Plos One
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Meta Analysis
Interleukin-10 promoter gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to tuberculosis: a meta-analysis.
As an update to other recent meta-analyses, the purpose of this study was to explore whether interleukin-10 (IL-10) polymorphisms and their haplotypes contribute to tuberculosis (TB) susceptibility. ⋯ This meta-analysis suggests that the IL-10-819T/C polymorphism is associated with the risk of TB in Asians and that the IL-10-592A/C polymorphism may be a risk factor for TB in Europeans. Furthermore, these data indicate that IL-10 promoter haplotypes play a vital role in the susceptibility to or protection against the development of TB.
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Gadoxetic acid disodium (Gd-EOB-DTPA) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent to target the liver cells with normal function. In clinical practice, the Gd-EOB-DTPA produces high quality hepatocyte specific image 20 minutes after intravenous injection, so DWI sequence is often performed after the conventional dynamic scanning. However, there are still some disputes about whether DWI sequence will provide more effective diagnostic information in clinical practice. This study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of combining Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and DWI in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic liver disease. ⋯ Combination of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and DWI sequence significantly improves in both the diagnostic accuracy and specificity of chronic liver disease-associated HCC.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Plasma free hemoglobin and microcirculatory response to fresh or old blood transfusions in sepsis.
Free hemoglobin (fHb) may induce vasoconstriction by scavenging nitric oxide. It may increase in older blood units due to storage lesions. This study evaluated whether old red blood cell transfusion increases plasma fHb in sepsis and how the microvascular response may be affected. ⋯ Old RBC transfusion was associated with an increase in plasma fHb in septic patients. Increasing plasma fHb levels were associated with decreased microvascular density.
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To quantify progress with the initiation of salt reduction strategies around the world in the context of the global target to reduce population salt intake by 30% by 2025. ⋯ The large and increasing number of countries with salt reduction strategies in place is encouraging although activity remains limited in low- and middle-income regions. The absence of a consistent approach to implementation highlights uncertainty about the elements most important to success. Rigorous evaluation of ongoing programs and initiation of salt reduction programs, particularly in low- and middle- income countries, will be vital to achieving the targeted 30% reduction in salt intake.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Albumin Kinetics in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery.
The drop in plasma albumin concentration following surgical trauma is well known, but the temporal pattern of the detailed mechanisms behind are less well described. The aim of this explorative study was to assess changes in albumin synthesis and transcapillary escape rate (TER) following major surgical trauma, at the time of peak elevations in two well-recognized markers of inflammation. ⋯ Two days after major abdominal surgery, at the time-point when two biomarkers of generalised inflammation were at their peak and the plasma albumin concentration had decreased by 33%, we were unable to show any difference in the absolute synthesis rate of albumin, TER and plasma volume as compared with values obtained immediately pre-operatively. This suggests that capillary leakage, if elevated postoperatively, had ceased at that time-point. The temporal relations between albumin kinetics, capillary leakage and generalised inflammation need to be further explored.