Self-selection of enrollers at the creation of a managed care organization

Factors affecting choice between a managed care organization(MCO) and a fee-for-service insurance plan were examined whenthe University of Geneva health insurance plan was transformedinto an MCO, in October 1992. A case-control study using a mailedquestionnaire (response rate 84%) was conducted to compare formermembers who joined the MCO (joiners, n=421) to former memberswho opted out in order to keep fee-for-service coverage (non-joiners,n=222). Non-joiners were more likely to be women (odds ratio(OR) from multivariate model was 1.15, p=0.50), to be born inSwitzerland (OR=2.04, p<0.01), to have an annual income >75,000Swiss francs (OR=2.00, p<0.01), to have a personal physician(OR=1.96, p<0.01) and to have consulted a specialist (OR=1.69,p=0.02) or used unconventional medicine (OR=4.59, p<0.01)in the past year. During the previous year, non-joiners hadmore health care visits than joiners (14.6 versus 9.1, p=0.01).Non-joiners reported better mental health and fewer complainedof persistent fatigue (OR=2.18, p=0.03). The choice of healthplan was strongly influenced by socio-demographic characteristics,past patterns of health services utilization and health status.The self-selection process was paradoxical: MCO joiners hadused fewer health care visits than non-joiners, but their self-reportedhealth status was worse. The differences we have observed betweenself-selected populations have important implications for thefinancial performance of competing health care delivery systems.     

The universal algorithm of maturation for secretory and excretory protein precursors.

During maturation, most proteins undergo different posttranslational modifications. In most simple cases, signal peptidases remove the signal or leader peptide from the precursors of the secretory proteins during their translocation across the ER membrane. For biologically active proteins, such as enzymes, regulatory and defense proteins, toxins, etc., additional maturation-regulating mechanisms were shown to proceed with limited proteolysis of inactive precursors by specific enzymes. A number of specific enzymes from different cell types selectively cleave proproteins at specific processing sites. In this work, we analyzed the sequences of protein precursors synthesized in the excretory glands of different animals and identified new, non-traditional processing sites. They differ from the motifs previously identified in secreted proteins' precursors and enabled us to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the conversion of protein precursors into the final products (mature proteins). We also found that in animals, the maturation mechanism of secretory and excretory proteins and the set of enzymes involved are species specific. The processing sites identified in protein precursors in this study are useful for a more detailed genome analysis and more accurate mature protein sequence prediction.     

Expanding Our Strategies to Study the Process of Change

The conceptual and methodological framework proposed by Doss (this issue) makes valuable suggestions for strategic choices in future research. This commentary addresses conceptual and terminological distinctions adopted by Doss, as well as his criticism of add-on/ dismantling studies. We also suggest research topics and methodological developments that could be integrated in Doss's framework to further expand understanding of therapeutic change.     

海藻硫酸多糖的制备及其性质研究

目的 建立一套从褐藻中提取海藻硫酸多糖(SP)简单可行的工艺流程。方法 采用乙醇分级提取和Sevage去除蛋白的方法分离、纯化SP，并用Molish反应、Fehling反应、茚三酮法和硫酸基法等鉴定SP产品，用苯酚硫酸法测定SP产品中的糖含量，硫酸基法测定SP产品中的硫酸基含量。结果 从褐藻中得到了SP产品，其得率为3％，SP产品的总糖含量高达85．4％，硫酸基含量为5．3％。结论 我们建立的SP制备工艺流程简单可行，所得产品确系硫酸酯化的海藻多糖。     

Liver resection without hilus preparation and with selective intrahepatic hilus stapling for benign tumors and liver metastasis

Background Nowadays, liver resection is a routine operative procedure in surgical centers, and strategies must be aimed at avoiding additional risk factors. Extrahepatic isolation of portal vein, hepatic artery and hepatic duct, as well as lymphadenectomy of the liver hilum are generally accepted steps of liver resection, even for metastatic and benign indications. Our primary aim was to analyze the feasibility, blood loss, blood transfusion requirements, incidence of complications, and outcome using the approach for intrahepatic devascularization leaving the extrahepatic hilus untouched. Materials and methods Thirty-eight consecutive patients with resection for metastases and benign liver tumors were selected. After hilar examination, the extrahepatic structures remain intact, and during parenchyma dissection, the whole right or left or the appropriate bi-segmental pedicle is isolated intrahepatically and then transected using a stapler device. Results The used technique was feasible in all cases, and no intra- or postoperative surgical complications were observed. To date, no tumor recurrence was found in the hilum during the follow-up period. Conclusion The intrahepatic pedicle stapling technique appears to be feasible and safe in liver resection. Hilar dissection can, thus, be avoided in liver metastasis and benign liver tumors.     

Results of a survey of the role of multidisciplinary team coordinators for colorectal cancer in England and Wales

OBJECTIVE: Over the last 6 years, multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) have been established and play a key role in organizing the delivery of cancer care in the UK. There are no published data on the roles of their co-coordinators. To seek the views of colorectal multidisciplinary team co-ordinators (MDTCs) on what they do and how they do it. METHOD: Questionnaires were sent to the colorectal MDTC, or equivalent, in all 180 NHS hospital trusts in England and Wales where colorectal cancer surgery is performed. RESULTS: There was a 70% response rate. Seventy-one per cent of trusts now have a dedicated MDTC, whereas in 2002, only 40% had one. MDTCs generally keep their information on databases, but these differ, and are not coordinated with data entry into the national colorectal cancer database of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland. In only 26 trusts does the MDTC communicate decisions to primary care, and the patients seem almost completely excluded from this process. CONCLUSION: The recently formed national MDTC Forum should grasp the opportunity of coordinating all of this well-intentioned but pluralistic activity to the benefit of patients, primary care and hospital teams. An effective MDTC with a robust database will be the key in achieving cancer waiting time targets with useful audit, thereby improving patient care.     

口腔门诊治疗并发晕厥106例回顾分析

目的：通过对1983年以来，孝感市中心医院口腔中心门诊治疗并发晕厥106例的回顾性分析，探讨口腔门诊治疗并发单纯性晕厥的原因及一些相关因素，增强医患双方的防治意识，安全顺利的进行口腔门诊治疗。方法：对106例单纯性晕厥反应，采取现场询问式调查的方法，对其一般情况，口腔门诊治疗经历，治疗时的心态，口腔门诊治疗的了解，以及不同口腔治疗晕厥发生情况等进行调查、归纳、分析。结果：1)晕厥的发生与患者的年龄有关，12～40岁口腔门诊治疗经历欠缺的患者是口腔门诊治疗并发晕厥的高危人群。2)口腔患者进行治疗前心理准备充足与否对并发晕厥反应的影响较大。3)晕厥在口腔门诊某些治疗中发生率较高，拔牙术最多，其次为脓肿切排。86％(92例)属因畏惧疼痛导致紧张而诱发的血管抑制性晕厥。4)晕厥多发生于治疗初期(93：13)。结论：口腔门诊治疗并发晕厥临床表现多不严重，但对患者就诊和医师的治疗影响明显，切实做好口腔治疗错误信息，消除和减轻他们的疑虑和畏惧的紧张心情，对保障口腔门诊治疗安全尤为重要。     

一氧化氮与卵巢生理

NO是一种结构简单的气体,是脊椎动物体内已发现的分子量最小的生物活性分子。NO作为一种信使分子,生物作用广泛,在生殖系统发挥重要作用。本文着重介绍NO作为卵巢内重要的调节因子,在调节卵泡发育、卵母细胞成熟、排卵、黄体的形成与退化、激素合成等方面的研究进展。     

自体髂软骨及松质骨移植在牙槽突裂同期行鼻畸形整复术中的应用

目的　探索牙槽突裂与鼻畸形同期整复的新方法。方法　对 4 2例牙槽突裂患者采用自体髂骨及松质骨充填牙槽裂隙 ,髂嵴软骨片覆盖并充垫塌陷的梨状孔外缘及鼻侧区 ,同时利用鼻前庭黏膜软骨复合组织瓣V Y推进法整复鼻畸形。结果　 9～ 11岁患者牙槽突高度恢复平均为86 7% ,厚度恢复平均为 89 6 % ,牙槽突外形和功能为Ⅰ、Ⅱ级 ,尖牙在骨移植区萌出 ,梨状孔外缘鼻侧区低陷处高度恢复 ,鼻翼塌陷畸形恢复 ,鼻孔形态对称 ;12岁以上患者牙槽突高度恢复平均为70 1% ,厚度恢复平均为 71 7% ,牙槽突外形和功能为Ⅱ级、Ⅲ级 ;2例 18岁患者鼻背长轴、鼻端偏斜未能改善。结论　利用自体松质骨和软骨来修复牙槽突裂并同时进行鼻畸形整复 ,既能保证牙槽突高度、牙弓连续性的恢复 ,鼻畸形的改善 ,又能防止鼻背、鼻端长期畸形发展而造成难以矫正的偏斜 ,同时也能尽早消除因畸形给患者带来的心理障碍 ,是一种比较理想的整复方法     

Effects of Spascupreel versus hyoscine butylbromide for gastrointestinal cramps in children

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal spasms and cramps are common in children as well as in adults. Alternative medical practices such as chiropractice and homeopathy are becoming increasingly popular in Europe and the USA. The effectiveness and tolerability of the homeopathic preparation Spascupreel was compared with that of hyoscine butylbromide treatment in children <12 years of age. METHODS: An observational cohort study in 204 children <12 years was conducted over a 1 week treatment period. The efficacy of the respective therapies were evaluated on the effect on severity of spasms and clinical symptoms (pain/cramps, sleep disturbances, distress, eating or drinking difficulties and frequent crying). Compliance was evaluated on a four-point scale from 'very good' to 'low'. Evaluation was done by the practitioner based on information given by the patient or minder. RESULTS: The analysis showed comparative improvements with the homeopathic preparation and hyoscine butylbromide therapy on severity of spasms, pain/cramps, sleep disturbances, eating or drinking difficulties, and frequent crying, all as evaluated by the practitioner. Both treatments were very well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: For patients opting for a homeopathic therapy, Spascupreel seems to be an effective and well tolerated alternative to conventional therapies in children suffering from gastrointestinal spasms.