天鹅型记忆接骨器治疗肱骨骨折的生物力学研究

目的阐明天鹅型记忆接骨器(swan-like memory compressive connector,SMC)应用于肱骨骨折治疗的生物力学基础。方法通过轴向拉伸试验、三点弯曲试验、扭转试验三种生物力学测试方法建模,对比分析肱骨中段骨折天鹅型记忆接骨器和8孔钢板治疗的生物力学稳定性。结果轴向拉伸试验得出载荷-应变曲线及拉伸强度,加载1000N时的SMC与钢板固定的强度分别为2.21MPa和2.35MPa,两组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);测定位移与刚度得出载荷-位移曲线及轴向刚度,加载1000N时的SMC与钢板固定的轴向刚度分别为465N/mm和424N/mm,两组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);三点弯曲试验得出弯矩-挠度曲线及弯曲刚度,弯矩在5N·m时SMC固定组与钢板固定组的刚度分别为18.59N·cm/(°)和17.84N·cm/(°),两组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);扭转试验得出扭矩-扭角曲线及扭转刚度,SMC固定组与钢板固定组在最大扭矩下的扭转刚度分别为302.11N·cm/(°)和287.07N·cm/(°),两组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)其固定的稳定性接近钢板组。结论天鹅型记忆接骨器治疗肱骨骨折具有良好的生物力学稳定性。     

锁定钢板外置与单臂一体式外固定支架固定骨折的生物力学研究

[摘要] 目的 通过对锁定钢板（LCP）外置与外固定支架固定骨折的生物力学的研究分析，为临床应用锁定钢板外置固定治疗提供理论依据。方法 选择不同长度的牛小腿骨（胫骨20条形成骨折标本并随机分成两组），分别采用锁定钢板外置固定和外固定支架固，观察标本在不同的载荷下承受的轴向压缩、扭转和弯曲作用下变化情况。结果 两组在100、200、300、400、500、600、700N载荷轴向压缩值比较差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05），且随着载荷越大则轴向压缩值差距越大。两组在4、6、8、10、12、14N.cm扭转角度比较差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05），且随着载荷越大则扭转角度值差距越大。两组在50、100、150、200、250、300 N载荷弯曲位移值比较差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05），且随着载荷越大则弯曲位移值差距越大。结论 锁定钢板外置固定骨折在轴向压缩、扭转和弯曲等生物力学方面优于外固定支架，其在临床治疗开放性骨折方面有着潜在的应用价值。     

桥接系统混棒与双棒结构治疗股骨及胫骨骨折的生物力学特点

文题释义： 桥接系统双棒与混棒结构：桥接系统双棒结构类似于锁定钢板，固定骨折方式为平行一侧骨面的偏心固定，但偏心固定可能导致纵向上固定减弱及横向上抗扭转降低，骨折端固定不牢靠而使骨折不易愈合，甚至内固定疲劳失效。桥接系统混棒结构为一根单棒固定骨折后，在其径向90°或135°处固定另一根单棒，实现非平面整体、立体固定，骨折端纵向上坚强固定，横向上抗疲劳性能强。 轴向压缩与径向扭转实验：轴向压缩实验是以3 mm/min的速度向模型两端施加轴向压力，观察轴向压缩屈曲载荷与骨折端位移的变化；径向扭转实验是以2 r/min的速度径向旋转，观察横向扭矩与角度变化。轴向压缩实验主要观察纵向上骨折端稳定程度，径向扭转实验主要观察横向上抗疲劳性能。 背景：桥接系统双棒结构为偏心固定，术后可能导致纵向上固定减弱及横向上抗扭转降低。 目的：比较桥接组合式内固定系统混棒与双棒结构治疗股骨及胫骨骨折的生物力学特性。 方法：以40根短聚甲醛材料配对模拟人体长骨骨干模型20个，其中10个以桥接组合式内固定系统混棒结构固定(混棒结构组)，另10个以桥接组合式内固定系统双棒结构固定(双棒结构组)，对2组分别进行轴向压缩实验和径向扭转实验(每种实验各选择每组5个模型)，观察2组的轴向压缩力与位移情况，以及横向扭转力与角度变化，记录各组曲线出现折点或趋于水平状态时的载荷即最大载荷，并计算屈服载荷。 结果与结论：①当轴向压缩屈服载荷≤2 000 N、产生相同位移时，混棒结构组所需轴向压缩屈服载荷大于双棒结构组；当轴向压缩屈服载荷>2 000 N、产生相同位移时，双棒结构组所需轴向压缩屈服载荷大于混棒结构组，并且双棒结构组最大轴向压缩屈服载荷大于混棒结构组[(2 420.60±5.67)，(2 721.40±5.80)N，t=-82.885，P=0]；②当径向扭转屈服载荷≤50 N•m、产生相同角度时，混棒结构组所需的扭矩小于双棒结构组；当径向扭转屈服载荷>50 N•m、产生相同角度时，混棒结构组所需扭矩大于双棒结构组，并且混棒结构组最大径向扭转屈服载荷大于双棒结构组 [(101.85±2.97)，(85.41±2.82)N•m，t=8.985，P=0]；③结果说明，桥接系统混棒与双棒结构纵向上均可坚强固定骨折，但混棒结构固定骨折更稳定、牢靠，更容易促使骨折愈合；混棒结构横向上固定骨折后，骨折端容易产生微动，符合弹性固定，并且最大抗扭转力及抗疲劳性能优于双棒结构，可防止因横向不稳定造成的桥接系统断裂。 ORCID: 0000-0002-0608-5303(汪亮) 中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：人工关节；骨植入物；脊柱；骨折；内固定；数字化骨科；组织工程     

自主研制胸锁关节解剖锁定钢板的生物力学对比

目的将自主研制的胸锁关节解剖锁定钢板与桡骨远端斜T型锁定钢板及胸锁钩钢板进行生物力学对比分析,观察其生物力学方面的特点及优势。方法选择9具防腐、湿润成人尸体,其中男性6具,女性3具。完整取下胸锁关节标本造成胸锁关节全脱位模型。将9具标本模型的两侧胸锁关节随机编号并配对分组:A组(实验组,胸锁关节解剖锁定钢板)、B组(对照组1,桡骨远端斜T型锁定钢板)和C组(对照组2,胸锁钩钢板),每组6个胸锁关节。将所有标本两侧安置钢板后固定于万能力学试验机上,分别进行锁骨远端负载、锁骨远端扭转及胸骨柄部螺钉抗拔出3项生物力学实验。结果锁骨远端负载实验:3组标本载荷量-位移均呈线性关系,实验组的抗压缩形变性能强于两个对照组。锁骨远端扭转实验:扭角与扭矩之间均呈线性关系,实验组的抗扭转形变性能强于两个对照组。胸骨柄部螺钉抗拔出实验:A、B、C组胸骨柄部螺钉最大抗拔出力比较,差异有统计学意义(P 0.05)。实验组胸骨柄部螺钉抗拔出性能强于两个对照组。结论自主研制胸锁关节解剖锁定钢板在抗压缩、抗扭转、胸骨柄部螺钉抗拔出等生物力学性能方面显著优于斜T型锁定钢板及胸锁钩钢板,能够为临床上治疗胸锁关节骨折脱位提供一款较为理想的内固定器械。     

梅花钉对股、胫骨远端骨折固定抗旋转实验研究

目的:探讨和测定梅花钉插入股、胫骨远端后的稳定性和抗旋转的力度。方法:将不同直径的梅花钉,分别插入股骨髁部和胫骨踝部,将梅花钉水平固定,并在外髁部或内踝部拧一枚螺丝钉作为悬挂测量重物,当力臂(L)为4cm时(本实验统一标准),测定使骨端开始发生旋转时的重力,计算出使其旋转的扭转力矩;同时测定股、胫骨完全骨折后水平放置时的自动外旋扭转力矩。结果:用直径分别为0.9cm、1.0cm、1.1cm的梅花钉插入股骨髁部,使骨端旋转的扭转力矩为2.156N·m～2.822N·m,用直径0.8cm和0.9cm的梅花钉插入胫骨踝部时,使骨端旋转的扭转力矩为1.646N·m～2.078N·m。而股骨骨折后的自动外旋扭转力矩为0.20N·m～0.32N·m;胫骨骨折后的自动外旋扭转力矩为0.149N·m～0.196N·m。结论:所以梅花钉的这种固定方法,对股、胫骨远端骨折固定的抗旋转效果是肯定的。     

前路"Z"形钢板治疗胸腰椎爆裂型骨折

目的探讨前路减压及"Z"形钢板内固定在治疗胸腰椎爆裂型骨折中的价值和作用。方法自1999年8月-2002年3月,对26例胸腰椎爆裂型骨折患者行"椎管前方减压、植骨融合、Z-plate钢板内固定术",观察手术疗效。结果获随访19例,随访时间11月-2年10个月,平均1年11.2个月。所有病例均达到骨性融合,无内固定失败病例。17例不完全神经损伤患者中,术后有12例Frankel分级改善。矢状面指数(SI):术前为10度-41度,平均24.2度;术后12月3度-9度,平均4.7度。CT椎管受损百分比度:术前为35%-67%,平均42.3%;术后为0%-10%,平均4.6%。结论采用椎管前方减压及"Z"形钢板固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂型骨折,可以获得满意的临床疗效。"Z"形钢板可以提供良好的脊柱稳定性。     

前外侧或后内侧辅助钢板结合髓内钉固定胫骨近端 1 / 3 骨折的生物力学研究

目的 研究髓内钉结合辅助钢板固定胫骨近端1/3骨折的稳定性,比较并观察胫骨近端1/3骨折后内侧辅助钢板与前外侧辅助钢板结合髓内钉固定的生物力学特点。方法 选取Sawbones第4代人工胫骨模型。根据辅助钢板位置分为后内侧钢板组和前外侧钢板组,每组4例,髓内钉远近端均2枚锁定钉固定,钢板远近端各3枚皮钉双层皮质固定。模拟AO分型41-A2型骨折,水平截骨平面位于胫骨髓内钉近端锁定钉远端0.5 cm即近端关节面以远5～6 cm位置。截骨完成后,通过生物力学试验机分别进行轴向压缩、三点弯曲、循环加载及极限应力测试,比较各组轴向刚度、三点弯曲刚度等结果。结果 轴向压缩实验表明,后内侧钢板组平均轴向刚度低于前外侧钢板组,两组间差异无统计学意义。三点弯曲实验表明,后内侧钢板组无论是对抗内翻应力(钢板位于骨折压力侧,t=3.679,P<0.05)还是外翻应力(钢板位于骨折张力侧,t=8.975,P<0.05),其弯曲刚度均优于前外侧钢板组。结论 辅助钢板结合髓内钉固定胫骨近端1/3骨折可以提高近端骨折块固定的稳定性,并允许患者更早负重。钢板置于后内侧或者前外侧均能够提供足够的轴向强度,后...     

不同器械固定股骨干横行骨折的生物力学研究及其临床选用

目的通过比较TiNi记忆合金环抱接骨板(环抱器)、有限接触动力加压接骨板(加压钢板)与交锁髓内钉(交锁钉)治疗股骨干横行骨折的生物力学,为临床选用提供依据。方法 8对模型随机一侧用环抱器和交锁钉固定,对侧用钢板固定,行轴向、三点弯和扭转试验。结果轴向试验:环抱器组应变大于钢板、髓内钉组,后两组相仿;100 N时,各组位移相仿;200～600 N时,环抱器组位移大于钢板、髓内钉组,后两组相仿。三点弯试验:环抱器组桡度较钢板、髓内钉组大,后两组相仿。扭转试验:环抱器、髓内钉两组扭角相仿,钢板组较环抱器组(≥3 N.m)和髓内钉组小。结论环抱器、交锁钉和加压钢板固定股骨干横行骨折的稳定性依次加强,环抱器固定后的轴向微动可促进骨折愈合。     

人胫骨四种内固定器的生物力学评价

目的 :比较四种内固定器在人胫骨骨折时的生物力学特性。方法 :将经防腐固定成人胫骨9根 ,制成中段横断骨折 ,依次安放双Ender钉 ,双矩形钉 ,梅花钉和四孔钢板 ,并进行前内侧和前外侧三点弯曲实验及轴向扭转实验。结果 :Ender钉、四孔钢板、梅花钉和矩形钉内固定器的三点弯曲刚度分别为 :前外侧 13 .0、2 5 .4、41.8、2 3 .3N/mm ;前内侧 2 5 .5、 16.2、41.4、2 0 .2N/mm ;轴向扭转 15°时的力矩分别为 :1.43、4.67、0 .86、0 .86Nm。梅花钉抗弯曲较其它内固定器强 (P <0 .0 1～ 0 .0 5 ) ,余者间无显著性差别 ;四孔钢板抗轴向扭转较其它内固定器强 (P <0 .0 1) ,Ender钉次之。结论 :4种内固定器中四孔钢板抗轴向扭转性能最好 ,梅花钉的三点弯曲刚度最强 ,对于胫骨骨折 ,Ender钉和矩形钉可以提供较好的稳定作用。     

球囊扩张椎体成形与椎弓根钉置入内固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的效果对比

背景:由于爆裂骨折后椎体后壁不完整,失去了对灌注骨水泥的阻挡保护,胸腰椎爆裂骨折因此成为椎体成形的相对禁忌证。然而在临床过程中常会遇到爆裂骨折患者伴有严重的内科疾病而不能耐受常规的切开复位内固定,此时微创椎体成形可能是患者的惟一选择。目前关于胸腰椎爆裂骨折采用微创椎体成形和椎弓根钉内固定治疗的对比研究还不多。目的:对比观察采用椎弓根钉置入内固定和微创椎体成形治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的效果。方法:北京大学第一医院骨科2005-09/2008-10纳入27例胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者,其中12例开展微创椎体成形治疗,15例采用椎弓根钉内固定治疗。对比观察两组病例的手术时间、治疗后疼痛缓解情况、术中及治疗后不良事件。结果与结论:椎弓根钉置入内固定组手术时间平均55min,固定后5～7d疼痛缓解,疼痛缓解率平均为69.3%,无神经根损伤。球囊扩张椎体成形组手术时间平均37min,治疗后第1日疼痛即出现缓解,疼缓解率平均为86.2%,有3例骨水泥渗漏,但均无神经症状。提示胸腰椎爆裂骨折采用椎弓根钉置入内固定和微创球囊扩张椎体成形均可达到缓解疼痛稳定骨折的目的,采用椎弓根钉内置入固定手术时间长,创伤大;而微创椎体成形术的创伤小、手术时间短,但有一定的骨水泥渗漏危险。虽然胸腰椎爆裂骨折是椎体成形的相对禁忌证,但通过合理使用微创椎体成形术技术,可减少骨水泥的渗漏,从而为爆裂骨折的治疗提供一个新的选择。     

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.     

HLA genes in Amerindians from Mexico San Vicente Tancuayalab Teenek/Huastecos

Huastecos or Teenek Amerindians are presently living at North East Mexico (San Luis Potosi State). They have probably one of the most ancient culture of Mexico and Central America together with Mayas and Olmec groups with which also show close relationships. Proximity to Atlantic Ocean/Mexican Gulf originated that Spaniards had very early contact with them at about 1519 CE or before. In the present paper we have aimed to study HLA gene profile which may be useful for HLA and disease epidemiology and transplant programs in Teeneks. HLA-DRB1*04:07, -DRB1*14:06 and -DRB1*04:11 have been found in high frequency like in other Amerindian groups. High frequency typical Amerindians HLA extended haplotypes have been found, such as A*02-B*35-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02; A*68-B*39-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02 and A*02-B*39-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02; also new haplotypes have been described, like A*02-B*52-DRB1*04:11-DQB1*03:02, A*68-B*35-DRB1*14:02-DQB1*03:01 and A*68-B*40-DRB1*16:02-DQB1*03:01. Genetic proximity is observed not only to linguistically close Mayans, but also to Mazatecans, Mixtecans and Zapotecans, who speak an altogether different languages; it shows once more that genes and languages do not correlate. This population was greatly diminished after European contact between 1500 and 1600 years CE; in fact, North and South America First Inhabitants population was brought from 80 down to 8 million people because of diseases (i.e.: measles, smallpox or influenza), slavery and war.