Int J Med Sci
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Objectives: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a widely used clinical parameter recently deployed in predicting various cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of RDW in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 745 patients with HBV-related HCC, 253 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and 256 healthy individuals to compare their hematological parameters and analyze their RDW levels. ⋯ Finally, we successfully generated a nomogram incorporating RDW and validated its predictive ability. Conclusions: RDW is a potentially valuable hematological marker for predicting the survival and prognosis of patients with HBV-related HCC. The nomogram incorporating RDW can be used as an effective tool to plan the individualized treatment of such patients.
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An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count has been linked to incident diabetes. WBC count has been positively associated with body mass index (BMI), and elevated BMI has been reported to be a strong predictor of future diabetes. Hence, the association of increased WBC count with the subsequent development of diabetes may be mediated by increased BMI. ⋯ After further adjustment for BMI, this association was attenuated (p = 0.050). In conclusion, our results showed that BMI had a significant impact on the relationship between increased WBC count and new-onset diabetes in all study participants, and BMI also attenuated the association in those with a normal WBC count. Hence, the association between increased WBC count and the future development of diabetes may be mediated by BMI.
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Purpose: Intradiscal biacuplasty (IDB) has been proven to be effective for treating lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD). However, there has not been a reported prognostic factor for IDB. The present study meticulously evaluates the general and radiographic features that may serve as markers for predicting the therapeutic outcome of IDB. ⋯ Conclusion: IDB is a good alternative choice for treating lumbar DDD. Patients with a painful extrusion lumbar disc may gain some benefits after receiving IDB following a period of failed conservative treatment. These findings may also add some references for physicians in the decision making when treating lumbar DDD.
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Histamine receptor-1 (H1) antagonists like levocetirizine are frequently used nowadays to treat rhinitis patients who experience rhinorrhea and sneezing. The trachea may be affected by the H1 antagonist when it is used to treat nasal symptoms, either orally or through inhalation. The purpose of this study was to ascertain in vitro effects of levocetirizine on isolated tracheal smooth muscle. ⋯ Before menthol was applied, levocetirizine might have also inhibited the function of the cold receptor. According to this study, levocetirizine might potentially impede the parasympathetic function of the trachea. If levocetirizine was used prior to menthol addition, it also reduced the function of cold receptors.
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Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is a safe and effective treatment for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in adults. However, data on its use in children, particularly from low- and middle-income countries, are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RFCA in children with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia from Vietnam. ⋯ This study found RFCA to be a safe and effective treatment for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in children. It demonstrated a high success rate and low recurrence and complication rates for RFCA in children, thereby highlighting the potential advantages of the procedure as a treatment option.