BioMed research international
-
Meta Analysis
An association study between genetic polymorphism in the interleukin-6 receptor gene and coronary heart disease.
The goal of our study is to test the association of IL6R rs7529229 polymorphism with CHD through a case-control study in Han Chinese population and a meta-analysis. Our result showed there is a lack of association between IL6R rs7529229 polymorphism and CHD on both genotype and allele levels in Han Chinese (P > 0.05). However, a meta-analysis among 11678 cases and 12861 controls showed that rs7529229-C allele was significantly associated with a decreased risk of CHD, especially in Europeans (P < 0.0001, odds ratio = 0.93, 95% confidential interval = 0.89-0.96). Since there is significant difference among different populations, further studies are warranted to test the contribution of rs7529229 to CHD in other ethnic populations.
-
To assess a human cadaver model for training emergency medicine residents in the ultrasound diagnosis of pneumothorax. ⋯ Lightly embalmed human cadavers may provide an excellent model for mimicking the sonographic appearance of pneumothorax.
-
Sepsis results in widespread inflammatory responses altering homeostasis. Associated circulatory abnormalities (peripheral vasodilation, intravascular volume depletion, increased cellular metabolism, and myocardial depression) lead to an imbalance between oxygen delivery and demand, triggering end organ injury and failure. ⋯ Over the past few years, the safety of some fluid preparations has been questioned. Our paper highlights current concerns, reviews the science behind current practices, and aims to clarify some of the controversies surrounding fluid resuscitation in sepsis.
-
Sepsis is a systemic, deleterious host response to widespread infection. Patients with sepsis will have documented or suspected infection which can progress to a state of septic shock or acute organ dysfunction. Since sepsis is responsible for nearly 3 million cases per year in China and severe sepsis is a common, expensive fatal condition in America, developing new therapies becomes a significant and worthwhile challenge. ⋯ The role of MDSCs in sepsis remains uncertain. Some believe activated MDSCs are beneficial to the sepsis host by increasing innate immune responses and antimicrobial activities, while others think expansion of MDSCs leads to adaptive immune suppression and secondary infection. Herein, we discuss the complex role of MDSCs in immune regulation during sepsis, as well as the potential to target these cells for therapeutic benefit.
-
The main sequelae of endometriosis are represented by infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain causes disability and distress with a very high economic impact. In the last decades, an impressive amount of pharmacological agents have been tested for the treatment of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain. ⋯ Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used, but there is inconclusive evidence for their efficacy in relieving endometriosis-associated pelvic pain. Other agents such as GnRH antagonist, aromatase inhibitors, immunomodulators, selective progesterone receptor modulators, and histone deacetylase inhibitors seem to be very promising, but there is not enough evidence to support their introduction into routine clinical practice. Some other agents, such as peroxisome proliferator activated receptors-γ ligands, antiangiogenic agents, and melatonin have been proven to be efficacious in animal studies, but they have not yet been tested in clinical studies.