[Clinical and genetic spectrum of 6 cases with asparagine synthetase deficiency]

Objective: To explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of asparagine synthase deficiency. Methods: Case series studies. Retrospective analysis and summary of the clinical data of 6 cases with asparagine synthase deficiency who were diagnosed by genetic testing and admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2017 to April 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. The main clinical features, laboratory and imaging examination characteristics of the 6 cases were summarized, and the gene variation sites of them were analyzed. Results: All of the 6 cases were male, with onset ages ranging from 1 month to 1 year and 4 months. All of the 6 cases had cognitive and motor developmental delay, with 3 cases starting with developmental delay, 3 cases starting with convulsions and later experiencing developmental arrest or even regression. All of 6 cases had epilepsy, in whom 2 cases with severe microcephaly developed epileptic encephalopathy in the early stages of infancy with spasms as the main form of convulsions, 4 cases with mild or no microcephaly gradually evolved into convulsions with no fever after multiple febrile convulsions with focal seizures, tonic clonic seizures and tonic seizure as the main forms of convulsions. Three cases of 4 gradually developed into stagnation or even regression of development and ataxia after multiple convulsions with no fever. There were normal cranial imaging in 2 cases, dysplasia of the brains in 1 cases, frontal lobe apex accompanied by abnormal white matter signal in the frontal lobe and thin corpus callosum in 1 case, thin corpus callosum and abnormal lateral ventricular morphology in 1 case, and normal in early stage, but gradually developing into cerebellar atrophy at the age of 5 years and 9 months in 1 case. Two cases underwent visual evoked potential tests, the results of which were both abnormal. Three cases underwent auditory evoked potential examination, with 1 being normal and 2 being abnormal. All of 6 cases had variations in the asparagine synthase gene, with 2 deletion variations and 7 missense variations. The variations of 2 cases had not been reported so far, including c.1341_1343del and c.1283A>G, c.1165_1167del and c.1075G>A. The follow-up time ranged from 3 months to 53 months. Two cases who had severe microcephaly died in infancy, while the other 4 cases with mild or no microcephaly were in survival states until the follow-up days but the control of epilepsy was poor. Conclusions: Asparagine synthase deficiency has a certain degree of heterogeneity in clinical phenotype. Children with obvious microcephaly often present as severe cases, while children with mild or no microcephaly have relatively mild clinical manifestations. The variation of asparagine synthetase gene is mainly missense variation.

Resilience building among Chinese family caregivers of older people with Parkinson's disease in Shanghai

Despite a rapid increase in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) in China, studies focusing on caregiver burden remain scarce. Challenges faced by caregivers in other Asian societies are also underexplored in the PD-related research field. To addresses this gap, this study drew on the theory of resilience and examined the caregiving experiences of Chinese family caregivers for older people with PD. We conducted participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 15 family caregivers of older people with PD in Shanghai in 2018. We used thematic analysis to identify key patterns of stressors and factors affecting the capacity of caregivers to address burdens. Our analysis shows that stressors faced by Chinese PD caregivers included physical limitations, psychological and emotional problems, reduction in social connections, financial burden and lack of information and knowledge. Three levels of factors-personal, social and structural-played different roles in resilience among Chinese PD caregivers. However, resilience was unevenly developed among PD caregivers across gender, kinship, residential status and generation. Our study provides novel empirical evidence about the burden on Chinese PD caregivers. It can inform policymakers and social workers as they develop a holistic understanding of promoting resilience building in this rapidly growing group. Our study also enriches cross-cultural knowledge about factors contributing to caregivers' resilience building in Asian societies.

[Clinical and genetic spectrum of SCN2A gene associated epilepsy and episodic ataxia]

Objective: To explore the clinical manifestations and genetic characteristics of patients with epilepsy and episodic ataxia caused by SCN2A gene variation. Methods: The clinical data of seizure manifestation, imaging examination and genetic results of 5 patients with epilepsy and (or) episodic ataxia because of SCN2A gene variation admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from July 2017 to January 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Among 5 patients, 4 were female and 1 was male. The onset age of epilepsy ranged from 4 days to 8 months. There were 2 cases of benign neonatal or infantile epilepsy and 3 cases of epileptic encephalopathy, in whom 1 case had development retardation,1 case transformed from West syndrome to infantile spasm and another one transformed from infantile spasm to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. One case of benign neonatal-infantile epilepsy was characterized by neonatal onset seizures and episodic ataxia developed at the age of 78 months. Electroencephalograms at first visit of 5 cases showed that 2 cases were normal, 1 case had focal epileptic discharge, and 2 cases had multi-focal abnormal discharge with peak arrhythmia. The brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 3 cases were nomal, 1 case was abnormal (brain atrophy with decreased white matter) and the results of 1 case was unknown. The follow-up time ranged from 17 months to 89 months. Four cases of epilepsy were controlled and 1 case died at 2 years of age. Two cases had normal intelligence and motor development, 2 had moderate to severe intelligence retardation and motor critical state, and 1 had moderate to severe intelligence and motor development retardation. SCN2A gene variations were identified in all cases. There were 4 missense variations and 1 frameshift variation. Three variations had not been reported so far, including c.4906A>G,c.3643G>T,c.638delT. Conclusions: Variations in SCN2A gene can cause benign neonatal or infantile epilepsy and epileptic encephalopathy. Some children develop episodic ataxia with growing age. The variation of SCN2A gene is mainly missense variation.

Pulse oximetry waveform: A non-invasive physiological predictor for the return of spontaneous circulation in cardiac arrest patients ---- A multicenter, prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of pulse oximetry plethysmography (POP) for the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in cardiac arrest (CA) patients.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, observational, prospective cohort study of patients hospitalized with cardiac arrest at 14 teaching hospitals cross China from December 2013 through November 2014. The study endpoint was ROSC, defined as the restoration of a palpable pulse and an autonomous cardiac rhythm lasting for at least 20 minutes after the completion or cessation of CPR.

RESULTS

150 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients and 291 in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) patients were enrolled prospectively. ROSC was achieved in 20 (13.3%) and 64 (22.0%) patients in these cohorts, respectively. In patients with complete end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) and POP data, patients with ROSC had significantly higher levels of POP area under the curve (AUCp), wave amplitude (Amp) and ETCO₂ level during CPR than those without ROSC (all p < 0.05). Pairwise comparison of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated no significant difference was observed between ETCO₂ and Amp (p = 0.204) or AUCp (p = 0.588) during the first two minutes of resuscitation.

CONCLUSION

POP may be a novel and effective method for predicting ROSC during resuscitation, with a prognostic value similar to ETCO₂ at early stage.

The impact of SARS and COVID-19 on major trauma in Hong Kong

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been enormously disruptive and harmful to people around the world, but its impact on other illnesses and injuries has been more variable. To evaluate the ramification of infectious disease outbreaks on major traumatic injuries, we compared changes in the incidence of major trauma cases during the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) period with COVID-19 in 2020.

Methods

Data were analyzed from the trauma registry of a major, tertiary-care teaching hospital in Hong Kong. Patients presenting with major traumatic injuries during the first six months of 2001–03 and 2018–20 were retrieved for analysis. Patient characteristics, injury mechanism, admitting service, and emergency department (ED)/hospital lengths of stay (LOS) were recorded. Raw and adjusted survival rates (using the modified Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS)) were recorded.

Results

The number of trauma cases fell dramatically during 2003 and 2020 compared with previous years. In both 2003 and 2020, the number of trauma registry patients fell by 49% in April (compared to the preceding reference years of 2001/02 and 2018/19, respectively). Patient characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were also different during the outbreak years. Comparing 2003 to 2020 relative to their respective reference baselines, the percentages of injuries that happened at home, patients without co-morbidities, and patients' mean age all increased in 2003 but decreased in 2020. Work-place injuries drastically dropped in 2003, but not in 2020. Average ED LOS dropped in 2003 by 36.4 min (95% CI 12.5, 60.3) but declined by only 14.5 min (95% CI -2.9, 32.1) in 2020. Both observed and expected 30-day mortality declined in 2020 vs. 2003 (observed 4.5% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.001, OR 0.352, 95% CI 0.187, 0.661) (expected 4.5% vs 11.6%, p = 0.002, OR 0.358, 95% CI 0.188, 0.684).

Conclusion

Major trauma cases dropped by half during both the peak of the 2003 SARS and 2020 COVID-19 pandemics in Hong Kong, suggesting a trend for future pandemic planning. If similar findings are seen at other trauma centers, proactive personnel and resource allocations away from trauma towards medical emergency systems may be more appropriate for future pandemics.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in secondary education: A prospective cross-sectional survey of 110 Hong Kong secondary schools

Background:

Hong Kong rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation are very low by international standards. Several Hong Kong secondary schools have begun incorporating cardiopulmonary resuscitation training into their curriculums for teachers and students.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore secondary school cardiopulmonary resuscitation programs and better understand school principals’ attitudes toward cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was sent to all Hong Kong secondary school principals (public and private, except for special education schools) between December 2017 and March 2018. A self-administered questionnaire of 20 items focusing on school characteristics, details of any in-school cardiopulmonary resuscitation materials or training, attitudes toward teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and any barriers or ways to promote school cardiopulmonary resuscitation training was given to all school principals in the territory. This study was approved by the Survey and Behavioural Research Ethics committee of the Chinese University of Hong Kong on September 13, 2017.

Results:

Out of the 506 schools contacted, 110 completed surveys were returned (21.7%). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training was offered in 33.6% (37/110), while 92.7% (102/110) had an automatic external defibrillator. A majority (69.1% (76/110)) agreed or strongly agreed that cardiopulmonary resuscitation training should be compulsory for secondary school students. In schools where cardiopulmonary resuscitation was taught, most cardiopulmonary resuscitation students were aged 15–17 years, and most courses ran for < 5 h. Increased funding could encourage more schools to offer cardiopulmonary resuscitation training to students in the future.

Conclusion:

One-third (33.6%) of Hong Kong secondary schools offer cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. Increased funding may support school-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation instruction and improve rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the future.

[Clinical analysis of 30 cases with asbestos-related occupational tumors]

Asbestos is classified as a Class 1 carcinogen by the International Cancer Organization (IARC) , and almost all types of asbestos are carcinogenic. The clinical data of 30 asbestos-induced occupational tumor patients in Qingdao city from January 2002 to May 2019 were analyzed, including 24 cases of asbestos-induced lung cancer and 6 cases of asbestos-induced malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma was significantly worse than lung cancer in terms of malignancy, the survival time of patients is shorter, and the mortality rate was higher. Both its diagnostic methods and treatment methods should be improved. The high incidence of asbestos-caused tumors is coming. It is recommended that workers exposed to asbestos dust should undergo regular chest CT examinations for early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment.

[Clinical study on traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation and treatment of pneumoconiosis]

Objective: To explore the clinical effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation in the treatment of pneumoconiosis. Methods: We selected 160 pneumoconiosis patients who were hospitalized in our hospital from July 2015 to July 2016. 102 patients were divided into experimental groups, and the other 58 patients were assigned to the control group. These patients were randomly assigned. The control group was given routine treatment, while the experimental group received conventional treatment combined with TCM syndrome differentiation. We rated patients' quality of life using the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. C-reactive protein levels in both groups before and after treatment were detected by ELISA. Furthermore, we detected the expression levels of IL-6 mRNA and TGF-β mRNA in serum before and after treatment by RT-PCR.The analysis was performed with SPSS19.0 software. The normal distribution measurement data was expressed by Mean±SD, and the t-test was used for statistical analysis. Non-normal distribution measurement data were expressed as median(M) and interquartile range (P(25), P(75)), and non-parametric test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Compared with the control group, the readmission rate in the experimental group decreased within 3 months; The SF-36 quality of life score results of the two groups showed a statistically significant difference in BP, VT and RE (P<0.05);The levelofCRPdecreasedsignificantlyafter treatment in bothgroups,and thedifferencewasstatistically significant (P<0.05).Comparedwith thecontrolgroup, the levelsofIL-6mRNAandTGF-β1mRNA alsodecreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: TCM syndromedifferentiation and treatmentofpneumoconiosis can effectively improve the patient's condition and life quality. We predict that it may inhibit the progression of pulmonary fibrosis in pneumoconiosis.

An Exploratory Study of Sectra Table Visualization Improves the Effectiveness of Emergency Bedside Echocardiography Training

OBJECTIVES

Echocardiography is an essential tool in emergency medicine, and its training is the most challenging of all types of bedside ultrasound (US) training. This study investigated the effectiveness of the Sectra Table (Sectra AB, Linköping, Sweden), an anatomy visualization and collaboration tool, in improving the quality of echocardiography training for emergency medicine physicians.

METHODS

We conducted an exploratory prospective observational study from 2015 to 2017 and enrolled 66 trainees who participated in a 2.5-day bedside US course organized by the emergency department (ED) of Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The study participants underwent 2 different training programs: the first group received standard training, and the second group was trained with Sectra Table experiences integrated into the echocardiography training curriculum. After the training sessions, both groups were evaluated for their hands-on echocardiography performance.

RESULTS

The new training program with the Sectra Table significantly increased trainees' self-confidence in performing bedside echocardiography. The Sectra Table trainees had a higher performance rating than the trainees in the traditional program, with a mean total assessment score of 40.5 versus 26.5 for traditional training (P < .01). The improved performance was evident for all subcategories of echocardiography. The higher performance rating of the Sectra Table trainees was also statistically significant after adjusting for confounders, including prior training experiences, baseline confidence in independently performing ED US examinations, the number of ED US examinations performed, years in ED practice, and physician seniority.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis suggests that integrating the Sectra Table into echocardiography training may improve the effectiveness of training programs.

[Clinical significance of continuous transfixion suture for nasal septum in septoplasty]

Objective:To systemically evaluate the clinical significance of continuous transfixion suture for nasal septum in septoplasty. Method:Forty patients with nasal septum deviation were randomly assigned to the suture group including 20 patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty followed by continuous transfixion suture for nasal septum, or the nasal packing group including 20 patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty followed by nasal packing. Two groups were compared for the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for postoperative rhinalgia, headache, lacrimation, dysphagia and sleep disorder, changes in mucociliary transport time (MTT) before and after surgery, and postoperative capillary hemorrhage. Patients were followed up for 2 weeks to observe the short-term postoperative complications. Result:Mean VAS scores for rhinalgia, headache, lacrimation, dysphagia and sleep disorder were all higher in nasal packing group than those in suture group (P<0.05); compared to suture group, there was greater prolongation of MTT before and after surgery in packing group (P<0.05); there was significant difference between two groups in postoperative capillary hemorrhage volume (P<0.05); in the nasal packing group, nasal synechia, nasal dryness and hyposmia were observed in 1, 3 and 2 patients, respectively, within 2 weeks postoperatively, whereas no short-term complications were observed in the suture group. Conclusion:Use of continuous transfixion suture in place of nasal packing following septoplasty can significantly improve the postoperative symptoms, protect nasal mucociliary clearance, and reduce short-term postoperative complications.

Evaluating and assessing the prevalence of bedside ultrasound in emergency departments in China

Background

To survey the prevalence of bedside ultrasound assessment in emergency departments (EDs) in China.

Methods

We designed an online survey for emergency physicians based in the China. The questionnaire included sixteen items querying common ED bedside ultrasound practices. Respondents were recruited via weblinks sent through social media and a popular Chinese emergency medicine website. Survey data was collected from April through June, 2016.

Results

Four hundred and twenty-eight physicians responded to this survey; more than 80% of respondents reported working clinically in the ED. Ninety-eight percent of respondents agreed on the clinical importance and value of bedside ultrasound. However, less than half of participants' EDs had ultrasound devices, and less than half of the respondents said they knew how to perform bedside ultrasound. Less than 20% of respondents reported having had formal training in bedside ultrasound.

Conclusions

There is a strong interest in bedside ultrasound in Chinese EDs. Emergency physicians participating in this study considered bedside ultrasound a necessary skill, but, because there is a lack of training, most emergency physicians reported they did not know how to perform bedside ultrasonography. There is likely an acute desire and need for bedside ultrasound training for Chinese emergency physicians.

[Expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, β-catenin and their clinical significance in laryngeal carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of E-cadherin(E-cad), N-cadherin(N-cad), β-catenin(β-cat), which are the markers of Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and analyze their relationships with the clinicopathological features and the prognosis of the laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

The expression levels of E-cad, N-cad, β-cat in 76 tumor tissues and their corresponding adjacent normal laryngeal tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry method. Relationships between the proteins' expression and clinicopathological features were analyzed. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences in the survival rates were analyzed by the log-rank test among different expression groups. Cox's regression model was used to examine the independent predictor of the prognosis of the laryngeal cancer.

RESULTS

The expression levels of E-cad, N-cad, β-cat in tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues were statistically significant(P<0.001). The expression level of E-cad and β-cat in the laryngeal carcinoma was related to lymph node metastasis, clinical pathological stage and differentiation degree (P<0.05), while N-cad expression level was associated with clinical stage and differentiation degree (P<0.05). The expression of E-cad was correlated with the expression of β-cat (P=0.001), and the expression of N-cad was correlated with β-cat (P=0.02), but the expression of E-cad was not correlated with N-cad. There were four subgroups of patterns of E-cad and N-cad expression: E-cad (+ )/N-cad (-), E-cad (+ ) /N-cad (+ ), E-cad (-) /N-cad (-), E-cad (-) /N-cad (+ ). The expression level of each group was related to the clinical pathological stage and differentiation degree (P<0.05). The expression level of E-cad/β-cat was associated with lymph node metastasis, clinical pathological stage and differentiation degree (P<0.01). Log-rank analysis showed that the prognosis of negative and positive groups was statistically different (P<0.05), and the combined analysis showed that the prognosis of E-cad/N-cad or E-cad/β-cat group was significantly different (P<0.01). Cox's regression model analysis showed that the clinical stage and β-cat were independent predictors of the prognosis of laryngeal carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The low expression of E-cad, high abnormal expression of N-cad and β-cat played an important role in the occurrence and development of laryngeal carcinoma. It can provide a reference for evaluating clinical prognosis. The clinical pathological stage and β-cat can be used as independent predictors for the prognosis of laryngeal carcinoma.

[The incidence of asbestos-related diseases about on asbestos enterprises in Qingdao from 1988 to 2014]

OBJECTIVE

It can provide statistics reference for the prevention and treatment by analysising the status and characteristics related to the asbestos disease of an asbestos products enterprises from 1988 to 2014.

METHODS

We have collected the data concerning the case of asbestos-related disease between 1988 and 2014, then the data were arranged, collecteted and analyzed using statistical method.

RESULTS

The total of patients is 625 (male: 225, female: 400). Diagnosis of asbestosis is 617 cases, Accordingly, stage Ⅰis 500, stage Ⅱis 112 and stage Ⅲ is 5. Average age of morbidity is 64.84±9.87 and working age is 24.45±7.40 years; The patients of lung cancer caused by asbestos are 12 people, and average age of morbidity is 66.25±11.20 years, and the working age is 29.18±7.77years; The patients of mesothelioma are 4 people, average age of morbidity is 49-78 (M=60) and working age is 27years. Asbestosis patients with complications of pleural plaque is 37.44%, complications of pulmonary tuberculosis is 5.19%., and there are 239 patients lose their lives, motality is 38.74%.

CONCLUSION

There is a high incidence of a disease about asbestos related disease in the asbestos products factory, it has close relationship with asbestos exposure time, the dust concentration of workplace and type of work et al. Asbestos related diseases are still the main problem in Qingdao.

Rare disease patients in China anticipate the sunlight of legislation

It is estimated that there are over ten million rare disease patients in China currently. Due to a lack of effective drugs and reimbursement regulations for medical expenses the diseases bring most patients enormous physical suffering and psychological despair. Past experience in other countries such as the United States, Japan, and the European Union have shown that legislation is the critical step to improve the miserable situation of rare disease patients. Laws and regulations for rare diseases in these countries prescribe a series of incentives for research and development of orphan drugs which turn out to obviously allow these drugs to flourish. Legislation has also established a drug reimbursement system to reduce the medical burden of the patients. These measures effectively protect the rights and interests of patients with rare diseases. In China, legislation for rare diseases has begun to attract the attention of authorities. It is anticipated that relevant laws and regulations will be established as early as possible to provide safeguards for rare disease patients in China.

"Knowledge into action" Exploration of an appropriate approach for constructing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for hepatocellular carcinoma

With the development of evidence-based medicine (EBM), the concept of "transfer of current best evidence into clinical decision-making" has garnered substantial attention worldwide. As such a good tool, many clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been published worldwide under the guide of current best evidence. Our study did a systematic evaluation of the current 17 guidelines for HCC worldwide, which found that the appropriate constructing approach is the most important factor that influences guidelines implementation. Three factors of organizations or bodies drafting the guideline, exploration for achieving current best evidence, and purpose of constructing evidence-based CPGs for HCC should be paid close attention to. In order to achieve the current best evidence and promote evidence-based CPGs to be widely accepted and fully implemented, we recommend to conduct a systematic approach with 4 steps of global guidelines assessment, systematic literature review, experts' consensus and draft implementation, as well as implementation evaluation and periodic update in constructing and implementing evidence-based CPGs for HCC.

Standardization of traditional Chinese medicine and evaluation of evidence from its clinical practice

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a typical traditional medicine (TM) with a long-standing history of preventing and curing diseases in China and other countries in East Asia. Standardization of TCM has been a topic of discussion over the past few decades in China with the goal of promoting advances in TCM in China and elsewhere around the world. Many quality and safety control standards for TCMs have been implemented in China, but systematic standards of efficacy have not been established for TCMs until now because of the absence of evidence from clinical practice. Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the best way to provide evidence from clinical practice, but the quality of current EBM studies of TCM, and especially randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCM, needs to be improved. International registration of clinical trials (CTs) of TCM is a good way to provide quality evidence from clinical practice of TCM because it can improve research transparency and ultimately enhance the validity and value of scientific evidence. This evidence will provide the springboard for efforts to standardize TCM.

Prospects for using pre-exposure prophylaxis to control the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in China

Although important progress has been achieved in combating HIV/AIDs over the past 30 years, HIV/AIDs is still a serious threat to today's world. In China, figures on the incidence of this disease have painted a less than optimistic outlook. As the prevailing methods of preventing HIV/AIDS are all partially effective, novel and effective preventive interventions are needed in order to control the spread of the disease. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one of the most promising prevention strategies and has garnered great attention worldwide. Current clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of this strategy have had some favorable results though major challenges around the world remain. Thus, China has taken an active part in the PrEP study to limit the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. This article describes the status of the PrEP study and discusses the opportunities and challenges encountered when implementing this strategy in China.

Standardization of perioperative management on hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery

Japan-China Joint Medical Workshop (2012) on standardization of perioperative management on hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery was held by the Center for Medical Standards Research, IRCA-BSSA Group in Japan on April 15-16, 2012. Experts in the fields of surgery, anesthesia, pharmacy, and public health from 21 health institutions from Japan and China presented their research achievements and shared their medical experience of perioperative management on hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery, which should facilitate building of guidelines for hepatocellular carcinoma and be expected to promote standardized management of liver cancer in Asia.

Evidence-based research on traditional Japanese medicine, Kampo, in treatment of gastrointestinal cancer in Japan

Gastrointestinal cancer is a great threat to human health in Japan. Conventional anticancer therapies including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the main strategies and play important roles in curing this disease or extending the life of patients with these cancers. On the other hand, patients undergo great suffering induced by these treatments. Kampo, the Japanese traditional medicine, has been used in clinics to reduce side effects and to improve the quality of life of gastrointestinal cancer patients in Japan. In order to testify to the efficacy and safety of these Kampo medicines and to clarify the underlying mechanisms, a number of clinical and basic studies were implemented in the past several decades. These studies suggested the benefits of Kampo medicine as an adjuvant to conventional anti-cancer therapies in treating gastrointestinal cancer. Since the safety and efficacy as well as quality control of traditional medicine have long been focused worldwide, the development course of Kampo medicine may provide reference to other countries in the world.