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This study aims to describe the relationship between physical activity, suboptimal health status based on traditional Chinese medicine, and psychological health in older people in Taiwan. A total of 4,497 older individuals were selected from the Taiwan Biobank Research Database. Suboptimal health status was assessed using a body constitution questionnaire to measure yang deficiency, yin deficiency, and stasis. The results showed that older adults involved in physical activity had a lower likelihood of yang/yin deficiency and stasis constitutions than physically inactive people. Participants with yang deficiency or stasis constitutions had a higher likelihood of poor psychological health, whereas those with yin deficiency had a greater likelihood of depression. People involved in physical activity had a lower likelihood of depression than physically inactive people. Compared with male older adults, females had a lower percentage of physical activity habits, poorer body constitutions, and poorer psychological health.

Frailty denotes the increased vulnerability to stressors/insults associated with aging or diseases, and has high incidence in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We hypothesized that chronic kidney disease (CKD) and non-kidney morbidities in patients with newly diagnosed DM might modulate their risk of developing incident frailty.From the Longitudinal Cohort of Diabetes Patients, we identified 322,109 patients with newly diagnosed DM, and classified them into those without CKD, with CKD before and after DM. We used Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazard regression to analyze associations between CKD or non-kidney morbidities and the risk of incident frailty. We further analyzed the year-to-year trend of frailty risk brought by CKD or non-kidney morbidities.Patients with DM but without CKD (n = 249,752; 77.5%), with CKD prior to (n = 23,829; 7.4%), and after DM (n = 48,528; 15.1%) were enrolled. Those with CKD, regardless of onset timing, had a significantly higher risk of developing frailty than those without (for onset prior to DM, hazard ratio (HR) 1.235, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-1.38; for onset after DM, HR 1.386, 95% CI 1.21-1.59). The risk was more prominent early after the diagnosis of DM was made. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver, and cardiovascular morbidities all had a significantly higher risk of frailty than those without, with cerebrovascular accident carrying the most prominent risk elevation (HR 4.059, 95% CI 3.73-4.42).CKD regardless of onset timing relative to DM predicted a higher risk of incident frailty, while non-kidney morbidities including cardiovascular morbidities, similarly increased frailty risk among incident diabetic patients.

The prevalence of chronic pain in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus is high and correlates with higher frailty risk, but satisfactory pain control frequently fails, necessitating opioid initiation. We aimed to examine whether opioid use affected their outcomes and whether such a relationship was modified by frailty. From the longitudinal cohort of diabetes patients (n = 840,000), we identified opioid users with CKD (n = 26,029) and propensity score-matched them to opioid-naïve patients in a 1:1 ratio. We analyzed the associations between opioid use and long-term mortality according to baseline frailty status, defined by the modified FRAIL scale. Among all, 20.3% did not have any FRAIL items, while 57.2%, 20.6%, and 1.9% had 1, 2, and at least 3 positive FRAIL items, respectively. After 4.2 years, 16.4% died. Cox proportional hazard regression showed that opioid users exhibited an 18% higher mortality risk (HR 1.183, 95% CI 1.13-1.24) with a dose- and duration-responsive relationship, compared to opioid-naive ones. Furthermore, the mortality risk posed by opioids was observed only in CKD patients without frailty but not in those with frailty. In conclusion, opioid use increased mortality among patients with CKD, while this negative outcome influence was not observed among frail ones.

Vascular calcification (VC) involves the deposition of calcium apatite in vascular intima or media. Individuals of advanced age, having diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease (CKD) are particularly at risk. The pathogenesis of CKD-associated VC evolves considerably. The core driver is the phenotypic change involving vascular wall constituent cells toward manifestations similar to that undergone by osteoblasts. Gender-related differences are observed regarding the expressions of osteogenesis-regulating effectors, and presumably the prevalence/risk of CKD-associated VC exhibits gender-related differences as well. Despite the wealth of data focusing on gender-related differences in the risk of atherosclerosis, few report whether gender modifies the risk of VC, especially CKD-associated cases. We systematically identified studies of CKD-associated VC or its regulators/modifiers reporting data about gender distributions, and extracted results from 167 articles. A significantly higher risk of CKD-associated VC was observed in males among the majority of original investigations. However, substantial heterogeneity exists, since multiple large-scale studies yielded neutral findings. Differences in gender-related VC risk may result from variations in VC assessment methods, the anatomical segments of interest, study sample size, and even the ethnic origins of participants. From a biological perspective, plausible mediators of gender-related VC differences include body composition discrepancies, alterations involving lipid profiles, inflammatory severity, diversities in matrix Gla protein (MGP), soluble Klotho, vitamin D, sclerostin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), and osteoprotegerin levels. Based on our findings, it may be inappropriate to monotonously assume that male patients with CKD are at risk of VC compared to females, and we should consider more background in context before result interpretation.

Background Patients with diabetic mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at an increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) due to their altered immunological integrity. These patients are similarly prone to developing frailty, a state of cumulative health deficits involving multiple domains and leading to adverse outcomes. Whether frailty predisposes affected individuals to UTI among patients with DM and CKD remains unclear. Methods A population-based cohort of patients with DM and CKD (n = 79,887) were assembled from the Longitudinal Cohort of Diabetes Patients, with their baseline frailty status measured by a modified FRAIL scale. We analyzed their risk of developing UTI depending on their severity of frailty, after accounting demographic profiles, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, concurrent medications, and major interventions. A secondary analysis focused on the risk of urosepsis related to frailty. Results Among all participants, 36.1 %, 50.3 %, 12.8 %, and 0.8 % did not have or had 1, 2, and ≥ 3 FRAIL items, respectively, at baseline. After 3.51 years, 11,175 UTI events occurred. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that participants with DM, CKD and an increasing number of FRAIL items had successively higher incidence of UTI than those without any FRAIL items (log rank p p Conclusions Having frailty predicted a higher risk of developing UTI in the future in patients with DM and CKD. It would be prudent to screen for frailty in these patients and provide optimal frailty-directed management to attenuate their risk of UTI and improve their outcomes.

Aims Delirium, a form of acute brain failure, exhibits a high incidence among older adults. Recent studies have implicated frailty as an under-recognized complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Whether the presence of frailty increases the risk of delirium/cognitive impairment among patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains unclear. Methods From the longitudinal cohort of diabetes patients (LCDP) (n = 840,000), we identified adults with DKD, dividing them into those without and with different severities of frailty based on the FRAIL scale. Cox proportional hazard regression was utilized to examine the frailty-associated risk of delirium/cognitive impairment, identified using approaches validated by others. Results Totally 149,145 patients with DKD (mean 61.0 years, 44.2% female) were identified, among whom 31.0%, 51.7%, 16.0%, and 1.3% did not have or had 1, 2, and > 2 FRAIL items at baseline. After 3.68 years, 6613 (4.4%) developed episodes of delirium/cognitive impairment. After accounting for demographic/lifestyle factors, comorbidities, medications and interventions, patients with DKD and 1, 2, and > 2 FRAIL items had a progressively higher risk of developing delirium/cognitive impairment than those without (for those with 1, 2, and > 2 items, hazard ratio [HR] 1.18, 1.26, and 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08 - 1.28, 1.14 - 1.39, and 1.10 - 1.55, respectively). For every FRAIL item increase, the associated risk rose by 9%. Conclusions Frailty significantly increased the risk of delirium/cognitive impairment among patients with DKD. Frailty screening in these patients may assist in delirium risk stratification.

Additional file 1: Table S1. Diagnostic and procedure codes for identifying cardiovascular morbidities in this study. Table S2. Risk of developing each cardiovascular morbidity according to the presence of DKD or not, based on a specific diagnostic codes for DKD (n = 5441 per group).

Background: Patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are at an increased risk of frailty. The exposure to muscle relaxants frequently leads to adverse effects despite their modest therapeutic efficacy, but whether muscle relaxants predispose users to frailty remains unclear. Methods: Patients with DKD from a population-based cohort, the Longitudinal Cohort of Diabetes Patients, were identified between 2004 and 2011 ( N = 840,000). Muscle relaxant users were propensity score-matched to never-users in a 1:1 ratio based on demographic features, comorbidities, outcome-relevant medications, and prior major interventions. Incident frailty, the study endpoint, was measured according to a modified FRAIL scale. We used Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazard regression to analyze the association between cumulative muscle relaxant use (⩾ 28 days) and the risk of incident frailty. Results: Totally, 11,637 users and matched never-users were enrolled, without significant differences regarding baseline clinical features. Cox proportional hazard regression showed that patients with DKD and received muscle relaxants had a significantly higher risk of incident frailty than never-users [hazard ratio (HR) 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.53]. This increase in frailty risk paralleled that in cumulative muscle relaxant dosages (quartile 1 versus 2 versus 3 versus 4, HR 0.91 versus 1.22 versus 1.38 versus 1.45, p = 0.0013 for trend) and in exposure durations (quartile 1 versus 2 versus 3 versus 4, HR 1.12 versus 1.33 versus 1.23 versus 1.34, p = 0.0145 for trend) of muscle relaxants. Conclusion: We found that cumulative muscle relaxant exposure might increase frailty risk. It is prudent to limit muscle relaxant prescription in patients with DKD. Plain language summary Does cumulative muscle relaxant exposure increase the risk of incident frailty among patients with diabetic kidney disease? Background: Frailty denotes a degenerative feature that adversely influences one’s survival and daily function. Patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease are at a higher risk of developing frailty, but whether concurrent medications, especially muscle relaxants, aggravate this risk remains undefined. Methods: In this population-based study including 11,637 muscle relaxant users and matched never-users with diabetic kidney disease, we used a renowned frailty-assessing tool, FRAIL scale, to assess frailty severity and examined the incidence of frailty brought by muscle relaxant exposure. Results: We found that users exhibited a 26% higher risk of developing incident frailty compared with never-users, and the probability increased further if users were prescribed higher doses or longer durations of muscle relaxants. Conclusion: We concluded that in those with diabetic kidney disease, cumulative muscle relaxant use was associated with a higher risk of incident frailty, suggesting that moderation of muscle relaxant use in this population can be of potential importance.

Background Vascular calcification (VC) is associated with high morbidity and mortality among older adults, a population that exhibits a higher tendency for developing frailty at the same time. Whether VC serves as a risk factor for the development of frailty in this population remains unclear. Methods and Results We analyzed a prospectively assembled cohort of community‐dwelling older adults between 2014 and 2017 (n=1783). Frailty and prefrailty were determined on the basis of the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures criteria, and VC was measured using semiquantitative aortic arch calcification (AAC) and abdominal aortic calcification scoring. We conducted multiple logistic regression with prefrailty or frailty as the dependent variable, incorporating sociodemographic profiles, comorbidities, medications, laboratory data, AAC status/severity, and other geriatric phenotypes. Among all participants, 327 (18.3%) exhibited either prefrailty (15.3%) or frailty (3.1%), and 648 (36.3%) exhibited AAC. After adjusting for multiple confounders, we found that AAC incidence was associated with a substantially higher probability of prefrailty or frailty (odds ratio [OR], 11.9; 95% CI, 7.9–15.4), with a dose‐responsive relationship (OR for older adults with AAC categories 1, 2, and 3 was 9.3, 13.6, and 52.5, respectively). Similar association was observed for older adults with abdominal aortic calcification (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.3–19.5), and might be replicable in another cohort of patients with end‐stage renal disease. Conclusions Severity of VC exhibited a linear positive relationship with frailty in older adults. Our findings suggest that a prompt diagnosis and potential management of VC may assist in risk mitigation for patients with frailty.

Aim and objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the inter-relationships among resilience, nutrition, and leisure activity of older patients with cardiovascular disease and possible sarcopenia. Besides, the patterns of these three variables over a long-term follow-up was examine. Material and Methods Quantitative longitudinal study design was used in this study. Sarcopenia is related to aging, lack of physical activity, and malnutrition. Complex inter-relationships exist in patients with regards to their resilience, nutritional status, leisure activities. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used for long-term follow-up observations, and data were collected form one month (T1), three months (T2) and six months (T3). A demographic questionnaire and the Chinese versions of the Resilience Scale (CRS), the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and the Leisure Time Activities Scale (LTAS), were used to collect data. Results A total of 267 eligible participants were enrolled in this study, of whom 53% were men and 47% were women. The interactions among resilience, nutrition, and leisure activity were reported. Resilience was positively correlated with nutrition. Higher resilience was developed higher participation in leisure activities was found in older adults with possible sarcopenia. Conclusion Resilience is a key factor for greater participation in leisure activities. Health professionals should develop feasible resilience interventions that would enhance patient's participation in leisure activities. Nutritional consulting and physical activity interventions should be combined in the case of older adults to prevent the occurrence of possible sarcopenia.

Aim and objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with resilience among probable sarcopenia older adults with cardiovascular disease. Introduction Resilience has been reported to be positively correlated with the mental health and physical functioning of older adults. Previous research has found that the development of resilience constitutes a form of compensation for loss of physical health. It is important for older adults, especially those with other underlying conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and sarcopenia, to have the ability to overcome adversity during the aging process. Thus, resilience becomes a critical characteristic in achieving a better life. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used. A demographic questionnaire and the Chinese version of the Resilience Scale (CRS) were used to collect data. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the predictors of low resilience. Results A total of 267 participants were recruited, including 126 females and 141 males. Of the participants, 56% of their scores indicated low resilience. Income, education level, exercise time, primary caregiver, and having hypertension were the predictors of resilience. Conclusion The population with sarcopenia is increasing worldwide. Understanding resilience levels among older adults with probable sarcopenia is essential for promoting their mental health. Clinicians can use the results of this study to identify populations at high risk for low resilience and design specific interventions to promote better health outcomes.

The baby boom after World War II, coupled with the rapid advances in medical technology and public health, has led to the current rapid aging in the world's population. Countries in Asia are experiencing a faster rate of aging than most other countries around the world. Taiwan is expected to advance from an aged society to a super-aged society in the next 7~10 years. Consequently, the demand for long-term care is increasing. The focus of healthcare has changed from acute to chronic, from disease-oriented to function-oriented and from cure to care. Families, once the cornerstone of care, have become overwhelmed by the effects of the declining birthrate and aging. Encountering the public demand for a balance between healthcare and quality of life has led to the increasing role of home-based care in the medical system. The elderly-care profession is diverse and growing. The trend of transdisciplinary team which integrating care professions, nursing professions, family medicine, geriatric medicine, rehabilitation medicine, telemedicine, and medical aids with the resource of social welfare enables home health care services to better provide well-rounded medical care. Before end of life, hospice home care services increase the likelihood of dying at home in accordance with the patient's preference, easing the symptoms of terminal illness and reducing the sorrow experienced by family members. The single insurer model used by the National Health Insurance system will inevitably replace some hospital and institutional services with home health care services that more effectively and flexibly use medical resources and attenuate the increase in medical costs.在宅醫療觀點分享.二次世界大戰後的戰後嬰兒潮，加上醫療技術與公共衛生突飛猛進，使得全球人口快速老化；亞洲國家老化的速度居世界之冠，台灣估計約7–10年就會從高齡社會變成超高齡社會。長期照護的需求日益增加，對健康威脅的疾病型態由急性轉向慢性，健康照護重心由疾病轉為功能導向，處理健康問題的腳步逐漸由治癒（cure）轉成照護（care）。原先作為照護基石的家庭，因少子化與高齡化的現象顯得難以負擔，加上民眾要求兼顧健康照護與生活品質的浪潮，使得在宅醫療在醫療體系中的角色與日俱增。高齡照顧專業呈現多樣且蓬勃發展的樣貌；從照顧專業、護理專業、家庭醫學、高齡醫學、復健醫學、遠距醫療與醫療輔助器材的發展及社會福利資源的整合趨勢，跨專業團隊使在宅照護服務更有能力提供複雜的醫療照護。生命終了前，安寧居家醫療增加個案在家臨終心願的可行性、降低選擇在家往生者的末期症狀且減低遺族的悲傷。台灣在中央健康保險單一保險人的制度下，為了有效彈性運用醫療資源，抑制醫療費用的上漲，以在宅醫療服務取代部分住院與機構式照護是必然的趨勢。.

Introduction Sarcopenia is an aging-related health problem in the geriatric population. Sarcopenia reduces muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. Although physical activity is protective against sarcopenia for older adults, there are limited studies in this area. The purpose of this study was to integrate and analyze research on physical activity and sarcopenia in the geriatric population. Methods Studies that assess sarcopenia were searched across electronic databases that included Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Studies that implemented physical activity-related intervention or research were included. A critical appraisal skills program was used for quality assessment of the selected articles. Study selection and data extraction were counted by 2 independent reviewers. Results Of the 149 references identified through the database search, 10 studies were included in this systematic review. Seven studies were randomized controlled trials, and 3 were cross-sectional or longitudinal. The results of 8 studies indicated significant improvement in muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance through exercise intervention, as determined by long-term observation. Conclusions Physical activity is an effective protective strategy for sarcopenia. Most studies of older adults exercise intervention indicated that the participants achieved positive results, but maintenance of muscle strength appeared to depend on continuous implementation of certain types of physical activities. A limitation of these 10 reviewed studies was that there was no consistency in the measurement of sarcopenia. Therefore, sarcopenia measurement needs further investigation.

BackgroundThe clinical courses and long-term outcomes of viridans streptococcus (VS) peritoneal dialysis (PD) peritonitis remain unclear.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of all PD patients in a single center with gram-positive cocci (GPC) peritonitis between 2005 and 2011, and divided them into 3 groups: VS, other streptococci and other GPC (apart from VS). Clinical characteristics and outcomes of the VS group were compared with the other streptococci and other GPC groups, with prognostic factors determined.ResultsA total of 140 patients with 168 episodes of GPC peritonitis (44% of all peritonitis) were identified over 7 years. Among these, 18 patients (13%) developed VS peritonitis, while 14 patients (10%) developed other streptococcal peritonitis. Patients with VS peritonitis had a high cure rate by antibiotic alone (94%), despite a high polymicrobial yield frequency (28%). We found that VS peritonitis carried a lower risk of Tenckhoff catheter removal and relapsing episodes than other GPC peritonitis (6% vs 11%), and a lower mortality than other streptococci peritonitis (0% vs 7%). However, after the index peritonitis episodes, VS, other streptococci, and other GPC group had a significantly increased peritonitis incidence compared with the period before the index peritonitis (all p < 0.01). Patients with VS peritonitis had a significantly higher incidence of refractory peritonitis compared with other streptococci or other GPC peritonitis in the long term (both p < 0.01).ConclusionsVS poses a higher risk of subsequent refractory peritonitis after the index episode as compared with other streptococcal or GPC peritonitis. It might be prudent to monitor the technique of these patients with VS peritonitis closely to avoid further peritonitis episodes.

Our previous studies suggested that redox reaction proceeded separately on specific exposed crystal faces of TiO2 nanoparticles. Site-selective deposition of metal or metal oxide on TiO2 specific exposed crystal faces successfully proceeded using the unique reactivity properties on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles under photoexcitation. A remarkable improvement of photocatalytic activity of shape-controlled brookite and rutile TiO2 nanorods with modification of Fe3+ compounds was observed under visible light. Crystal face-selective metal compound modification on exposed crystal faces of TiO2 nanorods with brookite and rutile phases was successfully prepared. Brookite and rutile TiO2 nanorods prepared by site-selective modification with metal compounds should be ideal visible-light responsive TiO2 photocatalysts because of the remarkable suppression of back electron transfer from TiO2 to oxidized metal compounds on the surface of the TiO2 nanorod with a brookite or rutile phase. In this paper, the development of exposed crystal face-controlled TiO2 nanorods with rutile and brookite phases was described. The obtained rutile and brookite TiO2 nanorod, showing remarkably high activity for degradation of organic compounds compared with the photocatalytic activities of anatase fine particles (ST-01), is one of the most active commercially available photocatalysts for environmental cleanup in Japan. The technology of visible-light responsive treatment for morphology-controlled rutile and brookite TiO2 nanorods by crystal face-selective modification of Fe3+ compounds was also discussed in this paper. The Fe3+ compound-modified rutile and brookite TiO2 nanorods show much higher activity than conventional visible-light responsive N-doped TiO2, which is commercially available in Japan.

Mobile social games recently become extremely popular, spawning a whole new entertainment culture. However, mobile game players are fickle, quickly and easily picking up and abandoning games. This pilot study seeks to identify factors that influence users to discontinuing playing mobile social games. We identified three sacrifices which can prompt users to abandon games: monetary sacrifice, time sacrifice and privacy sacrifice. The results showed that monetary sacrifice has a greater impact than the other two factors in causing players to discontinue usage intention.

Uremia results in a relatively immunocompromised status, and patients under chronic dialysis have an elevated risk of developing herpes zoster (HZ). We sought to investigate the relationship between vitamin D status and immunity to varicella-zoster virus (VZV). A multicenter prevalent hemodialysis cohort was assembled between 2012 and 2013. We assayed the biochemical parameters, 25-hydroxy- (25-OH-D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, vitamin D-binding protein levels in the sera. VZV immunity was quantitated using VZV-specific glycoprotein IgG and IgM titers. Eighty-eight patients were enrolled and their sera were analyzed. Chronic hemodialysis patients with 25-OH-D < 30 ng/ml (insufficiency or deficiency) had significantly lower VZV-IgG than those with sufficient 25-OH-D (p = 0.04). This discrepancy became more prominent if active vitamin D users alone were analyzed (p = 0.01). Generalized additive modeling showed that those with 25-OH-D higher than 27.8 ng/ml or bioavailable 25-OH-D higher than 3.88 ng/ml had significantly higher VZV-IgG levels than those with lower values. Linear regression suggested that both total and bioavailable 25-OH-D were significantly associated with higher VZV-IgG levels (p = 0.003 [total] and 0.01 [bioavailable]), whereas patients with cancer had lower VZV-IgG. Vitamin D may therefore be a potentially useful choice for raising VZV immunity in chronic dialysis patients.

Areca (betel) was recently proved a carcinogenic substance by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. However, the signaling impact of areca in oral keratinocyte is still obscure. Mitogen-activated protein kinase superfamilies, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38, together with transcription factor NF-kappaB, are important signaling elements. We examined the activation of these signaling pathways in OECM-1 and SAS oral keratinocytes, treated with ripe areca nut extract (ANE). In both cells, a rapid increase in JNK1 activity at 0.5 hr was noted following treatment of ANE. ERK was profoundly activated during 0.5-2 hr in OECM-1 cells. Contrasting p38 activity was noted in these 2 cells. In both cells, ANE also activated NF-kappaB pathway in a biphasic manner, particularly for SAS cells. NF-kappaB was activated by approximately 2- to 4-fold at 0.5-1 hr and a plateau or slight decrease of activity existed between 1 and 6 hr. Later, another higher episode of NF-kappaB activity was raised. This was accompanied with the rapid degradation in cytosolic IkappaBalpha as well as an increase of nuclear NF-kappaB in both cells. ANE treatment did not activate epidermal growth factor receptor signaling system, but blockage of NF-kappaB activation rendered the suppression of ANE-modulated COX-2 upregulation in OECM-1. This study identified that ANE affected interactive signaling systems in oral keratonocytes that could be the pathogenetic basis for areca.

A patient with a suspected malignancy and pancytopenia warrants much consideration. Most clinicians would consider bone marrow infiltrative process, heralding a grave prognosis. However, rare occurrence of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is another diagnostic possibility we should keep in mind. The treatment choices and overall prognosis may differ from patients without hemophagocytosis. We present a case of incidentally found advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) concurrent with hemophagocytosis process in the bone marrow. We also discuss the importance of this finding.

Mineral bone disorder (MBD) is prevalent among chronic dialysis patients. However, relationship between different forms of vitamin D and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) remains unclear in this population.A multicenter hemodialysis cohort was assembled. We evaluated 25-OH-D and 1,25-(OH)2-D, vitamin D-binding protein, and FGF-23, in this cohort. Multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship and stewardship between different vitamin D forms and FGF-23 concentrations.Chronic dialysis patients presented significantly higher FGF-23 concentrations. 25-OH-D concentrations of20 ng/ml (deficiency), 20-30 ng/ml (insufficiency), and ≥30 ng/ml (sufficiency) were associated with progressively lower FGF-23 concentrations (p0.01). Serum FGF-23 concentrations were significantly correlated with total (p=0.02), free (p0.01) and bioavailable (p0.01) 25-OH-D and total (p=0.04), free (p=0.02), and bioavailable (p=0.03) 1,25-(OH)2-D concentrations. With all 25-OH-D and 1,25-(OH)2-D forms in the regression model, we found that free 1,25-(OH)2-D outweighed all other vitamin D forms regarding its association with FGF-23 (p=0.03).The relationship between FGF-23 and vitamin D is stronger using free forms of 25-OH-D and 1,25-(OH)2-D. Subsequent studies aiming at MBD should consider including free 25-OH-D and 1,25-(OH)2-D in the analysis.

Background Acinetobacter species are assuming an increasingly important role in modern medicine, with their persistent presence in health-care settings and antibiotic resistance. However, clinical reports addressing this issue in patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD) peritonitis are rare. Methods All PD peritonitis episodes caused by Acinetobacter that occurred between 1985 and 2012 at a single centre were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical features, microbiological data, and outcomes were analysed, with stratifications based upon temporal periods (before and after 2000). Results Acinetobacter species were responsible for 26 PD peritonitis episodes (3.5% of all episodes) in 25 patients. A. baumannii was the most common pathogen (54%), followed by A. iwoffii (35%), with the former being predominant after 2000. Significantly more episodes resulted from breaks in exchange sterility after 2000, while those from exit site infections decreased (P = 0.01). The interval between the last and current peritonitis episodes lengthened significantly after 2000 (5 vs. 13.6 months; P = 0.05). All the isolates were susceptible to cefepime, fluoroquinolone, and aminoglycosides, with a low ceftazidime resistance rate (16%). Nearly half of the patients (46%) required hospitalisation for their Acinetobacter PD-associated peritonitis, and 27% required an antibiotic switch. The overall outcome was fair, with no mortality and a 12% technique failure rate, without obvious interval differences. Conclusions The temporal change in the microbiology and origin of Acinetobacter PD-associated peritonitis in our cohort suggested an important evolutional trend. Appropriate measures, including technique re-education and sterility maintenance, should be taken to decrease the Acinetobacter peritonitis incidence in PD patients.

Introduction: Non-Pseudomonas gram-negative bacteria are responsible for an increasing proportion of cases of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis. The role of Citrobacter species in the etiology of PD-related peritonitis is often underestimated. In the present study, we aimed to describe the clinical features, laboratory findings, and short- and long-term outcomes in PD-related peritonitis caused by Citrobacter. Methods: A retrospective review of all episodes of PD-related peritonitis caused by Citrobacter from a single center between 1990 and 2010 was performed. Clinical features, microbiological data, and outcomes of these episodes were analyzed. Results: Citrobacter species was responsible for 11 PD-related episodes (1.8% of all peritonitis episodes) in 8 patients. Citrobacter freundii was the most common etiologic species (73%), and mixed growth was found in the other 3 episodes (27%). Approximately half (46%) of the episodes were associated with constipation and/or diarrhea. Of the Citrobacter isolates from all episodes, 54% were resistant to cefazolin, and only 18% were susceptible to cefmetazole. All isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime, cefepime, carbapenem, and aminoglycosides. More than half of the patients (54%) were hospitalized for index peritonitis, and 27% of the episodes involved a change in antibiotic medication. One patient had relapsing peritonitis caused by C. koseri (9%). The mortality rate of PD-related peritonitis caused by Citrobacter was 18%, and 89% of surviving patients developed technique failure requiring a modality switch after an average of 12 months of follow-up (range 1.2-31.2 months). Conclusion: PD-related peritonitis caused by Citrobacter is associated with poor outcomes, including high rates of antibiotic resistance, a high mortality rate, and a high rate of technique failure among survivors during the follow-up period.

Purpose Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease and is an important risk factor for morbidity and mortality after dialysis. However, glycemic control among such patients is difficult to assess. The present study examined glycemic control parameters and observed glucose variation after refilling different kinds of fresh dialysate in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods A total of 25 DM PD patients were recruited, and continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) was applied to measure interstitial fluid (ISF) glucose levels at 5-min intervals for 3 days. Patients filled out diet and PD fluid exchange diaries. The records measured with CGMS were analyzed and correlated with other glycemic control parameters such as fructosamine, albumin-corrected fructosamine (AlbF), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and glycated albumin levels. Results There were significant correlations between mean ISF glucose and fructosamine (r = 0.45, P

A patient with a suspected malignancy and pancytopenia warrants much consideration. Most clinicians would consider bone marrow infiltrative process, heralding a grave prognosis. However, rare occurrence of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is another diagnostic possibility we should keep in mind. The treatment choices and overall prognosis may differ from patients without hemophagocytosis. We present a case of incidentally found advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) concurrent with hemophagocytosis process in the bone marrow. We also discuss the importance of this finding.

Background Low lean body mass (LBM) is an indicator of malnutrition inflammation syndrome, which is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The creatinine index (CI) has been validated as a reliable method to estimate LBM and evaluate the protein-energy status of HD patients. However, the traditional creatinine index formula was complex. We sought to investigate the impact of CI derived from a new simple formula on Chinese HD patient outcomes. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled 1269 patients who initiated HD between February 1981 and February 2012 and followed them until the end of February 2013. CI was calculated using the simple creatinine kinetic model (CKM) formula. Multiple linear regression analysis and Cox regression proportional hazard analysis were used to define independent variables and compare survival between groups. Results The 1269 HD patients were categorized into 3 groups according to the tertiles of calculated CI between men and women. Each group consisted of 423 patients (50.6% men, 49.4% women). Patients in the highest sex-specific tertile of CI had longer overall survival (HR, 0.46; P 0.002). BMI did not significantly associate with survival after adjustment (HR,0.99; P 0.613). Conclusions CI derived from the simple CKM formula serves as a good parameter than BMI to predict the survival of HD patients. The formula could extend its convenient use in clinical practice for HD patients.

Background Bacterial infections account for most peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis episodes. However, anaerobic PD peritonitis is extremely rare and intuitively associated with intra-abdominal lesions. In this study, we examined the clinical characteristics of PD patients who developed anaerobic peritonitis. Methods We retrospectively identified all anaerobic PD peritonitis episodes from a prospectively collected PD registry at a single center between 1990 and 2010. Only patients receiving more than 3 months of PD were enrolled. We analyzed clinical features as well as outcomes of anaerobic PD peritonitis patients. Results Among 6 patients, 10 episodes of PD-associated peritonitis were caused by anaerobic pathogens (1.59% of all peritonitis episodes during study the period), in which the cultures from 5 episodes had mixed growth. Bacteroides fragilis was the most common species identified (4 isolates). Only 3 episodes were associated with gastrointestinal lesions, and 4 episodes were related to a break in sterility during exchange procedures. All anaerobic pathogens were susceptible to clindamycin and metronidazole, but penicillin resistance was noted in 4 isolates. Ampicillin/sulbactam resistance was found in 2 isolates. In 5 episodes, a primary response was achieved using the first-generation cephalosporin and ceftazidime or aminoglycoside. In 3 episodes, the first-generation cephalosporin was replaced with aminoglycosides. Tenckhoff catheter removal was necessary in 2 episodes. Only one episode ended with mortality (due to a perforated bowel). Conclusion Anaerobic PD-associated peritonitis might be predominantly caused by contamination, rather than intra-abdominal events. Half of anaerobic PD-associated peritonitis episodes had polymicrobial growth. The overall outcome of anaerobic peritonitis is fair, with a high catheter survival rate.