肺复康方治疗中晚期非小细胞肺癌30例

目的:观察中药肺复康方对中晚期非小细胞肺癌患者的生存期及原发病灶疗效的影响。方法:根据纳入标准选入60例中晚期非小细胞肺癌患者随机分为治疗组和对照组各30例。治疗组给予中药肺复康方治疗,对照组随访观察,对照统计两组半年、1年、2年生存率、中位生存期(MST)及原发病灶疗效。结果:治疗组的半年、1年、2年的生存率分别为63.33%、26.67%、6.67%,中位生存期为(6.000±0.782)个月;对照组的半年、1年、2年生存率分别为36.67%、10.00%、3.33%,中位生存期为(3.000±0.911)个月,治疗组的中位生存期较对照组延长了3个月。两组生存曲线比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组原发病灶的瘤体有效率和疾病控制率比较,治疗组分别是23.33%、83.33%,对照组是6.67%、30.00%,两组比较差异有显著性意义(P<0.05),治疗组优于对照组。结论:中药肺复康方治疗中晚期非小细胞肺癌可显著延长患者生存期,提高远期生存率,并且有效抑制瘤体增长。     

An investigation of Luria's hypothesis on prompting in aphasic naming disturbances

This study investigated Luria's hypothesis that aphasic subgroups would respond differentially to phonemic prompts. Responsiveness to initial-sound cues was examined in 40 aphasics—10 Broca's, conduction, Wernicke's, and anomic aphasics who had naming difficulties. Results, with the exception of the anomic aphasic group, supported Luria's predictions. Broca's aphasics were responsive to phonemic cueing, while Wernicke's aphasics were not. Conduction aphasics tended to respond in a fashion similar to the Wernicke's group. The relationship of cueing responsiveness to underlying naming mechanisms is discussed.     

Legal and ethical issues in the international transaction of donor sperm and eggs

Pertinent ethical and legal issues in the international transaction of donor sperm and eggs are discussed. Firstly, there may be legislative and ethical “contradiction” by the local health authority in permitting import of donor gametes, due to varying policies on donor reimbursement in different countries. This is particularly significant in countries where the underlying principle of gamete donation is altruistic motivation, and where reimbursement is given only for direct “out-of-pocket” expenses i.e. traveling costs. Secondly, there is a lack of clear and coherent internationally-binding legislation and regulatory guidelines overseeing the exchange of donor gametes across international borders. In particular, provisions should be made for donor traceability if gametes are sourced from abroad. Thirdly, in the case of “frozen-egg donation” from abroad, patients must rightfully be informed that current cryopreservation technology is still sub-optimal, and all studies have consistently shown that the chances of conception are always lower with “frozen-eggs” compared to freshly-retrieved eggs. Finally, regulatory safeguards should be put in place to prevent fertility clinics and medical professionals from “re-selling” imported donor gametes at a profit to the patient, since it would be thoroughly unprofessional for them to earn a profit simply through the ‘brokerage’ of donated human material.     

Is it ethically justifiable to cryopreserve oocytes and ovarian tissues of healthy women not facing premature ovarian failure, but seeking to extend their biological clocks?

Recent advances in oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation technology have not only brought hope to women facing premature loss of ovarian function; it can also be utilized for healthy women seeking to extend their biological clocks. This is a major issue of contention in healthcare ethics. Proponents of this new technology argue that this enables women to fully pursue educational and career goals in their youth, whilst upon reaching middle age they would have more financial resources for their offspring. Nevertheless, this argument is flawed by the reality that even if the cryopreservation of oocytes and ovarian tissue were optimized, this would in no way be a guaranteed route for women to have biological children later in life. Moreover, because only a limited amount of autologous reproductive material can be cryopreserved and stored for a single healthy woman, there is a risk of material depletion before reproductive success is attained. Another prime consideration is the increased morbidity and mortality associated with clinical assisted reproduction in older women. Hence, it is suggested that the cryopreservation and storage of oocytes and ovarian tissues be restricted only to women facing the prospect of premature ovarian failure.