Medicine
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Observational Study
Low-Level Microsatellite Instability as a Potential Prognostic Factor in Sporadic Colorectal Cancer.
Although microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancers (CRCs) have been shown to exhibit a distinct phenotype, the clinical value of MSI-low (MSI-L) in CRC remains unclear. We designed this study to examine the clinicopathologic characteristics and oncologic implications associated with MSI-L CRCs. We retrospectively reviewed data of CRC patients from 3 tertiary referral hospitals in Korea, who underwent surgical resection between January 2003 and December 2009 and had available MSI testing results. ⋯ However, MSI-L was an independent prognostic factor for poor OS by Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio 1.358, 95% confidence interval 1.014-1.819, P = 0.040). MSI-L may be an independent prognostic factor for OS in sporadic CRCs despite their clinicopathologic similarity to MSS. Further studies investigating the significance of MSI-L in the genesis and prognosis of CRCs are needed.
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Observational Study
Gender and Age Impacts on the Association Between Thyroid Function and Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese.
The relationship between thyroid dysfunction and metabolic syndrome (MS) is complex. We aimed to explore the impact of gender and age on their association in a large Chinese cohort. This cross-sectional study enrolled 13,855 participants (8532 male, 5323 female), who self-reported as healthy without any known previous diseases. ⋯ Females with high TSH and high FT3 had higher MS risks than males. Aging was a risk for MS, especially for females. Urgent need is necessary to initiate interventional programs.
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Observational Study
Association Between Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Risk of Osteoporosis: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.
The effect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on bone mineral density in patients without advanced liver disease remains unclear. Hence, we assessed the association between HBV infection and the risk of osteoporosis. From 2000 to 2011, patients older than 20 years with HBV infection were identified from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. ⋯ Furthermore, the osteoporosis risk contributed by HBV infection has decreased with the presence of comorbidity (aHR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.09-1.48 vs aHR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.91-1.15). HBV increases the risk of osteoporosis, but HBV infection may be less influential than other risk factors. Moreover, HBV has no detrimental effect on osteoporotic fracture in this study.
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The use of metformin in chronic kidney disease (CKD) population has been intensely debated with conflicting evidence. Large population studies are needed to inform risk assessment and therapeutic decision-making. We evaluated the associations among metformin, metabolic acidosis, and CKD in a 10-year nationally representative noninstitutionalized civilian population in the United States. ⋯ Metformin is associated with subclinical metabolic acidosis but not with severe metabolic acidosis. The propensity of serum bicarbonate-lowering effect was intensified in advanced CKD; however, such tendency was not associated with the risk of clinically defined acidosis. Our findings highlight a potential of cautious expansion of metformin use among CKD-3b patients with diabetes meriting further investigations.
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Observational Study
Surveillance of Patients in the Waiting Area of the Department of Emergency Medicine.
Many patients visiting an emergency department are in reduced general condition of health and at risk of suffering further deterioration during their stay. We wanted to test the feasibility of a new monitoring system in a waiting area of an emergency department. In an observational cross-sectional single-center study, patients with acute cardiac or pulmonary symptoms or in potentially life-threatening conditions were enrolled. ⋯ Linear regression analysis between clinical symptom category groups of patients showed significant differences in the respiratory rate and noninvasive blood pressure courses. Feedback from patients and users via questionnaires showed overall very good acceptance and patients felt that they were given better care. To assist medical staff of an emergency department waiting area to rapidly response to potentially life-threatening situations of its patients, a new monitoring system proved to be feasible and safe.