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Elevated triglycerides (TG) and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are recognized as essential and independent hazard factors for total death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, whether the increased TG/HDL-C forecasted the prognosis of CHD is still unknown. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between the elevated TG/HDL-C ratio and poor prognosis of CHD.A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library, until August 30, 2021. Prospective observational studies regarding the association between TG/HDL-C and long-term mortality/MACEs in CHD patients were included.In total, 6 independent prospective studies of 10,222 participants with CHD were enrolled in the systematic and meta-analysis. Our outcomes of the meta-analysis indicated that the elevated TG/HDL-C group had a significantly increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.75-4.86, P.05) and long-term MACEs (HR = 1.56, 95%CI 1.11-2.18, P.05).In patients with CHD, the present study showed that the high TG/HDL-C was associated with increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality and MACE.

BACKGROUND: Since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is an urgent need for effective therapies for patients with COVID-19. In this study, we aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of glucocorticoids in severe COVID-19. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (up to June 26, 2021). The literature investigated the outcomes of interest were mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: The search identified 13 studies with 6612 confirmed severe COVID-19 patients. Our meta-analysis found that using glucocorticoids could significantly decrease COVID-19 mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45-0.79, P 

Background: The early repolarization pattern (ERP) has recently been associated with cardiac events such as ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. However, estimates of the prevalence of ERP vary widely, especially between the general population and physically active individuals. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively evaluate the worldwide prevalence of ERP in the general population and physically active individuals. Methods: We thoroughly searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases for relevant studies published until December 20, 2020. Studies in which prevalence was presented or could be estimated from eligible data were included. The pooled prevalence was analyzed using a random-effect model. Results: Finally, we included 29 studies (182,135 subjects) in the general population and 14 studies (8087 subjects) in the physically active individuals. The worldwide pooled prevalence of ERP in the general population was 11.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.0%–13.3%). The incidence of ERP was 17.0% and 6.2% in men and women, respectively. The prevalence was 20.9% in blacks, 13.4% in Asians, and 10.1% in Caucasians. Additionally, the prevalence of ERP in physically active individuals was 33.9% (95% CI: 25.3%–42.6%). Conclusion: A significant difference in the worldwide prevalence of ERP is revealed in this study. The ERP is highly prevalent in men, blacks, and physically active individuals.

A novel inflammation-related biomarker, the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), had a great relation to the development and prognosis of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Current study was to investigate whether the MHR was a potential tool in predicting the mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients suffering coronary heart disease (CHD) by meta-analysis.The Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of science were searched for relevant cohort studies published prior to February 10, 2022. The association between MHR and mortality/MACEs was analyzed in patients with CHD. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to estimate the strength of association.In the meta-analysis, a total of 9 studies of 11,345 patients with CHD were included. Compared with the low level of MHR group, the high MHR value was associated with higher long-term MACEs (HR = 1.72 95% CI 1.36-2.18, P.001), long-term mortality (HR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.10-2.66, P = .017), and in-hospital mortality/MACEs (HR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.07-7.41, P = .036).This study suggested that increased MHR value might be associated with higher long-term mortality and long-term MACEs in CHD patients. MHR might serve as a potential prognostic indicator for risk stratification in patients with CHD.

Although pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are generally considered to have a favorable overall prognosis after resection, disease recurrence has been observed. Few studies have specifically addressed recurrence after resection of PNETs, especially for non-functioning PNETs (NF-PNETs). The aim of our study is to analyze the recurrence of resected well-differentiated NF-PNETs. Patients who underwent surgical resection for grade 1 and 2 NF-PNETs without synchronous metastasis were identified for analysis. Patients were treated from January 2009 to December 2017 in our institution. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis were conducted to identify prognostic factors. Of the 88 patients, 46 were men (52%) and the mean age was 52 years. With a median follow-up of 49.1 months (range, 8–122 months), there were 12 recurrences (14%). Liver was the most common recurrence site (7/12, 58%). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival was 99%, 90%, and 88%, respectively. Univariate analysis identified that age >52 years, positive lymph nodes, tumor grade 2, and Ki67 index ≥5% were statistically significant. Multivariate analysis identified that Ki67 index ≥5% (hazard ratio [HR], 4.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–16.75, P = .015), positive lymph nodes (HR, 6.75; 95% CI, 1.73–24.43, P = .006) were independently associated with recurrence. The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 53% (95% CI, 14.20–91.81%) for patients with Ki-67 ≥5% or (and) positive lymph nodes, while 95% (95% CI, 82.26–100%) for the patients without these 2 factors. Ki67 index and lymph node status are independently associated with recurrence after resection of well-differentiated NF-PNETs in this study.

Background: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is acute renal failure observed after administration of iodinated contrast media during angiographic or other medical procedures. In recent years, many studies have focused on biomarkers that recognize CIN and/or predict its development in advance. One of the many biomarkers studied is the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the correlation between PLR level and CIN. Methods: Relevant studies were searched in PUBMED, EMBASE, and Web of Science until September 15, 2018. Case-control studies reporting admission PLR levels in CIN and non-CIN group in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were included. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated to assess the association between PLR level and CIN using a random-effect model. Results: Six relevant studies involving a total of 10452 ACS patients (9720 non-CIN controls and 732 CIN patients) met our inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of 6 case-control studies showed that PLR levels were significantly higher in CIN group than those in non-CIN group (WMD = 33.343, 95%CI = 18.863 to 47.823, P < .001, I2 = 88.0%). Conclusion: For patients with ACS after contrast administration, our meta-analysis shows that on-admission PLR levels in CIN group are significantly higher than those of non-CIN group. However, large and matched cohort studies are needed to validate these findings and assess whether there is a real connection or just an association.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in carcinogenesis and development of cancers. In this study, we analyzed the eccentrically expressed miRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues based on the miRNA-Seq data of HNSCC patients available in the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Aberrant expression of 2589 miRNAs was detected in HNSCC tissues (1128 downregulated and 1461 upregulated). The differential expression levels of the miRNAs were further validated by analysis of 25 HNSCC samples and paired control tissues and compared with the Gene Expression Omnibus database to determine the candidate miRNAs. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to compare the expression of these candidate miRNAs between 22 fresh HNSCC tissue samples and 11 control samples. In addition, the relationship between the expression of these candidate miRNAs and Tumor, Node, Metastases staging of HNSCC was analyzed. Compared with the expression in control tissues, the levels of hsa-miR-410-3p, hsa-miR-411-5p, hsa-miR-125b-2-3p, and hsa-miR-99a-3p were significantly lower in HNSCC. According to the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset analyzed, all 4 miRNAs were shown to inhibit tumor progression (T stage), positive lymph node metastasis (N stage), and distant metastasis (M stage) in HNSCC. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that genes regulated by these 4 miRNAs were enriched in certain pathways, including the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway and the Hippo pathway. Enriched gene ontology terms mainly included regulation of transcription, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, which are well-characterized functions of miRNAs. Moreover, all 4 miRNAs inhibited the progression of primary tumors (T stage) and metastasis of regional lymph nodes (N stage). The top 4 aberrantly expressed miRNAs identified in this study have great clinical value in developing strategies for early diagnosis and treatment of HNSCC. More intensive studies are required to elucidate the mechanism underlying the roles of these miRNAs in HNSCC.

Interleukin(IL)-22 plays an important role in promoting liver regeneration and repair, but its role in chronic HBV-related liver diseasesis not clear. The goal of this study was to evaluate associations between eight IL22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the development of chronic HBV cirrhosis and HBV-related HCC within a Chinese Han population.We investigated associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL22 gene (rs1026788, rs2227472, rs2227491, rs2227485, rs1179249, rs2046068,rs2227473, and rs7314777) and the risk of HBV-related chronic liver diseases within a Han population in Northeast China. A total of 649 participants were included in the study, including 103 patients with CHB, 264 patients with LC, and 282 patients with HCC. The odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using chi-square test. Haplotype analysis was conducted by haploview software.Genotype and allele distributions of SNPs rs1179249 and rs2227472 differed between LC and CHB groups (both P0.05).The G alleles of SNP rs2227491 and rs1026788 were more frequent in the LC group than in the CHB group (P = 0.046, P = 0.041 respectively). A IL22 haplotype consisting of the minor alleles of SNP rs1179249 and the major alleles of seven other SNPs occurred less frequently in the LC and HCC groups than in the CHB group (28.2%, 33.94%, and 37.86%, respectively, P0.05). Moreover, there were no significant associations between smoking or drinking and IL22 SNPs on the risk of HCC (P0.05).IL22 genetic variations were associated with chronic HBV infection progression, especially in the HBV-LC group. The IL22 genetic variations may help clinicians initiate the correct treatment strategy at the CHB stage.

The purpose of this study was to preoperatively evaluate the value of aortic arch lesions by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography in type A aortic dissection (AD). From January 2013 to December 2015, we enrolled 42 patients with type A AD who underwent MDCT angiography in our hospital. The institutional database of patients was retrospectively reviewed to identify MDCT angiography examinations for type A AD. Surgical corrections were conducted in all patients to confirm diagnostic accuracy. In this study, the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT angiography was 100% in all 42 patients. The intimal tear site locations that were identified in patients included the ascending aorta (n = 25), aortic arch (n = 12), and all other sites (n = 5). Compared with the control group, there were significant differences in the aortic arch anatomy among the cases. Regarding the distance between the left common carotid and left subclavian arteries, compared with the control group, most cases with type A AD had a significant variation. MDCT angiography plays an important role in detecting aortic arch lesions of type A AD, especially in determining the location of the intimal entry site and change of branch blood vessels. Surgeons can formulate an appropriate operating plan, according to the preoperative MDCT diagnosis information.

Introduction: Leiomyoma of the bladder is a rare tumor arising from the submucosa. Most patients with bladder leiomyoma may present with urinary frequency or obstructive urinary symptoms. However, there are a few cases of bladder leiomyoma coexisting with uterine leiomyoma presenting as dyspareunia. We herein report an unusual case of coexisting bladder leiomyoma and uterine leiomyoma presenting as dyspareunia. Case presentation: A 44-year-old Asian female presented to urologist and complained that she had experienced dyspareunia over the preceding several months. A pelvic ultrasonography revealed a mass lesion located in the trigone of urinary bladder. The mass lesion was confirmed on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). The CT scan also revealed a lobulated and enlarged uterus consistent with uterine leiomyoma. Then, the biopsies were then taken with a transurethral resection (TUR) loop and these biopsies showed a benign proliferation of smooth muscle in a connective tissue stroma suggestive of bladder leiomyoma. An open local excision of bladder leiomyoma and hysteromyomectomy were performed successfully. Histological examination confirmed bladder leiomyoma coexisting with uterine leiomyoma. Conclusion: This case highlights a rare presentation of bladder leiomyoma, dyspareunia, as the chief symptom in a patient who had coexisting uterine leiomyoma. Bladder leiomyomas coexisting with uterine leiomyomas are rare and can present with a wide spectrum of complaints including without symptoms, irritative symptoms, obstructive symptoms, or even dyspareunia.

Background: The prevalence of Brugada ECG pattern (BrEP) is different in different regions, and its mean prevalence over the world is unknown. The risk of people with BrEP for death remains unknown. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of BrEP and risk ratio (RR) for death. Methods: Relevant studies published between July 1, 2000 and August 20, 2016, which contain prevalence and RR for all-cause death and cardiac death, were included. The prevalence and RR are analyzed using meta-analysis. Results: We finally retrieved 24 studies of the prevalence for BrEP and 5 studies of the RR for all-cause death and cardiac death. The worldwide mean prevalence of BrEP is 0.4%, with highest in Asia (0.9%) and lowest in North America (0.2%). Additionally, the mean prevalence in male is 0.9%, whereas it is 0.1% in female. The RR of BrEP for all-cause death is 0.78 (95% confidence interval 0.45–1.37), and for cardiac death it is 0.92 (95% confidence interval 0.23–3.66). Conclusion: The prevalence of BrEP is about 0.4% around the world with different prevalence in region and sex. Our study shows that BrEP may not be taken as a predictor of all-cause death and cardiac death.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text, To perform this meta-analysis, we investigated the risk of the most clinically relevant adverse events related to antivascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) agents in advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A comprehensive literature search for studies published up to October 2015 was performed. Prospective randomized controlled phase II/III clinical trials that comparing therapy with or without anti-VEGFR agents for advanced NSCLC were included for analysis. Summary relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects or fixed effects according to the heterogeneity among included trials. A total of 11,701 patients from 18 clinical trials were included for analysis. Pooled RR showed that the use of anti-VEGFR agents significantly increased the risk of developing hypertension (RR 4.71, 95% CI 3.29–6.73, P

In heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction, their hemodynamic parameters usually change when they are from recumbent to passive leg raising. The authors designed this study to investigate the relationship between hemodynamic parameters measured by impedance cardiography (ICG) and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF). We recruited 49 subjects with HFPEF in the study, and all the subjects were separated into 2 groups: the patients whose hemodynamic parameters rose after passive leg raising were in group 1 (n = 26) and the patients whose hemodynamic parameters did not rise after passive leg raising were in group 2 (n = 23). Our study then compared the 6MWD, left ventricular ejection fraction, and plasma NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide between the 2 groups. Group 1 had significantly longer 6MWD than group 2 (515.38 ± 24.97 vs 306.39 ± 20.20 m; P = 0.043). Hemodynamic parameters measured by ICG significantly correlated with 6MWD in both groups. Patients whose hemodynamic parameters rose in response to passive leg raising were more likely to have better exercise capacity. Hemodynamic variation in response to passive leg raising measured by ICG may be more sensitive in predicting exercise capacity of patients with HFPEF.