Risk conferred by tagged SNPs of AGT gene in causing susceptibility to essential hypertension

Introduction: AGT gene harbors several variants of which 21 are found to be in high linkage disequilibrium as per Hapmap database. Studies delineating the importance of these tagged SNPs are very limited and lacking from Indian population. In the present study, we evaluated the contribution of four tagged SNPs namely, g.6635G?>?A, g.6506G?>?A, g.12840G?>?A, and g.13828T?>?C at AGT locus along with the analyses of haplotype and epistatic interactions in causing susceptibility to essential hypertension (EHT).

Methods: About 215 hypertensives and 230 normotensives were genotyped for selected tagged SNPs using PCR-RFLP method.

Results: Significant association was obtained for g.6635G?>?A and g.6506G?>?A polymorphisms wherein GG homozygotes for both the markers were at risk for developing the condition. g.13828T?>?C polymorphism specially, female heterozygotes (TC) were found to be at increased risk for EHT. Haplotype GGGC was found to have a significant protective effect (p?=?0.0059). Markers g.6506G?>?A and g.12840G?>?A resulted in the creation of new enhancer sites thereby affecting splicing process.

Conclusion: The present report is the first one in the literature showing general- and gender-specific association of g.6506G?>?A and g.13828T?>?C polymorphisms, respectively, with EHT. However, further studies for replication of present observations are warranted from other populations and other parts of India.     

硬件还原技术在PACS报告工作站管理中的应用

本文阐述了通过硬件还原技术解决PACS报告工作站存在问题的方法。硬件还原技术的引入实现了报告工作站稳定、高效的运行,降低了软件维护时间与成本,提升了放射科医生的工作效率。     

Evaluating the impact of a pharmacist-led prescribing feedback intervention on prescribing errors in a hospital setting

BackgroundPrescribing errors are prevalent in hospital settings with provision of feedback recommended to support prescribing of doctors. Feedback on prescribing has been described as feasible and valued but limited by doctors, with pharmacists described as credible facilitators of prescribing feedback. Evidence supporting prescribing feedback has been limited to date. A formalised programme of pharmacist-led prescribing error feedback was designed and implemented to support prescribers.ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of a prescribing feedback intervention on prescribing error rates and frequency of prescribing error severity and type.MethodProspective prescribing audits were undertaken across sixteen hospital wards in a UK teaching hospital over a five day period with 36 prescribers in the intervention group and 41 in the control group. The intervention group received pharmacist-led, individualised constructive feedback on their prescribing, whilst the control group continued with existing practice. Prescribing was re-audited after three months. Prescribing errors were classified by type and severity and data were analysed using relevant statistical tests.ResultsA total of 5191 prescribed medications were audited at baseline and 5122 post-intervention. There was a mean prescribing error rate of 25.0% (SD 16.8, 95% CI 19.3 to 30.7) at baseline and 6.7% (SD 9.0, 95% CI 3.7 to 9.8) post-intervention for the intervention group, and 19.7% (SD 14.5, 95% CI 15.2 to 24.3) at baseline and 25.1% (SD 17.0, 95% CI 19.8 to 30.6) post-intervention for the control group with a significant overall change in prescribing error rates between groups of 23.7% (SD 3.5, 95% CI, ?30.6 to ?16.8), t(75) = ?6.9, p < 0.05. The frequency of each error type and severity rating was reduced in the intervention group, whilst the error frequency of some error types and severity increased in the control group.ConclusionPharmacist-led prescribing feedback has the potential to reduce prescribing errors and improve prescribing outcomes and patient safety.     

Theorizing About Social Support and Health Communication in a Prostate Cancer Support Group

This article inquires into whether and how uncertainty reduction theory and problematic integration theory, two theories relevant to social support as enacted within a chapter of the Man-to-Man prostate cancer support group, inform us of how such groups can assist group members most effectively. Interview data from members of a prostate cancer support group shed light on theoretical assumptions about uncertainty. Although the group applies elements of both theories, prostate cancer survivors likely would benefit from a more comprehensive and flexible treatment of social support theory.     

Effect of variable annular reduction on functional tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular dynamics in an ovine model of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of variable tricuspid annular reduction (TAR) on functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) and right ventricular (RV) dynamics in ovine tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.MethodsNine adult sheep underwent implantation of a pacemaker with an epicardial lead and were paced at 200 to 240 bpm until the development of biventricular dysfunction and functional TR was noted. During reoperation on cardiopulmonary bypass, 6 sonomicrometry crystals were placed around the tricuspid annulus (TA) and 14 were placed on the RV epicardium. Annuloplasty suture was placed around the TA and externalized to an epicardial tourniquet. After weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, echocardiographic, hemodynamic, and sonomicrometry data were acquired at baseline and during 5 progressive TARs achieved with suture cinching. TA area and RV free wall strains and function were calculated from crystal coordinates.ResultsAfter pacing, changes in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and RV fractional area decreased significantly. Mean TA diameter increased from 25.1 ± 2.9 mm to 31.5 ± 3.3 mm (P = .005), and median TR (range, 0-3+) increased from 0 (0) to 3 (2) (P = .004). Progressive suture cinching reduced the TA area by 18 ± 6%, 38 ± 11%, 56 ± 10%, 67 ± 9%, and 76 ± 8%. Only aggressive annular reductions (67% and 76%) decreased TR significantly, but these were associated with deterioration of RV function and strain. A moderate annular reduction of 56% led to a substantial reduction of TR with little deleterious effect on regional RV function.ConclusionsA moderate TAR of approximately 50% may be most advantageous for correction of functional TR and simultaneous maintenance of regional RV performance. Additional subvalvular interventions may be needed to achieve complete valvular competence.     

切开复位内固定治疗Pilon骨折疗效的影响因素分析

目的 探讨影响切开复位内固定治疗Pilon骨折复位和功能恢复的相关因素.方法 84例Pilon骨折患者均采用切开复位内固定治疗,随访结束评价骨折复位和功能恢复,采用单因素和多因素Logistic分析疗效影响因素.结果 84例患者骨折全部愈合,中位时间5.0个月,并发症发生率、骨折复位率、功能恢复率分别为28.57％、84.52％、77.38％,骨折复位与功能恢复呈正相关（P＜0.05）.年龄、合并腓骨骨折仅对功能恢复影响显著,开放性骨折仅对骨折复位影响显著（P＜0.05）,骨折类型及并发创伤性关节炎对骨折复位、功能恢复均有显著影响（P＜0.05）.结论 切开复位内固定治疗Pilon骨折的骨折复位效果与软组织损伤程度、骨折类型及并发创伤性关节炎等因素有关,功能恢复与年龄、合并腓骨骨折、骨折类型及并发创伤性关节炎等因素有关.     

Clinical outcomes of open treatment of old condylar head fractures in adults

The aim of this study was to classify the clinical feasibility and outcomes of open reduction treatment of old condylar head fractures (CHFs).This was a retrospective case series study of patients with old CHFs that were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, with anatomic reduction and sutured fixation of the articular disc. Preoperative and postoperative examinations were recorded and analyzed, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms, occlusion, maximum interincisal opening (MIO), and mandibular deviation. Computed tomography (CT) was used to assess condylar morphology and position.Eleven patients with old CHFs were included (nine unilateral and two bilateral). The mean period from condylar fracture to operation was 8.9 months (ranging from 6 to 14 months). The mean follow-up period after surgery was 16.1 months (ranging from 12 to 22 months). At the end of follow-up period, no malocclusion was found, and the MIO had expanded considerably to 37.4 ± 3.8 mm. Postoperative CT showed that all fragments were properly reduced and the condyles were in the normal position. All patients showed apparently improved TMJ function, occlusion, and facial appearance.Our results showed that open reduction treatment could be an effective method for the treatment of old CHFs.