Trace elemental imaging of coralline hydroxyapatite by laser‐ablation inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy

The determination of trace element concentrations, as well as their distribution in different biomaterials aimed for clinical applications, is a challenging task in both the areas of biological and materials research. In this research, LA–ICP–MS was employed for image mapping of the trace element distribution in a hydrothermally converted coralline hydroxyapatite material aimed for tissue‐scaffolding applications. Quantification using synthetic matrix‐matched standards was successfully applied for the determination and distribution of elements of interest, Sr and Mg, that influences the mechanical and biological properties of hydroxyapatite‐based bone graft materials. The results showed that the instrument can successfully analyse trace elements and a relatively good image can be produced that identifies their distribution. The LA–ICP–MS method can provide an easy and effective tool, in the field of biomaterials with respect to distribution of trace elements, to better understand tissue–implant interactions, and will open up a new window for in vitro and in vivo analysis and imaging of different tissues and structures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Using a nutritional screening tool to evaluate the nutritional status of patients with colorectal cancer

We assessed which nutrition evaluation method [subjective global assessment (SGA); malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST); nutritional risk index (NRI)] provided the most efficacious combination of high validity, low cost, and ease of use to examine and improve the status of malnutrition for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The SGA, MUST, and NRI scales were used to analyze the preoperative status of malnutrition for 45 CRC patients in a medical center in Taiwan. Differences in the reliability of the 3 methods were compared using the kappa (κ) coefficient of agreement. Lengths of hospital stays were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test to examine the effect of malnutrition in CRC patients. The SGA κ coefficient was higher with the MUST than with the NRI. Preoperative and postoperative weight losses were significantly different on the NRI, and the longer the length of the hospital stay, the greater was the weight loss. Although the SGA had a higher validity and lower cost than the NRI, we recommend using the MUST method for a routine nutrition evaluation because it is easier to use and is less expensive than the SGA and the NRI.     

Age factor and implication of human papillomavirus type-specific prevalence in women with normal cervical cytology

The prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women with normal cervical cytology varies widely according to the population studied. Two non-overlapping population-based cohort studies of women aged ≥30 years for the periods 2008-2009 (n=5026) and 2004-2005 (n=10 014) were analysed. The prevalence rate of HPV was 11·0% (95% CI 10·5-11·6). HPV infection was significantly associated with age, menopausal status, and inversely associated with hormone replacement therapy. There was an increasing trend of α3/α15, α5/α6, and multiple HPV infections with increasing age. The five most common types were HPV52, 18, 53, 58 and 70, while HPV16, 31, 33 ranked 21st, 25th, and 16th, respectively, in the merged cohort with normal cytology (n=14 724). HPV16, 31, and 33 were significantly associated with abnormal cytology, which could have resulted in their rarity in the total merged cohort (n=15 040).     

Report of the NIH Task Force on Research Standards for Chronic Low Back Pain

Despite rapidly increasing intervention, functional disability due to chronic low back pain (cLBP) has increased in recent decades. We often cannot identify mechanisms to explain the major negative impact cLBP has on patients' lives. Such cLBP is often termed non-specific and may be due to multiple biologic and behavioral etiologies. Researchers use varied inclusion criteria, definitions, baseline assessments, and outcome measures, which impede comparisons and consensus. Therefore, NIH Pain Consortium charged a Research Task Force (RTF) to draft standards for research on cLBP. The resulting multidisciplinary panel recommended using 2 questions to define cLBP; classifying cLBP by its impact (defined by pain intensity, pain interference, and physical function); use of a minimum dataset to describe research participants (drawing heavily on the PROMIS methodology); reporting “responder analyses” in addition to mean outcome scores; and suggestions for future research and dissemination. The Pain Consortium has approved the recommendations, which investigators should incorporate into NIH grant proposals. The RTF believes that these recommendations will advance the field, help to resolve controversies, and facilitate future research addressing the genomic, neurologic, and other mechanistic substrates of chronic low back pain. We expect that the RTF recommendations will become a dynamic document and undergo continual improvement.PerspectiveA task force was convened by the NIH Pain Consortium with the goal of developing research standards for chronic low back pain. The results included recommendations for definitions, a minimum dataset, reporting outcomes, and future research. Greater consistency in reporting should facilitate comparisons among studies and the development of phenotypes.     

Pegylated interferons for chronic hepatitis C virus infection: an indirect analysis of randomized trials

Summary.  Dual therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin is recommended for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who meet criteria for treatment, but it is unclear whether pegylated interferon alfa-2a or pegylated interferon alfa-2b is more effective or associated with fewer adverse events. Because data from head-to-head trials of pegylated interferon regimens are sparse, we performed adjusted indirect analysis using trials comparing dual therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2a or pegylated interferon alfa-2b vs dual therapy with non-pegylated interferon. We searched for potentially relevant randomized controlled trials using electronic databases and reference lists. A total of 16 trials met inclusion criteria. Adjusted indirect comparisons found no statistically significant differences between dual therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2a and dual therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2b on the outcomes sustained virologic response [relative risk (RR) = 1.59, 95% CI: 0.56–4.46], withdrawal due to adverse events (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.29–2.55), anaemia (RR = 1.67, 95% CI: 0.32–8.84), depression (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.41–2.90) or flu-like symptoms (RR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.53–2.29). Adjusting for potential publication bias and stratifying analyses by indicators of methodological quality, human immunodeficiency virus infection status, hepatitis C virus genotype, dose of ribavirin or dose of pegylated interferon did not change conclusions. There is insufficient evidence to support conclusions that dual therapy with one pegylated interferon is superior to the other. However, because estimates are imprecise, our results also do not rule out a clinically significant difference. Head-to-head trials are needed to verify the results of indirect analyses and provide additional guidance on optimal treatment choices.     

HLA-B60 and B61 are strongly associated with ankylosing spondylitis in HLA-B27-negative Taiwan Chinese patients

OBJECTIVES: Carriage of HLA-B60 has been shown to increase the risk of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in B27-positive Caucasian patients, but the association in B27-negative cases is less certain. This study assessed HLA class I gene associations in Chinese HLA-B27-negative AS patients. METHODS: Forty-one Chinese HLA-B27-negative AS patients fulfilling the modified New York diagnostic criteria for AS were recruited, and 11 383 HLA-B27-negative blood donors were used for comparison. HLA-A and -B typing was done with the microlymphocytotoxicity assay. RESULTS: Among the B27-negative AS patients, 21 were male and 20 were female. Of HLA-B alleles, only B60 and B61 significantly increased susceptibility to AS in HLA-B27-negative patients (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In Taiwan Chinese, carriage of B60 is increased in HLA-B27-negative AS patients. The association between B61 and HLA-B27-negative AS patients has not been reported previously. Whether the gene involved is HLA-B60 or B61 or another gene in linkage disequilibrium with these genes is unknown.     

Epidemiology of isolated systolic hypertension in Pu-Li, Taiwan.

The clinical significance of isolated systolic hypertension (systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 160 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg) has long been recognized, but its prevalence and correlates have not been well characterized. A community-based study was carried out by the Yang-Ming Crusade in 1987-1988 in Pu-Li Town, Taiwan. Of the 2573 registered residents over 30 years old, 1738 were interviewed, and their fasting blood samples were drawn and tested. The prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension was 2.1%. Age-specific prevalence increased with age. No significant difference was found between men and women. No trend was found at the urbanizational level. To study the significant correlates of isolated systolic hypertension, univariate analyses were applied first. Stratified analyses by age and by sex were used for interaction assessment. Based on the above findings as well as from the clinical point of view, logistic regression was used for multivariate analyses. Logistic regression analysis showed that after controlling the covariates simultaneously, four variables were significantly correlated with isolated systolic hypertension: age (greater than or equal to 50 vs. less than 50 years, OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.6-7.2); diabetes (yes vs. no, OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.2-4.7); blood urea nitrogen (greater than or equal to 25 vs. less than 25 mg/dl, OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.2-3.9); and physical activity (frequent vs. infrequent, OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.0-3.1). In comparison with definite (greater than or equal than 160/95 mmHg) and borderline (140/90-160/95 mmHg) hypertension as defined by WHO, the different sets of predictors and the possible adverse effect of frequent physical activity on isolated systolic hypertension were found and discussed.     

Glutathione S-transferase M1 gene null genotype and gastric cancer risk in Taiwan

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Glutathione S-transferases (GST) are involved in the detoxification of many potential carcinogens and appear to play an important role in the protection from carcinogens. The association between different GSTM1 genotypes and gastric cancer risk is still controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the GSTM1-null genotype and gastric cancer risk. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective, hospital-based case-control study of 123 primary gastric cancer patients and 121 healthy controls was conducted to evaluate the presence or absence of the GSTM1 gene from peripheral blood samples by a PCR-based method. RESULTS: The frequency of the GSTM1-null was 59.3% in the gastric cancer group and 45.5% in the control group. An increase in risk for gastric cancer was found among carriers of GSTM1-null genotype. The odds ratio (OR) was 1.752, with 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.963 approximately 1.035. CONCLUSIONS: GSTM1-null polymorphism was associated with genetic susceptibility of gastric cancer in Taiwan.     

Spontaneous rupture of ileal neobladder: a case report

A 63-year-old male patient suffered from diabetes, hypertension, and a bladder tumor. He had undergone radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder construction 1 year prior to this admission. He came to our emergency room complaining of abdominal pain after recent alcohol consumption. Muscle guarding and abdominal rebounding pain developed after conservative treatment for 1 day. The next day, emergency laparotomy for acute peritonitis revealed two small perforations in the neobladder and calculus formation within it. In addition, severe intraperitoneal adhesion was noted. After removing the neobladder stone and repairing the neobladder, a Foley catheter was inserted for urine drainage. The patient's postoperative recovery was excellent.