Medicine
-
To construct a prognostic risk model of bladder cancer (BC) from the perspective of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and ferroptosis, in order to guide clinical prognosis and identify potential therapeutic targets. ⋯ The risk model based on the ferroptosis-related lncRNAs and the genomic clinico-pathological nomogram could be used to accurately predict the prognosis of patients with BC. The lncRNAs used to build this model might become potential therapeutic targets in the future.
-
Streptococcus suis (S suis) is a major pathogen of bacterial infectious diseases, which can be transmitted to human beings through close contact with sick pigs or carriers, and can cause toxic shock, meningitis, septicemia, pneumonia, and other complications, with an extremely high mortality and disability rate. S suis is also an emerging zoonotic agent, mainly occurring in China, Thailand, and the Netherlands. This seriously threatens the health and family economy of patients. ⋯ Although human S suis infection generally presents as a sporadic disease, its high burden highlights the importance of epidemiological surveillance and health education regarding human S suis infection.
-
To evaluate the association between smoking status and patient characteristics and to identify risk factors associated with recurrence in patients who underwent surgery for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). This retrospective study was carried out at Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey between January 1, 2021 and January 1, 2022. The medical data of patients who underwent microsurgical discectomy for LDH were retrospectively recorded. ⋯ Multivariable logistic regression revealed that current smoking (OR: 2.778, 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.939-3.980, P < .001), presence of Pfirrmann Grade 4&5 disc degeneration (OR: 4.217, 95% CI: 2.966-5.996, P < .001), and paracentral herniation (OR: 5.040, 95% CI: 2.266-11,207, P < .001) were associated with higher risk of recurrence, whereas presence of sequestrated disc was associated with lower risk of recurrence (OR: 2.262, 95% CI:0.272-0.717, P = .001). Taken together, our data show that smoking, increased degree of degeneration and paracentral hernia increase the risk of LDH recurrence, while sequestrated disc appears to decrease risk. Taking steps to combat smoking in individuals followed for LDH may reduce the risk of recurrence in LDH patients.
-
Distinguishing critical laboratory biomarkers for disease severity at the time of hospital presentation is important for early identification of patients who are most likely to have poor outcomes and effective use of health resources. This study aimed to evaluate whether electrolyte imbalances on hospital admission predict severe disease and mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We retrospectively collected data on the blood electrolyte concentrations of 286 COVID-19 patients at admission. ⋯ In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, baseline hypocalcemia was identified as an independent risk factor associated with the risk of hospitalization (β = 2.019, P = .01; odds ratio: 7.53). Baseline hypocalcemia and hyponatremia effectively predicted disease progression toward hospitalization and 30-day mortality in patients with COVID-19. Clinicians should closely follow up or reevaluate COVID-19 patients with baseline electrolyte disorders.
-
Case Reports
Misdiagnosed centipede and scorpion poisoning characterized by delayed hypersensitivity reaction: A case report.
Traditional Chinese medicine is widely used in China and Asian countries. According to the traditional Chinese medicine theory, centipedes and scorpions have the functions of relaxing spasm, eliminating masses, relieving pain, and dredging meridians and collaterals. Improper medication can lead to serious adverse reactions. ⋯ This case suggests that because oral Chinese medicine poisoning is rare, detailed collection of medical history is particularly important for poisoning diagnosis.