Effect of different preoperative nutritional treatments on postoperative recovery and clinical outcomes in patients with gastric cancer and early gastric outlet obstruction.

Patients with gastric cancer and early gastric outlet obstruction often experience malnutrition and require various nutritional support strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different preoperative nutritional treatments on their postoperative recovery and prognosis. The present retrospective study collected data from 467 patients with gastric cancer and early gastric outlet obstruction who underwent surgery at Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital (Harbin, China) between January 2016 and December 2018. All patients received preoperative nutritional treatment, with a mean treatment duration of 8.23±2.33 days. The present study analyzed associations and survival in different groups using χ2, independent-samples t-test, ANOVA and log-rank tests. Furthermore, single- and multi-factor survival analyses were conducted and nomograms and calibration curves constructed to investigate factors influencing patient survival. In this study, 230 patients (49.3%) received only parenteral nutrition (PN; Group 1), 162 patients (34.7%) received PN combined with enteral nutrition (EN; Group 2) and 75 patients (16.0%) received PN combined with a full- or semi-liquid diet (Group 3). No significant differences in clinical and pathological parameters were observed among the groups. However, Group 2 showed significant advantages in postoperative recovery, including faster time to first postoperative bowel sounds, flatus and bowel movement. Survival analysis indicated that Group 3 had shorter progression-free survival (χ2=30.485) and overall survival (χ2=31.249). Preoperative nutritional treatment was identified as an independent prognostic factor. Preoperative PN combined with EN proved advantageous for postoperative recovery of patients with gastric cancer and early gastric outlet obstruction. Furthermore, PN combined with full- or semi-liquid diets may not have fully met the nutritional needs of these patients, resulting in less favorable clinical outcomes.

Does progress in microfracture techniques necessarily translate into clinical effectiveness?

BACKGROUND: Multitudinous advancements have been made to the traditional microfracture (MFx) technique, which have involved delivery of various acellular 2nd generation MFx and cellular MFx-III components to the area of cartilage defect. The relative benefits and pitfalls of these diverse modifications of MFx technique are still not widely understood. AIM: To comparatively analyze the functional, radiological, and histological outcomes, and complications of various generations of MFx available for the treatment of cartilage defects. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus. Patients of any age and sex with cartilage defects undergoing any form of MFx were considered for analysis. We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting functional, radiological, histological outcomes or complications of various generations of MFx for the management of cartilage defects. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted in Stata and Cochrane's Confidence in NMA approach was utilized for appraisal of evidence. RESULTS: Forty-four RCTs were included in the analysis with patients of mean age of 39.40 (± 9.46) years. Upon comparing the results of the other generations with MFX-I as a constant comparator, we noted a trend towards better pain control and functional outcome (KOOS, IKDC, and Cincinnati scores) at the end of 1-, 2-, and 5-year time points with MFx-III, although the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). We also noted statistically significant Magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue score in the higher generations of microfracture (weighted mean difference: 17.44, 95% confidence interval: 0.72, 34.16, P = 0.025; without significant heterogeneity) at 1 year. However, the difference was not maintained at 2 years. There was a trend towards better defect filling on MRI with the second and third generation MFx, although the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The higher generations of traditional MFx technique utilizing acellular and cellular components to augment its potential in the management of cartilage defects has shown only marginal improvement in the clinical and radiological outcomes.

Combining TP53 mutation and isoform has the potential to improve clinical practice.

The clinical importance of assessing and combining data on TP53 mutations and isoforms is discussed in this article. It gives a succinct overview of the structural makeup and key biological roles of the isoforms. It then provides a comprehensive summary of the roles that p53 isoforms play in cancer development, therapy response and resistance. The review provides a summary of studies demonstrating the role of p53 isoforms as potential prognostic indicators. It further provides evidence on how the presence of TP53 mutations may affect one or more of these activities and the association of p53 isoforms with clinicopathological data in various tumour types. The review gives insight into the present diagnostic hurdles for identifying TP53 isoforms and makes recommendations to improve their evaluation. In conclusion, this review offers suggestions for enhancing the identification and integration of TP53 isoforms in conjunction with mutation data within the clinical context.

Patient adherence and response time in electronic patient-reported outcomes: insights from three longitudinal clinical trials.

PURPOSE: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used to collect data on disease symptoms in support of clinical trial endpoints. Clinical studies can last a year or more, and the patients' adherence and response time to daily at-home questionnaires may vary significantly over time. The aim of this study was to understand patterns and changes in patients' completion of daily PROMs during longitudinal clinical studies. METHODS: Data were collected from 1342 patients randomized into three respiratory clinical trials (NCT03401229, NCT03347279, and NCT03406078). PROMs were completed by patients using electronic handheld devices that collected the starting and completion times. A Bayesian generalized linear mixed-effects model was used to identify unbiased coefficients associated with PROM adherence and response time using patient, site, and calendar features as covariates. RESULTS: Adherence decreased over time after randomization, and the rate of decrease was higher in younger patients. The 14-day pre-randomization adherence was correlated with adherence throughout the study. Patients were also more adherent during working days compared to non-working days. Oldest patients took twice as long to complete PROMs throughout the study; however, the response time for all patients decreased during the first month of the study regardless of age. Response time increased 7 days before and after the date of a scheduled clinic visit and when a patient-reported higher symptom burden. CONCLUSION: Detailed analyses of adherence and response time for daily PROMs in clinical trials can provide significant insights about trends of patient behavior in longitudinal clinical studies with high baseline adherence.

Lower serum uric acid to serum creatinine ratio as a predictor of poor functional outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The ratio of serum uric acid (SUA) to serum creatinine (SCr), representing normalized SUA for renal function, is associated with functional outcome in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients. However, its effect on AIS patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the influence of the SUA/SCr ratio on clinical outcome in MT-treated AIS patients. METHODS: Acute ischaemic stroke patients who underwent MT were continuously enrolled from January 2018 to June 2023. Upon admission, SUA and SCr levels were recorded within the initial 24 h. Stroke severity was determined using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Clinical outcome included poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score >2) at 90 days, symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage and death. RESULTS: Amongst 734 patients, 432 (58.8%) exhibited poor functional outcome at 90 days. The SUA/SCr ratio exhibited a negative correlation with NIHSS score (ρ = -0.095, p = 0.010). Univariate analysis revealed a significant association between SUA/SCr ratio and poor functional outcome. After adjusting for confounders, the SUA/SCr ratio remained an independent predictor of functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio 0.348, 95% confidence interval 0.282-0.428, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis highlighted the ability of the SUA/SCr ratio to predict functional outcome, with a cutoff value of 3.62 and an area under the curve of 0.757 (95% confidence interval 0.724-0.788, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The SUA/SCr ratio is correlated with stroke severity and may serve as a predictor of 90-day functional outcome in AIS patients undergoing MT.

Updated Evaluation of Agalsidase Alfa Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Patients with Fabry Disease: Insights from Real-World Data.

The clinical use of agalsidase alfa as enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Fabry disease (FD) has spread since 2001, and a large body of evidence of its effectiveness has been collected. This review presents the clinical and laboratory results achieved with agalsidase alfa, which has been published in the literature. Agalsidase alfa infusion slows down or stops the progression of renal damage, expressed by reduction or stabilization of the annual decline of the glomerular filtration rate; yearly decrease of glomerular filtration rate (slope) sometimes is reduced until its stabilization. ERT prevents or reduces the occurrence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or slows the increase over time if it is already present. Moreover, regarding neurological manifestations, ERT improves neuropathic pain and quality of life, and recent data indicated that it may also prevent the burden of cerebrovascular disease. In addition to ERT's clinical benefits, crucial topics like the most appropriate time to start therapy and the role of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) are analyzed. Treatment with agalsidase alfa in patients with FD substantially improves their outcomes and enhances their quality of life in patients with FD.

Impact of bilateral facet joint violation on radiographic degeneration of superior adjacent segments and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Facet joint violation (FJV) is associated with postoperative low-back pain and is a confirmed risk factor for adjacent-segment degeneration, a long-term complication of lumbar fusion surgery. The authors' knowledge of its mechanisms comes from in vitro biomechanical research only; there is a lack of radiographic evidence of the effects of violation on the superior adjacent-segment facet joint, intervertebral disc, and other local radiographic parameters. Furthermore, any differences between unilateral and bilateral violation remain relatively unclear. The authors therefore aimed to explore the effects of nonviolation and unilateral and bilateral violation on radiographic degeneration of the facet joint and intervertebral disc at the fusion and superior adjacent segment. Patient-reported clinical outcomes were compared at the 2-year follow-up. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed data from 148 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases who underwent single-segment minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion between 2016 and 2020. FJV and facet joint degeneration were evaluated and graded using Shah's method and Pathria's standard, respectively. Radiographic parameters, including disc height and intervertebral Cobb angle at the fusion and superior adjacent segment, were measured. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores. RESULTS: Preoperative data were comparable among the 3 groups (nonviolation, unilateral violation, and bilateral violation) (p > 0.05). Patient-reported clinical outcomes were followed up for at least 2 years (average duration 28.17 ± 6.17 months). At the last follow-up, facet joint degeneration grades were sequentially increased in the nonviolation, unilateral violation, and bilateral violation groups (p = 0.006). The unilateral (2.45 ± 2.17 mm) and bilateral (2.70 ± 1.94 mm) violation groups had more severe losses of disc height in the superior adjacent segment than did the nonviolation group (1.31 ± 2.01 mm). The VAS low-back pain and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores in the bilateral (2.57 ± 1.44 and 19.83 ± 2.84, respectively) and unilateral (2.26 ± 0.79 and 20.43 ± 3.85, respectively) violation groups were significantly worse than in the nonviolation group (1.69 ± 1.12 and 21.80 ± 3.36, respectively) (p < 0.05). By contrast, there were no significant between-group differences in disc height, intervertebral Cobb angle in the fusion segment, or VAS leg pain scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FJV was associated with postoperative low-back pain and worse functional outcomes. It also aggravated facet joint and intervertebral disc changes in the superior adjacent segment, especially when bilateral violation occurred; this may be part of the mechanisms of adjacent-segment degeneration.

Clinical Results and Prognostic Factors in BNCT for Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck under the Japan National Health Insurance System: A Retrospective Study of the Initial 47 Patients.

PURPOSE: Recurrent head and neck cancer presents a therapeutic challenge due to cumulative toxicity from initial radiation therapy, limiting re-irradiation options. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) offers a promising alternative, selectively delivering a radical dose to tumors while sparing adjacent normal tissue. This study investigates the initial clinical outcomes and prognostic factors associated with BNCT for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis investigated the initial 47 patients treated with BNCT between May 2020 and February 2021 in Japan. All patients had received radiotherapy with a median dose of 70 Gy (range, 44-176) prior to BNCT. Median tumor size was 11 cm3 (range, 1-117 cm3), with 23% of tumors larger than 30 cm3, and 87% of patients had prior systemic therapy. The most common prescribed dose to the pharyngeal mucosa was 15 Gy-Eq (36%), followed by 18 Gy-Eq (34%). The minimum dose given to tumor was 27.4 Gy-Eq (range, 13.3-45.2). In 23 patients, 18F-FBPA-PET was performed within 1 week before BNCT, tumor to blood 10B ratio was 3.5 (range, 2.0-8.7). RESULTS: Efficacy analysis revealed a 51% complete response rate and a 74% overall response rate. Disease-free survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 34.6% and 26.6%, respectively. Overall survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 86.1% and 66.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that, among the patient characteristics, whether the lesion was mucosal had a significant impact on achieving complete response. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided valuable insights into the early integration of BNCT into routine clinical practice, highlighting its efficacy and safety. Technical improvements are needed to ensure precise dose administration. Ongoing prospective studies, such as the phase II REBIVAL study, will further elucidate the role of BNCT in recurrent head and neck cancer.

Intraoperative reliability of the tibial anteroposterior axis "Akagi's Line" in total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: The tibial anatomical anteroposterior (AP) axis "Akagi's line" was originally defined on computed tomography (CT) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA); however, its intraoperative reproducibility remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the intraoperative reproducibility of the Akagi's line and its effect on postoperative clinical outcomes. Methods: This prospective study included 171 TKAs. The rotational angle of the intraoperative Akagi's line relative to the original Akagi's line (RAA) defined on CT was measured. The RAA was calculated based on the tibial component rotational angles relative to the intraoperative Akagi's line measured using the navigation system and CT. The effects of RAA on postoperative clinical outcomes and rotational alignments of components were also evaluated. Results: The mean absolute RAA (standard deviation) value was 5.5° (3.9°). The range of RAA was 22° internal rotation to 16° external rotation. Intraoperative Akagi's line outliers (RAA > 10°) were observed in 14% of the knees (24 knees). In outlier analysis, the tibial component rotation angle was externally rotated 6.5° (5.6°) in the outlier group and externally rotated 3.7° (4.2°) in the nonoutlier group (≤10°), with a significant difference between the two groups. Additionally, the outlier group (RAA > 10°) showed lower postoperative clinical outcomes. Conclusion: The original Akagi's line defined on CT showed insufficient reproducibility intraoperatively. The poor intraoperative detection of Akagi's line could be the reason for the tibial component rotational error and worse postoperative clinical outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Psychometric evaluation of the near activity visual questionnaire presbyopia (NAVQ-P) and additional patient-reported outcome items.

BACKGROUND: The Near Visual Acuity Questionnaire Presbyopia (NAVQ-P) is a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure that was developed in a phakic presbyopia population to assess near vision function impacts. The study refined and explored the psychometric properties and score interpretability of the NAVQ-P and additional PRO items assessing near vision correction independence (NVCI), near vision satisfaction (NVS), and near vision correction preference (NVCP). METHODS: This was a psychometric validation study conducted using PRO data collected as part of a Phase IIb clinical trial (CUN8R44 A2202) consisting of 235 randomized adults with presbyopia from the US, Japan, Australia, and Canada. Data collected at baseline, week 2, and months 1, 2, and 3 during the 3-month trial treatment period were included in the analyses to assess item (question) properties, NAVQ-P dimensionality and scoring, reliability, validity, and score interpretation. RESULTS: Item responses were distributed across the full response scale for most NAVQ-P and additional PRO items. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the pre-defined unidimensional structure and calculation of a NAVQ-P total score as a measure of near vision function. Item deletion informed by item response distributions, dimensionality analyses, item response theory, and previous qualitative findings, including clinical input, supported retention of 14 NAVQ-P items. The 14-item NAVQ-P total score had excellent internal consistency (α = 0.979) and high test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients > = 0.898). There was good evidence of construct-related validity for all PROs supported by strong correlations with concurrent measures. Excellent results for known-groups validity and ability to detect change analyses were also demonstrated. Anchor-based and distribution-based methods supported interpretation of scores through generation of group-level and within-individual estimates of meaningful change thresholds. A meaningful within-patient change in the range of 8-15-point improvement on the NAVQ-P total score (score range 0-42) was recommended, including a more specific responder definition of 10-point improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The NAVQ-P, NVCI, and NVS are valid and reliable instruments which have the ability to detect change over time. Findings strongly support the use of these measures as outcome assessments in clinical/research studies and in clinical practice in the presbyopia population.

Early Administration of Intravenous Hydration and Opioid Analgesics Is Correlated with Decreased Admission Rates during Vaso-Occlusive Episodes in Sickle Cell Disease.

Background: Painful vaso-occlusive episodes (VOEs) are the hallmark of sickle cell disease (SCD) and account for frequent visits to the emergency department (ED) or urgent care (UC). Currently, the early administration of analgesics is recommended as initial management; however, there is a need for further understanding of the effect of prompt analgesics and hydration during VOEs. The objective of this study is to analyze the factors associated with the rate of hospital admission in the setting of time to intravenous (IV) analgesics and hydration. Method: This retrospective single-institution study reviewed adult and pediatric patients with SCD who presented with VOEs from January 2018 to August 2023. Results: Of 303 patient encounters, the rates of admission for the overall group, the subgroup which received IV hydration within 60 min of arrival, and the subgroup which received both IV analgesics and hydration within 60 min were 51.8%, 25.6% (RR = 0.46), and 18.2% (RR = 0.33), respectively. Further, factors such as gender and the use of hydroxyurea were found to be significantly associated with the rate of admission. Conclusions: This signifies the importance of standardizing the management of VOEs through the timely administration of IV analgesics and hydration in both adult and pediatric ED/UC.

Impact of Deltoid Computer Tomography Image Data on the Accuracy of Machine Learning Predictions of Clinical Outcomes after Anatomic and Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Background: Despite the importance of the deltoid to shoulder biomechanics, very few studies have quantified the three-dimensional shape, size, or quality of the deltoid muscle, and no studies have correlated these measurements to clinical outcomes after anatomic (aTSA) and/or reverse (rTSA) total shoulder arthroplasty in any statistically/scientifically relevant manner. Methods: Preoperative computer tomography (CT) images from 1057 patients (585 female, 469 male; 799 primary rTSA and 258 primary aTSA) of a single platform shoulder arthroplasty prosthesis (Equinoxe; Exactech, Inc., Gainesville, FL) were analyzed in this study. A machine learning (ML) framework was used to segment the deltoid muscle for 1057 patients and quantify 15 different muscle characteristics, including volumetric (size, shape, etc.) and intensity-based Hounsfield (HU) measurements. These deltoid measurements were correlated to postoperative clinical outcomes and utilized as inputs to train/test ML algorithms used to predict postoperative outcomes at multiple postoperative timepoints (1 year, 2-3 years, and 3-5 years) for aTSA and rTSA. Results: Numerous deltoid muscle measurements were demonstrated to significantly vary with age, gender, prosthesis type, and CT image kernel; notably, normalized deltoid volume and deltoid fatty infiltration were demonstrated to be relevant to preoperative and postoperative clinical outcomes after aTSA and rTSA. Incorporating deltoid image data into the ML models improved clinical outcome prediction accuracy relative to ML algorithms without image data, particularly for the prediction of abduction and forward elevation after aTSA and rTSA. Analyzing ML feature importance facilitated rank-ordering of the deltoid image measurements relevant to aTSA and rTSA clinical outcomes. Specifically, we identified that deltoid shape flatness, normalized deltoid volume, deltoid voxel skewness, and deltoid shape sphericity were the most predictive image-based features used to predict clinical outcomes after aTSA and rTSA. Many of these deltoid measurements were found to be more predictive of aTSA and rTSA postoperative outcomes than patient demographic data, comorbidity data, and diagnosis data. Conclusions: While future work is required to further refine the ML models, which include additional shoulder muscles, like the rotator cuff, our results show promise that the developed ML framework can be used to evolve traditional CT-based preoperative planning software into an evidence-based ML clinical decision support tool.

The predictive value of conventional magnetic resonance imaging combined with intravoxel incoherent motion parameters for evaluating maternal and neonatal clinical outcomes in patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorders.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to identify factors predictive of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters. METHOD: Fifty-six normal singleton pregnancies at 33-39 weeks of gestation underwent MRI examination at 1.5 T. The IVIM parameters were obtained from the placenta. The correlation between the f value and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and between the f value and transfused units of red blood cells (RBCs) was estimated by linear regression. The correlation between various influencing factors (clinical risk factors, MRI features, and IVIM parameters) and poor outcomes was investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULT: The interobserver agreement ranged from fair to excellent (k = 0.30-0.88). Multivariate analyses showed that previous cesarean sections, low signal intensity bands on T2WI and the D value were independent risk factors for adverse outcomes. The combination of three risk factors demonstrated the highest AUC of 0.903, with a sensitivity and specificity of 73.10 % and 96.90 %, respectively. Last, f was positively correlated with PPH and units of RBCs transfused. DISCUSSION: Preoperative MRI features and IVIM parameters may be used to predict poor outcomes in patients with invasive placental disorders like PAS.

Ethnicity and socio-economic deprivation in children with intestinal failure in New Zealand: Disparities in incidence, but not in outcomes.

AIMS: The New Zealand National Intestinal Failure and Rehabilitation Service (NZ-NIFRS) was established in October 2015 to gather longitudinal data on the aetiology, clinical course and outcomes of children with intestinal failure (IF). One main objective is to achieve health equity for patients with IF in NZ. METHODS: Clinical outcomes (enteral autonomy, parenteral nutrition (PN) dependence, death or intestinal transplantation) for IF patients diagnosed from October 2015 to 2018 were analysed; comparisons were made by ethnicity and socio-economic status (SES) using published 'prioritised-ethnicity' health data and the NZ index of deprivation, respectively. The Cox proportional-hazards model was used to assess time to enteral autonomy. RESULTS: Of the 208 patients (55.77% male, 43.75% preterm), 170 (81.73%) achieved enteral autonomy and 14 (6.73%) remained PN dependent. Pacific and Maori children accounted for 12.98% and 27.88% of the patient cohort, respectively, compared to 9.46% and 25.65% of the NZ paediatric population. More significantly, IF patients with a high NZ socio-economic deprivation score were overrepresented, with 35.92% in the highest deprivation quintile and 10.19% in the least deprived quintile, compared to 23.53% and 20.31%, respectively, of the NZ paediatric population. There were no significant differences in primary clinical outcomes for any patients based on ethnicity or SES. CONCLUSION: While disparities in ethnicity and social deprivation do exist in the incidence of IF in NZ children, clinical outcomes are similar for children regardless of ethnicity or SES. NZ-NIFRS has achieved one of its core objectives: to achieve health equity for all patients with IF nationwide.

COVID-19 and malaria co-infection: a systematic review of clinical outcomes in endemic areas.

Background: COVID-19 and malaria cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. Co-infection of these diseases can worsen their impact on public health. This review aims to synthesize literature on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 and malaria co-infection to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MeSH terms and keywords from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to January 2023. The review included original articles on COVID-19 and malaria co-infection, evaluating their methodological quality and certainty of evidence. It was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023393562). Results: Out of 1,596 screened articles, 19 met the inclusion criteria. These studies involved 2,810 patients, 618 of whom had COVID-19 and malaria co-infection. Plasmodium falciparum and vivax were identified as causative organisms in six studies. Hospital admission ranged from three to 18 days. Nine studies associated co-infection with severe disease, ICU admission, assisted ventilation, and related complications. One study reported 6% ICU admission, and mortality rates of 3%, 9.4%, and 40.4% were observed in four studies. Estimated crude mortality rates were 10.71 and 5.87 per 1,000 person-days for patients with and without concurrent malaria, respectively. Common co-morbidities included Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders. Conclusion: Most patients with COVID-19 and malaria co-infection experienced short-term hospitalization and mild to moderate disease severity. However, at presentation, co-morbidities and severe malaria were significantly associated with higher mortality or worse clinical outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of early detection, prompt treatment, and close monitoring of patients with COVID-19 and malaria co-infection.

Intratumoral CD38+CD19+B cells associate with poor clinical outcomes and immunosuppression in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The widespread involvement of tumor-infiltrating B cells highlights their potential role in tumor behavior. However, B cell heterogeneity in PDAC remains unexplored. Studying TIL-Bs in PDAC aims to identify new treatment strategies. METHODS: We performed single-cell RNA sequencing to study the heterogeneity of B cells in PDAC. The prognostic and immunologic value of the identified CD38+ B cells was explored in FUSCC (n = 147) and TCGA (n = 176) cohorts. Flow cytometry was conducted to characterize the relationship between CD38+ B cells and other immune cells, as well as their phenotypic features. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to assess the putative effect of CD38+ B cells on antitumor immunity. FINDINGS: The presence of CD38+ B cells in PDAC was associated with unfavorable clinicopathological features and poorer overall survival (p < 0.001). Increased infiltration of CD38+ B cells was accompanied by reduced natural killer (NK) cells (p = 0.021) and increased regulatory T cells (p = 0.016). Molecular profiling revealed high expression of IL-10, IL-35, TGF-ß, GZMB, TIM-1, CD5 and CD21, confirming their putative regulatory B cell-like features. Co-culture experiments demonstrated suppression of NK cell cytotoxicity by CD38+ B cell-derived IL-10 (p < 0.001). Finally, in vivo experiments suggested adoptive transfer of CD38+ B cells reduced antitumor immunity and administration of a CD38 inhibitor hampered tumor growth (p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: We discovered regulatory B cell-like CD38+ B cell infiltration as an independent prognostic factor in PDAC. The use of CD38 inhibitor may provide new possibilities for PDAC immunotherapy. FUNDING: This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U21A20374), Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project (21JC1401500), Scientific Innovation Project of Shanghai Education Committee (2019-01-07-00-07-E00057), Special Project for Clinical Research in the Health Industry of the Shanghai Health Commission (No. 20204Y0265) and Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai (23ZR1479300).

The Impact of Digital Self-Monitoring of Weight on Improving Diabetes Clinical Outcomes: Quasi-Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: The management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, particularly in the context of self-monitoring, remains a critical challenge in health care. As nearly 80% to 90% of patients with T2D have overweight or obesity, there is a compelling need for interventions that can effectively manage both conditions simultaneously. One of the goals in managing chronic conditions is to increase awareness and generate behavioral change to improve outcomes in diabetes and related comorbidities, such as overweight or obesity. There is a lack of real-life evidence to test the impact of self-monitoring of weight on glycemic outcomes and its underlying mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the efficacy of digital self-monitoring of weight on blood glucose (BG) levels during diabetes management, investigating whether the weight changes may drive glucose fluctuations. METHODS: In this retrospective, real-world quasi-randomized study, 50% of the individuals who regularly used the weight monitoring (WM) feature were propensity score matched with 50% of the users who did not use the weight monitoring feature (NWM) based on demographic and clinical characteristics. All the patients were diagnosed with T2D and tracked their BG levels. We analyzed monthly aggregated data 6 months before and after starting their weight monitoring. A piecewise mixed model was used for analyzing the time trajectories of BG and weight as well as exploring the disaggregation effect of between- and within-patient lagged effects of weight on BG. RESULTS: The WM group exhibited a significant reduction in BG levels post intervention (P<.001), whereas the nonmonitoring group showed no significant changes (P=.59), and both groups showed no differences in BG pattern before the intervention (P=.59). Furthermore, the WM group achieved a meaningful decrease in BMI (P<.001). Finally, both within-patient (P<.001) and between-patient (P=.008) weight variability was positively associated with BG levels. However, 1-month lagged back BMI was not associated with BG levels (P=.36). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the substantial benefits of self-monitoring of weight in managing BG levels in patients with diabetes, facilitated by a digital health platform, and advocates for the integration of digital self-monitoring tools in chronic disease management. We also provide initial evidence of testing the underlying mechanisms associated with BG management, underscoring the potential role of patient empowerment.

Optimization of Using Multiple Machine Learning Approaches in Atrial Fibrillation Detection Based on a Large-Scale Data Set of 12-Lead Electrocardiograms: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a hazardous cardiac arrhythmia that significantly elevates the risk of stroke and heart failure. Despite its severity, its diagnosis largely relies on the proficiency of health care professionals. At present, the real-time identification of paroxysmal AF is hindered by the lack of automated techniques. Consequently, a highly effective machine learning algorithm specifically designed for AF detection could offer substantial clinical benefits. We hypothesized that machine learning algorithms have the potential to identify and extract features of AF with a high degree of accuracy, given the intricate and distinctive patterns present in electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings of AF. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop a clinically valuable machine learning algorithm that can accurately detect AF and compare different leads' performances of AF detection. METHODS: We used 12-lead ECG recordings sourced from the 2020 PhysioNet Challenge data sets. The Welch method was used to extract power spectral features of the 12-lead ECGs within a frequency range of 0.083 to 24.92 Hz. Subsequently, various machine learning techniques were evaluated and optimized to classify sinus rhythm (SR) and AF based on these power spectral features. Furthermore, we compared the effects of different frequency subbands and different lead selections on machine learning performances. RESULTS: The light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) was found to be the most effective in classifying AF and SR, achieving an average F1-score of 0.988 across all ECG leads. Among the frequency subbands, the 0.083 to 4.92 Hz range yielded the highest F1-score of 0.985. In interlead comparisons, aVR had the highest performance (F1=0.993), with minimal differences observed between leads. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study successfully used machine learning methodologies, particularly the LightGBM model, to differentiate SR and AF based on power spectral features derived from 12-lead ECGs. The performance marked by an average F1-score of 0.988 and minimal interlead variation underscores the potential of machine learning algorithms to bolster real-time AF detection. This advancement could significantly improve patient care in intensive care units as well as facilitate remote monitoring through wearable devices, ultimately enhancing clinical outcomes.

Scapulothoracic orientation has a significant influence on the clinical outcome after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Computer simulation has indicated a significant effect of scapulothoracic orientation and posture on range of motion (ROM) after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). We analyzed this putative effect on the clinical and radiological outcome post-RTSA. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 2-year follow-up data of RTSA patients treated at our clinic between 2008 and 2019. Patients were categorized into posture types A, B, and C based on an established method using scapular internal rotation on preoperative cross-sectional imaging. We compared differences in clinical ROM, pain, Subjective Shoulder Value, Constant Score, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), quality of life (EQ5D5L utility index) and radiological outcomes between posture types using linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Of 681 included patients, 225 had type A posture, 326 type B and 130 type C. Baseline group characteristics were comparable, although the type C group had a higher proportion of females (60% [A]; 64% [B]; 80% [C]) with lower abduction strength (0.7 kg [A]; 0.6 kg [B]; 0.3 kg [C]) and a slightly higher proportion with a Grammont design RTSA (41% [A]; 48% [B]; 54% [C]). There were significant adjusted differences in mean (±standard deviation) active flexion (A: 137±21°; B: 136±20°; C: 131±19°) and passive flexion (A: 140±19°; B: 138±19°; C: 134±18°), active (A: 127±26°; B: 125±26°; C: 117±27°) and passive abduction (A: 129±24°; B: 128±25°; C: 121±25°), SPADI (A: 81±18; B: 79±20; C: 73±23) and pain (A: 1.2±1.7; B: 1.6±2.2; C: 1.8±2.4) between posture types at 2 years (p≤0.035). A higher distalization shoulder angle was associated with better abduction in type C patients (p=0.016). Type C patients showed a trend towards a higher complication rate (3.9% vs 1.1% [A]; 3.2% [B]) (p=0.067). CONCLUSIONS: Type C posture influences the 2-year clinical outcome of RTSA patients in terms of worse flexion, abduction, SPADI and pain. Scapulothoracic orientation and posture should be considered during the patient selection process, preoperative planning and implantation of a RTSA.

Functional Outcomes and Gait Analysis of Total Hip Arthroplasty Through Lateral Hardinge Approach and Gluteus Medius-Sparing Approach: A Prospective Study.

Background and objective Hip degenerative joint disease is a common and debilitating musculoskeletal disorder. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a reconstructive hip procedure to relieve this condition through various surgical approaches. This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes between patients undergoing THA using the lateral Hardinge approach and the lateral gluteus medius-sparing approach. Material and methods This prospective study was carried out at a tertiary care institution. Thirty patients with arthritic hip joints were managed with total hip replacement (THR). The patients were allocated into two treatment groups; in group A, 14 patients received a THR by the lateral Hardinge approach, whereas in group B, 16 patients were managed by the lateral gluteus medius-sparing approach. Functional outcomes were assessed by the Harris Hip Score (HHS), and gait analysis was performed. Results The mean age of group A was 39.79 ±14.01 years and that of group B was 37.00 ±14.81 years. The mean length of incision was significantly lower in group B (p=0.001), whereas the mean duration of surgery (p=0.018) and mean contralateral pelvic tilt were found to be significantly lower in group A (p=0.009). No significant difference was found in abductor muscle strength, limb length discrepancy, HHS, pelvic obliquity, and pelvic rotation. Conclusion While functional outcomes were similar in both groups, the group that underwent THA with the gluteus medius-sparing approach had better gait based on lower pelvic tilt.