Search

The Body Composition Monitor (BCM), a multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy device, has been widely used to assess body composition in hemodialysis patients because its measurement is not affected by overhydration commonly seen in chronic kidney disease. We aimed to develop and validate an equation for obtaining appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) from BCM taking dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the reference among hemodialysis patients. A total of 322 consecutive body composition measurements with BCM and DXA in 263 hemodialysis patients were randomly divided at a ratio of 2:1 into development and validation groups. Stepwise multiple regression modeling was applied to develop the ASM prediction equation. We evaluated the model as a diagnostic tool for sarcopenia using cutoffs of ASM defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS). We further explored the association between ASM predicted by the BCM equation and all-cause mortality in two independent cohorts: one with 326 stage 3–5 CKD patients and one with 629 hemodialysis patients. BCM yielded the following equation: ASM (kg) = −1.838 + 0.395 × total body water (L) + 0.105 × body weight (kg) + 1.231 × male sex – 0.026 × age (years) (R2 = 0.914, standard error of estimate = 1.35 kg). In the validation group, Bland–Altman reliability analysis showed no significant bias of 0.098 kg and limits of agreement ±2.440 kg. Using the AWGS criteria, the model was found to have a sensitivity of 94.1%, a specificity of 98.8%, a positive predictive value of 84.2%, and a negative predictive value of 99.6% for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Low ASM predicted by the BCM equation was associated with significantly worse overall survival among CKD patients but not hemodialysis patients. The new BCM equation provides a feasible and valid option for assessing ASM in hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the efficacy of microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) for the treatment of post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis, and to report the factors which influence the outcome. This retrospective case series included eyes with post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis that had received MIVS between June 2014 and May 2017. The anatomical and functional results were analyzed. 24 eyes of 24 patients were included with mean age 72.0 ± 8.6 years old. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved in 70.8% of patients with a significant mean logMAR BCVA change of −0.6 ± 0.9. Positive culture rate was 25%. In all study eyes, inflammation became silent after MIVS. In univariate analysis, patients with improved BCVA have shorter duration between cataract surgery and MIVS and less likely to have positive culture results. Using degree of BCVA improvement as a continuous variable, it showed that duration between cataract surgery and MIVS had significantly negative correlation with BCVA improvement. Patients with positive culture results had significantly lower BCVA improvement. Multiple regression models also confirmed the most important outcome-influencing factors. MIVS is an efficient management for post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis. BCVA is significantly improved after MIVS. No matter in univariate or multivariate analysis, positive culture results and longer duration between cataract surgery and MIVS have significant negative effects on the outcome of post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis. Multicenter collaboration should be conducted in order to formulate better management protocols of this vision-threatening complication of cataract surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong acid rain was recently observed over Northeastern China, particularly in summer in Liaoning Province where alkaline dust largely neutralized acids in the past. This seems to be related to the regional transboundary pollution and poses new challenges in acid rain control scheme in China. In order to delve into the regional transport impact, and quantify its potential contributions to such an “eruption” of acid rain over Liaoning, this paper employs an online source tagging model in coupling with the Nested Air Quality Prediction Modeling System (NAQPMS). Validation of predictions shows the model capability in reproducing key meteorological and chemical features. Acid concentration over Liaoning is more pronounced in August (average of 0.087 mg/m 3 ) with strong pollutant import from regional sources against significant depletion of basic species. Seasonal mean contributions from regional sources are assessed at both lower and upper boundary layers to elucidate the main pathways of the impact of regional sources on acid concentration over Liaoning. At the upper layer (1.2 km), regional sources contribute to acid concentration over Liaoning by 67%, mainly from Shandong (16%), Hebei (13%), Tianjin (11%) and Korean Peninsula (9%). Identified main city-receptors in Liaoning are Dandong, Dalian, Chaohu, Yingkou, Liaoyang, Jinfu, Shengyang, Panjin, Tieling, Benxi, Anshan and Fushun. At lower layer (120 m) where Liaoning local contribution is dominant (58%), regional sources account for 39% in acid concentration. However, inter-municipal acid exchanges are prominent at this layer and many cities in Liaoning are revealed as important sources of local acid production. Seasonal acid contribution average within 1.2 km-120 m attains 55%, suggesting dominance of vertical pollutant transport from regional sources towards lower boundary layer in Liaoning. As direct environmental implication, this study provides policy makers with a perspective of regulating the regional transboundary environmental impact assessment in China with application to acid rain control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 45-year-old man, a case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, received a highly active antiretroviral therapy at the outpatient service for 4 years without regular follow-up. He experienced progressively blurred vision for 6 months and a cutaneous zoster on his back 3 months ago. He was diagnosed with progressive outer retinal necrosis by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism using an aqueous humor sample, which revealed an existence of varicella zoster virus. He was given a combination of systemic, intravitreal antiviral and a highly active antiretroviral therapy. Occlusive vasculitis, an unusual finding for progressive outer retinal necrosis, developed in both eyes 1 week after the secondary intravitreal injection. Unfortunately, his vision deteriorated to no light perception in both eyes within 2 weeks. Progressive outer retinal necrosis is characterized clinically as showing minimal or no inflammation in the aqueous and vitreous humors, absence of retinal vasculitis, and patches of yellowish spots located deep in the retina. Physicians should pay attention to this rare case of progressive outer retinal necrosis associated occlusive vasculitis with very poor prognosis in spite of aggressive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We propose a new approach for mobile users’ movement behavior mining and prediction and items recommendation. [•] We employ the notion of semantic trajectory similarity to cluster similar users together. [•] Based on the trajectory patterns and high utility itemsets, we propose a novel location-based recommendation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]