Indicative factors for surgical or angiographic intervention in hemodynamically stable patients with blunt abdominal trauma: A retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The standard of care for intraperitoneal injury in hemodynamically stable patients after blunt abdominal trauma has been replaced by non-operative management (NOM). However, selective NOM, depending on the situation, seems necessary in determining the treatment plan. In this study, we attempted to identify risk factors for surgical or angiographic intervention (SAI) in hemodynamically stable blunt abdominal trauma patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study which included adult patients who were brought to a regional trauma center was conducted from March 2015 to October 2019. We evaluated the characteristics of blunt abdominal trauma patients and analyzed factors that were related to the requirement of SAI in these patients. Patients were divided into SAI and conservative management (CM) groups.

RESULTS

We reviewed 1,176 patients, and after exclusions, of whom 248 blunt abdominal trauma and free fluid observed on CT were identified. The mean pulse rate was higher in the SAI than in the CM (P=0.025). Laboratory findings showed that lactate and delta neutrophil index (DNI) levels were higher in the SAI than in the CM (P=0.002 and 0.026 respectively). Additionally, the mean free fluid size in the SAI (85.69mm) was significantly larger than that in the CM (68.12mm; P=0.001), and blush was more frequently observed in the SAI (P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, only blush was an independent prognostic factor for SAI (OR 11.7, 95% CI, 5.1-30.8, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In hemodynamically stable patients with blunt abdominal trauma, blush but also high lactate and DNI are associated with the requirement of interventional radiology and/or surgery.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors after acute myocardial infarction in type 2 diabetes patients: a population-based investigation from South Korea

Background

Whether the early use of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors has cardioprotective effects following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is unknown.

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the association between the early initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors and cardiac event rates in diabetes patients with AMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Based on the National Health Insurance claims data in South Korea, patients aged 18 years or older who had undergone PCI for the diagnosis of AMI between 2014 and 2018 were analyzed. Patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors or other glucose-lowering drugs were matched based on a propensity score. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure (HF). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE; a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal MI, and ischemic stroke) were compared as the secondary endpoint.

Results

After 1:2 propensity score matching, a total of 26,814 patients were assigned to the SGLT2 inhibitors group (938 patients) and the no use of SGLT2 inhibitors group (1,876 patients), respectively. During a median follow-up of 2.1 years, compared to no use of SGLT2 inhibitors, the early use of SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with lower risks of both the primary endpoint (9.8% vs. 13.9%, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54 to 0.87, p=0.002) and secondary endpoint (9.1% vs. 11.6%, adjusted HR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.99, p=0.04) (Figure 1). All-cause mortality and hospitalizations for HF were significantly lower in the early use of SLGT2 inhibitors group (adjusted HR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.80; p=0.002; and HR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.98; p=0.03, respectively). The incidence of non-fatal MI and ischemic stroke were not statistically different (Figure 2).

Conclusions

The early use of SGLT2 inhibitors in diabetes patients treated with PCI for AMI was associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular events including all-cause mortality, hospitalizations for HF, and MACE. Our results suggest that the use of SGLT2 inhibitors could expand to the acute phase of AMI survivors with diabetes to reduce mortality and the subsequent development of congestive HF and ischemic events.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): This work was partly supported by the Research Institute of Medical Science, The Catholic University of Korea, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Allergen Homologues, Pathogenesis-Related 1, Polygalacturonase, and Pectin Methyl Esterase from a Japanese Hop

BACKGROUND

Japanese hop is an important cause of weed pollinosis in East Asia. Its pollen is abundant in autumn. This pollen is known to be the cause of many allergic diseases. However, molecular characteristics of its allergens have not been elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we produced recombinant proteins of allergen homologues from Japanese hop by the analysis of expressed sequence tags (EST), and evaluated its allergenicity.

METHODS

cDNA library was constructed using as little as 50 ng of total RNA from Japanese hop pollen. Allergen homologues were identified by the initial screening of 963 EST clones. Recombinant proteins were overexpressed in the E. coli expression system and purified using Ni-nitrilotriacetic acid-agarose. Purified proteins were analyzed by ELISA.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Japanese hop pathogenesis-related 1 protein (PR-1) shares 37.0 to 44.4% of amino acid sequence identity with Art v 2, Cuc m 3, and Cyn d 24. Pectin methyl esterase (PME) shows 23.2 to 50.2% of identities to Act d 7, Ole e 11, and Sal k 1. Polygalacturonase (PGs) shows 16.7 to 19.3% of identities to Phl p 13, Cry j 2, Cha o 2, Jun a 2, Pla a 2, and Pla or 2. IgE antibodies from Japanese hop allergy patients' sera recognized PR-1 (3.4%), PME (13.8%), PGs (3.7%), and profilin (13.8%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Novel allergenic components were identified, even though low IgE reactivity was displayed reflecting the low degree of cross-reactivity with other pollen allergens. We believe that these molecules have worth further studies.

Comparison of Allergenic Properties among Commercially Available House Dust Mite Allergen Extracts in Korea

Precise allergy diagnosis and effective allergen specific immunotherapy are largely dependent on the quality of allergen extract. A new extract of Dermatophagoides farinae was commercially developed by Prolagen. The allergenic properties of the new extract were compared with those of other commercial products. The allergenic properties of the new extract were compared according to protein concentration, protein profiles, major allergen (Der f 1) contents, and allergenic potency to those for three commercially available extracts imported in Korea (Jubilant HollisterStier Allergy, Lofarma S.p.A., and Stallergenes Greer). Protein concentrations varied up to 2.62-fold (0.404 to 1.057 mg/mL), and Der f 1 contents varied up to 11.3-fold (3.597 to 40.688 μg/mL). Protein profiles of the extracts showed no major discrepancies, although there were some differences in SDS-PAGE band intensities, reflecting protein concentrations. Allergen potency ranged from 37038 to 60491 PAU/mL. The Prolagen product was highest in terms of protein concentration and allergen potency. The Lofarma product displayed Der f 1 content similar to that in Prolagen (19.4 μg/mg vs. 19.3 μg/mg). Endotoxin levels varied 8.9-fold (1020 to 8985 EU/mL). The newly developed house dust mite extract showed equal or better allergenic properties than available commercial extracts. This new product may be useful for better diagnostics and allergen-specific immunotherapeutics.

Stability of extracts from pollens of allergenic importance in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Accurate diagnosis and the effects of allergen-specific immunotherapy for pollinosis are greatly dependent on the potency and stability of the extract. This study aimed to examine factors, such as temperature and storage buffer composition, that affect the stability of allergen extracts from pollens of allergenic importance in Korea.

METHODS

We prepared four pollen allergen extracts from ragweed, mugwort, Japanese hop, and sawtooth oak, which are the most important causes of seasonal rhinitis in Korea. Changes of protein and major allergen concentration were measured over 1 year by Bradford assay, two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after reconstitution of the lyophilized allergen extract in various buffers and stored at room temperature (RT, 18°C to 26°C) or refrigerated (4°C).

RESULTS

More than 90% of the original protein concentration in all four extracts examined was detected over 1 year when 50% glycerol was added and refrigerated, whereas 57.9% to 94.5% remained in the extracts at RT. The addition of 50% glycerol to the storage buffer was found to prevent protein degradation at RT. Amb a 1, a major allergen of ragweed, was almost completely degraded in 9 weeks at RT when reconstituted in a buffer without 50% glycerol. However, 55.6% to 92.8% of Amb a 1 content was detected after 1 year of incubation at 4°C in all buffer conditions except 0.3% phenol.

CONCLUSION

Addition of 50% glycerol as well as refrigeration was found to be important in increasing the shelf-life of allergen extracts from pollens of allergenic importance.

Are the Oxford(®) medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty new instruments reducing the bearing dislocation risk while improving components relationships? A case control study

INTRODUCTION

The recently introduced Microplasty(®) system is an upgrade of conventional phase III instrumentation. However, little is known of its impact on the position of the implant following the Oxford(®) mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). This study investigated whether the Microplasty(®) instrumentation system can improve the positioning of the implant and reduce the rate of early failure.

HYPOTHESIS

Microplasty(®) provides a better positioning and decreases the rate of dislocation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records and radiographs of 82 consecutive Oxford(®) UKAs were reviewed retrospectively. The radiographic parameters and prevalence of early failure of 41 UKAs performed with the Microplasty(®) system and 41 UKAs using the conventional instrumentation system were compared. Both groups were comparable in terms of demographics and preoperative status.

RESULTS

The femoral components in the Microplasty(®) group were more contiguously placed and more convergent in relation to the tibial components compared to the conventional instrumentation system (P<0.01). The frequency of bearing dislocation was lower in the Microplasty(®) group (P=0.04). A wide gap and the angle between components were associated with an increased risk of bearing dislocation.

CONCLUSION

The Microplasty(®) instrumentation system consistently placed the femoral and tibial components in more contiguous and convergent positions. Such changes in position decreased the risk of bearing dislocations by reducing the space available for bearing rotation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case control study.

The fouling characterization and control in the high concentration PAC membrane bioreactor HCPAC-MBR

This study focuses on the experimental investigation to identify the effect of PAC at high concentrations on the fouling of membranes. A pilot-scale experimental apparatus was installed at a water treatment plant located downstream of Nakdong river basin, Korea. Effluent of rapid sand filter was used as influent of the system, which consists of PAC bio-reactor, submerged membrane module (hollow fiber with pore size 0.1 m) and air supply facility. PAC was dosed at 40 g/L initially and it was not replaced during the operation period. Suction type filtration was carried out at intervals of 12 min. suction and 3 min. idling. At the initial flux 0.36 m/d, the system could be operated stably for around 90 days at target trans-membrane pressure (TMP) of 40 kPa. Among total resistance of membrane filtration, cake and gel layer resistance, Rc+Rg, was the dominant fraction (more than 90% of the total) to increase the filtration pressure, which means that the filtration resistance could be controlled by the PAC cake layer and then irreversible membrane fouling could be prevented. Three minutes air backwashing every 3 days could extend the operation period to 127 days. Organics were analyzed in terms of molecular weight structure. The influent of the system consists of 15.0% and 74.4% of hydrophobic and hydrophilic natural organic matter (NOM), respectively. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic (electrostatic) interaction was the main factor on fouling of the membrane in the reactor. Hydrophobic fraction decreased slightly in the effluent, which means hydrophobic NOM removal in the reactor by adsorption. Organics accumulated in the membrane were extracted for analysis after a certain period of operation. The fraction of hydrophobic and hydrophilic organics was 41.4% and 38.9%, respectively. On the basis of the experimental results, the hydrophobic organics were the major materials causing the fouling of the membrane, which should be changed to other types of material.

Comparative bioavailability of silibinin in healthy male volunteers

AIM

To study a comparative bioavailability of Liverman capsule to Legaion capsule and Silymarin tablet (which contain silibinin) in 24 healthy volunteers.

VOLUNTEERS AND METHODS

Twenty-four healthy male Korean volunteers received each medicine at the silibinin dose of 120 mg in a 3 x 3 crossover study. There was a 1-week washout period among the doses. Plasma concentrations of silibinin were monitored by a high-performance liquid chromatography for over a period of 12 hours after the administration. AUCinf (the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time infinity) was calculated by the trapezoidal rule extrapolation method. Cmax (maximum plasma drug concentration) and tmax (time to reach a Cmax) were compiled from the plasma concentration-time data. Analysis of variance was carried out using logarithmically transformed AUCinf, AUC(0-12h), and Cmax and untransformed tmax.

RESULTS

After an oral administration of Liverman capsule, the pharmacokinetic parameters of silibinin, such as AUC(0-12h) (5.59, 4.24 and 13.9 microg/ml x h for Legalon capsule, Silymarin tablet and Liverman capsule, respectively) and AUCinf (6.00, 4.63 and 15.1 microg/ml x h) were significantly greater, Cmax (1.33, 1.13 and 6.04 microg/ml) was significantly higher and tmax (1.83, 2.10 and 0.875 h) was significantly faster than those after Legalon capsule and Silymarin tablet.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the absorption and the extent of relative oral bioavailability of silibinin after Liverman capsule were significantly faster and greater, respectively, than those after Legalon capsule and Silymarin tablet.

Identification of Cdc6 protein domains involved in interaction with Mcm2 protein and Cdc4 protein in budding yeast cells

The Cdc6 protein (Cdc6p) has essential roles in regulating initiation of DNA replication. Cdc6p is recruited to origins of replication by the origin recognition complex (ORC) late in mitosis; Cdc6p in turn recruits minichromosome maintenance (Mcm) proteins to form the pre-replicative complex. Cdc6p is thought to interact with one or more Mcm proteins but this point has not yet been demonstrated. In the present study we observed that Cdc6p interacted significantly only with Mcm2p out of six Mcm proteins in yeast two-hybrid cells. Our results indicate that the interaction of Cdc6p with Mcm2p is specific, although we cannot exclude the possibility that the interaction might not be direct. In attempts to identify domains of Cdc6p important for interaction with Mcm2p, we tested interactions of various deleted versions of Cdc6p with Mcm2p and also with Cdc4p, which was previously known to interact with Cdc6p. The portion of Cdc6p from amino acid residues 51 to 394 was able to interact with Mcm2p. During the course of the studies we also discovered a previously undetected Cdc4p interaction domain between residues 51 and 394. Interestingly, when all six putative Cdc28 phosphorylation sites in Cdc6p were changed to alanine, a 6-7-fold increase in binding to Mcm2p was observed. This result suggests that unphosphorylated Cdc6p has higher affinity than phosphorylated Cdc6p for Mcm2p; this might partly explain the previous observation that Cdc6p failed to load Mcm proteins on replication origins during S phase when the cyclin-dependent protein kinase was active, thus helping to prevent the reinitiation of activated replicons.

Stability of Octastatin, a somatostatin analog cyclic octapeptide, in aqueous solution

In this study, the degradation of Octastatin, a cyclic octapeptide analog of somatostatin, was examined as a function of pH, temperature, buffer, and ionic strength by reversed-phase gradient high-performance liquid chromatography. Degradation of Octastatin followed a first-order kinetics. Various buffer species such as acetate, ammonium acetate, citrate, glutamate, phosphate, and borate showed differing effects on the degradation of the octapeptide. Good stability was found in glutamate and acetate buffer of pH 4.0. Degradation of Octastatin was greater in citrate- or phosphate-containing buffers than in glutamate or acetate buffers. With phosphate buffer, higher buffer concentration caused greater degradation, while in acetate buffer, the effect of buffer concentration and ionic strength was negligible. In addition, the degradation of Octastatin was markedly inhibited by increasing the concentration of glutamate buffer. This study allows the prediction of good stability in acetate buffer (0.01 M, pH 4.0) with a t90% of 84.1 days at 20 degrees C.

[Clinical experience of automated double filtration plasmapheresis]

Double filtration plasmapheresis, one kind of fractionation plasmapheresis, was developed from membrane type plasmapheresis to remove only the pathogen and return the normal protein back to the patient. We started our automated double filtration plasmapheresis since December 1993. There were 13 patients who received one hundred treatments totally during one year period. And they are myasthenia gravis (8 patients); acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (1 patient), multiple myeloma (1 patient); acquired factor VIII inhibitor (1 patient); autoimmune hemolytic anemia (1 patient); systemic lupus erythematous (1 patient). Technically double filtration plasmapheresis is easy to perform and time-saving. It also makes necessity of replacement fluid less frequent. Incidence of complication is rare, and this includes hypotension 2%, palpitation 1%, headache 1%, hemolysis 4%, air emboli 1%, high secondary pressure 2%, and no motality during our treatment. Clinical response is documented in cases of myasthenia gravis; acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and acquired factor VIII inhibitor in our study. In conclusion, double filtration plasmapheresis is a time-saving, convenient, and safe therapeutic modality with rare complication. Because its effectiveness on limited kinds of diseases and costs relatively high price, thus plasmapheresis should be used in selected cases and treat aggressively if indicated.

QTc prolongation indicates a poor prognosis in patients with organophosphate poisoning

This study reviewed emergency department electrocardiograms of 223 patients with organophosphate poisoning from January 1982 to June 1994: 97 (43.5%) had QTc prolongation and were placed in group A; 126 patients without QTc prolongation were designated as group B. Compared with group B, group A patients had a higher mortality (19.6% v 4.8%, P < .001) and a higher incidence of respiratory failure (56.7% v 20.6%, P < .001). Serum cholinesterase levels were determined in the 223 patients: 92 (41.3%) were classified as severe poisoning. 32 (14.3%) as moderate, 41 (18.1%) as mild, and 58 (25.7%) as very mild. The severe group had a high incidence of QTc prolongation (P < .001), a high incidence of respiratory failure (P < 0.001), and a higher mortality rate (P < 0.001) than the other groups. Of the QTc prolongation patients, 59.8% (55/92) had a high incidence of respiratory failure (78.2% v 35.1%, P < .0001) and a higher mortality rate (29.1% v 8.1%, P < 0.05) compared with 40.2% (37/92) of the patients without QTc prolongation in the severe group. In conclusion, a complete electrocardiogram at the emergency department is important and of prognostic value.

Electrocardiographic findings of organophosphate intoxication in emergency department as predictors of prognosis: a retrospective analysis

To investigate the clinical significance of electrocardiographic (ECG) findings in patients with organophosphate intoxication and to find predictors for prognosis, we reviewed 170 patients whose ECG was taken in the emergency department (ED) from 1981 to 1989. There were 67 cases whose ECG showed prolongation of corrected Q-T interval (QTc). In this group, the mortality rate, respiratory failure rate and frequency of ventricular premature contraction (VPC) were significantly higher than those of patients without QTc prolongation. In the group with presence of VPC, the overall mortality rate and respiratory failure rate were also significantly higher when compared with those without VPC. We concluded that QTc prolongation and the presence of VPCs in patients with organophosphate intoxication may predict their clinical respiratory failure and mortality.