Medicine
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Comparative Study
Evaluation of biventricular function by cadmium-zinc-telluride SPECT gated tomographic radionuclide angiography: Comparison to conventional SPECT.
We compared and analyzed the consistency and repeatability of left and right ventricular ((LV/RV) functions obtained by gated-equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography (ERNV) with cadmium-zinc-telluride single-photon emission computed tomography (CZT-SPECT) and conventional SPECT (C-SPECT) with sodium iodide crystal detectors. Seventy-seven patients were included in the retrospective study. Both C-SPECT and CZT-SPECT imaging were performed on the same day. ⋯ CZT-SPECT had better inter-group reproducibility than C-SPECT. The accuracy of RV diastolic function need further study. CZT-SPECT tomographic ERNV will play an important and unique role in the clinical application of accurate evaluation of biventricular function in the future.
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Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) is characterized by a severe cytokine storm, heightened inflammatory response, and immune-mediated damage to tissues and organs. Standard treatment protocols for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis often fall short in effectively controlling EBV-HLH, leading to a need for novel therapeutic options. Emapalumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting interferon-gamma, has shown promise due to its targeted cytokine modulation capabilities and favorable safety profile. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of emapalumab in pediatric patients with EBV-HLH. ⋯ The findings suggest that emapalumab may be an effective and safe treatment option for pediatric EBV-HLH. However, further research is necessary to confirm these outcomes, especially in critically ill patients.
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To evaluate the alarm notification of artificial intelligence in detecting parasites on the KU-F40 Fully Automatic Feces Analyzer and provide a reference for clinical diagnosis in parasite diseases. A total of 1030 fecal specimens from patients in our hospital from May to June 2023 were collected, and parasite detection studies were conducted using the KU-F40 automated feces analyzer (normal mode method, floating-sedimentation mode method), acid-ether sedimentation method, and direct smear microscopy method, respectively. The positive detection rate of parasites in the 1030 fecal specimens was 22.9% (236 cases), of which the KU-F40 normal mode method had a detection rate of 16.3% (168 cases), the acid-ether sedimentation method had a detection rate of 19.0% (196 cases), and the direct smear microscopy method had a detection rate of 13.1% (135 cases). ⋯ The positive detection rate of parasites using the KU-F40 normal mode method is higher than that using the direct smear microscopy method. It has high sensitivity and specificity and has advantages such as high automation and fast detection speed. It can replace the microscopy method for routine screening and has higher clinical application value in the diagnosis of intestinal parasitic diseases.
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The gut microbiota and inflammatory proteins may affect the development of peptic ulcer disease. However, this association remains unclear. We analyzed genome-wide association study data of gut microbiota, inflammatory proteins, and peptic ulcer disease using Mendelian randomization with instrumental variables to assess causal relationships. ⋯ Our findings reveal that the genus Butyriciccus plays a role in mitigating the adverse effects of gastric ulcers by 7.9%, primarily through reducing beta-negative growth factor levels. Additionally, the genus Lachnospiraceae UCG004 can significantly alleviate the negative outcomes of gastric ulcers and reduces hepatocyte growth factor and beta-reserve growth factor levels by 6.39% and 7.45%, respectively. This study highlights the independent and mediating effects of the gut microbiota and inflammatory proteins on peptic ulcers, offering insights on potential pathways and targets for future preventive interventions.
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This study aimed to explore whether maternal food and nutrition literacy (FNL) can mitigate negative effects of food insecurity on children's eating habits and assist food-insecure households in making better nutrition choices with limited resources available. A cross-sectional study was conducted on children aged 6 to 12 years and their mothers. FNL was assessed using a validated Food and Nutrition Literacy Assessment Tool, and household food security was evaluated with the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. ⋯ Both groups indicated lower sweet consumption associated with higher FNL. Maternal FNL was inversely associated with lower dairy and nut intake in food-secure group and lower fruit and vegetable consumption in food-insecure participants. This study suggests that in conditions of food insecurity FNL may reduce the negative impact of food insecurity on children's nutrition choices and food habits.