Systematic Review of Normal Subjects Harbouring BCR-ABL1 Fusion Gene.

The treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) requires quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to monitor BCR-ABL1 in International Scale (IS). Some normal subjects were found to harbour BCR-ABL1. We performed a systematic review on normal subjects harbouring BCR-ABL1. A literature search was done on July 16, 2017 using EBSCOhost Research Databases interface and Western Pacific Region Index Medicus. Two authors selected the studies, extracted the data, and evaluated the quality of studies using the modified Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies independently. The outcomes were prevalence, level of BCR-ABL1IS, proportion, and time of progression to CML. The initial search returned 4,770 studies. Eleven studies, all having used convenient sampling, were included, with total of 1,360 subjects. Ten studies used qualitative PCR and one used qPCR (not IS). The mean prevalence of M-BCR was 5.9, 15.5, and 15.9% in cord blood/newborns/infants (CB/NB/I) (n = 170), children (n = 90), and adults (n = 454), respectively, while m-BCR was 15, 26.9, and 23.1% in CB/NB/I (n = 786), children (n = 67), and adults (n = 208), respectively. No study reported the proportion and time of progression to CML. Nine studies were graded as moderate quality, one study as poor quality, and one study as unacceptable. The result of the studies could neither be inferred to the general normal population nor compared. Follow-up data were scarce.

Cardiovascular Risk Factor Modification in Asymptomatic Adults and Implications for Pilots.

This study aims to examine the available evidence that supports a more aggressive approach to managing asymptomatic people with low to intermediate cardiovascular risks; to evaluate the appropriate threshold for initiating pharmacologic interventions to treat hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, and hypertension; and to describe the implications for airline pilots. A systematic search was performed employing an OvidSP interface, including all EBM Reviews, EMBASE, and Ovid MEDLINE databases. Data, including sixteen randomised controlled trials, on the appropriate threshold for initiating pharmacologic interventions were extracted. Studies on the treatment of hyperlipidaemia indicated that the threshold for initiation of intervention in intermediate-risk people is a LDL-C level of 3.36 mmol/l (130 mg/dl). There was no lower limit or optimal LDL-C level below which further reduction was no longer beneficial. Studies on the treatment of hyperglycaemia suggested that a threshold of fasting plasma glucose of ≥5.3 mmol/l (95 mg/dl) and 2-hour postprandial glucose level of 7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl) is reasonable for initiating pharmacologic intervention. Initiating treatment to people with a blood pressure of ≥130/≤89 mmHg or ≤139/≥85 mmHg significantly reduced the risk of developing stage 1 hypertension. Multifactorial intervention studies showed that, in hypertensive patients (BP ≥160/≥100 mmHg), initiating treatment to those with a total cholesterol of 6.5 mmol/l (251.35 mg/dl) or higher resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of developing fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events. The available evidence from large quality trials supports a more aggressive approach to managing hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, and hypertension in asymptomatic pilots with a 5-year CVD risk of 5-10% and 10-15%.

The change of cervical spine alignment along with aging in asymptomatic population: a preliminary analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of cervical spine alignment changes with aging in asymptomatic population. BACKGROUND: Previous studies demonstrated the influence of lumbar and thoracic spine on cervical spine alignment, but few has reported the cervical spine alignment change along with aging in asymptomatic population. METHODS: Asymptomatic population were divided into four groups according to different ages (Group A: ≤20 years; Group B: 21-40 years; Group C: 41-60 years; Group D: ≥61 years). Each group was composed of 30 subjects. The following parameters were measured: C0-1 Cobb angle, C1-2 Cobb angle, C2-7 Cobb angle, C1-7 sagittal vertical axis (C1-7 SVA), C2-7 SVA, central of gravity to C7 sagittal vertical axis (CG-C7 SVA), Thoracic Inlet Angle (TIA), Neck Tilt (NT), cervical tilt, cranial tilt, T1 slope (TS), TS-CL, and ANOVA statistical method was used to analyze the differences among four groups, and then, linear regression analysis was performed to analyze correlation of the cervical spine alignment with the aging. RESULTS: C1-7 SVA, C2-7 SVA, CG-C7 SVA, TIA, NT, TS, and cranial tilt were found statistically different among four groups (P < 0.01). From Group A to Group D, the mean C1-7 SVA were 30.7, 26.0, 21.8, and 36.9 mm, the mean C2-7 SVA were 18.7, 14.7, 11.9, and 24.7 mm, and the mean CG-C7 SVA were 19.6, 16.6, 9.4, and 26.7 mm. The mean TIA were 62.4°, 65.0°, 71.8°, and 76.9°, the mean NT were 39.4°, 43.8°, 46.3°, and 48.2°, the mean TS were 23.0°, 21.1°, 25.5°, and 28.7°, and the mean cranial tilt were 5.7°, 4.8°, 3.0°, and 9.5°. Further linear regression indicated that TIA (r = 0.472; P < 0.0001), NT (r = 0.337; P = 0.0006), and TS (r = 0.299; P = 0.0025) were positively correlated with aging. CONCLUSION: A gradual increase of TIA, NT, and TS, accompanied with an increased CL, is found along with aging in asymptomatic population, among which TIA, NT, and TS are significantly correlated with physiological nature of aging.

Impact of pelvic anteversion on spinopelvic alignment in an asymptomatic population: a dynamic perspective of standing and sitting.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: A subgroup of patients with pelvic anteversion can present with an unusually large degree of lumbar lordosis (LL), a highly sloped sacrum, and a relatively small pelvic incidence (PI). Prior to lumbar surgery, it can be important to consider such unique sagittal alignment. However, until now, there has been a lack of a predictive model considering different pelvic alignments. Furthermore, the dynamic characteristics of an anteverted pelvis (AP) subgroup have also been unclear. PURPOSE: To build linear predictive formulas for LL that take pelvic anteversion into consideration and to explore the dynamic characteristics of an AP subgroup. STUDY DESIGN: Monocentric, cross-sectional study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Five hundred sixty-five asymptomatic Chinese men and women between the ages of 18 and 80 years. OUTCOME MEASURES: Sagittal parameters including LL, lumbar lordosis minus thoracic kyphosis (LL-TK), PI, pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL), sacral slope (SS), sacral slope divided by pelvic incidence (SS/PI), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), and T1 (first thoracic vertebra) pelvic angle (TPA) were measured on whole spine radiographs obtained with participants in standing and sitting positions. METHODS: All participants underwent radiography in the standing position; 235 of them underwent additional radiography in the sitting position to allow measurement of sagittal parameters. The participants with pelvic anteversion were placed in an AP (anteverted pelvis) group. Sagittal parameters were compared between the AP group and the non-AP group, and predictive formulas for LL based on PI were created in both groups. In addition, changes in sagittal parameters from standing to sitting were compared in the AP group and a PI-matched control group. RESULTS: Of the 565 participants, 171 (30.3%) had pelvic anteversion. In comparison with the non-AP group, the AP group presented with larger LL, a larger SS, and a smaller PT, with relatively small PI. The predictive formulas for LL were LL=0.60° × PI+21.60° (R2=0.268; p<.001) in the whole cohort, LL=0. 83×PI+18.75° (R2=0.427; p<.001) in AP group, and LL=0.79°×PI+9.66° (R2=0.451; p<.001) in the non-AP group. In moving from standing to sitting, the AP group presented with a larger decrease in SS and LL compared with the control group, indicating different patterns of spinopelvic motion. CONCLUSIONS: In the cohort examined, 30.3% present with pelvic anteversion. Those with AP present with unique characteristics of spinopelvic alignment. In moving from standing to sitting, they exhibit different patterns of spinopelvic motion. We found that identifying the degree of anteversion in each person improves the accuracy of linear models for predicting the degree of LL, which in turn can make plans for spine surgery more accurate.

Prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the available data on rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia to provide a true figure on the prevalence and distribution of the disease. Methods: Different articles were selected using search terms by different search engines like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholars, and ScienceDirect and also by obtaining hard copies of locally published articles. The search for original research articles was conducted from December 1 to December 30, 2022. Finally, the priority reporting items of the systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines were used for the literature search strategy, publication selection, data extraction, and reporting of review results. Data quality was checked by the author for similarity of study design and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: A total of sixteen original research articles were included. Nine included articles were from different cardiac patients and seven of the included articles were from children and asymptomatic population. All research papers were summarized in the table clearly with the key information and findings. The prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in cardiac patients from nine included studies was 49.04 (-30.84, 128.92) whereas the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in children and asymptomatic participants from seven study included was 2.70 (-1181.99, 1187.39) or 27/1000. Conclusions: This review and meta-analysis found that the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia is very high in cardiac patients, children, and the asymptomatic population. Therefore, well-designed and evidence-based national prevention and treatment strategies must be in place to prevent the disease and provide timely treatment for patients.

Does Smartphone Use Really Impact Cervical Rotation and Cervical Proprioception in Asymptomatic Individuals?

Background and objective Smartphone use has increased exponentially over the last two years worldwide. The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to significantly higher dependence on the smartphone for information exchange and communication among the general public. Currently, India has hundreds of millions of smartphone users, and their numbers are on the rise. This has raised concerns regarding the adverse effects of smartphone use on mental and musculoskeletal health. In light of this, this study aimed to determine and evaluate the musculoskeletal consequences of smartphone use. Method A total of 102 participants (50 adolescents and 52 adults) who were smartphone users and are asymptomatic for cervical spine-related disorders were included based on convenience sampling. The components assessed were cervical rotation using tape measurement and cervical proprioception using the head repositioning accuracy test. Frequency distribution tables and text were used to report the results. Results The results of this research indicated reduced cervical rotation range and cervical proprioception deficits in both adolescent and adult smartphone users. Furthermore, no correlation was found between cervical rotation (right and left) and cervical proprioception (right and left rotation). Conclusion Though the results showed that both the individual components - cervical rotation and cervical proprioception - were significantly affected, there was no correlation between the components, which indicates that these asymptomatic individuals who are marginally excessive smartphone users are at increased risk for reduced cervical mobility and deficits in cervical proprioception.

Effects of Perceived Social Support on Health-Related Quality of Life in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic People Living with HIV in China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: Improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in people living with HIV (PLWH) is one of the critical goals of HIV prevention and control in the following decades, and perceived social support (PSS) has always exhibited a positive influence on patients' HRQOL. This study aims to describe the gap in social support in improving HRQOL between symptomatic and asymptomatic PLWH. METHODS: By analysing secondary data from an online survey, a multicenter, descriptive and crosssectional study was conducted. The correlation trend and differences between PSS and HRQOL among asymptomatic and symptomatic PLWH were determined. RESULTS: Information from 493 PLWH with ART medication was finally analyzed: 34.89% asymptomatic PLWH and 65.11% symptomatic PLWH. There were significant differences observed between the two groups in terms of family income (χ2 = 9.782, P = 0.021), HIV-positive duration (χ2 = 19.541, P < 0.001), stage of disease (χ2 = 9.617, P = 0.008), and comorbidities (χ2 = 26.119, P < 0.001). The mean score of HRQOL of PLWH for the whole domain of the questionnaire was 86.56 (SD = 15.95). In six domains of QOL and PSS, the asymptomatic group had better conditions than the symptomatic group. There was a linear association between PSS and HRQOL, not only in the symptomatic group but also asymptomatic population, after adjusting for potential confounding factors. When the level of PSS was between 60 and 80, the HRQOL of the symptomatic group was similar to that of the asymptomatic group. While the score of PSS exceeded 80, the HRQOL of the symptomatic group was less sensitive to the changes in PSS. The social and environmental status of HRQOL in PLWH was most strongly correlated with their PSS. CONCLUSION: The value of PSS on the HRQOL in PLWH is confirmed, especially for asymptomatic subjects. Healthcare providers need a complete understanding of the gap in social support between the asymptomatic and symptomatic populations. The comprehensive strategies, including symptom management, active treatment, and social support, should be more efficient for improving the overall health of symptomatic PLWH.

A generalized epidemiological model with dynamic and asymptomatic population.

In this paper, we develop an extension of compartmental epidemiological models which is suitable for COVID-19. The model presented in this paper comprises seven compartments in the progression of the disease. This model, named as the SINTRUE (Susceptible, Infected and pre-symptomatic, Infected and Symptomatic but Not Tested, Tested Positive, Recorded Recovered, Unrecorded Recovered, and Expired) model. The proposed model incorporates transmission due to asymptomatic carriers and captures the spread of the disease due to the movement of people to/from different administrative boundaries within a country. In addition, the model allows estimating the number of undocumented infections in the population and the number of unrecorded recoveries. The associated parameters in the model can help architect the public health policy and operational management of the pandemic. The results show that the testing rate of the asymptomatic patients is a crucial parameter to fight against the pandemic. The model is also shown to have a better predictive capability than the other epidemiological models.

Prevalence of left iliac vein compression in an asymptomatic population and patients with left iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis: A multicenter cross-sectional study in southern China.

OBJECTIVE: Population-based epidemiological data on left common iliac vein (LCIV) compression is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of LCIV compression in an asymptomatic population and patients with left iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (IF-DVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nonprobability sampling method was used in this multicenter cross-sectional study. The minimum diameter of LCIV and right common iliac vein minimum were measured. The percentage of LCIV compression (LCIV-CP) was calculated. Compression severity (CS) was classified as mild (CP ≤ 50%), moderate (50% < CP ≤ 70%), and severe (CP > 70%). RESULTS: In all, 896 subjects constituted the asymptomatic population and 93 patients constituted the IF-DVT population. In the asymptomatic population, LCIV-CP ranged from 1.1% to 89.9% (mean 44.0%), and people with mild, moderate, and severe CS accounted for 62.3%, 28.2%, and 9.5%, respectively. In the IF-DVT population, the mean LCIV-CP was 71.1% (range 42.2%-95.2%), and patients with severe CS accounted for 75.3%. Gender and age differences in LCIV-CP and CS distribution were observed in the asymptomatic population. Females, the young- and middle-aged group had higher LCIV-CPs. In the population with moderate-severe CS, the middle-aged group accounted for a larger proportion. Middle-aged females comprised the highest percentage of patients with moderate or severe CS. Sex and age affected the LCIV-CP and CS distribution. No gender and age differences were observed in the IF-DVT population. CONCLUSIONS: LCIV compression is common in population. Middle-aged females are the predominant population with moderate-severe compression. Overlapping of LCIV-CP in the asymptomatic and IF-DVT population is significant and other risk factors should be integrated into the consideration when assessing the risk of IF-DVT secondary to LCIV compression.

Colorectal Cancer Screening With High Risk-Factor Questionnaire and Fecal Immunochemical Tests Among 5, 947, 986 Asymptomatic Population: A Population-Based Study.

Background: The recent uptrend in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in China is causing an increasingly overwhelming social burden. And its occurrence can be effectively reduced by sensitizing CRC screening for early diagnosis and treatment. However, a large number of people in China do not undergo screening due to multiple factors. To address this issue, since 2012, a CRC screening program has been initiated in Tianjin. Methods: Residents aged 40-74 years were eligible for CRC screening. The first was to complete the high-risk factor questionnaire (HRFQ) and undergo fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Then those with a positive result in any of the two screening methods were recommended for a free colonoscopy. Results: The detection rate of intestinal diseases increased with age, had a male predominance, and was higher in residents from central urban areas and those with primary school above education level. The sensitivity of predicting CRC after colonoscopy in the high-risk group was 76.02%; the specificity was 25.33%.A significant decrease in the detection rate of intestinal disease, CRC and advanced adenoma was observed from positive FIT, the high-risk group and positive HRFQ, 47.13%, 44.79%, 42.30%; 3.15%, 2.44%, 1.76%; 7.72%, 6.42%, 5.08%, in that order, while no inter-group difference was found for the detection of polyps. In addition, the different combinations of HRFQ and FIT can enroll more high-risk population than FIT or (and) HRFQ only, and thus detect more intestinal diseases (include CRC/AA/Polyp). Conclusion: The superimposition of different screening method for HRFQ and FIT is an effective strategy for the detection of CRC, AA, and Polyp, compared to HRFQ or FIT alone. However, further improvements in screening and interventions are needed to promote colonoscopy compliance.

[Semi-automated measurement and analysis of three-dimensional acetabular orientation in asymptomatic population and patients of developmental dysplasia of the hip].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the three-dimensional acetabular orientation in asymptomatic population and patients of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) using a semi-automated measurement software, which provides data for the differential diagnosis, surgical planning, surgical instrument design, and postoperative evaluation of hip related diseases. METHODS: Eighty-four cases of CT data in asymptomatic population (asymptomatic group) and 47 cases of CT data in DDH patients (DDH group) were collected. There was no significant difference in gender and age (including age of male and female subgroups) between the two groups ( P<0.05). MaxTHA, a semi-automatic measurement software, was used to measure acetabular inclination and anteversion, including operative inclination (OI), radiographic inclination (RI), anatomic inclination (AI), operative anteversion (OA), radiographic anteversion (RA), and anatomic anteversion (AA). Comparisons were made between the two populations, between different Crowe classification subgroups, between different gender subgroups, and between left and right sides of acetabula. RESULTS: The comparison between asymptomatic group, healthy side of DDH group, and affected side of DDH group showed that there was no significant difference in acetabular orientation between asymptomatic group and healthy side of DDH group ( P>0.05). The OI, RI, and AI of affected side of DDH group were significantly higher than those in healthy side of DDH group and asymptomatic group, and AA was significantly lower than that in healthy side of DDH group and asymptomatic group ( P<0.05). The comparison between the normal acetabula and DDH acetabula with different Crowe classifications showed that there was no significant difference in the acetabulum orientation between Crowe Ⅰ group and the normal group ( P>0.05). The OI, RI, and AI of Crowe Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ groups were significantly higher than those of normal group ( P<0.05), the OI of Crowe Ⅲ group, RI and AI of Crowe Ⅳ group were significantly higher than those of Crowe Ⅰ group ( P<0.05), the AI of Crowe Ⅳ group was significantly higher than that of Crowe Ⅱ group ( P<0.05), and the OA, RA, and AA of Crowe Ⅲ group were significantly lower than other subgroups ( P<0.05) except Crowe Ⅰ group. The OA, RA, and AA in asymptomatic female group, and the OA and AI in DDH female group were significantly higher than those in all male groups ( P<0.05). The OI, RI, AI, and OA of the right acetabula in asymptomatic male group, and the RI and AI of the right acetabula in asymptomatic female group were significantly higher than those on the left side ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION: There were significant differences in acetabular orientation between asymptomatic and DDH populations, inter-group differences among Crowe classification subgroups, inter-gender differences among subgroups, and bilateral differences among asymptomatic individuals.

Prediction of calculated future cardiovascular disease by monocyte count in an asymptomatic population.

INTRODUCTION: Although atherogenesis is clearly entwined with systemic inflammation, the risk-predictive relationship between preclinical and overt cardiovascular disease (CVD) and systemic white blood cell (WBC) subtypes remains unclear. Implication of an association would greatly facilitate cardiac risk prediction, assessment and monitoring. METHODS: 1383 asymptomatic individuals (795 men, 588 women) attending for executive health screening were examined clinically as well as with phlebotomy and exercise stress testing to determine their ten-year risk of developing overt cardiovascular disease (as estimated by both Framingham and SCORE calculations). The significance of their association with overall WBC and subtypes were determined using both univariate and multiple regression modeling. RESULTS: OF ALL WBC SUBTYPES, MONOCYTE COUNT WAS FOUND TO HAVE THE STRONGEST, INDEPENDENT RELATIONSHIP WITH OVERALL CVD RISK BY BACKWARDS LINEAR REGRESSION MODELING (FRAMINGHAM: beta = 0.057; p = 0.03; SCORE: beta = 0.128; p = <0.0005). Independent associations with BMI (beta = 5.214; p = <0.0005), waist circumference (beta = 21.866; p = <0.0005), systolic blood pressure (beta = 10.738; p = 0.003), HDL cholesterol (beta = -0.639; p = <0.0005) and triglyceride concentrations (beta = 0.787; p = <0.0005) were also evident. Overall WBC along with neutrophils, lymphocytes and basophil subfractions were variably (but less strongly) associated with such dependents and outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, monocyte count, a simple inexpensive test, may provide useful predictive cardiovascular risk information in asymptomatic individuals to inform and guide attempts at interrupting CVD development at a preclinical stage.

The Effect of Aging on Cervical Parameters in a Normative North American Population.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate age-based changes in cervical alignment parameters in an asymptomatic population. METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospective study of 118 asymptomatic subjects who underwent biplanar imaging with 3-dimensional capabilities. Demographic and health-related quality of life data was collected prior to imaging. Patients were stratified into 5 age groups: <35 years, 35-44 years, 45-54 years, 55-64 years, and ≥65 years. Radiographic measurements of the cervical spine and spinopelvic parameters were compared between age groups. The normal distribution of parameters was assessed followed by analysis of variance for comparison of variance between age groups. RESULTS: C2-C7 lordosis, C0-C7 lordosis, and T1 slope demonstrated significant increases with age. C0-C7 lordosis was significantly less in subjects <35 years compared with ≥55 years. Significant differences in T1 slope were identified in patients <35 versus ≥65, 35-44 versus ≥65, and 45-54 versus ≥65 years. T1 slope demonstrated a positive correlation with age. Horizontal gaze parameters did not change linearly with age and mean averages of all age groups were within 10° of one another. Cervical kyphosis was present in approximately half of subjects who were <55 compared with approximately 10% of subjects ≥55 years. Differences in pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis, and C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis were identified with age. CONCLUSIONS: C0-C7 lordosis, C2-C7 lordosis, and T1 slope demonstrate age-based changes while other cervical and horizontal gaze parameters remain relatively constant with age.

High prevalence of acetabular retroversion in asymptomatic adults: a 3D CT-based study.

AIMS: This study sought to establish the prevalence of the cross over sign (COS) and posterior wall sign (PWS) in relation to the anterior pelvic plane (APP) in an asymptomatic population through reliable and accurate 3D-CT based assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from pelvic CT scans of 100 asymptomatic subjects (200 hips) undertaken for conditions unrelated to disorders of the hip were available for analysis in this study. A previously established 3D analysis method was applied to assess the prevalence of the COS and PWS in relation to the APP. RESULTS: Of the 200 included hips, 24% (48) presented a positive COS and 5.5% (11) presented a positive PWS. A combination of COS and PWS was observed in 1% (two) of all hips (1%). CONCLUSION: The high incidence of acetabular retroversion, determined by the COS, shows that this anatomic configuration may not differ in frequency between asymptomatic individuals and patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Patients presenting with hip pain and evidence of FAI should be subjected to strict diagnostic scrutiny and evaluated in the sum of their clinical and radiological presentation. In our cohort of asymptomatic adults, the COS showed a higher incidence than the PWS or a combined COS/PWS. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1584-9.

Application analysis of quantitative fecal immunochemical test in opportunistic screening of colorectal cancer / 中华消化杂志

Objective:To analyze and evaluate the application of quantitative fecal immunochemical test(FIT) in opportunistic screening of colorectal cancer in asymptomatic population undergoing health checkups.Methods:From January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021, at the Health Management Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 53 319 subjects who underwent routine health checkups and with quantitative FIT opportunistic screening for colorectal cancer were selected. Those with positive quantitative FIT results and received colonoscopy were enrolled in the FIT positive group, and those with negative quantitative FIT results and received colonoscopy were enrolled in the FIT negative group. The participation rate and positive rate of quantitative FIT were analyzed. The results of colonoscopy and pathological findings were taken as the gold standard, including normal, non-polyposis lesions, polyposis (hyperplastic and(or) inflammatory polyps, non-advanced adenoma, advanced adenoma), and colorectal cancer, the detection rates of various lesions of the FIT positive and negative groups, the quantitative FIT measurement value of subjects, and the sensitivity and negative predictive value of quantitative FIT for colorectal cancer and advanced adenoma were analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated, the screening efficacy of quantitative FIT for colorectal cancer and advanced adenoma was evaluated. Chi-square test or Fisher exact probability method and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 51 420 cases had completed quantitative FIT, and the total participation rate was 96.44% (51 420/53 319). Quantitative FIT was positive in 2 483 cases (4.83%). The participation rate of colonoscopy in FIT positive group was 26.22% (651/2 483), of which 540 cases were enrolled in FIT positive group. The colonoscopy participation rate of FIT negative group was 1.18% (576/48 937), of which 523 cases were enrolled in the FIT negative group. The detection rates of colorectal cancer and advanced adenoma in FIT positive group were both higher than those of the FIT negative group(3.9%, 21/540 vs. 0, 0/523; 16.1%, 87/540 vs. 3.3%, 17/523), and the differences were statistically significant(Fisher exact probability method and χ2=49.79; both P<0.001). Populations with quantitative FIT values from high to low were those with colorectal cancers, advanced adenomas, non-polyp lesions, non-advanced adenomas, normal, and hyperplastic and (or) inflammatory polyps (1 052.0 ng/mL(390.5 ng/mL, 3 058.0 ng/mL); 294.5 ng/mL (116.8 ng/mL, 951.8 ng/mL); 131.5 ng/mL (10.5 ng/mL, 327.3 ng/mL); 97.0 ng/mL (11.0 ng/mL, 238.0 ng/mL); 20.0 ng/mL (0.0 ng/mL, 175.3 ng/mL); 14.0 ng/mL (0.0 ng/mL, 171.0 ng/mL)), and the difference was statistically significant( H=120.53, P<0.001). The sensitivities(95% confidence interval (95% CI)) of quantitative FIT in colorectal cancer and advanced adenoma were 100.0%(80.8% to 100.0%) and 83.6%(74.8% to 89.9%), respectively. The negative predictive values (95% CI) were 100.0%(99.1% to 100.0%) and 96.7%(94.7% to 98.0%), respectively. The results of ROC analysis showed that the AUCs(95% CI) of quantitative FIT in colorectal cancer and advanced adenoma were 0.874(0.820 to 0.928) and 0.723(0.675 to 0.770), respectively. Conclusions:In this study, the participation rate of quantitative FIT is high. More patients with advanced adenomas and colorectal cancers are found in the high risk popolation with positive quantitative FIT. Quantitative FIT has a good sensitivity and a negative predictive value for colorectal cancer and advanced adenoma. Therefore, positive quantitative FIT-colonoscopies sequential screening should be advocated in population undergoing health checkups for colorectal cancer screening, and it may be applicable to large-scale population screening in China.

Differential Prognostic Value of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in Relation to Exercise Electrocardiography in Asymptomatic Subjects.

BACKGROUND: To explore the prognostic performance of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and exercise electrocardiography (XECG) in asymptomatic subjects. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 812 (59 ± 9 years, 60.8% male) asymptomatic subjects who underwent CCTA and XECG concurrently from 2003 through 2009. Subjects were followed-up for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and revascularization after 90 days from index CCTA. RESULTS: The prevalence of occult coronary artery disease (CAD) detected by CCTA was 17.5% and 120 subjects (14.8%) had positive XECG. During a mean follow-up of 37 ± 16 months, nine subjects experienced MACE. In multivariable Cox-regression analysis, only the presence of CAD by CCTA independently predicted future MACE (p = 0.002). Moreover, CAD by CCTA improved the predictive value when added to a clinical risk factor model using the likelihood ratio test (p < 0.001). Notably, the prognostic value of CCTA persisted in the moderate-to-high-risk group as classified by the Duke treadmill score (p = 0.040), but not in the low-risk group (p = 0.991). CONCLUSION: CCTA provides incremental prognostic benefit over and above XECG in an asymptomatic population, especially for those in a moderate-to-high-risk group as classified by the Duke treadmill score. Risk stratification using XECG may prove valuable for identifying asymptomatic subjects who can benefit from CCTA.

The application value of magnetic-controlled capsule endoscopy for gastric diseases in physical examination of asymptomatic population / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To investigate the application value of magnetic-controlled capsule endoscopy (MCE) for gastric diseases in physical examination of asymptomatic population.Methods Data of 211 asymptomatic individuals who received MCE examinations from July 2015 to December 2016 in Changhai Hospital were collected and rctrospectively analyzed.The tolerance and safety of MCE were studied by analyzing the detection rate for the focal lesions and the rate of endoscopy transfer.Results Among 211 patients,the detection rate of the gastric focal lesions was 9.5％ (20/211).The detection rate in male was higher than that in female (P＜0.05).All patients completed MCE examination successfully and no adverse event was reported.Conclusion MCE,a non-invasive endoscopic modality,is safe and better tolerated than conventional endoscopy,and can be used as a promising approach to screening the gastric diseases in asymptomatic population due to high detection rate of these diseases.

Differential Prognostic Value of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in Relation to Exercise Electrocardiography in Asymptomatic Subjects

BACKGROUND: To explore the prognostic performance of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and exercise electrocardiography (XECG) in asymptomatic subjects. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 812 (59 +/- 9 years, 60.8% male) asymptomatic subjects who underwent CCTA and XECG concurrently from 2003 through 2009. Subjects were followed-up for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and revascularization after 90 days from index CCTA. RESULTS: The prevalence of occult coronary artery disease (CAD) detected by CCTA was 17.5% and 120 subjects (14.8%) had positive XECG. During a mean follow-up of 37 +/- 16 months, nine subjects experienced MACE. In multivariable Cox-regression analysis, only the presence of CAD by CCTA independently predicted future MACE (p = 0.002). Moreover, CAD by CCTA improved the predictive value when added to a clinical risk factor model using the likelihood ratio test (p < 0.001). Notably, the prognostic value of CCTA persisted in the moderate-to-high-risk group as classified by the Duke treadmill score (p = 0.040), but not in the low-risk group (p = 0.991). CONCLUSION: CCTA provides incremental prognostic benefit over and above XECG in an asymptomatic population, especially for those in a moderate-to-high-risk group as classified by the Duke treadmill score. Risk stratification using XECG may prove valuable for identifying asymptomatic subjects who can benefit from CCTA.

Left Ventricular Sphericity Index in Asymptomatic Population

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) remodeling manifests as an increase in LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, an increase in myocardial mass, and a change in chamber geometry to a more spherical shape, and has been considered to be a consequence of heart failure, myocardial infarction or mitral regurgitation. However, less is known about change of LV geometry, especially LV sphericity, in asymptomatic population according to aging. METHODS:We investigated 261 asymptomatic subjects who volunteered for health screening and underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Those with poor echo image, significant coronary artery disease, LV dysfunction, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were excluded. LV sphericity index is defined as the ratio of the long-axis length divided by LV short-axis length, both during systole and diastole. LV mass was calculated from septal and posterior wall thickness and LV internal dimension at end-diastole and then divided by body surface area to calculate LV mass index RESULTS: The mean age of subjects was 49.6+/-6.7 years and the percentage of male was 81%. LV sphericity index at diastole showed significant correlation with age (r=-0.17, p value<0.01), but LV sphericity index at systole did not. Both indices did not showed significant association with aerobic fitness, blood pressure, glucose, insulin resistance and LV function. LV mass index showed significant correlation with age (r=0.14, p value<0.05). CONCLUSION: Among the parameters of LV geometry, sphericity index showed decrease with aging in healthy population, meaning LV becoming more spherical with aging. Longitudinal follow-up study is needed to determine its usefulness as a predictor of future LV dysfunction in asymptomatic population.