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Superficial surgical site infections (SSIs) are one of the most common postoperative complications of hepatectomy for liver cancer. The objective of this study is to clarify the risk factors and determine a clinical prediction score for SSIs after partial hepatectomy for malignant tumour. A total of 812 consecutive patients were enrolled who underwent partial hepatectomy for liver malignant tumour from January 2017 to December 2017. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors for SSIs. Clinical prediction score was then constructed using coefficients of identified significant predictors. Risk stratification was then carried out by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Of all the 812 patients, SSIs were observed in 31 (3.82%) patients. A multivariate analysis identified four predictors as independent risk factors for SSIs, which were splenomegaly, perioperative blood transfusion, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and low postoperative serum albumin concentration (<35 g/L). Clinical prediction score ranged from 0 to 4.6 with its discrimination concordance (C) statistic of 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59, 0.81). Risk stratification classified these patients into low, moderate, and high risk in SSIs. This risk score system may credibly stratify the risk of SSIs with relatively high sensitivity and specificity. Splenomegaly, history of blood transfusion, ICU admission, and postoperative serum albumin concentration less than 35 g/L could be used to predict SSIs with acceptable discrimination. This clinical risk score system may be useful in prediction of SSIs after hepatectomy for malignant tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo investigate the effects of a 50-Hz magnetic field (MF) exposure on ceramide metabolism, as well as the cascade downstream signaling pathways in human amniotic (FL) cells. Materials and methodsFL cells were exposed to MF at 0.4 mT for different durations (from 5–60 min). The ceramides levels were analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The activity of cathepsin D was assayed using a fluorometric assay kit, and the activity of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) was examined by Western blotting. After exposing to MF at 0.4 mT for 60 min with sequential culture for different durations (0, 3, 6, 12 or 36 h), the rate of cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. ResultsExposing cells to MF at 0.4 mT for different durations caused a significant increase in ceramide production viade novosynthesis and hydrolysis of sphingomyelin (SM), and the effect was different according to the exposure time. However, no significant change in cell apoptosis was detected after MF exposure for 60 min with sequentially culturing for up to 36 h. In addition, increase in ceramide did not activate its downstream signal molecules, cathepsin D and PP2A, which are usually closely related to apoptosis of cells. ConclusionsExposure to a 50-Hz MF could raise ceramide levels but had no significant effect on apoptosis in cultured cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]