Bean Kromann (earthpisces4)

12, 95% CI = 1.07-1.17, P less then 0.001) and Europeans (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.06-1.12, P less then 0.001). When data were stratified by control sources, rs13216675 polymorphism was significantly related to AF in studies with both population-based controls (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.07-1.12) and hospital-based controls (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.07-1.17). No evidence of publication bias was detected. Conclusion Our meta-analysis suggested that rs13216675 was significantly related to risk of AF and, therefore, might serve as a potential biological marker of AF.Background Non-invasive Doppler waveform (DW) analysis is a widely adopted method for detecting and evaluating lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). Previous investigations have reported that broad heterogeneity in the description of Doppler waveforms is reduced by using a classification method. The reliability of arterial Doppler classification, however, is unknown. Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the reliability of a 4-category arterial DW classification method among Chinese sonographers. Methods During a national ultrasound conference in China attendees were invited to classify thirty arterial Doppler waveforms. After viewing a 4-category (triphasic, biphasic, monophasic, and other) arterial Doppler waveform descriptor presentation, attendees were asked to classify 15 continuous wave (CW) and 15 pulsed wave (PW) Doppler waveforms. CTP-656 CFTR modulator Their responses were recorded via mobile phone and the reliability of this 4-category classification was estimated by Fleiss' Kappa inter-rater statistical analysis. Results One hundred and seventy-eight attendees participated in the analysis. The Kappa coefficient of Fleiss (κ) for all attendees was 0.522 (p less then 0.005) with 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.520-0.523. The reliability of the waveform descriptor triphasic was the highest (κ = 0.621, p less then 0.005), and other was the lowest (κ = 0.341, p less then 0.005). Conclusion The inter-rater reliability of a 4-category arterial Doppler waveform classification by Chinese sonographers is considered weak (κ = 0.522, CI95% 0.520-0.523, p less then 0.005). This study reinforces the importance of assessing DW classification reliability and the development of DW descriptors that are more accurately predictive of clinical hemodynamic events.Background The elevated gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity is regarded as an indicator of cardiovascular disease, with males having higher values than females. The greater incidence of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is observed in women, whereas prognosis is poor in men. The present study aims to investigate the potential association of GGT on male patients. Methods Serum GGT levels were measured in 338 consecutive adult IPAH patients, who underwent bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2) genetic counseling, and matched with healthy subjects by sex and age. The followed interval was 48 ± 34 months. Results Increased serum GGT levels were more common in patients with IPAH than controls (p less then 0.001). GGT values were significantly higher in male patients than those of females (p less then 0.001). Compared with female patients with BMPR2 mutation, GGT level in male patients with BMPR2 mutation was further increased (p = 0.002). Higher GGT levels were associated with worse hemodynamics and Nterminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide in all patients. However, males with a GGT concentration ≥ 53 U/L had a worse survival than those of females. Contrarily, if GGT concentration less then 53 U/L, there was no survival difference between male and female patients. After adjustment for relevant variables of clinical features and hemodynamics, baseline higher GGT levels remained increased risks of all-cause mortality in males rather than females. During rehospitalization follow-up, male patients still had significantly higher values of GGT than females. Conclusions Increased GGT lev