Combining PCT with CRP is better than separate testing for patients with bacteriuria in the intensive care unit: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on PCT for urinary tract infections (UTI) have focused primarily on minors. This study investigated the predictive value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level and procalcitonin (PCT) level in adult patients with bacteriuria in IUC. METHODS: This case‒control study included 85 patients with bacteriuria (PB) in the ICU from March 2021 to Jan 2024 based on positive urine culture results and a control group (n = 136) from Jan 2024 to March 2024. Patient data were collected using a hospital information management system. ROC curves of the NLR, CRP and PCT were use to predict the PB. RESULTS: The AUCs of the NLR, CRP and PCT for the prediction of PB in ICU were 0.711 (95% CI 0.644-0.772), 0.855 (95% CI 0.800-0.900), and 0.884 (95% CI 0.832-0.924), respectively; the optimal thresholds were 8.02, 18.52 mg/L, and 0.215 ng/mL, respectively; the sensitivities were 69.0 (95% CI 56.9-79.5), 90.1 (95% CI 80.7-95.9), and 83.1 (95% CI 72.3-91.0), respectively; and the specificities were 67.6 (95% CI 59.1-75.4), 68.4 (95% CI 59.9-76.1), and 80.9 (95% CI 73.3-87.1), respectively. The negative predictive value (NPV) of CRP is greater than that of PCT. In bacteriuria caused by Candida infections, CRP and PCT have higher sensitivity and NPV. CONCLUSIONS: Combined CRP and PCT testing is more helpful for diagnosing bacteriuria. CRP and PCT have higher sensitivity and NPV in diagnosing bacteriuria caused by Candida infection.

Effectiveness and safety of early lens extraction during par plana vitrectomy for proliferative diabetes retinopathy with mild cataract: a randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of early lens extraction during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) compared to those of PPV with subsequent cataract surgery. METHODS: This multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted in three Chinese hospitals on patients with PDR, aged >45y, with mild cataracts. The participants were randomly assigned to the combined (PPV combined with simultaneously cataract surgery, i.e., phacovitrectomy) or subsequent (PPV with subsequent cataract surgery 6mo later) group and followed up for 12mo. The primary outcome was the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to 6mo, and the secondary outcomes included complication rates and medical expenses. RESULTS: In total, 129 patients with PDR were recruited and equally randomized (66 and 63 in the combined and subsequent groups respectively). The change in BCVA in the combined group [mean, 36.90 letters; 95% confidence interval (CI), 30.35-43.45] was significantly better (adjusted difference, 16.43; 95%CI, 8.77-24.08; P<0.001) than in the subsequent group (mean, 22.40 letters; 95%CI, 15.55-29.24) 6mo after the PPV, with no significant difference between the two groups at 12mo. The overall surgical risk of two sequential surgeries was significantly higher than that of the combined surgery for neovascular glaucoma (17.65% vs 3.77%, P=0.005). No significant differences were found in the photocoagulation spots, surgical time, and economic expenses between two groups. In the subsequent group, the duration of work incapacity (22.54±9.11d) was significantly longer (P<0.001) than that of the combined group (12.44±6.48d). CONCLUSION: PDR patients aged over 45y with mild cataract can also benefit from early lens extraction during PPV with gratifying effectiveness, safety and convenience, compared to sequential surgeries.

Diagnostic value of Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte ratio (CLR), C-reactive protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for predicting patients with Bacteraemia in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: To explore the diagnostic value of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte ratio (CLR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for predicting patients with bacteremia in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: This case-control study included 359 patients with suspected bacteremia were divided into a bacteremia group (n = 152) and a control group (n = 207) from September 2018 to April 2023. Patient data were collected using a laboratory information system (LIS). ROC curves for PCT, CLR, CRP, and NLR in predicting patients with bacteremia. RESULTS: For PCT, CLR, CRP and NLR to predict patients with bacteremia in the ICU, the AUCs were 0.991(95%CI: 0.974-0.998), 0.960(95%CI: 0.935-0.978), 0.955(95%CI: 0.928-0.974), and 0.898(95%CI:0.862-0.927), respectively; the optimal thresholds were 0.248 ng/mL, 47.52 mg/109, 48.32 mg/L, and 6.51, respectively; the sensitivities were 95.4(95%CI: 90.7-98.1), 88.2(95%CI: 81.9-92.8), 87.5(95%CI: 81.2-92.3), and 86.8(95%CI:80.4-91.8), respectively; and the specificities were 95.7(95%CI: 91.9-98.0), 90.8(95%CI: 86.0-94.4), 90.3(95%CI: 85.5-94.0), and 85.0(95%CI:79.4-89.6), respectively. The sensitivities of PCT, CLR, CRP and NLR for predicting bacteremia due to E. coli infection are as high as over 90%, the specificity of PCT is 100, and the sensitivity of NLR is 100. The sensitivity of CRP for predicting bacteremia due to non-Enterobacer infection is 100. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with those in the control group, PCT, CLR, CRP and NLR were significantly greater in the bacteremia group. The PCT, CLR, CRP, and NLR can all predict the occurrence of bacteremia. The PCT had the highest sensitivity and specificity in predicting bacteremia in ICU patients.

A Novel LDLC Equation is Superior to the NIH LDLC Equation and the Friedewald Equation.

Background: LDLC equations have varying levels of underestimation for the calculated LDLC. Therefore, underestimating LDLC should be avoided as much as possible. We need to establish LDLC equations that underestimate LDLC as little as possible. Methods: We established the equations with a healthy cohort from Shuyang Hospital and validated the equations with an unselected patient cohort from The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang. We established the novel LDLC equations by using the regression equation. The relationship between two markers was analysed using Pearson's approach. The 95% limits of measuring agreement within ±2 SD for the LDLC equations was performed using Bland‒Altman analysis. ROC curve analysis was used to predict LDLC levels and the accuracy of the LDLC equation for determining the direct LDLC levels at LDLC cut-offs was assessed. Results: We obtained two novel LDLC equations (LDL_nonHDLC equation=-0.899+1.195*nonHDLC-0.00347*nonHDLC2 and LDL_TC(total cholesterol) equation=-2.775+1.29*TC -0.00990* TC 2). The correlation coefficient between the novel LDLC equation and the direct LDLC measurements is not lower than that between the LDL_NIH equation and the direct LDLC measurements. The AUCs of our novel LDLC equations were greater than those of the LDL_NIH equation and the LDL_F equation at the LDLC cut-offs for clinical decision-making. The measuring agreement in the methods of the LDL_nonHDL equation is superior to that of the LDL_NIH equation. Conclusion: LDLC calculated by the novel LDL_nonHDL equation exhibited superiority over the LDL_NIH equation. Combining the LDL_NIH equation and our novel LDLC equation may improve accuracy and avoid undertreatment of high LDLC levels.

A Single Measurement System May Not Be Enough for Questionable High Free T4 Levels.

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Repairing Orbital Floor Fracture with Autologous Nasal Septal Cartilage by using Endoscope through Transoral Maxillary Sinus.

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Comparison of clinical outcomes of conbercept versus ranibizumab treatment for retinopathy of prematurity: a multicentral prospective randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the recurrence rate and surgical complications of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) between patients treated with intravitreal injection of conbercept (IVC) and intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) within 6 months. METHODS: A multicentral prospective, randomised controlled trial was applied from May 2017 to February 2019 for the infants diagnosed as aggressive posterior-ROP, zone I or posterior zone II treatment-requiring ROP by binocular indirect ophthalmoscope and RetCam3. These infants were assigned to randomly receive either intravitreal injection of 0.25 mg conbercept or 0.25 mg ranibizumab. The recurrence rate, fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA) and surgical complications were examined during the follow-up period of 6 months. Recurrent eyes were retreated by laser or another intravitreal injection within the 72 hours. RESULTS: A total of 30 infant patients (60 eyes) underwent IVC and 30 patients (60 eyes) underwent IVR. A total of 10 eyes (16.67%) in the IVC group and 14 eyes (23.34%) in the IVR group developed recurrence. There was no significant statistical difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups (χ2=0.83, p=0.36). The postmenstrual age (PMA) at first injection was (34.60±3.47) weeks in IVC and (35.14±1.76) in IVR group. In recurrent cases, the mean PMA at second treatment were (43.31±3.85) and (43.43±3.89) weeks in the IVC and IVR group, respectively. The period between two treatments was (8.71±6.62) for the IVC and (8.29±2.56) weeks for the IVR group. All these results showed no significant statistical difference between these two groups. The fluorescein leakage were observed in the eyes of recurrent infants by FFA. There were no other complications in the two groups except for complicated cataract in three eyes. CONCLUSION: Both IVC and IVR are effective therapies for the treatment of ROP. Conbercept is a new option for treating ROP.

Plasma Exosome-Derived SENP1 May Be a Potential Prognostic Predictor for Melanoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate plasma exosome-derived SUMO-specific protease (SENP)1 levels and assess their prognostic value in melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We extracted exosomes from the plasma of 126 melanoma patients, and identified them with transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blotting. The plasma exosome-derived SENP1 levels of melanoma patients and healthy controls were detected with ELISA. RESULTS: Plasma exosome-derived SENP1 levels in melanoma patients were significantly upregulated than in healthy controls (P < 0.001). Plasma exosome-derived SENP1 levels in melanoma patients with tumor size >10 cm, located in the mucosa or viscera, with Clark level IV/V, with lymph node metastasis, and TNM stages IIb-IV were significantly higher than in patients in with tumor size <10 cm, located in the skin, with Clark level I-III, without lymph node metastasis, and TNM stages IIb-IV (all P < 0.05). Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were worse in melanoma patients who had higher plasma exosome-derived SENP1 levels than lower plasma exosome-derived SENP1 levels (both P < 0.001). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of plasma exosome-derived SENP1 for predicting 3-year DFS of melanoma patients was 0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74-0.88], with a sensitivity of 81.2% (95% CI: 69.9-89.6%) and specificity of 75.4% (95% CI: 62.2-85.9%). The AUROC of plasma exosome-derived SENP1 for predicting 3-year OS of melanoma patients was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.67-0.83), with a sensitivity of 95.7% (95% CI: 85.5-99.5%) and specificity of 62.0% (95% CI: 50.4-72.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Melanoma patients with higher plasma exosome-derived SENP1 levels had worse DFS and OS. The plasma exosome-derived SENP1 levels may be a potential prognostic predictor for 3-year DFS and 3-year OS of melanoma.

Rare malignant spindle cell sarcoma of the left atrium diagnosed with TEE: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: One of the purposes of echocardiography is to determine the nature of a space-occupying lesion. The conventional transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is the preferred method for the diagnosis of cardiac space-occupying lesions as it can reveal the baseline information. For patients with poor conditions, however, TTE cannot clearly display the boundary, it has a limited role in determining the nature of the lesions. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 47-year-old woman presented with intermittent fever for 7 days and chest distress/shortness of breath for 5 days. DIAGNOSIS: In our current case, we inferred the nature of space-occupying lesions in the left atrium more accurately using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) than TTE, which may offer diagnostic evidence for surgical treatment. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent surgical resection of the left atrial tumor and reconstruction of the left atrial wall. However, the patient's posterior lobe of the mitral valve was infiltrated by tumor, which was difficult to completely remove. OUTCOMES: Echocardiography was performed 3 months after surgery and the tumor recurred in the posterior lobe of the mitral valve. Although almost all tumors have been removed by surgery, the average survival time is often less than 1 year, as it is difficult to completely remove and easy to relapse with poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays a relatively more important role in the determination and differential diagnosis of cardiac space-occupying lesions.

Is testing of aspartate aminotransferase necessary along with every alanine aminotransferase for health check in elderly individuals?

OBJECTIVE: This study is to evaluate whether Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is necessary to screen for liver function in apparently healthy elderly individuals. METHODS: We derived the proportions of elevated ASTs that would not be measured based on 2018-year of paired Chinese elderly (Age ≥ 65 years old) check-up. Defined as AST > 40U/L is elevated. The relationship between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and AST was analyzed by using Pearson's approach. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of ALT for abnormal AST. RESULTS: 52,857 pairs of ALT and AST were analyzed. Serum AST was found to be positively correlated with serum ALT, r = 0.81, p < 0.01 for the entire cohort. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of ALT for predicting positive AST is 0.918. The optimal threshold for ALT is 28 U/L with the sensitivity of 82.6%, and specificity of 86.8%. At the threshold, below 0.7% of subjects with positive AST were missed, but approximately 83% of the AST tests were eliminated. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that tests of AST were not necessary along with every ALT test for health check in elderly individuals. An estimated 84.5% of subjects were not needed for AST tests which could have saved about CN¥ 815 million (USD$115 million or EURO$100 million) every year.

Laser therapy versus intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents in monotherapy of ROP: a Meta-analysis.

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety between laser therapy and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents intravitreal injection monotherapy in type-1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP). METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase for original comparable studies. We included studies that compare laser therapy and intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents monotherapy in ROP regardless of languages and publication types. RESULTS: Complication incidence was significantly higher in laser therapy group (OR: 0.38; 95%CI: 0.19-0.75; P=0.005). Spherical equivalent (SE) was higher in laser therapy [weighted mean difference (WMD): 2.40, 95%CI: 0.88-3.93; P=0.002]. The time between treatment and retreatment was longer in laser therapy group (WMD: 8.45, 95%CI: 5.35-11.55; P<0.00001). Recurrence incidence (OR: 0.97; 95%CI: 0.45-2.09; P=0.93) and retreatment incidence (OR: 1.24; 95%CI: 0.56-2.73; P=0.59) were similar in two approaches. Subgroup analysis between type-1 ROP and APROP was not significant except SE reported in the included studies (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: This Meta-analysis outcome indicates anti-VEGF agents are as effective as laser treatment, and safer than laser in type-1 ROP and APROP. The degree of myopia in APROP is higher than type-1 ROP. More randomized controlled trials in large sample size should be conducted in the future.