Medicine
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Multicenter Study
Blood urea nitrogen and clinical prognosis in patients with COVID-19: A retrospective study.
The aim of this study was to estimate the association between blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and clinical prognosis in patients with COVID-19. A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in adult patients with COVID-19 in 3 hospitals in Zhenjiang from January 2023 to May 2023. Patients were divided into survival and death group based on whether they survived at day 28. ⋯ When the cutoff value of BUN was 7.37 mmol/L, the sensitivity and specificity were 84.62% and 70.31%. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that hyper-BUN (≥7.37 mmol/L) was associated with increased 28-day mortality among COVID-19 patients. Patients with COVID-19 who died within 28 days had a higher level of BUN, and hyper-BUN (≥7.37 mmol/L) was associated with increased 28-day mortality.
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Review Case Reports
Adult-onset congenital intestinal malrotation: A case report and literature review.
Intestinal malrotation is an infrequent congenital anomaly primarily observed in neonates, and adult-onset cases are exceedingly rare. Studies on adult congenital intestinal malrotation are limited. ⋯ Adult congenital intestinal malrotation is a rare disease that is often misdiagnosed owing to nonspecific clinical manifestations. Therefore, awareness about this condition should be enhanced. Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment for this disease. Combining gastrojejunostomy and Braun anastomosis with the traditional Ladd procedure can optimize surgical outcomes.
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Red blood cells (RBCs), traditionally recognized for their oxygen transport role, have garnered increasing attention for their significance as crucial contributors to the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus. In this comprehensive review, we elucidate the multifaceted roles of RBCs as both biomarkers and mediators in diabetes mellitus. Amidst the intricate interplay of altered metabolic pathways and the diabetic milieu, RBCs manifest distinct alterations in their structure, function, and lifespan. ⋯ Exploring the therapeutic implications, this review addresses potential interventions targeting RBC abnormalities to ameliorate diabetic complications. In conclusion, comprehending the nuanced roles of RBCs as biomarkers and mediators in diabetes mellitus offers promising avenues for enhanced diagnostic precision, therapeutic interventions, and improved patient outcomes. This review consolidates the current understanding and emphasizes the imperative need for further research to harness the full potential of RBC-related insights in the realm of diabetes mellitus.
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The study of healthcare-seeking behavior is essential for optimizing resource allocation and improving healthcare services. Its complexity and diversity have made it a prominent research area. Understanding factors influencing healthcare-seeking decisions allows targeted interventions and policy development to address barriers and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for diverse populations. Such research plays a vital role in enhancing healthcare outcomes and overall population health. ⋯ Based on the aforementioned literature review and framework, several conclusions were drawn. The determinants that facilitate healthcare-seeking behavior include improving health education awareness, enhancing healthcare resources, reducing costs, and ensuring system soundness. Additionally, providing social environment support was found to be crucial. Furthermore, the fundamental elements of healthcare-seeking behavior were identified as healthcare demand, healthcare choices, and the process of diagnosis and treatment. These findings provide valuable insights for developing interventions and policies to promote optimal healthcare-seeking behavior.
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Despite having a higher mortality risk than conventional chemotherapeutics, high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) has the potential to be curative in relapsed/refractory germ-cell tumors. Therefore, selecting the best patient group for this treatment is critical. This study aimed to determine the factors that affect survival in our relapsed/refractory GCT cohort who received HDCT and autologous stem-cell transplantation. ⋯ The results of the study promise the best response to HDCT as a primary measure for predicting survival in relapsed/refractory GCT. In contrast, primary mediastinal GCT is not a good candidate for HDCT. Furthermore, a carboplatin-etoposide regimen in combination with cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel may improve PFS.