Medicine
-
Review Meta Analysis
Vitamin D Receptor Gene FokI Polymorphism Contributes to Increasing the Risk of Tuberculosis: An Update Meta-Analysis.
The association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) FokI polymorphism and tuberculosis (TB) risk remains a matter of debate. Potential selection bias exists in most studies using HIV-positive TB patients. An update meta-analysis was carried out to derive a more reliable assessment of the association between FokI polymorphisms and TB risk, especially in HIV-negative TB patients. ⋯ In the subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity, significant associations were found in the Asian group (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.205-2.261, P = 0.002; I = 43.9%, and P = 0.024 for heterogeneity), but not in the Caucasian group (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.762-1.547, P = 0.649; I = 0.0%, and P = 0.740 for heterogeneity) and African group (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.726-1.341, P = 0.934; I = 43.9%, and P = 0.024 for heterogeneity). This meta-analysis confirms that VDR FokI polymorphism contributes to the risk of TB, especially in HIV-negative TB patients and in the Asian group. Further studies are required to clarify the role of the FokI polymorphism in HIV-positive TB and in other ethnic groups.
-
Observational Study
Surveillance of Patients in the Waiting Area of the Department of Emergency Medicine.
Many patients visiting an emergency department are in reduced general condition of health and at risk of suffering further deterioration during their stay. We wanted to test the feasibility of a new monitoring system in a waiting area of an emergency department. In an observational cross-sectional single-center study, patients with acute cardiac or pulmonary symptoms or in potentially life-threatening conditions were enrolled. ⋯ Linear regression analysis between clinical symptom category groups of patients showed significant differences in the respiratory rate and noninvasive blood pressure courses. Feedback from patients and users via questionnaires showed overall very good acceptance and patients felt that they were given better care. To assist medical staff of an emergency department waiting area to rapidly response to potentially life-threatening situations of its patients, a new monitoring system proved to be feasible and safe.
-
Determine what clinical role, if any, GM-CSF may have in the clinical treatment of sepsis in the adult patient. Advancements in the management of sepsis have led to significant decreases in early mortality; however, sepsis remains a significant source of long-term mortality and disability which places strain on healthcare resources with a substantial growing economic impact. Historically, early multiple organ failure (MOF) and death in patients with severe sepsis was thought to result from an exaggerated proinflammatory response called the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). ⋯ Multiple immunomodulating agents have been studied to combat the immunosuppressive phase of sepsis with the goal of decreasing secondary infection, reducing organ dysfunction, decreasing ICU stays, and improving survival. Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a myelopoietic growth factor currently used in patients with neutropenia secondary to chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression, has been studied as a potential immune-activating agent. The applicability of GM-CSF as a standard therapy for generalized sepsis is still largely understudied; however, small-scale studies available have demonstrated some improved recovery from infection, decreased hospital length of stay, decreased days requiring mechanical ventilation, and decreased medical costs.
-
Observational Study
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) Gene are Associated With age-Related Macular Degeneration in Chinese Han Individuals: A Case-Control Pilot Study.
To investigate whether 3 variants in sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) gene contributed differently in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a Chinese Han population. We conducted a case-control study in a group of Chinese patients with AMD (n = 253) and contrasted the results against a control group (n = 292). Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of SIRT1 gene including rs12778366, rs3740051, and rs4746720 were genotyped using improved multiplex ligase detection reaction. ⋯ We detected significantly differences of rs12778366 allele distribution between 2 groups in recessive and codominant model (P < 0.05). Homozygous carriers of the risk allele C displayed a higher chance of developing AMD (P = 0.036, odds ratio = 3.227; 95% confidence interval: 1.015-10.265). Our study, for the first time, raises the possibility that genetic variations of SIRT1 could be implicated in the pathophysiology of AMD in the Chinese Han population.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Oral Food Intake Versus Fasting on Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy: A Multi-Institutional Randomized Controlled Trial.
The usefulness of enteral nutrition via a nasointestinal tube for patients who develop postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after miscellaneous pancreatectomy procedures has been reported. However, no clear evidence regarding whether oral intake is beneficial or harmful during management of POPF after distal pancreatectomy (DP) is currently available. To investigate the effects of oral food intake on the healing process of POPF after DP. ⋯ There were no significant differences in POPF-related intra-abdominal hemorrhage, the incidence of other complications, or the length of the postoperative hospital stay between the 2 groups. Food intake did not aggravate POPF and did not prolong drain placement or hospital stay after DP. There may be no need to avoid oral DI in patients with POPF.