老年湿疹患者T辅助细胞相关细胞因子水平分析

目的 研究老年湿疹患者Th1/Th2细胞因子的血清水平与湿疹的发展及其临床表现的相关性. 方法 应用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定50例老年湿疹患者(≥60岁)白介素(IL)-2、4、10、12和肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)的血清水平并与34例健康老年人(对照组)进行比较;比较急性和慢性,或泛发性和局限性湿疹上述细胞因子的水平差异. 结果 老年湿疹组IL-2 [(16.03±0.47)比(15.72±0.33) μg/L]、IL-4 [(14.04±0.56)比(13.56±0.16)μg/L]、IL-10[(33.01±5.40)比(29.49±1.07) μg/L]、IL-12 [(39.32±3.54)比(37.93±1.17) μg/L]和TNF-α [(27.33±0.72)比(26.38±0.48) μg/L]水平均高于对照组(t/t'=3.55,5.74,4.4 9,2.58,6.69,均P＜0.05).急性湿疹组血清细胞因子水平均高于对照组(t/t'=3.59,6.44,4.68,3.35,2.00,均P＜0.05);慢性湿疹组中IL-2、IL-4、IL-10和TNF-α的血清水平高于对照组(t'=2.46,5.50,3.83,3.10,均P＜0.05),而IL-12水平与对照组的差异无统计学意义(t'=1.77,P＞0.05);急性与慢性湿疹患者血清细胞因子的水平差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).泛发性与局限性湿疹患者血清IL-2、II4、IL-10和IL-12、TNF-α的水平差异无统计学意义(t=0.18,5.74,4.49,0.91,0.25,1.11,均P＞0.05). 结论细胞因子IL-2、IL-4、IL-10、Th1/Th2和TNF-α可能与老年人湿疹发生相关,不同临床类型的老年湿疹患者可能并无特定的Th1/Th2细胞因子变化模式.     

异前列腺素在慢性阻塞性肺疾病中的变化及其意义

目的 研究异前列腺素(8 iso PGF2a)在慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)发病中的作用及其意义.方法 选取2005年9月至2006年9月河南省胸科医院呼吸内科住院COPD患者61例,其中急性发作期(AECOPD)38例,稳定期23例;另选18名健康体检者为正常对照组,分别测定血清8 iso PGF2a和肺功能.结果 AECOPD组血清8 iso PGF2a质量浓度为(6.84±1.70)μg/L,明显高于稳定期COPD组的(5.82±1.72)μg/L和健康对照组的(4.64±1.24) μg/L,差异有显著性意义(P＜0.05和P＜0.01).AECOPD吸烟组血清8 iso PGF2a质量浓度为(7.21±1.67)μg/L,比非吸烟组(5.78±1.44)μg/L高,差异有显著性意义(P＜0.05).AECOPD组不同气流阻塞患者血清8 iso PGF2a质量浓度呈线性升高趋势(P＜0.05).COPD全球创议(GOLD)Ⅳ期患者血清8 isoPGF2a质量浓度[(8.5±0.97) μg/L]较Ⅰ-Ⅱ期[(6.27±1.38) μg/L]和Ⅲ期[(6.89±1.92)μg/L]患者显著升高(P均＜0.05).12例AECOPD患者治疗后血清8 iso PGF2a质量浓度[(4.96±1.49)μg/L]较治疗前[(6.51±1.59)μg/L]显著降低,差异有显著性意义(P＜0.05).结论 AECOPD患者血清8 iso PGF2a质量浓度显著增高,提示8 iso PGF2a可能参与COPD气流阻塞的发病,8 iso PGF2a作为一种生化指标监测疾病严重程度和反映COPD急性发作具有一定的临床意义.     

不同碘营养水平对妊娠期大鼠胎盘激素分泌的影响

目的 探讨不同碘营养水平对妊娠期大鼠胎盘激素分泌的影响.方法 Wistar大鼠225只(雌鼠165只,雄鼠60只),体质量约80～ 100g.将雌鼠按体质量随机分为5组:低碘1组、低碘2组、适碘(对照)组、高碘1组、高碘2组,每组33只.2个低碘组大鼠食用病区粮食,含碘量为13.46 μg/kg,分别饮用含0、5μg/L碘酸钾的去离子水;对照组和2个高碘组大鼠食用普通粮食,含碘量为22.00 μg/kg,分别饮用含50、3000、10000 μg/L碘酸钾的去离子水.饲养3个月,雌鼠与雄鼠合笼交配,于孕早期(5±2)d、孕中期(12±2)d、孕晚期(17±2)d处死母鼠,取血清.采用酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA)测血清绒毛膜促性腺激素(HCG)、绒毛膜促甲状腺激素(HCT)、孕激素.结果 孕晚期大鼠血清HCG组间比较差异有统计学意义(F=4.16,P＜ 0.05);孕晚期低碘1组[(16.08±4.45)U/L]、低碘2组[(17.43±2.70)U/L]较对照组[(13.68±3.52)U/L]显著升高(P均＜ 0.01).孕中、孕晚期大鼠血清HCT组间比较差异有统计学意义(F值分别为3.59、3.40,P均＜0.05);孕中期高碘1组[(70.11±10.97 )μU/L]、孕晚期高碘2组[(74.93±13.22)μU/L]较对照组[(57.14±12.56)、(58.17±8.54) μU/L]显著升高(P均＜0.01).低碘1组、对照组大鼠血清孕激素组内比较差异有统计学意义(F值分别为4.06、4.43,P均＜0.05);低碘1组孕晚期[(1462.80±286.48)pmol/L]低于孕旱[(1929.93±158.37)pmol/L,P＜0.05]、孕中期[(1856.44±542.08)pmol/L,P＜0.05];对照组孕中期[(2046.45±475.67)pmol/L]高于孕早期[(1714.39±461.71 )pmol/L,P＜ 0.05].结论 妊娠期母体胎盘HCG分泌在缺碘条件下增加,HCT分泌在碘过量条件下增加.孕激素在重度低碘情况下,随孕期增加而分泌下降,与HCG在孕期的变化趋势相反,易造成不良妊娠结果.     

高血压患者血清骨桥蛋白水平与舒张性心力衰竭的关系

目的 探讨血清骨桥蛋白水平与舒张性心力衰竭的关系.方法 入选患者67例,其中对照组22例,单纯高血压组22例,高血压合并舒张性心力衰竭组23例.入院时测量血压,同时应用心脏彩超检测患者E峰、A峰、E/A比值、左室射血分数(LVEF)、室间隔侧二尖瓣瓣环E '(舒张早期二尖瓣环运动速度).采用ELISA法检测血清OPN水平.比较三组间血清OPN浓度的变化.结果 高血压合并舒张性心力衰竭组血清OPN浓度[(143.82±43.67) μg/L]高于对照组[(117.10 ±34.64)μg/L]及单纯高血压组[(114.53±26.55) μg,/L],差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05).对照组与单纯高血压组血清OPN浓度差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).高血压合并舒张性心力衰竭患者血清OPN浓度与E/E’值呈正相关.血清OPN浓度均值心功能Ⅱ级组[(107.76±36.51) μg/L]＜心功能Ⅲ级组[(143.67±16.76)μg/L]＜心功能Ⅳ级组[(180.02±37.90) μg/L],差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 高血压合并舒张性心力衰竭患者的血清OPN浓度增高,与E/E’值呈正相关,并随心功能分级升高而增加.     

2型糖尿病合并大血管病变患者的血清瘦素水平和临床意义

目的 探讨2型糖尿病合并大血管病变患者的血清瘦素水平及其临床意义.方法 采用酶联免疫吸附法测定健康对照组、2型糖尿病合并大血管病变组和2型糖尿病未合并大血管病变组患者的血清瘦素水平.结果 2型糖尿病合并大血管病变组患者的瘦素水平显著高于未合并大血管病变组[(10.12 ±3.44)μg/L比(7.99 ±3.18) μg/L,P＜0.05]和对照组[(10.12±3.44)μg/L比(6.04±1.86) μg/L,P＜0.01].结论 2型糖尿病合并大血管病变的患者血清瘦素水平明显升高,瘦素与糖尿病大血管病变密切相关.     

老年人不同甲状腺功能状态下脂代谢特征与氧化应激的关系

目的 探讨老年人不同甲状腺功能状态下脂代谢特征与氧化应激的关系.方法 初诊老年甲状腺疾病患者86例[甲状腺功能亢进(甲亢)47例,甲状腺功能减退(甲减)39例]、非老年甲状腺疾病患者83例(甲亢43例,甲减40例)和老年健康对照组20例.检测空腹血浆丙二醛(MDA)和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD),氧化型低密度脂蛋白(OX-LDL)水平,同时测定血脂指标及甲状腺功能,计算SOD/MDA比值.结果 老年甲亢组血脂各组分均高于非老年甲亢组、低于老年对照组(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);老年甲亢组与非老年甲亢组、老年对照组比较,丙二醛[分别为(10.23±6.29)、(7.37±4.58)μmol/L和(3.66±2.53)μmol/L]、游离脂肪酸(FFA)[分别为(0.86±0.58)、(0.61±0.46)mmol/L和(0.45士0.12)mmol/L]和SOD显著升高(P＜0.01或P＜0.05).老年甲减组与非老年甲减组和老年对照组比较,MDA[(9.03±5.98)、(6.59±3.18)μmol/L和(3.66±2.53)μmol/L]、OX-LDL[(387.36±71.04)、(355.22±45.01)μg/L和(324.53±56.19)μg/L]及部分血脂组分均显著增高(P＜0.05或P＜O.01).老年甲亢组、甲减组SOD/MDA比值均低于老年对照组和非老年组(均为P＜0.01).多元回归分析,甲亢组游离甲状腺素(FT4)和FFA是影响MDA的因素,甲减组非HDL-C和LDL-C与MDA独立相关.结论 初诊老年甲亢和甲减患者氧化应激增强,氧化损伤程度与脂代谢紊乱有关.     

氟通过胞外信号调控激酶通路对成骨细胞增殖作用的影响

目的 观察氟通过胞外信号调控激酶(ERK)通路对成骨细胞(MC3T3-E1)增殖作用的影响.方法 取小鼠成骨细胞(MC3T3-E1)进行体外培养,加入不同浓度的氟(Fˉ,0、200、400、600、1000、2000、4000、8000、10 000 μmol/L)培养24、48 h,甲基噻唑蓝(MTT)法筛选出促进细胞增殖的最适浓度.根据最适浓度,将成骨细胞单纯随机分为3组:对照组(Fˉ,0 μmol/L)、染氟组(Fˉ,400 μmol/L)、染氟抑制组(Fˉ,400 μmol/L+PD9805,10 μmmol/L).培养48 h后应用流式细胞术检测各组细胞周期;Western bolt法和免疫荧光法检测各组磷酸化ERK(P-ERK)蛋白表达.结果 400 μmol/L的氟是促进成骨细胞增殖的最适合浓度.与对照组比较[(76.12±10.08)％、(2.06±0.31)％],染氟组G0/G1期细胞数[(63.04±8.12)％]明显减少,S期细胞数[(9.13±2.08)％]明显增多(P均＜ 0.05);而染氟抑制组G0/G1期细胞数[(92.11±9.01)％]明显增多(P＜0.05).Western blot结果表明,与对照组[(100.00±0.00)％]比较,染氟组成骨细胞P-ERK蛋白表达水平[(131.24±13.88)％]明显增高(P＜0.05),染氟抑制组P-ERK蛋白表达[(91.33±9.68)％]未见明显改变(P＞0.05);免疫荧光法检测结果与Western blot法相似.结论 400 μmol/L氟可以促进成骨细胞增殖,ERK通路在氟促进成骨细胞的增殖作用中起到了关键的作用.     

他克莫司治疗重症肌无力疗效及安全性评价

目的 评价他克莫司治疗全身型重症肌无力(MG)的疗效及不良反应.方法 回顾性分析69例全身型MG患者接受他克莫司(2～6 mg/d)治疗前及治疗后1、3、6及12个月时MG严重程度评分及不良反应,并监测服药1个月后他克莫司血药浓度(FK506),分析其与临床疗效的相关性.结果 他克莫司治疗1、3、6及12个月的总有效率分别为81.2％、87.6％、92.2％及93.8％.治疗1个月后,临床显效及好转组FK506[(7.1±3.9) μg/L,(6.3±3.8) μg/L]明显高于无效组[(3.4±1.3) μg/L] (P ＜0.01,P＜0.05).主要的不良反应:血糖升高5例,出现白细胞减少及头晕、耳鸣各3例.结论 他克莫司治疗MG,起效快,临床疗效确切.在治疗剂量范围内其副作用小,主要为血糖升高及骨髓抑制.     

胆总管结石内镜下取石与开腹取石对机体炎症反应和免疫功能的影响

目的 探讨内镜下乳头括约肌切开取石术与开腹胆道探查术对机体炎症反应和免疫功能的影响.方法 将2010年6月至2012年2月共51例胆总管结石患者按其意愿分为内镜治疗组(内镜组,24例)和开腹手术组(开腹组,27例),比较两组患者围手术期外周血降钙素原、C反应蛋白、免疫球蛋白( IgA、IgG、IgM)及T淋巴细胞亚群(CD4、CD8、CD4/CD8比值)的变化.结果 术后内镜组和开腹组患者的降钙素原[(8.05±2.98) μg/L和(5.42±1.57) μg/L],C反应蛋白[(62.0±15.49) mg/L和(45.73±12.65) mg/L]均较术前[(0.56±0.14) μg/L和(0.60±0.11) μg/L,(9.39 ± 3.27) mg/L和(9.22±3.12) mg/L]明显升高(P均＜0.01),且两组的降钙素原、C反应蛋白水平差异有统计学意义(P均＜0.05),但术后3d、5d两组的差异即无统计学意义(P均＞0.05).术后两组患者的免疫球蛋白水平均较术前显著降低(P均＜0.05),但内镜组IgA[( 1.08±0.36) g/L]、IgM[(0.92±0.23) g/L]水平明显高下开腹组[ (0.60 ±0.23 )g/L,(0.60±0.11)g/L](P均＜0.05),术后两组的IgG水平无显著差异(P均＞0.05).内镜组术后1d CD4 、CD8水平及CD4/CD8比值较术前仅轻度下降(P均＞0.05),且术后5 d均恢复至术前水平,而开腹组术后CD4、CD8水平及CD4/CD8比值较术前显著下降(P均＜0.05),术后两组间的差异明显(P＜0.05).结论 内镜下乳头括约肌切开取石术与开腹胆道探查术均可诱发患者炎疗反应,抑制机体的免疫功能;但内镜下乳头括约肌切开取石术对机体的免疫功能影响更小,且可能主要影响体液免疫,而短时间内诱发的急性炎症反应更为强烈.     

电针治疗老年宫颈癌术后尿潴留60例临床观察

目的 观察电针治疗老年宫颈癌术后尿潴留60例的临床效果.方法 60例老年宫颈癌术后尿潴留患者随机分为观察组和对照组,每组各30例.两组均采用常规治疗:溴吡斯的明60 mg口服,每天3次;膀胱功能训练每天3次,10d一个疗程.观察组在进行常规治疗的同时配合电针疗法,电针每天1次,每次30 min;两组分别治疗2个疗程后观察疗效以及残余尿(residual urine volume,RUV)、最大尿流率(maximum flow rate,Qmax)、排尿量(voidingvolume,VV)、最大尿流率时逼尿肌压(maximum flow rate pressure of detrusor,PdetQmax)、最大逼尿肌收缩压(Pdetmax)、最大膀胱容量(maximum cystermetric compacity,MCC)等尿动力学指标.结果 观察组有效率达到100％,对照组有效率为33.3％,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).观察组与对照组相比,RUV明显下降[(14.49±5.31)mLvs (100.76±54.08) mL,P＜0.01)];MCC显著增加[(383.56±40.77) mL vs(330.55±45.37) mL,P＜0.05)];Qmax增加[(14.89±3.81) mL/sec vs (6.37±2.37) mL/sec,P＜0.01)];VV显著增加[(188.84±23.05) mL vs(34.49±47.29) mL,P＜0.01)];PdetQmax增加[(35.09±4.48) cmH2Ovs (10.91±6.25) cmH2O,P＜0.01)];Pdetmax明显增加[(42.26±5.38) cmH2Ovs (9.98±6.11) cmH2O,P＜0.01)].结论 在常规治疗基础上配合电针治疗对于老年宫颈癌术后尿潴留有较好疗效.     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.