Medicine
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Tracheobronchial stenoses (TBSs) are potentially severe manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA) that usually respond poorly to corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. We describe 26 GPA patients with ≥1 tracheal (mainly subglottic, SGS) and/or bronchial stenosis(ses) (BS(s)). Sixteen patients had solitary SGS and 10 had ≥1 BS(s). ⋯ As previously described, our population was younger and comprised more females than usual GPA patients, especially those with SGS. The small number of patients and the wide variety of local and systemic treatments prevent us from drawing definitive conclusions about the contribution of each procedure. However, cyclophosphamide seemed to effectively treat BSs, but not SGS, and rituximab may be of interest for SGS management.
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Review Meta Analysis
Genetic Association Between NFKBIA -881A>G Polymorphism and Cancer Susceptibility.
Several epidemiological studies have focused on the role of nuclear factor-kappa-B inhibitor-alpha (NFKBIA) -881 A>G polymorphism in cancer susceptibility. However, the published data have led to contentious results. This study was designed to examine the association between -881 A>G polymorphism and cancer risk. ⋯ AA, OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.01-1.47; GG vs. GA + AA, OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.01-4.34). This investigation on the association of -881 A>G polymorphism and cancer susceptibility reveals that -881 A>G polymorphism may act as a candidate for cancer development in Asian populations.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Association Between Diabetic Macular Edema and Cardiovascular Events in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Multicenter Observational Study.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of visual loss associated with diabetes but any association between DME and cardiovascular events is unclear. This study aims to describe the possible association between DME and cardiovascular events in a multicenter cross-sectional study of patients with type 2 diabetes. Two thousand eight hundred seven patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited from diabetes and nephrology clinical institutional centers participating in the DIAB 2 NEPHROGENE study focusing on diabetic complications. ⋯ Only the prior history of lower limb amputation was strongly associated with DME in univariate and multivariate analyses, whereas no association was found with regard to myocardial infarction or stroke. Moreover, both major (n = 32) and minor lower limb (n = 96) amputations were similarly associated with DME, with respective odds ratio of 3.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77-7.74; P = 0.0012) and of 4.29 (95% CI, 2.79-6.61; P < 0.001). DME is strongly and independently associated with lower limb amputation in type 2 diabetic patients.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Efficacy of Appropriate Antimicrobial Therapy on the Survival of Patients With Carbapenem Nonsusceptible Klebsiella Pneumoniae Infection: A Multicenter Study in Taiwan.
The impact of antimicrobial treatment on the outcome of carbapenem nonsusceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae (CnsKP) infections needs to be elucidated. This nationwide, multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the impact of appropriate antimicrobial therapy on 14-day mortality among patients with CnsKP infection in Taiwan. Patients with CnsKP infections from 11 medical centers and 4 regional hospitals in Taiwan were enrolled in 2013. ⋯ A subgroup analysis revealed that the benefit of appropriate therapy was limited to patients with higher APACHE II scores (HR for patients with scores >15 and ≤35, 0.46; 95% CI 0.23-0.92; and for those with scores >35, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.02-0.99). In conclusion, appropriate antimicrobial therapy significantly reduces 14-day mortality for CnsKP infections. Survival benefit is more notable among more severely ill patients.
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Review Meta Analysis
Meta-Analysis of Prognostic and Clinical Significance of CD44v6 in Esophageal Cancer.
CD44v6 is a cell adhesion molecule that plays an important role in the development and progression of esophageal cancer. However, the prognostic value and clinical significance of CD44v6 in esophageal cancer remains controversial. In the present study, we aimed to clarify these relationships through a meta-analysis. ⋯ No significant difference in CD44v6 expression was found in patients with different histological types and tumor stages (both P>0.05). Moreover, no publication bias was found among the studies (all P > 0.05). This meta-analysis demonstrates that CD44v6 is associated with the metastasis of esophageal cancer and a poor prognosis, but is not associated with the histological types and tumor stages.