Disease progression and clinical outcomes in latent osteoarthritis phenotypes: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is widespread and the heterogeneous patient factors and clinical symptoms in OA patients impede developing personalized treatments for OA patients. In this study, we used unsupervised and supervised machine learning to organize the heterogeneity in knee OA patients and predict disease progression in individuals from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) dataset. We identified four distinct knee OA phenotypes using unsupervised learning that were defined by nutrition, disability, stiffness, and pain (knee and back) and were strongly related to disease fate. Interestingly, the absence of supplemental vitamins from an individual's diet was protective from disease progression. Moreover, we established a phenotyping tool and prognostic model from 5 variables (WOMAC disability score of the right knee, WOMAC total score of the right knee, WOMAC total score of the left knee, supplemental vitamins and minerals frequency, and antioxidant combination multivitamins frequency) that can be utilized in clinical practice to determine the risk of knee OA progression in individual patients. We also developed a prognostic model to estimate the risk for total knee replacement and provide suggestions for modifiable variables to improve long-term knee health. This combination of unsupervised and supervised data-driven tools provides a framework to identify knee OA phenotype in a clinical scenario and personalize treatment strategies.

Lifestyle-based nomogram for identifying the Chaoshan inhabitants of China at high risk of Helicobacter pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is associated with various diseases. Early detection can prevent the onset of illness. We constructed a nomogram to predict groups at high risk of HP infection. METHODS: Patients who underwent regular medical check-ups at hospital in Chaoshan, China from March to September 2022 were randomly allocated to the training and validation cohorts. Risk factors including basic characteristics and lifestyle habits associated with HP infection were analyzed by logistic regression analyses. The independent varieties were calculated and plotted into a nomogram. The nomogram was internally validated by receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration, and decision curve analyses (DCAs). RESULTS: Of the 945 patients, 680 were included in the training cohort and 265 in the validation cohort. 356 patients in training cohort with positive 13 C-UBT results served as the infected group, and 324 without infection were the control group. The multivariate regression analyses showed that the risk factors for HP infection included alcohol consumption (OR = 1.29, 95%CI = 0.78-2.13, P = 0.03), family history of gastric disease (OR = 4.35, 95%CI = 1.47-12.84, P = 0.01), living with an HP-positive individual (OR = 18.09, 95%CI = 10.29-31.82, P < 0.0001), drinking hot tea (OR = 1.58, 95%CI = 1.05-2.48, P = 0.04), and infection status of co-drinkers unknown (OR = 2.29, 95%CI = 1.04-5.06, P = 0.04). However, drinking tea > 3 times per day (OR = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.33-0.95, P = 0.03), using serving chopsticks (OR = 0.30, 95%CI = 0.12-0.49, P < 0.0001) were protective factors for HP infection. The nomogram had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 in the training cohort. The DCA was above the reference line within a large threshold range, indicating that the model was better. The calibration analyses showed the actual occurrence rate was basically consistent with the predicted occurrence rate. The model was validated in the validation cohort, and had a good AUC (0.80), DCA and calibration curve results. CONCLUSIONS: This nomogram, which incorporates basic characteristics and lifestyle habits, is an efficient model for predicting those at high risk of HP infection in the Chaoshan region.

Disease progression and clinical outcomes in latent osteoarthritis phenotypes: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is widespread and the heterogeneous patient factors and clinical symptoms in OA patients impede developing personalized treatments for OA patients. In this study, we used unsupervised and supervised machine learning to organize the heterogeneity in knee OA patients and predict disease progression in individuals from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) dataset. We identified four distinct knee OA phenotypes using unsupervised learning that were defined by nutrition, disability, stiffness, and pain (knee and back) and were strongly related to disease fate. Interestingly, the absence of supplemental vitamins from an individual's diet was protective from disease progression. Moreover, we established a phenotyping tool and prognostic model from 5 variables (WOMAC disability score of the right knee, WOMAC total score of the right knee, WOMAC total score of the left knee, supplemental vitamins and minerals frequency, and antioxidant combination multivitamins frequency) that can be utilized in clinical practice to determine the risk of knee OA progression in individual patients. We also developed a prognostic model to estimate the risk for total knee replacement and provide suggestions for modifiable variables to improve long-term knee health. This combination of unsupervised and supervised data-driven tools provides a framework to identify knee OA phenotype in a clinical scenario and personalize treatment strategies.

Sheng-Xue-Xiao-Ban Capsule-induced ischemic colitis and pulmonary embolism in an idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patient: a rare case report.

Background: Sheng-Xue-Xiao-Ban Capsule (SXXBC), as a classic Chinese traditional medicine comprised of natural indigo, cortex moutan, forsythia, herba agrimoniae, and licorice, exhibits a heat-clearing and detoxicating function, hemostasis, and stasis dissipation, which is widely applied to treat idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). However, report on ischemic colitis and pulmonary embolism induced by SXXBC therapy is never disclosed. We report the case of an ITP patient who received SXXBC for ascending platelets that then induced ischemic colitis and pulmonary embolism. Case Description: A 74-year-old female patient was admitted in June 2021 due to "bleeding in stool for 1 day," she was then re-admitted in July 2021 due to "repeated bleeding in stool for 2 days". Abdominal computed tomography (CT), colonoscopy, and a pathological examination suggested ischemic colitis according to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) clinical guidelines. Pulmonary artery CT angiography suggested pulmonary embolism reflected by multiple filling defects, and the patient presented with shortness of breath. It was noted that the patient had started taken SXXBC for ascending platelets 2 months before the onset of hematochezia. After the diagnosis of hematochezia was made, the patient received phenethylamine and carbazochrome for hemostasis, mesalazine enteric-coated tablets for anti-inflammation, and SXXBC was stopped. The hematochezia then ceased, and the ischemic colitis was attenuated. Afterwards, low-molecular-weight heparin was administered, followed by a 3-week treatment of rivaroxaban anticoagulant, which was taken orally after discharge. The pulmonary embolism was then obviously ameliorated. After excluding other causes, the patient was diagnosed with SXXBC-induced ischemic colitis complicated by pulmonary embolism. After conducting research, we came to the view that natural indigo, which is the main component of SXXBC, contributed to the patient's illness. Conclusions: Ischemic colitis complicated with pulmonary embolism are rare; however, close attention such as regular abdominal CT test needs to be paid and preventive steps such as anti-coagulant treatment could to be taken (if symptoms occur) when treating patients with SXXBC.

Multimodal Nutritional Management in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aims at evaluating the effectiveness of a new multimodal nutritional management (MNM) on albumin (ALB) transfusion, the incidence of electrolyte disorders, blood loss, perioperative levels of ALB and electrolyte, length of hospital stay (LOH), and complications in patients following total knee arthroplasty without tourniquet. METHODS: A total of 162 patients were randomized to receive either the MNM protocol (n = 81, experimental group) or traditional protocol (n = 81, control group). The primary outcomes were the rate and amount of ALB infusion, LOH, total blood loss, maximum hemoglobin drop, allogeneic transfusion rate, and the incidence of electrolyte disorders. The secondary outcomes were levels of ALB and electrolyte at different time points and the incidence of complications. RESULTS: The rate and amount of ALB transfusion required in MNM group were significantly lower than those in control group (P = .006, P = .021, respectively). LOH was shorter in MNM group (P < .001). Total blood loss and maximum hemoglobin drop were similar. The incidence of kaliopenia and hypocalcemia was lower in MNM group on the first postoperative day (P = .019, P = .028, respectively). Patients in MNM group had higher levels of ALB, sodium, potassium, and calcium than those in control group on the first postoperative day. CONCLUSION: The MNM protocol can effectively low down the amount of ALB transfusion, the number of patients requiring ALB transfusion, the incidence of electrolyte disorders, and LOH following primary total knee arthroplasty without tourniquet. Patients can obtain a smaller decline in ALB, sodium, potassium, and calcium.

The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for nonspecific chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been widely used to relieve pain caused by different musculoskeletal disorders. Though widely used, its reported therapeutic outcomes are varied and conflicting. Results similarly conflict regarding its usage in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). This study investigated the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for the treatment of NSCLBP by a systematic literature search with meta-analyses on selected studies. METHOD: MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science and Cochrane Library were systematically searched from January 2000 to November 2014. Included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) written in English that compared LLLT with placebo treatment in NSCLBP patients. The efficacy effect size was estimated by the weighted mean difference (WMD). Standard random-effects meta-analysis was used, and inconsistency was evaluated by the I-squared index (I(2)). RESULTS: Of 221 studies, seven RCTs (one triple-blind, four double-blind, one single-blind, one not mentioning blinding, totaling 394 patients) met the criteria for inclusion. Based on five studies, the WMD in visual analog scale (VAS) pain outcome score after treatment was significantly lower in the LLLT group compared with placebo (WMD = -13.57 [95 % CI = -17.42, -9.72], I(2) = 0 %). No significant treatment effect was identified for disability scores or spinal range of motion outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that LLLT is an effective method for relieving pain in NSCLBP patients. However, there is still a lack of evidence supporting its effect on function.