Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in northern Sweden: Clinical characteristics and practical guidance

Conclusion: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) patients with high surgical treatment frequency (≥ 1/year, HF) were significantly younger and had a more widespread laryngeal disease compared to a low frequency treated group (< 1 treatment/year, LF). This study confirms the existence of a clinical RRP group, not primarily related to HPV sub-type, but more care-intensive and in need of more vigilant follow-up. Objectives: RRP is associated with high morbidity due to its influence on breathing and voice. The purpose of this study was to characterize RRP patients in northern Sweden and investigate possible predictor factors affecting therapeutic needs. Method: Patients from the regional referral area (northern Sweden) were categorized for age, disease duration, juvenile or adult onset, profile of disease development, number of surgical sessions in relation to disease duration, laryngeal deposition of papilloma, gender, and HPV sub-types, in order to identify patients with increased need for frequent surgical treatment. Results: The median age of the RRP patients (n = 48) was 44.5 years; 34 (71%) were males and 14 (29%) females, most were infected with HPV 6. Patients with high surgical treatment frequency/year were significantly younger and showed more widespread papillomatous vegetation in the larynx, compared to the low frequency treated group.     

使用棱镜重新定位双侧中心暗点患者视网膜物像的预试验

目的 本研究使用激光扫描检眼镜(SLO)评价双侧中央暗点患者使用棱镜后的眼球运动反应.方法 本预试验共招募6例有双侧中央暗点的年龄相关性黄斑变性(AMD)患者以及6例正常视力的志愿者.首先用Nidek MP-1微视野仪确认患者的中央暗点和优选视网膜注视点(PRL),然后用Rodenstock SLO,在将视标投射在优选视网膜注视点时拍下实时视网膜像,接着在受检者眼前加入6～8 PD的棱镜,要求受检者保持注视视标,这时通过视网膜标记来测量视网膜像的移位量,以及随后发生的优选视网膜注视点的再次注视.过程中平均移位量和再次注视时间通过图像软件(ImageJ software)来计算.结果 实验组再次注视时的移位量在3个像素点或11.66个弧分之内(x轴:2.90±3.92,y轴:2.53±4.18).对照组再次注视时的移位会准确些(x轴:0.33±1.15,y轴:0.89±2.50),但与实验组差异无统计学意义(tx=1.32,Px＞0.05;ty=0.80,Py＞0.05).对照组再次注视时间(0.98±0.19)s较实验组(2.83±1.63)s要短,差距有统计学意义(t=5.03,P＜0.01).其中有1例实验组受检者没有发生再次注视,其结果被排除并单独分析.结论 研究发现,双眼中央暗点患者对棱镜物像转移后的再注视反应与正常人接近,但实验组再注视明显较对照组慢,并有1例受检者没有发生再注视.该数据说明双侧中央暗点患者无论眼前有没有棱镜,都会利用相同的视网膜位置视物,因此,通过棱镜物像再定位的意义不大.     

Knowledge and Usage of Emergency Contraceptives Among University Students in Ghana

Contraceptive use is an important strategy for the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and avoidance of induced abortion. Of all the contraception methods, emergency contraceptive (EC) offers the last chance to achieve this. However, few studies have documented the use of EC among young people in Ghana. This study explored knowledge and usage of EC as well as the factors associated with it among University of Cape Coast students. Data were obtained on the knowledge and usage of ECs among University of Cape Coast students in 2013. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between students’ socio-demographic characteristics and EC knowledge and use. More male students (72 %) than females (59 %) were sexually active. Fifty-seven percent of the respondents had ever heard of EC and 36 % had ever used EC. Although males were more likely to be sexually active, females were more likely to have knowledge of EC use compared to males. The study underscores the need to increase awareness regarding EC among University students in order to offer them the opportunity that EC provides if other forms of contraceptives are missed.     

Respiratory muscle dysfunction in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy

Sleep and Breathing -