Serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PINP) in patients with liver diseases

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of interleukin-6 and N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I and their relationship in liver diseases of different etiologies.

Material and methods: Serum samples were obtained from 30 healthy volunteers and patients suffering from alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) – 31, non-alcoholic cirrhosis (NAC) – 28 and toxic hepatitis (HT) – 23 patients. Cirrhotic patients were classified according to Child–Pugh score. IL-6 and PINP concentrations were determined according to the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results: The mean serum IL-6 concentration was significantly higher in AC (mean?±?SD:21.52?± 15.01?pg/mL), NAC (20.07?±?32.12?pg/mL) and HT (15.14?±?17.18?pg/mL) when compared to the control group (C) (1.67?±?0.42?pg/mL) (Mann–Whitney U test: p?p?p?=?.020 and p?p?p?=?.022, respectively). IL-6 and PINP concentrations appeared to vary depending on the severity of liver damage (p?p?p?Conclusions: We conclude that serum concentrations of IL-6 and PINP change in liver diseases, and those changes reflect the severity of liver disease.     

Assessment of the role of serum ischemia-modified albumin in obstructive sleep apnea in comparison with interleukin-6

Objectives: There is limited and contradictory information regarding the role of serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this study we examine the effects of OSA and obesity on IMA and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and detect whether IMA and IL-6 may be potential biomarkers in OSA.

Methods: Fifty-one males who underwent all night polysomnography test were included into the study. Body-mass index (BMI) and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of all patients were determined. Serum IMA and IL-6 levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), complete blood count, routine blood biochemistry and thyroid function tests were performed.

Results: Mean IMA [0.36 (± 0.04) U/ml, 0.89 (± 0.15) U/ml], mean IL-6 [1.01 (± 0.19) pg/ml, 2.02 (± 1.19) pg/ml] and mean ESR [4.14 (± 2.5) mm/h, 14.35 (± 13.7) mm/h] levels showed significant difference between non-OSA and OSA groups (P = 0.005, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Sensitivity of IMA in distinction of non-OSA/OSA was equal to IL-6 and higher than ESR. IMA was also a stronger predictive factor than IL-6 and ESR in the evaluation of OSA groups (severe/mild/moderate OSA and non-OSA). IMA was the sole distinctive biomarker in assessment of obese and non-obese cases. IMA correlated with IL-6, AHI and ESR.

Conclusion: Serum IMA may be a valuable oxidative stress indicator for OSA and could act as a better biomarker than IL-6 for reflecting the presence and the severity of OSA.     

Accuracy of pre-hospital HEART score risk classification using point of care versus high sensitive troponin in suspected NSTE-ACS

IntroductionPre-hospital risk classification by the HEART score is performed with point of care troponin assessment. However, point of care troponin is less sensitive than high sensitive troponin measurement which is used in the hospital setting. In this study we compared pre-hospital HEART-score risk classification using point of care troponin versus high sensitive troponin.MethodsIn 689 consecutive patients with suspected NSTE-ACS, point of care troponin and laboratory high-sensitive troponin were measured in pre-hospital derived blood. For every patient the HEART score with both point of care troponin (HEART-POC) and high sensitive troponin (HEART-hsTnT) was determined. Endpoint was MACE within 45 days.ResultsMean age was 64 (SD ± 14), 163 (24%) patients were considered low-risk by HEART-hsTnT and 170 (25%) by HEART-POC. MACE was observed in 17%. Although high sensitive versus POC troponin scoring was different in 130 (19%) of patients, in 678 (98%) patients risk classification in low versus intermediate-high risk was similar. The predictive values of HEART-POC versus HEART-HsTnT was similar (AUC 0.75 versus 0.76, p = 0.241).ConclusionAlthough high sensitive versus POC troponin scoring was dissimilar in one fifth of patients, this resulted in different patient risk classification in only 2 percent of patients. Therefore POC troponin measurement suffices for pre-hospital risk stratification of suspected NSTE-ACS.     

Early immunologic responses to trauma in the emergency department patients with major injuries

BackgroundA traumatic insult initiates an inflammatory cascade, which is a contributor to cell damage and could be a marker of injury severity.ObjectiveTo compare the initial and 4-h post-injury lymphocyte subsets and cytokine levels between patients with minor and major injury.MethodsProspective, cross-sectional study of trauma patients in an urban level I trauma center. Inclusion criteria: Adult patients with significant mechanism of injury requiring admission. Variables: cell counts (B-cells, Natural Killer cells, monocytes; and CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes) and cytokines (IL-1, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα). We divided subjects into two groups (major and minor injury). We defined major injury as an injury severity score ≥15, or drop in hematocrit ≥10 points or blood transfusion requirement. Statistical Analysis: Univariate analysis was performed using each inflammatory marker, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the inflammatory markers associated with major injury.Results79 patients were studied (mean age: 35 ± 17, age range: 13–88, 84% male, 38% penetrating trauma, 96% African-American). 25% of patients (n = 20) experienced major injury. Larger base deficit (?3.6 ± 6.2 vs. ?0.9 ± 4.2) levels were observed in major trauma patients. We found that major injury is associated with a drop in absolute CD4 cell count (but not in the CD8 cells), a rise in absolute B-cell count (but not in the NK-cells or monocytes), and a rise in IL-6 (but not in the IL-1, IL-5, IL-10, TNF-a).ConclusionWe found evidence of a measurable early inflammatory response to trauma, using cytokine levels and lymphocyte subset counts.     

ED bedside point-of-care lactate in patients with suspected sepsis is associated with reduced time to iv fluids and mortality

Objective

Early recognition and treatment of sepsis improves outcomes. We determined the effects of bedside point-of-care (POC) lactate measurement on test turnaround time, time to administration of IV fluids and antibiotics, mortality, and ICU admissions in adult ED patients with suspected sepsis. We hypothesized that bedside lactate POC testing would reduce time to IV fluids and antibiotics.

Methods

We compared 80 ED patients with suspected sepsis and a lactate level of 2 mmol/L or greater before and 80 similar patients after introduction of POC lactate measurements. Groups were compared with Χ² and Mann Whitney U tests. A sample size of 80 patients in each group had 85% power to detect a 30-minute difference in time to IV fluids or antibiotics.

Results

Study groups were similar in age, gender, baseline lactate levels, sepsis severity, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. Introduction of POC lactate was associated with significant reductions in test turnaround time (34 [26-55] vs. 122 [82-149] minutes; P < 0.001), time to IV fluids (55 [34-83] vs. 71 [42-110] minutes; P = 0.03), mortality (6% vs. 19%; P = 0.02), and ICU admissions (33% vs. 51%, P = 0.02), but not time to IV antibiotics (89 [54-156] vs. 88 [60-177] minutes; P = 0.35).

Conclusions

Implementation of bedside POC lactate measurement in adult ED patients with suspected sepsis reduces time to test results and time to administration of IV fluids but not antibiotics. A significant reduction in mortality and ICU admissions was also demonstrated, which is likely due, at least in part, to POC testing.     

颈动脉粥样硬化斑块MDCT定量分析

目的 探讨采用颈动脉粥样硬化斑块平扫CT值和强化幅度预测脑血管症状的价值。方法 纳入87例拟诊为颈动脉粥样硬化接受MDCT平扫及CTA的患者,根据有无脑血管症状分为有症状组(n=38)及无症状组(n=49),通过手动勾画ROI的方法测量CT平扫及CTA图像上斑块非钙化部分的CT值,采用独立样本t检验比较组间差异。应用ROC曲线分析采用平扫CT值及强化幅度判定是否引起脑血管症状的效能,并采用Z检验对曲线下面积进行比较。结果 有症状组和无症状组颈动脉斑块平扫CT值分别为(45.58±8.94)HU和(31.09±6.83)HU,二者差异有统计学意义(t=-8.569,P<0.001);有症状组颈动脉斑块强化增幅大于无症状组(t=-3.421,P=0.001)。ROC曲线阈值分析显示,平扫CT值最佳临界值为37.20 HU,判定是否引起脑血管症状的敏感度为92.10%(35/38),特异度为81.63%(40/49),准确率86.21%(75/87),ROC曲线下面积为0.937。强化幅度最佳临界值为10.1 HU,其敏感度为76.32%(29/38),特异度为63.27%(31/49),准确率为68.97%(60/87),曲线下面积为0.735;二者曲线下面积的差异有统计学意义(Z=3.613,P<0.01)。结论 颈动脉斑块非钙化部分平扫CT值和强化幅度与脑血管症状有关;斑块平扫CT值对判断是否引起脑血管症状的效能优于斑块强化幅度。     

Right ventricular ejection fraction during orthotopic liver transplantation: Does anesthetic technique make a difference?

PurposeThe objective of this study is to evaluate the right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) under 2 different anesthetic regimens: propofol vs isoflurane anesthesia.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the hemodynamic data of 25 (n = 25) patients who underwent OLT during the last year (2008). All patients were monitored with a modified pulmonary artery catheter, which continuously measured the RVEF. Anesthetic technique consisted of either isoflurane or total intravenous anesthesia with propofol. Surgical technique was similar between groups.ResultsTen (n = 10) patients comprised the isoflurane group (I), whereas 15 (n = 15) patients received propofol anesthesia (P). The RVEF was not significantly different between groups (I vs P, baseline: 41% ± 9% vs 40% ± 6%; anhepatic phase: 36% ± 8% vs 35% ± 6%; postreperfusion: 41% ± 6% vs 41% ± 8%; P = not significant).ConclusionsThe choice between propofol and isoflurane seems to have minimal influence on the RVEF during OLT, which followed similar trends regardless of the anesthetic technique.     

The Feasibility and Accuracy of Point-of-Care Lactate Measurement in Emergency Department Patients with Suspected Infection

Background: Prior studies show that lactate is a useful prognostic marker in sepsis. Objective: To study the feasibility and accuracy of a point-of-care (POC) analyzer capable of performing bedside serum lactate measurements; and to determine if other measurements (pH, base excess) are predictive of mortality. Methods: Design: prospective cohort study of adult (age 18 years or older) Emergency Department (ED) patients with suspected infection during the study period of May 2006 through March 2007. Setting: A 55,000-annual-visit urban tertiary care ED. Intervention: A point-of-care device (i-STAT, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Princeton, NJ) was deployed using a standardized training and quality assurance process. Using POC testing, we measured serum lactate, pH, and base excess, as well as concomitant lactate measurement via a central laboratory. Statistics: Area under the curve (AUC) for receiver operator characteristic curve, Bland-Altman statistics along with a correlation coefficient, and relative risk with 95% confidence intervals reported. Results: There were 699 patients enrolled, of whom 34 (4.9%) died. The AUCs for mortality prediction were: POC lactate 0.72, laboratory lactate 0.70, pH measurement 0.60, and base excess 0.60. Bland-Altman showed that POC lactate was, on average, 0.32 (95% confidence interval −0.35–0.98) lower than laboratory lactate, with agreement kappa = 0.97. Conclusions: A point-of-care testing device provides a reliable and feasible way to measure serum lactate at the bedside. The pH and base excess were less helpful.     

Phonophoresis of Phyllanthus amarus nanoparticle gel improves functional capacity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThis study examined the effects of treatment with Phyllanthus amarus nanoparticle gel applied by phonophoresis (PP) and ultrasound therapy (UT) in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) using a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.MethodsPatients with knee OA (n = 40; mean age ± SD, 64.30 ± 9.71 years), who had visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for knee pain intensity of 68.00 ± 9.58 (UT group) and 71.00 ± 8.74 (PP group, respectively) before treatment, were randomly allocated into two groups. Both groups were treated with an ultrasound program in continuous mode, 1.0 W/cm², 10 min per session, for 10 sessions. Nanoparticles of P. amarus were used in the PP group, whereas a nondrug coupling gel was used in the UT group. The 6-min walk test (6-MWT) was performed to evaluate functional capacity. The VAS and the 6-MWT were evaluated before and after 10 treatment sessions in both groups using a double-blind procedure.ResultsVAS and 6-MWT showed significant improvement after treatment in both groups (p < 0.05). The PP group showed more significant effects than the UT group, in terms of both reducing the VAS pain score (p < 0.05) and improving 6-MWT (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPP is suggested as an effective method for the treatment of symptomatic knee OA for reducing pain and improving functional capacity.     

ARFI elastography in patients with chronic autoimmune liver diseases: A preliminary study

ObjectiveAcoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) is a new software-based technique that evaluates liver stiffness during B-mode ultrasonography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ARFI in distinguishing patients with chronic autoimmune liver disease from healthy subjects.Material and methodsWe enrolled 9 adult patients (8 women, 1 man; age 48.1 ± 12.8 years) with chronic autoimmune disease (primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC, n = 3), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH, n = 2), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC, n = 1) and overlap syndromes, (n = 3) who underwent a liver biopsy and 11 healthy volunteers (age 34.7 ± 10.4 years; 7 women, 4 men). Liver stiffness was evaluated and expressed as the shear wave velocity (SWV) in m/sec. We used a US scanner Siemens-Acuson S2000, evaluating the right liver lobe and the left liver lobe.ResultsThe SWV was significantly higher in cases (right lobe: 1.51 ± 0.44; left lobe: 1.57 ± 0.40) than in controls (right lobe: 1.08 ± 0.10; left lobe: 1.12 ± 0.13) (right lobe: P = 0.002; left lobe: P = 0.013). We found no significant correlation between right and left lobe SWVs in cases (P = 0.779) or controls (P = 0.385). The SWV cut-off that best distinguished cases from controls was 1.25 m/sec (accuracy: AUC=0.885; sensitivity: 70.6%; specificity: 95.5%).ConclusionsARFI elastography is a noninvasive ultrasonographic technique that can differentiate healthy subjects from patients with fibrotic stages of chronic liver disease.     

Impact of Finnish sauna bathing on circulating markers of inflammation in healthy middle-aged and older adults: A crossover study

ObjectivesFinnish sauna bathing is associated with a reduced risk of adverse health outcomes. The acute physiological responses elicited by Finnish sauna bathing that could explain this association remain understudied. This study characterized the acute effect of Finnish sauna bathing on circulating markers of inflammation in healthy middle-aged and older adults.DesignWith the use of a crossover study design, 20 healthy middle-aged and older adults (9 men/11 women, 66 ± 6 years old) performed 3 interventions in random order: 1) 1 x 10 min of Finnish sauna bathing (80 °C, 20 % humidity); 2) 2 x 10 min of Finnish sauna bathing; 3) a time-control period during which participants sat outside of the sauna for 10 min.Main outcomesVenous blood samples were obtained before (≤15 min) and after (∼65 min) each intervention to determine circulating concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), and C-reactive protein (CRP).ResultsIL-6 increased in response to 2 x 10 min of sauna bathing (+0.92 pg/mL [+0.16, +1.68], P = 0.02), but not following the 1 x 10 min session (+0.17 pg/mL [-0.13, +0.47], P = 0.26). IL1-RA increased during the 1 x 10 min (+51.27 pg/mL [+20.89, +81.65], P < 0.01) and 2 x 10 min (+30.78 pg/mL [+3.44, +58.12], P = 0.03) sessions. CRP did not change in response to either sauna session (P = 0.34).ConclusionThese results demonstrate that typical Finnish sauna bathing sessions acutely increase IL-6 and IL1-RA in healthy middle-aged and older adults.     

夜间低氧对慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者血清IL-6、IL-8的影响

目的:探讨慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者夜间低氧与全身炎症反应的关系。方法:选择中度至极重度COPD患者70例,年龄45～74岁,平均(65.41±7.84)岁。按多导睡眠监测结果将研究对象分为低氧组和非低氧组,均行肺功能和多导睡眠监测、炎症指标检测。比较各组血清IL-6及IL-8的差异,分析炎症指标与睡眠呼吸参数的相关性。结果:睡眠低氧组27例,低氧率为38.57%,低氧组血清IL-6、IL-8分别为(14.34±2.76) ng/mL、(68.49±9.65) ng/mL,明显高于非低氧组的(11.79±1.85) ng/mL、(61.62±8.47) ng/mL(均P0.001)。经校正年龄、体质量指数后,IL-6与睡眠呼吸相关参数TS88正相关(r=0.651,P=0.041),与最低SaO_2和平均SaO_2负相关(r=-0.644,P=0.038和r=-0.780,P=0.018);IL-8与睡眠呼吸相关参数TS88正相关(r=0.627,P=0.039),与最低SaO_2和平均SaO_2负相关(r=-0.659,P=0.026和r=-0.732,P=0.014)。结论:中度至极重度COPD患者夜间低氧普遍存在,低氧组患者全身炎症反应明显增强,全身炎症反应与夜间低氧相关。     

Theoretical knowledge and skill retention 3 and 6 months after a European Newborn Life Support provider course

IntroductionThe European Resuscitation Council Newborn Life Support Course (ERC- NLS) aims at training healthcare professionals, involved in perinatal care, in order to intervene efficiently and promptly to assist transition or resuscitate neonates who require help at birth. However, limited data exists for the retention of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills provided by the course. This study aims to evaluate the degree of knowledge and skill retention 3 and 6 months after the ERC-NLS provider course.MethodsThis is a prospective study. Theoretical knowledge was evaluated using the ERC-approved NLS written test (50 True/False questions). Evaluation of technical skills included performance, on an Advanced Life Support neonatal maniquin (LAERDAL), of airway management, ventilation and support of circulation (21 detailed skills). The effect of certain factors on theoretical skill retention was also evaluated.ResultsOne hundred and sixteen (n = 116) participants were initially recruited in the study (12 males and 104 females). Theoretical knowledge was evaluated in 113 participants (3 participants missed follow-up appointments) and technical skills in 80 participants. The mean score for theoretical knowledge was 86.24% ± 5.3, 80.88% ± 7.43 and 80.04% ± 7.04 at baseline, at 3 and 6 months, respectively. This difference was significant among the three time points (baseline vs 3 months: p < 0.001; baseline vs 6 months: p < 0.001; 3 month's vs 6 months: p = 0.034). Although gender did not have an effect, doctors and participants of higher education yielded higher score of success. Regarding technical skills, 9 skills showed a continuous decline of performance from baseline to 6 months, while no difference existed for 12 skills.ConclusionsHealthcare professionals after the NLS provider course retain satisfactory levels of theoretical knowledge and technical skills even at 6 months post-training, although, there is a decline compared to baseline. Further research is needed in order to establish the proper time and type of refreshment course in order to improve outcomes.     

Validity of submaximal exercise testing in adults with athetospastic cerebral palsy

Satonaka A, Suzuki N, Kawamura M. Validity of submaximal exercise testing in adults with athetospastic cerebral palsy.ObjectiveTo examine the validity of the multistage submaximal cycle ergometer test for adults with athetospastic cerebral palsy.DesignCross-sectional and correlative study. Oxygen uptake and heart rates were recorded while the participants underwent the maximal cycle ergometer test and the multistage submaximal cycle ergometer test. Peak oxygen consumption (Vo₂peak) was achieved by the maximal cycle test. Maximum oxygen consumption (V?o₂max) was predicted by the multistage submaximal cycle ergometer test.SettingResearch laboratory setting.ParticipantsAdults with athetospastic cerebral palsy (N=16; 10 women and 6 men; mean age ± SD, 43.7±14.5y).InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasurePeak Vo₂ was compared with the predicted V?o₂max.ResultsMean Vo₂peak and the predicted V?o₂max ± SD were 866.9±202.9mL/min^?1 and 857.4±248.4mL/min^?1, respectively. There was not a significant difference between Vo₂peak values and the predicted V?o₂max values (r=.28). And there was a significant correlation between Vo₂peak values and the predicted V?o₂max values (r=.94, P<.001). SE of the estimate (or SE for X to Y) was 71.2mL/min^?1, equivalent to 7.4%.ConclusionsThe multistage submaximal cycle ergometer test may provide a valid V?o₂max estimate of adults with athetospastic cerebral palsy.     

The role of endothelin-1 in pressure autoregulation of cerebral blood flow in rats

Objective: To investigate the role of the endothelin system in pressure autoregulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in rats.¶Design: We tested pressure autoregulation by increasing cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP; mean arterial pressure–intracranial pressure) with norepinephrine (0.08 μg · kg^?1· min^?1 for 30 min) twice in ten anesthetized normocapnic rats. The first test was performed without (control test) and the second test after administration of the combined endothelin ET_A/B receptor antagonist, bosentan, i. v. (30 mg/kg; drug test). CBF was measured by the hydrogen clearance technique.¶Results: During the control test, norepinephrine infusion increased CPP by 21 ± 2 (23 ± 2 %) mmHg (mean ± SEM; p < 0.001) and CBF by 3.6 ± 3.1 (6 ± 8 %) ml/100 g/min (p = 0.5, Fig. 1); during the drug test, norepinephrine infusion increased CPP by 18 ± 1 (20 ± 2 %) mmHg (p < 0.001) and CBF by 15.8 ± 4.1 (46 ± 13 %) ml/100 g/min (p = 0.004). Mean arterial pressure was not affected by bosentan infusion (p = 0.2). PaC0₂ levels were stable during the tests (40.2 ± 1.4 mmHg).¶Conclusions: The endothelin system is involved in cerebral pressure autoregulation in a rodent model in vivo. The role of this system under pathophysiologic conditions such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, where basal vascular tone and its regulation may be altered, remains to be defined.     

Ultrasound-based internal carotid artery plaque characterization using deep learning paradigm on a supercomputer: a cardiovascular disease/stroke risk assessment system

Visual or manual characterization and classification of atherosclerotic plaque lesions are tedious, error-prone, and time-consuming. The purpose of this study is to develop and design an automated carotid plaque characterization and classification system into binary classes, namely symptomatic and asymptomatic types via the deep learning (DL) framework implemented on a supercomputer. We hypothesize that on ultrasound images, symptomatic carotid plaques have (a) a low grayscale median because of a histologically large lipid core and relatively little collagen and calcium, and (b) a higher chaotic (heterogeneous) grayscale distribution due to the composition. The methodology consisted of building a DL model of Artificial Intelligence (called Atheromatic 2.0, AtheroPoint, CA, USA) that used a classic convolution neural network consisting of 13 layers and implemented on a supercomputer. The DL model used a cross-validation protocol for estimating the classification accuracy (ACC) and area-under-the-curve (AUC). A sample of 346 carotid ultrasound-based delineated plaques were used (196 symptomatic and 150 asymptomatic, mean age 69.9?±?7.8 years, with 39% females). This was augmented using geometric transformation yielding 2312 plaques (1191 symptomatic and 1120 asymptomatic plaques). K10 (90% training and 10% testing) cross-validation DL protocol was implemented and showed an (i) accuracy and (ii) AUC without and with augmentation of 86.17%, 0.86 (p-value?<?0.0001), and 89.7%, 0.91 (p-value?<?0.0001), respectively. The DL characterization system consisted of validation of the two hypotheses: (a) mean feature strength (MFS) and (b) Mandelbrot's fractal dimension (FD) for measuring chaotic behavior. We demonstrated that both MFS and FD were higher in symptomatic plaques compared to asymptomatic plaques by 64.15?±?0.73% (p-value?<?0.0001) and 6?±?0.13% (p-value?<?0.0001), respectively. The benchmarking results show that DL with augmentation (ACC: 89.7%, AUC: 0.91 (p-value?<?0.0001)) is superior to previously published machine learning (ACC: 83.7%) by 6.0%. The Atheromatic runs the test patient in?<?2 s. Deep learning can be a useful tool for carotid ultrasound-based characterization and classification of symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques.