结直肠侧向发育型肿瘤内镜黏膜下剥离术手术时长的影响因素

目的探讨内镜黏膜下剥离术（endoscopic submucosal dissection,ESD）治疗结直肠侧向发育型肿瘤（laterally spreading tumor,LST）手术时长的影响因素。方法回顾性纳入于2013年6月—2019年3月在北京市消化疾病中心行ESD治疗的结直肠LST患者。对ESD手术时间延长（≥60 min）的影响因素先进行单因素分析,对于其中有统计学差异的因素再纳入多因素Logistic回归分析独立危险因素。结果纳入了201位患者,年龄(65.05±10.44)岁,其中男性占53.73%。患者有病变213处,病变长径(2.52±1.67)cm。病变整块切除率、完整切除率和治愈性切除率分别为93.90%、84.04%和79.81%。术中穿孔率、迟发穿孔率和迟发出血率分别为1.88%、0.94%和1.41%。单因素分析显示,病变直径≥3 cm（OR=13.48,P<0.001）、结节混合型（OR=25.28,P=0.002）、颗粒均一型（OR=9.00,P=0.045）、位于直乙部位（OR=3.08,P=0.002）以及抬举征阴性（OR=3.40,P=0.012）与ESD手术时间延长相关。多因素Logistic回归分析表明,直径≥3 cm（OR=9.29,P<0.001）、结节混合型（OR=8.80,P=0.043）和抬举征阴性（OR=3.43,P=0.043）是手术时间延长的独立危险因素。ESD手术时间延长,病变的完整切除率（69.56%比88.55%,P=0.003）和治愈性切除率（63.64%比85.50%,P=0.002）显著降低,发生癌变的风险显著升高（86.96%比51.91%,P<0.001）。结论当LST直径≥3 cm、结节混合型或抬举征阴性时,ESD的手术时间延长。手术时间越长,ESD的切除效率越低,病变发生癌变的风险越高。     

老年人结直肠侧向发育型肿瘤恶变相关危险因素分析

目的 探讨老年人（年龄≥60岁）结直肠侧向发育型肿瘤（lateral spreading tumors,LST）合并高级别上皮内瘤变(high grade intraepithelial neoplasm,HGIN)或癌变的相关危险因素。 方法 回顾性分析2013年1月—2019年6月在福建省立医院经内镜诊断并治疗的212例年龄≥60岁的LST患者临床资料,分析病变病理性质与患者的一般临床特征（年龄、性别、体重指数、吸烟史、饮酒史、基础疾病、服用抗凝药物情况、血脂情况、癌胚抗原水平）及内镜下表现（大小、部位、形态等）的相关性,并分析总结老年人LST合并HGIN或癌变的相关危险因素。 结果 纳入的212例患者男119例、女93例,年龄（68.76±6.37）岁,病灶大小（26.10±15.64）mm,内镜治疗204例（96.2%）,外科治疗8例（3.8%）,内镜下治愈性切除率99.5%（203/204）。术后病理提示HGIN占34.9%（74/212）,癌变占7.6%（16/212）。单因素Logistic回归分析显示,患者的年龄、性别、体重指数、吸烟史、饮酒史、基础疾病、是否服用抗凝药、血脂情况、癌胚抗原水平均不是LST合并HGIN或癌变的相关危险因素（P>0.05）,病灶大小（P＜0.001）、病灶位置（P=0.002）、病灶形态（P＜0.001）是LST合并HGIN或癌变的危险因素。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,病灶大小≥20 mm（P=0.001）,病灶形态为结节混合型(P=0.020,OR=2.624,95%CI:1.161~5.933)或假凹陷型(P=0.012,OR=10.009,95%CI:1.667~60.080)是老年人LST合并HGIN或癌变的危险因素。 结论 对年龄≥60岁的LST患者,病灶大小及形态是LST合并HGIN或癌变的独立危险因素,临床应重视老年人的结肠镜检查及早期诊疗。     

结直肠侧向发育型肿瘤黏膜下层侵犯的危险因素分析

目的 探索结直肠侧向发育型肿瘤黏膜下层浸润的危险因素。 方法 2015年11月—2019年2月,在大连医科大学附属第一医院消化内镜中心行内镜黏膜下剥离术治疗,直径≥2.0 cm的侧向发育型肿瘤病例211例（221处病变）纳入回顾性分析,根据术后病理分成黏膜下层侵犯组（13例患者,14处病变）和非黏膜下层侵犯组（198例患者,207处病变）,临床特征、内镜特征、手术特征、病理特征组间比较行χ2检验或连续矫正χ2检验或Fisher精确检验,多因素分析使用Logistic回归分析。 结果 单因素分析发现结直肠癌病史（P=0.037）、病变直径（P=0.036）、部位（P=0.024）、非抬举征（P=0.040）是黏膜下层浸润的影响因素。进一步多因素Logistic回归分析提示：有结直肠癌病史者较无结直肠癌病史者更易发生黏膜下层浸润（OR=3.76,95%CI：1.338～23.768,P=0.018）,直肠病变较右半结肠病变更易发生黏膜下层浸润（OR=7.091,95%CI：1.437～34.274,P=0.016）,直径≥2.5 cm病变较直径＜2.5 cm病变更易发生黏膜下层浸润（OR=6.297,95%CI：1.375～28.836,P=0.018）,非抬举征阳性病变较非抬举征阴性病变更易发生黏膜下层浸润（P=0.021,OR=5.373,95%CI：1.291～22.360）。 结论 对于结直肠侧向发育型肿瘤,患者有结直肠癌病史,以及病变直径≥2.5 cm、位于直肠、术中非抬举征阳性均是发生黏膜下层浸润的独立危险因素。     

内镜下黏膜剥离术治疗直径≥20 mm结直肠侧向发育肿瘤并发出血及穿孔的危险因素分析

目的 探讨内镜下黏膜剥离术(ESD)治疗直径≥20 mm的结直肠侧向发育肿瘤(LST)并发出血、穿孔的影响因素。方法 纳入2016年1月～2019年12月病变直径≥20 mm且行ESD治疗的结直肠LST患者172例,根据术后是否并发出血或穿孔,将172例患者分别分为出血组(9例)和非出血组(163例)、穿孔组(14例)和非穿孔组(158例)。对入组患者并发出血、穿孔的危险因素进行分析。结果 出血发生率为5.23%,穿孔发生率为8.14%,手术时间≥120 min是ESD治疗直径≥20 mm结直肠LST并发出血的独立危险因素(OR=0.205,95%CI 0.051～0.822,P=0.025),高龄(OR=0.945,95%CI 0.897～0.996,P=0.035)及病灶纤维化(OR=0.105,95%CI 0.027～0.405,P=0.001)是ESD治疗直径≥20 mm结直肠LST发生穿孔的独立危险因素。结论 在ESD治疗直径≥20 mm的结直肠LST过程中,手术时间≥120 min为术后并发出血的危险因素,高龄及病灶纤维化会增加穿孔发生的可能。     

术前内镜评估结直肠侧向发育型肿瘤浸润深度的临床研究

目的对比放大染色内镜（MCE）、内镜超声检查术（EUS）术前评估结直肠侧向发育型肿瘤（LST）浸润深度的准确率。方法纳入104例结直肠LST,以病理诊断为金标准,回顾性比较MCE和EUS术前评估结直肠LST浸润深度的准确率。结果MCE和EUS的总体准确率分别为89.4%（93/104）和73.1%（76/104）（P＜0.05）。病变大小、检查医生因素会影响EUS评估的准确率（P=0.017,OR=3.561;P=0.035,OR=1.399）。在直径较大的结直肠LST病变中,EUS评估的准确率有下降趋势。结论MCE和EUS均为评估结直肠LST病变浸润深度的有效方法。MCE评估结直肠LST病变浸润深度的准确率可能高于EUS。病变直径大、检查医生经验不足可能是影响EUS检查准确率的危险因素。     

结直肠侧向发育型肿瘤的内镜特征及癌变、黏结直肠侧向发育型肿瘤的内镜特征及癌变与黏膜下浸润的危险因素分析膜下浸润的危险因素分析

目的　观察结直肠侧向发育型肿瘤（laterally spreading tumors,LST）的内镜及病理学特征,探索其癌变、黏膜下浸润的危险因素。方法　回顾性分析2019年1月至2021年8月在中国医科大学附属第一医院因结直肠LST行内镜治疗患者的性别、年龄及病变的内镜和病理学特征。用单因素分析寻找癌变、黏膜下浸润的危险因素,对其中差异有统计学意义的因素再纳入多因素Logistic回归分析。结果　纳入422例患者,男224例、女198例,年龄（63.45±9.23）岁。共456处LST病灶,内镜切除标本长径（3.01±0.48）cm,病灶长径（2.37±1.59）cm,位于直肠115处（25.2%）、乙状结肠40处（8.8%）、降结肠26处（5.7%）、横结肠109处（23.9%）、升结肠112处（24.6%）、回盲部54处（11.8%）。予内镜黏膜下剥离术（endoscopic submucosal dissection,ESD）237处（52.0%）,内镜黏膜切除术（endoscopic mucosal resection,EMR）95处（20.8%）,预切开EMR（EMR with pre‑cutting,EMR‑P）113处（24.8%）,圈套器辅助ESD（ESD with snare,ESD‑S）11处（2.4%）,共4处迟发性出血,5处术中穿孔。病理结果：低级别上皮内瘤变119处（26.1%）,高级别上皮内瘤变221处（48.5%）,黏膜内癌82处（18.0%）,黏膜下浸润癌34处（7.5%）。多因素logistic回归分析显示,病灶大小（>2 cm）、病灶位置（直肠）、内镜分型［假凹陷型（LST‑NG pseudodepressed type,LST‑NG‑PD）、颗粒均一型（LST‑G homogenous type,LST‑G‑H）、结节混合型（LST‑G nodular mixed type,LST‑G‑M）］、伴大结节（有）这4项为癌变的独立危险因素;内镜分型（LST‑NG‑PD）、伴大结节（有）这2项为黏膜下浸润的独立危险因素。结论　LST的4种亚型,其内镜和病理特征存在明显差异,病灶大小、病灶位置、内镜分型、伴大结节,均为癌变的独立危险因素;内镜分型、伴大结节,为黏膜下浸润的独立危险因素。内镜治疗LST并发症少、安全有效,不同的内镜治疗方法各有优势。     

不同直径结直肠早癌及癌前病变行内镜黏膜下剥离术的对比分析

目的 探讨分析内镜黏膜下剥离术(ESD)治疗不同直径结直肠肿瘤的差异性。 方法 收集2012年10月至2015年12月中国人民解放军总医院第七医学中心消化内镜中心210处结直肠ESD治疗的临床资料进行回顾性分析,将病灶按直径分为两组(直径≥4.0cm组和直径<4.0cm组),进行相关因素的对比分析。结果 210处结直肠ESD平均手术时间为（50.3±42.7）分钟,病灶平均大小为（7.98 ±10.84cm₂）;整块切除率91.4%,完整切除率90.5%,治愈性切除率88.6%。穿孔发生率5.2%,迟发性出血率0.5%。与直径< 4.0 cm 的肿瘤相比,切除直径≥ 4.0 cm 的肿瘤所需时间更长(79.63±53.91 min比35.28±24.99 min;P<0.001);病变主要位于直肠(61.97%);LST息肉以结节混合型为主(54.93%);整块切除率、完整切除率和治愈性切除率均低于切除直径< 4.0 cm 的肿瘤,其中完整切除率差异有统计学意义(85.92% vs. 94.24%; P=0.041)。直径≥4.0cm组穿孔率增高(7.04%),但两组穿孔率的差异没有统计学意义。结论 ESD切除直径≥ 4.0 cm的结直肠肿瘤,所需时间明显增加,手术风险更高。对于非直肠的病变要更加小心处理。     

早期胃癌内镜下特征对内镜下切除术非治愈性切除的预测意义

目的探讨早期胃癌行内镜下切除术治疗易发非治愈性切除的内镜下特征,并尝试以此构建一项非治愈性切除危险度的评估工具以量化非治愈性切除风险。方法2006年8月—2019年10月,在北京协和医院消化内科接受内镜下切除术治疗,病理为早期胃癌的378处病变纳入病例对照研究。其中78处（20.6%）为非治愈性切除纳入观察组,剩余300处治愈性切除病变中按操作年份相差±1年以1∶3的比例匹配纳入对照组（共234处）。采用单因素联合多因素Logistic回归分析探寻非治愈性切除易发因素,将最小β系数对应的独立危险因素赋1分,其余因素按其β系数与该最小β系数的比值进行赋分,以此建立非治愈性切除预测模型,并采用该模型对完整的378处病变进行分析,观察各评分段的非治愈性切除率。结果单因素分析结果显示,病变直径、位置、发红、溃疡或溃疡瘢痕、皱襞中断、皱襞纠集和超声内镜提示浸润深度与早期胃癌病变非治愈性切除相关（P＜0.05）,而接触或自发出血可能与非治愈性切除相关（P=0.068）。进一步多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,EUS提示累及黏膜下层（VS 局限于黏膜内：β=0.901,P=0.011,OR=2.46,95%CI：1.23～4.92）、病变直径3～＜5 cm（VS ＜3 cm：β=0.723,P=0.038,OR=2.06,95%CI：1.04～4.09）、病变直径≥5 cm（VS ＜3 cm：β=2.078,P=0.003,OR=7.99,95%CI：2.02～31.66）、病变位于胃上1/3（VS 胃下1/3：β=1.540,P＜0.001,OR=4.66,95%CI：2.30～9.45）、有皱襞中断（β=2.287,P=0.008,OR=1.93,95%CI：0.95～3.93）均是早期胃癌病变发生非治愈性切除的独立危险因素。将因素直径3～＜5 cm赋1分,超声内镜提示累及SM层赋1分,病变位于胃上1/3赋2分,直径≥5 cm和有皱襞中断各赋3分,其他因素均赋0分,再对完整的378处病变进行分析后发现,评分≥2分时病变发生非治愈性切除的概率达41.9%（37/93）,约是评分0分时[11.5%（25/217）]的4倍。结论直径≥3 cm、位于胃上1/3、有皱襞中断和超声内镜提示累及黏膜下层是早期胃癌行内镜下切除术治疗易发生非治愈性切除,以此构建的预测模型具有较好的预测价值但还需积累病例进一步验证。     

大范围食管早期癌及癌前病变内镜黏膜下剥离术后发生顽固性狭窄的危险因素分析

目的 探讨大范围早期食管癌及其癌前病变内镜黏膜下剥离术（endoscopic submucosal dissection,ESD）术后发生食管顽固性狭窄的危险因素。方法 2013年7月—2017年12月,在中国医学科学院肿瘤医院内镜科行内镜黏膜下剥离术治疗,病变范围≥3/4食管环周的186例患者（共212处食管早期癌或癌前病变）纳入回顾性分析,根据术后内镜下食管球囊扩张次数分为顽固性狭窄组（69例,扩张≥6次）和非顽固性狭窄组（117例,扩张0～5次）。单因素分析使用t检验或Mann-Whitney U检验、χ2检验或Fisher精确概率法,多因素分析使用Logistic回归。结果 与非顽固性狭窄组比较,顽固性狭窄组在病变纵径、人工溃疡（ESD术后创面）纵径以及病变位置、病变环周范围和固有肌层损伤构成方面差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。剔除人工溃疡纵径这一因素后（因人工溃疡纵径与病变纵径在临床上存在明显相关性）,多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,病变纵径＞5 cm（P=0.003,OR=3.531,95%CI：1.547～8.060）、病变位于胸上段（与胸下段比较：P=0.001,OR=36.720,95%CI：4.233～318.551）、颈段（与胸下段比较：P=0.003,OR=24.959,95%CI：2.927～212.795）、全周病变（P＜0.001,OR=10.082,95%CI：4.196～24.226）和存在术中固有肌层损伤（P＜0.001,OR=7.128,95%CI：2.748～18.486）的早期食管癌及其癌前病变行ESD术后易发生食管顽固性狭窄。结论 对于大范围（病变范围≥3/4食管环周）早期食管癌及其癌前病变,病变纵径＞5 cm,病变位于胸上段、颈段,全周病变,以及存在术中固有肌层损伤均是ESD术后发生食管顽固性狭窄的独立危险因素。     

内镜黏膜下剥离术治疗≥20 mm结直肠肿瘤的临床结局分析

目的 探讨大的结直肠肿瘤经内镜黏膜下剥离术（endoscopic submucosal dissection,ESD）治疗的结局,并分析影响ESD疗效的因素。方法 从2016年11月—2019年12月在北京医院消化内科行ESD治疗的结肠肿瘤患者中,筛选出病变长径≥20 mm、活检病理为结直肠腺瘤或腺癌的患者共82例,收集分析患者的临床特点、ESD及病理结果等资料。结果 82例患者病变均为单发,病变长径（29.72±10.74）mm,分为侧向发育型肿瘤（laterally spreading tumors,LST）组46例,主要位于升结肠及回盲部（47.8%,22/46）;腔内突出型肿瘤组36例,病变均位于左半结肠,其中约一半位于乙状结肠（52.8%,19/36）。总体的整块切除率81.7%(67/82),治愈性切除率72.0%(59/82),出血和穿孔的发生率分别为2.4%(2/82)和1.2%(1/82)。LST-G、LST-NG、腔内突出型肿瘤3组的治愈性切除率[91.4%(32/35)、63.6%(7/11)、55.6%(20/36),P=0.003]和外科手术率[8.6%(3/35)、18.2%(2/11)和36.1%(13/36),P=0.010]差异均有统计学意义。多因素回归分析结果显示,病变形态为腔内突出型肿瘤(OR=3.396,95%CI：1.014～11.374,P=0.047)和黏膜下层重度纤维化（F2型）(OR=5.508,95%CI：2.216～13.692,P=0.001)是长径≥20 mm结直肠肿瘤ESD非治愈性切除的独立危险因素。结论 ESD治疗长径≥20 mm的结直肠肿瘤总体有效、安全,但不同类型病变的黏膜下侵犯比例和治疗结局存在一定差异,腔内突出型肿瘤和严重的黏膜下层纤维化是造成非治愈性切除的危险因素。     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.