The Effects of Secondary Pneumonia on the Curative Efficacy of Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Tuberculosis(TB)is a formidable global health problem and ranks above HIV as the leading cause of death world wide.In2017,a total number of 10.0 million cases of TB were reported, which resulted in1.3 million TB deaths. Resistance to standard anti-TB

A Retrospective Cohort Mortality Study in Jinchang,the Largest Nickel Production Enterprise in China

Nickel is an essential trace metal used in the occupational setting, resulting in both occupational and nonoccupational exposures to individuals at varying levels. Exposure to nickel has been associated with several toxicities and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has concluded that there is sufficient evidence in humans associating exposure to nickel compounds with risk of lung cancer and sinonasal cancer. This study confirmed a significant excess of mortality from diseases of the lung including silicosis, lung cancer, and cor pulmonale among workers involved in nickel mining or smelting in China.

Effects of adjuvant Chinese patent medicine therapy on major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease angina pectoris:a population-based retrospective cohort study

Objective: This study aimed to explore the effects of Chinese patent medicine(CPM) in reducing the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE) in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD) angina pectoris and improving clinical effectiveness and provide evidence for its use as clinical adjuvant therapy.Methods: Twenty-eight thousand five hundred and seventeen patients hospitalized with CHD angina pectoris from 6 hospitals were divided into CPM group(n = 11,374) and non-CPM group(n = 17,143) to evaluate the incidence of MACE, including myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass grafting.Results: The incidence of MACE in the CPM group was lower than that in the non-CPM group. CPM therapy was an independent protective factor that reduced the overall risk of MACE [adjusted hazard ratio = 0.40, 95% confidence interval(0.33;0.49)]. Patients in the CPM group who received one, two, or three types of CPM could benefit from adjuvant treatment with CPM, and taking more types of CPM was associated with a lower risk of MACE. In addition, the male population was better than the female population at taking CPM, and middle-aged people aged 55 to 64 were more suited to take CPM based on Western medicine.Conclusions: The use of CPM as adjuvant therapy can decrease the occurrence of MACE in patients with CHD angina pectoris,especially in men and middle-aged people, and the drug treatment plan should be optimized accordingly. However, this conclusion needs further verification by prospective cohort studies in the future.

Efficacyand Safetyof Huashi Baidu Granules in Treating Patients with SARS-CoV-2Omicron Variant: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Huashi Baidu Granules(HSBD)in treating patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)Omicron variant.Methods:A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted during COVID-19 Omicron epidemic in the Mobile Cabin Hospital of Shanghai New International Expo Center from April 1st to May 23rd,2022.All COVID-19 patients with asymptomatic or mild infection were assigned to the treatment group(HSBD users)and the control group(non-HSBD users).After propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio,496 HSBD users of treatment group were matched by propensity score to 496 non-HSBD users.Patients in the treatment group were administrated HSBD(5 g/bag)orally for 1 bag twice a day for 7 consecutive days.Patients in the control group received standard care and routine treatment.The primary outcomes were the negative conversion time of nucleic acid and negative conversion rate at day 7.Secondary outcomes included the hospitalized days,the time of the first nucleic acid negative conversion,and new-onset symptoms in asymptomatic patients.Adverse events(AEs)that occurred during the study were recorded.Further subgroup analysis was conducted in vaccinated(378 HSBD users and 390 non-HSBD users)and unvaccinated patients(118 HSBD users and 106 non-HSBD users).Results:The median negative conversion time of nucleic acid in the treatment group was significantly shortened than the control group[3 days(IQR:2-5 days)vs.5 days(IQR:4-6 days);P<0.01].The negative conversion rate of nucleic acid in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group at day 7(91.73%vs.86.90%,P=0.014).Compared with the control group,the hospitalized days in the treatment group were significantly reduced[10 days(IQR:8-11 days)vs.11 days(IQR:10.25-12 days);P<0.01].The time of the first nucleic acid negative conversion had significant differences between the treatment and control groups[3 days(IQR:2-4 days)vs.5 days(IQR:4-6 days);P<0.01].The incidence of new-onset symptoms including cough,pharyngalgia,expectoration and fever in the treatment group were lower than the control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).In the vaccinated patients,the median negative conversion time and hospitalized days were significantly shorter than the control group after HSDB treatment[3days(IQR:2-5days)vs.5 days(IQR:4-6 days),P<0.01;10 days(IQR:8-11 days)vs.11 days(IQR:10-12 days),P<0.01].In the unvaccinatedpatients,HSBD treatment efficiently shorten the median negative conversion time and hospitalized days[4 days(IQR:2-6 days)vs.5 days(IQR:4-7 days),P<0.01;10.5 days(IQR:8.75-11 days)vs.11.0 days(IQR:10.75-13 days);P<0.01].No serious AEs were reported during the study.Conclusion:HSBD treatment significantly shortened the negative conversion time of nuclear acid,the length of hospitalization,and the time of the first nucleic acid negative conversion in patients infectedwith SARS-COV-2Omicronvariant(Trial registry No.ChiCTR2200060472).

Effect of intra-operative chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin on the survival of patients with colorectal cancer after radical surgery: a retrospective cohort study

Background:The effect of intra-operative chemotherapy(IOC)on the long-term survival of patients with colorectal cancer(CRC)remains unclear.In this study,we evaluated the independent effect of intra-operative infusion of 5-fluorouracil in combination with calcium folinate on the survival of CRC patients following radical resection.Methods:1820 patients were recruited,and 1263 received IOC and 557 did not.Clinical and demographic data were collected,including overall survival(OS),clinicopathological features,and treatment strategies.Risk factors for IOC-related deaths were identified using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.A regression model was developed to analyze the independent effects of IOC.Results:Proportional hazard regression analysis showed that IOC(hazard ratio[HR]=0.53,95%confidence intervals[CI][0.43,0.65],P<0.001)was a protective factor for the survival of patients.The mean overall survival time in IOC group was 82.50(95%CI[80.52,84.49])months,and 71.21(95%CI[67.92,74.50])months in non-IOC group.The OS in IOC-treated patients were significantly higher than non-IOC-treated patients(P<0.001,log-rank test).Further analysis revealed that IOC decreased the risk of death in patients with CRC in a non-adjusted model(HR=0.53,95%CI[0.43,0.65],P<0.001),model 2(adjusted for age and gender,HR=0.52,95%CI[0.43,0.64],P<0.001),and model 3(adjusted for all factors,95%CI 0.71[0.55,0.90],P=0.006).The subgroup analysis showed that the HR for the effect of IOC on survival was lower in patients with stage II(HR=0.46,95%CI[0.31,0.67])or III disease(HR=0.59,95%CI[0.45,0.76]),regardless of pre-operative radiotherapy(HR=0.55,95%CI[0.45,0.68])or pre-operative chemotherapy(HR=0.54,95%CI[0.44,0.66]).Conclusions:IOC is an independent factor that influences the survival of CRC patients.It improved the OS of patients with stages II and III CRC after radical surgery.Trial registration:chictr.org.cn,ChiCTR 2100043775.

Effectiveness of acupoint application of Xiaozhong Zhitong Tie on diarrhea in patients:a retrospective cohort study in China

OBJECTIVE:To provide the evidence for the efficacy of acupoint application(AA)for patients with diarrhea in a real-world setting.METHODS:This study is a national multicenter retrospective cohort study.Our study consecutively collected outpatient medical records of patients with diarrhea from hundreds of primary hospitals nationwide registered in Chun Bo Wan Xiang cloud platform from 22nd August,2020 to 5th November,2020.The patients were divided into the treatment group and the control group according to patient's condition and willingness.The control group was treated with Western Medicine,oral Chinese Medicine decoction,or both.The treatment group was added with AA based on the control group.Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent efficacy of AA in diarrheal recovery on the 3rd,7th,14th and 28th day.As a next step,we also performed stratified analysis and likelihood ratio test(LRT).Sensitivity analyses included propensity score matching(PSM),four PSM-related analyses and E-value.RESULTS:The treatment group showed better efficacy than the control group on the 14th and 28th day[the 14th day:OR=1.58,95%CI(1.15,2.19),P=0.005;the 28th day:OR=2.03,95%CI(1.43,2.88),P<0.001].No difference was observed in efficacy of AA for the treatment of diarrhea among the subgroups(P>0.05).PSM-related analyses confirmed the efficacy of AA in diarrheal recovery.The findings are unlikely to be nullified by an unmeasured confounding variable according to the results of E-values.CONCLUSIONS:The efficacy in the treatment group was significantly more improved than that in the control group on the 14th and 28th day.

Chinese herbal medicine reduces mortality in patients with severe and critical coronavirus disease 2019: a retrospective cohort study

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine(CHM)in patients with severe/critical coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).In this retrospective study,data were collected from 662 patients with severe/critical COVID-19 who were admitted to a designated hospital to treat patients with severe COVID-19 in Wuhan before March 20,2020.All patients were divided into an exposed group(CHM users)and a control group(non-users).After propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio,156 CHM users were matched by propensity score to 156 non-users.No significant differences in seven baseline clinical variables were found between the two groups of patients.All-cause mortality was reported in 13 CHM users who died and 36 non-users who died.After multivariate adjustment,the mortality risk of CHM users was reduced by 82.2%(odds ratio 0.178,95%CI 0.076–0.418;P<0.001)compared with the non-users.Secondly,age(odds ratio 1.053,95%CI 1.023–1.084;P<0.001)and the proportion of severe/critical patients(odds ratio 0.063,95%CI 0.028–0.143;P<0.001)were the risk factors of mortality.These results show that the use of CHM may reduce the mortality of patients with severe/critical COVID-19.

Clinical Course and Outcome Patterns of Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure:A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Background and Aims:Acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)is acute decompensation of liver function in the setting of chronic liver disease,and characterized by high short-term mortality.In this study,we sought to investigate the clinical course of patients at specific time points,and to propose dynamic prognostic criteria.Methods:We assessed the clinical course of 453 patients with ACLF during a 12-week follow-up period in this retrospective multicenter study.The clinical course of patients was defined as disease recovery,improvement,worsening or steady patterns based on the variation tendency in prothrombin activity(PTA)and total bilirubin(TB)at different time points.Results:Resolution of PTA was observed in 231 patients(51%)at 12 weeks after the diagnosis of ACLF.Among the remaining patients,66(14.6%)showed improvement and 156(34.4%)showed a steady or worsening course.In patients with resolved PTA,the clinical course of TB exhibited resolved pattern in 95.2%,improved in 3.9%,and steady or worse in 0.8%.Correspondingly,in patients with improved PTA,these values for TB were 28.8%,27.3%,and 43.9%,respectively.In patients with steady or worsening PTA,these values for TB were 5.7%,32.3%,and 65.6%,respectively.Dynamic prognostic criteria were developed by combining the clinical course of PTA/TB and the clinical outcomes at 4 and 12 weeks after diagnosis in ACLF patients.Conclusions:We propose the following dynamic prognostic criteria:rapid progression,slow progression,rapid recovery,slow recovery,and slow persistence,which lay the foundation for precise prediction of prognosis and the improvement of ACLF therapy.

Prognostic factors for primary superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder:a retrospective cohort study

Background Previous studies showed that the prognostic factors for superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder varied with the findings of different cohorts. Few multivariate analyses of prognostic factors for superficial bladder tumors have been reported in China and bladder preservation as a prognostic index of superficial bladder tumors is limited and scarce in Chinese patients. This study was conducted to analyze a group of risk factors for prognostic outcomes for patients with primary superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Methods Between January 1980 to December 2000, 198 patients [172 men and 26 women; mean age （52.98± 11.28） years] with primary superficial transitional cell carcinoma who were pathologically classified as Ta or T1 in Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital （Changsha, China） were enrolled in this study. Surgical methods included local resection and electric coagulation of bladder tumors, transurethral resection of bladder tumors and partial cystectomy. After initial surgical treatment, patients were followed through a cystoscopy every three months during the first two years and every six months thereafter in the design of retrospective cohort. Survival analysis was performed to analyze risk factors of the prognostic outcomes for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Canonical correlation analysis was conducted to present and interpret synthetically the multi-correlation between all kinds of prognostic outcomes and risk factor in multiply dimensions. Results The average follow-up period was （6.65±4.74） years. Assessments at three, five, and 10 years showed recurrence rates, respectively, of （28.32±3.45）%, （35.31±3.83）%, and （42.48±4.40）%; progression rates of （8.89±2.14）%, （15.16±2.94）%, and （23.88±4.19）%; bladder-preservation rates of （94.68± 1.74）%, （93.87± 1.91）%, and （91.51±2.49）%; metastasis rates of （8.25＋2.05）%, （11.24±2.47）%, and （28.94±4.93）%; and cancer-related survival rates of （95.02± 1.62）%, （90.70±2.45）%, and （77.14±4.88）%. The main risk factors for recurrence were histological grade, blood transfusion during surgery and the duration of symptoms. Progression was affected by blood transfusion during surgery, histological grade, the number of re-examinations, and the length of the recurrence-free period. Metastasis was associated with tumor multifocality, hydronephrosis, microscopic growth pattern, and the recurrence-free period. Cancer-related survival was influenced by microscopic growth pattern and the recurrence-free period. Bladder preservation involved only the recurrence-free period. The comprehensive results from canonical correlation analysis showed that the main prognostic outcomes were cancer-related survival, metastasis and progression respectively, while the dominate risk factors were histological grade, tumor multifocality and blood transfusion. Conclusions The risk factors were different for each prognostic outcome of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. This is helpful for predicting the prognosis of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and designing therapeutic and follow-up strategies for this cancer.

LipoCol Forte capsules reduce the risk of liver cancer:A propensity score-matched,nationwide,population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND Liver cancer is among the top five most common cancers globally. Lipid-lowering drugs such as statins can lower the risk of liver cancer, but may also cause liver damage. LipoCol Forte capsules(LFC), a red yeast rice product, have demonstrated significant antihypercholesterolemic effects and a good safety profile in clinical studies.AIM To evaluate whether LFC lowers the risk of liver cancer in adults in this propensity score-matched, nationwide, population-based cohort study.METHODS We used data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, which includes electronic medical records for up to 99.99% of Taiwan’s population. LFC users and LFC non-users were matched 1:1 by propensity scores between January 2010 and December 2017. All had followup data for at least 1 year. Statistical analyses compared demographic distributions including sex, age, comorbidities, and prescribed medications. Cox regression analyses estimated adjusted hazard ratios(aHRs) after adjusting for potential confounders.RESULTS We enrolled 33231 LFC users and 33231 non-LFC users(controls). No significant differences between the study cohorts were identified regarding comorbidities and medications [standardized mean difference(SMD) < 0.05]. At follow-up, the overall incidence of liver cancer was significantly lower in the LFC cohort compared with controls [aHR 0.91;95% confidence interval(CI): 0.86-0.95;P < 0.001]. The risk of liver cancer was significantly reduced in both females(aHR 0.87;95%CI: 0.8-0.94;P < 0.001) and males(aHR 0.93;95%CI: 0.87-0.98;P < 0.01) in the LFC cohort compared with their counterparts in the non-LFC cohort. The antitumor protective effects applied to patients with comorbidities(including hypertension, ischemic stroke, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hepatitis B infection and hepatitis C infection). Those using LFC for more than 84 drug days had a 0.64-fold lower risk of liver cancer compared with controls(P < 0.001). Compared with controls, the risk of developing liver cancer in the LFC cohort progressively decreased over time;the lowest incidence of liver cancer occurred in LFC users followed-up for more than 6 years(27.44 vs 31.49 per 1,000 person-years;aHR 0.75;95%CI: 0.68-0.82;P < 0.001).CONCLUSION This retrospective cohort study indicates that LFC has a significantly protective effect on lowering the risk of liver cancer, in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner.

Clinical efficacy and safety of double-channel anastomosis and tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis in gastrectomy

BACKGROUND With the continuous progress of surgical technology and improvements in medical standards,the treatment of gastric cancer surgery is also evolving.Proximal gastrectomy is a common treatment,but double-channel anastomosis and tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis have attracted much attention in terms of surgical options.Each of these two surgical methods has advantages and disadvantages,so it is particularly important to compare and analyze their clinical efficacy and safety.AIM To compare the surgical safety,clinical efficacy,and safety of double-channel anastomosis and tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis in proximal gastrectomy.METHODS The clinical and follow-up data of 99 patients with proximal gastric cancer who underwent proximal gastrectomy and were admitted to our hospital between January 2018 and September 2023 were included in this retrospective cohort study.According to the different anastomosis methods used,the patients were divided into a double-channel anastomosis group(50 patients)and a tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis group(49 patients).In the double-channel anastomosis,Roux-en-Y anastomosis of the esophagus and jejunum was performed after proximal gastric dissection,and then side-to-side anastomosis was performed between the residual stomach and jejunum to establish an antireflux barrier and reduce postoperative gastroesophageal reflux.In the tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis group,after the proximal end of the stomach was cut,tubular gastroplasty was performed on the distal stump of the stomach and a linear stapler was used to anastomose the posterior wall of the esophagus and the anterior wall of the stomach tube.The main outcome measure was quality of life 1 year after surgery in both groups,and the evaluation criteria were based on the postgastrectomy syndrome assessment scale.The greater the changes in body mass,food intake per meal,meal quality subscale score,and total measures of physical and mental health score,the better the condition;the greater the other indicators,the worse the condition.The secondary outcome measures were intraoperative and postoperative conditions,the incidence of postoperative long-term complications,and changes in nutritional status at 1,3,6,and 12 months after surgery.RESULTS In the double-channel anastomosis cohort,there were 35 males(70%)and 15 females(30%),33(66.0%)were under 65 years of age,and 37(74.0%)had a body mass index ranging from 18 to 25 kg/m2.In the group undergoing tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis,there were eight females(16.3%),21(42.9%)individuals were under the age of 65 years,and 34(69.4%)had a body mass index ranging from 18 to 25 kg/m2.The baseline data did not significantly differ between the two groups(P>0.05 for all),with the exception of age(P=0.021).The duration of hospitalization,number of lymph nodes dissected,intraoperative blood loss,and perioperative complication rate did not differ significantly between the two groups(P>0.05 for all).Patients in the dual-channel anastomosis group scored better on quality of life measures than did those in the tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis group.Specifically,they had lower scores for esophageal reflux[2.8(2.3,4.0)vs 4.8(3.8,5.0),Z=3.489,P<0.001],eating discomfort[2.7(1.7,3.0)vs 3.3(2.7,4.0),Z=3.393,P=0.001],total symptoms[2.3(1.7,2.7)vs 2.5(2.2,2.9),Z=2.243,P=0.025],and other aspects of quality of life.The postoperative symptoms[2.0(1.0,3.0)vs 2.0(2.0,3.0),Z=2.127,P=0.033],meals[2.0(1.0,2.0)vs 2.0(2.0,3.0),Z=3.976,P<0.001],work[1.0(1.0,2.0)vs 2.0(1.0,2.0),Z=2.279,P=0.023],and daily life[1.7(1.3,2.0)vs 2.0(2.0,2.3),Z=3.950,P<0.001]were all better than those of the tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis group.The group that underwent tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis had a superior anal exhaust score[3.0(2.0,4.0)vs 3.5(2.0,5.0),Z=2.345,P=0.019]compared to the dual-channel anastomosis group.Hemoglobin,serum albumin,total serum protein,and the rate at which body mass decreased one year following surgery did not differ significantly between the two groups(P>0.05 for all).CONCLUSION The safety of double-channel anastomosis in proximal gastric cancer surgery is equivalent to that of tubular gastric surgery.Compared with tubular gastric surgery,double-channel anastomosis is a preferred surgical technique for proximal gastric cancer.It offers advantages such as less esophageal reflux and improved quality of life.

Risk factors associated with intraoperative persistent hypotension in pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND Intraoperative persistent hypotension(IPH)during pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)is linked to adverse postoperative outcomes,yet its risk factors remain unclear.AIM To clarify the risk factors associated with IPH during PD,ensuring patient safety in the perioperative period.METHODS A retrospective analysis of patient records from January 2018 to December 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University identified factors associated with IPH in PD.These factors included age,gender,body mass index,American Society of Anesthesiologists classification,comorbidities,medication history,operation duration,fluid balance,blood loss,urine output,and blood gas parameters.IPH was defined as sustained mean arterial pressure<65 mmHg,requiring prolonged deoxyepinephrine infusion for>30 min despite additional deoxyepinephrine and fluid treatments.RESULTS Among 1596 PD patients,661(41.42%)experienced IPH.Multivariate logistic regression identified key risk factors:increased age[odds ratio(OR):1.20 per decade,95%confidence interval(CI):1.08-1.33](P<0.001),longer surgery duration(OR:1.15 per additional hour,95%CI:1.05-1.26)(P<0.01),and greater blood loss(OR:1.18 per 250-mL increment,95%CI:1.06-1.32)(P<0.01).A novel finding was the association of arterial blood Ca^(2+)<1.05 mmol/L with IPH(OR:2.03,95%CI:1.65-2.50)(P<0.001).CONCLUSION IPH during PD is independently associated with older age,prolonged surgery,increased blood loss,and lower plasma Ca^(2+).

Efficacy of laparoscopic low anterior resection for colorectal cancer patients with 3D-vascular reconstruction for left coronary artery preservation

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic low anterior resection(LLAR)has become a mainstream surgical method for the treatment of colorectal cancer,which has shown many advantages in the aspects of surgical trauma and postoperative rehabilitation.However,the effect of surgery on patients'left coronary artery and its vascular reconstruction have not been deeply discussed.With the development of medical imaging technology,3D vascular reconstruction has become an effective means to evaluate the curative effect of surgery.AIM To investigate the clinical value of preoperative 3D vascular reconstruction in LLAR of rectal cancer with the left colic artery(LCA)preserved.METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 146 patients who underwent LLAR for rectal cancer with LCA preservation from January to December 2023 in our hospital.All patients underwent LLAR of rectal cancer with the LCA preserved,and the intraoperative and postoperative data were complete.The patients were divided into a reconstruction group(72 patients)and a nonreconstruction group(74 patients)according to whether 3D vascular reconstruction was performed before surgery.The clinical features,operation conditions,complications,pathological results and postoperative recovery of the two groups were collected and compared.RESULTS A total of 146 patients with rectal cancer were included in the study,including 72 patients in the reconstruction group and 74 patients in the nonreconstruction group.There were 47 males and 25 females in the reconstruction group,aged(59.75±6.2)years,with a body mass index(BMI)(24.1±2.2)kg/m^(2),and 51 males and 23 females in the nonreconstruction group,aged(58.77±6.1)years,with a BMI(23.6±2.7)kg/m^(2).There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups(P>0.05).In the submesenteric artery reconstruction group,35 patients were type Ⅰ,25 patients were type Ⅱ,11 patients were type Ⅲ,and 1 patient was type Ⅳ.There were 37 type Ⅰ patients,24 type Ⅱ patients,12 type Ⅲ patients,and 1 type Ⅳ patient in the nonreconstruction group.There was no significant difference in arterial typing between the two groups(P>0.05).The operation time of the reconstruction group was 162.2±10.8 min,and that of the nonreconstruction group was 197.9±19.1 min.Compared with that of the reconstruction group,the operation time of the two groups was shorter,and the difference was statistically significant(t=13.840,P<0.05).The amount of intraoperative blood loss was 30.4±20.0 mL in the reconstruction group and 61.2±26.4 mL in the nonreconstruction group.The amount of blood loss in the reconstruction group was less than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(t=-7.930,P<0.05).The rates of anastomotic leakage(1.4%vs 1.4%,P=0.984),anastomotic hemorrhage(2.8%vs 4.1%,P=0.672),and postoperative hospital stay(6.8±0.7 d vs 7.0±0.7 d,P=0.141)were not significantly different between the two groups.CONCLUSION Preoperative 3D vascular reconstruction technology can shorten the operation time and reduce the amount of intraoperative blood loss.Preoperative 3D vascular reconstruction is recommended to provide an intraoperative reference for laparoscopic low anterior resection with LCA preservation.

Bleeding complications after percutaneous kidney biopsies–nationwide experience from Brunei Darussalam

BACKGROUND Kidney biopsy serves as a valuable method for both diagnosing and monitoring kidney conditions.Various studies have identified several risk factors associated with bleeding complications following the procedure,but these findings have shown inconsistency and variation.AIM To investigate the risk of bleeding complications following percutaneous kidney biopsy in Brunei Darussalam.We sought to explore the relevant clinical and pathological risk factors associated with these complications while also considering the findings within the broader international literature context.METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of all adult patients who underwent kidney biopsy in Brunei Darussalam from October 2013 to September 2020.The outcomes of interest were post-biopsy bleeding and the need for blood transfusions.Demographics,clinical,laboratory and procedural-related data were collected.Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of outcomes.RESULTS A total of 255 kidney biopsies were included,with 11%being performed on transplanted kidneys.The majority of biopsies were done under ultrasound guidance(83.1%),with the rest under computer tomography guidance(16.9%).The most common indications for biopsy were chronic kidney disease of undefined cause(36.1%),nephrotic syndrome(24.3%)and acute kidney injury(11%).Rate of bleeding complication was 6.3%–2%frank hematuria and 4.3%perinephric hematoma.Blood transfusion was required in 2.8%of patients.No patient lost a kidney or died because of the biopsy.Multivariate logistic regression identified baseline hemoglobin[odds ratio(OR):4.11;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.12-15.1;P=0.03 for hemoglobin≤11 g/dL vs.>11 g/dL)and the presence of microscopic hematuria(OR:5.24;95%CI:1.43-19.1;P=0.01)as independent risk factors for post-biopsy bleeding.Furthermore,low baseline platelet count was identified as the dominant risk factor for requiring postbiopsy transfusions.Specifically,each 10109/L decrease in baseline platelet count was associated with an 12%increase risk of needing transfusion(OR:0.88;95%CI:0.79-0.98;P=0.02).CONCLUSION Kidney biopsies were generally well-tolerated.The identified risk factors for bleeding and transfusion can help clinicians to better identify patients who may be at increased risk for these outcomes and to provide appropriate monitoring and management.

Hepatitis C virus enhances incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

AIM： To investigate the cumulative development incidence and predictive factors for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in hepatitis C virus （HCV） positive patients. METHODS： We studied 6150 HCV infected patients who were between 40-70 years old （HCV-group）. Another 2050 patients with hepatitis B virus （HBV） were selected as control （HBV-group）. The mean observation period was 8.0 ± 5.9 years in HCV-group and 6.3 ± 5.5 years in HBV-group. The primary goal is the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF） in both groups. The cumulative appearance rate of IPF and independent factors associated with the incidence rate of IPF were calculated using the Kaplan- Meier method and the Cox proportional hazard model. All of the studies were performed retrospectively by collecting and analyzing data from the patient records in our hospital. RESULTS： Fifteen patients in HCV-group developed IPF. On the other hand, none of the patients developed IPF in HBV-group. In HCV-group, the cumulative rates of IPF development were 0.3% at 10th year and 0.9% at 20th year. The IPF development rate in HCV-group was higher than that in HBV-group （P = 0.021）. The IPF development rate in patients with HCV or HBV was high with statistical significance in the following cases： （1） patients ≥ 55 years （P 〈 0.001）; （2） patients who had smoking index （package per day x year） of ≥20 （P = 0.002）; （3） patients with liver cirrhosis （P = 0.042）. CONCLUSION： Our results indicate that age, smoking and liver cirrhosis enhance the development of IPF in HCV positive patients.

The prevalence and associated factors for delayed presentation for HIV care among tuberculosis/HIV co-infected patients in Southwest Ethiopia: a retrospective observational cohort

Background:A delay presentation for human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)patient’s care(that is late engagement to HIV care due to delayed HIV testing or delayed linkage for HIV care after the diagnosis of HIV positive)is a critical step in the series of HIV patient care continuum.In Ethiopia,delayed presentation(DP)for HIV care among vulnerable groups such as tuberculosis(Tb)/HIV co-infected patients has not been assessed.We aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with DP(CD4<200 cells/μl at first visit)among Tb/HIV co-infected patients in southwest Ethiopia.Methods:A retrospective observational cohort study collated Tb/HIV data from Jimma University Teaching Hospital for the period of September 2010 and August 2012.The data analysis used logistic regression model at P value of≤0.05 in the final model.Results:The prevalence of DP among Tb/HIV co-infected patients was 59.9%.Tb/HIV co-infected patients who had a house with at least two rooms were less likely(AOR,0.5;95%CI:0.3–1.0)to present late than those having only single room.Tobacco non-users of Tb/HIV co-infected participants were also 50%less likely(AOR,0.5;95%CI:0.3–0.8)to present late for HIV care compared to tobacco users.The relative odds of DP among Tb/HIV co-infected patients with ambulatory(AOR,1.8;95%CI,1.0–3.1)and bedridden(AOR,8.3;95%CI,2.8–25.1)functional status was higher than with working status.Conclusions:Three out of five Tb/HIV co-infected patients presented late for HIV care.Higher proportions of DP were observed in bedridden patients,tobacco smokers,and those who had a single room residence.These findings have intervention implications and call for effective management strategies for Tb/HIV co-infection including early HIV diagnosis and early linkage to HIV care services.

Natural Course of Silicosis in Dust-exposed Workers

To provide a scientific basis for determining the health surveillance period of dust-exposed workers, data of a retrospective cohort study was re-analyzed with emphasis on natural course of silicosis. 33640 workers exposed to silica dust who were employed for at least 1 year from 1972 to 1974 in twenty Chinese mines or pottery factories were included as subjects, and were followed up till December 31, 1994. The cohort included subjects from 8 tungsten mines, 4 tin mines and 8 pottery factories. Our results showed that the mean latency of silicosis, for all the cases of the cohorts, was 22.9±9.8 y. 52.2 % of silicosis was diagnosed approximately 9.1±5.7 y after the dust exposure had ceased. The progression rates of silicosis from stage Ⅰ to Ⅱ and from stage Ⅱ to Ⅲ were 48.2 % and 18.5 %, and the duration was 4.1±0. 2 and 6.8±0.2 y, respectively. The survival times of silicosis stage Ⅰ , Ⅱ and Ⅲ, from the year of diagnosis to death, were 21.5, 15.8 and 6.8 years, respectively. There was 25 % of the silicosis patients whose survival time was beyond 33 y. The mean death age of all silicosis cases was 56.0 y. The death age inereased to 65.6 y in the middle of 1990s. Among dust-exposed workers, subjects who became suspected case （0^＋ ） accounted for 15.0 %. 48.7 % of the suspected silicosis cases developed to silicosis, and the average year from the time of being suspected of the disease to the first stage of silicosis was 5.1y. The natural characteristics, as mentioned above, varied with different mines and factories. We are led to conclude that silicosis is chronic in nature, but progress quickly. As a serious occupational disease it significantly reduces the life span of exposed workers. The study of its natural history is of importance for the development of health surveillance criteria for dust-exposed workers.

Effects of bilirubin on perioperative myocardial infarction and its long-term prognosis in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND Although bilirubin is known to be an antioxidant,any relationship with coronary heart disease remains controversial.To the best of our knowledge,no previous study has investigated the association between bilirubin and perioperative myocardial infarction(PMI),including its long-term prognosis.AIM To investigate the impact of bilirubin levels on PMI in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),and long-term prognosis in post-PMI patients.METHODS Between January 2014 and September 2018,10236 patients undergoing elective PCI were enrolled in the present study.Total bilirubin(TB)and cardiac troponin I(cTnI)levels were measured prior to PCI and cTnI at further time-points,8,16 and 24 h after PCI.Participants were stratified by pre-PCI TB levels and divided into three groups:<10.2;10.2-14.4 and>14.4μmol/L.PMI was defined as producing a post-procedural cTnI level of>5×upper limit of normal(ULN)with normal baseline cTnI.Major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs)included cardiac death,MI,stroke and revascularization during a maximum 5-year follow-up.RESULTS PMI was detected in 526(15.3%),431(12.7%)and 424(12.5%)of patients with pre-PCI TB levels of<10.2,10.2-14.4 and>14.4μmol/L(P=0.001),respectively.Multivariate logistical analysis indicated that patients with TB 10.2-14.4 and>14.4μmol/L had a lower incidence of PMI[TB 10.2-14.4μmol/L:Odds ratio(OR):0.854;95%confidence interval(CI):0.739-0.987;P=0.032;TB>14.4μmol/L:OR:0.846;95%CI:0.735-0.975;P=0.021]compared with patients with TB<10.2μmol/L.Construction of a Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated a higher MACE-free survival time for patients with higher TB than for those with lower TB(log-rank P=0.022).After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and angiographic characteristics,multivariate Cox analysis showed that a TB level>14.4μmol/L was associated with a reduced risk of MACEs compared with a TB level<10.2μmol/L(hazard ratio 0.667;95%CI:0.485-0.918;P=0.013).CONCLUSION Bilirubin was a protective factor in PMI prediction.For post-PMI patients,elevated bilirubin levels were independently associated with a reduced risk of MACEs during long-term follow-up.

Lifespan Risk Exposure Measurement Instrument： a Feasible and Effective Tool for Life Course Epidemiology Research

Life course epidemiology should practically illustrate how risk exposures and their dynamic changes influence the occurrence,development and prognosis of chronic diseases from early life to the elderly.This paper develops the lifespan risk exposure measurement instrument（LREMI）in the

To Die at Home or to End Life in an Institution

In the Western world, 60%-80% of all deaths occur in an institution. This study aimed to determine the main causes for the low proportion of deaths at home in Norway. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in six Norwegian municipalities. The study employed official statistics and structured interviews with key staff individuals (spring 2012). We included 41 individuals that received palliative home care;21 died at home. The rate of deaths at home may be increased by an acceptance of death and confidence that home is a good, safe place to die. This study showed how challenging it was for the family and health personnel to be a fellow Pellegrino in the last steps of life. However, when physical distress is under control, and when a dying patient and his significant other genuinely wish for death at home, it is necessary to control physical distress. Greater holistic well-being may then be achieved at home than in the hospital.