Quan Li

Publications (2)4.55 Total impact

• Article: Magnetic resonance imaging signal changes of alar and transverse ligaments not correlated with whiplash-associated disorders : A meta-analysis of case-control studies.

  Quan Li, Hongxing Shen, Ming Li
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  ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: Hypothesis that loss of integrity of the membranes in the craniocervical junction might be the cause of neck pain in patients with whiplash-associated disorders (WADs) has been proposed. In recent years, with development of more detailed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, morphologic changes of the ligaments and membranes in the craniocervical junction, especially alar and transverse ligaments have been discussed. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship of MRI signal changes of alar and transverse ligaments and WADs. METHODS: A systematic search of EMBASE, PUBMED, and Cochrane Library and references from eligible articles were conducted. Comparative studies reporting on evaluating the relationship between MRI high-signal changes of alar and transverse ligaments and WADs were regarded eligible. A pooled estimate of effect size was produced. RESULTS: Alar ligaments: Six studies (total n = 622) were included. MRI signal changes of alar ligaments did not appear to be related with WADs (P = 0.20, OR = 1.54, 95 % CI = 0.80-2.94). Heterogeneity was present (I (2) = 46 %, P = 0.10), which was eliminated upon sensitivity analysis bringing the OR to 1.27 (95 % CI = 0.87-1.86, I (2) = 0 %). Transverse ligaments: Four studies (total n = 489) were included. MRI signal changes of transverse ligament did not appear to be related with WADs (P = 0.51, OR = 1.44, 95 % CI = 0.49-4.21). Heterogeneity was present (I (2) = 77 %, P = 0.005), which was eliminated upon sensitivity analysis bringing the OR to 0.79 (95 % CI = 0.49-1.28, I (2) = 0 %). CONCLUSION: MRI signal changes of alar and transverse ligaments are not supposed to be caused by whiplash injury, and MRI examination of alar and transverse ligaments should not be used as the routine workup of patients with WADs.
  European Spine Journal 11/2012; · 1.97 Impact Factor
• Article: Plasma adiponectin levels in relation to prognosis in patients with angiographic coronary artery disease.

  Quan Li, Yihua Lu, Lixian Sun, Jianhua Yan, Xiaowei Yan, Ligang Fang, Ming Li, Zhongjie Fan
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  ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: The objective was to study the associations between adiponectin levels and cardiovascular adverse clinical outcomes in patients with angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD) within the Han Chinese population in Beijing. MATERIALS/METHODS: A total of 449 hospitalized patients with angiographic CAD who were Han Chinese in Beijing participated in the study. Plasma adiponectin levels were examined from blood samples using a type of unique enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that was developed by our laboratory. All of the patients' clinical data, including previously identified cardiovascular risk factors, creatinine clearance and left ventricle ejection fraction, were recorded after admission, and patients were followed up for 19±8months. The primary end-point was marked by the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which included death, targeted vascular revascularization, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, and transient ischemic attack (TIA) / stroke. RESULTS: A total of 109 cases of MACE occurred: 15 cases of death, 66 cases of acute coronary syndrome, 4 cases of TIA/stroke, 6 cases of targeted vessel revascularization, and 18 cases of heart failure. Among all the patients, 173 were assigned to the high adiponectin group and 276 were assigned to the low adiponectin group according to their baseline plasma adiponectin levels. The incidence of MACE was significantly higher in the low adiponectin group (P=.037). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis for adiponectin levels, previously documented risk factors, coronary artery stenosis scores, and low adiponectin levels were indicated as independent predictors of MACE in patients with CAD (RR 1.75; 95% CI, 1.066-2.865; P=.027). Further adjustment for hsCRP, Ccr, LVEF, fasting glucose and lipid profile did not attenuate this association (RR=2.36; 95% CI 1.338-4.167; P=.003). The relative risk for low adiponectin levels after additional adjustment for the coronary score was 2.42 (95% CI 1.367-4.279; P=.002). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis curve suggested that patients with lower adiponectin concentrations had a decreased event-free survival ratio (log-rank χ(2) =4.592, P=.032). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a potential association between plasma adiponectin levels and cardiovascular prognosis in patients with CAD.
  Metabolism: clinical and experimental 07/2012; · 2.59 Impact Factor