Exposure to sun radiation as a risk factor for the occurrence of basal cell carcinoma in the Montenegrian population

BACKGROUND/AIM: [corrected] Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent form of carcinomas in the whites. Among the environmental factors, the most important risk factor for its occurrence is the expasure to sun radiation. The aim of this study was to assess the role of the sun radiation in the development of basal cell carcinoma BCC in the Montenegrian population. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in a period from 2002-2003. The study group included 100 histopatologically confirmed cases with BCC, while the control group included 100 patients from the same population, who did not present skin cancer and who were individually matched with the cases from the study group by sex and age (+/- 5 years). All the participants were interviewed using an epidemiological questionnaire. For statistical analysis, the chi-squared test and univariate logistic regression analysis were used. RESULTS: The risk for development of BCC was increased in the persons: that always had burns with no tan during the exposure to sunlight (OR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.20-2.55; p = 0.003); that developed sunburns after two hours of the exposure to sunlight (OR = 3.72; 95% CI = 2.39-5.79; p < 0.001) that kept light tan or remained without changes in childhood and adolescence after the repeated exposures to sunlight (OR = 2.92; 95% CI = 1.89-4.52; p < 0.001) that often had severe and painful sunburns (OR = 4.48; 95% CI = 2.74-7.33; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed the significance of sunlight exposure for the development of BCC.     

Predictive value for disease progression of serum thyroglobulin levels measured in the postoperative period and after (131)I ablation therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

The aim of our study was to evaluate and compare in thyroid cancer patients the predictive value for disease progression of thyroglobulin (Tg) levels measured under thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulation, in the postoperative period just before (131)I ablative therapy and at the time of control 6-12 mo later. METHODS: Two-hundred twelve consecutive patients treated for a well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (184 papillary, 28 follicular) with no initial distant metastases were retrospectively studied. All patients had a total or near-total thyroidectomy followed by ablation with 3.7 GBq (131)I. Tg levels were determined just before ablative therapy (Tg1) and 6-12 mo later (Tg2). Thresholds of 30 and 10 ng/mL were used for Tg1 and Tg2, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the predictive value for disease progression of the 2 Tg determinations. RESULTS: Thirty patients had a Tg1 level > 30 ng/mL. Six to 12 mo later, 30 patients had a Tg2 level > 10 ng/mL, 19 of whom had initially a Tg1 level > 30 ng/mL. Disease progression was reported in 20 patients (9%). Progression-free survival rates were significantly lower in patients with a low Tg1 or Tg2 level but the difference was more important with Tg2. With univariate analysis, 5 variables were significantly associated with disease progression: Tg2, Tg1, node invasion, extrathyroidal extension, and tumor size. With multivariate analysis, only Tg2 (odds ratio [OR] = 16.4; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 5.7-47.4; P < 0.001) and node invasion (OR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.0-7.2; P = 0.04) had an independent prognostic value. When only initial parameters were considered, Tg1 and node invasion were the 2 independent prognostic factors. The OR decreased for Tg1 (OR = 10.1; 95% CI = 4.0-25.7; P < 0.001) but increased for node invasion (OR = 4.4; 95% CI = 1.7-11.2; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Among all clinical and tumoral variables, lymph node invasion and serum Tg level are 2 important parameters to define the risk of disease progression. Although Tg2 appears more significant than Tg1, both Tg levels measured under TSH stimulation, in the postoperative period and a few months after ablative therapy, have a predictive value. In clinical practice, patients at risk can be selected as soon as the initial lymph node status and Tg1 level are known.     

Detection of breast cancer on screening mammography allows patients to be treated with less-toxic therapy

OBJECTIVE: Therapy for breast cancer is accompanied by acute and chronic toxicity. Little research has been conducted to determine the impact of the mode of breast cancer detection on the likelihood of receiving different types of treatment. The objective of this study was to determine whether detection of breast cancer on screening mammography is associated with less-toxic therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group for this retrospective cohort study consisted of 992 women with invasive breast cancer detected on screening mammography (n = 460) or at physical examination (n = 532) at a single institution between 1990 and 2001. To address the generalizability of study findings, we compared the characteristics of study participants with those diagnosed with breast cancer in a population-based mammography registry. RESULTS: The patients whose breast cancer was detected on screening mammography more frequently had lymph nodes free of metastases (84% vs 58%, p < 0.0001), had smaller tumors (1.5 vs 2.9 cm, p < 0.0001), were more likely to be treated with breast conservation (56% vs 32%, p < 0.0001), and were less likely to be treated with chemotherapy (28% vs 56%, p < 0.0001). In a multivariate analysis with adjustments for age and functional status, patients whose cancer was detected at physical examination were more than twice as likely to undergo mastectomy (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-3.3) and nearly three times as likely to be treated with chemotherapy (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.1-3.9). For younger women (40-49 years old), the likelihood of receiving chemotherapy was more than doubled if the cancer was detected at physical examination rather than on screening mammograms (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3-4.0). For older women (>/= 70 years old), patients whose cancer was detected at physical examination were five times more likely to undergo mastectomy (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 3.2-10.5) and four times more likely to receive chemotherapy (OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.6-13) than the group whose tumors were detected on screening mammography. CONCLUSION: Breast cancers detected on screening mammography are smaller, are less likely to metastasize to lymph nodes, and are more likely to be treated with breast conservation and without chemotherapy. These findings provide an additional rationale for performing screening mammography, especially for women at age extremes for whom the survival benefit of screening mammography is debated.     

One operation after percutaneous diagnosis of nonpalpable breast cancer: frequency and associated factors

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of and factors associated with performing one therapeutic operation after percutaneous diagnosis of nonpalpable breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review was performed of records of 350 consecutive women who had therapeutic surgery after percutaneous imaging-guided core biopsy diagnosis of nonpalpable breast cancer. Records were reviewed to determine the frequency of performing one operation and associated factors. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: One operation was performed in 283 (80.9%) of 350 women, including 106 (95.5%) of 111 women who had mastectomy and 177 (74.1%) of 239 women who had breast conserving surgery. At bivariate analysis, one operation was significantly more likely in women who had no underestimation (p < 0.001), mastectomy rather than breast conservation (p < 0.001), axillary dissection during the first operation (p < 0.001), percutaneous diagnosis of infiltrating carcinoma (p = 0.001), or mammographic mass (p = 0.006). At multivariate analysis, one operation was significantly more likely if underestimation was absent (odds ratio [OR] = 10.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.2-24.7) or if mastectomy was performed (OR = 8.7, 95% CI = 3.2-23.5); for women who had breast-conserving surgery, one operation was significantly more likely if underestimation was absent (OR = 11.4, 95% CI = 3.9-33.2) or if a mammographic mass was present (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.3-4.6). CONCLUSION: One operation was performed in 80.9% of women with percutaneously proven nonpalpable breast cancer, including 74.1% of women who had breast-conserving surgery and 95.5% of women who had mastectomy. Among women who had breast conservation, one operation was significantly more likely if histologic underestimation was absent or if a mammographic mass was present.     

Mortality rate of gastric cancer in the population of Belgrade for 1990-2002 period

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, gastric cancer is the fourth leading cause of diseases, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. AIM: To analyze the differences between men and women in mortality rate of gastric cancer in Belgrade from 1990-2002. METHODS: Mortality rates standardized directly to the "World population", and regression analysis were used. RESULTS: In Belgrade population, 29.2% out the total number of deaths attributable to cancer were caused by gastric cancer. Gastric cancer was the second most common cause of death among digestive tract cancers. In women, in the period between 1990 and 1993, an average annual decline of mortality was 9.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.9-13.1), and between 1994 and 2002, an average annual increase was 10.3% (CI = 8.4-12.6). Mortality rate series of gastric cancer in men did not fit any of the usual trend functions. The male/female gastric cancer mortality ratio was 1.7 : 1. Mortality rates for gastric cancer rose with age in both sexes and they were higest in the age group of 70 and more years. From 1990-2002, in both sexes aged 70 years and more, mortality from gastric cancer rose by 67.2% (CI = 58.0-76.4) in men and by 69.6% (CI = 60.6-78.6) in women. During the same period, the death rates in men decreased by 75.9 % (CI = 67.5-84.4) in the age group of 30-39 years, and by 48.1% (CI = 38.4-57.9) in women aged 50-59 years. In both sexes mortality rate series of all other age groups did not fit any of the usual trend functions. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in mortality rate of gastric in women over the past few years, showed the necessity of instituting primary and secondary preventive measures.     

Imaging Characteristics of Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer on CT and FDG-PET: Relationship with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Protein Expression Status and Survival

Objective

To identify CT and FDG-PET features associated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein overexpression, and to evaluate whether imaging features and EGFR-overexpression can help predict clinical outcome.

Materials and Methods

In 214 patients (M : F = 129 : 85; mean age, 63.2) who underwent curative resection of stage I non-small cell lung cancer, EGFR protein expression status was determined through immunohistochemical analysis. Imaging characteristics on CT and FDG-PET was assessed in relation to EGFR-overexpression. Imaging features and EGFR-overexpression were also evaluated for clinical outcome by using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

EGFR-overexpression was found in 51 patients (23.8%). It was significantly more frequent in tumors with an SUV_max > 5.0 (p < 0.0001), diameter > 2.43 cm (p < 0.0001), and with ground glass opacity ≤ 50% (p = 0.0073). SUV_max > 5.0 (OR, 3.113; 95% CI, 1.375-7.049; p = 0.006) and diameter > 2.43 cm (OR, 2.799; 95% CI, 1.285-6.095; p = 0.010) were independent predictors of EGFR overexpression. Multivariate analysis showed that SUV_max > 4.0 (hazard ratio, 10.660; 95% CI, 1.370-82.966; p = 0.024), and the presence of cavitation within a tumor (hazard ratio, 3.122; 95% CI, 1.143-8.532; p = 0.026) were factors associated with poor prognosis.

Conclusion

EGFR-overexpression is associated with high SUV_max, large tumor diameter, and small GGO proportion. CT and FDG-PET findings, which are closely related to EGFR overexpression, can be valuable in the prediction of clinical outcome.     

Prognostic implication of thyroglobulin and quantified whole body scan after initial radioiodine therapy on early prediction of ablation and clinical response for the patients with differentiated thyroid cancer

Objective

To investigate predictors for successful ablation and disease-free status after high-dose radioiodine therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

Methods

We enrolled 173 consecutive patients with differentiated thyroid cancer between November 2001 and December 2004 retrospectively (female 145, 46?±?12?years). All patients underwent total thyroidectomy and I-131 ablative therapy (IAT) (3.7?C5.4?GBq). The success or failure of ablation was assessed 6?C9?months after the IAT with reference to undetectable thyroglobulin (Tg) and negative I-131 whole body scan (WBS). Afterward, the decision for disease-free status was evaluated using Tg and WBS (follow-up period after 1st IAT 7?C81?months, median 43?months, criteria of disease-free: less than 10?ng/ml TSH-stimulated Tg or less than 2?ng/ml TSH-unstimulated Tg and/or negative WBS). Clinical and tumoral factors such as sex, age, pathologic type, the size of tumor, quantified cervical uptake in WBS1, pattern in WBS1, ablative therapy dose, AJCC stage, lymph node (LN) stage, Tg just before IAT (Tg1), and ablation status were assessed using logistic regression analyses.

Results

There were 93 successful ablations (54?%). Significant predictors for the ablation failure were Tg1 (OR?=?8.42; 95?% CI?=?2.76?C25.69; p?<?0.0001), LN metastasis (OR?=?3.05; 95?% CI?=?1.11?C8.37; p?=?0.031), and quantified cervical uptake in WBS1 (OR?=?4.95; 95?% CI?=?1.07?C22.88; p?=?0.041). One hundred fifty-five patients were determined as disease-free after follow-up. All the eighteen patients with persistent disease were identified as ablation failure after first IAT. Significant predictors for the disease-free status were Tg1 (OR?=?0.98; 95?% CI?=?0.97?C0.99; p?=?0.028), tumor size (OR?=?0.53; 95?% CI?=?0.28?C0.96; p?=?0.044), and quantified cervical uptake in WBS1 (OR?=?0.87; 95?% CI?=?0.76?C0.98; p?=?0.024).

Conclusions

The thyroglobulin and quantified cervical uptake in whole body scan are significant predictors for the successful ablation and disease-free status after follow-up.     

心脏起搏器置入患者术后感染的危险因素

 目的 分析心脏起搏器置入患者术后感染的危险因素。方法 选择接受永久起搏器置入术患者512例,根据患者术后是否发生感染将其分为感染组和未感染组。对比分析两组患者的临床特征。起搏器置入患者术后感染为因变量,单因素分析中多个有显著差异的因素作为自变量,借助Logistic回归非条件模型进行多因素分析。结果 512例中,总共有25例在起搏器术后发生感染,感染率为4.50%;单因素分析结果显示,合并糖尿病、手术次数过多、手术时间过长、血肿、切口脂肪液化等因素均有统计学差异;多因素Logistic结果显示,起搏器患者术后感染的发生和多个变量有相应关系,其中主要与合并糖尿病(OR为3.56,95%CI:6.26~23.01)、手术次数过多(OR为3.07,95%CI:3.12~38.70)、手术时间过长(OR为2.96,95%CI:1.67~24.65)、血肿(OR为2.76,95%CI:1.31~18.90)、切口脂肪液化(OR为2.36,95%CI:1.31~3.65)有关。结论 起搏器置入术患者手术时间过长、合并糖尿病、血肿等均是引发起搏器术后感染的主要因素,术后按时复查及定期随访是提高其生活质量的必要手段。     

Intrinsic risk factors for acute knee injuries among male football players: a prospective cohort study

This prospective cohort study was conducted to identify the risk factors for acute knee injuries among male football players. A total of 508 players representing 31 amateur teams were tested during the 2004 preseason for potential risk factors for knee injury through a questionnaire on previous injury, Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and a clinical examination. Generalized estimating equations were used in univariate analyses to identify candidate risk factors, and factors with a P-value <0.10 were then examined in a multivariate model. During the football season, 61 acute knee injuries, affecting 57 legs (53 players), were registered. Univariate analyses revealed the KOOS subscores "Pain" and "Function in daily living" (OR for a 10-point difference in score: 1.26, 95% CI 1.03-1.55 and 1.35, 95% CI 0.98-1.85, respectively), any findings at clinical examination (OR: 2.62, 95% CI 1.03-6.68), flexion contraction in range of motion testing (OR: 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-1.00) and varus stress tests in full extension (OR: 8.50, 95% CI 1.85-39.0) and 30° flexion (OR: 5.69, 95% CI 1.73-18.8) as candidate factors. However, in a multivariate analysis, none of these factors were associated with an increased injury risk.     

No gender bias in referral for coronary angiography after myocardial perfusion scintigraphy with technetium-99m tetrofosmin

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown that the application of diagnostic and invasive procedures varies between men and women. The purpose of this study was to assess if referral for coronary angiography after technetium-99m tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in 616 patients with undiagnosed chest pain might demonstrate gender bias. METHODS AND RESULTS: The primary end point for this study was coronary angiography within 90 days of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. Women had more normal perfusion images than men (207 [70.9%] vs 160 [50.5%], P < .05). Of 242 patients with abnormal images (157 men, 85 women), 28 men (17.7%) and 17 women (20.0%) were referred for further invasive testing (P = not significant). Referral for coronary angiography increased relative to the number of defects. Univariate analysis showed that reversible and persistent defects were the most predictive variables for referral to coronary angiography (odds ratio [OR] 5.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.10-9.58, P < .001, and OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.52-4.67, P = .001, respectively). More importantly, multivariate analysis showed that reversible perfusion defects (OR 4.77, 95% CI 2.48-9.17, P < .001) and persistent perfusion defects (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.11-4.14, P = .02) were predictive of subsequent coronary angiography. No significant association between gender and subsequent coronary angiography was found both in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.37-1.12, P = .12, and OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.36-1.36, P = .28, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals that after correction for the presence and the severity of myocardial perfusion abnormalities, men and women were referred to coronary angiography at a similar rate. Thus, based on the results of technetium-99m tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion imaging, no substantial evidence for a gender-related bias could be found in the referral for further invasive testing.     

Long-term follow-up of cerebral aneurysms after endovascular therapy prediction and outcome of retreatment

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze angiographic and clinical results before and after additional endovascular therapy in patients with previously coiled but reopened cerebral aneurysms and to identify possible risk factors for retreatment of an aneurysm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Follow-up with selective digital subtraction angiography was performed in 323/596 (54.2%) patients harboring 342 aneurysms with a mean follow-up time of 28.6 months. The patients were divided into 3 groups: group A, who remained stable after initial treatment; group B, who showed minor morphologic changes; and group C, who underwent repeat treatment. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine possible risk factors for aneurysmal retreatment. RESULTS: Single or multiple retreatment was performed in 33 of 323 (10.2%) patients. Retreatment of small aneurysms (< or =10 mm) with small necks (< or =4 mm) was performed in 6 of 214 aneurysms. When summarizing all other aneurysms as a "risk group" (n = 128), the odds ratio (OR) for retreatment in the "risk group" was 3.11 (95% CI: 1.43-6.75; P = .004). In patients with residual aneurysm after the first treatment, OR for retreatment was 3.96 (95% CI: 1.48-10.65; P = .006), whereas a neck remnant, clinical presentation, and aneurysmal localization were not predictive. We observed no resulting morbidity and mortality from the 33 retreatment procedures. CONCLUSION: In our series, the retreatment of aneurysmal recurrences was a safe procedure. The best single predictors of aneurysmal recurrence were aneurysmal anatomy (neck width >4 mm and diameter >10 mm) and the presence of a residual aneurysm after initial treatment. A limitation in our study was the significant number of patients lost to follow-up (22.7%).     

2型糖尿病肌钙蛋白Ⅰ升高的预测因素及预后价值

 目的 通过检测2型糖尿病(type 2 diabetes mellitus,T2DM)患者中肌钙蛋白I(cardiac troponin I,cTnI)的水平,探讨2型糖尿病患者中cTnI升高的比例、影响因素及与不良预后的关系。方法 选择我院就诊的2型糖尿病患者552例,检测每位患者入院时cTnI水平。收集所有患者基线资料,并分析与患者cTnI水平相关的心血管危险因素。随访所有患者2年内的主要不良心脏事件发生情况(major adverse cardiac events,MACE),包括心力衰竭(heart Failure,HF)、心肌梗死(myocardial infarction,MI)和心血管死亡(cardiovascular mortality)。结果 552例2型糖尿病患者,90.0%可检测到cTnI水平,70例(12.7%)cTnI水平高于健康人群的99百分位值。logistic多因素回归分析证实伴随冠状动脉疾病(coronary artery disease,CAD)(OR:2.93,95% CI:1.33~6.44,P<0.01)及eGFR水平较低(OR:0.97,95% CI:0.95~0.99,P=0.02)是cTnI水平升高的预测因素。所有患者随访期间共发生43例MACE事件,其中HF18例, MI 11例及心血管死亡14例。多因素回归分析证实,cTnI水平升高与MACE(HR:2.86,95% CI:1.16~7.04,P=0.02)及HF(HR:3.87,95% CI:1.22~15.19,P=0.03)发生风险增加有关。结论 2型糖尿病患者中可见到cTnI水平升高,并与患者年龄、性别、肾功能不全等相关,此外,cTnI水平升高与2型糖尿病患者MACE事件风险增加有关。
     

Uterine artery embolization in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroid tumors (EMMY trial): periprocedural results and complications

PURPOSE: Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an emerging treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroid tumors. This study was performed to evaluate the periprocedural results of the UAE procedure and identify risk factors for technical failure, fever after UAE, pain, and other complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As part of a multicenter, randomized trial to compare UAE versus hysterectomy in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroid tumors, 81 patients underwent UAE. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors for technical failure, postprocedural fever, complications as defined by the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), and pain scores. RESULTS: The technical failure rate according to SIR guidelines was 5.3% (95% CI, 2.3%-10.1%). The procedural failure rate was 17.3% (95% CI, 9.8%-27.3%). Bilateral failure occurred in four of 81 patients and unilateral failure occurred in 10 of 81 patients. Technical failure occurred mainly as a result of difficult anatomy (3.7%) or absence of the uterine artery (3.1%). The overall complication rates were 28.4% during the patients' hospital stay and 60.5% for the 6 weeks after discharge. The risk of technical failure was found to increase in the presence of a single fibroid tumor (odds ratio [OR], 6.21; 95% CI, 1.65-23.41; P = .007) and/or a small uterine volume (<500 cm(3); OR, 10.8; 95% CI, 1.25-93.36; P = .03). The amount of embolization material was associated with the onset of fever after UAE (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.09-3.87; P = .027), major complications (OR, 5.68; 95% CI, 2.05-15.75; P = .001), and high pain scores (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.08-3.58; P = .027). CONCLUSIONS: The procedural failure rate for UAE was higher than those reported by others, mainly as a result of difficult anatomy and absence of a uterine artery in some cases. The risk of procedural failure was increased for patients with single fibroid tumors and/or small uterine volumes. A clear dose-effect response was revealed between the amount of embolization material used and the risk for postprocedural fever, major complications, and severe pain.     

Radiologist experience and CT examination quality determine metastasis detection in patients with esophageal or gastric cardia cancer

We aimed to separate the influence of radiologist experience from that of CT quality in the evaluation of CT examinations of patients with esophageal or gastric cardia cancer. Two radiologists from referral centers (‘expert radiologists’) and six radiologists from regional non-referral centers (‘non-expert radiologists’) performed 240 evaluations of 72 CT examinations of patients diagnosed with esophageal or gastric cardia cancer between 1994 and 2003. We used conditional logistic regression analysis to calculate odds ratios (OR) for the likelihood of a correct diagnosis. Expert radiologists made a correct diagnosis of the presence or absence of distant metastases according to the gold standard almost three times more frequently (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.4–6.3) than non-expert radiologists. For the subgroup of CT examinations showing distant metastases, a statistically significant correlation (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.4–9.1) was found between CT quality as judged by the radiologists and a correct diagnosis. Both radiologist experience and quality of the CT examination play a role in the detection of distant metastases in esophageal or gastric cardia cancer patients. Therefore, we suggest that staging procedures for esophageal and gastric cardia cancer should preferably be performed in centers with technically advanced equipment and experienced radiologists.     

The role of ultrasonographic findings to predict molecular subtype,histologic grade,and hormone receptor status of breast cancer

PURPOSE

The correlation between imaging findings and pathologic characteristics of tumors may provide information for diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The aim of this study is to determine whether ultrasound features of breast cancer are associated with molecular subtype, histologic grade, and hormone receptor status, as well as assess the predictive value of these features.

METHODS

A total of 201 consecutive invasive breast cancer patients were reviewed from the database according to the Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System (BI-RADS). Tumor margins were classified as circumscribed and noncircumscribed. Noncircumscribed group was divided into indistinct, spiculated, angular, and microlobulated. The posterior acoustic features were divided into four categories: shadowing, enhancement, no change, and mixed pattern.

RESULTS

Tumors with posterior shadowing were more likely to be of nontriple negative subtype (odds ratio [OR], 7.42; 95% CI, 2.10–24.99; P = 0.002), low histologic grade (grade 1 or 2 vs. grade 3: OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.34–4.35; P = 0.003) and having at least one positive receptor (OR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.55–7.26; P = 0.002). Tumors with circumscribed margins were more often triple-negative subtype (OR, 6.72; 95% CI, 2.56–17.65; P < 0.001), high grade (grade 3 vs. grade 1 or 2: OR, 5.42; 95% CI, 2.66–11.00; P < 0.001) and hormone receptor negative (OR, 4.87; 95% CI, 2.37–9.99; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Sonographic features are strongly associated with molecular subtype, histologic grade, and hormone receptor status of the tumor. These findings may separate triple-negative breast cancer from other molecular subtypes.Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor and the major cause of death from cancer among women worldwide. Breast cancer is also a heterogeneous and complex disease with different morphologic, biologic, and molecular characteristics (1). Although histopathologic characteristics of tumors have been used to determine prognosis and treatment of breast cancer, they do not provide sufficient information due to tumor heterogeneity. For this reason, several distinct molecular subtypes of breast cancer have been defined based on gene expression patterns (2). The St. Gallen International Expert Consensus determined a new biologic classification system based on the expression of tumor markers: estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor 2–neu (HER2), and more recently, Ki-67, which are evaluated routinely because of their utility in guiding clinical care. The classification system categorizes invasive breast carcinomas into five molecular subtypes: luminal A, luminal B (HER 2−), luminal B (HER 2+), HER 2, and triple-negative (1–5).Molecular subtyping of breast cancer is a common practice for individualized cancer management, to understand prognosis of disease and avoid overtreatment. Radiologic imaging has an important role in diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up of patients with breast cancer, and it may also help to predict molecular subtypes of patients with breast cancer for guiding treatment (4, 5). It is important for breast radiologists to understand the differences of these molecular subtypes.Many studies have already determined the imaging features of breast cancer and a few studies focused on the association between ultrasonography (US) findings, different histologic grades, and hormone receptor status. However, the relationship between US features and molecular subtypes is not clear yet. The prediction of triple-negative molecular sub-type by US may be important for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and understanding of the biologic behavior. It may also predict treatment efficacy of breast cancer. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether US features (e.g., tumor margins and posterior acoustic features) of breast cancer are associated with molecular subtypes, histologic grade, and hormone receptor status, as well as assess the predictive value of these features.     

早期胃癌淋巴结转移多因素分析

目的探讨早期胃癌淋巴结转移规律,为微创治疗、缩小手术范围提供依据。方法对解放军总医院1983-2005年间诊治的308例早期胃癌患者进行回顾性分析,其中282例术后找到淋巴结,对其年龄,性别,肿瘤大小、部位、大体类型、分化程度、浸润深度,淋巴管癌栓,癌旁黏膜萎缩、肠化、异型增生等与淋巴结转移的关系进行单因素及多因素分析。结果早期胃癌淋巴结转移率为9．9％（28／282）,黏膜（M）癌淋巴结转移率为2．5％（4／157）,黏膜下层（SM）癌淋巴结转移率为19．2％（24／125）。Logistic回归分析提示,淋巴管癌栓（P=0．000,OR=8．568）、浸润黏膜下层（P=0．018,OR=4．234）、肿瘤〉2cm（P=0．020,OR=4．12）、分化不良（P=0．040,OR-2．710）为淋巴结转移的独立危险因子。进一步分层分析提示,影响M癌淋巴结转移的因素为肿瘤大小、淋巴管癌栓,≤2cm的M癌不论分化程度如何均无淋巴管癌栓,也无淋巴结转移（0／108）,2-4cm、无淋巴管癌栓的M癌不论分化程度如何均无淋巴结转移（0／26）;影响SM癌淋巴结的因素为肿瘤大小、组织学类型、淋巴管癌栓,≤2cm、分化良好型、无淋巴管癌栓的SM癌均无淋巴结转移（0／25）,2era、分化不良型、有淋巴管癌栓的SM癌淋巴结转移率72．7％（8／11）。结论肿瘤大小、淋巴管癌栓与M癌淋巴结转移相关,肿瘤大小、组织学类型、淋巴管癌栓与SM癌淋巴结转移相关。     

保留肾上腺手术与肾上腺全切除术治疗醛固酮腺瘤疗效比较的meta分析

目的 比较腹腔镜下保留肾上腺与肾上腺全切除术治疗醛固酮腺瘤的围术期安全性及术后疗效.方法 在线系统地检索PubMed、ScienceDirect、Springerlink、the Cochrane Library、中国知网、中国生物医学文献数据库于2016年5月之前发表的关于保留肾上腺(ASS)或肾上腺部分切除术(PA)对比肾上腺全切除术(TA)治疗醛固酮腺瘤(APA)的文献资料,将入选的研究文献应用Revman 5.3软件进行meta分析,分析的主要内容是围术期结果(手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间)以及术后疗效(治愈率、部分缓解率、无效率).结果 最终共纳入9篇临床研究文献,其中3篇英文文献,6篇中文文献,共包括1036例患者,其中ASS组544例,TA组492例.结果显示,ASS对比TA的手术时间(WMD:-2.09min,95％CI:-9.86～5.67,P=0.60)、术中出血量(WMD:1.13ml,95％CI:-8.86～11.12,P=0.82)、住院时间(WMD:-0.10d,95％CI:-0.32～0.12,P=0.36)差异无统计学意义,而ASS对比TA在治愈率(OR=l.07,95％CI:0.73～1.58,P=0.72)、部分缓解率(OR=0.85,95％CI:0.57～1.27,P=0.43)、无效率(OR=2.15,95％CI:0.32～14.34,P=0.43)差异亦无统计学意义.结论 在醛固酮腺瘤的手术治疗中,与肾上腺全切除术比较,保留肾上腺手术技术上安全可靠,术后疗效肯定,二者具有相似的治疗效果,值得进一步在临床上推广.     

Risk factors for the development of hospital infections in the intensive care units

BACKGROUND: Patients admitted to intensive-care units (ICU) are at a high risk of nosocomial infections (NI) due to susceptibility associated with severity of their condition, but also the invasive medical procedures they undergo. AIM: To determine the frequency of NI at the ICU of the General Hospital Uzice, and to identify the risk factors for their development. METHODS: A prospective surveillance study of NI, conducted between June 27. and December 31 2001, included 914 patients who spent at least 24 hours in the ICU (total of 2 615 days). The surveillance of NI in the ICU was carried out daily. Follow-up period covered the time from the ICU admission to 48 hours after the ICU discharge. To assess risk factors for NI, we performed a case-control study. The variables measuring of extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors for NI were collected. RESULTS: In a six-month prospective surveillance study, the incidence of NI was 16.7% or 58.5 per 1,000 patient-day, respectively. The most frequent were the infections of the surgery wounds (32.6%), urinary tract infections (23.5%), and infections of the blood (7.1%). The identified independent risk factors for NI were: surgical intervention (OR = 5.74; CI = 2.01-16.41), endotracheal tubes (OR = 3.40; CI = 1.07-10.89), cystoscopy (OR = 2.35; CI = 1.38-4.02), obesity (OR = 1.98; CI = 1.27-3.11), and the duration of the infusion (OR = 1.34; CI = 1.23-1.46). CONCLUSIONS: The most important risk factors for NI at ICU were surgical interventions and endotracheal tubes.     

Comparison between Antegrade versus Retrograde Ureteral Stent Placement for Malignant Ureteral Obstruction

PurposeTo compare the technical success of antegrade uteral stent (AUS) and retrograde ureteral stent (RUS) placements in patients with malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) and to determine the predictors of technical failure of RUS.Materials and MethodsThis study retrospectively included 61 AUS placements (44 patients) performed under fluoroscopic guidance and 76 RUS placements (55 patients) performed under cystoscopic guidance in patients with MUO from January 2019 to December 2020. Technical success rates of the 2 techniques were compared using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify predictive factors for technical failures.ResultsTechnical success was achieved in 98.4% of the AUS group and 47.4% of the RUS group. After stabilized IPTW, the technical success rate was higher in the AUS group than in the RUS group (adjusted risk difference, 49.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 35.4%–63.1%). The independent predictors for technical failure of the RUS procedure were age of ≥65 years (odds ratio [OR], 5.56; 95% CI, 1.73–21.27), ureteral orifice invasion (OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 1.46–13.46), and extrinsic cancer (OR, 15.58; 95% CI, 2.92–111.81).ConclusionsThe technical success rate of AUS placement was higher than that of RUS placement in patients with MUO. RUS failure was associated with age of ≥65 years, cancer with ureteral orifice invasion, and extrinsic ureteral obstruction.     

冠状动脉雷帕霉素涂层支架植入术后支架内再狭窄临床预测因素探讨

目的 分析氧化型低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)、同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)与冠状动脉支架内再狭窄(ISR)的关系,探讨雷帕霉素涂层支架植入后ISR临床预测因素.方法 入选400例冠状动脉雷帕霉素涂层支架植入患者,根据冠状动脉复查造影结果分为ISR组和无ISR组.术前及复查造影时检测血浆ox-LDL、Hcy水平.采用多元Logistic回归分析评价ISR相关临床参数、血管造影特征及手术相关因素.结果 ISR组48例,无ISR组352例,临床ISR发生率为13.6％.与无ISR组比较,ISR组患者支架植入术前、冠状动脉复查造影时血浆ox-LDL、Hcy水平明显升高,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).多元Logistic回归分析结果显示,伴高血压病、伴糖尿病、Hcy 、ox-LDL、服用他汀类药物、吸烟、冠状动脉开口病变、冠状动脉分叉病变、慢性完全闭塞病变、参考血管直径、术前血管狭窄程度、植入支架直径、植入支架长度为ISR独立相关因素.结论 冠状动脉雷帕霉素涂层支架植入后ISR并不少见.伴高血压、伴糖尿病、Hcy、ox-LDL、吸烟、冠状动脉开口病变、冠状动脉分叉病变、慢性完全闭塞病变、术前血管狭窄程度、参考血管直径、植入支架直径、植入支架长度为ISR独立相关因素.长期规律服用他汀类药物可降低ISR风险.