Int J Med Sci
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Background: Studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the association between circulating osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels and all-cause mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the association between circulating OPG levels and all-cause mortality in patients with CKD. Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched for eligible studies investigating the association between circulating OPG levels and all-cause mortality in patients with CKD. ⋯ An increase of 1 pmol/L in the circulating OPG level was associated with a 6% increased risk of all-cause mortality (7 studies; the adjusted HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.10). A subgroup analysis by dialysis methods suggested that an elevated circulating OPG level was independently associated with all-cause mortality in the HD only population. Conclusion: Elevated circulating OPG levels independently predict an increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients with CKD, especially in the HD only population.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of the Analgesic Effect of Sufentanil versus Fentanyl in Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia after Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Randomized, Double-blind, Prospective Study.
Background: Fentanyl is one of the most widely used opioids for intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA). Sufentanil, a fentanyl analog, is suitable for postoperative pain control because it has no active metabolites and shows a higher therapeutic index and lower frequency of respiratory suppression than fentanyl. This study aimed to compare the two opioids for postoperative pain relief on the basis of analgesic efficacy, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction. ⋯ There were no significant intergroup differences in patient satisfaction score and the incidence of adverse effects in the ward, except for a higher incidence of dry mouth in the fentanyl group. Conclusions: In comparison with fentanyl, sufentanil showed comparable analgesic efficacy and safety with less analgesic consumption (under a potency ratio of 1:5) in IV-PCA after total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Therefore, we suggest that sufentanil can be a useful alternative to fentanyl for IV-PCA.
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Anterior cranial fossa (ACF) dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVFs) are rare, and a systematic review of the literature is lacking. Such a review is necessary, however, so a systematic PubMed search of related studies was performed. Twenty-four studies were identified, reporting on 48 patients, of whom 39 had definite age and sex information and 33 (84.6%, 33/39) were male. ⋯ Thus, when treating ACF DAVFs, endovascular treatment (EVT) can completely obliterate the fistula point and correct the venous shunting. EVT is therefore an effective treatment for ACF DAVF. Although many complications can occur, this approach achieves good outcomes in most cases.
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Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been reported to occur in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (ECRSwNP). Among the cytokines that cause EMT, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been shown to give rise to EMT in airway epithelial cells. However, the mechanism of HMGB1-induced EMT in ECRSwNP is unknown. ⋯ The protective role of PPAR-γ also appeared in cells that had been incubated with rhHMGB1. In the current study, we discovered that the agonist of PPAR-γ has a potential role in inhibited HMGB1-induced EMT in ECRSwNP. The agonist of PPAR-γ may contribute to inhabit epithelial cells to become mesenchymal-like cells which play an important role in the pathogenesis of ECRSwNP.
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Observational Study
Temporomandibular Disorders and Oral Features in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: An Observational Study.
Aims: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) represent a heterogeneous group of inflammatory or degenerative diseases of the stomatognatic system, with algic and/or dysfunctional clinical features involving temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and related masticatory muscles. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune polyarthritis characterized by the chronic inflammation of synovial joints and oral implications such as hyposalivation, difficulty in swallowing and phoning, feeling of burning mouth, increased thirst, loss of taste or unpleasant taste and smell, dental sensitivity. The aim of this observational study was to investigate the prevalence of TMD symptoms and signs as well as oral implications in patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (ERA), that is a RA diagnosed within 12 months, compared with a control group. ⋯ The salivary flow was significantly decreased in the study group respect to the control one (p<0.0001). Conclusions: The data collected show a weak TMJ kinematic impairment, a paucisymptomatic muscle contracture (positive endfeel) and a remarkable reduction of salivary flow in ERA patients. Myofacial pain (MP) evoked by palpation was more frequent and severe in the control group than in the study one, this result being highly significant.