COVID-19 hospitalization increases the risk of developing glioblastoma: a bidirectional Mendelian-randomization study.

Background: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with glioblastoma (GBM) are considered a highly vulnerable population. Despite this, the extent of the causative relationship between GBM and COVID-19 infection is uncertain. Methods: Genetic instruments for SARS-CoV-2 infection (38,984 cases and 1,644,784 control individuals), COVID-19 hospitalization (8,316 cases and 1,549,095 control individuals), and COVID-19 severity (4,792 cases and 1,054,664 control individuals) were obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) from European populations. A total of 6,183 GBM cases and 18,169 controls from GWAS were enrolled in our study. Their associations were evaluated by applying Mendelian randomization (MR) including IVW meta-analysis, MR-Egger regression, and weighted-median analysis. To make the conclusions more robust and reliable, sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: Our results showed that genetically predicted COVID-19 hospitalization increases the risk of GBM (OR = 1.202, 95% CI = 1.035-1.395, p = 0.016). In addition, no increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 hospitalization and severity were observed in patients with any type of genetically predicted GBM. Conclusion: Our MR study indicated for the first time that genetically predicted COVID-19 hospitalization was demonstrated as a risk factor for the development of GBM.

CmVCall: An automated and adjustable nanopore analysis pipeline for heteroplasmy detection of the control region in human mitochondrial genome.

Genetic associations between human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmy and mitochondrial diseases, aging, and cancer have been elaborated, contributing a lot to the further understanding of mtDNA polymorphic spectrum in anthropology, population, and forensic genetics. In the past decade, heteroplasmy detection using Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing (NGS) was hampered by the former's inefficiency and the latter's inherent bias due to amplification and mapping of short reads, respectively. Nanopore sequencing stands out for its ability to yield long contiguous segments of DNA, providing a new insight into heterogeneity authentication. In addition to MinION from Oxford Nanopore Technologies, an alternative nanopore sequencer QNome (Qitan Technology) has also been applied to various biological research and the forensic applicability of this platform has been proved recently. In this study, we evaluated the performance of four commonly used variant callers in the heterogeneity authentication of the control region of human mtDNA based on simulations of different ratios generated by mixing QNome nanopore sequencing reads of two synthetic sequences. Then, an open-source and python-based nanopore analytics pipeline, CmVCall was developed and incorporated multiple programs including reads filtering, removal of nuclear mitochondrial sequences (NUMTs), alignment, optional 'Correction' mode, and heterogeneity identification. CmVCall can achieve high precision, accuracy, and recall of 100%, 99.9%, and 92.3% with a 5% heteroplasmy level in 'Correction' mode. Moreover, blood, saliva, and hair shaft samples from monozygotic (MZ) twins were used for heterogeneity evaluation and comparison with the NGS data. Results of MZ twin samples showed that CmVCall could identify more point heteroplasmy sites, revealing significant levels of inter- and intra-individual mtDNA polymorphism. In conclusion, we believe that this analysis pipeline will lay a solid foundation for the development of a comprehensive nanopore analysis pipeline targeting the whole mitochondrial genome.

Prediction of carotid plaque by blood biochemical indices and related factors based on Fisher discriminant analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to establish the predictive model of carotid plaque formation and carotid plaque location by retrospectively analyzing the clinical data of subjects with carotid plaque formation and normal people, and to provide technical support for screening patients with carotid plaque. METHODS: There were 4300 subjects in the ultrasound department of Maanshan People's Hospital collected from December 2013 to December 2018. We used demographic and biochemical data from 3700 subjects to establish predictive models for carotid plaque and its location. The leave-one-out cross-validated classification, 600 external data validation, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were used to verify the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and application value of the model. RESULTS: There were significant difference of age (F = - 34.049, p < 0.01), hypertension (χ2 = 191.067, p < 0.01), smoking (χ2 = 4.762, p < 0.05) and alcohol (χ2 = 8.306, p < 0.01), Body mass index (F = 15.322, p < 0.01), High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (F = 13.840, p < 0.01), Lipoprotein a (Lp a) (F = 52.074, p < 0.01), Blood Urea Nitrogen (F = 2.679, p < 0.01) among five groups. Prediction models were built: carotid plaque prediction model (Model CP); Prediction model of left carotid plaque only (Model CP Left); Prediction model of right carotid plaque only (Model CP Right). Prediction model of bilateral carotid plaque (Model CP Both). Model CP (Wilks' lambda = 0.597, p < 0.001, accuracy = 78.50%, sensitivity = 78.07%, specificity = 79.07%, AUC = 0.917). Model CP Left (Wilks' lambda = 0.605, p < 0.001, accuracy = 79.00%, sensitivity = 86.17%, specificity = 72.70%, AUC = 0.880). Model CP Right (Wilks' lambda = 0.555, p < 0.001, accuracy = 83.00%, sensitivity = 81.82%, specificity = 84.44%, AUC = 0.880). Model CP Both (Wilks' lambda = 0.651, p < 0.001, accuracy = 82.30%, sensitivity = 89.50%, specificity = 72.70%, AUC = 0.880). CONCLUSION: Demographic characteristics and blood biochemical indexes were used to establish the carotid plaque and its location discriminant models based on Fisher discriminant analysis (FDA), which has high application value in community screening.

Triglyceride-Glucose Index for the Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study of 298,652 Individuals Receiving a Health Check-Up in China.

Objective: We herein aim to explore the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: We enrolled 298,652 individuals with an average age of 47.08 ± 12.94 years and who underwent health check-ups at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wuhu Wannan Medical College in this cross-sectional study from 2014 to 2016. We enlisted 125,025 women (41.86%) and 173,627 men (58.14%). The survey information included a questionnaire survey, a physical examination, and a laboratory examination. Results: The prevalence of MS increased gradually in the TyG-index subgroups (Q1, TyG <8.30; Q2, 8.30≤ TyG <8.83; and Q3, TyG ≥8.83). We noted significant differences in hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking and drinking habits, and estimated glomerular filtration rate between the TyG-index subgroups. Multiclass logistic regression analysis showed that the group with TyG <8.30 was the reference group, and the 8.30≤ TyG <8.83 and the TyG ≥8.83 groups exhibited a higher TyG index with MS, and a lower TyG index without MS disease. In the linear curve analysis of the TyG index and MS components, BMI, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure showed upward trends, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol showed no obvious trend in the TyG index at a range of 7.8-11.0. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of the TyG index, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose for MS, and we found that the area under the TyG index curve was the largest (AUC = 0.89). Conclusion: There were associations between the TyG index and MS and its components, and the TyG index is therefore of great value in the early diagnosis of MS.

The combined effect of serum cystatin C and dyslipidemia on hypertension in a large health check-up population in China.

OBJECTIVE: Some studies have reported that both serum cystatin C (Cys C) and dyslipidemia are independently associated with hypertension. However, the combined effect of the two factors is still unknown. The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of Cys C combined with dyslipidemia on hypertension in a large health check-up population in China. METHODS: A total of 203 233 health check-up subjects from January 2011 to July 2016 were recruited into this cross-sectional study. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the combined effect of Cys C and dyslipidemia on hypertension.RESULTS: In univariate analysis, Cys C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were independently correlated with hypertension (p < 0.001). A concentration-dependent combined effect of serum Cys C and dyslipidemia on hypertension was observed in multivariate regression analysis. When compared with Cys C of <0.82 mg/L, the risk of hypertension in Cys C of <0.82 mg/L with dyslipidemia, Cys C  of 0.82-0.94 mg/L with dyslipidemia, Cys C  of 0.94-1.08 mg/L with dyslipidemia, and Cys C  of ≥1.08 mg/L with dyslipidemia was increased 1.946 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.827-2.074), 1.973 (95% CI: 1.864-2.088), 2.047 (95% CI: 1.941-2.158), and 2.038 (95% CI: 1.937-2.143) folds, respectively, after adjustment.CONCLUSION: There was an association between hypertension and the combined effect of Cys C with dyslipidemia.

Treatment outcomes and factors affecting unsuccessful outcome among new pulmonary smear positive and negative tuberculosis patients in Anqing, China: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring the treatment outcomes of tuberculosis and determining the specific factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome are essential to evaluate the effectiveness of tuberculosis control program. This study aimed to assess treatment outcomes and explore the factors associated with unsuccessful outcomes among new pulmonary smear positive and negative tuberculosis patients in Anqing, China. METHODS: A nine-year retrospective study was conducted using data from Anqing Center for Diseases Prevention and Control. New pulmonary tuberculosis patients treated with two six-month regimens were investigated. Non-conditional logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with unsuccessful outcomes. RESULTS: Among 22,998 registered patients (16,939 males, 6059 females), 64.54% were smear-positive patients. The treatment success rates was 95.02% for smear-positive patients and 95.00% for smear-negative patients. Characteristics associated with an higher risk of unsuccessful treatment among smear-positive patients included aged above 35 years, treatment management model of self-medication, full-course management and supervision in intensive phase, unchecked chest X-ray, cavity in chest X-ray, and miliary shadow in chest X-ray, while normal X-ray was negative factor. Unsuccessful treatment among smear-negative patients was significantly associated with age over 45 years, treatment management model of full-course management, unchecked chest X-ray, presence of miliary shadow in chest X-ray and delay over 51 days. CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculosis treatment in Anqing area was successful and independent of treatment regimens. Special efforts are required for patients with unsuccessful outcomes.

Association of Immune Factors with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND Presently, studies of factors associated with drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) focus on patients' socio-demographic characteristics and living habits, to the exclusion of biochemical indicators, especially immune factors. This study was carried out to determine whether immune factors are associated with drug-resistant TB. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 227 drug-resistant pulmonary TB patients and 225 drug-susceptible pulmonary TB patients were enrolled in this study. Information on socio-demographic characteristics and biochemical indicators were obtained through their clinical records. Non-conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the association of these indicators with drug-resistant TB. RESULTS There were significant differences in re-treatment, marital status, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood uric acid (BUA), carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA), T-spot, and CD3 and CD4 counts between the 2 groups. In multivariable analysis, re-treatment [Odds Ratio (OR)=5.290, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=2.652-10.551); CD3 (OR=1.034, 95% CI=1.001-1.068); CD4 (OR=1.035, 95% CI =1.001-1.070) and IgM (OR=1.845, 95% CI=1.153-2.952) were associated with drug-resistant TB. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the need for greater attention to re-treatment cases and immune function when treating drug-resistant TB.

Plasma trans-fatty acids levels and mortality: a cohort study based on 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

BACKGROUND: Trans-fatty acids (TFAs) occur in small amounts in nature but became widely produced by the food industry. The hazardous effects of different TFA subtypes to human health are controversial. We aimed to evaluate the association of plasma TFAs levels (elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, palmitelaidic acid, and linoelaidic acid) with mortality. METHODS: Utilizing 1999-2000 Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and linked mortality data, we performed a cohort study with 1456 participants and used Cox proportional hazards models and penalized smoothing spline plots to elucidate the relationships between TFAs and all-cause, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer mortality. RESULTS: During 16,034 person-years of follow-up, a total of 221 deaths occurred. In the multivariate model, including mutual adjustment for the 4 TFA subtypes, elaidic acid associated with higher all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.18 to 3.40, fourth quartiles versus second quartiles) and CVD mortality (HR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.07 to 2.50, per 10 units increase). Higher palmitelaidic acid levels were associated with increased cancer mortality (HR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.09 to 7.81, fourth quartiles versus second quartiles). A J-shaped pattern was observed in the regression curve of elaidic acid and all-cause mortality, as well palmitelaidic acid and cancer mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma elaidic acid levels are associated with higher risk of all-cause and CVD mortality, and palmitelaidic acid levels are associated with higher cancer mortality in later life. Further studies are needed to investigate current inconsistent results in this field and the possible underlying mechanisms.

Predictive Role of Serum Tumor Markers in Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is complicated and time-consuming currently. There was association of PTB with serum tumor markers. In this study we aimed to evaluate the predictive role of serum CA125, CA199 and CEA as diagnostic tools for PTB. METHODS: This study was designed as a case-control study with 565 subjects who visited the Yijishan Hospital from Jun to Dec in 2014.This case-control study matched as for age and sex with 113 cases and 452 controls. Serum CA125, CA199 and CEA levels were detected by electrochemiluminescence instrument. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value on PTB. RESULTS: Serum levels of CA125, CA199 and CEA in PTB patients were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.001). There was no significantly different of three tumor markers between initial treatment group and retreatment group. The logistic regression analysis showed that CA125 was an impact factor to PTB. The ROC analysis revealed that AUC of CA125 was 0.966 (95%CI: 0.951-0.981), the sensitivity, specificity in serum and cut-off were 95.6%, 85.0% and 10.30 U/ml, respectively. CONCLUSION: The serum CA125 has potential good diagnostic performance for PTB.

An Invert U-Shaped Curve: Relationship Between Fasting Plasma Glucose and Serum Uric Acid Concentration in a Large Health Check-Up Population in China.

There are some published studies focus on the invert U-shaped relationship between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and serum uric acid (UA), while the threshold value and gender differences of this relationship were still obscure. We aimed to explore the dose-response relation between FPG level and serum UA concentration by conducted this epidemiological research in a large health check-up population in China. A total of 237,703 people were collected from January 2011 to July 2014 in our cross-sectional study; 100,348 subjects age 18 to 89 years and without known diabetes were included for the current analysis. One-way analysis of variance, generalized additive models, and 2-piecewise linear regression model were used. The mean concentration of UA with FPG of <6.1, 6.1 to 6.9, and ≥7.0 mmol/L was 240.9, 260.2, and 259.6 µmol/L in women and 349.0, 360.8, and 331.0 µmol/L in men. An invert U-shape with a threshold FPG of 7.5 (women)/6.5 (men) mmol/L was observed in the regression curve of FPG and UA, even after adjusting for potential confounders. The adjusted regression coefficients were 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5 to 3.4, P < 0.001) for FPG < 7.5 mmol/L, -3.2 (95% CI: -5.0 to -1.3, P < 0.001) for FPG ≥ 7.5 mmol/L in women; while 0.8 (95% CI: -0.4 to 2.0, P = 0.19) for FPG < 6.5 mmol/L, -7.1 (95% CI: -8.0 to -6.1, P < 0.001) for FPG ≥ 6.5 mmol/L in men. Furthermore, the interaction between different FPG level and sex was significant (P < 0.05). An invert U-shape with a threshold of FPG was existed for serum UA level in Chinese adults age 18 to 89 years without known diabetes, and significant gender differences were found. Future researches should pay more attention to this relationship.

Analysis of Blood Glucose Distribution Characteristics and Its Risk Factors among a Health Examination Population in Wuhu (China).

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) represent serious threats to human health, and as a result, this study was aimed at understanding the blood glucose distribution characteristics and the risk factors among a large health examination population in China. METHODS: An investigation with physical and biochemical examinations and questionnaires was conducted in the physical examination center from 2011 to 2014 and as a result 175,122 physical examination attendees were enrolled in this study. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the factors influencing blood sugar levels. RESULTS: The rates of IFG and DM were 6.0% and 3.8%. Prevalence were 7.6%/5.1% in males and 5.1%/2.8% in females for IFG and DM, respectively. The prevalence of IFG and DM were thus higher in males than in females. In the normal group, except high density lipoprotein (HDL) that was significantly higher than in the IFG and DM group, the other indexes (age, body mass index (BMI), glucose (Glu), total cholesterol (TC) and total glycerides (TG) were lower than those in the IFG and DM group. The proportion of IFG and DM also increased with the increases in proportion of abnormal blood pressure, smoking and alcohol consumption. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increasing age, high BMI, high TC, high TG and low HDL increased the risk of diabetes, while in males, in addition to the above factors, the smoking and drinking factors also increased the risk of diabetes. After the age of 65, the blood glucose level reached a peak in males, while in females, the increasing trends was on the rise. The inflexion age of the fast rise was younger in males than in females. CONCLUSION: The study population showed a high prevalence of DM and IFG among the adults. Regular physical examination for the early detection of diabetes is recommended in the high-risk population.

Cystatin C is Associated With Plaque Phenotype and Plaque Burden.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The relationship between carotid artery plaque burden, phenotype and serum cystatin C at normal and impaired renal function is still unclear. METHODS: Demographic characteristics, carotid ultrasonography and other relevant information of 1,477 patients were collected. The association of carotid artery plaque burden, plaque phenotype with serum cystatin C was evaluated by strategy analysis based on renal function. RESULTS: Serum cystatin C (OR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.83-2.29, P<.01) was a risk factor of stable plaque among patients with normal glomerular filtration rate. However, in the patients with mild impaired renal function, serum cystatin C was not only a risk factor for stable plaque (OR=1.60, 95% CI: 1.43-1.78, P<.001) but also was a risk factor for unstable plaque (OR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.10-1.32, P<.001). The smoothing function curve and a three-piecewise linear regression revealed that a nonlinear relationship was observed between serum cystatin C and plaque burden. When serum cystatin C was in the range of 0.75-1.30 (mg/L), the plaque burden tended to increase. CONCLUSION: In normal renal function, serum cystatin C may confer stability of plaques. In mildly impaired renal function, serum cystatin C is a risk predictor of plaques. In normal renal function circumstances, serum cystatin C may benefit to the stability of plaques. In mild impaired renal function circumstances, serum cystatin C are a risk predictors of plaques.

Associations between Carotid Artery Plaque Score, Carotid Hemodynamics and Coronary Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: The carotid artery plaque score (PS) is an independent predictor of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). This study aims to evaluate the combination of PS and carotid hemodynamics to predict CHD. METHODS: A total of 476 patients who underwent carotid ultrasonography and coronary angiography were divided into two groups depending on the presence of CHD. PS, carotid intima-media thickness, and carotid blood flow were measured. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to establish the best prediction model for CHD presence. RESULTS: Age, sex, carotid intima-media thickness of internal carotid artery and carotid bifurcation, PS, peak systolic velocity (PSA) of right internal carotid artery (RICA), and most resistance index data were significantly related with the presence of CHD. The area under the curve for a collective model, which included factors of the PS, carotid hemodynamics and age, was significantly higher than the other model. Age, PS, and PSA of RICA were significant contributors for predicting CHD presence. CONCLUSIONS: The model of PS and PSA of RICA has greater predictive value for CHD than PS alone. Adding age to PS and PSA of RICA further improves predictive value over PS alone.

Serum cystatin C level is associated with carotid intima-media thickening and plaque.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Chronic kidney disease has recently been shown to be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and carotid intima-media thickness has been widely used as a biomarker for early detection of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to confirm whether carotid thickening and carotid plaque are associated with preclinical chronic kidney disease in individuals without clinical cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on participants from Maanshan City, China. All participants underwent carotid ultrasonography. Kidney function was measured using cystatin C, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and blood uric acid. Demographics and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases were obtained from each participant. RESULTS: A total of 927 subjects were surveyed; 453 (48.87%) were men and 474 (51.13%) were women. A total of 525 (56.63%) of the participants were found to have carotid thickening of which 281 (53.52%) were men and 244 (46.48%) were women. Kidney function was strongly associated with carotid thickening and plaque in the unadjusted analysis. However, cystatin C was the only measure of kidney function that was significantly associated with carotid thickening and plaque in the adjusted analysis (in order to select risk factors from sex, age, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B, cystatin C, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, blood uric, estimated GFR). CONCLUSION: Cystatin C, an alternative measure of kidney function, was more strongly associated with carotid thickening and plaque than other measures of kidney function.

Modification of a smoking motivation questionnaire for Chinese medical students.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking prevalence among the medical students is high in China. Therefore, understanding the smoking motivations of medical students is crucial for smoking control, but currently there are no scales questionnaires customized for probing the smoking motivations of medical students. This aim of study was to test and modify a questionnaire for investigating smoking motivations among medical students. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,125 medical students at Xuzhou Medical College in China in 2012.The model fit and validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the reliability was tested by single-item reliability, composite reliability, and item-total correlation. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking was 9.84 % among study population. In the modified scales, the global fit indices identified a CFI value of 0.96, TLI was 0.96, and the RMSEA was 0.063. CFA supported the two dimensional structure of the instrument. The average variance extracted ranged from 0.45 to 0.62. All single-item reliability scores were greater than 0.20, and the composite reliability ranged from 0.74 to 0.91. CONCLUSION: Modified scales could be the preliminary instrument used in evaluating the smoking motivations of medical students. However, it should be further assessed using other forms and methods of validity and reliability, additional motivations of smoking, and the survey of other medical colleges in China.

Correlation study of knowledge and behavior regarding breast care among female undergraduate students in China.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to understand the relationship between knowledge level and behavior on breast care in Chinese students, so as to provide strategies for improving the health education of breast care and subsequently for aiding in breast cancer prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-designed questionnaire was used to evaluate breast care knowledge level and characterize related behavior. Correlation analysis was conducted for the knowledge level and behavior. The study was carried out using 597 female undergraduate students in medical and non-medical colleges in Wuhu, China. RESULTS: The average score of breast care knowledge was 5.32±1.68 (5.62±1.68 and 5.00±1.68 for medical and non-medical students, respectively), with a greater score value for sophomores (5.59±1.72) than freshmen (5.18±1.65). The average score of breast care behavior was 2.21±1.13, again with a greater value in sophomores (2.37±1.15) than freshmen (2.21±1.13). A significant positive correlation (r=0.231, p<0.01) between knowledge scores and behavior scores was observed. In addition, various factors, including paying attention to breast care information, receiving breast self-examination guidance, TV program and Internet, were found to influence breast care knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: In general, female undergraduate students lack of self-awareness of breast care with a low rate of breast self-examination. It is necessary to carry out health education to improve early detection of breast cancer.

[SVM-aided cancer diagnosis based on the concentration of the macroelement and microelement in human blood].

Support vector machine (SVM) has shown its excellent learning and generalization ability for the binary classification of real problems and has been extensively employed in many areas. In this paper, SVM, K-Nearest Neighbor, Decision Tree C4.5 and Artificial Neural Network were applied to identify cancer patients and normal individuals using the concentrations of 6 elements including macroelements (Ca, Mg) and microelements (Ba, Cu, Se, Zn) in human blood. It was demonstrated, by using the normalized features instead of the original features, the classification performances can be improved from 91.89% to 95.95%, from 83.78% to 93.24%, and from 90.54% to 94.59% for SVM, K-NN and ANN respectively, whereas that of C4.5 keeps unchangeable. The best average accuracy of SVM with linear dot kernel by using 5-fold cross validation reaches 95.95%, and is superior to those of other classifiers based on K-NN (93.24%), C4.5 (79.73%), and ANN (94.59%). The study suggests that support vector machine is capable of being used as a potential application methodology for SVM-aided clinical cancer diagnosis.

Association between human atrial natriuretic peptide Val7Met polymorphism and baseline blood pressure, plasma trough irbesartan concentrations, and the antihypertensive efficacy of irbesartan in rural Chinese patients with essential hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Individual variations in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antihypertensive drugs are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The ANP gene, which encodes the precursor of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), is among the candidate genes for genetic susceptibility to hypertension. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationship between ANP Val7Met polymorphism (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism database ID: rs5063) and baseline blood pressure (BP), plasma trough irbesartan concentrations, and the antihypertensive efficacy of irbesartan in rural Chinese patients with essential hypertension. METHODS: Patients with essential hypertension who had taken no antihypertensive medications within 4 weeks of study initiation received oral irbesartan 150 mg/d for 4 weeks. Genotyping was performed for all patients. BP was measured before dosing on the 1st and 28th days of treatment. Plasma irbesartan concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescent detection. Antihypertensive efficacy was defined as attainment of a diastolic BP (DBP) <90 mm Hg (DBP analysis), a systolic BP (SBP) <140 mm Hg (SBP analysis), and a DBP <90 mm Hg and SBP <140 mm Hg (DBP and SBP analysis). RESULTS: The study included 756 patients, 621 with the Val/Val genotype and 135 with the Val/Met+Met/Met genotypes. There were no significant differences in age, body mass index, sex, education level, occupation, alcohol consumption, or smoking status between the 2 groups. Patients with the Val/Met+Met/Met genotypes had a significantly lower mean baseline DBP compared with those with the Val/Val genotype (adjusted regression coefficient [SE]: -2.5 [1.0] mm Hg; P = 0.012) and significantly lower mean steady-state plasma trough irbesartan concentrations (adjusted regression coefficient: -12.6 [4.1]; P = 0.002). No significant association was found between antihypertensive efficacy and Val7Met polymorphism in the overall population, but in an analysis by baseline DBP status, patients with the Val/Met+Met/Met genotype a baseline DBP > or =100 mm Hg had significantly smaller reductions in DBP (adjusted regression coefficient: -5.7 [1.4] mm Hg; P < 0.001) and SBP compared with those with the Val/Val genotype and a baseline DBP > or =100 mm Hg (adjusted regression coefficient: -9.8 [2.9] mm Hg; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that in these rural Chinese patients with essential hypertension, ANP Val7Met polymorphism may be a genetic marker for baseline DBP, plasma irbesartan concentrations, and the antihypertensive efficacy of short-term irbesartan therapy.