Int J Med Sci
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Observational Study
Single fiber reflectance spectroscopy for pancreatic cancer detection during endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle biopsy: a prospective cohort study.
This study aimed to determine the ability of single fiber reflectance (SFR) spectroscopy incorporated in endoscopic ultrasound fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) procedures in the pancreas to distinguish benign and malignant pancreatic tissue in patient with pancreatic masses suspected for malignancy. Methods: This study was designed as a prospective observational single center study and included consecutive adult patients, who were scheduled for EUS-FNB of a solid pancreatic mass suspected for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In total, seven optical parameters, derived from the absorption acquired spectra, were analyzed: blood volume fraction (BVF), microvascular saturation, average vessel diameter, bilirubin concentration (BIL), Mie amplitude, Mie slope and Rayleigh amplitude. ⋯ The area under the curve of θ was 0.84, resulting in a 92.8%, 75.0%, 97.5%, 50.0% and 91.3% sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy for detection of PDAC. Conclusion: Differentiation between PDAC and benign pancreatic tissue using SFR spectroscopy during EUS-FNB procedures is promising. Future work should focus on comparing the diagnostic performance combining SFR spectroscopy with EUS-FNB and EUS-FNB alone.
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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and serious types of cancer worldwide, with high incidence and mortality rates. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of non-coding RNA with important biological functions. In recent years, multiple circRNAs have been found to be involved in the biological processes of tumorigenesis and tumor development. ⋯ However, the specific molecular mechanism of circRNAs in HCC has not been fully elucidated. The present review systematically summarized the classification and basic characteristics of circRNAs, their biological functions and their role in the occurrence and development of HCC. By summarizing the previous studies on circRNAs in HCC, this study aimed to indicate potential approaches to improving the early diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of bronchial blockers (BB) and double-lumen tubes (DLT) on patients' postoperative recovery after lung resection. Method: 4,636 patients undergoing lung resection and receiving either BB or DLT intubation were reviewed and matched using the propensity score matching method. The primary outcome was the surgical duration. ⋯ However, compared with the DLT group, patients in the BB group showed more infiltrate especially at the surgery side (14.96% versus 9.07%, P<0.001) based on the chest X-ray, together with higher incidence of ICU admission (5.23% versus 2.61%, P<0.05). Additionally, no statistical differences were found between the two groups about chest tube duration, oxygenation index, incidence of hypercapnia, hypoxemia and sore throat, duration of surgery, hospital stays and 30-day readmission (P>0.05). Conclusions: Compared with the DLT, patients receiving BB technique tend to have increased pulmonary infiltrate (especially the surgery side) and higher incidence of ICU admission at the early post-operative stage, which may have an influence on the patients' recovery.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Determinants for a low dose of alteplase and its relationship to a lower intracerebral bleeding risk in acute ischemic stroke.
Background: Factors for the utilization of intravenous thrombolysis with a low-dose of alteplase (0.6mg/kg) and whether the low-dose of alteplase could reduce the risk of intracerebral bleeding in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains uncertain. Aims: We aimed to investigate determinants for the utilization of intravenous thrombolysis with a low-dose of alteplase. We further assessed the association between the low-dose of alteplase and the intracerebral bleeding risk in AIS patients. ⋯ There was no significant difference in the rate of any ICH between two groups (14 [15.9%] vs 18 [20.5%], p = 0.434). Conclusions: Patients with increasing age, a higher baseline systolic blood pressure, and previous ischemic stroke were at a higher odd of receiving a low-dose of alteplase. The low-dose was associated with a lower risk of developing symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.
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Objective: Direct comparison of the clinical traits of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in strain D614G, which originated from Wuhan, China, and the Alpha variant, which contains 17 mutations, infected patients could help physicians distinguish between strains and make clinical decisions accordingly. This study sought to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of the D614G strain and Alpha variant of SARS-COV-2 and identify the predictors for viral RNA clearance and in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19. Methods: This study recruited consecutive patients from four hospitals between March 1, 2020, and July 31, 2021. ⋯ Conclusions: There were no significant differences between the D614G strain and Alpha variant of COVID-19 in terms of clinical characteristics and outcomes. However, factors affecting viral RNA clearance and the risk of in-hospital mortality were identified. These results could help to inform the future prioritization of resource allocation and identify patients in need of intense monitoring.