A comparison of the health-promoting life-style profile of ovarian-cancer patients and healthy women

Ovarian cancer is a lethal malignancy, rarely diagnosed early, and there is currently little, if any, preventive strategies which can be followed. This study attempts to identify lifestyle profiles which might be associated with ovarian cancer, and could then be subject to subsequent modification in an effort to prevent or decrease the incidence of this disease. The Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) questionnaire which is a multidimensional measure of lifestyle was administered to a 'well population' and to patients with the known and confirmed diagnosis of ovarian cancer. HPLP is a multidimensional measure of lifestyle which looks at self-actualization, health responsibility, exercise, nutrition, interpersonal support and stress management. It provides an objective lifestyle profile of individuals and groups of individuals. A t-test for independent samples was performed using the SPSSX statistical program. The separate variance t-test was used. The t-values of self-actualization, interpersonal support, health responsibility and exercise factors were significant at the 0.05 level. Patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer had significantly lower scores compared to those of healthy women. The t-value of the nutrition and stress management scores were not significantly different. This retrospective study strongly suggests that there is a lower score on the HPLP questionnaire for self-actualization, health promotion and lifestyle, interpersonal support, exercise and health responsibility for patients with ovarian cancer, as compared to healthy controls. There is no relationship between the subscores of nutrition and stress management, and the development of ovarian cancer. This would suggest there is a relationship between lifestyle and the development of ovarian cancer.     

Fragile X family with unusual digital and facial abnormalities, cleft lip and palate, and epilepsy.

We present a fragile X family with unusual clinical manifestations. These findings, which often occur in the X-linked FG syndrome, include minor limb anomalies, cleft lip and palate, characteristic facial appearance, gastrointestinal problems and epilepsy, and intellectual disability. In a total sample of 54 fra(X) families, the frequency of minor limb anomalies was estimated to be 32% in the affected males and 19% in the female heterozygotes. These anomalies tend to occur in several members of the same family, where some craniofacial abnormalities reported as characteristic of the FG syndrome have also been encountered. Possible mechanisms for the occurrence of these unusual manifestations in the fra(X) families are discussed.     

Application of robust pedigree analysis in studies of complex genotype–phenotype relationships in fragile X syndrome

Relationships between the fragile X dynamic mutation and palmar and finger epidermal ridge measures were assessed using a robust modification of the maximum likelihood estimators for pedigree data. A total of 34 extended families affected with fragile X syndrome were used. Phenotypic traits included ridge count on the thumb and ridge breadth measured in the second palmar interdigital area bilaterally. Genotypic measures were represented by the number of CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene, the levels of specific FMR1 protein (FMRP), fragile X category defined by the size of the CCG repeat, and methylation status of the gene. The results demonstrated a significant fragile X effect (related to the number of CGG repeats) in the thumb ridge count in males. This effect was more evident in ridge breadth and was found in both sexes. However, the relationship between both phenotypic traits and the level of FMRP was nonsignificant. The study makes a useful contribution to the development of methodologies for the analysis of genotype–phenotype relationships in dynamic mutations, especially in overcoming extensive variability in both the genotype and phenotype, and in approaching the statistical problems related to intergenerational changes in repeat size. The findings support the hypothesis that the fragile X mutation affects limb development during an early fetal period. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Clinical features and reproductive patterns in fragile X female heterozygotes.

Clinical findings are presented on 113 fragile X female heterozygotes from 44 families, based on physical examination, behavioural assessment, and reproductive history. In 85% of a subsample of 92 adult females non-verbal IQ score derived from the Block Design test was 85 or less. Verbal ability deficits were much less common. Typical facial characteristics, irregular teeth, and hypermobility of finger joints occurred in approximately 40% of adult females, but facial abnormalities were less common in children. Some physical anomalies and the level of intellectual impairment were, in adult carriers, associated with the presence of fragile X sites. The commoner physical anomalies or typical facial characteristics and intellectual abilities differed significantly between the known female heterozygotes and their 40 presumed normal relatives. Frequency of miscarriages was increased in fragile X females; in spite of this, a moderate increase in the number of children has been encountered in female carriers with borderline intellectual impairment. This important problem has genetical implications and needs further investigation. The importance is emphasised of a more detailed clinical examination of the females at risk in fragile X families.     

血清反复冻融对HBsAg和抗HBs抗体检测的影响

0　引言　 EL ISA技术已在乙肝标志物的检测中已普遍应用 ,一般认为收集的血清应及时检测 .而在基层单位或在流行病学调查研究中 ,由于血标本收集不集中 ,或者有些标本常需检测多个指标而持续时间较长 ,因此 ,血清必须低温贮存一定时间或反复冻融后检测 ,而血清冻融对 EL ISA检测结果是否有影响尚不清楚 .为此 ,我们对 183份血清标本冻融前、冻融 3次、冻融 6次后的 HBs Ag和抗 - HBs进行了检测和分析比较 .1　材料和方法1.1　材料　 1999- 0 5收集西京医院门诊乙肝 5项检测血清183份 ,年龄、性别、诊断不限 .1.2　方法　于初次检测 …     

Effect of fragile X status categories and FMRP deficits on cognitive profiles estimated by robust pedigree analysis

The effect of the fragile X pre-mutation and full mutation categories, and FMRP deficits in these categories, on neurocognitive status, have been assessed in fragile X individuals from 144 extended families, which included fragile X individuals, as well as their non-fragile X relatives. Neuropsychological status was assessed by the Wechsler summary and subtest test scores. A modification of the maximum likelihood estimators for pedigree data that is resistant to outliers was used to analyze the data. The results have demonstrated the effect of large expansions of CGG repeat in the FMR1 (fragile X mental retardation 1) gene (full mutation) in decreasing full scale IQ (FSIQ), as well as several FSIQ-adjusted subtest scores in the performance domain. Moreover, the results have demonstrated significant cognitive deficits in male individuals with pre-mutation. FMRP depletion correlates strongly with neurocognitive status in the full mutation subjects. Evidence for the effect of FMRP in smaller expansions (pre-mutation) in reducing FSIQ, Performance and Verbal scores, as well as subtest scores in males, has also been obtained. The results are also suggestive of factors other than FMRP deficit which may determine some specific cognitive deficits in fragile X pre-mutation carriers. Genetic variance estimated from the models accounts for less than half of the total variance in FSIQ, and it varies widely between individual Wechsler subtests.     

有自杀行为的单、双相抑郁症患者父母育龄及胎次效应比较

目的:比较有自杀行为的单、双相抑郁症患者间父母育龄及胎次效应的差异。方法:于1983-07/2003-06选择无锡市精神卫生中心门诊和住院符合中国精神疾病分类方案与诊断标准第3版及美国精神障碍诊断和统计手册第4版心境障碍中抑郁发作标准的、无严重躯体疾病或脑器质性疾病的抑郁患者。有自杀行为的单相抑郁症患者家系59例,双相抑郁症患者家系31例。采用自行编制的精神病家系调查表(内容主要包括患者及一级亲属所有成员社会人口学资料、疾病发作特点及次数、自杀情况),由两名主治医师或以上的研究人员对每一家系进行调查,然后再由两名研究人员在互不知情的情况下对每一患者进行再诊断。对所有先症者及一级亲属中有自杀行为者进行面检(面检率>95%);对无自杀行为的一级亲属则进行信函调查(53%)及面检(47%)。已死亡及不能进行面检者的资料由一两名一级亲属提供有关情况填写调查表。用Haldance和Smith法观察有自杀行为的单相抑郁症患者及双相抑郁症患者父母育龄及胎次的效应。结果:符合入组诊断标准者共151例,完成家系调查的共122例,其中纳入分析的单相抑郁症家系59例,双相抑郁症家系31例。①单相抑郁症患者胎次为1的13例,胎次为2的15例,胎次为3的13例,胎次为4的8例,胎次为5的8例,胎次为7的2例;双相抑郁症患者胎次为1的10例,胎次为2的11例,胎次为3的7例,胎次为4的1例,胎次为5的2例,胎次为7的0例。②有自杀行为单相抑郁症患者与父母育龄及胎次的关系非常显著(C=2.4>2,P<0.01,6A>X6A);有自杀行为双相抑郁症患者与父母育龄及胎次无显著关系(C=0.74<2,P>0.05)。结论:单相抑郁症患者父母育龄越大和胎次越高者易发生自杀行为,双相抑郁症患者父母育龄和胎次自杀行为的发生无明显关系。提示适龄婚育对防止单相抑郁症自杀行为的发生具有重要意义。     

Enteric nerves in diabetic rats: increase in vasoactive intestinal polypeptide but not substance P

The distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and substance P-like immunoreactivities was studied by immunohistochemistry in the myenteric plexus and circular muscle layer of the ileum and proximal colon of rats 8 wk after induction of diabetes with streptozotocin. A consistent increase was observed in fluorescence intensity of VIP-like immunoreactivity in the nerve fibers, and intensely stained cell bodies were significantly more frequent in the myenteric plexus of the ileum (p less than 0.001) from diabetic animals. Some varicosities of VIP-like immunoreactive fibers in the myenteric plexus appeared to be enlarged. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactivity was increased and VIP-like immunoreactive nerves appeared thicker in the circular muscle layer of both diabetic ileum and proximal colon. The VIP levels were measured biochemically in tissue consisting of the smooth muscle layers and myenteric plexus. A significant increase in the VIP content per centimeter of intestine was found in both the ileum (p less than and proximal colon (p less than 0.01) from diabetic rats. In contrast, no apparent change in substance P innervation was observed immunohistochemically in the myenteric plexus and circular muscle layer of either diabetic ileum or proximal colon when compared with controls. The results are discussed in relation to the symptoms of autonomic neuropathy of the gut in diabetes.     

Comparison of levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine monotherapy among Korean patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy: A long‐term,randomized, open‐label trial

This open‐label, multicenter, randomized phase IV trial (NCT01498822) of noninferiority design compared the long‐term effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of levetiracetam (LEV) monotherapy with those of oxcarbazepine (OXC) monotherapy in adults with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. Korean patients (16–80 years), with ≥2 unprovoked focal seizures in the year preceding the trial, who had not taken any antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the last 6 months, were randomized to receive LEV or OXC (1:1). Effectiveness, safety, and tolerability were assessed over a 50‐week period. Treatment failure rates (per protocol set) were 15/118 (12.7%) in the LEV‐treated group and 30/128 (23.4%) in the OXC‐treated group, an absolute difference of ?10.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] ?20.2, ?1.2). Because the upper 95% CI limit was less than the pre‐specified noninferiority margin of 15%, LEV was considered noninferior to OXC. Twenty‐four‐week and 48‐week seizure freedom rates were 53.8% and 34.7% for LEV vs. 58.5% and 40.9% for OXC. Both LEV and OXC were well tolerated, with 8.7% and 8.6% of patients reporting serious treatment‐emergent adverse events, respectively. By comparing LEV with OXC, another newer AED, LEV can be considered a useful option as initial monotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy.     

The value of CT scanning in the management of patients with gynecologic malignancies

Summary The management of gynecologic malignancies is exceedingly complex, requiring thoughtful coordination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Despite the fact that the natural history and clinical course of these cancers are generally well understood, the scarring caused by surgery and/or radiation, and the marked limitations of pelvic examination make clinical staging and evaluation of limited value and known inaccuracy in following women with ovarian, cervical, uterine, vulvar and vaginal cancers. Understandably, the development of computerized axial tomography (CT), and its ability to visualize the abdomen and pelvis, lead to rapid acceptance of CT scans in defining extent of cancer and following patient response to various therapeutic interventions (Chen et al. 1980; Feigen et al. 1987; Photopoulos et al. 1977).Authors have compared the accuracy of CT findings with physical examination, surgical findings, lymphography, conventional radiography or ultrasound (Clarke-Pearson et al. 1986; Vercamb et al. 1987; Amendola 1981; Kerr-Wilson et al. 1984). However, little has been written on the effect of CT scanning on patient management. If we define and accept the accuracy of CT scanning in detecting pelvic and abdominal disease, can we show a benefit in patient management? Or, does CT scanning provide us with expensive information, or misinformation, which fails to translate into better patient care. Do complex imaging modalities compliment thorough examination and experienced clinical judgement, or only duplicate findings and provide extraneous information? To answer these questions, eighty-one months experience in using CT scanning in managing patients with gynecologic malignancies was reviewed.