Objective We aimed to assess the feasibility and superiority of machine learning(ML)methods to predict the risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events(MACEs)in chest pain patients with NSTE-ACS.Methods Enrolled chest ...Objective We aimed to assess the feasibility and superiority of machine learning(ML)methods to predict the risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events(MACEs)in chest pain patients with NSTE-ACS.Methods Enrolled chest pain patients were from two centers,Beijing Anzhen Emergency Chest Pain Center Beijing Bo’ai Hospital,China Rehabilitation Research Center.Five classifiers were used to develop ML models.Accuracy,Precision,Recall,F-Measure and AUC were used to assess the model performance and prediction effect compared with HEART risk scoring system.Ultimately,ML model constructed by Naïve Bayes was employed to predict the occurrence of MACEs.Results According to learning metrics,ML models constructed by different classifiers were superior over HEART(History,ECG,Age,Risk factors,&Troponin)scoring system when predicting acute myocardial infarction(AMI)and all-cause death.However,according to ROC curves and AUC,ML model constructed by different classifiers performed better than HEART scoring system only in prediction for AMI.Among the five ML algorithms,Linear support vector machine(SVC),Naïve Bayes and Logistic regression classifiers stood out with all Accuracy,Precision,Recall and F-Measure from 0.8 to 1.0 for predicting any event,AMI,revascularization and all-cause death(vs.HEART≤0.78),with AUC from 0.88 to 0.98 for predicting any event,AMI and revascularization(vs.HEART≤0.85).ML model developed by Naïve Bayes predicted that suspected acute coronary syndrome(ACS),abnormal electrocardiogram(ECG),elevated hs-cTn I,sex and smoking were risk factors of MACEs.Conclusion Compared with HEART risk scoring system,the superiority of ML method was demonstrated when employing Linear SVC classifier,Naïve Bayes and Logistic.ML method could be a promising method to predict MACEs in chest pain patients with NSTE-ACS.展开更多
BACKGROUND Meningitis remains a significant source of mortality and morbidity,with an incidence of 1 per 100000 persons in the United States.Guidelines recommend obtaining blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)st...BACKGROUND Meningitis remains a significant source of mortality and morbidity,with an incidence of 1 per 100000 persons in the United States.Guidelines recommend obtaining blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)studies in patients presenting with acute meningitis syndrome,and beginning treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics based on the age and certain predisposing conditions.In some patients however,the diagnostic lumbar puncture(LP)is not performed due to a multitude of reasons,ranging from increased intracranial pressure to failed attempt.In such situations,appropriate therapy is initiated empirically and often continued without establishment of a definitive diagnosis.AIM To determine whether a diagnostic LP in acute meningitis syndrome was associated with a better outcome and less duration of antibiotic therapy,along with potential causes for deferral of procedure.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted amongst the patients presenting to a 360 bedded community hospital in central Massachusetts with a diagnosis of acute meningitis syndrome between January 2010-September 2022.The electronic health records were accessed to collect necessary demographic and clinical data,including etiology of meningitis,lumbar puncture results,reason for procedure deferral,duration of antibiotic therapy and clinical outcome.The patients were subsequently divided into two groups based on whether they received a LP or not,and data was analyzed.RESULTS A total of 169 patients admitted with acute meningitis syndrome between September 2010-2022 were included in the study.The mean age of the participants was 54.3 years(SD+/-19.2 years).LP was performed for 130(76.9%)participants,out of which,28(21.5%)showed some growth in CSF culture.The most commonly identified organism was streptococcus pneumoniae.Amongst the 39 patients in whom LP was deferred,the major reasons recorded were:Body habitus(n=6,15.4%),and unsuccessful attempt(n=4,10.3%).While 93(71.5%)patients with LP received antibiotic therapy,only 19(48.7%)patients without LP received the antibiotics,with the principal reason being spontaneous improvement in sensorium without any diagnosed source of infection.The mean duration of antibiotic use was 12.3 days(SD+/-5.6)in the LP group and 11.5 days(SD+/-7.0)in the non-LP group(P=0.56;statistically not significant).We observed higher long term sequalae in the non-LP group(n=6,15.4%)compared to the LP group(n=9,6.9%).Similarly,the death rate was higher in the non-LP group(n=7,18.0%)compared to the LP group(n=9,6.9%).CONCLUSION LP remains the cornerstone for diagnosing meningitis,but often CSF results are unavailable,leading to empiric treatment.Our study identified that body habitus and unsuccessful attempts were the most common reasons for LP not being performed,leading to empiric antibiotic coverage.There was no difference between the duration of antibiotics received by the two groups,but a lower proportion of patients without LP received antibiotics,attributed to a spontaneous improvement in sensorium.However,the residual neurological sequelae and death rates were higher in patients without LP,signifying a potential under-treatment.A LP remains crucial to diagnose meningitis,and a lack of CSF analysis predisposes to under-treatment,leading to higher neurological sequelae and increased chances of death.展开更多
AIM: To compare the dynamic changes of anterior segment parameters especially iris morphology induced by pharmacologic mydriasis between angle closure suspects and normal controls. METHODS: The study group comprised 1...AIM: To compare the dynamic changes of anterior segment parameters especially iris morphology induced by pharmacologic mydriasis between angle closure suspects and normal controls. METHODS: The study group comprised 19 eyes of 19 angle closure suspects and 19 eyes of 19 age- and sexmatched normal open-angle eyes. Pentacam and optical coherence tomography measurements before and 30min after instillation of compound tropicamide eye drop were performed and compared. Biometric evaluations of iris tomography and anterior chamber angle were estimated by a customized image-processing software. RESULTS: Baseline axial length, iris cross sectional area and volume did not differ significantly between angle closure suspects and normal controls. Angle closure suspects had smaller pupil size, narrower anterior segment dimension and axial length, thinner iris with greater curve in comparison with normal controls. Pharmacologic mydriasis led to significant increments in iris thickness at 750 mu m, anterior chamber depth and volume, whereas significant decrements in iris curve, cross sectional area and volume in both groups. Angle opening distance at 500 mu M was increased significantly in normal controls (from 0.465 +/- 0.115 mm to 0.539 +/- 0.167 mm, P=0.009), but not in angle closure suspects (from 0.125 0.100 mm to 0.145 +/- 0.131 mm, P=0.326). Iris volume change per millimeter of pupil dilation (Delta IV/Delta PD) decreased significantly less in angle closure suspects than normal controls (-2.47 +/- 1.33 mm(2) vs -3.63 +/- 1.58 mm(2), P=0.019). Linear regression analysis showed that the change of angle opening distance at 500 mu M was associated most with the change of central anterior chamber depth (beta= 0.841, P=0.002) and Delta IV/Delta PD (beta=0.028, P=0.002), followed by gender (beta=0. 062, P=0.032). CONCLUSION: Smaller iris volume decrement per millimeter of pupil dilation is related significantly with the less anterior angle opening in angle closure suspects after pharmacologic mydriasis. Dynamic iris change may be as a prospective indicator of iris compressibility and angle closure glaucoma.展开更多
In this Commentary,we would like to comment on the article titled"A rapid advice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV)infected pneumonia(standard version)"as a featur...In this Commentary,we would like to comment on the article titled"A rapid advice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV)infected pneumonia(standard version)"as a featured article in Military Medical Research.In the guideline,except for"confirmed cases","suspected cases","close contact"and"suspicious exposure"were defined by clinical perspective based on epidemiological risk,clinical symptoms and auxiliary examination.Combined with our experience,we introduced a simple scoring proposal additionally based on not only CT imaging as strongly recommended by the guideline but also blood routine test,especially for primary screening of such patients in the out-patient department.展开更多
AIM:To report the progression rate(PR)to primary angle closure(PAC)following laser peripheral iridotomy(LPI)in PAC suspects(PACS).METHODS:Prospective,randomized controlled interventional clinical trial conducted at th...AIM:To report the progression rate(PR)to primary angle closure(PAC)following laser peripheral iridotomy(LPI)in PAC suspects(PACS).METHODS:Prospective,randomized controlled interventional clinical trial conducted at the Handan Eye Hospital,China.Totally 134 bilateral PACS,defined as non-visibility of the posterior trabecular meshwork for≥180 degrees on gonioscopy were randomly assigned to undergo LPI in one eye.Gonioscopy and Goldmann applanation tonometry were performed prior to,on day 7 and 12 mo post LPI.RESULTS:Eighty of 134 patients(59.7%)could be followed up at one year.The mean intraocular pressure(IOP)in treated eyes was 15.9±2.6 mm Hg at baseline,15.4±3.0 mm Hg on day 7;16.5±2.9 mm Hg at one month,and 15.5±2.9 mm Hg at 12 mo;the IOP in untreated eyes was similar(P=0.834).One or more quadrants of the angle opened in 93.7%of the LPI treated eyes,but 67.0%(53/79)remained closed in two or more quadrants.The PR to PAC in untreated eyes was 3.75%and one developed acute angleclosure glaucoma(AACG);the PR to PAC in treated eyes was 2.5%and none had developed peripheral anterior synechia(PAS)or AACG.CONCLUSION:LPI can open some of the occludable angle in the majority of eyes with PACS,but 67%continue to have non-visibility of the trabecular meshwork for over 180 degrees.展开更多
BACKGROUND Autism is the most common clinical developmental disorder in children.The childhood autism rating scale(CARS)and autistic autism behavior checklist(ABC)are the most commonly used assessment scales for diagn...BACKGROUND Autism is the most common clinical developmental disorder in children.The childhood autism rating scale(CARS)and autistic autism behavior checklist(ABC)are the most commonly used assessment scales for diagnosing autism.However,the diagnostic validations and the corresponding cutoffs for CARS and ABC in individuals with suspected autism spectrum disorder(ASD)remain unclear.Furthermore,for suspected ASD in China,it remains unclear whether CARS is a better diagnostic tool than ABC.Also unclear is whether the current cutoff points for ABC and CARS are suitable for the accurate diagnosis of ASD.AIM To investigate the diagnostic validity of CARS and ABC based on a large Chinese sample.METHODS A total of 591 outpatient children from the ASD Unit at Beijing Children’s Hospital between June and November 2019 were identified.First,the Clancy autism behavior scale(CABS)was used to screen out suspected autism from these children.Then,each suspected ASD was evaluated by CARS and ABC.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was used to compare diagnostic validations.We also calculated the area under the curve(AUC)for both CARS and ABC.RESULTS We found that the Cronbach alpha coefficients of CARS and ABC were 0.772 and 0.426,respectively.Therefore,the reliability of the CARS was higher than that of the ABC.In addition,we found that the correlation between CARS and CABS was 0.732.Next,we performed ROC curve analysis for CARS and ABC,which yielded AUC values of 0.846 and 0.768,respectively.The cutoff value,which is associated with the maximum Youden index,is usually applied as a decision threshold.We found that the cutoff values of CARS and ABC were 34 and 67,respectively.CONCLUSION This result indicated that CARS is superior to ABC in the Chinese population with suspected ASD.展开更多
AIM: To investigate whether suspected blood indicator (SBI) in capsule endoscopy (CE) is affected by back- ground color and capsule passage velocity. METHODS: Experimental models of the small intestine construct...AIM: To investigate whether suspected blood indicator (SBI) in capsule endoscopy (CE) is affected by back- ground color and capsule passage velocity. METHODS: Experimental models of the small intestine constructed from paper in a variety of colors were used to simulate the background colors observed in CE im- ages. The background colors studied included very pale yellow, yellow, very pale magenta, light grayish pink, burnt sienna, and deep and dark brown, and red spots were attached inside them. An endoscopic capsule was manually passed through the models. The rate of detection of the red spots by the SBI was evaluated based on the colors of the models and the capsule pas- sage velocities (0.5 cm/s, 1 cm/s, and 2 cm/s).RESULTS: The rate of detection of the red spots byground color of the model (P 〈 0.001). Detection rates were highest for backgrounds of very pale magenta, burnt sienna, and yellow, in that order. They were lowest for backgrounds of dark brown and very pale yellow. The rate of detection of red spots by the SBI tended to decrease at rapid capsule passage velocities (1-2 cm/s) compared to slow velocities (0.5 cm/s) for backgrounds of very pale yellow (P = 0.042), yellow (P = 0.001), very pale magenta (P = 0.002), and burnt sien- na (P = 0.001). No significant differences in the rate of detection were observed according to velocity for light grayish pink (P = 0.643) or dark brown (P = 0.396). CONCLUSION: SBI sensitivity was affected by back- ground color and capsule passage velocity in the models. These findings may facilitate the rapid detection of bleeding lesions by CE.展开更多
With the explosive spread of novel coronavirus pneumonia, a major public major public health emergency has been declared around the world. Our country has come to a crucial stage of “external defense input, internal ...With the explosive spread of novel coronavirus pneumonia, a major public major public health emergency has been declared around the world. Our country has come to a crucial stage of “external defense input, internal defense rebound” and strict quarantine measures are taken in all ports of entry throughout the country. Operations on patients with cervical spine during the quarantine, which not only increases the risk of surgical treatment, but also increases the difficulty of perioperative nursing. The objective is to explore the result of application of the modality of multiple disciplinary team for a perioperative patient with suspected novel coronavirus pneumonia and cervical spine fracture in nursing. The patient’s condition and nursing measures are studied and discussed from various specialist angle through the multidisciplinary team established by the isolation ward, orthopedics department, emergency department, anesthesiology department, operating room, rehabilitation department, psychology department and so on, and the overall and personalized surgical and nursing planning is formed through interdisciplinary advice. The nursing experience is summarized in this paper.展开更多
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is an emerging infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Suspected cases accounted for a large proportion in the early st...BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is an emerging infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Suspected cases accounted for a large proportion in the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak.The deviation of the nucleic acid test by throat swab(the current gold standard of COVID-19)caused by variation in sampling techniques and reagent kits and coupled with nonspecific clinical manifestations make confirmation of the suspected cases difficult.Proper management of the suspected cases of COVID-19 is crucial for disease control.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old male presented with fever,lymphopenia,and chest computed tomography(CT)images similar to COVID-19 after percutaneous coronary intervention.The patient was diagnosed as having bacterial pneumonia with cardiogenic pulmonary edema instead of COVID-19.This was based on four negative results for throat swab detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay and one negative result for serological antibody of SARS-CoV-2 with the serological assay.Additionally,the distribution of ground-glass opacities and thickened blood vessels from the CT images differed from COVID-19 features,which further supported the exclusion of COVID-19.CONCLUSION Distinguishing COVID-19 patients from those with bacterial pneumonia with cardiogenic pulmonary edema can be difficult.Therefore,it requires serious identification.展开更多
AIM: To determine the incidence and characteristics of endoscopically suspected esophageal metaplasia (ESEM) in a primary adult care institution. METHODS: Eight hundred and thirty two consecutive individuals (mean age...AIM: To determine the incidence and characteristics of endoscopically suspected esophageal metaplasia (ESEM) in a primary adult care institution. METHODS: Eight hundred and thirty two consecutive individuals (mean age, 67.6 years) undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between January 2009 and December 2010 were included in this study. The diagnosis of ESEM was based on the criteria proposed by the Japan Esophageal Society, and was classified as long segment ESEM (3 cm or more) or short segment ESEM (< 3cm). Short segment ESEM was further divided into circumferential and partial types. Age, gender, hiatus hernia, esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-suggested symptoms, and antacid medications were recorded as background factors. Esophagitis was graded according to the Los Angeles classification. Hiatus hernia was divided into absent and at least partially present. RESULTS: Long and short segment ESEM were found in 0 and 184 (22.1%) patients, respectively (mean age of short segment ESEM patients, 68.3 years). Male gender and hiatus hernia were shown to be significant factors affecting short segment ESEM by both univariate (P = 0.03 and P = 9.9x10-18) and multivariate [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.45; P = 0.04, and OR = 43.3; P = 1.5x10-7)] analyses. Two thirds of patients with short segment ESEM did not have GERD-suggested symptoms. There was no correlation between short segment ESEM and GERD-suggested symptoms. CONCLUSION: The incidence of short segment ESEM in our community practice seems higher than assumed in Asian countries. As GERD-suggested symptoms are a poor predictor of ESEM, endoscopists should bear in mind that silent short segment ESEM does exist and, in fact, was found in the majority of our patients.展开更多
BACKGROUND Evaluation of suspected stable angina patients with probable coronary artery disease(CAD)in the community is challenging.In the United Kingdom,patients with suspected stable angina are referred by community...BACKGROUND Evaluation of suspected stable angina patients with probable coronary artery disease(CAD)in the community is challenging.In the United Kingdom,patients with suspected stable angina are referred by community physicians to be assessed by specialists within the hospital system in rapid access chest pain clinics(RACPC).The role of a highly sensitive troponin I(uscTnI)assay in the diagnosis of suspected CAD in a RACPC in a“real-life”setting in a non-academic hospital has not been explored.AIM To examine the diagnostic value of uscTnI(detection limit 0.12 ng/L,upper reference range 8.15 ng/L,and detected uscTnI in 96.8%of the reference population),in the evaluation of stable CAD in a non-selected patient group,with several co-morbidities,who presented to the RACPC.METHODS One hundred and seventy two RACPC patients were assigned to either functional or anatomical testing according to the hospital protocol.RESULTS The investigations offered to patients were exercise tolerance test 7.6%,24 h ECG 1.2%,Echocardiogram 14.5%,stress echocardiogram 8.1%,coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)12.8%,coronary angiogram 13.4%,17.4%were diagnosed with non-cardiac chest pain,3.5%treated as stable angina,8.2%reviewed by cardiologists,electronic medical records were not available in 10.4%.Receiver operating characteristic curves for CAD used uscTnI values measured in patients who underwent functional testing,angiogram or CCTA.Values>0.52 ng/L showed 100%sensitivity and at>11.6 ng/L showed 100%specificity.In the range>0.52-11.6 ng/L,uscTnI may not have the same diagnostic potential.In patients assigned to coronary angiogram higher concentrations of uscTnI was associated with severe CAD.Low levels of uscTnI and low pre-test probability of CAD(QRISK3)may decrease patient numbers assigned to CCTA.CONCLUSION The uscTnI diagnostic cut-off values in a RACPC will depend on patient population and their presenting co-morbidity.In the presence of clinical comorbidities and previous CAD the uscTnI needs to be used in conjunction with clinical assessment.展开更多
Objective:To compare the characteristics of suspected measles cases at the health facilities and to determine the representativeness of the data.Methods:We visited 25 hospitals in the Aniocha Local Government Area(LGA...Objective:To compare the characteristics of suspected measles cases at the health facilities and to determine the representativeness of the data.Methods:We visited 25 hospitals in the Aniocha Local Government Area(LGA) of Delta State,Nigeria,from which information on reportable diseases was collected.In particular,the suspected measles cases in their registries between January 1,2007,and June 30,2008,were reviewed.We compared the characteristics,including age,sex,location,and month of reporting,of the suspected cases with the LGA surveillance records.Results:In the LGA records,10%cases involved individuals older than 14 years, compared with 20%in the same age group in the health facility records.Based on geographic location,53%of the measles cases among the hospital records came from a single location,in contrast to only 30%of the cases among the LGA records.An analysis considering time revealed that 30%of the cases in the LGA records occurred in August 2007,whereas 20%of hospital cases were reported in February and May 2008 combined.Conclusions:The two record types differed considerably in all of the characteristics used in this comparison.展开更多
During the COVID-19 pandemic,the number of suspected cases,confirmed cases and those who passed away from the virus has been reported in major media and the internet,and has caused a high degree of tension.In addition...During the COVID-19 pandemic,the number of suspected cases,confirmed cases and those who passed away from the virus has been reported in major media and the internet,and has caused a high degree of tension.In addition,people's outdoor activities have been limited,making it more difficult to find outlets for releasing stress.Under this situation,some people began to experience emotions of anxiety and depression.This article reports a case of depression with fever caused by the stress tension of the pandemic.The patient was highly suspected to have contracted COVID-19.The reported patient,who had a history of depression and had been to Wuhan to attend an exam,showed obvious pre-exam anxiety under the epidemic situation,which gradually increased the patient's pressure and then caused some adverse symptoms,such as insomnia,anxiety,sweating and a reoccurrent fever.Local community authorities paid close attention to him and later sent him to a general hospital in Jingmen for quarantine and treatment,as he was suspected of having COVID-19.After being hospitalised for half a month,he was ruled out from having‘COVID-19'and was cured of depression and discharged from the hospital.From this case,we can realise that,under the situation of the epidemic,people are easily prone to insomnia,anxiety and even depression.As clinicians in general hospitals,especially when encountering large emergencies,we must carefully inquire about the patient's medical history while strengthening our understanding of psychiatric knowledge to improve the recognition rate for depression.展开更多
Background: Diagnosis of Cushing’s Syndrome (CS) at the right time and with the right method is getting more important for the patients and clinicians due to high mortality rate. The most appropriate laboratory test ...Background: Diagnosis of Cushing’s Syndrome (CS) at the right time and with the right method is getting more important for the patients and clinicians due to high mortality rate. The most appropriate laboratory test will provide great benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness in the well-chosen group of patients. Selection of the high risk group is of crucial importance for the true diagnosis and treatment on time. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the worth of the midnight salivary cortisol and to establish other effective factors in the graduation of clinical suspect of CS. Material and Methods: 115 patients were evaluated in weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio, systolic, diastolic blood pressures, hirsutism, weight gain, purple-stria, plethore, buffalo-hump, supraclavicular fullness, temporal fat cushion, acnea, moonface, proximal muscle weakness, lower limb edema, ecchymosis, loss of libido, depression, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, allopecia of all patients were noted in the evaluation forms (23 findings). Patients were grouped according to clinical scores, low (16). Results: When we compare the groups in terms of midnight salivary cortisol, morning salivary cortisol after overnight dexamethasone suppression test, we found statistically significant relationship between the low and high clinical score groups, as well as between medium and high score groups (p: 0.0001). Urinary free cortisol was statistically significant only between low and high clinical score groups (p: 0.0001). Conclusion: This clinical scoring system which includes clinical signs and laboratory findings both, can be used for selection of the high risk group.展开更多
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health concern and cause of death globally including Kenya. HIV infection is characterised by CD4+ lymphocyte depletion manifested through the loss of t...Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health concern and cause of death globally including Kenya. HIV infection is characterised by CD4+ lymphocyte depletion manifested through the loss of the immune response capacity. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV infection and CD4+T cell counts among suspected tuberculosis (TB) cases seeking healthcare at TB clinics in Mombasa County, Kenya. Study Design: Hospital and laboratory based cross-sectional study was carried between May 2011 and November 2013 in Coast General Referral Hospital, Tudor, Port-Reitz, Mlaleo, Likoni and Mikandani districts and sub-districts hospitals. Methodology: A total of 500 suspected TB cases (271 males and 229 females) were screened for HIV infection using Trinity Biotech Uni-Gold<sup>TM</sup> test and positives confirmed with the enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay. CD4+ and CD8+T cells were analyzed using a BD FACS Count flow cytometer. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic data of the participants. Results: In total, 127 (25.4%) of the suspects were HIV infected 55.1% females and 44.9% males. Females were significantly affected than males (OR = 0.78;95% CI: 0.44 - 1.37;p = 0.042). The majority (36.2%) of the HIV cases were in the 25 - 34 years age group followed by the 35 - 44 (33.9%), 45 - 54 (16.5%) and 18 - 24 (7.1%) age groups, respectively. Widowed (AOR = 6.14;95% CI: 1.53 - 20.54;p < 0.033), alcohol (AOR = 2.83;95% CI: 1.71 - 4.87;p < 0.001) and condom use (AOR = 2.31;95% CI: 1.62 = 4.71;p < 0.002) were risk factors associated with HIV infection. The mean CD4 cell count was 333.27 ± 150.59 cells/mm3 and it was higher in males (343.05 ± 149.33 cells/mm3) than females (325.93 ± 152.92 cells). The mean values of white blood cells (5.9 ± 2.42) × 109/l), packed cell value (34.1% ± 4.3%), platelets (195.16 ± 88.7) × 109/l and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (102.0 ± 17.4 mm/hr) were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV infection among suspected TB cases was 25.4% which was higher than the current national average HIV prevalence of 6.9%. Lower CD4+ lymphocyte count was found to be the only predicting factor for HIV. There was a significant relationship between CD4/ESR and HIV infection.展开更多
To date, not many studies have been conducted on criminal prediction. In this study, the criminal data related to city S is divided into a training data set and a validation data set at a 1:1 ratio in light of the per...To date, not many studies have been conducted on criminal prediction. In this study, the criminal data related to city S is divided into a training data set and a validation data set at a 1:1 ratio in light of the personal tag data and the travel and accommodation data of criminals and ordinary people in city S. Firstly, the FP-growth algorithm is adopted to calculate association rules between the criminals and the ordinary people in their travel and hotel accommodation data, in order to discover criminal suspects based on association rules. Secondly, the DBSCAN algorithm is employed for clustering of the tag data of the criminals and the ordinary people, followed by similarity calculation, in order to discover criminal suspects based on tag clustering. Lastly, intersection operation is performed on the above two sets of criminal suspects, and the resulting intersection is verified against the criminal validation set for elimination of criminals who appear in the intersection so as to obtain final criminal suspects. Results show that a set of 648 criminal suspects is retrieved based on the association rules calculated by the FP-growth algorithm, while a set of 973 criminal suspects is retrieved based on DBSCAN clustering and cosine similarity of the personal tags;the number of criminal suspects is narrowed down to 567 after the intersection operation of the two sets, and 419 of the 567 criminal suspects are further verified to be criminals using the validation set, thereby leaving the other 148 to be the final criminal suspects and giving a prediction accuracy of 73.9%. The data mining method of criminal suspects based on association rules and tag clustering in this study has been successfully applied to the police system of city S, and the experiment proves the effectiveness of this method in detecting criminal suspects.展开更多
Neurodegenerative diseases are caused by the loss of neuro- nal cells. As neurons deteriorate, a patient may experience relatively mild symptoms such as failing to name objects and people. However, with the progressio...Neurodegenerative diseases are caused by the loss of neuro- nal cells. As neurons deteriorate, a patient may experience relatively mild symptoms such as failing to name objects and people. However, with the progression of the disease, symp- toms worsen resulting in loss of independence and a sense of"loss of oneself". Finally, the patient dies from a variety of complications.展开更多
基金supported by Beijing Nova Program[Z201100006820087]National Key R&D Program of China[2020YFC2004800]+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China[81870322]The Capital Health Research and Development of Special Fund[2018-1-2061]The Natural Science Foundation of Beijing,China[7191002].
文摘Objective We aimed to assess the feasibility and superiority of machine learning(ML)methods to predict the risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events(MACEs)in chest pain patients with NSTE-ACS.Methods Enrolled chest pain patients were from two centers,Beijing Anzhen Emergency Chest Pain Center Beijing Bo’ai Hospital,China Rehabilitation Research Center.Five classifiers were used to develop ML models.Accuracy,Precision,Recall,F-Measure and AUC were used to assess the model performance and prediction effect compared with HEART risk scoring system.Ultimately,ML model constructed by Naïve Bayes was employed to predict the occurrence of MACEs.Results According to learning metrics,ML models constructed by different classifiers were superior over HEART(History,ECG,Age,Risk factors,&Troponin)scoring system when predicting acute myocardial infarction(AMI)and all-cause death.However,according to ROC curves and AUC,ML model constructed by different classifiers performed better than HEART scoring system only in prediction for AMI.Among the five ML algorithms,Linear support vector machine(SVC),Naïve Bayes and Logistic regression classifiers stood out with all Accuracy,Precision,Recall and F-Measure from 0.8 to 1.0 for predicting any event,AMI,revascularization and all-cause death(vs.HEART≤0.78),with AUC from 0.88 to 0.98 for predicting any event,AMI and revascularization(vs.HEART≤0.85).ML model developed by Naïve Bayes predicted that suspected acute coronary syndrome(ACS),abnormal electrocardiogram(ECG),elevated hs-cTn I,sex and smoking were risk factors of MACEs.Conclusion Compared with HEART risk scoring system,the superiority of ML method was demonstrated when employing Linear SVC classifier,Naïve Bayes and Logistic.ML method could be a promising method to predict MACEs in chest pain patients with NSTE-ACS.
文摘BACKGROUND Meningitis remains a significant source of mortality and morbidity,with an incidence of 1 per 100000 persons in the United States.Guidelines recommend obtaining blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)studies in patients presenting with acute meningitis syndrome,and beginning treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics based on the age and certain predisposing conditions.In some patients however,the diagnostic lumbar puncture(LP)is not performed due to a multitude of reasons,ranging from increased intracranial pressure to failed attempt.In such situations,appropriate therapy is initiated empirically and often continued without establishment of a definitive diagnosis.AIM To determine whether a diagnostic LP in acute meningitis syndrome was associated with a better outcome and less duration of antibiotic therapy,along with potential causes for deferral of procedure.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted amongst the patients presenting to a 360 bedded community hospital in central Massachusetts with a diagnosis of acute meningitis syndrome between January 2010-September 2022.The electronic health records were accessed to collect necessary demographic and clinical data,including etiology of meningitis,lumbar puncture results,reason for procedure deferral,duration of antibiotic therapy and clinical outcome.The patients were subsequently divided into two groups based on whether they received a LP or not,and data was analyzed.RESULTS A total of 169 patients admitted with acute meningitis syndrome between September 2010-2022 were included in the study.The mean age of the participants was 54.3 years(SD+/-19.2 years).LP was performed for 130(76.9%)participants,out of which,28(21.5%)showed some growth in CSF culture.The most commonly identified organism was streptococcus pneumoniae.Amongst the 39 patients in whom LP was deferred,the major reasons recorded were:Body habitus(n=6,15.4%),and unsuccessful attempt(n=4,10.3%).While 93(71.5%)patients with LP received antibiotic therapy,only 19(48.7%)patients without LP received the antibiotics,with the principal reason being spontaneous improvement in sensorium without any diagnosed source of infection.The mean duration of antibiotic use was 12.3 days(SD+/-5.6)in the LP group and 11.5 days(SD+/-7.0)in the non-LP group(P=0.56;statistically not significant).We observed higher long term sequalae in the non-LP group(n=6,15.4%)compared to the LP group(n=9,6.9%).Similarly,the death rate was higher in the non-LP group(n=7,18.0%)compared to the LP group(n=9,6.9%).CONCLUSION LP remains the cornerstone for diagnosing meningitis,but often CSF results are unavailable,leading to empiric treatment.Our study identified that body habitus and unsuccessful attempts were the most common reasons for LP not being performed,leading to empiric antibiotic coverage.There was no difference between the duration of antibiotics received by the two groups,but a lower proportion of patients without LP received antibiotics,attributed to a spontaneous improvement in sensorium.However,the residual neurological sequelae and death rates were higher in patients without LP,signifying a potential under-treatment.A LP remains crucial to diagnose meningitis,and a lack of CSF analysis predisposes to under-treatment,leading to higher neurological sequelae and increased chances of death.
文摘AIM: To compare the dynamic changes of anterior segment parameters especially iris morphology induced by pharmacologic mydriasis between angle closure suspects and normal controls. METHODS: The study group comprised 19 eyes of 19 angle closure suspects and 19 eyes of 19 age- and sexmatched normal open-angle eyes. Pentacam and optical coherence tomography measurements before and 30min after instillation of compound tropicamide eye drop were performed and compared. Biometric evaluations of iris tomography and anterior chamber angle were estimated by a customized image-processing software. RESULTS: Baseline axial length, iris cross sectional area and volume did not differ significantly between angle closure suspects and normal controls. Angle closure suspects had smaller pupil size, narrower anterior segment dimension and axial length, thinner iris with greater curve in comparison with normal controls. Pharmacologic mydriasis led to significant increments in iris thickness at 750 mu m, anterior chamber depth and volume, whereas significant decrements in iris curve, cross sectional area and volume in both groups. Angle opening distance at 500 mu M was increased significantly in normal controls (from 0.465 +/- 0.115 mm to 0.539 +/- 0.167 mm, P=0.009), but not in angle closure suspects (from 0.125 0.100 mm to 0.145 +/- 0.131 mm, P=0.326). Iris volume change per millimeter of pupil dilation (Delta IV/Delta PD) decreased significantly less in angle closure suspects than normal controls (-2.47 +/- 1.33 mm(2) vs -3.63 +/- 1.58 mm(2), P=0.019). Linear regression analysis showed that the change of angle opening distance at 500 mu M was associated most with the change of central anterior chamber depth (beta= 0.841, P=0.002) and Delta IV/Delta PD (beta=0.028, P=0.002), followed by gender (beta=0. 062, P=0.032). CONCLUSION: Smaller iris volume decrement per millimeter of pupil dilation is related significantly with the less anterior angle opening in angle closure suspects after pharmacologic mydriasis. Dynamic iris change may be as a prospective indicator of iris compressibility and angle closure glaucoma.
文摘In this Commentary,we would like to comment on the article titled"A rapid advice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV)infected pneumonia(standard version)"as a featured article in Military Medical Research.In the guideline,except for"confirmed cases","suspected cases","close contact"and"suspicious exposure"were defined by clinical perspective based on epidemiological risk,clinical symptoms and auxiliary examination.Combined with our experience,we introduced a simple scoring proposal additionally based on not only CT imaging as strongly recommended by the guideline but also blood routine test,especially for primary screening of such patients in the out-patient department.
基金Supported in part by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the National“Eleventh Five-Year”Science and Technology Program in China(No.2007BAI18B08)Beijijng Municipal Science and Technology Commission,Capital Characteristic Clinic Project(No.Z171100001017040)。
文摘AIM:To report the progression rate(PR)to primary angle closure(PAC)following laser peripheral iridotomy(LPI)in PAC suspects(PACS).METHODS:Prospective,randomized controlled interventional clinical trial conducted at the Handan Eye Hospital,China.Totally 134 bilateral PACS,defined as non-visibility of the posterior trabecular meshwork for≥180 degrees on gonioscopy were randomly assigned to undergo LPI in one eye.Gonioscopy and Goldmann applanation tonometry were performed prior to,on day 7 and 12 mo post LPI.RESULTS:Eighty of 134 patients(59.7%)could be followed up at one year.The mean intraocular pressure(IOP)in treated eyes was 15.9±2.6 mm Hg at baseline,15.4±3.0 mm Hg on day 7;16.5±2.9 mm Hg at one month,and 15.5±2.9 mm Hg at 12 mo;the IOP in untreated eyes was similar(P=0.834).One or more quadrants of the angle opened in 93.7%of the LPI treated eyes,but 67.0%(53/79)remained closed in two or more quadrants.The PR to PAC in untreated eyes was 3.75%and one developed acute angleclosure glaucoma(AACG);the PR to PAC in treated eyes was 2.5%and none had developed peripheral anterior synechia(PAS)or AACG.CONCLUSION:LPI can open some of the occludable angle in the majority of eyes with PACS,but 67%continue to have non-visibility of the trabecular meshwork for over 180 degrees.
文摘BACKGROUND Autism is the most common clinical developmental disorder in children.The childhood autism rating scale(CARS)and autistic autism behavior checklist(ABC)are the most commonly used assessment scales for diagnosing autism.However,the diagnostic validations and the corresponding cutoffs for CARS and ABC in individuals with suspected autism spectrum disorder(ASD)remain unclear.Furthermore,for suspected ASD in China,it remains unclear whether CARS is a better diagnostic tool than ABC.Also unclear is whether the current cutoff points for ABC and CARS are suitable for the accurate diagnosis of ASD.AIM To investigate the diagnostic validity of CARS and ABC based on a large Chinese sample.METHODS A total of 591 outpatient children from the ASD Unit at Beijing Children’s Hospital between June and November 2019 were identified.First,the Clancy autism behavior scale(CABS)was used to screen out suspected autism from these children.Then,each suspected ASD was evaluated by CARS and ABC.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was used to compare diagnostic validations.We also calculated the area under the curve(AUC)for both CARS and ABC.RESULTS We found that the Cronbach alpha coefficients of CARS and ABC were 0.772 and 0.426,respectively.Therefore,the reliability of the CARS was higher than that of the ABC.In addition,we found that the correlation between CARS and CABS was 0.732.Next,we performed ROC curve analysis for CARS and ABC,which yielded AUC values of 0.846 and 0.768,respectively.The cutoff value,which is associated with the maximum Youden index,is usually applied as a decision threshold.We found that the cutoff values of CARS and ABC were 34 and 67,respectively.CONCLUSION This result indicated that CARS is superior to ABC in the Chinese population with suspected ASD.
文摘AIM: To investigate whether suspected blood indicator (SBI) in capsule endoscopy (CE) is affected by back- ground color and capsule passage velocity. METHODS: Experimental models of the small intestine constructed from paper in a variety of colors were used to simulate the background colors observed in CE im- ages. The background colors studied included very pale yellow, yellow, very pale magenta, light grayish pink, burnt sienna, and deep and dark brown, and red spots were attached inside them. An endoscopic capsule was manually passed through the models. The rate of detection of the red spots by the SBI was evaluated based on the colors of the models and the capsule pas- sage velocities (0.5 cm/s, 1 cm/s, and 2 cm/s).RESULTS: The rate of detection of the red spots byground color of the model (P 〈 0.001). Detection rates were highest for backgrounds of very pale magenta, burnt sienna, and yellow, in that order. They were lowest for backgrounds of dark brown and very pale yellow. The rate of detection of red spots by the SBI tended to decrease at rapid capsule passage velocities (1-2 cm/s) compared to slow velocities (0.5 cm/s) for backgrounds of very pale yellow (P = 0.042), yellow (P = 0.001), very pale magenta (P = 0.002), and burnt sien- na (P = 0.001). No significant differences in the rate of detection were observed according to velocity for light grayish pink (P = 0.643) or dark brown (P = 0.396). CONCLUSION: SBI sensitivity was affected by back- ground color and capsule passage velocity in the models. These findings may facilitate the rapid detection of bleeding lesions by CE.
文摘With the explosive spread of novel coronavirus pneumonia, a major public major public health emergency has been declared around the world. Our country has come to a crucial stage of “external defense input, internal defense rebound” and strict quarantine measures are taken in all ports of entry throughout the country. Operations on patients with cervical spine during the quarantine, which not only increases the risk of surgical treatment, but also increases the difficulty of perioperative nursing. The objective is to explore the result of application of the modality of multiple disciplinary team for a perioperative patient with suspected novel coronavirus pneumonia and cervical spine fracture in nursing. The patient’s condition and nursing measures are studied and discussed from various specialist angle through the multidisciplinary team established by the isolation ward, orthopedics department, emergency department, anesthesiology department, operating room, rehabilitation department, psychology department and so on, and the overall and personalized surgical and nursing planning is formed through interdisciplinary advice. The nursing experience is summarized in this paper.
基金Supported by Guangdong Provincial Novel Coronavirus Scientific and Technological Project,No.2020111107001.
文摘BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is an emerging infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Suspected cases accounted for a large proportion in the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak.The deviation of the nucleic acid test by throat swab(the current gold standard of COVID-19)caused by variation in sampling techniques and reagent kits and coupled with nonspecific clinical manifestations make confirmation of the suspected cases difficult.Proper management of the suspected cases of COVID-19 is crucial for disease control.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old male presented with fever,lymphopenia,and chest computed tomography(CT)images similar to COVID-19 after percutaneous coronary intervention.The patient was diagnosed as having bacterial pneumonia with cardiogenic pulmonary edema instead of COVID-19.This was based on four negative results for throat swab detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay and one negative result for serological antibody of SARS-CoV-2 with the serological assay.Additionally,the distribution of ground-glass opacities and thickened blood vessels from the CT images differed from COVID-19 features,which further supported the exclusion of COVID-19.CONCLUSION Distinguishing COVID-19 patients from those with bacterial pneumonia with cardiogenic pulmonary edema can be difficult.Therefore,it requires serious identification.
文摘AIM: To determine the incidence and characteristics of endoscopically suspected esophageal metaplasia (ESEM) in a primary adult care institution. METHODS: Eight hundred and thirty two consecutive individuals (mean age, 67.6 years) undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between January 2009 and December 2010 were included in this study. The diagnosis of ESEM was based on the criteria proposed by the Japan Esophageal Society, and was classified as long segment ESEM (3 cm or more) or short segment ESEM (< 3cm). Short segment ESEM was further divided into circumferential and partial types. Age, gender, hiatus hernia, esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-suggested symptoms, and antacid medications were recorded as background factors. Esophagitis was graded according to the Los Angeles classification. Hiatus hernia was divided into absent and at least partially present. RESULTS: Long and short segment ESEM were found in 0 and 184 (22.1%) patients, respectively (mean age of short segment ESEM patients, 68.3 years). Male gender and hiatus hernia were shown to be significant factors affecting short segment ESEM by both univariate (P = 0.03 and P = 9.9x10-18) and multivariate [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.45; P = 0.04, and OR = 43.3; P = 1.5x10-7)] analyses. Two thirds of patients with short segment ESEM did not have GERD-suggested symptoms. There was no correlation between short segment ESEM and GERD-suggested symptoms. CONCLUSION: The incidence of short segment ESEM in our community practice seems higher than assumed in Asian countries. As GERD-suggested symptoms are a poor predictor of ESEM, endoscopists should bear in mind that silent short segment ESEM does exist and, in fact, was found in the majority of our patients.
文摘BACKGROUND Evaluation of suspected stable angina patients with probable coronary artery disease(CAD)in the community is challenging.In the United Kingdom,patients with suspected stable angina are referred by community physicians to be assessed by specialists within the hospital system in rapid access chest pain clinics(RACPC).The role of a highly sensitive troponin I(uscTnI)assay in the diagnosis of suspected CAD in a RACPC in a“real-life”setting in a non-academic hospital has not been explored.AIM To examine the diagnostic value of uscTnI(detection limit 0.12 ng/L,upper reference range 8.15 ng/L,and detected uscTnI in 96.8%of the reference population),in the evaluation of stable CAD in a non-selected patient group,with several co-morbidities,who presented to the RACPC.METHODS One hundred and seventy two RACPC patients were assigned to either functional or anatomical testing according to the hospital protocol.RESULTS The investigations offered to patients were exercise tolerance test 7.6%,24 h ECG 1.2%,Echocardiogram 14.5%,stress echocardiogram 8.1%,coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)12.8%,coronary angiogram 13.4%,17.4%were diagnosed with non-cardiac chest pain,3.5%treated as stable angina,8.2%reviewed by cardiologists,electronic medical records were not available in 10.4%.Receiver operating characteristic curves for CAD used uscTnI values measured in patients who underwent functional testing,angiogram or CCTA.Values>0.52 ng/L showed 100%sensitivity and at>11.6 ng/L showed 100%specificity.In the range>0.52-11.6 ng/L,uscTnI may not have the same diagnostic potential.In patients assigned to coronary angiogram higher concentrations of uscTnI was associated with severe CAD.Low levels of uscTnI and low pre-test probability of CAD(QRISK3)may decrease patient numbers assigned to CCTA.CONCLUSION The uscTnI diagnostic cut-off values in a RACPC will depend on patient population and their presenting co-morbidity.In the presence of clinical comorbidities and previous CAD the uscTnI needs to be used in conjunction with clinical assessment.
文摘Objective:To compare the characteristics of suspected measles cases at the health facilities and to determine the representativeness of the data.Methods:We visited 25 hospitals in the Aniocha Local Government Area(LGA) of Delta State,Nigeria,from which information on reportable diseases was collected.In particular,the suspected measles cases in their registries between January 1,2007,and June 30,2008,were reviewed.We compared the characteristics,including age,sex,location,and month of reporting,of the suspected cases with the LGA surveillance records.Results:In the LGA records,10%cases involved individuals older than 14 years, compared with 20%in the same age group in the health facility records.Based on geographic location,53%of the measles cases among the hospital records came from a single location,in contrast to only 30%of the cases among the LGA records.An analysis considering time revealed that 30%of the cases in the LGA records occurred in August 2007,whereas 20%of hospital cases were reported in February and May 2008 combined.Conclusions:The two record types differed considerably in all of the characteristics used in this comparison.
文摘During the COVID-19 pandemic,the number of suspected cases,confirmed cases and those who passed away from the virus has been reported in major media and the internet,and has caused a high degree of tension.In addition,people's outdoor activities have been limited,making it more difficult to find outlets for releasing stress.Under this situation,some people began to experience emotions of anxiety and depression.This article reports a case of depression with fever caused by the stress tension of the pandemic.The patient was highly suspected to have contracted COVID-19.The reported patient,who had a history of depression and had been to Wuhan to attend an exam,showed obvious pre-exam anxiety under the epidemic situation,which gradually increased the patient's pressure and then caused some adverse symptoms,such as insomnia,anxiety,sweating and a reoccurrent fever.Local community authorities paid close attention to him and later sent him to a general hospital in Jingmen for quarantine and treatment,as he was suspected of having COVID-19.After being hospitalised for half a month,he was ruled out from having‘COVID-19'and was cured of depression and discharged from the hospital.From this case,we can realise that,under the situation of the epidemic,people are easily prone to insomnia,anxiety and even depression.As clinicians in general hospitals,especially when encountering large emergencies,we must carefully inquire about the patient's medical history while strengthening our understanding of psychiatric knowledge to improve the recognition rate for depression.
文摘Background: Diagnosis of Cushing’s Syndrome (CS) at the right time and with the right method is getting more important for the patients and clinicians due to high mortality rate. The most appropriate laboratory test will provide great benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness in the well-chosen group of patients. Selection of the high risk group is of crucial importance for the true diagnosis and treatment on time. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the worth of the midnight salivary cortisol and to establish other effective factors in the graduation of clinical suspect of CS. Material and Methods: 115 patients were evaluated in weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio, systolic, diastolic blood pressures, hirsutism, weight gain, purple-stria, plethore, buffalo-hump, supraclavicular fullness, temporal fat cushion, acnea, moonface, proximal muscle weakness, lower limb edema, ecchymosis, loss of libido, depression, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, allopecia of all patients were noted in the evaluation forms (23 findings). Patients were grouped according to clinical scores, low (16). Results: When we compare the groups in terms of midnight salivary cortisol, morning salivary cortisol after overnight dexamethasone suppression test, we found statistically significant relationship between the low and high clinical score groups, as well as between medium and high score groups (p: 0.0001). Urinary free cortisol was statistically significant only between low and high clinical score groups (p: 0.0001). Conclusion: This clinical scoring system which includes clinical signs and laboratory findings both, can be used for selection of the high risk group.
文摘Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health concern and cause of death globally including Kenya. HIV infection is characterised by CD4+ lymphocyte depletion manifested through the loss of the immune response capacity. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV infection and CD4+T cell counts among suspected tuberculosis (TB) cases seeking healthcare at TB clinics in Mombasa County, Kenya. Study Design: Hospital and laboratory based cross-sectional study was carried between May 2011 and November 2013 in Coast General Referral Hospital, Tudor, Port-Reitz, Mlaleo, Likoni and Mikandani districts and sub-districts hospitals. Methodology: A total of 500 suspected TB cases (271 males and 229 females) were screened for HIV infection using Trinity Biotech Uni-Gold<sup>TM</sup> test and positives confirmed with the enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay. CD4+ and CD8+T cells were analyzed using a BD FACS Count flow cytometer. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic data of the participants. Results: In total, 127 (25.4%) of the suspects were HIV infected 55.1% females and 44.9% males. Females were significantly affected than males (OR = 0.78;95% CI: 0.44 - 1.37;p = 0.042). The majority (36.2%) of the HIV cases were in the 25 - 34 years age group followed by the 35 - 44 (33.9%), 45 - 54 (16.5%) and 18 - 24 (7.1%) age groups, respectively. Widowed (AOR = 6.14;95% CI: 1.53 - 20.54;p < 0.033), alcohol (AOR = 2.83;95% CI: 1.71 - 4.87;p < 0.001) and condom use (AOR = 2.31;95% CI: 1.62 = 4.71;p < 0.002) were risk factors associated with HIV infection. The mean CD4 cell count was 333.27 ± 150.59 cells/mm3 and it was higher in males (343.05 ± 149.33 cells/mm3) than females (325.93 ± 152.92 cells). The mean values of white blood cells (5.9 ± 2.42) × 109/l), packed cell value (34.1% ± 4.3%), platelets (195.16 ± 88.7) × 109/l and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (102.0 ± 17.4 mm/hr) were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV infection among suspected TB cases was 25.4% which was higher than the current national average HIV prevalence of 6.9%. Lower CD4+ lymphocyte count was found to be the only predicting factor for HIV. There was a significant relationship between CD4/ESR and HIV infection.
文摘To date, not many studies have been conducted on criminal prediction. In this study, the criminal data related to city S is divided into a training data set and a validation data set at a 1:1 ratio in light of the personal tag data and the travel and accommodation data of criminals and ordinary people in city S. Firstly, the FP-growth algorithm is adopted to calculate association rules between the criminals and the ordinary people in their travel and hotel accommodation data, in order to discover criminal suspects based on association rules. Secondly, the DBSCAN algorithm is employed for clustering of the tag data of the criminals and the ordinary people, followed by similarity calculation, in order to discover criminal suspects based on tag clustering. Lastly, intersection operation is performed on the above two sets of criminal suspects, and the resulting intersection is verified against the criminal validation set for elimination of criminals who appear in the intersection so as to obtain final criminal suspects. Results show that a set of 648 criminal suspects is retrieved based on the association rules calculated by the FP-growth algorithm, while a set of 973 criminal suspects is retrieved based on DBSCAN clustering and cosine similarity of the personal tags;the number of criminal suspects is narrowed down to 567 after the intersection operation of the two sets, and 419 of the 567 criminal suspects are further verified to be criminals using the validation set, thereby leaving the other 148 to be the final criminal suspects and giving a prediction accuracy of 73.9%. The data mining method of criminal suspects based on association rules and tag clustering in this study has been successfully applied to the police system of city S, and the experiment proves the effectiveness of this method in detecting criminal suspects.
文摘Neurodegenerative diseases are caused by the loss of neuro- nal cells. As neurons deteriorate, a patient may experience relatively mild symptoms such as failing to name objects and people. However, with the progression of the disease, symp- toms worsen resulting in loss of independence and a sense of"loss of oneself". Finally, the patient dies from a variety of complications.