Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and independent risk factors of severe disease in patients with anti-nuclear matrix protein (NXP) 2 antibody-positive juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 219 anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM patients admitted to 23 children′s hospitals across China from July 2011 to July 2023. Patients were classified into severe and non-severe groups based on classification criteria for severe dermatomyositis. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, and laboratory parameters were compared between the 2 groups using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or χ2 test. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for severe disease. The receiver operating characteristic curve was employed to calculate optimal cut-off values. Results:Among the 219 patients, 108 were male and 111 were female, with an age at onset of 6.3 (3.5, 9.4) years. The severe group comprised 69 patients, and the non-severe group 150 patients. The severe group had significantly higher rates of fever, heliotrope rash, subcutaneous edema, periorbital edema, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity, as well as elevated levels of ferritin-to-albumin ratio (FAR), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified anti-Ro52 antibody positivity ( OR=13.26, 95% CI 1.37-128.29) and elevated FAR ( OR=1.90, 95% CI 1.09-2.31) as independent risk factors for severe anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM (both P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a FAR cutoff value of 6.82 predicted severe disease with an area under the curve of 0.87 (95% CI 0.81-0.94, P<0.001), sensitivity of 0.85, and specificity of 0.70. All patients received glucocorticoid therapy, and the severe group received higher proportions of steroid pulse therapy, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, intravenous immunoglobulin, biologics, and adjuvant treatments compared to the non-severe group (all P<0.05). In terms of outcomes, 2 patients (2.9%) in the severe group died (due to neurological involvement and intestinal perforation, respectively), while the remaining patients achieved complete clinical response or remission. All patients in the non-severe group achieved remission. Conclusions:The primary clinical features of anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM included fever, heliotrope rash, subcutaneous edema, periorbital edema, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity, and elevated levels of CK, AST, LDH, and FAR. Furthermore, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity and a FAR>6.82 were identified as independent risk factors.

Objective:To analyze the correlation and predictive value of obesity measurement indicators and cerebrovascular function scores in healthy physical examination population.Methods:It was a cross-sectional analysis that employed a simple random sampling method to select 3 496 individuals who underwent healthy physical examinations and cerebrovascular function tests at the Physical Examination Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from January to December 2022. The general information, physical examination data, biochemical examination results, human component analyses, and cerebrovascular function integral data were collected. Based on cerebrovascular function scores, the participants were divided into high-risk group (0-24 points, 70 cases), medium-risk group (25-49 points, 317 cases), low-risk group (50-74 points, 787 cases), and normal group (≥75 points, 2 322 cases). Spearman correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were utilized to assess the correlation and predictive value of obesity measurement indicators and cerebrovascular function integrals.Results:Among the 3 496 subjects included in the analysis, 2 018 were male and 1 478 were female, with an average age of (46.4±7.9) years. The age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat ratio, body fat content, visceral fat area, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, homocysteine all exhibited an increasing trend as the cerebrovascular function integral value decreased (all P<0.05). The skeletal muscle content in the low-risk group was significantly higher than those in the high-risk group, medium-risk group, and normal group [45.00 (36.80, 50.60) vs 44.10 (36.98, 50.45), 44.50 (37.80, 50.20), and 42.75 (36.30, 48.60) kg, respectively] ( P<0.05). The triglyceride level in the medium-risk group was higher when compared to those in the high-risk group, low-risk group, and normal group[1.87 (1.29, 2.70) vs 1.71 (1.24, 2.80), 1.75 (1.18, 2.70), and 1.43 (1.00, 2.14) mmol/L] ( P<0.05). The high-density lipoprotein level in the normal group was higher than the high-risk group, medium-risk group, and low-risk group[1.26 (1.05, 1.51) vs 1.16 (0.94, 1.36), 1.15 (0.99, 1.39), and 1.16 (0.97, 1.39) mmol/L, respectively] ( P<0.05). The increases in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, and body fat content were all moderately negatively correlated with the cerebrovascular function score ( rs=-0.347, -0.335, -0.370, and -0.340, respectively, all P<0.05). The increase in age ( OR=1.012, 95% CI: 1.002-1.022), systolic blood pressure ( OR=1.027, 95% CI: 1.017-1.036), diastolic blood pressure ( OR=1.028, 95% CI: 1.014-1.042), body mass index ( OR=1.157, 95% CI: 1.083-1.237), body fat rate ( OR=1.021, 95% CI: 1.007-1.035), and fasting blood glucose ( OR=1.072, 95% CI: 1.020-1.127) were all positively correlated with the decrease of the cerebrovascular function score; conversely, the increase in skeletal muscle content ( OR=0.967, 95% CI: 0.951-0.982) was negatively correlated with the decrease in cerebrovascular function score (all P<0.05). The area under the curve for the combined prediction of cerebrovascular function integral value by age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, body fat rate, skeletal muscle content, and fasting blood glucose was 0.754. Conclusions:As the body mass index and body fat content increase and the skeletal muscle content decreases in the healthy physical examination population, the likelihood of abnormal cerebrovascular function integral values rises; the combination of age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle content, and fasting blood glucose indicators can predict the increased risk of cerebrovascular function integral values.

Objective:To analyze the correlation and predictive value of obesity measurement indicators and cerebrovascular function scores in healthy physical examination population.Methods:It was a cross-sectional analysis that employed a simple random sampling method to select 3 496 individuals who underwent healthy physical examinations and cerebrovascular function tests at the Physical Examination Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from January to December 2022. The general information, physical examination data, biochemical examination results, human component analyses, and cerebrovascular function integral data were collected. Based on cerebrovascular function scores, the participants were divided into high-risk group (0-24 points, 70 cases), medium-risk group (25-49 points, 317 cases), low-risk group (50-74 points, 787 cases), and normal group (≥75 points, 2 322 cases). Spearman correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were utilized to assess the correlation and predictive value of obesity measurement indicators and cerebrovascular function integrals.Results:Among the 3 496 subjects included in the analysis, 2 018 were male and 1 478 were female, with an average age of (46.4±7.9) years. The age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat ratio, body fat content, visceral fat area, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, homocysteine all exhibited an increasing trend as the cerebrovascular function integral value decreased (all P<0.05). The skeletal muscle content in the low-risk group was significantly higher than those in the high-risk group, medium-risk group, and normal group [45.00 (36.80, 50.60) vs 44.10 (36.98, 50.45), 44.50 (37.80, 50.20), and 42.75 (36.30, 48.60) kg, respectively] ( P<0.05). The triglyceride level in the medium-risk group was higher when compared to those in the high-risk group, low-risk group, and normal group[1.87 (1.29, 2.70) vs 1.71 (1.24, 2.80), 1.75 (1.18, 2.70), and 1.43 (1.00, 2.14) mmol/L] ( P<0.05). The high-density lipoprotein level in the normal group was higher than the high-risk group, medium-risk group, and low-risk group[1.26 (1.05, 1.51) vs 1.16 (0.94, 1.36), 1.15 (0.99, 1.39), and 1.16 (0.97, 1.39) mmol/L, respectively] ( P<0.05). The increases in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, and body fat content were all moderately negatively correlated with the cerebrovascular function score ( rs=-0.347, -0.335, -0.370, and -0.340, respectively, all P<0.05). The increase in age ( OR=1.012, 95% CI: 1.002-1.022), systolic blood pressure ( OR=1.027, 95% CI: 1.017-1.036), diastolic blood pressure ( OR=1.028, 95% CI: 1.014-1.042), body mass index ( OR=1.157, 95% CI: 1.083-1.237), body fat rate ( OR=1.021, 95% CI: 1.007-1.035), and fasting blood glucose ( OR=1.072, 95% CI: 1.020-1.127) were all positively correlated with the decrease of the cerebrovascular function score; conversely, the increase in skeletal muscle content ( OR=0.967, 95% CI: 0.951-0.982) was negatively correlated with the decrease in cerebrovascular function score (all P<0.05). The area under the curve for the combined prediction of cerebrovascular function integral value by age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, body fat rate, skeletal muscle content, and fasting blood glucose was 0.754. Conclusions:As the body mass index and body fat content increase and the skeletal muscle content decreases in the healthy physical examination population, the likelihood of abnormal cerebrovascular function integral values rises; the combination of age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle content, and fasting blood glucose indicators can predict the increased risk of cerebrovascular function integral values.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and independent risk factors of severe disease in patients with anti-nuclear matrix protein (NXP) 2 antibody-positive juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 219 anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM patients admitted to 23 children′s hospitals across China from July 2011 to July 2023. Patients were classified into severe and non-severe groups based on classification criteria for severe dermatomyositis. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, and laboratory parameters were compared between the 2 groups using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or χ2 test. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for severe disease. The receiver operating characteristic curve was employed to calculate optimal cut-off values. Results:Among the 219 patients, 108 were male and 111 were female, with an age at onset of 6.3 (3.5, 9.4) years. The severe group comprised 69 patients, and the non-severe group 150 patients. The severe group had significantly higher rates of fever, heliotrope rash, subcutaneous edema, periorbital edema, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity, as well as elevated levels of ferritin-to-albumin ratio (FAR), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified anti-Ro52 antibody positivity ( OR=13.26, 95% CI 1.37-128.29) and elevated FAR ( OR=1.90, 95% CI 1.09-2.31) as independent risk factors for severe anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM (both P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a FAR cutoff value of 6.82 predicted severe disease with an area under the curve of 0.87 (95% CI 0.81-0.94, P<0.001), sensitivity of 0.85, and specificity of 0.70. All patients received glucocorticoid therapy, and the severe group received higher proportions of steroid pulse therapy, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, intravenous immunoglobulin, biologics, and adjuvant treatments compared to the non-severe group (all P<0.05). In terms of outcomes, 2 patients (2.9%) in the severe group died (due to neurological involvement and intestinal perforation, respectively), while the remaining patients achieved complete clinical response or remission. All patients in the non-severe group achieved remission. Conclusions:The primary clinical features of anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM included fever, heliotrope rash, subcutaneous edema, periorbital edema, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity, and elevated levels of CK, AST, LDH, and FAR. Furthermore, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity and a FAR>6.82 were identified as independent risk factors.

Objective:To establish a model C-GALAD for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from the chronic liver disease and healthy people based on the serum markers.Methods:A clinical cohort including 229 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, 2 317 patients with chronic liver disease and 982 healthy people, was retrospectively collected from eight hospitals or physical examination institutions from April 2018 to October 2020. The data were divided into a training set and a testing set by stratified sampling with a 6∶4 ratio. A predictive model was established on the training set using a logistic backward regression method and validated on the testing set. In addition, clinical data from March to July 2021 in Beijing You′ an Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, including 84 patients with liver cancer and 204 patients with chronic liver disease collected were used for external independent validation of the model. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) area under curve (AUC), the sensitivity and the specificity were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the model.Results:Through the logistic backward regression method, the seven signatures including age, gender, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alpha-fetoprotein alloplasm-3 ratio (AFP-L3%), des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin(DCP), platelet (PLT) and total bilirubin (TBIL) were selected as risk factors in the detection model. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the model on the testing set was 0.954, with an 88.04% sensitivity and a 94.85% specificity, and the AUC of model on the external independent validation set was 0.943, with an 89.29% sensitivity and a 90.2% specificity, which were better than other published models.Conclusion:The C-GALAD Ⅱ model can accurately predict the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence, and thus provide a trustworthy diagnosis method of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective:To analyze long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of gastric cancer patients after robotic radical total gastrectomy.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted. Inclusion criteria: (1) receiving robotic radical total gastrectomy; (2) gastric adenocarcinoma was confirmed by postoperative pathology; (3) no previous history of other malignant tumors; (4) no preoperative chemotherapy or radiation therapy performed. Exclusion criteria: (1) age <18 years old or age >80 years old;(2)distant metastasis before surgery, or palliative surgery; (3) conversion to laparotomy;(4) R1 or R2 resection; (5)emergency surgery; (6) remnant gastric cancer or recurrence; (7)died of severe complications during hospitalization or within 1 month after surgery. Overall survival rates (OS) and disease-free survival rates (DFS) were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression analysis was used to identify prognosis factors for overall survival.Results:According to the above criteria, 166 gastric cancer patients who underwent robotic radical total gastrectomy between March 2010 and November 2018 were included in this study. Roux-en-Y reconstruction was performed in all patients. Reconstruction were achieved using extracorporeal method through a minilaparotomy in 149 case and intracorporeal anastomosis in 17 cases. The number of harvested lymph nodes was (34.8±17.5), and the number of harvested lymph nodes at group 2 was (10.1±6.7). The number of patients with lymph node metastasis of group 2 was 73 (44.0%). The median follow-up time was 25 months (range 2-109). There were 55 (33.1%) cases of recurrence during follow-up. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 55.8% and 46.2% respectively. The 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 53.4% and 45.4% respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates grouped based on TNM stage were 78.9% for stage I, 58.5% for stage II, and 37.1% for stage III. The 5-year disease-free survival rates grouped based on TNM stage were 78.9% for stage I, 59.2% for stage II, and 34.6% for stage III. Univariate analysis suggested that TNM stage, the number of harvested lymph nodes and number of harvested lymph nodes at group 2 were associated with overall survival rates (all P<0.05). Multivariate analyses revealed that TNM stage ( P<0.001; stage IIIB: HR=5.357, 95%CI:1.182 to 24.275; stage IIIC: HR=11.937, 95%CI: 2.677 to 53.226) and number of harvested lymph nodes at group 2 ( P=0.034; 6-10: HR=0.562,95%CI:0.326 to 0.969; >10: HR=0.388, 95%CI: 0.176 to 0.857) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Conclusion:The long-term outcomes of robotic radical total gastrectomy were satisfactory. TNM stage and number of harvested lymph nodes at group 2 were independent prognostic factors for overall survival.

Objective:To analyze long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of gastric cancer patients after robotic radical total gastrectomy.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted. Inclusion criteria: (1) receiving robotic radical total gastrectomy; (2) gastric adenocarcinoma was confirmed by postoperative pathology; (3) no previous history of other malignant tumors; (4) no preoperative chemotherapy or radiation therapy performed. Exclusion criteria: (1) age <18 years old or age >80 years old;(2)distant metastasis before surgery, or palliative surgery; (3) conversion to laparotomy;(4) R1 or R2 resection; (5)emergency surgery; (6) remnant gastric cancer or recurrence; (7)died of severe complications during hospitalization or within 1 month after surgery. Overall survival rates (OS) and disease-free survival rates (DFS) were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression analysis was used to identify prognosis factors for overall survival.Results:According to the above criteria, 166 gastric cancer patients who underwent robotic radical total gastrectomy between March 2010 and November 2018 were included in this study. Roux-en-Y reconstruction was performed in all patients. Reconstruction were achieved using extracorporeal method through a minilaparotomy in 149 case and intracorporeal anastomosis in 17 cases. The number of harvested lymph nodes was (34.8±17.5), and the number of harvested lymph nodes at group 2 was (10.1±6.7). The number of patients with lymph node metastasis of group 2 was 73 (44.0%). The median follow-up time was 25 months (range 2-109). There were 55 (33.1%) cases of recurrence during follow-up. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 55.8% and 46.2% respectively. The 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 53.4% and 45.4% respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates grouped based on TNM stage were 78.9% for stage I, 58.5% for stage II, and 37.1% for stage III. The 5-year disease-free survival rates grouped based on TNM stage were 78.9% for stage I, 59.2% for stage II, and 34.6% for stage III. Univariate analysis suggested that TNM stage, the number of harvested lymph nodes and number of harvested lymph nodes at group 2 were associated with overall survival rates (all P<0.05). Multivariate analyses revealed that TNM stage ( P<0.001; stage IIIB: HR=5.357, 95%CI:1.182 to 24.275; stage IIIC: HR=11.937, 95%CI: 2.677 to 53.226) and number of harvested lymph nodes at group 2 ( P=0.034; 6-10: HR=0.562,95%CI:0.326 to 0.969; >10: HR=0.388, 95%CI: 0.176 to 0.857) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Conclusion:The long-term outcomes of robotic radical total gastrectomy were satisfactory. TNM stage and number of harvested lymph nodes at group 2 were independent prognostic factors for overall survival.

Objective: To analyze the postoperative complications of Da Vinci robotic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer, and explore the risk factors for postoperative complications. Methods: The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 173 patients with gastric cancer who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from March 2010 to March 2019 were collected. There were 138 males and 35 females, aged from 34 to 76 years, with an average age of 60 years. All the 173 patients underwent Da Vinci robotic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Observation indicators: (1) postoperative complications; (2) analysis of risk factors for postoperative complications of Da Vinci robotic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages. Univariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Indicators with P<0.1 were included into multivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression model. Results: (1) Postoperative complications: of the 173 patients, 45 had postoperative complications, with a incidence rate of 26.0%(45/173). Among the 45 patients, 5 had gradeⅠpostoperative complications, 31 had grade Ⅱ postoperative complications, 2 had grade Ⅲa postoperative complications, 3 had grade Ⅲb postoperative complications, 1 had grade Ⅳa postoperative complications, 1 had grade Ⅳb postoperative complications, and 2 had grade Ⅴ postoperative complications. The incidence of serious complications was 5.2%(9/173). Of the 5 patients with gradeⅠcomplications, 1 of fever was improved after antipyretic treatment, 2 of incisional fat liquefaction were improved after dressing change, 1 of vomiting was improved after being given antiemetic, and 1 of delayed recovery of gastrointestinal function was improved after symptomatic treatment. Among 31 patients with gradeⅡcomplications, 12 patients had pulmonary infection, including 6 of pulmonary infection alone, 3 combined with pleural effusion, 1 combined with abdominal infection, 2 combined with intestinal obstruction, and all were improved after conservative treatment; 7 of fever were improved after anti-infection treatment; 4 patients had deep venous catheter infection including 1 combined with bilateral pleural effusion, and were improved after removing catheter and anti-infection treatment; 3 patients had anastomotic leakage including 1 with pulmonary infection and abdominal infection, and were improved after conservative treatment; 2 patients had duodenal stump leakage (1 combined with pulmonary infection, 1 combined with pulmonary infection and pleural effusion) , and were improved after conservative treatment; 1 patient had abdominal hemorrhage, and was improved after conservative treatment; 1 patient had intestinal obstruction, and was improved after conservative treatment; 1 patient had abdominal infection, and was improved after conservative treatment. Of the 2 patients with grade Ⅲa complications, 1 had duodenal stump leakage combined with abdominal abscess, and was improved after puncture and drainage; 1 had pleural effusion combined with pulmonary infection, and was improved after puncture and drainage. Among the 3 patients with grade Ⅲb complications, 1 of abdominal hemorrhage was improved after reoperation, 2 of anastomotic leakage were improved after being placed jejunal nutrition tube under painless gastroscopy. Of the 2 cases, 1 combined with abdominal infection and 1 combined with pleural effusion and abdominal infection were improved after puncture and drainage. Among the 2 patients with grade Ⅳ complications, 1 of Ⅳa encountering respiratory failure was improved after treatment due to misinhalation of anesthesia, and 1 of Ⅳb suffered from multiple organ failure and was improved after treatment due to anastomotic leakage. Two patients with grade V complication died, including one with anastomotic leakage, abdominal hemorrhage, and multiple organ failure, and the other with respiratory failure and cardiac insufficiency. In the 173 patients, the incidence of comprehensive complication index (CCI) ≥ 25.2 was 11.0%(19/173). (2) Analysis of risk factors for postoperative complications of Da Vinci robotic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: univariate analysis showed that body mass index (BMI), volume of intraoperative blood loss, and operation time were the related factors affecting the postoperative complications (χ²=4.275, 5.057, 5.463, P<0.05). BMI and volume of intraoperative blood loss were the related factors affecting the postoperative serious complications (χ²=7.517, 5.537, P<0.05). Age, BMI and Charlson Comorbidity Index were the related factors affecting CCI ≥25.2 (χ²=8.946, 7.890, 4.062, P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor diameter ≥ 3 cm and tumor located at esophagogastric junction were independent risk factors for postoperative complications [odds ratio (OR) =4.350, 2.175, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.352-14.000, 1.018-4.647, P<0.05)]. BMI ≥25 kg/m² was an independent risk factor for serious complications after operation (OR=5.156, 95%CI: 1.120-23.738, P<0.05). Age ≥60 years, BMI ≥25 kg/m², and history of abdominal surgery were independent risk factors for CCI≥25.2 (OR=30.928, 3.557, 6.009, 95%CI: 1.485-644.19, 1.082-11.691, 1.358-26.592, P<0.05). Conclusions The Clavien-Dindo classification of patients after Da Vinci robotic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer is mostly gradeⅡ. The main complications are pulmonary-related complications. CCI can better predict the risk factors for serious complications after operation. Tumor diameter ≥ 3 cm and tumor located at esophagogastric junction are independent risk factors for postoperative complications; BMI ≥25 kg/m² is an independent risk factor for serious complications; age ≥60 years, BMI ≥25 kg/m², and history of abdominal surgery are independent risk factors for CCI≥25.2.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The Rome III criteria separated chronic constipation into functional constipation (FC) and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C), but some researchers questioned the partitioning and treated both as distinct parts of a continuum. The study aims to explore the similarity and diversity of brain white matter between FC and IBS-C. METHODS: The voxel-wise analysis of the diffusion parameters was used to quantify the white matter changes of female brains in 18 FC patients and 20 IBS-C patients compared with a comparison group with 19 healthy controls by tract-based spatial statistics. The correlations between diffusive parameters and clinical symptoms were evaluated using a Pearson’s correlation. RESULTS: In comparison to healthy controls, FC patients showed a decrease of fractional anisotropy (FA) and an increase of radial diffusivity (RD) in multiple major fibers encompassing the corpus callosum (CC, P = 0.001 at peak), external capsule (P = 0.002 at peak), corona radiata (CR, P = 0.001 at peak), and superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF, P = 0.002 at peak). In contrast, IBS-C patients showed FA and RD aberrations in the CC (P = 0.048 at peak). Moreover, the direct comparison between FC and IBS-C showed only RD differences in the CR and SLF. In addition, FA and RD in the CC were significantly associated with abdominal pain for all patients, whereas FA in CR (P = 0.016) and SLF (P = 0.040) were significantly associated with the length of time per attempt and incomplete evacuation separately for FC patients. CONCLUSION: These results may improve our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying different types of constipation.
Abdominal Pain ; Anisotropy ; Brain ; Constipation ; Corpus Callosum ; Diffusion ; Diffusion Tensor Imaging ; External Capsule ; Female ; Humans ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; White Matter

Objective: To evaluate the clinical application of a novel HIV-1 DNA reagent. Methods: HIV-1-infected and non-infected human blood samples were selected, as well as weakly positive samples, indeterminate samples, specific samples. Compared the result of HIV-1 DNA reagent with HIV-1 infection status (refer to the National Guideline for Detection of HIV/AIDS (2015)), the accuracy of the HIV-1 DNA reagent was evaluated in clinical application; Meanwhile, the commercially available RNA quantification kit was selected as reference reagent for parallel detection, and then the consistency and differences were evaluated between HIV-1 DNA reagent and RNA quantification reagent. Results: A total of 95 whole blood samples were tested by the HIV-1 DNA reagent. Taking the HIV-1 infection status as the reference standard, the result showed that the positive agreement rate was 100% (95%CI: 93.94%-100%), the negative agreement rate was 100% (95%CI: 90.26%-100%), and the overall agreement rate was 100% (95%CI: 96.19%-100%). The Kappa value was 1 (95%CI: 1.00-1.00). The HIV-1 DNA reagent could detect weakly positive samples and indeterminate samples of early infection, and could effectively distinguish false-positive samples tested by the Ag-Ab reagent. The specific samples had no false-positive result . Conclusions The result of HIV-1 DNA reagent were consistent with the HIV-1 infection status. It can be considered as equivalent to the HIV-1 detection reagent commercially available in our country. It can effectively identify the indeterminate samples in the early infection. Compared with the RNA quantification reagent, it can effectively detect HIV-1 DNA of virus reservoirs.