Primary Sjögren's syndrome and occupational risk factors: A case–control study

ObjectivesA case–control study was carried out to investigate the relation between primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and occupational exposure.MethodsOne hundred seventy five cases of pSS followed up into the internal medicine departments of three French university hospitals from 2010 to 2013 were included. For each case, two age and gender matched controls were selected during the same period in the same departments. Occupational exposure was assessed retrospectively by industrial hygienists and occupational practitioners. Exposure to occupational factors such as organic solvents or silica was investigated using semiquantitative estimates of exposure. An exposure score was calculated for each subject based on probability, intensity, daily frequency, and duration of exposure for each period of employment. The final cumulative exposure score was obtained, taking into account all periods of employment.ResultsSignificant associations with pSS were observed for dichloromethane (OR 9.28, 95%CI 2.60–33.03), perchlorethylene (OR 2.64, 95%CI 1.20–5.77) chlorinated solvents (OR 2.95, 95%CI 1.77–4.93), benzene (OR 3.30, 95%CI 1.07–10.26), toluene (OR 4.18 95%CI 1.41–12.43), white spirit (OR 3.60, 95%CI 1.39–9.33), aromatic solvents (OR 3.03, 95%CI 1.41–6.50) and any types of solvents (OR 2.76, 95%CI 1.70–4.47). Risk of pSS was significantly associated with a high cumulative exposure score of occupational exposure to toluene (OR 4.69, 95%CI 1.42–15.45), white spirit (OR 3.30, 95%CI 1.07–10.26), aromatic solvents (OR 2.50, 95%CI 1.06–5.91) and any types of solvents (OR 2.25, 95%CI 1.20–4.22).ConclusionThis work suggests the influence of occupational risk factors in the occurrence of pSS.     

Prognostic value of long non-coding RNA FOXD2-AS1 expression in patients with solid tumors

BackgroundAlthough increasing evidence has revealed that FOXD2-AS1 overexpression exists in various solid tumors, the value of FOXD2-AS1 as a prognostic marker in such cancers remains uncertain. Accordingly, the present research aimed to assess the association of FOXD2-AS1 with cancer prognosis and predict the biological function of FOXD2-AS1.MethodsWe systematically retrieved PubMed, PMC, Web of Science, EMBASE and Wiley Online Library databases for eligible articles published up to December 2018. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated to evaluate the correlation of FOXD2-AS1 expression with overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS) and clinicopathological characteristics. We also used five Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets from breast cancer patients to explore the relationship between FOXD2-AS1 expression and prognosis. Finally, we validated FOXD2-AS1 expression in various carcinomas and predicted its biological function based on the public databases.ResultsA total of 13 studies with 2502 tumor patients were included. The pooled HRs demonstrated that FOXD2-AS1 overexpression was significantly associated with unfavorable OS (HR = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.23–1.57, p < 0.001) and DFS (HR = 2.24, 95%CI: 1.55–3.23, p < 0.001) in tumor patients. The pooled ORs indicated that FOXD2-AS1 upregulation was related to large tumor size (OR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.26–1.85, p < 0.001), deep invasion depth (OR = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.53–2.58, p < 0.001), distant metastasis (OR = 2.03, 95%CI: 1.69–2.43, p < 0.001) and advanced TNM stage (OR = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.06–1.72, p = 0.0150), but not to lymph node metastasis nor differentiation. Moreover, a similar pooled result for the OS of breast cancer patients was obtained (HR = 1.55, 95%CI: 1.14–2.11, p = 0.0052) by analyzing GEO data. Finally, elevated FOXD2-AS1 expression in various solid tumor tissues was verified based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. Further functional prediction demonstrated that FOXD2-AS1 may participate in some cancer-related pathways.ConclusionElevated FOXD2-AS1 expression was associated with poor survival in patients with solid tumors and may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for a variety of cancers.     

What differs former,light and heavy smokers? Evidence from a post-conflict setting

BackgroundEvidence suggests that people who live in regions affected by the armed conflict are more likely to smoke.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess factors associated with smoking status in a sample of students in the northern Kosovo province.Materials and methodsA total of 514 students enrolled in University in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, were recruited between April to June 2015 at Student Public Health Center during mandatory health checks. Participants filled in socio-demographic and behavioral questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Based on responses about smoking, students were categorized in non-smokers, former smokers, light smokers (1–13 cigarettes/day) and heavy smokers (> 13 cigarettes/day).ResultsOf 514 students, 116 (22.6%) classified themselves as smokers. Higher education level of fathers (Odds ratio [OR]=2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–6.44, p=0.009), not living with smokers (OR=0.42, 95%CI 0.15–0.97, p=0.017) and longer exposure to second hand smoke (OR=1.07, 95%CI 1.01–1.13, p=0.036) was associated with former smoking. Studying medical and natural sciences (OR=2.07, 95%CI 1.05–4.18, p=0.040), consuming alcohol (OR=2.98, 95%CI 1.19–10.03, p=0.020), living with smokers (OR=2.88, 95%CI 1.49–5.56, p=0.002), longer exposure to second hand smoke (OR=1.06, 95%CI 1.01–1.11, p=0.019) and having a more intense depressive symptoms (OR=1.08, 95%CI 1.03–1.13, p=0.002) was associated with light smoking. Being male (OR=0.22, 95%CI 0.07–0.41, p=0.001), older (OR=1.47, 95%CI 1.21–1.78, p=0.001), living with smokers (OR=3.78, 95%CI 1.69–8.07, p=0.001), longer daily exposure to second-hand smoke (OR=1.10, 95%CI 1.04–1.16, p=0.001), and having more severe depressive symptoms (OR=1.12, 95%CI 1.07–1.18, p=0.001) were associated with heavy smoking.ConclusionSmoking prevention and cessation programs should include the entire community, because exposure to environmental second hand smoke may facilitate initiation and more intense smoking. Screening of student smokers for depression should be prioritized in the process of rebuilding the framework for primary and secondary prevention in the post-conflict period.     

Potential Positive Association between Cytochrome P450 1A1 Gene Polymorphisms and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: a Meta‐Analysis

In order to discover the potential genetic risks associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), this meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the association between CYP1A1 gene polymorphism and RPL. Studies were retrieved from the databases PubMed, Embase, HuGENet, and CNKI. Four models were then applied. Seven studies, including three datasets for the rs1048943 and five for the rs4646903 single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), were included in this analysis, involving 613 cases and 398 controls for the rs1048943; and 864 cases and 842 controls for the rs4646903 SNP. After comprehensive analysis, we found that rs4646903 was significantly associated with RPL [recessive (OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.13–2.61); codominant (CC vs TT; OR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.12–2.71), (CC vs CT; OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.07–2.62) and allele analysis (OR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.07–1.50)]. In the following subgroup analysis, a positive association was also discovered among people of Asian descent, especially South Asians. However, there was no obvious association between rs1048943 and RPL. In summary, our results suggest that CYP1A1 gene polymorphism (particularly for rs4646903) might be associated with RPL risk, especially among South Asians. Further studies are required to confirm this association.     

The association of SOX2 with clinical features and prognosis in colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis

ObjectivesThe expression of SOX2 protein has been reported to be correlated with colorectal cancers. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of SOX2 with clinical features and prognosis in colorectal cancer.MethodsThe relevant studies up to March 2019 were searched in Two English databases(PubMed and EMBASE)and two Chinese databases (CNKI and Wanfang database). Pooled ORs or HRs were used to assess the strength of the association between SOX2 and clinical parameters.Results14 studies involving 2077 colorectal cancer patients were included in the meta-analysis. Our results revealed there were no associations between SOX2 and gender and age. However, significant positive associations were observed for N categories (OR = 3.02, 95 %CI = 2.11–4.31), advanced stage (OR = 2.85, 95 %CI = 2.00–4.07), poor differentiation (OR = 1.90, 95 %CI = 1.38–2.64), distant metastasis (OR = 4.66, 95 %CI = 2.77–7.85) and poor OS (HR = 1.49, 95 %CI = 1.09–2.03).ConclusionThe results indicated that SOX2 protein may serve as a novel prognostic factor for patients with colorectal cancer.     

The predictive value of atherogenic index of plasma in the prediction of cardiovascular events; a fifteen-year cohort study

PurposeCardiovascular events (CVE) are the most prominent cause of death worldwide. Therefore, achieving a precise affordable index for the prediction of healthy cases at increased risk of CVE in early stages and subsequently lessening the rate of CVE mortality is a critical goal of healthcare systems. We aimed to assess the value of Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in the prediction of CVE and mortality through a 15-year cohort study.Materials/methodsThis study was conducted on 6323 over 35-year-old healthy adults from 2001 to 2016. The baseline AIP was measured based on the formula of TG to HDL logarithm and divided into three subgroups of low, intermediate, and high risk of CVD, as <0.11, 0.11–0.21, and ≥0.21, respectively. Eventually, the association of AIP with sociodemographic, lifestyle, traditional CVE-related factors and CVE-induced mortality was evaluated.ResultsThe multiple cox regression study of AIP values for the prediction of CVE incidence revealed a significant association (OR: 1.57, 95%CI: 1.33–1.85); similar remarkable associations were achieved by controlling age and sex (OR: 1.55, 95%CI: 1.31–1.83), sociodemographic factors (OR: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.29–1.79), sociodemographic plus lifestyle factors (OR: 1.54, 95%CI: 1.30–1.81) and sociodemographic, lifestyle and the traditional CVE-related factors (OR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.07–1.54). The Kaplan-Meier survival study showed a significant association between AIP levels and CVE-related mortality (p <0.001).ConclusionIn conclusion, AIP is an independent stand-alone factor for the prediction of developing CVE and its-related mortality.     

Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of SR-B1 in solid tumors: A meta-analysis

BackgroundThe expression of cell surface receptors is abnormal in malignant tumors. The scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-B1) is an integral membrane glycoprotein receptor that facilitates the selective uptake of cholesterol by malignant cells. Accumulated studies investigated the prognostic role of SR-B1 in many solid tumors, such as breast cancer, lung cancer and so on. However, the conclusions remain undefined. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to obtain more accurate evaluation of prognostic significance of SR-B1 in solid tumors.Materials and methodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, Web of science and Cochrane library for eligible studies published before November 2018. The included studies investigated the association between the SR-B1 level and clinicopathological features including survival outcomes in solid tumors. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were adopted to assess the survival outcomes and odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled to evaluated the clinicopathological features.ResultsA total of 10 studies involving 2585 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that low SR-B1 level was significantly correlated with earlier tumor grade (pooled OR = 2.09, 95%CI = 1.28–3.43, P = 0.001), less nodal involvement (pooled OR = 2.07, 95%CI = 1.43–3.0, P < 0.001), less distant metastasis (OR = 19.8, 95%CI = 2.58–151.65, P = 0.004), smaller tumor size (OR = 2.34, 95%CI = 1.53–3.57, P < 0.001), earlier TNM stage (OR = 3.77, 95%CI = 1.67–8.48, P = 0.001), lower recurrence (HR = 1.98, 95%CI = 1.57–2.49, P = 0.000), and better OS (HR = 1.99, 95%CI = 1.70–2.31, P = 0.000).ConclusionThe low expression of SR-B1 was significantly associated with better clinicopathological status and longer survival in patients with solid tumors. SR-B1 might act as a promising prognostic biomarker for solid tumors.     

Clinical usefulness of gastric adenocarcinoma predictive long intergenic noncoding RNA in human malignancies: A meta-analysis

BackgroundGastric adenocarcinoma predictive long intergenic noncoding RNA (GAPLINC), a newly identified lincRNA, was reported to be aberrantly expressed in several kinds of cancers and played an important role in tumor progression. This study was performed to systematically estimate the prognostic role of GAPLINC expression in cancer patients.MethodsSeveral electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wan Fang databases were searched for potential literature (updated to September 3, 2018). The pooled hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a fixed effects model using Stata12.0 software.ResultsThe pooled results indicated that elevated GAPLINC was significantly related to shorter overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.66, 95%CI: 1.40–1.93, p < 0.001), which was further validated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Furthermore, high GAPLINC expression was correlated with higher tumor grade (OR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.35–2.70, p < 0.001), positive lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.80, 95%CI: 1.69–4.64, p < 0.001), deeper infiltration depth (OR = 2.44, 95%CI: 1.43–4.17, p = 0.001) and advanced clinical stage (OR = 3.54, 95%CI: 2.13–5.88, p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur results suggest that elevated GAPLINC was associated with poor clinical outcomes and might serve as a promising prognostic biomarker in cancer survivors.     

Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of TINCR in caner: A meta-analysis

BackgroundIn a variety of cancers, the expression of TINCR is linked to the development, progression, metastasis, invasion, and prognosis of cancer. Our study is the first study used meta-analysis to explore the relationship between TINCR expression and cancer.MethodsBy looking up PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI database, we obtained 10 articles for analysis. The statistical analysis was all calculated by Stata 15.1 software.ResultsWe found that the expression of TINCR was a risk factor to the size of the tumor (OR = 1.772, 95%CI: 1.246–2.520, P = 0.001). In univariate analysis, patients with high expression of TINCR had poor OS (pooled HR = 1.533, 95%CI: 1.025–2.294, P = 0.038). Similar result was also found in multivariate analysis In subgroup analysis (pooled HR = 1.610, 95%CI: 1.356–1.913, P = 0.000).We also found that over-expression of TINCR had poor OS in breast cancer (pooled HR = 1.582, 95%CI: 1.126–2.223, P = 0.008).ConclusionIn this study, we found that over-expression of TINCR may influence the tumor size and contribute to the poor prognosis of cancer.     

Associations between loneliness and physical frailty in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesOlder adults may be at increased risk of loneliness. Frailty is also common in older adults, however, associations between loneliness and frailty have been understudied. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore evidence on how loneliness and frailty are correlated.MethodsA systematic search of the literature was conducted using 4 electronic databases in February 2022 for any studies published in 2000 or later that provided cross-sectional or longitudinal associations between loneliness and physical frailty in community-dwelling older adults. A meta-analysis was attempted to combine data when possible.ResultsFrom 1386 studies identified by the initial search, 16 studies were included for this review. Standardized mean difference (SMD) meta-analysis based on mean loneliness score across 3 frailty groups provided by 6 cross-sectional studies showed that worse frailty status was significantly associated with a higher degree of loneliness (SMD between frail and robust, frail and prefrail, and prefrail and robust were 0.77 (95% confidence interval (CI)= 0.57–0.96), 0.37 (95%CI=0.25–0.50), and 0.30 (95%CI=0.20–0.40), respectively.) Meta-analyses combining cross-sectional data from 6 studies revealed that frailty was significantly associated with a higher risk of loneliness compared with robustness (3 studies: pooled OR=3.51, 95%CI=2.70–4.56 for frailty, pooled OR=1.88, 95%CI=1.57–2.25 for prefrailty) and compared with non-frailty (4 studies: pooled OR=2.05, 95%CI=1.76–2.39). A meta-analysis involving two longitudinal studies showed that baseline loneliness was associated with a significantly higher risk of worsening frailty (2 studies: pooled OR=1.41, 95%CI=1.16–1.72).ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis was the first, to our knowledge, to quantitatively demonstrate significant cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between loneliness and frailty in community-dwelling older adults.     

Toxoplasmosis after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation: experience using a PCR-guided pre-emptive approach

ObjectivesProphylaxis with trimethoprim–sulphamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) is recommended in Toxoplasma-seropositive allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients to prevent reactivation, but it is associated with numerous side effects. We report our experience of a pre-emptive approach guided by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients not receiving prophylaxis.MethodsIn this retrospective, single-centre experience, seropositive recipients and seronegative recipients receiving a graft from a seropositive donor were screened by PCR for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in peripheral blood until at least 6 months after transplantation. Confirmed PCR positivity triggered a pre-emptive anti-Toxoplasma therapy. Cases of Toxoplasma reactivation (using the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation definitions) were compared with four controls (without reactivation), matched in time and recipient serostatus, to identify risk factors for reactivation by multivariate analysis.ResultsFrom November 2001 to August 2020, 1455 consecutive adult patients (59 cases and 1396 controls) were screened. The overall 1-year cumulative incidence of toxoplasmosis was 4.1% and the 1-year cumulative incidence in the seropositive recipients was 8.8%. Reactivation was associated with second transplant (OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.28–4.94, p 0.011), myeloablative conditioning (OR 2.24, 95%CI 1.17–4.41, p 0.011), total body irradiation (OR 2.29, 95%CI 1.17–4.44, p 0.010), acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) (OR 2.27, 95%CI 1.26–4.08, p 0.008) and use of high-dose corticosteroids (OR 2.08, 95%CI 1.14–3.78, p 0.018). In multivariate analysis only acute GvHD remained significant (adjusted OR 2.54, 95%CI 1.16–5.71, p 0.021).ConclusionsA PCR-based pre-emptive approach might serve as an acceptable alternative for patients unable to start with or to continue TMP-SMZ prophylaxis. Acute GvHD was identified as the single independent predictor for reactivation.     

The rs1805193, rs5361, and rs5355 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the E-selectin gene (SEL-E) are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis: The Genetics of Atherosclerotic Disease (GEA) Mexican study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of rs1805193, rs5361, and rs5355 E-selectin gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis (SA) in a group of Mexicans individuals. SNPs were determined by TaqMan genotyping assays in a group of 287 individuals with SA and 688 healthy controls. Under different models, the T allele of the 5′UTR G98?T (rs1805193) (OR?=?1.71, 95%CI: 1.00–2.93, pC_Co-dominant = 0.0006, OR?=?2.02, 95%CI: 1.21–3.38, pC_Dominant = 0.004, and OR?=?2.14, 95%CI: 1.34–3.44, pC_Additive = 0.0015) and the C allele of the Ser128Arg A561C (rs5361) (OR?=?1.60, 95%CI: 0.92–2.79, pC_Co-dominant = 0.012, OR?=?1.78, 95%CI: 1.04–3.06, pC_Dominant = 0.038, and OR?=?1.87, 95%CI: 1.13–3.11, pC_Additive = 0.016) polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of development of SA. In the same way, under co-dominant model, the CT genotype of the Leu575Phe C1880T (rs5355) polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of SA as compared to CC genotype (OR?=?2.34, 95%CI: 1.33–4.11, pC?=?0.0035). All models were adjusted by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In summary, this study demonstrates that the 5′UTR G98?T, Ser128Arg A561C, and Leu575Phe C1880T polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of developing SA.     

Association of SUMO4 M55V polymorphism with susceptibility to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases: a meta-analysis

The purpose of this study was to generate large-scale evidence on whether SUMO4 M55V polymorphism is associated with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases using a meta-analysis. We surveyed studies on the association of SUMO4 M55V polymorphism with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in PubMed. Meta-analysis was performed for genotypes AG versus AA, GG versus AA, GG versus AA + AG, AG + GG versus AA and G allele versus A allele in a fixed/random effect model. We identified 16 studies (11 407 cases and 10 679 controls) using PubMed search. When all groups were pooled, we detected the association of SUMO4 M55V polymorphism with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (G versus A: OR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.03–1.19, P = 0.005; AG + GG versus AA: OR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.06–1.28, P = 0.001; GG versus AA + AG: OR = 1.07, 95%CI = 0.94–1.21, P = 0.29; GG versus AA: OR = 1.15, 95%CI = 1.00–1.34, P = 0.06; AG versus AA: OR = 1.15, 95%CI = 1.08–1.23, P < 0.0001). In subgroup analyses, we detected the association of SUMO4 M55V polymorphism with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in Asian population (G versus A: OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.08–1.28, P = 0.0001; AG + GG versus AA: OR = 1.30, 95%CI = 1.16–1.45, P < 0.00001; GG versus AA + AG: OR = 1.04, 95%CI = 0.78–1.37, P = 0.80; GG versus AA: OR = 1.20, 95%CI = 0.99–1.45, P = 0.07; AG versus AA: OR = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.18–1.49, P < 0.00001). But the association was not found in Caucasian population. Meanwhile, an association of SUMO4 M55V polymorphism with autoimmune diabetes was found (G versus A: OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.08–1.30, P = 0.0005; AG + GG versus AA: OR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.13–1.32, P < 0.00001; GG versus AA + AG: OR = 1.15, 95%CI = 0.96–1.38, P = 0.13; GG versus AA: OR = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.08–1.60, P = 0.006; AG versus AA: OR = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.13–1.33, P < 0.00001). This meta-analysis demonstrates the association of SUMO4 M55V polymorphism with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, especially in Asian population.     

The different role of PD-L1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: A meta-analysis

Programmed cell death-ligands 1 (PD-L1) is a promising immune target for tumor immunotherapy. We conducted this meta-analysis to investigate association between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Electronic databases were searched for eligible studies. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) were extracted to assess the relationship between PD-L1 expression and overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients. Odds ratio (OR) with 95 %CI were applied to assess the association between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathological features. A total of 1729 patients were identified for this meta-analysis. PD-L1 expression was higher in female patients in HNSCC (OR = 0.58, 95 %CI:0.44–0.76). In oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), female(OR = 0.56, 95 %CI: 0.41–0.77)and lower grade(OR = 0.48, 95 %CI: 0.24-0.93)were associated with the higher PD-L1 level. There was no significant association between OS and PD-L1 in OSCC patients (HR = 0.89, 95 %CI: 0.37–2.14). In oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), PD-L1 was overexpressed in younger patients (OR = 0.43, 95 %CI: 0.21−0.86), higher tumor grade (OR = 2.46, 95 %CI: 1.38–4.37)and positive HPV status (OR = 2.09, 95 %CI:1.42-3.07). No significant correlation was detected between PD-L1 expression and OS in OPSCC patients (HR = 0.78, 95 %CI: 0.57–1.06). However, the higher PD-L1 expression in tumor cells indicated a better DFS of OPSCC (HR = 0.34, 95 %CI: 0.18-0.67). This meta-analysis demonstrated that PD-L1 overexpression in HNSCC associated with female patients. However, no significant difference was observed in OS or DFS, except the DFS in OPSCC.     

Clinical value of survivin and its underlying mechanism in ovarian cancer: A bioinformatics study based on GEO and TCGA data mining

Objective

An increasing number of studies have confirmed that survivin (BIRC5) plays essential roles in ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, inconsistent or controversial results exist in some studies. In the present study, we sought to determine the clinical significance of survivin and its potential molecular pathways.

Changes in cytomegalovirus seroprevalence in pregnant Japanese women—A 10-year single center study

BackgroundHuman cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes congenital infections during pregnancy, and seroepidemiological data are important for estimating the risk of infection. However, only a few reports of CMV seroprevalence exist for pregnant Japanese women.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess CMV seroprevalence in pregnant Japanese women.Study designThis cross-sectional study involved pregnant Japanese women who delivered from 2003 to 2012 at our hospital (n = 15,616). Among these women, 14,099 (90.3%) underwent tests for the presence of CMV IgG. Those with an equivocal test result were excluded (n = 195) from this analysis, leaving a study sample of 13,904 Japanese pregnant women. The prevalence of CMV IgG was also assessed by calendar year, age, and parity.ResultsThe overall CMV IgG prevalence rate was 66.0%. CMV IgG prevalence significantly decreased over the course of 10 years from 2003 to 2012 (from 69.9% in 2003 to 65.2% in 2012) (p < 0.001). Adjusted odds ratios for CMV IgG positivity in women aged <25, 25–30, 35–40, and >40 years were 1.66 (95%CI: 1.25–2.20), 1.20 (95%CI: 1.07–1.35), 1.16 (95%CI: 1.07–1.26), and 1.44 (95%CI: 1.28–1.62), respectively, compared to women aged 30–35 years. Adjusted odds ratios for CMV IgG positivity for a parity of 1, 2, and ≥3 were 1.14 (95%CI: 1.06–1.23), 1.52 (95%CI: 1.32–1.77), and 2.54 (95%CI: 2.69–3.84), respectively, compared to nulliparous women.ConclusionWe found that 34% of pregnant Japanese women were susceptible to CMV infection. Calendar year, maternal age, and parity were significantly associated with changes in CMV seroprevalence among this population.     

The influence of childhood traffic‐related air pollution exposure on asthma,allergy and sensitization: a systematic review and a meta‐analysis of birth cohort studies

The impact of early childhood traffic‐related air pollution (TRAP) exposure on development of asthma and allergies remains unclear. Birth cohort studies are the best available study design to answer this question, but the evidence from such studies has not been synthesized to date. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analyses of published birth cohort studies to understand the association between early childhood TRAP exposure, and subsequent asthma, allergies and sensitization. Increased longitudinal childhood exposure to PM_2.5 and black carbon was associated with increasing risk of subsequent asthma in childhood (PM_2.5: OR 1.14, 95%CI 1.00 to 1.30 per 2 μg/m³ and black carbon: OR 1.20, 95%CI 1.05 to 1.38 per 1 × 10^?5 m^?1). Also, early childhood exposure to TRAP was associated with development of asthma across childhood up to 12 years of age. The magnitude of these associations increased with age, and the pattern was prominent for PM_2.5. Increasing exposure to PM_2.5 was associated with sensitization to both aero‐ and food allergens. There was some evidence that TRAP was associated with eczema and hay fever. In summary, exposure to TRAP was related to asthma and allergic diseases. However, the substantial variability across studies warrants long‐term birth cohort studies with regular repeated follow‐ups to confirm these findings.     

Circulating thrombospondin-2 in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic heart failure due to coronary artery disease

Chronic heart failure (CHF) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of circulating thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) for cumulative survival in patients with ischemic CHF due to coronary artery disease (CAD). The results showed that during a median follow-up of 2.18 years, 21 participants died and 106 subjects were hospitalized repeatedly. The median circulating levels of TSP-2 in patients who survived and those who died were 0.63 ng/mL (95%CI = 0.55-0.64 ng/mL) and 1.03 ng/mL (95% CI = 0.97-1.07 ng/mL) (P<0.001). Circulating TSP-2 independently predicted all-cause mortality (OR = 1.27; 95%CI = 1.08–1.59; P = 0.002), CHF-related death (OR = 1.16; 95%CI = 1.02–1.50; P<0.001), and also CHF-related rehospitalization (OR = 1.12; 95%CI = 1.07–1.25; P<0.001). In conclusion, among CAD patients with symptomatic CHF, increased circulating TSP-2 is correlated with increased 3-year CHF-related death, all-cause mortality, and risk for recurrent hospitalization.     

Risk factors for diabetes,but not for cardiovascular disease,are associated with family history of Type 2 diabetes in subjects from central Mexico

Background: Independent of obesity, family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (FHT2DM) is another important risk factor for developing diabetes.

Aim: To establish the association among FHT2DM, risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease in subjects from central Mexico.

Subjects and methods: Clinical and biochemical studies were performed in 383 first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes and 270 subjects unrelated to patients with type 2 diabetes—all subjects were from the city of Puebla in central Mexico. Logistic regressions were used to assess the association between FHT2DM and metabolic parameters. Cardiovascular risk was classified by dyslipidemia and the Framingham Risk Score (FRS).

Results: FHT2DM was associated with risk factors for diabetes, such as increased fasting insulin levels (OR = 1.731, 95% CI = 1.041–2.877), decreased insulin sensitivity (OR = 1.951, 95% CI = 1.236–3.080) and pre-diabetes (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.14–2.33). FHT2DH was not associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as dyslipidemia (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.70–1.79) and FRS (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.40–1.36) when adjusted for gender, age, smoking and obesity.

Conclusion: Diabetic risk factors, but not cardiovascular disease risk factors, are associated with a positive family history of diabetes in subjects from central Mexico, independent of the presence of obesity.     

Clinical course and factors associated with outcomes among 1904 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Germany: an observational study

ObjectivesIn Germany the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic situation is unique among large European countries in that incidence and case fatality rate are distinctly lower. We describe the clinical course and examine factors associated with outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Germany.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study we included patients with COVID-19 admitted to a national network of German hospitals between February 12 and June 12, 2020. We examined demographic characteristics, comorbidities and clinical outcomes.ResultsWe included 1904 patients with a median age of 73 years, 48.5% (924/1904) of whom were female. The mortality rate was 17% (317/1835; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 16–19), the rate of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) was 21% (399/1860; 95%CI 20–23), and the rate of invasive mechanical ventilation was 14% (250/1850: 95%CI 12–15). The most prominent risk factors for death were male sex (hazard ratio (HR) 1.45; 95%CI 1.15–1.83), pre-existing lung disease (HR 1.61; 95%CI 1.20–2.16), and increased patient age (HR 4.11 (95%CI 2.57–6.58) for age >79 years versus <60 years). Among patients admitted to the ICU, the mortality rate was 29% (109/374; 95%CI 25–34) and higher in ventilated (33% [77/235; 95%CI 27–39]) than in non-ventilated ICU patients (23%, 32/139; 95%CI 16–30; p < 0.05).ConclusionsIn this nationwide series of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Germany, in-hospital and ICU mortality rates were substantial. The most prominent risk factors for death were male sex, pre-existing lung disease, and greater patient age.