Immunological factors in milk from Brazilian mothers delivering small-for-date term neonates

Breast milk samples from three groups of Brazilian women were evaluated: G1, mothers delivering term babies of low birth weight (n=16); G2, mothers delivering preterm babies of appropriate birth weight (n = 20); G3, mothers delivering term babies of appropriate birth weight ( n = 30). Milk samples were obtained at 48 h and on the 7th, 15th, 30th and 60th days after delivery and they were analyzed for lysozyme and total IgA levels and for the presence of specific antibodies against Poliovirus types I, II, III, Rotavirus, Herpes simplex virus, Varicella zoster and Cytomegalovirus. The groups were not statistically different in relation to mother's age, parity, type of delivery or socio-economic levels. IgA levels were higher in both low-birth-weight groups (G1 & G2) compared to the control group (G3) throughout the study period. Lysozyme levels decreased up to the 15th day, increasing thereafter up to the 60th day in all groups. Specific antibodies were detected throughout the study period, with no differences among groups. We conclude that breast milk composition of mothers delivering low-birth-weight babies (G1 & G2) was similar despite the different gestational ages.     

抗真菌药物的研究II.C-端含氧代赖氨酸二肽的合成及抗白念珠菌活性

引用违法传递概念设计合成了11个C-末端含氧代赖氨酸二肽,进行抗深部致病菌-白念珠菌活性试验,体外实验结果显示极强的抑菌活性,MIC在12.5～0.8μg/disk之间,较母体氧化赖氨酸大50～135倍(克分子比。     

Subepithelial hemorrhage of renal pelvis simulating neoplasm (Antopol-Goldman lesion)

Two cases of peripelvic hemorrhage simulating tumors (Antopol-Goldman lesion) are reported. In the 2 cases, nephrectomies were performed. With more knowledge of this lesion, and of its rapid disappearance, a waiting period and repeated intravenous pyelogram might prevent some unnecessary surgery.     

A comparative study of three kidney biomarker tests in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the progress of tubular damage and renal insufficiency in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a subject of doubtless interest, and is the object of this present work. METHODS: A total of 92 adult ADPKD patients of both genders were studied, none of which presented end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and classified according to an ultrasound score based on kidney size and number of cysts. Urinary albumin and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase (Hex) and its isoenzymes were determined, together with serum glutathione peroxidase, cystatin C, creatinine, and urea. RESULTS: A frequent elevation of the urinary Hex was found and an alteration of its isoenzymatic profile, with 31% of the normotensive patients with normoalbuminuria already presenting an increased proportion of Hex B isoenzyme. Keeping age constant, a partial significant correlation was found between the ultrasound score and the proportion of Hex B (r = 0.352, P < 0.05), but not with albuminuria or cystatin C. In 42 patients the different biochemical variables were again determined after 1 year, finding that in the 13 normotensive patients with normoalbuminuria there had been a significant decrease in the concentration of cystatin C (P < 0.05), and a significant increase in the urinary excretion of albumin and Hex B isoenzyme (P < 0.05). By the other hand, in the other 29 patients with micro- or macroalbuminuria and hypertension, no significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: The results point toward an important participation of tubular damage in the pathogenesis of this disease. It may also be suggested that in normotensive and normoalbuminuric ADPKD patients, a gradual increase of glomerular filtration would be produced. After the start of hypertension and microalbuminuria, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) would decrease progressively, although more slowly.     

Occupational chemical risk: elements for a diagnostic in Spain

BACKGROUND: Lack of information and accurate knowledge about the properties of chemicals and the exposure derived from its use; hinder health and safety measures to protect exposed workers. The aim of this study is to identify the elements that will help us draw a balance of chemical hazards in Spain and register the most dangerous chemicals at the workplace (by sector or field of activity). METHODS: Study of secondary sources, identification of risk perception by workers' representatives and study of the approach on chemical risk in risk assessments. The last step is to set up a Chemical Exposure Database arranged by industrial sectors. RESULTS: Great volumes of production and consumption of chemicals, generalization of exposure, but insufficient data on specific use; little information is provided on specific dangerous factors of commonly used chemicals; chemicals are barely identified in risk assessments. High levels of exposure in industrial sectors; damage is not adequately registered; there are difficulties in risk perception. Set-up of a preliminary database on exposure by sector of activity. CONCLUSIONS: Data is collected; information sources and procedures, which allow a forecast of chemical risk, are identified. A database on exposure by sector of activity is developed (to be checked and enhanced as new evidence is found).     

Inpatient admissions for interventional radiology: philosophy of patient management

As an alternative to performing interventional radiology on inpatients under the care of internists and surgeons, the authors have established a cardiovascular radiology admitting service for well-screened, elective patients. The patients are admitted under the care of a cardiovascular radiology fellow and a staff physician. From April 1982 to December 1983, 133 patients were admitted to the service. Patients are cared for in a surgical ward or in an intermediate unit, as determined by the clinical situation. Advantages of this approach include a broader patient referral base, improved rapport with clinical colleagues and patients, improved follow-up data, and rapid evaluation and treatment, resulting in short hospital stays. The major disadvantages involve the commitment of time and staff necessary to provide quality care. The concept of the interventional radiologist in the role of admitting physician has important implications in terms of negotiations for additional financial compensation, commensurate with the skill and time required for performing these procedures and caring for the patient.     

Fabry's disease: long-term study of a family

Fabry's disease is the second most prevalent lysosomal storage disorder after Gaucher's disease. It occurs as the result of a deficit in the alpha-galactosidase A enzyme. The gene coding for it is located on the long arm of the X chromosome (Xq22.1). This deficit causes the gradual accumulation of a glycosphingolipid. The main substance accumulated is globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). This accumulation leads to pain and angiokeratomas, and to cardiac, cerebral, and vascular involvement as the disease progresses. The treatment of Fabry's disease has so far only been symptomatic; however, new advances have now made it possible to prescribe alpha-galactosidase replacement therapy, which not only improves symptoms, but also enhances these patients' quality of life and lowers mortality. In this paper we review the status of Fabry's disease and we report the follow-up of a family with Fabry's disease, with some members receiving replacement therapy with alpha-galactosidase A and demonstrating good progress.