Doctor simulator: Delta-Age-Sex-AdaIn enhancing bone age assessment through AdaIn style transfer.

BACKGROUND: Bone age assessment assists physicians in evaluating the growth and development of children. However, deep learning methods for bone age estimation do not currently incorporate differential features obtained through comparisons with other bone atlases. OBJECTIVE: To propose a more accurate method, Delta-Age-Sex-AdaIn (DASA-net), for bone age assessment, this paper combines age and sex distribution through adaptive instance normalization (AdaIN) and style transfer, simulating the process of visually comparing hand images with a standard bone atlas to determine bone age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The proposed Delta-Age-Sex-AdaIn (DASA-net) consists of four modules: BoneEncoder, Binary code distribution, Delta-Age-Sex-AdaIn, and AgeDecoder. It is compared with state-of-the-art methods on both a public Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) pediatric bone age prediction dataset (14,236 hand radiographs, ranging from 1 to 228 months) and a private bone age prediction dataset from Zigong Fourth People's Hospital (474 hand radiographs, ranging from 12 to 218 months, 268 male). Ablation experiments were designed to demonstrate the necessity of incorporating age distribution and sex distribution. RESULTS: The DASA-net model achieved a lower mean absolute deviation (MAD) of 3.52 months on the RSNA dataset, outperforming other methods such as BoneXpert, Deeplasia, BoNet, and other deep learning based methods. On the private dataset, the DASA-net model obtained a MAD of 3.82 months, which is also superior to other methods. CONCLUSION: The proposed DASA-net model aided the model's learning of the distinctive characteristics of hand bones of various ages and both sexes by integrating age and sex distribution into style transfer.

Prevalence of sarcoidosis in Colombia: An analysis of the Ministry of Health databases.

OBJECTIVES: Sarcoidosis is a disease whose prevalence varies considerably worldwide. In Colombia, the Ministry of Health has strengthened the Comprehensive System of Social Protection Information (SISPRO) to collect data on the provision of health services at the national level, thus providing a source of information available for research. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of sarcoidosis using consultation records collected between January 2018 and December 31, 2022. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the SISPRO database and the relevant International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes for sarcoidosis (D860, D861, D862, D863, D868, D869, G532, M633). RESULTS: During the mentioned period, a total of 6828 patients were identified, of which 66.9 % were women (4571 patients). The prevalence of sarcoidosis was estimated at 12.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, being higher in the age group of 60-69 years. CONCLUSIONS: The information obtained from this study highlights the importance of continuing to monitor and evaluate the burden of sarcoidosis in the country, which can contribute to a better understanding of the disease's epidemiology and, in turn, to the planning of early diagnosis and timely treatment strategies.

Age and gender differences of basic electrocardiographic values and abnormalities in the general adult population; Tehran Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies are available regarding baseline Electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters and major and minor ECG abnormalities, there is considerable controversy regarding their age and gender differences in the literature. METHODS: Data from 7630 adults aged ≥ 35 from the Tehran Cohort Study registered between March 2016 and March 2019 were collected. Basic ECG parameters values and abnormalities related to arrhythmia, defined according to the American Heart Association definitions, were analyzed and compared between genders and four distinct age groups. The odds ratio of having any major ECG abnormality between men and women, stratified by age, was calculated. RESULTS: The average age was 53.6 (± 12.66), and women made up 54.2% (n = 4132) of subjects. The average heart rate (HR) was higher among women(p < 0.0001), while the average values of QRS duration, P wave duration, and RR intervals were higher among men(p < 0.0001). Major ECG abnormalities were observed in 2.9% of the study population (right bundle branch block, left bundle branch block, and Atrial Fibrillation were the most common) and were more prevalent among men compared to women but without statistical significance (3.1% vs. 2.7% p = 0.188). Moreover, minor abnormalities were observed in 25.9% of the study population and again were more prevalent among men (36.4% vs. 17% p < 0.001). The prevalence of major ECG abnormalities was significantly higher in participants older than 65. CONCLUSION: Major and minor ECG abnormalities were roughly more prevalent in male subjects. In both genders, the odds of having major ECG abnormalities surge with an increase in age.

High burden of invasive and non-invasive cancer among women aged 20-49 years: the situation in Geneva, Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: The pattern of cancer among young adults aged 20-49 years is different than that observed in other age groups, most notably women present higher rates than those observed among men. Estimations of the burden of cancer disease among women of this age group, however, rarely include both invasive and non-invasive disease. METHODS: We calculated incidence rates of invasive and non-invasive cancers for women and men aged 20-49 years and by cancer site for the period 2014-2018 in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland using data from the population-based cancer registry. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2018, the incidence rates of invasive and non-invasive cancers among women were 177.6/100,000 and 166.4/100,000, respectively. The rates among men of the same age were 110.6/100,000 and 31.8/100,000, respectively. Just three cancers, breast, thyroid and melanoma accounted for 70% of all invasive cancers among women. In situ cervical cancer represented over 70% of non-invasive disease. CONCLUSION: Cancer among women aged 20-49 years is quite frequent. This is primarily a result of increasing risk, increased diagnosis or both and highlights the need for better primary prevention strategies, personalized risk assessment and tailored screening, as well as increased awareness of women and health professionals about health risks in young adults.

Estimating baseline kidney function in hospitalized adults with acute kidney injury.

AIM: Baseline serum creatinine values are required to diagnose acute kidney injury but are often unavailable. We evaluated four conventional equations to estimate creatinine. We then developed and validated a new equation corrected by age and gender. METHODS: We retrospectively examined adults who, at first hospital admission, had available baseline creatinine data and developed acute kidney injury ≥24 h after admission. We split the study population: 50% (derivation) to develop a new linear equation and 50% (validation) to compare against conventional equations for bias, precision, and accuracy. We stratified analyses by age and gender. RESULTS: We studied 3139 hospitalized adults (58% male, median age 71). Conventional equations performed poorly in bias and accuracy in patients aged <60 or ≥75 (68% of the study population). The new linear equation had less bias and more accuracy. There were no clinically significant differences in precision. The median (95% confidence interval) difference in creatinine values estimated via the new equation minus measured baselines was 0.9 (-3.0, 5.9) and -0.5 (-7.0, 3.7) µmol/L in female patients 18-60 and 75-100, and -1.5 (-4.2, 2.2) and -7.8 (-12.7, -3.6) µmol/L in male patients 18-60 and 75-100, respectively. The new equation improved reclassification of KDIGO AKI stages compared to the MDRD II equation by 5.0%. CONCLUSION: Equations adjusted for age and gender are less biased and more accurate than unadjusted equations. Our new equation performed well in terms of bias, precision, accuracy, and reclassification.

Reporting of Results by Sex in Randomized Controlled Trials of Acute Stroke Therapies (2010-2020).

Background and Purpose: When reporting primary results from randomized controlled trials, recommendations include reporting results by sex. We reviewed the reporting of results by sex in contemporary acute stroke randomized controlled trials. Methods: We searched MEDLINE for articles reporting the primary results of phase 2 or 3 stroke randomized controlled trials published between 2010 and June 2020 in one of nine major clinical journals. Eligible trials were restricted to those with a therapeutic intervention initiated within one month of stroke onset. Of primary interest was the reporting of results by sex for the primary outcome. We performed bivariate analyses using Fisher exact tests to identify study-level factors associated with reporting by sex and investigated temporal trends using an exact test for trend. Results: Of the 115 studies identified, primary results were reported by sex in 37% (n=42). Reporting varied significantly by journal, with the New England Journal of Medicine (61%) and Lancet journals (40%) having the highest rates (P=0.03). Reporting also differed significantly by geographic region (21% Europe versus 48% Americas, P=0.03), trial phase (13% phase 2 versus 40% phase 3, P=0.05), and sample size (24% <250 participants versus 61% >750 participants, P<0.01). Although not statistically significant (P=0.11), there was a temporal trend in favor of greater reporting among later publications (25% 2010­2012 versus 48% 2019­2020). Conclusions: Although reporting of primary trial results by sex improved from 2010 to 2020, the prevalence of reporting in major journals is still low. Further efforts are required to encourage journals and authors to comply with current reporting recommendations.

Estimating trunk fat in children according to sex using basic somatic readings: an opportunity for improving evaluation among girls.

BACKGROUND: The fat mass estimators waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and relative fat mass-pediatric (RFMp) complement the widely accepted body mass index (BMI) in obesity evaluation. AIMS OF THE STUDY: Conduct an easy appraisal of trunk fat and the cardiometabolic risk associated with pediatric obesity. METHODS: A total of 472 children (39% boys in the total sample) were classified as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese (nutritional groups, NGs) according to BMI Z-score after initial anthropometric data were obtained and ad hoc exclusion criteria were applied. WHtR and RFMp (% of total fat) were calculated for each group, associations were assessed through multiple linear regression (MLR), and differences between sexes were evaluated (medians, IQR). RESULTS: The mean age (mean (95% CI)) was 10.8 y (10.1-11.1). The values in the total sample were as follows: WHtR, 0.5 (0.49-0.51) and RFMp%, 32.3 (31.7-33.0). In the overweight group, the values were as follows: WHtR, 0.51 (0.50-0.52) and RFMp(%), 34.2 (33.3-35.1). In the obese group, the values were as follows: WHtR, 0.56 (0.55-0.57) and RFMp(%), 37.8 (36.9-38.6). The associations were as follows (NG; independent variables): In the NG, adjusted R2 values were between 0.74 and 0.78. In the total sample, the beta coefficient was 3.36 (P < 0.001) for RFMp for girls; for waist circumference (WC), the beta coefficient was 2.97 (P < 0.001), and for WHtR the beta coefficients were - 0.01 (p < 0.001) and 0.03 (p < 0.001),for girls and for WC respectively. The sex differences were as follows: BMI exhibited no differences in the NG (Mann-Whitney U). WHtR (median (IQR)) differed (M vs. F) in the total sample (0.49 (0.45-0.54) vs. 0.52 (0.45-0.56), p < 0.004); in the overweight group (0.51 (0.48-0.53) vs. 0.54 (0.51-0.55), p < 0.001); and in the obese group (0.55 (0.52-0.57) vs. 0.57 (0.54-0.60), p < 0.004). RFMp (%) differed in the total group (29.21 (24.27-32.92) vs. 36.63 (30.2-39.51), p < 0.001); in the overweight group (31.24 (28.35-32.35) vs. 37.95 (35.75-38.82), p < 0.001) and in the obese group (35.89 (32.05-36.15) vs. 40.63 (38.27-42.42), p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: WHtR and RFMp are simple and reliable indices that do not require centile charts. Their values, including waist circumference, can be used to estimate the different trunk fat components in boys and girls better than BMI, especially if individuals are overweight or obese. RFMp proved to be more reliable as it considers sex. Both should be included in routine anthropometric readings.

[Distribution of the anterior corneal astigmatism in over 140 000 patients with age-related cataract].

Objective: To analyze the distribution characteristics of the anterior corneal astigmatism in 140 000 cataract patients from 18 hospitals in China. Methods: Retrospective study. A total of 143 889 patients (143 889 right eyes) over the age of 40 years with age-related catarac were admitted to 18 Aier eye hospitals in China from July 2015 to October 2018. The average values of the three measurements of the magnitude of anterior corneal astigmatism, the meridian of corneal astigmatism, anterior chamber depth, corneal refractive power, and axial length measured by IOLMaster 500 were obtained. The data acquisition method of each sub-center was to collect and analyze the electronic case data in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and to provide them for the sponsor Wuhan Aier Eye Hospital. Non-normal distribution data are presented as M (P25, P75). Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square test were used to analyze the distribution differences of the magnitude of corneal astigmatism and the meridian of corneal astigmatism in gender, age, anterior chamber depth, corneal refractive power and axial length. Results: Among the 143 889 patients, 84 319 were females and 59 570 were males, the median age was 72 (65, 78) years old, the median corneal astigmatism was 0.84 (0.51, 1.33) D; the corneal astigmatism was ≥0.75 D in 80 895 patients (56.22%) and was ≥1.00 D in 57 304 patients (39.83%). The median corneal astigmatism was 0.87 (0.53, 1.37) D in women and 0.82 (0.50, 1.29) D in men; with statistical difference (U=-14.891; P<0.05). The proportion of with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism was 33.26% (28 046/84 319) for women and 34.26% (20 408/59 570) for men; The proportion of against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism was 49.08% (41 385/84 319) for women and 46.91% (27 945/59 570) for men, with statistical difference (χ²=70.913; P<0.05). With the increase of age, the magnitude of corneal astigmatism first decreased from 0.94 (0.57, 1.48) D to 0.75 (0.46, 1.18) D, and then increased to 1.19 (0.74, 1.79) D, with statistical difference (H=1 263.438; P<0.05), and the change was at 61 to 70 years old. With the increase of age, the proportion of WTR astigmatism decreased from 77.50% (396/511) to 12.50% (3/24), the proportion of ATR astigmatism increased from 11.15% (57/511) to 79.07% (34/43), and the proportion of oblique astigmatism changed little from 17.02% (16/94) to 19.92% (245/1 230), the distribution difference was significant (χ²=10 174.496; P<0.05). As the anterior chamber became shallow, the magnitude of corneal astigmatism significantly increased from 0.82 (0.51, 1.31) D to 1.05 (0.61, 1.56) D, and the proportion of ATR astigmatism increased from 47.32% (60 207/127 227) to 51.69% (184/356) (H=409.961, χ²=120.995, both P<0.05). With the corneal refractive power rising, the magnitude of corneal astigmatism increased from 0.80 (0.49, 1.33) D to 0.95 (0.58, 1.53) D, the proportion of ATR astigmatism decreased from 52.84% (4 963/9 392) to 39.97% (9 023/22 577); the difference was significant (H=808.562, χ²=752.147, both P<0.05). When the axial length was>25.00 mm, the magnitude of corneal astigmatism was highest [1.04 (0.62, 1.65) D], and the proportion of ATR astigmatism was also highest [49.00% (10 964/22 376)]; the difference was significant (H=2 071.198, χ²=131.130, all P<0.05). Conclusions: The meridian of corneal astigmatism in middle-aged and elderly cataract patients is mainly ATR astigmatism. With the increasing of age, the magnitude of corneal astigmatism decreases first and then increases. The turning point from the proportion of WTR astigmatism to the proportion of ATR astigmatism is 65 years old. The shallower the anterior chamber is, the more the magnitude of corneal astigmatism and the proportion of ATR astigmatism increase. When the axial length is>25.00 mm, both the magnitude of corneal astigmatism and the proportion of ATR astigmatism reach the peak. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 56-62).

Current Status and Future Directions of Chronic Cough in China.

Chronic cough is one of the most common complaints for which patients in China seek medical attention. However, there are no nationwide data on the prevalence and socioeconomic burden of chronic cough. Although approximately 50% of Chinese men smoke, the vast majority of patients presenting for evaluation of chronic cough are never smokers. An equal sex distribution and a middle-aged predominance have been observed in the Chinese chronic cough population, despite demonstration of a higher cough reflex sensitivity in females and older patients. The role of air pollution in the distinct age and sex distribution requires further study. In terms of the etiologies of chronic cough in China, cough-variant asthma, upper airway cough syndrome, nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis, and atopic cough are the most common causes, comprising 75.2% to 87.6% of cases across different regions. Chinese Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cough were initially published in 2005, and updated in 2009 and 2016. In addition, the China Cough Coalition was established in 2016. Great progress has been made in both cough-related clinical practice and research in recent years, however, there are still challenges ahead. To facilitate optimal management of chronic cough in China, efforts promoting the dissemination and application of published guidelines will be essential, especially in community-based healthcare and in rural regions. As chronic refractory cough has been identified as a huge challenge to clinicians worldwide, continued international cooperation will be essential in optimizing evaluation and management of chronic cough.

Ten years malaria trend at Arjo-Didessa sugar development site and its vicinity, Southwest Ethiopia: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The trend analysis of malaria data from health facilities is useful for understanding dynamics of malaria epidemiology and inform for future malaria control planning. Changes in clinical malaria characteristics, like gender and age distribution are good indicators of declining malaria transmission. This study was conducted to determine the malaria trend at Arjo-Didessa sugar development site and its vicinity, southwest Ethiopia, from 2008 to 2017. METHODS: Monthly malaria confirmed case data from 2008 to 2017 was extracted from 11 health facilities based on clinical registers at Arjo sugar development site and its vicinity, southwest Ethiopia. Both positivity rate and malaria incidence rate were calculated. Changes in malaria parasite species and seasonality were analysed; age structure and gender distribution were compared between different study periods. Trend in malaria incidence and climatic impact were analysed and past LLIN and IRS campaigns were used as dynamics modifier. RESULTS: Over a period of 10 years, 54,020 blood film were collected for malaria diagnosis in the health facilities at the area, of which 18,049 (33.4%) were confirmed malaria cases by both microscopically and RDT. Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and mixed infection (P. falciparum and P. vivax) accounted for 8660 (48%), 7649 (42.4%), and 1740 (9.6%) of the malaria cases, respectively. The study also revealed that P. vivax was the predominant over P. falciparum for 4 years (2010, 2014, 2015 and 2016). There was a remarkable reduction of overall malaria infection during the 10 years. Malaria has been reported in all age groups, but age distribution showed that vast majority of cases were adults age 15 years and above 13,305 (73.7%). In all age groups, males were more significantly affected than females (χ2 = 133.0, df = 2, P < 0.0001). Moreover, malaria positivity rate showed a strong seasonality (χ2 = 777.55, df = 11, P < 0.0001). However, malaria cases were reported in all seasons across 10 years in the study area. CONCLUSION: In general, malaria positivity showed a declining trend over 10 years period in the area. However, current prevalence shows it is public health burden and needs attention for further intensification of interventions. In the study area, both P. falciparum and P. vivax co-exist and P. vivax is more prevalent than P. falciparum in almost half of the years. Therefore, malaria interventions should be strengthened in the study area.

Emergency Department Presentations and Youth Suicide: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: We estimate associations between emergency department (ED) diagnoses and suicide among youth to guide ED care. METHOD: This ED-based case-control study used data from the Office of the Chief Coroner and all EDs in Ontario, Canada. Cases ( n = 697 males and n = 327 females) were aged 10 to 25 years who died by suicide in Ontario between April 2003 and March 2014, with an ED contact in the year before their death. Same-aged ED-based controls were selected during this time frame. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Among youth diagnosed with a mental health problem at their most recent ED contact (41.9% cases, 5% controls), suicide was elevated among nonfatal self-inflicted: 'other' injuries, including hanging, strangulation, and suffocation in both sexes (aORs > 14); cut/pierce injuries in males (aOR > 5); poisonings in both sexes (aORs > 2.2); and mood and psychotic disorders in males (aORs > 1.7). Among those remaining, 'undetermined' injuries and poisonings in both sexes (aORs > 5), 'unintentional' poisonings in males (aOR = 2.1), and assault in both sexes (aORs > 1.8) were significant. At least half of cases had ED contact within 106 days. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the need for timely identification and treatment of mental health problems. Among those with an identified mental health problem, important targets for suicide prevention efforts are youth with self-harm and males with mood and psychotic disorders. Among others, youth with unintentional poisonings, undetermined events, and assaults should raise concern.

Age- and Sex-Related Aortic Valve Dysfunction and Aortopathy Difference in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart disease. Different distribution of valve dysfunction was found in patients with BAV in different age and sex groups, but related difference was not well established. The aim of our study is to investigate age- and sex-related clinical characteristics differences in patients with BAV.Six hundred twenty patients with BAV who had moderate or severe aortic valve dysfunction were included in the study. Basic clinical data and image data were recorded. Patients were classified into four different age groups: (A: ≤ 50 years old; B: 50-60 years old; C: 60-70 years old; D: > 70 years old). The sex-related clinical difference in different age groups was compared. Association between incidence of aortic valve dysfunction and age was evaluated.Male patients had more frequent aortic regurgitation (AR) in patients younger than 70 years old (A: 52.3% versus 20.0%, P = 0.012; B: 43.2% versus 17.8%, P < 0.001; C: 17.0 versus 2.6%, P = 0.002), whereas female patients were more likely to have aortic stenosis (AS) (A: 75.0% versus 34.1%, P = 0.001; B: 77.8% versus 37.0%, P < 0.001; C: 93.6% versus 69.8%, P < 0.001). Frequency of AR in male patients decreased with age, whereas frequency of AS increased. Trend test showed a significant difference in incidence of aortic valve dysfunction as age increased in male patients (AR, P < 0.001; AS, P < 0.001). No trend was found in female patients.Male patients with BAV present more often with moderate/severe AR at a young age, and the frequency of AR decreases with age. Female patients with BAV had more frequent AS at first presentation regardless of age.

Clinical melanoma characteristics and survival-a single-center retrospective study between 2000 and 2010.

The aim of this study was to characterize clinical, histological, and outcome features of primary melanoma in 1329 patients managed at a single-center institution between 2000 and 2010. Parameters included age at diagnosis, sex, tumor location, histology, stage, Breslow thickness, and sentinel lymph node status among others. The mean age at diagnosis was 59.1 ± 16.7 years. Women were significantly younger than men when diagnosed (57.2 vs. 61.0 years; p < 0.001). Most melanomas (83%) were diagnosed on typically sun-exposed skin areas. Superficial spreading melanoma (39.5%) was the most frequent histological subtype. The median Breslow thickness was significantly higher for men compared to women (1.10 mm vs. 0.90 mm; p = 0.018). 38.3% of patients with positive and 12.9% of patients with negative sentinel biopsies progressed. Five-year survival analysis for a sub-cohort of 577 patients showed better 5­year overall survival for woman compared to men (75.8% vs. 63.6%; p = 0.025). Our findings indicate differences in patient characteristics between men and women, and underscore the importance of early melanoma detection to prevent disease progression.

Prevalence and incidence of sarcoidosis in Korea: a nationwide population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and incidence of sarcoidosis varies worldwide. We estimated the prevalence and incidence of sarcoidosis in Korea using nationwide claims data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. METHODS: Cases of sarcoidosis were identified for any visit between 2007 to 2016 that listed the Korean Classification of Disease, 7th edition code of sarcoidosis and rare incurable disease exempted calculation code. A narrow case definition was used as follows: 1) ≥ two sarcoidosis-coded visits within 1 year of the first claim, 2) no claims for other diseases that could form granuloma. RESULTS: A total of 4791 patients (narrow, n = 2388) visited medical institutions for sarcoidosis during the study period; 2999 patients (narrow, n = 1696) were newly identified between 2009 and 2015. The sarcoidosis prevalence was 9.37 per 105 people (narrow, 4.69) and was highest between ages 60-69 years. The incidence rate was 0.85 per 105 population at risk (narrow, 0.48), with the highest incidence rate between ages 50-59 years. For incident cases (mean age: 48.5 year), the age distribution in whole population and females showed monophasic patterns peaking at aged 50-59 years, while males had biphasic incidence peak at aged 30-39 years and 60-69 years. The annual incidence rates showed increasing trends from 0.85 per 105 population at risk in 2009 to 0.97 per 105 population at risk in 2015. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with previous reports, the prevalence and incidence of sarcoidosis in Korea have increased and middle-aged women showed the highest risk.

The association between ABO blood types and venous thromboembolism in individuals with a positive antiphospholipid profile is varied by sex.

Objectives Although non-O blood type is an established risk factor for venous thromboembolism in the general population, the impact of ABO blood type (ABO) on venous thromboembolism risk in individuals with persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) has not been studied. We sought to investigate the relationship between ABO and venous thromboembolism in aPL-positive individuals. We also sought to explore potential interactions between ABO and sex or race to determine whether ABO contributes to race or sex differences with respect to the development of venous thromboembolism. Methods We identified all patients over 18 years old followed at a tertiary medical center between January 2000 and January 2015 with serological aPL criteria and ABO data. Episodes of venous thromboembolism were recorded. Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of venous thromboembolism for non-O (A, B, or AB blood types) versus O blood type. Results There were 226 patients included in the final analysis, of whom 75 (33%) had reported venous thromboembolism. In the overall sample, there was a non-significant difference between venous thromboembolism in patients with non-O blood type compared to O blood type (OR 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94, 2.88; P = 0.08). Men with non-O blood type had a significantly higher risk of venous thromboembolism as compared to men with O-type blood (OR 4.94, 95% CI 1.37, 17.85; P = 0.02), but there was no significant association between ABO and venous thromboembolism among women (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.50, 1.83; P = 0.52). Conclusions Non-O blood type may be an under-recognized risk factor for venous thromboembolism among men with persistent aPL antibodies, whereas the risk associated with non-O blood type seen in the general population may be attenuated in aPL-positive women.

Age-, gender- and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen type-specific clinical characters of adult tibial plateau fractures in eighty three hospitals in China.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to verify the age-, gender- and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) type-specific clinical characters of adult tibial plateau fractures in 83 hospitals in China and to investigate whether altitude has potential relationships with adult tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: A retrospective investigation was performed on consecutive patients with tibial plateau fractures treated in 83 hospitals in China between January 2010 and December 2011, data including age, gender and imaging were collected retrospectively through the PACS system and case reports checking system, imaging were classified into six types under fully qualified estimation based on AO classification. To further investigate imparities among different altitudes in China, all data were classified into four groups according to the centre altitudes of each city, G1 = plains group (<500 m), G2 = hills group (500-1000 m), G3 = mountain areas group (1000-2000 m), and G4 = plateau group (>2000 m). Comparison of gender distribution, age distribution and AO type were done. RESULTS: A total of 6,227 adult tibial plateau fractures were included. Men in the age range of 40-44 years were the most affected patients, and the overall high-risk injury type was 44-B. In four groups, the same peak age showed, namely, 40-44 years in males and 55-59 years in females. Age distribution showed no statistically significant difference in four groups (P > 0.05), while sex distribution and AO type indicated statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Note an inversion of sex ratio among people over 60 years. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that men in the 40-44 year age range are the most affected patients, and different sex distribution as well as injury type of adult tibial plateau fractures differed with various altitudes in China.

Underdiagnosis of Mild Congenital Anorectal Malformations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the frequency and severity of congenital anorectal malformations (CARMs) differs by sex. STUDY DESIGN: We included 129 patients (0-319 weeks old) diagnosed with CARMs, who had been referred to our Department of Pediatric Surgery between 2004 and 2013. Rectoperineal and rectovestibular fistulas were classified as mild CARMs, all others as severe. If a patient was diagnosed with CARM within 48 hours after birth, this was considered an early diagnosis, all others as late. RESULTS: Seventy-five (58%) girls and 54 (42%) boys were diagnosed with different forms of CARM. More patients had mild rather than severe forms of CARM (67% and 33%, respectively, P <.001). We found that 89% of girls had a mild form of CARM, whereas 65% of boys had severe forms (P <.001). All severe forms were diagnosed early, whereas 54% mild forms were diagnosed early and 46% were diagnosed late. CONCLUSIONS: Girls more often have mild forms of CARM, whereas boys more often have severe forms. Overall, the distribution across the sexes is equal. Because chronic constipation can be the only symptom of mild CARMs, it often requires more time to diagnose than severe forms. Many women are, therefore, diagnosed with CARMs at an older age, or they may go undiagnosed altogether. Subsequently, these women have a greater risk of full rupture during vaginal delivery.

Coincidence of PTPN22 c.1858CC and FCRL3 -169CC genotypes as a biomarker of preserved residual ß-cell function in children with type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Genotype-phenotype studies in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients are needed for further development of therapy strategies. OBJECTIVE: Our aims were to investigate the distribution of selected PTPN22 and FCRL3 gene polymorphisms and their associations with clinical course of disease in children with newly diagnosed T1DM from the Pomeranian region of Poland. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The prospective, longitudinal study of 147 children with newly diagnosed T1DM-autoimmune subtype was conducted. The PTPN22 c.1858T>C (rs2476601) and FCRL3 -169C>T (rs7528684) polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing. The frequencies of genotypes were compared between the study and population-matched control group (327 random anonymous samples from the Pomeranian region). Selected patients underwent a 24-monthly follow up [periodic re-evaluation of fasting C-peptide concentration (FCP) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ) level]. RESULTS: A significantly lower coincidence of the PTPN22 c.1858CC and FCRL3 -169CC genotypes was found in the study group compared with controls (P = 0.04). The PTPN22 c.1858CC and FCRL3 -169CC genotype combination, restricted to female patients only, was associated with well-preserved residual ß-cell function throughout the entire follow up (prolonged FCP level increase up to the sixth month of disease, with further very stable dynamics-FCP median level ≥0.67 ng/mL without significant decrease up to the 24th month). HbA1c levels in this subgroup also remained the lowest during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Ascertained phenomenon could be explained by an interacting mechanism of the two polymorphisms through estrogen-regulated nuclear factor kappa B signaling in regulatory T (Treg ) lymphocytes. This hypothesis, if confirmed, may lead to further development of Treg administration-based therapies.

Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Is it More Common in Men?

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease which predominantly affects the lungs, although granulomas can also involve all other organs, including the heart. Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) may occur at any stage of the disease and may be the cause of sudden cardiac death, even in a previously asymptomatic patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of CS in a large group of patients diagnosed or followed up due to sarcoidosis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients at our institution discharged with the final diagnosis "sarcoidosis" (ICD-10: D86) from January 2008 to October 2012. Only those with biopsy (from respiratory tract or lymph nodes) confirmed diagnosis of sarcoidosis were included. We then selected the subset of patients with cardiac involvement due to sarcoidosis confirmed by positive magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: The study covered 1375 consecutive sarcoidosis patients (51 % men), who were hospitalized during 5 years. Multiorgan disease was detected in 160 cases (11.7 %), and cardiac involvement was found in 64 patients (4.7 % of all), 70.3 % of whom were men. Twelve of those with CS were in stage I, 48 in stage II, and four in stage III. The odds ratio for having cardiac involvement in men compared to women was 2.3 (95 % CI 1.36-4.0, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis was diagnosed in the similar percentage as in previously published data but was significantly more frequently in men.