Plasma lyso-phosphatidylcholine concentration is decreased in cancer patients with weight loss and activated inflammatory status

Background  

It has been observed that ras-transformed cell lines in culture have a higher phosphatidylcholine (PC) biosynthesis rate as well as higher PC-degradation rate (increased PC-turnover) than normal cells. In correspondence to these findings, the concentrations of the PC-degradation product lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC) in cancer patients were found to be decreased. Our objective was the systematic investigation of the relationship between LPC and inflammatory and nutritional parameters in cancer patients. Therefore, plasma LPC concentrations were assessed in 59 cancer patients and related to nutritional and inflammatory parameters. To determine LPC in blood plasma we developed and validated a HPTLC method.     

Implantierbare Sehprothesen

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

The effect of hydration water temperature on orthopedic plaster cast strength

The effect of hydration water temperature (dip water) on the strength of orthopedic casts is discussed. Three methods of testing are used in an attempt to detect any differences and also to assess their clinical relevance. It was found that warmer water produced stronger casts, however, the differences were not found to be clinically relevant. It is suggested that water temperature be chosen on the basis of considerations other than strength.     

Complex interactions in Parkinson's disease: a two-phased approach.

The identification of pathogenic mutations in the three genes alpha-synuclein, parkin, and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) has elucidated the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and its potential role as a causal pathway in Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition, polymorphisms of these three genes have been shown to be independently associated with PD. In a sample of 298 unrelated PD cases and 185 controls, we applied a two-phased approach of recursive partitioning and logistic regression analyses to explore complex interactions. For women only, we observed an epistatic interaction of UCHL1 and alpha-synuclein genotypes with significant effects on PD risk (odds ratio = 2.42; P = 0.003). Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that PD is a multigenic disorder of the UPS.     

A new approach to selection and weighting of items in evaluative composite measurement scales

Evaluative composite measurement scales (CMS) are increasingly used in medicine to measure complex constructs in the absence of a reference criterion or ‘gold standard’. However, the level of measurement provided by these instruments has usually been given little attention. This paper explores the influence of the characteristics of the item set and weighting on the level of measurment of an evaluative CMS. The approach is illustrated with an application to the scoring system of the Nottingham Health Profile. Simulations are provided to indicate when the composite score of item responses, on an ordinal or pass—fail scale, could be considered to achieve the properties of an interval scale.     

Belt device for simplified CT-guided puncture and biopsy: A technical note

A new radiolucent device for increased accuracy of CT-guided fine-needle punctures permits precise determination of the optimum angle, depth, and position of the fine needle, which can be preset from the data supplied on the CT monitor. Puncture and repeat scans for controlling the tip of the needle can be performed with the patient in a stationary position. The device is designed as a belt that holds a needle holder sheath and a goniometric scale, both of which can be moved to varying positions around the patient.