Univariate Analysis Research Articles

Neurological adverse events associated with oxaliplatin: A pharmacovigilance analysis based on FDA adverse event reporting system

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the neurological adverse events of oxaliplatin through the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database and to provide reference for safe clinical drug use.MethodsThe adverse events report data of oxaliplatin from the first quarter of 2019 (1 January 2019) to the third quarter of 2023 (30 September 2023) were extracted from FAERS database, and the adverse events signal intensity was determined using the reporting odds ratio, proportional reporting ratio, information component, and empirical Bayes geometric mean methods. Time-to-onset and univariate logistic regression analysis were performed to describe the characteristics and risk factors of oxaliplatin-associated neurological adverse events.ResultsA total of 4,471 cases of oxaliplatin-associated neurological adverse events were identified, with 318 neurological adverse events being documented, among which 87 adverse events satisfied the thresholds of four methodologies. The median time-to-onset of oxaliplatin-associated neurological adverse events was 2 days (interquartile range 0–36 days). Among the factors significantly influencing oxaliplatin-related neurological adverse events, male sex and combination medication decreased the risk of neurological adverse events, while higher cumulative dose increased the risk.ConclusionThe real-world neurotoxicity spectrum of oxaliplatin and its characteristics and influencing factors were obtained through data mining of FAERS, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals to effectively manage the risk of neurological adverse events associated with oxaliplatin in clinical practice.

Correlation between retinal vascular geometric parameters and pathologically diagnosed type 2 diabetic nephropathy

Abstract Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are common microvascular complications of diabetes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between retinal vascular geometric parameters and pathologically diagnosed type 2 DN, and to determine the capacity of retinal vascular geometric parameters in differentiating DN from non-diabetic nephropathy (NDRD). Methods The study participants were adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) who underwent a renal biopsy. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between retinal vessel geometry parameters and pathologically diagnosed DN. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to establish a differential diagnostic model for DN. Results In total, 403 patients were examined in this cross-sectional study, including 152 (37.7%) with DN, 157 (39.0%) with NDRD, and 94 (23.3%) with DN combined with NDRD. After univariate logistic regression, Total vessel fractal dimension, arteriolar fractal dimension, venular fractal dimension were all found to be associated with DN. In multivariate analyses adjusting for age, sex, blood pressure, diabetes, DR, and other factors, smaller retinal vascular fractal dimensions were significantly associated with DN (P < .05). We developed a differential diagnostic model for DN combining traditional clinical indicators and retinal vascular geometric parameters, the area under the curve of the model for equation established by multivariate logistic regression was 0.930. Conclusions Retinal vessel fractal dimension is of great significance for the rapid and noninvasive differentiation of DN. Incorporating retinal vessel fractal dimension into the diagnostic model for DN and NDRD can improve the diagnostic efficiency.

Peripheral perfusion index as a predictor of reintubation in critically ill surgical patients

PurposeWe aimed to evaluate the ability of the peripheral perfusion index (PPI) to predict reintubation of critically ill surgical patients.MethodsThis prospective observational study included mechanically ventilated adults who were extubated after a successful spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). The patients were followed up for the next 48 h for the need for reintubation. The heart rate, systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), and PPI were measured before-, at the end of SBT, 1 and 2 h postextubation. The primary outcome was the ability of PPI 1 h postextubation to predict reintubation using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors for reintubation.ResultsData from 62 patients were analysed. Reintubation occurred in 12/62 (19%) of the patients. Reintubated patients had higher heart rate and respiratory rate; and lower SpO2 and PPI than successfully weaned patients. The AUC (95%confidence interval) for the ability of PPI at 1 h postextubation to predict reintubation was 0.82 (0.71–0.91) with a negative predictive value of 97%, at a cutoff value of ≤ 2.5. Low PPI and high respiratory rate were the independent predictors for reintubation.ConclusionPPI early after extubation is a useful tool for prediction of reintubation. Low PPI is an independent risk factor for reintubation. A PPI > 2.5, one hour after extubation can confirm successful extubation.

Correlation of HCT-ALB, SmtO2, CRT and Lac with renal impairment and prognosis in patients with septic shock

Background: This study investigates the correlation between the difference in hematocrit (HCT) and serum albumin (ALB) levels (HCT-ALB), muscle tissue oxygen saturation (SmtO2), capillary refill time (CRT), and blood lactate (Lac) with the severity of renal function damage and prognosis in patients with septic shock. Methods: Conducted from February 2022 to February 2024, this study included 116 septic shock patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. Patients were divided into groups based on whether they developed acute kidney injury: 40 patients were included in the acute kidney injury group, and the remaining 76 were placed in the non-kidney injury group. The levels of HCT-ALB, SmtO2, CRT, and Lac were compared between the groups. Patients were followed up to assess their 28-day survival outcomes; 75 surviving patients were placed in the survival group, and 41 deceased patients in the death group. Differences in clinical data and levels of HCT-ALB, SmtO2, CRT, and Lac between the two groups were analyzed to explore the relationship of these indicators with patient prognosis. Results: Levels of HCT-ALB, CRT, and Lac were higher, while SmtO2 was lower in the acute kidney injury group compared to the non-kidney injury group (P<0.05). Similarly, the death group exhibited higher levels of HCT-ALB, CRT, and Lac and lower SmtO2 levels compared to the survival group (P<0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that HCT-ALB, SmtO2, CRT, and Lac significantly impact patient survival outcomes, demonstrating high predictive value for patient mortality with respective AUC values of 0.834, 0.782, 0.903, and 0.918. The combined application of these indicators for predicting patient mortality had an AUC value of 0.985, which is higher than when the indicators were used individually. Conclusion: HCT-ALB, SmtO2, CRT, and Lac are significantly elevated in patients with acute kidney injury and deceased patients, closely correlating with the severity and prognosis of septic shock. These indicators can serve as important biomarkers for assessing the condition and prognosis of these patients.

Safety and efficacy of tract embolization using gelatin sponge particles in reducing pneumothorax after CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy in patients with emphysema

BackgroundThe incidence of pneumothorax is higher in patients with emphysema who undergo percutaneous lung biopsy. Needle embolization has been shown to reduce the incidence of pneumothorax in patients with emphysema. Existing studies have reported small sample sizes of patients with emphysema, or the degree of emphysema has not been graded. Therefore, the efficacy of biopsy embolization in the prevention of pneumothorax induced by percutaneous pulmonary biopsy in patients with emphysema remains to be determined.MethodsIn this retrospective, controlled study, patients with emphysema who underwent CT-guided PTLB were divided into two groups: group A (n = 523), without tract embolization, and Group B (n = 504), with tract embolization. Clinical and imaging features were collected from electronic medical records and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for pneumothorax and chest tube placement.ResultsThe two groups did not differ significantly in terms of demographic characteristics and complications other than pneumothorax. The incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement in group B was significantly lower than in group A (20.36% vs. 46.12%, p < 0.001; 3.95% vs. 9.18%, p < 0.001, respectively). In logistic regression analyses, variables affecting the incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement were the length of puncture of the lung parenchyma (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.30, p = 0.001; OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.30–1.85, p < 0.001, respectively), tract embolization (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.24–0.41, p < 0.001; OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.22–0.69, p = 0.001, respectively), and grade of emphysema.ConclusionsTract embolization with gelatin sponge particles after CT-guided PTLB significantly reduced the incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement in patients with emphysema. Tract embolization, length of puncture of the lung parenchyma, and grade of emphysema were independent risk factors for pneumothorax and chest tube placement.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered.

Outcomes with low dose anti-thymocyte globulin based graft versus host disease prophylaxis after mismatched unrelated donor allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) based graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis is widely used for mismatched unrelated donor allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) although optimal dose remains unclear. Although recent literature suggested improved outcomes with PTCy-based regimens when compared to ATG-based regimens these studies used doses of ATG ≥5 mg/kg. Thus, we analyzed outcomes of HLA 9/10 MMUD allogeneic HCTs using lower-dose ATG-based regimens at our center. We retrospectively analyzed outcomes of HLA 9/10 MMUD allogeneic HCTs using lower dose ATG-based regimens for all adults undergoing allogeneic HCT at The Ottawa Hospital from 2015 to 2022. Data regarding demographics, conditioning regimen, dose of ATG, rates of GVHD, duration of remission, and survival, were collected and analyzed. Seventy-seven (n = 77) patients (males 62.3%; median age 50 years) underwent allogeneic HCT from MMUD. Majority(81%; n = 63) received 2.5 mg/kg of rabbit ATG and remaining 18.2% (n = 14) received 4.5 mg/kg. Grade II-IV acute GVHD occurred in 24.7% (n = 19) while any chronic GVHD occurred in 32.5% (n = 25) patients. After a median follow-up of 21 months, relapse occurred in 28.6% of patients. Two-year OS, GRFS, CIR, and NRM were 60.6%, 45.3%, 16.9%, and 18.2% respectively. Dose of ATG (2.5 mg/kg vs. 4.5 mg/kg) was not associated with outcomes in either univariate or multivariate analyses. When compared to published studies using ATG doses ≥5 mg/kg, GVHD prophylaxis using lower dose ATG may potentially lead to improved outcomes in patients undergoing MMUD allogeneic HCT. Further studies are needed to directly compare lower dose ATG to PTCy-based regimens to determine ideal GVHD prophylaxis for these patients.

Value of Echocardiographic Evaluation of Myocardial Performance Index in Predicting Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Within 1 Year after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the echocardiography-derived Tei index for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 1 year post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: A total of 98 patients diagnosed with CHD and admitted to our hospital between January 2021 and May 2023 were retrospectively selected for this study, and the two groups were divided into good prognosis group (n = 67) and poor prognosis group (n = 31) according to whether cardiovascular adverse events occurred within 1 year after PCI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the influencing factors of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with CHD following PCI, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to evaluate the efficacy of myocardial performance index measured by echocardiography in predicting adverse cardiovascular events within 1 year post-PCI in patients with CHD. The inflammatory factors of patients with different Tei indices were compared before and 24 h after PCI. Results: The differences in general data, including preoperative Tei index, left anterior descending (LAD) level, left ventricular diameter in diastole (LVDd) level, and the number of cases with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, were not statistically significant between two groups (p &gt; 0.05). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), maximum left ventricular thickness, postoperative Tei index, plaque score, and carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) showed statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05). The findings from logistic regression analysis, considering multiple factors, indicated that Tei index, plaque score, and carotid IMT were independent predictors for adverse cardiovascular events following PCI in patients with CHD (p &lt; 0.05). ROC analysis demonstrated an impressive area under the curve of 0.967 for echocardiographic assessment of myocardial performance index as a predictor for adverse cardiovascular events within 1 year after PCI in patients with CHD. The standard error was 0.017, 95% confidence interval was 0.935–0.999, optimal cut-off value was 0.88, sensitivity was 95.0%, and specificity was 93.3%. The comparison of inflammatory factors among patients with different Tei index values before PCI did not yield any statistically significant differences (p &gt; 0.05), and the comparison of inflammatory factors in patients with different Tei index 24 h after PCI. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in patients with Tei ≤0.5 were lower than those in patients with Tei &gt;0.5 (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Evaluating the myocardial performance index through echocardiography holds considerable value in predicting MACE within one year following PCI in patients diagnosed with CHD.

Bone Pain and Survival Among Patients With Metastatic, Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

The presence of bone pain is significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, there are few data regarding bone pain and survival outcomes in the context of metastatic, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (MHSPC). To compare survival outcomes among patients with MHSPC by presence or absence of baseline bone pain at diagnosis. This post hoc secondary analysis, conducted from September 1 to December 31, 2023, used patient-level data from SWOG-1216, a phase 3, prospective randomized clinical trial that enrolled patients with newly diagnosed MHSPC from 248 academic and community centers across the US from March 1, 2013, to July 15, 2017. All patients in the intention-to-treat population who had available bone pain status were eligible and included in this secondary analysis. In the SWOG-1216 trial, patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with orteronel, 300 mg orally twice daily (experimental group), or ADT with bicalutamide, 50 mg orally daily (control group), until disease progression, unacceptable toxic effects, or patient withdrawal. Overall survival was the primary end point; progression-free survival (PFS) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response were secondary end points. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used for both univariable and multivariable analyses adjusting for age, treatment type, Gleason score, disease volume, Zubrod performance status, and PSA level. Of the 1279 male study participants, 301 (23.5%) had baseline bone pain at MHSPC diagnosis and 896 (70.1%) did not. Bone pain status was unavailable in 82 patients (6.4%). The median age of the 1197 patients eligible and included in this secondary analysis was 67.6 years (IQR, 61.8-73.6 years). Compared with patients who did not experience bone pain, those with baseline bone pain were younger (median age, 66.0 [IQR, 60.1-73.4] years vs 68.2 [IQR, 62.4-73.7] years; P = .02) and had a higher incidence of high-volume disease (212 [70.4%] vs 373 [41.6%]; P < .001). After adjustment, bone pain was associated with shorter PFS and OS. At a median follow-up of 4.0 years (IQR, 2.5-5.4 years), patients with bone pain had median PFS of 1.3 years (95% CI, 1.1-1.7 years) vs 3.7 years (95% CI, 3.3-4.2 years) in patients without initial bone pain (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.46; 95% CI, 1.22-1.74; P < .001) and OS of 3.9 years (95% CI, 3.3-4.8 years) vs not reached (NR) (95% CI, 6.6 years to NR) in patients without initial bone pain (AHR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.34-2.05; P < .001). In this post hoc secondary analysis of the SWOG-1216 randomized clinical trial, patients with baseline bone pain at MHSPC diagnosis had worse survival outcomes than those without bone pain. These data suggest prioritizing these patients for enrollment in clinical trials, may aid patient counseling, and indicate that the inclusion of bone pain in prognostic models of MHSPC may be warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01809691.

Gene signatures of copper metabolism related genes may predict prognosis and immunity status in Ewing’s sarcoma

BackgroundCuproptosis is copper-induced cell death. Copper metabolism related genes (CMRGs) were demonstrated that used to assess the prognosis out of tumors. In the study, CMRGs were tested for their effect on TME cell infiltration in Ewing’s sarcoma (ES).MethodsThe GEO and ICGC databases provided the mRNA expression profiles and clinical features for downloading. In the GSE17674 dataset, 22prognostic-related copper metabolism related genes (PR-CMRGs) was identified by using univariate regression analysis. Subsequently, in order to compare the survival rates of groups with high and low expression of these PR-CMRGs,Kaplan-Meier analysis was implemented. Additionally, correlations among them were examined. The study employed functional enrichment analysis to investigate probable underlying pathways, while GSVA was applied to evaluate enriched pathways in the ES (Expression Set). Through an unsupervised clustering algorithm, samples were classified into two clusters, revealing significant differences in survival rates and levels of immune infiltration.ResultsUsing Lasso and step regression methods, five genes (TFRC, SORD, SLC11A2, FKBP4, and AANAT) were selected as risk signatures. According to the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the high-risk group had considerably lower survival rates than the low-risk group(p=6.013e-09). The area under the curve (AUC) values for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were 0.876, 0.883, and 0.979 for 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The risk model was further validated in additional datasets, namely GSE63155, GSE63156, and the ICGC datasets. To aid in outcome prediction, a nomogram was developed that incorporated risk levels and clinical features. This nomogram’s performance was effectively validated through calibration curves.Additionally, the study evaluated the variations in immune infiltration across different risk groups, as well as high-expression and low-expression groups. Importantly, several drugs were identified that displayed sensitivity, offering potential therapeutic options for ES.ConclusionThe findings above strongly indicate that CMRGs play crucial roles in predicting prognosis and immune status in ES.

Genetic correlation and causal relationship between sleep and myopia: a mendelian randomization study

PurposeTo investigate the genetic correlation and causal links between sleep traits (including sleep duration, chronotype, and insomnia) and myopia.MethodsSummary data on three sleep traits (sleep duration, chronotype and insomnia) and myopia from FinnGen (n = 214,211) and UK Biobank (n = 460,536) were analyzed using linkage disequilibrium score regression (LD Score), univariable and multivariable mendelian randomization (MR) experiments and Causal Analysis Using Summary Effect (CAUSE) estimation.ResultsLD Score regression detected candidate genetic correlation between sleep traits and myopia, such as sleep duration, chronotype (Genetic Correlation Z-score &amp;gt;10.00, h2_observed_p &amp;lt; 0.005, Lambda GC &amp;gt; 1.05, p &amp;gt; 0.05). Univariable MR analyses indicated that increased sleep duration has a promotional effect on the occurrence of myopia (p = 0.046 &amp;lt; 0.05, P_FDR = 0.138 &amp;lt; 0.2, OR = 2.872, 95% CI: 1.018–8.101). However, after accounting for potential confounding factors, multivariable MR and CAUSE analysis did not provide evidence for a causal effect of the three sleep traits on myopia.ConclusionThere may be a potential genetic correlation between sleep duration, chronotype and myopia. However, neither of sleep duration, chronotype or insomnia had causal effect on myopia.

Genetic correlation and causal relationship between sleep and myopia: a mendelian randomization study

PurposeTo investigate the genetic correlation and causal links between sleep traits (including sleep duration, chronotype, and insomnia) and myopia.MethodsSummary data on three sleep traits (sleep duration, chronotype and insomnia) and myopia from FinnGen (n = 214,211) and UK Biobank (n = 460,536) were analyzed using linkage disequilibrium score regression (LD Score), univariable and multivariable mendelian randomization (MR) experiments and Causal Analysis Using Summary Effect (CAUSE) estimation.ResultsLD Score regression detected candidate genetic correlation between sleep traits and myopia, such as sleep duration, chronotype (Genetic Correlation Z-score &amp;gt;10.00, h2_observed_p &amp;lt; 0.005, Lambda GC &amp;gt; 1.05, p &amp;gt; 0.05). Univariable MR analyses indicated that increased sleep duration has a promotional effect on the occurrence of myopia (p = 0.046 &amp;lt; 0.05, P_FDR = 0.138 &amp;lt; 0.2, OR = 2.872, 95% CI: 1.018–8.101). However, after accounting for potential confounding factors, multivariable MR and CAUSE analysis did not provide evidence for a causal effect of the three sleep traits on myopia.ConclusionThere may be a potential genetic correlation between sleep duration, chronotype and myopia. However, neither of sleep duration, chronotype or insomnia had causal effect on myopia.

Gene signatures of copper metabolism related genes may predict prognosis and immunity status in Ewing’s sarcoma

BackgroundCuproptosis is copper-induced cell death. Copper metabolism related genes (CMRGs) were demonstrated that used to assess the prognosis out of tumors. In the study, CMRGs were tested for their effect on TME cell infiltration in Ewing’s sarcoma (ES).MethodsThe GEO and ICGC databases provided the mRNA expression profiles and clinical features for downloading. In the GSE17674 dataset, 22prognostic-related copper metabolism related genes (PR-CMRGs) was identified by using univariate regression analysis. Subsequently, in order to compare the survival rates of groups with high and low expression of these PR-CMRGs,Kaplan-Meier analysis was implemented. Additionally, correlations among them were examined. The study employed functional enrichment analysis to investigate probable underlying pathways, while GSVA was applied to evaluate enriched pathways in the ES (Expression Set). Through an unsupervised clustering algorithm, samples were classified into two clusters, revealing significant differences in survival rates and levels of immune infiltration.ResultsUsing Lasso and step regression methods, five genes (TFRC, SORD, SLC11A2, FKBP4, and AANAT) were selected as risk signatures. According to the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the high-risk group had considerably lower survival rates than the low-risk group(p=6.013e-09). The area under the curve (AUC) values for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were 0.876, 0.883, and 0.979 for 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The risk model was further validated in additional datasets, namely GSE63155, GSE63156, and the ICGC datasets. To aid in outcome prediction, a nomogram was developed that incorporated risk levels and clinical features. This nomogram’s performance was effectively validated through calibration curves.Additionally, the study evaluated the variations in immune infiltration across different risk groups, as well as high-expression and low-expression groups. Importantly, several drugs were identified that displayed sensitivity, offering potential therapeutic options for ES.ConclusionThe findings above strongly indicate that CMRGs play crucial roles in predicting prognosis and immune status in ES.

Neurological adverse events associated with oxaliplatin: A pharmacovigilance analysis based on FDA adverse event reporting system

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the neurological adverse events of oxaliplatin through the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database and to provide reference for safe clinical drug use.MethodsThe adverse events report data of oxaliplatin from the first quarter of 2019 (1 January 2019) to the third quarter of 2023 (30 September 2023) were extracted from FAERS database, and the adverse events signal intensity was determined using the reporting odds ratio, proportional reporting ratio, information component, and empirical Bayes geometric mean methods. Time-to-onset and univariate logistic regression analysis were performed to describe the characteristics and risk factors of oxaliplatin-associated neurological adverse events.ResultsA total of 4,471 cases of oxaliplatin-associated neurological adverse events were identified, with 318 neurological adverse events being documented, among which 87 adverse events satisfied the thresholds of four methodologies. The median time-to-onset of oxaliplatin-associated neurological adverse events was 2 days (interquartile range 0–36 days). Among the factors significantly influencing oxaliplatin-related neurological adverse events, male sex and combination medication decreased the risk of neurological adverse events, while higher cumulative dose increased the risk.ConclusionThe real-world neurotoxicity spectrum of oxaliplatin and its characteristics and influencing factors were obtained through data mining of FAERS, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals to effectively manage the risk of neurological adverse events associated with oxaliplatin in clinical practice.

Predicting relapsed/refractory disease in childhood hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis based on clinical features at diagnosis: A 13-year single-institute retrospective study in Thailand.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening disease. Relapsed/refractory disease is the main cause of death. This study aims to determine the prognostic indicators for relapsed/refractory disease in childhood HLH (R/R HLH). Infants and children under 18 years of age who were diagnosed with HLH according to HLH-2004 criteria, MAS-HLH criteria for rheumatologic diseases, or H-score undergoing treatment in Chiang Mai University hospital between 2010 and 2022 were included. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and laboratory parameters were retrospectively reviewed. Out of 86 childhood HLH cases, 30 patients (34.9%) experienced R/R HLH. All patients with primary HLH developed R/R HLH. The most common form of secondary HLH was infection-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (IAHS), comprising 43 cases. Of these, 37.2% had relapsed or refractory disease. Univariable analysis identified several potential risk factors for R/R HLH, including younger age, severe disease status, higher HLH-2004 criteria scores, higher H-scores, overt DIC, higher pSOFA scores, and increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that a pSOFA score of ≥ 8 and age < 3 years were independent risk factors for R/R HLH, with adjusted odds ratios of 6.35 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-34.19; P = 0.032) and 3.62 (95% CI, 1.04-12.63; P = 0.044), respectively. Children with HLH who have a pSOFA score of ≥ 8, or are younger than 3 years, are at a higher risk of relapsed or refractory disease. Further evaluation of management strategies in this context is warranted.

A New Postoperative Stability Score to Predict Loss of Reduction in Intertrochanteric Fractures in Elderly Patients

The study aimed to validate a newly developed postoperative stability score for evaluating clinical follow-up in elderly patients with low-energy hip fractures. From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021, we enrolled patients aged over 65 who underwent cephalomedullary nail fixation using proximal femoral nail antirotation II (PFNAII) and had at least 6 months of follow-up; excluding multiple fractures, pathological fractures, and periprosthetic fractures. We collected general patient data. Parameters such as TAD, Parker’s ratio (AP and lateral), and the new postoperative stability score were recorded. A loss of reduction was defined using the decline in the Chang reduction quality criteria (CRQC) score within one month. Among the 108 enrolled patients, 23 (21.3%) experienced a loss of reduction, with a mean age of 82.1 years and a mean follow-up time of 7.4 months. Univariate analysis showed no significant association between loss of reduction and general data. However, the new postoperative stability score correlated significantly with loss of reduction (mean scores: 6.68 vs. 4.83, p = 0.045). Multivariate analysis confirmed this association (odds ratio: 0.076, 95% confidence interval: 0.022–0.263, p &lt; 0.05). The newly developed postoperative stability score, incorporating surgical technique assessment, improves prediction accuracy for loss of reduction in elderly intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) patients.

Blastocystis colonization and associations with population parameters in Thai adults.

Blastocystis is a unicellular eukaryote commonly found in the intestinal tract of humans and other animals. The prevalence of Blastocystis has been investigated in both developed and developing countries, yet its occurrence and distribution in rural locations has been less studied. Herein, we aimed to examine the distribution of Blastocystis colonization in Thai adults representing background populations along a rural/peri-urban gradient, as well as associations between colonization and personal characteristics. A total of 238 participants were recruited from rural and peri-urban areas situated in three provinces. The presence of Blastocystis in feces was evaluated using PCR and qPCR. Information on gender, age, region (province), rural/peri-urban location, and body mass index (BMI) was collected. The overall rate of Blastocystis carriage was 67.2%. Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between Blastocystis carriage and region (p<0.05), location (p<0.001) and age group (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that rural/peri-urban location and BMI were significantly associated with Blastocystis carriage. Nine subtypes (ST1-ST7, ST10 and ST23) were identified with ST3, ST7 and ST1 as the most abundant ones, in this order. The greatest diversity of subtypes, in terms of numbers, was found in the middle aged group (nine subtypes), while the least diversity was found in the young adult and obese (three subtypes each) groups. This study increases the understanding of the epidemiology of Blastocystis colonization and its association with population parameters and characteristics in middle-income countries.

Novel MRI-Based Pedicle Bone Quality Score Independently Predicts Pedicle Screw Loosening after Degenerative Lumbar Fusion Surgery.

To introduce and evaluate an MRI-based PBQ score to determine its effectiveness in predicting pedicle screw loosening following lumbar fusion surgery. The retrospective study analyzed 244 patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with pedicle screws between December 2017 and December 2021, with CT and MRI imaging before surgery. Data collected included patient demographics and preoperative radiological data. Radiographic screw loosening was measured at 12 months postoperatively. Clinical assessments included pain visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. The PBQ score was measured using MRI scans. We use univariate analysis for preliminary screening of the risk factors of screw loosening. Subsequent analysis involved multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictive factors for screw loosening. We constructed the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to ascertain the discriminative capacity of the PBQ score. The area under the curve (AUC) quantified its predictive accuracy. Additionally, we evaluated the association between PBQ score and screw loosening using Spearman's correlation analysis. Overall, 244 patients who underwent PLIF with pedicle screw fixation participated in this study, including 35 in the loosening group and 209 in the non-loosening group. PBQ score in the loosening group was significantly higher than that in the non-loosening group. On multivariate logistic regression, the higher PBQ score (OR = 8.481, 95% CI: 3.158-22.774; p < 0.001) and the lower mean Hounsfield unit (HU) value of L1-4 (OR = 0.967, 95% CI 0.951-0.984; p < 0.001) were the variables that significantly predicted screw loosening. The AUC for the PBQ score and HU value were 0.751 (95% CI: 0.673-0.828) and 0.702 (95% CI: 0.612-0.791). The PBQ score optimal cutoff to differentiate patients with loosening and with non-loosening was calculated as 3.045 with a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 76.9%, while the optimal cutoff of the HU value was 151.5 with a sensitivity of 64.6% and specificity of 89.5%. The association between the PBQ score and the propensity for lumbar pedicle screw loosening was found to be substantial. As a predictive measure, the PBQ score outperformed the HU value in forecasting the likelihood of screw loosening post-posterior lumbar fusion.

Risk of hepatic steatosis with the preoperative treatment of pancreatic cancer and the short-term postoperative outcomes.

We investigated whether the preoperative treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer is a risk factor for hepatic steatosis (HS), and whether preoperative HS affects the short-term postoperative outcomes. Patients who underwent radical surgery for pancreatic cancer between 2010 and 2023 were enrolled. The patients' medical records were reviewed. Albumin and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 were measured before and after chemotherapy in the patients who received preoperative chemotherapy. A logistic regression univariate analysis was performed to analyze the factors associated with new-onset HS. A total of 230 patients who underwent surgery were included. HS was observed on the date of surgery in 11 (10%) and two (2%) patients with and without preoperative chemotherapy, respectively. Female sex, initially borderline resectable or unresectable disease, history of cholangitis, presence of PEI, long-term (≥ 3months) biliary drainage, preoperative chemotherapy, and serum albumin ≥ 3.9mg/dl before chemotherapy were identified as risk factors for HS. The incidence of postoperative morbidity did not differ between the patients with and without preoperative steatosis. Preoperative chemotherapy, a history of cholangitis, the presence of PEI, and ≥ 3months' duration of biliary drainage were risk factors for the development of HS before surgery for pancreatic cancer. However, preoperative HS did not affect the short-term postoperative outcomes.

A New Postoperative Stability Score to Predict Loss of Reduction in Intertrochanteric Fractures in Elderly Patients

The study aimed to validate a newly developed postoperative stability score for evaluating clinical follow-up in elderly patients with low-energy hip fractures. From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021, we enrolled patients aged over 65 who underwent cephalomedullary nail fixation using proximal femoral nail antirotation II (PFNAII) and had at least 6 months of follow-up; excluding multiple fractures, pathological fractures, and periprosthetic fractures. We collected general patient data. Parameters such as TAD, Parker’s ratio (AP and lateral), and the new postoperative stability score were recorded. A loss of reduction was defined using the decline in the Chang reduction quality criteria (CRQC) score within one month. Among the 108 enrolled patients, 23 (21.3%) experienced a loss of reduction, with a mean age of 82.1 years and a mean follow-up time of 7.4 months. Univariate analysis showed no significant association between loss of reduction and general data. However, the new postoperative stability score correlated significantly with loss of reduction (mean scores: 6.68 vs. 4.83, p = 0.045). Multivariate analysis confirmed this association (odds ratio: 0.076, 95% confidence interval: 0.022–0.263, p &lt; 0.05). The newly developed postoperative stability score, incorporating surgical technique assessment, improves prediction accuracy for loss of reduction in elderly intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) patients.

Outcomes of children with clear cell sarcoma of kidney following NWTS strategies in Shanghai China (2003-2021).

Although clear cell sarcoma of kidney (CCSK) is rare, it is the second most common renal tumor in children after Wilms' tumor. NWTS and SIOP are two major groups which had made tremendous efforts on renal tumors, but the strategies are different, for NWTS follows the upfront surgery principle providing definite pathology and the SIOP follows the upfront chemotherapy principle, each has its own advantages. Here we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of CCSK in China following NWTS strategies to analyze the prognostic factors. For this multicenter retrospective study, a total of 54 patients were enrolled from three children's hospitals, between April 2003 and December 2021. Treatment comprised upfront radical nephrectomy, followed by radiotherapy and intensive chemotherapy. Clinical records were regularly updated. Prognostic factors and survival rates were evaluated. The 54 enrolled patients had a median age of 37 months (range, 4 months to 11.4 years). The stage distribution was 16% stage I (n = 9), 30% stage II (n = 16), 39% stage III (n = 21), and 15% stage IV (n = 8). Among stage IV, metastasis sites included the lung (n = 6), bone (n = 1), and intra-orbital/cervical lymph node (n = 1). After a median follow-up of 5.6 years, the 5-year event-free survival (EFS) was 82.4±5.4%, and overall survival was 88.1±4.6%. The EFS was 100% for stage I, 93.8 ±6.1% for stage II, 71.1±10.0% for stage III, and 68.6±18.6% for stage IV. Univariate analysis revealed that staging (III/IV), tumor rupture, and inferior vena cava tumor thrombus were inferior prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor rupture was independent poor prognostic factor (P = 0.01, HR 5.9). Among relapsed patients, relapse occurred a median of 11 months after diagnosis (range, 4-41 months), and 50% (4/8) achieved a second complete remission after multiple treatment. None of the six lung metastasis patients received lung RT, only one patient developed a relapse and was salvaged by RT after relapse. Tumor rupture was independent poor prognostic factor. Upfront surgery of NWTS strategies can make a definite pathology diagnosis, but how to reduce tumor rupture during surgery is important especially in developing countries. The outcomes of patients with stage I-III CCSK in China were comparable to findings in other developed countries. Better outcomes were achieved in stage IV CCSK by using an intensive chemotherapy regimen including carboplatin, which require further confirmation by AREN0321. Lung RT may be safely omitted in selected patients who achieve a compete radiographic response after 6 weeks of systemic treatment (including surgery). Treatment should be encouraged even in CCSK cases with metastasis and relapse.