Antiproliferative Activity Against MCF‐7 Breast Cancer Cells by Diamino‐Triazaspirodiene Antifolates

Two triazaspirodienes, having similar phenoxy propyloxy side chain, were identified as potent mammalian dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors; one having a 6,5‐spiro bicyclic ring system (IC₅₀ = 2.3 nm ) and the other a 6,6‐spiro bicyclic system (IC₅₀ = 6.9 nm ). They also showed more than 50% antiproliferative activity against the MCF‐7 breast cancer cells at 20 μm . This study demonstrated the potential lead of the diamino‐triazaspirodienes in anticancer chemotherapeutical agents’ discovery.     

A systematic review of resident‐as‐teacher programmes

Context Residents in all disciplines serve as clinical teachers for medical students. Since the 1970s, there has been increasing evidence to demonstrate that residents wish to teach and that they respond positively to formal teacher training. Effective resident‐as‐teacher (RaT) programmes have resulted in improved resident teaching skills. Current evidence, however, is not clear about the specific features of an effective RaT programme. Objectives This study was performed in order to investigate the effectiveness of RaT programmes on resident teaching abilities and to identify the features that ensure success. Methods of assessment used to ascertain the effectiveness of RaT programmes are also explored. Methods The literature search covered the period between 1971 and 2008. Articles focusing on improving resident teaching skills were included. Each study was reviewed by two reviewers and data were collected using a standard abstraction summary sheet. Study outcomes were graded according to a modified Kirkpatrick's model of educational outcomes. Results Twenty‐nine studies met review inclusion criteria. Interventions included workshops, seminars, lectures and teaching retreats. Twenty‐six studies used a pre‐ and post‐intervention outcome comparison method. Subjective outcome measures included resident self‐evaluation of teaching skills or evaluation by medical students, peers and faculty members. Objective outcome measures included written tests, evaluation of teaching performance by independent raters and utilisation of objective structured teaching examinations. One study objectively measured learning outcomes at the level of medical students, utilising the results of an objective structured clinical examination. Overall resident satisfaction with RaT programmes was high. Participants reported positive changes in attitudes towards teaching. Participant knowledge of educational principles improved. Study methodologies allowed for significant risks of bias. Conclusions More rigorous study designs and the use of objective outcome measures are needed to ascertain the true effectiveness of RaT programmes. Future research should focus on determining the impact of RaT programmes on learning achievement at the level of medical students.     

c-myc mRNA在成釉细胞瘤中的表达

目的:研究成釉细胞瘤(AB)和牙源性角化囊肿(OKC)中c-mycmRNA的表达,探讨c-myc在AB和OKC中的发生、发展及其生物学意义。方法:使用原位杂交法检测54例AB、16例OKC和7例口腔正常黏膜(NOM)组织中c-mycmRNA的表达,并将AB按原发、复发、恶变分组,结果使用χ2检验进行统计分析。结果:AB、OKC及NOM组织中c-mycmRNA的阳性表达率分别为81.5%(44/54)、75.0%(12/16)和14.3%(1/7),3组比较有显著性差异(χ2=15.488,P<0.05)。原发组AB中c-mycmRNA的阳性表达率为71.0%,复发组为94.7%,恶变组为100.0%,伴随原发、复发、恶变,差异有显著性(χ2=16.912,P﹤0.05)。结论:c-myc表达在AB的发生、发展中有重要作用;c-mycmRNA的表达与AB的临床生物学行为有关,伴随其生物学行为变化,c-mycmRNA表达增强;提示c-myc有可能成为评价预后的有效指标。     

Endoscopic surgery for early glottic carcinoma

Early glottic carcinoma, specifically stage I or II, can be treated with endoscopic excision, radiation therapy, or open partial laryngectomy. Over the past two decades, this topic has received intensive interest, and controversies have often focused on techniques and outcomes comparing the use of endoscopic excision versus radiation therapy. This article will discuss philosophy, techniques, and outcomes of resection using the endoscopic approach to early glottic carcinoma. Optimization through appropriate instrumentation, staging, and technical details are critical to postoperative oncologic and vocal outcomes. The reader must remember that over 90% of T1 lesions and approximately 75% of T2 lesions are curable, and therefore adherence to the principles described below is important to achieve these outcomes.