Medicine
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To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system and 111 radiologists with different experience in identifying benign and malignant thyroid nodules, and to summarize the ultrasound features that may affect the diagnostic of CAD and radiologists. Fifty thyroid nodules and 111 radiologists were enrolled in this study. All the 50 nodules were diagnosed by the 111 radiologists and the CAD system simultaneously. ⋯ The CAD system achieved equal diagnostic accuracy to the senior radiologists and higher accuracy than the junior radiologists. The interobserver agreements in the US features between the CAD system and senior radiologist were substantial agreement for hypoechoic and taller than wide; moderate agreement for irregular margin and micro-calcifications. The location of a thyroid nodule and the feature of macrocalcification with wide acoustic shadow may influence the analysis of the CAD system.
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Observational Study
Analysis of risk factors associated bowel resection in patients with incarcerated groin hernia.
Incarcerated groin hernia (IGH) is a common surgical emergency. However, there are few accurate and applicable predictors for differentiating patients with strangulated groin hernia from those with IGH. In this study, we aimed to identify the independent risk factors for bowel resection in patients with IGH. ⋯ In this study, an elevated NLR and those with bowel obstruction are associated with an increased risk of bowel resection among patients with IGH. Based on our findings, surgeons should prioritize prompt emergency surgical repair for patients who present with elevated NLR and bowel obstruction concurrent with IGH.
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Colon ischemia (CI) is the most common ischemic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Although some markers of CI, such as procalcitonin and alkaline phosphatase, have been reported, few specific serum markers have been identified. We investigated whether serum stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a specific marker of CI and clarified the relationship between serum SDF-1 level and CI according to a history of combined chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD). ⋯ The area-under-the-curve (AUC) value was 0.95. In the logistic regression analysis, an elevation of the SDF-1 level to >0.5 pg/mL was a significant indicator of CI with chronic CVD [odds ratio (OR), 114.914; 95% confidence interval, 10.51 to >999.999; P < .001]. SDF-1 could be a useful early biomarker for the diagnosis of CI in patients with chronic CVD.
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Observational Study
Analysis of TATA-box binding protein associated factor 4b gene mutations in a Chinese population with nonobstructive azoospermia.
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe form of male infertility. The molecular basis of NOA is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the TATA-box binding protein associated factor 4b (TAF4B) gene and NOA. ⋯ Gly4Val substitution may affect the structure of the TAF4B protein. The c.11G>T mutation of the TAF4B gene may be associated with NOA in a Chinese population. Bioinformatics analysis indicated this variation may play an important role in the process of spermatogenesis.
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Meta Analysis
The efficacy of masks for influenza-like illness in the community: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.
During the COVID-19 period, there was a huge gap in the understanding of masks between east and west. At the same time, the mechanism of the mask and the effect after use, also appeared differences. The Objective of this Meta-analysis is to systematically evaluate the efficacy of masks for influenza in the community. ⋯ Provide stronger evidence to solve the problem, should we wear masks or not right now.