Effects of collagen membranes enriched with in vitro-differentiated N1E-115 cells on rat sciatic nerve regeneration after end-to-end repair

Preventing falls and fall-related fractures in the elderly is an objective yet to be reached. There is increasing evidence that a supplementation of vitamin D and/or of calcium may reduce the fall and fracture rates. A vitamin D-calcium supplement appears to have a high potential due to its simple application and its low cost. However, published studies have shown conflicting results as some studies failed to show any effect, while others reported a significant decrease of falls and fractures. Through a 15-year literature overview, and after a brief reminder on mechanism of falls in older adults, we reported evidences for a vitamin D action on postural adaptations - i.e., muscles and central nervous system - which may explain the decreased fall and bone fracture rates and we underlined the reasons for differences and controversies between published data. Vitamin D supplementation should thus be integrated into primary and secondary fall prevention strategies in older adults.     

Retroperitoneal sarcomas: A review of disease spectrum,radiological features,characterisation and management

Retroperitoneal sarcomas are a rare disease. The overall 5‐year survival rate for these lesions remains low, and surgical management offers the only option for effective treatment and potential for cure. Radiotherapy is increasingly being employed in addition to standard surgical treatment. Improvements in cross‐sectional imaging have also facilitated better characterisation of lesions, preoperative planning and long‐term follow‐up. This article reviews the current literature and documents the various types of retroperitoneal sarcomas with a particular approach to their imaging features. We also highlight the pathology, diagnostic methods and most current management of these tumours.     

Joining the dots: a plea for precise estimates of the maternal mortality ratio in sub-Saharan Africa

Monitoring of maternal mortality levels in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to assess the achievements of safe motherhood programmes and for MDG-5 has been made difficult because of the lack of precise estimates of the maternal mortality ratio (MMR). Projections based on the slow rate of decline of the MMR indicate that MDG-5 may not be reached before the end of this century in this region. Measurements done using demographical and health surveys, statistical modelling and censuses are imprecise and do not allow trends in individual countries to be established. SSA countries should be encouraged to measure mortality levels from their own resources, using methods that produce precise estimates such as population-based surveys. Establishment of the trends will lead to country-specific program targets. The less frequent but more precise measurements can be afforded by SSA countries, as a case study from Zimbabwe shows.     

维A类化合物4-APR抑制肿瘤侵袭、转移的作用

用体内外实验模型,研究了新维A类化合物4-乙酰胺苯基维A酸酯(4-APR)对肿瘤侵袭、转移的抑制作用。4-APR 43.3mg·kg^-1po即能减少小鼠Lewis肺癌的自发性肺转移瘤数。半体内实验证明4-APR10^-5mol·L^-1和10^-6mol·L^-1对B16-F10癌细胞的人工肺转移瘤数分别抑制67.9%和36.6%。体外实验显示,4-APR对B16-F10细胞侵袭重组基底膜的抑制率分别为54.2%和41.9%。