Needle biopsy of renal allografts: comparison of two techniques

Two techniques for renal allograft biopsy were retrospectively evaluated to compare relative safety and efficacy. After ultrasound (US) localization of the kidney and biopsy with a hand-held 14-gauge cutting needle, an adequate specimen was obtained in 74 of 77 cases (96%). Major complications occurred in six of these 77 cases (8%). One hundred four biopsies were performed by using a smaller 18-gauge cutting needle with a spring-loaded biopsy "gun" and real-time US guidance. With this newer technique, specimens adequate for diagnosis were obtained in 99 biopsies (95%). There was a single major complication with this technique (1%). The 18-gauge needle with real-time US guidance yields comparably adequate specimens with a lower frequency of complications.     

Treatment of localized prostate cancer using a combination of high dose rate Iridium‐192 brachytherapy and external beam irradiation: Initial Australian experience

Combination high dose rate brachytherapy (HDRB) and external beam radiation therapy is technically and clinically feasible as definitive treatment for localized prostate cancer. We report the first large Australian experience using this technique of radiation dose escalation in 82 patients with intermediate‐ and high‐risk disease. With a median follow up of 3 years (156 weeks), complications were low and overall prostate‐specific antigen progression‐free survival was 91% using the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology consensus definition. The delivery of hypofractionated radiation through the HDRB component shortens overall treatment time and is both biologically and logistically advantageous. As a radiation boost strategy, HDRB is easy to learn and could be introduced into most facilities with brachytherapy capability.     

几种中西药抗人实验模拟运动病效果观察

目的 :选用中药“治晕灵”的主要成分生姜、明天麻等六味草药煎成汤剂、或半量汤剂配西药脑益嗪、山莨菪碱各1 4临床常用量配成复方中西药制剂 ,与目前常用抗晕药晕海宁等中、西药的药效进行比较 ,看中药制剂或中西药复方制剂是否具有较好的抗运动病效果。方法 :选 7名敏感被试者 (女性 ,19～ 2 1岁 ) ,用旋转刺激诱发运动病至出现恶心。按拉丁方设计 ,与安慰剂 (淀粉 10 0mg)及晕海宁 (5 0mg)进行对比 ,分别观察了生姜合剂 (30ml)、晕可平 (30ml)、山莨菪碱 (10mg)、脑益嗪 (2 5mg)及上述复方中西药制剂口服后的运动病耐力。结果 :与安慰剂比较 ,晕海宁、山莨菪碱、脑益嗪、晕可平、生姜合剂、复方中西药制剂分别使运动病耐力提高 5 .4%、7.5 %、5 .9%、7.4%、32 .3 %、2 0 .4% ;生姜合剂效果较优 ,除口服时有辛辣味外 ,无明显的副作用。复方中西药制剂各成分未显示协同作用 ,而只是简单的作用相加。结论 :生姜合剂具有较好的抗运动病作用     

Non-invasive detection of fecal protein kinase C betaII and zeta messenger RNA: putative biomarkers for colon cancer

We have developed a non-invasive method utilizing feces, containing sloughed colonocytes, as a sensitive technique for detecting diagnostic colonic biomarkers. In this study, we used the rat colon carcinogenesis model to determine if changes in fecal protein kinase C (PKC) expression have predictive value in monitoring the neoplastic process. Weanling rats were injected with saline or azoxymethane (AOM) and 36 weeks later fecal samples and mucosa were collected, poly A+ RNA isolated, and quantitative RT-PCR performed using primers to PKC betaII and zeta. Fecal PKC betaII and zeta mRNA levels were altered by the presence of a tumor, with tumor-bearing animals having a 3-fold higher (P < 0.05) PKC betaII expression as compared with animals without tumors. In addition, AOM-injection increased mucosal PKC betaII mRNA expression compared with saline controls. No effect of tumor incidence on mucosal PKC betaII expression was observed. In contrast, fecal PKC zeta expression was 2.5-fold lower (P < 0.05) in animals injected with azoxymethane versus saline. Since tumor incidence exerts a reciprocal effect on fecal PKC betaII and zeta mRNA expression, data were also expressed as the ratio between PKC betaII and zeta. The isozyme ratio was strongly related to tumor incidence, i.e. ratio for animals with tumors was 2.18 +/- 1.25, animals without tumors was 0.50 +/- 0.16, P = 0.025. We demonstrate that the expression of fecal PKC betaII and zeta may serve as a noninvasive marker for development of colon tumors. A sensitive technique for the detection of colon cancer is of importance since early diagnosis can substantially reduce mortality.      

苦楝化学成份的研究

从苦楝(Melia azedarach L.)果中分得苦楝新醇(Ⅰ),苦楝醇(Ⅱ)、苦楝酮(Ⅲ)、苦楝二醇(Ⅳ)、香草醛(Ⅴ)和香草酸(Ⅵ)。根据波谱(IR,MS,~1HNMR,~(13)CNMR)分析和理化常数测定,确定了它们的结构。其中苦楝新醇(Ⅰ)为新化合物,对菜青小虫有一定的拒食活性。     

Perinatal risk at term and post-term revisited

The aim of this review was to revisit the evaluation of risk of foetal and neonatal mortality at term. We analyse the meaning of term period and difficulty to determine the normal duration of the pregnancy. Specific complications associated with post term and the statistic approach of the perinatal risk are analysed, together with various mortality rates and especially the prospective risk introducing foetal term as a new concept. We study various aspect and evolution of non specific morbidity of the term period. An optimal decision for term management should involve pregnant women and the analysed parameters should be taken into consideration.     

Does the source of laser energy influence the coagulation of chorionic plate vessels? Comparison of Nd:YAG and diode laser on an ex vivo placental model

OBJECTIVES: To compare the histological effects of diode and Neodymium-Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser coagulation of chorionic plate vessels. METHODS: In selected chorionic plate vessels in an ex vivo term placenta perfused with warm saline solution, diode (wavelength 940 nm) and Nd:YAG (wave length 1,064 nm) laser were used with an output of 30, 40, and 50 W, and 55 and 70 W respectively using preset energy and duration of impact. All vessels were examined histologically blindly to the procedures' characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 23 vessels were coagulated. Similar histological lesions were observed using diode and Nd:YAG lasers. The lesions were compatible with an acceptable clinical effect at all power outputs tested. The results were not related to the diameter or type of vessels. Lesions of the endothelium and reduction of the vessel lumen were best achieved with a diode laser at 40 W. CONCLUSION: Nd:YAG and Diode laser induce significant and comparable changes in chorionic plate vessels compatible with an efficient coagulation process under the experimental condition used.