HLA markers in familial Lichen Sclerosus

Background: Lichen sclerosus (LS) has been identified with increased frequency in families,often associated with HLA markers, mainly DQ7. A genetic co‐etiology seems likely in this setting. Moreover, there is an association of LS with autoimmune disorders, such as the presence of anti‐thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (anti‐TPO), a hallmark of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Patients and Methods: In 3 families affected by LS, we verified their HLA markers, and identified previously undiagnosed cases of LS and autoimmune disorders. 30 individuals were examined with history, skin biopsy, HLA class I and II typing by PCR‐SSP, and measurement of anti‐TPO, free thyroxine and thyroidstimulating hormones (TSH) levels. Results: There were 8 cases of LS, 50 % of them anti‐TPO+. Autoimmune disorders were found in 40 % (total) and in 87.5 % of those affected. Most common HLA markers were B*15, B*57, CW*03, CW*07, CW*18, DRB1*04, DRB1*07, DRB4*. The three latter have been previously associated with LS. Conclusion: New cases of LS and autoimmune disorders can be detected in first degree relatives of patients with LS. The presence of anti‐TPO antibodies strongly suggests autoimmune thyroiditis. There is intra‐familial association between the haplotype HLA‐B*15 ‐DRB1*04 ‐DRB4* and anti‐TPO,emphasizing their link with thyroiditis. New familial approaches might help to make clear the pathogenesis of LS and its association with autoimmune diseases.     

Sensitivity and specificity of a self-administered questionnaire for familial screening of adult-onset dystonia.

We developed a self-administered questionnaire for screening the most common adult-onset dystonias. It was tested in 90 first-degree relatives of 22 adult-onset dystonia patients, yielding 79% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Simulation of a case-finding procedure based on serial application of the questionnaire and clinical examination of both subjects screening positive and subjects screening negative who had < 8 years of schooling increased sensitivity to 95% and specificity to 100%. This questionnaire may be an important screening resource for familial aggregation studies to be used in the context of a complex case-finding procedure.     

Histological and biological developmental characterization of the human cerebellar cortex

The aim of this study was to investigate the histological and biological features of the human cerebellar cortex development and differentiation. We analyzed 52 brains of fetal and infant death victims, aged from 17 gestational weeks to 12th postnatal month. In particular, in the cerebellar cortex at different ages we evaluated, besides the structural aspects, the expression of several biomarkers implicated in proliferative processes (c-fos, PCNA and apoptosis). We observed morphological patterns progressively evolving every month, from the indefinite structure of the second gestational trimester to the four-layered structure (external granular layer, molecular layer, Purkinje cell layer, internal granular layer) of the late fetal cortex and subsequently to the three-layered postnatal definitive morphology, due to involution of the external granular layer. The evaluation of the biological features of the cerebellar cortex showed high proliferative activity mainly confined to the transient external granular layer in prenatal life, and high apoptotic index after birth. Thus, the histological examination, better with the support of biomarker investigations, allows with accuracy to describe the dynamic sequence of steps that occur in human cerebellar cortex development and to establish in each case the age, namely the pre- or postnatal month of life. Consequently, we can diagnose delayed or altered processes of differentiation during the development of the human cerebellar cortex.     

Irritable bowel syndrome and health-related quality of life: a population-based study in Calgary, Alberta.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of nonclinical samples of people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Canada. In a pilot survey, the impact of IBS on HRQOL using a population-based, urban sample was examined. METHODS: A random sample of Calgary residents (18 years of age or older), selected by random digit dialing (n=1521), completed a structured questionnaire including ROME II Criteria and Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 12-Item Health Survey, version 2 (SF-12v2). The mean scale and summary scores of SF-12v2 for those who did and did not meet ROME II criteria and for those who met ROME II criteria with and without visiting a physician in past three months were determined and compared using multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: Of the 951 households successfully contacted, 590 (62%) were willing to participate, of which 437 (74%) individuals were recruited. One hundred ten IBS cases (81 of which were women) and 327 non-IBS controls (180 of which were women) were identified. All of the eight mean scale scores and the two mean summary scores were significantly lower in people with IBS than in those without, whether or not adjusting for demographics. Forty-four of the 110 IBS cases (40%) sought medical help. Significantly lower mean physical component score and three scale scores (general health, social functioning and role physical) were found in those who sought medical help than in those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: People with IBS experience significant impairment in HRQOL, including both physical and mental well-being. People with IBS who seek medical help report worse physical health than those who do not, but their mental health is no different.     

从天价医药费事件折射出当前我国医疗机构存在的问题

目前，我国许多医院的医疗卫生工作人员在为患者进行医疗卫生服务的过程中，为了医院和个人的经济利益，存在着过度医疗消费现象。最典型的是哈尔滨医科大学第二附属医院发生的天价医药费事件。导致这种现象出现的原因是由于法律的不健全、制度的不完善等而导致的监督力度不够，加之有些医务工作者在经济利益的驱使下使自己的职业道德滑坡，从而导致了老百姓看病贵现象的出现。     

医改尚未成功,路在何方?

目前我国医疗制度改革尚未取得成功,这与计划经济向市场经济转轨这历史时期及卫生工作的特殊性有关,出现问题,甚至失误,在所难免。提出(1)医改的目的是确保全国人民健康,人人享有医疗保健。(2)把卫生系统推向市场,医疗机构商业化,不是医改的方向。(3)预防为主,健全预防医学制系。(4)国家增加投入。(5)制定公立及私立医院各项制度,保护医务人员的合法权益。(6)加强社区基层医疗机构的建设。     

Pulmonary Lophomonas blattarum infection in patients with kidney allograft transplantation

The aim of the study was to analyse the clinical manifestation and management of pulmonary Lophomonas blattarum infection in four allograft transplantation recipients retrospectively. Four patients with pulmonary L. blattarum infection were diagnosed by using Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) examination. Their clinical manifestation and management are summarized. Four cases of pulmonary L. blattarum were found during the period from the second month to the third month after transplantation. Concurring infection by other pathogens was found in three of them. Common initial symptoms included fever (>38 degrees C) without cough and breathlessness. Lower lobe shadowing could be found on chest X-ray. Body temperature decreased to the normal range in three patients and to 37.5 degrees C in the other one, after intravenous injection of metronidazole and tapering immunosuppressant. Radiological examination confirmed improved health condition of the patients afterwards. Two patients received repeated FOB and only dead L. blattarum was found. Pulmonary L. blattarum infection in allograft transplant recipients carry relatively obscure initial symptoms. Possible L. blattarum infection needs to be screened in post-transplantation pulmonary infection patients with similar symptoms, especially in those who respond poorly to anti-infection treatment. Microscopic examination of BAL fluid can help to identify pulmonary L. blattarum infection and metronidazole is an ideal treatment choice.     

邹城市预防艾滋病健康教育效果评价

目的评价预防艾滋病健康教育与行为干预效果。方法采用问卷方式对社区居民进行预防艾滋病信息的可及性及知信行的调查。结果社区居民艾滋病知晓率为97.41%,熟悉艾滋病传播途径的87.78%,62.78%的认为艾滋病病人或感染者和正常人享有一样的入学/就业权,38.70%的人愿意与感染艾滋病的同事继续共事,60.19%的人愿意与感染艾滋病的家人继续共同生活,最近3次性行为100%使用安全套者为26.48%,82.04%的人有医疗用血安全意识,64.81%的人有医疗器械安全意识。最想获取艾滋病预防措施、传播途径、病理知识、症状表现、治疗方法、检测途径及检测方法、疫情信息,新闻、电视公益广告、专题报道、反映艾滋病病人生活的电影或电视剧、科普材料、大型公益演出人们最喜欢。结论政府重视,多部门合作,组织机构健全,宣传教育广泛,干预措施到位,成效显著。     

神经修复导管的材料学及制备方法

目的:综合分析近年来国内外神经修复用导管材料以及制备方法的研究近况。资料来源:应用计算机检索ElsevierScience1996-01/2005-12有关神经修复及神经导管方面的文献,检索词分别为“nerveconduit,nerveguide,nerveregeneration”,限定文献语言种类为English。同时计算机检索清华数字期刊库、万方数据库1996-01/2005-12有关神经修复及神经导管方面的文献,检索词为“神经修复,导管”,限定语言种类为中文。资料选择:对检索到的神经再生、神经修复及神经导管方面的相关信息进行整理,选取针对性强的文章。同一领域的文献则选择近期发表或权威杂志的文章。资料提炼:共收集120篇关于神经修复、神经导管的文献,纳入23篇符合标准的文献。资料综合:用神经导管桥接断离神经是神经修复的重要方法之一,制备神经导管的材料按其降解性能分为生物不可降解材料和生物可降解材料,任何一种材料都有其优缺点,发展复合材料将是制备导管的主要方向。结论:虽然影响神经再生的因素还有许多,如神经生长因子、雪旺细胞等,但是新型的导管及制备方法将会有利于神经修复进一步发展。     

Revascularized fibula for tibia replacement in adamantinoma

Adamantinoma of long bones is one of the rarest of malignant bone tumors; it is commonly located in the middle or lower third of the diaphysis of the tibia. A case with multiple occurrences affecting both the tibia and fibula is presented. En bloc resection with wide operative margins was performed, and a large tibial defect of 23 cm was effectively bridged by a revascularized free fibular flap. At 13 months follow-up, there was no sign of local recurrence or metastasis, and the patient was mobile.