Traumatic retroperitoneal hematoma illustrated on Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy in a patient presenting with a fall

Retroperitoneal haematoma is rarely described in the context of bone scintigraphy, as it is usually an incidental discovery on bone scan carried out for another purpose. We report a case of a right retroperitoneal haematoma detected on Tc-99m-methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy taken in an elderly patient presenting with a mechanical fall and a right acetabular fracture.     

Effect of menstrual cycle phase on dopamine D2 receptor availability in female cynomolgus monkeys

Sex differences have been reported in a variety of affective and neurodegenerative disorders that involve dysfunctional dopamine (DA) neurotransmission. In addition, there is evidence for differences in sensitivity to the abuse-related effects of psychostimulants across the menstrual cycle which may result from effects of ovarian hormones on DA function. The goal of the present study was to extend previous work examining menstrual cycle-related changes in DA D2 receptor availability in humans to drug-naive female cynomolgus monkeys (n=7) using the selective D2-like receptor ligand [(18)F]fluoroclebopride (FCP) and a high-resolution microPET P4 scanner. Menstrual cycle phase was characterized by daily vaginal swabs and measurements of serum progesterone levels. PET studies were conducted once during the luteal phase and once during the follicular phase. Regions of interest in the caudate nucleus, putamen, and cerebellum were defined on coregistered MRIs. Distribution volumes were calculated for FCP in each structure and the distribution volume ratio (DVR) for both brain regions relative to the cerebellum was used as a measure of D2 receptor availability. FCP DVRs were significantly higher in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase in both the caudate nucleus (11.7% difference, p=0.02) and putamen (11.6% difference, p=0.03). These findings extend earlier work in humans and suggest that changes in DA receptor availability may be involved in the variation in symptoms of various neuropsychiatric disorders across the menstrual cycle, including differences in sensitivity to the abuse-related effects of stimulants.     

Stereotactic hypofractionated accurate radiotherapy of the prostate (SHARP), 33.5 Gy in five fractions for localized disease: first clinical trial results

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and toxicity of stereotactic hypofractionated accurate radiotherapy (SHARP) for localized prostate cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A Phase I/II trial of SHARP performed for localized prostate cancer using 33.5 Gy in 5 fractions, calculated to be biologically equivalent to 78 Gy in 2 Gy fractions (alpha/beta ratio of 1.5 Gy). Noncoplanar conformal fields and daily stereotactic localization of implanted fiducials were used for treatment. Genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity were evaluated by American Urologic Association (AUA) score and Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC). Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values and self-reported sexual function were recorded at specified follow-up intervals. RESULTS: The study includes 40 patients. The median follow-up is 41 months (range, 21-60 months). Acute toxicity Grade 1-2 was 48.5% (GU) and 39% (GI); 1 acute Grade 3 GU toxicity. Late Grade 1-2 toxicity was 45% (GU) and 37% (GI). No late Grade 3 or higher toxicity was reported. Twenty-six patients reported potency before therapy; 6 (23%) have developed impotence. Median time to PSA nadir was 18 months with the majority of nadirs less than 1.0 ng/mL. The actuarial 48-month biochemical freedom from relapse is 70% for the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology definition and 90% by the alternative nadir + 2 ng/mL failure definition. CONCLUSIONS: SHARP for localized prostate cancer is feasible with minimal acute or late toxicity. Dose escalation should be possible.     

Characterization of Leuconostoc mesenteroides MJM60376 as an oral probiotic and its antibiofilm activity

Lactic acid bacteria have been widely used as probiotics for improving gut health. However, studies on oral probiotics were very limited. In this study, 67 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from fermented food and screened for antagonistic activity against Streptococcus mutans, the causative pathogen of dental caries. Leuconostoc mesenteroides MJM60376 showed the highest antagonistic activity against S. mutans KCTC3065. L. mesenteroides MJM60376 also showed oral probiotic characteristics including weak acid production, lysozyme tolerance, adhesion to oral epithelial cell (YD-38), antibiotic susceptibility, and good coaggregation ability with S. mutans. Furthermore, the biofilm formation of S. mutans was significantly reduced when cocultured with L. mesenteroides. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that amounts of attached bacteria of S. mutans and network-like structures were significantly reduced by L. mesenteroides MJM60376. Cell-free supernatant (CFS) of L. mesenteroides MJM60376 also greatly inhibited biofilm formation of S. mutans from the adherent stage, the activity remained even after it was treated with catalase, trypsin, or pH neutralized. Expression levels of biofilm formation-related genes were significantly reduced in S. mutans when it was treated with the CFS of L. mesenteroides MJM60376. Therefore, L. mesenteroides MJM60376 has great potential to be used as a multifunctional ingredient.     

Injury and pre-hospital trauma care in Hanoi, Vietnam

BACKGROUND: In Vietnam, injury is the leading cause of death in children under 18, and road traffic accidents are the fifth leading cause of death. Information systems for pre-hospital trauma care are insufficient. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess injury morbidity and mortality, and the existing level of pre-hospital trauma care in Hanoi city. RESEARCH DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven districts in Hanoi in 2006. We studied 2800 households (11,334 members), 9 hospitals and an emergency service centre. RESULTS: The injury morbidity rate was 1134/100,000 (year(-1)), and the injury mortality rate was 23.7/100,000 (year(-1)). There was no significant difference in age or sex between injury severity levels (p>0.05). Road traffic accidents were the leading cause of injury. Causes of injury mortality differed among different age groups. Only 4% of injured cases were transported to hospital by ambulance. Fifty-two percent of victims did not receive first aid at the site. Pre-hospital trauma care was separately provided by the emergency service centre and hospitals. There was no communication network between the emergency service centre and hospitals, ambulances and hospitals, or between different hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal that injury is a major health problem in Hanoi and that the pre-hospital care system lacks both coordination and many vital components. Study results may assist decision-makers in identifying interventions to improve health and safety for the population of Hanoi.     

紫外分光光度法测定诺氟沙星眼药水含量

本文研究了用紫外分光光度法测定诺氟沙星眼药水中诺氟沙星的含量,选用pH5.8磷酸盐缓冲液为溶剂,测定波长315nm。吸收系数(E_(1cm)~(1%))为393,测得平均回收率为99.8%,CV=0.43%(n=5)。眼药水附加剂对测定无干扰。     

Diagnosing Rhodococcus equi Infections in a Setting Where Tuberculosis Is Highly Endemic: a Double Challenge

Rhodococcus equi infection is increasing in regions with high HIV prevalence worldwide. The microbiological features and clinical mimicry of tuberculosis infection pose diagnostic challenges in high-tuberculosis-incidence settings. We present two HIV-associated cases of R. equi infection from Vietnam and discuss the unique diagnostic challenges in such settings.