The value of different neuro-imaging methods in the diagnosis of a congenital,spinal, epidural meningeal cyst

Congenital, spinal, epidural cysts are rare causes of transverse or radicular spinal lesions. Usually these cysts are located in the thoracal region, are oblong-shaped, and extend over several segments dorsally to the cord. Frequently, they cause no symptoms for years. They are fairly accessible to diagnostics by modern neuro-imaging methods.We report on a 15 year old girl with paraparesis, which showed a slow progression over two years, short-term remissions, and finally impairment of bladder function.Myelogram, computer-assisted tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance tomography showed a large spaceoccupying mass from D8 to L1 epidural and dorsal of the myelon. Operation disclosed an epidural cyst from D10 to L2. Histologically, the removed material was classified as a meningeal cyst. Post-operatively the girl's condition improved under intensive physio-therapy.For the diagnosis of this spinal dysrhapic disorder CT scanning after intrathecal application of contrast medium and magnetic resonance imaging were most valuable.     

Selective elution of HLA antigens and beta 2-microglobulin from human platelets by chloroquine diphosphate

To determine whether chloroquine can specifically elute HLA antigens and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-M) from the platelet surface, quantitative immunofluorescence flow cytometry and monoclonal antibodies were used to show that HLA antigens and beta 2-M were proportionally eluted from the platelet surface without affecting the membrane glycoproteins IIb and IIIa. Second, an autoradiogram of electrophoresed I125-labeled platelets showed that only beta 2-M but not other I125-labeled membrane proteins could be eluted. Although HLA antigens were poorly labeled by I125 and could not be detected on the autoradiogram, the eluted HLA antigens could be detected by anti-HLA monoclonal antibody and immunoblotting techniques. No loss of plasma membrane integrity was observed by transmission electron microscopy after chloroquine treatment of platelets. The results indicate that chloroquine selectively elutes HLA antigens and their noncovalently associated beta 2-M without affecting other integral platelet membrane proteins.     

低血糖指数膳食改善超重老年糖尿病患者氧化应激水平

目的:观察低血糖指数的膳食对2型糖尿病患者氧化应激状态的影响。方法:2004-10/11在上海市静安区二个社区卫生服务中心招募受试者,经医生明确诊断为2型糖尿病、病程超过6个月,体质量指数≥24kg/m2的老年糖尿病志愿者43名,受试者对试验知情同意。采用随机交叉试验随机分配至低血糖指数饮食组和高血糖指数饮食组,每种膳食分别连续使用4周,间隔洗脱期4周,比较试验前后患者超氧化物歧化酶、脂质过氧化产物丙二醛和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶含量的变化。结果:受试者依从性好,除1人因试验期间发现肿瘤而退出试验,42名志愿者按设计要求完成试验。膳食干预后低血糖指数饮食组和高血糖指数饮食组的超氧化物歧化酶活力分别升高了15.68%和21.33%,丙二醛水平分别下降23.94%和21.55%,谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活力分别升高了15.74%和17.09%;干预后低血糖指数饮食组丙二醛下降水平与高血糖指数饮食组比较差异有显著性意义(P<0.05),而超氧化物歧化酶和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活性两组间差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)。结论:在控制总能量的基础上给予平衡膳食能够改善其氧化应激水平,采用低血糖指数食物有助于氧化应激水平的改善。     

A population-based case-control study of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and breast cancer: The impact of duration of use, cumulative dose and latency

Background  

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a popular class of antidepressants, may increase breast cancer risk by stimulating the secretion of prolactin, a potential tumour promoter. We evaluated the effects of duration of SSRI use, cumulative dose, and latency on the risk of breast cancer by conducting a population-based case-control study utilizing Saskatchewan health databases.     

Molecular characterization of human factor XSan Antonio

Enzymatic amplification technique was used to isolate all eight exons and sequences around the splice junctions, putative promoter, and polyadenylation sites of human factor X DNA from a patient with factor X deficiency. Two genetic changes in factor X have been observed in this patient. The patient is most likely a compound heterozygote since there is only 14% activity associated with factor X. A point mutation that resulted in the substitution of cysteine (TGC) for arginine (CGC) at amino acid 366 was found in exon VIII of one allele of the factor X gene. This mutation, which occurs in the catalytic domain, can affect the formation of a disulfide bridge and thus could result in a reduction in factor X activity. Sequencing all the regions revealed a second mutation: a deletion of one nucleotide (TCCT to TCT) in exon VII that would cause a frame shift at amino acid 272 followed by termination. We have also shown that the point mutation in exon VIII creates an ApaL1 restriction site and destroys the HinP1 site. Enzymatic DNA amplification followed by restriction digestion provides a quick, reliable, and sensitive method for carrier detection and antenatal diagnosis in affected kindreds. This is the first characterization of factor X deficiency at the molecular level. We propose to name this mutation Factor XSan Antonio.     

The Erve Virus: Possible Mode of Transmission and Reservoir

Summary The Erve virus is suspected to cause severe headache in humans, lasting several days (thunderclap headache). Mice are characterized as a probable reservoir for the Erve virus. We tested 396 wild mice for Erve virus using an immunofluorescence test and found Erve virus antibodies in five cases, showing that small mammals form a reservoir for Erve virus. If ticks are the vector for the virus, a coincidence with borreliosis should exist. We were unable to confirm this in a homogeneous cohort of 955 young men, 62 of whom tested positive for borreliosis. This group did not test positive significantly more often in the immunofluorescence test than a gender- and age-matched control group. Received: October 1, 1999 · Revision accepted: February 23, 2000