A general multiple-compartment model for the transport of trace elements through animals.

Multiple-compartment models employed in the analysis of trace element transport in animals are often based on linear differential equations which relate the rate of change of contaminant (or contaminant concentration) in each compartment to the amount of contaminant (or contaminant concentration) in every other compartment in the system. This has the serious disadvantage of mixing intrinsic physiological properties with the geometry of the animal. The basic equations on which the model presented here is developed are derived from the actual physical process under way and are capable of separating intrinsic physiological properties from geometry. It is thus expected that rate coefficients determined through this model will be applicable to a wider category of physiologically similar animals. A specific application of the model for the study of contamination of sheep--or indeed for any ruminant--is presented, and the temporal evolution of contaminant concentration in the various compartments of the animal is calculated. The application of this model to a system of compartments with changing geometry is also presented.     

Assessment of carbohydrate tolerance in pregnancy

A review is given of the various methods of assessing carbohydrate tolerance in pregnancy. Oral glucose tolerance screening and diagnostic tests have been in use for more than 25 years. They are easily administered, relatively inexpensive, and present reasonable sensitivity; therefore, they continue to be used quite extensively. However, lack of reproducibility of the results and side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headache have led to the use of alternate methods including glucose polymer (Polycose) and standard breakfast meals. These methods have been reported to present satisfactory results in clinical practice. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fructosamine assays are also alternate forms of testing carbohydrate metabolism HbA1c measurement have been proven insensitive as a screening test for gestational diabetes, while their use as an index of overall glucose control remains valuable. The role of fructosamine in the assessment of carbohydrate intolerance remains controversial with conflicting claims made by various investigators regarding its sensitivity in detecting gestational diabetes and its response to alterations in glycemic control. In this review, the relative advantages and disadvantages of each glucose tolerance test are discussed and recommendations are given regarding their utility in pregnancy.     

GGA1 acts as a spatial switch altering amyloid precursor protein trafficking and processing

The beta-amyloid (Abeta) precursor protein (APP) is cleaved sequentially by beta-site of APP-cleaving enzyme (BACE) and gamma-secretase to release the Abeta peptides that accumulate in plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). GGA1, a member of the Golgi-localized gamma-ear-containing ARF-binding (GGA) protein family, interacts with BACE and influences its subcellular distribution. We now report that overexpression of GGA1 in cells increased the APP C-terminal fragment resulting from beta-cleavage but surprisingly reduced Abeta. GGA1 confined APP to the Golgi, in which fluorescence resonance energy transfer analyses suggest that the proteins come into close proximity. GGA1 blunted only APP but not notch intracellular domain release. These results suggest that GGA1 prevented APP beta-cleavage products from becoming substrates for gamma-secretase. Direct binding of GGA1 to BACE was not required for these effects, but the integrity of the GAT (GGA1 and TOM) domain of GGA1 was. GGA1 may act as a specific spatial switch influencing APP trafficking and processing, so that APP-GGA1 interactions may have pathophysiological relevance in AD.     

Macroglossia and amyloidosis. Apropos of a case

In the present treatise, a classification scheme for macroglossia has been formulated, based on clinical and etiological features of an enlarged tongue. The pathogenesis of each form-type of macroglossia is then described. In addition to, the authors report a case of female patient suffering from macroglossia, who was admitted in their Clinic. This pathological condition was the single and the very first clinical sign (symptom) of her, and (which) led up to the diagnosis of amyloidosis. They present the procedure of the diagnosis and differential diagnosis for this patient, they emphasize their conclusions (considerations) and make comments on the coexistence or correlation of macroglossia with amyloidosis.     

大鼠胸腺降黑素受体的鉴定及生物学特性

应用放射配体结合法证实大鼠胸腺内存在降黑素特异结合部位，该结合位点可以满足特异结合部位的基本条件：１．低结合容量；２．高亲和力；３．可饱和性；４．可逆性；５．对降黑素高度特异性。此外，该特异结合位点具昼夜节律；亚细胞分布的研究表明以细胞核含量最高，线粒体次之，并具有年龄依赖性降低，以出生时最高。     

Conservative management of early endometrial adenocarcinoma with repeat curettage and hormone therapy under assistance of hysteroscopy and laparoscopy

We report a rare case of early-stage endometrial adenocarcinoma in a 22 year old nullipara with polycystic ovaries undergoing conservative treatment. Pretreatment evaluation including tumour grade, depth of myometrial invasion, tumour size, hormone receptor status and flow cytometric analysis indicated a favourable prognosis. The patient underwent repeat endometrial curettage and a 6 month period of therapy with megestrol acetate and tamoxifen. A combination contraceptive pill was then prescribed to ensure withdrawal of the menstrual cycle thereafter. Now, 1 year after the last curettage, there is no evidence of disease. During the treatment period, hysteroscopy allowed for a more precise approach in panoramically examining the tumour nest in the endometrial cavity, and the subsequent endometrial response to hormone therapy. Laparoscopy using bulldog clamps applied to the isthmic portion of the Fallopian tubes prevented i.p. spread of endometrial tissue from retrograde regurgitation during hysteroscopy. Laparoscopic ovarian electrocautery resulted in the reduction of abnormal hypervascularization on the surface of polycystic ovaries postoperatively but caused a peri-ovarian adhesion complication. It is interesting that this case posed a unique opportunity to demonstrate the tumour regression under the assistance of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.      

How to use a nasopharyngeal prong in Pierre Robin sequence

Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) describes a small mandible with retrognathia, an elevated and posteriorly positioned tongue, and an associated U-shaped cleft palate. The retracted tongue may obstruct the airway leading to respiratory failure, with failure to thrive and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes if not addressed. If the airway obstruction cannot be overcome with conservative measures, there are non-surgical and surgical options. A nasopharyngeal prong (NPP) is a non-surgical, temporary treatment that avoids the complications inherent in an operation, especially given the natural history of mandibular growth and improved airway obstruction in PRS. Although the use of a prong requires training, support, and follow up, it effectively bypasses the obstruction in the majority of children with PRS, and allows the child to outgrow the airway obstruction until the prong is no longer required. On average, the prong can be removed between 6 and 12 months of age.     

Effects of combined deferiprone and deferoxamine chelation therapy on iron load indices in beta-thalassemia

The benefits of combined deferoxamine (DFO) and deferiprone (L1) chelation therapy, focusing on reducing myocardial iron loading, have been widely reported. Herein, we present the efficacy of combined chelation and its effects on iron load indices. Five thalassemia major (TM) patients who were undergoing chelation monotherapy with DFO were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2* values, indicating serious heart and/or liver transfusional hemosiderosis. Combined therapy was started with the same dose of DFO and the addition of L1. The MRI T2* studies were repeated 18 months later. An Echo-Doppler study was performed in order to further evaluate the left ventricular (LV) systolic function. Within the 18 months' follow-up period, there was a significant statical decrease in mean serum ferritin levels. All patients increased their MRI T2* liver values, while two patients with very low MRI T2* also increased their myocardial values. The MRI ejection fraction (EF) and Echo-Doppler study measurements confirmed the improvement of systolic function. No adverse effects were reported. Combined L1 and DFO therapy seems to be effective in reducing iron excess in organ iron overloaded thalassemic patients. Magnetic resonance imaging can accurately quantify iron load, while echocardiography remains a reliable monitoring technology.