The Use of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 in a Chinese Population to Predict Cardiovascular Events

Objective To explore associations between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2) and the risk of cardiovascular events in a Chinese population, with a long-term follow-up.Methods A random sample of 2,031 participants(73.6% males, mean age = 60.4 years) was derived from the Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community study(APAC) from 2010 to 2011. Serum Lp-PLA2 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The composite endpoint was a combination of first-eve...     

Acute consumption of pecans decreases angiopoietin-like protein-3 in healthy males: a secondary analysis of randomized controlled trials

Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTL)-3 and -4 regulate lipid metabolism, but the effect of tree nuts of varying fatty acid composition on post-meal responses is unknown. The purpose of the study was to conduct a secondary analysis of two studies on ANGPTL3 and -4 responses to meals containing different tree nuts. We hypothesized that the pecan-containing meal would mitigate postprandial rises in ANGPTL3 compared to the traditional meal without nuts in males, but not females. In addition, we hypothesized that there would be no other differences between any other treatments in ANGPTL3 or -4 responses. The two studies were double-blind, randomized crossover trials. Twenty-two adults (10=male, 12=female) completed study 1, which compared meals containing pecans vs. no nuts (control), and thirty adults (14=male, 16=female) completed study 2, which compared meals containing black walnuts, English walnuts (EW), or no nuts (control). Blood was collected at fasting, 30, 60, 120, and 180min postprandially. In study 1, ANGPTL3 was suppressed more in pecan vs. control in males (iAUC: -579.4±219.4 vs. -128.4±87.1pg/mL/3h, P<.05). In study 2, there was no difference in ANGPTL3 between black walnuts vs. EW, but ANGPTL3 was suppressed more in control vs. black walnuts in females only (iAUC: -196.4±138.4 vs. 102.1±90.1pg/mL/3h, P<.05). There were no differences in ANGPTL4 between treatments. In conclusion, adding pecans to a meal decreased ANGPTL3 in males, but not females. These data highlight the importance of investigating the impact of nutrients and sex on postprandial ANGPTL3 ad -4 responses to better understand their ability to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.     

脑转移瘤影像组学研究进展

脑转移瘤是成人最常见的颅内肿瘤,发病率呈上升趋势。影像组学可对医学影像进行定量分析处理来指导临床实践。近年来,基于CT、MRI的影像组学逐渐应用于脑转移瘤的精准诊疗,如肿瘤精准检测和分割、与其他脑肿瘤的鉴别诊断、原发肿瘤的判别、疗效评价及预后预测等。本文就脑转移瘤影像组学研究现状予以综述。     

Prevalence,Factors, and Health Impacts of Chronic Pain Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in China

BackgroundChronic pain (CP) is prevalent among older adults in many Western countries and its prevalence, factors, and self-reported or objective measured health impacts have been well documented. However, there is limited information on these aspects among Chinese community-dwelling older adults.AimsOur aim was to assess the prevalence of CP and identify its associated factors as well as health impacts among older adults in China.DesignCross-sectional design.SettingsCommunity settings.Participants/SubjectsA total of 1219 community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older.MethodsData on CP, sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidity, cognitive function, and physical activity, as well as self-reported outcomes (functional disability, depression, quality of sleep, and undernutrition) and objective measured physical function, were obtained.ResultsAmong 1,219 participants, 41.1% reported CP, of whom 16.6% experienced moderate to severe pain. The risk of CP was higher among older women with comorbidity and with depression and lower among older adults with higher educational level as well as with adequate physical activity. CP had significant associations with inadequate physical activity, functional disability, depression, poorer quality of sleep, and undernutrition, as well as worsening physical performance, poorer standing balance, and chair stands.ConclusionsCP is a common problem among Chinese community-dwelling older adults, particularly among the most vulnerable subgroups, and has substantial impacts on self-reported functional disability, depression, poor quality of sleep, and undernutrition, as well as objective measured physical function. Therefore it is relevant for older adults to develop effective CP management programs.     

BRCA1/2突变的中国健康女性乳腺预防性切除及Ⅰ期重建的临床实践

目的:探讨对携带BRCA1/2突变的中国健康女性实施乳腺预防性切除及I期重建的可行性。方法:选择2018年1月至2019年2月3例于北京大学国际医院就诊的携带BRCA1/2突变的中国健康女性,其中2例携带BRCA1突变、1例携带BRCA2突变,均有乳腺癌家族史,年龄为34~36岁,实施预防性保留乳头-乳晕的双侧乳腺切除和Ⅰ期假体重建术。结果:3例患者术后无并发症发生,术后中位随访时间为18个月,均无乳腺癌发生,对重建乳房外形满意,且焦虑和恐惧情绪显著下降,取得良好的疗效。结论:对携带BRCA1/2突变且有乳腺癌家族史的中国健康女性,在严格筛选的基础上,可慎重开展乳腺预防性切除及Ⅰ期重建术。     

B7-H1 Promotes the Functional Effect of Human Gingiva-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Collagen-Induced Arthritis Murine Model

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Use of Autologous Costal Cartilage Combined with Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene in Asian Rhinoplasty

BackgroundThe corresponding author's experience and recent methods employed in autologous costal cartilage grafts combined with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in Asian rhinoplasty were presented in this study.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of rhinoplasty performed on patients using autogenous costal cartilage grafts combined with an ePTFE implant.MethodsSeventy-five rhinoplasty cases with autologous costal cartilage grafts and an ePTFE implant were retrospectively reviewed. Graft types, complications associated with the graft itself or graft harvesting, surgical outcomes, and patient satisfaction were assessed.ResultsThe mean follow-up time post-operation was 13.5 months. A total of 42/75 patients underwent revision surgeries. Graft-related complications were found in 8% of cases, including two warped graft and four infection cases. Three individuals with infections had mild graft resorption. One patient with an infection removed the implant. Graft exposure, mobility, and substantial resorption were not recorded. A total of two cases underwent revision procedures for infection and perforation, respectively. Chest incision lengths for graft harvesting averaged 2.1 cm. No pneumothorax or significant donor-site pain was found. Donor-site scars were negligible, although two cases had hypertrophic chest scars. In general, functional and esthetic outcomes were mostly satisfactory among the assessed patients.ConclusionsRhinoplasty using autologous rib cartilage provides adequate support and sufficient cartilage amounts for correcting nasal contouring. Meanwhile, ePTFE alone for nasal dorsum augmentation safely achieves satisfactory outcomes. Rib cartilage rhinoplasty performed by an experienced surgeon yields excellent, long-lasting results with minimal risk; however, the potential for infection should be considered following revision surgery.     

Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Quality of Sleep in the Palliative Care Ward: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ContextThere is little evidence of the effectiveness of aromatherapy massage in palliative care despite its popularity.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the effects of a 30-minute single session of aromatherapy massage at night time on quality of sleep and fatigue in palliative care.MethodsA randomized controlled trial from January 2018 to March 2019. After being stratified by sex, participants were randomly assigned to an aromatherapy massage group and a control group. The effects of aromatherapy massage were evaluated on the massage day and the next day using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire and the Brief Fatigue Inventory.ResultsOf the 74 participants, data of 27 participants in the treatment group and 30 participants in the control group were analyzed. Analysis of covariance indicated that quality of sleep and fatigue did not improve owing to the aromatherapy massage, although usual fatigue in preceding 24 hours and enjoyment of life subscales of the Brief Fatigue Inventory showed signs of contribution (P = 0.07 and 0.09, respectively). Post hoc analyses indicated that higher age and performance status were factors with moderate correlation with better sleep (P = 0.03; r = 0.45 and P = 0.03; r = 0.40, respectively), and that older patients tended to experience greater improvement in fatigue (P = 0.02; r = −0.47).ConclusionA single aromatherapy massage session is no more effective than not having a massage in improving sleep quality in palliative care settings. However, older patients and those in poor health conditions may benefit from aromatherapy massage.