DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS TO MEASURE

This paper describes a study to capture the key roles and activities of nephrology nurses across different countries in Europe. The concept of the study and the need to clarify the activities of the nephrology nurse arose as part of a larger study to develop the European Practice Database (EPD) (1). The Research Board (EDTNA/ERCA) needed to identify key questions that would detect significant differences in the role and responsibilities of nephrology nurses in different countries and monitor the evolution over time of nephrology nursing practice in Europe. It was therefore appropriate to devise a separate small study to generate evidence based questions for the EPD and confirm the reliability and usefulness of the information captured.     

Optimal SPECT processing and display: Making bad studies look good to get the right answer

Conclusion  Several quality-control measures take place before (patient and camera preparation) and during SPECT acquisition to achieve high-quality images. Not uncommonly, technologists and physicians are left with suboptimal images that have to be addressed to reach the “right answer” for patient diagnosis and hence management. In many cases patients may be reimaged, especially if the problem is detected early, but in other cases either the patient has left the nuclear laboratory or there is an inevitable problem that, even with reimaging, will not be resolved. In these situations the technologist and physician have to seek the available techniques to obtain the best images possible. These resources are discussed in this issue as an aid in quality control to obtain the best possible images.     

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARdelta), a novel target site for drug discovery in metabolic syndrome.

The development of new treatments for metabolic syndrome is urgent project for decreasing the prevalence of coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus in the advanced countries. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)alpha and gamma agonists have shed light on the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus, respectively. Among PPARs, analysis of the PPARdelta functions is lagging behind because specific PPARdelta agonists have not been developed. The appearance of new PPARdelta agonists is brightening the prospects for elucidating the physiological role of PPARdelta. PPARdelta is a new target for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. In particular, the fact that fatty acid oxidation and energy dissipation in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue by PPARdelta agonists lead to improved lipid profile, reduced adiposity and insulin sensitivity is a breakthrough. It seems that treatment of PPARdelta agonists operate similarly to the caloric restriction and prolonged exercise. We suggest that the physiological role of PPARdelta may be an indicator for switching from glucose metabolism to fatty acid metabolism. To receive new benefits of PPARdelta agonists against metabolic syndrome by increasing fatty acid consumption in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, we need to unveil more details on the functions of PPARdelta itself and its agonists in the future.     

Salvage of a failed valgus osteotomy for non-union of an unstable pertrochanteric fracture

Salvage of a failed valgus osteotomy for nonunion of an unstable pertrochanteric fracture is reported. A valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy was performed for a failed sliding hip screw fixation of an unstable pertrochanteric fracture at another institution. Four months following osteotomy, the fracture was still un-united with two distal screws of the hip plate broken and a coxa vara deformity. Reconstruction was performed with a nine-hole 95° angle blade plate and cancellous bone graft, because the insufficient fixation of the distal fragment was considered to be the main reason for failure. The osteotomy was healed at six months post-surgery and the patient reported complete resolution of symptoms. Intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy is an effective procedure for mal-union and non-union of pertrochanteric fracture but stable fixation is required for a good result. The blade of the angle plate offers good purchase of the proximal fragment and secures it under rotational and bending stresses. We recommend that distal fragments should be fixed with at least seven cortices for this type of osteotomy.     

Zinc sulfate addition to glass-ionomer-based cements: influence on physical and antibacterial properties, zinc and fluoride release.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ZnSO(4) addition to a conventional glass ionomer and a resin-modified glass ionomer on solubility, flexural strength, zinc and fluoride (F) release, and Streptococcus mutans growth inhibition. METHODS: 5 or 10% ZnSO(4) was added to Vitremer and Ketac-Fil powders. Solubility test was performed based on ISO 7489. Flexural strength was determined by 3-point bending test based on ISO 4049. Zn release/uptake was determined by atomic emission spectrometry; F release/uptake was measured using a F-specific electrode. Both release measurements were performed for 15 d before and 15 d after recharging. Antibacterial test was conducted according to agar plate methods against S. mutans, by measuring the inhibition halos in 1-h and 15-d specimens. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. RESULTS: Solubility increased with higher ZnSO(4) content, but remained below the ISO 7489 limit. Flexural strength was not affected by ZnSO(4) addition, and Vitremer performed better than Ketac-Fil. The control materials released no zinc. Vitremer with 10% ZnSO(4) released the highest amount of zinc. Fluoride release was similar for Ketac-Fil and Vitremer. In both cases, the highest amounts were released in the first 24 h. The growth inhibition halo of S. mutans was similar for both materials with highest content of ZnSO(4) and occurred only with 1-h specimens. SIGNIFICANCE: Zinc addition decreased microorganisms growth and improved fluoride release, without significantly affecting the materials' flexural strength and solubility.     

小颗粒致密低密度脂蛋白氧化特性及对血管内皮细胞脂质过氧化的影响

了解小颗粒致密低密度脂蛋白中抗氧化维生素含量、氧化特性 ,探讨其对血管内皮细胞脂质过氧化的影响。采用二次密度梯度超速离心的方法分离制备小颗粒致密低密度脂蛋白 ,高压液相色谱测定其抗氧化物质维生素A、E和 β 胡萝卜素 ;连续监测小颗粒致密低密度脂蛋白在 2 34nm的吸光度以测定其氧化敏感曲线 ;在血管内皮培养液中分别加入不同浓度的小颗粒致密低密度脂蛋白 ,培养后测定培养液丙二醛的浓度。实验成功分离小颗粒致密低密度脂蛋白 ,与大而轻低密度脂蛋白相比 ,维生素A、E和 β 胡萝卜素等抗氧化物质及总抗氧化能力明显减少 ,只有大而轻低密度脂蛋白的 6 5 %、39%和 2 4 % ,故小颗粒致密低密度脂蛋白氧化的延迟时间只有大而轻低密度脂蛋白的 37.5 % ,但硫代巴比妥酸反应物质值及氧化速率分别是大而轻低密度脂蛋白的 1 .7倍和 1 .2 8倍 ;培养液中丙二醛含量随加入脂蛋白的浓度和作用时间而增高 ,2 4h时小颗粒致密低密度脂蛋白 5 0mg组、1 0 0mg组、1 5 0mg组与相同剂量大而轻低密度脂蛋白组比较丙二醛显著增高 (P <0 .0 5 )。上述结果提示 :小颗粒致密低密度脂蛋白中抗氧化物质及抗氧化能力下降 ,氧化敏感性增高 ,并促进内皮细胞过氧化损伤