Summary Background In December, 2007, a family cluster of two individuals infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus was identified in Jiangsu Province, China. Field and ...laboratory investigations were implemented immediately by public-health authorities. Methods Epidemiological, clinical, and virological data were collected and analysed. Respiratory specimens from the patients were tested by reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR and by viral culture for the presence of H5N1 virus. Contacts of cases were monitored for symptoms of illness for 10 days. Any contacts who became ill had respiratory specimens collected for H5N1 testing by RT PCR. Sera were obtained from contacts for H5N1 serological testing by microneutralisation and horse red-blood-cell haemagglutinin inhibition assays. Findings The 24-year-old index case died, and the second case, his 52-year-old father, survived after receiving early antiviral treatment and post-vaccination plasma from a participant in an H5N1 vaccine trial. The index case's only plausible exposure to H5N1 virus was a poultry market visit 6 days before the onset of illness. The second case had substantial unprotected close exposure to his ill son. 91 contacts with close exposure to one or both cases without adequate protective equipment provided consent for serological investigation. Of these individuals, 78 (86%) received oseltamivir chemoprophylaxis and two had mild illness. Both ill contacts tested negative for H5N1 by RT PCR. All 91 close contacts tested negative for H5N1 antibodies. H5N1 viruses isolated from the two cases were genetically identical except for one non-synonymous nucleotide substitution. Interpretation Limited, non-sustained person-to-person transmission of H5N1 virus probably occurred in this family cluster. Funding Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology; US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; China-US Collaborative Program on Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases.
From 2003 to 2005, standardised 5-year cancer survival in China was much lower than in developed countries and varied substantially by geographical area. Monitoring population-level cancer survival ...is crucial to the understanding of the overall effectiveness of cancer care. We therefore aimed to investigate survival statistics for people with cancer in China between 2003 and 2015.
We used population-based data from 17 cancer registries in China. Data for the study population was submitted by the end of July 31, 2016, with follow-up data on vital status obtained on Dec 31, 2015. We used anonymised, individual cancer registration records of patients (aged 0–99 years) diagnosed with primary, invasive cancers from 2003 to 2013. Patients eligible for inclusion had data for demographic characteristics, date of diagnosis, anatomical site, morphology, behaviour code, vital status, and last date of contact. We analysed 5-year relative survival by sex, age, and geographical area, for all cancers combined and 26 different cancer types, between 2003 and 2015. We stratified survival estimates by calendar period (2003–05, 2006–08, 2009–11, and 2012–15).
There were 678 842 records of patients with invasive cancer who were diagnosed between 2003 and 2013. Of these records, 659 732 (97·2%) were eligible for inclusion in the final analyses. From 2003–05 to 2012–15, age-standardised 5-year relative survival increased substantially for all cancers combined, for both male and female patients, from 30·9% (95% CI 30·6–31·2) to 40·5% (40·3–40·7). Age-standardised 5-year relative survival also increased for most cancer types, including cancers of the uterus (average change per calendar period 5·5% 95% CI 2·5–8·5), thyroid (5·4% 3·2–7·6), cervix (4·5% 2·9–6·2), and bone (3·2% 2·1–4·4). In 2012–15, age-standardised 5-year survival for all patients with cancer was higher in urban areas (46·7%, 95% CI 46·5–47·0) than in rural areas (33·6%, 33·3–33·9), except for patients with oesophageal or cervical cancer; but improvements in survival were greater for patients residing in rural areas than in urban areas. Relative survival decreased with increasing age. The increasing trends in survival were consistent with the upward trends of medical expenditure of the country during the period studied.
There was a marked overall increase in cancer survival from 2003 to 2015 in the population covered by these cancer registries in China, possibly reflecting advances in the quality of cancer care in these areas. The survival gap between urban and rural areas narrowed over time, although geographical differences in cancer survival remained. Insight into these trends will help prioritise areas that need increased cancer care.
National Key R&D Program of China, PUMC Youth Fund and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, and Major State Basic Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.
Abstract Objectives Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most frequent malignant tumors. Cancer stem cells are considered to be responsible for tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence. ...Cluster of differentiation 133 (CD133) and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) are frequently applied markers for the identification and isolation of cancer stem cells. However, few studies have investigated the coexpression of CD133 and CXCR4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. This study aims to explore the clinical and biological role of stem-like CD133+ CXCR4+ cells in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of CD133 and CXCR4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues of patients. Flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting were applied to analyze and isolate each subgroup in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line TE-1. The characteristic differences between each subgroup were assayed in vitro. The association between CD133/CXCR4 expression and patients' prognosis was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression. Results Among 154 patient tissues, concomitant high CD133-CXCR4 expression accounts for 20.78% (32/154). In vitro, CXCR4+ cells (CD133+ CXCR4+ and CD133− CXCR4+ ) showed high invasive potential and CD133+ CXCR4+ cells showed high proliferative capacity. Clinically, patients with concomitant high CD133-CXCR4 expression had decreased disease-free survival and overall survival ( P < .01). Conclusions Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells coexpressing CD133 and CXCR4 possess the characteristics of cancer stem cells. The concomitant high CD133-CXCR4 expression might be a novel marker for predicting the poor prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and CD133 and CXCR4 may serve as potential therapeutic targets.
Abstract Background To compare the diagnostic capability of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) and18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18 F-FDG ...PET/CT) in the N stage assessment in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer. Methods We performed a meta-analysis of all available studies of the diagnostic performance of DWI and18 F-FDG PET/CT in the N stage assessment of patients with non–small-cell lung cancer. We determined the sensitivity and specificity across studies, calculated the positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−, respectively), and constructed the summary receiver operating characteristic curves using hierarchical regression models. The methodologic quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Results A total of 19 studies met the inclusion criteria and included a total of 2845 pathologically confirmed patients. No publication bias was found. The methodologic quality was relatively high. The pooled sensitivity estimate of DWI (0.72, 95% confidence interval CI 0.63–0.80) was not significantly difference between PET/CT (0.75, 95% CI 0.68–0.81; P = 0.09). The pooled specificity estimate for DWI (0.95, 95% CI 0.85–0.98) was significantly greater than18 F-FDG PET/CT (0.89, 95% CI 0.85–0.91; P = 0.02). For DWI, the overall LR+ was 13.80 (95% CI 4.54–41.95) and the LR− was 0.29 (95% CI 0.21–0.40). For18 F-FDG PET/CT, LR+ was 6.67 (95% CI 5.20–8.56) and LR− was 0.28 (95% CI 0.22–0.37). Conclusions Our study has confirmed that DWI has a high specificity for N staging of non–small-cell lung cancer compared with18 F-FDG PET/CT and has the potential to be a reliable alternative noninvasive imaging method for the preoperative staging of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer.
Background Potential benefits and possible risks associated with ultrasound guidance compared with traditional palpation for radial artery catheterization are not fully understood. Methods We ...searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through July 2015 to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated ultrasound guidance compared with traditional palpation for radial artery catheterization. Primary outcome was first-attempt failure. Secondary outcomes included mean attempts to success, mean time to success, and hematoma complications. A random-effects model was used to estimate relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs. Results Twelve trials used dynamic two-dimensional (2-D) ultrasound guidance (N = 1,992) and two used Doppler ultrasound guidance (N = 666). Compared with traditional palpation, dynamic 2-D ultrasound guidance was associated with a reduced first-attempt failure (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52-0.87). Trial sequential analysis showed that the cumulative z curve crossed the trial sequential monitoring boundary for benefit establishing sufficient and conclusive evidence. Dynamic 2-D ultrasound guidance further reduced mean attempts to success, mean time to success, and hematoma complications. No evidence of publication bias was detected. Compared with traditional palpation, Doppler ultrasound guidance had no benefit on first-attempt failure (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.87-1.15), which was confirmed by trial sequential analysis as the cumulative z curve entered the futility area. Conclusions The use of dynamic 2-D ultrasound guidance for radial artery catheterization decreases first-attempt failure, mean attempts to success, mean time to success, and the occurrence of hematoma complications. Dynamic 2-D ultrasound guidance is recommended as an adjunct to aid radial arterial catheterization.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in prostate cancer.
The MEDLINE, Embase, CANCERLIT, and Cochrane Library databases ...were searched for studies published from January 2001 to August 2011 evaluating the diagnostic performance of DWI in detecting prostate carcinoma. Sensitivities and specificities were determined across studies, and summary receiver-operating characteristic curves were constructed using hierarchical regression models.
Sixteen studies (18 subsets) with a total of 852 patients were included. Six studies (seven subsets) examining men with pathologically confirmed prostate cancer (260 patients) had pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.88 (95% confidence interval CI, 0.76-0.95) and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.76-0.90), respectively. Compared to patients at high risk for clinically relevant cancer, sensitivity was higher in low-risk patients (0.94 95% CI, 0.89-0.97 vs 0.62 95% CI, 0.54-0.70, P < .05), but specificity was lower (0.86 95% CI, 0.72-0.94 vs 0.89 95% CI, 0.83-0.93, P < .05). Ten studies (11 subsets) examining patients with suspected prostate cancer (592 patients) had pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.68-0.84) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.79-0.91). Sensitivity was lower in high-risk patients (0.74 95% CI, 0.57-0.87 vs 0.78 95% CI, 0.70-0.84, P > .05), but specificity was higher (0.92 95% CI, 0.89-0.94 vs 0.78 95% CI, 0.70-0.84, P < .05).
A limited number of small studies suggest that DWI could be a rule-in test for high-risk patients. Further prospective studies including larger populations are necessary to confirm the actual value of DWI in this field.
Objective For fixation, registration, and image-guided navigation, the aim of this study was to evaluate a thermoplastic facial mask with plastic markers in achieving frameless stereotactic ...radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT). Study design A thermoplastic facial mask was remolded according to each subject's face. Six markers were placed on the surface and 6 inside. Series of 1.25-mm- and 2.5-mm-slice computerized tomography (CT) scans were made to provide radiologic data. During the phantom study, each plastic sphere inside was selected in turn as the target for frameless stereotaxy. The clinical Hartel puncture of the foramen ovale (FO) was imitated using an electromagnetic navigation system. Navigation-guided RFT was tried in 3 patients. Results The mean location error was 1.29 mm (SD ±0.39 mm). No significant difference ( P > .05) was proven between 1.25-mm and 2.5-mm CT slice acquisition for the image datasets used. The FO punctures in clinical trials were successful and confirmed by CT. Conclusions Registration and fixation via a fiducial marker–based thermoplastic facial mask is accurate and feasible for use in navigation-guided RFT.
To investigate the possible risk factors for proximal pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT). A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted. ...Consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral LEDVT and confirmed PE by computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography and indirect CT venography between September 2015 and January 2022 were included. Patient demographics, presentation of LEDVT, laboratory examination, thrombus characteristics, comorbidities and risk factors for LEDVT, and imaging findings were analyzed to determine the univariable and multivariable associations. The associations between thrombus location, stenosis, and proximal PE were assessed using a stratified analysis. A total of 115 eligible patients (60.08 ± 15.18 years, 59.1% male) were included. Of these patients, 40 (34.8%) were in the proximal PE group (proximal thrombus involved main or lobar pulmonary artery), and 75 (65.2%) were in the distal PE group (without main and labor pulmonary artery involvement). The univariable analysis showed that onset time of LEDVT symptoms ≤ 7 days (P = .041), inferior vena cava (IVC) involvement (P = .035), and severe iliac vein stenosis (IVS) (stenosis ratio > 61.3%) (P = .010) were associated with the occurrence of proximal PE. Further multivariant analysis showed that IVC involvement was associated with an increased odds of proximal PE (OR: 4.45, 95% CI: 1.083 − 18.248, P = .038), whereas severe IVS (stenosis ratio > 61.3%) was associated with a decreased odds of proximal PE (OR: 0.294, 95% CI: 0.110-0.783, P = .014). Among patients with unilateral LEDVT, IVC involvement increased the risk of proximal PE; patients with severe IVS (stenosis ratio > 61.3%) had a lower risk of developing proximal PE compared with distal PE; and severe IVS seemed to be a protective factor for proximal PE.
Objective:
To investigate the safety and effectiveness of catheter-based therapy (CBT) compared to conventional catheter-directed thrombosis (CDT) for non-oncological patients with inferior vena cava ...thrombosis (IVCT), as well to evaluate the differences between CBTs using AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy (ART) and large lumen catheter aspiration (LLCA).
Methods:
This retrospective single-center study included eligible patients with IVCT treated with CBTs coupled with/without CDT or CDT alone as the first-line treatment between January 3, 2015 and January 28, 2022. The baseline demographics, comorbidities, clinical characteristics, treatment details, course data were all reviewed.
Results:
A total of 106 patients (128 limbs) were included, with 42 cases were treated with ART, 30 with LLCA, and 34 with CDT alone. Technical success rates were 100% (128/128), and 95.5% (84/88) limbs treated with CBT subsequently underwent CDT. The mean duration of CDT time and total infusion agent dosage in patients with CBTs were lower than those who underwent CDT alone (P < .05). Similarities were observed in ART compared to LLCA (P < .05). At the end of CDT, clinical success was achieved in 85.2% (75/88) of limbs treated with CBTs and 77.5% (31/40) of limbs with CDT alone, and 88.5% (46/52) in ART and 80.6% (29/36) in LLCA. The 12-month follow-up showed slightly lower incidences of recurrent thrombosis (7.7% vs 15.2%) and post-thrombotic syndrome (14.1% vs 21.2%), which persisted in patients who underwent ART compared to LLCA (4.3% vs 12.9% and 8.5% vs 22.6%). Patients who underwent CBTs tended to have lower minor complications (5.6% vs 17.6%) but were at higher risk of transient macroscopic hemoglobinuria (58.3% vs 0%) and recoverable acute kidney injury (11.1% vs 2.9%) compared to CDT alone. These findings were similar in ART compared to LLCA (2.4% vs 10.0%, 100% vs 0%, and 16.7% vs 3.3%, respectively). LLCA seemed to have more hemoglobin losses (10.50 ± 9.20 vs 5.57 ± 10. 42 g/L, P < .05).
Conclusion:
CBTs coupled with/without CDT are safe and effective in patients with IVCT, reducing the clot burden in a moderate time, restoring blood flow rapidly, minimizing thrombolytic drug requirement and lowering minor bleeding complication compared to CDT alone. ART and LLCA have comparable outcomes but with different adverse event profiles.
Compliance to sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is generally low, resulting in reduced short- and long-term clinical efficacy. Compliance is a critical factor determining the success of allergic ...rhinitis (AR) treatment.
To analyze the compliance of patients with house dust mite (HDM)-induced AR to SLIT and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on compliance.
The clinical data of 3117 patients with HDM-induced AR who started SLIT between July 2018 and April 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. We assessed the reasons for non-compliance and the changes in non-compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period.
Of 3117 patients, 507 (16.27%) patients (ages, 5–67 years) were identified as non-compliant. The most common reason for non-compliance was poor efficacy (27.22%). The non-compliance rate was highest during 24–36 months of SLIT (28.13%, 153/544), followed by 12–24 months (7.02%, 91/1296). Non-compliance was significantly higher in adolescents/adults than in children (P = 0.000). Although the generalized linear model analysis indicated that compliance was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during 3–6 months of SLIT, the overall compliance to SLIT was not significantly affected by the pandemic, according to the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.
The non-compliance rate of SLIT in this study was low, and poor efficacy was the most common reason for non-compliance. The compliance of adolescents/adults was lower than that of children. The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly impact compliance to SLIT, which is an appropriate strategy for the home treatment of AR patients during major public health events.
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