[Comparison of postoperative outcomes between hand-assisted laparoscopic and conventional sigmoidectomy: a prospective non-randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the perioperative safety and efficacy between hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery(HALS) and conventional open sigmoidectomy.

METHODS

A total of 291 patients with sigmoid colon cancer who underwent surgery in our hospital from January 2010 to June 2013 were seperated into (HALS) group (n=200) and conventional open surgery (COS) group (n=91) with a non-randomized method. The perioperative safety and efficacy of two groups and perioperative outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

These two groups were comparable in operative time, lymph node harvest, and postoperative complications. However, HALS group had less intraoperative bleeding [(57.9±28.3) ml vs. (82.5±47.6) ml, P=0.000], shorter time to flatus [(3.0±1.4) d vs. (3.3±0.9) d, P=0.000], and shorter hospital stay [(7.3±4.2) d vs. (8.9±4.4) d, P=0.004]. There werer no significant differences in overall survival time and disease-free survival time between the two groups during 6 months to 3 years follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

HALS results in similar outcomes of conventional open surgery for sigmoidectomy with the advantage of minimal invasiveness.

Nicotine modulates neurogenesis in the central canal during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Nicotine has been shown to attenuate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) through inhibiting inflammation in microglial populations during the disease course. In this study, we investigated whether nicotine modified the regenerative process in EAE by examining nestin-expressing neural stem cells (NSCs) in the spinal cord, which is the primary area of demyelination and inflammation in EAE. Our results show that the endogenous neurogenic responses in the spinal cord after EAE are limited and delayed: while nestin expression is increased, the proliferation of ependymal cells is inhibited compared to healthy animals. Nicotine application significantly reduced nestin expression and partially allowed for the proliferation of ependymal cells. We found that reduction of ependymal cell proliferation correlated with inflammation in the same area, which was relieved by the administration of nicotine. Further, increased numbers of oligodendrocytes (OLs) were observed after nicotine treatment. These findings give a new insight into the mechanism of how nicotine functions to attenuate EAE.

Efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in treating erectile dysfunction after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (BNSRP). A literature review was performed to identify all published randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of PDE5 inhibitors for the treatment of ED after BNSRP. The search included the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated. Six publications involving a total of 1678 patients were used in the analysis, including six RCTs that compared PDE5 inhibitors (tadalafil, sildenafil, avanafil and vardenafil) with placebo. Co-primary efficacy end points: International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain score [the standardised mean difference (SMD) = 4.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.87-5.22, P < 0.00001]; successful vaginal penetration (SEP2) [the odds ratio (OR) = 14.87, 95%CI = 4.57-48.37, P < 0.00001]; and successful intercourse (SEP3) (OR = 47, 95%CI = 3-13.98, P < 0.00001) indicated that PDE5 inhibitors was more effective than the placebo. Specific adverse events with PDE5 inhibitors included headache (12.08%), dyspepsia (6.76%) and flushing (6.52%), which were significantly less likely to occur with placebo. This meta-analysis indicates that PDE5 inhibitors to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for ED after BNSRP.

Effector cell signature in peripheral blood following nasal allergen challenge in grass pollen allergic individuals

BACKGROUND

Several studies have demonstrated the time course of inflammatory mediators in nasal fluids following nasal allergen challenge (NAC), whereas the effects of NAC on cells in the periphery are unknown. We examined the time course of effector cell markers (for basophils, dendritic cells and T cells) in peripheral blood after nasal grass pollen allergen challenge.

METHODS

Twelve participants with seasonal allergic rhinitis underwent a control (diluent) challenge followed by NAC after an interval of 14 days. Nasal symptoms and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) were recorded along with peripheral basophil, T-cell and dendritic cell responses (flow cytometry), T-cell proliferative responses (thymidine incorporation), and cytokine expression (FluoroSpot assay).

RESULTS

Robust increases in nasal symptoms and decreases in PNIF were observed during the early (0-1 h) response and modest significant changes during the late (1-24 h) response. Sequential peaks in peripheral blood basophil activation markers were observed (CD107a at 3 h, CD63 at 6 h, and CD203c(bright) at 24 h). T effector/memory cells (CD4(+) CD25(lo) ) were increased at 6 h and accompanied by increases in CD80(+) and CD86(+) plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Ex vivo grass antigen-driven T-cell proliferative responses and the frequency of IL-4(+) CD4(+) T cells were significantly increased at 6 h after NAC when compared to the control day.

CONCLUSION

Basophil, T-cell, and dendritic cell activation increased the frequency of allergen-driven IL-4(+) CD4(+) T cells, and T-cell proliferative responses are detectable in the periphery after NAC. These data confirm systemic cellular activation following a local nasal provocation.

Placental miR-106a∼363 cluster is dysregulated in preeclamptic placenta

Preeclampsia (PE) is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. MicroRNAs are strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of this syndrome. In current study, we performed a microarray assay to explore miRNA expression profile in the placenta, and found 11 upregulated and 7 downregulated miRNAs in preeclampsia. miR-363, plus other 5 member of miR-106a∼363 cluster was further examined and validated. These findings would facilitate further investigation of aberrant expression of miRNAs in the pathology of preeclampsia.

Effect of asymmetrical eddy currents on magnetic diagnosis signals for equilibrium reconstruction in the Sino-UNIted Spherical Tokamak

The vacuum vessel of Sino-UNIted Spherical Tokamak was split into two insulated hemispheres, both of which were insulated from the central cylinder. The eddy currents flowing in the vacuum vessel would become asymmetrical due to discontinuity. A 3D finite elements model was applied in order to study the eddy currents. The modeling results indicated that when the Poloidal Field (PF) was applied, the induced eddy currents would flow in the toroidal direction in the center of the hemispheres and would be forced to turn to the poloidal and radial directions due to the insulated slit. Since the eddy currents converged on the top and bottom of the vessel, the current densities there tended to be much higher than those in the equatorial plane were. Moreover, the eddy currents on the top and bottom of vacuum vessel had the same direction when the current flowed in the PF coils. These features resulted in the leading phases of signals on the top and bottom flux loops when compared with the PF waveforms.

Etiological factors, prognostic assessment, and outcomes of patients with acute kidney injury and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

This clinical study assessed the etiological factors implicated in acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI has a complicated etiology with many serious complications. Understanding the interactions among these factors will help physicians treat patients with AKI. This retrospective study analyzed the etiological factors and assessed the incidence and outcome of 123 patients with AKI and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The general conditions, original disease, number of organ dysfunctions, type of organ dysfunction, complications, score, time, dose of renal replacement therapy, and outcomes were recorded. The etiologies of the manifested diseases were complicated. The number of injured organs was directly associated with prognosis. Cardiovascular dysfunction and cataphora were independently associated with a risk of mortality (P < 0.05; odds ratios: 12.44 and 2.16, respectively). Meanwhile, cardiovascular dysfunction and choloplania were independently associated with a risk of irreparable renal function (P < 0.05; odds ratios: 23.64 and 11.59, respectively). In summary, the etiologies of the manifested diseases are complex. In addition, cardiovascular dysfunction is significantly associated with prognosis including survival and the recovery rate of renal function.

A novel regulator of lung inflammation and immunity: pulmonary parasympathetic inflammatory reflex

In this review, we first analyzed the current status of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and then put forward a novel regulatory machinery-pulmonary parasympathetic inflammatory reflex, which is composed by lung vagal sensors at afferent arm, α7 nAChR (α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors)-expressing cells at efferent arm and the brain information integrating center. This modulatory circuit might loop the lungs, immune and nervous systems and play a very important role in regulating lung infection, inflammation and immunity through the neural innervations and signals when the lungs encounter pathogenic challenges.

Are field-based exergames useful in preventing childhood obesity? A systematic review

Exergames have started to find their way into field-based settings, such as schools, communities and homes, as a possible solution to curbing physical inactivity and childhood obesity. However, a clear view of the effects of field-based exergaming on children's obesity-related outcomes is lacking. Hence, a systematic review on this topic is warranted. This review synthesizes the impact of field-based exergames on children's physical and psychosocial outcomes. A total of 34 articles conducted in field-based settings were identified from 104 peer-reviewed publications that investigated the effects of exergames. Upon screening, these articles met the inclusion criteria and a high inter-rater agreement for inclusion was reached between the authors. The effects of field-based exergames on children's habitual physical activity (PA) and obesity-related outcomes (e.g. weight loss, body composition) remain unclear due to design problems, measurement issues and other methodology concerns. In addition, exergame is appealing to children, although strategies are warranted to sustain their interests. In summary, exergames are desirable as a promising addition to promote PA and health. Professionals may integrate exergames at field settings to promote a physically active lifestyle among children with the goal of curbing childhood obesity.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a novel CBL-interacting protein kinase NtCIPK2 in the halophyte Nitraria tangutorum

CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) mediate many plant responses to abiotic stress. However, their functions are poorly understood in halophytes. In this study, we isolated a CIPK gene, NtCIPK2, from the halophyte Nitraria tangutorum. By sequence alignment and the construction of a phylogenetic tree, we found that NtCIPK2 is similar to CIPK2 proteins from other plants, and contains conserved domains and motifs. The promoter of NtCIPK2 harbors many cis-acting elements that might be recognized and bound by transcription factors that are related to hormones and stress responses. NtCIPK2 was ubiquitously and robustly expressed in all tested organs, and was induced by salinity, drought, heat, and cold stress. The overexpression of NtCIPK2 in Escherichia coli caused better growth against high salinity, alkalinity, and osmotic conditions, dehydration, and extreme temperatures (i.e., heat and cold) compared to the control. Thus, NtCIPK2 is a candidate gene that might improve the stress tolerance of crops and herbs through genetic manipulation.

The effect of pre-treatment with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on the quality of recovery after ambulatory breast surgery: a prospective, randomised controlled trial

Electroacupuncture has been demonstrated to be effective at alleviating pain and postoperative side-effects. Our aim was to investigate whether transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation, a low-skill alternative to needle-based electroacupuncture, could improve the quality of recovery after ambulatory surgery. Seventy-two women scheduled for cosmetic breast surgery were randomly allocated to transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation or sham groups. Patients in the transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation group received 30 min of electrical stimulation at three acupoints located on the hand and forearm before the induction of general anaesthesia. We found significant mean (SD) differences between the transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation and sham groups in the mean (SD) length of recovery room stay (35.6 (12.9) min vs 48.3 (16.3) min, p = 0.01), time to removal of the laryngeal mask airway (10.2 (2.5) min vs 17.8 (4.4) min, p = 0.01), and time to reorientation of the patient (14.6 (3.2) min vs 26.5 (5.0) min, p = 0.01). Further, postoperative pain scores and the incidence of side-effects were all lower in the transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation group. In conclusion, transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation can significantly improve the quality of recovery and decrease the incidence of anaesthesia-related side-effects for patients undergoing ambulatory surgery.

β-Glucan attenuates inflammatory responses in oxidized LDL-induced THP-1 cells via the p38 MAPK pathway

AIM

To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of β-(1,3/1,6)-d-glucan on atherosclerosis as well as on the molecular mechanisms of its transition.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Human monocytic leukemia (THP-1) cells were differentiated into the macrophage phenotype by incubation with oxLDL in the absence or presence of β-glucan. β-glucan attenuated CD86 and CD80 expression and simultaneously reduced secretion of the inflammatory cytokines IL-2, IL-8, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ. Western blot analysis showed that oxLDL treatment induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 in PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells. However, β-glucan inhibited p38 MAPK activation. In experiments with monocytes derived from healthy donors, β-glucan inhibited IL-8, IL-12 and TNF-α production. The anti-inflammatory effects of β-glucan were also observed in atherosclerotic plaque cells.

CONCLUSIONS

β-glucan inhibited oxLDL-induced pro-inflammatory effects in macrophages via regulation of p38 MAPK phosphorylation. This novel finding may provide insight for new therapeutic strategies.

Treatment outcomes of various types of tuberculosis in Pakistan, 2006 and 2007

Measuring treatment outcome is important for successful tuberculosis (TB) control programmes. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of various types of TB cases registered in Pakistan over a 2-year period and compare those outcomes among the different provinces and regions of the country. A retrospective, cohort study was conducted in which TB treatment outcome reports were reviewed. Of the 349 694 pulmonary TB cases registered in Pakistan during 2006 and 2007, 309154 (88.4%) were treated successfully. Treatment success was significantly higher in new smear-positive cases and lower in retreatment cases. Among the provinces and regions, treatment success was significantly higher in 4 out of 8 provinces. Treatment success needs to be improved, particularly in retreatment cases. The national TB control programme should review the provincial and regional programmes and learn lessons from well-performing programmes. Patient factors that may affect the treatment outcome should be also studied.

Forty-eight-week retrospective study of telbivudine and lamivudine treatment in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of telbivudine 600 mg/day compared with lamivudine 100 mg/day for 48 weeks of treatment in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis. Data were reviewed retrospectively from 165 hepatitis B-related cirrhotic patients (55 compensated patients and 110 decompensated) who received antiviral therapy with telbivudine or lamivudine. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss and seroconversion, histological improvement and various adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Baseline characteristics were comparable. ALT levels declined but showed no significant difference in treatment with telbivudine or lamivudine (P > 0.05). Reduction in serum HBV DNA levels was evident by week 4 in compensated HBV-related cirrhosis patients (telbivudine, 2.34 log10 copies/mL; lamivudine, 2.07 log10 copies/mL; P = 0.02) and persisted by week 8. Patients administrated with telbivudine had slightly greater HBeAg loss and seroconversion than patients with lamivudine, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Accumulative HBeAg loss was seen at week 48 (25.0% vs 25.0% and 13.3% vs 10.0% for telbivudine vs lamivudine in compensated and decompensated cirrhotic groups, respectively), as well as HBeAg seroconversion (15.0% vs 8.3% and 8.9% vs 6.7%). Mean Knodell Histologic Activity Index scores decreased in both compensated and decompensated cirrhotic patients (3.92 vs 3.64, 3.85 vs 3.73, for telbivudine vs lamivudine). Telbivudine and lamivudine were both well tolerated with minor AEs. The results of this study support telbivudine as an effective therapy for patients with both compensated and decompensated HBV-related cirrhosis.

Efficacy of sequential use of telbivudine in hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with partial responses to pegylated interferon: a pilot study

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of sequential use of telbivudine in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with partial responses to pegylated interferon. Patients with partial responses to 48 weeks of pegylated interferon treatment were divided into two groups. In group A, patients stopped pegylated interferon directly without sequential treatment. In group B, patients received sequential treatment with telbivudine 600 mg/day. HBeAg, HBeAb, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatine kinase levels were determined at baseline and at weeks 12, 24, 36 and 48. Responses and safety were assessed after 48 weeks of telbivudine treatment. Thirty-six patients were recruited. Eighteen of these patients stopped pegylated interferon without sequential treatment (group A). After 48 weeks of follow-up, five patients (28%) had undergone HBeAg seroconversion, nine patients (50%) had undetectable levels of HBV DNA, and 11 patients (61%) achieved normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. The other 18 patients received sequential telbivudine treatment (group B). After 48 weeks of treatment, 11 patients (61%) had undergone HBeAg seroconversion, and all patients had undetectable levels of HBV DNA and normal ALT levels. All patients tolerated sequential telbivudine treatment, and only slightly elevated creatine kinase levels were observed. Switching to telbivudine therapy was efficient and safe in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with partial responses to 48 weeks of pegylated interferon. Sequential treatment with telbivudine resulted in an HBeAg seroconversion rate of 61% and an HBV DNA loss rate of 100% after 48 weeks. This promising strategy warrants further investigation.

Nasal NK/T cell lymphoma with severe facial disfigurement in a 37-year-old male

Nasal-type extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (NK/TCL) is a rare malignancy that usually presents as a destructive midline lesion in the nasal region. The incidence of nasal-type extranodal NK/TCL has been reported to be much higher in Asia and South America than in North America and Europe. Its diagnosis mainly relies on histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. Most patients demonstrate rapid disease progression and short survival. This report concerns a 37-year-old male with nasal-type extranodal NK/TCL showing severe facial disfigurement who was initially misdiagnosed as having Aspergillus infection. The report emphasizes the clinical manifestations and the importance of pathological diagnosis.

High dose compressive loads attenuate bone mineral loss in humans with spinal cord injury

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) lose bone and muscle integrity after their injury. Early doses of stress, applied through electrically induced muscle contractions, preserved bone density at high-risk sites. Appropriately prescribed stress early after the injury may be an important consideration to prevent bone loss after SCI.

INTRODUCTION

Skeletal muscle force can deliver high compressive loads to bones of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). The effective osteogenic dose of load for the distal femur, a chief site of fracture, is unknown. The purpose of this study is to compare three doses of bone compressive loads at the distal femur in individuals with complete SCI who receive a novel stand training intervention.

METHODS

Seven participants performed unilateral quadriceps stimulation in supported stance [150% body weight (BW) compressive load-"High Dose" while opposite leg received 40% BW-"Low Dose"]. Five participants stood passively without applying quadriceps electrical stimulation to either leg (40% BW load-"Low Dose"). Fifteen participants performed no standing (0% BW load-"Untrained") and 14 individuals without SCI provided normative data. Participants underwent bone mineral density (BMD) assessment between one and six times over a 3-year training protocol.

RESULTS

BMD for the High Dose group significantly exceeded BMD for both the Low Dose and the Untrained groups (p < 0.05). No significant difference existed between the Low Dose and Untrained groups (p > 0.05), indicating that BMD for participants performing passive stance did not differ from individuals who performed no standing. High-resolution CT imaging of one High Dose participant revealed 86% higher BMD and 67% higher trabecular width in the High Dose limb.

CONCLUSION

Over 3 years of training, 150% BW compressive load in upright stance significantly attenuated BMD decline when compared to passive standing or to no standing. High-resolution CT indicated that trabecular architecture was preserved by the 150% BW dose of load.

Follow-up study of 25 Chinese children with PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration

BACKGROUND

To perform a follow-up of 25 Chinese children with gene-confirmed PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN).

METHODS

We recruited patients with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) according to the criteria proposed by Nardocci et al. Follow-up was conducted from 7 months to 8 years after the first visit. The PLA2G6 gene was sequenced, and copy number variation (CNV) was detected in patients with only one mutant allele and in mutation-negative patients. Patients with late-onset PLAN until 2012 were reviewed.

RESULTS

All patients with INAD exhibited rapid decline in motor and mental function, consistent with previous reports from other populations. Epileptic seizures occurred in 16.7%. One teenager with late-onset PLAN was diagnosed and followed up. The age of disease onset in published late-onset PLAN ranged between 18 months and 37 years. Initial presentations included gait instability (79.0%), mood/behavior changes (10.5%), dysarthria (5.26%) and cognitive deterioration (5.3%). Compared with INAD, cerebellar atrophy (42.1%) was less frequent in the late-onset cases, with cerebral atrophy more common (71.4%). Brain iron accumulation was seen in 52.6%. PLA2G6 mutations were identified by DNA sequencing in 92.3% of clinically diagnosed INAD cases and in the late-onset case. Twenty-seven different mutations were found, of which 13 were novel. No CNVs were detected. Maternal uniparental disomy was confirmed in one INAD case.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest report on PLAN in the Chinese population. We suggest that PLA2G6 should be screened in any patient exhibiting progressive gait disturbance, bradykinesia, dysarthria, tremors, mood/behavior changes or cognitive decline, especially when associated with cerebellar atrophy and/or iron accumulation and/or cerebral atrophy.

Changes in seroprevalence to hepatitis A in Victoria, Australia: a comparison of three time points

Serological data provide an important measure of past exposure and immunity to hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in a population. National serosurveys from developed countries have typically indicated a decline in HAV seroprevalence over time as sanitation levels improve. We examined trends in the seroepidemiology of HAV antibodies in Victoria, Australia, drawing on cross-sectional samples taken at three time points over a 20-year period. Stored sera from 1988 (n=753), 1998 (n=1091), and 2008 (n=791) from persons aged 1-69 years were obtained from the state of Victoria, Australia. The within-year population adjusted results show a significant trend of increasing population HAV seroprevalence over time from 34.3% (95% CI 31.7-36.9) in 1988, to 40.0% (95% CI 37.1-42.8) in 1998 and 55.1% (95% CI 52.1-58.1) in 2008, P<0.0001. A particularly noticeable rise in population seroprevalence was observed between 1998 and 2008 for those aged 5-39 years. The increase in HAV seropositivity over time is in contrast to the declining rates of disease notification in Australia. Based on comparisons with other Australian data, it appears the increase in population seroprevalence over the last two decades is unlikely to be due to endemic transmission of infection. Instead, other factors, including increases in travel to HAV endemic regions, migration to Australia from HAV endemic regions and vaccine uptake are more likely causes. Ongoing monitoring of serological HAV profiles in the population is required to determine future policy direction to prevent increased burden.

Fiber ring laser interrogated zeolite-coated singlemode-multimode-singlemode structure for trace chemical detection

Zeolite thin films were synthesized on the claddingless multimode portion of a singlemode-multimode-singlemode (SMS) fiber structure to construct a chemical vapor sensor. The zeolite-coated SMS structure was inserted into a fiber ring amplifier to produce a laser line. Combining the strong molecular adsorption capability of the nanoporous zeolite and the high signal-to-noise ratio of the fiber laser, the device was demonstrated for chemical vapor sensing with a low detection limit.

SU-E-J-28: Comparison of IGRT Shift Data Between Prostate Gland and Prostate Bed Obtained from Ct-On-Rails

PURPOSE

The daily shifts of prostate gland have been intensively reported in literatures. However, few papers reported daily shifts of prostate bed due to several practical difficulties (e.g. limited soft tissue contrast in MVCT and CBCT and significant deformation of prostate cavity). We have routinely performed IGRT for both prostate gland and bed with ct-on-rails, and the superior image quality allows us not only to differentiate both bony anatomy and soft tissue contrast of prostate gland and bed. In this study, we investigated if the shift of prostate bed is signifiant difference from that of prostate gland.

METHODS

we reviewed shift data of 50 prostate gland patients who underwent 43 fractions and 22 patients of prostatectomy underwent 37 fractions. In total 2150 CT scans were reviewed for prostate gland and 814 scans for prostate bed.

RESULTS

Of the reviewed 814 CT images from 22 prostate bed patients, the standard deviation of shift was found to be 5.9 mm in AP direction (ranges from -22.4mm to 22mm), 3.2mm in SI direction (ranges from -14mm to 14mm), and 4.1mm in lateral direction (ranges from -15mm to 22mm). Of the 2150 CT images of prostate gland from 50 patients, the standard deviation of the shift was found to be 5.4 mm in AP direction (-20mm to 18 mm), 5.0mm in SI direction (-26mm to 20mm), and 4.3mm in lateral direction (range from-15 to 30mm). F tests of systematic /random shift distribution in three orthogonal directions between prostate gland and prostate bed were subsequently performed, it was found that the systematic shift in SI direction for prostate bed is smaller than for prostate gland (p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Our result suggests no significant difference existing in shift between prostate bed and gland. Therefore strategies for daily prostate gland motion can be directly applied to prostate bed.

Insulin resistance and arterial stiffness in healthy adolescents and young adults

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Increased arterial stiffness is a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events in adults with obesity-related insulin resistance (IR) or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Adolescents with type 2 diabetes have stiffer vessels. Whether stiffness is increased in obesity/IR in youth is not known. We sought to determine if IR was a determinant of arterial stiffness in youth, independent of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

We measured cardiovascular risk factors, IR, adipocytokines and arterial stiffness (brachial artery distensibility [BrachD], pulse wave velocity [PWV]) and wave reflection (augmentation index [AIx]) in 343 adolescents and young adults without type 2 diabetes (15-28 years old, 47% male, 48% non-white). Individuals <85th percentile of BMI were classified as lean (n = 232). Obese individuals were grouped by HOMA index as not insulin resistant (n = 46) or insulin resistant (n = 65) by the 90th percentile for HOMA for lean. Mean differences were evaluated by ANOVA. Multivariate models evaluated whether HOMA was an independent determinant of arterial stiffness.

RESULTS

Risk factors deteriorated from lean to obese to obese/insulin resistant (all p ≤ 0.017). Higher AIx, lower BrachD and higher PWV indicated increased arterial stiffness in obese and obese/insulin-resistant participants. HOMA was not an independent determinant. Age, sex, BMI and BP were the most consistent determinants, with HDL-cholesterol playing a role for BrachD and leptin for PWV (AIx R²= 0.34; BrachD R² = 0.37; PWV R² = 0.40; all p ≤ 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Although IR is associated with increased arterial stiffness, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, especially obesity and BP, are the major determinants of arterial stiffness in healthy young people.