Development and evaluation of an allocation committee to distribute community placements on an equitable basis between universities: Our experience with the University Placement Allocation Committee

The present paper outlines the development and evaluation of an allocation committee to distribute community placements on an equitable basis between universities. Although based on our experience in South Australia with the University Placement Allocation Committee (UPAC), the primary goal is to outline the steps that would be useful if placement coordinators at other universities in Australia decided to establish and maintain an allocation committee. A survey of field supervisors was also conducted and field supervisors endorsed UPAC as a constructive mechanism for allocating community placements.     

Perceptions of admission committee members: some aspects on individual admission to dental education at Karolinska Institutet

The aim of the study was to generate an overall impression of the admission committee's (AC) perspective on individualised admission procedures, derived from some perceived experience of the individual committee members using semi-structured interviews. Qualitative research was used and data were collected by use of interviews. The results show that the committee members are highly committed to the task and try to identify desirable, non-cognitive attributes in the applicants, such as motivation, empathy, drive, and tenacity: 'emotional intelligence'. The committee members were of the opinion that it was possible to identify these attributes in an applicant. The AC further believes that the admissions procedure influences academic achievements because students regard themselves as specially selected and therefore aspire to higher achievements.     

Corporate influence on threshold limit values

Investigations into the historical development of specific Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for many substances have revealed serious shortcomings in the process followed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Unpublished corporate communications were important in developing TLVs for 104 substances; for 15 of these, the TLV documentation was based solely on such information. Efforts to obtain written copies of this unpublished material were mostly unsuccessful. Case studies on the TLV Committee's handling of lead and seven carcinogens illustrate various aspects of corporate influence and interaction with the committee. Corporate representatives listed officially as "consultants" since 1970 were given primary responsibility for developing TLVs on proprietary chemicals of the companies that employed them (Dow, DuPont). It is concluded that an ongoing international effort is needed to develop scientifically based guidelines to replace the TLVs in a climate of openness and without manipulation by vested interests.     

我院医院伦理委员会的做法及体会

阐述了新形势下建立医院伦理委员会的重要性和必要性,介绍了上海第二医科大学仁济医院伦理委员会成立以来在新药、新技术应用审议,医疗行为道德责任审议分析、医学伦理学研究及伦理道德科普宣教等方面开展的工作和成效.     

Immunomodulatory activity of Asparagus racemosus on systemic Th1/Th2 immunity: Implications for immunoadjuvant potential

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd (Shatavari in vernacular) are widely used in Ayurveda as Rasayana for immunostimulation, galactogogue as also in treatment of conditions like ulcers and cancer. Various studies have indicated immunomodulatory properties of Shatavari root extracts and formulations.

Aim of the study

To study the effect of standardized Asparagus racemosus root aqueous extract (ARE) on systemic Th1/Th2 immunity of SRBC sensitized animals.

Materials and methods

We used HPTLC to quantify steroidal saponins (Shatavarin IV, Immunoside^®) and flow cytometry to study effects of ARE on Th1/Th2 immunity. SRBC specific antibody titres and DTH responses were also monitored as markers of Th2 and Th1 responses, respectively. We also studied lymphocyte proliferation. Cyclosporin, cyclophosphamide and levamisole were used as controls.

Results

Treatment with ARE (100 mg/(kg b.w. p.o.)) resulted in significant increase of CD3⁺ and CD4/CD8⁺ percentages suggesting its effect on T cell activation. ARE treated animals showed significant up-regulation of Th1 (IL-2, IFN-g) and Th2 (IL-4) cytokines suggesting its mixed Th1/Th2 adjuvant activity. Consistent to this, ARE also showed higher antibody titres and DTH responses. ARE, in combination with LPS, Con A or SRBC, produced a significant proliferation suggesting effect on activated lymphocytes.

Conclusion

The study suggests mixed Th1/Th2 activity of ARE supports its immunoadjuvant potential.     

医疗技术专门伦理委员会的建立与必要性

从医院工作实际分析,科学研究与新医疗技术引进存在差异,引进是重点。引进的新医疗技术属于临床医疗服务项目,故设立医疗技术伦理委员会可使该范围内伦理审查更具操作性,避免将成熟技术引进人为改变为研究。但伦理审查不可或缺,以保障医疗质量安全、提高医疗服务能力。审查重点是限制类医疗技术,不接受禁止类医疗项目;审查内容包括资质、设备条件及安全保障措施等;审查仍需遵循伦理学原则。     

人肝癌组织中黄曲霉毒素和肝炎病毒基因检测分析

以肝细胞场（ＨＣＣ）患者手术切除标本为研究材料，采用高效液相色谱荧光法检测组织中的黄曲霉毒素Ｂ１（ＡＦＢ１），嵌套式多聚酶链反应技术检测组织中的ＨＢＶＤＮＡ和ＨＣＶＲＮＡ。在６９．２％（１８／２６例）的ＨＣＣ患者中检出了３．６５－８９．０６ｎｇ不等的ＡＦＢ１／ｇ肝组织；ＨＢＶＤＮＡ和ＨＣＶＲＮＡ检出率分别为９０．５％（５７／６３例）和１２．７％（８／６３例）。其中，ＡＦＢ１和ＨＢＶＤＮＡ重叠检出率为６１．５％（１６／２６例），ＨＢＶＤＮＡ和ＨＣＶＲＮＡ重叠检出率为７．９％（５／６３例），４例ＨＣＣ患者重叠检出了ＡＦＢ１、ＨＢＶＤＮＡ和ＨＣＶＲＮＡ；同步检测对照组５例，无１例出现这种情况。结果表明，上述３种因素均与人类肝癌密切相关，并且可能存在协同致癌效应。     

Thalamic deep brain stimulation for Tourette Syndrome: A naturalistic trial with brief randomized,double-blinded sham-controlled periods

BackgroundThere is still a lack of controlled studies to prove efficacy of thalamic deep brain stimulation for Tourette's Syndrome.ObjectivesIn this controlled trial, we investigated the course of tic severity, comorbidities and quality of life during thalamic stimulation and whether changes in tic severity can be assigned to ongoing compared to sham stimulation.MethodsWe included eight adult patients with medically refractory Tourette's syndrome. Bilateral electrodes were implanted in the centromedian-parafascicular-complex and the nucleus ventro-oralis internus. Tic severity, quality of life and comorbidities were assessed before surgery as well as six and twelve months after. Short randomized, double-blinded sham-controlled crossover sequences with either active or sham stimulation were implemented at both six- and twelve-months’ assessments. The primary outcome measurement was the difference in the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale tic score between active and sham stimulation. Adverse events were systematically surveyed for all patients to evaluate safety.ResultsActive stimulation resulted in significantly higher tic reductions than sham stimulation (F = 79.5; p = 0.001). Overall quality of life and comorbidities improved significantly in the open-label-phase. Over the course of the trial two severe adverse events occurred that were resolved without sequelae.ConclusionOur results provide evidence that thalamic stimulation is effective in improving tic severity and overall quality of life. Crucially, the reduction of tic severity was primarily driven by active stimulation. Further research may focus on improving stimulation protocols and refining patient selection to improve efficacy and safety of deep brain stimulation for Tourette's Syndrome.