Peking Union Medical College Research Articles

Correlation of MYB/NFIB gene fusion with the grade and prognosis of head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma and the concordance of two detection methods

Objective: To explore the correlation between MYB/NFIB gene fusion and clinicopathological features such as tumor grade and prognosis of head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), and to assess the concordant rate of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with MYB and NFIB immunohistochemistry. Methods: FISH detection of MYB/NFIB gene fusion was performed on 48 head and neck ACC cases and 15 non-ACC salivary gland tumors at National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China during April 2014 and January 2020. ACC cases were divided into grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ, grade Ⅲ and high-grade transformation, according to pathological grading criteria. Prognosis, FISH results and other clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. MYB and NFIB immunohistochemistry was performed on the 48 ACC and 15 non-ACC cases. The diagnostic accuracy of FISH and immunohistochemistry was compared. Results: FISH detected MYB/NFIB gene fusion in 41.7% (20/48) of the ACC. Its positive rate was inversely correlated with higher pathological grades (P=0.036). The higher histological grade was linked to worse progression-free survival (P=0.024), whereas there was no correlation between the status of gene fusion detected by FISH and progression-free survival (P=0.536). FISH didnot detect MYB/NFIB gene fusion in 15 non-ACC salivary gland tumors The specificity of diagnosing ACC is 100% for both FISH detection of gene fusion and immunohistochemical detection of MYB expression. However, the sensitivity for both methods was only about 41.7%, respectively. By combining FISH and MYB immunohistochemistry, the sensitivity for diagnosing ACC was increased to 66.7%. Conclusions: MYB/NFIB gene fusion has a lower detection rate in grade Ⅲ ACC and high-grade transformation ACC. Meanwhile gene fusion status is not correlated with prognosis. The sensitivity for diagnosing ACC can be improved by combining FISH and MYB immunohistochemistry.

Choice of refractive surgery types for myopia assisted by machine learning based on doctors’ surgical selection data

In recent years, corneal refractive surgery has been widely used in clinics as an effective means to restore vision and improve the quality of life. When choosing myopia-refractive surgery, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the differences in equipment and technology as well as the specificity of individual patients, which heavily depend on the experience of ophthalmologists. In our study, we took advantage of machine learning to learn about the experience of ophthalmologists in decision-making and assist them in the choice of corneal refractive surgery in a new case. Our study was based on the clinical data of 7,081 patients who underwent corneal refractive surgery between 2000 and 2017 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Due to the long data period, there were data losses and errors in this dataset. First, we cleaned the data and deleted the samples of key data loss. Then, patients were divided into three groups according to the type of surgery, after which we used SMOTE technology to eliminate imbalance between groups. Six statistical machine learning models, including NBM, RF, AdaBoost, XGBoost, BP neural network, and DBN were selected, and a ten-fold cross-validation and grid search were used to determine the optimal hyperparameters for better performance. When tested on the dataset, the multi-class RF model showed the best performance, with agreement with ophthalmologist decisions as high as 0.8775 and Macro F1 as high as 0.8019. Furthermore, the results of the feature importance analysis based on the SHAP technique were consistent with an ophthalmologist’s practical experience. Our research will assist ophthalmologists in choosing appropriate types of refractive surgery and will have beneficial clinical effects.

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting overall survival in patients with sinonasal mucosal melanoma

BackgroundSinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) is a relatively rare malignant tumour with a poor prognosis. This study was designed to identify prognostic factors and establish a nomogram model to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with SNMM.MethodsA total of 459 patients with SNMM were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database as the training cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to screen for independent factors associated with patient prognosis and develop the nomogram model. In addition, external validation was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the nomogram with a cohort of 34 patients with SNMM from Peking Union Medical College Hospital.ResultsThe median OS in the cohort from the SEER database was 28 months. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS rates were 69.8%, 40.4%, and 30.0%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that age, T stage, N stage, surgery and radiotherapy were independent variables associated with OS. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of the nomograms for predicting 1-, 3- and 5-year OS were 0.78, 0.71 and 0.71, respectively, in the training cohort. In the validation cohort, the area under the curve (AUC) of the nomogram for predicting 1-, 3- and 5-year OS were 0.90, 0.75 and 0.78, respectively. Patients were classified into low- and high-risk groups based on the total score of the nomogram. Patients in the low-risk group had a significantly better survival prognosis than patients in the high-risk group in both the training cohort (P < 0.0001) and the validation cohort (P = 0.0016).ConclusionWe established and validated a novel nomogram model to predict the OS of SNMM patients stratified by age, T stage, N stage, surgery and radiotherapy. This predictive tool is of potential importance in the realms of patient counselling and clinical decision-making.

Effect of growth hormone supplementation on liver and lung function in patients with hypopituitarism

To analyze the clinical features of patients with anterior hypopituitarism (HP) complicated with cirrhosis, and to explore the effects of growth hormone supplementation on liver and lung function. A total of 11 patients with HP complicated with cirrhosis admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022 were included in the study, including 8 males and 3 females, aged [M(Q1, Q3)]31 (20, 37) years. There were 6 patients with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome, 4 patients after craniopharyngioma resection, and 1 patient after germinal cell tumor chemoradiotherapy. Cirrhosis appeared at [M(Q1, Q3)]7 (1, 16) years after the diagnosis of HP. There were 7 cases complicated with hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). The liver and lung function of 5 patients were improved significantly after the addition of growth hormone, and the arterial partial pressure of oxygen increased from (47±11) mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (84±12) mmHg. Timely supplementation of growth hormone can improve the symptoms of fatty liver, cirrhosis and HPS, and postpone or even avoid the transplantation of liver and other organs.

Digital gangrene in systemic sclerosis patients: not only due to the microvascular disease.

This study aims to investigate the characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of digital gangrenes in SSc patients, and to identify whether vasculitis is one of the causes for digital gangrene. A retrospective case-control study was performed from February 2003 to April 2021. Forty-three SSc patients with digital gangrene admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital were included. One-hundred forty-six age- and sex-matched SSc patients without gangrene were selected as controls during the same period. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors. Among 43 SSc patients with gangrene, 93.0% had Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and 32.6% had current or previous digital ulcers (DU). SSc patients with digital gangrene had more ESR elevation (54.8% vs. 34.9%, p = 0.020) and higher level of high-sensitive C reactive protein (median 7.2mg/L vs. 1.8mg/L, p = 0.045) compared with controls. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, smoking history (OR 4.119, p = 0.037), anti-centromere antibody positivity (OR 3.542, p = 0.016), anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity (OR 22.605, p = 0.037), and anti-phospholipid antibody positivity (OR 16.563, p = 0.001), as well as elevated ESR (OR 2.524, p = 0.038) were identified as independent risk factors for gangrenes. Most (79.1%) cases were treated with combination of immunosuppressive and vasodilating therapy, and four cases also got remised after treatment of only glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive agent. Smoking history; positive-ACA, ANCA, and anti-phospholipid antibodies; and increased ESR were independent risk factors for digital gangrenes in SSc. Vasculitis and macrovascular disease may contribute to the progression of digital gangrenes. Key Points •18.6% of SSc patients with digital gangrene had macrovascular stenosis. •Smoking, positive-ACA, ANCA, aPL, and increased ESR were indicators for digital gangrenes in SSc. •Vasculitis and macrovascular disease may involve in the pathogenesis.

Damage evaluation of craniofacial localized scleroderma using magnetic resonance imaging.

Localized scleroderma (LoS) is an autoimmune disease in which craniofacial lesions can cause severe facial deformities with brain involvement. Objective evaluation of craniofacial LoS is challenging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used as a damage assessment tool. This study aimed to analyze the tissue involvement of craniofacial LoS based on MRI and evaluate MRI for craniofacial LoS assessment. This cross-sectional study included patients with craniofacial LoS from September 2021 to August 2022 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Patients who were clinically assessed in a stable phase were enrolled; patients with previous surgical treatment or contraindications to MRI were excluded. Participants underwent clinical, MRI, and ultrasound assessments. MRI was compared with ultrasound by correlation analysis and Bland-Altman analysis. The involvement of different tissues and different facial subunits was compared. The accumulated soft tissue atrophy index (ASTAI) was compared with clinical scores by correlation analysis. A total of 28 patients were included (13 female; mean age, 18 years). MRI showed a good correlation and agreement with ultrasound (r=0.916, P<0.001). In different facial subunits, a significant negative correlation between the forehead and chin was found (r=-0.593, P=0.001). The ASTAI correlated well with the facial LoS damage index (r=0.580, P=0.001) and the Peking Union Medical College LoS facial aesthetic index (PUMC LoSFAI) (r=0.921, P<0.001). A total of 38.6% of clinical scores were inaccurate based on MRI. Neurological changes were found in one patient. MRI can reliably quantify damage in craniofacial LoS, and may serve as a useful and objective tool for overall craniofacial LoS evaluation.

Multicentre, parallel, open-label, two-arm, randomised controlled trial on the prognosis of electrical impedance tomography-guided versus low PEEP/FiO2 table-guided PEEP setting: a trial protocol

IntroductionPrevious studies suggested that electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has the potential to guide positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titration via quantifying the alveolar collapse and overdistension. The aim of this trial...

Protocol for a prospective longitudinal cohort study on the effects of non-surgical weight loss on pelvic floor dysfunction

IntroductionRecent studies have recommended non-surgical weight loss and pelvic floor muscle training as first-line treatment for obese patients with urinary incontinence. However, limited studies are detecting the effect of weight...

Abstract TP267: Cerebral Venous Thrombosis at High Altitude: A Comparison of Patients From Plateau and Plain in China

Introduction: Exposure to high altitude environment is a risk factor of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) probably due to the hypercoagulability. The study aims to explore the unique clinical, risk factors, and prognostic characteristics of CVT patients in high-altitude areas of China by comparing them with CVT patients in plain areas. Methods: We retrospectively included consecutive patients with CVT admitted to Tibet Autonomous Region People’s Hospital and Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) between January 2015 and June 2022. The risk factors, clinical and radiological presentations, treatment, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 43 patients with CVT from Tibet and 111 patients from PUMCH were included. The median age was 31 and 35 years old, and women accounted for 65.1% and 54.1% respectively. Headache (90.7% vs. 71.2%, P=0.01) and altered consciousness (32.6% vs. 15.3%, P=0.017) were more common in patients from Tibet. Hemorrhage (44.2% vs. 19.8%, P=0.002) and venous infarction (51.2% vs. 25.2%, P=0.002) were more prevalent in Tibetan patients. The proportion of pregnant or postpartum patients in plateau areas was significantly higher than that in plains (27.9% vs. 5.4%, P=0.000). The levels of C-reactive protein (17.9 vs. 3.28 mg/L, P=0.011) and D-Dimer (2.15 vs. 1.1mg/L FEU, P=0.014) were greatly higher in patients from Tibet. The percentage of patients receiving anticoagulant therapy was lower in Tibet than that in PUMCH (67.4% vs. 92.8%, P=0.000). All three Tibet patients who died in hospital had recent infections, and two in-hospital deaths in PUMCH were attributed to severe pneumonia and cerebral hernia. Favorable outcome (modified Ranking Score, mRS 0-2) at follow-up was observed in 81.6% of patients in Tibet and 89.9% of those in PUMCH, with the median follow-up time of 396 days and 913 days respectively. Conclusions: The clinical and imaging manifestations are more severe in patients from Tibet. Pregnancy or puerperium is more common in patients from Tibet. The levels of inflammation and coagulation indexes in Tibetan patients are significantly higher than those in plain. Although the proportion of anticoagulant therapy in patients with high-altitude CVT is relatively low, the prognosis is good.

Impact of intraosseous regional administration of tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty on perioperative blood loss: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical intervention to treat joint diseases. However, TKA is associated with significant blood loss. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been used to reduce perioperative...

Clinicians' Practice and Opinions on Sedation Therapy in End-Stage Patients

Objective To investigate clinicians' practice and opinions on sedation therapy in end-stage patients at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Methods From August,2022 to April,2023,an online questionnaire survey was conducted among clinicians involved in end-stage patient management. Results A total of 205 questionnaires were distributed,with an effective response rate of 56.1%.Among the clinicians,55.7% of them had experience of applying sedation therapy in end-stage patients;85.2% of clinicians believed that sedation could relieve the suffering of terminal patients from physical refractory symptoms;75.7% of clinicians considered that sedation therapy could be used to relieve agony from psycho-existential distress.Most clinicians had concerns about sedation therapy due to the lack of legal support(86.1%)and the lack of understanding of patients or families(59.1%).The majority (90.4%) of clinicians were willing to receive training on palliative sedation. Conclusions A majority of clinicians agree that sedation therapy could relieve the physical distress and psycho-existential distress in end-stage patients.However,most clinicians have concerns about the application of sedation therapy due to the lack of legal support.It is necessary to enhance the training on palliative sedation.

Analyses of the risk factors for the progression of primary antiphospholipid syndrome to systemic lupus erythematosus

Objectives: Analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) progressing to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Explore the risk factors for the progression from PAPS to SLE. Methods: The clinical data of 262 patients with PAPS enrolled in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from February 2005 to September 2021 were evaluated. Assessments included demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests (serum levels of complement, anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies), treatment, and outcomes. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the prevalence of SLE in patients with PAPS. Univariate Cox regression analysis was employed to identify the risk factors for PAPS progressing to SLE. Results: Among 262 patients with PAPS, 249 had PAPS (PAPS group) and 13 progressed to SLE (5.0%) (PAPS-SLE group). Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that cardiac valve disease (HR=6.360), positive anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies (HR=7.203), low level of complement C3 (HR=25.715), and low level of complement C4 (HR=10.466) were risk factors for the progression of PAPS to SLE, whereas arterial thrombotic events (HR=0.109) were protective factors (P<0.05 for all). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the prevalence of SLE in patients suffering from PAPS with a disease course>10 years was 9%-15%. Hydroxychloroquine treatment had no effect on the occurrence of SLE in patients with PAPS (HR=0.753, 95%CI 0.231-2.450, P=0.638). Patients with≥2 risk factors had a significantly higher prevalence of SLE compared with those with no or one risk factor (13-year cumulative prevalence of SLE 48.7% vs. 0 vs. 6.2%, P<0.001 for both). Conclusions: PAPS may progress to SLE in some patients. Early onset, cardiac-valve disease, positive anti-dsDNA antibody, and low levels of complement are risk factors for the progression of PAPS to SLE (especially in patients with≥2 risk factors). Whether application of hydroxychloroquine can delay this transition has yet to be demonstrated.

Application of the follower arm endoscope holder in type i tympanoplasty

Objective:To investigate the surgical outcomes and safety of the follower arm endoscope holder in assisting type Ⅰ tympanoplasty. Methods:The clinical data of 16 patients who underwent type Ⅰ tympanoplasty at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, from November 2022 to September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, among which 8 cases were operated by traditional otoscopy and 8 cases were operated by supported endoscopy.The surgical procedure was analyzed and the completion of supported endoscopic operation was observed, while the duration of the operation, the time consumed by the main steps, the frequency of wiping the lenses, the perioperative complications, and the improvement of the postoperative hearing were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results:Supporting endoscopic technology achieved real-time suction of bleeding, simultaneous traction and separation of tissues, precise removal of calcified spots on the inner side of the eardrum, trimming of the external auditory canal flap, stable separation of the handle of the malleus and the eardrum, and tensioned repositioning of the skin-cartilage flap. The average duration of surgery, time for external auditory canal flap preparation, and time for repositioning the skin-cartilage flap were reduced in the supporting endoscopic surgery group compared to the control group. The average lens wiping frequency was significantly lower in the supporting endoscopic surgery group compared to the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative hearing improvement between the two groups, and no infections or the need for secondary surgery due to eardrum re-perforation occurred postoperatively. Conclusion:Supported endoscopy technology realizes the need for endoscopic two-handed operation and convenient switching between one and two hands, accomplishes many operations that cannot be done by traditional endoscopic surgery, solves the problems of previous intraoperative one-handed operation and image instability, shortens the average operation time compared with traditional otoscopic surgery, and decreases the frequency of intraoperative wiping of the lens significantly compared with traditional otoscopic surgery, which is potentially worthwhile in terms of shortening the learning curve.

P937 A Retropective Analysis of Micronutrient Status in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract Background Researchers are increasingly focusing on the influence of micronutrient levels on the initiation and prognosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Earlier investigations have highlighted a connection between deficiencies in zinc and selenium and an elevated risk of IBD development and unfavorable outcomes. This study seeks to investigate the existing micronutrient status among Chinese patients with IBD and assess whether deficiencies in trace elements are associated with disease activity, extent of intestinal involvement, and the use of biological treatments. Methods This cross-sectional study included patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) who underwent plasma micronutrient testing during outpatient or inpatient visits to the Department of Gastroenterology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from May 2022 to October 2023. Baseline data, the history of biological agent use, and laboratory inflammation parameters such as hsCRP, ESR, and Alb were extracted from the Electronic Medical Record System. Colonoscopy images were examined to assess the extent of intestinal involvement and endoscopic activity. The distribution of micronutrient deficiency among patients with varying disease statuses was explored using the Pearson chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test. Results Among the 168 participants with IBD in this study (77 with CD, 91 with UC), a frequent occurrence of deficiencies in copper, selenium, strontium, and zinc was noted. In CD patients in the endoscopic active phase, there was a higher incidence of selenium and zinc deficiencies compared to the remission phase (selenium 0% vs. 11.3%, p=0.17; zinc 4.2% vs. 24.5%, p=0.052). In UC patients during the endoscopic active phase, strontium (14.5% vs. 0%, p=0.053) and zinc (17.7% vs. 3.4%, p=0.094) deficiencies were more likely to occur. CD patients with zinc deficiency and UC patients lacking zinc or selenium showed higher levels of blood hsCRP and ESR but lower levels of serum albumin. UC patients with E3 type involvement were more prone to selenium and strontium deficiencies compared to those with only left colon involvement (selenium 18.5% vs. 2.7%, p=0.025; strontium 14.8% vs. 5.0%, p=0.078). Conclusion This study identified a notable prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in individuals with IBD, particularly during active phases. Specifically, patients with CD in an inflammatory state are inclined to exhibit zinc deficiency. In the case of UC, the absence of selenium, strontium, and zinc signals a higher level of inflammation. UC patients with involvement of the entire colon are more prone to experiencing deficiencies in selenium and strontium. These findings warrant validation through multi-center study and mechanism invetigation.

Factors influencing DVT formation in sepsis

IntroductionSepsis is a global public health burden. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the third most common cause of death from cardiovascular disease after heart attacks and strokes. We designed this experiment to investigate the factors influencing DVT formation in patients with sepsis.MethodsIn this survey, 918 septic patients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital, who underwent DVT screening were enrolled. The data were collected from June 8, 2013 to October 12, 2022. The differences between septic patients with and without DVT were studied from following aspects: basic information, comorbidities, inflammatory cytokines, albumin, source of infection, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, coagulation and prognosis.Main resultsIn this study, the prevalence of DVT in patients with sepsis was 0.23. Elderly patients with sepsis were prone to DVT (p value < 0.001). In terms of comorbidities, septic patients with hypertension and atrial fibrillation were prone to DVT (p value 0.045 and 0.048). Inflammatory cytokines, such as procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, had no significant correlation with DVT in patients with sepsis (p value 0.364, 0.882, 0.912, 0.789, 0.245, and 0.780). Levels of serum albumin correlated with DVT in patients with sepsis (p value 0.003). The SOFA total score had no relationship with DVT formation (p value 0.254). Coagulation and respiration function were negatively correlated with DVT (p value 0.018). Liver function was positively correlated with DVT (p value 0.020). Patients in the DVT group had longer duration of mechanical ventilation and longer intensive care unit (ICU) stays (p value < 0.001 and 0.006). There was no significant difference in survival in septic patients with and without DVT (p value 0.868).ConclusionsThe SOFA total score had no relationship with DVT formation. The function of each organ had different effects on DVT formation. Better coagulation and respiration function, easier DVT formation. Poorer liver function, easier DVT formation. DVT was associated with longer duration of mechanical ventilation and longer ICU stays.

The Role of the Non-State Actor in Sino-American Relations: An Analysis Based on the Rockefeller Foundation and the Peking Union Medical College

Founded in 1913, the Rockefeller Foundation has played a major role in US cultural diplomacy. The RF has implemented various philanthropic programs to export a perception of American values, including freedom and democracy, with the aim of eliminating local vigilance and misunderstanding, improving its international reputation, and advancing US foreign policy. In particular, the RF has made significant investments in China. From 1909 to 1949, the RF consistently invested in the medicine, health, culture and education of China. The RF exerted an incalculable influence on Chinas modernization for half a century. One of its most significant and influential investments was the establishment of the Peking Union Medical College (PUMC). Accordingly, this essay seeks to analyse the RFs largest overseas investment, the establishment of the Peking Union Medical College, to evaluate its specific practices and influence, as well as to explore the role of the RF in Sino-American relations and Americas overseas expansion.

Clinical and immunological characteristics of HIV/syphilis co-infected patients following long-term antiretroviral treatment.

This study aims to analyze the efficacy of anti-syphilis treatment and the impact of syphilis events on HIV virology and immunology in HIV/syphilis co-infected patients on long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to investigate the incidence and factors of syphilis recurrence/re-infection/serofast state. The insights derived from this investigation can potentially guide strategies for preventing and managing syphilis and AIDS. A retrospective case-control study was conducted at the AIDS clinic of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2003 to December 2022. The study involved 86 HIV/syphilis co-infected patients and 86 HIV mono-infected patients matched based on age, baseline CD4 + T cell counts, and viral load. We examined the clinical characteristics of HIV/syphilis co-infected patients, evaluated the efficacy of anti-syphilis treatment, and analyzed the dynamic changes in HIV virology and immunology. The Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) model investigated the factors associated with HIV/syphilis co-infection and syphilis recurrence/reinfection/serofast state. Syphilis serofast state was observed in 11.6% (10/86) of HIV/syphilis co-infected patients after treatment, and 33.7% (29/86) had syphilis recurrence or re-infection. The overall effectiveness of syphilis treatment stood at 76.8% (63/82). Notably, the effectiveness of syphilis treatment displayed a significant correlation with baseline syphilis titers exceeding 1:128 (p = 0.003). Over the 10-year follow-up period on ART, the HLA-DR + CD8+/CD8 + % levels in the HIV/syphilis co-infected group were markedly higher than those in the HIV mono-infected group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding HIV viral load, CD4+ T cell counts, CD8+ T cell counts, CD4/CD8 ratio, and CD38 + CD8+/CD8 + % (p > 0.05). GEE analysis model revealed that elevated HLA-DR + CD8+/CD8 + % levels were associated with HIV/syphilis co-infection (OR = 1.026, 95% CI = 1.007-1.046; p = 0.007) and syphilis recurrence/reinfection/serofast state (OR = 1.036, 95% CI = 1.008-1.065; p = 0.012). While HIV/syphilis co-infected patients typically receive adequate treatment, the incidence of syphilis recurrence and reinfection remain notably elevated. A heightened HLA-DR + CD8+/CD8+ % is a notable risk factor for HIV/syphilis co-infection and syphilis recurrence/reinfection/serofast state. Therefore, it is advisable to reinforce health education efforts and ensure regular follow-ups for people living with HIV undergoing ART to monitor syphilis infection or increased risk of syphilis infection.

Predicting Implantable Collamer Lens Vault Using Machine Learning Based on Various Preoperative Biometric Factors.

To predict the vault size after Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) V4c implantation using machine learning methods and to compare the predicted vault with the conventional manufacturer's nomogram. This study included 707 patients (707 eyes) who underwent ICL V4c implantation at the Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, from September 2019 to January 2022. Random Forest Regression (RFR), XGBoost, and linear regression (LR) were used to predict the vault size 1 week after ICL V4c implantation. The mean absolute error (MAE), median absolute error (MedAE), root mean square error (RMSE), symmetric mean absolute percentage error (SMAPE), and Bland-Altman plot were utilized to compare the prediction performance of these machine learning methods. The dataset was divided into a training set of 180 patients (180 eyes) and a test set of 527 patients (527 eyes). XGBoost had the lowest prediction error, with mean MAE, RMSE, and SMAPE values of 121.70µm, 148.87µm, and 19.13%, respectively. The Bland‒Altman plots of RFR and XGBoost showed better prediction consistency than LR. However, XGBoost showed narrower 95% limits of agreement (LoA) than RFR, ranging from -307.12 to 256.59µm. XGBoost demonstrated better predictive performance than RFR and LR, as it had the lowest prediction error and the narrowest 95% LoA. Machine learning may be applicable for vault prediction, and it might be helpful for reducing the complications and the secondary surgery rate. Using the proposed machine learning model, surgeons can consider the postoperative vault to reduce the surgical complications.

GRN mutation spectrum and genotype–phenotype correlation in Chinese dementia patients: data from PUMCH dementia cohort

BackgroundMethodsThe GRN mutations, especially of the loss of function type, are causative of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). However, several GRN variants can be found in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s...

Surgical therapy and outcome of descending necrotizing mediastinitis in Chinese: a single-center series.

Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis (DNM) is an acute and often fatal infection that affects the neck and mediastinum. DNM treatment consists of broad-spectrum antibiotics, early diagnosis, and surgical debridement with multidisciplinary cooperation. However, owing to the rarity and complexity of this disease, the mortality rate is high. This retrospective study analyzed a single-center experience of managing DNM in Chinese patients over the last 10 years. A single-center, retrospective, observational, and descriptive study was conducted on 31 patients with DNM at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2012 to 2022. Case report forms were used to collect data which were then analyzed with a focus on surgical management and outcomes. This study examined the outcomes of 31 patients diagnosed with DNM at our hospital. The most common comorbidities on admission were hypertension (48%) and diabetes mellitus (42%). The degree of diffusion of DNM according to Endo's classification was classified as follows: type I in 7 patients (22.6%), type IIA in 5 (16.1%), and type IIB in 19 patients (61.3%). Among these patients, 13 (41.9%) were found to have a single microbial infection, while 16 (51.6%) were found to have polymicrobial infections. In all cases, neck drainage was performed via cervicotomy, with multiple drains (64.5%) and vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) (35.5%). Mediastinal drainage was performed via a cervical mediastinotomy (51.6%), video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) (41.9%), or thoracotomy (6.5%). The 30-day mortality rate was 25.8% and 24.0 days of the average length of hospital stay. Early accurate diagnosis and timely intervention have been shown to be correlated with a positive prognosis. Cervicothoracic CT (computed tomography) is essential for the diagnosis, staging, and evaluation of the optimal surgical treatment. Cervicotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous drainage is effective, even in advanced cases. Additionally, the application of VSD in cervical incision did not improve prognosis but may shorten the length of ICU (intensive care unit) and hospital stays.