Status and trend of HIV-1 infection and AIDS in Taiwan, December, 1991.

From May 1, 1985 to December 31, 1991, a total of 4,962,707 serum samples from 8 population groups in Taiwan were tested for anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (anti-HIV-1). In total, 256 samples were seropositive; of these individuals, 43 developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): 29 were homosexuals; 5 were hemophiliacs; 8 were heterosexuals and 1 was of unknown risk. Although the prevalence of HIV-1 infection and AIDS remains low compared with other countries, since 1988 the increase has been rapid. Before 1977 the majority were homosexuals and hemophiliacs; thereafter the risk groups diversified, with a trend away from homosexuals and hemophiliacs towards heterosexuals and intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs). A few patients have caused serious social problems for the public, health care workers and families. Active community efforts are needed to achieve future success in the control of HIV-1 infection and AIDS in Taiwan.     

Effect of Ureaplasma urealyticum infection on IL-laand IL-6 secretion by rat Sertoli cells

Objective: To observe the effect of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection on the IL-1α and IL-6 secretion by rat Sertoli cells. Methods: Eight 20-day-old UU-free male SD rats (average weight 40 g) were used. Under sterile condition, the testes were removed and separately digested with collagenase typeⅡand hyaluronidase. High purity Sertoli cells were then isolated and adjusted to a concentration of 8×105/mL with DMEM/Ham's F-12. In the infected group, 1 mL Sertoli cell suspension and 100 mL UU (serotype 8, T960) were introduced into one well of a 24 well culture plate. In the control group, 1 mL Sertoli cell suspension and 100 mL medium were introduced. IL-1αand IL-6 were determined in the culture supernatant with ELISA. Results: The production of IL-1αwas significantly lower and of IL-6 significantly higher in the infected than those in the control groups (P<0.01). Conclusion: UU infection reduces the IL-1αand increases the IL-6 secretion by rat Sertoli cells. UU infection is probably involved in     

Computerized tomography based on DEI refraction information.

Conventional computerized tomography (CT) technique is based on the absorption contrast. In recent years, X-ray phase-contrast CT (PCCT) has been developing rapidly. It uses the phase information to reconstruct the object and provide high contrast and spatial resolution. Diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) method is one of the three phase-sensitive X-ray imaging techniques. DEI method employs an analyzer crystal to extract the object's refraction information which can be used for CT. However, when DEI refraction CT is combined with the conventional CT algorithm, it should be satisfied that the refraction information of an arbitrary point in the object is invariable at every projection view. In this paper, the invariance condition of refraction information is analyzed and two feasible methods are provided for reconstruction. Using these two methods, two samples of weak absorption are reconstructed with the experimental data obtained at Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (BSRF).     

Prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders in an assisted reproductive technique clinic

Hum. Reprod., 19, 2313–2318, 2004 The following mistake     

Genioplasty using a cortical plate of the mandibular mental bone in surgical orthodontics. Report of 31 cases

It is often necessary to perform genioplasty in the same time of the surgical orthodontics. From Feb. 1985 to Feb. 1987, 31 cases of genioplaties were accomplished by using of cortical plate of mental mandibular bone. The ages of patients were ranged from 17-37 years old. The results of operations were satisfied.     

OXYGEN FREE RADICAL IN HUMAN OSTEOARTHRITIS

The xanthine oxidase catalysed release of superoxide free radicals (O2-) from endogenous hypoxanthine was determined in homogenates of synovium obtained from three groups of patients, those undergoing primary or revision total hip replacement (THR) for osteoarthritis and those undergoing arthroscopy of the knee for semilunar disc injuries. The concentrations of hypoxanthine in homogenates obtained during THR were found to be significantly higher than those in the group with semilunar disc injuries. The results suggest that there is a greater predisposition to free radical release and tissue damage in osteoarthritis.