Spontaneously hypertensive rats develop pronounced hepatic steatosis induced by choline-deficient diet: Evidence for hypertension as a potential enhancer in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Aim: Patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) frequently have many co‐morbidities including essential hypertension, which is reported to increase vascular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alter the hepatic anti‐oxidant defense system. Since ROS play a role in the pathogenesis of NASH, it is hypothesized that hypertension modulates the hepatic oxidative status and influences the development of NASH. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of hypertension on the progression of NASH. Methods: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats as normotensive controls were fed choline‐deficient (CD) diet for 5 weeks. Histological changes, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels in the liver were assessed in each group. Results: Choline‐deficient diet led to pronounced hepatic steatosis in SHR with an 8‐fold increase of the hepatic triglyceride content, while there was no significant increase in WKY. These changes in SHR were associated with significant reduction in the expression of mRNA for peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α, acyl‐CoA oxidase, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, and apolipoprotein B100. Consistent with the significant reduction of hepatic superoxide dismutase activity and marked downregulation of the gene expression of hepatic antioxidant enzymes, the hepatic TBARS level and the plasma level of alanine aminotransferase were only increased in SHR on CD diet. Conclusions: Spontaneously hypertensive rats receiving CD diet showed severe hepatic steatosis associated with reduction of hepatic anti‐oxidant capacity, leading to increased hepatic oxidative stress and tissue damage. Accordingly, hypertension might have a potential effect on the progression of NASH.     

Weight-based high- and low-dose ribavirin in combination with peginterferon α-2b therapy for genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C: A randomized trial

Aim: The optimal ribavirin dose in the treatment of patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 remains to be elucidated. We aimed to seek the optimal ribavirin dose required for this genotype in a randomized trial. Methods: We compared the efficacy and tolerability of the 24‐week peginterferon α‐2b (1.5 µg/kg/week) therapy in combination with a weight‐based higher dose (600–1000 mg) and lower dose (400–800 mg) of ribavirin for genotype 2 patients. Noninferior margin was set at 10%. Results: A total of 120 patients were randomized to a higher‐dose or a lower‐dose group. Sustained virological response (SVR) by intention‐to‐treat analysis was achieved in 47/58 (81.0%, 90% confidential interval [CI]: 72.6–89.5) patients in the higher‐dose group and 41/60 (68.3%, 90% CI: 58.5–78.2) patients in the lower‐dose group (difference, ?12.7%; 90% CI, ?25.7 to 0.3). Relapse rates were 10% and 21.6% in the higher‐dose and the lower‐dose groups, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that ribavirin dose/kg body weight was the only significant predictor of SVR (≥9.5 mg/kg per day vs <9.5 mg/kg per day; odds ratio = 3.34; 95% CI, 1.41–7.92; P = 0.006). Twenty‐one (36.2%) in the higher‐dose group required ribavirin dose reduction because of anemia, whereas seven patients (11.7%) did in the lower‐dose group (P < 0.01). Three of the higher‐dose group and two of the lower‐dose group required premature termination of therapy. Conclusions: Weight‐based lower‐dose ribavirin regimen was not equivalent to the higher‐dose counterpart in the treatment of HCV genotype 2. We discourage treating these patients with low‐dose ribavirin regimens. The peginterferon therapy in combination with ribavirin at a weight‐based higher dose (600–1000 mg) remains the standard‐of‐care treatment for this genotype.     

Spontaneously complete regression of pseudolymphoma of the remnant pancreas after pancreaticoduodenectomy

BackgroundPancreatic pseudolymphoma is extremely rare.MethodWe present multiple pseudolymphomas in the head and body of the pancreas. The hypoechoic lesions observed by endoscopic ultrasound were enhanced in late-phase angio-computed tomography and homogeneously hypointensive in T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed strong accumulation in the lesions. The lesions were suspected to be non-functioning islet cell carcinoma. The intraoperative pathological diagnosis for the specimen obtained by a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was non-neoplastic lymphoid cells. The remnant lesion in the pancreatic body was preserved.ResultsMacroscopically, the mass was well-circumscribed gray-white colored lesion. The pathological diagnosis was pancreatic pseudolymphoma. The lesion in the remnant pancreas spontaneously disappeared within one year after the operation.ConclusionThe differential diagnosis of pancreatic pseudolymphoma from malignant tumor is very difficult, however, the image findings demonstrated here may be informative. The spontaneous disappearance of pancreatic pseudolymphoma was firstly observed in the present case.     

Complex obstacle negotiation exercise can prevent falls in community‐dwelling elderly Japanese aged 75 years and older

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether a complex course obstacle negotiation exercise (CC), a 24‐week exercise program, can reduce falls and fractures in older adults, as compared with a simple course obstacle negotiation exercise (SC). Methods: This trial was carried out on older adults, aged 75 years and above in Japan. In total, 157 participants were randomized into the CC group (n = 78) and the SC group (n = 79). Participants were enrolled in the exercise class using the CC program or the SC program for 24 weeks. The outcome measure was the number of falls and fracture rates in CC and SC groups for 12 months after the completion of the 24‐week exercise class. Results: Two participants (2.8%) in the CC group and 19 (26.0%) in the SC group experienced falls during 12 months. During the 12‐month follow‐up period after the intervention, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of falls in the SC group against the CC group was 9.37 (95% CI = 2.26–38.77). One participant (1.4%) in the CC group and eight (10.9%) in the SC group had experienced fractures during 12 months after the exercise class. The IRR of fractures in the SC group compared with the CC group was 7.89 (95% CI = 1.01–61.49). Conclusions: The results of the present trial show that the participants who received individualized obstacle avoidance training under complex tasks combined with a traditional intervention had a lower incidence rate of falls and fractures during the 12 months after the intervention. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 461–467.     

Factors affecting independence in eating among elderly with Alzheimer's disease

Aim: In elderly patients with dementia, disturbed eating behavior is understood to be a core symptom or a behavioral and psychological symptom of dementia (BPSD). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the factors affecting self‐feeding in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: A total of 150 AD patients who were hospitalized in dementia wards, or were residents of institutions or group homes were enrolled. The patients underwent an eating behavior examination, cognitive assessment, neurological examination and vital function tests. The eating behavior examination consisted of observation of the patients at mealtime. Items assessing eating behavior included the number of feeding cycles, stopping of eating or agitation and dysfunction. Results: Logistic regression analysis carried out to identify factors with a significant effect on decreased independence in eating were difficulty in beginning a meal (OR = 14.498, CI = 2.067–101.690), presence of dysphagia signs (OR = 5.214, CI = 1.031–26.377) and the severity of dementia (OR = 4.538, CI = 1.154–17.843). Conclusion: The present study is the first to generate objective data showing that difficulty in beginning a meal is a factor that hinders independence in eating in AD, in addition to the presence of dysphagia signs and the severity of dementia. Assisting AD patients in maintaining eating independence might be effectively achieved by eliminating environmental factors that interfere with beginning a meal, and by providing assistance that will promote beginning a meal. The present results show the necessity of developing effective methods for assisting elderly patients with AD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 481–490.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Rapid reduction of macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion with low-dose normobaric hyperoxia

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology - We investigated the effects of a relatively inexpensive, non-invasive, short-term treatment with low-dose normobaric hyperoxia...     

Can decompression surgery relieve low back pain in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis combined with degenerative lumbar scoliosis?

Introduction

Decompression with fusion is usually recommended in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) combined with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). However, elderly patients with LSS and DLS often have other comorbidities, and surgical treatment must be both safe and effective. The aim of this study was to investigate whether decompression surgery alone alleviates low back pain (LBP) in patients with LSS and DLS, and to identify the predictors of postoperative residual LBP.

Materials and methods

A total of 75 patients (33 males and 42 females) with a mean age of 71.8 years (range 53–86 years) who underwent decompression surgery for LSS with DLS (Cobb angle ≥ 10°) and had a minimum follow-up period of 1 year, were retrospectively reviewed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system for the assessment of lumbar spinal diseases (JOA score). Radiographic measurements included coronal and sagittal Cobb angles, apical vertebral rotation (Nash-Moe method), and anteroposterior and lateral spondylolisthesis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the predictors of residual LBP after surgery.

Results

Forty-nine patients had preoperative LBP, of which 29 (59.1 %) experienced postoperative relief of LBP. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the degree of apical vertebral rotation on preoperative radiography was significantly associated with postoperative residual LBP (odds ratio, 8.16, 95 % confidence interval, 1.55–83.81, p = 0.011).

Conclusion

A higher degree of apical vertebral rotation may therefore be an indicator of mechanical LBP in patients with LSS and DLS. Decompression with fusion should be recommended in these patients.     

Congenital prepubic sinus associated with a urachal remnant: report of a case

Congenital prepubic sinus is a rare congenital anomaly situated in the midline of the lower abdomen. We report a case of congenital prepubic sinus, closely associated with a urachal remnant. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed clearly that the sinus tracked the urachus caudally. This finding supports the theory that the anomaly is caused by abnormal remnant tissue originating from the cloacal membrane, which tracks the allantois duct caudally along with fetal longitudinal growth.     

Posterior buttress plate with locking compression plate for Hoffa fracture

BackgroundMany difficulties are associated with treating fractures of the posterior condyle of the femur (Hoffa fractures). Anatomical reduction and internal fixation are optimum for such intra-articular fractures. Some surgeons use anteroposterior screws to achieve direct stability. However, screw fixation is not adequate in some cases. To increase stability, we treat Hoffa fractures with a posterior buttress plate; we use a twisted, 1/3 tubular plate at the posterior surface and a supplementary, locking compression plate (LCP) for additional stability.MethodsPatients who had sustained Hoffa fractures between January 2006 and March 2009 were included in this study. Patients comprised three males and two females with a mean age of 73.6 years at the time of surgery. A 3.5-mm 1/3 tubular plate was twisted and applied to the posterolateral aspect of the distal femur. This was combined with an LCP on the distal femur to achieve a rafting effect.ResultsAll fractures were healed within 15 weeks. There were no instances of nonunion, infection, or implant removal. The mean range of motion was ?3° to 121°. Four patients had no pain in the treated limb and one had mild pain on weight bearing. The average Oxford Knee Score was 44.6 points. All patients achieved satisfactory joint function and regained their walking ability with good clinical results.ConclusionsImproved stability associated with this technique enables patients to begin range-of-motion training and return to their normal activities sooner; this resulted in good outcome.