OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive power of the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) to albumin (Alb) ratio for cardiovascular events in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 202 ESRD patients undergoing MHD at Bobai County People\'s Hospital from November 2020 to November 2022, with follow-up extending to November 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of cardiovascular events during follow-up: the occurrence group (n = 92) and the non-occurrence group (n = 110). Clinical data were compared between these groups. Independent risk factors for cardiovascular events post-MHD were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model. The hs-CRP/Alb ratio\'s predictive utility was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, establishing an optimal cutoff value. A decision tree prediction model was developed to further delineate the probability of cardiovascular events.
RESULTS: The occurrence group was older and had a longer duration of dialysis compared to the non-occurrence group (P < 0.05). They also showed a higher prevalence of diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy and a higher proportion of smokers (all P < 0.05). Notably lower levels of hemoglobin (HGB), triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, albumin (Alb), and calcium were detected (all P < 0.05), whereas β2-microglobulin (β2-mg), hs-CRP, phosphorus, and the hs-CRP/Alb ratio were markedly increased (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed diabetic nephropathy or hypertensive nephropathy, a high hs-CRP/Alb ratio, and elevated phosphorus levels as risk factors for cardiovascular events, while high hemoglobin levels were protective (P < 0.05). The ROC analysis indicated the hs-CRP/Alb ratio (AUC = 0.884) outperformed other predictors with an optimal cutoff at 0.111. Patients with a hs-CRP/Alb ratio ≥ 0.111 were found to have a 29-fold increased risk of cardiovascular events (95% CI: 11.304-74.842).
CONCLUSIONS: The hs-CRP/Alb ratio is a significant predictive biomarker for cardiovascular events in ESRD patients undergoing MHD. An elevated hs-CRP/Alb ratio is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, underscoring its utility in this patient population.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictive value of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and peripheral blood-related ratios at the initial diagnosis for heart failure (HF) after early-onset infarction in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 151 patients first diagnosed with AMI at Xianyang Central Hospital from February 2020 to February 2023. Patients were classified into two groups: those who developed HF during hospitalization (HF group, n=45) and those who did not (non-HF group, NHF, n=106). Differences in Lp-PLA2, NT-proBNP, and peripheral blood ratios at initial diagnosis were compared between the groups. Binary logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for HF, and a nomogram model was developed based on these factors.
RESULTS: HR (P=0.032), C-reactive protein (CRP) (P<0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P=0.015), coronary artery lesion score (CALDS) (P<0.001), D-dimer (D-D) (P=0.021), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P<0.001), Lp-PLA2 (P<0.001), and NT-proBNP (P<0.001) were significantly higher in the HF group than in the NHF group. Left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) (P<0.001) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (P<0.001) were significantly lower in the HF group. Multifactorial logistic regression identified HR (P=0.034), CRP (P=0.028), CALDS (P=0.007), NLR (P=0.001), Lp-PLA2 (P=0.001), and NT-proBNP (P=0.002) as independent predictors of HF. The AUCs for NLR, Lp-PLA2, and NT-proBNP were 0.806, 0.849, and 0.780, respectively. The nomogram model achieved an AUC of 0.964, significantly outperforming individual indicators per Delong\'s test, highlighting its superior predictive efficacy.
CONCLUSIONS: HR, CRP, CALDS, NLR, Lp-PLA2, and NT-proBNP were identified as independent predictors of HR post-AMI myocardial infarction. The constructed nomogram model provides an effective tool for early clinical identification of high-risk patients, potentially improving prognosis and guiding therapeutic strategies.

BACKGROUND: Premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) is prevailing. We aimed to investigate the evaluation value of atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) for the occurrence and severity of coronary artery lesion in PCAD patients.
METHODS: PCAD (PACD group)/non-PCAD (control group) patients were enrolled. The coronary artery lesion degree was evaluated using Gensini score (GS). PCAD patients were allocated into the low/medium/high GS groups, with general clinical baseline data analyzed. Plasma hs-CRP/AIP levels were compared in PCAD patients with different disease degree. Correlations between plasma hs-CRP/AIP with Gensini score, independent risk factors affecting the occurrence of PCAD, and the predictive value of hs-CRP/AIP/their combination for the occurrence and degree of PCAD were evaluated by Spearman correlation analysis/Logistic multivariate regression/receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The differences in the area under the curve (AUC) were compared using MedCalc-Comparison of ROC curves.
RESULTS: Plasma hs-CRP/AIP levels in the PCAD group were increased. Plasma hs-CRP/AIP levels varied significantly among PCAD patients with different disease degree. Plasma hs-CRP/AIP levels were markedly positively correlated with the Gensini score. Smoking history/homocysteine/fasting blood-glucose/hs-CRP/AIP were all independent risk factors affecting PCAD occurrence. The AUC of hs-CRP and AIP combination predicting the occurrence of PCAD was 0.950 (90.80% sensitivity/93.33% specificity). hs-CRP/AIP combination assisted in predicting the disease degree in PCAD patients.
CONCLUSIONS: AIP and hs-CRP are independent risk factors for the occurrence of PCAD, and their combination has high predictive value for PCAD occurrence and disease degree, which are both positively correlated with coronary artery lesion degree.

UNASSIGNED: By evaluating the level of serum procalcitonin (PCT), thromboelastography (TEG) and platelet count (PLT) of patients with septic shock in intensive care unit (ICU), the predictive value of the combination of the three indicators on the short-term progression was discussed, which provided a new basis for early clinical diagnosis and disease evaluation.
UNASSIGNED: The clinical data of 130 patients with septic shock admitted to the IUC of our hospital from December 2021 to December 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. These subjects were divided into good prognosis group (n=78) and poor prognosis group (n=52) according to the 28 d deaths. The influencing factors were explored using the Multivariate logistic regression analysis. The value of single or combined PCT, PLT and TEG in predicting poor short-term prognosis was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
UNASSIGNED: The patients in poor prognosis group had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, serum PCT level, coagulation reaction time (R value) and coagulation formation time (K value), but lower PLT levels, final strength of coagulation (MA value) and coagulation formation rate (α angle) than those in good prognosis group (P<0.001). PCT, R value and K value were risk factors (P<0.001), while PLT, MA value and α angle were protective factors (P<0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of PCT, PLT and TEG predicting poor short-term progression was 0.813, 0.658 and 0.752, respectively. The AUC of combined three indicators was 0.905, which had the highest predictive value.
UNASSIGNED: Serum levels of PCT, PLT and TEG had certain value in predicting poor short-term progression of septic shock patients, and their combined diagnostic value was higher. Therefore, regular monitoring of these three indicators could provide certain guiding significance for the prevention and treatment of poor short-term prognosis in patients with septic shock.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to predict the bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants with a gestational age(GA) < 32 weeks utilizing clinical data, serum mediator complex subunit 1 (MED1), and serum peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α).
METHODS: This prospective observational study enrolled 70 preterm infants with GA < 32 weeks. The infants were categorized into two groups: non-BPD group(N = 35) and BPD group(N = 35), including 25 cases with mild BPD and 10 patients with moderate/severe subgroups. We performed multifactorial regression analysis to investigate the postnatal risk factors for BPD. Furthermore, we compared serum levels of biomarkers, including MED1 and PGC-1α, among infants with and without BPD at postnatal days 1, 7, 14, 28, and PMA 36 weeks. A logistic regression model was constructed to predict BPD\'s likelihood using clinical risk factors and serum biomarkers.
RESULTS: Serum levels of MED1 on the first postnatal day, PGC-1α on the 1st, 7th, and 28th days, and PMA at 36 weeks were significantly lower in the BPD group than in the non-BPD group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the predictive model for BPD was created by combing serum levels of MED1 and PGC-1α on postnatal day 1 along with clinical risk factors such as frequent apnea, mechanical ventilation time > 7 d, and time to reach total enteral nutrition. Our predictive model had a high predictive accuracy(C statistics of 0.989) .
CONCLUSIONS: MED1and PGC-1α could potentially serve as valuable biomarkers, combined with clinical factors, to aid clinicians in the early diagnosis of BPD.

Background: To investigate the predictive value of preoperative peripheral blood inflammatory markers for surgical site infection (SSI) in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer, categorized into SSI and non-SSI groups based on postoperative SSI occurrences. Patient demographics, surgical details, laboratory results, and SSI incidence data were extracted. Differences in indicators, including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), were assessed between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to determine the independent association of each indicator with SSI. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was utilized to evaluate the predictive value of parameters. Results: Of 169 patients, 36 (21.30%) experienced SSI postoperatively. The SSI group exhibited higher preoperative NLR and SII (p < 0.05). After adjusting for variables, preoperative NLR (OR = 1.691, 95% CI: 1.211-2.417, p = 0.003) and SII (OR = 1.001, 95% CI: 1.000-1.002, p = 0.006) were identified as independent risk factors for SSI. Both NLR (AUC = 0.758, 95% CI: 0.666-0.850) and SII (AUC = 0.753, 95% CI: 0.660-0.850) demonstrated favorable diagnostic performance for predicting postoperative SSI. Conclusion: Preoperative NLR and SII significantly associate with postoperative SSI in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer, making them valuable indicators for early prediction of SSI.

UNASSIGNED: Nutritional status is closely associated with the prognosis of heart failure. This study aims to assess the relationship between the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and in-hospital mortality among patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in Jiangxi, China.
UNASSIGNED: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Multivariable Cox regression models and restricted cubic spline regression were employed to evaluate the relationship between the CONUT score and in-hospital mortality in ADHF patients from Jiangxi, China. The predictive value of the CONUT score for in-hospital mortality in ADHF patients was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify risk dependencies of the CONUT score in specific populations.
UNASSIGNED: The study included 1,230 ADHF patients, among whom 44 (3.58%) mortality events were recorded. After adjusting for confounding factors, a positive correlation was found between the CONUT score and the risk of in-hospital mortality in ADHF patients. Restricted cubic spline regression analysis indicated a non-linear relationship between the CONUT score and the risk of in-hospital mortality in ADHF patients, estimating a rapid increase in mortality risk when the CONUT score exceeded 5. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated a good predictive value of the CONUT score for all-cause mortality events in ADHF patients [area under the curve = 0.7625, optimal threshold = 5.5]. Additionally, a relatively higher risk associated with the CONUT score was observed in male patients and those with concomitant cerebral infarction.
UNASSIGNED: This study reveals a positive correlation between the CONUT score and the risk of in-hospital mortality in ADHF patients. Based on the findings of this study, we recommend maintaining a CONUT score below 5 for patients with ADHF in Jiangxi, China, as it may significantly contribute to reducing the risk of in-hospital all-cause mortality.

UNASSIGNED: Studies have found that the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) was associated with the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the relationship in different genders was rarely discussed. The aim of this study was to explore this relationship and assess its predictive power for both males and females.
UNASSIGNED: Based on a prospective cohort platform in northwest China, 32,351 participants without CKD were collected in the baseline and followed up for approximately 5 years. Cox proportional hazard model and restricted cubic spline regression analysis were performed to investigate the association between TC, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C and CKD in adult female and male. The clinical application value of the indicators in predicting CKD was evaluated by the receiver operator characteristic curve.
UNASSIGNED: During a mean follow-up of 2.2 years, 484 males and 164 females developed CKD. After adjusted for relevant confounders, for every one standard deviation increase in TC, HDL-C and TC/HDL-C, the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for CKD were 1.17 (1.05-1.31), 0.84 (0.71-0.99), and 1.15 (1.06-1.25) for males, 0.94 (0.78-1.13), 0.58 (0.35-0.95), and 1.19 (1.01-1.40) for females, respectively. The results also showed that TC, HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C were associated with CKD in a linear dose-response relationship. The TC/HDL-C had the largest area under the curve (AUC) compared to TC and HDL-C, and the AUC among the females was larger than that among males.
UNASSIGNED: The TC/HDL-C was significantly associated with CKD in adult males and females and has better clinical value in predicting CKD than TC and HDL-C, especially in females.

UNASSIGNED: To explore the early diagnostic value of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) features within the rotator cuff gap for frozen shoulder.
UNASSIGNED: This prospective study enrolled patients with acute early-stage frozen shoulder seeking treatment at Zhabei Central Hospital in Jing\'an District, Shanghai, between July 2021 and December 2022 were enrolled in this study. Healthy controls were collected in a 1:1 ratio from the same hospital\'s physical examination center. All participants underwent SMI and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) of the rotator cuff gap.
UNASSIGNED: The study included 79 patients with frozen shoulder and 77 healthy controls. Compared with the healthy control group, the patient group had a higher proportion of hypoechoic rotator cuff gap (81.0% vs 48.1%, P<0.001), a thicker coracohumeral ligament (2.60±1.01 vs 2.03±0.97, P<0.001), a thicker glenohumeral joint capsule (3.10±0.99 vs 2.46±1.17, P<0.001), and elevated blood grading using SMI (P<0.001) and PDUS (P=0.014). The highest area under the curve (AUC) was observed for SMI blood flow grading (AUC=0.824, 95% CI: 0.755-0.880, P<0.001), resulting in 82% sensitivity and 77% specificity when using a cutoff of 1. SMI blood flow grading was associated with external rotation <30° (P=0.007) and abduction <30° (P=0.013) but not with internal rotation <30° (P=0.630) or flexion <30° (P=0.562).
UNASSIGNED: The grading of SMI blood flow may emerge as a valuable predictive indicator for the early stages of frozen shoulder. This simple ultrasound technique holds the potential to enhance the diagnostic process, enabling early initiation of treatment and potentially improving patient outcomes.

UNASSIGNED: Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are exposed to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, especially cardiovascular calcification. The present research aimed to analyze the clinical features and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) in MPN patients, and construct an effective model to predict acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in MPN patients.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 175 MPN patients and 175 controls were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University. Based on cardiovascular events, the MPN patients were divided into the ACS group and the non-ACS group. Multivariate Cox analysis was completed to explore ACS-related factors. Furthermore, ROC curves were plotted to assess the predictive effect of CACS combined with white blood cells (WBC) and platelet for ACS in MPN patients.
UNASSIGNED: The MPN group exhibited a higher CACS than the control group (133 vs. 55, P < 0.001). A total of 16 patients developed ACS in 175 MPN patients. Compared with non-ACS groups, significant differences in age, diabetes, smoking history, WBC, percentage of neutrophil, percentage of lymphocyte, neutrophil count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet, lactate dehydrogenase, β 2-microglobulin, and JAK2V617F mutation were observed in the ACS groups. In addition, the CACS in the ACS group was also significantly higher than that in the non-ACS group (374.5 vs. 121, P < 0.001). The multivariable Cox regression analysis identified WBC, platelet, and CACS as independent risk factors for ACS in MPN patients. Finally, ROC curves indicated that WBC, platelet, and CACS have a high predictive value for ACS in MPN patients (AUC = 0.890).
UNASSIGNED: CACS combined with WBC and platelet might be a promising model for predicting ACS occurrence in MPN patients.