Survival Function Curves Research Articles

Model Regresi Cox Untuk Data Masa Studi (Studi Kasus: Data Masa Studi Mahasiswa Fakultas Teknik Universitas Bangka Belitung)

Student study time is the time needed by students to complete their education, which starts from the time they enter college until they are declared graduated or have completed their study period. In the study period data, survival time observations were only carried out partially or not until the failure event. In other words, termination occurs until the observation deadline. This termination occurred due to several factors that allegedly influenced the student's study period. Using study period data for students of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Bangka Belitung, class of 2015/2016, this study used the Kaplan Meier Estimation to see the survival function of each factor causing the length of study period graphically and the Log Rank Test statistically. Meanwhile, to look at the factors that determine the length of a student's study period, researchers used the Cox Regression and Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) models to find the best model. The results of the data analysis show that there are differences in the survival function in each category for all variables graphically, while the statistical comparison of the results of the estimation of the survival function curve based on gender and organizational status is not significantly different. The results of the analysis also show that the proportional hazard assumption is fulfilled through the cumulative hazard log so that categorical variables can be used in the Cox Regression model. Based on the results of the likelihood estimation, the variables that have a significant effect on the study period of Engineering Faculty students are majors and GPA variables. Furthermore, from the interpretation of the model parameters, it is obtained that the Hazard Ratio (HR) value for the study period of Mechanical, Mining and Electrical Engineering students is faster than that of Civil Engineering students, while students with GPA ≥ 3.00 have a shorter study period than students with GPA < 3.00.

KAPLAN-MEIER AND NELSON-AALEN ESTIMATORS FOR CREDIT SCORING

Financial institutions use credit scoring analysis to predict the probability that a customer will default. In this paper, we determine the probability of default using nonparametric survival analysis that are Kaplan-Meier and Nelson-Aalen. The analysis is based on survival function curves, cumulative hazard function curves, mean survival time, and standard error of estimators. Based on the curves of survival function for both Kaplan Meier and Nelson Aalen estimators relatively the same. Based on the curves of cumulative hazard function, mean survival time, and standard error the Nelson-Aalen estimators are slightly higher than Kaplan-Meier.

Long-Term Survivorship of Cervical Spine Procedures; A Survivorship Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression.

Systematic Review. To conduct a meta-analysis on the survivorship of commonly performed cervical spine procedures to develop survival function curves for (i) second surgery at any cervical level, and (ii) adjacent level surgery. A systematic review of was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Articles with cohorts of greater than 20 patients followed for a minimum of 36 months and with available survival data were included. Procedures included were anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), cervical disc arthroplasty (ADR), laminoplasty (LAMP), and posterior laminectomy and fusion (PDIF). Reconstructed individual patient data were pooled across studies using parametric Bayesian survival meta-regression. Of 1829 initial titles, 16 citations were included for analysis. 73811 patients were included in the second surgery analysis and 2858 patients in the adjacent level surgery analysis. We fit a Log normal accelerated failure time model to the second surgery data and a Gompertz proportional hazards model to the adjacent level surgery data. Relative to ACDF, the risk of second surgery was higher with ADR and PDIF with acceleration factors 1.73 (95% CrI: 1.04, 2.80) and 1.35 (95% CrI: 1.25, 1.46) respectively. Relative to ACDF, the risk of second surgery was lower with LAMP with deceleration factor .06 (95% CrI: .05, .07). ADR decreased the risk of adjacent level surgery with hazard ratio .43 (95% CrI: .33, .55). In cases of clinical equipoise between fusion procedures, our analysis suggests superior survivorship with anterior procedures. For all procedures, laminoplasty demonstrated superior survivorship.

SURVIVAL ANALYSIS OF DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC FEVER PATIENTS (DHF)

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a dangerous disease transmitted by the Dengue virus. In 2020, along with the occurrence of the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia, the number of dengue cases in Indonesia was high. One of the provinces recorded as the highest suspected dengue fever area is North Sumatra. This is evidenced in October 2019 North Sumatra became the province with the highest suspected dengue fever in Indonesia with a total of 250 cases. Based on the medical record data of patients with DHF at the Dr. Pirngadi General Hospital, Medan in 2019, the factors thought to affect the rate of survival of DHF patients were age, gender, platelet count, and hematocrit levels. Furthermore, survival analysis was carried out using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox Proportional Hazard Regression with the suspected factors to determine the estimated survival function for patients with DHF and to determine the factors that affect the recovery rate of patients with DHF. Based on the survival function curve, it was found that the curve decreased slowly because many patients with DHF were censored and it was found that the chances of survival of patients with DHF were relatively high, ranging from 1 to 0.6352. Based on the selection of the best model, it was found that only the age variable had a significant effect on the model.

Off-Ramp Vehicle Mandatory Lane-Changing Duration in Small Spacing Section of Tunnel-Interchange Section Based on Survival Analysis

Due to topography, geology, and other factors, small spacing sections are common between tunnels and interchange exits. There is mandatory lane-changing behavior for vehicles that need to leave the main line and drive inside the road before leaving the tunnel. Affected by the “white hole” of a tunnel, the lane-changing behavior of off-ramp vehicles differs significantly from that of original roadbed sections. To study the mandatory lane-changing duration (MLCD) of off-ramp vehicles in small spacing sections of the tunnel to interchange in mountainous areas, their time and trajectory data were collected based on a driving simulator. According to the characteristics of the data, the survival analysis method was used to analyze the influence on the MLCD of off-ramp vehicles of the spacing section between the tunnel and interchange, vehicle types, tunnel types, ramp types, highway service level, and whether to set exit advance guide signs in the tunnel and the Cox proportional hazards model of the MLCD was established. The results showed that the spacing of the tunnel interchange, the road service level, and whether to set exit advance guide signs in the tunnel had significant effects on the MLCD of vehicles, while the vehicle, the tunnel, and the ramp types did not. When the spacing section of the tunnel interchange was less than 500 m, the off-ramp vehicle had continuous mandatory lane-changing behavior, and when the distance decreased from 400 m to 300 m, the risk rate of lane changing increased by 5.68 times. Survival function curve estimation provided the 75% quantile of MLCD of off-ramp vehicles under different conditions, which could provide a theoretical reference for setting the minimum distance between a tunnel and interchange exit.

Survival Analysis of Covid-19 Patients Based on Time of Recovery

Corona virus is a virus that can cause the respiratory tract to become infected, and this viral infection is called COVID-19. This virus spreads so fast that it has spread to several countries, including Indonesia. In Indonesia, COVID-19 was detected in early March, precisely on March 2, 2020. The uncertain increase in the number of COVID-19 patients will have an impact on society and the country. This condition is compounded by the high number of deaths due to the COVID-19 virus. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze survival based on the healing rate of COVID-19 patients, in order to obtain information about the time period and the factors that cause a person with COVID-19 to survive. The method used in the survival analysis is the Kaplan-Meier test as a counter to the estimated recovery time of COVID-19 patients and the Log-Rank test to test for differences in the survival function of the recovery time of COVID-19 patients in the two groups. Kaplan-Meier and Log-Rank tests are part of the non-parametric method which is a statistical test that does not require any assumptions about the distribution of population data. The data used is data on COVID-19 patients at the Malahayati Hospital from January to May 31, 2021. The conclusion obtained is the survival function curve / length of time on the recovery rate of COVID-19 patients based on gender, age, and positive and suspected COVID-19 patients. with and without comorbidities. However, based on the Log-Rank test with = 0.05, it was concluded that there was no significant difference in the length of time for recovery of COVID-19 patients based on gender, age and positive patients and patients with suspected COVID-19 with comorbid and without comorbidities.

云龙天池国家级保护区云南松种群年龄结构及动态分析

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 云龙天池国家级保护区云南松种群年龄结构及动态分析 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202105081208 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 云南省教育厅科学研究基金项目（2020Y0017）；国家自然科学基金项目（31660118）；中国植被志（针叶林卷）编研 Age structure and dynamics of Pinus yunnanensis population in Yunlong Tianchi Nature Reserve Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: The National Natural Science Foundation of China (General Program, Key Program, Major Research Plan) 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:云南松是中国西南地区的特有树种。云南松林是暖温性针叶林的典型代表，主要分布于滇中高原。云南松种群是否可以自我更新，将影响滇中地区的植被动态。明晰未受干扰的云南松种群的结构和动态是研究云南松林可持续发展的重要基础。云南省云龙天池自然保护区内的云南松林是较为原始的森林。以云龙天池国家级自然保护区云南松天然种群为研究对象，分析了云南松天然种群静态生命表、存活曲线、生存函数曲线和谱分析。结果表明：云龙天池国家级自然保护区的云南松年龄结构为倒J型，种群年龄结构数量变化动态指数Vpi为28.29%，存在外部干扰时侯的种群年龄结构动态指数V'pi为1.77%，种群动态指数Vpi和V'pi都大于0，种群在外部环境干扰下承担的风险概率Pmax为6.25%，以上结果表明云南松种群为增长型种群结构，具有一定的抗干扰能力。云南松种群的存活曲线为Deevey-Ⅱ型，生存分析发现生存率、累计死亡率、死亡密度和危险率在Ⅰ-Ⅶ龄级（胸径<35 cm）变化较大，Ⅶ-XVI龄级（胸径35-80 cm）趋于稳定；谱分析结果表明第Ⅲ龄级（胸径10-15 cm）是影响种群数量的主要阶段。以上结果说明云南松种群的低龄级个体数量波动大，个体死亡较多，高龄级衰退，建议自然保护区内的天然云南松幼龄林和中龄林可以采取抚育间伐措施来促进其种群的生长发育和更新。 Abstract:Pinus yunnanensis is an endemic tree species in Southwest China. P. yunnanensis forest is a typical representative of warm coniferous forest, mainly distributed in the central Yunnan plateau. Whether P. yunnanensis populations can self-renew or not will affect the vegetation dynamics in central Yunnan. Clarifying the structure and dynamics of undisturbed P. yunnanensis populations is an important basis for studying the sustainable development of P. yunnanensis forests. The P. yunnanensis forest in the Yunlong Tianchi Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province is a relatively pristine forest without human interference. In this study, the static life table, survival curve, survival function curve and spectral analysis of P. yunnanensis natural populations were analyzed in Yunlong Tianchi Nature Reserve. The results demonstrated that the age structure of P. yunnanensis in Yunlong Tianchi National Nature Reserve was inverted J-type, the dynamic index of population age structure change in quantity Vpi was 28.29%, the dynamic index of population age structure in the presence of external disturbance V'pi was 1.77%, the population dynamic index Vpi and V'pi were both greater than 0, and the probability of the population assuming risk under external disturbance was Pmax 6.25%. The above results indicated that the P. yunnanensis population is a growing population structure with some resistance to disturbance. Furthermore, the P. yunnanensis population had a survival curve tending to the type of Deevey-II, and the survival analysis found that the survival rate, cumulative mortality rate, mortality density and hazard rate varied greatly from Ⅰ to Ⅶ age classes (diameter at breast height<35 cm), and stabilized from Ⅶ to XVI age classes (diameter at breast height 35-80 cm). The spectral analysis exhibited that the population dynamics of P. yunnanensis followed one major trend, and the Ⅲ age class (diameter at breast height 10-15 cm) was the main stage affecting the population size. The above results reveal that the number of individuals in the lower age classes of P. yunnanensis populations in the Yunlong Tianchi Nature Reserve fluctuates greatly, with more individuals dying and the upper age classes declining. It is suggested that the young and middle-aged natural P. yunnanensis forests in the Yunlong Tianchi Nature Reserve can be nurtured and intercut to promote their population growth, development and renewal. Based on all these results, the population of P. yunnanensis was found to remain sustainable in the long term, although it fluctuates in the middle and lower ages. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Survival of asthma patients attended at Chitungwiza Central Hospital in Zimbabwe

INTRODUCTION: Asthma is a leading global public health problem. Itis estimated that 300 thousand people die annually from asthma worldwide. In Zimbabwe 9/100 000 population died from asthma in 2014, accounting for 1.02% of total deaths. The association between asthma survival and socio-demographic and pathologic factors has not been evaluated in Zimbabwe. The purpose of our study was to determine the survival of patients with asthma at Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Zimbabwe over a period of 20 years (1997 to 2017). METHODS: records for 158 asthma patients were analysed in this retrospective cohort study. The patient records were sampled from the computerised health information department at the hospital. Data were collected using a patient record checklist that was divided into four sections: (i) demographic information, (ii) clinical characteristics of asthma patients, (iii) health service utilization and (iv) asthma self-management. Descriptive data analysis was performed using the Kaplan Meier survival function curves. The Kaplan Meier survival curves were differentiated by the log-rank test, median survival times and mortality rates. Significant hazard ratios were used for multivariate cox regression model and a test on proportional hazards assumption based on Schoenfeld residuals were conducted. RESULTS: the total follow-up time was 2208 person years. The study showed that 94/153(61.4%) had since died. The median age at death was 25.5 years (IQR; 21-34). Smoking history [p=

Marsupialisation for the treatment of unicystic ameloblastoma of the mandible: a long-term follow up of 116 cases

Unicystic ameloblastoma is a unique histopathological type of ameloblastoma, and treatment is controversial. Marsupialisation is effective in reducing the size of cystic lesions and their complications. We have retrospectively analysed the clinical, histopathological, and prognostic data of affected patients who were treated by marsupialisation between 2003 and 2013 in three Chinese hospitals. Our aim was to evaluate the effects and prognosis, and the factors associated with outcome. A total of 116 patients with mandibular unicystic ameloblastomas were included, and 74, 26, and 16 patients were histopathologically classified as being luminal, intraluminal, and mural subtypes, respectively. Most responded well to marsupialisation, with an overall recurrence rate of 12%. Resorption of the root (p<0.001), perforation of the cortical bone (p=0.005), and histopathological subtype (p=0.013) were the main factors that predicted the outcome. Perforation of the cortical bone was the only reliable predictor of recurrence (p<0.001). Disease-free survival function curves indicated that patients with the mural subtype were at a higher risk of recurrence than patients with the other two subtypes (p=0.003). Poor outcomes of marsupialisation were treated surgically and, to date, no subsequent recurrences have been reported. Marsupialisation is effective for these patients, with a recurrence rate similar to that of radical treatment. The outcomes can be predicted using characteristics of the lesion such as resorption of the root, perforation of the cortical bone, and histopathological subtypes. However, additional studies are required to corroborate these findings.

Predictive value of protein C for long-term mortality of patients with community-acquired pneumonia

Objective To investigate the predictive value of protein C(PC) for long-term mortality of patients with community-acquired pneumonia(CAP). Methods A total of 657 patients with CAP were enrolled in Taian Central Hospital from January 2011 to December 2011.The patients were divided into short-term group(≤30 days), medium-term group(>30~90 days) and long-term group(>90 days). PC, high sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP), procalcitonin(PCT), pneumonia severity index(PSI) score and CURB-65 score were measured at the time of admission.The ROC curve was used to evaluate the independent risk factors.The Kaplan-Meier survival function curve was used to analyze the difference of mortality between the short-term group and long-term group.Independent risk factors for CAP risk were analyzed by COX regression. Results A total of 597 cases were followed up, there were 49 cases(8.09%) in the short-term group, 11 cases(1.84%) in the medium-term group, and 537 cases(89.93%) in the long-term group.The PC levels in the short-term group, medium-term group and long-term group were (32.2±10.6)%, (43.1±9.9)%, (69.6±23.0)%, respectively.The level of PC was significantly increased in the short-term group compared with the medium-term group and long-term group (short-term group vs.medium-term group, q=6.18, P<0.05, short-term group vs.long-term group, q=9.87, P<0.05). The hs-CRP levels in the short-term group, medium-term group and long-term group were (108.1±22.4)mg/L, (68.2±12.9)mg/L, (25.1±17.1)mg/L, respectively.The level of hs-CRP was significantly increased in the short-term group compared with the medium-term group and long-term group (short-term group vs.medium-term group, q=5.23, P<0.05, short-term group vs.long-term group, q=12.95, P<0.05). Meanwhile, PC showed higher accuracy(AUC, 0.889) than CURB-65(AUC, 0.828) and hs-CRP(AUC, 0.711) in the long-term group.The Kaplan-Meier survival function curve showed that the mortality rate was significantly higher in the high-value group compared with the low-value group(F=17.10, P<0.01). PC was an independent factor for long-term mortality and was associated with poorer survival by the COX regression analysis. Conclusion PC has a high predictive value for long-term mortality in CAP patients. Key words: Pneumonia; Community-acquired infections; Protein C; Mortality; Forecasting; Risk factors

Comorbidities Only Account for a Small Proportion of Excess Mortality After Fracture: A Record Linkage Study of Individual Fracture Types.

Nonhip, nonvertebral (NHNV) fractures constitute the majority of osteoporotic fractures, but few studies have examined the association between these fractures, comorbidity, and mortality. Our objective was to examine the relationship between individual nonhip, nonvertebral fractures, comorbidities, and mortality. The prospective population-based cohort of 267,043 subjects (45 and Up Study, Australia) had baseline questionnaires linked to hospital administrative and all-cause mortality data from 2006 to 2013. Associations between fracture and mortality were examined using multivariate, time-dependent Cox models, adjusted for age, prior fracture, body mass index, smoking, and comorbidities (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, thrombosis, and cancer), and survival function curves. Population attributable fraction was calculated for each level of risk exposure. During 1,490,651 person-years, women and men experienced 7571 and 4571 fractures and 7064 deaths and 11,078 deaths, respectively. In addition to hip and vertebral fractures, pelvis, humerus, clavicle, rib, proximal tibia/fibula, elbow and distal forearm fractures in both sexes, and ankle fractures in men were associated with increased multivariable-adjusted mortality hazard ratios ranging from 1.3 to 3.4. Comorbidity independently added to mortality such that a woman with a humeral fracture and 1 comorbidity had a similarly reduced 5-year survival as that of a woman with a hip fracture and no comorbidities. Population mortality attributable to any fracture without comorbidity was 9.2% in women and 5.3% in men. All proximal nonhip, nonvertebral fractures in women and men were associated with increased mortality risk. Coexistent comorbidities independently further increased mortality. Population attributable risk for mortality for fractures was similar to cardiovascular disease and diabetes, highlighting their importance and potential benefit for early intervention and treatment. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

濒危植物海南龙血树的种群结构与动态

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 濒危植物海南龙血树的种群结构与动态 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201708071415 作者: 作者单位: 海南省农业科学院热带园艺研究所,海南省农业科学院热带园艺研究所,海南省农业科学院热带园艺研究所,海南省农业科学院热带园艺研究所,海南省农业科学院热带园艺研究所,海南省农业科学院热带园艺研究所,海南省农业科学院热带园艺研究所,海南省农业科学院热带园艺研究所 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金项目（31360071）；海南省重点研发计划项目（ZDYF2016179） The population structure and dynamics of Dracaena cambodiana, an endangered tree on Hainan Island Author: Affiliation: hainanshengnongyekexueyuanredaiyuanyiyanjiusuo,,,hainanshengnongyekexueyuan,,,hainanshengnongyekexueyuanredaiyuanyiyanjiusuo, Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:了解种群的生存现状与动态趋势对濒危植物的保护至关重要。为了更好地保护濒危海南龙血树种群，对海南岛不同生境的11个海南龙血树（Dracaena cambodiana）种群进行了调查；并利用个体基径数据建立各种群的年龄结构和静态生命表，得到种群年龄结构动态指数，绘制种群存活曲线和生存函数曲线，从而获得海南龙血树的种群结构与动态。结果表明：海南龙血树种群年龄结构与种群所处的生境关系密切，海边的NS和YL种群结构为衰退型，LN和CH居群为稳定型，而非海边种群为增长型，没有老龄个体；11个种群中，EXL种群显示出最高的增长趋势和最好的种群稳定性，NS和YL种群稳定性最差，种群抗干扰能力极低；11个种群的存活曲线均属于Deevey-Ⅰ型，但生存函数分析显示海南龙血树种群生活史早期和晚期脆弱，中期稳定，这表明海南龙血树种群所处的生境更适合成年个体生存，现有的生境对幼龄个体的环境筛作用较强。海南龙血树属于退偿物种，针对其种群的生存现状，应采取多种方法相结合的方式进行保护与复壮。 Abstract:For the protection of an endangered plant, it is very important to understand its population survival status and population dynamics. In order to better protect the rare and endangered Dracaena cambodiana, 11 populations of D. cambodiana in different habitats on Hainan Island were investigated, and the basal diameter of individuals was recorded to establish age structure and static life table, and then the population age structure dynamic index and the survival curve and survival function curve, so as to determine the population structure and survival status of D. cambodiana. The results showed that the population age structure of D. cambodiana is closely related to its habitat. Populations in habitats near sea, NS and YL, were declining, whereas those of CH and LN were stable, and the other 7 populations farther from the sea were increasing. Among these 11 populations of D. cambodiana, the EXL population showed the highest growth trend and the best stability. JFM, JF, CH, and LN populations also showed a growth trend and good stability, whereas NS and YL populations showed the worst stability and anti-interference ability. The survival curve of the 11 D. cambodiana populations were of a Deevey-I (convex curve) type, and the survival rate of young individuals was higher than that of middle-aged and aged individuals, indicating that the survival ability of young individuals is better than that of middle-aged and aged individuals. However, the results of survival function analysis showed that the early and late life history of D. cambodiana were fragile, whereas that of middle aged was stable, suggesting that the habitat of D. cambodiana was more suitable for the survival of middle-aged individuals, and that the young individuals were under strong effects of environmental filtering. D. cambodiana is a depensation species, and therefore multiple protection methods should be used to protect and rejuvenate the current populations. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Analysis of diagnosis and prognosis of MRP8/14 on prostate cancer

Objective To compare the MRP8/14 level in Normal people, benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) patient and prostate cancer patient, and explore the relationgship between MRP8/14 and prostate cancer. Methods 150 cases of normal people, 150 cases of BPH patients and 150 cases of prostate cancer patients were chose from December 2012 to December 2014 in our hospital. ELISA method was used to detect the MRP8/14 level in each group. ROC cure was used to analyse the prediction value of MRP8/14 for prostate cancer. According to the cut off value of MRP8/14, prostate cancer patients were divided into MRP8/14 low value group (MRP8/14<cut off value) and MRP8/14 high value group (MRP8/14≥cut off value), and the difference of patient's clinical characteristics and survival function between high value group and low value group were explored. Results The MRP8/14 level of normal people was (966.7±152.8)ng/ml, while the BPH patient was (1 207.0±190.6)ng/ml, and the prostate cancer patient was (2 833.3±1 101.5)ng/ml, the difference is statistically significant. ROC analysis resμlt showed that the AUC for the prediction of prostate cancer was 0.887(95%CI 0.841-0.934), with a high statistical significance, indicating that MRP8/14 may possess high prediction value for prostate cancer. In addition, the cut off value was 2 845.682 ng/ml, with the specifity of 76.4% and sensitivity of 85.1%. According to the cut off value of MRP8/14, prostate cancer patients were divided into the low MRP8/14 group ( 2 and tumour stage>Ⅲ were much more in MRP8/14 high value group. PSA level, LDH level, AKP level, CRP level and Alkaline Phosphatase level were also significantly increased in MRP8/14 high value group. Besides, prostate cancer patient with an average follow-up of 2 years, a total of 32 cases of patients died, 12 cases in the MRP8/14 low value group with mortality of 13.6%, 20 cases in MRP8/14 high value group with mortality of 32.3%. Kaplan Meier survival function curve shows 2 years survival rate of patients in high value group was significantly reduced. Cox regression analysis showed that MRP8/14 was possible risk factors associated with mortality, and the independent predictors for all-cause mortality during follow-up. Conclusion MRP8/14 was significantly increased in prostate cancer patients, and it was an independent predictor of 2-year mortality in prostate cancer patients. Key words: Myeloid-related protein 8/14; Prostate cancer; Prognostic; Clinical significance

In vitro culture increases mechanical stability of human tissue engineered cartilage constructs by prevention of microscale scaffold buckling

Many studies have measured the global compressive properties of tissue engineered (TE) cartilage grown on porous scaffolds. Such scaffolds are known to exhibit strain softening due to local buckling under loading. As matrix is deposited onto these scaffolds, the global compressive properties increase. However the relationship between the amount and distribution of matrix in the scaffold and local buckling is unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we studied how local strain and construct buckling in human TE constructs changes over culture times and GAG content. Confocal elastography techniques and digital image correlation (DIC) were used to measure and record buckling modes and local strains. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to quantify construct buckling. The results from the ROC analysis were placed into Kaplan-Meier survival function curves to establish the probability that any point in a construct buckled. These analysis techniques revealed the presence of buckling at early time points, but bending at later time points. An inverse correlation was observed between the probability of buckling and the total GAG content of each construct. This data suggests that increased GAG content prevents the onset of construct buckling and improves the microscale compressive tissue properties. This increase in GAG deposition leads to enhanced global compressive properties by prevention of microscale buckling.

MicroRNA-21 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells as a novel biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer.

To evaluate the effects of microRNA-21 (miR-21) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa). Proved by pathologic biopsy, 92 patients diagnosed with PCa and also underwent resection operation and 85 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were selected in this study, as well as 97 healthy volunteers were chosen as the control group. PBMC were extracted to examine the relative expression of miR-21 by real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The relative operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drew to analyze the diagnosis value of PCa. The survival function curves were made by Kaplan-Meier method to show the miR-21 expression levels of PCa patients. The Log-rank test was adopted to compare the differences among the different groups. The Cox proportional hazard risk regression analysis was used to screen the independent factors affected the PCa patients. The expression levels of miR-21 in PCa group were increased compared to BPH and control group (P < 0.05). The expression of miR-21 was significantly correlated with the Gleason score, clinical stages, bone metastasis and tumor recurrence (all P < 0.05). ROC curves demonstrated that the area under the curve of PCa and BPH distinguished by the miR-21 were 0.974 and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were 0.956∼ 0.993. The sensitivity and specificity were 93.5% and 92.9%. ROC curves demonstrated that the area under the curve of PCa and control group distinguished by the miR-21 were 0.984 and 95% CI were 0.972∼ 0.997. The sensitivity and specificity were 94.6% and 92.8%. The results of Kaplan-Meier Method demonstrated that the miR-21 expression levels were related to the prognosis of PCa (all P < 0.05). The results of the COX analysis suggested that the miR-21 expression level, tumor recurrence and bone metastasis could be the independent factors affected the prognosis of PCa patients (all P < 0.05). miR-21 is highly expressed in the PCa patients, which could be the molecule biomarker of diagnosis and prognosis of PCa.

A randomized controlled trial of various MTA materials for partial pulpotomy in permanent teeth

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical applicability of various MTA materials as partial pulpotomy materials in permanent teeth. MethodsPartial pulpotomy was performed on 104 permanent teeth from 82 people (mean 29.3±14.8years old), who met the inclusion criteria in randomized clinical trial. The teeth were divided into three groups: ProRoot MTA (n=33), OrthoMTA (n=36), RetroMTA (n=35). Clinical examination and radiographic comparison were carried out at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the treatment. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log rank tests. ResultsPartial pulpotomy sustained a high success rate up to 1year with no significant differences in the outcomes treated with three MTA materials: ProRoot MTA, 96.0%; OrthoMTA, 92.8%; RetroMTA, 96.0%. The Kaplan-Meier survival function curves showed no significant differences among three groups concerning clinical and radiographic cumulative survival rates. In addition, no potential prognostic factors related to the success rate of partial pulpotomy among age, sex, tooth type, root apex status, the site and type of pulp exposure, and the type of restoration were observed in log rank analysis. ConclusionsPartial pulpotomy with ProRoot MTA, OrthoMTA and RetroMTA had favorable results and clinical and radiographic results were not significantly different in three groups after 1year.

Histological subtype of renal cell carcinoma significantly affects survival in the era of partial nephrectomy

ObjectivesTo analyze whether the histological subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) affects survival after surgical resection in contemporary patients, and if so, whether prognostic significance differs according to the type of surgical resection or tumor stage. Materials and methodsFrom 2006 to 2014, 2,237 patients underwent surgical resection (25% radical nephrectomy and 75% partial nephrectomy [PN]) for nonmetastatic RCC at a tertiary referral center. Estimated survival function curves and Cox regression models evaluated the effect of histological subtype on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Interaction analyses tested whether the effect of histological subtype depends on the type of surgical resection or tumor stage. ResultsPatients with RCC stage T2 or lower and those with low-grade conventional clear cell, papillary or chromophobe RCC of any stage had 5-year RFS probabilities>90%. Patients with clear cell papillary RCC stage T3 or greater had predicted 5-year RFS of 81%. However, 5-year OS probabilities were>94% for clear cell papillary RCC of any stage. High-grade conventional clear cell and papillary RCC stage T2 or lower, low-grade conventional clear cell and chromophobe RCC of any stage conferred 5-year OS probabilities of >93%. Unclassified RCC demonstrated the lowest OS probabilities at any stage.In multivariable analyses, histological subtype affected RFS (P<0.0001) and OS (P = 0.026) following surgical resection, with no differences in this association for radical nephrectomy vs. PN (RFS, P = 0.2; OS, P = 0.4), and across pathologic stages (RFS, P = 0.1; OS, P = 0.3). Compared with low-grade conventional clear cell RCC, chromophobe (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.30–1.75) and papillary RCC (HR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.09–0.97) conferred lower risk of recurrence. Chromophobe (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.30–1.52) and clear cell papillary RCC (HR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.12–6.78) conferred the lowest risk of all-cause mortality. ConclusionsIn the era of PN for RCC, histological subtype remained a significant predictor of survival, regardless of type of surgical resection or tumor stage.

Clinicopathological factors predictive of postoperative seizures in patients with gliomas

PurposeEpilepsy is one of the most common manifestations in gliomas and has a severe effect on the life expectancy and quality of life of patients. The aim of our study was to assess the potential connections between clinicopathological factors and postoperative seizure. MethodWe retrospectively investigated a group of 147 Chinese high-grade glioma (HGG) patients with preoperative seizure to examine the correlation between postoperative seizure and clinicopathological factors and prognosis. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with postoperative seizures. Survival function curves were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results53 patients (36%) were completely seizure-free (Engel class I), and 94 (64%) experienced a postoperative seizure (Engel classes II, III, and IV). A Chi-squared analysis showed that anaplastic oligodendroglioma/anaplastic oligoastrocytoma (AO/AOA) (P=0.05), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression (P=0.0004), O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) expression (P=0.011), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression (P=0.045) were all significantly different. A logistic regression analysis showed that MGMT expression (P=0.05), EGFR expression (P=0.001), and AO/AOA (P=0.038) are independent factors of postoperative seizure. Patients with lower MGMT and EGFR expression and AO/AOA showed more frequent instances of postoperative seizure. Postoperative seizure showed no statistical significance on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). ConclusionOur study identified clinicopathological factors related to postoperative seizure in HGGs and found two predictive biomarkers of postoperative seizure: MGMT and EGFR. These findings provided insight treatment strategies aimed at prolonging survival and improving quality of life.

A randomized controlled trial of ProRoot MTA, OrthoMTA and RetroMTA for pulpotomy in primary molars.

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of the newly developed OrthoMTA and RetroMTA, compared to conventionally used ProRoot MTA, for pulpotomy in primary teeth. In this randomized clinical trial, 151 molars from 102 children, who met the inclusion criteria and were 3-10 years old, were enrolled. Ultimately, 143 teeth were divided in a randomized, single-blind manner into three groups according to the planned treatment: RetroMTA (n = 49 teeth), OrthoMTA (n = 47 teeth) or ProRoot MTA (n = 47 teeth). Clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations were conducted at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. By the end of the study period, 109 teeth were evaluated at 12 months. The radiographic success rates in these three groups were 100%, 94.7% and 94.7%, respectively; the corresponding clinical success rates were 100%, 97.4% and 100%. The Kaplan-Meier survival function curves relative to clinical and radiographic cumulative survival rates did not differ significantly between the three groups. The success rates of RetroMTA, OrthoMTA and ProRoot MTA are indistinguishable, indicating that pulpotomy can be carried out successfully in primary molars with the newly developed materials.

Correlation of preoperative seizures with clinicopathological factors and prognosis in anaplastic gliomas: A report of 198 patients from China

PurposeSeizures are a common manifestation of many diseases and play an important role in the clinical presentation and quality of life (QOL) in patients with gliomas. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible correlation between tumor-related seizures and clinicopathological factors that influence preoperative seizure characteristics and relevant survival outcomes. MethodsWe retrospectively investigated the correlation of preoperative seizures with clinicopathological factors and prognosis in a cohort of 198 Chinese patients with anaplastic gliomas. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with preoperative seizures. Survival function curves were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. ResultsOf the 198 patients, 68 (34.3%) patients had preoperative seizures. Among the patients with seizures, 26 (38.2%) had generalized seizures, 38 (55.9%) had simple partial seizures, and four (5.9%) complex seizures. There was a higher proportion of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification, frontal lobe involvement, left cerebral hemisphere involvement, and lower Ki-67 expression in patients with preoperative seizures in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Patients with preoperative seizures had a longer overall survival (OS) time compared with those without (median: 1924 days vs. 923 days, P=0.048). ConclusionThe current study updates existing information on tumor-related seizures and clinicopathological factors in anaplastic gliomas, and suggests two putative biomarkers for preoperative seizures; Ki-67 expression and EGFR amplification. These factors may provide insights for developing effective treatment strategies aimed at prolonging patient survival.