Effects of low dose ultraviolet A-1 phototherapy on morphea

AIM: The effects of low dose ultraviolet A-1 (UVA-1) phototherapy on different clinical stages of morphea (localized scleroderma) were analyzed in this case study. Based on these data, the different types of phototherapy described in the literature and currently used for treatment of morphea are compared. METHODS: Three patients with severe plaque type morphea in different stages were studied: one patient with late-stage lesions having stable sclerotic plaques; another patient with active inflammatory lesions; and a third patient with late-stage lesions associated with overlying lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA). The treatment given was low dose UVA-1 phototherapy with single doses of 20 J/cm2 administered four times a week for 6 weeks, and once a week for another 6 weeks. RESULTS: Following UVA-1 phototherapy, the sclerotic plaques resolved, leaving smooth and soft tanned skin with normal structure, consistency and folding capability. In morphea with overlying LSA the elastic fibers did not completely return to the superficial papillary dermis despite the clinical clearance of both morphea and LSA. These data suggest that low dose UVA-1 phototherapy may improve, but not completely reverse, the histopathological changes of LSA. No side effects were observed during or after treatment. CONCLUSION: Our observations show in three patients that low-dose UVA-1 phototherapy is highly effective for treatment of all stages of morphea, including early inflammatory and late sclerotic lesions, and morphea with overlying lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. Because of its safety and efficacy, low dose UVA-1 phototherapy appears to be the treatment modality of choice.     

Physico-chemical stability and sterility of non-opioid analgesics in solution

Objectives

The combination of non-opioid analgesic drugs (P: paracetamol, K: ketoprofen and N: nefopam) is currently recommended for postoperative pain control. In practice, these analgesics are often administered in the same solution. We investigated the chemical stability and sterility of three mixtures of analgesics (P + K, P + N and K + N).

Methods

For each mixture, concentrations of active principles were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography over 24 hours. These mixtures were cultured for microbiological colonization.

Results

Our study demonstrated chemical and bacteriologic stability of these three mixtures over a 24-hour period. The results allow the use of P + K, P + N and K + N in the same ready to use solution.     

Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of Cyclamen repandum S. et S

According to folk medicine some species belonging to the genus Cyclamen were used for their biological activities. Early investigation of the different species of the genus resulted in the isolation of triterpenic saponins. No phytochemical and biological data are available on C. repandum. As part of a series of phytochemical investigations for bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, Cyclamen repandum S. et S. was investigated. The present study sought to find the antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of C. repandum tubers in rats and mice. A preliminary screening was conducted with three different extracts in the tests used, particularly the paw edema and the writhing tests. Subsequently some saponins isolated from the ME extract, the more effective one, have been identified. This paper also describes the results of fractionation and bioassay guided chemical studies. Chemical investigation of the active extract afforded the isolation and characterization of six triterpenic saponins. The possible antiinflammatory and analgesic properties were investigated as the saponin content of the fractions allows to speculate on such aspect.     

Le Flag A2 : un drapeau rouge dans le sepsis ? Rappel technique et intérêt comme marqueur du sepsis

The biphasic waveform (BPW) is an abnormality of the optical transmission waveform obtained during measurement of the activated partial thromboplastin time on a specific photometric haemostasis autoanalyzer. This abnormality is related to calcium-dependent formation of complexes between C reactive protein and very low density lipoprotein. Biphasic waveform had a high sensitivity and negative predictive value for the identification of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. On day 3, the time course of the biphasic waveform is a marker for the prognosis of sepsis-related mortality. The BPW is not a surrogate marker for C-reactive protein or procalcitonin and provides additional information. Further trials should be necessary using BPW for diagnostic and management procedures. Compared with other laboratory markers such as C reactive protein or procalcitonin, activated partial thromboplastin time waveform analysis is a tool that is rapid, inexpensive, effective and available 24 hours a day. When the analyzer is locally available, waveform analysis of this routine coagulation test provides information for the diagnosis of severe sepsis and the prognosis of septic patients.     

中草药三叶青抗肿瘤作用机制实验研究和临床应用

目的拟对民间常用中草药三叶青抗恶性肿瘤作用机制做深入的实验研究,并在此基础上按《保健食品注册管理办法(试行)》要求以三叶青为主,配以药食同用的黄芪、人参皂苷制成制剂金芪片经过临床验证研制成抗恶性肿瘤的功能性保健食品。方法按《保健食品检验与评价技术规范》对三叶青进行抗肿瘤功能实验、提高人体免疫功能实验和食品安全性毒理学评价实验,证实三叶青有明显抗肿瘤作用,且长期服用安全无毒。以三叶青为主配以黄芪、人参皂苷制成的制剂金芪片经临床验证,证实疗效确切无毒副反应。结果各项实验结果证实三叶青及金芪片提取物对人体肝癌细胞HepG2活性具有较强抑制作用,对小鼠HepG2细胞的端粒酶基因表达有抑制作用,并又增强小鼠细胞免疫和体液免疫功能的作用。三叶青提取物经急性毒性试验及长期毒性实验证实安全无毒。金芪片临床验证:120例恶性肿瘤病人服用90天,完全缓解52例,部分缓解42例,稳定18例,进展8例,总有效率78.33%。结论表明三叶青及其制剂金芪片对恶性肿瘤病人有较好的效果,值得推广,并可期盼做进一步研究开发成抗恶性肿瘤新药。     

American Uveitis Society Winter Symposium,January 1997

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the association between smoking and prognosis of ocular Behçet disease.

Material/Methods: Medical records of 202 patients with Behçet uveitis were collected retrospectively. Patients were assigned to two groups according to smoking habits. In group I, 72 patients were current smokers. In group II, 130 were nonsmokers. The localization of uveitis, time to resolution of uveitis, time to recurrences, visual acuities, and presence of cystoid macular edema were compared between groups.

Results: The demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. Smoking was not associated with types of uveitis with OR of 1.01 (95% CI, 0.99–1.04; p?=?0.21) for anterior uveitis, 0.96 (95%CI, 0.90–1.02; p?=?0.18) for posterior uveitis, and 1.80 (95% CI, 0.75–2.77; p?=?0.24) for panuveitis. The average times to inflammation resolution were 48?±?10.1 days in group I and 51?±?14 days in group II (p?=?0.82). The average times to recurrence were 8.6?±?5 months for smokers and 9.1?±?7 months for nonsmokers (p?=?0.43). Patients with CME in groups were 18 (25%) and 42 (32.3%), respectively (p?=?0.08).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that smoking does not have a negative effect on the clinical findings and prognosis of uveitis in Behçet disease.     

广枣总黄酮对阿霉索引起大鼠心肌过氧化损伤的保护作用

目的　通过广枣总黄酮 (TFCA)对阿霉素 (ADR)引起大鼠心肌过氧化损伤保护作用的研究 ,进一步证实广枣疗效可能与 TFCA抗氧化作用有关。方法　动物分为空白组、ADR组和实验组 (ADR TFCA10 0 ,15 0 ,2 0 0mg/ kg组 )。以“心酶谱”、抗氧化酶做为检测指标。结果　 ADR组心酶谱、MDA均比空白组高 ,而抗氧化酶活性均比空白组低。TFCA干预后“心酶谱”、MDA下降 ,抗氧化酶活性上升。结论　 TFCA能抑制 ADR所引起大鼠心肌过氧化损伤     

青椒和西红柿的抗微核突变作用研究

为了检测青椒和西红柿的抗突变作用，作者研究观察了青椒和西红柿对亚以钠和Ｎ－甲基苄胺诱发习骨髓嗜多染红细胞微核的影响。结果表明，青椒和西红柿能显著地降低亚到钠的Ｎ－甲基苄胺诱发微核升高的作用，揭示青椒和西红柿有抗突变作用。     

Place de l’Anaforcal dans l’enseignement post-universitaire de la rhinite allergique

The National Association of Continuing Medical Education in Allergy (Anaforcal) proposes, for the year 2008, a teaching module on the theme of allergic rhinitis aimed at general practitioners in 50 French cities. The choice of this theme is based on the frequency and the impact of this condition on public health. This teaching module will include three simple, didactic clinical cases. In addition, it contains the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians (WONCA) report on allergic rhinitis, with various documents on its diagnosis and therapy. The document strongly emphasizes the originality of this training in terms of its organization, conception and interactive teaching method.