小百部的甾体皂甙成分

从云南产小百部(Asparagus filicinus Buch.-Ham)的根中分离到四个甾体皂甙,经光谱分析和化学降解,确定了结构,其中三个为新化合物,分别命名为小百部甙A(Ⅰ),小百部甙B(Ⅱ)和小百部甙C(Ⅲ)。另一个为已知皂甙Asp-Ⅳ的22-甲氧基化物(Ⅳ)。此外还分离到β-蜕皮甾酮(β-ecdysone,Ⅴ)。     

CT of the pulmonary nodule: a cooperative study

To evaluate the role of computed tomography (CT) in the investigation of pulmonary nodules, a special reference phantom that enabled CT densitometric measurements independent of variations between scanners and patients was used in ten institutions. A total of 384 nodules not considered calcified by conventional methods were examined; 118 (31%) proved to be benign, and in 65 of these (55%), unsuspected calcification was demonstrated. In 28 of the 65, definite calcification could be identified on thin-section CT scans by simple inspection of the scans at narrow windows. In the remaining 37, presence of calcification could not be clearly established without comparison with the reference CT number from the calibration phantom. CT was most effective in establishing the benignancy of nodules 3 cm or less in diameter and those with discrete or smooth margins. CT rarely yields a confident diagnosis of benign disease in larger nodules and in those with irregular or spiculated borders. After review of prior spot radiographs, low kilovolt peak spot radiographs, and conventional tomograms, the authors conclude that thin-section CT aided by a reference phantom in equivocal cases should be an integral part of the diagnostic approach to the pulmonary nodule.     

Age of sitting unsupported and independent walking in very low birth weight preterm infants with normal motor development at 2 years

Aims:  The aims of this study is to (i) determine the age of sitting unsupported and independent walking in preterm infants with birth weight under 1500 g (very low birth weight, VLBW); (ii) estimate differences between VLBW children and a reference population and (iii) estimate the association between clinical characteristics and late age at sitting and walking.
Methods:  A longitudinal study was conducted of a cohort of 876 children with VLBW. The World Health Organization (WHO) motor development study population was used as a reference. Ages for both skills were established by interview with parents. Means were compared with t -test, ANOVA and Bonferroni adjustment where appropriate.
Results:  The inclusion criteria were complied with 694 patients; 50% of VLBW sat at 7 m corrected age (CA) and walked at 13 m CA. Both motor skills were acquired later (7.3 ± 1.5  and 13.6 ± 2.8 m) compared with the control group (6 ± 1.1  and 12.1 ± 1.8 m). Weight or head circumference at birth below the 10th percentile or the presence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia were associated with delayed acquisition of both skills.
Conclusion:  Very low birth weight infants typically sit unsupported and walk later than term infants. Tables describing reference values for milestones acquisition for different categories of infants (gestational age, birth weight and other determinants) may contribute to inform the decision making process on access to available resources.