AIM:To explore effects of nonselective beta-blockers(NSBBs) in cirrhotic patients with no or small varices.METHODS:The Pub Med,EMBASE,Science Direct,and Cochrane library databases were searched for relevant papers.A m...AIM:To explore effects of nonselective beta-blockers(NSBBs) in cirrhotic patients with no or small varices.METHODS:The Pub Med,EMBASE,Science Direct,and Cochrane library databases were searched for relevant papers.A meta-analysis was performed using ORs with 95%CI as the effect sizes.Subgroup analysis was conducted according to the studies including patients without varices and those with small varices.RESULTS:Overall,784 papers were initially retrieved from the database searches,of which six randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis.The incidences of large varices development(OR = 1.05,95%CI:0.25-4.36;P = 0.95),first upper gastrointestinal bleeding(OR = 0.59,95%CI:0.24-1.47;P = 0.26),and death(OR = 0.70,95%CI:0.45-1.10;P = 0.12) were similar between NSBB and placebo groups.However,the incidence of adverse events was significantly higher in the NSBB group compared with the placebo group(OR = 3.47,95%CI:1.45-8.33;P = 0.005).The results of subgroup analyses were similar to those of overall analyses.CONCLUSION:The results of this meta-analysis indicate that NSBBs should not be recommended for cirrhotic patients with no or small varices.展开更多
Gut microbiota plays an important role in cirrhosis. The liver is constantly challenged with commensal bacteria and their products arriving through the portal vein in the so-called gut-liver axis. Bacterial translocat...Gut microbiota plays an important role in cirrhosis. The liver is constantly challenged with commensal bacteria and their products arriving through the portal vein in the so-called gut-liver axis. Bacterial translocation from the intestinal lumen through the intestinal wall and to mesenteric lymph nodes is facilitated by intestinal bacterial overgrowth, impairment in the permeability of the intestinal mucosal barrier, and deficiencies in local host immune defences. Deranged clearance of endogenous bacteria from portal and systemic circulation turns the gut into the major source of bacterialrelated complications. Liver function may therefore be affected by alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiota and a role for commensal flora has been evidenced in the pathogenesis of several complications arising in end-stage liver disease such as hepatic encephalopathy, splanchnic arterial vasodilatation and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The use of antibioticsis the main therapeutic pipeline in the management of these bacteria-related complications.However,other strategies aimed at preserving intestinal homeostasis through the use of pre-,pro-or symbiotic formulations are being studied in the last years.In this review,the role of intestinal microbiota in the development of the most frequent complications arising in cirrhosis and the different clinical and experimental studies conducted to prevent or improve these complications by modifying the gut microbiota composition are summarized.展开更多
Several cardiovascular(CV)risk factors may explain the high rate of CV death among patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD).Among them both traditional and uremia-related risk factors are implicated and,moreover,the ...Several cardiovascular(CV)risk factors may explain the high rate of CV death among patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD).Among them both traditional and uremia-related risk factors are implicated and,moreover,the presence of kidney disease represents"per se"a multiplier of CV risk.Plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles are changed in quantitative,but above all in qualitative,structural,and functional ways,and lipoprotein metabolism is influenced by the progressive loss of renal function.Statin therapy significantly reduces cholesterol synthesis and both CV morbidity and mortality either directly,by reducing the lipid profile,or via pleiotropic effects;it is supposed to be able to reduce both the progression of CKD and also proteinuria.These observations derive from a post-hoc analysis of large trials conducted in the general population,but not in CKD patients.However,the recently published SHARP trial,including over 9200 patients,either on dialysis or pre-dialysis,showed that simvastatin plus ezetimibe,compared with placebo,was associated with a significant low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction and a 17%reduction in major atherosclerotic events.However,no benefit was observed in overall survival nor in preserving renal function in patients treated.These re-cent data reinforce the conviction among nephrologists to consider their patients at high CV risk and that lipid lowering drugs such as statins may represent an important tool in reducing atheromatous coronary disease which,however,represents only a third of CV deaths in patients with CKD.Therefore,statins have no protective effect among the remaining two-thirds of patients who suffer from sudden cardiac death due to arrhythmia or heart failure,prevalent among CKD patients.The safety of statins is demonstrated in CKD by several trials and recently confirmed by the largest SHARP trial,in terms of no increase in cancer incidence,muscle pain,creatine kinase levels,severe rhabdomyolysis,hepatitis,gallstones and pancreatitis;thus confirming the handiness 展开更多
AIM:To investigate the role of 64-slice computed tomography(CT) in portal vein cavernous transformation to determine surgical strategy.METHODS:The site of lesions and extent of collateral circulation in 12 pediatric c...AIM:To investigate the role of 64-slice computed tomography(CT) in portal vein cavernous transformation to determine surgical strategy.METHODS:The site of lesions and extent of collateral circulation in 12 pediatric cases of cavernous transformation of the portal vein with surgical treatment were analyzed.RESULTS:Eleven of 12 children had esophageal varices and were treated with lower esophageal and gastric devascularization and splenectomy,and the other case was only treated with splenectomy.There were eight cases with spontaneous spleen/stomach-renal shunt,four with Retzius vein opening,which was reserved during surgery.Three cases of lesions involving the intrahepatic portal vein(PV) were treated with living donor liver transplantation.One patient died from PV thrombosis after liver transplantation,and the rest had no significant complications.CONCLUSION:The PV,its branches and collateral circulation were clearly seen by 64-slice spiral CT angiography,which helped with preoperative surgical planning.展开更多
目的观察化痰祛浊通络方对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)血压及一氧化氮(NO)、内皮素1(ET-1)及血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)的影响,探讨其降压作用机制。方法将15月龄SHR随机分为空白对照组、化痰祛浊通络方组和吲达帕胺组,每组各9只。空白对照组予0.9...目的观察化痰祛浊通络方对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)血压及一氧化氮(NO)、内皮素1(ET-1)及血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)的影响,探讨其降压作用机制。方法将15月龄SHR随机分为空白对照组、化痰祛浊通络方组和吲达帕胺组,每组各9只。空白对照组予0.9%氯化钠注射液(10 m L/kg)、化痰祛浊通络方组予化痰祛浊通络方水煎液(生药10 m L/kg)、吲达帕胺组予吲达帕胺溶液(10 mg/kg),均每日1次灌服,连续6周。所有大鼠每周测量尾动脉压,给药6周腹主动脉抽血测定血清NO、ET-1及AngⅡ含量。结果给药6周后,化痰祛浊通络方组和吲达帕胺组给药后均可降低SHR收缩压(SP)和舒张压(DP),与空白对照组及本组给药前比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);化痰祛浊通络方组及吲达帕胺组ET-1和AngⅡ含量均较本组给药前及空白对照组明显降低,NO含量明显升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论化痰祛浊通络方能明显降低SHR血压,其机制可能是通过下调ET、AngⅡ含量及上调NO含量来发挥降压作用。展开更多
Continuum manipulators(CM)are soft and flexible manipulators with large numbers of degrees of freedom and can perform complex tasks in an unstructured environment.However,their deformability and compliance can deviate...Continuum manipulators(CM)are soft and flexible manipulators with large numbers of degrees of freedom and can perform complex tasks in an unstructured environment.However,their deformability and compliance can deviate distal tip under uncertain external interactions.To address this challenge,a novel tension-based control scheme has been proposed to modulate the stiffness of a tendon-driven CM,reducing the tip position errors caused by uncertain external forces.To minimize the tip position error,a virtual spring is positioned between the deviated and the desired tip positions.The proposed algorithm corrects the manipulator deviated tip position,improving tension distribution and stiffness profile,resulting in higher stiffness and better performance.The corresponding task space stiffness and condition numbers are also computed under different cases,indicating the effectiveness of the tension control scheme in modulating the manipulator's stiffness.Experimental validation conducted on an in-house developed prototype confirms the practical feasibility of the proposed approach.展开更多
AIM:To investigate whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with benign focal liver lesions and vascular liver diseases, since these have been occasionally reported in SLE patients. METHODS:Thirty-five...AIM:To investigate whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with benign focal liver lesions and vascular liver diseases, since these have been occasionally reported in SLE patients. METHODS:Thirty-five consecutive adult patients with SLE and 35 age-and sex-matched healthy controls were evaluated. Hepatic and portal vein patency and presence of focal liver lesions were studied by colour-Doppler ultrasound, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance were used to refine the diagnosis, clinical data of SLE patients were reviewed. RESULTS:Benign hepatic lesions were common in SLE patients (54% vs 14% controls, P < 0.0001), withhemangioma being the most commonly observed lesion in the two groups. SLE was associated with the presence of single hemangioma [odds ratios (OR) 5.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91-13.38] and multiple hemangiomas (OR 4.13; 95% CI 1.03-16.55). Multiple hemangiomas were associated with a longer duration of SLE (9.9 ± 6.5 vs 5.5 ± 6.4 years; P = 0.04). Imaging prior to SLE onset was available in 9 patients with SLE and hemangioma, showing absence of lesions in 7/9. The clinical data of our patients suggest that SLE pos- sibly plays a role in the development of hemangioma. In addition, a Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH), and a NRH associated with hepatic hemangioma were observed, both in patients hospitalized for abdominal symptoms, suggesting that vascular liver diseases should be specifically investigated in this population. CONCLUSION:SLE is associated with 5-fold increased odds of liver hemangiomas, suggesting that these might be considered among the hepatic manifestations of SLE.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate and compare the peripapillary and retinal vasculature changes in primary open angle glaucoma(POAG),pseudoexfoliation glaucoma(PXG),ocular hypertension(OHT)and normal eyes using optical coherence tomogr...AIM:To evaluate and compare the peripapillary and retinal vasculature changes in primary open angle glaucoma(POAG),pseudoexfoliation glaucoma(PXG),ocular hypertension(OHT)and normal eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA).METHODS:A total of 114 POAG,PXG and OHT eyes of 60 patients and 46 eyes of 23 healthy control participants with good quality OCTA images were included.The PXG,POAG,OHT,and control groups(aged 68.17±6.30 y,61.11±10.26 y,58.1±8.9 y,and 56.9±4.6 y,respectively)contained of 46,36,32,and 46 eyes,respectively.Measurements of vessel density(VD)in the peripapillary region and macula,average retinal inner thickness,and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness(RNFLT)were compared among groups.In order to test the accuracy of differentiation between eyes with and without glaucoma,the area was calculated under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.RESULTS:The VD in glaucomatous eyes was significantly lower than the control group in all peripapillary sectors(44.35%±6.78%vs 50.47%±1.83%,P<0.001),the superficial(44.08%±5.46%vs 51.28%±2.85%,P<0.001)and the deep(45.13%±8.55%vs 54.20%±5.44%,P<0.001)vascular plexus.There was a significant difference in peripapillary VD between glaucomatous and OHT eyes(44.35%±6.78%vs 49.86%±2.45%,P<0.001).The OHT group featured a lower superficial(48.06%±4.32%vs 51.28%±2.85%,P=0.027)and deep plexus(48.70%±5.99%vs 54.20%±5.44%,P=0.013)whole image vessel density(wiVD)than did the control group.The average macular superficial plexus wiVD was significantly lower in eyes with PXG than in eyes with POAG(42.22%±5.36%vs 46.54%±5.56%,P=0.046).CONCLUSION:OCTA can measure reduced peripapillary and macular VD in eyes with glaucoma and OHT,and these results are correlated to functional and structural glaucomatous alterations.Peripapillary and macular superficial plexus VD is lower in eyes with PXG than in eyes with POAG.Furthermore,the OHT eyes demonstrate impaired macular vasculature in both superficial and deep plexus.展开更多
文摘AIM:To explore effects of nonselective beta-blockers(NSBBs) in cirrhotic patients with no or small varices.METHODS:The Pub Med,EMBASE,Science Direct,and Cochrane library databases were searched for relevant papers.A meta-analysis was performed using ORs with 95%CI as the effect sizes.Subgroup analysis was conducted according to the studies including patients without varices and those with small varices.RESULTS:Overall,784 papers were initially retrieved from the database searches,of which six randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis.The incidences of large varices development(OR = 1.05,95%CI:0.25-4.36;P = 0.95),first upper gastrointestinal bleeding(OR = 0.59,95%CI:0.24-1.47;P = 0.26),and death(OR = 0.70,95%CI:0.45-1.10;P = 0.12) were similar between NSBB and placebo groups.However,the incidence of adverse events was significantly higher in the NSBB group compared with the placebo group(OR = 3.47,95%CI:1.45-8.33;P = 0.005).The results of subgroup analyses were similar to those of overall analyses.CONCLUSION:The results of this meta-analysis indicate that NSBBs should not be recommended for cirrhotic patients with no or small varices.
基金Supported by Grants PI13/1443 from Instituto de Salud CarlosⅢ,Madrid,SpainNo.AGL2011-25169 from MINECO,Madrid,Spain
文摘Gut microbiota plays an important role in cirrhosis. The liver is constantly challenged with commensal bacteria and their products arriving through the portal vein in the so-called gut-liver axis. Bacterial translocation from the intestinal lumen through the intestinal wall and to mesenteric lymph nodes is facilitated by intestinal bacterial overgrowth, impairment in the permeability of the intestinal mucosal barrier, and deficiencies in local host immune defences. Deranged clearance of endogenous bacteria from portal and systemic circulation turns the gut into the major source of bacterialrelated complications. Liver function may therefore be affected by alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiota and a role for commensal flora has been evidenced in the pathogenesis of several complications arising in end-stage liver disease such as hepatic encephalopathy, splanchnic arterial vasodilatation and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The use of antibioticsis the main therapeutic pipeline in the management of these bacteria-related complications.However,other strategies aimed at preserving intestinal homeostasis through the use of pre-,pro-or symbiotic formulations are being studied in the last years.In this review,the role of intestinal microbiota in the development of the most frequent complications arising in cirrhosis and the different clinical and experimental studies conducted to prevent or improve these complications by modifying the gut microbiota composition are summarized.
文摘Several cardiovascular(CV)risk factors may explain the high rate of CV death among patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD).Among them both traditional and uremia-related risk factors are implicated and,moreover,the presence of kidney disease represents"per se"a multiplier of CV risk.Plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles are changed in quantitative,but above all in qualitative,structural,and functional ways,and lipoprotein metabolism is influenced by the progressive loss of renal function.Statin therapy significantly reduces cholesterol synthesis and both CV morbidity and mortality either directly,by reducing the lipid profile,or via pleiotropic effects;it is supposed to be able to reduce both the progression of CKD and also proteinuria.These observations derive from a post-hoc analysis of large trials conducted in the general population,but not in CKD patients.However,the recently published SHARP trial,including over 9200 patients,either on dialysis or pre-dialysis,showed that simvastatin plus ezetimibe,compared with placebo,was associated with a significant low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction and a 17%reduction in major atherosclerotic events.However,no benefit was observed in overall survival nor in preserving renal function in patients treated.These re-cent data reinforce the conviction among nephrologists to consider their patients at high CV risk and that lipid lowering drugs such as statins may represent an important tool in reducing atheromatous coronary disease which,however,represents only a third of CV deaths in patients with CKD.Therefore,statins have no protective effect among the remaining two-thirds of patients who suffer from sudden cardiac death due to arrhythmia or heart failure,prevalent among CKD patients.The safety of statins is demonstrated in CKD by several trials and recently confirmed by the largest SHARP trial,in terms of no increase in cancer incidence,muscle pain,creatine kinase levels,severe rhabdomyolysis,hepatitis,gallstones and pancreatitis;thus confirming the handiness
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No. 30973440 and No. 30770950key project of Chongqing Natural Science Foundation (CSTC,2008BA0021)
文摘AIM:To investigate the role of 64-slice computed tomography(CT) in portal vein cavernous transformation to determine surgical strategy.METHODS:The site of lesions and extent of collateral circulation in 12 pediatric cases of cavernous transformation of the portal vein with surgical treatment were analyzed.RESULTS:Eleven of 12 children had esophageal varices and were treated with lower esophageal and gastric devascularization and splenectomy,and the other case was only treated with splenectomy.There were eight cases with spontaneous spleen/stomach-renal shunt,four with Retzius vein opening,which was reserved during surgery.Three cases of lesions involving the intrahepatic portal vein(PV) were treated with living donor liver transplantation.One patient died from PV thrombosis after liver transplantation,and the rest had no significant complications.CONCLUSION:The PV,its branches and collateral circulation were clearly seen by 64-slice spiral CT angiography,which helped with preoperative surgical planning.
文摘目的观察化痰祛浊通络方对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)血压及一氧化氮(NO)、内皮素1(ET-1)及血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)的影响,探讨其降压作用机制。方法将15月龄SHR随机分为空白对照组、化痰祛浊通络方组和吲达帕胺组,每组各9只。空白对照组予0.9%氯化钠注射液(10 m L/kg)、化痰祛浊通络方组予化痰祛浊通络方水煎液(生药10 m L/kg)、吲达帕胺组予吲达帕胺溶液(10 mg/kg),均每日1次灌服,连续6周。所有大鼠每周测量尾动脉压,给药6周腹主动脉抽血测定血清NO、ET-1及AngⅡ含量。结果给药6周后,化痰祛浊通络方组和吲达帕胺组给药后均可降低SHR收缩压(SP)和舒张压(DP),与空白对照组及本组给药前比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);化痰祛浊通络方组及吲达帕胺组ET-1和AngⅡ含量均较本组给药前及空白对照组明显降低,NO含量明显升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论化痰祛浊通络方能明显降低SHR血压,其机制可能是通过下调ET、AngⅡ含量及上调NO含量来发挥降压作用。
文摘Continuum manipulators(CM)are soft and flexible manipulators with large numbers of degrees of freedom and can perform complex tasks in an unstructured environment.However,their deformability and compliance can deviate distal tip under uncertain external interactions.To address this challenge,a novel tension-based control scheme has been proposed to modulate the stiffness of a tendon-driven CM,reducing the tip position errors caused by uncertain external forces.To minimize the tip position error,a virtual spring is positioned between the deviated and the desired tip positions.The proposed algorithm corrects the manipulator deviated tip position,improving tension distribution and stiffness profile,resulting in higher stiffness and better performance.The corresponding task space stiffness and condition numbers are also computed under different cases,indicating the effectiveness of the tension control scheme in modulating the manipulator's stiffness.Experimental validation conducted on an in-house developed prototype confirms the practical feasibility of the proposed approach.
基金Supported by Department of Internal Medicine,Nephrology and Ageing of University of Bologna,Italy
文摘AIM:To investigate whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with benign focal liver lesions and vascular liver diseases, since these have been occasionally reported in SLE patients. METHODS:Thirty-five consecutive adult patients with SLE and 35 age-and sex-matched healthy controls were evaluated. Hepatic and portal vein patency and presence of focal liver lesions were studied by colour-Doppler ultrasound, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance were used to refine the diagnosis, clinical data of SLE patients were reviewed. RESULTS:Benign hepatic lesions were common in SLE patients (54% vs 14% controls, P < 0.0001), withhemangioma being the most commonly observed lesion in the two groups. SLE was associated with the presence of single hemangioma [odds ratios (OR) 5.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91-13.38] and multiple hemangiomas (OR 4.13; 95% CI 1.03-16.55). Multiple hemangiomas were associated with a longer duration of SLE (9.9 ± 6.5 vs 5.5 ± 6.4 years; P = 0.04). Imaging prior to SLE onset was available in 9 patients with SLE and hemangioma, showing absence of lesions in 7/9. The clinical data of our patients suggest that SLE pos- sibly plays a role in the development of hemangioma. In addition, a Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH), and a NRH associated with hepatic hemangioma were observed, both in patients hospitalized for abdominal symptoms, suggesting that vascular liver diseases should be specifically investigated in this population. CONCLUSION:SLE is associated with 5-fold increased odds of liver hemangiomas, suggesting that these might be considered among the hepatic manifestations of SLE.
文摘AIM:To evaluate and compare the peripapillary and retinal vasculature changes in primary open angle glaucoma(POAG),pseudoexfoliation glaucoma(PXG),ocular hypertension(OHT)and normal eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA).METHODS:A total of 114 POAG,PXG and OHT eyes of 60 patients and 46 eyes of 23 healthy control participants with good quality OCTA images were included.The PXG,POAG,OHT,and control groups(aged 68.17±6.30 y,61.11±10.26 y,58.1±8.9 y,and 56.9±4.6 y,respectively)contained of 46,36,32,and 46 eyes,respectively.Measurements of vessel density(VD)in the peripapillary region and macula,average retinal inner thickness,and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness(RNFLT)were compared among groups.In order to test the accuracy of differentiation between eyes with and without glaucoma,the area was calculated under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.RESULTS:The VD in glaucomatous eyes was significantly lower than the control group in all peripapillary sectors(44.35%±6.78%vs 50.47%±1.83%,P<0.001),the superficial(44.08%±5.46%vs 51.28%±2.85%,P<0.001)and the deep(45.13%±8.55%vs 54.20%±5.44%,P<0.001)vascular plexus.There was a significant difference in peripapillary VD between glaucomatous and OHT eyes(44.35%±6.78%vs 49.86%±2.45%,P<0.001).The OHT group featured a lower superficial(48.06%±4.32%vs 51.28%±2.85%,P=0.027)and deep plexus(48.70%±5.99%vs 54.20%±5.44%,P=0.013)whole image vessel density(wiVD)than did the control group.The average macular superficial plexus wiVD was significantly lower in eyes with PXG than in eyes with POAG(42.22%±5.36%vs 46.54%±5.56%,P=0.046).CONCLUSION:OCTA can measure reduced peripapillary and macular VD in eyes with glaucoma and OHT,and these results are correlated to functional and structural glaucomatous alterations.Peripapillary and macular superficial plexus VD is lower in eyes with PXG than in eyes with POAG.Furthermore,the OHT eyes demonstrate impaired macular vasculature in both superficial and deep plexus.
