BMPRⅡ^(+)neural precursor cells isolated and characterized from organotypic neurospheres:an in vitro model of human fetal spinal cord development

Roof plate secretion of bone morphogenetic proteins(BMPs)directs the cellular fate of sensory neurons during spinal cord development,including the formation of the ascending sensory columns,though their biology is not well understood.Type-ⅡBMP receptor(BMPRⅡ),the cognate receptor,is expressed by neural precursor cells during embryogenesis;however,an in vitro method of enriching BMPRⅡ^(+)human neural precursor cells(hNPCs)from the fetal spinal cord is absent.Immunofluorescence was undertaken on intact second-trimester human fetal spinal cord using antibodies to BMPRⅡand leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF).Regions of highest BMPRⅡ^(+)immunofluorescence localized to sensory columns.Parenchymal and meningeal-associated BMPRⅡ^(+)vascular cells were identified in both intact fetal spinal cord and cortex by co-positivity with vascular lineage markers,CD34/CD39.LIF immunostaining identified a population of somas concentrated in dorsal and ventral horn interneurons,mirroring the expression of LIF receptor/CD118.A combination of LIF supplementation and high-density culture maintained culture growth beyond 10 passages,while synergistically increasing the proportion of neurospheres with a stratified,cytoarchitecture.These neurospheres were characterized by BMPRⅡ^(+)/MAP2ab^(+/–)/βⅢ-tubulin^(+)/nestin^(–)/vimentin^(–)/GFAP^(–)/NeuN^(–)surface hNPCs surrounding a heterogeneous core ofβⅢ-tubulin^(+)/nestin^(+)/vimentin^(+)/GFAP^(+)/MAP2ab^(–)/NeuN^(–)multipotent precursors.Dissociated cultures from tripotential neurospheres contained neuronal(βⅢ-tubulin^(+)),astrocytic(GFAP+),and oligodendrocytic(O4+)lineage cells.Fluorescence-activated cell sorting-sorted BMPRⅡ^(+)hNPCs were MAP2ab^(+/–)/βⅢ-tubulin^(+)/GFAP^(–)/O4^(–)in culture.This is the first isolation of BMPRⅡ^(+)hNPCs identified and characterized in human fetal spinal cords.Our data show that LIF combines synergistically with high-density reaggregate cultures to support the organotypic reorganization of neurospheres,characterized by surface BMPRⅡ^(+)hNPCs.Our study has provided a new methodology for an in vitro model capable of amplifying human fetal spinal cord cell numbers for>10 passages.Investigations of the role BMPRⅡplays in spinal cord development have primarily relied upon mouse and rat models,with interpolations to human development being derived through inference.Because of significant species differences between murine biology and human,including anatomical dissimilarities in central nervous system(CNS)structure,the findings made in murine models cannot be presumed to apply to human spinal cord development.For these reasons,our human in vitro model offers a novel tool to better understand neurodevelopmental pathways,including BMP signaling,as well as spinal cord injury research and testing drug therapies.

Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsia

AIM:To evaluate the effects of ginger on gastric motility and emptying,abdominal symptoms,and hormones that influence motility in dyspepsia.METHODS:Eleven patients with functional dyspepsia were studied twice in a randomized double-blind manner.After an 8-h fast,the patients ingested three capsules that contained ginger(total 1.2 g) or placebo,followed after 1 h by 500 mL low-nutrient soup.Antral area,fundus area and diameter,and the frequency of antral contractions were measured using ultrasound at frequent intervals,and the gastric half-emptying time was calculated from the change in antral area.Gastrointestinal sensations and appetite were scored using visual analog questionnaires,and blood was taken for measurement of plasma glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1),motilin and ghrelin concentrations,at intervals throughout the study.RESULTS:Gastric emptying was more rapid after ginger than placebo [median(range) half-emptying time 12.3(8.5-17.0) min after ginger,16.1(8.3-22.6) min after placebo,P ≤ 0.05].There was a trend for more antral contractions(P = 0.06),but fundus dimensions and gastrointestinal symptoms did not differ,nor did serum concentrations of GLP-1,motilin and ghrelin.CONCLUSION:Ginger stimulated gastric emptying and antral contractions in patients with functional dyspepsia,but had no impact on gastrointestinal symptoms or gut peptides.

The importance of depression and alcohol use in coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients：risk factors for delirium and poorer quality of life

ObjectiveToinvestigate whether depression, anxiety and stress increase the risk for delirium and poor quality of life （QOL） after co-ronary artery bypass （CABG） surgery.MethodsA total of 180 CABG patients （mean age of 63.5 ± 10.1 years, 82.2% males） completed baseline and postoperative self-report questionnaires to assess distress and QOL. Incident delirium was diagnosed postoperatively with a structured clinical interview and patients were monitored every day post-operatively for confusion and disturbance in consciousness.Results Delirium developed in 63 persons （35% of sample）. After adjustment for covariates, delirium was significantly associated with depression [odds ratio （OR）： 1.08; 95% confidence interval （CI）： 1.03-1.13,P = 0.003], anxiety （OR： 1.07; 95% CI： 1.02-1.13,P= 0.01） and stress （OR： 1.05; 95% CI： 1.00-1.09,P= 0.03）. Preoperative depression scores were associated with poorer QOL including bodily pain （β =-0.39,P = 0.013）, vitality （β=-0.32,P = 0.020）, social functioning （β=-0.51,P≤0.001）, emotional role function （β=-0.44,P = 0.003） and general health （β=-0.33,P = 0.038）. Among the covariates, harmful levels of alcohol use was consistently associated with poorer QOL.Conclusions Depression and harmful levels of alcohol use were consistently associated with poorer QOL whereas depression, anxiety and stress were associated with delirium risk. These findings point to further research examining depression and harmful levels of alcohol use in coronary heart disease populations undergoing coronary revascularization.

Outcomes of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

AIM:To evaluate weight loss and surgical outcomes of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass(RYGB)and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band(LAGB).METHODS:Data relating to changes in body mass index(BMI)and procedural complications after RYGB(1995-2009;n=609;116M:493F;42.4±0.4 years)or LAGB(2004-2009;n=686;131M:555F;37.2±0.4years)were extracted from prospective databases.RESULTS:Pre-operative BMI was higher in RYGB than LAGB patients(46.8±7.1 kg/m2vs 40.4±4.2 kg/m2,P<001);more patients with BMI<35 kg/m2underwent LAGB than RYGB(17.1%vs 4.1%,P<0.0001).BMI decrease was greater after RYGB.There were direct relationships between weight loss and pre-operative BMI(P<0.001).Although there was no difference in weight loss between genders during the first 3-year post-surgery,male LAGB patients had greater BMI reduction than females(-8.2±4.3 kg/m2vs-3.9±1.9kg/m2,P=0.02).Peri-operative complications occurred more frequently following RYGB than LAGB(8.0%vs0.5%,P<0.001);majority related to wound infection.LAGB had more long-term complications requiring corrective procedures than RYGB(8.9%vs 2.1%,P<0.001).Conversion to RYGB resulted in greater BMI reduction(-9.5±3.8 kg/m2)compared to removal and replacement of the band(-6.0±3.0 kg/m2).Twelve months post-surgery,fasting glucose,total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels were significantly lower with the magnitude of reduction greater in RYGB patients.CONCLUSION:RYGB produces substantially greater weight loss than LAGB.Whilst peri-operative complications are greater after RYGB,long-term complication rate is higher following LAGB.

Pharmacological therapy of feed intolerance in the critically ills

Feed intolerance in the setting of critical illness is associated with higher morbidity and mortality,and thusrequires promptly and effective treatment. Prokineticagents are currently considered as the first-line therapygiven issues relating to parenteral nutrition and post-pyloric placement. Currently,the agents of choice areerythromycin and metoclopramide,either alone or incombination,which are highly effective with relativelylow incidence of cardiac,hemodynamic or neurologicaladverse effects. Diarrhea,however,can occur in up to 49% of patients who are treated with the dual prokinetic therapy,which is not associated with Clostridiumdifficile infection and settled soon after the cessation ofthe drugs. Hence,the use of prokinetic therapy over along period or for prophylactic purpose must be avoided,and the indication for ongoing use of the drug(s)must be reviewed frequently. Second line therapy,suchas total parenteral nutrition and post-pyloric feeding,must be considered once adverse effects relating theprokinetic therapy develop.

Whey protein: The “whey” forward for treatment of type 2 diabetes?

A cost-effective nutritional approach to improve postprandial glycaemia is attractive considering the rising burden of diabetes throughout the world. Whey protein, a by-product of the cheese-making process, can be used to manipulate gut function in order to slow gastric emptying and stimulate incretin hormone secretion, thereby attenuating postprandial glycaemic excursions. The function of the gastrointestinal tract plays a pivotal role in glucose homeostasis, particularly during the postprandial period, and this review will discuss the mechanisms by which whey protein slows gastric emptying and stimulates release of gut peptides, including the incretins. Whey protein is also a rich source of amino acids, and these can directly stimulate beta cells to secrete insulin, which contributes to the reduction in postprandial glycaemia. Appetite is suppressed with consumption of whey, due to its effects on the gut-brain axis and the hypothalamus. These properties of whey protein suggest its potential in the management of type 2 diabetes. However, the optimal dose and timing of whey protein ingestion are yet to be defined, and studies are required to examine the long-term benefits of whey consumption for overall glycaemic control.

Consumption of spicy foods and the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome

AIM:To explore the association between consumption of spicy foods and prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)among Iranian adults.METHODS:In this cross-sectional study,data from4763 Iranian adult participants were used.Consumption of spicy foods was estimated using a dietary habits questionnaire that included a question on spicy foods consumption:"how frequently do you use spicy foods(pepper,curry,ginger,cinnamon and turmeric)during a week?"Participants could respond to the question by choosing one of these choices:never,1-3 times,4-6times,7-9 times,or more than 10 times per week.A modified Persian version of the RomeⅢquestionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of IBS.RESULTS:IBS was prevalent in 21.7%(18.6%of men and 24.1%of women)of the study population.After controlling for potential confounders including dietary behaviors,those consuming spicy foods≥10 times per week were 92%more likely to have IBS compared with those who never consumed spicy foods(OR=1.92;95%CI:1.23-3.01,Ptrend<0.01).The association remained significant even after taking lactose intolerance into account(OR=1.85;95%CI:1.18-2.90,Ptrend<0.01).Stratified analysis by gender revealed that the association between consumption of spicy foods and IBS was not significant in men;however,a significant association was found among women after taking potential cofounders,including meal regularity and lactose intolerance,into account.Women who consumed spicy foods≥10 times per week were two times more likely to have IBS compared with those who never consumed spicy foods(OR=2.03;95%CI:1.09-3.77,Ptrend=0.02).CONCLUSION:Consumption of spicy foods is directly associated with IBS,particularly in women.Further,prospective studies are warranted to(1)examine this association in other populations;and(2)evaluate whether dietary interventions,for example a reduction in spice consumption,would improve IBS symptoms.

Use of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio to reduce the need for Fibro Scan in the evaluation of liver fibrosis

To evaluate the performance of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio (APRI) score against FibroScan in predicting the presence of fibrosis. METHODSData of patients who concurrently had APRI score, FibroScan and liver biopsy to assess their hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) over 6 years were retrospectively reviewed and details of their disease characteristics and demographics were recorded. Advanced fibrosis was defined as ≥ F3. RESULTSOf the 3619 patients (47.5 ± 11.3 years, 97M:36F) who had FibroScans and APRI for HCV and HBV, 133 had concurrent liver biopsy. Advanced liver fibrosis was found in 27/133 (20%, F3 = 21 and F4 = 6) patients. Although APRI score (P < 0.001, AUC = 0.83) and FibroScan (P < 0.001, AUC = 0.84) predicted the presence of advanced fibrosis, the sensitivities and specificities were only modest (APRI score: 51.9% sensitivity, 84.9% specificity; FibroScan: 63% sensitivity, 84% specificity). Whilst 13/27 (48%) patients with advanced fibrosis had APRI ≤ 1.0, no patients with APRI ≤ 0.5 had advanced fibrosis, with 100% sensitivity. The use of APRI ≤ 0.5 would avoid the need for FibroScan in 43% of patients. CONCLUSIONAPRI score and FibroScan performed equally well in predicting advanced fibrosis. A proposed APRI cut-off score of 0.5 could be used as a screening tool for FibroScan, as cut-off score of 1.0 will miss up to 48% of patients with advanced fibrosis. Further prospective validation studies are required to confirm this finding.

Nutritional determinants of anemia among adults in Eastern China

Historically,Eastern China has the highest prevalence of anemia among adults in China. It is commonly believed that iron deficiency is the main cause of anemia in China. Iron fortified soysauce is used to prevent anemia. Findings from Jiangsu Nutrition Study suggest that diet is related to anemia in this region. However,iron deficiency is not the main cause. Micronutrients other than iron(e.g.,riboflavin) need to be considered in the prevention of anemia in the region.

Plasma Vitamin D Levels And Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms Are Associated with Survival of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective：Vitamin D and its receptor（VDR） involve in multiple cellular processes and play an important role in the initiation and progression of malignancy.Thus we hypothesized that plasma vitamin D levels and single nucleotide polymorphisms（SNPs） in VDR may be of prognostic significance in non-small cell lung cancer（NSCLC）.Methods：We examined plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25（OH）D] levels in 87 patients diagnosed with NSCLC using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） and genotyped seven potentially functional SNPs in VDR in 568 NSCLC patients on Illumina Golden Gate platform.Results：Patients with higher plasma 25（OH）D levels had worse survival than patients with lower ones（P for trend = 0.048）.The SNPs of rs1544410 and rs739837 were independently associated with NSCLC survival（adjusted HR = 1.61,95% CIs = 1.06-2.45 for rs739837 AA vs AC/CC and adjusted HR = 1.51,95% CIs = 1.06-2.16 for rs1544410 AG/AA vs GG）.A joint effect was observed between rs1544410 and rs739837 and the risk of death elevated as the number of unfavourable genotypes patients carried increased（P for trend = 0.003）.There were no significant associations between VDR polymorphisms and plasma 25（OH）D levels.Conclusion：Our findings indicate that plasma 25（OH）D levels and genetic variants of VDR may serve as prognostic markers for NSCLC in this Chinese population.

Nutrient stimulation of mesenteric blood flow-implications for older critically ill patients

Nutrient ingestion induces a substantial increase in mesenteric blood flow. In older persons(aged ≥ 65 years), particularly those with chronic medical conditions, the cardiovascular compensatory response may be inadequate to maintain systemic blood pressure during mesenteric blood pooling, leading to postprandial hypotension. In older ambulatory persons, postprandial hypotension is an important pathophysiological condition associated with an increased propensity for syncope, falls, coronary vascular events, stroke and death. In older critically ill patients, the administration of enteral nutrition acutely increases mesenteric blood flow, but whether this pathophysiological response is protective, or precipitates mesenteric ischaemia, is unknown. There are an increasing number of older patients surviving admission to intensive care units, who are likely to be at increased risk of postprandial hypotension, both during, and after, their stay in hospital. In this review, we describe the prevalence, impact and mechanisms of postprandial hypotension in older people and provide an overview of the impact of postprandial hypotension on feeding prescriptions in older critically ill patients. Finally, we provide evidence that postprandial hypotension is likely to be an unrecognised problem in older survivors of critical illness and discuss potential options for management.

Modulation of individual components of gastric motor response to duodenal glucose

AIM:To evaluate individual components of the antro-pyloro-duodenal(APD)motor response to graded small intestinal glucose infusions in healthy humans.METHODS:APD manometry was performed in 15healthy subjects(12 male;40±5 years,body mass index 26.5±1.6 kg/m2)during four 20-min intraduodenal infusions of glucose at 0,0.5,1.0 and 1.5 kcal/min,in a randomised double-blinded fashion.Glucose solutions were infused at a rate of 1 mL/min and separated by 40-min"wash-out"period.Data are mean±SE.Inferential analyses are repeated measure analysis of variance with Bonferroni post-hoc testing.RESULTS:At 0 kcal/min frequency of pressure waves were:antrum(7.5±1.8 waves/20 min)and isolated pyloric pressure waves(IPPWs)(8.0±2.3 waves/20min)with pyloric tone(0.0±0.9 mmHg).Intraduodenal glucose infusion acutely increased IPPW frequency(P<0.001)and pyloric tone(P=0.015),and decreased antral wave frequency(P=0.007)in a dosedependent fashion.A threshold for stimulation was observed at 1.0 kcal/min for pyloric phasic pressure waves(P=0.002)and 1.5 kcal/min for pyloric tone and antral contractility.CONCLUSION:There is hierarchy for the activation of gastrointestinal motor responses to duodenal glucose infusion.An increase in IPPWs is the first response observed.

Management of critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes:The need for personalised therapy

Critical illness in patients with pre-existing diabetes frequently causes deterioration in glycaemic control.Despite the prevalence of diabetes in patients admitted to hospital and intensive care units,the ideal management of hyperglycaemia in these groups is uncertain.There are data that suggest that acute hyperglycaemia in critically ill patients without diabetes is associated with increased mortality and morbidity.Exogenous insulin to keep blood glucose concentrations < 10 mmol/L is accepted as standard of care in this group.However,preliminary data have recently been reported that suggest that chronic hyperglycaemia may result in conditioning,which protects these patients against damage mediated by acute hyperglycaemia.Furthermore,acute glucose-lowering to < 10 mmol/L in patients with diabetes with inadequate glycaemic control prior to their critical illness appears to have the capacity to cause harm.This review focuses on glycaemic control in critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes,the potential for harm from glucose-lowering and the rationale for personalised therapy.

Change in quality of life after transcatheter aortic valve implantation and aortic valve replacement surgery in Australian patients aged ≥ 75 years： the effects of EuroSCORE and patient operability

Objective To determine the extent to which differences in generic quality of life （QOL） between transcatheter aortic valve implanta- tion （TAVI） and surgical aortic valve replacement （AVR） patients explained by EuroSCORE and heart-team operability assessment. Methods A total of 146 high-risk patients with EuroSCORE 〉 6 and aged 〉 75 years underwent TAVI （n = 80） or aortic valve replacement （n = 66） between February 2010 and July 2013. A total of 75 patients also completed preoperative and six month SF-12 QOL measures. Analyses examined incident major morbidity, compared six month QOL between groups adjusted for EUroSCORE and operability, and quantified rates of clinically significant QOL improvement and deterioration. Results The AVR group required longer ventilation （〉 24 h） （TAVI 5.0% vs. AVR 20.6%, P = 0.004） and more units of red blood cells [TAVI 0 （0-1） vs. AVR 2 （0-3）, P = 0.01]. New renal failure was higher in TAVI （TAVI 5.0% vs. AVR 0%, P = 0.06）. TAVI patients reported significantly lower vitality （P = 0.01） by comparison to AVR patients, however these findings were no longer significant after adjustment for operability. In both procedures, clinically significant QOL improvement was common [range 25.0% （general health） - 62.9% （physical role）] whereas deterioration in QOL occurred less frequently [range 9.3% （physical role） - 33.3% （mental health）]. Conclusions Clinically significant improvement and deterioration in QOL was evident at six months in high risk elderly aortic valve replacement patients. Overall QOL did not differ between TAVI and AVR once operability was taken into consideration.

The relationship between sleep disorders and testosterone in men

Plasma testosterone levels display circadian variation, peaking during sleep, and reaching a nadir in the late afternoon, with a superimposed ultradian rhythm with pulses every 90 min reflecting the underlying rhythm of pulsatile luteinizing hormone （LH） secretion. The increase in testosterone is sleep, rather than circadian rhythm, dependent and requires at least 3h of sleep with a normal architecture. Various disorders of sleep including abnormalities of sleep quality, duration, circadian rhythm disruption, and sleep-disordered breathing may result in a reduction in testosterone levels. The evidence, to support a direct effect of sleep restriction or circadian rhythm disruption on testosterone independent of an effect on sex hormone binding globulin （SHBG）, or the presence of comorbid conditions, is equivocal and on balance seems tenuous. Obstructive sleep apnea （OSA） appears to have no direct effect on testosterone, after adjusting for age and obesity. However, a possible indirect causal process may exist mediated by the effect of OSA on obesity. Treatment of moderate to severe OSA with continuous positive airway pressure （CPAP） does not reliably increase testosterone levels in most studies. In contrast, a reduction in weight does so predictably and linearly in proportion to the amount of weight lost. Apart from a very transient deleterious effect, testosterone treatment does not adversely affect OSA. The data on the effect of sleep quality on testosterone may depend on whether testosterone is given as replacement, in supratherapeutic doses, or in the context abuse. Experimental data suggest that testosterone may modulate individual vulnerability to subjective symptoms of sleep restriction. Low testosterone may affect overall sleep quality which is improved by replacement doses. Large doses of exogenous testosterone and anabolic/androgenic steroid abuse are associated with abnormalities of sleep duration and architecture.

Mechanisms underlying feed intolerance in the critically ill: Implications for treatment

Malnutrition is associated with poor outcomes in critically ill patients. Although nutritional support is yet to be proven to improve mortality in non-malnourished critically ill patients, early enteral feeding is considered best practice. However, enteral feeding is often limited by delayed gastric emptying. The best method to clinically identify delayed gastric emptying and feed intolerance is unclear. Gastric residual volume （GRV） measured at the bedside is widely used as a surrogate marker for gastric emptying, but the value of GRV measurement has recently been disputed. While the mechanisms underlying delayed gastric emptying require further investigation, recent research has given a better appreciation of the pathophysiology. A number of pharmacological strategies are available to improve the success of feeding. Recent data suggest a combination of intravenous metoclopramide and en/thromycin to be the most successful treatment, but novel drug therapies should be explored. Simpler methods to access the duodenum and more distal small bowel for feed delivery are also under investigation. This review summarises current understanding of the factors responsible for, and mechanisms underlying feed intolerance in critical illness, together with the evidence for current practices. Areas requiring further research are also highlighted.

Nutritional care in hospitalized patients with chronic liver disease

AIM: To evaluate the practice of nutritional assessment and management of hospitalised patients with cirrhosis and the impact of malnutrition on their clinical outcome.METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study on patients with liver cirrhosis consecutively admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Royal Adelaide Hospital over 24 mo. Details were gathered related to the patients' demographics, disease severity, nutritional status and assessment, biochemistry and clinical outcomes. Nutritional status was assessed by a dietician and determined by subjective global assessment. Estimated energy and protein requirements were calculated by Simple Ratio Method. Intake was estimated from dietary history and/or food charts, and represented as a percentage of estimated daily requirements. Median duration of follow up was 14.9(0-41.4) mo. RESULTS: Of the 231 cirrhotic patients(167 male, age: 56.3 ± 0.9 years, 9% Child-Pugh A, 42% ChildPugh B and 49% Child-Pugh C), 131(57%) had formal nutritional assessment during their admission and 74(56%) were judged to have malnutrition. In-hospitalcaloric(15.6 ± 1.2 kcal/kg vs 23.7 ± 2.3 kcal/kg, P = 0.0003) and protein intake(0.65 ± 0.06 g/kg vs 1.01 ± 0.07 g/kg, P = 0.0003) was significantly reduced in patients with malnutrition. Of the malnourished cohort, 12(16%) received enteral nutrition during hospitalisation and only 6(8%) received ongoing dietetic review and assessment following discharge from hospital. The overall mortality was 51%, and was higher in patients with malnutrition compared to those without(HR = 5.29, 95%CI: 2.31-12.1; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition is common in hospitalised patients with cirrhosis and is associated with higher mortality. Formal nutritional assessment, however, is inadequate. This highlights the need for meticulous nutritional evaluation and management in these patients.

Gastric emptying, postprandial blood pressure, glycaemia and splanchnic flow in Parkinson's disease

AIM: To determine gastric emptying, blood pressure, mesenteric artery blood flow, and blood glucose responses to oral glucose in Parkinson’s disease.METHODS: Twenty-one subjects (13 M, 8 F; age 64.2 ± 1.6 years) with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease (Hoehn and Yahr score 1.4 ± 0.1, duration of known disease 6.3 ± 0.9 years) consumed a 75 g glucose drink, labelled with 20 MBq 99mTc-calcium phytate. Gastric emptying was quantified with scintigraphy, blood pressure and heart rate with an automated device, superior mesenteric artery blood flow by Doppler ultrasonography and blood glucose by glucometer for 180 min. Autonomic nerve function was evaluated with cardiovascular reflex tests and upper gastrointestinal symptoms by questionnaire.RESULTS: The mean gastric half-emptying time was 106 ± 9.1 min, gastric emptying was abnormally delayed in 3 subjects (14%). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure fell (P < 0.001) and mesenteric blood flow and blood glucose (P < 0.001 for both) increased, following the drink. Three subjects (14%) had definite autonomic neuropathy and 8 (38%) had postprandial hypotension. There were no significant relationships between changes in blood pressure, heart rate or mesenteric artery blood flow with gastric emptying. Gastric emptying was related to the score for autonomic nerve function (R = 0.55, P < 0.01). There was an inverse relationship between the blood glucose at t = 30 min (R = -0.52, P < 0.05), while the blood glucose at t = 180 min was related directly (R = 0.49, P < 0.05), with gastric emptying.CONCLUSION: In mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease, gastric emptying is related to autonomic dysfunction and a determinant of the glycaemic response to oral glucose.

聚乙二醇干扰素-α2a治疗乙型肝炎病毒感染

1乙型肝炎概况 大多数国家都已推荐采用乙型肝炎(乙肝)疫苗进行广泛性免疫预防,但乙肝仍然是一个严重的全球问题.目前,全世界大约有3.6亿慢性乙型肝炎(慢乙肝)患者,其中大多数患者在亚洲,然而这种疾病在全球各地都有发生.……

Lower esophageal sphincter relaxation is impaired in older patients with dysphagia

AIM: To characterize the effects of age on the mechanisms underlying the common condition of esophageal dysphagia in older patients, using detailed manometric analysis. METHODS: A retrospective case-control audit was performed on 19 patients aged ≥ 80 years (mean age 85 ± 0.7 year) who underwent a manometric study for dysphagia (2004-2009). Data were compared with 19 younger dysphagic patients (32 ± 1.7 years). Detailed manometric analysis performed prospectively included basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure (BLESP), pre-swallow and nadir LESP, esophageal body pressures and peristaltic duration, during water swallows (5 mL) in right lateral (RL) and upright (UR) postures and with solids. Data are mean ± SE; a P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Elderly dysphagic patients had higher BLESP than younger patients (23.4 ± 3.8 vs 14.9 ± 1.2 mmHg; P < 0.05). Pre-swallow LESP was elevated in the elderly in both postures (RL: 1 and 4 s P = 0.019 and P = 0.05; UR: P < 0.05 and P = 0.05) and solids (P < 0.01). In older patients, LES nadir pressure was higher with liquids (RL: 2.3 ± 0.6 mmHg vs 0.7 ± 0.6 mmHg, P < 0.05; UR: 3.5 ± 0.9 mmHg vs 1.6 ± 0.5 mmHg, P = 0.01) with shorter relaxation after solids (7.9 ± 1.5 s vs 9.7 ± 0.4 s, P = 0.05). No age-related differences were seen in esophageal body pressures or peristalsis duration. CONCLUSION: Basal LES pressure is elevated and swallow-induced relaxation impaired in elderly dysphagic patients. Its contribution to dysphagia and the effects of healthy ageing require further investigation.