Case report: stent placement in support of intravascular ultrasound in a woman with atypical lower abdominal aortic stenosis

Localized stenosis confined to the distal abdominal aorta near the bifurcation is an atypical manifestation of atherosclerosis, particularly in a woman. We report the case of a middle-aged woman who presented with a focal stenosis accompanied by heavy calcification in the distal abdominal aorta. The lesion was successfully treated by Palmaz stent placement under intravascular ultrasound guidance.     

Association between plasma CC16 levels, the A38G polymorphism, and asthma

The effect of the A38G polymorphism on Clara cell secretory protein (CC16) gene expression and asthma was investigated by measuring plasma CC16 levels in 100 asthmatic and nonasthmatic children. Restriction digestion determined the A38G genotype and plasma CC16 levels were analyzed using a sensitive latex immunoassay. Asthmatics had lower mean plasma CC16 levels adjusted for age and gender (7.96 microg/L; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.79 to 9.31) than nonasthmatic subjects (9.98 microg/L; 95% CI = 8.83 to 11.26) (p = 0. 006). Similarly adjusted, mean plasma CC16 levels were also lower in 38A/38A (6.79 microg/L; 95% CI = 4.56 to 9.02) than 38G/38G subjects (10.01 microg/L; 95% CI = 7.90 to 12.12; p = 0.003). The odds ratio for asthma diagnosis of 38A/38A subjects was 4.78 (95% CI = 1.08 to 21.18; p = 0.04) compared with 38G/38G subjects. However, this was reduced when corrected from plasma CC16 level, suggesting that the odds of asthma was largely mediated through altered plasma CC16 levels. The 38A sequence was associated with reduced plasma CC16 levels and individuals with lower plasma CC16 levels were more likely to have asthma. This provides further evidence for a significant role of the CC16 gene, 38A allele in the development of asthma.     

Psychological effects of aromatherapy on chronic hemodialysis patients

Effects of aromatherapy (odorless condition, lavender, and hiba oil) on mood and anxiety were investigated in 14 female patients who were being treated with chronic hemodialysis. A control period consisting of natural hospital smells was established before each test session, and then aromatic test conditions were systematically evaluated for odorless conditions as well as aromatic conditions containing lavender and hiba oil aromas. The effects of aromatherapy were measured using the Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAMD) and the Hamilton rating scale for anxiety (HAMA). Hiba oil aroma significantly decreased the mean scores of HAMD and HAMA, and lavender aroma significantly decreased the mean scores of HAMA. The mean scores of HAMD and HAMA in an odorless condition were not significantly different from those of the control conditions. These results indicate that in chronic hemodialysis patients hiba oil is an effective, non-invasive means for the treatment of depression and anxiety, and that lavender alleviates anxiety.     

RP-HPLC法测定大鼠脑组织及脑脊液中四种氨基酸类神经递质的含量

目的建立大鼠脑组织及脑脊液中四种氨基酸类神经递质含量的RP-HPLC测定方法。方法以2,4-二硝基氟苯(DNFB)为衍生化试剂柱前衍生,色谱条件为大连依利特色谱柱Hypersil BDS C18(4.6×200mm,5μm),乙腈和醋酸钠缓冲液为流动相,采用梯度洗脱,UV360nm检测。结果在25min内四种氨基酸分离完全,在1～100ng.mL-1范围内线性关系良好(r≥0.9993)。结论本方法准确,简便,灵敏度高,分析时间短,适用于一般实验室氨基酸的检测。     

影像质量与辐射防护

X线诊断疾病是临床不可缺少的检查方法之一.随着X射线检查在医学上应用的日趋广泛和检查频率的不断增加,导致了在世界范围内辐射剂量的年集体有效剂量的增加.为此,影像质量与辐射安全防护问题越来越受到人们的普遍关注.由于我国开展QA、QC工作起步较晚,虽然近十多年来,国家卫生部分别颁布了有关法令法规,使我国的放射诊断质量管理逐渐纳入法制化轨道,但是我们还必须清醒地认识到我国在影像质量与辐射防护方面还存在诸多问题.本文就如何提高影像质量减少辐射剂量的管理提出了几点建议.