Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
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Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. · Feb 2021
Meta AnalysisThe prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in COVID-19 patients: a meta-analysis.
Evidence from previous coronavirus outbreaks has shown that infected patients are at risk for developing psychiatric and mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. To construct a comprehensive picture of the mental health status in COVID-19 patients, we conducted a systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in this population. ⋯ We did not find any significant differences in the prevalence estimates between different genders; however, the depression and anxiety prevalence estimates varied based on different screening tools. More observational studies assessing the mental wellness of COVID-19 outpatients and COVID-19 patients from countries other than China are needed to further examine the psychological implications of COVID-19 infections.
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Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. · Jan 2021
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through breast milk and breastfeeding: a living systematic review.
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by infection with a novel coronavirus strain, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). At present, there is limited information on potential transmission of the infection from mother to child, particularly through breast milk and breastfeeding. Here, we provide a living systematic review to capture information that might necessitate changes in the guidance on breast milk and breastfeeding given the uncertainty in this area. ⋯ Nine of the 68 analyzed breast milk samples from mothers with COVID-19 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA; of the exposed infants, four were positive and two were negative for COVID-19. Currently, there is no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through breast milk. Studies are needed with longer follow-up periods that collect data on infant feeding practices and on viral presence in breast milk.
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Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. · Dec 2020
ReviewLymph node dissection and recurrent laryngeal nerve protection in minimally invasive esophagectomy.
Until now, neoadjuvant therapy plus surgical resection of the primary tumor and potential metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) has been the current optimal treatment for locally advanced thoracic esophageal cancer (EC). LN metastasis is one of the most negative prognostic factors for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the extent of LN dissection for thoracic ESCC has long been controversial worldwide. ⋯ With the development of minimally invasive devices and techniques in recent years, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been widely applied in EC surgery. The topics of what the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy is and how the recurrent nerve should be well protected during MIE have been debated in recent years. The purpose of our review is specifically to address the patterns of LN metastasis, the extent of LN dissection, and the protection of the RLN in MIE for thoracic ESCC.
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Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. · Dec 2020
ReviewUpdates in staging and pathologic evaluation of esophageal carcinoma following neoadjuvant therapy.
Esophageal carcinoma comprises two major subtypes-squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, the incidences of which vary widely across the world and also depend on the location within the esophagus. The staging of esophageal cancer (EC) also remains unique among various gastrointestinal carcinomas, as it takes into account the location, histologic type, and grade. Its management has been evolving over the years and the recent American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system has been updated to reflect the changing practice and new data. ⋯ The presence of residual tumor in the surgically resected specimen and lymph node following neoadjuvant therapy is associated with poor prognosis. Hence, a thorough pathologic assessment of tumor regression grade and accurate tumor staging is required by pathologists to provide valuable prognostic information to guide further management. Tumor regression grading in ECs needs to be improved and standardized.
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Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. · Dec 2020
ReviewOptimal preoperative neoadjuvant therapy for resectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, especially in East Asia. ESCC accounts for more than 90% of esophageal cancer. ⋯ With neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, chemotherapy, or emerging immunotherapy, continuous exploration of efficacy in relation to ESCC is expected to improve overall survival further. Here, we review and summarize current evidence for efficacy of preoperative therapy for locally advanced ESCC.