Categories C3 Research Articles

Reliability‐based Allowances of Corrosion Losses for Weathering Steel Bridges

AbstractLow demands on maintenance and 100% recyclability cause the growing popularity of weathering steel bridges worldwide. Recent experimental results made it possible to derive generic probabilistic models describing long‐term corrosion losses for various types of weathering steels and exposures. In the contribution, these probabilistic models are applied in reliability assessment. For representative structural members and failure modes, the material allowances for the loss of thickness are derived to achieve a specified target reliability in exposures corresponding to Corrosivity Categories C2 and C3. Numerical analysis reveals that the allowances recommended by the ECCS guideline are generally conservative. For larger sections exposed in C2, a “no allowance” strategy might even be considered. For C3, design allowance of about 0.5‐0.6 mm is then determined by the probabilistic approach.

Housing sector risk assessment using structural equation modeling for small-to-medium sized construction companies and builders in urban areas

The housing sector is a vital contributor to Pakistan’s economy, yet its disorganization creates uncertainty. This study aimed to analyze risks and devise strategies for small-to-medium-sized construction firms and builders. Risk factors were identified through literature review and depicted in a fishbone diagram. Semi-structured interviews with three industry experts validated these factors, based on consensus mechanism. A questionnaire survey, targeting companies recognized by the Pakistan Engineering Council and Association of Builders and Developers (categories C2 to C6) in Karachi, garnered a 42% response rate from 70 out of 160 potential respondents. Principal component analysis condensed factors into components, informing structural equation models testing the relationship between housing sector uncertainty and STEEP (social, technical, environmental, economic, political) risk factors. Eight key risk factors emerged, notably social and environmental concerns. Policy solutions such as labor certifications, anti-corruption measures, streamlined operations, and a real estate regulatory authority were recommended. Technical solutions included enhanced communication, awareness, and training for effective risk management. This research underscores the sector’s challenges and offers insights crucial for policy makers and industry stakeholders aiming to stabilize and grow Pakistan’s housing sector.

Clinical scores associated with immunological biomarker in the assessment of severity in congenital heart surgery

Abstract Background Congenital heart disease is a common disorder that often results in surgical procedures and intensive care. In this way, the use of validated scales and biomarkers can be incorporated into care practice as a tool for assessment and care planning. Purpose We aimed to investigate the association between the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS-28), the risk-adjusted score for surgery in congenital heart disease (RACHS-1) and the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) in assessing the clinical severity of cardiac surgery in pediatric patients. Methods This is an exploratory, translational cross-sectional study of 32 children undergoing cardiac surgical repair between 2021 and 2022. The severity of heart disease was determined using the RACHS-1 score and clinical severity using the TISS-28, the scores were stratified into C4, C3, C2 and C1, with C4 being the highest severity and C1 being the lowest, according to each assessment instrument, and the associations with sTREM-1 (pre- and post-surgery), measured by the ELISA method. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences - SPSS version 29.0 software, considering statistical significance values of p < 0.05. Results Regarding the mean sTREM-1 values preoperative in comparison to the RACHS-1 categories, there was a significant difference between category C4 (241.33 pg/mL) and C3 (161.5 pg/mL) (p = 0.019), and postoperatively between C4 (355.82 pg/mL) and C1 (222.53 pg/mL), C2 (291.02 pg/mL) and C3 (296.66 pg/mL) (p = 0.005; 0.040; and 0.040, respectively). Preoperative, compared to the TISS-28 and sTREM-1 categories, there was a significant difference between category C4 (241.33 pg/mL) and C3 (161.5 pg/mL) (p = 0.020), and postoperatively, between categories C4 (355.82 pg/mL) and C2 (275.22 pg/mL) (p = 0.040). Conclusions We concluded that, both pre- and postoperatively, the mean sTREM-1 values were higher in the group of patients classified as more severe according to the RACHS-1 and TISS-28, when compared to those in the lower strata, showing that patients with higher sTREM-1 values preoperative evolved to greater severity postoperatively, a fact that was repeated in the post-operative evaluation.Table - RACHS-1 and sTREM-1Table - TISS-28 and sTREM-1

Radiomorphometric indices and fractal dimension of the mandible in individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta: a matched cross-sectional study

The objective was to analyze radiomorphometric indices (RMIs) of mandibular cortical bone and fractal dimension (FD) of trabecular bone of individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and compare the findings to those of individuals without OI. Digital panoramic radiographs of 20 individuals with OI (case group) and 40 individuals without OI (control group) were examined. The RMIs of mandibular cortical index (MCI) and mandibular cortical thickness (MCT) were analyzed. FD of mandibular trabecular bone was calculated bilaterally in 3 regions. The chi-squared test and paired t test were used to compare the significance of differences between the groups. The effect size and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) were also determined. Significance was established at P < .05. Categories C2 and C3 of the MCI were more frequent in individuals with OI (P < .001). The Mean MCT was 2.08 ± 0.79 in the OI case group and 2.91 ± 0.60 in the control group (P < .001). Mean FD in the condylar region was significantly lower in the OI case group (P=.002). The effect size for these 2 measures was large, and the difference between groups was greater than the MCID. Radiographs of individuals with OI exhibited more porosity and diminished thickness of the mandibular cortical bone and lower FD values in the condylar trabecular bone.

Region-dependent site conditions in China: Evidence from borehole data statistics

Consideration of site effects is vital in modeling and predicting earthquake ground motions. However, site conditions can vary markedly between different localities. The regional dependency of site conditions in China has not yet been investigated systematically. In this study, profiles of 6,179 boreholes were collected from four regions in China, i.e., the Capital Metropolitan (CM), Xinjiang (XJ), Guangdong—Guangxi (GG), and Sichuan–Yunnan (SY) areas. Quantitative characteristic parameters including site category, equivalent shear wave velocity (Vse), and the thickness of the overlying soil layer (H) defined by the Chinese seismic code, and VS30 and the median shear wave profile were all analyzed to confirm the dependency on site conditions among the four regions. Investigation revealed that the majority of sites in most regions are classified as Class-II sites with no Class-IV sites, except in CM. In comparison with the other three regions, a larger number of GG sites are classified as Class-I. Sites in XJ are generally characterized by small H values (&amp;lt;20 m) and large Vse values (250 –450 m/s), while those in CM are characterized by large H values (average: ∼50 m) and small Vse values (150 –300 m/s). Generally, the Vse and H values are similar in GG and SY, i.e., the sites are covered by an overlying soil layer that is ∼20 m thick with an average Vse value of ∼250 m/s. A very thin (&amp;lt;5 m) overlying soil layer is observed at many more sites in GG than at sites in the other three regions. The VS30 values in CM, SY, and GG all approximately follow a lognormal distribution with various logarithmic means, i.e., 257.2, 299.6, and 360.9 m/s, respectively. However, the VS30 values of most sites in XJ broadly follow a uniform distribution with a range of 200 –550 m/s. We summarized the characteristics of the median VS profiles of each VS30-based category (C1, C2, and C3) for each region. The median VS profiles between any two regions are mainly manifested as parallel trends for sites in category C1, whereas they present trends of intersection for sites in categories C2 and C3. The findings of this study could serve as a basis for the establishment of a regional empirical model for site-dependent seismic response in China.

Variability of maize genotypes in the expression of tolerance to European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn.)

The backbone of modern technologies is the creation of tolerant genotypes at the ECB with special emphasis on the interaction between the degree of plant damage and metabolic processes as potential responses to stress. During the vegetation period of 2016 and 2018, the variability and response of four maize genotypes to the effectiveness of insecticides and bioinsecticides and the interdependence with the dynamics of the ECB population were examined. Out of a total of 11,023 attacked plants in both years of the survey, in 2016 the largest number of plants (4,841) with a broken stalk above the ear and at the height of the ear and belonged to categories C3 to C8. In 2018, there was no damage to the tassel and ear, while 3,672 plants were dominated by leaf damage and perforation in the H2 type. In addition to the fact that more infested plants were observed in the genotypes, ZP 434 and ZP 666 the categories of damage type C5, C6 and C7 were more pronounced. The foliar treatment of plants with chlorantraniliprole in two-year research proved to be the most effective with the least number of attacked plants with a high degree of damage. In contrast, bioinsecticide treatment of plants, in addition to a large number of infested plants, was dominated by high categories of damage that deviated from all other treatments as well as from control. Within the definition of the degree of tolerance of maize genotypes, the influence of treatment on changes in secondary metabolites (phytins) in seeds was observed. It was noticed that there is a trend of positive correlation between the amount of phytin in the seed (mg g-1) with the attack of moths of the first generation and the number of dissected larvae, as well as a trend of negative correlation with the percentage of attacks of the second generation. Correlation coefficients are expressed: in the genotype ZP-600, while in the genotype ZP-666 correlation is the lowest, ie. irrelev?nt. The obtained results may be of great importance in future work aimed at the selection of maize genotypes tolerant and resistant to corn borer attack, connected to the role of phytin, as an antioxidant and phosphorus deposited in corn grain.

Variability of maize genotypes in the expression of tolerance to European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn.)

The backbone of modern technologies is the creation of tolerant genotypes at the ECB with special emphasis on the interaction between the degree of plant damage and metabolic processes as potential responses to stress. During the vegetation period of 2016 and 2018, the variability and response of four maize genotypes to the effectiveness of insecticides and bioinsecticides and the interdependence with the dynamics of the ECB population were examined. Out of a total of 11,023 attacked plants in both years of the survey, in 2016 the largest number of plants (4,841) with a broken stalk above the ear and at the height of the ear and belonged to categories C3 to C8. In 2018, there was no damage to the tassel and ear, while 3,672 plants were dominated by leaf damage and perforation in the H2 type. In addition to the fact that more infested plants were observed in the genotypes, ZP 434 and ZP 666 the categories of damage type C5, C6 and C7 were more pronounced. The foliar treatment of plants with chlorantraniliprole in two-year research proved to be the most effective with the least number of attacked plants with a high degree of damage. In contrast, bioinsecticide treatment of plants, in addition to a large number of infested plants, was dominated by high categories of damage that deviated from all other treatments as well as from control. Within the definition of the degree of tolerance of maize genotypes, the influence of treatment on changes in secondary metabolites (phytins) in seeds was observed. It was noticed that there is a trend of positive correlation between the amount of phytin in the seed (mg g-1) with the attack of moths of the first generation and the number of dissected larvae, as well as a trend of negative correlation with the percentage of attacks of the second generation. Correlation coefficients are expressed: in the genotype ZP-600, while in the genotype ZP-666 correlation is the lowest, ie. irrelev?nt. The obtained results may be of great importance in future work aimed at the selection of maize genotypes tolerant and resistant to corn borer attack, connected to the role of phytin, as an antioxidant and phosphorus deposited in corn grain.

Daily patient flow unevenness in different sized delivery hospitals – An 11-year register study of 610 227 deliveries

ObjectivesTo describe the unevenness in daily patient flow (quiet, optimal and busy days) in different sized delivery hospitals. Study designPopulation based register-study of 610 227 hospital deliveries. Data were collected from the Finnish Medical Birth Register from 2006 to 2016. Delivery hospitals (N = 26) were stratified into four categories by annual delivery volume: C1 <1000, C2 1000–1999, C3 2000–2999, C4 ≥3000. Uneven daily patient flow was defined based on the mean of daily delivery volume for each hospital category: quiet day (≤50% of the mean), optimal day (>50% of the mean to <two times the mean) and busy day (≥two times the mean or more). ResultsThe mean of daily delivery volume varied from 2.0 to 12.6 between the smallest and the largest hospital, respectively in hospital categories C1 and C4. The daily delivery volume was optimal in 41.2%, 68.3%, 84.0%, and 91.0% of the days in hospital categories C1, C2, C3, and C4, respectively. In the smallest hospitals (C1) almost half of the days appeared to be quiet (42.9%) whereas in the larger hospitals approximately one in four (25.4%), one in seven (13.6%), and less than one in ten of the days were quiet, in the categories C2, C3, and C4 respectively. Busy days were most common in the smallest hospitals (C1) where one in six of the day (15.9%) had daily delivery volume ≥two times the mean or more. In the other hospital categories busy days were rare, and the lowest in the largest hospitals. ConclusionsUnevenness in daily patient flow was more prominent in the smaller delivery units compared to larger ones. Quiet and busy days both caused challenges to delivery unit organisations. During quiet days, fully over-resourcing of staffing occurred whereas during busy days there was a risk of under-resourcing. It is possible to optimise the size of delivery units to minimise the variation of the daily patient flow to decrease the number of quiet and busy days.

Deep learning for the standardized classification of Ki-67 in vulva carcinoma: A feasibility study

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of automatic classification of Ki-67 histological immunostainings in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva using a deep convolutional neural network (dCNN). Material and methodsFor evaluation of the dCNN, we used 55 well characterized squamous cell carcinomas of the vulva in a tissue microarray (TMA) format in this retrospective study. The tumor specimens were classified in 3 different categories C1 (0–2%), C2 (2–20%) and C3 (>20%), representing the relation of the number of KI-67 positive tumor cells to all cancer cells on the TMA spot. Representative areas of the spots were manually labeled by extracting images of 351 × 280 pixels. A dCNN with 13 convolutional layers was used for the evaluation. Two independent pathologists classified 45 labeled images in order to compare the dCNN's results to human readouts. ResultsUsing a small labeled dataset with 1020 images with equal distribution among classes, the dCNN reached an accuracy of 90.9% (93%) for the training (validation) data. Applying a larger dataset with additional 1017 labeled images resulted in an accuracy of 96.1% (91.4%) for the training (validation) dataset. For the human readout, there were no significant differences between the pathologists and the dCNN in Ki-67 classification results. ConclusionThe dCNN is capable of a standardized classification of Ki-67 staining in vulva carcinoma; therefore, it may be suitable for quality control and standardization in the assessment of tumor grading.

European Seismic Performance Categories C1 and C2 for Post-Installed Anchors

European Seismic Performance Categories C1 and C2 for Post-Installed Anchors

Analysis the Difficulty of Indonesian Language Class V Elementary School / Analisis Tingkat Kesulitan Bahasa Indonesia Kelas V Madrasah Ibtidaiyah

Indonesian Language subject is often considered easy by studensts, students are able to answer questions even though they don’t study it, and get the highest score compared to other subjects. This study aims to explain the level of difficulty and cognitive level of question of Bahasa Indonesia subject in Class V MIN 2 Banda Aceh. The question were given in the examination of odd semester 2019. The type of this research is quantitative descriptive by examining the relationship between one variable with another variable. Data collection techniques to get more detailed information wasgained by interviewing Teacher of Bahasa Indonesia Subject of Class V MIN 2 Banda Aceh. Object of this study was question sheet of Bahasa Indonesia in semester 2019, and student answers. The results showed that the difficulty level of the questions was 25% in the easy category, 65% the medium category, and 10% in the difficult categories. On the other hand, the cognitive level of questions is87.5% in the categories C1, 5% in the categories C2 questions and 7.75% in the categories C6 questions while C3, C4, and C5 categories are not found.

Investigation of the determinants of the mandibular cortical morphology.

The mandibular cortical index (MCI) is a measurement based on the visual assessment of changes in the morphology of the mandibular cortex on panoramic radiographs. The present study aimed to investigate age, gender, dental status (DS), occlusal function, and presence of torus mandibularis (TM) as variables that might have a possible effect on MCI. A total of 381 patients (155 men and 226 women) aged 21-84 years (mean age: 43.8 ±14.5 years) were included in this study. Age, gender and DS were recorded for each patient. The occlusal function was evaluated using the Eichner index (EI). The presence of tori was assessed by visual inspection and digital palpation. The MCI assessments were done based on Klemetti's classification (C1-C3). Statistical comparisons were performed using the χ2 test, independent samples t-test and multiple logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed between the MCI categories regarding age, gender, DS, EI, and TM. The likelihood of the MCI categories C2 and C3 was increased in males (odds ratio (OR) 9.33; p < 0.001), when TM was absent (OR 2.73; p < 0.001), in EI Class B (OR 2.68; p = 0.027), and in the age group 50-70 years (OR 2.5; p = 0.018). Morphological changes of the mandibular cortical bone are related to gender, presence of TM, occlusal function expressed as EI, and age.

Application of National Cancer Institute recommended terminology in breast cytology.

There is a lack of uniformity with regard to the reporting terminology used in breast cytology by pathologists worldwide, resulting in miscommunication of results among health-care providers. The present study was aimed to assess the accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the evaluation of breast lesions using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommended terminology. In this prospective study, a total number of 523 breast FNACs were categorized according to the NCI guidelines. Of these, 286 (54.7%) had histopathological follow-up, and their FNAC diagnoses were compared. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) along with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and accuracy of FNAC were calculated. Among 286 FNAC cases, 4 were unsatisfactory (C1), 188 were benign (C2), 11 were atypical, probably benign (C3), 21 were suspicious, favor malignancy (C4), and 62 were malignant (C5). On histopathological examination of categories C2 and C3 (total of 199 cases), 193 were confirmed as benign (true negative) and remaining 6 cases were turned out to malignant (false negative). Among categories C4 and C5 (total of 83 cases), 81 were confirmed as malignant (true positive) and remaining 2 were turned out to be benign (false positive). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of FNAC were 93.1% (95% CI, 88.2%-95%), 99% (95% CI, 96.8%-99.8%), 97.6% (95% CI, 92.5%-99.6%), 97% (95% CI, 94.9%-97.8%), and 97.2%, respectively. Our study concluded that FNAC reporting using NCI guidelines highly correlated with the histopathological diagnosis.

Atypical And Suspicious Categories in Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of The Breast: Histopathological And Mammographical Correlation with Clinical Significance

Introduction: This study aims to correlate fine needle aspiration specimens diagnosed as C3 (atypical, probably benign) and C4 (suspicious, probably malignant) with histology and mammography, and to evaluate these two cytology categories in terms of diagnostic usefulness and patient management. Materials & Methods: All fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens in categories C3 or C4 at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial Hospital, warangal between 2013- 2015 were reviewed. Results were correlated with available histological and mammographical studies. Results: 289 FNA specimens were identified, comprising 84 category C3 and 205 category C4.Histology was available in 213 cases. 34 (64 percent) C3 cases showed benign histology on biopsy and 19 (36 percent) were malignant. 30 (19 percent) C4 cases were benign on biopsy, whereas 130 (81 percent) were malignant. Mammographical studies were available in 110 of the histologically proven cases. All 14 cases with benign mammograms had benign histology, and all 51 cases called highly suggestive of malignancy were malignant on histology (ten C3 and 41 C4). Of the 45 cases called suspicious abnormality on mammography, 27 turned out to be malignant on biopsy (two C3 and 25 C4). Conclusion: Our study supports maintaining cytology categories C3 and C4. About two-thirds of C3 cases were benign on biopsy whereas 81 percent of C4 cases were malignant (p-value is less than 0.001). There was complete correlation between histological and mammographical studies except those with equivocal mammograms. Our study supports the combined use of clinical, mammographical and cytological findings for optimal patient management. This is especially important for patients with C3 aspiration results, in order to avoid unnecessary surgery for benign lesions.

Investments in oil field development by the example of Tomsk oblast

The article describes the geologic structure of the formation located not far from Strezhevoy Tomsk Oblast. The formation has been poorly studied by seismic methods. The reserves categories C1 and C2 as well as hydrocarbon potential are presented. 4 exploratory and 39 production wells are designed to be drilled depending on geologic knowledge and formation conditions. The article deals with the investment plan including development, oil export expenditures and implementing cost calculation.

Three years outdoor exposure of low carbon steel in Mauritius

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the corrosion behaviour of carbon steel in the Mauritian atmosphere over a three-year period. Atmospheric corrosion is a serious problem in Mauritius. Design/methodology/approach – Carbon steel samples were exposed outdoors at various sites. Mass loss analysis was performed to determine the corrosion behaviour of the metal over the exposure period. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman tests were performed to investigate the formation of the corrosion products on the carbon steel surface. Findings – It was found that the corrosion loss at two of the sites considered did not vary clearly according to the bilogarithmic law. Time of wetness was found to be a main factor affecting atmospheric corrosion in Mauritius. The corrosivity of the atmosphere was found to lie between categories C3 and C4, according to ISO 9223. Originality/value – The results can be of essential help to the construction industry, especially as steel buildings are becoming very common in Mauritius. Moreover, as Mauritius is a tropical island, the results obtained can be useful in other tropical islands.

Cyto-morphologic correlation of equivocal C3 and C4 breast lesions

Background: National Cancer Institute (NCI) formulated a five-tiered system for reporting cytological smears from the breast. Of these, C1, C2 and C5 are usually unequivocal. The equivocal categories C3 (atypical probably benign) and C4 (suspicious probably malignant) need to be evaluated to determine their cyto-morphologic correlation and thus provide useful information on the degree of clinical weight that can be put on them in patient management. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of cytological smears made from palpable breast lesions performed over a 5-year period from 2008-2012. The C3 and C4 smears were then compared with final histological diagnoses for these categories and their diagnostic value calculated. Result: There were 1,162 smears taken over the study period, and 200 (17.2%) had subsequent histology. Of the 200 smears, 20 were C3 and 27 were designated as C4. Subsequent histology upgraded 7 (35%) of the C3 cases to malignant and 23 (85%) of the 27 C4 cases were malignant. The difference between these two proportions is statistically significant (P Conclusion: A fair degree of clinical reliance can still be placed on cytologically categorized C3 and C4 breast smears. However, the rate of reporting of these categories can be reduced with availability of ancillary radiological techniques such as mammography and ultrasonography.

Performance of an all-electric vehicle under UN ECE R101 test conditions: A feasibility study for the city of Kaunas, Lithuania

Transport activity has been a key facilitator and driver of economic prosperity in Lithuanian (hereinafter LIT) and it is likely to continue to grow. It can produce both positive and negative effects on the quality of life and the environment depending on country-specific circumstances.This research paper sets the stage for a look at the LIT passenger vehicle fleet and its transition towards sustainable mobility through the use of all-electric vehicles. The large multi purpose vehicle from French car-maker Renault, model Renault Espace, was used for test drives, according ECE R101 (urban cycle) requirements. The conventional spark ignited internal combustion engine of the vehicle was replaced by the electric one and equipped with the new generation LiFePO4 Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Three streets of Kaunas city (LIT) with different categories B1, B2 and C2 were selected for the test procedure. Estimation of the power demand (depending on displacement and daytime) and evaluation of battery performance characteristics were discussed in detail. Calculation of the driving distance of the one charge of the traction battery estimates several driving conditions and variation of the mass of the investigated vehicle. Comparison of consumption of different fuel grades for 1 km showed that costs of electric power driven vehicle is 4 times as low as with A95 grade petrol and 2.4 times as low as with diesel fuel.

Mediciones seriadas de antígeno carbohidrato 125 tras un ingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y riesgo de reingreso precoz

Fundament and objectivesThe early readmission after a hospitalization for acute heart failure (AHF) is frequent; however, factors associated are not clearly established. Plasma levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) have shown to be associated with the presence of systemic congestion and increased risk of death in patients with AHF. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between CA125 levels (during hospitalization, at the first outpatient visit or their changes) and readmission for AHF at 6 months follow up. Patients and methodWe analyzed 293 consecutive patients hospitalized for AHF in which CA125 was determined during the index hospitalization (T1) and the first outpatient visit after discharge (T2) (median 31 days). We examined the relationship between CA125 levels, both isolated determinations as their serial changes (absolute, relative or categorical) and readmission for AHF by Cox regression analysis adjusted for competing events. The reclassification technique integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index was used to assess the additional discriminative power of this biomarker over the final multivariate model. ResultsAt 6 months follow up, we identified 32 (10.9%) and 54 (18.4%) deaths and readmissions for AHF, respectively. CA125 categorical changes [decrease and normalization (C1, n=153), decrease but no normalization at T2 (C2, n=72) and increase, with high levels at T2 (>35 U/ml) (C3, n=68)], followed by the isolated determination of CA125 at T2, showed the best discriminative accuracy. Thus, with respect to patients in the C1 category, patients in categories C2 and C3 showed a higher risk of readmission for AHF: C2 vs. C1: HR=3.48, 95% CI:1.84-6.59, p<0.001; C3 vs. C1: HR=3.18, 95% CI:1.62-6.21, p=0.001. On the other hand, patients with elevated levels of CA125 in T2 (>35 U/ml) (41%) tripled the risk of readmission for AHF at 6 months compared with those with normal levels of CA125 at T2: HR=3.06, 95% CI:1.79-5.23, p<0.001. The addition of the categories of serial measurements of CA125 and the presence of elevated levels of CA125 at T2 showed a significant increase in the discriminating power of 6.27% and 6.17% in the IDI index, respectively. ConclusionsAfter an episode of AHF, the elevation of CA125 levels (>35 U/ml) after the first weeks of admission is associated with an increased risk of readmission for AHF.

Computed Tomographic Colonography and High-Risk Adenomas: A Gap in the Guidelines?

Computed Tomographic Colonography and High-Risk Adenomas: A Gap in the Guidelines?