Global transcriptional profiling demonstrates the combination of type I and type II interferon enhances antiviral and immune responses at clinically relevant doses.

A role for type II interferon (IFN-gamma) in resolving viral infection is suggested by the correlation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance with enhancement of IFN-gamma-producing activated T cells in the resolution of acute HCV infection. Using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a synergistic direct antiviral effect was documented using IFN-gamma1b and a potent, consensus type I IFN (IFN alfacon-1). Global expression profiling following EC50 exposure to IFN alfacon-1, IFN-gamma1b, or a cocktail of the two allowed the antiviral state to be correlated with induction of a subset of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Genes identified through this analysis corresponded to classic antiviral components, ISGs more recently associated with direct antiviral functions, as well as expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and hypothetical proteins. The magnitude of these antiviral EC50-correlated expression events in human hepatoma (Huh7) cells exposed to clinically relevant doses of IFN alfacon-1, IFN-gamma1b, or a cocktail of the two was also probed because the standard of care for patients with chronic hepatitis C is type I IFN-containing regimens. Relative to type I IFNs used alone, the addition of type II IFN caused enhanced expression not only of many of the genes correlated with the direct antiviral state but also of genes involved in (1) antigen presentation to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), (2) macrophage, natural killer (NK), and T helper 1 (Th1) cell recruitment and activation, (3) complement system function, (4) apoptosis, and (5) ISGs with unknown functions. As many of these processes are correlated clinically with resolution of chronic HCV infection, the combined use of these IFNs could display a beneficial effect on viral clearance in patients infected with HCV and other viruses through enhancement of one of these processes or of the direct antiviral state.     

对诊断PADAM的游离睾酮指数的评估

目的 评价诊断中老年男子部分雄激素缺乏综合征（PADAM）的游离睾酮指数（FTI）.方法 对129例45岁以上健康男性的FTI进行年龄相关分析.以推算的游离睾酮（CFT）值为依据,对FTI进行有效性检验.结果 男子在中老年期FTI与增龄呈明显的负相关.FTI敏感性97.78%,特异性58.33%.结论 计算简单的FTI可用于PADAM病人的筛选和随访,尤其对70岁以上男子是血清FT较为有效的参数.     

Heubner回返动脉显微外科解剖及其临床应用

目的 :为前交通动脉复合体部位显微手术避免损伤Heubner回返动脉提供相关的应用解剖学资料。方法 :对经双侧椎动脉 (VA)、颈内动脉 (ICA)乳胶灌注的尸头标本 2 2例 ,按翼点入路方向 ,在手术显微镜下解剖观测 2 0例Heubner回返动脉的起点、管径、行径及其毗邻关系。 2例模拟手术操作。结果 :(1)本组观测到 4 3支回返动脉 ,其中 39支Heubher回返动脉 ;4支副Heubner回返动脉。 (2 )Heubner回返动脉 4 6 .5 % (2 0 / 4 3)起于A2 段 ,2 5 .6 % (11/ 4 3)起于A1段 ,2 7.9% (12 /4 3)起于前交通动脉 (ACOA)水平的大脑前动脉 (ACA)。 (3)Heubner回返动脉起点管径 :左侧 0 .81± 0 .2 1mm(0 .35～ 1.17mm) ;右侧 0 .84± 0 .2 6mm(0 .37～ 1.2 1mm)。 (4 )回返动脉发出后 ,与ACA反方向成锐角 ,沿A1上壁、外侧及后内侧 ,越过ICA两分叉 ,经大脑中动脉 (MCA)始段前面穿通入脑 ,少数回返动脉行走于前穿质 (APS)的后部。A1近端 3～ 5mm或中 1/ 3段穿通支少。结论 :在前交通动脉复合体部位手术时 ,A1近端 3～ 5mm或中 1/ 3段夹闭 ,并解剖寻找、剥离Heubner回返动脉 ,可避免损伤Heubner回返动脉及其它穿通支 ,最大限度减少术后并发症     

Working‐correlation‐structure identification in generalized estimating equations

Selecting an appropriate working correlation structure is pertinent to clustered data analysis using generalized estimating equations (GEE) because an inappropriate choice will lead to inefficient parameter estimation. We investigate the well‐known criterion of QIC for selecting a working correlation structure, and have found that performance of the QIC is deteriorated by a term that is theoretically independent of the correlation structures but has to be estimated with an error. This leads us to propose a correlation information criterion (CIC) that substantially improves the QIC performance. Extensive simulation studies indicate that the CIC has remarkable improvement in selecting the correct correlation structures. We also illustrate our findings using a data set from the Madras Longitudinal Schizophrenia Study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Topical Metronidazole Gel

Ten putrid-smelling decubitus ulcers were successfully treated with metronidazole gel. Anaerobes were cultured from five ulcers and Wood's light examination was positive in four ulcers before treatment. The odor was eliminated after 36 hours of therapy. All results of post-treatment cultures of anaerobes and Wood's light examinations were negative.