Issues of consent and privacy affecting the functioning of ASERNIP-S

The Australian Safety and Efficacy Register for New Interventional Procedures - Surgical (ASERNIP-S) undertakes horizon scanning, systematic reviews and audits. By disseminating information derived from these processes, ASERNIP-S aims to improve the quality of health care. In the present article, we discuss some of the legal and ethical issues surrounding the collection of identified data for the purposes of audit. The individual's right to privacy is considered as well as the benefits of improving the quality of surgical health care.     

Lung volume reduction surgery in emphysema: a systematic review

The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding the safety and efficacy of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) in patients with emphysema. Studies on LVRS to August 2000 were identified using MEDLINE, Embase, Current Contents, and the Cochrane Library. Human studies of patients with upper, lower or diffuse distributions of emphysema were included. All types of bullous emphysema were excluded. A surgeon and researcher independently assessed the retrieved articles for their inclusion in the review. When LVRS was compared with medical management, at 2 years LVRS was associated with a higher FEV1 and at least equivalent survival. The use of staple excision of selected areas of lung appeared to be more efficacious than laser ablation. There is insufficient evidence to show preference for median sternotomy or videoscopically assisted thoracotomy, as the more safe and efficacious procedure. In highly selected patients with emphysema LVRS is deemed an acceptable treatment. To fully evaluate the safety and efficacy of LVRS, outcomes beyond 2 years must be included. The results of prospective randomized trials between medical management and LVRS, now in progress, are essential before a final assessment can be made.     

取样胶囊吸取胃液的模拟实验分析与研究

取样胶囊主要是吸取人体消化道内的消化液进行研究,本文以胃液为例,对取样胶囊吸取消化液进行探讨,分析在取样胶囊的研究中选取何种吸附材料最合适．首先对胃液成分进行分析,然后配置模拟胃液,选取六种不同吸附材料进行了吸附实验,并按实验结果绘制了不同的吸附曲线．由实验结果,对各种材料的吸附量、吸附稳定性和可靠性等进行了对比分析,同时还对取样机构模型设计的简单化因素进行分析．最后得出结论,认为德制胶棉在各个因素上都有明显的优势,适宜作为取样胶囊中的吸附材料．     

Progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth in women with multiple pregnancies: the AMPHIA trial

Background

Adequate vitamin D concentrations during pregnancy are necessary to neonatal calcium homeostasis, bone maturation and mineralization. The aim of study is to evaluate serum vitamin D concentrations in mothers and their newborns and effect of vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

552 pregnant women were recruited from Tehran University educating hospitals in the winter of 2002. Maternal and cord blood samples were taken at delivery. The serum was assayed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone.

Results

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in maternal and cord blood samples were 66.8% and 93.3%, respectively (<35 nmol/l). There was significant correlation between maternal and cord blood serum concentrations of vitamin D. In mothers with vitamin D deficiency, cord blood vitamin D concentrations was lower than those from normal mothers (P = .001). Also, a significant direct correlation was seen between maternal vitamin D intake and weight gain during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Consideration to adequate calcium and vitamin D intake during pregnancy is essential. Furthermore, we think it is necessary to reconsider the recommendation for vitamin D supplementation for women during pregnancy.