Lactate Levels as a Predictor of Emergency Department Revisits in Infants With Acute Bronchiolitis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify predictive biomarkers for unscheduled emergency department (ED) revisits within 24 hours of discharge in infants diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis (AB).

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted on infants diagnosed with AB who visited 3 emergency medical centers between January 2020 and December 2022. The study excluded infants with comorbidities, congenital diseases, and prematurity and infants who revisited the ED after 24 hours of discharge. Demographic data, vital signs, and laboratory results were collected from the medical records. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed on factors with P of less than 0.1 in univariable analysis. Receiver operator curve analysis was used to assess the accuracy of lactate measurements in predicting ED revisits within 24 hours of discharge.

RESULTS

Out of 172 participants, 100 were in the revisit group and 72 in the discharge group. The revisit group was significantly younger and exhibited higher lactate levels, lower pH values, and higher pCO2 levels compared to the discharge group. Univariable logistic regression identified several factors associated with revisits. Multivariable analysis found that only lactate was a variable correlated with predicting ED revisits (odds ratio, 18.020; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.764-56.334). The receiver operator curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.856, with an optimal lactate cutoff value of 2.15.

CONCLUSION

Lactate value in infants diagnosed with AB were identified as a potential indicator of predicting unscheduled ED revisits within 24 hours of discharge. The predictive potential of lactate levels holds promise for enhancing prognosis prediction, reducing health care costs, and alleviating ED overcrowding. However, given the study's limitations, a more comprehensive prospective investigation is recommended to validate these findings.

Reliability of the DI-60 Digital Image Analyzer for Detecting Platelet Clumping and Obtaining Accurate Platelet Counts

Pseudothrombocytopenia caused by platelet clumping (PC) can lead to unnecessary platelet transfusions or underdiagnosis of hematologic neoplasms. To overcome these limitations, we assessed the capacity of the Sysmex DI-60 digital morphology analyzer (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) for detecting PC and determining an accurate platelet count in the presence of PC. For this purpose, 135 samples with or without PC (groups Y and N, respectively) were processed by an examiner (a hematologic specialist) using both the Sysmex XN-9000 and DI-60 analyzers. Although the platelet aggregate (PA) and giant platelet (GP) counts reported by the DI-60 and the examiner exhibited strong correlations, they proved inadequate as effective indicators for screening samples containing PC. Between the PA and GP counts and four platelet indices (the platelet distribution width [PDW], mean platelet volume [MPV], platelet large cell ratio [P_LCR], and plateletcrit [PCT]) reported by the XN-9000, we observed statistically significant correlations (both overall and with group Y), but they were relatively weak. The platelet counts determined using the DI-60 and light microscopy in group Y showed substantial variations. Although the performance of the DI-60 was reliable for detecting PA and GP in smear images, such fixed areas are not representative of whole samples. Further, in the presence of PC, the resulting platelet counts determined using the DI-60 were not sufficiently accurate to be accepted as the final count.

High-Volume Hospital Had Lower Mortality of Severe Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients

Objective

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accompanies higher mortality rates than other type of stroke. This study aimed to investigate the association between hospital volume and mortality for cases of ICH.

Methods

We used nationwide data from 2013 to 2018 to compare high-volume hospitals (≥32 admissions/year) and low-volume hospitals (<32 admissions/year). We tracked patients' survival at 3-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 4-year endpoints. The survival of ICH patients was analyzed at 3-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 4-year endpoints using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to determine predictive factors of poor outcomes at discharge and death.

Results

Among 9,086 ICH patients who admitted to hospital during 18-month period, 6,756 (74.4%) and 2,330 (25.6%) patients were admitted to high-volume and low-volume hospitals. The mortality of total ICH patients was 18.25%, 23.87%, 27.88%, and 35.74% at the 3-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 4-year, respectively. In multivariate logistic analysis, high-volume hospitals had lower poor functional outcome at discharge than low-volume hospitals (odds ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.91; p < 0.001). In the Cox analysis, high-volume hospitals had significantly lower 3-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 4-year mortality than low-volume hospitals (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The poor outcome at discharge, short- and long-term mortality in ICH patients differed according to hospital volume. High-volume hospitals showed lower rates of mortality for ICH patients, particularly those with severe clinical status.

Ultrasound-guided genitofemoral nerve block for femoral arterial access gain and closure: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy and safety of the femoral branch block of the genitofemoral nerve (FBB) versus local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) for femoral arterial access gain and closure.

METHODS

Eighty-two patients (age, 64.8 ± 10.9 years; female, 30.5%) undergoing endovascular procedures using 5-Fr femoral sheath were assigned to either FBB (n = 41) or LIA (n = 41). In both groups, 2% lidocaine HCL with 1:100,000 epinephrine was used as an anesthetic solution. Pain scores during access gain and closure were evaluated using a visual analog scale (score 0-10), patient satisfaction levels with the quality of anesthesia were scored on a 7-point Likert scale, and adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

The primary endpoint, pain scores during access closure, was significantly lower in the FBB group than in the LIA group (0.1 ± 0.37 vs 1.73 ± 0.92; p < 0.001). The FBB group also had significantly lower pain scores during access gain compared to the LIA group (0.83 ± 0.83 vs 2.78 ± 1.26; p < 0.001). There was an inverse relationship between pain scores and FBB after adjustment for age, gender, and body mass index (p < 0.001). FBB group reported significantly higher satisfaction with anesthesia quality compared to the LIA group (6.49 ± 0.64 vs 4.05 ± 1.05; p < 0.001). No complications were recognized in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided genitofemoral nerve blocks offered better acute pain relief and higher patient satisfaction than LIA during femoral arterial access gain and closure.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

In this prospective randomized controlled trial, ultrasound-guided genitofemoral nerve blocks offered better acute pain relief than local infiltration anesthesia, resulting in enhanced patient satisfaction.

KEY POINTS

• FBB provided better pain relief during access gain and closure than LIA. • FBB offered higher patient satisfaction with the quality of anesthesia than LIA. • No anesthesia-related or access site complications were recognized in either treatment group.

Kidney biopsy can help to predict renal outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is diagnosed based on clinical features. A kidney biopsy is used only in selected cases. This study aimed to reconsider the role of a biopsy in predicting renal outcomes.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory parameters and renal biopsy results were obtained from 237 patients with T2DM who underwent renal biopsies at Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital between January 2000 and March 2020 and were analyzed.

Results

Of 237 diabetic patients, 29.1% had DKD only, 61.6% had non-DKD (NDKD), and 9.3% had DKD with coexisting NDKD (DKD/NDKD). Of the patients with DKD alone, 43.5% progressed to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), while 15.8% of NDKD patients and 36.4% of DKD/NDKD patients progressed to ESKD (p < 0.001). In the DKD-alone group, pathologic features like ≥50% global sclerosis (p < 0.001), tubular atrophy (p < 0.001), interstitial fibrosis (p < 0.001), interstitial inflammation (p < 0.001), and the presence of hyalinosis (p = 0.03) were related to worse renal outcomes. The Cox regression model showed a higher risk of progression to ESKD in the DKD/NDKD group compared to the DKD-alone group (hazard ratio [HR], 2.73; p = 0.032), ≥50% global sclerosis (HR, 3.88; p < 0.001), and the degree of mesangial expansion (moderate: HR, 2.45; p = 0.045 and severe: HR, 6.22; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In patients with T2DM, a kidney biopsy can help in identifying patients with NDKD for appropriate treatment, and it has predictive value.

Correction: The Correlation Between NAFLD and Serum Uric Acid to Serum Creatinine Ratio

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288666.].

Evaluating the Necessity of Adaptive RT and the Role of Deformable Image Registration in Lung Cancer with Different Pathologic Classifications

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyze differential radiotherapy (RT) responses according to the pathological type of lung cancer to see the possibility of applying adaptive radiotherapy (ART).

METHODS

ART planning with resampled-computed tomography was conducted for a total of 30 patients (20 non-small-cell lung cancer patients and 10 small-cell lung cancer patients) using a deformable image registration technique to reveal gross tumor volume (GTV) changes according to the duration of RT.

RESULTS

The small-cell lung cancer group demonstrated an average GTV reduction of 20.95% after the first week of initial treatment (p = 0.001), whereas the adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma groups showed an average volume reduction of 20.47% (p = 0.015) and 12.68% in the second week. The application of ART according to the timing of GTV reduction has been shown to affect changes in radiation dose irradiated to normal tissues. This suggests that ART applications may have to be different depending on pathological differences in lung cancer.

CONCLUSION

Through these results, the present study proposes the possibility of personalized treatment options for individual patients by individualizing ART based on specific radiation responses by pathologic types of lung cancer.

The correlation between NAFLD and serum uric acid to serum creatinine ratio

BACKGROUND

With the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increasing worldwide, many noninvasive techniques have been used to improve its diagnosis. Recently, the serum uric acid/creatinine (sUA/sCr) ratio was identified as an indicator of fatty liver disease. Therefore, we examined the relationship between sUA/sCr levels and ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD in Korean adults.

METHODS

This study included 16,666 20-year-olds or older who received health checkups at a university hospital's health promotion center from January to December 2021. Among them, 11,791 non-patients with and without NAFLD were analyzed, excluding those without abdominal ultrasound, those without data on fatty liver, cancer, or chronic kidney disease severity, those with a history of alcohol abuse, and those with serum hs-CRP <5 mg/L. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the sUA/sCr ratio according to the presence or absence of fatty liver disease and severity were calculated after correcting for confounding variables using logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) of the sUA/sCr ratio confirmed and compared the sensitivity and specificity of NAFLD and serum uric acid.

RESULTS

sUA/sCr increased with fatty liver severity, and the post-correction OR in the NAFLD group was 1.183 (95% CI: 1.137-1.231) compared to the group without NAFLD. Concerning the fatty liver severity, the post-correction OR in the mild NAFLD group increased to 1.147 (95% CI: 1.099-1.196), and that in the moderate-to-severe NAFLD group increased to 1.275 (95% CI: 1.212-1.341) compared to the group without NAFLD. The sensitivity of sUA/sCr to fatty liver severity was 57.9% for the non-NAFLD group, 56.7% for the mild NAFLD group, and 59.0% for the moderate-to-severe NAFLD group; the specificity of sUA/sCr to fatty liver severity 61.4% for the non-NAFLD group, 57.3% for the mild NAFLD group, and 65.2% for the moderate-to-severe NAFLD group.

CONCLUSION

NAFLD severity is associated with sUA/sCR.

Radiologic changes of long term foot insole use in symptomatic pediatric flatfoot

Clinically, flatfoot, known as pes planus, is quite prevalent. It is classified into 2 types: flexible and rigid, both of which may or may not have symptoms. If a flexible flatfoot is symptomatic, it must be treated to prevent subsequent complications. In principle, most physicians initially use conservative methods, such as foot insoles. This study aimed to demonstrate the effect of long term use of a foot insole using plain radiography as an objective measurement in children with symptomatic flexible flatfoot (SFFF) in large samples. This study analyzed the medical records of 292 children aged < 18 years who were diagnosed with SFFF. Of these, 200 children (62 boys and 138 girls, mean age: 6.49 ± 2.96 years) were selected and conservatively treated with foot insoles. They were periodically followed up within 3 to 4 months to modify the foot insole and perform radiologic evaluations, such as foot radiography. The calcaneal pitch angle (CPA) and talo first metatarsal angle were measured and compared individually using foot lateral radiographs, which were pictured in a bilateral barefoot state. The treatment was terminated by repeating the same procedure until the symptoms disappeared. A significant improvement (P < .001) was observed in the radiological indicators, both CPA and talo first metatarsal angle, regardless of age, after the application of soft foot insoles. However, the right foot CPA in the group with valgus deformity was an exception (P = .078). This study showed that in children diagnosed with SFFF under 18 years of age, wearing a periodically revised foot insole as conservative treatment could not only decrease the symptoms, but also improve the radiologic indices.

Change of mortality of patients with acute ischemic stroke before and after 2015

Introduction

Advances in the diagnosis and management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and the increased use of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) have improved the quality of care and prognosis of patients with AIS since 2015. We investigated the changing trends in mortality of patients with AIS in Korea before and after 2015.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using combined anonymized data from the Acute Stroke Assessment Registry of Korea and the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service database. Patients with ischemic stroke with precise onset time and initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale records were included.

Results

Patients receiving MT treatment increased from 256 (2.7%) pre-2015 to 1,037 (3.9%) post-2015 (p < 0.001). Overall mortality significantly decreased from pre-2015 to post-2015. In pre-2015, intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) administered within 2 h significantly reduced 3-month mortality when compared with non-IVT. While, in post-2015, IVT administered within 2 h significantly reduced the 3-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 4-year mortality (p < 0.05). MT only reduced 1-year mortality pre-2015; however, MT significantly reduced the 3-month, 1-year, and 2-year mortality post-2015 (p < 0.05). Post-stroke antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs significantly reduced the 3-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 4-year mortality post-2015.

Discussion

Since 2015, faster IVT has significantly reduced the short- and long-term mortality in patients with AIS; MT reduced the 3-month, 1-year, and 2-year mortality. Post-stroke antithrombotic medication has significantly lowered the 2- and 4-year mortality since 2015.

Conclusions

Changing trends in AIS management since 2015 have improved the prognosis of patients with AIS.

Short- and long-term mortality of subarachnoid hemorrhage according to hospital volume and severity using a nationwide multicenter registry study

Introduction

Recent improvements in treatment for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have decreased the mortality rates; however, the outcomes of SAH management are dependent on many other factors. In this study, we used nationwide, large-scale, observational data to investigate short- and long-term mortality rates after SAH treatment and the influence of patient severity and hospital volume.

Patients and methods

We selected patients with SAH treated with clipping and coiling from the South Korean Acute Stroke Assessment Registry. High- and low-volume hospitals performed ≥20 clipping and coiling procedures and <20 clipping and coiling procedures per year, respectively. Short- and long-term mortality were tracked using data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service.

Results

Among 2,634 patients treated using clipping and coiling, 1,544 (58.6%) and 1,090 (41.4%) were hospitalized in high- and low-volume hospitals, respectively, and 910 (34.5%) and 1,724 (65.5%) were treated with clipping and coiling, respectively. Mortality rates were 13.5, 14.4, 15.2, and 16.1% at 3 months, 1, 2, and 4 years, respectively. High-volume hospitals had a significantly lower 3-month mortality rate. Patients with mild clinical status had a significantly lower 3-month mortality rate in high-volume hospitals than in low-volume hospitals. Patients with severe clinical status had significantly lower 1- and 2-year mortality rates in high-volume hospitals than in low-volume hospitals.

Conclusion

Short- and long-term mortality in patients with SAH differed according to hospital volume. In the modern endovascular era, clipping and coiling can lead to better outcomes in facilities with high stroke-care capabilities.

Transiently Observed Trace Albuminuria on Urine Dipstick Test Is Associated With All-Cause Death, Cardiovascular Death, and Incident Chronic Kidney Disease: A National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort in Korea

Introduction

Albuminuria is a well-known risk factor for end-stage kidney disease, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality, even when the albumin-to-creatinine ratio is <30 mg/g. However, the association between transiently observed trace albuminuria and these major adverse outcomes has not yet been reported. This study aimed to examine the effect of transient albuminuria on these major adverse outcomes using the National Health Insurance Service data in Korea.

Methods and Results

The National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort from Korea, followed from 2002 to 2015, consisted of 1,025,340 individuals, accounting for 2.2% of the total Korean population. We analyzed the effect of transient albuminuria on all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) and compared it with the group without albuminuria. Among 1,025,340 individuals, 121,876 and 2,815 had transient albuminuria and no albuminuria, respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios of the transient albuminuria group for cardiovascular death and incident CKD were 1.76 (1.01–3.08) and 1.28 (1.15–1.43), respectively. There were significant differences in all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and incident CKD between the two groups after propensity score matching (p = 0.0037, p = 0.015, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Propensity score matching with bootstrapping showed that the hazard ratios of the transient albuminuria group for all-cause death and cardiovascular death were 1.39 (1.01–1.92) and 2.18 (1.08–5.98), respectively.

Conclusions

In this nationwide, large-scale, retrospective cohort study, transient albuminuria was associated with all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and incident CKD, suggesting that transient albuminuria could be a risk marker for adverse outcomes in the future, and that its own subclinical phenotype could play an important role during the course of CKD.

Prognostic significance of liver CT-attenuation and 18F-FDG uptake for predicting hepatic recurrence following curative resection of colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the predictive values of computed tomography (CT)-attenuation and fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) uptake in the liver for the hepatic recurrence of colorectal cancer.

SUBJECT AND METHODS

This study retrospectively included 257 colorectal cancer patients who underwent staging ¹⁸F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET)/CT and were subsequently treated with curative surgical resection. Using non contrast-enhanced CT images in PET/CT, the liver-spleen ratio and liver-spleen difference of CT-attenuation and CT-attenuation of the liver were calculated. The maximum and mean ¹⁸F-FDG uptake in the liver was measured using the PET images. The relationship of these five liver parameters to recurrence-free survival (RFS), hepatic RFS, and extrahepatic RFS was assessed.

RESULTS

In univariate survival analysis, the liver-spleen ratio, liver-spleen difference, and maximum ¹⁸F-FDG uptake of the liver were significant predictors of both RFS and hepatic RFS (P<0.05), whereas none of the five liver parameters were significantly associated with extrahepatic RFS (P>0.05). Patients with a low liver-spleen ratio and liver-spleen difference and a high maximum ¹⁸F-FDG uptake showed better hepatic RFS than those with a high liver-spleen ratio and liver-spleen difference and a low maximum ¹⁸F-FDG uptake. In multivariate analysis, the liver-spleen ratio, liver-spleen difference, and maximum ¹⁸F-FDG uptake of liver remained significant predictors for hepatic RFS after adjusting for age, sex, obesity, andstage (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Computed tomography-attenuation and maximum ¹⁸F-FDG uptake in the liver on ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT were significant predictive factors for hepatic RFS in patients with colorectal cancer after curative resection.

Association between Self-Perceived Periodic Limb Movement during Sleep and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Depend on Restless Leg Symptoms in Korean Adolescents

Although periodic limb movement during sleep (PLMS) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common in children and adolescents, they are relatively overlooked as a target of treatment. PLMS has been evaluated as having a lower clinical significance than RLS. This study examined the relationship of socio-behavioral factors of PLMS in Korean adolescents and checked whether PLMS is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), depending on whether restless legs symptoms accompany it. In a cross-sectional study, 25,789 adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age (15.76 ± 1.73 years; female 51.49%) were evaluated using an online survey. Various self-report questionnaires were used to assess PLMS and RLS symptoms, EDS, sleep habits, and various socio-behavioral factors. The prevalence of self-perceived PLMS and restless legs symptoms were 903 (3.50%) and 1311 (5.08%), respectively. Of the 1311 participants, 399 had self-perceived PLMS. The odds ratios (ORs) for self-perceived PLMS in participants with restless legs symptoms were: males (OR = 1.528; 95% CI: 1.145–2.040), usually/always experienced apnea apnea (OR, 3.006; 95% CI, 1.954–4.624), increased proneness to Internet addiction (OR = 1.013; 95% CI: 1.001–1.025), sometimes/often consuming coffee (OR = 1.312; 95% CI: 1.015–1.695), EDS (OR = 0.826; 95% CI: 0.488–1.398), and perceived insufficient sleep (OR = 1.143; 95% CI: 0.835–1.565). The male gender, witness apnea, consuming coffee, and being prone to Internet addiction were identified as factors significantly associated with self-perceived PLMS in participants with restless legs symptoms. However, EDS and insufficient sleep were associated with self-perceived PLMS in the absence of restless legs symptoms.

Association of Lupus Anticoagulant status with Disease Course in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infection

Background: We investigated the importance of lupus anticoagulant (LA) in patients with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: Medical records of 41 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were reviewed. Patients were classified into two groups according to the frequency of positive LA test results: “LA (−)” and “LA (+) ≥1” (LA positive at least once). Statistical analysis was performed to determine the association between LA presence and change in LA test results and disease course according to both hospital days (HD) and days after diagnosis (DD). Results: The prevalence of LA was 51.2%. Averagely, the first change in LA test result occurred during DD 12-13 and between HD 9-10. The second change occurred on DD 15-16 and HD 13-14. The presence of LA was associated with severe disease (P = .004) but was not associated with thrombotic complications or mortality. The change of results from negative to positive or vice versa or the frequency of the changes was not associated with disease severity, thrombotic complications, or mortality. Conclusions: LA positivity can be regarded as one of the findings suggesting more serious SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A clinical comparison of an endothelin receptor antagonist and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for treating digital ulcers of systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) and phosphodiesterase type5 inhibitors (PDE5is) for treating SSc-related digital ulcers (DUs).

METHODS

This prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study recruited patients with active SSc-related DUs from 13 medical centres in South Korea. The primary outcome was time to cardinal ulcer (CU) healing. A secondary outcome was time to new DU occurrence. Patients were followed up 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after treatment initiation.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients were analysed. Their mean age was 49.9 years (s.d. 11.4) and 49 were female. Twenty-eight had limited SSc. Forty-nine patients received ERA, 11 received a PDE5i (9 sildenafil, 1 udenafil and 1 tadalafil) and 3 received other medication. The hazard ratio (HR) for time to CU healing in the ERA group vs the PDE5i group was 0.75 (95% CI 0.35, 1.64; P = 0.47) in an unadjusted model and 0.80 (95% CI 0.36, 1.78; P = 0.59) in a model adjusted for age, sex, use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), total DU number and initial CU area. The HR for new DU development in the ERA group vs the PDE5i group was 0.39 (95% CI 0.16, 0.93; P = 0.03) in an unadjusted model and 0.32 (95% CI 0.13, 0.81; P = 0.02) in an adjusted model. No patients receiving CCBs developed new DUs at 24 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Time to CU healing is comparable for ERA and PDE5i. ERAs are more effective in reducing new DU occurrence than PDE5is. CCBs may be effective as a background medication.

CT findings after left renal vein division during abdominal aortic surgery

BACKGROUND

The rationale behind left renal vein division (LRVD) is the assumption that adequate collateral draining channels will develop.

PURPOSE

To describe computed tomography (CT) findings after LRVD during aortic surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Among 61 consecutive patients who underwent LRVD during aneurysm repair or revascularization for aortic occlusive disease between January 2003 and December 2017, 51 patients (40 men, mean age 71.4 ± 8.4 years) were enrolled. Contrast-enhanced CT images were analyzed to evaluate collateral drainage, patency, left renal vein diameter, and left renal parenchymal thickness. A total of 115 radiologic reports were reviewed to check whether these findings were accurately mentioned.

RESULTS

The median time period of the first postoperative follow-up CT was 36 days (range 7-1351 days). The gonadal vein (n = 47) was the most common collateral draining channel, followed by the retroperitoneal veins (n = 42) and adrenal vein (n = 33). Thrombosis occurred in five patients between postoperative days 7 and 17 in the remnant renal vein (n = 3), remnant renal vein plus gonadal and adrenal veins (n = 1), and gonadal vein (n = 1). There was a significant decrease in renal vein diameter (-0.48 ± 2.12 mm, P = 0.006). There was no significant difference in parenchymal thickness (-0.25 ± 1.27 mm, P = 0.193). Neither LRVD nor any associated findings were correctly stated on radiologic reports.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative contrast-enhanced CT can delineate collateral draining channels and complications following LRVD. However, these findings tend to be either missed or misinterpreted.

Birth-related retinal hemorrhages: The Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital universal newborn eye screening (SUCH-NES) study

Purpose

To report the prevalence, related factors, and characteristics of birth-related retinal hemorrhages (RHs) according to their severity in healthy newborns using a telemedicine network and wide-field digital retinal imaging (WFDRI).

Methods

Newborns who underwent WFDRI at 61 obstetrics/gynecology hospitals between January 2017 and December 2019 were enrolled. Demographics and related factors were compared among newborns with and without RHs. The newborns’ eyes were divided into the minimal, mild, moderate, and severe groups according to the number of RHs, and characteristics like bilaterality, laterality, involved retinal layer, involved zone, macular and/or optic nerve (ON) involvement were compared.

Results

Among 56247 newborns, 13026 had birth-related RHs (23.2%). Normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (NSVD) showed the highest association with RHs (odds ratio, 19.774; 95% confidence interval, 18.277–21.393; P < 0.001) on multivariate analysis. Bilateral RHs (8414/13026; 64.59%) were more common than unilateral RHs (4612/13026; 35.41%); however, unilateral RHs (2383/4217; 56.51%) were more common than bilateral RHs (1834/4217; 43.49%) in the minimal group. RHs showed no laterality differences between the two eyes (P = 0.493). Most RHs were intraretinal (18678/21440; 87.12%), and 2328 (31.65%) eyes with preretinal hemorrhage were observed in the severe group. Zone I RHs were common in the minimal (7072/7090; 99.75%), mild (4953/4960; 99.86%), and moderate (2013/2035; 98.92%) groups; zone I and II RHs were common in the severe group (4843/7355; 65.85%); and RHs in zone III were rare (7/21440; 0.03%). Most RHs showed no macular and/or ON involvement in the minimal and mild group; however, this was common in the severe group (7111/7355; 96.68%).

Conclusions

Birth-related RHs were common in healthy newborns and were significantly associated with NSVD. RHs were usually bilateral, intraretinal, and distributed posterior to the retina, but severe RHs had unique characteristics. Future long-term and longitudinal studies are required to elucidate the prognosis of severe RHs.

Early diagnosis of craniofacial necrotising fasciitis: Analysis of clinical risk factors

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing fatal disease. Craniofacial necrotising fasciitis (CNF) is limited to the region above the mandibular margin, and early diagnosis is particularly difficult in the absence of related studies. Ten-year data of patients with craniofacial infection were collected from four separate hospitals. Based on the diagnostic criteria, patients were classified into abscess and CNF. The risk factors for early diagnosis were analysed by comparing the two groups. Simple abscess was found in 176 patients, and CNF was detected in 25 patients. The risk factors associated with CNF include old age, presence of odontogenic infection, elevated white blood cell count (WBC), increased C-reactive protein (CRP), high levels of creatinine (Cr) and glucose (Glu) and low levels of haemoglobin (Hb) and albumin (Alb). In addition, fever above 38°C and sinusitis at the time of admission and progressive sepsis after admission were also risk factors. Among the statistically significant risk factors, low Alb level showed the greatest association with CNF progression. Appropriate management of CNF via early diagnosis and extensive surgical intervention based on identified risk factors can reduce the mortality rate, complications and unnecessary medical expenses. Clinical question/level of evidence: Diagnostic, III.

Short- and long-term mortality after intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke: A propensity score-matched cohort with 5-year follow-up

It remains unknown whether intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), thrombectomy, or poststroke antithrombotic medication lower short- and long-term mortality in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of IVT in AIS using propensity score matching, to determine whether IVT could reduce short- and long-term mortality, and to identify risk factors influencing short- and long-term mortality in AIS.During 2013 to 2014, the nationwide Korea Acute Stroke Assessment registry enrolled 14,394 patients with first-ever recorded ischemic stroke. Propensity score matching was used to match IVT and control cases with a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was survival up to 3 months, 1 year, and 5 years, as assessed using Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards.In total, 1317 patients treated with IVT were matched with 1317 patients not treated with IVT. Survival was higher in the IVT group (median, 3.53 years) than in the non-IVT group (median, 3.37 years, stratified log-rank test, P < .001). Compared with the non-IVT group, thrombolysis performed within 2 hours significantly reduced the risk of 3-month mortality by 37%, and thrombolysis performed between 2 and 4.5 hours significantly reduced the risk of 3-month mortality by 26%. Thrombectomy significantly reduced the risk of 3-month mortality by 28%. Compared with no poststroke medication, poststroke antiplatelet medication was associated with 51%, 55%, and 52% decreases in 3-month, 1-year, and 5-year mortality risk, respectively. Poststroke anticoagulant medication was associated with 51%, 54%, and 44% decreases in the risk of 3-month, 1-year, and 5-year mortality, respectively.IVT and mechanical thrombectomy showed improvement in short-term survival. To improve long-term outcomes, the use of poststroke antithrombotic medication is important in AIS.

Vascular Calcification as a Novel Risk Factor for Kidney Function Deterioration in the Nonelderly

Background

The relationship between vascular calcification and chronic kidney disease is well known. However, whether vascular calcification affects renal function deterioration remains unclear. We investigated whether kidney function deteriorated more rapidly in individuals with higher vascular calcification indicated by the coronary artery calcium score (CACS).

Methods and Results

Individuals with a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (>60 mL/min per 1.73 m²) who underwent cardiac computed tomography in our institution (a tertiary teaching hospital in Cheonan, Korea) from January 2010 to July 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. All participants were aged 20 to 65 years. Among 739 patients, 447, 175, and 117 had CACSs of 0, 1 to 99, and ≥100 units, respectively. The participants were followed for 7.8 (interquartile range, 5.5–8.8) years. The adjusted annual estimated glomerular filtration rates declined more rapidly in patients in the CACS ≥100 group compared with those in the CACS 0 group (adjusted‐β, −0.40; 95% CI, −0.80 to −0.03) when estimated using a linear mixed model. The adjusted hazard ratio in the CACS ≥100 group for Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria (a drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate category accompanied by a 25% or greater drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate) was 2.52 (1.13–5.61). After propensity score matching, more prevalent renal outcomes (13.2%) were observed in patients with a CACS of ≥100 compared with those with a CACS of 0 (1.9%), with statistical significance (P=0.004).

Conclusions

Our results showed that renal function declined more rapidly in patients with higher CACSs, suggesting that vascular calcification might be associated with chronic kidney disease progression.

Short and Long-term Outcomes of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Treatment according to Hospital Volume in Korea: a Nationwide Multicenter Registry

BACKGROUND

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a potentially devastating cerebrovascular attack with a high proportion of poor outcomes and mortality. Recent studies have reported decreased mortality with the improvement in devices and techniques for treating ruptured aneurysms and neurocritical care. This study investigated the relationship between hospital volume and short- and long-term mortality in patients treated with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

METHODS

We selected subarachnoid hemorrhage patients treated with clipping and coiling from March-May 2013 to June-August 2014 using data from Acute Stroke Registry, and the selected subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients were tracked in connection with data of Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service to evaluate the short-term and long-term mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 625 subarachnoid hemorrhage patients were admitted to high-volume hospitals (n = 355, 57%) and low-volume hospitals (n = 270, 43%) for six months. The mortality of SAH patients treated with clipping and coiling was 12.3%, 20.2%, 21.4%, and 24.3% at 14 days, three months, one year, and five years, respectively. The short-term and long-term mortality in high-volume hospitals was significantly lower than that in low-volume hospitals. On Cox regression analysis of death in patients with severe clinical status, low-volume hospitals had significantly higher mortality than high-volume hospitals during short-term follow-up. On Cox regression analysis in the mild clinical status group, there was no statistical difference between high-volume hospitals and low-volume hospitals.

CONCLUSION

In subarachnoid hemorrhage patients treated with clipping and coiling, low-volume hospitals had higher short-term mortality than high-volume hospitals. These results from a nationwide database imply that acute SAH should be treated by a skilled neurosurgeon with adequate facilities in a high-volume hospital.

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Autophagy-Related Protein Microtubule-Associated Protein Light Chain 3 Expression in Psoriasis

Background

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and autophagy are both important to maintain skin homeostasis. However, they are also involved in skin disorders. So far, their roles in psoriasis pathogenesis are unknown.

Objective

We studied the immunohistochemical and gene expression of AHR, CYP1A1, and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) in lesional skin of psoriasis patients to determine correlations among them.

Methods

We included 24 psoriasis patients and ten healthy volunteers. Skin biopsies were collected. AHR, CYP1A1, and LC3 protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. AHR, CYP1A1, LC3, ATG5, BECN1 and Nrf2 mRNA levels were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

AHR and CYP1A1 protein expression were higher in psoriasis lesional skin than in normal skin. LC3 protein expression was lower in psoriasis lesions than in normal controls. AHR and CYP1A1 protein expression in psoriasis lesions showed significant positive correlations with mean epidermal thickness and inflammatory cell density. Significant negative correlations were noted between LC3 protein expression in psoriasis lesions and the mean epidermal thickness or inflammatory cell density. A significant negative correlation was found between AHR and LC3 expression in psoriatic skin. AHR, CYP1A1 and Nrf2 mRNA expression were upregulated while LC3, ATG5, and BECN1 mRNA were down-regulated, in psoriatic lesional skin compared with normal controls.

Conclusion

AHR and autophagy could play a role in psoriasis pathogenesis by modifying epidermal hyperproliferation and inflammation. AHR and autophagy regulation are potential therapeutic targets in chronic inflammatory skin diseases.

Neuron-specific enolase level as a predictor of neurological outcome in near-hanging patients: A retrospective multicenter study

Objectives

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is frequently used to predict neurological outcomes in patients with hypoxic brain injury. Hanging can cause hypoxic brain damage, and survivors can suffer from neurological deficits that may impair daily activities. Here, we investigated the utility of the initial serum NSE level as a predictor of neurological outcomes in near-hanging patients with decreased consciousness.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study was conducted in patients who visited the emergency department due to near-hanging injury from October 2013 to February 2019 at three university hospitals in Korea. They were divided into two groups according to the presence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The neurological outcome was determined using the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) measured at the time of discharge. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine whether initial serum NSE is an independent predictor of neurological outcome.

Results

Of the 70 patients included in the study, 44 showed a poor neurological outcome (CPC score = 3–5). Among the 52 patients with cardiac arrest, only 10 (19.2%) were discharged with good neurological outcome (CPC score = 1–2). In the whole cohort, a high serum NSE level was a significant predictor of poor neurological outcome (odds ratio [OR], 1.343; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.003–1.800, p = 0.048). Among the patients with cardiac arrest, a high serum NSE level was a significant predictor of poor neurological outcome (OR, 1.138; 95% CI, 1.009–1.284, p = 0.036).

Conclusions

In near-hanging patients, a high initial serum NSE level is an independent predictor of poor neurological outcome.

Sonazoid-enhanced ultrasonography: comparison with CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System in patients with suspected hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features using Sonazoid for liver nodules with Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) categories and to identify the usefulness of Kupffer-phase images.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in 203 patients at high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent CEUS with Sonazoid from 2013 to 2016. Nodule enhancement in the arterial, portal venous, late, and Kupffer phases; CEUS LI-RADS major features; and Kupffer-phase defects were evaluated. According to the computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) LI-RADS v2018, all nodules were assigned an LR category (n=4/33/99/67 for LR-M/3/4/5) and comparisons across LR categories were made. We defined modified CEUS LI-RADS as using Kupffer-phase defects as an alternative to late and mild washout in CEUS LI-RADS and compared the diagnostic performance for HCC.

Results

On CEUS of 203 nodules, 89.6% of CT/MRI LR-5 and 85.9% of LR-4 nodules showed hyperenhancement in the arterial phase, while 57.6% of LR-3 nodules showed hyperenhancement. Among the CT/MRI LR-5 nodules that showed arterial phase hyperenhancement or isoenhancement, 59.7% showed hypoenhancing changes from the portal venous phase, 23.9% from the late phase, and 13.4% additionally in the Kupffer phase. The modified CEUS LI-RADS showed higher sensitivity than CEUS LI-RADS (83.2% vs. 74.2%, P=0.008) without compromising specificity (63.6% vs. 69.7%, P=0.500).

Conclusion

The Kupffer phase best shows hypoenhancing changes in LR-5 lesions and is expected to improve the sensitivity for HCC in high-risk patients.

Endoscopic revision efficacy after clinically successful bilateral metal stenting for advanced malignant hilar obstruction

BACKGROUNDS AND AIM

Multiple insertions of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) for advanced malignant hilar obstruction (MHO) are now considered to be an effective palliative method for adequate drainage of liver volume. However, the efficacy of endoscopic reintervention in technically and clinically successful bilateral SEMS is limited. This study investigated the endoscopic revision efficacy in patients who underwent bilateral SEMS in MHO.

METHODS

Primary endoscopic revision using plastic or metal stents or an alternative percutaneous approach followed by secondary endoscopic revision was performed in patients who underwent clinically successful deployment of bilateral SEMS. The primary outcome was a technical success. Secondary outcomes were clinical success, adverse events, and patency duration after reintervention.

RESULTS

A total of 55 patients (83.3%) out of 66 enrolled patients underwent reintervention: primary endoscopic reintervention (n = 47) and secondary endoscopic revision following percutaneous drainage (n = 8). Intended technical success rates of primary and secondary endoscopic reintervention were 93.6% (44/47) and 87.5% (7/8), respectively (P = 0.47). Clinical success rates were 72.3% and 50%, respectively (P = 0.23). Stent malfunction rate after reintervention was 48.9% (23/47) and 37.5% (3/8) (P = 0.70) during follow up, and median cumulative stent patency duration was 119 and 55 days, respectively (log-rank P = 0.68). Stent patent rate after reintervention was not different according to the time interval. In univariate and multivariate analysis for stent patency duration-related factors after reintervention, there were no meaningful factors.

CONCLUSION

Primary endoscopic reintervention for bilateral SEMS in MHO was feasible technically and clinically. However, there were no statistically meaningful factors for stent patency duration after reintervention.

Comparison Study of Learning Curve Using Cumulative Sum Analysis Between Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: Is Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate a Difficult Procedure for Beginner Urologists?

Objectives: Although there is no comparison study about the learning curves for holmium laser enucleation and other surgical modalities to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), beginner urologists are hesitant to perform holmium laser enucleation because of its steep learning curve. Therefore, we investigated the degree of surgical difficulty of holmium laser enucleation by comparing its learning curve with that of transurethral resection. Patients and Methods: Two beginner urologists performed surgery for BPH: H.J.Y. performed holmium laser enucleation and K.H.K. performed transurethral resection. Of 141 patients, 72 were enrolled in the holmium laser enucleation group and 69 in the transurethral prostate resection group. After retrospectively reviewing medical records, we performed a cumulative sum analysis of resection speed (RS) and resected ratio (RR) to compare the learning curves of holmium laser enucleation and transurethral resection. Results: Both surgeons achieved RS competency with a speed <0.13 g/min. The surgeon who performed holmium laser enucleation achieved RR competency with a ratio <0.40, whereas the surgeon who performed transurethral resection achieved competency with a ratio <0.35. To achieve RS competency of 0.13 g/mL, the holmium laser enucleation and transurethral resection groups required 12 and 23 cases, respectively. To achieve RR competency of 0.35, the holmium laser enucleation and transurethral resection groups required 12 and 5 cases, respectively. Conclusions: Holmium laser enucleation is not a difficult procedure compared with transurethral resection in beginner urologists. Therefore, it is unnecessary to avoid holmium laser enucleation because the concerns that it may be difficult are unfounded.

Characteristics and outcomes of public bath-related out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in South Korea

Objective

To analyze the differences in characteristics and outcomes between public bath (PB)-related and non-PB-related out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients in South Korea.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational analysis of collected data from the Smart Advanced Cardiac Life Support (SALS) registry between September 2015 and December 2018. We included adult OHCA patients (aged >18 years) with presumed OHCA of non-traumatic etiology who were attended by dispatched emergency medical services. SALS is a field advanced life support with smartphone-based direct medical direction. The primary outcome was the survival to discharge rate measured at the time of discharge.

Results

Of 38,995 cardiac arrest patients enrolled in the SALS registry, 11,889 were included in the final analysis. In total, 263 OHCAs occurred in PBs. Male sex and bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation proportions appeared to be higher among PB patients than among non-PB patients. Percentages for shockable rhythm, witnessed rate, and number of underlying disease were lower in the PB group than in the non-PB group. Prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (11.4% vs. 19.5%, P=0.001), survival to discharge (2.3% vs. 9.9%, P<0.001), and favorable neurologic outcome (1.9% vs. 5.8%, P=0.007) in PB patients were significantly poorer than those in non-PB patients.

Conclusion

Patient characteristics and emergency medical services factors differed between PB and non-PB patients. All outcomes of PB-related OHCA were poorer than those of non-PB-related OHCA. Further treatment strategies should be developed to improve the outcomes of PB-related cardiac arrest.

Severity of foot process effacement is associated with proteinuria in patients with IgA nephropathy

Background

Proteinuria is a significant risk factor for progression of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and has a positive correlation with severity of foot process effacement (FPE). We evaluated the relationship of FPE with proteinuria and histologic characteristics, including the Oxford classification.

Methods

Patients who underwent renal biopsy and were diagnosed with IgAN at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. Patients aged less than 18 years and those with the possibility of secondary causes were excluded from the study. Subsequently, we evaluated the association between degree of proteinuria, severity of FPE, and histologic characteristics, including the Oxford classification and other immunofluorescence stains.

Results

A total of 805 cases of renal biopsy was performed at our institution, and 327 patients were diagnosed with IgAN. Among them, 82 patients were excluded. Severity of FPE had an impact on the degree of proteinuria. Notably, the group with diffuse FPE had more than about 1.3 g/day of urine protein compared to those with rare FPE. Among the histologic characteristics, M1 score and immune deposition of IgG affected severity of FPE (hazard ratios [95% confidence interval], 1.90 [1.10 to 3.26], and 3.77 [1.66 to 8.54], respectively).

Conclusion

Severity of FPE had an impact on the degree of proteinuria and may be associated with the pathogenesis of IgAN.

The Predictive Value of Language Scales: Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition in Correlation With Korean Sequenced Language Scale for Infant

Objective

To compare the relationship of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd Edition (K-BSID-III) language score and the Sequenced Language Scale for Infant (SELSI) score and evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of K-BSID-III language score and optimal cutoff value with receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in infants and toddlers with delayed language development.

Methods

A total of 104 children with suspected language developmental delay were included in this retrospective study. Subjects were tested using the K-BSID-III and SELSI and subdivided into several groups according to the severity of language scores. ROC curve analysis was performed to assess K-BSID-III for delayed language development.

Results

Receptive and expressive language subscales of the K-BSID-III showed markedly significant correlation with the SELSI scores (p<0.001). ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.877 (p<0.001) in SELSI receptive score and 0.935 (p<0.001) in SELSI expressive score. The optimal cutoff value where sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 81% were achieved with the K-BSID-III receptive score was 1.50 (between average and low average) in the SELSI receptive score. The optimal cutoff value where sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 82% were achieved with the K-BSID-III expressive score was also 1.50 in the SELSI expressive score.

Conclusion

In this study, the correlations between K-BSID-III and SELSI language scores were statistically significant. However, the interpretation should be considered carefully in low average group due to tendency of underestimation of delayed language development.

Externally Monitored Versus Conventional Buried Flaps in Laryngopharyngeal Reconstruction

Objectives

To compare the surgical outcomes of externally monitored and conventional buried flaps with the goal of determining the usefulness of external monitoring of buried flaps.

Methods

In this case-control study with propensity score matching, 30 patients were evenly divided into externally monitored buried flap and conventional buried flap groups. The total operative time for free flap reconstruction, the flap survival rate, the length of hospital stay, the initial time of a reliable visual assessment, complications, the final diet achieved, and the duration until diet initiation were compared between the groups.

Results

The mean operative time for reconstruction was 115 minutes (interquartile range, 85–150 minutes) and 142 minutes (interquartile range, 95–180 minutes) in the externally monitored and conventional groups, respectively (P= 0.245). The median length of hospital stay was 24 days (interquartile range, 18–30 days) and 27 days (interquartile range, 20–41 days) in the externally monitored and conventional groups, respectively (P=0.298). The median duration until diet initiation was 15 days (interquartile range, 15–21 days) and 18 days (interquartile range, 15–34 days) in the externally monitored and conventional groups, respectively (P=0.466). The final diet, initial time of a reliable visual assessment, and complications were comparable between the groups, but the external skin paddle provided an excellent visual assessment immediately postoperatively in all cases.

Conclusion

The outcomes were comparable between the groups, indicating that externalization of the cutaneous component of a buried flap may be a straightforward and useful technique for monitoring a buried anterolateral thigh free flap in laryngopharyngeal reconstructions. The salvage and false-positive rates of compromised flaps should be compared in large subject groups in future studies to prove that the use of an external skin paddle improves flap monitoring.

[18F]FDG uptake of bone marrow on PET/CT for predicting distant recurrence in breast cancer patients after surgical resection

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of 2-Deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-D-glucose ([¹⁸F]FDG) uptake of bone marrow (BM) and metabolic parameters of primary tumor on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for predicting distant recurrence in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

Pretreatment [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT images of 345 breast cancer patients were retrospectively evaluated. Maximum standardized uptake value, metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of primary breast cancer and bone marrow-to-liver uptake ratio (BLR) on PET/CT were measured. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to evaluate the prognostic potential of parameters for predicting recurrence-free survival (RFS) and distant RFS. For Kaplan-Meier analysis, the specific cutoff values pf BLR and TLG were determined by the maximal chi-square method.

Results

The median follow-up duration of the enrolled patients was 48.7 months, and during follow-up, 36 patients (10.4%) experienced the cancer recurrence. BLR was significantly correlated with T stage, serum inflammatory markers, and recurrence pattern (p < 0.05). Patients with high BLR and TLG showed worse RFS and distant RFS than those with low BLR and TLG. On multivariate analysis, BLR was significantly associated with both RFS and distant RFS after adjusting for T stage, estrogen receptor status, and TLG (p = 0.001 for both). Only 0.5% of patients with TLG < 9.64 g and BLR < 0.91 experienced distant recurrence. However, patients with TLG ≥ 9.64 g and BLR ≥ 0.91 had a distant recurrence rate of 40.7%.

Conclusions

BLR on pretreatment [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT were significant predictors for RFS and distant RFS in patients with breast cancer. By combining [¹⁸F]FDG uptake of BM and volumetric PET/CT index of breast cancer, the risk of distant recurrence could be stratified.

Age-adjusted global glomerulosclerosis predicts renal progression more accurately in patients with IgA nephropathy

The Oxford classification was developed to predict the outcome of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Based on the upper reference limit (95^th percentile) for the number of globally sclerotic glomeruli (GSG) expected on biopsy according to age, we evaluated whether the prognosis of IgAN was affected by the age-calibrated numbers of GSG independent of the Oxford classification. Patients diagnosed with IgAN on renal biopsy in a single center from January 2011 to December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with more GSG number than the upper reference limit expected on biopsy according to age were categorized in a group of GSG abnormal for age. We analyzed in two ways, calculating the median rate of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and time-to-event defined as a decline of eGFR level to 40% lower than the baseline. There were 111 patients in the group of GSG abnormal for age. In this group, the rate of eGFR decline was faster by 1.85 (3.68–0.03) ml/min/1.73 m² per year in the fully-adjusted robust regression model. The adjusted hazard ratio for eGFR decline for renal outcome was 29.10 (2.18–388.49). The cumulative incidence of CKD progression was significantly higher, especially for those with T score of 0 in the Oxford classification. We suggest that GSG abnormal for age is an independent risk factor in predicting the renal outcome of IgAN.

Value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging in the differentiation of hypervascular hyperplastic nodule from small (<3 cm) hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis: A retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

Hypervascular hyperplastic nodules (HHNs) occasionally develop in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) and show arterial enhancement, thus mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Importantly, HHN as a benign lesion should be distinguished from HCC.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI (Gd-EOB-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in distinguishing HHN from small (<3 cm) hypervascular HCC (hHCC) in patients with ALC.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective case-control study.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

3.0T/in- and out-of-phase, T₁ -weighted, T₂ -weighted, diffusion-weighted, apparent diffusion coefficient, and dynamic gadoxetic acid-enhanced images.

POPULATION

Among 560 patients with ALC who underwent Gd-EOB-MRI and DWI, 12 patients with 28 HHNs and 22 patients with 29 hHCCs smaller than 3 cm were included.

ASSESSMENT

The following MRI features were evaluated by three independent radiologists: signal intensity (SI) on T₁ -weighted, T₂ -weighted, diffusion-weighted, and hepatobiliary phase (HBP) images; shape, homogeneity, and margin on HBP; diffusion restriction; intralesional fat; necrosis; hemorrhage; washout on portal venous phase (PVP) and/or transitional phase (TP); and capsular enhancement. Quantitative analysis was also conducted.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the significant MRI findings, and their diagnostic performance for the prediction of HHN was analyzed.

RESULTS

Lesion size of ≤16 mm (odds ratio [OR], 24.41; P = 0.007), low-to-iso SI on DWI (OR, 26.92; P = 0.007), and absence of washout on PVP and/or TP (OR, 31.84; P = 0.009) were significant independent factors for predicting HHN. When all three criteria were satisfied, the specificity was 100%. Compared with hHCCs, HHNs showed significantly smaller size (mean, 13.8 mm vs. 19.9 mm; P < 0.001) and higher mean SI value (994.0 vs. 669.5) and lesion-to-liver SI ratio (1.045 vs. 0.806) on HBP (P < 0.001, respectively).

DATA CONCLUSION

Gd-EOB-MRI and DWI may be helpful in differentiating HHN from small hHCC in patients with ALC.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:70-80.

Predicting intradialytic hypotension using heart rate variability

This study aimed to identify whether a new method using heart rate variability (HRV) could predict intradialytic hypotension (IDH) for one month in advance for patients undergoing prevalent hemodialysis. A total 71 patients were enrolled, and baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory results were collected when HRV was measured, then, the frequency of IDH was collected during the observation period. HRV parameters included heart rate, R-R interval, the standard deviation of N-N interval, the square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals, very low frequency, low frequency, high frequency, total power, and low frequency/high frequency ratio. During the one-month observation period, 28 patients experienced 85 cases of IDH (10.0% of a total 852 dialysis sessions). Among the clinical and laboratory parameters, ultrafiltration rate, prior history of diabetes, coronary artery disease, or congestive heart failure, age, intact parathyroid hormone level, and history of antihypertensive drug use were integrated into the multivariate model, referred to as a basic model, which showed significant ability to predict IDH (the area-under-curve [AUC], 0.726; p = 0.002). In HRV parameters, changes between the early and middle phases of hemodialysis (referred to Δ) were identified as significant independent variables. New models were built from the combination of Δ values with the basic model. Among them, a model with the highest AUC value (AUC, 804; p < 0.001) was compared to the basic model and demonstrated improved performance when HRV parameters were used (p = 0.049). Based on our results, it is possible that future IDH might be predicted more accurately using HRV.

Association between ambulance response time and neurologic outcome in patients with cardiac arrest

PURPOSE

Emergency medical services (EMS) response time is one of prehospital factors associated with survival rate of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The objective of this study was to determine whether short EMS response time was associated with improved neurologic outcome of patients with OHCA through prospective analysis.

METHODS

We performed a prospective observational analysis of collected data from KoCARC registry between October 2015 and December 2016. OHCA patients aged 18 years or older with presumed cardiac etiology by emergency physicians in emergency department were included in this study.

RESULTS

Of 3187 cardiac arrest patients enrolled in the KoCARC registry, 2309 patients were included in the final analysis. Response time threshold was 11.5 min for prehospital return of spontaneous circulation and 7.5 min for survival to discharge and favorable neurologic outcome. Patients in the ≤7.5 min response time group showed increased odds of survival to discharge (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.13-2.10, p = .006) and favorable neurologic recovery (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.36-2.99, p = .001). When response time was decreased by 1 min, all outcomes were improved (survival to discharge, OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04-1.12, p < .001; favorable neurological outcome, OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.07-1.21, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

We found that shorter EMS response time could lead to favorable neurologic outcome in patients with OHCA of presumed cardiac origin. EMS response time threshold associated with improved favorable outcome was ≤7.5 min.

Solubilization of waste activated sludge by alkaline pretreatment and biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests for anaerobic co-digestion of municipal organic waste

Biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests have been carried out to determine the anaerobic digestibility of the waste activated sludge (WAS) and the sludge pretreated by NaOH (PWAS). The optimal NaOH dosage was determined to be 45 meq NaOH/L. The maximum SCOD solubilization was 27.7, 31.4 and 38.3% at the temperatures of 25, 35 and 55 degrees C respectively after 4 hours reaction. The final methane yield of simulated food waste (SFW) was 430 ml CH4/g VS(added), and those of PWAS (25 degrees C), PWAS (35 degrees C) and PWAS (55 degrees C) was 274, 286 and 310 ml CH4/g VS(added) respectively after 20 days. The figures were 66%, 73% and 88% higher than that of WAS. The methane production in anaerobic co-digestion is considerably affected by the fraction of SFW and PWAS in the feed. The anaerobic digestibility of the feed mixture (SFW with PWAS) is higher than that of the feed mixture (SFW with WAS). Anaerobic co-digestion of food waste with the PWAS is found to be an attractive option to reduce the solid waste volume with improved methane recovery.

Crystal structure of Ser-22/Ile-25 form crambin confirms solvent, side chain substate correlations

It is not agreed that correlated positions of disordered protein side chains (substate correlations) can be deduced from diffraction data. The pure Ser-22/Ile-25 (SI form) crambin crystal structure confirms correlations deduced for the natural, mixed sequence form of crambin crystals. Physical separation of the mixed form into pure SI form and Pro-22/Leu-25 (PL form) crambin and the PL form crystal structure determination (Yamano, A., and Teeter, M. M. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 13956-13965) support the proposed (Teeter, M. M., Roe, S. M., and Heo, N. H. (1993) J. Mol. Biol. 230, 292-311) correlation model. Electron density of mixed form crambin crystals shows four possible pairs of side chain conformations for heterogeneous residue 22 and nearby Tyr-29 (2(2) = 4, two conformations for each of two side chains). One combination can be eliminated because of short van der Waals' contacts. However, only two alternates have been postulated to exist in mixed form crambin: Pro-22/Tyr-29A and Ser-22/Tyr-29B. In crystals of the PL form, Pro-22 and Tyr-29A are found to be in direct van der Waals' contact (Yamano, A., and Teeter, M. M. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 13956-13965). Comparison of the SI form structure with the mixed form electron density confirms that the fourth combination of side chains does not occur and that side chain correlations are mediated by water networks.

Atomic resolution (0.83 A) crystal structure of the hydrophobic protein crambin at 130 K

To enhance the already high quality of diffraction data for crystals of the hydrophobic protein crambin, X-ray data were collected at 130 K by the method of H. Hope to 0.83 A resolution. Refinement with PROLSQ yields a model with an R value of 10.5%. The final model had three parameter anisotropic vibration factors for all atoms, which included 367 protein heavy atoms, 372 hydrogen atoms and 144 solvent atoms with one ethanol molecule. Dihedral angles and hydrogen-bonding distances generally agree with earlier studies of high-resolution protein structures, but some new patterns are noted. Solvent-related helix distortions are reminiscent of those described by others. Helix and beta-sheet regions show distinct patterns in their side-chain conformations. Despite crambin's hydrophobic nature, its accessible surface area in the crystal is surprisingly close to that of water-soluble proteins like myoglobin and carboxypeptidase A. More of crambin's hydrophobic surface is buried in the crystal, perhaps accounting for its high order of diffraction. A total of 24% of the 46 residues show discrete disorder at 130 K. This includes five side-chains at both 300 and 130 K, and six more side-chains and an ethanol molecule at 130 K. Disorder is associated with the sequence microheterogeneity at Pro/Ser22 and Leu/Ile25, with space filling or with solvent disorder. Correlated conformations extend over three to five residues. The patterns of disorder in this structure reveal important principles of protein structure and its dynamics. Finding disordered groups correlated over 5 to 8 A suggests that co-ordinated motion extends in groups rather than simply as uncorrelated movement around an atom center. Thermal diffuse scattering experiments on insulin and lysozyme are consistent with this interpretation. Nearly all of the protein-bound solvent has been located. Less than 1% of protein accessible surface area remains uncovered by solvent or crystal contacts. Preliminary analysis of the solvent network reveals two main networks in each of four solvent regions.

A Cationic Cesium Continuum in Zeolite X

A cesium continuum that fills the channels and cavities of zeolite X has been prepared, and its structure has been determined by single-crystal x-ray crystallography. The three-dimensional continuum is cationic to balance the negative charge of the zeolite framework. Its valence electrons, only 0.3 per Cs(+) ion, are widely delocalized over 95 percent of the cesium ions in the crystal. The continuum has a unit cell formula of (Cs(122))(86+) and contains Cs(13) and Cs(14) clusters (one per supercage) arranged like the atoms in diamond, with one Cs(2) appendix (in the sodalite cavity) per cluster.