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Abnormal development of the atrioventricular ring can lead to the formation of a bypass pathway and the occurrence of Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. The genetic mechanism underlying the sporadic form of WPW syndrome remains unclear. Existing evidence suggests that both T-box transcription factor 3 (TBX3) and T-box transcription factor 2 (TBX2) genes participate in regulating annulus fibrosus formation and atrioventricular canal development. Thus, we aimed to examine whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TBX3 and TBX2 genes confer susceptibility to WPW syndrome in a Han Chinese Population. We applied a SNaPshot SNP assay to analyze 5 selected tagSNPs of TBX3 and TBX2 in 230 patients with sporadic WPW syndrome and 231 sex- and age-matched controls. Haplotype analysis was performed using Haploview software. Allele C of TBX3 rs1061657 was associated with a higher risk of WPW syndrome (odds ratio [OR] = 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.83, P = .011) and left-sided accessory pathways (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.07-1.84, P = .016). However, allele C of TBX3 rs8853 was likely to reduce these risks (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54-0.92, P = .011; OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53-0.92, P = .011, respectively). The data revealed no association between TBX3 rs77412687, TBX3 rs2242442, or TBX2 rs75743672 and WPW syndrome. TBX3 rs1061657 and rs8853 are significantly associated with sporadic WPW syndrome among a Han Chinese population. To verify our results, larger sample sizes are required in future studies.

Background: A consensus has not been achieved regarding the treatment of small nonpalpable breast lesions, and the purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate nonpalpable lesions less than 1.0 cm in diameter to explore the risk factors for such lesions and determine appropriate treatment of such kind of lesions. Methods: A total of 1039 patients with small lesions less than 1.0 cm in diameter who underwent mammography and ultrasound from 2009 to 2010 in our institution were prospectively enrolled. Among them, 80 patients underwent biopsy, whose lesions grew by more than 30% of its original size, with an unclear boundary or irregular shape. All patients were followed-up for an average of 24 months, and lesions identified as high-risk types, such as cancer or atypical hyperplasia, of tumors on pathological examination were labeled “meaningful lesions.” Then relevant factors affecting the detection of meaningful lesions were analyzed. Results: In total, 40 meaningful lesions including 2 breast cancers were detected, accounting for 3.8% and 0.2% of all patients, respectively. Univariate analysis identified smoking (P = .030), irregular shape (P = .018), unclear boundary (P = .024), and vascularization (P = .023) as risk factors for the detection of meaningful lesions (P

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text, Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening disease, and its mortality rate is 10% to 20%. However, there are currently only a few markers to predict the prognosis in patients with TTP. We aimed to identify several clinical indices and laboratory parameters for predicting the prognosis of TTP at admission. A single-centre observational cohort study that included patients with TTP from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in China was conducted from January 1, 2012 to November 30, 2018. The primary outcome was prognosis, including in-hospital mortality, major thromboembolic events, or failure to achieve remission at discharge. We used the random forest method to identify the best set of predictors. Eighty-seven patients with TTP were identified, of whom 12 died during the treatment. The total number of patients within-hospital mortality, major thromboembolic events, and failure to achieve remission at discharge was 58. The machine learning method showed that the D-dimer level was the strongest predictor of the primary outcome. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that the sensitivity and specificity of the D-dimer level alone for identifying high-risk patients were 78% and 81%, respectively, with an optimum diagnostic cut-off value of 770 ng/mL. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.80, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.70 to 0.90. This study found that the D-dimer level exhibited a good predictive ability for prognosis in patients with TTP. These findings may aid in the development of new and intensive treatment strategies to achieve remission among high-risk patients. However, external validation is necessary to confirm the generalizability of our approach across populations and treatment practices.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text, Background and aim: Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is life-threatening. We aimed to systematically review the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of terlipressin for AVB in liver cirrhosis. Methods: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The reference list was also hand-searched. Using a random-effect model, we combined the data obtained according to the different time points when the events developed. Odds ratio (OR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) were calculated. Quality of evidence was evaluated by the GRADE methodology. Results: Thirty randomized controlled trials with 3344 patients were included. Compared with no vasoactive drug, terlipressin significantly improved the control of bleeding within 48 hours (OR = 2.94, P = .0008) and decreased the in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.31, P = .008). Compared with somatostatin, terlipressin had a significantly higher risk of complications (OR = 2.44, P = .04). Compared with octreotide, terlipressin had a significantly inferior control of bleeding within 24 hours (OR = 0.37, P = .007). Compared with vasopressin, terlipressin had a significantly lower risk of complications (OR = 0.15, P = .02). Compared with terlipressin combined with endoscopic variceal ligation, terlipressin alone had significantly higher 5-day treatment failure (OR = 14.46, P = .01) and transfusion requirements within 49 to 120 hours (WMD = 1.20, P = .002). No outcome was significantly different between terlipressin and sclerotherapy. Compared with balloon tamponade, terlipressin significantly decreased the 30-day rebleeding (OR = 0.05, P = .001) and transfusion requirements (WMD = −2.70, P = .02). Quality of evidence was very low to moderate. Conclusion: Our findings were in accordance with the current recommendations regarding terlipressin for the treatment of AVB in cirrhosis. However, due to low quality of evidence, further studies are recommended.

Rationale: Gorham–Stout disease (GSD) is characterized by aggressive bone resorption, proliferation of vascular or lymphatic vessels, and soft-tissue swelling. Bones that initially appear normal start to resorb, partially or completely. However, the etiology of GSD is unknown. Patient concerns: A 29-year-old man with a chief complaint of toothache and mobility in the lower right mandible for the previous 1 year. Diagnoses: Gorham–Stout disease (GSD). Interventions: The RANK-ligand inhibitor denosumab was suggested to use to inhibit the development of osteoclasts and slow mandibular resorption. In addition, we proposed resection of the remaining mandible and reconstruction via vascularized bone graft, after resorption of the mandible had become stationary. Outcomes: Regular follow-ups were advised to this patient to monitor the stability of bone resorption prior to any surgical intervention. Lessons: We strongly recommend that every attempt should be made for early diagnosis and prompt effective medical and surgical management. The failure to do so results in further complications and poor prognosis.

Background It is challenges for surgeon to position the distal locking screw of a tibia intramedullary nail. The traditional free-hand (FH) technique is related to the proficiency of surgeons and has a long learning curve. Furthermore, the radiation dose and the accuracy of screw placement should be taken into account. The new technology, the electromagnetic navigation system (ET), which is a radiation-free way to locate the position of the drill bit. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the results of the ET for distal locking screw of a tibia intramedullary nail and to compare the effects with the FH technique. Methods Eighty-nine cases of tibia diaphyseal fracture who needed to treat by intramedullary nails were analyzed retrospectively, and were divided into 2 groups. Patients in navigation group (n = 54) were treated with intramedullary nail using the ET for distal locking, while other 35 patients using FH technique. Intraoperative fluoroscopy exposure times, screw insertion times, and healing times were recorded. The parameter was used for comparison in 2 groups. Results The mean time of distal locking in the ET technique was significant less than that in the FH group (5.89 ± 2.02 minutes vs 12.26 ± 4.40 minutes) and the exposure time was reduced in ET group significantly (2.13 ± 0.73 seconds vs 19.09 ± 10.41 seconds). The healing time was proved to be coincident in FH group and ET group (15.34 ± 2.98w vs 16.06 ± 3.74w). The one-time success rate of distal locking nail operation was 100% in the navigation group, which was significantly higher than that in FH group (P Conclusion Compared with the FH technique, the ET for distal locking of tibia intramedullary nail has the advantages of high efficiency and short locking time without radiation.

Fetal cardiovascular malformations is widely focused and screened, but the accuracy of screening is not satisfactory. In this study, we compared the types of congenital heart malformation, accompanying diseases and fetal outcomes in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy to clarify the advantage of early screening. From January 2013 to June 2018, 230 fetuses were diagnosed with congenital heart malformations using ultrasound method in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, and divided into 2 groups:the first trimester fetuses (group A) and the second trimester fetuses (group B). In addition, we collected and organized medical data of 347 cases diagnosed with congenital heart disease during 1998 to 2005 (group C). We compared the spectrum of congenital heart disease, associated comorbidities and outcome of fetuses diagnosed with congenital heart disease. There were differences in the types and incidence of cardiac malformations between the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. The number of cases of non-cardiac malformation, congenital heart disease with single ventricular circulation, fetal intrauterine death and premature pregnancy termination was significantly lower in the late stage (group A and group B) than that in the early stage (group C). More patients were screened for trisomy 21, 18, 13 syndromes and Turner syndrome in group A than group B (P

Background It is challenges for surgeon to position the distal locking screw of a tibia intramedullary nail. The traditional free-hand (FH) technique is related to the proficiency of surgeons and has a long learning curve. Furthermore, the radiation dose and the accuracy of screw placement should be taken into account. The new technology, the electromagnetic navigation system (ET), which is a radiation-free way to locate the position of the drill bit. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the results of the ET for distal locking screw of a tibia intramedullary nail and to compare the effects with the FH technique. Methods Eighty-nine cases of tibia diaphyseal fracture who needed to treat by intramedullary nails were analyzed retrospectively, and were divided into 2 groups. Patients in navigation group (n = 54) were treated with intramedullary nail using the ET for distal locking, while other 35 patients using FH technique. Intraoperative fluoroscopy exposure times, screw insertion times, and healing times were recorded. The parameter was used for comparison in 2 groups. Results The mean time of distal locking in the ET technique was significant less than that in the FH group (5.89 ± 2.02 minutes vs 12.26 ± 4.40 minutes) and the exposure time was reduced in ET group significantly (2.13 ± 0.73 seconds vs 19.09 ± 10.41 seconds). The healing time was proved to be coincident in FH group and ET group (15.34 ± 2.98w vs 16.06 ± 3.74w). The one-time success rate of distal locking nail operation was 100% in the navigation group, which was significantly higher than that in FH group (P

Background:The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were to gather data to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical tranexamic acid (TXA) versus intravenous (IV) TXA for blood loss after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods:Electron