Impact of LDLR polymorphisms on lipid levels and atorvastatin's efficacy in a northern Chinese adult Han cohort with dyslipidemia.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia, a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), is influenced by genetic variations, particularly those in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of LDLR polymorphisms on baseline serum lipid levels and the therapeutic efficacy of atorvastatin in an adult Han population in northern China with dyslipidemia. METHODS: In this study, 255 Han Chinese adults receiving atorvastatin therapy were examined and followed up. The 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the LDLR gene was sequenced to identify polymorphisms. The associations between gene polymorphisms and serum lipid levels, as well as changes in lipid levels after intervention, were evaluated using the Wilcoxon rank sum test, with a P < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Assessment of linkage disequilibrium patterns and haplotype structures was conducted utilizing Haploview. RESULTS: Eleven distinct polymorphisms at LDLR 3' UTR were identified. Seven polymorphisms (rs1433099, rs14158, rs2738466, rs5742911, rs17249057, rs55971831, and rs568219285) were correlated with the baseline serum lipid levels (P < 0.05). In particular, four polymorphisms (rs14158, rs2738466, rs5742911, and rs17249057) were in strong linkage disequilibrium (r2 = 1), and patients with the AGGC haplotype had higher TC and LDL-C levels at baseline. Three polymorphisms (rs1433099, rs2738467, and rs7254521) were correlated with the therapeutic efficacy of atorvastatin (P < 0.05). Furthermore, carriers of the rs2738467 T allele demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels post-atorvastatin treatment (P = 0.03), indicating a potentially crucial genetic influence on therapeutic outcomes. Two polymorphisms (rs751672818 and rs566918949) were neither correlated with the baseline serum lipid levels nor atorvastatin's efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: This research outlined the complex genetic architecture surrounding LDLR 3' UTR polymorphisms and their role in lipid metabolism and the response to atorvastatin treatment in adult Han Chinese patients with dyslipidemia, highlighting the importance of genetic profiling in enhancing tailored therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, this investigation advocates for the integration of genetic testing into the management of dyslipidemia, paving the way for customized therapeutic approaches that could significantly improve patient care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This multicenter study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Xiangya Hospital Central South University (ethics number K22144). It was a general ethic. In addition, this study was approved by The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University (ethics number 20220418).

Validation and derivation of short-term prognostic risk score in acute decompensated heart failure in China.

BACKGROUND: Few prognostic risk scores (PRSs) have been routinely used in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We, therefore, externally validated three published PRSs (3A3B, AHEAD, and OPTIME-CHF) and derived a new PRS to predict the short-term prognosis in ADHF. METHODS: A total of 4550 patients from the Heb-ADHF registry in China were randomly divided into the derivation and validation cohorts (3:2). Discrimination of each PRS was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Logistic regression was exploited to select the predictors and create the new PRS. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was used to assess the calibration of the new PRS. RESULTS: The AUROCs of the 3A3B, AHEAD, and OPTIME-CHF score in the derivation cohort were 0.55 (95% CI 0.53-0.57), 0.54 (95% CI 0.53-0.56), and 0.56 (95% CI 0.54-0.57), respectively. After logistic regression analysis, the new PRS computed as 1 × (diastolic blood pressure < 80 mmHg) + 2 × (lymphocyte > 1.11 × 109/L) + 1 × (creatinine > 80 µmol/L) + 2 × (blood urea nitrogen > 21 mg/dL) + 1 × [BNP 500 to < 1500 pg/mL (NT-proBNP 2500 to < 7500 pg/mL)] or 3 × [BNP ≥ 1500 (NT-proBNP ≥ 7500) pg/mL] + 3 × (QRS fraction of electrocardiogram < 55%) + 4 × (ACEI/ARB not used) + 1 × (rhBNP used), with a better AUROC of 0.67 (95% CI 0.64-0.70) and a good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2 = 3.366, P = 0.186). The results in validation cohort verified these findings. CONCLUSIONS: The short-term prognostic values of 3A3B, AHEAD, and OPTIME-CHF score in ADHF patients were all poor, while the new PRS exhibited potential predictive ability. We demonstrated the QRS fraction of electrocardiogram as a novel predictor for the short-term outcomes of ADHF for the first time. Our findings might help to recognize high-risk ADHF patients.

Urine N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and plasma proenkephalin are promising biomarkers for early diagnosis of cardiorenal syndrome type 1 in acute decompensated heart failure: a prospective, double-center, observational study in real-world.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) show cardiorenal syndrome type 1 (CRS-1) are more likely to have a poor outcome. However, the current criteria often lead to delayed CRS-1 diagnosis. Therefore, we evaluated the predictive value of plasma proenkephalin (pPENK) and urine NT-proBNP (uNT-proBNP) for early diagnosis of CRS-1 and vulnerable-phase prognosis in ADHF patients. METHODS: The plasma NT-proBNP (pNT-proBNP), pPENK, and uNT-proBNP were measured in 121 ADHF patients on admission. The plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (pNGAL) was chosen as the reference. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of CRS-1. The area under the receiver operating curves (ROCs) was calculated to assess the early diagnostic value of pNGAL, pPENK, and uNT-proBNP/uCr for CRS-1. To evaluate the prognostic risk of factors for the 90-d outcomes of all ADHF patients, the Cox regression was performed and the cumulative risk curve was plotted. RESULTS: We found that pPENK [OR 1.093 (95% CI 1.022-1.169), p = 0.010; AUROC = 0.899 (95% CI 0.831-0.946)] and uNT-proBNP/uCr ratio [OR 1.015 (95% CI 1.003-1.028), p = 0.012; AUROC = 0.934 (95% CI 0.874-0.971)] could independently predict the occurrence of CRS-1 in hospitalized patients with ADHF. The pPENK [HR 1.014 (95% CI 1.000-1.042), p = 0.044] and uNT-proBNP/uCr ration [HR 0.998 (95% CI 0.997-1.000), p = 0.045] were also independent predictors of the risk of HF readmission or all-cause death 90 d after discharge in ADHF patients. CONCLUSIONS: The newly found pPENK and noninvasive test of uNT-proBNP/uCr ratio (pg/nmol) on admission may be two promising novel predictive biomarkers for early diagnosis of CRS-1 occurrence and vulnerable-phase outcomes in ADHF patients.

Changes in the activities of starch metabolism enzymes in rice grains in response to elevated CO2 concentration.

The global atmospheric CO(2) concentration is currently (2012) 393.1 µmol mol(-1), an increase of approximately 42 % over pre-industrial levels. In order to understand the responses of metabolic enzymes to elevated CO(2) concentrations, an experiment was conducted using the Free Air CO(2) Enrichment (FACE )system. Two conventional japonica rice varieties (Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica) grown in North China, Songjing 9 and Daohuaxiang 2, were used in this study. The activities of ADPG pyrophosphorylase, soluble and granule-bound starch synthases, and soluble and granule-bound starch branching enzymes were measured in rice grains, and the effects of elevated CO(2) on the amylose and protein contents of the grains were analyzed. The results showed that elevated CO(2) levels significantly increased the activity of ADPG pyrophosphorylase at day 8, 24, and 40 after flower, with maximum increases of 56.67 % for Songjing 9 and 21.31 % for Daohuaxiang 2. Similarly, the activities of starch synthesis enzymes increased significantly from the day 24 after flower to the day 40 after flower, with maximum increases of 36.81 % for Songjing 9 and 66.67 % for Daohuaxiang 2 in soluble starch synthase (SSS), and 25.00 % for Songjing 9 and 36.44 % for Daohuaxiang 2 in granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS), respectively. The elevated CO(2) concentration significantly increased the activity of soluble starch branching enzyme (SSBE) at day 16, 32, and 40 after flower, and also significantly increased the activity of granule-bound starch branching enzyme (GBSBE) at day 8, 32, and 40 after flower. The elevated CO(2) concentration increased the peak values of enzyme activity, and the timing of the activity peaks for SSS and GBSBE were earlier in Songjing 9 than in Daohuaxiang 2. There were obvious differences in developmental stages between the two varieties of rice, which indicated that the elevated CO(2) concentration increased enzyme activity expression and starch synthesis, affecting the final contents of starch and protein in the rice grains. Our results will provide a foundation for understanding the physiological mechanisms of rice yield under elevated atmospheric CO(2) concentrations.

Technical Notes and Clinical Outcomes of Full-Endoscopic Interbody Fusion Via Transforaminal Approach for Hard Disc Herniations in Thoracolumbar Junction.

OBJECTIVE: Obtaining sufficient decompression and solid fusion and avoiding approach-related injuries simultaneously are still challenging for the treatment of hard disc herniation in thoracolumbar junction. A combined full-endoscopic decompression and interbody fusion via a transforaminal approach was used to achieve this goal. The purpose of this study was to introduce the technical notes and clinical outcomes of this novel technique. METHODS: Twenty segments of hard disc herniations in the thoracolumbar junction of 14 patients treated with full-endoscopic interbody fusion via the transforaminal approach between January 2018 and September 2021 were analyzed. The patients were an average age of 43.3 years. Full-endoscopic interbody fusion and discectomy via the transforaminal approach were performed under local anesthesia, followed by percutaneous pedicle screw system fixation under general anesthesia. Imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and X-ray, was carried out. MRI was performed on the second day and 3 months postoperatively. CT was performed on the second day, 6 months, and 1 year (as needed) postoperatively. Back and radicular pain, neurological function, and thoracic spine function were scored using a visual analog scale, the Nurick scale, and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale, and the Oswestry disability index at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: All the operations were successfully completed, and no intraoperative conversion of the surgical methods occurred. Postoperative thoracolumbar junction MRI and CT examinations of all the patients revealed a sufficiently decompressed spinal cord or cauda equina, without any residual compression. At the 1-year follow-up, all the surgical segments were fused. Back and radicular pain was relieved in all the patients, and neurological function was restored. The average recovery rate of the mJOA was 72.5%, including seven excellent, five good, and two fair cases. Although dural tears occurred in two cases during the operation, no cerebrospinal fluid leakage or pseudomeningocele occurred during follow-up. No other surgical complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: A combined full-endoscopic decompression and interbody fusion via a transforaminal approach can achieve complete spinal canal decompression and solid interbody fusion with fewer approach-related injuries. It is a safe and effective minimally invasive spine surgery for treating hard disc herniation in the thoracolumbar junction.

Modified Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy Results in Improved Clinical Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and describe the clinical efficacy and safety of a modified unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy. METHODS: From February 2019 to February 2020, patients who met the inclusion criteria were treated using a modified unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy. During the operation, the herniated disc was removed and the ligamentum flavum was preserved. Clinical efficacy was assessed via postoperative imaging and follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients were followed up for more than 2 years, including 51 males and 19 females, aged 49.4 ± 16.0 years. All operations were completed and no complications were noted. Postoperative lumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed that the decompression of the nerve root was sufficient and the ligamentum flavum was preserved in all patients. Postoperative lumbar CT showed that the caudal lamina and inferior articular process of the cephalad vertebral were partially removed. Lower back and leg pain were significantly relieved after surgery, and the Oswestry Disability Index was significantly improved compared to presurgery measurements (P ＜ 0.01). After 2 years of follow-up, the sensory and muscle strength of nerve roots were significantly recovered (P ＜ 0.01). According to the MacNab score of the patients, 40 cases were defined as "excellent," 26 cases were "good," 2 cases were "fair," and 2 cases were "poor." CONCLUSIONS: Modified unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy can completely remove a lumbar herniated disc; relieve lower back and leg pain; improve lumbar function; reduce the risk of dural tearing, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and epidural hematoma; and reduce the epidural adhesion and arachnoiditis caused by ligamentum flavum resection.

A Novel Variant in the Desmoplakin Gene in One Case of the Rare Carvajal Syndrome with Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Carvajal syndrome is a rare hereditary cardiocutaneous syndrome caused by the variants of the desmoplakin (DSP) gene. In this study, we report a patient of Carvajal syndrome with a novel homozygous missense variant of DSP gene. We diagnosed a 7-year-old female patient with Carvajal syndrome characterized by dilated cardiomyopathy, palmoplantar keratoderma, woolly hair, and dental dysplasia, who disclosed a novel homozygous missense variant c.4597C > T (p.Q1533X) in exon 6 of the DSP gene found for the first time. Both her parents were heterozygous for the identified nonsense variant c.4597C > T (p.Q1533X) in DSP gene but neither showed evidence of Carvajal syndrome, indicating that this novel variant causes the disease in an autosomal recessive manner. Genotypes of Carvajal syndrome are even broader than so far anticipated. When patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, palmoplantar keratoderma, woolly hair, and dental dysplasia are found in clinical practice, Carvajal syndrome should be highly suspected, and family gene sequencing should be actively carried out.

Balancing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of interferon-α2b and human serum albumin fusion protein by proteolytic or reductive cleavage increases its in vivo therapeutic efficacy.

Human serum albumin (HSA) fusion (Albufusion) technology has evolved to be a general strategy to increase the in vivo half-lives of therapeutic proteins. However, because of the steric hindrance effect of HSA, conventional Albufusion technology improves the pharmacokinetics (PK) at the cost of pharmacodynamics (PD). To achieve balanced PK and PD of interferon-α2b (IFN-α2b) and HSA fusion protein, protease cleavage sites or disulfide linkage that enabled releasing of intact IFN-α2b with full activity was introduced between these two moieties. Nonreleasable and releasable fusion proteins showed similar cell surface receptor binding affinities; however, releasable fusion proteins exhibited release efficiency proportional increase of in vitro antiviral and antiproliferative activities. The release rate also had a profound impact on the in vivo pharmaceutical properties of fusion proteins. Releasable fusion proteins with intermediate release rate had the most balanced PK and PD, which translated into improved therapeutic efficacy in the HT29 human colon cancer xenograft model. Releasable Albufusion (rAlbufusion) allows tailored design of the PK/PD profile and greatly extends the utility of conventional Albufusion technology.

Prognostic risk scores for patients with heart failure.

Heart failure has many causes. Although new drugs, devices and technologies are available, the survival rate and prognosis of patients with heart failure remain poor, placing a significant burden on individuals and society. Attempts to improve outcomes for patients with heart failure include developing prognostic risk scores. With medical advances, however, previous heart failure risk scores are not fully applicable to current practice, particularly because of the classification as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This article describes the use of risk prediction scores for heart failure patients with different clinical status and discusses their clinical applicability.

Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion Versus Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion with a Tubular Retractor System: A Retrospective Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the safety and clinical efficacy of full-endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (FE-LIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). METHODS: A total of 70 patients with single-level lumbar degenerative diseases underwent FE-LIF or MIS-TLIF with a tubular retractor system from August 2018 to August 2020. Postoperatively, the efficacy and safety were compared using several clinical and radiological indices. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients underwent FE-LIF and 38 received MIS-TLIF with a tubular retractor system, and all patients had no apparent complications. The FE-LIF group had higher radiation exposure, longer operation time, and less bleeding than the MIS-TLIF group (P < 0.05). Postoperative lumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed that the nerve decompression was sufficient. The pain in the lower back and legs was significantly relieved, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score was greatly improved after surgery (P < 0.01) in both the groups. The sensory and motor functions of nerve roots were remarkably recovered in both the groups at the 1-year follow-up (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in MacNab scores between the 2 groups. As per Mannion's fusion classification, the interbody fusion rate was significantly better in the FE-LIF group than in the MIS-TLIF group. CONCLUSIONS: FE-LIF, which is safe, effective, and minimally invasive, exhibits the same clinical efficacy as MIS-TLIF but with longer operation time and increased radiation exposure.

Technical Notes of Full Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Anterior Expandable Cylindrical Fusion Cage: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes at 1-Year Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to introduce technical notes of full endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (FE-LIF) with an anterior expandable cylindrical fusion cage. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent FE-LIF with an anterior expandable cylindrical fusion cage through transforaminal or interlaminar approaches from August 2018 to April 2019. Patient demographics and operation-related complications were recorded. Clinical and radiologic outcomes were evaluated at 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients (34 segments) were included in this study. Among them, 14 received full endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and 18 received full endoscopic interlaminar lumbar interbody fusion. There were significant differences in interbody fusion indications between the 2 groups (P < 0.05). All operations were successfully completed without complications. Postoperative lumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed that nerve decompression was sufficient in all patients, and the visual analog scale scores of low back pain and leg pain, the Oswestry Disability Index scores, and sensory and muscle strength were significantly improved after surgery (P < 0.01). The MacNab score included 9 excellent ratings, 4 good ratings, and 1 fair rating in the full endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion group and included 10 excellent ratings and 8 good ratings in the full endoscopic interlaminar lumbar interbody fusion group; the scores were not significantly different between the 2 groups at 1 year after surgery (P > 0.05). Complete interbody fusion was achieved in both groups according to computed tomography at 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: FE-LIF is a safe and effective minimally invasive lumbar surgery with an anterior expandable cylindrical fusion cage.

Ultrasonic Osteotome Assisted Full-Endoscopic en Block Resection of Thoracic Ossified Ligamentum Flavum: Technical Note and 2 Years Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Conventional open laminectomy is considered to be the standard procedure for the treatment of thoracic ossified ligamentum flavum, but multi-segment thoracic laminectomy extensively removes the facet joints and ligamentous tissue, destroying the thoracic spine biomechanics and stability, may lead to delayed thoracic spine kyphosis deformities, which in turn can lead to potential neurological deterioration and local intractable pain. OBJECTIVE: To introduce the technical notes and clinical outcome of ultrasonic osteotome assisted full-endoscopic en block resection of thoracic ossified ligamentum flavum. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Hospital and outpatient surgery center. METHODS: From January 2017 to March 2018, 15 patients with 1 - 2 segment thoracic ossified ligamentum flavum were treated with ultrasonic osteotome assisted full-endoscopic en block resection of thoracic ossified ligamentum flavum under local anesthesia. The magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of the thoracic spine was reexamined after the operation to evaluate the completeness of ossified ligamentum flavum resection and spinal cord decompression. The patients were followed up on the visual analog scale of back pain and radicular pain, Nurick score and mJOA score of neurological function, and Oswestry Disability Index at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, one year, and 2 years after operation. RESULTS: All operations of 17 segments thoracic ossified ligamentum flavum in 15 patients were successfully completed without intraoperative conversion to open surgery. There were no intraoperative spinal cord injuries, dura tears, postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage, postoperative infections, and postoperative spinal cord injury aggravated symptoms. Postoperative thoracic spine magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography examinations of all patients showed that the spinal cord was fully decompressed without any residual pressure. Back pain and radicular pain were relieved significantly, and spinal cord function (Nurick, mJOA, and Oswestry Disability Index scores) was obviously restored. The mJOA recovery rate at the 2-year follow-up was 78.3% in average. LIMITATIONS: This is an observational cohort study with relative small sample and short-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonic assisted full-endoscopic en block resection of ossified ligamentum flavum is a safe and effective minimally invasive spine surgery for thoracic myelography caused by thoracic ossified ligamentum flavum.

Full-Endoscopic Oblique Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Technical Note With 1-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLLIF) is a minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion procedure using a bullet-shaped polyetheretherketone (PEEK) nonexpandable fusion cage modified to diminish risk to the exiting nerve root during posterolateral implantation through the Kambin safe zone under fluoroscopic guidance. The objective of this study was to present feasibility of this procedure and 1-year clinical outcome data. METHODS: The authors present a prospective cohort study of 20 patients who underwent fluoroscopy-guided and full-endoscopic OLLIF in 22 segments allowing protection of the exiting nerve root from January 2018 to March 2019. The foraminoplasty, discectomy, endplate preparation, placement of bone graft and insertion of the fusion cage was done under continuous full-endoscopic visualization. The OLLIF fusion was backed up with bilateral percutaneous posterior supplemental pedicle screw fixation. Primary clinical outcome measures were the visual analog scale (VAS) of low back and leg pain, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the operation. At final follow-up, the Macnab score was also evaluated. Secondary outcome measures were computed tomography (CT) assessment fusion using the Mannion classification of spinal fusion and adverse events related to the device as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of nerve root decompression. RESULTS: All patients had significant relief of low back pain and leg pain, by VAS and ODI scores that improved significantly (P < .01). There were no complications. Postoperative lumbar MRI of all patients showed sufficient direct nerve decompression. At 1-year follow-up, excellent Macnab outcomes were obtained 13 patients, good in six, and fair in one. Impaired sensation and muscle strength of the involved nerve root significantly recovered in all but 2 patients (P < .05). According to the Mannion CT-based classification of spinal fusion, CT showed complete interbody fusion achieved in all 22 segments. CONCLUSIONS: Full-endoscopic OLLIF is a safe, effective, minimally invasive, economical, practical, and widely applicable minimally invasive interbody fusion technique in the lumbar spine. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Predicting Disease-Free Survival With Multiparametric MRI-Derived Radiomic Signature in Cervical Cancer Patients Underwent CCRT.

Prognostic biomarkers that can reliably predict the disease-free survival (DFS) of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) are needed for identifying those patients at high risk for progression, who may benefit from a more aggressive treatment. In the present study, we aimed to construct a multiparametric MRI-derived radiomic signature for predicting DFS of LACC patients who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study recruited 263 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obetrics (FIGO) stage IB-IVA treated with CCRT for whom pretreatment MRI scans were performed. They were randomly divided into two groups: primary cohort (n = 178) and validation cohort (n = 85). The LASSO regression and Cox proportional hazard regression were conducted to construct the radiomic signature (RS). According to the cutoff of the RS value, patients were dichotomized into low- and high-risk groups. Pearson's correlation and Kaplan-Meier analysis were conducted to evaluate the association between the RS and DFS. The RS, the clinical model incorporating FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis by the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, and a combined model incorporating RS and clinical model were constructed to estimate DFS individually. RESULTS: The final radiomic signature consisted of four radiomic features: T2W_wavelet-LH_ glszm_Size Zone NonUniformity, ADC_wavelet-HL-first order_ Median, ADC_wavelet-HH-glrlm_Long Run Low Gray Level Emphasis, and ADC_wavelet _LL_gldm_Large Dependence High Gray Emphasis. Higher RS was significantly associated with worse DFS in the primary and validation cohorts (both p<0.001). The RS demonstrated better prognostic performance in predicting DFS than the clinical model in both cohorts (C-index, 0.736-0.758 for RS, and 0.603-0.649 for clinical model). However, the combined model showed no significant improvement (C-index, 0.648, 95% CI, 0.571-0.685). CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated that the multiparametric MRI-derived radiomic signature could be used as a non-invasive prognostic tool for predicting DFS in LACC patients.

[Imagings of coronary total occlusion using dual-source computed tomography].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the imaging characteristics of coronary arteries with total occlusion (TO) lesions shown by dual-source computed tomography CT (DSCT) coronary angiography. METHOD: The clinical data of patients who were diagnosed as coronary heart disease together with total occlusion lesions between March 2008 and March 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: In a cohort of 140 patients with 152 TO lesions, TO vessels in right coronary artery, left anterior descending artery, left circumflex coronary artery, or left main coronary artery were 68, 48, 20, and 1, respectively. Side branch TO were found in 15 vessels, in which 13 cases were found to be with TO in two coronary arteries. The length of TO was 5-58 mm, mean (16.8 ± 3.9) mm. TO lesions with a length ≥ 1 cm accounted for 91.4%. The appearance of stump in TO were abrupt occlusion (n=68) , blunt occlusion (n=64) , and mouse-tail occlusion (n=20) . Among all the TO lesions, 73% were soft plaque or mainly soft plaque together with minimal calcification. Mixed plaque and calcified plaque were less seen. Ten TO segments presented with dilated lumens were thrombogenesis. There were 25 TO segments angulated or tortuosity, which were most frequently shown in right coronary artery. DSCT only presented 3 TO with clear collateral vessels and no TO with bridge collateral vessels was shown. CONCLUSIONS: DSCT can provide most necessary information of coronary TO lesions. Therefore, it can be used to guide surgeries on TO lesions and improve the success rates of surgeries.

A Pilot Study of Full-Endoscopic Annulus Fibrosus Suture Following Lumbar Discectomy: Technique Notes and One-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: An annulus fissure or defect will inevitably be left on the posterior annulus fibrosus after almost all kinds of lumbar discectomy, which may lead to unsatisfying postoperative pain relief and recurrence of the disc herniation. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to introduce the technique of full-endoscopic annulus fibrosus suture following lumbar discectomy through the transforaminal or interlaminar approach, and to analyze the clinical outcome of full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy and annulus fibrosus suture. STUDY DESIGN: This study used a prospective cohort design. SETTING: The research was conducted in a hospital and outpatient surgery center. METHODS: A total of 50 patients with noncontained lumbar disc herniation treated with full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy and annulus fibrosus suture were treated in our department between January 2018 and November 2018. Full-endoscopic single-stitch suture via the transforaminal approach (Group T) or double-stitch suture via the interlaminar approach (Group I) was selected according to the level of lesion. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was reexamined on the second day and 3 months after operation to evaluate the completeness of the discectomy and the adequacy of nerve decompression. Patients were followed up on the second day, 3 months, 6 months, and one year after operation to evaluate the relief of low back pain and leg pain, using a visual analog scale (VAS, 100-point scale). At 3 months, 6 months, and one year after operation, the patients were followed up for recovery of lumbar spine function, using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). At the one-year follow-up, the MacNab score was used to evaluate the clinical outcome, and the recovery of nerve root function (sensation, muscle strength, and reflex) was recorded. RESULTS: All operations were successfully completed, including 27 cases in Group T and 23 cases in Group I. There were no surgical complications and no recurrence of lumbar disc herniation. Lumbar MRI reexaminations of all patients showed that the herniated disc was completely removed and the nerves were fully decompressed. Postoperative low back pain and leg pain were significantly relieved, and the ODI score was significantly improved (P < .01) in both groups. At the one-year follow-up, the excellent and good rates as measured by the MacNab score were 92.6% in Group T and 91.3% in Group I with no significant difference between the 2 groups (P > .05). The impaired sensation and muscle strength in the low extremities of evolved nerve root of the 2 groups of patients recovered significantly at the one-year follow-up (P < .01), but the tendon reflex did not recover significantly (P > .05). LIMITATIONS: This is an observational cohort study with relatively small sample sizes and short-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy and annulus fibrosus suture through either the transforaminal or interlaminar approach are safe and effective minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques that can reduce the recurrence rate of lumbar disc herniation after full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy.

Percutaneous Isthmus Foraminoplasty and Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Very Highly Upmigrated Lumbar Disc Herniation: Technique Notes and 2 Years Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVE: To report the technical notes and clinical outcome of percutaneous isthmus foraminoplasty and full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PIF-FELD) for the treatment of very highly upmigrated lumbar disc herniation (VHUM-LDH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2014 to December 2017, 16 patients with VHUM-LDH underwent PIF-FELD surgery. A 10-mm-diameter semi-open foraminoplasty was performed on the dorsal side of the upper intervertebral foramen with lateral isthmus resection by a safe trephine system, in which the facet joint was not injured. Full-endoscopic transforaminal fragmentectomy in the spinal canal and discectomy in the intervertebral space were performed simultaneously. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine was reexamined on the second day and 3 months after the operation to evaluate the completeness of the disc fragmentectomy and nerve decompression. The patients were followed up on the visual analog scale (VAS) of lumbar pain and leg pain and Oswestry Disability Index on the second day, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after operation. The MacNab score and nerve root function recovery were evaluated at 2 years postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: All operations were successfully completed without any change in the surgical method. During the operation, 5 patients were found to have a single sequestered fragment, and the remaining 11 patients had multiple sequestered fragments. There were no complications (e.g., dural tear and nerve injury) during the operation, and no complications (e.g., infection, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, exacerbation of nerve root function injury, and recurrence of intervertebral disc herniation) occurred. Postoperative reexamination of lumbar magnetic resonance imaging in all patients showed complete disc fragmentectomy and adequate nerve decompression. The postoperative low back pain VAS and leg pain VAS scores and Oswestry Disability Index on the second day, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after operation were significantly improved compared with preoperatively (P < 0.01). At 2 years follow-up, the sensation and muscular strength of the affected nerve root innervation area were significantly restored (P < 0.05), but tendon reflex function was not significantly restored (P > 0.05). At 2 years follow-up, MacNab scores included 6 excellent, 9 good, and 1 fair. CONCLUSIONS: PIF-FELD is a safe and effective minimally invasive spine surgery technique for VHUM-LDH.

[Analysis of the technical key points and clinical effect of full-endoscopic lumbar annulus fibrosus suture].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the technical key points of lumbar annulus fibrosus suture under full-endoscope and analyze the clinical efficacy of full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy and annulus fibrosus suture. METHODS: A total of 50 patients with non contained lumbar disc herniation treated with full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy and annulus fibrosus suture in our department between January 2018 and November 2018 were included. Full-endoscopic single-stitch suture through transforaminal approach or double-stitch suture through interlaminar approach was selected according to lesion level. The lumbar MRI and CT were reexamined on the second day and 3 months after surgery to evaluate the completeness of the discectomy and the adequacy of nerve decompression respectively. The patients were followed up on the second day, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery for pain relief using visual analogue scale (VAS, 100 -point scale). The patients were followed up at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively for the recovery of lumbar spine function using Oswestry Disability Index(ODI). At the 1-year follow-up, the Macnab standard of lumbar spine function was evaluated, and the recovery of nerve root function (sensory, muscular and reflex) was recorded. RESULTS: All operations were successfully completed, of which 27 patients were treated with transforaminal approach(including 8 cases of L3, 4 and 19 cases of L4, 5), and 23 patients(including 11 cases of L4, 5 and 12 cases of L5S1) with interlaminar approach. The average operation time was 43.2 minutes. There were no surgical complications and no recurrence of lumbar disc herniation. Postoperative lumbar MRI and CT examinations of all patients showed that the herniated disc was completely removed and the nerveswere fully decompressed. All patients had significant relief of low back pain and lower extremity radiation pain, and the ODI score improved significantly(P<0.01). At 1 year postoperative follow up, 17 patients got an excellent result, 29 good and 4 fair according to Macnab evaluation system. On the first year after surgery, the sense of damaged nerve roots and muscle strength were significantly restored (P<0.01), but tendon reflexes were not significantly restored (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy and annulus fibrosus suture are safe and effective techniques for minimally invasive spinal surgery, which can reduce the recurrence rate of lumbar disc herniation after full endoscopic lumbar discectomy.

Safety and Efficacy of the Metabolic Profiling of the BIMRT Utilizing 18F FDG PET-CT.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for patients with peritoneal metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 55 patients with peritoneal metastases were treated with 18F-FDG-PET/CT-guided IMRT (BIMRT) from January 2012 to January 2019. They were prescribed with a fraction of the median dose of 2 Gy to a total dose of 50.4 Gy. The multivariate analysis was used the Cox proportional hazard model and the Kaplan-Meier plot was used to perform local control rate (LCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) analysis. RESULTS: The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year LCR were 72.7%, 36.4%, and 9.1%, respectively; the 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year PFS were 69.1%, 30.9%, and 7.3%, respectively, and the median PFS time was 18 months. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS were 70.9%, 28.7%, and 4.2%, respectively. Based on the multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model, the Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score and radiotherapy joint chemotherapy (RJC) method were independent prognostic-related indicators (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: BIMRT may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with peritoneal metastases, especially for patients who cannot undergo surgery. In addition, the results indicated that the patient's KPS score and RJC method were independent prognostic-related indicators for patients survival time.

Complete plastome sequence of Ardisia bullata G. H. Huang & G. Hao, an endemic species in Hainan.

Ardisia bullata G. H. Huang & G. Hao is a small shrubs of Primulaceae. It is only distributed in Hainan provinces of China. It is a plant medicinal value. There is no study on the genome of A. bullata so far. Here, we report and characterize the complete plastid genome sequence of A. bullata in an order to provide genomic resources useful for promoting its conservation. The complete chloroplast genome of A. bullata is 160,176 bp in length with a typical quadripartite structure, consisting of a large single-copy region (LSC, 89,710 bp), a single-copy region (SSC, 18,357 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs, 26,054 bp). There are 133 genes annotated, including 83 unique protein-coding genes, eight unique ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The overall G/C content in the plastome of A. bullata is 36.0%. The complete plastome sequence of A. bullata will provide a useful resource for the conservation genetics of this species as well as for phylogenetic studies in Apocynaceae.