HLA markers in familial Lichen Sclerosus

Background: Lichen sclerosus (LS) has been identified with increased frequency in families,often associated with HLA markers, mainly DQ7. A genetic co‐etiology seems likely in this setting. Moreover, there is an association of LS with autoimmune disorders, such as the presence of anti‐thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (anti‐TPO), a hallmark of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Patients and Methods: In 3 families affected by LS, we verified their HLA markers, and identified previously undiagnosed cases of LS and autoimmune disorders. 30 individuals were examined with history, skin biopsy, HLA class I and II typing by PCR‐SSP, and measurement of anti‐TPO, free thyroxine and thyroidstimulating hormones (TSH) levels. Results: There were 8 cases of LS, 50 % of them anti‐TPO+. Autoimmune disorders were found in 40 % (total) and in 87.5 % of those affected. Most common HLA markers were B*15, B*57, CW*03, CW*07, CW*18, DRB1*04, DRB1*07, DRB4*. The three latter have been previously associated with LS. Conclusion: New cases of LS and autoimmune disorders can be detected in first degree relatives of patients with LS. The presence of anti‐TPO antibodies strongly suggests autoimmune thyroiditis. There is intra‐familial association between the haplotype HLA‐B*15 ‐DRB1*04 ‐DRB4* and anti‐TPO,emphasizing their link with thyroiditis. New familial approaches might help to make clear the pathogenesis of LS and its association with autoimmune diseases.     

医学插图的艺术创作

介绍了医学插图艺术创作的方法:即在依据医学科学内容的基础上,遵循美学规律,运用科学的艺术表现形式,准确、形象、生动地表达出医学科学的深刻内涵,从而实现医学科学与艺术完美结合的创作目标。     

Modified superficial parotidectomy: preserving both the great auricular nerve and the parotid gland fascia.

OBJECTIVE: To reduce the incidence of sensory deficits and Frey's syndrome by modifying the traditional superficial parotidectomy. STUDY DESIGN: After raising the skin flap, the parotid gland fascia (PGF) was elevated to form a posterior pedicle fascial flap and then was replaced after the gland removal. The great auricular nerve (GAN) that runs within the PGF was not separated, so both the GAN and the PGF were preserved. Before this modification, the GAN and PGF were examined anatomically. The complication rates in the modified and control groups were compared. RESULTS: 1) The GAN, which runs within the thick and pycnotic PGF, trifurcates into postauricular, preauricular and lobule branches. The modification could be carried out practically based on the anatomy study. 2) Long-term sensory deficit was encountered in 13.3% of the control group, but 0% in the modified one. Frey's syndrome was suffered by 66.7% and 16.7% cases in the control and modified group respectively. The incidence of other complications was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Our modification is practical. It decreases the complications significantly. EBM rating: B-3b.     

Die Behandlung der Apophysenabrissverletzung des Epicondylus ulnaris im Kindesalter

OBJECTIVE: Surgical reduction and retention of apophyseal avulsion injuries at the medial epicondyle to prevent joint instability, lasting malalignment, or pseudarthrosis. INDICATIONS: Absolute: intraarticular apophyseal dislocation of the medial epicondyle, complete lesion of the ulnar nerve. Relative: dislocation of the apophysis (> 4 mm) in children > 5 years of age; the need for intervention increases in children as the degree of dislocation, age, and athletic activity increase. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Dislocation of the medial epicondyle (< or = 4 mm) in children < 5 years of age, provided the fragment location is not intraarticular. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Open reduction of the apophysis through a medial approach. Identification of the ulnar nerve. In young children or with small fragments fixation with Kirschner wire. Screw fixation in older children or for larger fragments. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Long upper-arm plaster cast until wound healing is achieved. Subsequently, upper-arm plaster cast for 3 weeks. Removal of Kirschner wires after 4-6 weeks, screw removal after 8-12 weeks. Physiotherapy only if marked reduction of elbow mobility is found 6 weeks after cast removal. RESULTS: From January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2003, 25 children with an average age of 12 years suffering from medial epicondylar avulsion fractures were operated on using open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation. An average of 3 years after the injury 14 of these children underwent follow-up examination using a procedure that took subjective, clinical and radiologic parameters into account. Two children showed a slight reduction in overall strength of the injured extremity when compared with the contralateral extremity. One child had a flexion deficit of 10 degrees, all other children showed movement limitations of < or = 5 degrees compared to the contralateral extremity. In all the cases available to follow-up, there was a slight increase in valgus alignment of the elbow joint compared with the uninjured side (3 degrees on average). All fractures consolidated within 6 weeks.     

暗纹节菱孢所致皮肤真菌病组织病理学及超微结构观察

本文报告了暗纹节菱孢[Arthinium phaeospemum（Corda）Ellis]所致皮肤真菌病的组织病理学及超微结构观察。HE、PAS、镀银染色（Szatri）法及铅铀染色，对皮损的组织病理改变，进行了光镜及透射电镜观察。光镜下发现暗纹节菱孢引起真皮及皮下脂肪组织广泛性病理浸润，由多种细胞构成的肉芽肿，尤其对皮肤附属器严重破坏。在病理浸润中可见球形、卵圆形、菱形及晶体形，玫瑰红色、棕色及褐色孢子。透射电镜下见真皮成纤维细胞胞浆内吞噬多数界线清楚的圆形小体，空泡内也有相同的小体，胞浆空泡甚多，胞核完整。同时见到破坏的溶酶体。病理浸润内形态各异的孢子及不同颜色，是孢子生长的不同阶段。     

Efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for idiopathic Parkinson's disease: a systematic review.

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines (HMs), as a monotherapy or adjunct therapy, compared to placebo or conventional approaches in the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials from both conventional and alternative medicine sources. Outcome measures were overall improvement, quality of life, reduction of levodopa dose, and adverse events. Nine studies were included, each testing a different HM. Six of the trials had limited internal validity due to major flaws in design, including the lack of proper randomization; insufficient blinding; unclear inclusive criteria in terms of diagnostic criteria, baseline staging, and duration of disease; lack of proper sample size calculation; and insufficient data analysis. Imbalances in gender and ethnicity among the patients in the included trials were observed. No major adverse events emerged, and no specific pattern was detected from the trials describing such data. In addition to major methodological defects, heterogeneity in (1) HM tested, (2) control treatment, and (3) outcome measure hindered in-depth data analysis and synthesis. Current evidence is insufficient to evaluate the efficacy and safety of various HMs. Further studies with improved trial design and reporting, with assessment on cost-effectiveness, quality of life, and qualitative data are warranted.     

广龙昊膏药对大鼠腰椎间盘突出模型细胞因子IL-1、NO及组织胺的影响

为探讨IL-1、NO及组织胺在腰椎间盘突出中的作用及广龙昊膏药的治疗效果，将60只大鼠造模并随机分为正常组（A组）、造模组（B组）、广龙昊膏药组（C组）和奇正止痛膏组（D组），观察其神经根周围局部组织中IL-1、NO及组织胺的含量。结果显示，B组中的IL-1、NO及组织胺较A组显著升高（P〈0．01）。C组、D组较B组明显下降（P〈0．01）。表明大鼠腰椎间盘突出模型中细胞因子IL-1、NO及组织胺明显增加可能是腰椎间盘突出中的潜在始动或促进因素，而C组能显著降低神经根局部中IL-1、NO及组织胺的含量，说明广龙昊膏药作用部分是通过抑制炎性细胞因子的活性实现的。