Int J Med Sci
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Comparative Study
Comparison of Catheter Ablation in Patients with Paroxysmal Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.
Background: The efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has been established, but the efficacy and safety of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and pulsed field ablation (PFA) remain unclear. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 223 patients with paroxysmal non-valvular AF and HFpEF who underwent their first AF ablation between January 2017 and December 2021 and were divided into RFA (n = 77), CBA (n = 127), and PFA (n = 19) groups. Results: After a mean follow-up of 11.2 ± 1.8 months, no significant differences were observed in the rates of AF recurrence among the groups (P = 0.964). ⋯ RFA and PFA were associated with improved quality of life, improved NYHA functional classification, reversal of atrial remodeling, and increased LVEF. While CBA improved quality of life and NYHA functional status, it did not reverse atrial remodeling or increase LVEF. ALB and NT-pro BNP levels were identified as independent predictors of AF recurrence post-ablation in HFpEF patients.
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Review Meta Analysis
Differences of the Chest Images Between Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients and Influenza Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza are two infectious diseases that can pose a great threat to human health. We aimed to compare the differences in chest images between patients with COVID-19 and influenza to deepen the understanding of these two diseases. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for articles published before December 25, 2023, and performed a meta-analysis using Stata 14.0 with a random-effects model. ⋯ Patients with COVID-19 showed more ground-glass opacities (OR=2.83, 95% CI: 1.85-4.32), reverse halo signs (OR=3.47, 95% CI: 2.37-5.08), interlobular septal thickening (OR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.55-3.01), vascular enlargement (OR=5.00, 95% CI: 1.80-13.85) and crazy-paving patterns (OR=2.63, 95% CI: 1.57-4.41) on chest images than patients with influenza. We also found that compared with influenza patients, pleural effusion was rare in COVID-19 patients (OR=0.15, 95% CI: 0.07-0.31). Conclusions: There are some differences in the manifestations and distributions of lesions between patients with COVID-19 and influenza on chest images, which is helpful to distinguish these two infectious diseases.
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Background: Recent research emphasizes the significant regulatory functions of epigenetic alterations and post-translational modifications (PTMs) in the ferroptosis process. Despite the existing volume of literature, there is a remarkable shortage of comprehensive analyses that systematically trace the evolution of research, map key investigative routes, evaluate the current situation of the field, determine central themes, and predict future directions. This study intends to offer a comprehensive summary of the progress achieved during the past 12 years in comprehending how epigenetic modifications and PTMs regulate ferroptosis. ⋯ The journal Cell Death & Disease leads in terms of publication volume, having published the greatest number of articles related to this area. This study identified hepatocellular carcinoma, mitochondrial diseases, and iron overload as the most prominent diseases explored in this research domain. Conclusion: This meticulous scientometric assessment is beneficial to both experienced researchers and newcomers by providing essential information and facilitating the derivation of innovative concepts in this field.
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Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health concern, and recent clinical evidence suggests the potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to slow CKD progression. This offers alternative strategies for CKD patients, mitigating risks related to polypharmacy and adverse drug reactions. Our self-controlled, prospective study aims to assess the impact of Eefooton (EFT), a TCM-based regimen, on kidney health in stage 3-5 CKD patients. ⋯ EFT decreased IS-induced expression of fibrosis-related proteins (α-smooth muscle actin) without affecting apoptosis-related proteins (Caspase 3). Conclusions: When combined with conventional CKD medications, EFT has shown effectiveness in enhancing kidney function in individuals with stage 3-5 CKD, with no reported safety concerns. The PARP-1 inhibition and anti-fibrosis properties of EFT present potential benefits in the context of CKD.
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Background: The prognostic significance of the red blood cell distribution width to albumin ratio (RAR) spans various diseases, yet its utility as a biomarker for hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) remains unclear. Methods: We retrospectively studied 1,413 patients with HBV-HCC. Receiver operating characteristic curves identified optimal RAR cut-offs, stratifying patients into H-RAR and L-RAR groups. ⋯ Stratification by tumour stage revealed substantially lower overall survival for H-RAR than for L-RAR across Tumour, Node, Metastasis I-IV stages. Incorporating RAR into traditional HCC staging systems substantially improved the ability to predict overall mortality risk. Conclusion: RAR is a novel and valuable prognostic indicator for patients with HBV-HCC.