Cancer-promoting effect of Taiwan betel quid in hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cancer-promoting effect of Taiwan betel quid in hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-two non-inbred mate adult Syrian golden hamsters were randomly divided into six groups, each containing forty-two animalS. A treatment regimen over a 14-week experimental period was employed with six animals per group being killed at seven different periods (every 2 weeks). The right buccal pouch of each animal was painted three times a week with various combinations of 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), Taiwan betel quid extract, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and mineral oil.
RESULT: Both the number and size of tumors in animals concurrently treated with DMBA and betel quid were significantly higher than those in animals treated with DMBA alone in each killing period of 8, 10, 12 and 14 weekS. No visible tumors but hyperkeratosis and acanthosis were observed in pouches treated with betel quid alone for all killing periods.
CONCLUSION: Our results indicate Taiwan betel quid may be a co-carcinogen in human oral carcinogenesis, if extrapolation can be made from the current animal study.     

Variations of the arterial pattern in the upper limb revisited: a morphological and statistical study, with a review of the literature

A total of 192 embalmed cadavers were examined in order to present a detailed study of arterial variations in the upper limb and a meta-analysis of them. The variable terminology previously used was unified into a homogenous and complete classification, with 12 categories covering all the previously reported variant patterns of the arm and forearm.     

重度脊柱畸形的治疗

0 引言 重度脊柱畸形虽然还没有明确定义,但是通常,当畸形角度大于90°时,就称之为重度畸形. 如果畸形角度大于135°,就将其归为极重度畸形. 此类患者通常都有这样的一些特点:年龄小,发病早;畸形发展速度快;肺功能受损严重,身体弱;畸形僵硬,矫正困难;手术风险非常大. 为此,我们从重度脊柱畸形的病因、对机体功能的影响以及治疗进行探讨,以提高对本病的认识.     

Respiratory effects of spinal immobilization in children

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the restrictive effects of two spinal immobilization strapping techniques on the respiratory capacity of normal, healthy children. DESIGN: Prospective study with each subject serving as his own control. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-one healthy children 6 to 15 years old. INTERVENTIONS: Participants' forced vital capacity (FVC) measurements were first obtained with children standing and lying supine and then in full spinal immobilization using two different strapping configurations, cross straps and lateral straps. Straps were tightened to allow one hand to fit snugly between the strap and child. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Supine FVC was less than upright FVC (P less than .001). FVC in spinal immobilization ranged from 41% to 96% of supine FVC (80 +/- 9%). There was no difference in FVCs between strapping techniques (P = .83). CONCLUSION: Spinal immobilization significantly reduced respiratory capacity as measured by FVC in healthy patients 6 to 15 years old. There is no significant benefit of one strapping technique over the other.     

Ocular and orbital lesions: surface coil MR imaging

Nine lesions, four ocular (three melanomas, one hemangioma) and five orbital (two perioptic meningiomas, one hemangioma, one pseudotumor, one mucocele), were evaluated by magnetic resonance surface coil imaging at 1.5 T. Small ocular lesions with 3.9-4.5-mm-elevation were demonstrated. The use of two different pulse sequences resulted in separation of melanoma from adjacent retinal detachment. Contrast obtained between orbital lesions and the adjacent normal structures was better than that demonstrated with high-resolution computed tomography.     

Pre-marriage prevention of thalassaemia: report of a 100 000 case experience in Isfahan

Background: Iran like other middle east countries has a large number of major thalassaemics. Due to religious restrictions on abortion, the routine prevention of the birth of thalassaemic children by this means is not possible. The aim of this study is to describe an alternative means to prevent the birth of thalassaemic children.Methods: From January 1993 to January 1996, 100 000 people preparing for marriage were screened for the thalassaemia trait, using CBC and HbA₂ level measurement. High risk couples were referred for further consultation regarding the disease and the means of its prevention. The proposed actions of the couples regarding thalassaemia prevention were evaluated immediately after consultation and then re-evaluated three months later. Result: After the project had been running for three years the average of high risk couple initially deciding not to marry was 90% and no new cases of thalassemia were detected in the children of the screened population.Conclusion: Where both members of the couple were trait-positive their preferred choice was not to marry, rather than to marry and use other or no methods of preventing a thalassemia affected child being born to them. Cultural and religious ideas can affect such decisions and in some Islamic countries the establishment and use of a genetic counselling centre can help prevent most of new thalassaemia cases.     

S3 Guideline for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris,update – Short version part 2 – Special patient populations and treatment situations

The German guideline for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris was updated using GRADE methodology. The guideline is based on a systematic literature review completed on December 1, 2016, and on a formal consensus and approval process. The second part of this short version of the guideline covers the following special patient populations and treatment situations: tuberculosis screening before and during psoriasis treatment, choice of psoriasis treatment for individuals wishing to have children, as well as during pregnancy and breast‐feeding, and patients with joint involvement and vaccinations. In addition, recommendations on the choice of treatment are presented for patients with the following comorbidities: hepatitis and other hepatic impairment, HIV, malignancies, neurological and psychiatric disorders, ischemic heart disease and congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, renal impairment and inflammatory bowel disease.