Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver. It has been shown that LBP plays an important role in the inflammatory response to sepsis. LBP has also been shown to protect animals from endotoxin challenge by facilitating the removal of endotoxin from the blood circulation. Cirrhotic patients are susceptible to bacterial infection. It is unknown whether pre-existing liver dysfunction impacts the LBP levels and thus the prognosis in severe sepsis. ⋯ The concentration of LBP is associated inversely with disease severity scores and outcomes in critically ill cirrhotic patients with severe sepsis.
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Concomitant tibial shaft and posterior malleolar fractures (PMFs) are often encountered in clinical settings. Plain films were reviewed for concomitant PMF, and fracture patterns were analyzed by focusing on the integrity of the fibula and the location of the fibular fracture. ⋯ We recommend careful radiographic examination to evaluate PMF, especially in patients with distal tibial spiral fractures combined with proximal fibular fractures or intact fibulas.
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Previous studies have reported that the attainment of goals for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are globally suboptimal, but contemporary data are scarce. The CEntralized Pan-Asian survey on tHE Under-treatment of hypercholeSterolemia (CEPHEUS-PA) is the largest evaluation of pharmacological treatment for hypercholesterolemia in Asia. The study reported here analyzed the Taiwan cohort in CEPHEUS-PA to identify the determinants of successful treatment. ⋯ This study showed that there is a discrepancy between the updated Adult Treatment Panel III recommendations for LDL-C control and the control attained by this group of Taiwanese patients. In particular, treatment with statins was largely underused in patients with diabetes and in those with metabolic syndrome. These findings highlight the need for more intensive treatment in high-risk patients and those with multiple risk factors, particularly patients with metabolic syndrome.