The Route of Leishmania tropica Infection Determines Disease Outcome and Protection against Leishmania major in BALB/c Mice

Leishmania tropica is one of the causative agents of leishmaniasis in humans. Routes of infection have been reported to be an important variable for some species of Leishmania parasites. The role of this variable is not clear for L. tropica infection. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of route of L. tropica infection on the disease outcome and immunologic parameters in BALB/c mice. Two routes were used; subcutaneous in the footpad and intradermal in the ear. Mice were challenged by Leishmani major, after establishment of the L. tropica infection, to evaluate the level of protective immunity. Immune responses were assayed at week 1 and week 4 after challenge. The subcutaneous route in the footpad in comparison to the intradermal route in the ear induced significantly more protective immunity against L. major challenge, including higher delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, more rapid lesion resolution, lower parasite loads, and lower levels of IL-10. Our data showed that the route of infection in BALB/c model of L. tropica infection is an important variable and should be considered in developing an appropriate experimental model for L. tropica infections.     

Prognostic value of leptin: 6-Month outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

Leptin has recently been discussed as a novel biomarker for the clinical outcome of critical illness. This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of leptin with regard to long-term clinical outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. In 50 healthy controls and 92 patients with acute spontaneous basal ganglia hemorrhage presenting to the emergency department of a large primary care hospital, we measured plasma leptin levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a blinded fashion. Plasma leptin levels on admission were considerably higher in patients than healthy controls. A significant correlation emerged between plasma leptin level and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. A multivariate analysis identified plasma leptin level as an independent predictor for 6-month clinical outcomes including 6-month mortality and unfavorable outcome (Modified Rankin Scale score > 2). Using receiver operating characteristic curves, we calculated areas under the curve for 6-month clinical outcomes. The predictive performance of leptin was similar to, but did not obviously improve that of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores. Thus, leptin may help in the prediction of 6-month mortality and unfavorable outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage.     

妊娠合并甲状腺功能减退症26例妊娠结局分析

目的：对妊娠合并甲状腺功能减退症进行分析,探讨其对母儿的影响,及孕期筛查甲状腺功能有无意义。方法：对我院26例妊娠合并甲减的临床资料进行回顾性统计分析。结果：26例妊娠合并甲减病例中有1例早产（孕33周）,其余25例患者维持至足月妊娠,其中剖宫产17例（65.38%）,合并妊娠期高血压疾病5例（19.23%）,妊娠期糖尿病3例（11.53%）,羊水胎粪污染3例（11.54%）,新生儿无先天性甲减。经过治疗后甲状腺功能减退孕妇的剖宫产率,糖尿病发生率、高血压疾病发生率、羊水粪染的发生率较对照组增加;但两组妊娠结局差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论：妊娠合并甲状腺功能减退症孕妇多种妊娠并发症的发病率高于正常孕妇,应加强对妊娠甲减的早期筛查及治疗,可有效降低不良妊娠结局,减少先天性甲低的出生。     

Diabetes,metformin use,and colorectal cancer survival in postmenopausal women

Background: Observational studies have associated metformin use with lower colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence but few studies have examined metformin's influence on CRC survival. We examined the relationships among metformin use, diabetes, and survival in postmenopausal women with CRC in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trials and observational study. Methods: 2066 postmenopausal women with CRC were followed for a median of 4.1 years, with 589 deaths after CRC diagnosis from all causes and 414 deaths directly attributed to CRC. CRC-specific survival was compared among women with diabetes with metformin use (n = 84); women with diabetes with no metformin use (n = 128); and women without diabetes (n = 1854). Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate associations among metformin use, diabetes and survival after CRC. Strategies to adjust for potential confounders included: multivariate adjustment with known predictors of colorectal cancer survival and construction of a propensity score for the likelihood of receiving metformin, with model stratification by propensity score quintile. Results: After adjusting for age and stage, CRC specific survival in women with diabetes with metformin use was not significantly different compared to that in women with diabetes with no metformin use (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.40–1.38, p = 0.67) and to women without diabetes (HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.61–1.66, p = 0.99). Following propensity score adjustment, the HR for CRC-specific survival in women with diabetes with metformin use compared to non-users was 0.78 (95% CI 0.38–1.55, p = 0.47) and for overall survival was 0.86 (95% CI 0.49–1.52; p = 0.60). Conclusions: In postmenopausal women with CRC and DM, no statistically significant difference was seen in CRC specific survival in those who used metformin compared to non-users. Analyses in larger populations of colorectal cancer patients are warranted.     

淋巴结转移阴性的胃癌患者临床病理特征及生存探讨

目的:探讨淋巴结转移阴性胃癌患者的临床病理特征以及预后影响因素。方法:收集2000年1月至2009年1月我院收治的胃癌患者325例,其中经病理检查显示淋巴结转移阴性的105例患者作为阴性组(LN-组),另229例阳性患者作为阳性组(LN+组),比较两组的临床病理特征及临床预后。结果:LN-组的肿瘤直径、浸润深度及术后化疗与LN+组比较差异显著(P0.05);LN-组的5年生存率为76.2%,显著高于LN+组的43.2%(P0.05)。未透浆膜的LN-患者3年、5年生存率显著高于浸透浆膜者,术后化疗的LN-患者5年生存率显著高于未化疗者(P0.05),肿瘤直径5 cm的LN-患者3、5年生存率显著高于≥5 cm者(P0.05)。单因素分析显示浸润深度、肿瘤大小及术后化疗与LN-胃癌患者的预后具有密切关系(P0.05)。COX多因素分析显示浸润深度是影响LN-胃癌患者临床预后的独立因素(P0.05)。结论:淋巴结转移阴性胃癌患者的病灶多位于中下部,男性多于女性,发病年龄多在60岁以内,肿瘤直径多不超过5 cm,浸润深度多未浸透浆膜,临床预后优于淋巴结转移阳性胃癌患者,浸润深度是影响淋巴结转移阴性胃癌患者临床预后的独立因素。     

子宫动脉化疗栓塞术治疗胎盘植入61 例的临床分析

目的:探讨子宫动脉化疗栓塞术治疗胎盘植入的临床疗效及预后。方法:以胎盘植入患者61例为研究对象,按治疗方式不同分为保守治疗组31例和化疗栓塞组30例。保守治疗组仅单纯口服米非司酮治疗,而化疗栓塞组采用子宫动脉化疗栓塞术进行治疗。比较两组患者的临床疗效、手术时间、出血量、输血量、住院时间、胎盘排出和月经复潮时间,术后并发症的发生情况,并随访术后1年患者的月经情况和妊娠情况。结果:经子宫动脉化疗栓塞术后29例成功止血,有1例未能止血而行子宫切除术。栓塞术后未出现器官局部缺血坏死、神经损伤等严重并发症,发热、下腹痛为常见并发症。而保守治疗组的31例患者中,因治疗失败导致切除子宫的7例,仅24例有效保留子宫,成功率仅77.4%,严重影响患者以后的生育能力。6例发生宫腔感染,4例发生宫腔粘连。子宫动脉化疗栓塞组β-HCG恢复正常时间、输血量、胎盘完全清除时间、月经异常的发生情况均优于保守治疗组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。对子宫动脉化疗栓塞术组患者进行为期1年的随访,14例患者在术后1个月后有胎盘组织自阴道排出,有11例患者2个月后发现胎盘残留,予以清宫术,除3例失访病例,其余患者在随访时间内恢复正常月经,并有2例再次妊娠者。结论:采用子宫动脉化疗栓塞术治疗胎盘植入,其术前准备时间和手术时间均短,出血控制迅速且并发症少,有助于保留患者的子宫,提高患者的生活质量。     

The effectiveness of the peer-delivered Thinking Healthy PLUS (THPP+) Program for maternal depression and child socioemotional development in Pakistan: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe negative effects of perinatal depression on the mother and child start early and persist throughout the lifecourse (Lancet 369(9556):145–57, 2007; Am J Psychiatry 159(1):43-7, 2002; Arch Dis Child 77(2):99–101, 1997; J Pak Med Assoc 60(4):329; J Psychosoma Res 49(3):207–16, 2000; Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 14(1):1–27, 2011). Given that 10–35 % of children worldwide are exposed to perinatal depression in their first year of life (Int Rev Psychiatry 8(1):37–54, 1996), mitigating this intergenerational risk is a global public health priority (Perspect Public Health 129(5):221–7, 2009; Trop Med Int Health 13(4):579–83, 2008; Br Med Bull 101(1):57–79, 2012). However, it is not clear whether intervention with depressed women can have long-term benefits for the mother and/or her child. We describe a study of the effectiveness of a peer-delivered depression intervention delivered through 36 postnatal months, the Thinking Healthy Program Peer-delivered PLUS (THPP+) for women and their children in rural Pakistan.Methods/designThe THPP+ study aims are: (1) to evaluate the effects of an extended 36-month perinatal depression intervention on maternal and index child outcomes using a cluster randomized controlled trial (c-RCT) and (2) to determine whether outcomes among index children of perinatally depressed women in the intervention arm converge with those of index children born to perinatally nondepressed women. The trial is designed to recruit 560 pregnant women who screened positive for perinatal depression (PHQ-9 score ≥10) from 40 village clusters, of which 20 receive the THPP+ intervention. An additional reference group consists of 560 perinatally nondepressed women from the same 40 clusters as the THPP+ trial. The women in the nondepressed group are not targeted to receive the THPP+ intervention; but, by recruiting pregnant women from both intervention and control clusters, we are able to evaluate any carryover effects of the THPP+ intervention on the women and their children. Perinatally depressed women in the THPP+ intervention arm receive bimonthly group-based sessions. Primary outcomes are 3-year maternal depression and 3-year child development indicators. Analyses are intention-to-treat and account for the clustered design.DiscussionThis trial, together with the reference group, has the potential to further our understanding of the early developmental lifecourse of children of both perinatally depressed and perinatally nondepressed women in rural Pakistan and to determine whether intervening with women’s depression in the perinatal period can mitigate the negative effects of maternal depression on 36-month child development.

Trial registration

THPP-P ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02111915","term_id":"NCT02111915"}}NCT02111915 (registered on 9 April 2014).THPP+ ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02658994","term_id":"NCT02658994"}}NCT02658994 (registered on 21 January 2016).Sponsor: Human Development Research Foundation (HDRF).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1530-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Development of a core outcome set for clinical trials in rosacea: study protocol for a systematic review of the literature and identification of a core outcome set using a Delphi survey

BackgroundRosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Diagnosis is based on signs and symptoms with management and treatment aimed to suppress inflammatory lesions, erythema, and telangiectasia. While many clinical trials of rosacea exist, the lack of consensus in outcome reporting across all trials poses a concern. Proper evaluation and comparison of treatment modalities is challenging. In order to address the inconsistencies present, this project aims to determine a core set of outcomes which should be evaluated in all clinical trials of rosacea.Methods/designThis project will utilize a methodology similar to previous core outcome set research. A long list of outcomes will be extracted over four phases: (1) systematic literature review, (2) patient interviews, (3) other published sources, and (4) stakeholder involvement. Potential outcomes will be examined by the Steering Committee to provide further insight. The Delphi process will then be performed to prioritize and condense the list of outcomes generated. Two homogenous groups of physicians and patients will participate in two consecutive rounds of Delphi surveys. A consensus meeting, composed of physicians, patients, and stakeholders, will be conducted after the Delphi exercise to further select outcomes, taking into account participant scores. By the end of the meeting, members will vote and decide on a final recommended set of core outcomes. For the duration of the study, we will be in collaboration with both the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) and Cochrane Skin Group - Core Outcome Set Initiative (CSG-COUSIN).DiscussionThis study aims to develop a core outcome set to guide assessment in clinical trials of rosacea. The end-goal is to improve the reliability and consistency of outcome reporting, thereby allowing sufficient evaluation of treatment effectiveness and patient satisfaction.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1554-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

44例不同孕周脐带脱垂患者的临床资料分析

目的:探讨不同孕周脐带脱垂患者相关因素的差异。方法:回顾性比较分析2012年01月至2017年12月我院收治的44例脐带脱垂患者的临床资料。将患者按照脐带脱垂发生的孕周分为足月组、早产组及流产组,使用SPSS18.0统计软件处理数据。结果:我院近六年脐带脱垂总的发病率为1.829/1000。44例患者中,足月组7人,占15.91%;早产组22人,占50%;流产组15人,占34.09%。三组患者的年龄、产次及孕次均无显著统计学差异(P0.05)。足月组新生儿apgar评分最高,与其它两组相比均有统计学差异(P0.05),早产组apgar评分显著高于流产组(P0.05);足月组剖宫产率为100%,早产组为63.64%,流产组则为13.13%,三组患者剖宫产率比较存在统计学差异(P=0.000),足月组剖宫产率与早产组比较无统计学差异(P=0.075),足月组剖宫产率与流产组比较有统计学差异(P=0.000),早产组剖宫产率与流产组比较有统计学差异(P=0.003)。足月组异常胎方位的发生率显著低于早产组(P=0.038)。早产组胎儿数(单胎、双胎)与足月组及流产组相比均有统计学差异(P0.05),而足月组与流产组胎儿数则无统计学差异(P0.05)。早产组双胎妊娠占比例更高。三组患者发生脐带脱垂的地点比较无统计学差异(P=0.256)。结论:不同孕周是否发生脐带脱垂与患者的年龄、产次、孕次及地点无关。脐带脱垂较多发生于早产者,且早产患者中双胎、异常胎方位发生率更高。一旦发生脐带脱垂,尤其是有机会存活的胎儿,应以最快的方式娩出胎儿,提高新生儿存活几率。