants of the study were divided into three groups, including the healthy control (n=42), metabolic syndrome (MS, n=56) and CHD (n=62) groups. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the ASP concentrations, while an immunoturbidimetric assay was employed to determine the C3 concentrations. In addition, coronary angiography was performed to determine the severity of coronary artery disease in the CHD group. The CHD group was divided into three subgroups, according to the final Gensini score of coronary artery stenosis for each patient (mild, ≤20 points; moderate, 21–40 points; severe, >40 points). Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed to analyze the protein and mRNA expression levels of C3 in the CHD subgroups and the healthy control group. The concentrations of ASP and C3 in the CHD group were found to be significantly higher compared with the control and MS groups. In addition, the levels of ASP and C3 in the mild and moderate CHD subgroups were significantly higher compared with the healthy controls or mild CHD patients. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of C3 in the moderate and severe CHD patients were found to be significantly higher compared with the healthy individuals and the mild CHD patients. The quantitative RT-PCR results revealed that the mRNA expression levels of C3 in the moderate and severe CHD patients were significantly higher compared with the healthy control group and the mild CHD patients. Furthermore, the mean levels of C3 transcripts in the severe CHD patients were found to be higher compared with the moderate CHD subgroup (P<0.05). Therefore, ASP and C3 were found to be associated with the occurrence and development of CHD; thus, may be used as novel indexes for CHD.

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Rationale: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disease originating from abnormal proliferation of B or T lymphocytes in bone marrow (BM). Invasion of the pancreas is extremely rare in adults. Patient concerns: In this article, we report a case presenting that ALL invades the pancreas, as well as liver, kidney, and duodenum detected by magnetic resonance image. The patient was misdiagnosed as pancreatic tumor at initial since hemogram was unremarkable. Diagnoses: The diagnosis of ALL was established based on the endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration and bone marrow examination, showing BCR / ABL gene positive. Interventions: The patient was actively treated with chemotherapy. Hematological remission was obtained and the lesions in the pancreas disappeared. Outcomes: The patient finally died of complication from fungal pneumonia and central nervous system involvement 12 months after diagnosis. Lessons: Under the context of infection, persistent or intermittent fever and complete blood count are not significant prognoses of pancreatic involvement for adult with ALL. We hope that this case will help hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon to be aware of this kind of disease as pancreatic carcinoma and pancreas involvement by ALL have totally different treatment strategy.