Multitask deep learning on mammography to predict extensive intraductal component in invasive breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a multitask deep learning (DL) algorithm to automatically classify mammography imaging findings and predict the existence of extensive intraductal component (EIC) in invasive breast cancer. METHODS: Mammograms with invasive breast cancers from 2010 to 2019 were downloaded for two radiologists performing image segmentation and imaging findings annotation. Images were randomly split into training, validation, and test datasets. A multitask approach was performed on the EfficientNet-B0 neural network mainly to predict EIC and classify imaging findings. Three more models were trained for comparison, including a single-task model (predicting EIC), a two-task model (predicting EIC and cell receptor status), and a three-task model (combining the abovementioned tasks). Additionally, these models were trained in a subgroup of invasive ductal carcinoma. The DeLong test was used to examine the difference in model performance. RESULTS: This study enrolled 1459 breast cancers on 3076 images. The EIC-positive rate was 29.0%. The three-task model was the best DL model with an area under the curve (AUC) of EIC prediction of 0.758 and 0.775 at the image and breast (patient) levels, respectively. Mass was the most accurately classified imaging finding (AUC = 0.915), followed by calcifications and mass with calcifications (AUC = 0.878 and 0.824, respectively). Cell receptor status prediction was less accurate (AUC = 0.625-0.653). The multitask approach improves the model training compared to the single-task model, but without significant effects. CONCLUSIONS: A mammography-based multitask DL model can perform simultaneous imaging finding classification and EIC prediction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The study results demonstrated the potential of deep learning to extract more information from mammography for clinical decision-making. KEY POINTS: • Extensive intraductal component (EIC) is an independent risk factor of local tumor recurrence after breast-conserving surgery. • A mammography-based deep learning model was trained to predict extensive intraductal component close to radiologists' reading. • The developed multitask deep learning model could perform simultaneous imaging finding classification and extensive intraductal component prediction.

Exacerbated gastrointestinal symptoms and long COVID in IBD patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: A multi-center study from taiwan.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Limited studies have addressed the exacerbation of symptoms and long COVID in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients following non-severe COVID-19 infection, particularly with post-COVID-19 vaccination. We aim to investigate factors associated with exacerbated gastrointestinal symptoms (EGS) and long COVID in IBD patients with non-severe COVID-19, which is most common situation in daily practice. METHODS: This is an observational study by multiple centers in Taiwan from May 2020 to March 2023. We collected clinical manifestation, data, and medication information from IBD patients with non-severe COVID-19. EGS was defined as increased frequency of diarrhea, bloody stool, and abdomen pain within 14 days after SARS-COV-2 infection. Long COVID was defined following the guidelines of the World Health Organization. RESULTS: Out of 90 patients, most of them (88.9%) received at least standard two doses of COVID-19 vaccination and the majority (87.8%) were mild diseases of COVID-19.30% of patients experienced EGS during COVID-19 with higher ESR levels serving as a predictive factor (Odds ratio: 3.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-10.5, P = 0.02). 38.1% of those patients developed long COVID. The patients who experienced EGS during COVID-19 and with a history of longer IBD duration showed a significant association with long COVID (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that EGS and long COVID occurred in one third of IBD patients with non-severe COVID-19, even though most of them had received the standard plus booster vaccination. We identified associated factors for EGS and long COVID, emphasizing the importance of post-COVID-19 follow-up in IBD patients.

Characteristics of and Outcomes After Dialysis-Treated Acute Kidney Injury, 2009-2018: A Taiwanese Multicenter Study.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Dialysis-treated acute kidney injury (AKI) is increasingly common in intensive care units (ICUs) and is associated with poor outcomes. Few studies have explored the temporal trends in severity of acute illness at dialysis initiation, indications for dialysis, and their association with patient outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 9,535 adult patients admitted to the ICU who received their first dialysis treatment from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital system in Taiwan from 2009 through 2018. EXPOSURE: Calendar year. OUTCOMES: ICU mortality and dialysis treatment at discharge among hospital survivors. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: The temporal trends during the study period were investigated using test statistics suited for continuous or categorical data. The association between the study year and the risk of mortality was analyzed using multivariable Cox regression with adjustment for relevant clinical variables, including the severity of acute illness, defined by Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. RESULTS: The mean SOFA score at dialysis initiation decreased slightly from 14.0 in 2009 to 13.6 in 2018. There was no significant trend in the number of indications for dialysis initiation that were fulfilled over time. Observed ICU mortality decreased over time, and the curve appeared to be reverse J-shaped, with a substantial decrease from 56.1% in 2009 to 46.3% in 2015 and a slight increase afterward. The risk of mortality was significantly reduced from 2013 to 2018 compared with 2009 in adjusted models. The decreasing trend in ICU mortality over time remained significant. There was an increase in dialysis treatment at discharge among survivors, mainly in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate<60mL/min/1.73m2, from 36.8% in 2009 to 43.9% in 2018. LIMITATIONS: Residual confounding from unmeasured factors over time such as severity of comorbidities, detailed medication interventions, and delivered dialysis dose. CONCLUSIONS: We observed reductions in mortality among ICU patients with dialysis-treated acute kidney injury between 2009 and 2018, even after adjusting for dialysis indication and severity of illness at dialysis initiation. However, dialysis treatment at discharge among survivors has increased over time, mainly in patients with preexisting kidney disease. PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The current medical management of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) is primarily limited to supportive care and kidney replacement therapy if indicated, leading to perceptions that outcomes among intensive care unit (ICU) patients with dialysis-treated AKI have not improved. In this multicenter retrospective study of ICU patients with dialysis-treated AKI between 2009 and 2018 in Taiwan, patient mortality decreased over time despite increasing comorbidities. Moreover, the decreasing linear trends remained significant even when considering severity of acute illness at dialysis initiation, which was based on physiologic and laboratory measurements seldom evaluated in previous studies. Further research should explore the basis for these improvements.

Association Between Inflammatory Cytokines, Executive Function, and Substance Use in Patients With Opioid Use Disorder and Amphetamine-Type Stimulants Use Disorder.

BACKGROUND: Long-term opioid and amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) abuse may affect immunological function and impair executive function. We aimed to determine whether biomarkers of inflammation and executive function were associated with substance use in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and ATS use disorder (ATSUD). The interactions between these biomarkers were also explored. METHODS: We assessed plasma cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and executive function in terms of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and Continuous Performance Test (CPT) in OUD and ATSUD patients and healthy controls (HC). OUD and ATSUD patients were followed for 12 weeks, and their urine morphine and amphetamine tests, cytokine levels, and executive function were repeatedly measured. RESULTS: We enrolled 483 patients and 145 HC. Plasma TNF-α, CRP, IL-8, IL-6, and BDNF levels and most subscale scores on the WCST and CPT significantly differed between OUD and ATSUD patients and HC. Increased TNF-α levels and more perseveration error on the WCST were significantly associated with more urine drug-positive results and less abstinence. Plasma IL-6 and CRP levels were significantly negatively correlated with WCST and CPT performance. CONCLUSION: OUD and ATSUD patients had more inflammation and worse executive function than HC. Inflammatory markers and WCST performance were associated with their urinary drug results, and higher inflammation was associated with poor executive function. Studies on regulating the inflammatory process and enhancing executive function in OUD and ATSUD are warranted.

The Potential Benefits of Quercetin for Brain Health: A Review of Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Mechanisms.

Neuroinflammation is a critical factor in developing and progressing numerous brain diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic or excessive neuroinflammation can lead to neurotoxicity, causing brain damage and contributing to the onset and progression of various brain diseases. Therefore, understanding neuroinflammation mechanisms and developing strategies to control them is crucial for treating brain diseases. Studies have shown that neuroinflammation plays a vital role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD), and stroke. Additionally, the effects of PM2.5 pollution on the brain, including neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity, are well-documented. Quercetin is a flavonoid, a plant pigment in many fruits, vegetables, and grains. Quercetin has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Quercetin may also have a positive impact on immune function and allergy symptoms. In addition, quercetin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties and can activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a cellular energy sensor that modulates inflammation and oxidative stress. By reducing inflammation and protecting against neuroinflammatory toxicity, quercetin holds promise as a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for treating neurodegenerative diseases and other brain disorders. Understanding and controlling the mechanisms of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways are crucial for preventing and treating conditions, and quercetin may be a promising tool in this effort. This review article aims to discuss the role of neuroinflammation in the development and progression of various brain disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases and stroke, and the impact of PM2.5 pollution on the brain. The paper also highlights quercetin's potential health benefits and anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

Loneliness and isolated living status in middle-aged and older adults in Taiwan: exploration on stress-related biomarkers, depressive symptoms, and disability.

PURPOSE: Loneliness is a subjective feeling by which an individual perceives a lack of closeness in interpersonal relationships. An isolated living status is linked with higher odds of risky health behavior. The conflicting impacts of loneliness and isolated living status on stress-related biomarkers, depressive symptoms, and disability remain unexplained. METHODS: Six hundred twenty-nine participants aged 66.0 (SD=7.3) separated into four groups: "Lonely and Isolated," "Not Lonely, but Isolated," "Lonely, but Not Isolated," and "Neither Lonely, nor Isolated," were retrieved from the Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study conducted in 2000. Follow-up health indicators in 2006 included three stress-related biomarkers, depressive symptoms, and two physical disability indicators. A hierarchical regression was performed for the analysis. RESULTS: Firstly, compared to the "Neither Lonely nor Isolated" group, only the "Lonely, but Not Isolated" participants at baseline retained positive associations with the stress-related biomarkers levels 6 years later (urine cortisol level (B=9.25, 95% CI=3.24-15.27), serum Interleukin-6 level (B=2.76, 95% CI=0.72-4.79) and the serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level (B=0.40, 95% CI=0.17-0.62)). However, such associations were not observed in the "Lonely and Isolated" participants. Secondly, only "Lonely and Isolated" participants at baseline were positively associated with depressive symptoms 6 years later (B=1.70, 95% CI=0.11-3.30). Finally, the associations between combinations of loneliness and isolated living status and physical disability were eliminated after adjusting the covariables. CONCLUSION: Four combinations of loneliness and isolated living status were associated with different impacts on stress-related biomarkers, depressive symptoms, and physical disability. Further dynamic investigations are warranted.

Liver and Spleen Stiffness Surveillance Through Elastography During and After Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVES: Direct-acting antiviral agents achieve a high cure rate, resulting in early hepatic necroinflammatory resolution and sustained fibrosis regression. This study aimed to obtain longitudinal, concurrent within-subject measurements of liver stiffness (LS) and spleen stiffness (SS) and their correlates over time. METHODS: Participants with hepatitis C (n = 592) receiving direct-acting antiviral-based therapy were monitored through point shear-wave elastography from the treatment baseline (TW0) across follow-up visits in terms of LS and SS. RESULTS: Generalized linear mixed modeling indicated that all LS values (2301 visits) were negatively correlated with the follow-up times (all P < .05) from TW0 to 24 weeks (PW24) after the end of treatment (EOT) and positively correlated with baseline LS values (P < .001). The slopes of declines (preceding minus next) differed significantly (P < .001) between TW0-TW4 (treatment week 4) (0.060 [-0.050 to 0.225] meter/second/month [m/s/mo]) and TW4-EOT (0.010 [-0.030 to 0.075] m/s/mo). All SS values (1704 visits) were negatively correlated with time only at PW24 (P < .001) and positively correlated with baseline SS values (P < .001). The slopes of the SS values differed significantly (P < .001) only between EOT-PW12 (-0.010 [-0.110 to 0.083] m/s/mo) and PW12-PW24 (0.043 [-0.063 to 0.160] m/s/mo). CONCLUSIONS: The biphasic fast-to-slow decline in LS occurred early in the on-treatment phase, which is consistent with the resolution of hepatic necroinflammation. The slow-to-fast decline in SS occurred off treatment. Future studies should investigate the association with regressions in liver fibrosis and portal hypertension.

Serum Homocysteine, Folate, and Vitamin B12 Levels in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression.

BACKGROUND: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have elevated cardiovascular risk. Hyperhomocysteinemia may be one of the contributing factors to this phenomenon. This study therefore aimed to compare the serum homocysteine levels and the levels of folate and vitamin B12, cofactors for homocysteine metabolism, between individuals with and without SLE. METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library (from inception to March 31, 2019). Studies comparing serum homocysteine, folate or vitamin B12 levels between individuals with and without SLE were selected. Of the 1040 screened studies, 50 studies met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 50 studies involving 4396 patients with SLE were included. Patients with SLE had a significantly higher serum level of homocysteine (standardized mean difference [SMD], 1.134; 95% CI, 0.795-1.474) and lower level of vitamin B12 (SMD, -0.359; 95% CI, -0.638 to -0.080) than controls. The folate level didn't differ markedly between SLE patients and the control group (SMD, -0.276; 95% CI, -0.674-0.123). Subgroup analysis showed consistent results in adult SLE patients. A random effects meta-regression analysis revealed a significantly inverse correlation between the SMD of homocysteine levels and C3 levels (coefficient, -0.0356, 95% CI, -0.054 to -0.0171; P < .001) and C4 levels (coefficient, -0.0876, 95% CI, -0.1407 to -0.0345; P = .0012). CONCLUSIONS: Serum homocysteine levels were higher and vitamin B12 levels were lower among individuals with SLE than those without SLE. Physicians are encouraged to monitor these parameters and offer timely interventions for patients with SLE.

Treating toxic epidermal necrolysis with systemic immunomodulating therapies: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Various systemic immunomodulating therapies have been used to treat toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), but their efficacy remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) evaluating the effects of systemic immunomodulating therapies on mortality for Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/TEN overlap and TEN. METHODS: A literature search was performed in online databases (from inception to October 31, 2019). Outcomes were mortality rates and Score of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SCORTEN)-based standardized mortality ratio (SMR). A frequentist random-effects model was adopted. RESULTS: Sixty-seven studies involving 2079 patients were included. An NMA of 10 treatments showed that none was superior to supportive care in reducing mortality rates and that thalidomide was associated with a significantly higher mortality rate (odds ratio, 11.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42-95.96). For SMR, an NMA of 11 treatment arms showed that corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin combination therapy was the only treatment with significant survival benefits (SMR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31-0.93). LIMITATIONS: Heterogeneity and a paucity of eligible randomized controlled trials. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy with corticosteroids and IVIg may reduce mortality risks in patients with SJS/TEN overlap and TEN. Cyclosporine and etanercept are promising therapies, but more studies are required to provide clearer evidence.

Add-on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with opioid use disorder undergoing methadone maintenance therapy.

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) shows potential therapeutic effects for individuals with addiction, but few studies have examined individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).Objectives: We conducted an add-on double-blinded, sham-controlled rTMS feasibility pilot trial to examine OUD participants undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). The current report focused on the effects of rTMS on (1) craving and heroin use behavior and (2) depression, impulsivity, and attention.Methods: Active or sham rTMS treatment was applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) over a total of 11 sessions in 4 weeks (15-Hz frequency, 4 seconds per train, intertrain interval of 26 seconds, 40 trains per session) in OUD participants (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT03229642). Craving, heroin use severity, urine morphine tests, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), and the Continuous Performance Tests (CPTs) were measured.Results: Twenty-two OUD participants were enrolled, of which eleven (8 males) were undergoing active rTMS and nine (8 males) were in the sham rTMS group. After 12 weeks of follow-up, the active rTMS group did not show significantly greater improvements than the sham group with respect to craving, heroin use, or urine morphine test results. However, HDRS scores, BIS-11 attentional subscales, and CPTs commission T-scores (C-TS) were significantly lower in the active rTMS group (P = .003, 0.04, and 0.02, respectively) than in the sham group.Conclusion: Add-on rTMS did not appear to improve heroin use behavior but may have benefitted depressive symptoms, impulse control and attention in OUD participants undergoing MMT.

Insulin resistance and serum levels of adipokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values, serum adiponectin, leptin and resistin levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHOD: Online databases were searched on 31 March 2019 in order to identify studies comparing HOMA-IR, serum adiponectin, leptin and resistin levels between patients with SLE and controls. A random-effects model was adopted. RESULTS: Fifty-six studies involving a total of 4460 patients with SLE were included. Patients with SLE had significantly higher HOMA-IR values (standardized mean difference (SMD)=0.425; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.156-0.693; I2=93.8%) than the control group. The serum levels of adiponectin (SMD=0.547; 95% CI 0.219-0.874; I2=90.1%), leptin (SMD=0.843; 95% CI 0.454-1.231; I2=94.4%) and resistin (SMD=0.856; 95% CI 0.199-1.513; I2=96.6%) were all higher among patients with SLE than controls. A meta-regression analysis revealed that the serum resistin level was positively correlated with disease activity (coefficient 0.123; 95% CI 0.051-0.195; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with SLE have higher HOMA-IR values and serum levels of adiponectin, leptin and resistin than individuals without SLE. The serum level of resistin correlates with SLE disease activity.

Cardiovascular Risk and Comorbidities in Patients with Rosacea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The association between rosacea and cardiovascular disease remains controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature, from inception to 15 February 2020, was performed to compare cardiovascular risk and comorbidities in individuals with and without rosacea. Twelve studies, involving 40,752 patients with rosacea, were included. Compared with controls, patients with rosacea had higher systolic blood pressure (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.293, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.054-0.532), diastolic blood pressure (SMD 0.309, 95% CI 0.003-0.615), total cholesterol (SMD 1.147, 95% CI 0.309-1.984), low-density lipoprotein (SMD 0.792, 95% CI 0.174-1.409), C-reactive protein (SMD 0.26, 95% CI 0.099-0.421), greater epicardial fat thickness (SMD 1.945, 95% CI 1.595-2.296), and higher incidence of hypertension (odds ratio (OR) 1.204, 95% CI 1.097-1.332) and insulin resistance (OR 2.338, 95% CI 1.187-4.605). This study reveals that patients with rosacea are predisposed to increased subclinical cardiovascular risk.

Association Between Atopic Dermatitis and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

is missing (Short communication).

Efficacy of Nail Braces for Acute and Chronic Ingrown Toenails: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Nail braces are an alternative treatment for ingrown toenails. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to prospectively examine the efficacy of nail braces for treatment of acute inflamed (AI)-type and chronic dystrophic-type ingrown toenails. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective study of patients with ingrown toenails treated at Wan Fang Hospital between January 1, 2017, and July 31, 2018. Evaluation using physician global assessment scores and patient satisfaction questionnaires was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months after the start of treatment and during the final visit. Patient demographics, treatment courses, and outcomes were compared between the 2 types of ingrown toenails. RESULTS: Chronic dystrophic-type and AI-type ingrown toenails were observed in 25 (61 sides) and 28 patients (35 sides), respectively. Of the affected sides, 80.9%, 94.9%, and 100% achieved an excellent or fair result at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Treatment duration and follow-up period were 179.2 ± 96.8 days and 281.6 ± 120.9, respectively. The recurrence rate was 7.4%. The treatment course and response were different between the 2 types of ingrown toenails. CONCLUSION: Ingrown toenails could be effectively treated with nail braces with excellent outcomes, favorable patient satisfaction, and low recurrence rates.

Conversion and Hydrothermal Decomposition of Major Components of Mint Essential Oil by Small-Scale Subcritical Water Treatment.

Thermal stabilities of four major components (l-menthol, l-menthone, piperitone, and l-menthyl acetate) of Japanese mint essential oil were evaluated via subcritical water treatment. To improve experimental throughput for measuring compound stabilities, a small-scale subcritical water treatment method using ampoule bottles was developed and employed. A mixture of the four major components was treated in subcritical water at 180-240 °C for 5-60 min, and then analyzed by gas chromatography. The results indicated that the order of thermal resistance, from strongest to weakest, was: l-menthyl acetate, l-menthol, piperitone, and l-menthone. In individual treatments of mint flavor components, subsequent conversions of l-menthyl acetate to l-menthol, l-menthol to l-menthone, l-menthone to piperitone, and piperitone to thymol were observed in individual treatments at 240 °C for 60 min. As the mass balance between piperitone and thymol was low, the hydrothermal decomposition of the components was considered to have occurred intensely during, or after the conversion. These results explained the degradation of mint essential oil components under subcritical water conditions and provided the basis for optimizing the extraction conditions of mint essential oils using subcritical water.

Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10-fermented soymilk improves cognitive function in type 2 diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: The brain is especially sensitive to diabetes-induced damage. Chronic hyperglycemia can potentially lead to brain dysfunctions, affecting spatial learning and memory. RESULTS: The type 2 diabetes (T2D) rats were administered TWK10-fermented soy milk water extract (WE) and ethanol extract (EE) for 6 weeks. WE and EE treatment attenuated T2D-induced alteration in cognitive function assessed using the Morris water maze. Moreover, administration of WE and EE significantly elevated superoxide dismutase activity (166.96% and 181.21%, P < 0.05, respectively) and reduced malondialdehyde concentration (35.03% and 43.97%, P < 0.05, respectively) in the hippocampus of the rats. Additionally, the calmodulin level and nitric oxide concentration were regulated by WE and EE. CONCLUSION: This study provides scientific evidence that WE and EE enhance anti-oxidative enzyme activity, which subsequently regulates factors associated with cognitive function in T2D rats. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of isotretinoin on glucose metabolism in patients with acne: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Previous studies reporting the influence of isotretinoin treatment on glucose metabolism have produced conflicting results. We therefore aimed to examine the effects of isotretinoin treatment on changes in insulin resistance and serum levels of adiponectin in patients with acne. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature published from the inception of isotretinoin to March 31, 2019 were conducted. In the absence of controlled trials, open-label studies on acne patients receiving isotretinoin treatment were included. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. The outcomes included changes in the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values and serum levels of adiponectin after isotretinoin treatment. Pooled analysis showed that HOMA-IR values did not change significantly after isotretinoin treatment (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.183; 95 % confidence interval [CI] = -0.004-0.371; I2 = 38.3), whereas the level of adiponectin significantly increased (SMD = 0.512; 95 % CI = 0.327-0.698; I2 = 10.7). Our study concluded that isotretinoin treatment for patients with acne resulted in an increased serum level of adiponectin but did not have a substantial impact on the status of insulin resistance.

Serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels in patients with vitiligo and their potential roles as disease activity biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinemia and folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been reported in patients with vitiligo. Investigating the role of these conditions might shed light on the pathogenesis of vitiligo. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels in vitiligo patients. METHODS: Online databases were searched on May 15, 2018, to identify studies comparing serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels between patients with vitiligo and controls. A random effects model was used. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies involving a total of 1448 patients with vitiligo were included. Patients with vitiligo had significantly higher serum homocysteine levels (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.550, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.262-0.838; I2 87.3%) and lower vitamin B12 levels (SMD -0.430, 95% CI -0.738 to -0.121; I2 85.3%) than controls. Serum folate levels were not significantly different between the 2 groups (SMD -0.240, 95% CI -0.592 to 0.111; I2 85.5%). A subgroup analysis revealed that these findings correlated with disease activity. LIMITATIONS: The included studies were heterogeneous. Serum homocysteine levels could be influenced by various factors. CONCLUSION: Patients with vitiligo have higher serum homocysteine levels and lower vitamin B12 levels than individuals without vitiligo.

Prognostic value of endothelial biomarkers in refractory cardiogenic shock with ECLS: a prospective monocentric study.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is often used in critical patients with severe myocardial failure. However, the mortality rate of patients on ECMO is often high. Recent studies have suggested that endothelial activation with subsequent vascular barrier breakdown is a critical pathogenic mechanism of organ damage and is related to the outcome of critical illness. This study aimed to determine whether endothelial biomarkers can be served as prognostic factors for the outcome of patients on ECMO. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 23 critically ill patients on veno-arterial ECMO in the intensive care units of a tertiary care hospital between March 2014 and February 2015. Serum samples were tested for thrombomodulin, angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were also collected. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate was 56.5%. The combination of Ang-2 at the time of ECMO support (day 0) and VEGF at day 2 had the ability to discriminate mortality (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.854; 95% confidence interval: 0.645-0.965). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that the combination of Ang-2 at day 0 and VEGF at day 2 was a modest model for mortality discrimination in this group of patients.