Significant Independent Factors Research Articles

The Risk Factors of Mitral Regurgitation Deterioration After Secundum Atrial Septal Defect Closure.

Association between secundum Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) and mitral valve (MV) disease has been recognized for decades. Secundum ASD closure can reduce mitral regurgitation (MR) degree. However, in some patients, deterioration of MR after ASD closure has been observed. We aimed to identify the risk factors of MR deterioration after ASD closure. This was an observational retrospective cohort study. Data were collected from the registry and echocardiogram report. We evaluated all patients with ASD closure by surgery and transcatheterization without MR intervention from January 2012 until June 2021 at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta. We excluded patients with multiple ASD and ASD with severe MR requiring MV intervention. Risk factors for MR deterioration were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. A total of 242 patients who underwent post-secundum ASD closure were included. In multivariate analysis, ASD closure by surgery, large left atrial (LA) diameter (>40 mm), low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; <55%), and MV regurgitation degree were significant risk factors for MR worsening after ASD closure, with OR of 2.103 (95% CI 1.124-3.937); 2.871 (95% CI 1.032-7.985); 5.531 (95% CI 1.368-22.366); and 2.490 (95% CI 1.339-4.630) respectively. ASD closure by surgery, large LA diameter (>40 mm), low LVEF (<55%), and MV regurgitation degree are independent significant risk factors for MR deterioration in post-secundum ASD closure patients. In adult ASD patients with reduced LV function, it is recommended to perform balloon testing and consider fenestrated closure, as low LVEF <55% has the highest risk of causing new or deteriorating MR.

Use of EndoAnchors during index endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in patients with hostile proximal aortic neck anatomy.

Standard endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is sometimes the only treatment option for patients with hostile aortic neck anatomy, but it carries an increased risk of both early and late procedure-related complications. The aim of this study was to report on single-center experience with the Heli-FX EndoAnchors (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, CA) as an adjunctive procedure to endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for prevention and perioperative treatment of proximal neck complications in patients with hostile neck anatomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Asingle-centre, retrospective study evaluating 24 consecutive patients treated with EndoAnchors during the index EVAR procedure between November 2018 and August 2021. EndoAnchor implantation was indicated for cases with hostile proximal aortic neck anatomy characterised by the presence of at least one of the following parameters: length of 28 mm, angle of >60°, circumferential thrombus/calcification involving ≥50%, and reverse taper. Median follow-up period was 22.5 months (IQR 2-31.5 months) with no aneurysm-related death, rupture, or conversion to open surgical repair during the follow-up. The procedural success rate was 100%, with no type Ia endoleak at the completion angiography. Amean of 7 EndoAnchors was used per patient (range 4-12). There were no EndoAnchor fractures and dislocations or stent graft fabric damage due to anchor implants.Twenty-three patients (95.8%) remained free of type Ia endoleak and migration on follow-up imaging. Aneurysm sac regression was observed in 13 patients (54.1%), while in 8 patients (33.3%) the sac remained stable. Sac enlargement was present in 1 patient (4.2%) due to late type Ia endoleak. Twopatients were lost to the follow-up immediately after the procedure.Between two groups of patients (sac regression versus failure to regress), the larger initial diameter of the proximal neck was the only significant independent factor associated with a lower possibility of sac regression (p= 0,021). The use of EndoAnchors during the index EVAR procedure in cases with challenging aortic neck anatomy with or without perioperative type Ia endoleak was associated with good midterm results and led to sac regression in most of the patients (Tab. 4, Fig. 3, Ref. 31).

Association between restricted outings and geriatric locomotive function scale score in the general elderly population during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundRestrictions in daily activities due to coronavirus infection countermeasures reduced opportunities for physical activity and social participation in people of all ages. This study investigated the associations of restricted outings on locomotive function during the COVID-19 pandemic using a cohort of middle-aged and elderly community-dwelling residents. MethodsRegistered citizens of 50 to 89 years old were targeted for this investigation. We established 8 groups based on age (50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s) and gender (male and female) after random sampling from the basic resident registry of Obuse town in 2014. All participants were surveyed by a 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale (GLFS-25) at the time of checkup before the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, in 2021 and 2022 after government restrictions on outings were lifted for COVID-19 pandemic, all participants were mailed questionnaires including the GLFS-25. A total of 296 (143 male and 153 female) participants who responded at least once were included. We evaluated the changes in opportunities to go out between pre- and post-pandemic time points and the impact on GLFS-25 scores. ResultsIn total, 128 (43.2%) respondents had fewer opportunities to go out than the previous year. Pre- and post-pandemic GLFS-25 scores in the decreased outing (+) group were significantly worse than in the decreased outing (-) group (both p<0.01). The final multivariate model revealed GLFS-25 score worsening beta coefficient of 0.27 for age (+10 years), 3.97 for male, 4.54 for decreased outings, and 4.46 for spinal canal stenosis. ConclusionsIn this randomly sampled Japanese cohort based on a resident registry, restricted outings during the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant independent factor associated with lower locomotive function.

A retrospective analysis of the influencing factors of nucleic acid CT value fluctuation in COVID-19 patients infected with Omicron variant virus in Changchun city.

This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with fluctuations in nucleic acid CT values in patients infected with the Omicron variant during an outbreak at a hospital in Changchun city. A retrospective analysis was conducted on general information, medical history, vaccination history, and laboratory test data of COVID-19 patients infected with the Omicron variant and admitted to the hospital in Changchun from March 2022 to April 2022. The study aimed to explore the factors influencing nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in COVID-19 patients infected with the Omicron variant in Changchun city. Fluctuations in nucleic acid CT values were significantly correlated with occupation composition (p = 0.030), hospital stay duration (p = 0.000), heart rate (p = 0.026), creatinine (p = 0.011), platelet count (p = 0.000), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (p = 0.045), and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (p = 0.017). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed significant correlations between hospital stay duration (p = 0.000), platelet count (p = 0.019), heart rate (p = 0.036), and nucleic acid CT value fluctuations (p < 0.05), indicating that they were independent risk factors. Red blood cell count was identified as a factor influencing nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in Group A patients. Occupation composition, direct bilirubin, and platelet count were identified as factors influencing nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in Group B patients. Further binary logistic regression analysis indicated that occupational composition and direct bilirubin are significant independent factors for nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in Group B patients, positively correlated with occupational risk and negatively correlated with direct bilirubin. Therefore, enhancing patients' immunity, increasing physical exercise to improve myocardial oxygen consumption, reducing the length of hospital stays, and closely monitoring liver function at the onset of hospitalization to prevent liver function abnormalities are effective measures to control fluctuations in nucleic acid CT values.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Sleep Function of Hospital Staff Working With COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Nationwide Study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented a globally challenging situation for human physical and mental health. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are affected by increased levels of anxiety, stress, and insomnia. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on HCWs anxiety, stress, and insomnia levels. This cross-sectional study employed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale 10, and Insomnia Severity Index to assess anxiety, stress, and insomnia among HCWs at 10 COVID-19 isolation and treatment hospitals/centers after the first COVID-19 wave in Jordan. A web-based survey was used to collect data from 183 participants. Statistical analysis of factors affecting the mean scores of anxiety, stress, and insomnia was carried using student t-test or ANOVA while factors associated with differences in anxiety, stress, and insomnia frequencies were tested using Chi-square/Fisher exact test. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors. Among participants, 97.3% reported moderate to severe levels of stress, 68% reported borderline to high abnormal levels of anxiety, and 32% had moderate to severe insomnia. The mean of anxiety total score was 9.8 ± 4.8, stress total score was 22.7 ± 4.5, and insomnia total score was 11.0 ± 7.1. Significant positive correlations were noted between anxiety, stress, and insomnia (P < .005). Female gender, migraine, less working years, increased time spent with patients, lower workforce, clinical insomnia and high stress were significant independent factors associated with anxiety (P < .05). Younger age, being single or divorced, heart disease, smoking, occupation (nurses), lower workforce, vaccination dose, and anxiety were significant independent factors associated with insomnia (P < .05). Increased time spent with patients, lower workforce, lower spouse and colleagues support, sadness due to isolation and anxiety were significant independent factors associated with stress. HCWs at COVID-19 centers had high levels of stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Appropriate interventions to maintain HCWs mental health are recommended.

Impact of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT on Survival and Management in Prostate Cancer.

68Ga-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography-computed tomography (68Ga-PSMA PET/CT) has led to altered treatment plans for prostate cancer (PCa) patients. This study aimed to investigate the impact of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT on overall survival (OS) and management in PCa. Consecutive 100 patients who had 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and conventional imaging (CI) were included in this retrospective study. Disease stages and treatment plans according to both CI and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT were compared. The effect of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT on OS was assessed. After 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT, the stage changed in 64 patients (64%). By the reason of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT findings, treatment plans based on CI were changed in 73 patients (73%). According to the ROC analysis, patients with a PSA value below 8 had higher rates of change in staging (p<0.0001) and treatment (p=0.034). Both a PSA below 8 (OR 8.79 95% CI (2.72-28.43), p<0.001), and having a hormone-sensitive disease at the time of imaging (OR 5.6 95% CI (1.35-23.08), p=0.017) were significant independent factors predicting change in staging with 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT. The results of a phi correlation coefficient analysis showed a significant relationship between therapy and changes in staging (ϕ=0.638, p<0.0001). Two-year OS was statistically different in hormone-sensitive patients with and without treatment change (95% vs 81%, p=0.006). 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT has the effect of changing the treatment in 73% of PCa patients. There is a positive correlation between the changes in staging and treatment. Survival of hormone sensitive patients has improved due to treatment changes based on PET/CT findings.

Intrinsic impacts of the expression of PD-L1 on postoperative recurrence in EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma.

This study aimed to assess the intrinsic impacts of the expression of PD-L1 on postoperative recurrence and the prognosis in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung adenocarcinomas. Data from 221 surgically resected pathological stage IA-IIIA lung adenocarcinomas, collected between 2017 and 2019, were analyzed. This included measurements of EGFR mutations and the PD-L1 expression. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using a Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test. The independent risk factors for RFS were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Among the patients, 140 were PD-L1-negative (<1%), while 81 were PD-L1-positive (≥1%). PD-L1 positivity was significantly associated with male sex (p=0.038), smoking habit (p=0.005), ND2 lymph node dissection (p=0.013), higher malignant subtype (p=0.003), higher histological grade (p=0.001), and advanced pathological stage (p=0.004). Conversely, EGFR mutations were more common in the PD-L1-negative group than in the PD-L1-positive group (p=0.006). Patients were categorized into four groups based on their EGFR mutation status and PD-L1 expression status: PD-L1-positive (≥1%) with or without EGFR mutations (EGFR(+)/PD-L1≥1% or EGFR (-)/PD-L1≥1%), and PD-L1-negative (<1%) with or without EGFR mutations (EGFR(+)/PD-L1<1% or EGFR (-)/PD-L1<1%). Among these groups, EGFR(+)/PD-L1≥1% cases exhibited the worst 5-year RFS (log-rank, p=0.010), while there was no significant difference in 5-year OS (log-rank, p=0.122). Furthermore, a multivariate analysis revealed that PD-L1 positivity was an independent significant factor for RFS in EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma (p=0.013). PD-L1 positivity emerged as an independent risk factor for RFS in patients with EGFR-mutant resected lung adenocarcinoma. These findings may provide valuable insights into the prognostic impact of PD-L1 expression and guide the implementation of postoperative adjuvant therapy in this patient population.

ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ТЕМПЕРАТУРЫ ДИСКА ПРИ ОБЖАРКЕ ЗЕРНА В УСТАНОВКЕ КОНТАКТНОГО ТИПА

Analysis of mechanization means for roasting grain, which is used in animal feed, showed that they have a number of disadvantages: low quality of grain roasting, high cost, increased specific metal consumption and specific energy consumption. The development of new technical means capable of frying grain efficiently, taking into account resource conservation, is a pressing and important scientific and technical problem. A physical model of the installation with a working body, which is made in the form of a flat spiral, was developed to solve it. The device includes a casing made in the form of a vertically mounted cylinder, the outer surface of which is covered with heat-insulating material, from which excess moisture is removed through a perforated plate in the form of steam. The study of the developed installation was carried out in laboratory conditions for barley grain. For the roasting process, we chose specific energy consumption as an optimization criterion; the most significant independent factors were the heating temperature of the disk and the residence time of the grain on the disk. The range of changes in the heating temperature of the disk in experiments to avoid charring of the grain was 180 - 250ºC, and the time the grain remained on the disk was 140 - 200 0C. To assess the quality of grain roasting, the mass fraction of dextrins was determined. As a result of the study, it was established that the rational value of the disk temperature is 224 ºС, and the residence time of the grain in the installation is 168 s. The specific energy consumption for roasting grain at such values of independent process factors is 3922 kJ h/kg, and the throughput of the installation reaches 30 kg/h. The quality of grain roasting meets the requirements.

Geriatric prognostic scoring system predicts survival after hepatectomy for elderly patients with liver cancer.

The number of elderly patients with liver cancer is increasing with the aging society. The Geriatric Prognostic Scoring System is useful in predicting the postoperative prognosis for elderly patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The aim of the present study was to assess the predictive ability of the geriatric prognostic scoring system for postoperative survival in elderly patients with liver cancer. Eighty-eight patients aged ≥75 years who were treated for primary liver cancer and metastatic liver tumor were retrospectively analyzed. The Geriatric Prognostic Score (GPS) was created by several clinical parameters such as age, sex, type of cancer, stage, performance status, body mass index, and comprehensive geriatric assessment. Each patient was divided into two groups of high-risk to low-risk according to their GPS: ≧30 high-risk group and <30 low-risk. The predictive ability of geriatric prognostic scoring system for postoperative survival was assessed in univariate and multivariate analyses. Of the 88 patients, 75 were diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma and 13 as colorectal liver metastasis. After geriatric prognostic scoring system assessments, 26 patients were diagnosed as high-risk and the remaining 62 as low-risk. The 3-year overall survival rates were 78.5% in the low-risk group and 35.1% in the high-risk group (p < 0.001). The univariate and multivariate analyses of overall survival identified high GPS as an independent significant factor (p < 0.001). We could conclude that the geriatric prognostic scoring system is useful in predicting patients' prognosis after hepatectomy and it can provide helpful information to surgeons for determining treatment strategies for elderly patients with liver cancer.

The Psychological Impact of Isotretinoin Therapy on Acne Vulgaris Patients.

Introduction Acne vulgaris is a dermatologic condition that affects the pilosebaceous unit. It is the most common skin disorder worldwide, and it is most prevalent during puberty. For patients with moderate to severe acne that is unresponsive to antibiotic treatment, the main treatment is oral isotretinoin. The objective of this study was to define the impact of isotretinoin and its well-established adverse effects on the psychological status of acne patients during treatment. Methods The sample cohort included 80 patients with acne vulgaris who were treated with isotretinoin. The sample size was calculated using the Raosoft [Raosoft.com (2015) Sample Size Calculator by Raosoft, Inc.] sample size calculator to maintain a confidence interval of 95% and a margin of error of 5%. The participants were assessed using the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The DASS-21 is a self-reporting scale used to measure the emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress. This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted at the dermatology outpatient clinic at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. All patients diagnosed with acne vulgaris between January and April 2020 were included in the study. A multivariate regression analysis was also conducted to determine the presence of any significant independent factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. A P-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results We observed that the most prevalent psychiatric disorder among acne patients on isotretinoin therapy was anxiety. Our results also indicate that a history of mental illness is an independent risk factor for developing depression when isotretinoin is used. In addition, known adverse physical effects of isotretinoin treatment, including muscle pain, arthralgia, and headaches significantly increase the likelihood of patients developing psychiatric morbidity during therapy. Conclusion Isotretinoin is a highly potent therapy for acne. Overall, the physical side effects profile is well acknowledged, yet the exact psychological impact the treatment predisposes the patients to is yet to be determined.

Predictors of 1-year mortality after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

One-year mortality is important for referrals to specialist palliative care or advance care planning (ACP). This helps optimize comfort for those who cannot be cured or have a lower life expectancy. Few studies have investigated the risk factors for 1-year mortality after gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC). A total of 1415 patients with gastric cancer (stages I-IV) who underwent gastrectomy between 2005 and 2020 were included. The patients were randomly assigned to the investigation group (n=850) and validation group (n=565) in a 3:2 ratio. In the investigation group, significant independent prognostic factors for predicting 1-year survival were identified. A scoring system for predicting 1-year mortality was developed which was validated in the validation group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the following seven variables were significant independent factors for 1-year survival: age ≧78, preoperative comorbidity, total gastrectomy, postoperative complication (Clavien-Dindo classification CD≧3a), stage III and IV, and R2 resection. While developing a 1-year mortality score (OMS), an age ≧78 was scored 2, preoperative comorbidity, total gastrectomy, and postoperative complication (CD≧3a) were scored 1, and stage III, IV, and R2-resection were scored 2, 3, and 3, respectively. OMS 3 had a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 66% for predicting death within 1year. In the validation group, OMS 5 had a sensitivity of 55% and a specificity of 93% for predicting death within 1year. OMS may provide important information and help surgeons select the timing of ACP in patients with GC.

Risk Factors for Radiation Necrosis and Local Recurrence after Proton Beam Therapy for Skull Base Chordoma or Chondrosarcoma

[Proposal] Here, we retrospectively evaluate risk factors for radiation necrosis and local recurrence after PBT for skull base chordoma or chondrosarcoma. [Patients and Methods] We analyzed 101 patients who received PBT for skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas from January 1989 to February 2021. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied for local recurrence, temporal lobe radiation necrosis rates, and temporal lobe radiation necrosis. [Results] In multivariate analysis, chordoma and large tumor size were independent significant factors for local recurrence. The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year local recurrence rates were 3.9%, 16.9%, 20.3%, 28.5% and 44.0% for chordoma and 0%, 0%, 0%, 0% and 7.1% for chondrosarcoma, respectively. The local recurrence rates of small tumors (&lt;30 mm) were 4.3%, 14.7%, 17.7%, 17.7% and 25.9%, and those for large tumors were 3.6%, 15.1%, 19.2%, 32.7% and 59.6%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, BED Gy10 and total dose were risk factors for radiation necrosis. [Conclusions] For skull base chordoma and chondrosarcoma, the risk factors of local recurrence were chordoma and large tumor size, and those of radiation necrosis were BED Gy10 and total dose, respectively. DVH analysis is needed to investigate the risk factors for brain necrosis in more detail.

CyberKnife-based stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy in older patients with brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer.

We analyzed clinical results of CyberKnife (CK)-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) in older patients (age ≥65 years) affected by brain metastases (BM) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Forty-three older patients with 92 BM were treated with CK-based SRS/FSRT at our institution between 2009 and 2019. The end-point was overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors influencing OS. The in-field local control (IFLC) within the SRS/FSRT field was also assessed. During a median follow-up period of 18 months, the median OS was 32 months. NSCLC-specific graded prognostic assessment (GPA) (p = 0.027) was an independent significant factor affecting OS in the multivariate analysis. The median IFLC period was 31 months, and the total BM volume (p = 0.025) appeared to be a significant feature of IFLC. No adverse events >grade 2 were reported after SRS/FSRT. CK-based SRS/FSRT is a safe and efficient option for older patients with BM arising from NSCLC, showing good OS without severe side effects. GPA, which was consisted in age, performance status, extra-cerebral metastasis, and number of BM, seemed to be predictive factors for OS.

Development and validation of a radiomics nomogram for diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion

ObjectiveWe aimed to develop a radiomics nomogram based on computed tomography (CT) scan features and high-throughput radiomics features for diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE).MethodsIn this study, 507 eligible patients with PE (207 malignant and 300 benign) were collected retrospectively. Patients were divided into training (n = 355) and validation cohorts (n = 152). Radiomics features were extracted from initial unenhanced CT images. CT scan features of PE were also collected. We used the variance threshold algorithm and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to select optimal features to build a radiomics model for predicting the nature of PE. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyzes were used to identify significant independent factors associated with MPE, which were then included in the radiomics nomogram.ResultsA total of four CT features were retained as significant independent factors, including massive PE, obstructive atelectasis or pneumonia, pleural thickening > 10 mm, and pulmonary nodules and/or masses. The radiomics nomogram constructed from 13 radiomics parameters and four CT features showed good predictive efficacy in training cohort [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.926, 95% CI 0.894, 0.951] and validation cohort (AUC = 0.916, 95% CI 0.860, 0.955). The calibration curve and decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram helped differentiate MPE from benign pleural effusion (BPE) in clinical practice.ConclusionThis study presents a nomogram model incorporating CT scan features and radiomics features to help physicians differentiate MPE from BPE.

Air bronchogram on chest CT in radiological pure-solid appearance lung cancer: Correlation analysis with genetic pathological features and survival outcomes

PurposeTo investigate the correlation of air bronchogram sign with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in patients with clinical stage (c-stage) I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with radiological pure-solid appearance. MethodWe retrospectively evaluated 276 patients with pure-solid c-stage I NSCLC and assessed the correlation between the air bronchogram and clinicopathological characteristics. A Cox proportional hazards model was performed to identify the effect of air bronchogram and clinicopathological variables on oncological outcomes. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by Kaplan-Meier curves and were compared using log-rank tests. ResultsPresence of air bronchogram was associated with a well differentiated degree (P =.026), higher incidence of EGFR mutation (P <.001) and lower recurrence(P =.021). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that air bronchogram group was associated with favorable RFS(67.0% vs. 50.2%; P =.015). A multivariable analysis revealed that air bronchogram and EGFR mutation were independent significant prognostic factors associated with RFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.495, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.322–0.761, P =.001; HR = 1.625, 95% CI: 1.074–2.457, P =.021; respectively), but not with OS. Additionally, we found that pathological lymph node metastasis was identified as an independent prognostic factor associated with poor RFS and OS(HR = 2.808, 95% CI: 1.913–4.123, P <.001 for RFS; HR = 1.983, 95% CI: 1.185–3.318, P =.009 for OS). ConclusionsPresence of air bronchogram was associated with well differentiated degree, higher incidence of EGFR mutation and had additional positive prognostic value for RFS in c-stage I NSCLC with a radiological pure-solid appearance.

Risk Factors for Thrombosis in Essential Thrombocythemia: A Clinico-Pathological Study of 138 Patents in a Middle Eastern Population

Background: Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) characterized by clonal proliferation of megakaryocyte lineage. Natural history of ET is characterized by cardiovascular events (thrombosis) along with bleeding, transformation to myelofibrosis (MF), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). There is paucity of data in ET patients from the Arab World. We aimed to study the risk factors for thrombosis and clinical course of ET in a cohort of 138 patients in a Middle Eastern population. Methods: The study was approved by the institutional review board. All patients aged 16 or over, diagnosed with ET and followed at our center from January 2003 till June 2022, were included. Diagnosis was based on 2017 World Health Organization Classification diagnostic criteria. We gathered data on baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics from the electronic medical records and patients' files. Hematologic parameters (platelet counts, leukocyte counts, hemoglobin, and mean platelet volume [MPV]) at the time of diagnosis were retrieved and information on cardiovascular events and complications (arterial and venous thrombotic events) along with progression to myelofibrosis, acute myeloid leukemia, need for cytoreductive therapy, and control of platelet count were recorded. Multivariate regression model was used to determine the independent significant factor(s) for thromboembolism with corresponding odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. A P-value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 138 patients were included in the study. Median age of the cohort was 47 (range, 16-84) years at the time of diagnosis with 73 (52.9%) females. JAK2 V617F mutation was present in 53 (38.4%) patients, CALR in 21 (15.2%), MPL in 43 (31.2%), and 21 (15.2%) patients were triple negative. All the patients with MPL mutation had Pro106Leu mutation. After a median follow up of 5 (range 1-26) years, 31 (22.5%) patients had vascular events, 16 (51.5%) had arterial events, 13 (42%) had venous thrombosis, 4 had both arterial &amp; venous events, while 2 patients had transient ischemic attacks. Nine (6.5%) patients progressed to MF, and 5 (3.6%) to AML. Ten (7.25%) patients died, 4 due to MF or AML related and 6 due to other causes. High IPSET score was strongly associated with thrombosis (P ˂0.001). High MPV and uncontrolled (high) platelet count were associated with the risk of thrombosis in univariate analysis (P 0.006 and &amp;lt;0.001, respectively) and there was a trend towards increased risk of thrombosis in patients with high MPV and uncontrolled platelet count (P 0.061 and 0.09, respectively) in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Our ET patient population had high prevalence of MPL (Pro106Leu) mutation which may be germ line in nature as previously reported, and correspondingly lowered the prevalence of JAK2V617F and CALR mutations in our cohort. Thrombosis developed in 26.8% patients. In multivariate analysis, a high IPSET score was strongly associated with thrombosis. There was a trend towards increased risk of thrombosis with high MPV and uncontrolled (high) platelet count. This study may help better understand the biology of ET in this population.

Predictive Factors for Seizures after Revascularization in Patients with Moyamoya Disease

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare and complex cerebrovascular disorder that is diagnosed through imaging studies, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imagin, which show progressive narrowing of the terminal portion of the internal carotid arteries and the development of compensatory capillary collaterals. The objective of our study was to identify and clarify the predictive factors for seizures in patients with MMD. From January 2019 to March 2023, a total of 102 patients with MMD were enrolled in this study. Ten patients with seizures after surgery as the main presentation were included. Patients with epilepsy were compared to those without epilepsy in terms of their clinical characteristics. Multivariable analysis was applied to determine factors linked with postoperative seizures. Ten patients developed seizures after revascularization for MMD. Logistic regression analysis revealed that early seizure (odds ratio [OR], 0.068; 95% CI, 0.014-0.342; P= 0.001), cortical involvement (OR, 9.593; 95% CI, 2.256-40.783; P= 0.002), and postoperative hyperperfusion (OR, 7.417; 95% CI, 1.077-51.093; P= 0.042) were significantly associated with seizures. In a multivariate analysis, it was found that early seizures were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing seizures (OR, 5.88; 95% CI, 1.01-33.96; P= 0.048), while patients who had seizures were more likely to have cortical involvement (OR, 8.90; 95% CI, 1.55-50.96; P= 0.014) or postoperative hyperperfusion (OR, 12.44; 95% CI, 1.21-127.74; P= 0.034). Epilepsy in patients with MMD link with several clinical factors. In patients with MMD who undergo bypass surgery, early seizures, cortical involvement, and postoperative hyperperfusion are significant independent predictive factors for the development of epilepsy.

Trunk muscle dysfunction in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 2 and its contribution to chronic low back pain.

Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (MD2) presents with a varied manifestation. Even though the myopathy in these patients is more widespread, axial musculature involvement is one of the most prominent conditions. MD2 patients also often report chronic low back pain (CLBP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate trunk muscle function, including respiratory muscles, in patients with MD2 and to compare it with healthy controls, to determine the occurrence of CLBP in patients with MD2, and to assess whether trunk muscle dysfunction increases the risk of CLBP in these patients. We enrolled 40 MD2 patients (age range 23 to 76 years, 26 women). A comprehensive battery of tests was used to evaluate trunk muscle function. The tests consisted of quantitative muscle strength testing of low back extensor muscles and respiratory muscles and the assessment of trunk muscle endurance. A neurological evaluation contained procedures assessing the distribution of muscle weakness, myotonia, and pain, and used questionnaires focused on these items and on disability, depression, and physical activity. The results of this study suggest that patients with MD2 show significant dysfunction of the trunk muscles, including the respiratory muscles, expressed by decreased muscle strength and endurance. The prevalence of CLBP in patients with MD2 was 52.5%. Based on our analysis, the only independent significant risk factor for CLBP in these patients was maximal isometric lower back extensor strength in a prone position ≤ 15.8 kg (OR = 37.3). Other possible risk factors were severity of myotonia and reduced physical activity. Outcomes of this study highlighted the presence of axial muscle dysfunction, respiratory muscle weakness, and frequent occurrence of CLBP together with its risk factors in patients with MD2. We believe that the findings of this study may help in management and prevention programs for patients with MD2.

Osmotic demyelination syndrome: central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis in a patient in the early postpartum period. Clinical observation

The article presents a review of the literature and a description of a clinical case of osmotic demyelination syndrome manifested by pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis in a 36-year-old woman after her third surgical preterm delivery. The reasons for the development of a demyelinating lesion of the central nervous system are discussed, and clinical cases described in world literature sources are presented. An analysis of the pathogenesis of the development of this disease in women during pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation is provided. The importance of this period in a woman's life as an independent significant risk factor for the development of osmotic demyelination syndrome is discussed.

Does neo-adjuvant chemotherapy improve the negative effect of lymphovascular invasion in survival after radical cystectomy?

PurposeThere is a lack of studies in the literature to evaluate the impact of the specific benefit of the use of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) on the negative effect of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) on prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the survival differences of patients according to the presence of LVI with and without administration of NAC before radical cystectomy (RC). Materials and methodsWe retrospectively evaluated data of the patients who underwent RC with pelvic lymphadenectomy and urinary diversion for bladder cancer recorded in the bladder cancer database of the Turkish Uro-oncology Association between 2007 and 2021. Patient demographics, follow-up time and overall survival (OS) were noted. ResultsA total of 633 subjects included in the analyses. Median follow-up time was 24 months (IQR 12–54). Five years OS of the whole cohort was 55.1%. This was 54.7% and 59.9% in NAC- and NAC+ groups (P = 0.683), respectively. It was also 35.7% and 65.7% in LVI+ and LVI- patients (P < 0.0001), respectively. There was a significant difference between LVI+ and LVI- patients (33.2% vs. 68.2%, P < 0.0001) in NAC- group, but similar 5-year OS was found (53.2% vs. 64.5%, P = 0.552) in NAC+ group. In multivariable analyses, female gender, pN stages, presence of variant histology and LVI were significant independent predictive factors for OS in the whole cohort and in the NAC- group. However, gender association, pN stages and LVI lost significance in NAC+ group. ConclusionPresence of LVI significantly reduced OS, and the NAC treatment improved the negative effects of LVI on OS. Our findings encourage the use of NAC before RC.