Medicine
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Inflammatory, angiogenic, and immune processes have been associated with uveal melanoma (UM). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of some specific aqueous humor (AH) soluble biomarkers in eyes affected by UM. Thirty-five eyes affected by primary UM and 35 control eyes, scheduled for cataract surgery, underwent full ophthalmic examination and AH sampling at time of surgery (brachytherapy or cataract surgery, respectively). ⋯ Comparison between clinical characteristics and cytokine concentrations showed a positive correlation between tumor thickness and IL-8 (P = .032), and degree of serous retinal detachment and IL-6 (P = .021). UM is characterized by the presence of retinal neuroinflammatory, angiogenic, and immune biomarkers in AH. The proteomic analysis of AH could characterize UM microenvironment, allowing to better understand its pathophysiology.
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Observational Study
Association of cytokine gene polymorphisms with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection in Chinese Han population: An observational study.
Cytokines are extensively involved in the process of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and take a crucial part in host immune regulation. We aimed to explore the potential correlation of cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with HCV susceptibility and response rate of interferon (IFN)-based antiviral therapy in Chinese Han population. A case-control genetic association study was conducted between 198 patients with chronic HCV genotype 1b infection and 142 healthy controls. ⋯ No association was found between the cytokine SNPs and HCV susceptibility. Additionally, multivariate analysis showed that low baseline viral load (OR = 3.63, 95% CI: 1.01-13.02, P = .048), pegylated-IFN (OR = 9.68, 95% CI: 1.14-82.13, P = .037) and rs12979860-CC (OR = 6.08, 95% CI: 2.00-18.46, P = .001) were independent factors for SVR. IL-28 and IL-10 gene polymorphisms played an important role in predicting host response to IFN-based antiviral therapy in HCV genotype 1b infection.
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Observational Study
An epidemiological cross-sectional study of prevalence of mental disorders in Dulong nationality of Southwest China.
The Dulong nationality is one of the 5 smallest ethnic minorities in China. The suicide rate among people of the Dulong nationality is very serious. To address this issue, we conducted cross-sectional epidemiological studies on the prevalence of mental disorders in ethnic groups. ⋯ The highest 1-month disorder prevalence was for alcohol dependence/abuse (4.16%), and the prevalence of lifelong mood disorders was 9.82%. The results of multivariate analysis showed that women faced a higher risk of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. This epidemiological survey of the prevalence of mental disorders in ethnic minorities in Southwest China provides a significant reference for mental health interventions for other ethnic minorities around the world.
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Observational Study
Assessing the quality of life of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases receiving [223Ra]RaCl2 therapy.
[Ra]RaCl2 dichloride treatment in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is associated with improved overall survival (OS) and a delay in the time to the first symptomatic skeletal-related event. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients with mCRPC receiving [Ra]RaCl2 treatment using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) validated questionnaire form. Thirty patients with mCRPC were included in this study. ⋯ In subsequent cycles, its mean value rose to initial levels. All other functional and symptom scales, as well as global health status, remained constant over all 5 time points and showed no significant changes (P > .05).[Ra]RaCl2 therapy does not adversely impair the health-related QoL of patients with mCRPC and bone metastasis. Only patients' role functioning worsened temporarily after the first therapy cycle but stabilized in subsequent treatment cycles.
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The increasing incidence of cardiac comorbidities in the elderly population has led to an increasing demand for vigilance of cardiac dysfunction induced by surgery. Favorable outcomes can be ensured in such cases by an increased awareness of cardiogenic complications, early identification of the problem, and appropriate treatment. ⋯ Physicians should be alert to the potential development of PE as a postoperative complication in patients with left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and ischemic heart disease, even if the patient has undergone a procedure with mild hemodynamic change and minimal surgical stimulation such as vitrectomy. We propose that physicians treating elderly patients with LV diastolic dysfunction and ischemic heart disease undergoing vitrectomy should consider the use of intraoperative transthoracic echocardiogram or transesophageal echocardiogram with continuous monitoring of blood pressure, using devices such as arterial catheter devices.