Association Between Patient and Physician Sex and Physician-Estimated Stroke and Bleeding Risks in Atrial Fibrillation

Background

Physicians treating nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) assess stroke and bleeding risks when deciding on anticoagulation. The agreement between empirical and physician-estimated risks is unclear. Furthermore, the association between patient and physician sex and anticoagulation decision-making is uncertain.

Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) levels inversely correlate with lung function improvement (delta FEV1) in cystic fibrosis patients receiving ivacaftor treatment

Background

We have recently shown that human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) levels correlate with the severity of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. However, there are no data on how HE4 levels alter in patients receiving CFTR modulating therapy.

Additive Effects of Sevoflurane and Propofol on γ-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Function

Background: Previous studies have shown that propofol and sevoflurane enhance the function of [gamma]-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. However, it is not known whether these two drugs modulate the same molecular pathways. In addition, little is known about receptor function in the presence of both propofol and sevoflurane. The aim of this study was to better understand the interactions of propofol and sevoflurane with the GABAA receptor.

Methods: Wild-type [alpha]1, [beta]2, [gamma]2s GABAA receptor subunit complementary DNAs were transfected into human embryonic kidney cells grown on glass coverslips using a calcium phosphate transfection method. After transfection (36-72 h), cells were whole cell patch clamped and exposed to combinations of the following: 0.3-1,000 [mu]m [gamma]-aminobutyric acid (GABA), 0-10 [mu]m propofol, and 0-1,650 [mu]m sevoflurane. Chemicals were delivered to the cells using two 10-channel infusion pumps and a rapid solution exchanger.

Results: Both propofol and sevoflurane alone enhanced the amplitude of GABAA receptor responses to submaximal concentrations of GABA in a dose-dependent manner. The enhancement was underpinned by an increase in the apparent affinity of the receptor for GABA. Coapplication of both anesthetics further enhanced the apparent affinity of the receptor for GABA.     

内窥镜辅助下经口咽前路寰枢椎减压术

目的：探讨内窥镜辅助下经口咽前路寰枢椎减压术的临床效果。方法：1998年8月～2004年8月对38例陈旧性寰枢椎脱位患者采用内窥镜辅助下经口咽前入路减压术，其中18例行一期经口咽入路减压和后路枕颈内固定术：15例行经口咽前路寰枢椎复位钢板内固定术；5例不可复型仅行经口咽前入路减压术。结果：平均随访38个月（6～96个月）。术后患者临床症状均明显改善，上颈段脊髓减压改善率达89.3％。发生颅内感染1例，前路钢板松脱1例。结论：与常规减压方法相比，内窥镜辅助下经口咽前路寰枢椎减压手术创伤小，操作精细、准确，术中与助手可协同操作。     

上海市农村合作医疗筹资与补偿调查分析

目的：为改革和完善上海市农村合作医疗的政策，制度，规划，计划，措施提供科学依据。方法：使用调查研究，比较研究，描述性统计及SAS统计分析等方法。结果：调查分析了上海市1997－1999年8区（县）合作医疗资金来源，数量，比例，补偿等。结论：1997年以来，上海市农村合作医疗得到了快速发展，仍存在保障水平，补偿比例，投保率低下及发展不平衡，资金使用不合理等问题。     

Phase I evaluation of diaziquone in childhood cancer

Summary We conducted a phase I clinical study of aziridinylbenzoquinone (Diaziquone, AZQ) given as a 4 hour infusion weekly × 4. Forty-five children with recurrent acute leukemia and 33 children with various advanced solid tumors participated. Severe myelosuppression was the dose limiting toxic effect, occurring in all patients at the upper dose levels. Gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicities were infrequent and not severe. No allergic reactions occurred. Objective tumor regression was noted in 3 of 25 patients with a CNS tumor and in 6 of 45 patients with acute leukemia. For phase II trials the recommended dosage of Diaziquone given by this schedule is 18 mg/M²×4 for patients with a solid tumor, and is 30 mg/M²/week × 4 for children with acute leukemia.