[Development and Validation of a Risk Prediction Model for Prolonged Hospitalization in Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers]. / ç³–å°¿ç— è¶³æºƒç–¡æ‚£è€ ä½é™¢æ—¶é—´å»¶é•¿é£Žé™©é¢„æµ‹æ¨¡åž‹æž„å»ºåŠéªŒè¯.

Objective: To investigate the risk factors associated with prolonged hospitalization in patients diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), to develop a predictive model, and to conduct internal validation of the model. Methods: The clinical data of DFU patients admitted to West China Hospital, Sichuan University between January 2012 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected. The subjects were randomly assigned to a training cohort and a validation cohort at a ratio of 7 to 3. Hospital stays longer than 75th percentile were defined as prolonged length-of-stay. A thorough analysis of the risk factors was conducted using the training cohort, which enabled the development of an accurate risk prediction model. To ensure robustness, the model was internally validated using the validation cohort. Results: A total of 967 inpatients with DFU were included, among whom 245 patients were identified as having an extended length-of-stay. The training cohort consisted of 622 patients, while the validation cohort comprised 291 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that smoking history (odds ratio [OR]=1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13 to 2.48, P=0.010), Wagner grade 3 or higher (OR=7.13, 95% CI, 3.68 to 13.83, P<0.001), midfoot ulcers (OR=1.99, 95% CI, 1.07 to 3.72, P=0.030), posterior foot ulcers (OR=3.68, 95% CI, 1.83 to 7.41, P<0.001), multisite ulcers (OR=2.91, 95% CI, 1.80 to 4.69, P<0.001), wound size≥3 cm2 (OR=2.00, 95% CI, 1.28-3.11, P=0.002), and white blood cell count (OR=1.11, 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.18, P<0.001) were associated with an increased risk of prolonged length of stay. Additionally, a nomogram was constructed based on the identified risk factors. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for both the training cohort and the validation cohort were 0.782 (95% CI, 0.745 to 0.820) and 0.756 (95% CI, 0.694 to 0.818), respectively, indicating robust predictive performance. Furthermore, the calibration plot demonstrated optimal concordance between the predicted probabilities and the observed outcomes in both the training and the validation cohorts. Conclusion: Smoking history, Wagner grade≥3, midfoot ulcers, posterior foot ulcers, multisite ulcers, ulcer area≥3 cm2, and elevated white blood cell count are identified as independent predictors of prolonged hospitalization. Therefore, it is imperative that clinicians conduct a comprehensive patient evaluation and implement appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to effectively shorten the length of stay for DFU patients.

[Characteristics of Inflammatory Markers in Diabetic Foot Patients and Their Relationship With Prognosis of Diabetic Foot Ulcers]. / ç³–å°¿ç— è¶³æ‚£è€ ç‚Žç—‡æ ‡å¿—ç‰©ç‰¹å¾åŠå ¶ä¸Žè¶³æºƒç–¡é¢„åŽå ³ç³».

Objective: To explore the characteristics of baseline inflammatory markers in diabetic foot patients and their relationship with the prognosis of diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: The clinical data of diabetic foot patients (n=495) admitted to West China Hospital, Sichuan University since 2016 were retrospectively collected through the hospital electronic medical record system to analyze the characteristics of inflammatory markers and their relationship with the prognosis of diabetic foot ulcers. Results: White blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were significantly higher in patients defined as grade 4 on the Wagner Scale than those in patients defined as grade 0-3 on the Wagner Scale. Neutrophil percentage (NE%) was higher in Wagner grade-4 patients than those in Wagner grade-0 and grade-1 patients and higher in Wagner grade-3 patients than those in Wagner grade-0 patients. NE%, CRP, PCT, and IL-6 levels were positively correlated with the severity of diabetic foot, with the respective odds ratio (OR) at 95% confidence interval (CI) being 1.038 (1.019-1.056), 1.019 (1.012-1.026), 8.225 (2.015-33.576), and 1.017 (1.008-1.025). Using Wagner grade-0 patients as the reference, patients with higher WBC were more likely to progress to Wagner grade 2, 3, and 4, with the respective OR (95% CI) values being 1.260 (1.096-1.447), 1.188 (1.041-1.356), and 1.301 (1.137-1.490); patients with higher ESR were more likely to progress to Wagner grade 3 and 4, with the respective OR (95% CI) values being 1.030 (1.006-1.054) and 1.045 (1.019-1.071). Baseline ESR (P=0.008), CRP (P=0.039), and IL-6 (P=0.033) levels were lower in patients who had received antibiotics prior to their admission than those in patients who had not received antibiotics before admission. The levels of WBC, NE%, ESR, PCT, and IL-6 were lower in the full recovery group than those in the group of patients who did not respond to treatment. The higher the levels of NE% and IL-6, the worse the prognosis of diabetic foot ulcers became, with the respective OR (95% CI) values being 1.030 (1.010-1.051) and 1.008 (1.002-1.013). Conclusion: The severity of diabetic foot ulcers increased with the rise in baseline levels of inflammatory markers. Elevated baseline NE% and IL-6 levels suggest a poor prognosis. Our findings suggest that early assessment of diabetic foot infection and standardized antibiotic therapy should be implemented to improve the prognosis.

Characteristics of lipid profiles and lipid control in patients with diabetes in a tertiary hospital in Southwest China: an observational study based on electronic medical records.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is often accompanied by dyslipidemia. Lipid control is very important in the management of diabetes. There are limited real world data on the lipid control in diabetic inpatients in southwest China. METHODS: An observational study was conducted to assess the characteristics of lipid profiles and lipid control. Diabetic patients from February 2009 to December 2013 at West China Hospital of Sichuan University were identified. RESULTS: A total of 56,784 inpatients were included and 85.9% of them had at least one lipid panel. The proportions of inpatients with optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level (< 2.59 mmol/L), optimal triglyceride (TG) level (< 1.70 mmol/L), optimal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level (men ≥1.04 mmol/L; women ≥1.30 mmol/L) and optimal non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) level (< 3.37 mmol/L) were 61.1, 64.6, 49.9 and 64.5%, respectively. Only 23.1% of inpatients obtained optimal levels for all the above four lipid parameters. Of diabetic inpatients with ischemic heart disease, the proportions of inpatients with optimal LDL-C level (< 1.81 mmol/L), optimal TG level (< 1.70 mmol/L), optimal HDL-C level (men ≥1.04 mmol/L; women ≥1.30 mmol/L) and optimal non-HDL-C level (< 2.59 mmol/L) were 38.0, 66.3, 48.1 and 48.7%, respectively. Of diabetic inpatients with cerebrovascular disease, the proportions were 28.3, 64.8, 49.9 and 38.1%, respectively. Older people and men were more likely to obtain optimal lipid levels. However, inpatients between 46 and 64 years were least likely to obtain optimal LDL-C levels. CONCLUSIONS: The lipid control of diabetic inpatients in southwest China is worrisome. Individualized strategies of lipid management should be taken to bridge the gap between the recommendations of clinical guidelines and the real situation of clinical practice.

Effects of Nicorandil on All-Cause Mortality and Cardiac Events in CAD Patients Receiving PCI.

Current studies demonstrating the effects of nicorandil in the prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are inconclusive due to the small sample size and small events rate.PubMed, OVID, CBM and CNKI databases were searched using a pre-specified search string to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying the effects of nicorandil on CAD patients receiving PCI. Data on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events were collected. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis was conducted in patients receiving primary PCI (PPCI) and elective PCI (EPCI).A total of 18 RCTs were included in our final analysis. Nicorandil treatment significantly reduced total mortality in PPCI (Peto OR = 0.44, 95%CI 0.25-0.79, P = 0.006) and EPCI (Peto OR = 0.41, 95%CI 0.25-0.67, P = 0.0004), cardiovascular death in both PPCI (Peto OR = 0.41, 95%CI 0.20-0.84, P = 0.01) and EPCI (Peto OR = 0.40, 95%CI 0.20-0.80, P = 0.009), and heart failure in PPCI (RR = 0.36, 95%CI 0.22-0.59, P < 0.0001). When compared with placebo plus standard treatment or standard treatment alone, nicorandil plus standard treatment was associated with reduced total mortality in both PPCI and EPCI, CV death in EPCI, and heart failure in PPCI. Nicorandil is associated with lower risks of total mortality and CV death in PPCI and EPCI in those who received nicorandil > 28 days.Nicorandil as an adjunct therapy along with PCI is associated with reduced total mortality and cardiovascular death in PPCI and EPCI patients, and reduced heart failure in PPCI patients.

[Study on Relationship Between Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 Concentration and Glucose Metabolism].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3 ] concentration and glucose metabolism. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey recruited 668 participants, and the demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were obtained from questionnaires. Physical examination and blood biochemical examination were performed, then the participants were divided into three groups as normal glucose tolerant (NGT) group, impaired glucose regulation(IGR) group, and diabetes mellitus (DM) group. RESULTS: There was no statistical significant difference in serum 25(OH)D3 concentration among the three groups ( P>0.05). With comparison of different serum 25(OH) D3 concentration, there was no statistical significant difference in the incidence of DM and IGR, FPG, 2 h BG, HOMA-IR, ISI-composite, HOMA-ß or ΔI30/ΔG30 ( P>0.05). Serum 25(OH)D3 concentration was not associated with DM, IGR, FPG, 2 h BG, HOMA-IR, ISI-composite, HOMA-ß or ΔI30/ΔG30 ( P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No relationship between serum 25(OH)D3 concentration and glucose metabolism is comfirmed.

Efficacy of probiotics in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adult and children: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of adult and childhood non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: Randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of adult and childhood NAFLD published before July 2015 were searched in multiple databases, including Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, EBSCO, OVID, SCI, CNKI, and VIP. Article identification and data extraction were carried out by two reviewers based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RevMan 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Nine randomized controlled trials with a total of 535 cases of NAFLD were included. Statistical differences in homeostasis model assessment, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and tumor necrosis factor-α were detected between the probiotics and control groups with variations in different patient populations. No significant differences in body mass index (BMI), glucose, or insulin were detected between the two groups. Statistical differences in low density lipoprotein, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, and BMI were detected between the two childhood groups (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Probiotics provided improvements in the outcomes of homeostasis model assessment, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, and tumor necrosis factor-α in any NAFLD patients and triglyceride in Italian and Spanish patients, but no improvement in the outcomes of BMI, glucose, or insulin in adult NAFLD patients. The currently available data are not sufficient to compare the effects of probiotics between adult and childhood NAFLD patients.

[Pancreatic ß-cell Functions Measured by Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Han Chinese with Varied Degree of Glucose Tolerance].

OBJECTIVES: To compare the pancreatic ß-cell functions of Han people between those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT),prediabetes (PD),and newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (NDDM), and to evaluate the value of the continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) in determining ß-cell functions. METHODS: A total of 169 volunteers of Han people (20-75 years old, 72 male and 97 female) without diagnosed diabetes were given 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin release tests. The body mass index (BMI) of the participants ranged from 18.5 to 28.0 kg/m².They were categorized into NGT (n=87), PD (n=52) and NDDM (n=30) groupsaccording to the World Health Organization (WHO) 1999 criteria.Blood samples were taken to test triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol (TC),and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The participants were also given a 72 h continuous glucose monitoring. The ß-cell functions were calculated using the OGTT and insulin release test results, which included homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR),homeostasis model assessment ß-cell function (HOMA-B),basic secretion, early phase secretion, and second phase secretion. The area under the curve of glucose (AUC-G) was estimated through the CGMS.A multivariate stepwise regression model was developed to identify predictors of ß-cell functions. RESULTS: Significant differences in age,BMI,HOMA-IR,HOMA-B,AUC-G, basic secretion, early phase secretion and second phase secretion were found between the NGT and PD groups (P<0.05) and between the NGT and NDDM groups (P<0.05). Differences in AUC-G and basic secretion and early phase secretion were found between the PD and NDDM groups (P<0.05),but not in age, BMI, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, and second phase secretion.The multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that HOMA-B (standardized partical regression coefficient ß=-0.244,P=0.001), basic secretion (ß=-0.355,P<0.001), and HbA1c (ß=0.638,P<0.001) contributed significantly to the AUC-G. CONCLUSIONS: ß-cell functions decline in those with prediabetes, which appears first at the second phase secretion. Changes in ß-cell secretion functions are more obvious than in insulin resistance during the progression from PD to NDDM.AUC-G can be a better indicator of impaired ß-cellfunctions.

Autologous platelet-rich gel for treatment of diabetic chronic refractory cutaneous ulcers: A prospective, randomized clinical trial.

The purpose of the study is to examine the safety and effectiveness of topical autologous platelet-rich gel (APG) application on facilitating the healing of diabetic chronic refractory cutaneous ulcers. The study was designed as a prospective, randomized controlled trial between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2011. Eligible inpatients at the Diabetic Foot Care Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University (China) were randomly prescribed with a 12-week standard treatment of ulcers (the control group) or standard treatment plus topical application APG (the APG group). The wound healing grades (primary endpoint), time to complete healing, and healing velocity within 12 weeks were monitored as short-term effectiveness measurements, while side effects were documented safety endpoints. The rates of survival and recurrence within the follow up were recorded as long-term effectiveness endpoints. Analysis on total diabetic ulcers (DUs) (n = 117) and subgroup analysis on diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) (n = 103) were both conducted. Standard treatment plus APG treatment was statistically more effective than standard treatment (p < 0.05 in both total DUs and subgroup of DFUs). The subjects defined as healing grade 1 were 50/59 (84.8%) in total DUs and 41/48 (85.4%) in DFUs in the APG group compared with 40/58 (69.0%) and 37/55 (67.3%) in the control group from intent to treat population. The Kaplan-Meier time-to-healing were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05 in both total DUs and subgroup of DFUs). No side effects were identified after topical APG application. The long-term survival and recurrence rates were comparative between groups (p > 0.05). This study shows that topical APG application plus standard treatment is safe and quite effective on diabetic chronic refractory cutaneous ulcers, compared with standard treatment.

Is COPD associated with increased mortality and morbidity in hospitalized pneumonia? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This review aimed to investigate whether chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). EMBASE, PubMed and Web of Science were searched for cohort studies and case-control studies investigating the impact of COPD on CAP. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and need for mechanical ventilation. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The Mantel-Haenszel method and inverse variance method were used to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs) and mean differences (MD), respectively. Eleven studies (nine cohort studies and two case-control studies), involving 257 958 patients, were included. The overall methodological quality was high. COPD was not associated with increased mortality in hospitalized CAP patients (RR, 1.20; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92-1.56; P = 0.19; I(2) = 55%) in cohort studies, and was associated with reduced mortality in case-control studies (RR, 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74-0.90; P < 0.0001; I(2) = 80%). COPD was not associated with longer hospital stay (MD, 0.11; 95% CI: -0.42 to 0.64; P = 0.68; I(2) = 21%), more frequent ICU admission (RR, 0.97; 95% CI: 0.70-1.35; P = 0.87; I(2) = 65%), and more need for mechanical ventilation (RR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.71-1.16; P = 0.44; I(2) = 4%).The current available evidence indicates that COPD may not be associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients hospitalized with CAP. This conclusion should be re-evaluated by prospective population-based cohort studies.

[Multilevel models in the analysis of center effect in clinical trials].

Multilevel models are applicable to both the quantitative data and categorical variables. We used the methods, including the multilevel models, analysis of covariance and CMH chi-square test, to analyse different types of data, to explore the application of multilevel models in the analysis of the multicenter clinical trial center effect. The results showed that the analysis of covariance is more sensitive to find the center effect for quantitative data, while multilevel models are more sensitive to categorical variables. It can be seen that results with different analytical methods for center effect are not the same, and the most appropriate method should be selected in accordance with the characteristics of data, the objective of research, and the applicable conditions of the various methods in practical use.

Comprehensive geriatric assessment of older patients with renal disease: a cross-sectional survey.

Multidimensional health function impairments are common in older patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study was to explore whether the risk or severity of geriatric syndrome increased with a decline in renal function. This survey was conducted for CKD patients aged ≥ 60 years and hospitalized at West China Hospital of Sichuan University (Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Nephrology, and Endocrinology) and Chengdu Kangfu Kidney Disease Hospital from September 01, 2013 to June 30, 2014. Patients underwent multidimensional individualized assessments by trained doctors. Logistic regression analysis found that the risk of assisted walking (P = 0.001) and urinary incontinence (P = 0.039) increased with a decline in renal function. Regression analysis revealed that the scores of activities of daily living (P = 0.024), nutritional status (P = 0.000), total social support (P = 0.014), and objective support (P = 0.000) decreased with a decline in renal function.

[Efficacy and safety of vitamin D for type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin D (VD) for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCT) were identified from CBM (1978.1-2012.9), CNKI (1979.1-2012.9), Pubmed (1950.1-2012.9), EMbase (1970.1-2012.9) and Cochrane library (issue 4, 2012). Publications of the RCT on the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with VD were included and analyzed according to the criteria of Cochrane handbook. RESULTS: Six RCT involving 328 patients were included. Meta-analysis indicated that VD caused a reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin A 1c (HbA 1c) (P = 0.05) but not in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and failed to improve quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and homeostasis model assessment index of ß cell function (HOMA-ß) (P > 0.05). As reported in a trial, the side effect of VD was hypercalcemia. CONCLUSION: VD may have positive effects on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the evidence is weak due to the general low methodological quality. Thus we have not made a reliable conclusion about the effects of VD for type 2 diabetes mellitus at the moment. Further larger, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and multicenter trials are warranted.

Association of vitamin D status with all-cause mortality and outcomes among Chinese individuals with diabetic foot ulcers.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between serum vitamin D concentrations and prognosis among Chinese individuals with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively recruited 488 adults with DFUs in West China Hospital from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2019. After telephone follow up, 275 patients were finally included. We compared serum vitamin D concentrations among DFUs patients with different prognostic status, and examined the association of vitamin D status with prognostic variables by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The median concentration of serum vitamin D of patients with DFUs was 37.78 nmol/L (interquartile range 27.91-50.66 nmol/L), with 31.6% having vitamin D deficiency (<30 nmol/L) and 42.2% having insufficient vitamin D (<50 nmol/L). During a median follow-up period of 52 months, 65 patients died, with an all-cause mortality of 23.64%. Vitamin D deficiency was independently linked to increased all-cause mortality after multivariable adjustments (hazard ratio 0.565, 95% confidence interval 0.338-0.946, P = 0.030). There were no significant differences between vitamin D concentrations and other outcomes of DFUs. Patients who suffered amputations had a tendency of lower vitamin D concentrations (34.00 [interquartile range 26.90-41.81] vs 40.21 [interquartile range 29.60-53.96] nmol/L, P = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality in Chinese individuals with DFUs. Vitamin D supplementation might be a potential therapy for DFUs to prevent premature death and improve outcomes.

Prevalence and associated factors of hyperuricemia among Chinese patients with diabetes: a cross-sectional study.

Background: As a part of metabolic syndrome, hyperuricemia has a higher incidence in patients with diabetes than in the general population owing to various underlying factors. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of hyperuricemia among patients with diabetes and identify associated factors. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: Herein, we included patients with diabetes managed at nine healthcare centers in Chenghua District, Chengdu, from February 2021 to November 2021. Clinical data, lifestyle habits, and laboratory data were collected to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hyperuricemia. Results: In total, we included 1577 patients with diabetes (males, 50.35%; females, 49.65%). The median serum uric acid level was 337.9 µmol/L, and the prevalence of hyperuricemia in patients with diabetes was 21.24%. The prevalence of hyperuricemia in male patients was significantly higher than in females (29.35% in males versus 13.03% in females, p < 0.001). Male patients with obesity (p = 0.006) or triglyceride (TG) ⩾ 1.7 mmol/L (p < 0.001) had a high risk of developing hyperuricemia, and hyperuricemia was negatively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ⩾ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.001), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ⩾ 7% (p < 0.001), fenofibrate (p = 0.010), and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors (p = 0.035). Considering females, overweight (p = 0.004), alanine transaminase (ALT) > 40 U/L (p < 0.001), and TG ⩾ 1.7 mmol/L (p = 0.015) showed a significant positive correlation with hyperuricemia, while eGFR ⩾ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.001) was negatively associated with the risk of hyperuricemia. Conclusion: Hyperuricemia is highly prevalent in patients with diabetes, especially in males. In addition to traditionally associated factors, fenofibrate and SGLT-2 inhibitors were also associated with the risk of hyperuricemia. Registration: The study protocol was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn/), and the registration number was ChiCTR 2100042742.

Consumption of large amounts of Allium vegetables reduces risk for gastric cancer in a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The chemopreventive effects of Allium vegetables (onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, chives, and so forth) have been studied extensively, although their effect on gastric cancer risk is controversial. We performed a meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies to analyze this association. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE for studies of Allium vegetable consumption and gastric cancer that were published in any language, from January 1, 1966, to September 1, 2010. We analyzed 19 case-control and 2 cohort studies, of 543,220 subjects. We pooled the relative risks from individual studies using a random-effects model and performed dose-response, heterogeneity, and publication bias analyses. RESULTS: In a pooled analysis of all studies, consumption of large amounts of Allium vegetables (in a comparison of the highest and lowest consumption groups) reduced the risk for gastric cancer (odds ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.65). Specific analyses for onion, garlic, leek, Chinese chive, scallion, garlic stalk, and Welsh onion yielded similar results, except for onion leaf. The estimated summary odds ratio for an increment of 20 g/day of Allium vegetables consumed (approximately the average weight of 1 garlic bulb) was 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.88-0.94), based on case-control studies from the dose-response meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In a meta-analysis, consumption of high levels of Allium vegetables reduced the risk for gastric cancer risk. Because of potential confounding factors and exposure misclassification, further studies are required to establish this association.

Glucose fluctuations in subjects with normal glucose tolerance, impaired glucose regulation and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: Glycemic variability is poorly studied in the nondiabetic individuals and newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study is to investigate the characteristics of glucose fluctuations in subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and newly diagnosed, drug-naïve type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-2). DESIGN AND PATIENTS: This is a cross-sectional study of three groups including 53 subjects with IGR, 56 DM-2 patients and 53 NGT individuals. Monitoring by a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS(®) System Gold(™)) was performed for three consecutive days. MEASUREMENTS: Mean blood glucose (MBG), standard deviation of MBG (SDBG), largest amplitude of glycemic excursions (LAGE) and mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) were calculated to estimate intraday blood glucose variability. Interday variability of glucose was evaluated by absolute means of daily differences (MODD). Postprandial glucose excursion (PPGE) was calculated to assess the influence of meals on glucose fluctuation. RESULTS: Twenty-two percentage of NGT and 33.9% of IGR individuals experienced blood glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/l; 49.1% of NGT, 50.9% of IGR and 30.8% of DM-2 participants had hypoglycemic episodes (CGM values <3.9 mmol/l). The IGR and DM-2 groups had greater SDBG (P = 0.010 and P < 0.001), LAGE (P = 0.014 and P < 0.001) and MAGE (P = 0.044 and P < 0.001) compared with the NGT group. Significantly greater MODD and PPGEs were found in the DM-2 groups than in the IGR and NGT groups (P < 0.001). The DM-2 patients had higher 72-MBG and glucose levels overnight than the NGT and IGR subjects (P < 0.001). In the patients with diabetes, MAGE was positively associated with MODD (r = 0.558, P < 0.001) and PPGEs (r = 0.738-0.843, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Glucose variability is present to an increasing degree from NGT to IGR and IGR to DM-2. Compared with the NGT individuals, the IGR and DM-2 subjects show more predominant intraday glucose fluctuations. The DM-2 patients demonstrate increased PPGEs, higher glucose levels overnight and greater interday fluctuations.

[A survey of knowledge on common cold in outpatient clinics].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate outpatients' cognition towards common cold and their habituated medication so as to provide evidence for future public healthcare education. METHODS: Patients who attended hospital for diagnosis and treatment of common cold at least within past three months were asked to fill a questionnaire independently so as to learn their cognition towards common cold and medication habit. RESULTS: Among the patients underwent survey, 52.21% had incorrect knowledge about common cold; 12.99% didn't know about the hazards of common cold; 34.80% couldn't distinguish common cold from influenza; 30.07% considered common cold couldn't get relief without treatment; 68.24% didn't know about the proper effects of influenza vaccination; 61.14% often took oral medicine even intravenous injection when they caught a common cold; 59.77% often took medication from drugstore without prescription by doctor, and a few asked doctors to prescribe medicine on their request; 19.42% didn't know about the side effects of drug for cold treatment; and 19.72% didn't know about the active ingredients of drug for cold treatment. There were significant differences in the common cold cognition among population of different ages and education background. The older or the higher education status patients had a better cognition (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: There exist a certain degree of wrong cognition towards common cold among patients of different literacy degree and different age. Public health education on common cold need to be further strengthened.

[A survey of knowledge on common cold and its treatment situation among physicians from various levels of hospitals in mainland China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cognition of the common cold and current situation of the treatment among physicians from various levels of hospitals in Chinese mainland, so as to provide evidence for future continuing medical education and rational medication. METHODS: A questionnaire designed for this survey was used to learn about the general information, cognitive degree of the common cold and prescription habits of physician who prescribed for cold within last three months, from various levels hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 1001 physicians were interviewed. Among them, 749 physicians chose right options that the cold was the common cold and the influenza with 79.84% in resident physicians and 56.76% in chief physicians. A total of 745 physicians chose options that the course of common cold will be lasting 4 to 7 days; 895 physicians chose options that old people are the most susceptible for complication; 669 physicians thought the common cold was the most common infection in winter; 841 physicians used clinical methods to diagnose the common cold; 736 physicians thought although the cold was a kind of self-limited disease and symptomatic treatment could alleviate symptoms and improve life quality, patients should see doctor in time if it turns to severer; and 745 physicians held the opinion that treatment of the common cold should focus on relieving symptoms first. In addition, 61.60% physicians had made prescription based on clinical symptoms; 505 (54.24%) of them thought compound drugs were priority in treating the common cold. However, there were still 43 physicians prescribed antibiotics for common cold. CONCLUSIONS: There is misunderstanding and discrepancy in cognition towards common cold and treatment among physicians from various levels of hospitals in mainland China. Physicians should standardize diagnosis and treatment for the common cold according to the domestic and foreign guidelines.

[Incidence and risk factors of amputation among inpatients with diabetic foot].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of lower extremity amputation among inpatients with diabetic foot. METHODS: For this retrospective study, a total of 685 inpatients with diabetic foot (Wagner grade 1-5) admitted at a multi-disciplinary Diabetic Foot Care Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University during January 1, 2005 and June 30, 2011. The data of each patient including clinical information, laboratory results and final outcome were collected and analyzed. They were divided into non-amputated and amputated groups. And the latter included minor and major amputation groups according to amputation site. RESULTS: The overall amputation rate was 11.4% in diabetic foot inpatients. The incidences of minor amputation and major amputation were 5.4% and 6.0% respectively. 17.9% of amputated patients experienced a second amputation. The amputated patients had a longer hospitalized stay, higher counts of white blood cells and neutrophils, greater HbA1c and lower serum levels of hemoglobin and albumin than the non-amputation patients (P < 0.05). The prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy was significantly higher in the amputation group than that in the non-amputation group (P < 0.05). However, no difference existed between the minor and major amputation groups (P > 0.05). Ankle brachial index (ABI) in the amputation group was significantly lower than that in the non-amputation group (0.41 ± 0.25 vs 0.91 ± 0.36, P < 0.01). Minor and major amputation inpatients had similar ABI (0.43 ± 0.24 vs 0.39 ± 0.26, P = 0.087). Ordinal regression showed that HbA1c (P = 0.015), ABI (P = 0.016), history of amputation (P < 0.01) and Wagner grade of diabetic foot (P < 0.01) were the independent risk factors of amputation. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic foot inpatients have a higher rate of lower extremity amputation. The risk factors of amputation include HbA1c, ABI, history of amputation and Wagner grade of diabetic foot. And diabetic peripheral neuropathy, ischemia of lower limbs (especially peripheral arterial diseases below knees), infection and nutritional state are closely associated with amputation of diabetic foot inpatients.

[Comparison of different diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome in Sichuan population].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the consistency of the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome (MS) proposed by World Health Organization 1999 (WHO1999), National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III 2005 (ATP III 2005), Chinese Diabetes Society 2004 (CDS2004), and International Diabetes Federation 2005 (IDF2005), and to identify a more applicable one for people in Sichuan. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey on MS was conducted in Sichuan. A total of 3511 participants were recruited through multistage cluster random sampling. A questionnaire was administered to the participants, along with physical examinations and laboratory tests involving oral glucose tolerance test and lipid profiles. The MS patients were identified by the above-mentioned diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: According to the ATP III (2005), the prevalence and age-adjusted prevalence of MS were 22.4% and 19.8% in Sichuan population respectively, significantly higher than those identified by the other 3 diagnostic criteria. The prevalence of MS increased with age. Men had higher prevalence of MS than women (P < 0.05) according to the CDS (2004) and WHO (1999). But women had higher prevalence of MS than men according to the IDF (2005) and no gender difference in the prevalence of MS existed according to the ATP III (2005). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of MS between the Han ethnicity and the Yi ethnicity regardless which diagnostic criteria were adopted. The 4 MS diagnostic criteria reached a consistency of 81.17%. The highest consistency (95.70%) occurred between the IDF (2005) and the ATP III (2005), with a kappa coefficient of 0.867 (P = 0.000). Significantly higher morbidity of myocardial infarction (MI) and/or cerebral stroke was found in MS patients regardless which criteria applied. The morbidity of MI and cerebral stroke in MS patients identified by the 4 criteria showed no difference (P = 0.556). CONCLUSION: ATP III (2005) has stricter criteria for MS than the others. The prevalence of MS increases with age. There is no significant difference in the prevalence of MS between the Han and Yi ethnicities. In Sichuan, the CDS (2004) is more applicable than the others.