In the univariate Cox proportional hazard model, other CVE predictors included older age, history of CVD and diabetes mellitus, usage of central venous catheter, lower serum levels of albumin, prealbumin, creatinine, and uric acid, and increased levels of white blood cell count, hsCRP, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (Table 3). The gene discussed is NPPB; the disease is diabetes mellitus.