Serum TNF-α level and probing depth as a combined indicator for peri-implant disease

Peri-implant disease (PID) is a general term for inflammatory diseases of soft and hard tissues that occur around implants, including peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. Cytokines are a class of small molecule proteins, which have various functions such as regulating innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and repairing damaged tissues. In order to explore the characteristics and clinical significance of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor growth factor (TGF)-β1 expression levels in serum of patients with peri-implant disease, 31 patients with PID and 31 patients without PID were enrolled. The modified plaque index (mPLI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), and peri-implant probing depth (PD) were recorded. The levels of serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β1 were detected by ELISA. TNF-α, mPLI, mSBI, and PD levels were significantly higher in the PID group. TGF-β1 levels were significantly higher in the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between TNF-α and mPLI, mSBI, and PD. TGF-β1 was negatively associated with TNF-α, mPLI, mSBI, and PD. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that TNF-α and PD were risk factors for the severity of PID. The receiver operating curve analysis showed that high TNF-α levels (cut-off value of 140 pg/mL) and greater PD values (cut-off value of 4 mm) were good predictors of PID severity with an area under the curve of 0.922. These results indicated that TNF-α and PD can be used as a biological indicator for diagnosing the occurrence and progression of PID.

Reproductive Planning and the Choice of Long-acting Reversible Contraceptive Primary to Health: A Cross-Sectional Study / Planejamento reprodutivo e a escolha do contraceptivo de longa permanência na atenção primária à saúde: um estudo transversal

Abstract Objective Evaluate the different perspectives that involve the choice of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), the issues related to this process and the consequences of deciding one method in the women's in the primary health care (PHC) center in Sousas, a district in Campinas, SP (Brazil). Methods This is an analytical cross-sectional study, it was performed at the PHC in Sousas. Data were collected through the analysis of medical records and interviews with women who live in Sousas and had the insertion of the copper intrauterine device (IUD) (D) from April 2021 to April 2022 or the etonogestrel implant (I) from May to December 2022. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Medical Science School at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP). Results Reason for choosing this LARC: medical (D: 52%; I: 100%), easy adhesion (D: 71%; I: 67%), effectiveness (D: 55%; I: 100%). Indication by health professionals (D: 65%; I: 100%). And improvement of clinical characteristics: mood (D: 77%; I: 67%), body mass index (BMI; D: 52%; I: 33%), and libido (D: 84%; I: 67%). Conclusion It is suggested that women tend to decide between LARCs when guided by their doctor or PHC health professionals, and they select LARCs because of the ease of use and low failure rates. Therefore, this study highlights how LARCs can positively interfere in the aspects that pervade contraception, such as BMI, libido, and mood.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar as diversas perspectivas que envolvem a escolha dos LARCs, as problemáticas relacionadas a esse processo e as consequências da escolha do método na vida das mulheres no centro de Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) em Sousas, distrito de Campinas, SP. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal analítico, realizado no Centro de Saúde de Sousas. Os dados foram coletados através da análise de prontuários e de entrevistas das mulheres residentes em Sousas, que inseriram o dispositivo intrauterino (DIU) de cobre (D) entre abril de 2021 a abril de 2022 ou o implante de etonogestrel (I) de maio a dezembro de 2022. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Faculdade de Ciência Médicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Resultados O motivo da escolha: por indicação médica (D: 52%; I: 100%), pela facilidade (D: 71%; I: 67%) e pela eficácia (D: 55%; I: 100%). Da indicação por profissionais de saúde (D: 65%; I: 100%). E melhora das características clínicas: humor (D: 77%; I: 67%), índice de massa corporal (IMC; D: 52%; I: 33%) e libido (D: 84%; I: 67%). Conclusão Sugere-se que as mulheres tendem a escolher LARCs quando orientadas pelo seu médico ou por profissionais de saúde da APS e optam pelos LARCs pela facilidade do uso e baixa taxa de falhas. Destaca-se como os LARC's podem interferir positivamente em aspectos que perpassam a contracepção, como o IMC, libido e estado de humor.

A study of the effect of yoga on C-reactive protein, lipid profile and insulin resistance in obese patients

Background: Obesity is defined as a state of excess adipose tissue mass. In the last decade, there has been an alarming prevalence of obesity in the developed and developing countries like India. While modern medicine has so far been unable to control the menace of obesity, yoga offers an alternative holistic approach to tackle the problem of obesity by inculcating an approach towards balanced diet (Satwik aahar), physical activity and behavior modification (through pranayama). In this study, we have included the core anthropometric parameters of obesity, as well as associated abnormalities secondary to obesity like, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemia. Methods: The study was conducted in the department of medicine, L.L.R.M. Medical College and associated S.V.B.P. Hospital, Meerut, U.P. during 2020-2021 with the objective to assess the role of yoga therapy in modifying anthropometric and biochemical parameters of obese patients. It was a prospective, controlled trial in which 120 obese patients (BMI?25 kg/m2) were enrolled and followed for a period of six months.Results: Yoga therapy along with dietary restrictions is highly effective in improving the various anthropometric and biochemical parameters in obese patients and also beneficial in controlling complicationslike hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemias secondary to obesity. It also improved the quality of life of these patients.Conclusions: This study is a modest attempt to ascertain the role of yoga in obesity and it hopes to encourage further research in the field.

Expression and clinical significance of B and T lymphocyte attenuator on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Background: As an immune checkpoint, upregulation of B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) contributes to T-cell exhaustion in chronic infection. However, the characteristics of BTLA on T cells of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) are still uncovered. Aims: The aim of the study was to elucidate the dynamics and clinical significance of BTLA expression on circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of PTB patients. Materials and Methods: BTLA expression on T cells from PTB patients with smear positivity (n = 86) and healthy controls (HCs) (n = 40) were determined using flow cytometry. Results: The levels of BTLA expression on circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of PTB patients with smear positivity were both upregulated, compared with HC. At the same time, the levels of BTLA expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of patients with retreatment were both higher than that of those with initial treatment and gradually upregulated along with the increase of the bacillary load in sputum. In addition, the patients with lung cavity were discovered to present higher levels of BTLA expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells than those without lung cavity. Whereas we noted that there was no correlation between the levels of BTLA expression and the positivity or negativity of anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis antibody. Conclusions: The levels of BTLA expression were upregulated on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of PTB patients and associated with disease progression. Thereby, BTLA expression on T cells may be considered as a potential clinical indicator and utilized as a therapeutic target for PTB.

Valores de lactato sérico e sua correlação com parâmetros clínicos de cães saudáveis, mensurados durante atendimento ambulatorial veterinário / Serum lactate values and its correlation with clinical parameters evaluated at veterinary ambulatorial exam

A mensuração do lactato sérico é utilizada na rotina médica como marcador prognóstico de pacientes em estado de emergência. Sua interpretação não deve ser feita de forma isolada, mas conjunta aos demais parâmetros clínicos, pois seus valores podem sofrer interferência do estresse metabólico ou ambiental, contenção física e/ ou manipulação dos pacientes. Assim, buscou-se mensurar os valores do lactato sérico e parâmetros clínicos de cães saudáveis, bem como as suas correlações, durante o atendimento clínico ambulatorial veterinário. Para isso, foram avaliados 80 cães, machos ou fêmeas, com idade de um a oito anos, atendidos para revacinação anual polivalente. Foram considerados cães saudáveis os que não apresentaram intercorrências clínicas nos últimos 60 dias e alterações nos exames físicos e nos valores de hemograma e glicemia sérica. Foram mensurados inicialmente o peso corporal, a frequência cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (FR), tempo de preenchimento capilar (TPC), coloração de mucosas, temperatura retal (TR), periférica (TP) e a diferença entre TR e a TP, o Delta T°C. Por último, realizaram-se os exames de hemograma e glicemia sérica, juntamente com a mensuração do lactato sérico, utilizando para isso um lactímetro portátil, por meio da amostra sanguínea obtida da veia cefálica. Além disso, havendo a correlação dos valores do lactato séricos com o peso corporal os cães foram divididos conforme o cálculo do 33° e 66° percentil. Os cães avaliados evidenciaram valores médios de 18,3±12,1 kg de peso corporal e 3,0±1,9 anos de idade; FC de 126,6±29,1bpm, FR de 66±24mpm, TR de 38,9±0,4°C, TP de 31,5±1,0°C, Delta TºC de 7,3±1,0°C e lactato sérico de 3,2±0,4mmol/L; com este último, evidenciando intervalo de confiança a 95% de 3,1-3,3mmol/L e correlação significativa (p<0,05) dos seus valores com o peso corporal (r=0,6) e a frequência cardíaca (r=0,4). Os valores do lactato sérico obtidos foram comparados entre os grupos de cães conforme o peso corporal, evidenciando diferenças significativas (p<0,05) entre eles. Dessa forma, pode se concluir que os valores do lactato sérico em cães hígidos sob atendimento ambulatorial é de 3,2mmol/L, com o intervalo de confiança de 3,1-3,3mmol/L, ressaltando a influência que a FC e o peso corporal podem exercer nos seus valores.(AU)

The measurement of serum lactate is used in the medical routine as a prognosis marker of emergency patients. Its interpretation should not be done disconnectedly from the other clinical parameters once metabolical or environmental stress as well as restraint and/or manipulation of patients can interfere. Thus we tried to measure the levels of serum lactate and clinical parameters of healthy dogs, as their correlation during veterinarian outpatient clinical care. For that we evaluated 80 dogs, males and females, with age ranging from one to eight years, met for polyvalent annual revaccination. We considered to be healthy those dogs that had no clinical events in the last 60 days or alteration in physical exams, blood exam values and serum glycemia. We initially measured body weight, heart rate (HR) and respiratory (RR), capillary refill time, mucosa's coloring, rectal temperature (RT), peripheral temperature (PT) and the difference between RT and PT, Delta T°C. Finally we did the blood exam and the serum glycemia, as well as the serum lactate measurement. For that we used a portable lactimeter, using the blood sample taken from the cephalic vein. Furthermore, when there was correlation between the serum lactate values and the body weight, we divided the dogs according to the calculation of 33 and 66 percentile. Evaluated dogs showed average values of 18.3±12.1 kg of body weight and 3.0±1.9 of age; with HR of 126.6±29.1bpm, RR of 66±24mpm, RT of 38.9±0.4°C, PT of 31.5±1,0°C, Delta T°C of 7.3±1.0°C and serum lactate of 3.2±0.4mmol/L; with the latter showing range of 3.1-3.3mmol/L with 95% of reliability and significant correlation (p<0.05) between its values and the body weight (r=0.6) and the heart rate (r=0.4). The serum lactate values obtained were compared between the dogs' groups according to their body weight, showing distinguished differences between them. Thereby we concluded that the serum lactate values in dogs under outpatient care is 3.2mmol/L, with a trust gap of 3.1-3.3mmol/L, highlighting the influence that HR and body weight can have on its values.(AU)

Stress and pain response after oligofructose induced-lameness in dairy heifers

Lameness is one of the most painful conditions that affects dairy cattle. This study was conducted to evaluate clinical signs and plasma concentration of several pain and stress biomarkers after oligofructose-induced lameness in dairy heifers. Lameness was induced using an oligofructose overload model in 12 non-pregnant heifers. Clinical parameters and blood samples were obtained at 48 and 24 h and at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after induction of lameness. Clinical parameters included heart rate, respiratory rate, ruminal frequency and lameness score. Plasma biomarkers included cortisol, haptoglobin, norepinephrine, beta-endorphin and substance P. Differences were observed in all parameters between control and treated heifers. The plasma concentration of biomarkers increased significantly in treated animals starting 6 h after induction of lameness, reaching maximum levels at 24 h for cortisol, 48 h for haptoglobin, 6 h for norepinephrine, 12 h for substance P and at 24 h for beta-endorphin. Overall, our results confirm that lameness associated pain induced using the oligofructose model induced changes in clinical parameters and plasma biomarkers of pain and stress in dairy heifers.

Effect of a 12-week weight management program on the clinical characteristics and dietary intake of the young obese and the contributing factors to the successful weight loss

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to investigate the effect of a 12-wk intervention with behavioral modification on clinical characteristics and dietary intakes of young and otherwise healthy obese and to identify factors for successful weight loss. The goal was to lose 0.5 kg per week by reducing 300-500 kcal/day and by increasing physical activities. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty four obese subjects (BMI > 25) and 19 normal weight subjects (BMI 18.5-23) finished the 12-week intervention. Obese subjects participated in 5 group educations and 6 individual counseling sessions. Normal weight subjects attended 6 individual counseling sessions for evaluations of dietary intake and exercise pattern. Anthropometric and clinical characteristics and 3-day dietary records were evaluated at baseline and week12. RESULTS: Weight and serum triglyceride and free fatty acid concentrations in obese group decreased significantly with intervention. Intakes of energy, fat, and cholesterol decreased significantly in the obese. Active participation, realistic weight loss goal setting, and weight gain after high school graduation not during childhood were identified as key factors for successful weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: The 12-week intervention with behavioral modification resulted in reduced energy and fat intakes and led to significant weight loss and improvements of clinical characteristics in the obese. The finding that those who became obese during childhood lost less weight indicates the importance of 'early' intervention.

Terapia periodontal no quirúrgica / Nonsurgical periodontal therapy

Introducción: en el tratamiento de las enfermedades periodontales contamos con la terapia periodontal no quirúrgica, la cual ha sido avalada científicamente mostrando su efectividad. El principal objetivo de este artículo es demostrar la efectividad de la terapia periodontal no quirúrgica evidenciada en múltiples estudios con relación a las indicaciones, aspectos microbiológicos, efectos enlos tejidos y la importancia de la terapia de mantenimiento una vez finalizado el tratamiento. Métodos: se hizo una revisión con relación al tema en los últimos años teniendo como patrón los conceptos clave periodontales. Resultados: la terapia periodontal no quirúrgica (TPNQ) no es un procedimiento que pueda y deba realizarse en un corto tiempo y en pocas citas, el tiempo para su ejecución se amplía lo necesario en especial para lograr una limpieza y regularización de las raíces lo más completa posible. Conclusión: varios autores reportanque la reducción de la microbiota se mantuvo entre 14 y 180 días, luego de la terapia, esto justifica las citas periódicas de mantenimientoperiodontal y estos señalan que el aspecto crítico de la terapia no es la escogencia entre un procedimiento quirúrgico o no quirúrgico, sino la limpieza detallada y completa por el profesional y el buen nivel de higiene bucal por parte del paciente.

Introduction: In the treatment of periodontal diseases, we can rely on nonsurgical periodontal therapy, which has been scientifically proven as its effectiveness has been recognized. The main objective of this article is to demonstrate the usefulness of nonsurgical periodontal therapy, as evidenced in several studies that serve as guidelines, as well as microbiological aspects, effects on tissues and theimportance of maintenance therapy after treatment completion. Methods: a review was conducted in order to revise this topic considering key periodontal concepts as a guideline. Results: nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) is a procedure that cannot and should not be carried out in a few sessions; the time required for its completion is extended as necessary in order to achieve cleaning and adjustmentof the roots as completely as possible. Conclusions: Several authors have reported that reduction of microbiota remains between 14 and 180 days after therapy. This explains the regular periodontal maintenance appointments. They also indicate that the critical aspect of this therapy is not the choice between a surgical or a nonsurgical procedure, but a detailed and thorough cleaning by the dental professionaland the good level of oral hygiene achieved by the patient.

Honeybee propolis extract in periodontal treatment: A clinical and microbiological study of propolis in periodontal treatment.

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate by clinical and microbiological parameters the effect of subgingival irrigation with propolis extract. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis, each presenting three non-adjacent teeth with deep pockets, were selected. Subgingival plaque sampling and clinical recording (at baseline) and scaling and root planing was performed. Two weeks later the selected periodontal sites were submitted to one of the following treatments: Irrigation with a hydroalcoholic solution of propolis extract twice a week for 2 weeks (group A); irrigation with a placebo twice a week for 2 weeks (group B); or no additional treatment (group C). Clinical and microbiological data was collected at baseline and after 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Results: A decrease in the total viable counts of anaerobic bacteria (P=.007), an increase in the proportion of sites with low levels (≤10 5 cfu/mL) of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P=.044), and an increase in the number of sites negative for bleeding on probing was observed in group A sites as compared to group B and C sites. Conclusion: Subgingival irrigation with propolis extract as an adjuvant to periodontal treatment was more effective than scaling and root planing as assessed by clinical and microbiological parameters.

Diagnóstico das doenças peri-implantares: uma abordagem clínica / Diagnoses of periimplant diseases – A clinical approach

Os parâmetros clínicos e radiográficos estão sendo amplamente utilizados no diagnóstico das doenças peri-implantares. O exame dos tecidos peri-implantares através desses parâmetros permite a detecção de sinais e sintomas da mucosite peri-implantar e da peri-implantite. Além disso, os estudos atuais mostram um aumento na prevalência dessas alterações, o que sugere a necessidade de um diagnóstico precoce. Os parâmetros clínicos que podem ser utilizados neste diagnóstico são os índices de placa, gengival e de sangramento, a profundidade de sondagem, a posição da margem gengival, o nível de inserção clínica, a presença ou ausência de supuração, a quantidade de mucosa queratinizada, o teste de mobilidade e a verificação de perda óssea radiográfica. O objetivo deste estudo foi, através de uma revisão da literatura sobre os parâmetros clínicos e radiográficos, discutir e indicar quais os índices que podem ser utilizados na prática clínica diária a fim de diagnosticar as doenças peri-implantares.

Clinical and radiographic parameters have been widely used on periimplant diseases diagnoses. Peri-implant examination, through these parameters, allows detection of signs and symptoms of Peri-implant Mucositis and Peri-implantitis. Moreover, several studies have shown an increase in the prevalence of those diseases suggesting a necessity for early diagnoses. Peri-implant plaque index, gingival and bleeding index, probing deep, gingival margin position, clinical attachment level, presence or absence of suppuration, keratinized mucosa, mobility test, and radiographic peri-implant bone loss are the most commonly used parameters in peri-implant disease diagnosis. The aim of this literature review is to describe clinical and radiographic parameters, and to discuss and indicate which parameters can be used to diagnose peri-implant diseases.

Avaliação dos tecidos peri-implantares em pacientes reabilitados com próteses totais fixas implantossuportadas / Evaluation of peri-implant tissues in patients rehabilitated with total fixed prostheses

Este estudo propõe uma avaliação das condições dos tecidos peri-omplantares em pacientes reabilitados com próteses totais fixas sobre implantes em maxilas e/ou mandíbulas, atendidos no Curso de especialização em Implantodontia da Universidade federal da Bahia (UFBA). A amostra constituiu-se de oito pacientes, e foram analisados mobilidade, dor, profundidade de sonfagem, índice de placa, índice de sangramento, supuração e faixa de tecido ceratinizado. De um total de 49 implantes avaliados, apenas um (2,04%) apresentou peri-implantite (com supuração e profundidade de sondagem de 6mm). Os resultados confirmam a necessidade de se estabelecer um programa de terapia de suporte para o paciente com implantes osseointegrados.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the peri-implants tissues conditions in the patients whose maxillae and/ or mandibles were rehabilitated using implant supported total fixed prostheses in the Specialist Implantodontology Program at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA). The sample comprised of eight patients and the following factors were analyzed: mobility, pain, probing depth, the amount of plaque present, the amount of bleeding, suppuration and the keratinized tissue. Of a total of 49 implants evaluated, only one presented periimplantitis (with suppuration and a probing depth of 6mm). The results confirmed the necessity of establishing a therapeutic support program for patients with osseointegrated implants.

Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes, hepatic steatosis and their correlation with clinical and virological factors in Pakistan

Background: Due to the inherently unstable nature of HCV, various genotypes have been identified. Steatosis is a histological feature in the progression of HCV-associated liver disease and has been shown to alter the host lipid metabolism. Objective: Assess the distribution of HCV genotypes in the two provinces of Pakistan, and determine the association of hepatic steatosis with altered clinical and virological factors in chronic HCV patients. Methods: One hundred twenty six chronic HCV patients (steatosis in 49 patients) were enrolled for qualitative analysis by PCR. Out of 126 ELISA and PCR positive samples, 119 (48 with hepatic steatosis) chronic HCV patients (mean age 42.0±13.3 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 24.2±4.1) were proved positive after PCR-based detection. Biochemical and virological factors such as HCV genotype, or glucose, in 119 CHC patients were determined and compared between patients with and without hepatic steatosis. Results: Out of 126 samples, 119 were HCV positive, where 58 (48.7%) were genotype 3a, 24 (20.2%) were 3b, 12 (10.1%) were 1a, eight (6.7%) were 2a, six (5.0%) were 1b, and one (0.8%) was 4. Furthermore, seven (5.9%) had a co-infection and three (2.5%) were untypable. BMI (p=0.004), genotype 3a (p<0.001), and triglycerides (p=0.002) were significantly associated with steatosis. It is noteworthy that cholesterol (p=0.281), glucose (p=0.305), lowdensity lipoprotein (p=0.101), high-density lipoprotein (p=0.129), alanine amino transferase (p=0.099), aspartate transaminase (p=0.177), bilirubin (p= 0.882), and age (p=0.846) showed non-significant association. Conclusion: Genotype 3a is the predominant genotype in Pakistan. Hepatic steatosis is quite frequent feature in HCV patients and strongly correlates with BMI, genotype 3a, and triglyceride contents in patients infected with HCV.

Efeito de diferentes soluções de enema sobre os parâmetros clínicos de eqüinos / Effect of different enema solutions on clinical parameters of equines

Avaliou-se o efeito de diferentes soluções de enema sobre os parâmetros clínicos de eqüinos hígidos. Foram utilizados 15 eqüinos adultos, distribuídos em três grupos de cinco animais cada: grupo 1 - tratados com água de torneira mais sabão neutro; grupo 2 - tratados com solução isotônica e grupo 3 - tratados com água de torneira mais vaselina. O efeito das soluções de enema sobre os parâmetros clínicos variou em função do tipo de solução infundida. A solução com menor efeito sobre os parâmetros clínicos foi a isotônica. A solução de água de torneira e sabão neutro desencadeou um aumento da temperatura retal e edema da mucosa retal. Embora as três soluções tenham se mostrado efetivas em hidratar e amolecer as fezes, a solução de água com sabão foi a que apresentou o melhor efeito.

The effect of three different enema solutions on clinical parameters of equines was studied using 15 healthy adult animals. They were alloted into three groups of five animals each: group 1 - treated with tap water associated with neuter soap; group 2 -treated with isotonic solution; and group 3 - treated with tap water associated with vaseline. Effects of enema solutions on clinical parameters were observed. Isotonic solution caused less alteration on clinical parameters. Tap water and soap enema induced inflammatory reaction on colon mucosa. Even though all three solutions showed effectiveness in hydrating and softening the feces, the treatment with water plus soap showed the best results.

The Usefulness of Bladder Wall Thickness Measurement Using Ultrasound in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Significant detrusor muscle hypertrophy is a well-recognized clinical finding observed benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). This can be recognized as a bladder wall thickness (BWT) on transabdominal ultrasonography. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of a BWT measurement using ultrasound in patients with BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 197 men who underwent ultrasonic measurement of the BWT from August 1999 to August 2001 were enrolled in this study. Among them, 15 men comprised the normal control group, 145 men were in the symptomatic BPH group and 37 men were in the retention group. The BWT according to the clinical parameters (international prostate symptom score, peak flow rate, transverse diameter of prostate, age, duration of symptom, retention) was compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean BWT in the control group, BPH group and the retention group were 2.21+/-0.44mm, 3.39+/-0.87mm, 4.04+/-0.86mm, respectively. The BWT was well correlated with the international prostate symptom score (I-PSS), the peak flow rate (PFR), and age. The mean BWTs according to the I-PSS grouped into mild, moderate, and severe symptoms were 2.97 0.51mm, 3.12+/-0.68mm, 3.80+/-0.97mm, and the mean BWT according to PFR grouped into 15ml/sec were 3.65+/-0.93mm, 3.23+/-0.76mm, 2.91+/-0.58mm, respectively. The mean BWT according to age grouped into 50-59 years, 60-69 years 70-79 years, =80 years were 3.03+/-0.70, 3.47+/-0.68, 3.96+/-0.91, 4.60+/-1.25, respectively. Using the receiver operative characteristic curve (ROC curve), the cut-off BWT that can be used to distinguish the obstructive group was 3.60mm. CONCLUSIONS: The BWT can be measured noninvasively. From this study, the BWT can be a useful parameter for evaluating BPH.

Correlations Between HLA-Cw*0602 and Clinical Picture in Korean Psoriatic Patients / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: HLA-Cw6 has the strongest individual association with psoriasis in many racial groups, and associations with the positive family history and early age at onset have been noted in many studies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether Cw6 correlate with the clinical parameters of Korean psoriatic patients. METHODS: One hundred and twelve unrelated patients with psoriasis, and 166 healthy controls were examined with regard to Cw*0602, using a PCR-SSP method. We divided the patients into two groups according to Cw*0602 positivity, and compared two groups with reference to several clinical parameters. RESULTS: The results are summarized as follows: 1. Cw*0602 was found in 69.6% of the 112 patients, but only in 9.0% of the 166 healthy controls(p<0.05, RR=23.1). 2. The presence of Cw*0602 correlated with early age at onset(26.1 vs. 32.5 years, p<0.05), and Cw*0602 was present in 75.0% of the patients with early onset(p<0.05, RR=30.2). 3. The presence of Cw*0602 did not correlate with a positive family history of psoriasis among the first-degree relatives, but correlated with an overall positive family history (p<0.05). 4. There were no positive correlations with arthritis, the history of inpatient treatment, the clinical type of psoriasis, and onset or exacerbation after upper respiratory infection. CONCLUSION: The presence of Cw*0602 correlated with a positive family history for psoriasis and early age at onset, but did not correlate with arthritis, the history of inpatient treatment, the clinical type of psoriasis, and onset or exacerbation after upper respiratory infection.

Effect of Erythropoietin on Dialyzer Reuse, Dialysis Efficacy and Other Clinical Parameters / 대한신장학회잡지

The use of erythropoietin for correction of anemia in maintenance hemodialysis patients affects dialyzer reuse, dialysis efficacy and other clinical parameters. This study showed the change of Kt/Vurea, nPCR, pre-dialysis BUN, body weight, ultrafiltration volume, pre-dialysis blood pressure, heparin dosage, the number of dialyzer reuse caused by the administration of erythropoietin in reuse(n=11) and first use(n=9) patients who were started erythropoietin since January, 1995. 1) In 20 all patients, hematocrit increased significantly after EPO treatment 20.7+/-0.8%, 27.8+/-0.7%, ultrafiltration volume increased from 2.0+/-0.3L to 2.5+/-0.2L(P1.0/kg/ day) and then pretreatment versus posttreatment nPCR, pre-dialysis BUN and ultrafiltration volume were compared. In low baseline protein intake group, significant increases of ultrafiltration volume, nPCR were observed. However, pre-dialysis BUN were not changed significantly. In high protein intake group, nPCR, pre-dialysis BUN, ultrafiltration volume were changed without significance. In conclusion, EPO treatment did not affect Kt/Vurea, dialyzer reuse, nPCR, predialysis blood pressure, heparin dosage. But ultrafiltration volume increased significantly after EPO treatment. Maybe increased appetite in low baseline protein intake group caused the increased posttreatment ultrafiltration volume.