Serum Uric Acid Level and the Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome in Middle-aged Korean Men: A 5-Year Follow-up Study

Objectives:

Elevated serum uric acid (UA) has been known to be associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, no prospective studies have examined whether serum UA levels are actually associated with the development of MetS. We performed a prospective study to evaluate the longitudinal effects of baseline serum UA levels on the development of MetS.

Methods:

A MetS-free cohort of 14 906 healthy Korean men, who participated in a medical check-up program in 2005, was followed until 2010. MetS was defined according to the Joint Interim Statement of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention. Cox proportional hazards models were performed.

Results:

During 52 466.1 person-years of follow-up, 2428 incident cases of MetS developed between 2006 and 2010. After adjusting for multiple covariates, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for incident MetS for the second, the third, and the fourth quartile to the first quartile of serum UA levels were 1.09 (0.92-1.29), 1.22 (1.04-1.44), and 1.48 (1.26-1.73), respectively (p for trend <0.001). These associations were also significant in the clinically relevant subgroup analyses.

Conclusions:

Elevated serum UA levels were independently associated with future development of MetS in Korean men during the 5-year follow-up period.     

Role of induction and consolidation chemotherapy in elderly acute myeloid leukemia patients

The present study sought to elucidate the role of induction and consolidation therapy in elderly patients. We retrospectively collected data of 477 patients who were aged over 60 years at the time of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosis. The median overall survival (OS) was 339 days in the induction group (n = 266) and 86 days in the best supportive care group (n = 211) (P < 0.001). In the induction group, the complete remission (CR) rate was 58.3 %, and treatment-related death was 15.4 %. Successful induction was related to good performance [Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG <2)] [hazard ratio (HR) 3.215; P = 0.002]. Mortality correlated with failure to achieve CR (HR 4.059; P < 0.001) and poor performance status (ECOG >2) (HR 2.731; P = 0.035). In CR patients, poor karyotype and absence of consolidation (HR 2.313; P = 0.003) correlated with mortality. More than one cycle of consolidation was associated with better OS (P < 0.001). Lack of salvage therapy was associated with mortality in patients who did not achieve CR (HR 3.223; P = 0.005). Intensive induction in patients with good performance and >1 cycle of consolidation after CR may be the best strategy for improving OS in elderly AML patients.     

Identification of Candida species in the clinical laboratory: a review of conventional,commercial, and molecular techniques

In healthy individuals, Candida species are considered commensal yeasts of the oral cavity. However, these microorganisms can also act as opportunist pathogens, particularly the so‐called non‐albicans Candida species that are increasingly recognized as important agents of human infection. Several surveys have documented increased rates of C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondii, C. dubliniensis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei in local and systemic fungal infections. Some of these species are resistant to antifungal agents. Consequently, rapid and correct identification of species can play an important role in the management of candidiasis. Conventional methods for identification of Candida species are based on morphological and physiological attributes. However, accurate identification of all isolates from clinical samples is often complex and time‐consuming. Hence, several manual and automated rapid commercial systems for identifying these organisms have been developed, some of which may have significant sensitivity issues. To overcome these limitations, newer molecular typing techniques have been developed that allow accurate and rapid identification of Candida species. This study reviewed the current state of identification methods for yeasts, particularly Candida species.     

The influence of epigenetics in relation to oral health

The immune response is influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors, as well as disease and environmental factors. The term ‘epigenetics’ describes changes in the genome that influence the gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. In contrast to genetic changes in the DNA, epigenetic changes are reversible and are influenced by environmental factors. The aim of this study is to review the literature on epigenetic modifications with respect to oral health and inflammatory conditions in the oral cavity and to discuss the potential use of this new research field for the dental hygienists' and/or dentists' clinical work. Relevant publications were identified using the PubMed database without limits. The searches were conducted during January to March 2012 and resulted in articles published between 1912 and 2012. Key factors such as environment, diet, smoking, bacteria and inflammation were identified to be relevant to oral health. The result of this review article shows that there is a void in the research on epigenetics in relation to oral health. Identification of epigenetic modifications correlating with oral health may not only present a link between the influence of genetics and that of the environment on oral diseases but also provide new treatment models and tools for the dental professionals.     

Effect of Foveal Pit Restoration in Foveal Avascular Zone after Surgery for Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane

PurposeTo investigate the relationship between ophthalmic parameters—including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography findings—and foveal pit restoration in eyes that had undergone vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) removal.MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed data of patients who underwent pars planar vitrectomy for the removal of epirentinal membrane. Only eyes with iERM above stage 2 with a follow-up over 6 months were included. Baseline data and changes in ophthalmic parameters were analyzed from 3 months before to 12 months after surgery. Additionally, we stratified iERM patients into two groups (foveal pit restoration and no restoration group). Longitudinal comparison analyses between the two groups were done in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) areas measurements using swept-source OCT and OCT angiography.ResultsForty-three patients with a mean age of 75 ± 5 years were enrolled. After surgery, BCVA, FAZ, and CFT showed improvements over time (all p < 0.002). Thirty-one patients were designated into the foveal pit restoration (R) group and 12 patients into the no restoration (NR) group. Differences in BCVA and FAZ area in both groups existed up to 6 months. However, BCVA improved and FAZ expanded (R, 0.20 ± 0.05 vs. NR, 0.18 ± 0.04) in both groups showing no statistical difference 12 months postsurgery. The CFT decreased in both groups, but the R group was thinner at every point compared to the NR group (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe removal of epirentinal membrane in pars planar vitrectomy significantly improves BCVA, decreases the CFT and expands the FAZ. Foveal pit restoration improves BCVA, CFT, and FAZ area possibly at a faster rate in the early months but long-term improvements could be achieved regardless of the status of foveal pit restoration.