Increased resting lipid oxidation in Crohn's disease

Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured by indirect calorimetry and body composition was assessed by both direct (bioimpedance) and indirect (anthropometry) methods in 20 hospitalized patients with biopsy-proven ileal Crohn's disease and in a group of 16 healthy volunteers matched for sex, age, and height with the patient group. The Crohn's disease activity index was below 120 in all patients studied. who were treated with a low dose of corticosteroids (0.2–0.3 mg/kg body wt of prednisone). The average weight of Crohn's patients was signficantly lower than that of controls (55.70 vs 70.50 kg,P<0.001) due to both lower fat mass (9.97 vs 18.30 kg,P<0.001) and lower lean body mass (45.72 vs 52.20 kg,P<0.02). The average REE was significantly higher in the control group (1785.42±7.503 vs 1559.1±48.39 kcal/day,P<0.001). However, these differences disappeared when REE was normalized by lean body mass (LBM) (34.49±2.56 vs 34.704±3.75 kcal/kg LBMP=NS). The nonprotein respiratory quotient was significantly lower in the patient group (0.823±0.031 vs 0.882±0.012.P<0.025), indicating an increased lipid oxidation. This increased lipid oxidation might explain the reduced fat stores found in the group of Crohn's patients, suggesting also that a sufficiently lipid-rich diet could be useful in their nutritional management.     

Vision readiness in the United States Air Force revisited

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of substandard visual acuity in a sample of the diverse communities of the United States Air Force. In addition, mobility readiness (visual), ocular disease, time since last visual examination, and adherence to ocular requirements per AFR 160-43 were assessed. Comprehensive eye examinations were performed in the Optometry Clinic on 207 randomly chosen members scheduled by Squadron Schedulers using random computer lists of personnel generated by Military Personnel Flight. Of the 207 individuals, 112 (54%) had not had a professional eye examination in the last 2 years, 51 (24%) were not mobility ready, 6 (3%) had inadequate visual acuity per AFR 160-43, and 4 (1.9%) had ocular disease. The study reinforces the concept that comprehensive, periodic ocular examinations should be performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist on all active duty members to ensure that they see properly to perform assigned duties, that members on mobility have required optical materials to be deployment ready, and that members who develop ocular disease are identified in a timely manner.     

Extracellular matrices,artificial neural scaffolds and the promise of neural regeneration

Over last 20 years, extracellular matrices have been shown to be useful in promoting tissue regeneration. Recently, they have been used and have had success in achieving neurogenesis. Recent developments in extracellular matrix design have allowed their successful in vivo incorporation to engender an environment favorable for neural regeneration in animal models. Promising treatments under investigation include manipulation of the intrinsic extracellular matrix and incorporation of engineered naometer-sized scaffolds through which inhibition of molecules serving as barriers to neuroregeneration and delivery of neurotrophic factors and/or cells for successful tissue regeneration can be achieved. Further understanding of the changes incurred within the extracellular matrix following central nervous system injury will undoubtedly help design a clinically efficacious extracellular matrix scaffold that can mitigate or reverse neural degeneration in the clinical setting.     

Deformación miocárdica de la aurícula izquierda en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico

BackgroundIn patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), left ventricle diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) may be the only manifestation of cardiac involvement in anticipation of systolic dysfunction. It has been seen that myocardial deformation of the left atrium (LA), through the LA global longitudinal strain (LAGLS), may be useful in assessing diastolic function.ObjectiveTo evaluate LA function through myocardial deformation in patients with LES, and compare the LA strain in patients with active, inactive and controls.MethodsFifty patients with SLE were included and compared with 50 healthy controls paired by age and gender. Myocardial deformation was measured by transthoracic echocardiogram, to investigate the LAGLS, the strain of the three phases of the LA cycle and the strain rate. The differences between groups were compared in univariate analysis.ResultsLAGLS in SLE patients was less than in the controls (41.6% vs. 50.5%; p = .02), and in the 3 phases of the LA cycle. There were no differences in the LA strain rate in both groups (SLE 2.5 s^?1 vs. controls 2.75 s^?1; p = .1). It was also found that the LAGLS was lesser in active patients than controls and inactive.ConclusionsSLE patients have lower myocardial deformation of the LA, which is expressed as a lower diastolic function correlating with early subclinical myocardial damage.     

Rapid regression of psoriasis in a coeliac patient after gluten-free diet. A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Several skin disorders are present in patients affected by coeliac disease (CD) - among them, psoriasis has been described. However, at present the relationship between CD and psoriasis remains controversial since there are few and contrasting data on this topic. METHOD: Here we describe a case of psoriasis in a CD patient not responding to specific therapies for psoriasis. RESULT: The regression of skin lesions after gluten-free diet (GFD) was evident in a short time. CONCLUSION: The present case supports the association between CD and psoriasis and the concept that psoriasis in CD patients can be improved by GFD. Future studies are needed to clarify the possible mechanisms involved in this association.     

Efectividad de una intervención educativa y de ejercicio físico sobre la capacidad funcional de los pacientes en hemodiálisis

Objective

To describe the impact of a standard hospital educational intervention including active physical exercises on personal well-being, functional capacity and knowledge of the benefits of prescribed physical activity for patients undergoing haemodialysis.