Annals of medicine最新文献

Background: Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) lymphocytic leukaemia deletion gene 1 (DLEU1) is abnormally overexpressed in many cancer types, including cervical cancer (CC). However, the potential clinical significance of DLEU1 in serum exosomes of patients with CC remains unclear.

Methods: The expression of serum exosomal DLEU1 was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the clinical diagnostic efficacy of DLEU1. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox proportional hazards model were used to assess the effect of DLEU1 on postoperative recurrence, metastasis and prognosis among patients with CC.

Results: Our research showed that DLEU1 expression in the serum exosomes of patients with CC was significantly upregulated compared to that in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and healthy controls (HCs) (both p < .001). DLEU1 relative expression was significantly correlated with tumour size, cervical invasion depth, pathological grade, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and lymph node metastasis among patients with CC (p < .01 all). The combined detection of DLEU1, carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA-125) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) exhibited significantly higher diagnostic efficiency (p < .01). Furthermore, the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of CC patients in the high DLEU1 expression group were markedly lower than those in the low DLEU1 expression group (both p < .01). Cox univariate and multivariate regression analyses indicated that DLEU1 was an independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence and metastasis in CC patients.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that serum exosome DLEU1 has certain clinical value for diagnosing, monitoring recurrence and metastasis, and evaluating CC prognosis.

Background: There is a global consensus that respiratory tract infections are the major causes of morbidity and mortality among children. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections among children admitted to hospital with acute respiratory infections. We also opted to identify the predictors of paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission.

Methods: In this study, a retrospective investigation and analysis of 423 children who were admitted to Abha Maternity and Children Hospital, in the southern region of Saudi Arabia, between January and December 2022 were conducted.

Results: The median age of these children was 16.5 months (Q1-Q3: 6-46.3). It was observed that the infectivity levels of RSV, SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and influenza B infections peaked in early to mid-September, mid-July, May and June, and October, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the total WBC counts between RSV and influenza B (p = 0.035) and SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B (p = 0.013). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in the absolute lymphocyte count between influenza A and RSV (p = 0.002). The median number of days in hospital was 6 days (Q1-Q3: 4-10). Patients with RSV infection required a significantly longer hospital stay, with a median of 8 days (Q1-Q3: 4-10). The factors associated with the likelihood of PICU admission for all study participants were congenital heart disease (odds ratio (OR) = 2.9, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [1.4-6.1]), RSV (OR = 2.3, 95% CI [1.3-4.1]) and age <6 months (OR = 2.0, 95% CI [1.2-3.4]).

Conclusions: RSV was identified as the most common pathogen causing acute lower respiratory infections among the studied patients. One of the more significant findings to emerge from this study is the seasonal changes in RSV and influenza infections, which mandates further research.

Background: Uric acid (UA) plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases, yet its implications in elderly patients remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to explore the impact of UA on the prognosis in advanced-age patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods: We included 526 patients aged 80 and older who were diagnosed with ACS. The UA levels were measured at admission, and patients were divided into four groups based on quartiles of UA levels. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during follow-up were recorded.

Results: The median UA level was 344.09 μmol/L, while the median follow-up duration was 64 months. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated a higher cumulative incidence of MACE during long-term follow-up in the Q4 group (Log-rank p < 0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed an independent correlation between UA levels and an increased risk of MACE (HR 1.002, 95%CI 1.000-1.003, p = 0.021). The ROC curve indicated that the optimal UA value for predicting MACE was 324.25 μmol/L. After matching through PSM, the MACE-free survival rate was lower in both hyperuricemia group (UA> 420.00 μmol/L) and high UA group (324.25 μmol/L < UA≤ 420.00 μmol/L) compared to the control group. Both hyperuricemia and high UA levels were independent risk factors for long-term MACE in advanced-age ACS patients, with HR values of 1.546 (1.049-2.280, p = 0.028) and 1.491 (1.011-2.198, p = 0.044), respectively.

Conclusion: Elevated UA levels were identified as independent risk factors for MACE in elderly patients with ACS. The optimal predictive value of UA for poor cardiovascular prognosis was significantly lower than the traditional definition of hyperuricemia.

Background/objectives: This study aims to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of rosacea within the North Jordan population, focusing on Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV. The intent is to address gaps in dermatological research concerning ethnic and racial variations in rosacea's presentation and impact.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis at the dermatology department of King Abdullah University Hospital, North Jordan, reviewing medical records of patients diagnosed with rosacea from January 2013 to December 2023. Data collection focused on demographics, rosacea subtypes and environmental factors exacerbating the condition. Statistical analysis utilized Jamovi and GraphPad Prism software.

Results: The study included 610 patients, revealing a rosacea prevalence of 1.5% within the hospital's catchment area. Most patients were female (84.4%), with a median age of 44. The majority had Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV. The erythematotelangiectatic subtype was most common (73.6%), followed by papulopustular (23.4%) and phymatous (3%). Environmental triggers like sun exposure and temperature changes were nearly universally reported as exacerbating factors.

Conclusions: Rosacea shows significant gender disparities and is influenced by environmental factors. The study underscores the need for targeted research and treatment strategies that consider ethnic and racial variations, along with gender-specific presentations of the disease.

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is an agent used in the treatment of many neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases and is known to cause oxidative damage in normal tissues. Curcumin (Cur) is a natural polyphenol compound with powerful antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. In this study we investigate the effects of Cur on MTX-induced ovarian damage.

Materials and methods: Thirty-two young adult female Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: (1) Control (n = 8): only vehicle group, (2) Cur (n = 8): Cur-only group (200 mg/kg/day), (3) MTX (n = 8): MTX-only group (0.35 mg/kg/day), (4) MTX+Cur (n = 8): The group was given MTX (0.35 mg/kg/day) and Cur (200 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. Then, SOD, CAT, MDA, AMH levels were measured using ELISA kits. Follicle count was performed on H&E stained slides. In addition, the expressions of P53 and PARP-1 were analysed by immunohistochemistry.

Results: MDA levels were seen to be higher in the MTX group than in the MTX+Cur group (p < 0.05). Cur treatment lowered MDA levels and increased SOD and CAT levels (p < 0.05 for all). In the MTX+Cur group, atretic follicle count decreased (p < 0,05), however, primordial follicle count increased (p < 0,01). Secondary follicle count and AMH levels were higher in MTX-treated groups (p < 0,05 and p < 0,01, respectively). Expressions of p53 and Poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP-1) increased significantly in the MTX group compared to the other groups (p < 0,05).

Conclusion: Cur pretreatment prior to MTX administration may be an effective option in preserving the ovarian follicle pool by regulating P53 and PARP-1 expressions with its antioxidant effect.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and metastatic liver tumors (MLT) are the most common malignant liver lesions, each requiring distinct therapeutic approaches. Accurate differentiation between these malignancies is critical for appropriate treatment planning and prognostication. However, there is limited data on the performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound liver imaging reporting and data system (CEUS-LI-RADS) in this differentiation.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the CEUS-LI-RADS in distinguishing between HCC and MLT in an expanded population at risk for both tumors.

Methods: Between June 2017 and January 2022, 108 patients with HCC and 138 patients with MLT who were pathologically diagnosed, where included in this retrospective study. Two radiologists independently reviewed the CEUS features and liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS) categories of the lesions, and based on their consensus, we calculated the diagnostic performance, including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the CEUS-LI-RADS criteria.

Results: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CEUS LI-RADS category 5 (CEUS-LR-5) for predicting HCC were 49.1% [95% confidence interval (CI)) 39.3-58.9], 97.1% (95% CI 92.7-99.2), and 76%, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for LI-RADS category M (LR-M) for diagnosing MLT were 89.1% (95%CI 82.7-93.8), 72.2% (95%CI 62.8-80.4), and 81.7%, respectively. Based on current LR-M criteria, a small proportion of HCCs were classified as LR-M due to the presence of early cessation (45-60s). In the analysis of the MLT subgroup, we found that the tumor size affects the distribution of LI-RADS (LR) classification in the subgroup (p = 0.037), and LI-RADS category 3 (LR-3) classification was observed more frequently in tumors of small size (≤3cm) than those of larger size. In addition, LR-3 metastases were more frequently characterized by hypovascular supply.

Conclusions: CEUS-LI-RADS demonstrates high specificity in distinguishing HCC from MLT, providing a reliable noninvasive diagnostic tool that can enhance clinical decision-making. These findings are clinically significant as they can improve patient management and treatment outcomes, and they underscore the need for future research to refine and expand the use of CEUS-LI-RADS in diverse clinical settings.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the risk factors for severe postpartum hemorrhage (SPPH) in patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) undergoing cesarean delivery, despite the prophylactic use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA).

Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study on PAS patients who underwent cesarean delivery with prophylactic REBOA at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2017 to December 2021. Prophylactic REBOA placement was determined by a prenatal ultrasound scoring system. Patients were divided into those who experienced SPPH (case group) and those who did not (control group), with SPPH defined by one or a combination of the following criteria: intraoperative blood loss ≥1500 mL, transfusion of ≥4 units of packed red blood cells, intraoperative hysterectomy, or sequential uterine artery embolization. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to minimize biases, and multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for risk factors.

Results: Of the 424 enrolled patients, 102 experienced SPPH (case group), while 322 did not (control group). After PSM, the case group comprised 79 patients, and the control group included 130. After adjusting for confounders, patients with placenta increta (aOR 3, 95% CI 1.49-6.03, p = 0.002), percreta (aOR 21.77, 95% CI 6.57-72.09, p < 0.001), lower hemoglobin levels (aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95-1, p = 0.050), and higher D-dimer levels (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.12-1.65, p = 0.002) had an elevated risk of SPPH. Threshold effect analysis indicated no significant nonlinear relationship between hemoglobin, D-dimer, and outcomes.

Conclusions: PAS patients, particularly those with placenta increta and percreta, lower hemoglobin levels, and elevated D-dimer levels, are at an increased risk of SPPH during cesarean delivery, even with REBOA intervention.

Background: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a frequent complication of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and is associated with prolonged hospital stay, readmission, increased hospital costs and decreased quality of life. However, the pathophysiology of DGE remains unclear.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent PD for pancreatic or periampullary tumours. All these patients were operated between January 2012 and February 2023. The patients were divided into four groups according to the development of DGE after PD: No DGE, DGE grade A, DGE grade B and DGE grade C. The groups were compared in terms of outcomes and complications. We also analysed the preoperative and perioperative risk factors for DGE development.

Results: Between January 2012 and February 2023, a total of 250 patients underwent PD. These patients were divided into four groups: No DGE (n = 152); DGE grade A (n = 42); DGE grade B (n = 45); and DGE grade C (n = 11). The incidence of the postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPFs) grade B/C was significantly higher in the DGE grade C group (p < .001), and the rates of post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage (p = .004) and reoperation (p < .001) were significantly higher in the DGE grade B/C groups. A significantly higher rate of grade III-IV Clavien-Dindo complications (p < .001), longer intensive care unit (p < .001) and longer hospital stays (p < .001) were observed in the DGE grade C group; and 90-day mortality (p < .001) and morbidity (p < .001) were significantly higher in the DGE grade B/C groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the POPF grade B/C was a risk factor of DGE grade B/C (OR: 9.147; 95%CI: 4.125-20.281; p < .001).

Conclusions: POPF B/C is a risk factor for grade B/C DGE. Prevention of surgical complications and early treatment could contribute to the decreased incidence of DGE.

Cisplatin is a platinum-based drug that is frequently used to treat multiple tumors. The anti-tumor effect of cisplatin is closely related to the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), which includes several immune cell types, such as the tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs), dendritic cells (DCs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and natural killer (NK) cells. The interaction between these immune cells can promote tumor survival and chemoresistance, and decrease the efficacy of cisplatin monotherapy. Therefore, various combination treatment strategies have been devised to enhance patient responsiveness to cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin can augment anti-tumor immune responses in combination with immune checkpoint blockers (such as PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA4 inhibitors), lipid metabolism disruptors (like FASN inhibitors and SCD inhibitors) and nanoparticles (NPs), resulting in better outcomes. Exploring the interaction between cisplatin and the TIME will help identify potential therapeutic targets for improving the treatment outcomes in cancer patients.

Background: With the refinement of catheter technology, distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs) are now viewed as amenable to endovascular treatment (EVT) but its efficacy and safety remains unclear in AIS patients with DMVO.

Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase databases and Cochrane Library up to December 2023 using keywords to identify studies comparing EVT versus BMT in AIS with DMVOs. The assessed clinical outcomes were excellent functional outcome, good functional outcome, 90-day mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and early neurological improvement (ENI) after treatment.

Results: Overall, 31 studies were included. There were no significant differences in excellent functional outcome (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.99-1.47), good functional outcome (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.82-1.30) and 90-day mortality (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.84-1.62). Additionally, EVT led to higher sICH (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.09-2.47) and better ENI (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.02-2.19) compared to BMT. In individuals with M2 occlusion receiving EVT showed better excellent functional outcomes (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.07-2.03). Those patients with PCA occlusion showed no significant difference in functional outcomes. In individuals with ACA occlusion, EVT resulted in reduced functional independence (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.31-0.98). For NIHSS < 6, BMT achieved better functional independence compared to EVT (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.51-0.98) and EVT showed higher sICH (OR: 3.44, 95% CI: 1.42-8.31).

Conclusion: For patients with AIS and DMVO occlusion, EVT fails to improve functional prognosis while increasing sICH incidence. More randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to confirm these results.