A diagnostic algorithm for male genital oedema

Male genital oedema can be defined as swelling or the appearance of swelling of the scrotum and/or the penile shaft and prepuce. Despite the various causes of genital oedema reported in the published work, a concise approach to the evaluation and management has not been sufficiently addressed.     

Detection of mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome determining resistance to fluoroquinolones by hybridization on biological microchips

We developed a method of identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with simultaneous evaluation of the sensitivity to fluoroquinolones on a biological microchip array. The method of multiplex two-staged PCR followed by hybridization of a biochip makes it possible to detect 8 mutant variants of gyrA gene occurring in fluoroquinolone-resistant strains (∼85% all resistant forms) within 1 day. Using this method we analyzed 107 cultures isolated from patients with tuberculosis and 78 sputum samples. Mutations in gyrA gene were detected in 48 (92%) resistant strains. Natural S95T polymorphism in gyrA gene was detected in all resistant and in 76% sensitive strains. The sensitivity and specificity of the proposed method calculated on the basis of the analysis of sputum samples (n=78) were 94 and 100%, respectively. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 145, No. 1, pp. 115–120, January, 2008     

The long-term effectiveness of generic adult fixed-dose combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected Ugandan children

Background

Access to pediatric antiretroviral formulations is increasing in resource-limited countries, however adult FDCs are still commonly used by antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs.

Objective

To describe long-term effectiveness of using adult FDC of d4T+3TC+NVP (Triomune) in children for HIV treatment.

Methods

Clinical, immunologic, and virologic outcomes of HIV-infected ART-naïve children aged six months to 12 years, were evaluated up to 96 weeks post-ART initiation.

Results

From March 2004 to June 2006, 104 children were followed with a median age of 5.4 years, median CD4 cell percent and HIV-1 RNA were 11.0% (IQR 6.7–13.9) and 348,846copies/mL (IQR 160,941–681,313) respectively at baseline. Using Kaplan-Meir estimates, 75% of children had undetectable viral loads (<400copies/mL) at 96weeks of ART. Children with a baseline CD4 cell percent >15% were 3 times more likely to achieve viral load <400copies/mL than those with baseline CD4 cell percent <5% after adjusting for baseline age {aHR = 3.03 (1.10–8.32), p=0.03}; no difference was found among those with CD4 cell percent >5–14.9% and <5%.

Conclusion

Treatment with generic adult FDC for HIV-infected Ugandan children led to sustained clinical, immunologic and virologic response during 96 weeks of ART. Early initiation of ART is key to achieving virological success.     

常见妇科疾病引起的雌激素水平变化与骨转换的关系

女性常见的妇科疾病如子宫内膜异位症、子宫内膜癌、乳腺癌、Sheehan综合征等,其病程中体内雌激素水平变化,直接或间接地影响骨转换水平,导致骨量变化。本文研究不同疾病状态下,疾病本身因素或手术及药物治疗对女性卵巢功能和雌激素水平的影响,从而影响骨转换率,导致继发性骨质疏松。有助于预防和治疗女性激素相关性骨量下降和骨质疏松,提高女性患者的生活质量。     

Role of PCR analysis in complex bacteriological studies in phthisiology

The study was undertaken to assess the role of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in complex bacteriological studies in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis in 197 patients by bacterioscopy, inoculation, and PCR. It was shown that in addition to conventional bacteriological methods, PCR might be used as an additional laboratory study in making a diagnosis in patients with restrictive pulmonary tuberculosis. A combination of cultural inoculation and PCR analysis enhances the sensitivity of bacteriological diagnosis and reduces its duration in oligo- and abacillary patients with tuberculosis. PCR analysis enhances the efficiency of laboratory control over antituberculous chemotherapy.     

Need for instruction and support of the wives of patients with myocardial infarction

The study investigates the need for instruction and support among wives of patients with myocardial infarction, applying the 'stress' theory. The data were gathered by questionnaires completed by 59 wives of patients with myocardial infarction. Feelings and symptoms indicative of stress did occur among wives of the patients. They assessed instruction especially concerning home care, as being inadequate. They stated that the support they received had come largely from their own relatives; more than one third of the respondents said they had received support from a nurse; one fifth said they had not received it from anyone. The 'instruction' model for wives and other relatives of patients with myocardial infarction, introduced at the end of the article, emphasizes the importance of relevant information and support to the close relatives of patients with myocardial infarction.