Association of vitamin D levels and risk of latent tuberculosis in the hemodialysis population

BackgroundVitamin D is essential in the host defense against tuberculosis (TB). Suboptimal vitamin D status is common in the hemodialysis population. Hemodialysis patients have an increased risk compared to the general population latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). However, the association between vitamin D deficiency and LTBI in this population remains unclear.Materials and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study between March and May 2017. Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) through QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube was used to assess LTBI. Plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD) levels were measured by Elecsys Vitamin D Total assay. Suboptimal vitamin D levels included vitamin D insufficiency 20–29 ng/mg and vitamin D deficiency <20 ng/mL. Predictors for LTBI were analyzed.ResultsA total of 287 participants were enrolled. The suboptimal vitamin D level was 31.4% (90/287), which including the vitamin D deficiency was 13.9% (40/287). A total of 49.1% (141/287) people received nutritional vitamin D supplementation. The prevalence of IGRA positivity in this study was 25.1% (72/287). There was no significant difference in vitamin D concentrations or the proportion of vitamin D supplementation among the IGRA-positive and IGRA-negative groups (p = 0.789 and 0.496, respectively). In multivariate analysis, age >65 years old (odds ratio (OR), 1.89; 95% CI, 1.08–3.31; p = 0.026) and TB history (OR, 3.51; 95% CI, 1.38–8.91; p = 0.008) were independent predictors of IGRA positivity.ConclusionThis is the first study to report that vitamin D deficiency was not associated with IGRA positivity in a hemodialysis population. Aging and TB history were both independent predictors for LTBI.     

微视频在ICU气管套管带管出院患者家属健康教育中的应用

目的探讨应用微视频对ICU气管套管带管出院患者的家属实施健康教育的效果。方法选取2018年9月—2020年9月的100例气管套管带管出院患者的家属,根据随机数字表法将其随机分为对照组和试验组各50例,对照组实施常规健康教育和随访;试验组在此基础上将患者出院后面临的共性问题进行归纳总结,制定并应用微视频对其实施健康教育。分别比较两组患者家属在气管套管相关知识知晓率、气管套管护理操作的准确性以及患者气管切开并发症发生率之间的差异。结果试验组家属在气管套管相关知识的知晓率和护理技能的得分均高于对照组家属(P<0.05),但患者气管切开相关并发症发生率低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论应用微视频实施健康教育可有效提高ICU气管套管带管出院患者家属的管路护理水平,提高患者带管期间的安全性。     

Method to examine how geometry affects the release and retention of alpine touring boot-binding systems

ObjectivesDevelop a method to examine the effects of component geometry and force-deflection on the release process of Tech/Pin alpine touring (AT) ski boots and bindings.Design and methodsFor seven AT boots, we measured the critical geometric dimensions of the metal inserts at the toe region of the boots. Binding geometry (including the pins and rocker arms) and the force-angular deflection curves of typical AT bindings were measured. A kinematic model was derived to predict the contact force between the metal inserts of the AT boots and the pins of the AT bindings, dependent on angular displacement of the binding rocker arms. By combining the kinematic model, the force-angular deflection curves, and moment equilibrium, we determined the force and binding rotation angle needed to release the AT boot in a direction normal to the ski.ResultsThe metal AT boot insert geometry and AT binding pin geometry and dimensions can affect significantly the contact states and kinematics of release. Two load-deflection curves of similar peak loads can result in significantly different maximal forces and angles to release the binding, even when the geometry and dimensions of the binding pins and boot inserts remain unchanged.ConclusionsThe geometry and dimensions of the binding (pins and rocker arm) and the boot inserts define the kinematics of the binding release. The model can be used to test the effects of varying parameters on the release and retention characteristics of Tech/Pin boot-binding systems to optimize the release and retention characteristics.     

Erythema induratum of Bazin in a 10‐year‐old boy

Erythema induratum of Bazin (EIB) is a form of tuberculid resulting from hypersensitivity to tuberculosis antigen. EIB occurs most commonly in middle‐aged women and is not typically seen in children. Here, we present a rare case of EIB, presenting as a chronic nodular panniculitis, in a 10‐year‐old Korean boy.     

Synapsin III gene silencing redeems alpha-synuclein transgenic mice from Parkinson's disease-like phenotype

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Personalizing surgical margins in retroperitoneal sarcomas: an update

Introduction: Tumor biology, as well as completeness of surgical resection, are two important prognostic factors when treating retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). A frontline extended surgical approach is associated with improved local control and possibly improved survival. However, this approach has to be tailored to each histological subtype, as the patterns of growth and recurrence risks vary significantly among them.

Areas covered: We provide a review of the literature in RPS, describing the behavior of each of the five main histologic subtypes: well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS), dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS), leiomyosarcoma (LMS), solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). The prognostic factors relevant to oncologic outcomes of RPS, the role of margins and the importance of local control are discussed. Finally, a histologic specific surgical approach to RPS is provided in detail.

Expert opinion: While tumor-related factors are paramount, the only intervenable predictive factor is extent and quality of surgery. The extended surgical approach has been advocated for previously and again we describe it in more detail, tailored specifically to the tumor subtype. The aim of this approach is to maximize the possibility of achieving a complete resection through a standardized approach based on histologic behavior and site of origin.