Delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFC) via engineered exosomes improves lymphedema.

Background: Lymphedema is a chronic disease results from impaired flow of the lymphatic system. Therefore, reconstruction of lymphatic system is crucial to treat limb lymphedema. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFC) has been reported to be an important regulator involved in the growth and differentiation of lymphatic endothelial cells; however; the application of exosomes with VEGFC in the treatment of lymphedema has been rarely reported.

Effect of Blood Pump Flow and Arteriovenous Fistula Blood Flow on the Blood Pressure and Cardiac Function in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis.

The effect of blood pump flow rate on the cardiac functions of hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate if blood pump flow rate (Qb) and AVF access flow rate (Qa) can affect the cardiac function of Chinese hemodialysis patients. A total of 72 patients undergoing AVF hemodialysis were included from March 2010 to June 2014 and dichotomized into the high- and low-flow groups using the medians of Qb (220 mL/min) and Qa (1000 mL/min) as the cutoffs.

Poor sleep and reduced quality of life were associated with symptom distress in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.

Background: The quality of life in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis is compromised despite of the substantial achievements in treatments. Quality of life in hemodialysis patients have been shown to be associated with decreased survival and increased hospitalization. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate the managements of symptoms and patient self-perceived well-being as measurements of effective treatments for these patients.

Effect of social support on psychological-stress-induced anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the association of psychological stress and social support with anxiety and depressive symptoms in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods: Eighty-one patients receiving PD were recruited. Their demographic characteristics, psychological stress, and social support were determined with a structured questionnaire, and their anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.