Dengue 2 genotypes in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico

Summary. To genetically characterize dengue 2 (DEN-2) viruses in Oaxaca, Mexico, the C protein, and a portion of the prM protein genes of 8 isolates from the 2001 DEN epidemic were sequenced. The sequences were compared to those of prototype DEN-2 viruses from various parts of the world. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the 2001 isolates of DEN-2 were of the American/Asian genotype and were most similar to the Jamaica and Venezuelan isolates MARA3, LARD1996 and LARD1910. Molecular analyses confirmed the origin of the isolates. This study indicates that DEN-2 strains of American/Asian genotype probably from Southeast Asian are circulating in Oaxaca.     

Two Cases of Isolated Anterior Cervical Hypertrichosis

Abstract: Two unrelated Hispanic females, ages 4 and 3 years, respectively, each presented with a solitary patch of excessive terminal hair growth in the midline of the neck. This rare form of congenital localized hypertrichosis, known as anterior cervical hypertrichosis, is reported here as an isolated defect with no other underlying abnormalities.     

Identifying auditory cortex encoding abnormalities in schizophrenia: The utility of low‐frequency versus 40 Hz steady‐state measures

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and EEG have identified poststimulus low frequency and 40 Hz steady‐state auditory encoding abnormalities in schizophrenia (SZ). Negative findings have also appeared. To identify factors contributing to these inconsistencies, healthy control (HC) and SZ group differences were examined in MEG and EEG source space and EEG sensor space, with better group differentiation hypothesized for source than sensor measures given greater predictive utility for source measures. Fifty‐five HC and 41 chronic SZ were presented 500 Hz sinusoidal stimuli modulated at 40 Hz during simultaneous whole‐head MEG and EEG. MEG and EEG source models using left and right superior temporal gyrus (STG) dipoles estimated trial‐to‐trial phase similarity and percent change from prestimulus baseline. Group differences in poststimulus low‐frequency activity and 40 Hz steady‐state response were evaluated. Several EEG sensor analysis strategies were also examined. Poststimulus low‐frequency group differences were observed across all methods. Given an age‐related decrease in left STG 40 Hz steady‐state activity in HC (HC > SZ), 40 Hz steady‐state group differences were evident only in younger participants' source measures. Findings thus indicated that optimal data collection and analysis methods depend on the auditory encoding measure of interest. In addition, whereas results indicated that HC and SZ auditory encoding low‐frequency group differences are generally comparable across modality and analysis strategy (and thus not dependent on obtaining construct‐valid measures of left and right auditory cortex activity), 40 Hz steady‐state group‐difference findings are much more dependent on analysis strategy, with 40 Hz steady‐state source‐space findings providing the best group differentiation.     

罗格列酮治疗2型糖尿病的临床观察

目的 评价马来酸罗格列酮治疗2型糖尿病的安全性和有效性。方法 多中心开放、马来酸罗格列酮单一或与二甲双胍或磺酰脲类合用治疗2型糖尿病12周。结果 2308例患者入选,2134例完成,174例退出。各治疗组不良事件的发生率相似,主要为血脂紊乱(9．77％)、上呼吸道感染(6．11％)和水肿(5．32％)。严重不良事件的发生率极低,其中除1例不排除与试验药物相关的可能性外,其余10例均与试验药物无关。12周治疗后,ALT平均值(22．8IU／L)较基线值(25．5IU／L)轻度下降;血红蛋白、血细胞压积轻度下降;总胆固醇、甘油三酯、低密度脂蛋白有轻微升高,高密度脂蛋白保持不变。空腹血浆血糖：马来酸罗格列酮单一治疗组下降1．70mmol／L,合用磺酰脲类药物组下降1．47mmol／L,合用二甲双胍组下降1．36mmol／L。结论 大样本的患者单一服用及在磺酰脲类药物或二甲双胍的基础上服用罗格列酮是安全的,可良好耐受,并可有效降低患者空腹血糖的水平。     

Non-Union Rate With Stand-Alone Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Retrospective radiographic analysis.To determine the fusion rate of stand-alone lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF).Biomechanical studies have indicated that LLIF may be more stable than anterior or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Early clinical reports of stand-alone LLIF have shown success in obtaining fusion and indirectly decompressing nerve roots.A consecutive case series of stand-alone LLIF was analyzed with chart and radiographic review. Non-union was determined by symptomatology consistent with non-union and absence of bridging bone on the CT scan.Thirty-nine levels of stand alone LLIF were performed in 23 patients. Eleven patients received 1-level surgery, 7 patients received 2-level surgery, 3 patients received 3-level surgery, and 1 patient received 4-level surgery. Excluding 1 infected case, we analyzed 37 levels of stand alone LLIF in 22 patients. Non-union incidence was 7 levels in 6 patients. Non-union rate was 7/37 (19%) per level and 6/22 (27%) per patient.While our study population was relatively low, a non-union rate of 19% to 27% is concerning for modern spine surgery. Currently in our practice, we occasionally still perform stand-alone LLIF utilizing 22 mm wide grafts in low-demand levels in non-smoking and non-osteoporotic patients. However, in a majority of patients, we provide supplemental fixation: bilateral pedicle screws in most patients and unilateral pedicle screws or spinous process plates in some patients.