Introduction: There is a pressing need to better understand the complex biochemical pathways that lead to the pathogenesis of obesity. Increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity have been identified to be associated with obesity. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels of Malaysian subjects and to evaluate its potential association with obesity and related anthropometric measurements. Methods: Plasma TAC of 362 multi-ethnic Malaysian subjects from the Kampar Health Clinic (138 males, 224 females; 124 ethnic Malays, 152 Chinese, 86 Indians; 192 non-obese, 170 obese) was measured using Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) 96-well plate assay. Results: Plasma TAC was significantly lower in obese subjects (M ± SE = 292 ± 10.4 mol/L) compared to non-obese subjects (397 ± 8.58 mol/L), whereas it was significantly higher in males and those in the 21-30 age group. Those with salty food preference and practising a strict vegetarian diet also had significantly higher plasma TAC. However, no association was found for other dietary habits (coffee intake) and lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking). Plasma TAC was also significantly negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure, waist and hip circumferences, weight, body mass index, total body fat, % subcutaneous fat, visceral fat level, resting metabolism and % skeletal muscle. Conclusion: Plasma TAC was found to be associated with obesity, strict vegetarian practice, salty food preference and all obesity anthropometric indicators, except systolic blood pressure and pulse rate. Obese people have decreased plasma TAC indicating a compromised systemic antioxidant defence and increased oxidative stress.

We report here a case of a kidney transplant recipient in whom the ureter was initially implanted into the peritoneum. Excessive ultrafiltration volume and reversal of serum vs dialysate creatinine ratio when the patient was recommenced on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis first suggested the diagnosis which was subsequently confirmed by a plain abdominal x-ray demonstrating placement of ureteric stent in the peritoneum. This rare complication was successfully corrected with surgical re-implantation of ureter into the bladder and 5 years later, the patient remains well with good graft function.
Cadaver ; Kidney Transplantation/*methods ; Postoperative Complications ; Reoperation ; Replantation ; Ureter/*surgery

C4d deposition in peritubular capillaries in renal allograft biopsies is a significant marker for diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection. However, it is unclear whether C4d deposition could be derived from BK virus infection. We present a case of BK virus nephropathy with strong C4d deposition 10 months after kidney transplantation. The diagnosis of BK virus nephropathy was missed out, whereas strong C4d deposition was noted in the first biopsy and therefore anti-rejection therapy was started. The deterioration of renal function led to a evaluate the possibility of BK virus nephropathy with second graft biopsy and further studies of BK virus replication status. Second graft biopsy revealed BK virus nephropathy without rejection. Finally, discontinuation of immunosuppressants and addition of anti-viral therapy for BK virus resulted in recovery of renal function, despite development of pancytopenia and subsequent fungal infection after leflunomide therapy. As in this case, initial focal pathologic changes from BK virus nephropathy could be overlooked by light microscopy. In addition, even though C4d positivity in peritubular capillaries is a good marker for diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection, the meticulous examinations of the localization of C4d is needed, considering BK virus activates complement pathways and therefore leads to deposition of C4d mainly in tubular basement membrane. Based on our case of BK virus nephropathy with strong C4d deposition, we suggest that C4d deposition could be derived from BK virus nephropathy and therefore, it should be differentiated from acute antibody- mediated rejection in a renal allograft recipient.
Basement Membrane ; Biopsy ; BK Virus ; Capillaries ; Complement C4b ; Complement System Proteins ; Immunosuppression ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; Isoxazoles ; Kidney Transplantation ; Light ; Microscopy ; Pancytopenia ; Peptide Fragments ; Rejection (Psychology) ; Transplantation, Homologous ; Transplants

PURPOSE: Acute renal failure remains a potentially devastating clinical problem. This study aimed to examine whether the expression of TGF-beta-induced gene product, betaig-h3, is altered in ischemia- reperfusion (I/R) injury and urinary excretion of betaig-h3 is changed in I/R injury. METHODS: I/R injury was performed by clamping both renal arteries. Daily urine output, serum creatinine and urinary TGF-beta and betaig-h3 were measured after I/R injury. Also, the renal expression of betaig-h3 by western blotting and immunohistochemistry were investigated. In the second step, urinary betaig-h3 was measured at 4, 10, 16, and 24 hours after I/R injury to investigate whether it could be used as an early and sensitive marker for detecting I/R injury. RESULTS: Urinary betaig-h3 was significantly elevated at 24 hours and maintained higher than the controls until 2 days after I/R injury. In contrast, western blotting did not reveal any changes of betaig-h3 expression. Immunohistochemistry showed that labeling of betaig-h3 was seen at the basement membranes of proximal tubule cells mainly located at the medullary ray (S3 segment) in both groups. Following I/R injury, the labeling was also seen in the basement membrane of injured or regenerated proximal tubular epithelial cells. Within 24 hours, urinary betaig-h3 was significantly increased at 4 hours after I/R injury. Importantly, the urinary appearance of betaig-h3 preceded that of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that endogenous renal betaig-h3 may serve to promote tissue regeneration in I/R injury and urinary betaig-h3 could be used as an early and sensitive marker demonstrating I/R injury.
Acetylglucosaminidase ; Acute Kidney Injury* ; Basement Membrane ; Blotting, Western ; Constriction ; Creatinine ; Epithelial Cells ; Immunohistochemistry ; Regeneration ; Renal Artery ; Reperfusion ; Reperfusion Injury ; Transforming Growth Factor beta

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is an often-fatal complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). We here report the clinical features of EPS in Korean PD patients from a single university center. METHODS: The data were collected retrospectively from 606 PD patients at Kyungpook National University Hospital, between August 2001 and August 2011. The diagnosis of EPS was based on clinical signs and symptoms, and confirmed by radiological findings. RESULTS: Eight patients (1.3%, four males) were diagnosed with EPS. The mean age of the patients was 48.5 years (range, 33 to 65). The mean duration of PD was 111.8 months (range, 23 to 186). All patients except for one had three or more episodes of peritonitis. Seven patients were diagnosed with EPS after stopping PD, and only one stayed on PD after initial diagnosis and treatment. Total parenteral nutrition and corticosteroids, in addition to tamoxifen therapy, were used to treat most of the patients, and one patient underwent surgery (adhesiolysis). The overall mortality rate was 50%. CONCLUSIONS: EPS is a serious, life-threatening complication in patients on long-term PD. To reduce the incidence and mortality rate of EPS, careful monitoring and early diagnosis is needed.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; *Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Parenteral Nutrition, Total ; Peritoneal Dialysis/*adverse effects/mortality ; *Peritoneal Fibrosis/diagnosis/etiology/mortality/therapy ; *Peritonitis/diagnosis/etiology/mortality/therapy ; Republic of Korea ; Retrospective Studies ; Tamoxifen/therapeutic use ; Time Factors ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome

: One of the most feared complications of childhood cancer treatment is second malignant neoplasms (SMNs). This study evaluates the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of SMNs in a tertiary paediatric oncology centre in Singapore.: A retrospective review was conducted on patients diagnosed with childhood cancer under age 21 and treated at the National University Hospital, Singapore, from January 1990 to 15 April 2012. Case records of patients with SMNs were reviewed.: We identified 1124 cases of childhood cancers with a median follow-up of 3.49 (0 to 24.06) years. The most common primary malignancies were leukaemia (47.1%), central nervous system tumours (11.7%) and lymphoma (9.8%). Fifteen cases developed SMNs, most commonly acute myeloid leukaemia/myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 7). Median interval between the first and second malignancy was 3.41 (0.24 to 18.30) years. Overall 20-year cumulative incidence of SMNs was 5.3% (95% CI, 0.2% to 10.4%). The 15-year cumulative incidence of SMNs following acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was 4.4% (95% CI, 0% to 8.9%), significantly lower than the risk after osteosarcoma of 14.2% (95% CI, 0.7% to 27.7%) within 5 years (<0.0005). Overall 5-year survival for SMNs was lower than that of primary malignancies.: This study identified factors explaining the epidemiology of SMNs described, and found topoisomerase II inhibitor use to be a likely risk factor in our cohort. Modifications have already been made to our existing therapeutic protocols in osteosarcoma treatment. We also recognised the importance of other risk management strategies, including regular long-term surveillance and early intervention for detected SMNs, to improve outcomes of high risk patients.
Bone Neoplasms ; therapy ; Cancer Care Facilities ; Central Nervous System Neoplasms ; therapy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Leukemia ; therapy ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; epidemiology ; Lymphoma ; therapy ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes ; epidemiology ; Neoplasms ; therapy ; Neoplasms, Second Primary ; epidemiology ; Osteosarcoma ; therapy ; Pediatrics ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Singapore ; epidemiology ; Survivors ; statistics & numerical data ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Time Factors ; Topoisomerase II Inhibitors ; therapeutic use

INTRODUCTION: Cast immobilisation remains the mainstay of treatment for various fractures in paediatric patients, yet patients commonly complain of skin irritation and discomfort. This study aimed to perform a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the effects of cast immobilisation on the skin of children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients aged 6-17 years of age with a fracture treated in a fiberglass short-arm or short-leg cast were recruited. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum (SC) hydration, hair density and presence of any skin signs were assessed before and after cast. Patients were required to complete a weekly questionnaire to rate itch, malodour, warmth, and dampness of the skin under the cast. RESULTS: A total of 60 subjects completed the study. Thirty-six patients received a short-arm cast; 24 received a short-leg cast. Upon cast removal, TEWL was significantly increased on the volar surface of the arms and legs ( <0.05), and the dorsal surface of the arm ( <0.05). Likewise, SC hydration was significantly increased at most sites ( <0.05), except the volar surface of the leg ( = 0.513). There was no change in hair density. Throughout the duration of casting, there was an increase in itch and malodour scores. CONCLUSION Moderate but significant changes in TEWL, SC hydration and subjective symptoms were observed during the duration of cast immobilisation, demonstrating that cast immobilisation for up to 4 weeks exerts moderate adverse impact on patients' skin. Further studies to explore the use of better materials for cast immobilisation to improve skin barrier function and overall patient satisfaction are warranted.

We present a case of a false-positive anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibody result on an ELISA in a patient with anti-thyroid microsomal antibody (TMA)-positive hypothyroidism. A 41-year-old woman presented with dyspnea on exertion. The initial evaluation revealed pericardial effusion associated with hypothyroidism. In addition, microscopic hematuria with normal renal function and positive cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (c-ANCA) on immunofluorescent assay were found. In further evaluation, elevated anti-TMA and MPO antibodies by ELISA. While no definite signs of vasculitis were present, the clinical state improved with thyroid hormone replacement and diuretics. Anti-MPO antibody was still positive in the follow-up tests, and microscopic hematuria persisted. On the basis of previous reports that thyroid peroxidase and MPO molecules contain cross-reactive epitopes that are exposed in denaturated molecules, we suggest that in a patient with anti-TMA-positive hypothyroidism, anti-MPO antibody might also be positive on ELISA without clinical signs of vasculitis.
Adult ; Antibodies ; Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic ; Cytoplasm ; Diuretics ; Dyspnea ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epitopes ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hematuria ; Humans ; Hypothyroidism ; Iodide Peroxidase ; Pericardial Effusion ; Thyroid Gland ; Vasculitis

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is characterized by excessive urination and thirst. This disease results from inadequate output of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the pituitary gland or the absence of the normal response to ADH in the kidney. We present a case of transient central DI in a patient who underwent a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A 44-yr-old male underwent a CABG operation. An hour after the operation, the patient developed polyuria and was diagnosed with central DI. The patient responded to desmopressin and completely recovered five days after surgery. It is probable that transient cerebral ischemia resulted in the dysfunction of osmotic receptors in the hypothalamus or hypothalamus-pituitary axis during CPB. It is also possible that cardiac standstill altered the left atrial non-osmotic receptor function and suppressed ADH release. Therefore, we suggest that central DI is a possible cause of polyuria after CPB.
Adult ; Antidiuretic Agents/therapeutic use ; Coronary Artery Bypass/*adverse effects ; Coronary Vessels ; Deamino Arginine Vasopressin/therapeutic use ; Diabetes Insipidus, Neurogenic/*diagnosis/drug therapy/etiology ; Humans ; Hypothalamus/radionuclide imaging ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Pituitary Gland/radionuclide imaging ; Polyuria/diagnosis/etiology ; Postoperative Complications/*diagnosis/drug therapy/etiology

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases of chronic dialysis patients are often undertreated because of their higher surgical risk. This study aimed to assess mortality and morbidity after open heart surgery in chronic dialysis patients compared to those with normal renal function and identify risk factors for postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 2,432 patients who underwent open heart surgery from 2002 to 2017 and collected data from 116 patients (38 patients on dialysis and 78 age-, sex-, and diabetes mellitus status-matched control patients with normal kidney function). We assessed comorbidities, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, laboratory data, surgical methods, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The dialysis group had more comorbidities, higher NYHA classes, and greater need for urgent surgeries compared to the control group. They exhibited significantly higher postoperative mortality (18.4% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.005) and more overall complications (65.8% vs. 25.6%, P < 0.001). Dialysis itself significantly increased relative risk for in-hospital mortality after adjustment. EuroSCORE II was not as useful as in the general population. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that total (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 10.7; P = 0.029) and in-hospital death risk (AOR, 14.7; P = 0.033), the durations of postoperative hospitalization (AOR, 4.6; P = 0.034), CRRT (AOR 36.8; P = 0.004), and ventilator use (AOR, 7.6; P = 0.022) were significantly increased in the dialysis group. CONCLUSION: The dialysis group exhibited a higher risk for mortality and overcall complications after open heart surgery compared to the patients with normal renal function. Therefore, the benefit of surgical treatment must be balanced against potential risks.
Cardiovascular Diseases ; Comorbidity ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Dialysis ; Heart ; Hospital Mortality ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Kidney ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Logistic Models ; Mortality ; Odds Ratio ; Renal Insufficiency ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Thoracic Surgery ; Ventilators, Mechanical