Medicine
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Impact of co-infection by hepatitis C virus on immunological and virological response to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-positive patients.
We assessed the effect of co-infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) on immunological and virological response at 48 weeks from initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We included patients from the Cohort of Spanish HIV Research Network (CoRIS) starting ART between January 2004 and November 2014, had at least 1 CD4 T-cell count and viral load measurements both in the previous 6 months and at 48 (±12) weeks from ART initiation, and HCV serology before ART initiation. We used linear regression for mean differences in CD4 T-cell count increase from ART initiation and logistic regression to estimate odds ratios for virological response. ⋯ The percentages of patients achieving a virological response at 48 weeks were 87.0% and 78.3% in mono and coinfected patients, respectively. Multivariable analyses showed that at 48 weeks, coinfected patients increased 44.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.8-64.3) cells/μL less than monoinfected and had lower probability of virological response (odds ratio: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.44-0.88). HIV/HCV-coinfected patients have lower immunological and virological responses at 48 weeks from ART initiation than monoinfected patients.
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Case Reports
Primary malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of prostate in a young adult: A case report.
Prostate sarcoma has been reported to represent 0.7% of primary prostate malignancies. Leiomyosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma are the most common sarcomas of the prostate. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) of the prostate is very rare. ⋯ Primary prostate sarcoma and even MPNST are extremely rare. MPNST of the prostate has seldom been reported. This report may help diagnose and manage the disease.
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We compared the usefulness of Tc-methyl diphosphonate (Tc-MDP) bone scintigraphy and F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) for positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in predicting histologic response in patients with osteosarcoma receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). We retrospectively reviewed 62 patients with high-grade osteosarcoma who had received 2 cycles of NAC and surgery. All patients underwent Tc-MDP bone scintigraphy and F-FDG PET/CT before and after NAC. ⋯ The Tc-MDP bone scan and F-FDG PET scan are non-inferior to each other in predicting the histologic response of osteosarcoma treatments. The Tc-MDP bone scan and F-FDG PET scan showed respective advantages with differing features. Therefore, physicians should consider which scan is appropriate for their own institute based on the advantages of each scan and the circumstances of the institute.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Quantitative evaluation of myocardial layer-specific strain using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography among young adults with essential hypertension in China.
The myocardial wall of the left ventricle is a complex, multilayered structure, which is altered in young adults with hypertension. The aim of this study was to define the characteristics of longitudinal and circumferential strain in young adults with hypertension. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography was used to analyze longitudinal and circumferential strain parameters in 67 young adults with hypertension, 70 older young adults with essential hypertension and 62 healthy adults. ⋯ This study provides reference values for layer-specific strain in young adults with hypertension. This detailed strain analysis provides layer-oriented information to reveal the different characteristics of circumferential and longitudinal strain in young adults with hypertension. This systolic dysfunction could be detected conveniently and accurately by 2DSTE.
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Case Reports
Lumbar intraspinal microcystic/reticular schwannoma: Case report and literature review.
Microcystic/reticular schwannoma (MRS) is a rare histological variant of schwannoma which was initially described in 2008 with a predilection for the visceral organs. This distinct tumor had been reported to mainly affect gastrointestinal tract, subcutaneous and soft tissue, various glands and head and neck region. However, MRS involving spine is extremely rare. ⋯ This is the first case of MRS which is located in the L spinal canal. Awareness of this distinctive entity is helpful in preventing diagnostic pitfalls and making correct treatment strategies.