White light interferometry to characterize the hydrogel contact lens surface

Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize, qualitatively and quantitatively, the surface morphology of four unworn conventional hydrogel contact lenses (Omafilcon, Hioxifilcon‐based, Nefilcon A and Ocufilcon B) by White Light Optical Profiling (WLOP). WLOP is an ideal technique for sampling larger areas as well as for higher measurement speed compared with other topography techniques used in contact lens studies. Methods: Surface roughness was assessed by WLOP in the Vertical Scanning Mode, with a Wyko^® NT1100, which is a non‐contact optical profiling system that provides high vertical resolution. Representative roughness parameters, the Average Roughness (R_a), Root‐mean‐square Roughness (R_ms), and Maximum Roughness (R_max), for areas of 625, 2500, 10829 and 67 646 μm² were calculated. Results: Higher R_a, R_ms and R_max values were obtained for larger areas in all lenses. Daily disposable contact lenses (Nefilcon A and Ocufilcon B) presented the highest R_a, R_ms and R_max values, the larger changes in these parameters becoming apparent with the increase in the measured area. Differences between lenses were less obvious when data from 625 and 2500 μm² area were compared. Conclusions: Daily disposable contact lenses showed the highest roughness surface. Analyzing larger areas might be adequate to detect differences between lenses in terms of surface characteristics, which may not be so obvious if smaller areas are studied.     

美国国家骨髓库20年回顾:捐献活动和非家族异体造血移植产品性能

异基因造血细胞移植已被广泛用于恶性血液疾病、非恶性血液疾病,以及其他疾病的治疗.自1987年来,NMDP实施了以下工作:捐献者身份确认、从匹配的捐献者采集干细胞、运输并输注给没有合适亲缘捐献者的患者.随着移植技术发展,良好的辅助医疗支持以及HLA配型的规范化,越来越多的NMDP产品应用于不同的患者.充足造血干细胞的捐献者是保证造血干细胞移植(HCT)成功的重要因素,然而,通过这些大量数据,可分析捐献者个体的捐献经验和HCT产品的特性.本文研究了NMDP捐献者的捐献活动,它包括多次BM捐献,PBSC捐献以及用于支持免疫重建、提供输血支持、治疗移植后并发症的辅助产品的捐献.本文还对影响HCT产品完整性的诸如采集袋破损、肉眼凝块的情况进行了总结.     

Recurrent malignant pilomatrixoma invading the cranial cavity: Improved local control with adjuvant radiation

We report the case of a 41‐year‐old mentally retarded male with recurrent pilomatrix carcinoma of the occipital region which invaded the occipital bone, left cerebellum and left temporal lobe. At his initial presentation the patient had a craniotomy and subtotal excision of the lesion with positive margins. He received no adjuvant therapy. After an early intracranial recurrence he had subtotal debulking and was referred for external beam radiotherapy. At 27 months follow‐up after adjuvant external beam radiotherapy the intracranial component has not progressed and the patient remains clinically well.     

Use of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in autologous marrow transplantation for lymphoid malignancies

The use of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) following autologous marrow transplantation for lymphoid malignancies was explored in a phase I/II dose escalation study. rhGM-CSF given as a 2-hour infusion daily for 14 days was well tolerated at doses up to 240 micrograms/m2/day. When compared with 86 disease-matched and treatment-matched historical controls, patients receiving greater than or equal to 60 micrograms/m2/day rhGM-CSF recovered neutrophil and platelet counts more rapidly, had fewer days with fever, and were discharged from the hospital sooner.     

安乃近的流动注射分光光度法分析

A new flow injection spectrophotometric method for the determination of analgin has been developed. The main factors which affect the determination were investigated. The absorption maximum is 650 nm. Under optimum conditions the calibration graph is linear in the range of 0. 2～3 mg/ml, the average recovery is 99. 8% with a relative standard deviation of 0. 5%. The proposed system permits the analysis of about 240 samples per hour and has the advantages of analytical efficiency, sensitivity and accuracy for the determination of analgin.     

Internet based multi-institutional clinical research: a convenient and secure option

PURPOSE: As randomized, prospective trials have become an integral part of clinical research, multi-institutional, collaborative research has become a necessity. However, it may be cumbersome for participants at remote facilities to participate because the submission and compilation of data and results are at times lengthy processes. Internet based clinical studies have been found to be a rapid, easily accessible, safe and secure method of performing multi-institutional trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Internet was used at geographically distant medical centers to enroll patients into a multi-institutional, prospective, randomized trial for the management of lower pole renal calculi. The Clinical Research Web-based Information Center secure computer web based program (Simplified Clinical Data Systems, Amherst, New Hampshire) was established to input preliminary demographic and clinical data, randomize patients, and collect treatment and followup information without paper chart documentation. The primary investigators in the study were sent a questionnaire to determine the ease of use of this Internet based program. The results were tabulated. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients from 21 participating institutions were randomized into the secure web site for inclusion into a lower pole renal stone clinical trial. Of the investigators 64% responded to the questionnaire. The majority of those having enrolled patients into the study reported no difficulties or only minimal difficulties in navigating the web site. Moreover, investigators from remote locations throughout North America described the improved convenience, rapid transmission of information, and ability to review and update patient data as benefits of enrolling patients using the Internet. The Internet based system also permits the prompt compilation of data at the host research site for performing interim data assessments and eventually the final analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A web based data collection center allows for large, multi-institutional trials to be done with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. Through centralization of data capture, and real-time study monitoring and data analysis the system removes these responsibilities from those at individual test sites, permitting investigators to concentrate instead on other aspects of the study and its progress. State-of-the-art security protects all information to ensure confidentiality. The Internet may prove to be an invaluable tool in the future of clinical research.     

Erectile dysfunction caused by venous leakage: treatment with detachable balloons and coils

Impotence can be caused by leakage of venous blood from the penis during erection. Of 135 patients studied with erectile dysfunction, 40 had venous leakage, and these patients were classified into three groups according to findings on cavernosograms. Thirty-one patients were treated with implantation of balloons and coils. Twenty-six of these patients now have normal sexual function. The authors believe this technique is simple, safe, and effective for the treatment of impotence caused by venous leakage.