Comparative outcomes of vascular access in patients older than 70 years with end-stage renal disease

Objective

The advantage of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in older patients requiring dialysis is controversial. We reviewed our vascular access experience in patients ≥70 years of age (older group) compared with younger patients.

Could non-HDL-cholesterol be a better marker of atherogenic dyslipidemia in obstructive sleep apnea?

Background/objectiveObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is independently associated with dyslipidemia, a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol is accepted as a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol is a better marker of atherogenic dyslipidemia and recommended as a target of lipid lowering therapy. We aimed to assess the prevalence of atherogenic dyslipidemia, and relationship between OSA severity and serum LDL-cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol levels in OSA patients.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated treatment naïve 2361 subjects admitted to the sleep laboratory of a university hospital for polysomnography. All subjects’ lipid profile including total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-HDL-cholesterol were measured.ResultsOut of 2361 patients (mean age 49.6 ± 11.9 years; 68.9% male, apnea-hypopnea index 36.6 ± 28.4/h), 185 (7.8%) had no OSA and 2176 (92.2%) had OSA. Atherogenic dyslipidemia prevalence was high (57–66%) in OSA patients, and especially increased in severe OSA compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Though total and LDL-cholesterol did not differ between those with and without OSA, non-HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.020), and triglycerides (p = 0.001) were higher and HDL-cholesterol levels (p = 0.018) were lower in OSA patients than non-OSA. Non-HDL-cholesterol was significantly correlated with OSA severity (p < 0.001) and hypoxia parameters (p < 0.01), whereas LDL-cholesterol showed no correlation.ConclusionsAtherogenic dyslipidemia is highly prevalent and non-HDL-cholesterol levels are significantly increased, predominantly in severe OSA patients. Non-HDL-cholesterol but not LDL-cholesterol, is significantly correlated with OSA severity and hypoxia parameters. Therefore, it could be better to use non-HDL-cholesterol, which is a guideline recommended target of lipid therapy, as a marker of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk in OSA patients.     

非高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平与冠心病患者冠状动脉病变Gensini评分的相关性研究

目的 探讨非高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平(non-HDL-C)与冠心病(CHD)患者冠状动脉病变Gensini评分的关系及临床意义。方法 对225例疑诊或既往临床诊断CHD患者予以冠状动脉造影(CAG),将造影阴性的39例作为对照组(HC组),造影阳性的186例患者诊断为CHD,结合临床特点分为心绞痛组(AP组)122例和心肌梗死组(AMI组)64例。采用Gensini评分对冠状动脉病变程度评分,测定患者全套血脂水平,探讨non-HDL-C及相关脂质成分与冠状动脉病变程度Gensini评分的相关性;同时对他汀类药物强化降脂达标,低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)<1.80 mmol/L的AP组患者进行non-HDL-C与冠状动脉病变程度Gensini评分的亚组分析。结果 AMI组non-HDL-C水平高于AP组及HC组,AP组non-HDL-C水平高于HC组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);CHD患者non-HDL-C水平与Gensini评分呈正相关(r=0.562,P<0.05);LDL-C控制达标的AP组患者,高non-HDL-C组(≥2.60 mmol/L)比低non-HDL-C组(<2.60 mmol/L)Gensini评分明显升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 non-HDL-C与冠状动脉病变程度密切相关,non-HDL-C在评估LDL-C控制达标患者的冠状动脉病变程度及再发心血管事件风险上有一定价值,可作为LDL-C达标后心血管残余风险新的观察指标。     

Non alcoholic fatty liver disease and risk of incident diabetes in subjects who are not obese

Background and aims

It is not known whether non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a risk factor for diabetes in non obese, non centrally-obese subjects. Our aim was to investigate relationships between fatty liver, insulin resistance and a biomarker score for liver fibrosis with incident diabetes at follow up, in subjects who were neither obese nor centrally-obese.

超脉冲CO2点阵激光联合PRP治疗面部痤疮凹陷性瘢痕疗效分析

目的:探究超脉冲CO2点阵激光联合富血小板血浆(PRP)治疗面部痤疮凹陷性瘢痕的疗效。方法:72例面部痤疮凹陷性瘢痕患者,随机分为观察组(36例)和对照组(36例)。对照组采用超脉冲CO2点阵激光治疗,观察组采用超脉冲CO2点阵激光联合PRP治疗。比较两组患者的灰度差异、时间指标、瘢痕程度、疼痛、不良反应及视觉评估。结果:观察组的并发症发生率为11.11%,低于对照组的36.11%,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组患者的灰度差异率均减小,且观察组患者的灰度差异率显著低于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,观察组的炎性渗出时间、红肿时间、愈合时间、停工时间及瘢痕程度评分均低于对照组,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05);但疼痛度评分组间比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:超脉冲CO2点阵激光联合PRP治疗面部痤疮凹陷性瘢痕效果较好,可有效降低瘢痕程度,减少治疗时间及并发症的发生,帮助患者迅速回归正常工作与生活,值得临床推广使用。     

The value of a pantaloon cast test in surgical decision making for chronic low back pain patients: a systematic review of the literature supplemented with a prospective cohort study

The results of lumbar fusion in chronic low back pain (LBP) patients vary considerably, and there is a need for proper patient selection. Lumbosacral orthoses have been widely used to predict outcome, however, with little scientific support. The aim of the present study was to determine the value of a pantaloon cast test in selecting chronic LBP patients for lumbar fusion or conservative management. First, a systematic review of the literature was carried out in which two independent reviewers identified studies in Medline, Cochrane and Current Contents databases. Three papers met the selection criteria. In the only study with a control group, a significantly better outcome after fusion compared to conservative treatment was found in patients who reported significant pain relief while in a cast (i.e. a positive cast test). The results of lumbar fusion, however, were not significantly different for patients with a positive and those with a negative cast test. In addition to the review, a clinical cohort study of 257 LBP patients, who had been allocated to either lumbar fusion or conservative management by a temporary external transpedicular fixation trial, was performed. Prior to allocation, all had undergone a pantaloon cast test. Patients with no history of prior spine surgery and with a positive pantaloon cast test had a better outcome after lumbar fusion than those treated conservatively (P = 0.002, χ ² test). In patients with previous spine operations the outcomes were poor and the test was of no value. From the literature and the present patient cohort, it was concluded that only in chronic LBP patients without prior spine surgery, a pantaloon cast test with substantial pain relief suggests a favorable outcome of lumbar fusion compared to conservative management. The test has no value in patients who have had previous spine surgery.     

A clinical and radiological two‐year follow‐up study of maxillary overdentures on osseointegrated implants

In order to satisfy the need to restore the aesthetics, phonetics and comfort and to facilitate optimal hygiene procedures, 20 edentulous patients were treated with a new concept of overdenture therapy on implants ad modum Brånemark. After 24±3.5 months the patients were re‐examined. They were asked to answer a questionnaire and use a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to give their opinion on the prosthetic treatment. The results indicate that an implant‐retained overdenture in the maxilla with this design can satisfy the patients needs in aesthetics, phonetics and comfort and can 1 facilitate oral hygiene measures.     

尼罗罗非鱼肉营养成分分析

<正> 尼罗罗非鱼(Tilapia nilotica)是我国从非洲引进的热带鱼类,具有刺少肉味鲜嫩、食性广、生长快、繁殖力强、养殖周期短等特点。已快速地养殖到全国各地。作者对利用地热资源人工喂养条件下的尼罗罗非鱼肉的氨基酸和肉内的粗蛋白、脂肪、维生素等成分进行分析,评估尼罗罗非鱼肉的营养价值,从营养学的角度为人们提供科学依据。