We identified a negative association between pinworm infestation and allergic airway diseases, which could in part be attributed to protective effect of pinworm infestation on development of allergic symptoms. Other mechanisms of association could not be ruled out.

BackgroundThe recurrence rate of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is 2.7%–30%, with varied average intervals between the first and second episodes. Few studies have explored the incidence and risk factors for recurrent HSP.MethodsWe used a 16-year nationwide database to analyze the incidence of recurrent HSP. Patients with HSP were identified, and risk factors for recurrent HSP were explored. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression model analyses were performed, and covariates were adjusted in the multivariate model.ResultsFrom January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2012, among 2,886,836 individuals in the National Health Insurance Research Database, 1002 HSP patients aged < 18 years were identified. Among them, 164 had ≥2 HSP episodes (recurrence rate, 16.4%; incidence of recurrent HSP, 7.05 per 100 person-years); 83.6% patients with one HSP episode remained free of secondary HSP. The average time intervals between the first and second and second and third HSP episodes were 9.2 and 6.4 months, respectively. After adjusting for demographic parameters, comorbidities, and socioeconomic status, recurrent HSP was found to occur more frequently in patients who had renal involvement (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64–3.54; p < 0.001), were receiving steroid therapy for > 10 days (adjusted hazard ratio, 8.13; 95%CI, 2.51–26.36; p < 0.001), and had allergic rhinitis (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.63; 95%CI, 1.06–2.50; p = 0.026).ConclusionsThe annual incidence of recurrent HSP was low. However, children who had underlying allergic rhinitis, presented with renal involvement, and received steroid treatment for > 10 days should be notified regarding the possibility of recurrence.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12969-018-0247-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

NLR and CEA are valuable tools for the prediction of prognosis in CRC and adjusting the treatment strategy.

Background Many studies have suggested that cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy may be associated with risk of colorectal cancer [CRC]. This study aimed to verify CRC risk among cholelithiasis patients who experienced cholecystitis or cholecystectomy or both. Methods Data of a cholelithiasis cohort (n = 28,267) and a noncholelithiasis cohort (n = 112,948) were retrieved (1:4 ratio) from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database for comparison of CRC risk. Confounding factors were adjusted in multivariate analysis. A hospital-based cancer registry containing 8156 CRC patients was also examined. Data were statistically analyzed using χ2 test, t test, and Cox proportional-hazards model. Results Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that having cholelithiasis was associated with increased risk of CRC (crude hazard ratio: 1.533 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.423–1.652); adjusted HR: 1.481 [95% CI: 1.375–1.597], respectively, p < 0.001) relative to not having cholelithiasis. Increased CRC incidence among patients with cholelithiasis was higher in the right-sided colon (adjusted HR: 1.452 [95% CI: 1.234–1.709], p < 0.001), and higher in female patients. The trend of higher incidence of right-sided colon cancer was also seen in the hospital-based cancer registry. Of note, cholecystitis or cholecystectomy was associated with mildly increased CRC risk among cholelithiasis patients. Cholecystitis was associated with increased risk of left-sided CRC. Cholecystitis plus cholecystectomy was associated with increased risk of rectal cancer. Conclusions These results support that cholelithiasis is associated with increased risk of CRC especially in the right-sided colon and among female patients. Cholecystitis and cholecystectomy may shift cancer to the distal part of the large bowel.

Background: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NCRT) followed by surgery is the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC); approximately 80% of patients do not achieve complete response. Identifying prognostic factors predictive of survival in these patients to guide further management is needed. The intratumoural lymphocytic response (ILR), peritumoural lymphocytic reaction (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PtLR) are correlated with the tumour microenvironment and cancer-related systemic inflammation. This study aimed to explore the ability of the ILR, PLR, NLR, and PtLR to predict survival in LARC patients without a complete response to NCRT. Methods: Sixty-nine patients who underwent NCRT and surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The ILR and PLR were assessed in surgical specimens, and the NLR and PtLR were calculated using pre- and post-NCRT blood count data. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression analyses were performed for survival analysis. Results: A high PLR and high post-NCRT NLR and PtLR were significantly associated with better prognosis. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI), post-NCRT neutrophil count, and lymphocyte count were significant predictors of overall survival. LVI and the PLR were independent predictors of disease-free survival. Conclusions: NCRT-induced local and systemic immune responses are favourable prognostic predictors in LARC patients without complete response to NCRT.