Independent Relevant Factors Research Articles

Age-related changes in mitral annular disjunction: A retrospective analysis using enhanced cardiac CT

AimsThe current recognition of mitral annular disjunction (MAD) as an anatomical abnormality potentially associated with ventricular arrhythmias has sparked controversy regarding its prevalence and clinical implications. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and extent of MAD in individuals with no significant structural abnormalities involving the left heart using enhanced cardiac CT, while also exploring potential factors, such as age, that may be associated with MAD. MethodsSystolic datasets of cardiac CT from 742 subjects were retrospectively included. MAD was determined by rotating orthogonal multiplanar reconstruction images around the central axis of the mitral annulus. The maximal distance of disjunction (DMAD) and segments involved (SI, 0 to 5 basal segments at left ventricular wall) was quantified to evaluate the extent of separation. ResultsIn total, 449 (60.5%) had MAD. Subjects with MAD were significantly older (51.3 ± 19.9 years vs. 29.6 ± 20.3 years, P < 0.001). Age was found to be an independent relevant factor for MAD (OR = 1.059; 95%CI: 1.033, 1.085; P < 0.001). Subjects with MAD were then divided into 4 subgroups (G1: ≤20 years, G2: 21–40 years, G3: 41–60 years, G4: ≥61 years). DMAD and SI of each age subgroup were 1.9 ± 0.2 mm, 2.0 ± 1.2 (G1, n = 36), 2.7 ± 0.8 mm, 2.9 ± 1.3 (G2, n = 51), 3.0 ± 0.8 mm, 3.0 ± 1.3 (G3, n = 183), and 3.0 ± 1.0 mm, 3.7 ± 1.1 (G4, n = 179). Age was an independent relevant factor associated with DMAD (R2 = 0.132; β = 0.014; 95%CI: 0.004, 0.024; P = 0.007) and SI (OR = 1.030; 95%CI: 1.005, 1.055; P = 0.016). ConclusionsMAD is a common finding on cardiac CT. Its prevalence and extent increase with age.

Assessment of the Characteristics of Patent Foramen Ovale Associated with Cryptogenic Stroke.

This study aims to comprehensively assess the characteristics of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in relation to Cryptogenic Strok (CS) by utilizing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and contrast transthoracic echocardiography (c-TTE) and to identify high-risk factors associated with PFO-related CS. Transcatheter PFO closure has demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing PFO-related CS. Therefore, understanding the specific structural attributes of PFO associated with CS is imperative. Enrollment comprised 113 test patients who experienced CS in conjunction with PFO and 117 control patients diagnosed with migraine with PFO but without a history of stroke. The characteristics of the PFO were observed by TEE and c-TTE. A comparative analysis was undertaken to assess the variations in PFO characteristics between the test patients and controls, and to uncover the independent factors relevant to CS. The patients in the test group were older than the controls. Both the height and length of the PFO during Valsalva exhibited greater dimensions in the test group when contrasted with controls. Notably, the test group presented higher incidence rates of low-angle PFO (defined as an angle between the inferior vena cava (IVC) and PFO ≤ 10°) and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) as contrasted with the control group. Right-to-left shunt (RLS) III during Valsalva demonstrated a significantly elevated occurrence within the test group as opposed to the controls. Conversely, RLS II during Valsalva exhibited a significantly higher frequency in the controls in contrast to the tests. No significant disparities were observed between the two groups with respect to RLS I during Valsalva and all grades of RLS at rest. Multivariate analysis revealed that the length of the PFO during Valsalva, the presence of ASA, RLS III during Valsalva and low-angle PFO were independent relevant factors associated with CS. The length of the PFO tunnel, low-angle PFO, RLS III during Valsalva and the presence of ASA were independent risk factors for CS. The combined utilization of TEE and c-TTE may prove valuable in identifying PFO patients at a heightened risk of CS and in facilitating the screening process for transcatheter PFO closure.</p>.

Clinical Significance of Combining Preoperative and Postoperative Albumin-Bilirubin Score in Colorectal Cancer.

Albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score is a well-known prognostic factor for various diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, little is known about the significance of postoperative ALBI score changes in patients with CRC. A total of 723 patients who underwent surgery were enrolled. Preoperative ALBI (ALBI-pre) and postoperative ALBI (ALBI-post) scores were divided into low and high score groups. ALBI-trend was defined as a combination of four groups comprising the low and high ALBI-pre and ALBI-post score groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare the overall survival (OS) between the different ALBI groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the independent relevant factors of OS. Stratification performance was compared between the different ALBI groupings using Harrell's concordance index (C-index). ALBI-pre, ALBI-post, and ALBI-trend score groups were significant prognostic factors of OS in the univariable analysis. However, multivariable analysis showed that ALBI-trend was an independent prognostic factor while ALBI-pre and ALBI-post were not. The C-index of ALBI-trend (0.622; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.587 to 0.655) was higher than that of ALBI-pre (0.589; 95% CI, 0.557 to 0.621; bootstrap mean difference, 0.033; 95% CI, 0.013 to 0.057) and ALBI-post (0.575; 95% CI, 0.545 to 0.605; bootstrap mean difference, 0.047; 95% CI, 0.024 to 0.074). Combining ALBI-pre and ALBI-post scores is an independent prognostic factor of OS and shows superior predictive power compared to ALBI-pre or ALBI-post alone in patients with CRC.

Outcome of pediatric-to-adult liver transplantation:a single-center study in China

Objective: To explore the outcome of the pediatric-to-adult liver transplantation, including postoperative complications and relevant factors which affecting graft survival. Methods: Data of 55 patients undergoing pediatric-to-adult liver transplantation at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University between January 2015 and August 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The donors consisted of 34 males and 21 females, and the age was (11.8±4.7) years (range: 1 to 17 years). Among the cases,17 cases (30.9%) were donation of brain death,32 cases (58.2%) were donation of cardiac death, and 6 cases (10.9%) were donation after brain death plus cardiac death. The recipients consisted of 32 males and 23 females, and the age was (51.6±10.1) years (range: 27 to 70 years). Among the recipients,10 cases (18.2%) were ABO-incompatible liver transplantation.The influencing factors of early graft survival were analyzed by Student t test,Mann-Whitney U test or χ2 test,respectively.Survival curve was drawn by Kaplan-Meier method.Logistic multivariate analysis was used to analyze the independent relevant factors of early postoperative graft loss. Results: Up to October 31,2021,the follow-up time (M(IQR)) was 36.0(43.1)months(range:5.9 to 81.7 months).There were 13 cases with graft loss (two of them underwent re-transplantation due to acute liver failure).The monofactor analysis indicated that cold ischemia time and donor-recipient blood group matching were the relevant factors affecting the early graft survival rate(both P<0.05).Logistic multivariate analysis showed that cold ischemia time and history of recipient gastrointestinal bleeding were independent relevant factors(both P<0.05).Postoperative hepatic artery thrombosis occurred in 3 cases(5.5%), portal vein thrombosis diagnosed in 4 cases(7.3%), portal vein stenosis occurred in 2 cases(3.6%),biliary complications diagnosed in 7 cases(12.7%), and small liver syndrome was found in 8 cases(14.5%). Conclusions: Adult liver transplantation with pediatric donor liver is an effective method to treat end-stage liver disease.Cold ischemia time and history of recipient gastrointestinal bleeding were independent relevant factors for the early graft survival.

Clinical Analysis of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Resection of Solitary Pulmonary Nodules and Influencing Factors in the Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Nodules.

Purpose This is a retrospective research comparing the clinical outcomes of single-hole versus multi-hole video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) resection for solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) and examining the factors influencing the diagnosis of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. Method We collected the clinical data, surgical status, outcomes, and corresponding imaging features of 317 patients with SPN who were surgically resected by VATS and diagnosed as benign or malignant by pathology in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2021. Result Among the 317 patients, 124 (39.12%) underwent single-port VATS and 193 (60.88%) underwent multiple-hole VATS. All patients were grouped according to the different surgical methods, and their postoperative indicators were statistically analyzed. The results showed that neither the single-port VATS group nor the multi-port VATS group had any serious adverse events such as death during the perioperative period. The average operation time, intraoperative blood loss, drainage tube indwelling time, and postoperative hospital stay were significantly lower in the two groups. Statistics of postoperative pathological diagnosis showed that 98 cases (30.91%) of all nodules were benign nodules and 219 cases (69.09%) were malignant nodules, and a further single-multivariate analysis showed that age, nodule maximum diameter, lobular sign, burr sign, vascular cluster sign, and pleural depression sign were independent relevant factors for the diagnosis of benign and malignant nodules. Conclusion VATS is less invasive and has fewer complications and is of great clinical value for both diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant SPN. Age, maximum nodal diameter, lobar sign, burr sign, vascular set sign, and pleural depression sign were independent correlates affecting the diagnosis of benign and malignant SPN, which reminds that great attention should be paid to patients who are older and have risk factors on imaging, and early and timely active treatment or close follow-up should be carried out.

Extracapsular subcutaneous endoscopic treatment for refractory lateral epicondylalgia: technique, retrospective results, and prognostic factors.

BackgroundThe extracapsular subcutaneous endoscopic treatment is a new and under-researched approach to the endoscopic treatment of refractory lateral epicondylalgia. We aimed to introduce the techniques of the method and the mid-long term clinical effects. Furthermore, we intended to identify demographic and surgical-related factors correlated with prognosis of extracapsular subcutaneous method.MethodsPatients with a minimum of 6 months of conservative treatment for lateral epicondylalgia were recruited from March 2012 to July 2018. Key surgical techniques including microfracture and endoscopic suture were used. Visual analog scale (VAS), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and Disability of Arm (Shoulder and Hand, DASH) scores were used to evaluate clinical results. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze effects of demographic characteristics and treatment techniques on prognosis.ResultsSeventy-eight patients were treated with modified subcutaneous extracapsular surgery. No serious complications such as neurovascular injury or infection occurred. Postoperative VAS, MEPS, and DASH scores significantly improved (P<0.001). Age was associated with prognosis regarding VAS score (P=0.023). Older age was an independent relevant factor for poor prognosis regarding VAS score (OR =0.914, 95% CI: 0.842–0.993, P=0.033), and microfracture during surgery related to poor prognosis for DASH score (OR =0.056, 95% CI: 0.004–0.783, P=0.032). Plaster fixation was an independent factor related to good prognosis regarding DASH score (OR =11.156, 95% CI: 1.009–123.363, P=0.049).ConclusionsExtracapsular subcutaneous method of refractory lateral epicondylalgia has satisfactory and stable clinical results with high safety. Techniques of extracapsular method include debridement, microfracture, and tendon suture under endoscope. Young age, no microfracture, and postoperative plaster fixation were associated with good long-term prognosis.

Association of clinical and laboratory variables with in-hospital incidence of deep vein thrombosis in patients after acute ischemic stroke: A retrospective study.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious complication in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Early prediction of DVT could enable physicians to perform a proper prevention strategy. We analyzed the association of clinical and laboratory variables with DVT to evaluate the risk of DVT in patients after AIS.AIS patients admitted to the Changsha Central Hospital between January 2017 and December 2019 with length of stay in hospital ≥7 days were included. Clinical and laboratory variables for DVT at baseline were collected, and the diagnosis of DVT was confirmed by ultrasonography. Independent factors were developed by Multivariate logistic regression analysis.A total of 101 patients were included in the study. The in-hospital incidence of DVT after AIS was 19.8%(20/101). The average level of D-dimer when DVT detected was significant increased around 4-fold than that on admission (P < .001). Pulmonary infection (odds ratio [OR] = 5.4, 95%CI:1.10–26.65, P = .037)) and increased muscle tone (OR = 0.11, 95%CI:0.02–0.58, P = .010) as independent relevant factors for DVT were confirmed.Pulmonary infection as a risk factor and increased muscle tone as a protective factor for DVT were identified in patients after AIS. The level of D-dimer which increased around 4-fold compared to the initial level could be an indicator for DVT occurrence.

Clinical and prognostic significance of Krüppel-like transcription factor 6 expression in 67 patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma in China.

Krüppel-like transcription factor 6 (KLF6) is a ubiquitous tumor suppressor gene involved in regulating cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and angiogenesis. The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of KLF6 expression in cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) patients. A total of CMM 67 patients were enrolled in this study. The specimens were evaluated by immunohistochemistry to detect KLF6. The positive KLF6 expression in CMM tissues was significantly lower than in normal skin tissues (p < 0.01).The presence of KLF6 in CMM was correlated with ulceration (p < 0.01), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.01) and clinical stage (p < 0.01). The overall 5-year survival rate of the 67 patients was 13.4%. The 5-year survival rate of patients with negative KLF6 expression was correlated with KLF6 expression (p < 0.01), ulceration (p < 0.01), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.01), clinical stage (p < 0.01) and operation type (p < 0.01). Ulceration and clinical staging were independent relevant factors. In conclusion, the presence of KLF6 in CMM was correlated with ulceration, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage and poor prognosis.

Association between mortality and cytomegalovirus reactivation during remission induction therapy in patients with rheumatic diseases.

To elucidate the characteristics of patients with rheumatic diseases with cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation. In our study, we consecutively reviewed patients with rheumatic diseases who received remission induction therapy in our institution from January 2012 to March 2016 and enrolled the patients who were evaluated about CMV infection. CMV reactivation was characterised by the detection of polymorphonuclear leukocytes with CMV pp65. The characteristics and clinical courses of the patients with CMV reactivation were compared to those without CMV. We observed CMV reactivation in 71 (39.7%, CMV-positive group) out of 179 patients. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.023, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.002-1.044, p=0.03), lymphocyte counts (OR 0.999, 95% CI 0.999-1.000, p=0.03), and initial prednisolone dose (OR 18.596, 95% CI 2.399-144.157, p<0.01) were considered as independent relevant risk factors for CMV reactivation. Patients in the CMV-positive group showed significantly higher incidences of all infections (48%) and severe infections (31%) than those in the CMV-negative group (48% vs .31%, p=0.037; 31% vs. 6%, p<0.001, respectively). Higher mortality was observed in the CMV-positive group than in the CMV-negative group (14.1% vs. 1.9%). The lymphocyte counts were more relevant to CMV infection and mortality than were the serum IgG levels. Our study revealed that CMV reactivation occurred in one third of all patients with rheumatic diseases who were undergoing intensive remission induction therapy, and it was found to be relevant to other severe infections and infection-related deaths.

The diagnostic capability of electrocardiography on the cardiogenic shock in the patients with acute myocarditis

BackgroundThe study was performed to assess the diagnostic capability of ECG on the cardiogenic shock (CS) in acute myocarditis. A new score was derived from the combination of the ECG parameters and the diagnostic value was also evaluated.MethodsTotal 103 consecutive patients with acute myocarditis admitted in Nanjing Drum Hospital were enrolled in the current study. The cohort was divided into fulminant myocarditis group (FM, n = 20) and non fulminant myocarditis group (NFM, n = 83). The demographic features, results of electrocardiography (ECG) and ultracardiography were compared. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the relevant factors in ECG parameters. We created a new variable called “ECG score” by certain combination of ECG parameters. The diagnostic capability of ECG score for CS was compared with the existing diagnostic indices using regression model and receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) analysis.ResultsThere were several changes on ECG significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated PR + QRS interval (P = 0.008), ventricular arrhythmia (P = 0.001) and pathological Q wave (P = 0.003) were the independent relevant factors of CS. The derived variable “ECG score” was identified as a significant relevant factor of CS by multivariate regression model. ROC analysis showed PR + QRS interval, ventricular arrhythmia and pathological Q wave all had equivalent diagnostic capability to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and shock index (SI). ECG score was equivalent to LVEF but superior to SI in diagnosing CSConclusionsECG was valuable in diagnosing CS due to acute myocarditis. The ECG score was superior to the traditional diagnostic indices and could be used for an rapid recognition of CS.

Obesity and accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue are poor prognostic factors in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

In alcoholic liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, obesity has become a problem that progresses into liver dysfunction. Herein, we investigated the relationship between the prognosis of steatohepatitis and body weight, along with fat accumulation in patients with alcoholic LC. We conducted a single-center retrospective study, enrolled 104 alcoholic LC patients without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on histological and clinical evidence, and investigated factors related to poor prognosis using multivariate Cox regression and cluster analyses. Cox regression analysis revealed three independent relevant factors: subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) index (median 34.8 cm2/m2, P = 0.009, hazard ratio [HR] 1.017, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.004–1.030), total bilirubin level (median 1.7 mg/dL, P = 0.003, HR 1.129, 95% CI 1.042–1.223), and prothrombin time value (median 64%, P = 0.007, HR 0.967, 95% CI 0.943–0.991). In the cluster analysis, we categorized the patients into three groups: no adipose tissue accumulation (NAT group), SAT prior accumulation (SAT group), and visceral adipose tissue prior accumulation (VAT group). The results of the three groups revealed that the SAT group displayed a significantly poor prognosis of the Kaplan–Meier curve (67.1 vs 21.2 vs 65.3, P<0.001) of a 5-year survival rate. Propensity score matching analysis of the SAT and VAT groups was performed to adjust the patient’s background, but no significant differences were found between them; however, the prognosis was poorer (21.2 vs 66.3, P<0.001), and hemostatic factors were still at a lower level in the SAT group. These findings suggest that SAT accumulation type of obesity is a poor prognostic factor in alcoholic LC patients without HCC, and the hemorrhagic tendency might worsen the poor prognosis in such cases.

Associations of content and gene polymorphism of macrophage inhibitory factor-1 and chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

BACKGROUNDThe expression of macrophage inhibitory factor-1 (MIC-1) is increased in peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. However, whether MIC-1 gene polymorphism is correlated with relevant diseases is not yet reported.AIMTo explore the correlation between gene polymorphism in MIC-1 exon region and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.METHODSThis case-control study enrolled 178 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in the case group, and 82 healthy subjects from the same region who had passed the screening examination comprised the control group. The genotypes of rs1059369 and rs1059519 loci in the MIC-1 gene exon were detected by DNA sequencing. Also, the MIC-1 level, liver function metrics, liver fibrosis metrics, and HCV RNA load were determined. Univariate analysis was used to compare the differences and correlations between the two groups with respect to these parameters. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent relevant factors of CHC.RESULTSThe plasma MIC-1 level in the CHC group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05), and it was significantly positively correlated with alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), type III procollagen N-terminal peptide (known as PIIINP), type IV collagen, and HCV RNA (P < 0.05), whereas negatively correlated with total protein and albumin (P < 0.05). The genotype and allele frequency distribution at the rs1059519 locus differed between the two groups (P < 0.05). The allele frequency maintained significant difference after Bonferroni correction (Pc < 0.05). Logistic multiple regression showed that AST, PIIINP, MIC-1, and genotype GG at the rs1059519 locus were independent relevant factors of CHC (P < 0.05). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was found between rs1059369 and rs1059519 loci, and significant difference was detected in the distribution of haplotype A-C between the CHC and control groups (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, we found the MIC-1 level trend to increase among rs1059519 genotypes (P = 0.006) and the level of MIC-1 in GG genotype to be significantly higher than CC genotype (P = 0.009, after Bonferroni correction).CONCLUSIONPlasma MIC-1 level was increased in CHC patients and correlated with liver cell damage, liver fibrosis metrics, and viral load. The polymorphism at the MIC-1 gene rs1059519 locus was correlated with HCV infection, and associated with the plasma MIC-1 level. G allele and GG genotype may be an important susceptible factor for CHC.

Activated STAT3 Could Reduce Survival in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Up-regulating VEGF and Cyclin D1 Expression

Signal transduction and activators of transcription factor (STAT) 3 is associated with a poor prognosis in certain types of cancer. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of STAT3/p-STAT3 expression in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) patients. A total of 71 patients were enrolled in the study. STAT3 and p-STAT3 expression were detected by Western Blot and immunohistochemistry assays. Stattic, the STAT3 inhibitor, was used to block the activation of STAT3 in ESCC cell lines Eca-109 and Kyse-30, and the CCK8 assay was performed to detect the effect of Stattic on the viability of ESCC cells. The expression of associated genes was assessed by RT-PCR and Western blot at RNA and protein levels, respectively. STAT3 expression was correlated with infiltration degree (pT) and pTNM. And p-STAT3 expression was correlated with pT, lymphatic metastasis (pN) and pTNM. The expression of VEGF, Bcl-xl and Cyclin D1 was up-regulated in ESCC tissues and positively correlated with p-STAT3 level, besides Bcl-xl. In vitro, Stattic inhibited the viability of Eca-109 and Kyse-30 cells in a dose- and time- dependent manner, and significantly inhibited the expression of VEGF, Bcl-xl and CyclinD1 at mRNA and protein level. The 5-year survival rate of the 71 patients was significantly associated with pT, pN, pTNM stage, p-STAT3 level, VEGF expression and Cyclin D1 expression. pN and p-STAT3 expression were independent relevant factors. Our results showed that p-STAT3 might serve as an essential biomarker for tumor invasion and metastasis in ESCC.

Characterization of thromboelastography of patients with different pathological types of nephrotic syndrome.

To investigate the changes in blood coagulability as measured by thromboelastography (TEG) in patients with nephrotic syndrome of different etiologies as well as in patients with venous thromboembolic events (VTE).From January 2013 to October 2017, patients who were diagnosed as idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) were enrolled into this retrospective study in which their clinical characteristics, including TEG variables, were investigated. According to the presence or absence of VTE, the patients with IMN were divided into 2 groups of VTE and non-VTE. The risk factors of VTE were analyzed with logistic regression.Significant differences in TEG parameters were found among the 3 groups of patients with R and K values lower, while the α-angle, maximum amplitude (MA) and confidence interval (CI) values higher, in the IMN group than those in the MCD and FSGS groups (P < .01). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the histologic subtype was an independent relevant factor of K time, angle, MA, and CI values. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that serum albumin and CI value were independent risk factors of VTE (P < .05).The results showed that IMN patients may have higher whole blood coagulability than MCD and FSGS patients. The hypercoagulability in IMN patients may be attributed to platelet hyperactivity and the accelerated fibrin-platelet interaction. Hypoproteinemia and increased CI value were independent risk factors of VTE in IMN.

Prognostic significance of left anterior fascicular block and its relation with coronary artery disease in old patients based on 570 autopsy cases

BackgroundLeft Anterior Fascicular Block (LAFB) occurs frequently among the elderly, and have a correlation with coronary artery disease (CAD), yet controversies regarding its clinical significance still remain. MethodsWe carried on a retrospective study involving 92 LAFB and 478 non-LAFB patients, in which anatomic, clinical and electrocardiographic characteristics were compared. ResultsLAFB subjects had more pathological CAD (66.3% vs 54.6%, P = 0.039), myocardial infarction (MI) (53.3% vs 37.9%, P = 0.007) and myocarditis (5.4% vs 1.7%, P = 0.043). Among the LAFB group, 58.1% of patients with CAD and 30.2% of patients with MI were clinically misdiagnosed, while 42.9% of patients with MI were clinically missed. Logistic regression showed CAD had no independent relevance with LAFB. LAFB subjects displayed heavier hearts [(451.1 ± 101.3)g vs (407.1 ± 102.3)g, P < 0.001], thicker left ventricular walls [(1.6 ± 0.4)cm vs (1.4 ± 0.3)cm, P = 0.001]. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated significant differences in long-term survival time (χ2 = 12.223, P < 0.001) and cardiac mortality (χ2 = 20.982, P < 0.001) between LAFB and non-LAFB group. Cox multivariate analysis demonstrated LAFB was an independent risk factor of all-cause death (HR = 1.552, 95% CI = 1.208–1.994, P = 0.001) and cardiac death (HR = 2.287, 95% CI = 1.545–3.386, P < 0.001). The major death cause of LAFB was cardiac death (46.7%), including more MI (28.3% vs 13.4%, P = 0.008), myocarditis (4.3% vs 1.0%, P = 0.042) and cardiac rupture (6.7% vs 1.9%, P = 0.022). ConclusionsLAFB subjects had more pathological CAD and MI, but LAFB was not an independent relevant factor of CAD. LAFB lowered the accuracy to clinically diagnose CAD. LAFB patients gained heavier hearts, thicker left ventricular walls, and suffered increased risk of death and cardiac death.

Age-related scattered hypofluorescent spots on late-phase indocyanine green angiography: the multimodal imaging and relevant factors.

ImportanceFundus aging and its imaging features.BackgroundTo characterize the demographic and multimodal‐imaging features of age‐related scattered hypofluorescent spots on late‐phase indocyanine green angiography (ASHS‐LIA).DesignA hospital‐based retrospective study.ParticipantsEight hundred and seventy‐five normal fundi fellow eyes from 875 patients underwent indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), fluorescence angiography (FA), autofluorescence (AF) and spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).MethodsDemographic information, medical records and multimodal imaging data were reviewed.Main Outcome MeasuresDiameter of ASHS‐LIA and its grade, subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT).ResultsASHS‐LIA was identified in 233 patients (26.6%) aged 33 to 87 years (mean: 65.8 ± 8.4 years). Patients with ASHS‐LIA were significantly older and had a higher male proportion than those without ASHS‐LIA (both P < 0.001). The occurrence and grade of ASHS‐LIA increased with age (all P < 0.001). Age (OR = 1.093) and male gender (OR = 1.550) were the independent relevant factors of ASHS‐LIA (P < 0.001, and P = 0.002, respectively). The incidence of ASHS‐LIA in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) patients (53.2%) was the highest (all P < 0.001). ASHS‐LIA mainly located in macular region (diameter: 100–500 μm), and could be confluent. No corresponding abnormalities were detected via multimodal imaging, including FA, AF and OCT. The mean SFCT had no significant difference between eyes with and without ASHS‐LIA (P = 0.221).Conclusions and RelevanceASHS‐LIA was observed on late‐phase ICGA, mainly located in macular region. No corresponding abnormalities were detected by other multimodal imaging, including FA, AF and OCT. The occurrence and grade of ASHS‐LIA increased with age. Moreover, ASHS‐LIA might be not correlated with SFCT, but correlated with PCV.

Incorporation of circulating tumor cells and whole-body metabolic tumor volume of 18F-FDG PET/CT improves prediction of outcome in IIIB stage small-cell lung cancer.

ObjectiveWe investigated the correlation between the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and whole-body metabolic tumor volume (WBMTV) measured by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). The aim was to evaluate the value of the incorporation of CTC number and WBMTV in the prognostic prediction of stage III small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). MethodsOne hundred and twenty-nine patients were enrolled in this study. All patients were treated with four cycles of a platinum-based regimen and concurrent chest irradiation, followed by prophylactic cranial irradiation. Blood samples for CTC analysis were obtained from 112 patients before the initiation of chemotherapy (as a baseline), after cycle 1 and after cycle 4. CTCs were measured using the CELLSEARCH® system. The patients underwent pretreatment FDG PET/CT WBMTV, which included all malignant lesions. The Spearman rank test was used to determine the correlation among CTC counts, WBMTV and disease stage. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) curves were produced using the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival differences between groups were assessed by the log-rank test. ResultsThe number of CTCs at baseline did not correlate with WBMTV before the initiation of therapy (P=0.241). The number of CTCs at baseline and the WBMTV before the initiation of therapy were independent relevant factors for PFS and OS. The subgroup analysis (Group A: CTC count >19.5 and a WBMTV >266.5 cm 3; Group B: CTC count >19.5 and a WBMTV ≤266.5 cm 3; Group C: CTC count ≤19.5 and a WBMTV >266.5 cm 3; Group D: CTC count ≤19.5 and a WBMTV ≤266.5 cm3) showed that the differences were statistically significant in the median PFS (Group A vs. D, P<0.001; Group Bvs. D, P=0.018; Group C vs. D, P=0.029) and in the median OS (Group A vs. D, P<0.001; Group Bvs. D, P=0.012). ConclusionsCTC number and WBMTV are related to progression and death in patients with SCLC. The incorporation of CTC number and WBMTV scans can provide a detailed prognostic prediction for SCLC.

Changes in Serum Nampt Levels and Its Significances in Diabetic Nephropathy Patients-The Potential Role of Nampt in T2DM with Diabetic Nephropathy.

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase(Nampt) has a variety of biological effects, which can participate in the development of inflammatory diseases, metabolism diseases and chronic kidney disease, et al. However, the role of Nampt in T2DM and DN is still controversial. The study aimed to investigate changes in serum Nampt levels and its significance in diabetic nephropathy (DN). A total of 321 type 2 diabetes (T2DM) were divided into normal albuminuria group (NA, n=110), microalbuminuria group (MA, n=106) and large amount of albuminuria group (LA, n=105). 105 healthy persons were selected forming the control group (NC, n=105).; 118 T2DM without insulin therapy were screened out as the non-insulin therapy group (NIT.; n=116). Serum Nampt and interleukin (IL)-1β were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationships among the variables were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis and Stepwise multiple regression analysis. Serum Nampt and IL-1β in the LA group were significantly higher than other groups, and they were higher in MA than in the NA group (P<0.05). Serum Nampt was positively correlated with IL-1β and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) (P <0.01), and IL-1β and UACR were independent relevant factors affecting Nampt. Serum Nampt was positively correlated with insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) but negatively correlated with the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (P <0.01) in the NIT group. We indicated that serum Nampt and IL-1β were increased accompanied by the increased UACR and the association between Nampt and insulin resistance and β-cell function in T2DM with different UACRs.

Pre-treatment interleukin-6 levels strongly affect bone erosion progression and repair detected by magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

To examine the relationship between MRI structural damage and repair and plasma inflammatory cytokines in patients with RA. A total of 88 newly diagnosed, untreated RA patients were enrolled. Contrast MRI of the dominant hand and X-rays of the hands and feet were performed at baseline and 1 year later. MR images were evaluated using RA MRI scoring, and X-ray. Progression of bone erosion and repair were observed more frequently in MRI than in X-rays (erosion, 52% vs 26%, P < 0.001; repair, 26% vs 15%, P = 0.003, respectively). Baseline IL-6 levels and seropositivity were independent relevant factors for MRI erosion progression, with IL-6 having stronger effect than seropositivity. A receiver operating characteristic curve identified the baseline IL-6 level of 7.6 pg/ml for predicting erosion progression during 1 year, with an area under the curve of 0.82; higher IL-6 levels resulted in more erosion progression. Baseline low IL-6 was also an independent predictor for MRI erosion repair. In newly diagnosed, untreated RA patients, baseline plasma IL-6 levels are responsible for 1-year MRI bone erosion progression and repair.

Correlation of the levels of serum betatrophin, adiponectin, and interleukin-1β in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes with different stages of urinary albumin

267 newly-diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes were divided into normoalbuminuria group[group N-UAlb, urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) 300 mg/g, n=76). The control group(group NC)consisted of 114 healthy individuals. Serum betatrophin, adiponectin(APN), and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)levels were determined with ELISA methods and the parameters of body mass index(BMI), estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR), HbA1C,fasting plasma glucose(FPG), OGTT 2h plasma glucose(2hPG), fasting insulin(FINS), OGTT 2h postprandial insulin(2hPINS), fasting C-peptide(FCP), homeostasis model assessment insulin resistant index(HOMA-IR), and blood lipid were collected. Compared with group NC, the serum betatrophin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes were obviously increased. In patients with type 2 diabetes, betatrophin levels increased along with the increase of UACR and there were significant differences in betatrophin among the three groups(P<0.01). Betatrophin positively correlated with UACR, HbA1C,FPG, 2hPG, FINS, 2hPINS, HOMA-IR, TC, LDL-C, and TG(r were 0.785, 0.225, 0.136, 0.241, 0.386, 0.223, 0.411, 0.216, 0.193, and 0.298, all P<0.05), and betatrophin were also positively correlated with APN and IL-1β(r were 0.643 and 0.710, both P<0.01). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that UACR, HbA1C,FINS, and TG were independent relevant factors affecting betatrophin levels. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2017, 33: 116-119) Key words: Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Betatrophin; Adiponectin; Interleukin-1β; Albuminuria