Independent Protective Factor Research Articles

Trends and risk factors analysis of NEC in preterm infants over 9 years

BackgroundInvestigating the trend of changes in the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants during 9 years and analyzing the risk factors of NEC with the purpose of providing reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of NEC.MethodsClinical data of NEC in preterm infants with Bell’s stage ≥ II from January 2013 to December 2021 in the Neonatology Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University was retrospectively analyzed. Trends in the occurrence of NEC in preterm infants were analyzed by the trend chi-square test. Subsequently, the general data (sex, gestational age, singleton or multiple births, birth weight, serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase, sepsis, blood transfusion, mechanical ventilation, RDS, arterial catheterization) and perinatal data (intrauterine distress, turbid amniotic fluid, premature rupture of membranes, mode of delivery, fetal heart abnormalities, diabetes mellitus) were collected; then, the risk factors for NEC were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic-regression analysis.ResultsIn the past 9 years, 77 cases of NEC occurred, with the incidence rate of 1.95%, and the incidence of NEC in preterm infants has been increasing year by year (P < 0.05). The results of univariate analysis showed that the morbidity of NEC in preterm infants was associated with premature rupture of membranes, blood transfusion, sepsis, and the of serum albumin (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that blood transfusion (OR = 2.232, 95% CI: 1.012–4.923) and sepsis (OR = 0.899, 95% CI: 0.809–3.915) were independent risk factors of NEC in preterm infants, while high serum albumin (OR = 0.899, 95% CI: 0.809–3.915) was an independent protective factor of NEC in preterm infants.ConclusionThe morbidity of NEC is gradually increasing. Inhibition of infection and limitation of blood transfusion are effective measures to reduce the occurrence of NEC. Meanwhile, high serum albumin is a protective factor for NEC.

Epidemiological characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of 586 cases of intussusception: a 4-year retrospective study in China.

This study aims to retrospectively analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of acute intussusception in a tertiary-care pediatric hospital in China over 4 years and evaluate the effectiveness and recurrence of fluoroscopy-guided pneumatic reduction (FGPR) and ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction (UGHR). This retrospective study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2022 involving children admitted and managed for acute intussusception in a tertiary-care pediatric hospital in China. The epidemiology, clinical features, and therapeutic effects were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0. The study included 401 boys (68.43%) and 185 girls (31.57%) aged from 2 months to 12 years. The most common symptoms reported were abdominal pain or paroxysmal crying (95.73%), vomiting (45.39%), and bloody stool (7.34%). Vomiting and bloody stool became atypical with increasing age (P < 0.001). The total success cases of reduction accounted for 563 cases (96.08%), and the recurrent cases accounted for 71 cases (12.12%). No significant difference was observed in the success or recurrence rates between FGPR and UGHR (P > 0.05). Abdominal pain was an independent protective factor for successful enema (P < 0.01, OR = 72.46), while bloody stool (P < 0.01, OR = 0.06) and older age were independent risk factors (P < 0.001, OR = 0.51). Of the 71 patients with recurrent intussusception, 29 were successfully reduced by enema, and the other 23 required surgical reduction. Twelve of the surgical cases were secondary intussusception, including three cases of Meckel's diverticulum, five cases of polyps, and four cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The epidemiological characteristics of children with intussusception in Xiamen showed peculiarity with a higher male-to-female ratio, older age at diagnosis, and no significant seasonality. Both FGPR and UGHR were effective and safe for intussusception, and surgical reduction was essential for patients with failed enema reduction.

Precise planning based on 3D-printed dry-laboratory models can reduce perioperative complications of laparoscopic surgery for complex hepatobiliary diseases: a preoperative cohort study

Background & aimsComplications after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) are important factors affecting the prognosis of patients, especially for complex hepatobiliary diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the value of a three-dimensional (3D) printed dry-laboratory model in the precise planning of LLR for complex hepatobiliary diseases.MethodsPatients with complex hepatobiliary diseases who underwent LLR were preoperatively enrolled, and divided into two groups according to whether using a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model (3D vs. control group). Clinical variables were assessed and complications were graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification. The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) scores were calculated and compared for each patient. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of postoperative complications.ResultsSixty-two patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases underwent the precise planning of LLR. Among them, thirty-one patients acquired the guidance of a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model, and others were only guided by traditional enhanced CT or MRI. The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characters. However, compared to the control group, the 3D group had a lower incidence of intraoperative blood loss, as well as postoperative 30-day and major complications, especially bile leakage (all P < 0.05). The median score on the CCI was 20.9 (range 8.7–51.8) in the control group and 8.7 (range 8.7–43.4) in the 3D group (mean difference, -12.2, P = 0.004). Multivariable analysis showed the 3D model was an independent protective factor in decreasing postoperative complications. Subgroup analysis also showed that a 3D model could decrease postoperative complications, especially for bile leakage in patients with intrahepatic cholelithiasis.ConclusionThe 3D-printed models can help reduce postoperative complications. The 3D-printed models should be recommended for patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases undergoing precise planning LLR.

Clinical application value of metagenome next-generation sequencing in pulmonary diffuse exudative lesions: a retrospective study.

This study aims to investigate the clinical application value of Metagenome Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS) for pulmonary diffuse exudative lesions. From January 1, 2014, to November 31, 2021, 136 cases with chest radiologic presentations of pulmonary diffuse exudative lesions admitted to Fujian Provincial Hospital were included in the study; of those, 77 patients underwent mNGS pathogen detection. Based on the pathogen detection outcomes and clinical diagnoses, patients were categorized into an infection group (IG) and a non-infection group (NIG). A comparison was made between the diagnostic efficacy of the mNGS technique and traditional culture methods. Meanwhile, 59 patients clinically identified as having infectious pulmonary diffuse exudative lesions but who did not receive mNGS testing were designated as the non-NGS infection group (non-IG). A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients in both the IG and non-IG, with a 30-day all-cause mortality endpoint used for follow-up. When compared to conventional culture methods, mNGS demonstrated an approximate 35% increase in sensitivity (80.0% vs 45.5%, P<0.001), without significant disparity in specificity (77.3% vs 95.5%, P=0.185). Under antibiotic exposure, the positivity rate detected by mNGS was notably higher than that by traditional culture methods, indicating that mNGS is less affected by exposure to antibiotics (P<0.05). Within 30 days, the all-cause mortality rate for patients in the IG versus the non-IG was 14.55% and 37.29%, respectively (P<0.05). Following a COX regression analysis to adjust for confounding factors, the analysis revealed that a CURB-65 score ≥3 points (HR=3.348, P=0.001) and existing cardiovascular disease (HR=2.473, P=0.026) were independent risk factors for these patients. Conversely, mNGS testing (HR=0.368, P=0.017) proved to be an independent protective factor. mNGS technology makes it easier to pinpoint the cause of pulmonary diffuse infectious exudative lesions without much interference from antibiotics, helping doctors spot and diagnose these issues early on, thereby playing a key role in helping them decide the best treatment approach for patients. Such conclusions may have a bias, as the performance of traditional methods might be underestimated due to the absence of complete results from other conventional diagnostic techniques like serological testing and PCR.

Abstract PO5-22-08: Comparison of long-term oncological outcomes in young women with breast cancer between BRCA-mutation carriers versus non-carriers: How genetic risk factors and tumor characteristics influence the prognosis

Abstract Objectives and rationale: Breast cancer (BC) arising at a young age is relatively uncommon; however, approximately 6 to 10% of women diagnosed with BC are younger than the age 40. This subgroup of young women presents different risk factors, tumor biology, and clinical outcomes. Moreover, the interpretation of the effects of inherited genetic factors on the prognosis of young patients with BC remains a subject of debate. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of young patients with BC and to compare the long-term oncological results between BRCA-mutation carriers and non-carriers. We retrospectively reviewed all the consecutive young (≤ 40 years old) BC patients treated at the Breast Unit of IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital (Milan, Italy). All young patients underwent BRCA-mutation analysis. For further analysis young BC patients were divided into two groups: BRCA-mutation carriers versus non-carriers. Tumor, surgical treatment, and post-operative data were compared between the two groups. Primary end-points were: disease-free survival (DFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS), and overall survival (OS). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate the recurrence and survival curves. Multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model to identify independent risk and protective factors for DFS, DDFS, and OS. Results: The characteristics of 63 young BC patients with BRCA-mutation were compared with 339 young BC patients without BRCA-mutation. BRCA-mutation carriers tend to be younger (60.3% versus 34.8% if age ≤ 35 years, odds ratio (OR) = 17.699, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 33.871-35.568, p = 0.001) and present more aggressive tumors (66.7% versus 40.7% if G3, OR = 17.119, 95%CI = 2.549-2.828, p = 0.001; 57.2% versus 12.4% if biological subtype triple negative, OR = 52.727, 95%CI = 2.042-2.417, p = 0.001; 73.0% versus 39.2% if Ki67 ≥ 25%, OR = 58.981, 95%CI = 47.135-58.505, p = 0.001). Young BC patients without BRCA-mutation presented significantly better long-term oncological results in terms of DFS, DDFS, and OS compared with young BRCA-mutation carriers (10-years DFS rate 91.1% versus 58.1%, p &amp;lt; 0.001; 10-year DDFS rate 91.2% versus 76.1%, p = 0.003; 10-year OS rate 98.0% versus 87.8%, p = 0.002, respectively). Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy was found to be an independent protective factor for OS in young BRCA-mutated BC patients (hazard radio = 14.885, 95%CI = 2.343-94.566, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Breast cancer is more likely to present at a younger age (≤ 35 years) and with more aggressive characteristics (G3, triple negative, Ki67 ≥ 25%) in patients with BRCA-mutation compared with their non-mutated counterpart. Young BRCA-mutation carriers show a poorer prognosis in terms of recurrence and survival compared with non-carriers. The implementation of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy may improve survival in young BC patients with BRCA-mutation. Citation Format: Damiano Gentile, Simone Di Maria Grimaldi, Andrea Sagona, Erika Barbieri, Alberto Bottini, Giuseppe Canavese, Giulia Caraceni, Shadya Darwish, Corrado Tinterri. Comparison of long-term oncological outcomes in young women with breast cancer between BRCA-mutation carriers versus non-carriers: How genetic risk factors and tumor characteristics influence the prognosis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-22-08.

Abstract PO2-08-02: Evaluation of predictive and prognostic value of androgen receptorexpression in breast cancer subtypes treated with neoadjuvantchemotherapy

Abstract Background Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is the standard treatment for local advanced breast cancer administered to shrink tumors and destroy undetected metastatic cells, thereby facilitating subsequent surgery. Previous studies have shown that AR may be used as a prognostic predictor in breast cancers, but its role in neoadjuvant therapy and the relationship with prognosis of different molecular subtypes of breast cancer need to be further explored. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 1231 breast cancer patients with complete medical records at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy between January 2018 to December 2021. All the patients were selected for prognostic analysis. The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 60 months. We first analyzed the AR expression in different subtypes of breast cancer and its correlation with clinicopathological features. Meanwhile, the association of AR expression and pCR of different breast cancer subtypes was investigated. Finally, the effect of AR status on the prognosis of different subtypes of breast cancer after neoadjuvant therapy was analyzed. Results The positive rates of AR expression in HR +/HER2-, HR +/HER2 +, HR-/HER2 + and TNBC subtypes were 82.5%, 86.9%, 72.2% and 34.6%, respectively. Histological grade III (P = 0.014, OR = 1.862, 95% CI 1.137 to 2.562), ER positive expression (P = 0.002, OR = 0.381, 95% CI 0.102 to 0.754) and HER2 positive expression (P = 0.006, OR = 0.542, 95% CI 0.227 to 0.836) were independent related factors for AR positive expression. AR expression status was associated with pCR rate after neoadjuvant therapy only in subtype of TNBC. AR positive expression was independent protective factor for recurrence and metastasis in HR +/HER2- (P = 0.033, HR = 0.653, 95% CI 0.237 to 0.986) and HR +/HER2 + breast cancer (P = 0.012, HR = 0.803, 95% CI 0.167 to 0.959), but was independent risk factors for recurrence and metastasis in TNBC (P = 0.015, HR = 4.551, 95% CI 2.668 to 8.063). AR positive expression is not an independent predictor of HR-/HER2 + breast cancer. Conclusions AR expressed the lowest in TNBC, but it could be a potential marker for the prediction of pCR in neoadjuvant therapy. AR negative patients had a higher pCR rate. AR positive expression was an independent risk factor for pCR in TNBC after neoadjuvant therapy (P = 0.017, OR = 2.758, 95% CI 1.564 to 4.013). In HR +/HER2- subtype and in HR +/HER2 + subtype, the DFS rate in AR positive patients and AR negative patients was 96.2% vs 89.0% (P = 0.001, HR = 0.330, 95% CI 0.106 to 1.034) and was 96.0% vs 85.7% (P= 0.002, HR = 0.278, 95% CI 0.082 to 0.940), respectively. However, in HR-/HER2 + and TNBC subtypes, the DFS rate in AR positive patients and AR negative patients was 89.0% vs 95.9% (P = 0.102, HR = 3.211, 95% CI 1.117 to 9.224) and 75.0% vs 93.4% (P &amp;lt; 0.001, HR = 3.706, 95% CI 1.681 to 8.171), respectively. In HR +/HER2- and HR +/HER2 + breast cancer, AR positive patients had a better prognosis, however in TNBC, AR-positive patients have a poor prognosis Citation Format: Jin Zhang. Evaluation of predictive and prognostic value of androgen receptorexpression in breast cancer subtypes treated with neoadjuvantchemotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-08-02.

Retromesenteric omental flap as arterial coverage in pancreaticoduodenectomy: A novel technique to prevent postpancreatectomy hemorrhage

BackgroundClinically relevant postpancreatectomy hemorrhage occurs in 10% to 15% of patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy, mainly in association with clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula. Prevention of postpancreatectomy hemorrhage by arterial coverage with a round ligament plasty or an omental flap is controversial. This study assessed the impact of arterial coverage with an original retromesenteric omental flap on postpancreatectomy hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy. MethodsThis single-center retrospective study included 812 open pancreaticoduodenectomies (2012–2021) and compared 146 procedures with arterial coverage using retromesenteric omental flap to 666 pancreaticoduodenectomies without arterial coverage. The Fistula Risk Score was calculated. The primary endpoint was a 90-day clinically relevant postpancreatectomy hemorrhage rate according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery classification. ResultsThere were more patients with a Fistula Risk Score ≥7 in the arterial coverage-retromesenteric omental flap group: 18 (12%) versus 48 (7%) (P < .01). Clinically relevant postpancreatectomy hemorrhage was less frequent in the arterial coverage- retromesenteric omental flap group than in the no arterial coverage group: 5 (3%) versus 66 (10%), respectively (P = .01). Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 28 (19%) patients in the arterial coverage- retromesenteric omental flap group compared with 165 (25%) in the no arterial coverage group (P = .001). There were fewer reoperations for postpancreatectomy hemorrhage or postoperative pancreatic fistula in the arterial coverage- retromesenteric omental flap group: 1 (0.7%) versus 32 (5%) in the no arterial coverage group (P = .023). In multivariate analysis, arterial coverage with retromesenteric omental flap was an independent protective factor of clinically relevant postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (odds ratio 0.33; 95% confidence interval [0.12–0.92], P = .034) whereas postoperative pancreatic fistula of any grade (odds ratio = 10.1; 95% confidence interval: 5.1–20.3, P < .001) was predictive of this complication. ConclusionArterial coverage with retromesenteric omental flap can reduce rates of clinically relevant postpancreatectomy hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy. This easy and costless technique should be prospectively evaluated to confirm these results.

Increased risk of adverse gestational outcomes in pregnant women with primary Sjögren’s syndrome

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify risk factors contributing to diverse pregnancy outcomes in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) cases.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on pregnant individuals with pSS, who received outpatient...

Efficacy and safety of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in COVID-19-associated pneumonia among patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: A real-world retrospective observational study.

To identify the effectiveness and safety of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) patients. RMD patients with COVID-19 in Jiangsu Province were polled between December 8, 2022, and February 1, 2023. Information on demographics, disease characteristics, antirheumatic drug use, vaccination status and survival state were collected. COVID-19-associated pneumonia was the primary outcome. The effect of COVID-19 immunization on RMD patients was assessed using multivariate logistic regression, and the adverse events (AEs) following vaccination were evaluated. Among 592 RMD patients with COVID-19, 276 (46.6%) individuals experienced COVID-19-associated pneumonia, and 290 (49.0%) patients were injected with inactivated vaccines. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, vaccines reduced the incidence of COVID-19-associated pneumonia, and receiving booster vaccine was an independent protective factor for COVID-19-associated pneumonia in RMD patients (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41-0.98, p = .034). In particular, inactivated vaccines have a protective impact on RMD patients with a high risk of developing pneumonia, including those aged 45 years and older (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.34-0.83), and who have lung involvement (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23-0.82). The total AEs rate of vaccines was 13.9% (40/290), only 11 (3.8%) experienced the recurrence or deterioration of RMDs, and no serious AEs occurred. Inactivated COVID-19 vaccines were safe and effective in reducing the risk of COVID-19-associated pneumonia of RMD patients in China.

Improved outcomes in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding while undergoing antithrombotic therapy: A propensity score matching analysis

BackgroundThis study sought to examine the effect of antithrombotic use on clinical outcomes in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). MethodsPatients consecutively diagnosed with non-variceal UGIB between February 2019 and September 2020 were divided into two groups based on their antithrombotic use: users and non-users. Using propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariable regression analyses, the impact of antithrombotic use prior to UGIB presentation on clinical outcomes was examined. ResultsIn the entire cohort, there were 210 and 260 patients in the antithrombotic user and non-user groups, respectively. Using PSM analysis with seven covariates, two matched groups of 157 patients were created at a 1:1 ratio. In the matched cohort, despite their longer hospital stays and a higher rate of intensive care unit admissions, the patients in the user group had lower 30- and 90-day mortality rates (4.5% vs. 14.0 %; p = 0.003 and 8.9% vs. 18.5 %; p = 0.014, respectively). In the entire cohort, multivariable analyses adjusted for confounding factors revealed that antithrombotic use was associated with lower risks of in-hospital (adjusted OR: 0.437; 95 % CI: 0.191–0.999), 30-day (adjusted OR: 0.261; 95 % CI: 0.099–0.689), and 90-day (adjusted OR: 0.386; 95 % CI: 0.182–0.821) mortality. ConclusionAntithrombotic use prior to UGIB presentation was found to be an independent protective factor for all-cause mortality.

Clinical values of serum C5a in Alzheimer’s disease patients with different dementia stages

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by abnormal inflammatory responses, and complement C5a (C5a) is known to initiate inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the associations between serum C5a, inflammatory responses, and cognitive function in AD patients. A total of 242 AD patients and 132 age-matched controls were included. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed increased levels of C5a, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α with advancing stages of AD. Pearson correlation coefficient and receiver operating characteristic curve revealed positive correlations between serum C5a levels, inflammatory cytokine levels, Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores, and negative correlations with Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scores. Serum C5a above 68.68 pg/mL could aid in the diagnosis of AD. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that serum C5a was an independent risk factor for IL-1β/IL-6/IL-10/TNF-α and an independent protective factor for IL-4. Higher serum C5a levels were associated with lower MMSE and MoCA scores. In conclusion, elevated serum C5a levels were beneficial for AD diagnosis and predictive of inflammation and cognitive dysfunction.

The Efficacy of Diabetic Foot Treatment in a "TOSF" Pattern: A Five-Year Retrospective Study.

To evaluate the advantages and problems in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot (DF) patients by analyzing the results of a 5-year follow-up of the organ system based (TOSF) treatment model. A retrospective study was conducted in 229 patients with diabetic foot. Chi-square test and rank-sum test were used to analyze the effects of patients' general condition, behavioral and nutritional status, degree of infection (inflammatory markers), comorbidity, diabetic foot grade/classification, and revascularization on readmission rate, amputation rate, all-cause mortality, incidence of other complications, and wound healing time. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the prognosis of diabetic foot. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyze the differences in amputation rate and mortality rate at each time point. This study showed that nutritional status, degree of infection, and revascularization influenced readmission rates. General condition, behavior and nutritional status, degree of infection, Wagner grade and revascularization affect the amputation rate. General conditions, behavioral and nutritional status, degree of infection, comorbidities, classification and revascularization affect the mortality of patients. Age and white blood cell(WBC) count affected the incidence of other complications. Influence of infection degree and Wagner grade and revascularization in patients with wound healing time. Revascularization was an independent protective factor for readmission, amputation, and mortality.Elevated serum inflammatory markers are an independent risk factor for amputation. Hypoproteinemia is an independent risk factor for mortality. In the "TOSF" diagnosis and treatment pattern, diabetic foot patients have a good prognosis. Special attention should be paid to the screening and revascularization of lower extremity vascular disease in patients with diabetic foot.

Laparoscopic Spleen-Preserving Hilar Lymphadenectomy for Advanced Proximal Gastric Cancer Without Greater Curvature Invasion

Splenic hilar lymphadenectomy has been recommended for locally advanced proximal gastric cancer (APGC) involving the greater curvature. However, it is unclear whether laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilar lymphadenectomy (LSPSHL) is associated with a long-term survival benefit for APGC without greater curvature invasion. To present the 5-year follow-up data from a randomized clinical trial that compared laparoscopic total gastrectomy (D2 group) with D2 plus LSPSHL (D2 + No. 10 group) among patients with resectable APGC. This is a post hoc secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial that enrolled 536 patients with potentially resectable APGC (cT2-4a, N0 or N+, and M0) without greater curvature invasion from January 5, 2015, to October 10, 2018. All patients were tracked for at least 5 years. The final follow-up was on October 30, 2023. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the D2 + No. 10 or D2 groups. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were measured. Recurrence patterns and causes of death were compared. A total of 526 patients (392 men [74.5%]; mean [SD] age, 60.6 [9.6] years) were included in the modified intent-to-treat analysis, with 263 patients in each group. The 5-year DFS rate was 63.9% (95% CI, 58.1%-69.7%) for the D2 + No. 10 group and 55.1% (95% CI, 49.1%-61.1%) for the D2 group (log-rank P = .04). A statistically significant difference was observed in the 5-year OS between the D2 + No. 10 group and the D2 group (66.2% [95% CI, 60.4%-71.9%] vs 57.4% [95% CI, 51.4%-63.4%]; log-rank P = .03). The No. 10 lymph node exhibited a therapeutic value index (TVI) of 6.5, surpassing that of Nos. 8a (TVI, 3.0), 11 (TVI, 5.8), and 12a (TVI, 0.8). A total of 86 patients in the D2 + No. 10 group (cumulative incidence, 32.7%) and 111 patients in the D2 group (cumulative incidence, 42.2%) experienced recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54-0.95; P = .02). The multivariable competing risk regression model demonstrated that D2 + No. 10 remained an independent protective factor for a lower 5-year cumulative recurrence rate after surgery (hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.56-1.00; P = .05). There was a significant difference in the 5-year cumulative recurrence rate at the No. 10 lymph node area between the 2 groups (D2 + No. 10 group vs D2 group: 0% vs 2.3% [n = 6]; P = .01). This post hoc secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that laparoscopic total gastrectomy with LSPSHL can improve the prognosis and reduce recurrence for APGC without greater curvature invasion. Future multicenter studies are warranted to validate these findings. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02333721.

Sex-Related Differences in the Phenotype and Course of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: SEXEII Study of ENEIDA

The impact of patient sex on the presentation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been poorly evaluated. Our aims were to assess potential disparities in IBD phenotype and progression between sexes. We performed an observational multicenter study that included patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis from the Spanish Estudio Nacional en Enfermedad Inflamatoria intestinal sobre Determinantes genéticos y Ambientales registry. Data extraction was conducted in July2021. A total of 51,595 patients with IBD were included, 52% were males and 25,947 had CD. The median follow-up period after diagnosis was 9 years in males and 10 years in females. In CD, female sex was an independent risk factor for medium disease onset (age, 17-40 y) (relative risk ratio, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.31-1.62), later disease onset (age, >40 y) (relative risk ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.38-1.73), exclusive colonic involvement (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.14-1.34), inflammatory behavior (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.07-1.21), and extraintestinal manifestations (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.38-1.59). However, female sex was a protective factor for upper gastrointestinal involvement (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79-0.90), penetrating behavior (odds ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.70-0.82), perianal disease (odds ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71-0.82), and complications (odds ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.66-0.80). In ulcerative colitis, female sex was an independent risk factor for extraintestinal manifestations (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.26-1.61). However, female sex was an independent protective factor for disease onset from age 40 onward (relative risk ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.87), left-sided colonic involvement (relative risk ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.67-0.78), extensive colonic involvement (relative risk ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.55-0.64), and abdominal surgery (odds ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69-0.88). There is sexual dimorphism in IBD. The patient's sex should be taken into account in the clinical management of the disease.

Comparative efficacy of prophylactic protocols in reducing perioperative nausea and vomiting during video-assisted thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer

Lung cancer, a global mortality leader, often necessitates Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic (VATS) surgery. However, post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is common, highlighting a need for effective management and prevention strategies in this context. A retrospective case–control study at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital evaluated patients undergoing VATS radical resection of lung cancer between May and September 2022. Patients were categorized based on PONV prevention methods, and data encompassing demographics, surgical history, and postoperative adverse events s were analyzed to assess the association between prophylactic protocols and PONV incidence. The Netupitant and Palonosetron Hydrochloride (NEPA) group showed a significant reduction in PONV occurrences post-surgery compared to Ondansetron (ONDA) and Control groups, emphasizing NEPA’s efficacy in alleviating PONV symptoms (P < 0.05). Furthermore, following VATS radical resection of lung cancer, NEPA markedly reduced the intensity of PONV symptoms in patients. Both univariate and multivariate logistic analyses corroborated that NEPA independently reduces PONV risk, with its protective effect also apparent in susceptible populations like females and non-smokers. NEPA utilization markedly reduced both the incidence and severity of PONV in patients undergoing VATS radical resection of lung cancer, serving as an independent protective factor in mitigating PONV risk post-surgery.

Surgical treatment improves overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma with extrahepatic metastases after conversion therapy: a multicenter retrospective study

Systemic therapy is typically the primary treatment choice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with extrahepatic metastases. Some patients may achieve partial response (PR) or complete response (CR) with systemic treatment, leading to the possibility of their primary tumor becoming resectable. This study aimed to investigate whether these patients could achieve longer survival through surgical resection of their primary tumor. We retrospectively collected data from 150 HCC patients with extrahepatic metastases treated at 15 different centers from January 1st, 2015, to November 30th, 2022. We evaluated their overall survival (OS) and progress-free survival (PFS) and analyzed risk factors impacting both OS and PFS were analyzed. Patients who received surgical treatment had longer OS compared to those who did not (median OS 16.5 months vs. 11.3 months). However, there was no significant difference in progression-free survival between the two groups. Portal vein invasion (P = 0.025) was identified as a risk factor for poor prognosis in patients, while effective first-line treatment (P = 0.039) and surgical treatment (P = 0.005) were protective factors. No factors showed statistical significance in the analysis of PFS. Effective first-line treatment (P = 0.027) and surgical treatment (P = 0.006) were both independent protective factors for prolonging patient prognosis, while portal vein invasion was an independent risk factor (P = 0.044). HCC patients with extrahepatic metastases who achieve PR/CR with conversion therapy may experience longer OS through surgical treatment. This study is the first to analyze the clinical outcomes of patients receiving surgical treatment for HCC with extrahepatic metastases.

The unique association between the level of plateletcrit and the prevalence of diabetic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study.

The activation of platelets in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) triggers inflammation and hemodynamic abnormalities, contributing to the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Despite this, research into the relationship between plateletcrit (PCT) levels and DKD is sparse, with inconsistent conclusions drawn regarding the connection between various platelet parameters and DKD. This highlights the necessity for comprehensive, large-scale population studies. Therefore, our objective is to explore the association between PCT levels and various platelet parameters in relation to DKD. In this cross-sectional study, hematological parameter data were collected from a cohort of 4,302 hospitalized Chinese patients. We analyzed the relationships between PCT, platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), and DKD, along with the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic potential of these parameters. DKD patients exhibited significantly higher PCT levels compared to those without DKD. Multivariate regression analysis identified elevated PCT and PLT levels as potential independent risk factors for both DKD and UACR, while lower MPV levels might serve as independent protective factors for eGFR. The areas under the ROC curve for PCT in relation to DKD and UACR (≥30 mg/g) were 0.523 and 0.526, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for PLT in relation to UACR (≥30 mg/g) was 0.523. PCT demonstrates a weak diagnostic value for T2DM patients at risk of developing DKD and experiencing proteinuria, and PLT shows a similarly modest diagnostic utility for detecting proteinuria. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics involved in DKD. Additionally, incorporating these markers into routine clinical assessments could enhance risk stratification, facilitating early interventions and personalized management strategies.

Analysis of long-term prognosis and risk factors in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Objective: To investigate the risk factors and long-term prognosis of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods: This study was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Clinical information from 300 patients with DCM hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from April 2013 to April 2023 was collected. Based on echocardiography results, the patients were divided into two groups: isolated DCM and DCM with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC). The MACEs, including major heart failure events, severe ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiovascular death, were recorded by outpatient or telephone follow-up. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with DCM. Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank were used for survival analysis to compare the difference in the incidence of cardiovascular events between the two groups. Results: The included 300 DCM patients were (47.8±16.8) years old, with 197 males (65.7%), of which 237 (79.0%) were isolated DCM and 63 (21.0%) were DCM with LVNC. The follow-up time was 4.0 (1.9, 6.2) years. A total of 142 (47.3%) MACEs occurred, including 117 (39.0%) major heart failure events, 20 (6.7%) severe ventricular arrhythmia events, and 53 (17.7%) cardiovascular death events. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (HR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.01-1.44, P=0.042), moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (HR=1.71, 95%CI: 1.19-2.47, P=0.004), increased ln (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) (HR=1.30, 95%CI: 1.10-1.54, P=0.002) were independent risk factors for dverse cardiovascular events in DCM patients, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) treatment (HR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.26-0.78, P=0.004) was independent protective factor. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis found no significant difference in the risk of MACEs between isolated DCM and DCM with LVNC (P=0.22). Similarly, there were no significant differences in the incidence of major heart failure, severe ventricular arrhythmia, and cardiovascular death between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: An increase in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, moderate or severe mitral regurgitation, elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and non use of ACEI/ARB/ARNI are independent predictors of cardiovascular events in DCM patients. There was no significant risk of MACEs in patients with isolated DCM and DCM with LVNC, and suggested that LVNC may be a unique phenotype and should be accurately managed in combination with genetic background.

The safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy following laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a multicentre real-world clinical study.

The safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (nICT) for locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) remain controversial. Patients with LAGC who received either nICT or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) at 3 tertiary referral teaching hospitals in China between January 2016 and October 2022 were analyzed. After propensity-score matching (PSM), comparing the radiological response, pathological response rate, perioperative outcomes, and early recurrence between the two groups. After PSM, 585 patients were included, with 195 and 390 patients comprising the nICT and nCT groups, respectively. The nICT group exhibited a higher objective response rate (79.5% vs. 59.0%; P <0.001), pathological complete response rate (14.36% vs. 6.41%; P =0.002) and major pathological response rate (39.49% vs. 26.15%; P =0.001) compared with the nCT group. The incidence of surgical complications (17.44% vs. 16.15%, P =0.694) and the proportion of perioperative textbook outcomes (80.0% vs. 81.0%; P =0.767) were similar in both groups. The nICT group had a significantly lower proportion of early recurrence than the nCT group (29.7% vs. 40.8%; P =0.047). Furthermore, the multivariable logistic analysis revealed that immunotherapy was an independent protective factor against early recurrence [odds ratio 0.62 (95% CI 0.41-0.92); P =0.018]. No significant difference was found in neoadjuvant therapy drug toxicity between the two groups (51.79% vs. 45.38%; P =0.143). Compared with nCT, nICT is safe and effective, which significantly enhanced objective and pathological response rates and reduced the risk for early recurrence among patients with LAGC. Clinical Trials.gov.

The Value of Coagulation-Related Indicators Combined with Vascular Ultrasound Parameters in the Risk Assessment of Deep Vein Thrombosis after Secondary Traumatic Fracture Surgery.

The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after traumatic fracture is high, and DVT causes serious adverse effects on the postoperative recovery of patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of coagulation-related indicators combined with vascular ultrasound measurements for the risk assessment of DVT after secondary traumatic fracture, and to provide a new method for predicting the occurrence of DVT. The clinical data of patients with secondary traumatic fracture surgery in our hospital from January 2019 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into a non-DVT group and a DVT group according to whether DVT was indicated in the medical record system. The coagulation-related indices and vascular ultrasound measurements of the two groups were compared, and the risk factors for postoperative DVT were analyzed by bivariate correlation and multivariate logistic regression. According to the medical record system, 55 patients (47.41%) had DVT, and 61 patients (52.59%) did not have DVT. There was no significant difference in prothrombin time (PT) or activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) between the two groups (p > 0.05). The thrombin time (TT) in the DVT group was lower than that in the non-DVT group. The levels of fibrinogen (FIB) and D-dimer (D-D) in the DVT group were higher than those in the non-DVT group (t = 2.766, 3.242, 2.649, p = 0.007, 0.002, 0.009). Spearman correlation analysis showed that peak systolic velocity (Vs), end-diastolic velocity (Vd), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), FIB, and D-D were positively correlated with the risk of DVT after secondary traumatic fracture surgery (r = 0.264, 0.656, 0.293, 0.276, 0.287, 0.251, p < 0.05). TT was negatively correlated with DVT risk after secondary traumatic fracture surgery (r = -0.249, p < 0.05). The measurements of peak systolic velocity (Vs), end diastolic velocity (Vd), pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) in the DVT group were higher than those in the non-DVT group (t = 2.663, 2.998, 3.135, 2.953, p = 0.009, 0.003, 0.002, 0.004). FIB, D-D, Vs, Vd, PI, and RI were independent risk factors for DVT after secondary traumatic fracture surgery (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.483, 2.026, 2.208, 1.893, 1.820, 1.644, p < 0.05). TT index was an independent protective factor for DVT after secondary traumatic fracture surgery (OR = 0.868, p < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity for prediction of DVT based on combined coagulation-related indicators and vascular ultrasound imaging measurements were higher than those of individual measurements (p < 0.05). Coagulation-related indicators and vascular ultrasound parameters can effectively predict the formation of DVT. Through the analysis of factors related to DVT formation, screening of high-risk patients for effective intervention may help to reduce the risk of DVT. Further verification in additional, large-scale clinical trials is advocated.