Effect of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning on Epilepsy Development: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes central nervous system toxicity resulting in delayed neurologic sequelae. This study aims to evaluate the risk of epilepsy in patients with a history of CO intoxication. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database and enrolled patients with and without CO poisoning matched for age, sex, and index year in a 1:5 ratio, between 2000 and 2010. Multivariable survival models were used to assess the risk of epilepsy. The primary outcome was newly developed epilepsy after the index date. All patients were followed until a new diagnosis of epilepsy, death, or December 31, 2013. Stratification analyses by age and sex were also conducted. RESULTS: This study included 8,264 patients with CO poisoning and 41,320 without. Patients with a history of CO poisoning were strongly associated with subsequent epilepsy (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 8.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.48 to 10.88). In the age-stratified analysis, intoxicated patients aged 20 to 39 years had the highest HR (adjusted HR 11.06; 95% CI, 7.17 to 17.08). In the sex-stratified analysis, adjusted HRs for male and female patients were 8.00 (95% CI, 5.86 to 10.92) and 9.53 (95% CI, 5.95 to 15.26), respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with CO poisoning were associated with an increased risk of developing epilepsy compared with those without CO poisoning. This association was more prominent in the young population.

Prognostic value of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients receiving targeted temperature management: An observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Out-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The magnitude of the post-resuscitation inflammatory response is closely related to the severity of the circulatory dysfunction. Currently, targeted temperature management (TTM) has become an essential part of the post-resuscitation care for unconscious OHCA survivors. Some novel prognostic inflammatory markers may help predict outcomes of OHCA patients after TTM. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study of 65 OHCA patients treated with TTM was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Taiwan. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. Baseline and post-TTM neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte (PLR), and the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) were identified as potential predictors. RESULTS: These patients had a mean age of 62.2 ± 17.0 years. Among the total sample, 53.8% had an initial shockable rhythm and 61.5% had a presumed cardiac etiology. The median resuscitation duration was 20 min (IQR 13.5-28.5) and 60% received subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention. The mean baseline NLR, PLR and SII were 7.5 ± 16.7, 118 ± 207, 1395 ± 3004, and the mean post-TTM NLR, PLR and SII were 15.0 ± 11.6, 206 ± 124, 2369 ± 2569, respectively. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, post-TTM NLR was one of the independent factors which predicted in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.249, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.040-1.501, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Post-TTM NLR is a predictor of in-hospital mortality in OHCA patients who underwent TTM.

A Simple Risk Score for Predicting Neurologic Outcome in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients After Targeted Temperature Management.

OBJECTIVES: Although several risk factors for outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients have been identified, the cumulative risk of their combinations is not thoroughly clear, especially after targeted temperature management. Therefore, we aimed to develop a risk score to evaluate individual out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patient risk at early admission after targeted temperature management regarding poor neurologic status at discharge. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Two large academic medical networks in the United States. PATIENTS: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors treated with targeted temperature management with age of 18 years old or older. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Based on the odds ratios, five identified variables (initial nonShockable rhythm, Leucocyte count < 4 or > 12 K/µL after targeted temperature management, total Adrenalin [epinephrine] ≥ 5 mg, lack of oNlooker cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and Time duration of resuscitation ≥ 20 min) were assigned weighted points. The sum of the points was the total risk score known as the SLANT score (range 0-21 points) for each patient. Based on our risk prediction scores, patients were divided into three risk categories as moderate-risk group (0-7), high-risk group (8-14), and very high-risk group (15-21). Both the ability of our risk score to predict the rates of poor neurologic outcomes at discharge and in-hospital mortality were significant under the Cochran-Armitage trend test (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of poor neurologic outcomes and in-hospital mortality of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors after targeted temperature management is easily assessed using a risk score model derived using the readily available information. Its clinical utility needed further investigation.

Expression of ABC transporter and scavenger receptor mRNAs in PBMCs in 100-km ultramarathon runners.

BACKGROUND: Cholesterol metabolism is tightly regulated at the cellular level. This study was to measure the expression levels of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1), scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and class A (SRA), and CD36 mRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in response to 100-km ultramarathon event and determine any correlation between these ABC transporters/scavenger receptor expression levels and plasma cholesterol homeostasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six participants were enrolled. Blood was drawn from each individual 1 week prior, immediately after, and 24 hours after the race. The expression levels of ABCA1, ABCG1, SR-BI, SRA and CD36 in PBMCs were measured by using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Plasma triglyceride levels were significantly increased immediately after the race and dropped at 24-hour post-race compared with pre-race values. The 100-km ultramarathon boosted high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels 24-hour post-race. The expression levels of ABCA1, ABCG1 and SR-BI were markedly decreased, whereas that of CD36 was slightly but significantly upregulated in runners' PBMCs immediately after the race. Ultramarathon resulted in immediate large-scale stimulation of inflammatory cytokines with increased plasma interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels. Moreover, by using in vitro models with human monocytic cell lines, incubation of runners' plasma immediately after the race significantly downregulated ABCA1 and ABCG1, and upregulated CD36 expression in these cells. CONCLUSIONS: ABCA1, ABCG1 and CD36 gene expressions in PBMCS might be associated with endurance exercise-induced plasma cholesterol homeostasis and systemic inflammatory response.

Predictors of Successful Weaning from Noninvasive Ventilation in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is often required for patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), and it can significantly reduce the need for endotracheal intubation. Currently, there is no standard method for predicting successful weaning from NIV. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether a weaning index can predict NIV outcomes of patients with AECOPD. METHODS: This study was conducted at a single academic public hospital in northern Taiwan from February 2019 to January 2021. Patients with AECOPD admitted to the hospital with respiratory failure who were treated with NIV were included in the study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of successful weaning from NIV. Receiver operating characteristic curve methodology was used to assess the predictive capacity. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients were enrolled, 65.9% of whom were successfully weaned from NIV. The patients had a mean age of 75.8 years and were mostly men (89.4%). The rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) (P < 0.001), maximum inspiratory pressure (P = 0.014), and maximum expiratory pressure (P = 0.004) of the successful group were significant while preparing to wean. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the RSBI was 0.804, which was considered excellent discrimination. CONCLUSION: The RSBI predicted successful weaning from NIV in patients with AECOPD with hypercapnic respiratory failure. This index may be useful for selecting patients with AECOPD that are suitable for NIV weaning.

Association between thiazolidinedione use and rheumatoid arthritis risk in patients with type II diabetes, a population-based, case-control study.

AIM: A previous study revealed that PPARγ agonists have anti-inflammatory effects in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Furthermore, some studies have shown that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may elicit the development of RA. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) is associated with a lower risk of developing RA in patients with T2DM. METHODS: Based on the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we conducted a nationwide case-control study. The selected cases were patients with T2DM who were diagnosed with RA between 2000 and 2013. The controls were retrieved at a ratio of 1:4 by propensity score matching. Logistic regression was conducted to evaluate whether TZD use lowers the risk of RA in patients with T2DM. The dose-response effect was examined according to the total TZD dose, within 2 years before the index date (the first diagnosis date of RA), and TZD doses were divided into four groups by cumulative Defined Daily Dose (cDDD): <30, 31-90, 91-365, and >365 cDDDs. RESULTS: A total of 3605 cases and 14 420 controls were included in this study. After adjusting for age, sex, baseline comorbidities, the results demonstrated that TZD use did not significantly reduce the risk of RA in patients with T2DM (adjusted OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.81-1.02). In the subgroup analysis by total TZD exposure dose within 2 years, 91-365 cDDDs of TZD had a lower risk of RA development, aOR = 0.87 (95% CI 0.71-1.06) and >365 cDDDs of TZD, aOR = 0.85 (95% CI 0.73-1.01). In the trend test, P was <.05. CONCLUSIONS: TZD use might reduce the risk of RA in patients with T2DM, but it was non-statistically significant. Further research is necessary to assess this association.

Electrical Cardiometry and Cardiac Biomarkers in 24-h and 48-h Ultramarathoners.

Our study aimed to (i) utilize novel electrical cardiometry and observe acute changes in cardiac biomarkers among 24-h and 48-h ultra-marathoners, and (ii) examine whether alterations in cardiac responses were associated with the average running speed of these participants. Twenty-four 24-h and sixteen 48-h ultra-marathoners were recruited. Electrical cardiometry in the 2 groups showed significant post-race drops in systolic pressure (24-h: p=0.001; 48-h: p=0.016) and rapid increases in heart rate (24-h, p=0.004; 48-h, p=0.001). Cardiac output increased in 48-h runners (p=0.012) and stroke volume decreased in 24-h runners (p=0.009) at post-test. Six of 20 (30%) 24-h and 4 of 16 (25%) 48-h runners had high-sensitivity troponin T values above the reference interval after the races. N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide levels showed a 15-fold increase in 24-h runners and a 10-fold increase in 48-h runners at post-race. There was a positive correlation between delta N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide and running mileage (rs=0.629, p=0.003) in 24-h ultra-marathoners. In conclusion, stroke volume and cardiac output showed inconsistent changes between the 2 groups. Average running speed has a significant effect on post-exercise elevation in cardiac biomarkers.

Initial white blood cell count and revised Baux score predict subsequent bloodstream infection in burn patients: A retrospective analysis of severe burn patients from the Formosa color dust explosion of 2015.

BACKGROUND: Infections are the most common complications among hospitalized severe burn patients. However, limited literature reports early effective predictors of bloodstream infections (BSI) among burn patients. This study aimed to identify cost-effective biomarkers and valuable clinical scoring systems in the emergency department (ED) for the prediction of subsequent BSI in mass burn casualties. METHODS: In 2015, a flammable cornstarch-based powder explosion resulted in 499 burn casualties in Taiwan. A total of 35 patients were admitted at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. These severe burn patients (median total body surface area [TBSA] 54%) were young and previously healthy. We assessed the potential of various parameters to predict subsequent BSI, including initial laboratory tests performed at the ED, TBSA, and multiple scoring systems. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (40.0%) had subsequent BSI. The most common causative pathogen was the Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) group, mostly carbapenem resistant and associated with a poor outcome. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that the revised Baux score, TBSA, and initial white blood cell count had excellent discrimination ability in predicting subsequent BSI (0.898, 0.889, and 0.821, respectively). The rate of subsequent BSI differed significantly at the cut-off points of revised Baux score >76, TBSA >55%, and WBC count >16,200/mm3. CONCLUSION: The initial WBC count at the ED, TBSA, and revised Baux score were good and cost-effective biomarkers for predicting subsequent BSI after burn injuries.

Effects of 100-km ultramarathon on erythropoietin variation in runners with hepatitis B virus carrier.

Completing an ultramarathon leads to an immediate postrace surge of erythropoietin (EPO). Patients with chronic liver disease may have high plasma EPO concentrations. This study aims to explore whether plasma EPO concentrations vary between hepatitis B virus carrier (HBVc) and non-HBVc runners during long distance running. Blood samples were collected from 8 HBVc and 18 non-HBVc runners at 3 different time points: 1 week before, immediately following, and then 24 h after the 100-km ultramarathon race. Samples were analyzed for plasma EPO levels. EPO concentration had a statistically significant rise immediately after the race (8.7 [7.1-11.9] mU·mL-1 to 23.7 [14.8-37.2] mU·mL-1, P < 0.001) and maintained the high levels 24 h after the race finished (16.7 [11.5-21.0] mU·mL-1, P < 0.001) in all participants. The mean of EPO concentration was 8.9 (5.7-13.2) mU·mL-1 in HBVc runners and was 8.7 (7.7-11.2) mU·mL-1 in non-HBVc runners in the prerace. In HBVc runners, plasma EPO levels were no different at baseline (P = 0.657) and increased in the same fashion in response to ultramarathon compared with non-HBVc runners. Plasma EPO levels between the two groups were not statistically different at any time point. Prolonged endurance exercise led to a significant increase in EPO. A comparable increase in EPO levels was observed in HBVc and non-HBVc runners during and 24 h after 100-km ultramarathon. However, a small sample size might have affected the ability to detect a difference if it does exist.

Visual hallucinations in 246-km mountain ultra-marathoners: An observational study.

Ultra-marathons are typically held over harsh terrains such as mountains, deserts, or other wilderness, and place severe demands on the physical and psychological capabilities of participants. Adventure-race competitors commonly report hallucinations. The goal of this study was to gain insight into visual hallucinations (VHs) during a mountain ultra-marathon. Thirty-one Taiwanese runners who participated in the 2018 Run Across Taiwan Ultra-Marathon, which spans 246 km with an altitude difference of 3266 m and an overall cut-off time of 44 h, volunteered for this study. Self-reported questionnaires on sleep duration, hallucinatory experiences, clinical symptoms of cold- and heat-related illnesses, and the 2018 Lake Louise Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Score were recorded prerace, during the summit, immediately postrace, and 3-days postrace. Hematological samples were collected 1 week before, immediately after, and 3 days after the race. Eight ultra-marathoners (six males and two females; seven finishers and one withdrawer) were recruited. Three out of eight (37.5%) subjects (two males and one female) reported experiencing VHs during the last 60 km. Three out of five (60%) lower-ranked subjects experienced VHs. All eight runners slept for <30 min during the race. None of the runners presented with headache either during or after the race to meet the criteria for AMS. None of the runners suffered an abnormal thermoregulatory response or a hypoglycemic episode throughout the ultra-marathon. The changes in blood osmolality immediately postrace were subclinical, despite being statistically significant. Among the three runners with VHs, none presented with severe dehydration or dysnatremia immediately postrace. High-altitude exposure, hyper/hypothermia, dehydration, dysnatermia, or hypoglycemia did not seem to contribute to hallucination onset in our subjects during the event. VHs of ultra-marathoners may be associated with excessive physical exertion and sleep deprivation.

Utilization of Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography to Predict Neurologic Function after Resuscitation in Adults with Cardiogenic Cardiac Arrest.

BACKGROUND: Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) has been used as a tool to recognize brain activity in children with hypoxic encephalopathy. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prognostic value of aEEG during the post-resuscitation period of adult cardiogenic cardiac arrest, comatose survivors were monitored within 24 h of a return of spontaneous circulation using aEEG. METHODS: Forty-two consecutive patients experiencing cardiac arrest were retrospectively enrolled, and a return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in all cases. These patients were admitted to the Coronary Intensive Care Unit due to cardiogenic cardiac arrest. The primary outcome was the best neurologic outcome within 6 months after resuscitation, and the registered patients were divided into two groups based on the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) scale (CPC 1-2, good neurologic function group; CPC 3-5, poor neurologic function group). All patients received an aEEG examination within 24 h after a return of spontaneous circulation, and the parameters and patterns of aEEG recordings were compared. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were in the good neurologic function group, and 23 were in the poor group. The four voltage parameters (minimum, maximum, span, average) of the aEEG recordings in the good neurologic function groups were significantly higher than in the poor group. Moreover, the continuous pattern, but not the status epilepticus or burst suppression patterns, could predict mid-term good neurologic function. CONCLUSIONS: aEEG can be used to predict neurologic outcomes based on the recordings' parameters and patterns in unconscious adults who have experienced a cardiac collapse, resuscitation, and return of spontaneous circulation.

Long-term aerobic exercise training-induced anti-inflammatory response and mechanisms: Focusing on the toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), which regulate inflammatory reactions, has become a popular research topic in recent years. This article reviews the latest scientific evidence on the regulation of TLR-4 by regular aerobic exercise training. The literature shows that long-term regular aerobic exercise training can effectively attenuate the expression of TLR-4 in immune cells and regulate its downstream intracellular cascade, including the p38 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. This further reduces cytokines secretion by inflammatory cells, which enhances immune system. We consider that the scientific evidence that long-term aerobic exercise training improves the inflammatory response provides a reasonable basis for using aerobic exercise training as a treatment for patients.

Emergency department DNR order in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the determinant factors and prognostic significance of emergency department do-not-resuscitate (ED-DNR) orders for patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH). METHODS: Consecutive adult SICH patients treated in our ED from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016 were selected as the eligible cases from our hospital's stroke database. Patients' information was comprehensively reviewed from the database and medical and nursing charts. ED-DNR orders were defined as DNR orders written during ED stay. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant determinants of ED-DNR orders. Thirty- and 90-day neurological outcomes were analyzed to test the prognosis impact of ED-DNR orders. RESULTS: Among 835 enrolled patients, 112 (12.1%) had ED-DNR orders. Significant determinant factors of ED-DNR orders were age, ambulatory status before the event, brain computed tomography findings of midline shift, intraventricular extension, larger hematoma size, and ED arrival GCS ≤8. Patients with and without ED-DNR orders had a similar 30-day death rate if they had the same initial ICH score point. During 30 to 90days, patients with ED-DNR orders had a significantly increased mortality rate. However, the rate of improvement in neurological status between the two groups was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Older and sicker SICH patients had higher rate of ED-DNR orders. The mortality rates between patients with and without ED-DNR orders for each ICH score point were not significantly different. During the 30-to-90-day follow-up, the rates of neurological improvement in both groups were similar.

Interhospital transfer neurological deterioration in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage: incidence and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the incidence and risk factors for interhospital transfer neurological deterioration (IHTND) in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH). METHODS: Consecutive adult patients with first-ever SICH referred to our emergency department (ED) and transported by ambulance from July 2011 through June 2015 were eligible for this prospective observational study. Enrolled patients had SICH with elapsed time <12 hours and a nearly normal Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (≥13) at presentation. IHTND was defined as GCS score drop ≥2 points during the time from last GCS measure in first ED (shortly before transport) and first measure in second ED (shortly after arrival), which was confirmed by the accompanying nurse practitioner. The potential risk factors for IHTND were screened by χ2 test, unpaired t test (parametric data) or Mann-Whitney U test (non-parametric data) in univariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for other covariates. RESULTS: Among 217 enrolled patients, 36 (16.6%) had IHTND. After adjustment for other covariates in multiple logistic regression analysis, the significant predictors of IHTND were arrival systolic blood pressure ≥180 mm Hg (p=0.026, OR=2.741, 95% CI 1.126 to 6.674), infratentorial ICH (p=0.015, OR=3.182, 95% CI 1.248 to 8.113), presence of intraventricular haemorrhage (p=0.023, OR=2.533, 95% CI 1.137 to 5.645) and larger ICH (by 1 mL increment of haematoma, p=0.013, OR=1.027, 95% CI 1.006 to 1.048). CONCLUSIONS: About one-sixth of referred not comatose patients with SICH developed IHTND. Some risk factors were identified for the first time. Modifying procedures for proper transfer of patients at high-risk for IHTND might help in safely transferring patients with SICH.

The association between on-scene blood pressure and early neurological deterioration in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether on-scene BP is associated with early neurological deterioration (END) in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled consecutive ambulance-transported adult SICH patients treated at our emergency department (ED) from January 2007 through December 2012. END was defined as a ≥2-point decrease in GCS within 24 h of ED arrival. The exact relationship between on-scene BP and END was assessed using multiple logistic regression analyses for adjusting age, gender, Charlson Index, aspirin use, smoking, elapsed time, consciousness level on ED arrival, haematoma size, intraventricular extension, midline shift and infratentorial ICH. We further calculated the -2 log-likelihood decrease for each regression model incorporated with the BP values measured at different times to compare model fitness. RESULTS: After adjusting for the covariates, on-scene systolic BP (by 10 mm Hg incremental: OR = 1.126, 95% CI 1.015 to 1.265), diastolic BP (by 10 mm Hg incremental: OR=1.146, 95% CI 1.019 to 1.303) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (by 10 mm Hg incremental: OR=1.225, 95% CI 1.057 to 1.443) were significantly associated with END; adding on-scene MAP into the regression model yielded the highest model fitness increase. Adding on-scene BPs into the regression model yielded higher model fitness increase than adding ED and admission BPs. CONCLUSIONS: Few on-scene BP indices were associated with neuroworsening within 24 h after ED arrival in non-comatose SICH patients. Compared with BP measured on ED arrival or admission, on-scene BP had a stronger correlation with END.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor for outcomes in patients with short-term emergency department revisits.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of short-term emergency department (ED) revisits is a common emergency care quality assurance practice. Previous studies have explored various risk factors of ED revisits; however, laboratory data were usually omitted. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in predicting outcomes of patients revisiting the ED. METHODS: This retrospective observational cohort study investigated short-term ED revisit patients. The primary outcome measure was high-risk ED revisit, a composite of in-hospital mortality or intensive care unit (ICU) admission after 72-hour ED revisit. The NLR, PLR, and SII were investigated as potential prognostic predictors of ED revisit outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1916 encounters with short-term ED revisit patients were included in the study; among these, 132 (6.9%) encounters, comprising 57 in-hospital mortalities and 95 ICU admissions, were high-risk revisits. High-risk revisit patients had significantly higher NLR, PLR, and SII (11.6 vs 6.6, p < 0.001; 26.2 vs 18.9, p = 0.004; 2209 vs 1486, p = 0.002, respectively). Multiple regression analysis revealed revisit-NLR as an independent factor for predicting poor outcomes post-ED revisits (odds ratio: 1.031, 95% CI: 1.017-1.045, p < 0.001); an optimal cut-off value of 7.9 was proven for predicting high-risk ED revisit. CONCLUSION: The intensity of the inflammatory response expressed by NLR was an independent predictor for poor outcomes of ED revisits and should be considered when ED revisits occur. Future prediction models for ED revisit outcomes can include revisit-NLR as a potential predictor to reflect the progressive conditions in ED patients.

Selenite selectively kills lung fibroblasts to treat bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) treatment is a critical unmet need. Selenium is an essential trace element for human life and an antioxidant that activates glutathione, but the gap between its necessity and its toxicity is small and requires special attention. Whether selenium can be used in the treatment of ILD remains unclear. METHODS: We investigated the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of selenite, a selenium derivative, in ILD using a murine model of bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We further elucidated the underlying mechanism using in vitro cell models and examined their relevance in human tissue specimens. The therapeutic effect of selenite in bleomycin-administered mice was assessed by respiratory function and histochemical changes. Selenite-induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in murine lung fibroblasts were measured. RESULTS: Selenite, administered 1 day (inflammation phase) or 8 days (fibrotic phase) after bleomycin, prevented and treated deterioration of lung function and pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Mechanistically, selenite inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of murine lung fibroblasts after bleomycin treatment both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, selenite upregulated glutathione reductase (GR) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) in murine lung fibroblasts, but not in lung epithelial cells, upon bleomycin treatment. GR and TrxR inhibition eliminates the therapeutic effects of selenite. Furthermore, we found that GR and TrxR were upregulated in the human lung fibroblasts of IPF patient samples. CONCLUSIONS: Selenite induces ROS production and apoptosis in murine lung fibroblasts through GR and TrxR upregulation, thereby providing a therapeutic effect in bleomycin-induced IPF.

Cardiac autonomic regulation following a 246-km mountain ultra-marathon: An observational study.

Physical exercise requires integrated autonomic and cardiovascular adjustments to maintain homeostasis. We aimed to observe acute posture-related changes in blood pressure, and apply a portable noninvasive monitor to measure the heart index for detecting arrhythmia among elite participants of a 246-km mountain ultra-marathon. Nine experienced ultra-marathoners (8 males and 1 female) participating in the Run Across Taiwan Ultra-marathon in 2018 were enrolled. The runners' Heart Spectrum Blood Pressure Monitor measurements were obtained in the standing and supine positions before and immediately after the race. Their high-sensitivity troponin T and N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide levels were analyzed 1 week before and immediately after the event. Heart rate was differed significantly in the immediate postrace assessment compared to the prerace assessment, in both the standing (P = .011; d = 1.19) and supine positions (P = .008; d = 1.35). Postural hypotension occurred in 4 (44.4%) individuals immediately postrace. In 3 out of 9 (33.3%) recruited finishers, the occurrence of premature ventricular complex signals in the standing position was detected; premature ventricular complex signal effect was observed in the supine position postrace in only 1 participant (11.1%). Premature ventricular complex signal was positively correlated with running speed (P = .037). Of the 6 individuals who completed the biochemical tests postrace, 2 (33.3%) had high-sensitivity troponin T and 6 (100%) had N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide values above the reference interval. A statistically significant increase was observed in both the high-sensitivity troponin T (P = .028; d = 1.97), and N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (P = .028; d = 2.91) levels postrace compared to prerace. In conclusion, significant alterations in blood pressure and heart rate were observed in the standing position, and postexercise (postural) hypotension occurred among ultra-marathoners. The incidence of premature ventricular complexes was higher after the race than before.

High myopia at high altitudes.

Background: Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) increases significantly at high altitudes, and is associated with the presence and severity of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Exposure to hypobaria, hypoxia, and coldness when hiking also impacts intraocular pressure (IOP). To date, little is known about ocular physiological responses in trekkers with myopia at high altitudes. This study aimed to determine changes in the ONSD and IOP between participants with and without high myopia (HM) during hiking and to test whether these changes could predict symptoms of AMS. Methods: Nine participants with HM and 18 without HM participated in a 3-day trek of Xue Mountain. The ONSD, IOP, and questionnaires were examined before and during the trek of Xue Mountain. Results: The ONSD values increased significantly in both HM (p = 0.005) and non-HM trekkers (p = 0.018) at an altitude of 1,700 m. In the HM group, IOP levels were greater than those in the non-HM group (p = 0.034) on the first day of trekking (altitude: 3,150 m). No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups for the values of ONSD. Fractional changes in ONSD at an altitude of 1,700 m were related to the development of AMS (r pb = 0.448, p = 0.019) and the presence of headache symptoms (r pb = 0.542, p = 0.004). The area under the ROC curve for the diagnostic performance of ONSD fractional changes at an altitude of 1,700 m was 0.859 for predicting the development of AMS and 0.803 for predicting the presence of headache symptoms. Conclusion: Analysis of changes in ONSD at moderate altitude could predict AMS symptoms before an ascent to high altitude. Myopia may impact physiological accommodation at high altitudes, and HM trekkers potentially demonstrate suboptimal regulation of aqueous humor in such environments.