Identification of amylase isoenzymes in intestinal contents

Samples of intestinal contents were obtained from 16 patients: 5 from the midjejunum, 10 from the distal ileum, and 1 from the cecum. The presence of pancreatic and nonpancreatic isoamylases in these fluids was evaluated by an inhibitor assay (Pharmacia Corporation) and by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In every sample the inhibitor assay detected the presence of pancreatic-type isoamylase but not salivary-type isoamylase. Electrophoresis confirmed that salivary-type isoamylase was totally absent. Therefore, in intestinal disorders which disrupt the intestinal mucosal barrier (such as ischemia, perforation, ulceration, or obstruction), the amylase which escapes from the intestinal lumen and is reabsorbed into the circulation is likely to consist entirely of pancreatic-type isoamylases. In these circumstances, measurement of serum amylase isoenzymes will not distinguish acute pancreatitis from an acute intraabdominal catastrophe requiring surgery.     

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and substance use disorders: is there a causal link?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), characterized by restless, inattentive and hyperactive behaviours, is a relatively common childhood disorder that affects approximately 5% of the general population. There has been controversy about whether ADHD increases risks of developing substance use disorders. The available evidence suggests that, in the absence of conduct disorder , ADHD is not associated with an increased risk of substance use problems in males. There is only limited evidence on the role of ADHD in the aetiology of substance use disorders among females. While ADHD has traditionally been considered as a childhood disorder, it may also occur in adults; research needs to examine the extent to which ADHD in adulthood increases the risk of substance use disorders.     

Association of metabolic syndrome with knee and hand osteoarthritis: A community-based study of women

Objective

It is unclear whether the association between osteoarthritis (OA) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) varies with the site of the affected joint and the presence of pain. Our aim was to describe the association between MetS and radiographic OA (ROA) affecting the knee or the hand in the presence or absence of concurrent joint pain.

Barriers to undergoing cervical cancer screening among health sciences university students in Japan: A cross-sectional study

In most developed countries, cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus vaccination have reduced cervical cancer incidence. However, the incidence has been increasing in Japan, possibly because of the low screening rate. Although cervical cancer incidence has increased in people in their 20s, the screening rate among 20–24-year-olds in Japan is only 10.2%, meaning that cervical cancer screening rates should be increased among young Japanese women. We conducted a questionnaire survey among students at health sciences universities to determine their knowledge of cervical cancer, screening rates, and barriers to screening. Students taking specialized medical courses were highly knowledgeable; recognition of the facts that “cervical cancer can be prevented through screening” and that “the risk of cervical cancer increases in one's 20s” was significantly high among those who underwent screening. On the other hand, only 7.5% of students used the free coupons provided for screening. Knowledge of cervical cancer improves screening rates. Therefore, educational programs to raise awareness of the importance of cervical cancer screening among non-medical and health sciences university students and young women in general are required.