Platelet proteins as autoantibody targets in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), caused by autoantibodies directed against certain platelet antigens, is the most common entity of the immune thrombocytopenias. ITP is an acquired disorder and can affect both children and adults. However, the clinical syndromes of ITP are distinct between children and adults. Childhood (acute) ITP characteristically is acute in onset, occurs within 1-2 weeks of an infection, usually of viral origin, resolves spontaneously within 6 months. Adult (chronic) ITP has an insidious onset and rarely resolves spontaneously. Over the last decade considerable new information has accumulated as to the pathophysiological mechanisms of immune thrombocytopenias. In addition, most of the knowledge on this disorder has been obtained from studies of adult patients with chronic ITP. The present work gives an updated overview of the platelet autoantigens and the molecular immunological reactions in ITP.     

Unusual features in children with inv dup(15) supernumerary marker: a study of genotype-phenotype correlation in Taiwan

Recent molecular cytogenetic studies have elucidated the origin and nature of extra structurally abnormal chromosomes (ESACs) or small supernumerary chromosomes, which are often associated with developmental delay and malformations. We studied the prevalence of inv dup(15) in a nationwide screening programme for mentally retarded children in Taiwan and tried to correlate the genotype and phenotype in those patients. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using D15Z, D15Z1, and the cosmids from the Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome chromosome region (PW/ASCR) was performed on 54 patients (0.45%) with ESACs from 11893 probands within a 5-year period. Of them, inv dup(15) was confirmed in 25 children (46.3%) by FISH analysis. The PW/ASCR probes were used to clarify the size and DNA composition of the markers. Patients with inv dup(15) chromosomes, containing only the heterochromatin or little euchromatin of the proximal 15q (i.e., pter→q11:q11→pter) may have a rather mild or nearly normal phenotype (group 1). Only one patient had some features suggestive of Angelman syndrome, but was considered to be a result of deleted (15)(q12) in the chromosome 15 homologue. Additional copies within D15S11 through GABRB3 (15q11.2-13) resulted in an abnormal phenotype which involved mental and developmental delay but was different from the classical phenotype of PW/AS (groups 2, 3). Signs of autistic behavior did occur in each group. FISH combined with microsatellite analyses showed that the marker was often of maternal origin in de novo cases (n = 12, 86%), or inherited from the mother in only one familial case. Down-inv dup(15) was mentioned in two cases. Unusual features including diaphragmatic eventration, hyperlaxity of joints, arachnodactyly, brain atrophy, epilepsy (particularly infantile spasm), ataxia, genital abnormalities, and cleft lip/palate were noted in those patients. This observation expands the range of phenotypic expression associated with this relatively common ESAC. Conclusion Marked phenotypic diversities exist in children with inv dup(15), dependent upon the size or genetic composition of the markers, degree of mosaicism, parental origin and familial occurrence or not. Patients with a larger inv dup(15) marker chromosome including the PW/ASCR may have a higher risk of abnormalities, but not the typical Prade-Willi/Angelman syndrome phenotype. Received: 11 February 1997 and in revised form: 20 May 1997 / Accepted: 20 May 1997     

Synovial sarcoma in childhood: Clinical and radiological findings

Objective: To study the clinical characteristics andradiological features of synovial sarcoma in childhood and its relation to the diagnosis and treatment. Methods: The clinical radiological features of 15 children with synovial sarcoma proved surgically and pathologically were analyzed. Results: In children, the tumor boundaries are poorly defined due to paucity of fat, and metastasis usually occurs early. Eight patients in this series had bone involvement, including: direct erosion by tumor causing cortical destruction, indirect pressure defect with sharp margin and reactive bone sclerosis and bone destruction of the primary intraosseous synovial sarcoma. Conclusion: The tumor is often misdiagnosed, the final confirmed diagnosis must be made by histological examination with imaging findings. It is emphasized that the patients should be treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy preoperatively and postoperatively.     

Compatible leaching effect of Concha Ostreae and some commonly-used Chinese medicinal materials]

OBJECTIVE: Based on a study of Concha Ostreae, to provide some reference for the rational approach to leaching mineral drugs. METHOD: Taking the change rates of compatible leaching and value of A as targets, the compatible leaching effect of Concha Ostreae with Radix et Rhizoma Rhei Praeparata, Radix Scutellariae, Pollen Typhae and Fructus Aurantii lmmaturus was studied. RESULT: If Concha Ostreae and the above cited medicinal herbs are decocted together, the yield of extract may be reduced to a certain extent, but the target composition of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei Praeparata and Fructus Aurantii lmmaturus remains intact, only the content of Radix Scutellariae baicalin may be influenced. CONCLUSION: The relationship of technology with preparation must be taken into consideration when making choice of the proper way to leach Concha Ostreae.     

改良皮下埋藏缝线法重睑形成术

目的:探讨重睑形成术的手术方法和效果。方法:对15例(29眼)单睑者在皮下埋藏缝线法重睑形成的基本原理的基础上,在具体操作技术上用我们改良后的手术方法施行手术。结果:经5～10d和6～12mo的随访观察,除其中1例无力型因年龄大适应症选择不当0.5a后效果不佳;其余全部受术者,恢复后形成重睑皱褶自然,长短基本一致,重睑对称。受术者、施术者、第三者均较满意。结论:改良后的重睑形成术,手术操作简便,效果可靠。是一种具有应用价值的手术方式,值得推广使用。     

Psychometric evaluation of the Taiwan version of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To adapt the Taiwan version of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and evaluate its psychometric properties. METHODS: The DASH questionnaire was adapted through the process of translation, back-translation, and expert review. Eighty two subjects with upper extremity disorders were recruited in a medical center and 46 of these patients could be followed up to assess retest reliability in less than 10 days. Cronbach alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient were used to evaluate the internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Principal axis factor analysis was performed to assess the factor-construct validity, while concurrent validity was tested with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) Taiwan version questionnaire. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the Taiwan version of the DASH questionnaire was high (Cronbach alpha = 0.96) and the test-retest reliability was satisfactory (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.9). Principal axis factor analysis confirmed the 1-factor model. The Pearson correlation coefficients of the DASH questionnaire to the SF-36 showed a correlation with physical component summary scores rather than mental component summary scores. Bodily pain, physical function and role-physical scores among the SF-36 subscales were most significantly correlated with DASH disability/symptom scores. CONCLUSION: The Taiwan version of the DASH questionnaire is a valid and reliable measure of health status for patients with upper-extremity disorders.     

张发荣治疗糖尿病常用药对举隅

张发荣教授采用桑白皮与地骨皮、淫羊藿与雄蚕蛾、枸杞与桑椹、益母草与泽兰等药物配对辨证论治糖尿病,取得较好疗效。通过中药配对分析,揭示了准确分析病证、明确治疗方向、巧妙配伍用药三者的有机结合,对糖尿病等疾病治疗的重要意义。     

关于主诉定义和书写要点的讨论

文章提出了在医院医疗服务范围和项目不断拓宽的情况下,现行病历书写规章制度中有关“主诉”的定义和书写要求也应进一步修改和拓宽。作者根据多年做临床质量控制工作和住院病历检查的经验,结合国内医学文献中部分专家的意见,对主诉的书写要点和常见问题进行了分析、总结。     

解剖学实验室存在的三大问题与对策

根据对13所解剖学实验室的调查，阐述解剖学实验室存在的三大问题，并提出解决问题的对策。     

Recurrent corneal perforation and acute calcareous corneal degeneration in chronic graft-versus-host disease.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a common complication of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and may lead to corneal epithelial defect and melting. In contrast, recurrent corneal calcareous degeneration and perforation is rare. A 46-year-old woman developed chronic GVHD after bone marrow transplantation for aplastic anemia. Severe KCS with corneal melting and calcium deposits were noted in the left eye. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed because of corneal perforation, but poor re-epithelialization and calcium deposition recurred. Lamellar keratectomy and amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) were performed, but acute calcareous degeneration developed with subsequent recurrence of corneal perforation. After regraft, AMT and tarsorrhaphy, the corneal graft remained clear for 3 months. However, breakdown of the corneal epithelium occurred 3 weeks after spontaneous separation of tarsorrhaphy. Six months later, corneal perforation recurred again along with exacerbation of GVHD. Regraft was performed, but the patient refused tarsorrhaphy and AMT. Poor re-epithelialization persisted after regraft. Corneal melting with impending corneal perforation ensued. Further corneal surgery was refused and the patient chose to undergo evisceration. This case demonstrates that the ocular complications of GVHD may be severe enough to lead to corneal perforation and calcareous degeneration that is recalcitrant to medical and surgical treatment.