Significant Differences In Other Factors Research Articles

Research on the Relations Among Personality Traits, Sports Commitment, and Exercise Behavior - A Case Study of Chinese College Students.

To explore the relations among personality traits, sports commitment, and exercise behavior of Chinese college students. To test whether sports commitment plays an intermediary role in the process of personality traits affecting exercise behavior. To explore the factors that affect Chinese college students' exercise behavior from the psychological level, to promote college students to actively participate in physical exercise. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 1200 students from 6 universities using the "Personality Trait Scale", "Sports Commitment Scale" and "Exercise Behavior Scale". SPSS was used to analyze the differences between genders and urban and rural areas; and correlation analysis was conducted on the personality traits, sports commitment, and exercise behaviors of college students. Finally, AMOS was used to establish a structural equation model to test the mediating role of sports commitment. There are significant differences between different genders in each factor of personality traits (P<0.05); there is no significant difference between different genders in the participation opportunities of sports commitment (P=0.734), and there are significant differences in other factors. There were significant differences in each factor of exercise behavior (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in personality traits, sports commitment, and exercise behavior between urban and rural students (P> 0.05). There was a significant correlation among personality traits, sports commitment, and exercise behavior (P < 0.01). The direct effect of personality traits on exercise behavior was not significant (P > 0.05), but there was only the mediating effect of sports commitment. There is a significant correlation among Chinese college students' personality traits, sports commitment, and exercise behavior. Sports commitment plays an intermediary role between personality traits and sports commitment. Improving the level of sports commitment can encourage Chinese college students to participate in physical exercise.

Intragastric free cancer cells may be attached to automatic staplers during anastomosis in patients with gastric cancer

BackgroundAutomatic staplers are often used to reconstruct the digestive tract during surgeries for gastric cancer. Intragastric free cancer cells adhering to automatic staplers may come in contact with the laparoscopic port area and progress to port site recurrence. This study aimed to investigate the presence/absence of cancer cells adhering to automatic staplers during gastric cancer surgery using cytological examinations. We further determined the positive predictive clinicopathological factors and clinical implications of free cancer cells attached to automatic staplers.MethodsThis study included 101 patients who underwent distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Automatic staplers used for anastomosis in gastric cancer surgeries were shaken in 150 ml of saline solution to collect the attached cells. Papanicolaou stains were performed. We tested the correlation between cancer-cell positivity and clinicopathological factors to identify risk factors arising from the presence of attached cancer cells to the staplers.ResultsBased on the cytology, cancer cells were detected in 7 of 101 (6.9%) stapler washing fluid samples. Univariate analysis revealed that circular staplers, type 1 tumors, and positive lymph nodes were significantly associated with higher detection of free cancer cells adhering to staplers. No significant differences in other factors were detected. Of the seven cases with positive cytology, one developed anastomotic recurrence.ConclusionsExfoliated cancer cells adhered to the automatic staplers used for anastomoses in 6.9% of the staplers used for distal gastrectomies in patients with gastric cancer. Staplers used for gastric cancer surgeries should be handled carefully.

Potential factors affecting the success rate of indirect pulp therapy in primary molars with deep caries: a retrospective study.

Indirect pulp therapy (IPT) is a common conservative treatment for deep dental caries. However, the potential risk factors for the prognosis of IPT have not been well studied. This study retrospectively investigated the success rate of IPT in treating primary molars with deep caries and the factors potentially affecting the two-year success rate. A total of 303 primary molars in 202 children (106 boys and 96 girls) were included in this study. These primary molars were identified as having deep caries by clinical and radiographic examinations and were treated with IPT. The factors potentially affecting the IPT success rate were analyzed after two years of follow-up. The results indicated that the two-year IPT success rate was 86% (262/303). The success rate of primary molars with and without stainless steel crowns was 96% (120/125) and 80% (142/178), respectively. Primary molars treated with stainless steel crowns showed a significantly lower risk of failure (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.10, 0.34), p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in other factors, including gender (male vs. female), age (preschool vs. school age), cooperation level (Frankl 2 vs. 3 or 4 scales), arch type (maxillary vs. mandibular), tooth type (first vs. second primary molar), or pulp capping material (calcium hydroxide vs. glass ionomer cement). IPT is an effective, conservative treatment modality for primary molars with deep caries. Stainless steel crowns could significantly improve the IPT success rate.

Validation of the COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) in Vietnamese patients with cancer.

The COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) has proven to be a reliable tool for quantifying the impact of financial toxicity (FT) in patients with cancer in clinical and public health settings. However, the COST has not yet been validated in Vietnam. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate its reliability and validity among Vietnamese patients with cancer. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 300 patients with cancer aged 27-95 years (mean: 58.5±11.2) in a tertiary hospital. The COST was translated into Vietnamese and English and adjusted to suit the local culture. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients. The construct and convergent validities were also assessed. The COST demonstrated good internal consistency and reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.913; McDonald's omega = 0.915). The exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors that explained 64.9% of the variance. The adjusted fit indices indicated a good fit of the model (χ2 (39) = 67.78, p = 0.003; standardized root mean squared residual = 0.042; Tucker-Lewis index = 0.971; comparative fit index = 0.979; root mean square error of approximation = 0.061, 90% confidence interval = 0.035-0084). Higher COST scores were significantly correlated with higher health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L utility score: r = 0.21, p = 0.002; EQ VAS: r = 0.28, p < 0.001). Multivariate quantile regression analysis revealed that female sex, rural residence, and unstable job/unemployment were associated with lower COST scores. There was no statistically significant difference in other factors, including clinical factors (types of cancer, staging, and treatment modalities). The COST is reliable and valid, making it suitable for assessing FT severity in Vietnamese patients with cancer.

Multiple coronary artery microfistulae are common and progress in adult patients late after Fontan operation

Abstract Background Coronary angiograms of adult Fontan patients sometimes show the abnormal multiple coronary artery microfistulae (mCAFs) that drain directly into the ventricular chamber. They look like coronary artery fistulae or Thebesian vein. Angiographically detectable mCAFs are a rare finding sometimes associated with myocardial ischemia due to coronary steal and volume overload of ventricles in non-CHD adults. However, there are limited data concerning these mCAFs in the setting of CHD patients. Purpose The aim of this study is to demonstrate presence, character, and changes with growth of mCAFs in adult patients late after Fontan operation. Methods This study is single-center retrospective review of adults (16 years old or older) with Fontan circulation patients who had undergone cardiac catheterization for routine Fontan surveillance between 2009-2022. We assessed the presence of angiographically detectable mCAFs from ascending aortography. After identification of the characteristic cases, we examined the ventricular morphology, the portion of drainage, and compared with previous findings of angiograms. SaO2, EF of main ventricle, CVP, EDP of main ventricle, BNP, and use of pulmonary vasodilators were compared between mCAFs(+) group and mCAFs(-) group. We also reviewed clinical manifestation and findings of exercise stress ECG of the patients. Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum was excluded because abnormal coronary arterial communications have been well documented in this condition. Results Among 90 Fontan patients who had undergone catheterization, significant mCAFs were observed in a total of 18 cases (20%). There were 10 right-dominant single ventricle, 4 left-dominant single ventricle, and 4 unbalanced two ventricles. In all cases, including left-dominant single ventricle, all fistulae drained into right ventricle cavity, never into left ventricle. The patients who underwent serial catheterizations demonstrated that the dilation and tortuosity of fistulae progressed over time. The comparison of two groups showed SaO2 was low, BNP and CVP was high significantly in mCAFs(+) group. There were no significant differences in other factors including age at catheterization and the use of pulmonary vasodilators. Among 10 patients who had underwent exercise stress ECG, only 1 patient showed ST segment depression. None had clinical history of chest pain, and arrhythmia, and ischemic event. Conclusions MCAFs are common and progress in adult patients late after Fontan operation. Although the clinical significance and etiology of these findings remains uncertain, particular attention should be given to subclinical Fontan failure caused by hhigh CVP, volume overload, and myocardial ischemia for the future of adult Fontan patients who have prominent mCAFs.

Preserving Spontaneous Breathing Without Intubation and Endotracheal Intubation with One Lung Ventilation in Single-hole Thoracoscopic Bulla Suture

Objective: To explore the situation of patients and the compare the effect between two methods, which are preserving spontaneous breathing without intubation and endotracheal intubation with one lung ventilation in the single-hole thoracoscopic bulla suture. Method: 42 patients who received single-hole thoracoscopic pulmonary bullae suture in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were selected as the study subjects, including 19 patients who underwent endotracheal intubation and one lung ventilation as the control group and 23 patients who underwent single-hole thoracoscopic pulmonary bullae suture without intubation as the study group. The relevant indexes, postoperative general conditions, complications and pneumothorax recurrence of the two groups were analyzed and observed. Results: In the control group, the scores of anesthesia time (points), resuscitation time (points), surgical visual field score (points), surgical time (points), and surgical bleeding volume (points) were 20.8 ± 4.6, 19.9 ± 7.9, 1.7 ± 0.5, 44.9 ± 7.9, and 11.4 ± 2.4 respectively. In the study group, the scores of anesthesia time (points), resuscitation time (points), surgical visual field score (points), surgical time (points), and scores of surgical bleeding (points) were 17.9 ± 4.3, 15.4 ± 3.4, 1.9 ± 0.4, 48.4 ± 7.1, 10.9 ± 2.2, respectively. There was no statistical difference in surgical visual field score, surgical time and surgical bleeding whereas there was a statistical difference between anesthesia time and resuscitation time. In the control group after operation, VAS score at 6 hours after operation, SaO2 (%) after operation, PaCO2 (mmHg) after operation, drainage volume (ML) after operation, feeding time (H) after operation, retention time of thoracic tube after operation (H), WBC (109) on the first day after operation, hospitalization time (d), and total hospitalization cost (RMB 1000) were 2.1 ± 0.7, 98.2 ± 1.4, 42.4 ± 4.9, 139.1 ± 23.1, 6.9 ± 1.6, 37.1 ± 5.4, 7.9 ± 2.1, 6.6 ± 1.3, and 2.6 ± 0.3 respectively. As for the study group, the VAS score at 6 hours after operation, SaO2 (%) after operation, PaCO2 (mmHg) after operation, drainage volume (ML) after operation, feeding time (H) after operation, retention time of thoracic tube after operation (H), WBC (109) on the first day after operation, hospitalization time (d), and total hospitalization cost (RMB 1000) were 1.9 ± 0.4, 97.9 ± 1.2, 42.8 ± 5.1, 151.8 ± 21.9, 4.3 ± 1.4, 15.3 ± 2.6, 5.2 ± 2.3, 4.2 ± 1.2, and 1.8 ± 0.4 respectively. Among them, there were no significant differences in visual analog scale (VAS) score at 6 hours after operation, SaO2 after operation and PaCO2 after operation between the two groups, but there were significant differences in other factors. The complication rate of the control group was 36.84%, which was significantly higher than that of the study group (4.35%), with statistical difference. The recurrence rate of the control group was 21.05%, which was not significantly different from that of the study group (4.35%). Conclusion: The single-hole thoracoscopic bullae suture without intubation can reduce the anesthesia time and resuscitation time of patients, reduce the hospitalization cost of patients, reduce the treatment burden, shorten the first feeding time, and reduce the complication rate of patients. Therefore, it is worthy of clinical promotion.

Discrepancy Between Cognitive Test and Brain Imaging Results in Alzheimer's Disease Associated with Diabetes.

Although a large number of studies have been performed on the association between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), the underlying pathophysiology of AD associated with DM has not been fully elucidated to date. We compared cognitive functions and brain imaging findings between AD patients with and without DM to characterize the association between cognition and imaging findings in AD patients with DM. Cognitive functions and brain imaging findings, including medial temporal lobe atrophy analyzed by magnetic resonance imaging, and hypoperfusion in the parietal, posterior cingulate, and frontal regions analyzed by single-photon emission computed tomography were compared between 126 AD patients without DM ([AD-DM]) and 51 AD patients with DM ([AD+DM]). Factors associated with cognitive-imaging associations, including education, occupation, leisure activity, comorbidity, frailty, and other demographics, were analyzed. The [AD+DM] group showed significantly more severe cognitive dysfunction than the [ADDM] group, despite a similar degree of brain imaging abnormalities. Among the factors associated with cognitive-imaging associations, the level of leisure activity was significantly lower in the [AD+DM] group than in the [AD-DM] group, but no significant differences in other factors were observed between the 2 groups. The cognitive-imaging discrepancy observed in AD patients with DM may be associated with their low cognitive reserve, possibly caused by their low amount of leisure activities. Our findings suggest that lifestyle interventions, including physical, cognitive, and social activities, may reduce cognitive decline in AD patients with DM.

Safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small-cell lung cancer patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia: a matched case\u2013control study

PurposeThe immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab is commonly used for non-small-cell lung cancer treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors cause immune-related adverse events, including interstitial pneumonia. However, there are no studies on the risk factors for interstitial pneumonia exacerbation after immune checkpoint inhibitor administration in patients with a history of different types of interstitial pneumonia. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the risk factors for interstitial pneumonia exacerbation in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and a history of interstitial pneumonia. We also aimed to explore differences in the risk of interstitial pneumonia exacerbation due to various types of interstitial pneumonia—idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, immune-related pneumonitis, and radiation pneumonitis.MethodsEleven patients with a history of interstitial pneumonia exacerbation following the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitor were included in the study. We performed 1:2 matching based on age and sex. Twenty-two patients whose interstitial pneumonia did not worsen after immune checkpoint inhibitor administration belonged to the control group. We calculated odds ratios for each factor in the patients and control subjects.ResultsThe odds ratio of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia in the case group was 0.15 (95% confidence interval: 0.03–0.89) (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in other factors, such as smoking history, pulmonary emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.ConclusionThe administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small-cell lung cancer patients with a history of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia might be a viable treatment option and have clinical benefits.

청소년의 스마트폰 사용 중 간헐적 경부 스트레칭 운동이 근골격계 건강위험요인에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to analyze how intermittent stretching exercise affects musculoskeletal health risk factors(neck range of motion, muscle activity, pressure pain) when using the smartphone in adolescents. The results of this study are as follows. First, there was no significant difference in musculoskeletal health risk factors pre and post smartphone use in the experimental group. Second, there were significant differences in musculoskeletal health risk factors pre and post smartphone use of the control group. Third, there was no significant difference in musculoskeletal health risk factors before the use of smartphone in the experimental group and the control group. Fourth, the musculoskeletal health risk factors before the use of smartphone in the experimental group and the control group showed a significant difference in muscle activity of the levator scapula, and no significant difference in other factors. From the above results, it was found that when adolescents use their smartphones for 60 minutes without stretching exercises in a chair sitting position, it was found that the musculoskeletal system (neck range of motion, muscle activity, pressure pain) was negatively affected, but 15 minutes It was found that the negative effects on the musculoskeletal system were significantly reduced when simple neck stretching exercises were performed in units.

Risk factors for cytomegalovirus reactivation in patients with kidney disease under immunosuppressive therapy.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpes virus that causes latent infections, and its reactivation due to immunosuppression can cause fatal complications. CMV reactivation is a complication frequently occurring in patients with kidney disease who require immunosuppressive therapy, and, therefore, this study retrospectively examined its risk factors. Patients who received immunosuppressive therapy and underwent the CMV antigenemia test (CMV antigenemia: C7-HRP) for the treatment of primary nephritis (minimal change disease, membranous nephropathy, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, focal glomerulosclerosis, and IgA nephropathy) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated nephritis diagnosed at Saiseikai Kurihashi Hospital from January 2014 to December 2019 were recruited as study participants. Risk factors of CMV reactivation were examined using univariable and multivariable analyses. Among the 64 patients (36 men and 28 women; median age, 72years) included, 34 had primary nephritis (20 minimal disease changes, 10 membranous nephropathy, 1 membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, 1 focal glomerulosclerosis, and 2 IgA nephropathy) and 30 had ANCA-associated nephritis. Regarding glucocorticoid (GC), 43 patients received oral GC therapy, whereas 21 received GC pulse therapy. CMV reactivation participants showed significant differences in age, ANCA-associated nephritis, hemoglobin level, lymphocyte count, maximum GC dosage, and hemodialysis in univariable analysis. Multivariate analysis showed significantly lower lymphocyte counts in CMV-reactivated patients, but no significant difference in other factors. In patients with kidney disease, who require immunosuppressive therapy, CMV reactivation risk is high in patients with low lymphocyte count, and monitoring CMV during the treatment course could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of CMV disease.

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Patients with Acromegaly from a Single Center in China

An increased risk of thyroid cancers in patients with acromegaly has been addressed by numerous studies. However, the differences between patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) with and without acromegaly remain to be clarified. We compared the clinical-pathologic data and genetic alterations of PTC between the 2 groups. Four patients with PTC and acromegaly and 32 age-matched patients with PTC without acromegaly were retrieved retrospectively from the hospital recordings. Mutational analysis was determined by direct sequencing. Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor and insulin Rβ expression were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in acromegaly group. The prevalence of multifocality involved in bilateral lobes in the acromegaly group was significantly increased (P= 0.017). The presence of bilateral lymph node metastasis showed the increasing trend even though without a significant difference because of the limited number of PTC patients in acromegaly group (P= 0.053). There was no significant difference in other factors, such as sex, tumor size in maximum diameter, lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal extension, and TNM stage. Two (50%) PTCs in acromegalic group and 25 (78.12%) PTCs in the nonacromegalic group were detected to harbor BRAF600E mutation, and no patient was identified to have NRAS codon 61, KRAS codon 61/12/13 mutation. Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor and insulin Rβ immunostaining showed low positive to positive in PTC cells and negative in adjacent normal tissues in patients with acromegaly. Multifocality involved in 2 lobes is more common in patients with PTC and acromegaly, which shows more aggressive behaviors. BRAF mutation is not uncommon in patients with PTC and acromegaly.

Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on oxidative stress and clinical outcomes in patients with low levels of coenzyme Q10 admitted to the intensive care unit.

Today, trauma is known to be the third leading cause of death in most countries. Studies have demonstrated below-normal plasma levels of antioxidants in trauma patients. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on oxidative stress, clinical outcomes and anthropometrical parameters in traumatic mechanical ventilated patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Patients were randomised to receive sublingual CoQ10 (400 mg/d) or placebo for 7 d. Primary and secondary outcomes were measured at the baseline and end of the study. We enrolled forty patients for this trial: twenty in the CoQ10 group and twenty in the placebo group. There was not any significant difference in the baseline variables (P > 0⋅05). At the end of the study, CoQ10 administration caused a considerable reduction in the Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentrations (P < 0⋅001), Glasgow Coma Score (GCS; P = 0⋅02), ICU and hospital length of stay and mechanical ventilation (MV) duration (P < 0⋅001). We found that CoQ10 administration could increase Fat-Free Mass (P < 0⋅001) (FFM; P = 0⋅04), Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM; P = 0⋅04) and Body Cell Mass (BCM) percent (P = 0⋅03). There was not any significant difference in other factors between the two groups (P > 0⋅05). CoQ10 administration has beneficial effects on patients with traumatic injury and has no side effects. However, since the possibility of the type II error was high, the outcomes on the duration of MV, ICU stay and hospital stay, and GCS may very well be false positives.

Prognostic utility of preoperative neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio in cats with malignant mammary tumors

Although studies have determined the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to be a useful prognostic predictor in various human cancers, little is known regarding its preoperative prognostic significance in feline mammary tumors (FMTs). Thus, the present study aimed to determine the prognostic utility of preoperative peripheral blood NLR in malignant FMTs. Accordingly, medical records of 34 cats that had undergone mastectomy were searched, after which those histopathologically confirmed to have malignant FMTs were included. Univariate analysis was used to determine the effect of each variable on one-year survival time. Factors determined to be significant during univariate analysis were subsequently included for multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to assess the accuracy of the tests for predicting one-year survival. Univariate analysis showed that a high NLR and large tumor size were significantly associated with shorter survival times (P < 0.01, for both). No significant differences in other factors were observed. Multivariate analysis showed that a high NLR (hazard ratio, 25.03; 95% confidence interval, 2.98–210.40; P < 0.01), but not tumor size and age, was an independent prognostic factor for poor outcomes. The sensitivity and specificity of the NLR (cut-off, 5.67) for predicting one-year survival were 93.8% and 88.9%, respectively. This study suggests that the NLR could potentially be used as a preoperative prognostic factor in FMTs. Preoperative NLR may help to establish therapeutic modalities by allowing prognostic evaluation among cats with mammary tumors.

The effect of household income on outcomes following supratentorial meningioma resection

ObjectiveThis study assesses the impact of Median Household Income (MHI) on short- and long-term morbidity and mortality following supratentorial meningioma resection. Patients and methods351 consecutive patients undergoing supratentorial meningioma tumor resection, at a single health system over a six-year period (June 09, 2013 to April 26, 2019) were analyzed retrospectively. Outcomes assessed included readmission, emergency department (ED) evaluation, and mortality within 90 days of surgery. Univariate regression analysis was conducted amongst the entire population. The population was then divided into quartiles based on median household income and univariate analysis was conducted between the lowest (Q1) and highest (Q4) quartiles. Significance was set at a P-value < 0.05. Stepwise regression was performed to identify confounding variables in the logistic model. ResultsIn the whole population, lower Median Household Income correlated to a significant increase in ED evaluation within 90-days of supratentorial meningioma resection. No significant difference was noted between median household income and 90-day readmission, 90-day unplanned re-operation, return to surgery after index admission within 90-days, return to surgery during the duration of the follow-up period, mortality within 90-days, and mortality during the duration of the follow-up period. In addition, when comparing Q1 (MHI ≤ $51,780) and Q4 (MHI ≥ $87,958), similar results were noted with increased ED evaluation for patients with lower MHI, but no significant difference in other factors of morbidity or mortality. ConclusionFollowing supratentorial meningioma resection, a lower median household income was significantly associated with increased emergency department visits within 90 post-operative days.

Post-operative Glycaemic Control Using an Insulin Infusion is Associated with Reduced Surgical Site Infections in Colorectal Surgery.

The incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in colorectal surgery (CRS) is higher than other forms of general surgery. Post-operative hyperglycaemia causes increased SSI in CRS. Post-operative hyperglycaemia control in cardiac surgery reduces SSI. The aim was to evaluate using a cohort comparison the effect of post-operative glycaemic control using an insulin infusion on SSI in CRS. Collection of data for the ACS-NSQIP was commenced in 2015. The CRS unit added post-operative glycaemic control to the SSI bundle in late 2016. The intervention was an insulin infusion to titrate blood glucose between 135 and 180mg/Dl (7.5 and 10mmol/l). The effect of glycaemic control on SSI was assessed comparing ACS-NSQIP raw data prior and after the intervention was commenced. The NSQIP data from July 2015 to June 2016 revealed the incidence of SSI were 25%. From January 2017 to December 2017, there was a significant reduction in SSI to 6.1% (OR = 517 Cl = 1.92-16.08, p < 0.001). The incidence of organ/space SSI fell significantly from 13% to 1.0% (OR = 11.35, Cl = 1.62-488.7, p < 0.001). There was non-significant reduction in superficial SSI from 11 to 4.0% (OR = 2.93, Cl = 0.68-13.03, p = 0.06). There was no significant difference in other factors associated with SSI in CRS. Post-operative glycaemic control in CRS reduces the rate of SSI. Post-operative glycaemic control should be included in SSI bundles for CRS and may be of benefit in other surgical specialties.

Assessment of Student Scores Based on Specific Variables in the Web-Assisted English Grammar Exercises

The general purpose of this study is to assess English language grammar post scores of the learners when they have done web supported exercises; the assessment has been done according to gender, attending English courses, out-of-school learning of English language and the use of other sources other than English textbooks. In order to achieve this aim, the research was carried out with a control and experimental group. Experimental and control groups were formed according to the neutrality rule by equalizing certain variables. In the study, "English Grammar Test" ”and “personal data collection tool”, which are valid and reliable, were used as data collection tools. The experimental group followed the English exercise in a web-supported English learning environment. The data were analysed using statistical techniques. At the end of the study, there was a significant difference in favour of women among the subjects in the experimental group, while no significant differences in other factors were observed between the experimental and control groups. As the most important suggestion, mixed or separate learning environments related to and supporting grammar for speaking, writing, listening and reading skills should be developed or explored while learning English or other languages for learners in social media.&#x0D; Keywords: Web-assisted Learning, English Language Learning, Grammar, gender, social media, out-of-school learning.

Corpus callosum and cerebellar vermis size in very preterm infants: Relationship to long-term neurodevelopmental outcome

The neonatal changes of corpus callosum or cerebellar volume in preterm infants have been shown to link with abnormal mentality and motor disability in early childhood. This study aims to predict the long-term neurological outcomes by measuring these changes on neonatal brain ultrasound in preterm infants. Our cohort consisted of infants aged below 32 weeks' gestation with very low birth body weights who completed neuro-assessments at 5 years of age. Corpus callosum or cerebellar vermis were measured at 28-30 weeks and at 37-40 weeks gestational age in premature infants with cerebral palsy (CP), mental retardation (MR) and normal control premature infants. There are 12 patients in MR group, 12 in CP group and 27 patients as controls for final analysis. There was no significant difference in other factors between study groups except lower gestational age (P=0.043) in CP group. Respiratory distress syndrome was more common in MR group (P=0.037) and cystic periventricular leukomalacia was more common in CP group (P<0.001) than controls. After adjusting for sex and birth body weight, the MR group had smaller cerebellar vermis area at 37-40 gestational weeks (P=0.002) than controls. They also reduced the growth of corpus callosum area (difference=-0.12±0.16, P=0.029) and cerebellar vermis area (difference=1.10±0.44, P=0.020) from 28 to 30 gestational weeks to 37-40 gestational weeks compared with controls (difference=0.03±0.15, 1.92±0.70, respectively). In contrast, the CP group had reduced the growth of corpus callosum body (difference=-0.02±0.18, P=0.034) compared with controls (difference=0.03±0.04). They subsequently had smaller body thickness of corpus callosum (0.10±0.02, P=0.015) at 37-40 gestational weeks than controls (0.14±0.04). Serial monitoring corpus callosum and cerebellar vermis size in early life of very preterm babies may predict the motor or mentality neurological outcome at 5 years of age.

A predicting model of bone marrow malignant infiltration in 18F-FDG PET/CT images with increased diffuse bone marrow FDG uptake.

Purpose: To demonstrate the relationship between the etiologies of increased diffuse bone marrow (BM) 18F-FDG uptake and PET/CT imaging/clinical features, as well as to explore a predicting model of BM malignant infiltration (MI) based on decision tree.Methods: 84 patients with increased diffuse BM uptake were retrospectively enrolled. Their complete case record and PET/CT images were reviewed, with the maximal standardized uptake values of bone marrow (SUVmaxBM) and other imaging/clinical features were noted. At the same time, the differences in imaging/clinical features between bone marrow MI and non-MI groups were compared. The decision tree for predicting MI was established by C5.0 component of SPSS Clementine.Results: In patients with homogenously increased BM uptake, 21 patients had MI resulted from leukemia, lymphoma and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). MI group had higher SUVmaxBM than non-MI group (6.7±3.1 vs 4.2±0.9, p=0.001). However, a considerable proportion of MI patients had similar SUVmaxBM to non-MI patients, which were mainly seen in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia (LPL/WM), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and multiple myeloma (MM). There were significant differences in other factors between the two groups. MI patients were highly associated with SUVmaxAP/AX≥1 (the ratio of SUVmaxBM of appendicular skeleton to that of axial skeleton), hepatosplenomegaly, older age and lower rate of fever. The decision tree combining SUVmaxBM, SUVmaxAP/AX, fever and hepatosplenomegaly achieved a sensitivity of 81.0%, a specificity of 98.4% and an accuracy of 94.0% for predicting MI.Conclusion: Increased diffuse BM 18F-FDG uptake can be attributed to both bone marrow MI and benign etiologies. A decision tree based on C5.0 algorithm, combining PET/CT imaging and clinical features, is of potential use in discriminating BM malignant infiltration from patients with increased diffuse BM uptake.

Analysis of related factors of extremely preterm infants'abnormal neurological findings

To observe the effect of intrapartum and postpartum factors on abnormal neurological findings in the extremely preterm infants. Clinical data of 62 premature infants (33 of male, 29 of female) were retrospectively analyzed. None of the premature infants had birth defect; their gestational ages were all less than 28 weeks (23(+ 6)-27(+ 6) weeks). They were hospitalized within 12 hours after birth in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of BAYI Children's Hospital from November 2010 to June 2013. The blood gas, birth condition, complications, the mechanical ventilation and the ultrasonic encephalography were recorded. The 62 cases were divided into 2 groups, alive group and died group. Meanwhile, all cases of survial were divided into brain injuries group and normal brain group. Data were analyzed with t-test, Chi square test and Spearman correlation analysis. Fifty-six cases were alive, and 6 cases died (3 were during the treatment and 3 were after parents gave up). The average birth weight of brain injuries group was (954 ± 182) g; and that of the normal brain group was (1 071 ± 136) g. There were significant differences between the two groups in gender (χ(2) = 4.314, P = 0.038), gestational age (χ(2) = 11.622, P = 0.001), birth weight (t = 2.728, P = 0.009), which had significant correlation with neurological outcomes. The Spearman correlative coefficients were -0.278, 0.456 and 0.364 respectively. And P values were 0.038, 0.000 and 0.006. The rates of multiple pregnancy, lung hemorrhage and surgical operation in brain injuries group were 45%(9/20), 55%(11/20), 40%(8/20), which were significantly higher than those in normal brain group, 3%(1/36), 17%(6/36), 11%(4/36)(χ(2) = 12.800, 8.936, 4.773, P all < 0.05). These three factors were the high risk factors for adverse neurological outcomes, the odds ratios were 28.64, 6.11 and 5.33 respectively. There was no significant difference in delivery mode, amniotic fluid, maternal infection, asphyxia, necrotizing enterocolitis, patent ductus arteriosus, sepsis, mechanical ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide therapy, blood glucose, blood gas analysis, doses of dopamine between brain injuries group and normal brain group. The birth weight in alive group was (1 029 ± 163) g, which was significantly higher than those in died group (870 ± 144)g (r=0.29, P=0.022). There was no significant difference in other factors between alive group and died group(P all>0.05). Gender, gestational age and birth weight may have relation with the neurological outcomes of extremely preterm infants. Multiple pregnancy, pulmonary hemorrhage and surgical operation are the risk factors of brain injuries. Birth weight is related to the survival of extremely preterm infants.

Protrusion of hepatocellular carcinoma is a predictor of early recurrence in hepatectomy patients after spontaneous rupture.

PurposeThe factors related to early-onset tumor recurrence in patients with spontaneously ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy remain unclear. The aims of the present study were to compare characteristics between early and late recurrence groups in spontaneously ruptured HCC patients who received curative hepatectomy and to identify risk factors for mortality.MethodsWe selected 19 patients who had been diagnosed with spontaneously ruptured HCC and who were treated with curative liver resection between 1998 and 2013. The 19 patients were divided into 2 groups: the early recurrence group of patients who experienced tumor recurrence within 12 months after hepatectomy, and the late recurrence group of patients who experienced recurrence after 12 months or who did not experience recurrence.ResultsThe median tumor size was 7.4 cm, and there were no cases of postoperative mortality. Patient survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 78.9%, 58.6%, and 58.6%, respectively. The incidence of tumor protrusion in the early recurrence group was higher than that in the late recurrence group (100% vs. 30%, respectively, P = 0.003). There were no statistically significant differences in other factors between the 2 groups. Multivariate analysis showed that greater than 30% protrusion of the tumor was a predictor of patient survival.ConclusionThe results from the present study suggests that spontaneously ruptured HCC patients with protrusion should be frequently monitored after hepatectomy in order to achieve early detection of tumor recurrence and improve survival.