P16,Ki67与HPV16/18在宫颈病变中的表达及其临床意义

目的:研究多肿瘤抑制基因P16、细胞核增殖抗原Ki67及高危型人乳头状瘤病毒(high riskhuman papilloma virus,HPV16/18)在宫颈病变中的表达和临床意义。方法:采用免疫组织化学Elivision两步法检测P16和Ki67在宫颈非特异性炎症、宫颈上皮内瘤变(cervical intraepithelialneoplasia,CIN)I级、Ⅱ级和Ⅲ级及宫颈鳞状细胞癌中的表达,用原位杂交法检测HPV16/18的表达。结果:P16蛋白表达在非特异性炎症、CINⅠ级、Ⅱ级和Ⅲ级及宫颈癌中的阳性率分别为20.0%,55.6%,93.6%和100.0%;Ki67蛋白表达在非特异性炎症、CINⅠ级、Ⅱ级、Ⅲ级及宫颈癌中的阳性率分别为17.6%,61.1%,89.4%和100.0%,不同组别间两两比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。而且P16和Ki67的阳性表达率及染色强度呈递增趋势,表达存在分层现象。HPV16/18在非特异性炎症、CINⅠ级、Ⅱ级、Ⅲ级及宫颈癌中的阳性率分别为30.0%,61.1%,82.9%和100.0%,宫颈病变中HPV16/18的阳性率显著高于非特异性炎症组。结论:P16和Ki67蛋白检测作为宫颈病变的有效的生物学标记,可联合HPV16/18 DNA检测应用于宫颈癌及其癌前病变的筛查和诊断中。     

不同宫颈病变组织中人乳头瘤病毒16型E5基因的研究

目的:探讨人乳头瘤病毒(Human papillomavirus type,HPV)16型E5早期基因在临床宫颈炎、宫颈上皮内瘤变(Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia,CIN)Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ型及宫颈癌患者中的存在情况,判断HPV16E5是否能作为临床宫颈癌的早期诊断治疗靶点,以利进一步研究HPV16的致癌机制。方法:从临床标本中筛选出HPV16阳性标本61例,根据病理诊断分为5组(宫颈炎组、CINⅠ级、CINⅡ级、CINⅢ级及宫颈癌组),再应用PCR的方法分别测定各组组织中HPV16E5DNA的表达情况。结果:宫颈炎组E5DNA阳性率为58.33%,CINⅠ级为63.64%,CINⅡ级为70.00%,CINⅢ级为44.44%,宫颈癌为77.78%,各组间阳性率差异无统计学意义。结论:E5DNA不仅仅在宫颈癌早期存在,因而E5不能作为临床宫颈癌的早期诊断靶点,但可作为宫颈癌疫苗研究的靶点。     

子宫颈癌中Hedgehog信号通路蛋白表达与人乳头状瘤病毒16型感染的关系

目的 探讨Hedgehog(Hh)信号通路蛋白在宫颈癌及其癌前病变中的临床病理学意义,并分析其与人乳头状瘤病毒(HPV)16型感染的关系.方法 32例正常宫颈上皮、71例宫颈上皮内瘤变(CIN;CIN Ⅰ 28例,CIN Ⅱ 18例,CIN Ⅲ25例)和80例宫颈鳞状细胞癌共183例选自延边大学医院、延边妇幼保健院和延边肿瘤医院病理科存档蜡块.应用PCR技术检测上述组织中HPV16型的感染情况,并应用Shh、Ihh、Ptch和Smo 4种Hh信号通路蛋白抗体、组织芯片和免疫组织化学EnVision法检测Hh信号通路蛋白在上述病变组织中的表达情况.结果 Shh、Ihh、Ptch和Smo在正常宫颈黏膜上皮中为弱阳性,而在宫颈癌和CIN Ⅲ中呈强阳性,其表达率均显著高于正常宫颈黏膜上皮(P均<0.05).80例官颈癌标本中HPV16阳性率是77.5%(62/80),而且Shh蛋白的强阳性率在HPV16型阳性的宫颈癌组织中显著高于HPV16阴性组(P<0.05).结论 Hh信号通路蛋白过表达可以作为宫颈癌及其癌前病变的早期辅助诊断指标并有望成为宫颈癌靶向治疗的新靶点,而且Shh蛋白的过表达与HPV16型感染密切相关.     

宫颈癌及其前期病变HPV感染与基因型分布

目的了解宫颈癌及宫颈上皮内瘤变CIN患者的HPV的感染和其基因分型及主要感染型别情况。方法应用型特异PCR检测宫颈癌及其前病变的患者的HPV感染及其主要基因分型情况的分析。结果在本研究宫颈癌及宫颈上皮内瘤变患者中,宫颈癌的HPV感染率为91．0％,CINⅠ／Ⅱ／Ⅲ的HPV感染率为73．3％,主要高危型HPV基因型别依次为HPV16、HPV18、HPV58、HPV33。结论在宫颈上皮内瘤变患者中感染主要高危型HPV基因型别依次为HPV16、HPV18、HPV58、HPV33、HPV16在宫颈癌和CIN中的构成比随着宫颈病变的增加而明显增加。     

子宫颈病变中p16~(INK4A)蛋白表达及其与HPV16/18感染的关系

目的 探讨p16INK4A 蛋白在子宫颈鳞癌(SCC)和子宫颈上皮内肿瘤(CIN)中的表达及其与HPV16/18感染的关系.方法 用原位杂交法检测HPV16/18在25例子宫颈癌、45例CIN及10例慢性子宫颈炎中的表达,同时用免疫组化EliVision法检测p16INK4A 蛋白的表达.结果 (1)与慢性子宫颈炎相比,CIN Ⅱ级、CIN Ⅲ级、浸润癌HPV16/18杂交信号阳性率显著增高(P<0.01);(2)子宫颈鳞癌组织、CIN Ⅰ级、CIN Ⅱ级、Ⅲ级及慢性子官颈炎标本中p16INK4A 蛋白阳性率分别为100.0%、20.0%、46.7%、100.0%和10.0%;(3)在子宫颈鳞癌及CIN HPV16/18感染的标本中p16INK4A 蛋白表达均是阳性.结论 子宫颈鳞癌的形成与HPV感染、p16INK4A 蛋白过表达是呈正相关关系,p16INK4A蛋白可能作为子宫颈鳞癌及CIN的标志物,对子宫颈癌筛查和预防有重要意义.     

应用表面等离子共振生物传感器分型检测HPV及其应用评价

目的评价表面等离子共振(SPR)生物传感器分型检测女性生殖道人类乳头瘤病毒(HPV)的临床应用价值。方法采集女性宫颈脱落细胞504例,按病理学结果分为炎症组、宫颈上皮内瘤变(CIN)Ⅰ组、CINⅠ-Ⅱ组、CINⅡ组、CINⅢ组、宫颈癌组。应用SPR生物传感器对各组进行检测,一次性分型检测16种HPV高危型和8种低危型,同时采用克隆测序作平行对照,结合病理诊断结果,对SPR生物传感器进行应用评价。结果SPR生物传感器和克隆测序结果的一致率为0.994,Kappa指数为0.987,(P=0.0000.05)。SPR生物传感器测得各病理组别HPV阳性率、高危型阳性率及多重感染率依次为总体(64.7%、62.1%、15.5%),炎症(41.9%、36.6%、11.8%),CINⅠ(44.6%、41.2%、13.5%),CINⅠ-Ⅱ(51.9%、48.1%、11.1%),CINⅡ(74.2%、74.2%、9.7%),CINⅢ(94.3%、93.5%、23.6%)及宫颈癌组(98.2%、98.2%、16.4%)。24种HPV基因型检出21种,阳性率依次为:16、58、33、52、66、11、18、53、6、31、45、39、81、59、70、68、51、54、56、35、40。SPR生物传感器检测HPV DNA诊断CIN III和宫颈癌的灵敏度为95.5%、特异度为52.1%、阳性预测值为52.1%、阴性预测值为95.5%。结论随宫颈病变严重程度的增高,HPV感染率和高危型感染率呈升高趋势,多重感染率无明显升高趋势;SPR生物传感器检测HPV DNA与克隆测序一致性良好,可以实现HPV分型检测,其诊断CINⅢ和宫颈癌具有较高的灵敏度和阴性预测值,在宫颈病变的临床诊断和流行病学调查中具有重要意义。     

实时荧光定量PCR法检测人乳头状瘤病毒的实验研究

目的 通过研究病变宫颈中人乳头状瘤病毒(HPV)16/18型的表达,探讨HPV16/18型病毒感染与宫颈病变发生发展之间的关系.方法 结合病理切片诊断,以免疫组化作对照.运用实时荧光定量PCR技术检测病变宫颈中HPV16/18型DNA拷贝数,以及HPV16/18型E7基因mRNA表达量.结果 慢性宫颈炎患者中HPV16/18型感染率低(7.4%).宫颈管上皮内瘤样变(CIN)组HPV16型感染率较高为69.6%,宫颈癌患者巾为72.7%.HPV16型DNA的拷贝数在宫颈上皮内瘤样变患者中与病理分级没有明显的相关性.但在宫颈癌患者中,病毒DNA的拷贝数明显升高,二者差异明显.CIN轻度(I)、中度(Ⅱ)、高度(Ⅲ)组和宫颈癌患者中,HPV16 E7基冈的表达率分别为0、37.5%、42.9%、63.6%.统计学分析表明,HPV16 E7 mRNA的拷贝数与病情呈明显的正相关性.结论 感染者中主要以HPV16型为主,HPV18型较少.宫颈癌患者中HPV16 DNA拷贝数明显高于CIN Ⅱ、Ⅲ组,HPV16型E7 mRNA在宫颈癌中表达率及表达量明显增加并与宫颈癌变呈正相关.实时荧光定量PCR适合临床宫颈病变病毒的筛查与检测.     

应用基因芯片诊断宫颈石蜡组织样本中人乳头状瘤病毒感染及其临床意义

目的探讨应用基因芯片检测宫颈石蜡组织标本中人乳头状瘤病毒（HPV）感染的可能性及其临床意义。方法收集解放军总医院诊断为宫颈鳞状上皮病变的石蜡组织标本40例,其中宫颈浸润性鳞癌18例,宫颈上皮内瘤变（CIN）Ⅲ12例,CINⅠ4例,CINⅡ6例。从组织中提取DNA后采用基因芯片检测23种常见HPV基因亚型,即PCR扩增后产物在基因芯片上进行杂交。同时选用10例经基因芯片检测16型和18型基因阳性的宫颈鳞癌的石蜡组织切片做原位杂交。基因芯片检测结果与部分原位杂交结果进行比较并分析。结果基因芯片检测的18例宫颈鳞癌HPV高危亚型均为阳性（100％）,其中1例为混合阳性;12例CINⅢ中11例为高危亚型阳性（91．7％）,1例阴性;6例CINⅡ的宫颈病变中高危型5例阳性,低危型1例阳性;4例CINⅠ中有2例低危型阳性、2例阴性;宫颈鳞癌和CINⅢ组与CINⅠ和Ⅱ组比较,差异有统计学意义（U=80．0,P〈0．01）。10例宫颈鳞癌基因芯片HPV16型和18型阳性组织中,原位杂交同型探针6例检测显示阳性。结论HPV基因芯片技术可用于检测多种亚型,特异性强,敏感性高,对HPV感染亚型的鉴别及宫颈癌的预防和治疗具有重要意义。     

高危HPV感染与宫颈病变的相关性分析

目的研究高危型人乳头瘤病毒(high-risk human papilloma virus,HR-HPV)感染与宫颈病变的相关性,为患者早期防治以及临床及时诊断提供有效依据。方法从2018年4月-2019年3月本院就诊患者中共检出946例高危型HPV感染患者,回顾性分析其中121例患者 HR-HPV与宫颈病变的关系。结果 121例研究对象中,分别有高危HPV16、高危HPV18、其他13种高危型HPV单一感染或多重感染,其中感染所占比例依次为:19.01%、8.26%和72.73%;宫颈CIN病变的发生与感染HPV的基因型有关,其中HPV16型、HPV18型感染导致宫颈CIN病变的发生率与其他13种HPV型别比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);宫颈活检结果中慢性宫颈炎所占比例为75.21%(91/121),鳞状上皮乳头瘤样增生占15.70%(19/121),CIN Ⅰ占4.96%(6/121),CIN Ⅱ 0.83%(1/121),CIN Ⅲ占3.31%(4/121)。结论 HR-HPV感染与宫颈病变关系密切,应加强对女性 HPV 感染的检测和筛查。     

2400例宫颈细胞脱落标本HPV筛查及荧光PCR基因分型和定量

目的建立快速、灵敏的HPV筛查方法及探讨HPV基因型与宫颈癌之间的关系.方法用细胞涂片法和传统PCR对2400例年龄在18～65岁的厦门郊区妇女进行筛查,对PCR阳性标本进一步进行荧光PCR基因分型和定量.结果 2400例宫颈脱落细胞普查中有宫颈原位癌4例、CIN(癌前病变)Ⅰ～Ⅲ级7例;PCR定性筛查这些标本中有84例阳性,阳性率为3.5%.对这84例阳性标本进行荧光基因分型和定量,发现13例HPV-16、18型阳性,其中HPV-16型阳性8例(占9.52%),HPV-18型阳性5例(5.95%),并且HPV-DNA拷贝数在3.6×103到5.6×107之间.在HPV-16、18型阳性的患者中宫颈原位癌3例(占75%)、CINⅠ-Ⅲ级5例(占71%).结论 HPV-16、18型与宫颈癌之间有高度相关性.     

Renal dysplasia and asplenia in two sibs

A family is reported in which two sibs, one male and the other female, both died within 24 hours of birth with enlarged polycystic kidneys. Postmortem histology in the second child showed gross renal dysplasia. In both children the pancreas was enlarged, nodular and cystic but the liver appeared macroscopically normal. In the second child, histological examination confirmed pancreatic fibrosis with cystic dilation of ducts, but showed portal fibrosis with bile duct proliferation in the liver.
This combination of findings is very reminiscent of those in a girl and her brother reported by Ivemark et al. (1959). The children reported here also showed absence or hypoplasia of the spleen, cardiac anomalies and other features of the Ivemark syndrome (Ivemark 1955), a quite different, usually sporadic, congenital disorder. It is suggested that the children described here have a distinct lethal congenital disorder, probably inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.     

Schizophrenia in a North Swedish geographical isolate, 1900–1977. Epidemiology, genetics and biochemistry

Over 200 schizophrenic patients belonging to three major and interrelated pedigree complexes have been investigated over the past 30 years in a North Swedish geographically isolated population, presently numbering about 6,000. An intensive investigation of a number of biochemical correlates and genetic markers in a few selected families belonging to one of the major pedigrees has indicated new strategies for the current research program.
Schizophrenia, as defined operationally, is significantly associated with decreased activities of two enzymes (1) blood platelet monoamine oxidase, (2) plasma dopamine-β-hydroxylase, and (3) with the genetic marker Gc² (group specific antigen). Both enzymes are subject to genetic variation. A positive score for linkage between schizophrenia and low plasma DBH activity has been calculated, but, so far, available data are insufficient for discrimination between linkage and partial contribution of genetically controlled low plasma DBH to the pathogenesis of the disease. Alternatively, both mechanisms could be involved.
As a model for continued research, schizophrenia is explained as based on a double dominant-recessive genotype (Aabb), representing a vulnerability which in about 50 % of cases develops into clinical schizophrenia. It is suggested that the dominant mutation (A) operates on or affects MAO activity, and that the recessive genotype (bb) is instrumental in low variates of DBH activity and very likely such variates within the normal range of physiological variation. Moreover, it is suggested that the combined effects of MAO- and DBH-reduced efficiency on the metabolism of e.g. dopamine could be an essential pathogenic mechanism for the schizophrenic illness which is segregating in this population.     

What will studies of Fulani individuals naturally exposed to malaria teach us about protective immunity to malaria?

There are an estimated over 200 million yearly cases of malaria worldwide. Despite concerted international effort to combat the disease, it still causes approximately half a million deaths every year, the majority of which are young children with Plasmodium falciparum infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Successes are largely attributed to malaria prevention strategies, such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor spraying, as well as improved access to existing treatments. One important hurdle to new approaches for the treatment and prevention of malaria is our limited understanding of the biology of Plasmodium infection and its complex interaction with the immune system of its human host. Therefore, the elimination of malaria in Africa not only relies on existing tools to reduce malaria burden, but also requires fundamental research to develop innovative approaches. Here, we summarize our discoveries from investigations of ethnic groups of West Africa who have different susceptibility to malaria.     

The universal muscular chain reaction,muscle spasm,Torsions, ruptures and extravasations. Chameleons of pathology and some manifestations of simple muscular disorders

Most bodily functions require the coordinated actions of complementary and supplementary paired muscle groups. Where this essential muscular cooperation is lacking, hollow organs may burst and others become literally screwed up, giving rise to many similar spastic diseases such as Torticollis, Twisted ovarian cyst, Torsion of the Testis, Volvulus of the intestines, Varicose Veins, Megacolon, Aortamegaly, Scoliosis, Erb's Palsy, Peyronie's Disease, Main-en-Griffe, Undescended Foot (Pes Cavus), Talipes, Strabismus. Spasm is “panenepidemic” and unclassified examples of Torsion Dystonia and Dyskinesia really are as common as debt and taxes.     

The dominant diseases of modernized societies as omega-3 essential fatty acid deficiency syndrome: Substrate beriberi

About 1900, modern food selection and processing caused widespread $\text{epidemics}$ of the B vitamin deficiency diseases of beriberi and pellagra which, for genetic reasons, often expressed as different diseases ranging from bowel and heart disease to dermatoses and psychoses. But the B vitamins merely help convert essential fatty acids (EFA) into the prostaglandin (PG) tissue regulators and it now turns out that, through hydrogenation, milling and selection of w3-poor southern foods, we have also been systematically depleting, by as much as 90%, a newly discovered trace Nordic EFA (w3) of special importance to primates and sole precursor of the PG3(4) series, even as a concurrent fiber deficiency increases body demand for EFA. Since substrate EFA is processed by many B vitamin catalysts, an EFA deficiency will mimic a $\text{panh}$ypovitaminosis B, i.e., a mixture of $\text{substrate}$ beriberi and $\text{substrate}$ pellagra resembling vitamin beriberi and pellagra but exhibiting as even more diverse $\text{endemic}$ disease. This would consitute a second stage of the Modern Malnutrition and explain why some workers now hold the dominant diseases of modermized societies to be new, nutritionally based, pellagraform yet lipid-related and to range, once again, from heart disease to psychosis. It is an assumption that our dominant diseases are unrelated to each other or are merely revealed by our diagnostic acumen and therapeutic success; and that hydrogenating millions of tons of food oils annually, to destroy the rancidity producing w3-EFA, is safe for $\text{primates}$. Extensive beriberiform disease is reported here in 32 typical cases taken from medical practice which responds strikingly to linseed oil supplements (60% w3-EFA) in confirmation of identical results in Capuchins.     

Hypo- und Hypermagnesämie aus kardiologischer Sicht

Zusammenfassung Eine Reihe pathologischer Zustände bedingen Magnesiummangel. Zustände mit Hypermagnesämie sind ebenfalls bekannt, doch wesentlich seltener. Für den Kardiologen beachtenswert ist, daß unter Therapie mit bestimmten Diuretica bei Herzinsuffizienz, bei Herzinfarkt, Kardiomyopathie, Digitalisintoxikation und bestimmten Herzrhythmusstörungen Hypomagnesämie beobachtet wurde. Leider kann in der klinischen Routine nur ein extracelluläres Magnesiumdefizit durch Serumbestimmungen gemessen werden; über Magnesiummangel einzelner Organe kann nichts ausgesagt werden. Hinweise für Magnesiummangel geben aber neben der Messung des Serumspiegels Anamnese, klinischer Befund, bestimmte EKG-Veränderungen wie auch evtl. Hypokalämie, ein Zustand, bei dem sich oft — besonders bei Aldosteronismus — parallele Veränderungen zeigten.Tierexperimente deuten darauf hin, daß infarktähnliche Läsionen unter Magnesiummangel entstehen, doch ob Herzinfarkt beim Menschen durch Magnesiummangel ausgelöst werden kann, ist noch ungeklärt. In Leichenherzen zeigte sich im Infarktgebiet neben Calciumakkumulation signifikanter Magnesiumverlust, wobei unklar blieb, ob sich Ursache oder Folge des Infarktes widerspiegelten. Falls ein ursächlicher Zusammenhang besteht, ist er im Myokardstoffwechsel selbst zu suchen, wie bei der Alkoholkardiomyopathie, wo myokardialer Magnesiummangel zumindest als pathogenetischer Teilfaktor anerkannt wird. Andererseits versucht man aber auch Beziehungen zwischen Atherosklerose, Blutgerinnung und Hypomagnesämie herzustellen, in der Meinung, daß Magnesiummangel auch über den coronaren Pathomechanismus des Herzinfarktes wirken könnte. Sicher scheint, daß gewisse EKG-Veränderungen und Herzrhythmusstörungen durch einen irritierten Magnesiumhaushalt bedingt sein können, da sie bei Gabe bzw. Entzug von Magnesium verschwinden. Daß Magnesiummangel die Glykosidtoleranz verringert, wird tierexperimentell bestätigt. Unter Hypomagnesämie bewirkt Acetylstrophanthidin eher und länger Rhythmusstörungen als ohne, außerdem lassen diese sich durch Magnesiumgaben eliminieren. Da in gewissen Fällen spontane und digitalisinduzierte Herzrythmusstörungen durch Magnesiuminjektionen beseitigt wurden, scheint Magnesium als Therapeuticum angebracht. Einsatz verschiedener Magnesiumsalze bei Angina pectoris, degenerativen Herzerkrankungen und Herzinsuffizienz ohne geprüften und offensichtlich gestörten Magnesiumhaushalt ist fragwürdig, weil keine eindeutigen klinischen Erfolgsbeweise vorliegen. Immerhin mag es aber larvierte, durch Serumbestimmungen nicht erfaßbare Mangelzustände geben. Allgemein erscheint es aus kardiologischer Sicht ratsam, den Magnesiumhaushalt zu überwachen und in entsprechenden Fällen auszugleichen, um möglichen Myokardläsionen oder fatalen Herzrhythmusstörungen entgegenzuwirken.     

Environmental risk factors and their role in the management of atopic dermatitis

Introduction: The etiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is multifactorial with interaction between genetics, immune and environmental factors.

Areas covered: We review the role of prenatal exposures, irritants and pruritogens, pathogens, climate factors, including temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, outdoor and indoor air pollutants, tobacco smoke exposure, water hardness, urban vs. rural living, diet, breastfeeding, probiotics and prebiotics on AD.

Expert commentary: The increased global prevalence of AD cannot be attributed to genetics alone, suggesting that evolving environmental exposures may trigger and/or flare disease in predisposed individuals. There is a complex interplay between different environmental factors, including individual use of personal care products and exposure to climate, pollution, food and other exogenous factors. Understanding these complex risk factors is crucial to developing targeted interventions to prevent the disease in millions. Moreover, patients require counseling on optimal regimens for minimization of exposure to irritants and pruritogens and other harmful exposures.     

Class II HLA in Georgia Caucasus Tbilisi Georgians and their Mediterranean ancestry: The Usko Mediterranean languages

Georgia (or Sakartvelo in its own language) is a South Caucasus Mts. country with its easternmost part is enigmatically named Iberia, like the Iberian Peninsula, which may refer to rivers “Kura” and “Ebro” or their valleys respectively. Most of their inhabitants speak Georgian which is included within Dene-Caucasian group and Usko-Mediterranean subgroup of languages. The latter includes Basque, Berber, ancient Iberian-Tartessian, Etruscan, Hittite, Minoan Lineal A and others. In the present paper, HLA class II -DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles has been studied and extended haplotypes calculated. Most frequent haplotypes are also of Mediterranean origin (i. e.: (A*02-B*51)-DRB1*11:01-DQB1*03:01, (A*02-B*51)-DRB1*13:01-DQB1*06:03, or (A*24-B*35)-DRB1*01:01-DQB1*05:01) and DA genetic distances show that closest world populations to Georgians are Mediterraneans. Georgians also show common extended haplotypes ((A*02-B*51)-DRB1*11:01-DQB1*03:01, (A*02-B*13)-DRB1*07:01-DQB1*02:01 and (A*03-B*35)-DRB1*11:01-DQB1*03:01) with Svan people, a secluded population in North Georgia mountains. We can conclude that Georgians belong to a very old Mediterranean substratum according to both linguistics (Usko Mediterranean languages) and HLA genetics.     

'Very sore nights and days': the child's experience of illness in early modern England, c.1580-1720

Sick children were ubiquitous in early modern England, and yet they have received very little attention from historians. Taking the elusive perspective of the child, this article explores the physical, emotional, and spiritual experience of illness in England between approximately 1580 and 1720. What was it like being ill and suffering pain? How did the young respond emotionally to the anticipation of death? It is argued that children’s experiences were characterised by profound ambivalence: illness could be terrifying and distressing, but also a source of emotional and spiritual fulfilment and joy. This interpretation challenges the common assumption amongst medical historians that the experiences of early modern patients were utterly miserable. It also sheds light on children’s emotional feelings for their parents, a subject often overlooked in the historiography of childhood. The primary sources used in this article include diaries, autobiographies, letters, the biographies of pious children, printed possession cases, doctors’ casebooks, and theological treatises concerning the afterlife.