Computation of Time-Constant Histograms from the Forced Expired Volume-Time Curves

An efficient BASIC program was established on Apple-Ⅱmicrocomputer with the CHESTAC-35F pulmonary function testing system tocalculate the time-constant histogram from the spirogram.By a set of analogousstudies,we confirmed that the recovered time-constant histogram was within onecompartment of the assumed one and that the root of mean square values of theresiduals between the experimental and model volume-time curves was 0.02.Infour healthy adult subjects,the mean value of time-constant histograms(TCx)hadthe variation coefficient 6.6％.The results show that our method is reliable andreproducible,and it can be used for clinical investigation.     

Subcutaneous cryptococcosis due to Cryptococcus diffluens in a patient with sporotrichoid lesions case report, features of the case isolate and in vitro antifungal susceptibilities.

Environmental fungi, in particular primary pathogens and Cryptococcus spp. can be responsible for skin lesions mimicking sporotrichosis. In this paper, we report a case of subcutaneous cryptococcosis in an apparently healthy, young male patient due to a non-C. neoformans Cryptococcus species, C. diffluens. The isolate showed in vitro phenotypic switching that may affect virulence and host inflammatory and immune responses, and in vitro resistance to amphotericin B and 5-flucytosin. This species shares several phenotypic traits with C. neoformans, and, therefore, decisive diagnosis should be based on biopsy and culturing results followed by molecular identification.     

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increased in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis

Purpose

Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of mortality in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in the normal population. However, MetS in AAV has not been adequately investigated. We aimed to determine MetS prevalence and associated factors in AAV patients.

Methods

Thirty-seven AAV patients and 42 healthy controls were enrolled. MetS was determined by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) criteria. The relationship between clinical features of AAV and MetS was also investigated.

Results

MetS was significantly higher in AAV patients than controls by NCEP-ATPIII (51.4% vs. 26.2%, p 0.022) and IDF (62.2% vs. 35.7%, p 0.020). When AAV patients with MetS were compared to those without, there were significant differences in age, CRP, GFR and NT-pro-BNP. Age [58 (13) vs. 50 (8) years p: 0.028], CRP [4.0 (3.6) vs. 3.2 (1.0) mg/l, p 0.021] and NT-pro-BNP [173.5 (343.7) vs. 106.0 (103.0) pg/ml, p 0.013] were significantly higher in AAV patients with MetS than those without; GFR was significantly lower [38 (46) vs. 83 (51) ml/min/1.73 m², p 0.004]. ROC curve analysis showed NT-pro-BNP?>?58.0 ng/ml predicted MetS with 87.1% sensitivity and 46.7% specificity (Area under curve: 0.71, CI 0.536–0.902, p 0.041). Multivariate analysis revealed age [OR (95% CI): 1.180 (1.010–1.370), p 0.039] and NT-pro-BNP?>?58 pg/ml [OR (95% CI): 5.5 (1.02–30.1) p 0.047] were independent predictors of MetS in AAV patients.

Conclusion

MetS is significantly higher in AAV patients than controls and is associated with age and NT-pro-BNP. Screening and treating MetS may improve prognosis in AAV patients.

     

双黄连粉针剂加蒙脱石治疗婴幼儿秋季腹泻的疗效观察

目的: 观察双黄连粉针剂加蒙脱石口服治疗婴幼儿秋季腹泻的疗效.方法: 双黄连粉针剂加蒙脱石口服治疗102例秋季腹泻患儿,并与单用蒙脱石或双黄连组相比较.结果: 治疗组总有效率达92.1%,病程明显缩短(4.52±0.56)d;而单用蒙脱石或双黄连组有效率分别为67.4%,60.2%;病程分别为(5.90±0.72)d,(6.15±0.92)d,联合用药组与单用蒙脱石或双黄连组相比较,总有效率及病程均有显著性差异(P＜0.01).结论: 双黄连加蒙脱石治疗婴幼儿秋季腹泻疗效好,可提高治愈率,缩短病程,是较为安全而有效的药物.     

再论我国药事管理结构体系

本文探讨了我国药事管理结构体系,进一步界定了我国药事管理的目的、目标、性质、方法以及药事管理学学科属性和研究方向等问题.     

Collar-type osteophyte of the femur in young adults: is it a harbinger of intra-articular osteoid osteoma?

Variable clinical and radiological findings for intra-articular osteoid osteoma (OO) of the hip joint make its diagnosis difficult. Because radiographs commonly do not identify the nidus, MR imaging becomes the second line of study. However, because the appearance varies, findings on MR images can be confusing. We found “collar type osteophyte” of the femur i.e. an osteophyte rim around the femoral neck, to be a conspicuous finding of intra-articular OO. Here, this feature will be emphasized and intra-articular OOs will be discussed, with a review of the literature.     

What are the factors associated with the duration of remission of intra-articular corticosteroid injection in juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

Clinical Rheumatology - Intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IACI) is generally used in the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) to obtain rapid relief of active synovitis and...