Computed EEG topography.

Using the method of sequential analysis, clinical EEGs are transformed into a temporal sequence of individual events with specification of amplitude, wave or segment interval, channel of origin and paroxysmal character in relation to background activity. These data can be viewed immediately in graphic form and stored for subsequent display or numerical analysis. The speed, format, and high information content of this method of data reduction allow real time topographic display of individual background and paroxysmal events - computed EEG topography (CET). Alpha asymmetry, slow activity, paroxysmal events and bilateral spike-wave activity are vividly represented and distinguished. There appears to be a close correlation between the usual method of EEG interpretation and the independent interpretation of a very compact quasi-anatomic CET with respect to nature and localization of normal and abnormal EEG activity. Initial observations suggest particular value of the CET in defining the extent of functional disturbance related to an anatomical lesion and in communicating this information to the electroencephalographer and to the clinician.     

Socioeconomic differences in leisure-time physical activity: the role of social participation and social capital in shaping health related behaviour

Several studies have shown socioeconomic differences in leisure-time physical activity. One explanation may be socioeconomic differences in relevant psychosocial conditions. The Malm? Diet and Cancer Study is a prospective cohort study including inhabitants in Malm?, Sweden. The baseline questionnaire used in this cross-sectional study was completed by the 11,837 participants born 1926-1945 in 1992-1994. Leisure-time physical activity was measured by an item presenting a variety of activities. These activities were aggregated into a summary measure of leisure-time physical activity that takes both the intensity and duration of each specific activity into consideration. The effects of the psychosocial variables on the socioeconomic differences in leisure-time physical activity were calculated in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. The quartile with the lowest degree of leisure-time physical activity was not evenly distributed between the socioeconomic groups. Socioeconomic differences were seen as odds ratios 1.5 for skilled and 1.5 for unskilled male manual workers, compared to the high level non-manual employees. An OR 1.6 was observed for female unskilled manual workers. Self-employed men and female pensioners also had a significantly increased risk of low leisure-time physical activity. Adjustment for age, country of origin and previous/current diseases had no effect on these SES differences. Finally, adjusting for social participation almost completely erased the SES differences. Among the psychosocial variables, social participation was the strongest predictor of low physical activity, and a strong predictor for socioeconomic differences in low leisure-time physical activity. Social participation measures the individual's social activities in, for example political parties and organisations. It therefore seems possible that some of the socioeconomic differences in leisure-time physical activity are due to differing social capital between socioeconomic groups.     

MRI in tracheal stenosis by innominate artery in children

Pediatric airway obstruction due to anomalies of the course of the innominate artery may produce respiratory distress. MR imaging of the trachea was performed after bronchoscopy on forty-one children with congenital tracheal stenosis. Bronchoscopy only allows the evaluation of the lumen of the trachea, and the degree and location of collapse, and it may be difficult to determine the etiology of the tracheal narrowing. In eighteen out of the forty-one patients MR imaging showed a compression of the trachea by the innominate artery. The MR imaging diagnoses were subsequently compared for accuracy with the diagnoses determined by direct surgical observations. MR imaging of the trachea, the surrounding tissue and vessels allows the evaluation of the cause of tracheal compression and the degree and location of collapse. For evaluation of the cause of airway obstruction, MRI is an ideal method depicting detailed anatomic structure without employing ionizing radiation or intravenous contrast medium.     

从贮存骨髓涂片提取RNA检测骨髓增生异常综合征病人的WT1基因表达

从贮存骨髓涂片提取RNA,用巢式RT-PCR检测61例骨髓增生异常综合征（MDS）病人的WT1基因表达,结果显示各类型MDS病人均高表达WT1基因,难治性贫血伴原始细胞增多（RAEB）和转变中的RAEB（RAEB-t)的表达率高于难治性贫血（RA）和环形铁粒幼细胞性难治性的贫血（RAS）,WT1基因的表达与MDS病人的疾病进展呈正相关关系。WT1基因表达的RT-PCR检测可作为判断疾病进展的一个有用指标。     

Predictors of blood pressure response to intensified and fixed combination treatment of hypertension: the ACCOMPLISH study

BACKGROUND: Avoiding Cardiovascular events through COMbination therapy in Patients LIving with Systolic Hypertension (ACCOMPLISH) is an outcome study investigating aggressive antihypertensive combination treatment. It has achieved a larger fraction of overall patients with blood pressure (BP) <140/90 mmHg (73.3%) and diabetic patients <130/80 mmHg (43.3%) at 12 months of follow-up than any other large outcomes trial. We have analyzed baseline predictors of BPs and BP control at 12 months. METHODS: Blinded baseline and 12-month BP was available in 10,173 patients of whom 6132 had diabetes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used for BP control at 12 months; simple and multiple regression models were used for absolute BP value at 12 months. A stepwise procedure was used to select significant predictors in multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Mean (SD) BP fell from 145.5/80.2 mmHg (18.2/10.7 mmHg) at randomization to 132.7/74.7 mmHg (16/9.6 mmHg) at 12 months. The main baseline predictors of achieving BP control were region (USA), Caucasian race and taking lipid-lowering drugs. The predictors of uncontrolled BP were higher baseline systolic BP values, more previous antihypertensive medications, proteinuria and previous thiazide use. CONCLUSION: Patients in the USA, Caucasians and patients taking lipid-lowering therapy were most likely to reach BP targets with combination therapy. Strong predictors of uncontrolled hypertension were more severe hypertension, an established need for more antihypertensive drugs and target organ damage.