膈神经传导检测在治疗慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者呼吸肌疲劳疗效评价中的作用

目的：评价膈神经传导检测在无创性正压通气（NPPV）治疗慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）急性加重期患者呼吸肌疲劳的疗效中的作用。方法：采用前瞻性随机对照研究,将32例COPD患者随机分为两组：I组为常规治疗＋NPPV,Ⅱ组仅接受常规治疗,观察两个组治疗前后辅助呼吸肌动用评分、肺功能和膈神经运动传导的变化。结果：治疗前两个组患者均存在呼吸困难和辅助呼吸肌参与,膈神经运动传导的潜伏期与健康人比较差异无显著意义,但动作电位波幅明显低于健康人。治疗第8天,两个组患者的症状均改善,I组肺功能显著改善,而Ⅱ组仅第一秒用力呼气容积（FEV1）有增加。I组患者的膈神经动作电位波幅较Ⅱ组显著增高。结论：膈神经运动传导测定证实COPD急性加重期患者治疗前均存在不同程度的呼吸肌疲劳,应用NPPV能改善气体交换,缓解呼吸肌疲劳。膈神经运动传导测定可作为治疗COPD急性加重期患者呼吸疲劳的诊断及疗效的评价指标。     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者肺功能下降与膈肌功能变化的相关性

目的探讨慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）患者肺功能下降与膈肌功能变化的相关性。方法收集2012年1月至12月就诊于广州医科大学附属第一医院呼吸科门诊的稳定期COPD患者18例为COPD组,以同期无心肺疾病、年龄与COPD组匹配的门诊患者18例作为对照。进行常规肺功能测定,使用多导食道电极导管记录静息状态、最大用力吸气时的食道压、胃内压、膈肌肌电（EMGdi）,分析肺功能指标与膈肌功能指标的相关性。结果肺功能检查显示,COPD组与对照组的第1秒用力呼气量与用力肺活量的比值（FEV1／FVC）、FEV-占预计值的百分比（FEV-％pred）、FVC占预计值的百分比（FVC％pred）组间比较差异均有统计学意义（均P〈0．05）。静息状态下,COPD组的最大食道压（Pes．max）、最大跨膈压（Pdi—max）、EMGdi、EMGdi占最大值百分比（EMGdi％max）分别为（61．0±8．4）cmH20（1cmH20=0．098kPa）、（75．8±11．2）cmH20、（45．1±22．0）uV、（26．1±14．9）％,对照组分别为（73．5±13．0）cmH20、（96．4±10．2）cmH20、（20．2±9．0）μV、（12．0±3．6）％。COPD组Pes—max、Pdi—max明显低于对照组,EMGdi、EMGdi％max明显高于对照组（均P〈0．05）;而最大胃内压（Pga—max）、EMGdi最大值（EMGdi—max）组间比较差异无统计学意义（均P〉0．05）。相关性分析显示,Pes—max与FEV。％pred、FVC％pred、FEVI／FVC呈正相关（r=0．569、0．532、0．533,均P〈0．05）,Pdi．ma）（与FEV1％pred、FVC％pred、FEV1／FVC呈正相关（r=0．734、0．657、0．685,均P〈0．05）;EMGdi与FEV1％pred、FVC％pred、FEV1／FVC呈负相关（r=-0．654、-0．671、-0．567,均P〈0．05）,EMGdi％max与FEV1％pred、FVC％pred、FEV1／FVC呈负相关（r=-0．591、-0．608、-0．532,均P〈0．05）;而Pga-max、EMGdi．max与肺功能指标无相关性（均P〉0．05）。结论经多导食道电极导管记录的膈肌功能指标与传统的肺功能指标具有良好的相关性,可作为反映COPD疾病严重程度的指标之一。     

基于跨理论模型的赋能健康教育干预在慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者康复期的应用效果研究

目的:研究基于跨理论模型的赋能健康教育干预在慢性阻塞性肺疾病(Chronic obstructive pulmoriarydisease,COPD)患者康复期的应用效果.方法:收集本院2019年11月至2020年11月收治的123例COPD患者的临床资料.按不同护理方法分为A组(n=59,常规护理干预)与B组(n=60,基于跨理论模型的赋能健康教育干预).比较两组肺功能[用力肺活量(Forced vital capacity,FVC)、第一秒最大呼气量(Forced expiratory volume in one second,FEV1)、1秒用力呼气容积占用力肺活量的百分比(FEV1/FVC)]、生活质量、自我效能感、6min步行距离及护理满意度.结果:与干预前相比,两组干预后FVC、FEV1及FEV1/FVC值均明显增高,且B组上升更为显著(P<0.05).且B组干预后自我效能感、6min步行距离及护理满意度评分均显著高于A组,生活质量改善程度优于A组(P<0.05).结论:基于跨理论模型的赋能健康教育干预在COPD患者康复期中具有良好的应用效果,可有效改善患者肺功能、生活质量,提高护理满意度.     

肯尼迪病患者的神经电生理分析

目的:研究肯尼迪病患者的神经电生理特点,提高对此病电生理的认识。方法:对经基因确诊的3例肯尼迪患者的神经电生理进行总结分析。3例患者均行神经传导和肌电图(EMG)检测。神经传导检查包括:正中神经、尺神经、腓总神经、胫神经和腓肠神经。检测项目包括运动神经潜伏期(Lat)、复合肌肉动作电位波幅(CMAP)、运动神经传导速度(MCV);感觉神经潜伏期(lat)、感觉神经动作电位波幅(SNAP)、感觉神经传导速度(SCV)。EMG:检查双侧舌肌、胸锁乳突肌、三角肌、第一骨间肌、胸椎旁肌、股四头肌、胫前肌。检测项目包括静止时的自发电位,轻收缩时运动单位动作电位(MUP)的时限、波幅,重收缩时的募集相。结果:第1例患者运动神经传导正常,感觉神经SNAP波幅低和SCV正常。第2例患者双正中神经运动Lat延长、CMAP下降,NCV减慢,双正中神经感觉未测及SNAP波幅,合并腕管综合征;其余运动神经传导正常,感觉神经SNAP波幅和SCV均低。第3例运动神经传导正常,感觉SNAP波幅低和SCV下降。本组3例患者EMG多块肌肉静息时出现2处以上的纤颤波、正尖波,轻收缩时MUP时限增宽,波幅增高,部分呈巨大电位,重收缩时呈单纯相或单纯混合相。结论:KD患者EMG呈广泛神经源性改变,可累及感觉。     

血浆NETs表达与稳定期慢性阻塞性肺疾病严重程度的相关性研究

目的 检测中性粒细胞胞外诱捕网(NETs)在稳定期慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者血浆中表达情况,探讨其与COPD患者疾病严重程度的相关性.方法 选择2018年1月至2020年6月在本院呼吸科治疗的稳定期COPD患者107例,根据肺功能将COPD患者分为轻度组41例、中度组27例、重度组22例和极重度组17例,另选取同期在本院体检的108例健康体检人员作为对照组.检测各研究对象血浆NETs水平,采用Pearson分析COPD患者血浆NETs与第1秒用力呼气容积(FEV1)、第1秒用力呼气容积占用力肺活量百分比(FEV1/FVC)、BODE指数、C反应蛋白(CRP)相关性,ROC曲线分析血浆NETs对COPD诊断及病情严重程度的预测价值.结果 与对照组比较,COPD患者血浆NETs、CRP水平、BODE指数显著升高,FEV1％、FEV1/FVC显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05);轻度、中度患者血浆NETs水平低于重度、极重组患者,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05),轻度、中度之间患者血浆NETs水平差异无统计学意义(P均>0.05),重度、极重组之间患者血浆NETs水平差异无统计学意义(P均>0.05);相关性分析显示,COPD患者血浆NETs水平与BODE指数、CRP水平呈正相关(P均<0.05),与FEV1％、FEV1/FVC呈负相关(P均<0.05).结论 NETs在COPD患者血浆中水平增高,与患者疾病严重程度有关,具有一定临床意义.     

肺功能检测在咳嗽变异性哮喘诊断的应用评价

目的探讨在咳嗽变异性哮喘诊断中应用肺功能检测的临床意义。方法选取62例咳嗽变异性哮喘患者作为观察组,另选择60例接种疫苗的正常儿童作为对照组。用同一仪器检测肺功能,用力肺活量(FCV)、残气量(RV)、最大呼气峰流速(PE)、第一秒末呼吸容积(FEV1)、RV/TLC(残气量/肺总量)、FEV1/FVC%等。同时比较咳嗽变异性哮喘常规问诊、听诊与肺功能检测确诊率与误诊率情况。结果观察组患者慢性持续期、急性发作期FVC、PEF、FEV1、FEV1/FVC%较对照组明显要低(P0.05),临床缓解期肺功能指标与对照组比较无明显差异(P0.05);肺功能检测咳嗽变异性哮喘确诊率较常规诊断明显要高,误诊率较常规诊断明显要低(P0.05)。结论肺功能检测对疾病的诊断和病情严重程度的判断等十分直观有效,值得推广使用。     

COPD 患者Th17 细胞和Treg 细胞介导的免疫应答变化及免疫失衡与肺功能的关系研究

目的:探讨慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者外周血Th17 细胞和调节性T 细胞(Treg)及其介导的免疫应答变化与患者肺功能的关系。方法:选取本院呼吸内科收治的90 例COPD 患者(COPD 组)和同期年龄、性别基本匹配的45 例健康体检对象作为对照组,并根据COPD 病情进行亚组分析,分别测定各组研究对象肺功能指标、Th17 细胞、Treg 细胞及血清炎症因子水平。结果:在COPD 患者间,随着病情加重,FEV1%、FVC%、FEV1/ FVC 比值中度COPD 组<重度COPD 组<极重度组(P<0.05);在COPD 患者间,随着病情加重,外周血中Th17 细胞、Th17/ Treg 比值中度COPD 组<重度COPD 组<极重度组(P<0.05),外周血Treg 细胞比值中度COPD 组>重度COPD 组>极重度组(P<0.05),且外周血Th17 细胞、Treg 细胞相关细胞因子变化具有一致性;COPD 患者的肺功能指标FEV1%、FVC%、FEV1/ FVC 与外周血中Th17 细胞、Th17/ Treg 比值呈显著的负相关关系(P<0.05),肺功能指标FEV1%、FVC%、FEV1/ FVC 与外周血Treg 比值呈显著的正相关关系(P<0.05)。结论:COPD外周血Th17/ Treg 比值与患者肺功能下降具有显著的相关性。     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者和吸烟肺功能正常者体内HIF-1α表达及意义

目的探讨低氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)在慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者和吸烟肺功能正常者肺组织和血清中表达及其临床意义。方法肺组织标本取自手术治疗的周围型肺癌患者,共32例,检测术前肺功能,将其分为吸烟COPD稳定期组(COPD组,n=10),吸烟肺功能正常组(n=12),不吸烟肺功能正常组(n=10)。术前清晨空腹取血清,术后取癌旁肺组织,ELISA检测血清和肺组织匀浆HIF-1α含量,免疫组织化学方法检测肺组织HIF-1α的表达,并分析HIF-1α表达水平与肺功能指标的相关关系。结果 COPD稳定期组、吸烟肺功能正常组、不吸烟肺功能正常组患者血清HIF-1α含量分别为(73.25±6.12)pg/mL、(60.30±8.00)pg/mL、(47.03±8.43)pg/mL;吸烟肺功能正常组和COPD组明显高于不吸烟肺功能正常组(P0.01),COPD组明显高于吸烟肺功能正常组(P0.01)。COPD稳定期组、吸烟肺功能正常组、不吸烟肺功能正常组患者肺组织匀浆HIF-1α含量分别为(2.04±0.24)pg/μg、(1.67±0.34)pg/μg、(1.12±0.33)pg/μg;吸烟肺功能正常组和COPD组明显高于不吸烟肺功能正常组(P0.01),COPD组明显高于吸烟肺功能正常组(P0.01)。HIF-1α广泛表达于COPD组肺泡和气道上皮细胞、肺小动脉壁的炎症细胞以及巨噬细胞中。血清和肺组织匀浆中HIF-1α含量均与第1秒用力呼气容积与用力肺活量比(FEV1/FVC)、第1秒钟用力呼气容积占预计值百分比(FEV1%pred)呈显著负相关。结论 COPD患者和吸烟肺功能正常者肺组织和血清HIF-1α的表达增加,与气流受限有关。     

胸腺法新联合盐酸溴己新治疗COPD合并肺部感染临床疗效及对CD4+、CD8+的影响

目的:观察胸腺法新与盐酸溴己新联合治疗慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)合并肺部感染的治疗效果和对CD4+、CD8+细胞的影响.方法:选择2021年1月至2022年5月在我院内科住院的COPD患者作为研究对象,共60例,将其用随机数字表法分为两组,对照组30例,给予患者盐酸溴己新治疗,观察组30例,给予胸腺法新盐酸溴己新联合治疗.连续用药两w后比较两组患者总有效率、肺功能指标[1秒用力呼气量(FEV1)、1秒用力肺活量占用力肺活量百分比(FEV1/FVC)]、血气检查指标[动脉二氧化碳分压(PaCO2)、动脉血氧分压(PaO2)]以及对CD4+、CD8+细胞的影响.结果:治疗后,观察组患者的总有效率(96.67％)高于对照组(76.67％)(P<0.05),观察组的患者FEV1、FEV1/FVC均高于对照组(P<0.05),观察组患者的PaO2高于对照组(P<0.05),观察组患者的PaCO2低于对照组(P<0.05),观察组患者的CD4+高于、CD8+低于对照组(P<0.05).结论:对于COPD合并肺部感染的患者,采用胸腺法新盐酸溴己新联合用药有显著效果.     

肺癌合并中重度慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者术后的肺功能、心理状况及应对方式

目的:探究肺癌合并中重度慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者术后的肺功能、心理状况及应对方式。方法:回顾性分析2016年3月至2018年1月在我院进行手术治疗的肺癌合并中重度COPD患者147例,根据术后应对方式不同,分为对照组(72例)和研究组(75例),对照组给予常规基础干预,研究组在常规基础干预基础上给予综合心理干预和肺康复训练。分析比较两组患者肺功能、心理状况改善情况。结果:干预前,两组患者肺功能指标每分钟最大通气量(MVV)、第一秒用力呼气容积(FEV1)、用力肺活量(FVC)、FEV1/FVC比较,差异无统计学意义;干预后,研究组MVV、FEV1、FVC、FEV1/FVC值均明显高于对照组(P0.05)。干预前,两组患者6分钟步行长度(6MWD)和Borg呼吸评分比较,差异无统计学意义;干预后,研究组6MWD明显高于对照组(P0.05),Borg评分明显低于对照组(P0.05)。干预前,两组患者抑郁自评表(SDS)和焦虑自评表(SAS)评分比较,差异无统计学意义;干预后,研究组SDS和SAS评分明显低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:对肺癌合并中重度COPD手术治疗患者进行综合心理干预和肺康复训练,可明显提升患者肺功能,改善心理状况。     

Schizophrenia in a North Swedish geographical isolate, 1900–1977. Epidemiology, genetics and biochemistry

Over 200 schizophrenic patients belonging to three major and interrelated pedigree complexes have been investigated over the past 30 years in a North Swedish geographically isolated population, presently numbering about 6,000. An intensive investigation of a number of biochemical correlates and genetic markers in a few selected families belonging to one of the major pedigrees has indicated new strategies for the current research program.
Schizophrenia, as defined operationally, is significantly associated with decreased activities of two enzymes (1) blood platelet monoamine oxidase, (2) plasma dopamine-β-hydroxylase, and (3) with the genetic marker Gc² (group specific antigen). Both enzymes are subject to genetic variation. A positive score for linkage between schizophrenia and low plasma DBH activity has been calculated, but, so far, available data are insufficient for discrimination between linkage and partial contribution of genetically controlled low plasma DBH to the pathogenesis of the disease. Alternatively, both mechanisms could be involved.
As a model for continued research, schizophrenia is explained as based on a double dominant-recessive genotype (Aabb), representing a vulnerability which in about 50 % of cases develops into clinical schizophrenia. It is suggested that the dominant mutation (A) operates on or affects MAO activity, and that the recessive genotype (bb) is instrumental in low variates of DBH activity and very likely such variates within the normal range of physiological variation. Moreover, it is suggested that the combined effects of MAO- and DBH-reduced efficiency on the metabolism of e.g. dopamine could be an essential pathogenic mechanism for the schizophrenic illness which is segregating in this population.     

The universal muscular chain reaction,muscle spasm,Torsions, ruptures and extravasations. Chameleons of pathology and some manifestations of simple muscular disorders

Most bodily functions require the coordinated actions of complementary and supplementary paired muscle groups. Where this essential muscular cooperation is lacking, hollow organs may burst and others become literally screwed up, giving rise to many similar spastic diseases such as Torticollis, Twisted ovarian cyst, Torsion of the Testis, Volvulus of the intestines, Varicose Veins, Megacolon, Aortamegaly, Scoliosis, Erb's Palsy, Peyronie's Disease, Main-en-Griffe, Undescended Foot (Pes Cavus), Talipes, Strabismus. Spasm is “panenepidemic” and unclassified examples of Torsion Dystonia and Dyskinesia really are as common as debt and taxes.     

The dominant diseases of modernized societies as omega-3 essential fatty acid deficiency syndrome: Substrate beriberi

About 1900, modern food selection and processing caused widespread $\text{epidemics}$ of the B vitamin deficiency diseases of beriberi and pellagra which, for genetic reasons, often expressed as different diseases ranging from bowel and heart disease to dermatoses and psychoses. But the B vitamins merely help convert essential fatty acids (EFA) into the prostaglandin (PG) tissue regulators and it now turns out that, through hydrogenation, milling and selection of w3-poor southern foods, we have also been systematically depleting, by as much as 90%, a newly discovered trace Nordic EFA (w3) of special importance to primates and sole precursor of the PG3(4) series, even as a concurrent fiber deficiency increases body demand for EFA. Since substrate EFA is processed by many B vitamin catalysts, an EFA deficiency will mimic a $\text{panh}$ypovitaminosis B, i.e., a mixture of $\text{substrate}$ beriberi and $\text{substrate}$ pellagra resembling vitamin beriberi and pellagra but exhibiting as even more diverse $\text{endemic}$ disease. This would consitute a second stage of the Modern Malnutrition and explain why some workers now hold the dominant diseases of modermized societies to be new, nutritionally based, pellagraform yet lipid-related and to range, once again, from heart disease to psychosis. It is an assumption that our dominant diseases are unrelated to each other or are merely revealed by our diagnostic acumen and therapeutic success; and that hydrogenating millions of tons of food oils annually, to destroy the rancidity producing w3-EFA, is safe for $\text{primates}$. Extensive beriberiform disease is reported here in 32 typical cases taken from medical practice which responds strikingly to linseed oil supplements (60% w3-EFA) in confirmation of identical results in Capuchins.     

Hypo- und Hypermagnesämie aus kardiologischer Sicht

Zusammenfassung Eine Reihe pathologischer Zustände bedingen Magnesiummangel. Zustände mit Hypermagnesämie sind ebenfalls bekannt, doch wesentlich seltener. Für den Kardiologen beachtenswert ist, daß unter Therapie mit bestimmten Diuretica bei Herzinsuffizienz, bei Herzinfarkt, Kardiomyopathie, Digitalisintoxikation und bestimmten Herzrhythmusstörungen Hypomagnesämie beobachtet wurde. Leider kann in der klinischen Routine nur ein extracelluläres Magnesiumdefizit durch Serumbestimmungen gemessen werden; über Magnesiummangel einzelner Organe kann nichts ausgesagt werden. Hinweise für Magnesiummangel geben aber neben der Messung des Serumspiegels Anamnese, klinischer Befund, bestimmte EKG-Veränderungen wie auch evtl. Hypokalämie, ein Zustand, bei dem sich oft — besonders bei Aldosteronismus — parallele Veränderungen zeigten.Tierexperimente deuten darauf hin, daß infarktähnliche Läsionen unter Magnesiummangel entstehen, doch ob Herzinfarkt beim Menschen durch Magnesiummangel ausgelöst werden kann, ist noch ungeklärt. In Leichenherzen zeigte sich im Infarktgebiet neben Calciumakkumulation signifikanter Magnesiumverlust, wobei unklar blieb, ob sich Ursache oder Folge des Infarktes widerspiegelten. Falls ein ursächlicher Zusammenhang besteht, ist er im Myokardstoffwechsel selbst zu suchen, wie bei der Alkoholkardiomyopathie, wo myokardialer Magnesiummangel zumindest als pathogenetischer Teilfaktor anerkannt wird. Andererseits versucht man aber auch Beziehungen zwischen Atherosklerose, Blutgerinnung und Hypomagnesämie herzustellen, in der Meinung, daß Magnesiummangel auch über den coronaren Pathomechanismus des Herzinfarktes wirken könnte. Sicher scheint, daß gewisse EKG-Veränderungen und Herzrhythmusstörungen durch einen irritierten Magnesiumhaushalt bedingt sein können, da sie bei Gabe bzw. Entzug von Magnesium verschwinden. Daß Magnesiummangel die Glykosidtoleranz verringert, wird tierexperimentell bestätigt. Unter Hypomagnesämie bewirkt Acetylstrophanthidin eher und länger Rhythmusstörungen als ohne, außerdem lassen diese sich durch Magnesiumgaben eliminieren. Da in gewissen Fällen spontane und digitalisinduzierte Herzrythmusstörungen durch Magnesiuminjektionen beseitigt wurden, scheint Magnesium als Therapeuticum angebracht. Einsatz verschiedener Magnesiumsalze bei Angina pectoris, degenerativen Herzerkrankungen und Herzinsuffizienz ohne geprüften und offensichtlich gestörten Magnesiumhaushalt ist fragwürdig, weil keine eindeutigen klinischen Erfolgsbeweise vorliegen. Immerhin mag es aber larvierte, durch Serumbestimmungen nicht erfaßbare Mangelzustände geben. Allgemein erscheint es aus kardiologischer Sicht ratsam, den Magnesiumhaushalt zu überwachen und in entsprechenden Fällen auszugleichen, um möglichen Myokardläsionen oder fatalen Herzrhythmusstörungen entgegenzuwirken.     

Environmental risk factors and their role in the management of atopic dermatitis

Introduction: The etiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is multifactorial with interaction between genetics, immune and environmental factors.

Areas covered: We review the role of prenatal exposures, irritants and pruritogens, pathogens, climate factors, including temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, outdoor and indoor air pollutants, tobacco smoke exposure, water hardness, urban vs. rural living, diet, breastfeeding, probiotics and prebiotics on AD.

Expert commentary: The increased global prevalence of AD cannot be attributed to genetics alone, suggesting that evolving environmental exposures may trigger and/or flare disease in predisposed individuals. There is a complex interplay between different environmental factors, including individual use of personal care products and exposure to climate, pollution, food and other exogenous factors. Understanding these complex risk factors is crucial to developing targeted interventions to prevent the disease in millions. Moreover, patients require counseling on optimal regimens for minimization of exposure to irritants and pruritogens and other harmful exposures.     

'Very sore nights and days': the child's experience of illness in early modern England, c.1580-1720

Sick children were ubiquitous in early modern England, and yet they have received very little attention from historians. Taking the elusive perspective of the child, this article explores the physical, emotional, and spiritual experience of illness in England between approximately 1580 and 1720. What was it like being ill and suffering pain? How did the young respond emotionally to the anticipation of death? It is argued that children’s experiences were characterised by profound ambivalence: illness could be terrifying and distressing, but also a source of emotional and spiritual fulfilment and joy. This interpretation challenges the common assumption amongst medical historians that the experiences of early modern patients were utterly miserable. It also sheds light on children’s emotional feelings for their parents, a subject often overlooked in the historiography of childhood. The primary sources used in this article include diaries, autobiographies, letters, the biographies of pious children, printed possession cases, doctors’ casebooks, and theological treatises concerning the afterlife.     

Guidelines for the Validation and Use of Immunoassays for Determination of Introduced Proteins in Biotechnology Enhanced Crops and Derived Food Ingredients

Recent advancements in agricultural biotechnology have created a need for analytical techniques to determine introduced proteins in crops enhanced through modern biotechnology techniques. These proteins are expressed in plant tissues and may be present in food ingredients. Immunoassays are ideally suited for protein detection and may be used as both quantitative and threshold methods. Microplate ELISA and lateral flow devices are two of the most commonly used immunoassay formats for agricultural biotechnology applications. This paper provides general background information and a discussion of criteria for the validation and application of immunochemical methods to the analysis of proteins introduced into plants and food ingredients using biotechnology methods. It is the result of a collaborative effort of members of the Analytical Environmental Immunochemical Consortium. This collaborative effort represents the combined expertise of several organizations to reach consensus on establishing guidelines for the validation and use of immunoassays. Further, the paper offers developers and users a consistent approach to adopting the technology as well as aid in producing accurate and meaningful results.     

HLA genes in Amerindians from Mexico San Vicente Tancuayalab Teenek/Huastecos

Huastecos or Teenek Amerindians are presently living at North East Mexico (San Luis Potosi State). They have probably one of the most ancient culture of Mexico and Central America together with Mayas and Olmec groups with which also show close relationships. Proximity to Atlantic Ocean/Mexican Gulf originated that Spaniards had very early contact with them at about 1519 CE or before. In the present paper we have aimed to study HLA gene profile which may be useful for HLA and disease epidemiology and transplant programs in Teeneks. HLA-DRB1*04:07, -DRB1*14:06 and -DRB1*04:11 have been found in high frequency like in other Amerindian groups. High frequency typical Amerindians HLA extended haplotypes have been found, such as A*02-B*35-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02; A*68-B*39-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02 and A*02-B*39-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02; also new haplotypes have been described, like A*02-B*52-DRB1*04:11-DQB1*03:02, A*68-B*35-DRB1*14:02-DQB1*03:01 and A*68-B*40-DRB1*16:02-DQB1*03:01. Genetic proximity is observed not only to linguistically close Mayans, but also to Mazatecans, Mixtecans and Zapotecans, who speak an altogether different languages; it shows once more that genes and languages do not correlate. This population was greatly diminished after European contact between 1500 and 1600 years CE; in fact, North and South America First Inhabitants population was brought from 80 down to 8 million people because of diseases (i.e.: measles, smallpox or influenza), slavery and war.     

Ultracryotomy: development and application (with examples from the yeast cytology) (author's transl)

The preparation steps usually necessary for obtaining ultrathin frozen sections of biological material (chemical prefixation, enclosing, cryoprotective treatment, freezing, sectioning, and post-staining the sections for transmission electron microscopy) are submitted to a critical analysis. The application of cryo-ultramicrotomy, in particularly for cytochemical purposes, is reviewed. Fundamental considerations of chemical prefixation and poststaining are supported by examples from yeast cytology. Furthermore, the efficiency of the cryo-ultramicrotomy (electron optical resolution of ultrastructural details) is demonstrated on yeast cells and protoplasts.