Cortical circumferential profile of SPECT cerebral perfusion in Alzheimer''s disease

We developed a semiautomatic method termed “cortical circumferential profiling” for objective analysis of cerebral cortex function in emission tomographic neuroimaging studies. This method treats cortex as a continuous ring near the outer brain edge. A computer algorithm samples the cortex at 60 contiguous, equiangular locations, using 1-cm² samples. These values are plotted as a function of cortical angle to produce the cortical circumferential profile. This method was used in a study of regional cerebral perfusion in 15 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 8 elderly control subjects using N-isopropyl [I-123]-iodoamphetamine. Cortical circumferential profiling decreases variability, examines the entire cortex within slices at preselected levels above the orbital-meatal line, and facilitates intrasubject and intersubject comparisons.     

Stabilization of Misoprostol with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) Against Degradation by Water

The stability of misoprostol oil is significantly improved in a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) dispersion (1:100). In order to assess the effect of water on misoprostol stability, the rate of misoprostol degradation was investigated in the misoprostol/HPMC dispersion at 55°C, along with the water sorption isotherm, under seven different relative humidity (RH) conditions ranging from 0 to 81%. The results indicated that the first-order rate constants of misoprostol degradation increased in a concave-up fashion as the water content of the dispersion increased. Below 30% relative humidity (2% water), the first-order rate constants of misoprostol degradation were found to be minimum. The results of the stability study were interpreted in terms of the changing structure of HPMC as it related to the mobility of water and misoprostol within the HPMC dispersion.     

Hypozincaemia in febrile convulsion

To understand further the role of trace elements in the pathogenesis of febrile convulsions, serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and CSF Zn, Cu, Mg and protein levels were measured by spectrometry in patients with febrile convulsion (n=19), bacterial meningitis (n=9), viral CNS infection (n=16) and in the control groupn=10) which consisted of children with signs of meningeal irritation due to upper respiratory tract infection but normal CSF findings. Samples were obtained within 6 h after admission to hospital. Mean serum and CSF Zn levels in the febrile convulsion group were significantly lower than in the other groups (for serum Zn: 0.66±0.03 mg/l vs 0.98±0.07 mg/l, 1.06±0.08 mg/l, 1.05±0.09 mg/lP<0.05; for CSF Zn: 22.96±1.62 g/l vs 75.47 ±6.9 g/l, 50.32±5.235 g/l, 39.85 ±2.81 g/lP<0.05). A linear relationship was established between serum Zn and CSF Zn levels (P<0.001). Mean CSF Zn, Cu and protein levels in the bacterial meningitis group were significantly higher than in the other groups (for CSF Cu 63.94±6.33 g/l vs 38.77±2.70 g/l, 35.84±3.48 g/l, 33.86±2.88 g/lP<0.05; for CSF protein 0.80 ± 0.12 g/l vs 0.22±0.02 g/l, 0.53±0.08 g/l, 0.19±0.01 g/lP<0.05). In children with meningitis, the elevation of the mean CSF Zn and Cu levels may result from the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and subsequent leakage of trace elements and protein from serum to CSF. There was no significant difference between the four groups in terms of mean serum Mg and mean CSF Mg levels.Conclusion Serum and CSF Zn levels are decreased in children with febrile seizures. Zinc deprivation may play a role in the pathogenesis of febrile seizures.     

Comparing the Self-Image of Prepubescent Girls Before and After Four Sessions on Body Awareness

The purpose of this research was to determine whether increasing the knowledge of prepubescent girls concerning emotional and physiological changes would result in a more positive self-image. Eleven Junior Girl Scouts comprised the sample. The procedure consisted of pretesting with the "How I See Myself Scale" and the "Sex Knowledge Test," teaching a four-session Body Awareness Course and posttesting with pretest instruments. Body awareness of the participants was significantly increased following the course. Self-image was improved, although not significantly. Each participant indicated a strong interest in body awareness and her developing sexuality. This study demonstrates that prepubescent females need and desire factual information about their physical and emotional concerns.     

浅析《千金方》骨伤科成就

唐孙思邈所撰《千金方》，其骨伤科方面成就亦颇为突出。有关于骨伤科用药特色，包括补骨髓药，长肌肉药和坚筋骨药，以及关于骨伤科病症的骨折、伤筋、瘀血、金疮等诊治要诀。     

针刺合针刀治疗周围性面神经麻痹疗效观察

目的　观察针刺合针刀治疗周围性面神经麻痹的疗效。方法　应用针刺合针刀治疗 4 0例 ,并与单纯针刺治疗 4 0例进行对照比较。结果与结论　治疗组和对照组总有效率无明显差异 ,但治疗组治愈率明显高于对照组。