Standards for total body fat and fat-free mass in infants

Data on body composition in conjunction with reference centiles are helpful in identifying the severity of growth and nutritional disorders in infancy and for evaluating the adequacy of treatment given during this important period of rapid growth. Total body fat (TBF) and fat-free mass (FFM) were estimated from total body electrical conductivity (TBEC) measurements in 423 healthy term Caucasian infants, aged 14-379 days. Cross sectional age, weight, and length related centile standards are presented for TBF and FFM. Centiles were calculated using Altman's method, based on polynomial regression and modelling of the residual variation. The TBF percentage steeply increased during the first half year of life, and slowly declined beyond this age. Various simple TBEC derived anthropometric prediction equations for TBF and FFM are available to be used in conjunction with these standards. Regression equations for the P50 and the residual SD, depending on age, weight, or length, are provided for constructing centile charts and calculating standard deviation scores.     

Differential susceptibility of renal carcinoma cell lines to tumor suppression by exogenous Fhit expression

Hemizygous deletions of the fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene at human chromosome band 3p14.2 and down-regulation of its gene product are found in the majority of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). Functional tumor suppressive activity of Fhit in renal cancer cells previously was observed in RCC cell line RC48, which lacks endogenous Fhit expression. To further investigate the potential role of FHIT as a tumor suppressor gene in RCC, we transfected FHIT cDNA expression constructs into RCC cell lines RCC-1 and SN12C, which show low-level expression of endogenous Fhit and reveal an intact von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene. Stable transfectants of both cell lines showed no alterations of cell morphology, proliferation kinetics, or cell cycle parameters in vitro. The FHIT gene transfer rate, however, was significantly lower in RCC-1 cells compared with SN12C cells, suggesting a selection against exogenous Fhit expression. In addition, in nude mouse assays, a significant delay of tumor formation was observed for FHIT-transfected RCC-1 cell lines, with outgrowing tumors demonstrating loss of Fhit expression in the majority of cells. In contrast, tumorigenicity of FHIT-transfected SN12C cell clones was not suppressed, despite stable transgene expression. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a selective tumor suppressive activity of Fhit in RCC cells in vivo and suggest that the susceptibility to suppression is not restricted to cancer cells with complete loss of Fhit expression.     

Probleme und Grenzen des nicht invasiven Sauerstoffmonitorings

Recently, professional anaesthesiologists organizations, have set up recommendations for intraoperative monitoring. These recommendations are based upon the assumption that anaesthesia-related deaths are largely preventable and that extensive monitoring will reduce mortality. Hypoxaemia appears to be an important pathophysiological mechanism, and this is why oxygen monitoring is given a high priority in safety standards in anaesthesia. However, no reduction in mortality has been definitively shown to follow the use of any monitoring device in randomized, controlled trials. Four techniques of oxygen monitoring are discussed and evaluated. Oxygen monitoring during inspiration can be recommended, although its implementation will probably prevent only a few anaesthesia-related deaths. Pulse oximetry is certainly highly recommended, but also has some deficiencies which are not sufficiently well known considering the popularity of this technique. Transcutaneous PO₂ is considered mainly for historical reasons. Near infrared spectrometry is a new technique offering noninvasive and continuous monitoring of intracerebral oxygenation.     

Quality assessment and assurance in diagnostic imaging. Theoretical and practical considerations and a quality audit of the excretory urogram

Concepts necessary to an understanding of the basics of quality assurance audits are presented. Included are specific examples that bridged theory and practice by applying the protocol to a real-life diagnostic imaging situation. This method meets the present requirements of the Joint Commission of the Accrediation of Hospitals.     

Colon perforation following percutaneous nephrostomy and renal calculus removal

Two patients had colonic perforation as a result of percutaneous nephrostomy placement followed by track dilatation and renal calculus removal. We present the technical aspects of nephrostomy placement and stone removal, as well as the clinical diagnosis and management of these cases. Both patients recovered well with conservative therapy and required no surgical intervention. This report reviews the anatomic considerations for percutaneous nephrostomy in patients undergoing renal stone removal.     

肾康片质量标准的研究

目的：研究肾康片的质量标准并控制该制剂的质量。方法：用薄层色谱法鉴别了肾康片中的黄芪,山茱萸,桑寄生及丹参,用薄层色谱法限量检查屯该制剂中的乌头碱,用双波长薄层扫描法测定了该制剂中黄芪甲苷的含量。结果：乌头碱限量符合中国药典测定,黄芪甲苷的平均回收率为９７．５％,其ＲＳＤ为１．４３％。结论：本文的结果显示出这些方法可用于控制该制剂的质量,方法灵敏,简便,专属,准确。