Preinterventional pan-immune-inflammation value as a tool to predict postcontrast acute kidney injury among acute coronary syndrome patients implanted drug-eluting stents: a retrospective observational study.

We evaluated the value of pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) in predicting the risk for postcontrast acute kidney injury (PCAKI), an important complication following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Medical records of 839 ACS patients underwent PCI between June 2019 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: PCAKI (-) and PCAKI (+). PCAKI was defined as a ≥ 0.5 mg/dL and/or a ≥ 25% increase in serum creatinine within 72 h after PCI. The PIV was computed as [neutrophils × platelets × monocytes]÷lymphocytes. The mean age was 60.7 ± 12.9 years. PCAKI was detected in 105 (12.51%) patients. PIV was higher in the PCAKI (+) group compared to PCAKI (-) group (median 1150, interquartile range [IQR] 663-2021 vs median 366, IQR 238-527, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the best cutoff of PIV for predicting PCAKI was 576 with 81% sensitivity and 80% specificity. PIV was superior to neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio for the prediction of PCAKI (area under curve:0.894, 0.849 and 0.817, respectively, p < 0.001 for all). A high PIV was independently correlated with PCAKI (≤576 vs. >576, odds ratio [OR] 12.484, 95%confidence interval [CI] 4.853-32.118, p < 0.001) together with older age (OR 1.058, p = 0.009), female gender (OR 4.374, p = 0.005), active smoking (OR 0.193, p = 0.012), left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 0.954, p = 0.021), creatinine (OR 10.120, p < 0.001), hemoglobin (OR 0.759, p = 0.019) and c-reactive protein (OR 1.121, p = 0.002). In conclusion, a high PIV seems to be an easily assessable tool that can be used in clinical practice for predicting the risk of PCAKI in ACS patients implanted drug-eluting stents.

Low sCD163/TWEAK Ratio at First Day After Acute Myocardial Infarction Associated with Adverse Cardiac Remodeling in Non-Elderly Patients.

Aim    In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of sCD163 / tumor necrosis factor-like weak apoptosis-inducing (TWEAK) ratio in cardiac remodeling in non-elderly patients diagnosed with first acute myocardial infarction (MI).Material and Methods    Forty-four patients (age ranges: 40-64 years) diagnosed with first-time acute ST-elevation MI in the emergency department were evaluated with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Adverse remodeling (AR) was defined the increases of left ventricular end-diastolic volume by ≥12 % by CMR at 6­month post-MI TWEAK and sCD163 were measured at the first day (baseline), 2 weeks and 6 weeks post-MI.Results    The average age of patients included in the study was 53.6±5.1 years. AR was detected in 18 patients at the 6 months post-MI. At the first day post-MI, median sCD163 concentration (116 069 vs 86 394 pg / mL, p=0.040) and median TWEAK concentration (759.4 vs 220.1 pg / mL, p<0.001) were higher in AR group compared to group without AR (the non-AR group), median sCD163 / TWEAK ratio (101.4 vs. 406.8; p<0.001) was lower. At the first day post-MI, concentrations of TWEAK and sCD163 showed a positive correlation in AR group and group without AR s. At 2 weeks post-MI, positive correlation continued in the non-AR group, but no significant correlation was found in the AR group. At the first day post-MI, sCD163 / TWEAK ratio was higher diagnostic performance compared to TWEAK and sCD163.Conclusion    In the early phase post-MI, the relationship between sCD163 - TWEAK may have an important role in AR pathogenesis. A lower sCD163 / TWEAK ratio on the first day after MI was associated with an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume after 6 months of follow-up.

A novel marker for predicting severity of acute pulmonary embolism: systemic immune-inflammation index.

BACKGROUND: Systemic pro-coagulatory and pro-inflammatory factors are critical factors in acute pulmonary embolism (APE). Recently the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has emerged as a new inflammatory and prognostic marker. We aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between SII and the severity of the APE. Methods. A total of 442 patients with APE, 202 women (45.7%) with an average age of 64 ± 16, were included in this retrospective observational study. APE severity was classified as massive (high risk), submassive (intermediate risk), and nonmassive (low risk). On admission, blood samples were collected for SII and other laboratory measurements. The SII was defined as platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte counts. Results. SII levels were higher in patients with massive APE and gradually increased from nonmassive to massive APE (p < .001). SII was also significantly higher in patients with in-hospital death. Multivariable analysis showed that SII was an independent predictor for massive APE (Odds ratio 1.005 (95% CI 1.002-1.007), p < .001), together with C-reactive protein and cardiac troponin. In the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal cutoff value of SII to predict a massive APE was 1161, with 91% sensitivity and 90% specificity (area under the curve: 0.957). Conclusion. Our findings support an association between a higher SII level and a massive APE. As a simple biomarker, SII is an independent predictor of more severe disease in patients with APE. SII is a more powerful tool than traditional inflammatory markers for predicting the severity of disease in these patients.

Prognostic Nutritional Index Predicts Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) previously known as contrast-induced nephropathy is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is a simple index comprised of serum albumin level and lymphocyte count which reflects the immunonutritional-inflammatory status. Recently, clinical studies have shown associations between the PNI and clinical outcomes in several cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the possible utilization of the PNI to predict the development of CA-AKI after primary PCI. METHODS: We retrospectively included 836 patients (mean age 58 ± 12 years, 76% men) with STEMI treated with primary PCI. The PNI was calculated as 10 × serum albumin (g/dL) + 0.005 × total lymphocyte count (per mm3). The patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not CA-AKI developed. RESULTS: The overall incidence of CA-AKI was 9.4%. Compared to the patients without CA-AKI, those with CA-AKI had a significantly lower PNI value (40.7 ± 3.7 vs. 35.2 ± 4.9; p < 0.001). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value of the PNI to predict CA-AKI was 38, with 82% sensitivity and 70% specificity (area under the curve 0.836, p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, PNI < 38, body mass index and creatinine were independently associated with CA-AKI (odds ratio 11.275, 95% confidence interval 3.596-35.351; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The PNI was inversely and significantly associated with the development of CA-AKI in acute STEMI. Assessing PNI at admission may be useful for early risk stratification of STEMI patients.

Relationship Between Prodromal Angina Pectoris and Neutrophil-to Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients With ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between prodromal angina (PA) with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: The study group included 145 patients with STEMI who underwent emergency coronary angiography (CA) within 24hours of symptom onset. Data were collected regarding whether patients had experienced PA before acute myocardial infarction. Seventy-three (73) patients (50.3%) had prodromal angina. Prodromal angina positive and negative groups were compared for demographic characteristics, complete blood count parameters including NLR, blood biochemistry parameters and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). RESULTS: Neutrophil count, NLR, and troponin I levels were significantly higher in the PA negative group. LVEF after reperfusion and lymphocyte count were lower in the PA negative group. In multivariate regression analysis, NLR (ß=-0.419, p<0.001) and LVEF (ß=0.418, p<0.001) were found to be significantly associated with the presence of PA in STEMI patients. CONCLUSIONS: Absence of PA was significantly and independently associated with increased NLR and impaired LVEF after reperfusion, and increased NLR was found as a significant predictor for both lack of PA and impaired LVEF in STEMI patients.

Serum Sphingosine 1 Phosphate Levels in Patients with and without Coronary Collateral Circulation.

BACKGROUND: Sphingosine 1 phosphate, an active sphingolipid metabolite, functions in both healthy and diseased cardiovascular systems. It has been reported to play a role in angiogenesis and arteriogenesis in various tissues, which are the proposed mechanisms for the development of coronary collateral circulation. To the best of our knowledge, no data exist regarding serum sphingosine 1 phosphate levels and the presence of coronary collateral circulation in the literature. Thus this study aimed to investigate serum sphingosine 1 phosphate levels in patients with and without coronary collateral circulation. METHODS: A total of 140 patients were included (70 with coronary collateral circulation and 70 with normal coronary arteries and stable coronary artery disease without collaterals). Rentrop collateral grade and the number of coronary arteries with collateral circulation were recorded. RESULTS: Serum sphingosine 1 phosphate levels were higher in the collateral group than in the control group [186.6 (142.3-243.5) µg/l vs. 128.5 (105.0-161.6) µg/l, p < 0.001]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of multivessel disease, high serum sphingosine 1 phosphate levels and previous history of P2Y12 use were independent predictors of coronary collateral circulation. Median sphingosine 1 phosphate levels in different Rentrop grades in the collateral group were similar, and there was no significant difference in median serum sphingosine 1 phosphate level with a higher number of coronary arteries with collateral circulation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated higher levels of sphingosine 1 phosphate in the patients with coronary collateral circulation.

Association of thiol disulfide homeostasis with slow coronary flow.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the role of thiol disulfide homeostasis in the presence of slow coronary flow. Material and methods In this cross-sectional study, a total of 110 patients who admitted to our hospital between March 2014 and December 2015 were included in the study. There were 65 patients in the slow coronary flow, and 45 patients in the normal flow groups. Results We found significant differences between slow coronary flow and the normal flow groups for thiol disulfide homeostasis, and the results of our study indicated that hsCRP, and thiol disulfide ratio were independently associated with slow coronary flow. Conclusion Our study showed that thiol disulfide homeostasis was significantly and independently related to the presence of slow coronary flow.

Functional independence measure scores of patients with hemiplegia followed up at home and in university hospitals.

[Purpose] Our purpose was to create awareness among of social rehabilitation at the university and in local governments, to identify gaps in social rehabilitation, and to increase the effectiveness of social rehabilitation. [Subjects and Methods] This study included stroke patients undergoing physical rehabilitation from the stroke outpatient clinic (43 patients) and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Home Care Service (101 patients); face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect patient information regarding nutritional status. In addition, baseline functional independence measure (FIM) scores at baseline and during three months of follow-up were also compared. [Results] The average FIM motor scores at three months did not differ significantly between the home and hospital treatment groups. However, there were significant differences in baseline FIM motor and cognitive scores and three-month follow-up scores as well as average FIM total baseline scores between groups. In addition, month-to-month analysis of changes in FIM values between the two groups also revealed significant differences. [Conclusion] The results of our study were concordant with those of previous studies of stroke patients receiving rehabilitation, in demonstrating improved patient functional and cognitive capacity.

Clinical features and outcomes of orthopaedic injuries after the kahramanmaras earthquake: a retrospective study from a hospital located in the affected region.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective, single-institutional study was to report the clinical features and outcomes of orthopaedic injuries after the Kahramanmaras earthquake. METHODS: An institutional database review was conducted to evaluate the results of patients who applied to our hospital's emergency department after the Kahramanmaras earthquake. Trauma patients referred to orthopaedics and traumatology were identified. Patient records were checked for injury type, fracture site, treatment type (conservative or surgical), surgical technique, and outcome. Diagnosis with crush syndrome and the need for haemodialysis were also noted. Bedside fasciotomy was undertaken based on the urgency of the patient's condition, number of patients and the availability of the operating theatre. A team consisting of a trauma surgeon, a plastic surgeon, a board-certified physician in infectious disease, a reanimation specialist, a general surgeon and a nephrologist followed up with the patients. RESULTS: Within the first 7 days following the earthquake, 265 patients were admitted to the emergency department, and 112 (42.2%) of them were referred to orthopaedics and traumatology. There were 32 (28.5%) patients diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome. Fasciotomy was performed on 43 extremities of 32 patients. Of these extremities, 5 (11.6%) were upper and 38 (88.4%) were lower extremities.The surgeries of 16 (50%) of the patients who underwent fasciotomy were performed in the emergency department. There was no significant difference in terms of complications and outcomes between performing the fasciotomy at the bedside or in the operating theatre (p = 0.456). CONCLUSIONS: Fasciotomy appears to be a crucial surgical procedure for the care of earthquake causalities. Fasciotomy can be safely performed as a bedside procedure based on the urgency of the patient's condition as well as the availability of the operating theatre.

Turkish Real Life Atrial Fibrillation in Clinical Practice: TRAFFIC Study.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, ischemic stroke, impaired quality of life, and mortality. The latest research that shows the prevalence and incidence of AF patients in Türkiye was the Turkish Adults' Heart Disease and Risk Factors study, which included 3,450 patients and collected data until 2006/07.The Turkish Real Life Atrial Fibrillation in Clinical Practice (TRAFFIC) study is planned to present current prevalence data, reveal the reflection of new treatment and risk approaches in our country, and develop new prediction models in terms of outcomes. METHODS: The TRAFFIC study is a national, prospective, multicenter, observational registry. The study aims to collect data from at least 1900 patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, with the participation of 40 centers from Türkiye. The following data will be collected from patients: baseline demographic characteristics, medical history, vital signs, symptoms of AF, ECG and echocardiographic findings, CHADS2-VASC2 and HAS-BLED (1-year risk of major bleeding) risk scores, interventional treatments, antithrombotic and antiarrhythmic medications, or other medications used by the patients. For patients who use warfarin, international normalized ratio levels will be monitored. Follow-up data will be collected at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Primary endpoints are defined as systemic embolism or major safety endpoints (major bleeding, clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, and minor bleeding as defined by the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis). The main secondary endpoints include major adverse cardiovascular events (systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death), all-cause mortality, and hospitalizations due to all causes or specific reasons. RESULTS: The results of the 12-month follow-up of the study are planned to be shared by the end of 2023. CONCLUSION: The TRAFFIC study will reveal the prevalence and incidence, demographic characteristics, and risk profiles of AF patients in Türkiye. Additionally, it will provide insights into how current treatments are reflected in this population. Furthermore, risk prediction modeling and risk scoring can be conducted for patients with AF.

Fluoroscopy guided without contrast injection for ganglion impar blockade in traumatic coccydynia: Description a modified approach and 1-year results.

BACKGROUND: This study presents a new fluoroscopy-controlled approach in patients with chronic traumatic coccydynia by applying ganglion impar block using the needle-inside-needle technique from the intercoccygeal region without the administration of contrast material. With this approach, the cost and possible side effects of using contrast material can be prevented. In addition, we examined the long-term effect of this method. METHODS: The study was designed retrospectively. The marked area was entered with a 21-gauge needle syringe, and 3 cc of 2% lidocaine was administered subcutaneously by local infiltration. A 25-gauge 90 mm spinal needle was inserted into the guide 21-gauge 50 mm needle tip. The location of the needle tip was controlled under fluoroscopy, and 2 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine and 1 mL of be-tamethasone acetate were mixed and administered. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients with chronic traumatic coccydinia participated in the study between 2018 and 2020. The average procedure time was approximately 3.19 min. The mean time of pain relief of more than 50% was 1.25±1.22 (1st min-72 h) min. The mean Numerical pain rating scale scores were 2.38±2.26 at 1 h, 2.50±2.30 at 6 h, 2.50±2.21 at 24 h, 3.73±2.20 at 1 month, 4.46±2.14 at 6 months 1 and 5.23±2.52 at 1 year. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that as an alternative in patients with chronic traumatic coccydynia, the long-term results of the needle-inside-needle method from the intercoccygeal region without contrast material are safe and feasible.

Hospital crisis management after a disaster: from the epicenter of 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquake.

BACKGROUND: In such cases where sudden destruction and injury are very high, search and rescue teams and hospitals can be the most important determining factors between people's lives and deaths. METHODS: This study was conducted retrospectively, after the two catastrophic earthquakes (Türkiye-Syria Earthquakes) by taking the records of the patients who admitted to our hospital. Patients' admission times, diagnoses, demographic data, triage codes, medical interventions, hemodialysis needs, crush syndrome and mortality rates were analyzed. RESULTS: In the first 5 days after the earthquake, 247 earthquake-related patients were admitted to our hospital. The most intense period of admission to the emergency department was the first 24 h. The most intensive period of surgical procedures was 24-48 h. It was observed that Orthopedic surgical procedures were applied most frequently and the most common cause of mortality was crush syndrome. CONCLUSION: In terms of preparations for earthquakes, especially in hospitals in the earthquake zone it will be beneficial for each hospital to make hospital disaster plans. For this reason, we thought it would be useful to share our experiences during this disaster.

Calcaneus as a Rare Location of Solitary Osteochondromas: Two Case Reports.

Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumors, with an incidence of 36% to 41% among benign bone tumors. They can be caused by genetics, trauma, and growth defects. The incidence of all osteochondromas in the hands and feet is approximately 10%, and they are extremely rare in the calcaneus. They generally arise from the metaphysis and metaphyseal-diaphyseal region of the long bones. Osteochondromas, which are generally painless, are noted with signs of inflammation in the bursa, vascular and nerve compression, pain caused by joint deterioration, swelling in the subcutaneous tissue, or gait disturbance. The incidence of malignant transformation of solitary osteochondromas is 1%. We present two cases, an 11-year-old male patient and a 32-year-old male patient, diagnosed with osteochondroma in the calcaneus.

Balloon Shaft Fracture: A Nightmare Scenario in the Setting of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

These images illustrate an attempt to pull back the balloon of an implanted proximal stent swiftly (before it was completely deflated) just following unplanned disengagement of the guiding catheter from the right coronary ostium. This maneuver resulted in abrupt balloon shaft fracture (outside the guiding catheter), leading to a freely swinging shaft appearance in the descending aorta. Unfortunately, several attempts to retrieve the swinging fragment of the shaft failed. Moreover, intracoronary snare technique in an effort to grasp the distal portion of the shaft also failed. Finally, the shaft fragment was surgically removed along with a bypass graft operation for the severely stenotic circumflex artery.

Impact of chronic total occlusion in a non-infarct-related coronary artery on contrast-associated nephropathy in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: Co-existing chronic total occlusion (CTO) in a non-infarct-related artery (IRA) might serve as an important trigger of adverse outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Therefore, we planned to analyse the potential impact of non-IRA CTO on the evolution of contrast-associated nephropathy (CAN) in STEMI patients managed with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (P-PCI). METHODS: A total of 537 subjects with STEMI undergoing P-PCI during the first 12 h after the onset of their symptoms were enrolled in this retrospective study. The subjects were categorised based on the angiographic presence of non-IRA CTO. Moreover, the subjects were also divided into 2 groups based on their CAN status following P-PCI (CAN (+) and CAN (-)). RESULTS: Co-existing non-IRA CTO was demonstrated in 86 subjects (16%). During the hospitalisation period, we identified 81 (15.1%) subjects with CAN. Subjects with non-IRA CTO had a significantly higher incidence of CAN compared with those without (56 [12.4%] vs 25 [29.1%], respectively, p < 0.001). In a logistic regression analysis, an existing non-IRA CTO (odds ratio: 2.840, 95%CI: 1.451-5.558, p = 0.002), as well as age, haemoglobin, diabetes mellitus, creatinine, and white blood cell count, were independent of predictors of CAN. CONCLUSION: In STEMI patients managed with P-PCI, a co-existing non-IRA CTO had an independent association with the evolution of CAN.

A Stent Misplaced in the Septal Perforating Artery: Right Ventricular Fistula, Interventricular Septal Hematoma, and Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction. / Um Stent Mal Colocado na Artéria Septal Perfurante: Fístula Ventricular Direita, Hematoma do Septo Interventricular e Obstrução da Via de Saída do Ventrículo Direito.

Coronary-cameral fistulas, though mostly regarded as congenital entities, have also been encountered as complications of major traumas and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs).1 On the other hand, interventricular septal (IVS) hematoma might potentially arise mostly during retrograde chronic total occlusion (CTO) interventions and has a benign course in this context.2 Herein, we describe a challenging PCI complication (and its management strategy) presenting with IVS hematoma, right ventricular fistula, and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction due to a misimplanted coronary stent in the septal perforating artery (SPA).

As fístulas coronário-camerais, embora consideradas em sua maioria como entidades congênitas, também têm sido encontradas como complicações de grandes traumas e intervenções coronárias percutâneas (ICPs).1 Por outro lado, o hematoma do septo interventricular (SIV) pode potencialmente surgir principalmente durante intervenções de oclusão total crônica retrógrada (OTC) e tem um curso benigno nesse contexto.2 Aqui, descrevemos uma complicação desafiadora da ICP (e sua estratégia de manejo) apresentando hematoma do SIV, fístula ventricular direita e obstrução da via de saída do ventrículo direito (VSVD) devido a um stent coronário mal implantado na artéria septal perfurante (ASP).

The effect of comorbid factors and amputation level on mortality in geriatric patients with diabetic foot.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors that influenced one-year and five-year mortality and to compare major and minor amputations in diabetic patients with comorbidities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 2008 and November 2014, a total of 201 type 2 diabetic foot patients (147 males, 54 females; median age: 65.99 years; range, 50 to 92 years) who underwent amputation were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to their initial amputation level: Group 1 (n=100), minor amputation group, which included the distal region of the ankle joint and Group 2 (n=101), major amputation group, which included trans-tibial amputation, trans-femoral amputation and hip disarticulation. Clinical data including patients' demographic features, re-amputation degree, length of hospitalization, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, comorbidities, blood parameters, and survival rates were recorded. RESULTS: The regression analysis of one-year mortality found that the presence of cerebrovascular disease increased death by 2.463 times (p=0.002). Minor amputation increased mortality by 2.284 (p=0.006), and each unit increase in patient age increased mortality by 1.05 (p=0.008). Chronic renal failure increased death by 3.164 times (p<0.001) in the five-year mortality regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Minor amputations have an effect on one-year mortality, as do cerebrovascular disease and age. On the other hand, chronic renal failure has a negative impact on five-year mortality. Minor amputations may have a detrimental effect on mortality due to the ongoing progression of diabetic foot disease and the involvement of comorbidities. Comorbidities associated with amputations of the diabetic foot have a significant impact on mortality.

Integrating the Left Atrium Diameter to Improve the Predictive Ability of the Age, Creatinine, and Ejection Fraction Score for Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Cryoballoon Ablation.

BACKGROUND: Several clinical trials have assessed predictors for atrial fibrillation recurrence following cryoballoon catheter ablation. With these predictors, a practical and new scoring system can be developed to evaluate atrial fibrillation recurrence. The present study aimed to analyze the predictive value of the age, creatinine, and ejection fraction-left atrium score for potential recurrence of atrial fibrillation following cryoballoon catheter ablation in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed records of patients undergoing cryoballoon cath-eter ablation. atrial fibrillation recurrence was defined as an emerging atrial fibrillation episode around 12-month follow-up (with the exclusion of a 3-month blanking period). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence. In addition, receiver operating characteristic analysis was harnessed to evaluate the performance of the age, creatinine, and ejection fraction, left atrium score in determining the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence. RESULTS: The study population comprised 106 subjects (age 52 ± 13 years, 63.2% women) with paroxysmal (84.9%, n = 90) or persistent (15.1%, n = 16) atrial fibrillation. age, creatinine, and ejection fraction, left atrium score was significantly higher in subjects with atrial fibrillation recurrence in comparison to those with the maintenance of sinus rhythm. However, on multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the age, creatinine, and ejection fraction, left atrium score (OR = 12.93, 95% CI: 2.22-75.21, P =.004) served as an independent predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence following cryoballoon catheter ablation. CONCLUSION: Age, creatinine, and ejection fraction, left atrium score had an independent association with the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence in subjects with atrial fibrillation undergoing cryoballoon catheter ablation. Therefore, this score might potentially serve as a useful tool for risk stratification of patients with atrial fibrillation.

Experience with high-risk human papillomavirus testing on vaginal brush-based self-samples of non-attendees of the cervical screening program.

We evaluated the effect of offering brush-based vaginal self-sampling for high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing to non-attendees of the cervical screening program on response rate, compliance to follow-up and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 (CIN2+/CIN3+) yield. In addition, concordance of hrHPV test results between physician-taken cervical scrapes and vaginal self-samples was determined. A total of 26,409 nonattending women were randomly assigned to receive a vaginal brush device for hrHPV testing by Hybrid Capture-2 method (i.e., self-sampling group, n = 26,145) or a reinvitation for regular cytology-based screening (i.e., recall control group, n = 264). hrHPV-positive self-sampling responders were invited for a physician-taken scrape for cytology and blinded hrHPV testing. If cytology was abnormal, women were referred for colposcopy. Response rate in the self-sampling group was significantly increased compared to the recall control group (30.8% versus 6.5%; p < 0.001). The concordance rate between hrHPV detection in self-samples and corresponding physician-taken cervical scrape samples was 68.8%. Amongst women with CIN3+ and CIN2+, the concordance rates in hrHPV positivity between both samples were 95.5% and 93.8%, respectively. Adherence at baseline to cytology triage of hrHPV-positive self-sampling women (89.1%) and colposcopy referral of those with abnormal cytology (95.8%) was high. The CIN2+/CIN3+/carcinoma yields were 1.5%, 1.0% and 0.1%, respectively, in self-sampling responders. In conclusion, offering hrHPV testing on self-sampled vaginal material with a brush device to non-attendees significantly increases the attendance to the regular screening program, yields hrHPV test results that are in very good concordance with those of physician-taken scrapes in women with CIN2+/CIN3+, and is effective in detecting CIN2+/CIN3+.

Prediction of MHC class I binding peptides with a new feature encoding technique.

The recognition of specific peptides, bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, is of particular importance to the robust identification of T-cell epitopes and thus the successful design of protein-based vaccines. Here, we present a new feature amino acid encoding technique termed OEDICHO to predict MHC class I/peptide complexes. In the proposed method, we have combined orthonormal encoding (OE) and the binary representation of selected 10 best physicochemical properties of amino acids derived from Amino Acid Index Database (AAindex). We also have compared our method to current feature encoding techniques. The tests have been carried out on comparatively large Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-A and HLA-B allele peptide binding datasets. Empirical results show that our amino acid encoding scheme leads to better classification performance on a standalone classifier.