Hyperglycaemia in critically ill patients: marker or mediator of mortality?

Acute hyperglycaemia has been associated with complications, prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay, and increased mortality. We made an inventory of the prevalence and prognostic value of hyperglycaemia, and of the effects of glucose control in different groups of critically ill patients. The prevalence of hyperglycaemia in critically ill patients, using stringent criteria, approaches 100%. An unambiguous negative correlation between hyperglycaemia and mortality has been described in various groups of critically ill patients. Although the available evidence remains inconsistent, there appears to be a favourable effect of glucose regulation. This effect on morbidity and mortality depends on patient characteristics. To be able to compare results of future studies involving glucose regulation, better definitions of hyperglycaemia (and consequently of normoglycaemia) and patient populations are needed.     

Age determines the prognostic role of the cancer stem cell marker aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 in breast cancer

Background  

The purpose of this study was to compare the expression and the prognostic effect of the breast cancer stem cell marker aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH1) in young and elderly breast cancer patients.     

Methaemoglobinaemia risk factors with inhaled nitric oxide therapy in newborn infants

Background: Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), commonly used for hypoxic neonates, may react with haemoglobin to form methaemoglobin (MetHb). MetHb monitoring during iNO therapy has been questioned since low doses of iNO are used. Aim: To evaluate the incidence of and identify risk factors associated with elevated MetHb in neonates treated with iNO. Methods: Neonates who were treated with iNO and had at least one MetHb measurement were included. Demographic characteristics and methods of iNO administration (dosage, duration) at the time of each MetHb measurement were analysed. Results: Four hundred and fifty‐two MetHb measurements from 81 premature and 82 term and near‐term infants were analysed. MetHb was above 5% in one‐term infant, and between 2.5–5% in 16 infants. A higher maximum dose of iNO (22.7 vs 17.7 p.p.m.), but not gestational age, was a significant risk factor for elevated MetHb. Significantly higher oxygen levels (75.5% vs 51.7%) were associated with higher MetHb in term infants. Preterm infants had no risk for high MetHb when iNO was kept below 8 p.p.m. These data suggest the possibility of limiting blood withdrawal when low doses iNO are used. Conclusion: High MetHb is exceptional in neonates treated with low dose iNO. Associated risk factors are related to high iNO dose and the simultaneous use of high concentrations of oxygen.     

Phone and e-mail counselling are effective for weight management in an overweight working population: a randomized controlled trial

Background  

The work setting provides an opportunity to introduce overweight (i.e., Body Mass Index ≥ 25 kg/m²) adults to a weight management programme, but new approaches are needed in this setting. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of lifestyle counselling by phone or e-mail on body weight, in an overweight working population. Secondary purposes were to establish effects on waist circumference and lifestyle behaviours, and to assess which communication method is the most effective.     

Effects of SIRPalphal on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rat

BACKGROUND：SIRPalphal is well known as a negative regulator for cell proliferation through the regulation of the activity of receptor tyrosine kinase with ITAM motif. No investigation to data was undertaken on SIRPalphal involving liver regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent approximately 700% partial hepatectomy (PH) or sham operation (SO). Liver specimens were collected at 2，6，12，24，30，48，72，120，168,and 240 h after PH or SO.     

Do normal leucocyte count and C‐reactive protein value exclude acute appendicitis in children?

The present study aimed to determine the role of leucocyte count and C-reactive protein (CRP) measurements in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children. In particular, children with acute appendicitis but normal leucocyte count and CRP level were sought. The present study protocol was identical to those used in earlier studies on adult patients with suspected acute appendicitis. The mean preoperative leucocyte count and CRP value in 100 consecutive children with an uninflamed appendix at appendicectomy (group A) and in 100 consecutive patients with acute appendicitis (group B) were calculated. The numbers of patients with (i) both values normal, (ii) only leucocyte count raised, (iii) only CRP level raised, and (iv) both values raised were calculated in both groups A and B. Leucocyte count effectively (p