Is 25-Hydroxyvitamin D deficiency associated with increased aortic stiffness in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus?
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased aortic stiffness in SLE, independent of CVD risk factors and insulin. Increased inflammatory disease activity may be the mechanism by which vitamin D deficiency mediates vascular stiffness in this patient group.
Our findings demonstrate that electronic faucets are significantly more frequently contaminated than manual faucets and could be a major reservoir for P. aeruginosa. Wards admitting patients highly susceptible to infection and using electronic faucets should be aware of this potential threat. Moreover, units already equipped with these devices, should check water quality periodically.