Predictive Factors of Renal Damage during Sickle Cell Disease at the Hematology-Oncology Department of Donka University Hospital

Introduction: Sickle cell disease, which is the most common hereditary hemoglobinopathy in the world, attacks all body systems, particularly the kidneys. The view of this study was to investigate the predictive factors of kidney damage during sickle cell disease. Materials and methods: It was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study on files of sickle cell patients hospitalized in the Hematology-Oncology Department of Donka University Hospital during a period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019. Records of sickle cell patients with one or more renal abnormalities were retained. Sickle cell patients without kidney damage were also selected for a comparative study. Only patients without sickle cell disease were excluded. Results: Seventy-five (75) medical records were collected during the study period. From these cases, thirteen (13) records with kidney disease were observed, a frequency of 17%. The mean age of patients was 24.2 years for extremes of 10 and 65 years. The sex ratio was 1.6 in favor of men. The SSFA2 form was the most represented with 92%. 24-hour proteinuria was measured in 13 patients between whom 6 patients (46.2%) had a proteinuria level ≤ 1 g. Eight (8) patients (61.5%) were in stage 1 of chronic kidney disease. The most common type of renal involvement was tubulo-interstitial nephropathy with 8 patients (61.5%). Bivariate analysis showed that elevated serum creatinine (P 2 form of the sickness (P Conclusion: After the observation of an increased serum creatinine and urea, a predominance observation of the SSFA2 form, it should be possible to target patients for whom screening for kidney damage should henceforth be systematic.

Predictive Factors for Pre-Eclampsia: A Case-Control Study in Two Hospitals in Yaounde

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia is a major cause of maternal and prenatal morbidity and mortality, that complicates 2% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive factors for pre-eclampsia in two hospitals in the city of Yaoundé. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at the Gynaecology & Obstetrics department of the Yaoundé Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital (YGOPH) and the Main Maternity of the Yaoundé Central Hospital (MM-YCH) from February 1 to July 30, 2022. The cases were all pregnant women presenting with pre-eclampsia. The control group included pregnant women without pre-eclampsia. Descriptive statistics followed by logistic regression analyses were conducted with level of significance set at p-value Results: Included in the study were 33 cases and 132 controls, giving a total of 165 participants. The predictive factors for pre-eclampsia after multivariate analysis were: primiparity (aOR = 51.86, 95% CI: 3.01 - 1230.96, p = 0.045), duration of exposure to partner’s sperm Conclusion: The odds of pre-eclampsia increased with primiparity, duration of exposure to partner’s sperm < 3 months, personal history of pre-eclampsia and maternal history of pre-eclampsia. Recognition of these predictor factors would improve the ability to diagnose and monitor women likely to develop pre-eclampsia before the onset of disease for timely interventions.

Predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy bleeding risks

Objective:This study aimed to identify predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)bleeding risks.With better risk stratification,bleeding in high-risk patient can be anticipated and facilitates early identification.Methods:A prospective observational study of PCNL performed at our institution was done.All adults with radio-opaque renal stones planned for PCNL were included except those with coagulopathy,planned for additional procedures.Factors including gender,co-morbidities,body mass index,stone burden,puncture site,tract dilatation size,operative position,surgeon's seniority,and operative duration were studied using stepwise multivariate regression analysis to identify the predictive factors associated with higher estimated hemoglobin(Hb)deficiency.Results:Overall,4.86%patients(n=7)received packed cells transfusion.The mean estimated Hb deficiency was 1.3(range 0-6.5)g/dL and the median was 1.0 g/dL.Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that absence of hypertension(p=0.024),puncture site(p=0.027),and operative duration(p=0.023)were significantly associated with higher estimated Hb deficiency.However,the effect sizes are rather small with partial eta-squared of 0.037,0.066,and 0.038,respectively.Observed power obtained was 0.621,0.722,and 0.625,respectively.Other factors studied did not correlate with Hb difference.Conclusion:Hypertension,puncture site,and operative duration have significant impact on estimated Hb deficiency during PCNL.However,the effect size is rather small despite adequate study power obtained.Nonetheless,operative position(supine or prone),puncture number,or tract dilatation size did not correlate with Hb difference.The mainstay of reducing bleeding in PCNL is still meticulous operative technique.Our study findings also suggest that PCNL can be safely done by urology trainees under supervision in suitably selected patient,without increasing risk of bleeding.

Predictive Factors for the Occurrence of Pharyngostoma after Laryngectomy and Total Pharyngo-Laryngectomy in Yaounde and Douala

Introduction and Aims: Pharyngostoma or pharyngo-cutaneous fistula is a frequent complication of totals laryngectomies and pharyngo-laryngectomies. Its incidence varies from one series to another from 13% to 58%. Multiple risk factors are known. The data from our environment concerning this condition are few. Thus, in order to contribute to the study of this complication in our environment, we proposed to carry out this study, whose objective was to determine the predictive factors for the occurrence of pharyngo-cutaneous fistula or pharyngostoma after total laryngectomy and total pharyngo-laryngectomy in Yaounde and Douala. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted in the 5 Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) department of hospital in the city of Yaounde and Douala. The study took place between January 2009 and December 2020. All patients who underwent total laryngectomy or total pharyngo-laryngectomy with a follow-up of at least one month were included in the study. Incomplete records were excluded, as well as those of patients who died before one month of postoperative follow-up. Results: We selected 48 cases of total laryngectomies (TL) and total pharyngo-laryngectomies (TPL), and identified 37 cases of pharyngostoma. 45 men (93.8%) and 3 women (6.3%). The mean age was 56.4 years with extremes ranging from 37 to 86 years. Smoking and alcoholism were noted in 75% and 79.2% of our patients respectively. A tracheotomy before TL and TPL was found in 41.7%. 100% of the tumours found were T3 or T4. The surgery was in 34 cases (70.8%) TL and in 14 cases (29.2%) TPL. Pharyngostomas were observed in 37 cases among 48 patients operated on, i.e. a frequency of 77.1%. The average delay of appearance was 7 to 14 days. We had spontaneous healing with pressure dressing and nasogastric tube feeding in 35 patients (77.8%) and two patients benefited from pectoralis major flap treatment;the healing time was 21 to 30 days. We did not find any correlation between gender, age, tumour site of origin and locoregional extension and the occurrence of pharyngostoma. Preoperative tracheotomy and radiotherapy were not significant risk factors for the occurrence of pharyngostoma. However, preoperative anaemia (p = 0.02), LTP (p = 0.02), early complications (p 0.001) and lack of continuous saliva aspiration postoperatively (p = 0.03) were statistically significant predictors of pharyngostoma in univariate analysis. Conclusion: Pharyngostoma is the most common postoperative complication after TL and TPL. In our setting, the main associated risk factors identified were: preoperative anaemia, LTP, early complications and failure to continuously aspirate saliva postoperatively.

Predictive factors of survival in patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell esophageal carcinoma

AIM： The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive factors of survival in patients with locally advanced squamous cell esophageal carcinoma （LASCOC） treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy （CRT） regimen based on the 5FU/CDDP combination. METHODS： All patients with LASCOC treated with a definitive CRT using the 5FU/CDDP combination between 1994 and 2000 were retrospectively included. Clinical complete response （CCR） to CRT was assessed by esophageal endoscopy and C-F-scan 2 mo after CRT completion. Prognostic factors of survival were assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis by the Cox regression model. RESULTS： A total of 116 patients were included in the study. A CCR to CRT was observed in 86/116 （74.1%）. The median survival was 20 mo （range 2-114） and the 5-year survival was 9.4%. Median survival of responder patients to CRT was 25 mo （range 3-114） as compared to 9 mo （range 2-81） in non-responder patients （P 〈 0.001）. In univariate analysis, survival was associated with CCR （P 〈 0.001）, WHO performance status 〈 2 （P = 0.01）, tumour length 〈 6 cm （P = 0.045） and weight loss 〈 10% was in limit of significance （P = 0.053）. In multivariate analysis, survival was dependant to CCR （P 〈 0.0001）, weight loss 〈 10% （P = 0.034） and WHO performance 〈 2 （P = 0.046）. CONCLUSION： Our results suggest that survival in patients with LASCOC b＇eated with definitive CRT was correlated to CCR, weight loss and WHO performance status.

Evolution and predictive factors of thyroid disorder due to interferon alpha in the treatment of hepatitis C

AIM： To study predictive factors of thyroid dysfunction associated with interferon-alpha （IFNa） therapy in chronic hepatitis C （CHC） and to describe its long-term evolution in a large population without previous thyroid dysfunction. METHODS： We performed a follow-up of thyroid function and detection of thyroid antibodies in 301 patients treated for CHC with IFNα from 1999 to 2004. RESULTS： Thyroid disorder developed in 30/301 （10%） patients with a mean delay of 6 ± 3.75 mo： 13 patients had hyperthyroidism, 11 had hypothyroidism, and 6 had biphasic evolution. During a mean follow-up of 41.59 ± 15.39 mo, 9 patients with hyperthyroidism, 3 with hypothyroidism, and 4 with biphasic evolution normalized thyroid function in 7.88 ± 5.46 mo. Recovery rate of dysthyroidism was not modified by treatment discontinuation, but was better for patients with negative thyroid antibodies before antiviral treatment （P = 0.02）. Women had significantly more dysthyroidism （P = 0.05）. Positive thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies were more frequent before antiviral treatment in patients who developed dysthyroidism （P 〈 0.0003 and P = 0.0003, respectively）. In a multivariate model, low fibrosis was found to be a predictive factor of dysthyroidism （P = 0.039）.CONCLUSION： In this monocentric population of CHC, dysthyroidism, especially hyperthyroidism, developed in 10% of patients, Low fibrosis was found to be a predictive factor of dysthyroidism, Thyroid disorder recovered in 16/30 patients （53%） and recovery was better in the non-autoimrnune form,

Predictive factors of endoscopic submucosal dissection procedure time for gastric superficial neoplasia

AIM:To identify the determinants of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) operation time.METHODS:This investigation was conducted as a single-center,prospective study in which ESD was performed by the same endoscopist at the Chinese PLA General Hospital.A total of 173 patients underwent ESD operations performed by Dr.Lu from July 2007 to December 2011,and 183 lesions were enrolled.Patient gender,age,tumor location,gross type,tumor size,pathological type and adhesions were recorded prospectively.The order of treatment represented the experience of the operator.Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate the relationships between these factors and ESD procedure time.RESULTS:Univariate analysis showed the ESD time was closely related to the gender(P = 0.0210),tumor size(P < 0.0001),location(P < 0.0001),gross type(P < 0.0001) and adhesion(P = 0.0010).The surgical proficiency level was associated with ESD time in unit area(P < 0.0001).Multivariate analysis revealed that the ESD time was positively correlated with tumor size(P < 0.0001),adhesion(P < 0.0001) and location(P < 0.0001),but negatively correlated with surgical proficiency level(P = 0.0046).CONCLUSION:Large tumor size,adjacency to the cardia,and adhesion are predictors of a long ESD time,whereas high surgical proficiency level predicts a short ESD time.

Predictive factors of clinical response in steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis treated with granulocyte-monocyte apheresis

AIM:To identify factors predicting the clinical response of ulcerative colitis patients to granulocyte-monocyte apheresis (GMA). METHODS:Sixty-nine ulcerative colitis patients (39 F,30 M) dependent upon/refractory to steroids were treated with GMA. Steroid dependency,clinical activity index (CAI),C reactive protein (CRP) level,erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR),values at baseline,use of immunosuppressant,duration of disease,and age and extent of disease were considered for statistical analysis as predictive factors of clinical response. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used. RESULTS:In the univariate analysis,CAI (P = 0.039) and ESR (P = 0.017) levels at baseline were singled out as predictive of clinical remission. In the multivariate analysis steroid dependency [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.390,95% Confidence interval (CI):0.176-0.865,Wald 5.361,P = 0.0160] and low CAI levels at baseline (4 < CAI <7) (OR = 0.770,95% CI:0.425-1.394,Wald 3.747,P = 0.028) proved to be effective as factors predicting clinical response. CONCLUSION:GMA may be a valid therapeutic option for steroid-dependent ulcerative colitis patients with mild-moderate disease and its clinical efficacy seems to persist for 12 mo.

Relative predictive factors for hepatocellular carcinoma after HBeAg seroconversion in HBV infection

AIM： To determine the predictive factors for hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） development in patients after spontaneous or therapeutic HBeAg seroconversion. METHODS： In 48 patients who seroconverted to anti- HBe positive during follow-up, the background factors for HCC development were analyzed. RESULTS： HCC was developed in six patients during follow-up （average follow-up after HBeAg seroconversion： 10.9±5.4 years）. The incidence of HCC evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis was significantly higher in patients with abnormal aspartate aminotransferase （AST〉 40 IU/L） level, lower platelet counts （PLT〈10×10^4/IJL）, lower albumin level （Alb〈30 g/L）, positive HBV-DNA or older age at seroconversion （〉40 years）. However, lower platelet count was the only predictive factor for HCC development shown by multivariate proportional-hazard analysis. CONCLUSION： Active hepatitis or advanced hepatitis at HBeAg seroconversion or progressive hepatitis even after HBeAg seroconversion would be the risk factors for HCC development. These predictive factors should be taken into account in determining the frequency of biochemical study or imaging studies for HCC surveillance.

Predictive factors for postoperative visual function of primary chronic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after scleral buckling

AIM： To evaluate predictive factors for postoperative visual function of primary chronic rhegmatgenous retinal detachment （RRD） after sclera buckling （SB）. METHODS： Totally 48 patients （51 eyes） with primary chronic RRD were included in this prospective interventional clinical cases study, which underwent SB alone from June 2008 to December 2014. Age, sex, symptoms duration, detached extension, retinal hole position, size, type, fovea on/off, proliferative vitreoretinopathy （PVR）, posterior vitreous detachment （PVD）, baseline best corrected visual acuity （BCVA）, operative duration, follow up duration, final BCVA were measured. Pearson correlation analysis, Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear stepwise regression were used to confirm predictive factors for better final visual acuity. Student＇s t-test, Wilcoxon twosample test, Chi-square test and logistic stepwise regression were used to confirm predictive factors for better vision improvement. RESULTS： Baseline BCVA was 0.8313±0.6911 IogMAR and final BCVA was 0.4761 ±0.4956 IogMAR. Primary surgical success rate was 92.16% （47/51）. Correlation analyses revealed shorter symptoms duration （r =0.3850, P=0.0053）, less detached area （r=0.5489, P〈0.0001）, fovea （r=0.4605, P=0.0007）, no PVR （r=0.3138, P= 0.0250）, better baseline BCVA （r=0.7291, P〈0.0001）, shorter operative duration （r=0.3233, P=0.0207） and longer follow up （r=-0.3358, P=0.0160） were related with better final BCVA, while independent predictive factors were better baseline BCVA [partial R-square （PR2） = 0.5316, P〈0.0001], shorter symptoms duration （PR2= 0.0609, P=0.0101）, longer follow up duration （PR2=0.0278, P =0.0477） and shorter operative duration （PR2=0.0338, P=0.0350）. Patients with vision improvement took up 49.02% （25/51）. Univariate and multivariate analyses both revealed predictive factors for better vision improvement were better baseline vision [odds ratio （OR） =50.369, P= 0.0041] and longer follow up duration （OR=1.144, P= 0.0067）. CONCLUSION： Independent predictive factors for better visual outcome of primary chronic RRD after SB are better baseline BCVA, shorter symptoms duration, shorter operative duration and longer follow up duration, while independent predictive factors for better vision improvement after operation are better baseline vision and longer follow up duration.

Predictive Factors of Complications of Vaginal Delivery on Scarred Uterus at the YaoundéGynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital

Objective: This study was aimed at identifying predictive factors of complications during vaginal delivery on scarred uterus. Methodology: During 9 months, from October 1st, 2015 to June 30th, 2016, a case control study was carried out at the Yaoundé Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital. Eighty nine women each with a single scarred uterus who presented with complications during delivery (cases) were compared to eighty nine others who had a successfully trial of scar (control) during the study period. Data were analyzed using the CSPro version 6.0 and SPSS version 20.0 softwares with statistical significance set at P Results: We recruited 2 groups of 89 women, aged 17 to 40 years, with an average age of 29.05 years. The majority of women with complications were married (50.6%) and unemployed (42.8%). Following univariate analysis, predictive factors of complications were: prematurity (OR = 7.4), post-term (OR = 13.7), no history of vaginal delivery on scarred uterus (OR = 4.3), inter-pregnancy spacing period greater than 60 months (five years) (OR = 2.9), History of caesarian delivery indicated for cephalo-pelvic disproportion (OR = 6.6), less than four ante-natal consultations (OR = 3.6), antenatal consultations done in a Health Centre (OR = 2.7), ante-natal follow up conducted by a nurse (OR = 2.4;IC = [1.2 - 4.7]), referral from a different health unit (OR = 4.4, IC = 2.0 - 9.4), a Bishop score less than 7 on admission (OR = 12.4, IC = 5.6 - 27.4), a meconium stained amniotic fluid (OR = 9.9;CI = [3.6 - 26.8]). After logistic regression, the retained factors associated with complications were post-term (aOR = 34.5), absence of vaginal birth after caesarian delivery, (aOR = 11.7), previous caesarean section indicated for cephalo-pelvic disproportion (aOR = 6.1), a bishop score less than 7 (aOR = 12.0), meconium stained amniotic fluid (aOR = 13.6). Conclusion: Predictive factors of complications can help anticipate negative obstetric outcomes.

Predictive factors associated with malignancy of intraductal papillary mucinous pancreatic neoplasms

AIM:To identify preoperative predictive factors associated with malignancy of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs) of the pancreas.METHODS:Between April 1995 and April 2010,129 patients underwent surgical resection for IPMNs at our institute and had confirmed pathologic diagnoses.The medical records were retrospectively reviewed and immunohistochemical staining for mucin(MUC) in pancreatic tissues was performed.RESULTS:Univariate analysis showed that the following five variables were closely associated with malignant IPMNs preoperatively:absence of extrapancreatic malignancy;symptoms;tumor size > 4 cm;main pancreaticduct(MPD) size > 7 mm;and lymph node enlargement on preoperative computed tomography(CT).Multivariate analysis revealed that the following two factors were significantly associated with malignant IPMNs preoperatively:MPD size > 7 mm [odds ratio(OR) = 2.50];and lymph node enlargement on preoperative CT(OR = 3.57).No significant differences in the expression of MUC1,MUC2 and MUC5AC were observed between benign and malignant IPMNs.CONCLUSION:MPD size > 7 mm and preoperative lymph node enlargement on CT are useful predictive factors associated with malignancy of IPMNs.

Predictive factors associated with carcinoid syndrome in patients with gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors

AIM To discover unknown factors associated with carcinoid syndrome(CS) with the goal of earlier diagnosis of CS.METHODS In this retrospective case-control study using United States administrative claims, patients(≥ 18 years) newly-diagnosed with gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors(GI NETs) without CS(controls) were exactly matched to patients with CS(cases) based on NET diagnosis date at a 3-to-1 ratio. Study index date was first CS diagnosis(controls: same distance from NET diagnosis as cases). The most observed conditions, excluding CS-associated symptoms/diagnoses, during the year before index date were assessed. Forwardstepwise logistic regression models were used to derive predictors, and were validation within another claims database. RESULTS In the development database, 1004 patients with GI NETs were identified; 251(25%) had CS and 753(75%) were controls. In the validation database, 724 patients with GI NETs were identified; 181(25%) had CS and 543(75%) were controls. A total of 33 common diagnoses(excluding conditions already known to be associated with CS) in the development database were entered in forward step-wise logistic regression models. In the final, validated logistic regression model, three factors prior to CS diagnosis were found consistently associated with higher risks for CS, including liver disorder [odds ratio(95%CI): 3.38(2.07-5.51)], enlargement of lymph nodes [2.13(1.10-4.11)], and abdominal mass [3.79(1.87-7.69)].CONCLUSION GI NET patients with CS were 2-4 times as likely to have preexisting diagnoses(i.e., liver disorder, enlarged lymph nodes, abdominal mass) than non-CS patients.

Total and not bevacizumab-bound vascular endothelial growth factor as potential predictive factors to bevacizumab-based chemotherapy in colorectal cancer

AIM: To identify suitable biomarkers of response to bevacizumab(BV)- it remains an open question. The measurement of serum vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) has been proposed as a predictive factor for this drug, even if literature data are contradictory. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the role of BV, total and not BV-bound VEGF and angiopoietin-2(Ang-2) serum levels as potential predictive factors of response for BV in combination with an oxaliplatinbased chemotherapy. BV, Ang-2, total and not BVbound VEGF levels were measured at baseline, before 2^(nd) and 5^(th) cycle of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in 20 consecutive metastatic colorectal cancer patients. RESULTS: Results were correlated to response to treatment. Variability in BV levels have been found, with decreased level in less responding patients. In particular, the concentration of BV increased of 3.96 ± 0.69 folds in serum of responsive patients after 3 more cycles of therapy compared to those with stable or progressive disease with a 0.72 ± 0.25 and 2.10 ± 0.13 fold increase, respectively. The determination of free and total VEGF demonstrated that the ratio between the two values, evaluated immediately before the 2^(nd) and the 5^(th) cycle of therapy, decreased from 26.65% ± 1.33% to 15.50% ± 3.47% in responsive patients and from 53.41% ± 4.75 to 34.95% ± 2.88% in those with stable disease. Conversely, in those with progression of disease, the ratio showed the opposite behavior coming up from 25.99% ± 5.23% to 51.71% ± 5.28%. The Ang-2 levels did not show any relationship. CONCLUSION: Our data show that the ratio of not BV-bound VEGF to total VEGF serum and BV plasma concentrations for predicting the response to BV plus oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy could be a promising biomarker of response to BV.

Predictive factors for the failure of endoscopic stent-instent self-expandable metallic stent placement to treat malignant hilar biliary obstruction

AIM To investigate the factors predictive of failure when placing a second biliary self-expandable metallic stents(SEMSs). METHODS This study evaluated 65 patients with an unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction who were examined in our hospital. Sixty-two of these patients were recruited to the study and divided into two groups: the success group, which consisted of patients in whom a stent-in-stent SEMS had been placed successfully, and the failure group, which consisted of patients in whom the stent-in-stent SEMS had not been placed successfully. We compared the characteristics of the patients, the stricture state of their biliary ducts, and the implemented endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) procedures between the two groups.RESULTS The angle between the target biliary duct stricture and the first implanted SEMS was significantly larger in the failure group than in the success group. There were significantly fewer wire or dilation devices(ERCP catheter, dilator, or balloon catheter) passing the first SEMS cell in the failure group than in the success group. The cut-off value of the angle predicting stent-in-stent SEMS placement failure was 49.7 degrees according to the ROC curve(sensitivity 91.7%, specificity 61.2%). Furthermore, the angle was significantly smaller in patients with wire or dilation devices passing the first SEMS cell than in patients without wire or dilation devices passing the first SEMS cell. CONCLUSION A large angle was identified as a predictive factor for failure of stent-in-stent SEMS placement.

Assessment of early factors for identification or prediction severe acute pancreatitis in pregnancy

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy(APIP)is a rare and serious condition,and severe APIP(SAPIP)can lead to pancreatic necrosis,abscess,multiple organ dysfunction,and other adverse maternal and infant outcomes.Therefore,early identification or prediction of SAPIP is important.AIM To assess factors for early identification or prediction of SAPIP.METHODS The clinical data of patients with APIP were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were classified with mild acute pancreatitis or severe acute pancreatitis,and the clinical characteristics and laboratory biochemical indexes were compared between the two groups.Logical regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to assess the efficacy of the factors for identification or prediction of SAPIP.RESULTS A total of 45 APIP patients were enrolled.Compared with the mild acute pancreatitis group,the severe acute pancreatitis group had significantly increased(P<0.01)heart rate(HR),hemoglobin,neutrophil ratio(NEUT%),and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio(NLR),while lymphocytes were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Logical regression analysis showed that HR,NEUT%,NLR,and lymphocyte count differed significantly(P<0.01)between the groups.These may be factors for early identification or prediction of SAPIP.The area under the curve of HR,NEUT%,NLR,and lymphocyte count in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 0.748,0.732,0.821,and 0.774,respectively.The combined analysis showed that the area under the curve,sensitivity,and specificity were 0.869,90.5%,and 70.8%,respectively.CONCLUSION HR,NEUT%,NLR,and lymphocyte count can be used for early identification or prediction of SAPIP,and the combination of the four factors is expected to improve identification or prediction of SAPIP.

Predictive factors for efficacy of testosterone replacement therapy for late-onset hypogonadism in Japanese men:a preliminary report

Although testosterone replacement therapy(TRT)is the first-choice method used worldwide for late-onset hypogonadism(LOH),clinical benefits are not seen in all cases.This study was conducted to determine the predictors of TRT efficacy for LOH.Fifty-six patients who visited our Men’s Health Clinic(Kawanishi City Medical Center,Kawanishi and Hyogo Medical University,Nishinomiya,Hyogo,Japan)between November 2003 and June 2021 with data available before and after TRT were enrolled.They were divided into responders(Group 1;n=45,accounting for 80.4%)and nonresponders(Group 2;n=11,accounting for 19.6%)based on the clinical response to TRT,including patient satisfaction.Factors noted before TRT included age,body mass index,aging males’symptoms score,sexual health inventory for men,luteinizing hormone,follicular-stimulating hormone,testosterone,free testosterone,prolactin(PRL),estradiol(E2),and testosterone/estradiol(T/E2)ratio in serum.For statistical analysis,a multivariable logistic regression model was used.Univariate analysis revealed PRL(odds ratio TORI:0.9624;95%confidence interval[Cl]:0.9316-0.9943,P<0.05),E2(OR:0.8692;95%Cl:0.7745-0.9754,P<0.05),and T/E2 ratio(OR:1.1312;95%Cl:1.0106-1.2661,P<0.05)to be predictive factors.Multivariate analyses showed that T/E2 ratio was an independent predictive factor(OR:1.1593;95%Cl:1.0438-1.2875,P<0.01).The present results suggest that a low value for T/E2 ratio may predict a reduced response to TRT.The T/E2 ratio threshold to predict nonresponders based on receiver-operating characteristics(ROC)curve analysis was shown to be 17.3.Although additional studies with larger number of patients are necessary,we propose the determination of serum E2 level and testosterone level prior to performing TRT.

Carbon Emission Factors Prediction of Power Grid by Using Graph Attention Network

Advanced carbon emission factors of a power grid can provide users with effective carbon reduction advice,which is of immense importance in mobilizing the entire society to reduce carbon emissions.The method of calculating node carbon emission factors based on the carbon emissions flow theory requires real-time parameters of a power grid.Therefore,it cannot provide carbon factor information beforehand.To address this issue,a prediction model based on the graph attention network is proposed.The model uses a graph structure that is suitable for the topology of the power grid and designs a supervised network using the loads of the grid nodes and the corresponding carbon factor data.The network extracts features and transmits information more suitable for the power system and can flexibly adjust the equivalent topology,thereby increasing the diversity of the structure.Its input and output data are simple,without the power grid parameters.We demonstrated its effect by testing IEEE-39 bus and IEEE-118 bus systems with average error rates of 2.46%and 2.51%.

Navigating breast cancer brain metastasis:Risk factors,prognostic indicators,and treatment perspectives

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Chen et al.We specifically focus on the risk factors,prognostic factors,and management of brain metastasis(BM)in breast cancer(BC).BC is the second most common cancer to have BM after lung cancer.Independent risk factors for BM in BC are:HER-2 positive BC,triplenegative BC,and germline BRCA mutation.Other factors associated with BM are lung metastasis,age less than 40 years,and African and American ancestry.Even though risk factors associated with BM in BC are elucidated,there is a lack of data on predictive models for BM in BC.Few studies have been made to formulate predictive models or nomograms to address this issue,where age,grade of tumor,HER-2 receptor status,and number of metastatic sites(1 vs>1)were predictive of BM in metastatic BC.However,none have been used in clinical practice.National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends screening of BM in advanced BC only when the patient is symptomatic or suspicious of central nervous system symptoms;routine screening for BM in BC is not recommended in the guidelines.BM decreases the quality of life and will have a significant psychological impact.Further studies are required for designing validated nomograms or predictive models for BM in BC;these models can be used in the future to develop treatment approaches to prevent BM,which improves the quality of life and overall survival.

Predictive factors of recurrent angina after acute coronary syndrome： the global registry acute coronary events from China （Sino-GRACE）

Background Many patients with acute coronary syndrome （ACS） develop recurrent angina （RA） during hospitalization. The aim of this non-randomized, prospective study was to investigate the predictive factors of RA in unselected patients with ACS enrolled in the global registry acute coronary events （GRACE） during hospitalization in China.Methods Between March 2001 and October 2004., enrolled were 1433 patients with ACS, including ST segment elevation myocardial infarction （662, 46.2%）, non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction （239, 16.7%） and unstable angina （532, 37.1%）. The demographic distribution, medical history and clinical data were collected to investigate the predictive factors of RA by Logistic regression. Results During hospitalization 275 （19.2%） patients were documented with RA including unstable angina （53.2%）, non- ST segment elevation myocardial infarction （27.5%）, ST segment elevation myocardial infarction （19.3%）. A comorbidity of dyslipidemia, prior angina, percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） within 6 months was more common in patients with RA, P〈0.05. In the patients with RA, a significantly higher proportion of patients with acute pulmonary edema was observed, 23 （8.4%） versus 43 （3.7%）, P=0.001. Acute renal failure was present in 8 （2.9%） of patients with RA versus 19 （1.6%） of patients without RA, P=0.165. Hemorrhagic events were present in 6 （2.2%） of patients with RA versus 8 （0.7%） of patients without RA, ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation events in 12 patients （4.3%） versus 22 patients （1.9%）, congestive heart failure in 69 patients （25.0%） versus 94 patients （8.1%）, myocardial re-infarction in 28 patients （10.1%） versus 15 patients （1.3%）, P〈0.05, respectively. A lower proportion of patients with RA underwent in-hospital PCI 687 （59.3%） versus 114 （41.5%）, P=0.000. A higher proportion of patients with RA received heparin, 260 （94.5%） versus 1035 （89.4%）, P=0.006; and beta-blockers 176（64.0%） versus 864 （74.5%）, P=-0.000. Multivarible regression analysis showed that RA was associated with prior angina （OR 2.086, 95% Cl 1.466-2.967）, in-hospital PCI （OR 0.579, 95% Cl 0.431-0.778）, in-hospital congestive heart failure （OR 2.410, 95% Cl 1.634-3.555）, myocardial re-infarction （OR 7.695, 95%C/3.701-15.999）, beta-blocker （OR 0.626, 95%C/0.458-0.855）, and heparin （OR 3.411,95%C/1.604-7.382）. Conclusions In-hospital congestive heart failure, myocardial re-infarction, prior angina history and use of heparin are stronaer independent predictors of RA; beta-blockers and PCI are also important predictive factors for RA.