Experimental animal models of pancreatic carcinogenesis and metastasis

Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease characterized by early metastasis, local invasion, and resistance to conventional therapies. To understand its etiology and eventually make prevention of it possible and effective, appropriate carcinogenesis models will certainly help us understand the effects of environmental and genetic elements on pancreatic carcinogenesis. The development of new treatment strategies to control cancer metastasis is of immediate urgency. Fulfillment of this task relies on our knowledge of the cellular and molecular biology of pancreatic cancer metastasis and the availability of biologically and clinically relevant model systems. Many of the existing pancreatic cancer carcinogenesis and metastasis animal models are described in this review. The advantages and disadvantages of each model and their clinical implications are discussed, and special attention is focused on experimental therapeutic strategies targeting pancreatic cancer metastasis.     

网络环境下医学专题检索服务的深化

分析网络环境下图书馆定题服务的现状和价值，提出跟踪服务的方式，进行分阶段的、具体的定题服务，并实例分析分阶段定题服务的优势。     

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.     

Sternum insufficiency fracture presenting as acute chest pain: a case report and review of the literature.

The spine, pelvic bones and long bones of the lower extremities are common sites for insufficiency fractures. Cases of sternum insufficiency fractures have been rarely reported in an elderly patient. Insufficiency fracture tends to occur in bones with decreased mechanical strength. It tends to occur in elderly patients, especially in postmenopausal women, with underlying diseases. We describe a case of sternum insufficiency fracture in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus on long-term corticosteroid therapy diagnosed in an emergency setting. Sternum insufficiency fracture is a rare cause of chest pain. This case serves to remind the emergency physician to remain vigilant for other noncardiac and nontraumatic causes of chest pain. If diagnosed accurately, these patients can be discharged and treated as outpatients.     

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.     

危重症患者的APACHEⅡ评分与中医辨证相关性研究

目的：通过比较不同中医证型的ICU危重症患者的APACHEⅡ评分，同时对比两组死亡率，评价中医辨证在预后判断中的临床意义。方法：对纳入研究的85例ICU危重症患者于入ICU及出ICU时分别进行中医辨证，分为阳类证和阴类证两型，对所有病人进行APACHEⅡ评分，比较两型病人在进入ICU及出ICU时的APACHEⅡ分值，并与死亡率比较。结果：初始为阴类证的患者在入ICU及出ICU时的APACHEⅡ评分显著高于初始为阳类证的患者（P=0．0001及F〈0．05），死亡率亦显著高于阳类证患者（P=0．0369）：治疗后由阳类证转为阴类证患者APACHEⅡ评分较维持阳类证者增高（P=0．0161），而阴类证转为阳类证的患者APACHEⅡ分值较维持阴类证者减低（P=0．0424）。结论：中医证型对危重症的病情程度及预后判断有较好的预测价值，阴类证患者的预后较阳类证患者差，证型转换可能引起预后改变。     

体重指数分级标准应用方法的探讨

目的探讨按照体重指数分级标准计算出的体重值应用表的实用价值。方法将身高作为选定变量,其变量值间距为1 cm,按照体重指数分级标准上、下限值,分别乘以身高2(m2),即求出相对应的体重(kg),依此制成应用表。判定时依据身高和实测的体重,对照应用表得出其体重指数分级范围。结果制成并列出以体重值查对其相对应危险值应用表。结论本查对表适用于大规模的预防性健康体检。在人体生长发育阶段能做到自身动态监测,对早期预防肥胖症具有积极作用。