Relationship between insulin-like growth factor I, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and proresorptive cytokines and bone density in cystic fibrosis

Introduction Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are known to be at risk for early osteoporosis, and the mechanisms that mediate bone loss are still being delineated. The aim of the present investigation was to investigate if a correlation exists in these patients between skeletal measurements by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and two anabolic factors, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and proresorptive factors such as the cytokines interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin-6. Methods We studied 32 outpatients (18 females; mean age: 26.2 ± 7.9 years) at a tertiary care medical center. The subjects had venous samples obtained, underwent anthropometric and bone mineral density (BMD) measurements, and completed a health survey. Serum IGF-I concentrations were below the age-adjusted mean in 78% of the participants, and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) concentrations were low in 72%. Serum concentrations of all cytokines were on the low side of normal; nonetheless, there was a modest inverse correlation between IL-1β and BMD at all sites. Results In univariate analyses, IGF-I and DHEAS were significant correlates of BMD or bone mineral content. In final multivariate models controlling for anthropometric and other variables of relevance to bone density, only IGF-I was identified as a significant independent skeletal predictor. While alterations in DHEAS, IGF-I, and specific cytokines may contribute to skeletal deficits in patients with CF, of these factors a low IGF-I concentration appears to be most strongly correlated with BMD. Conclusions These findings may have therapeutic implications for enhancing bone density in these patients.     

NEW DEVICE TO PERFORM COAGULATION AND IRRIGATION SIMULTANEOUSLY DURING ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION USING AN INSULATION‐TIPPED ELECTROSURGICAL KNIFE

Background: Although bleeding is an unavoidable complication of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoscopic hemostasis using an insulation‐tipped electrosurgical knife (IT) knife is impossible because an insulator is mounted at the tip of the knife. We have developed a new type of hood which could perform both coagulation and irrigation simultaneously. Methods: Our new device was fabricated by drilling a side hole in the cap portion of a conventional transparent hood followed by attaching a machined papillotomy knife to the exterior surface of the hole. Results: Our new hood was useful for hemorrhage during ESD using IT knife. Conclusions: With this method, endoscopic hemostasis using IT knife is easy, as hemostatic procedure can be performed under irrigation and coagulation using conventional endoscopy.     

Localized Kaposi''s sarcoma in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris

We report the case of a patient with a 13-year history of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) treated with immunosuppressive agents, prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil who had developed lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) on a sole plaque of PV that had been previously treated with intralesional injections of steroids. The lesions were surgically removed and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) DNA. There were neither recurrences nor later dissemination of KS following gradual decrease of the immunosuppressive therapy. We suggest that the treatment with intralesional steroids may have influenced the local reactivation of a latent infection of the virus, determining the appearance of this localized KS.     

Pharmacological therapy of vascular malformations of the gastrointestinal tract.

Vascular malformation (AVM) in the gastrointestinal tract is an uncommon, but not rare, cause of bleeding and iron deficiency anemia, especially in an aging population. While endoscopic coagulative therapy is the method of choice for controlling bleeding, a substantial number of cases require additional therapy. Adjunctive or even primary phamacotherapy may be indicated in recurrent bleeding. However, there is little evidence-based proof of efficacy for any agent. The bulk of support is derived from anecdotal reports or case series. The present review compares the outcome of AVM after no intervention, coagulative therapy or focus on pharmacological agents. Most of the literature encompasses two common AVMs, angiodysplasia and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Similarly, the bulk of information evaluates two therapies, hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and the somatostatin analogue octreotide. Of these, the former is the only therapy evaluated in randomized trials, and the results are conflicting without clear guidelines. The latter therapy has been reported only as case reports and case series without prospective trials. In addition, other anecdotally used medications are discussed.     

表皮生长因子对牛眼小梁细胞c—fos基因表达的诱导

目的研究表皮生长因子（ｅｐｉｄｅｒｍａｌｇｒｏｗｔｈｆａｃｔｏｒ，ＥＧＦ）对小梁细胞的作用。方法应用分子杂交技术研究ＥＧＦ对体外培养的牛眼小梁细胞ｃ－ｆｏｓ基因表达的诱导和３Ｈ胸腺核苷酸（３Ｈ－ｔｈｙｍｉｄｉｎｅｉｎｃｏｒｐａｒａｔｉｏｎ，３Ｈ－ＴｄＲ）掺入法观察细胞ＤＮＡ的合成。结果小梁细胞的３Ｈ－ＴｄＲ掺入率随着ＥＧＦ浓度不同而变化，浓度为２０～１５０ｎｇ／ｍｌ时，细胞掺入率随浓度增加升高（Ｐ＜０．０１）。与对照组相比，ＥＧＦ刺激停止生长的小梁细胞０．５小时后，ｃ－ｆｏｓ基因开始表达，１小时后达高峰，至２小时后消失。不同浓度ＥＧＦ刺激小梁细胞１小时后，ｃ－ｆｏｓ基因表达呈浓度依赖性。结论实验结果表明ＥＧＦ刺激小梁细胞增殖或进入生长状态，可能与ｃ－ｆｏｓ基因产物的信号传递作用有关。     

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: the importance of early magnetic resonance imaging

The diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is frequently missed or delayed with consequent delay in instituting therapy in the crucial phase of the illness. The role of MRI in the diagnosis of ADEM is well established, however, the value of its early utilization of treatment on the outcome of patients has not been adequately stressed. Three patients with ADEM are described. Delay in the diagnosis of the first was associated with severe sequelae, while in the other two early diagnosis and institution of corticosteroid therapy which was facilitated by MRI, was associated with a better outcome. MRI should be carried out early once the diagosis of ADEM is entertained.     

Evaluation of the influence of the aqueous phase bioconstituent environment on the F-19 T1 of perfluorocarbon blood substitute emulsions

Oxygen-sensitive F-19 magnetic resonance imaging of perfluorocarbon compounds requires that fluorocarbon T1 changes correlate with the local Po₂ and not with the composition of the surrounding aqueous phase. The influence of various bioconstituents and paramagnetic ions within the aqueous phase on the F-19 fluorocarbon phase T1 for PFC emulsions was evaluated at 0.14 and 0.66 T. T1 was measured for FC-43, perflubron, and a fluorinated surfactant. Controlled variables introduced in the aqueous phase included annex solution constituents, blood, pH changes, and Gd-DTPA. For a constant Po₂, the F-19 T1s were independent of the emulsion constituents, blood concentration, and pH. For FC-43 and perflubron, F-19 T1 was independent of the Gd-DTPA concentration, while the aqueous phase T1 decreased by more than an order of magnitude. XMO-10 (smallest emulsion particle size) showed a slight decrease in F-19 T1 with increasing Gd-DTPA concentration at 0.66 T.     

Role of intracortical mechanisms in the late part of the silent period to transcranial stimulation of the human motor cortex

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) of the human motor cortex produce a silent period (SP) following motor evoked potentials (MEPs). The early part of the SP can be explained by decreased alpha motor neuron excitability, whereas the late part is presumably due to suprasegmental mechanisms. In order to determine the level of the suprasegmental contribution to the generation of SPs, we recorded excitatory and inhibitory responses to TMS, TES, and percutaneous electrical brainstem stimulation (PBS) in the voluntarily activated first dorsal interosseous muscle of the hand. Stimulus intensities were set so that PBS and TES induced MEPs with areas equal to or larger than those of MEPs obtained with TMS. This procedure revealed that SPs were 49% and 83% shorter with TES and PBS, respectively, than with TMS. As TMS is more effective than TES or PBS in activating cortical interneurons, these findings support the idea that a significant component of the SP arises from intracortical mechanisms.     

心钠素对心肌血管钙超载的影响

提要本研究是在大鼠VD_3+Nicotine引起的心血管钙超载模型上观察心钠素(ANF)治疗(10ug ·kg~-1/d),对钙超载的影响。结果发现,钙超载组动物主动脉、心肌组织钙含量较对照组分别增高24倍(54.4±2.2vs 2.3±0.04fumol/gww)和9倍(16.9±2.1vs1.8±0.1umol/gww)。ANF治疗能显著抑制钙超载的发生,主动脉和心肌组织钙含量较钙超载组分别降低92％(3.8±0.4 umol/gww)和66％(5.6±0.6umol/gww)。离体滋流的钙超载血管环较对照组对去甲肾上腺素收缩反应增强;对乙酰胆碱舒张反应减弱,对硝普钠舒张反应无影响。ANF能显著改善钙超载所致的血管反应性障碍。实验结果表明,ANF具有显著的防治心血管钙超载的作用。     

非脱垂子宫经腹、阴式全切除术临床比较

目的 探讨非脱垂子宫经阴道与经腹全切术的临床比较。方法 2000年5月～2001年1月对阴式子宫全切术 (TVH)28例及腹式子宫全切术 (TAH)35例分为两组进行手术 ,对临床指标进行观察比较。结果 28例TVH手术均成功。平均重量255g(120～510g)。与TAH手术比较 ,其术后病率、肛门排气时间及术后住院天数有显著性差异 ( p<0.001及 p<0.05) ,但其手术时间及术中出血量无显著性差异 ( p>0.05)。结论 随着微创手术的开展 ,利用阴道天然孔道 ,经阴道切除较大的子宫是有效和安全的 ,手术的成功与术者经验、技术及子宫活动度有关 ,有合适器械也是手术成功的因素。