Disappointing results and low tolerability of photodynamic therapy with topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid in psoriasis. A randomized, double-blind phase I/II study

BACKGROUND: Based on good results in the treatment of superficial skin tumours, since the early 1990s topical photodynamic therapy with aminolaevulinic acid (ALA PDT) has been used for disseminated, inflammatory dermatoses including psoriasis. However, there is still a lack of well-documented trials. OBJECTIVE: A prospective randomized, double-blind phase I/II intrapatient comparison study was conducted in 12 patients to investigate whether topical ALA PDT is an effective treatment for chronic plaque-type psoriasis. METHODS: In each patient three psoriatic plaques were randomly treated with a light dose of 20 J/cm(2) and 0.1%, 1% and 5% ALA, respectively. Treatment was conducted twice a week until complete clearance or for a maximum of 12 irradiations. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by weekly determination of the psoriasis severity index (PSI). RESULTS: The mean percentage improvement was 37.5%, 45.6% and 51.2% in the 0.1%, 1% and 5% ALA-treated groups, respectively. Irradiation had to be interrupted several times because of severe burning and pain sensation. CONCLUSION: Topical ALA PDT did not prove to be an appropriate treatment option for plaque-type psoriasis due to disappointing clinical efficacy, the time-consuming treatment procedure and its unfavourable adverse event profile.     

The development and evaluation of Student Training, Education and Practice for Dietetics CD-ROM: a computer-assisted instruction programme for dietetic students

The Student Training, Education and Practice for Dietetics (STEP‐DIET) CD‐ROM was developed at the University of Surrey to prepare dietetic students for the practical dietetic training component of their Nutrition/Dietetics degree. This study aimed to evaluate student response to the programme and its effectiveness as a teaching tool, based on the evaluation framework of D.L. Kirkpatrick (Evaluating a Course, 2nd edn. London, Kogan Page). Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were employed, with 41 dietetic students, separated by year group, completing questionnaires and taking part in six focus groups, at the University of Surrey. Student attitudes towards the instruction method and the STEP‐DIET programme itself were investigated, in conjunction with their perceived learning achievements. Students rated the programme highly in terms of design and content, however, there was a reluctance to accept computer‐assisted instruction (CAI) as a sole teaching method. A number of learning achievements relevant to dietetic practice were reported including a perceived increase in ability to conduct a dietetic interview and an increased understanding of the management of Type 2 diabetes. In general students reacted positively to the STEP‐DIET programme and it was perceived by students to be effective in preparing them for the practical component of their dietetic training.     

Pilot efficacy and tolerability: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of levetiracetam for essential tremor.

The purpose of this pilot single-site study was to assess efficacy and safety of levetiracetam for essential tremor, using a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized crossover design with an interim analysis planned after completion of the first 10 to 15 subjects. The study was designed to detect a mean 30% reduction in composite tremor score, comparable to that of primidone or propranolol, which can be demonstrated with 30 or fewer subjects. Each treatment arm included baseline tremor assessments, a 4-week medication titration, 2 weeks of stable dose, and treatment tremor assessments. Levetiracetam was titrated to 3,000 mg/day or to a lower maximal tolerated dose. The median age was 72 years, with 28 years median tremor duration. There was no statistically significant difference in response between placebo and levetiracetam on any tremor rating scale or accelerometry measure. The 95% confidence interval for the true mean difference between placebo and levetiracetam treatments was +18.5 to -22.5%, which excludes the minimum 30% drop required to consider levetiracetam clinically effective to a degree comparable to primidone or propranolol. Whether levetiracetam has lesser-degree antitremor efficacy was not addressed in this pilot study.     

Clinical evaluation of a potassium nitrate dentifrice for the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity

Abstract The effectiveness of a 5% potassium nitrate dentifrice as a daily home treatment for dentinal hypersensitivity was evaluated in a double-blind study in 36 Japanese subjects who complained of cold and/or tactile hypersensitivity. The subjects were divided into 2 groups, with 18 being given a 5% potassium nitrate dentifrice (treated group) and the other 18 a vehicle paste (control group). Both groups were instructed to brush their teeth 2 × a day. The hypersensitivity levels of the affected teeth were assessed by 2 stimuli, one tactile and the other cold air, and by the perception of pain. The results of all 3 assessment methods indicated that the potassium nitrate dentifrice significantly decreased the level of hypersensitivity at weeks 4, 8, and 12. In the treated group, a rapid decrease of positive scores for both the cold air stimulus and the subjective symptoms appeared from week 2. Although a significant decrease of the assessment score was also observed in the control group, the reduction rate of the score was much greater in the treated group by ail 3 assessment methods at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Complete relief of subjective symptoms throughout the 12 weeks’examination was noted in 67% of the subjects in the treated group, but in only 6% in the control group. These results suggest the usefulness of a 5% potassium nitrate dentifrice in Japanese patients with dentinal hypersensitivity.     

Eight years'' experience with a structured clinical examination

A structured clinical examination has been an integral component of the final-year examinations conducted by the Departments of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Adelaide for the last 8 years. It has been used as an alternative to the traditional clinical examination. This paper describes the results of ongoing student and examiner surveys carried out to determine their views and satisfaction with this new approach. It also briefly discusses the feasibility of introducing such an examination into a conventional medical school environment. The surveys showed a remarkable level of acceptance and support by both students and examiners. This positive reaction has been maintained over the 8-year period. The main reasons seem to be its perceived relevance and fairness. Students also appear to be directing their learning in a direction thought desirable by teachers. No significant problems have been encountered with the practical implementation of the method.     

Periodontal status of a subject sample of Yemen

Abstract From August to October 1991, the periodontal status of 1001 Yemenis representing the age groups 12-14, 15-19, 20-24 and 35-44 years was recorded and evaluated with preference to the CPITN, the calculus index and clinical attachment levels. The impact of chewing khat, the leaves of a cultivated, alkaloid shrub, and of using the traditional miswak chewing stick for oral hygiene purposes were investigated. The results show that 6.9% of the juvenile probands (15-19 years) had healthy periodontal tissue (CPITN 0). whereas bleeding on probing and calculus (CPITN 1+2) were registered in 86.2%. In the 35-44 year age group. 1.7% were periodontally healthy, whereas 84.5% displayed plaque retention or shallow pocketing (CPITN 2-3) and 12.5% deep pocketing (CPITN 4). The treatment needs in all age groups are confined primarily to calculus removal and instruction in oral hygiene. The clinical attachment level and the calculus index revealed age-related attachment loss and calculus formation, primarily among male probands. The higher khat consumption among the male population is reflected in its detrimental effect on the periodontal tissue, especially among younger probands. Oral hygiene aids have also an influence on periodontal status, with a toothbrush proving more efficient than the miswak. WHO efforts directed towards prophylactic programs need to be intensified but can be staffed by dental hygienists.     

Undergraduate medical education in obstetrics and gynaecology in the USA and Canada, 1985

Many factors have led to a movement from the emphasis of the 1960s and 1970s on departmental expansion towards an emphasis on cost-effective undergraduate medical education emphasizing the 'art' as well as the 'science' of medicine. In January 1985 a questionnaire was sent under the auspices of the Undergraduate Education Committee of the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology to all chairmen of departments of obstetrics and gynecology in the USA and Canada seeking their opinions about these trends and information about the educational programmes in their departments. The information from this study indicates that the chairmen are aware of and responding to this new direction in medical education. A stabilization of teaching staff and clerkship sizes and the emphasis on clinical as well as cognitive evaluation, despite recognition of the cost of the former, shows active interventions towards these ends. An emphasis on education in 'basic' as compared to 'subspecialty' areas which is independent of the subspecialty of the academic chairman also supports this trend.     

α-L-岩藻糖苷酶测定的临床应用

研究结果表明AFU测定对肝癌的诊断具有较高的敏感性和特异性，其价值优于AFP，两项指标联合检测可提高阳性检出率。动态监测有利于肝癌的早期诊断、鉴别诊断，并可作为转移、复发的指标，也可用于白血病及卵巢癌的诊断。