Difference In Gender Distribution Research Articles

Lesions of the Palm – Mimickers of Dupuytren’s Disease

Background and Aims: Dupuytren’s contracture is a prevalent, hereditary fibroproliferative disorder affecting the palmar aponeurosis, which can resemble various neoplastic and non-neoplastic disorders of the hand. This resemblance poses a diagnostic challenge for healthcare professionals. This observational study aims to evaluate the range of conditions that can be mistaken for Dupuytren’s contracture over a 12-year period (2008–2020) at a specialised orthopaedic oncology centre. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of palmar lesions referred to our tertiary orthopaedic oncology hospital was conducted. Data were gathered from oncology, radiology and histopathology databases. We specifically examined lesions located solely on the palmar aponeurosis, excluding the thenar and hypothenar regions. Patient demographics, clinical features, imaging results and clinical management outcomes were documented for descriptive analysis. Results: A total of 21 palmar lesions meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. The average age of the participants was 48 years (ranging from 3 to 69 years). There was no significant difference in gender distribution, with 11 females and 10 males represented in the cohort. The majority of the identified lesions were benign tumours (16), with one case of malignant rhabdomyosarcoma. Among the benign tumours, lipomas were the most common ( n = 5). Other benign tumours included three neurofibromas, a schwannoma, a granuloma, a ganglion cyst, a giant cell tumour (GCT), an angiomyxoma, a myofibroma, a cavernous haemangioma, a non-specific fibrovascular lesion and four additional non-neoplastic lesions. Conclusion: A variety of benign, malignant or neoplastic conditions of the hand can closely resemble Dupuytren’s contracture, particularly in the initial stages of their development. A thorough clinical examination, combined with a high level of suspicion, along with supplementary investigations and histopathological analysis, is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management of patients.

Subgroup analysis of diabetes in COVID-positive revascularized patients: implications for clinical management

Abstract Background The management of revascularized patients with COVID-19, particularly in the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), presents significant challenges. Understanding the clinical outcomes in this subgroup is essential for optimizing patient care during the pandemic. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of revascularized COVID-positive patients with and without DM, focusing on revascularization methods, hospitalization rates, mechanical ventilation requirement, mortality, stroke incidence, and presentation of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) subtypes. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the cohort of 620 COVID-positive revascularized patients. Among them, 267 patients had diabetes mellitus (DM), while 353 patients did not. Data on revascularization methods, hospitalization rates, mechanical ventilation requirement, mortality, stroke incidence, and ACS presentation were collected and compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the significance of differences observed. Results Among the 620 COVID-positive revascularized patients, 267 (43.1%) had diabetes mellitus, while 353 (56.9%) did not. Demographic analysis revealed that 299 (84.7%) of the COVID-positive patients with diabetes mellitus were male, compared to 181 (67.8%) of those without diabetes mellitus. This difference in gender distribution between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Additionally, smoking was more prevalent among COVID-positive patients without diabetes mellitus (38.8%) compared to those with diabetes mellitus (22.5%), with a significant difference observed (p < 0.001) (Table 1). Among the revascularized patients, a higher proportion of patients with diabetes mellitus underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) compared to those without DM (32.6% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.019). Patients with diabetes exhibited significantly higher hospitalization rates (27.0% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.001) and a trend towards increased mechanical ventilation requirement (11.1% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.121). However, mortality rates, stroke incidence, and ACS presentation did not significantly differ between the two groups (Table2). Conclusion This study underscores the heightened vulnerability of revascularized COVID-positive patients with DM, as evidenced by higher hospitalization rates and a trend towards increased mechanical ventilation requirement. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored management strategies for this high-risk subgroup to optimize patient outcomes during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.Table 1Table 2

Decreased Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Vitiligo: National Data Analysis.

Vitiligo is characterized by depigmented skin lesions involving melanocyte defects and immune dysregulation. Haematological markers like neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been explored in various skin disorders. Given vitiligo's proposed pathogenesis, we hypothesized differences in NLR and PLR in vitiligo patients compared to controls. In a national retrospective cohort study (2005-2020) in Israel, blood count data from patients diagnosed with vitiligo (ICD-10 codes) were analysed, excluding patients with recent infections, surgeries, or malignancies. Controls matched for age and sex were selected. Sub-analyses examined age groups, treatment type, and matched controls. Children (n = 3,796) and adults (n = 38,608) with vitiligo showed significant differences in gender distribution, cell counts, and ratios. Vitiligo patients (n = 38,358) exhibited lower NLR, decreased neutrophils and platelets, and increased lymphocytes compared with controls. Non-systemically treated vitiligo patients (n = 33,871) displayed lower NLR and neutrophils compared with matched controls. Systemically treated vitiligo patients (n = 4,487) showed lower NLR, higher PLR, and reduced lymphocytes. Logistic regression identified associations between increased lymphocyte and platelet counts and being systemically treated. This study highlights significant haematological differences in vitiligo patients, emphasizing the potential utility of NLR as an accessible tool for vitiligo assessment. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the roles of neutrophils and lymphocytes in vitiligo pathogenesis.

Gender differences in the health workforce in China: an analysis of national data.

Gender differences in the health workforce matter for women's health and healthcare, and is also crucial for both health and economic development. Drawing on limited national gender data from China over the last 10 years, during which the country was undergoing a healthcare reform, this study dissects gender-related issues to identify existing problems, monitor progress, and develop strategies to promote change. Although women constituted the majority of health workers, they are predominantly engaged in service-oriented occupations. The gender distribution substantially differed between urban and rural primary health institutions. Moreover, significant differences in gender distribution among professional public health institutions were observed. The gender distribution of administrators varied in different types of health institutions. Women had lighter workloads because of the imbalanced distribution of specialties. Academicians comprised very few female scientists. To promote a more balanced gender distribution, policies should be developed to encourage a more reasonable division of family responsibilities. Further, equal higher education opportunities should be ensured for girls, especially in rural areas. Solutions to free more women from work-marriage-childcare conflicts and to decrease turnover rates deserve further discussion. Gender data should be highlighted and optimized to further advance gender differences among the health workforce and for women's health in China.

The current diagnosis and treatment situation of rare disease in the pediatric intensive care unit

Objective: To analyze the diagnosis and treatment of children with rare diseases in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), the distribution of disease types and populations, clinical characteristics, and the use of orphan drugs. Methods: A retrospective case summary was conducted. Data were collected from 105 children aged 29 days to <18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of rare diseases according to the "First Batch of Rare Disease Catalogue in China" who were admitted to the PICU of Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2020 to December 2022. Data including general information, auxiliary examinations, and treatment details for each patient were collected from the hospital's electronic medical record system. Patients were divided into age groups: infancy (29 days to<1 year), early childhood (1 to <3 years), preschool age (3 to<7 years), school age (7 to<13 years), and adolescence (13 to<18 years). The chi-square test was used to compare gender distribution differences among various rare diseases. Results: A total of 105 patients with 130 cases meeting the diagnostic criteria were included, accounting for 4.7% (130/2 754) of the total admissions to the PICU. The age at PICU admission was 5.3 (0.8, 9.5) years and there were 81 cases in male. The 3 most common types of diseases were endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (37 cases); followed by neurological disorders(32 cases); and congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities(17 cases). The 5 most common rare diseases were methylmalonic acidemia (14 cases), mitochondrial encephalomyopathy (14 cases), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (12 cases), autoimmune encephalitis (12 cases), and idiopathic cardiomyopathy (9 cases). The distributions of common rare diseases varied among different age groups. In infants, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome was most common (6 children). There was no statistically significant difference regarding gender among children with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy (13.6% (11/81) vs. 6.1% (3/49), χ2=1.77, P=0.184). Respiratory failure (36 cases) was the primary reason for rare diseases children to be admitted to the PICU. A total of 95 cases underwent mechanical ventilation, 39 cases received multidisciplinary collaborative diagnosis and treatment, and only 6 children received orphan drug therapy during their stay in the PICU. Conclusions: Rare diseases are not uncommon in PICU. Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic disorders, neurological disorders, congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities were common. Methylmalonic acidemia, mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and autoimmune encephalitis have higher cases. Many children with rare diseases in the PICU have complex conditions those are challenging to treat, requiring multidisciplinary collaboration. The utilization rate of orphan drugs among children with rare diseases in PICU needs to be improved.

Health literacy of rheumatology patients in three clinics in Australia and its association with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

To describe and compare health literacy (HL) using contrasting instruments of Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) and the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) in patients attending three Australian rheumatology clinics and their associations with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. We conducted a cross-sectional study of rheumatology patients at Liverpool (Sydney) and Canberra public hospital clinics and a private Liverpool clinic using the REALM test and HLQ sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires. One-way analysis of variance and multivariate ordinal and binary logistic regressions were used to examine the association between HL and sociodemographic and clinical factors. A total of 278 people participated (111 Liverpool public, 112 private, 55 Canberra public clinic). Compared with Canberra, Liverpool patients were older, non-native English speakers, had less than a tertiary education and were more likely to have comorbidities. A total of 40% of Liverpool public, 29% of private and 13% of Canberra patients had suboptimal REALM HL scores (P < 0.05). Lower REALM scores were associated with male gender, <10 years of education, being born outside Australia/New Zealand and English as a secondary language, but was not associated with clinical characteristics. All nine HLQ domain scores did not differ across sites despite intergroup comparisons as stratified by REALM bands. Completing 10 years of schooling was associated with better scores in three HLQ scales: 'Navigating the healthcare system' (P = 0.009), 'Ability to find information' (P < 0.001) and 'Reading and understanding information' (P < 0.001). Patient HL as measured by the REALM differed across sites, explained by differences in gender distribution, country of birth, English as the primary language and years of education. HL as measured by the HLQ did not differ across sites and was more informative for understanding differing patient HL needs.

Exploring the Impact of a Structured Educational Approach on Peristomal Skin Complications: An Interim Analysis.

This study, employing an interim analysis, investigates the effects of the Dermamecum protocol, a structured educational and tailored approach that stratifies ostomy patients into risk paths (green, yellow, red) based on pre-operative and post-operative characteristics. The green path indicates a low risk of peristomal skin complications (PSCs), focusing on sustaining healthy behaviours and basic stoma care. The yellow path represents a moderate risk, emphasizing the need for patients to self-monitor and recognize early signs of complications. The red path corresponds to high risk, requiring stringent monitoring and immediate access to healthcare support. The study aims to reduce PSCs and improve patient outcomes. Methods include the stratification of 226 patients, with significant differences in gender distribution, BMI categories, and stoma types across the paths. Results show an occurrence rate of PSCs of 5.9% in all risk paths (5.7% green path, 4.7% yellow path, and 7.9% red path, p = 0.685), significantly lower than the median rate of 35% reported in the literature. Multiple correspondence analysis validated the stratification, with distinct clusters for each path. Poisson regression models in the exploratory framework of an interim analysis identified male gender as the only significant predictor of PSCs, indicating the need for gender-specific interventions. The findings suggest that the Dermamecum protocol effectively reduces early PSCs, providing a foundation for further research.

APTT and D-dimer as biomarkers for heatstroke in patients with severe heat-related illnesses.

The objective of this study was to analyze the changes of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and D-dimer in severe heatstroke (HS) patients and their value in identifying HS patients and to analyze clinical features and early laboratory test results of heat-related illnesses. Forty-five patients with heat-related illnesses who were admitted to the Department of Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine of Suining Central Hospital from June 2022 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on their clinical diagnosis: classic HS group, exertional HS group, and control group. General date and laboratory test results were collected, especially APTT and D-dimer. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze D-dimer and APTT. : There were differences in gender distribution among the 3 groups. Exertional HS was dominated by male patients, and classic HS was dominated by elderly patients. Binary logistic regression analysis of coagulation index showed a significant correlation between D-dimer and APTT and HS. The receiver operating characteristic curve results showed that APTT and D-dimer had high sensitivity and specificity in the identification of HS with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.846, sensitivity of 97%, and specificity of 58.3% for APTT and an AUC of 0.861, sensitivity of 72%, and specificity of 91.7% for D-dimer (D-dimer + APTT [AUC, 0.929; sensitivity, 81.8%-91.7%; P < .001]). : The mortality rate of HS is high, and early diagnosis is particularly important. APTT and D-dimer may be used as markers assisting in identifying HS.

CD147 TagSNP is associated with the vulnerability to lung cancer in the Chinese population: a case–control study

BackgroundLung cancer, with its high morbidity and mortality, presents a major significant public health challenge. CD147, linked to cancer progression and metastasis, is a promising therapeutic target, including for lung cancer. The genetic variation may influence the expression of the gene and consequently the risk of lung cancer. This study aims to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CD147 to understand their association with the risk of developing lung cancer in the Han Chinese population.MethodsA hospital-based case–control investigation was conducted, enrolling 700 lung cancer patients and 700 cancer-free controls. TagSNPs were selected using Haploview v4.2, and genotype data from the 1000 Genomes Project database were utilized. The selected SNPs (rs28992491, rs67945626, and rs79361899) within the CD147 gene were evaluated using the improved multiple ligation detection reaction method. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, logistic regression models, and interaction analyses.ResultsBaseline characteristics of the study population showed no significant differences in gender distribution between cases and controls, but there was a notable difference in smoking rates. No significant associations were found between the three TagSNPs and lung cancer susceptibility in the codominant model. However, stratification analyses revealed interesting findings. Among females, the rs79361899 AA/AG genotype was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. In individuals aged ≥ 65 years old, the rs28992491 GG and rs79361899 AA genotypes were linked to a higher susceptibility. Furthermore, an interaction analysis demonstrated significant genotype × gender interactions in the rs79361899 recessive model, indicating an increased lung cancer risk in female carriers of the heterozygous or homozygous polymorphic genotype.ConclusionsCD147 polymorphisms play an important role in lung cancer development, particularly in specific subgroup of age and gender. These findings highlight the significance of incorporating genetic variations and their interactions with demographic factors in comprehending the intricate etiology of lung cancer.

Effects of Maitland mobilization technique on upper extremity function in stroke survivors with spasticity: An experimental study.

The recovery of upper limb function is of great significance for stroke patients to regain their self-care ability, yet it is still a difficult point in clinical practice of neurological rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Maitland joint mobilization technique on the recovery of upper extremity function in patients with spasticity after stroke. From August to December 2023, 71 patients with upper extremity flexor spasm after stroke were recruited and randomly divided into experimental group (n = 35) and control group (n = 36). The control group was given conventional rehabilitation treatment, while the experimental group was treated with Maitland mobilization technique treatment of upper extremity joints on the basis of the control group. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. Participants of the 2 groups were observed for Fugl-Meyer motor assessment-upper extremity (FMA-UE), box and block test (BBT) and Brunnstrom stage, modified Ashworth scale (MAS), and functional independence measure (FIM) at pre- and post-8 weeks study. There was no significant difference in gender distribution, hemiplegic side, diagnosis, past history, age, duration, body mass index, and mini-mental state examination between the 2 groups (P > .05). After 8 weeks of intervention, both groups showed significant improvement in FMA-UE, Brunnstrom stage, BBT, FIM, and MAS of the shoulder (P < .05); however, there was no significant change in MAS of the elbow, wrist, and finger joints (P > .05). The posttreatment values showed a significant improvement in FMA-UE, BBT, and FIM in the experimental group compared to the control group. Comparing the changes in pretreatment and posttreatment, FMA-UE, BBT, and FIM in the experimental group were significantly improved compared with those in the control group (P < .05). Maitland joint mobilization can improve the motor function of upper extremity and the spasticity of shoulder joint complex in patients with stroke.

Tumour stage and overall survival in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and primary sclerosing cholangitis – a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) carry increased risks for malignancy, among which cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the most frequent. We aimed to characterise a cohort of patients with PSC and intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) and to compare this cohort with CCA in different localisations. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of our medical database from 01.01.2007 to 30.06.2023 and differentiated CCA according to its localisation within the biliary tract into iCCA, perihilar CCA (pCCA), distal CCA (dCCA), and gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). Results We identified 8 (28%) patients with iCCA, 14 (48%) patients with pCCA, 6 (21%) patients with GBC, and 1 (3%) patient with dCCA without significant differences in gender distribution and mean age. Mean time between diagnosis of PSC and CCA was 158±84 months for iCCA, 93±94 months for pCCA, and 77±69 months for GBC (p=0.230). At the time of CCA diagnosis, advanced-stage disease was present in 6 (75%) patients with iCCA, 13 (93%) patients with pCCA, and 2 (40%) patients with GBC (p=0.050). Only 5 (63%) patients with iCCA received curatively intended surgery, of whom 4 (80%) patients developed recurrence after a mean time of 38±31 months. Mean survival time in patients with iCCA (35±33 months) lay between patients with pCCA (14±8 months) and patients with GBC (57±58 months), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.131). Conclusion Patients with PSC and iCCA showed an advanced tumour stage at diagnosis and limited long-time survival, which was classified between pCCA with worse prognosis and GBC with better prognosis.

Gender Disparity in Leading Authorship of Critical Care Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In critical care medicine, research trials serve as crucial avenues for disseminating knowledge, influencing clinical practices, and fostering innovation. Notably, a significant gender imbalance exists within this field, potentially mirrored in the authorship of critical care research. This study aimed to investigate an exploration to ascertain the presence and extent of female representation in first and senior authorship roles within critical care literature. To this end, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases for original articles published up to February 2024, coupled with a methodological quality assessment via the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and statistical analyses through Review Manager software (RevMan, version 5.4.1, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020). The study's findings, distilled from seven studies included in the final analysis, reveal a pronounced gender disparity. Specifically, in critical care literature examining mixed populations, female first authors were significantly less common than their male counterparts, with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.25 (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.18-5.68; p < 0.00001). Conversely, pediatric critical care studies did not show a significant difference in gender distribution among first authors (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 0.31-6.10; p = 0.68). The investigation also highlighted a stark underrepresentation of female senior authors in critical care research across both mixed (OR: 11.67; 95% CI: 7.76-17.56; p < 0.00001) and pediatric populations (OR: 5.41; 95% CI: 1.88-15.56; p = 0.002). These findings underscore the persistent underrepresentation of women in critical care literature authorship and their slow progression into leadership roles, as evidenced by the disproportionately low number of female senior authors.

Clinical Presentation and Treatment Patterns of Pediatric Epistaxis: A Single-Center Study.

Epistaxis, commonly known as nose bleeding, is a prevalent condition in pediatric patients, often managed either at home or in clinical settings. This study aimed to explore the differences in the management of pediatric epistaxis between home and clinical settings, focusing on gender distribution, clinical presentations, and treatment methods. A retrospective review was conducted, analyzing pediatric epistaxis cases managed both at home and in clinical settings. Data on gender distribution, clinical presentation, and treatment methods were collected and analyzed. Home remedies, first aid management, and clinical interventions like the use of nasal sprays and septoplasty were evaluated. The study found significant differences in gender distribution between home (46.2% males) and clinical settings (61% males). Recurrent nasal bleeding was more common in home settings (75%), whereas more complex cases were predominant in clinical settings. Nasal sprays containing decongestants were widely used in clinical settings (62.1%), contrasting with a preference for first aid measures at home. Surgical interventions like septoplasty were occasionally employed in clinical scenarios. The study highlights distinct approaches to managing pediatric epistaxis in home versus clinical settings. It underscores the importance of tailored treatment strategies, considering the severity and frequency of epistaxis episodes. These findings suggest a need for comprehensive guidelines to assist caregivers and healthcare professionals in effective decision-making for pediatric epistaxis management. The study also emphasizes the necessity for ongoing research and education in this area.

Effect analysis of information-guided enteral nutrition-associated diarrhea treatment process in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease undergoing continuous non-invasive assisted ventilation: a mixed cohort study of pre- and post-control

To clarify the application effect of information-guided enteral nutrition-associated diarrhea (ENAD) management process in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoing non-invasive assisted ventilation. A mixed cohort study of pre- and post-control was conducted. Thirty-nine patients with COPD who were admitted to the emergency intensive care unit (ICU) of Huzhou First People's Hospital from July 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022 were enrolled. Taking the completion of the software development of ENAD management software for critically ill patients on January 28, 2022 as the time node, 20 patients admitted from July 1, 2021 to January 28, 2022 were set as the control group, and 19 patients admitted from January 29 to July 31, 2022 were set as the observation group. The two groups of patients received the same enteral nutrition support treatment, and the control group implemented the conventional ENAD treatment process with enteral nutrition intolerance disposal process as the core. On the basis of the control group, the observation group implemented the information-guided ENAD treatment process, and the system software actively captured the information of ENAD patients and reminded the medical team to improve the patient's diarrhea-related examination and provide alternative treatment plans. The duration of antidiarrhea, feeding interruption rate, and energy and protein intake, blood biochemical indexes, incidence of abnormal blood electrolyte metabolism, daily continuous non-invasive assisted ventilation and endotracheal intubation after 7 days of targeted diarrhea intervention were compared between the two groups. Except for the basal pulse rate, there were no significant differences in gender distribution, age, and vital signs, basic nutritional status, arterial blood gas analysis and blood biochemistry at admission between the two groups, indicating comparability between the two groups. When ENAD occurred, the patients in the observation group obtained earlier cessation of diarrhea than those in the control group [days: 3.00 (2.00, 3.25) vs. 4.00 (3.00, 5.00), P < 0.01], and the feeding interruption rate was significantly lower than that in the control group [10.53% (2/19) vs. 65.00% (13/20), P < 0.01]. After 7 days of diarrhea intervention, the energy intake of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group [kJ×kg-1×d-1: 66.28 (43.34, 70.36) vs. 47.88 (34.60, 52.32), P < 0.01], the levels of hemoglobin (Hb), albumin (Alb) and serum prealbumin (PAB) were significantly higher than those in the control group [Hb (g/L): 119.79±10.04 vs. 110.20±7.75, Alb (g/L): 36.00 (33.75, 37.25) vs. 31.00 (30.00, 33.00), PAB (mg/L): 155.79±25.78 vs. 140.95±14.97, all P < 0.05], the daily continuous non-invasive assisted ventilation duration was significantly shorter than that of the control group [hours: 14 (12, 16) vs. 16 (14, 18), P < 0.01], and the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) was significantly lower than that of the control group [mmHg (1 mmHg ≈ 0.133 kPa): 66.00 (62.00, 70.00) vs. 68.00 (67.50, 70.05), P < 0.05]. However, there were no significant differences in protein intake, incidence of abnormal electrolyte metabolism, and incidence of endotracheal intubation due to acute respiratory failure between the two groups. The information-guided ENAD treatment process can enable the COPD patients undergoing continuous non-invasive assisted ventilation who experience ENAD to receive earlier cessation of diarrhea, and improve the protein energy metabolism and respiratory function of the patients.

Conjoint analysis of clinical, imaging, and pathological features of schistosomiasis and colorectal cancer

This study aims to examine and compare clinical, radiological, and pathological data between colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with and without schistosomiasis and uncover distinctive CRC characteristics when accompanied by schistosomiasis. This retrospective study is based on data collected from 341 patients diagnosed with CRC post-surgery and pathology. Of these patients, 101 (Group A) were diagnosed with colorectal cancer co-occurring with schistosomiasis (CRC-S), while 240 patients (Group B) were diagnosed with colorectal cancer without concurrent schistosomiasis (CRC-NS). Both groups were compared and analyzed based on their clinical data, imaging-based TNM staging, lymph node metastasis, nerve invasion, vascular cancer thrombus, and histopathological differentiation. A Chi-squared test revealed a significant difference in gender distribution between the patients with CRC-S (Group A) and CRC-NS (Group B), with a p -value of 0.043 and χ2 = 4.115. Specifically, a higher incidence rate was observed among males in Group A. There was a difference in the overall distribution of TNM staging between the two groups (p = 0.034, χ2 = 6.764). After pairwise comparison, a statistically significant difference was observed in the T3 stage (p &amp;lt;0.05). The proportion of the T3 stage in Group A was significantly higher than that in Group B, indicating certain advantages. There was a difference in postoperative histopathological grading between the two groups (p = 0.005, χ2 = 10.626). After pairwise comparison, a statistically significant difference was observed between the well-differentiated adenocarcinoma and the moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (p &amp;lt;0.05), with a higher proportion of welldifferentiated patients in Group A compared to Group B. There was no significant difference in age, lymph node metastasis, nerve invasion, and vascular invasion between the two groups of patients (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Among the 101 patients with CRC-S, 87 (86%) showed linear calcification on CT imaging. Patients with CRC-S are mainly male, with tumor staging mostly in the middle stage, high tumor differentiation, and low malignancy. CT imaging can help identify the presence of lumps and linear calcification indicative of schistosome deposits. MRI can early clarify TNM staging and determine the presence of lymph node metastasis and nerve and vascular invasion.

Demographic, clinical and laboratory differences between paediatric acute COVID-19 and PIMS-TS-results from a single centre study in the UK.

Paediatric symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections associate with two presentations, acute COVID-19 and paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS). Phenotypic comparisons, and reports on predictive markers for disease courses are sparse and preliminary. A chart review of COVID-19 and PIMS-TS patients (≤19 years) admitted to Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a tertiary centre in the North-West of England, was performed (02/2020-09/2022). A total of 161 symptomatic COVID-19 and 50 PIMS-TS patients were included. Peaks in admissions of patients with PIMS-TS occurred approximately 4 weeks after those for acute COVID-19. The incidence of in-patients with PIMS-TS reduced over time, and there were no admissions after February 2022. When compared to acute COVID-19, PIMS-TS patients were older (median: 10.3 years vs. 2.03 years; p < 0.001). There were no differences in gender distribution, but minority ethnicities were over-represented among PIMS-TS patients. Regional ethnic distribution was reflected among acute COVID-19 patients (66% vs. 84.5% White Caucasian, p = 0.01). Pre-existing comorbidities were more common among acute COVID-19 patients (54.7% vs. 8%, p < 0.001). PIMS-TS patients more commonly presented with abdominal symptoms (92% vs. 50.3%), neurological symptoms (28% vs. 10.6%) and skin rashes (72% vs. 16.8%), (p ≤ 0.01) when compared with acute COVID-19, where respiratory symptoms were more common (51.6% vs. 32%, p = 0.016). PIMS-TS more frequently required intensive care admission (64% vs. 16.8%), and inotropic support (64% vs. 9.3%) (all p < 0.05). More deaths occurred among acute COVID-19 patients [0 vs. 7 (4.4%)], with 5/7 (71%) in the context of pre-existing comorbidities. When compared to acute COVID-19, PIMS-TS patients exhibited more lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia, a more pronounced acute phase reaction, and more hyponatraemia (p < 0.05). Partial least square discriminant analysis of routine laboratory parameters allowed (incomplete) separation of patients at diagnosis, and variable importance projection (VIP) scoring revealed elevated CRP and low platelets as the most discriminatory parameters. Admissions for PIMS-TS reduced with increasing seroconversion rates in the region. Young age and pre-existing comorbidities associate with hospital admission for acute COVID-19. While PIMS-TS may present more acutely with increased need for intensive care, acute COVID-19 had an increased risk of mortality in this cohort.

Outcome of Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy in Comparison to Open Ureterolithotomy for the Treatment of Large and Impacted Upper Ureteric Stone

Background: Ureteric stones are a common clinical issue, often necessitating open ureterolithotomy for large and impacted upper ureteric stones. Despite its success, laparoscopic surgery has gained popularity as an alternative approach, offering potential benefits such as reduced morbidity and shorter hospital stays. This study aims to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy with open ureterolithotomy for large impacted stones in the upper ureter. Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted from June 2018 to August 2019 at the Department of Urology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The study enrolled sixty patients with upper ureteric stones larger than 2 cm. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A underwent laparoscopic ureterolithotomy, while Group B underwent open ureterolithotomy. Demographic data, medical history, examination findings, and investigation reports were recorded for all patients. Post-surgical pain scores, blood loss, complications, and hospital stays were also evaluated. Results: The study compared the outcomes of Group-A and Group-B patients who underwent ureterolithotomy. Group-A had an average age of 49.66 ± 14.70 years, while Group-B's average age was 51.60 ± 11.93 years. There was no significant difference in gender distribution between the groups (p-value 0.371). Group-A had a mean operative time of 2.11 ± 0.41 hours, while Group-B had a mean operative time of 1.60 ± 0.28 hours. Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy resulted in significantly less blood loss (p-value &lt;0.001). Group-A had a lower mean pain score (59.27 ± 8.56) compared to Group-B (75.50 ± 17.34). Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy also required less Pethidine (p-value &lt;0.001). Group-A experienced 6.7% wound infection and 10% UTI, while Group-B had higher rates (26.7% and 33.3% respectively). Urine extravasation occurred in 16.7% of Group-A, on the hand, in Group-B, it was 6.7%. Group-A had a shorter hospital stay (4.17 ± 1.18 days) compared to ........

Oncological aspect of incidental appendectomy with regard to histopathological findings: A retrospective cohort study

IntroductionThe aim of this retrospective cohort study was to describe the findings on histopathological examination of removed, macroscopically non-diseased, vermicular appendix during another primary surgical procedure (incidental appendectomy (IA)). Previous studies disapproved IA but were based on the possibility of complicated appendicitis. We observed the prevalence of neoplasms of the appendix in IA versus the appendectomy performed due to acute appendicitis (AA). MethodsThe database of histopathology reports of the Surgery Department, University Hospital of Split was reviewed in the period from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021. A total of 2832 histopathology reports were reviewed. ResultsThere was no difference in gender distribution between these two groups, but AA had a statistically significantly lower median patient age compared to the group IA (40 vs. 68 years; P < 0.001). In the AA group, there were 84.5% acute appendicitis, 11.1% normal appendiceal reports, 3.2% appendiceal neoplasms, and 1.2% other pathologies. The group IA had 89.5% normal findings of the appendix, 7.2% appendiceal neoplasms, and 0.5% other pathology. The difference in neoplasm prevalence between IA and AA groups was 4.0% (95%CI: 2.2 to 5.8), P < 0.001. The number of incidental appendectomies needed to detect one neoplasm of the appendix is 25. ConclusionIncidental appendectomies in patients undergoing abdominal surgery revealed a relatively high prevalence of appendiceal neoplasms above the age of 60 years. Prospective studies about incidental appendectomies, their clinical consequences, and impact on prognosis should be performed to define the value of incidental appendectomy in those patients.

Pancreatic cancer: experience from an emerging country in North Africa.

Pancreatic cancer is a major global health problem, it's a highly aggressive and often has a poor prognosis. The aim of this work is to carry out a retrospective epidemiological study on pancreatic cancer in a university hospital in a North African country. This is a monocentric, descriptive and analytical retrospective cohort study carried out in the Gastroenterology department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital of Oujda, Morocco, between January 2018 and December 2022. Analysis were performed using IBM SPSS Version 21.0 RESULTS: During this period, 197 cases of pancreatic cancers were collected, the median age was 64.6years, the majority of patients (90.9%) were over 50year's old. and there was no significant difference in gender distribution. Among the patients, several risk factors were prevalent, including chronic tobacco smoking (22.8%), alcohol consumption (12.7%), diabetes (38.1%), obesity (7.6%), and a family history of pancreatic cancer (3%). The most common symptoms at presentation were abdominal pain and obstructive jaundice. Imaging revealed that the majority of cases were located in the head of the pancreas (80.7%). Only 19.8% of the cancers were diagnosed at a resectable stage and adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological type (96.4%). Patients with advanced cancer stages showed higher levels of CA 19-9 and hypoalbuminemia. Our study aligns with previous research, indicating an increased incidence of pancreatic cancer among elderly individuals, particularly those with several risk factors such as chronic tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes. A small proportion of cancer cases are deemed resectable at the time of diagnosis.

Race and Gender Shift among Academic Glaucoma Specialists in the Last 5 Decades.

To evaluate the demographic composition of academic glaucoma specialists currently practicing in the United States. Retrospective and observational study. Academic glaucoma specialists identified from ophthalmology residency programs listed on the Doximity database. The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) membership directory, Doximity database, publicly available data, and direct communications were used to identify academic glaucoma specialists and their demographics. Information collected included-name, gender, race/ethnicity, geographic location, board certification date, academic affiliation, and academic rank. Ophthalmic age was defined as the number of years since ophthalmology board certification. Underrepresented minority (URM) groups were defined as Hispanics, Black or African Americans, Latinos, American Indians, or Alaskan Natives as defined by San Francisco match. In addition, the temporal, geographic, and academic rank distributions among females and URMs were explored. Women and URMs representations among academic glaucoma specialists across academic ranks, geographic regions, as well as ophthalmic age. There were 457 active academic glaucoma specialists identified from 110 institutions in 38 states. Among them, 185 (40.5%) were women and 42 (9.2%) were URM. The proportion of women glaucoma specialists in academia had increased significantly with a rate of 1.049 in odds ratio (OR) per year (p < 0.001). However, there were no significant changes in the proportion of URMs over time. The earliest year of certification was 1,964 for males and 1,974 for females. When controlled for ophthalmic age, there were no significant differences in the distribution of women or URMs between the different academic ranks (p = 0.572 and p = 0.762, respectively). Among assistant professors, women had a significantly higher ophthalmic age compared to men (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in ophthalmic age in both the associate and full professor groups. There were no significant differences in the geographic distribution of gender (p = 0.516) and URM across United States regions (p = 0.238). The proportion of women among academic glaucoma specialists has significantly increased over the past 5 decades; however, the proportion of URMs has been stagnant in the same period. Enhancing URM representation among academic glaucoma specialists deserves to be a future priority. Afzali K, Fujimoto DK, Mohammadi SO, et al. Race and Gender Shift among Academic Glaucoma Specialists in the Last 5 Decades. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2023;17(2):98-103.