Long Non-coding RNA FENDRR Modulates Autophagy Through Epigenetic Suppression of ATG7 via Binding PRC2 in Acute Pancreatitis

Inflammation - Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory, complicated pancreatic disease, carrying significant morbidity and mortality. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in...     

Multidrug-resistant bacteria in geriatric clinics,nursing homes,and ambulant care – Prevalence and risk factors

Colonization/infection with multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae, is an increasing problem not only in hospitals but also in long-term care facilities. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence as well as the risk factors of colonization/infection with MRSA, VRE, and ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae in geriatric clinics, nursing homes, and ambulant care in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. 288 patients from 2 geriatric clinics (n = 46), 8 nursing homes (n = 178), and 2 ambulant care facilities (n = 64) as well as 64 staff members were screened for MDRB in the time period from October 2006 to May 2007. 58 patients (20.1%) and 4 staff members (6.2%) were colonized with MDRB. Among patients, 27 (9.4%) were colonized with MRSA, 11 (3.8%) were screened positive for VRE, and 25 (8.7%) were found to be colonized with ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae. Prevalence of MDRB in geriatric clinics, nursing homes, and ambulant care facilities were 32.6%, 18.5%, and 15.6%, respectively. Significant risk factors for MDRB were immobility (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.5–4.9; p = 0.002), urinary catheter (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.7–5.9; p < 0.001), former hospitalization (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1–4.0; p = 0.033), and wounds/decubiti (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5–4.9; p = 0.03). Finally, the high level of MDRB in geriatric clinics, nursing homes, and ambulant care points to the importance of these institutions as a reservoir for dissemination.     

A comparison of standard PCNL and staged retrograde FURS in pelvis stones over 2 cm in diameter: a prospective randomized study

The aim of the study was to compare percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and staged retrograde flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) methods used in the treatment of kidney stones of 2 cm or more in diameter. The study comprised a total of 60 patients with a diagnosis of kidney pelvic stones more than 2 cm in diameter, for whom surgery was planned between January 2013 and January 2014. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups as staged retrograde FURS (Group A) and PCNL (Group B). Comparison of the groups was made with respect to operating time, number of procedures, total treatment time, length of hospital stay, stone-free rates and complications according to the Clavien–Dindo classification. In Group A, the total operating time of multiple sessions was 114.46 min. In Group B, a single session of PCNL was applied to all patients and the mean operating time was 86.8 min (p = 0.014). Mean total treatment time was 2.01 weeks in Group A and 1 week in Group B (p < 0.01). The mean total hospitalization time was 3.66 days in Group A and 3.13 days in Group B (p = 0.037). At the end of the sessions, clinically insignificant residual fragments were observed in ten patients of Group A and one patient of Group B (p = 0.03). No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in terms of stone-free rates or complications. Although current technology with FURS is effective on large kidney stones, it has no superiority to PCNL due to the need for multiple sessions and long treatment time.     

Cytomegalovirus colitis in a patient with Behcet’s disease receiving tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitory treatment

Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-α） inhibitors are effective in the treatment of various inflammatory rheumatic conditions. Increased risks of serious infections are the major issues concerning the long-term safety of these agents. We present a case of a young male Behcet’s patient whose disease was complicated by cytomegalovirus （CMV） colitis. Colitis started 10 d after the third Infliximab dose and responded to the cessation of TNF blocking treatment and administration of ganciclovir. Tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma act at several levels in combating viral infections.CMV infections should be kept in mind and included in the differential diagnosis of severe gastrointestinal symptoms in patients receiving anti-TNF agents.     

脊髓损伤后早期小鼠肠道功能的变化

目的探讨脊髓损伤后短期内小鼠肠道功能的变化。方法将105只昆明种小鼠随机分为正常组(A组,n=30)、假手术组(B组,n=30)和模型组(C组,n=45)。A组不作处理,B组仅暴露脊髓,不夹持。C组采用动脉瘤夹夹持T10处脊髓,复制脊髓损伤模型。分别于术后12 h、24 h、48 h测定小鼠回肠肌电慢波及平滑肌收缩力,并做回肠HE染色。结果脊髓损伤后12 h、24h、48 h,C组小鼠肌电频率和振幅低于A组和B组(P0.05),收缩力振幅低于A组和B组(P0.05),但24 h、48 h后收缩力频率高于A组和B组(P0.05)。C组各时间点肠黏膜评分均较A组和B组高(P0.05)。结论小鼠脊髓损伤后早期,肠道平滑肌肌电活动减弱,收缩力减小,肠黏膜轻度损伤。