Scintigraphy and Arteriography in the Diagnosis of Diseases of the Liver

Arteriograms and scans performed over a five-year period on 60 patients with suspect hepatic disease have been reviewed. The diagnosis was proved in every case by biopsy, autopsy or laparotomy. Scintigraphy correctly predicted the presence or absence of disease in 75% and arteriography in 75% of cases. Fifty-four of the patients had hepatic disease. In 81% of these the accurate diagnosis of diffuse or localized disease was made by one or both techniques. Arteriography is preferred for the detection of localized lesions, but diffuse processes are more readily demonstrated by scintigraphy.     

Gynecological examination and pregnancy diagnosis in small ruminants using bimanual palpation technique: a review

A palpation technique using both hands was developed by the author and used for examination of internal reproductive organs, pregnancy diagnosis, and assessment of approximate stages of gestation in small ruminants. The study was conducted in 4 stages on 87 female goats and 30 slaughterhouse source ewes First, 20 doelings and 15 does with no recent history of insemination were examined by two hand method for palpability and structural integrity of internal reproductive organs. Next 52 goats (28 doelings and 24 does) were examined at 28 to 30 d post insemination for pregnancy. Among those diagnosed pregnant, 20 goats were examined at 15 d intervals to assess the palpable changes of pregnancy. Preslaughter palpation followed by post-slaughter verification of the findings were performed in 30 ewes. The two hand method was effective for palpating the reproductive tract in the nonpregnant goats irrespective of parity status. Gross palpation of the ovaries was possible in 83% of the goats. Of the 52 goats examined for pregnancy at 28 to 30 d, 29 (56%) had clear distension of uterus while 23 (44%) did not. The results were confirmed by kidding date or returning to service. Changes of the reproductive tract were monitored in 20 goats at biweekly intervals and the findings categorized by the stage of gestation. Post slaughter verification of preslaughter findings based on two handed palpation indicates that this technique can be used for early pregnancy diagnosis and assessment of the stage of gestation in goats and ewes.     

Collection of tissue and culture samples from the canine reproductive tract

Definitive diagnosis of reproductive tract infection or other disease often requires sampling of tissue, either for culture or histopathology. Indications, sample collection technique, possible side-effects and interpretation of results are reviewed. Pertinent facts include: (1) collection of uterine biopsy specimens via laparotomy was associated with higher yield of diagnostic samples and fewer side-effects than other less invasive techniques; (2) vaginal culture samples should be collected from the anterior vagina to minimize number of contaminants in the sample; (3) collection of culture samples from the anterior vagina during proestrus or estrus, in the presence of discharge originating in the uterus, was a non-invasive technique for assessment for uterine infection; (4) samples for bacterial culture from mucosal surfaces, including the vagina and penis, must be quantitated to allow interpretation, with moderate to heavy growth of any single aerobic bacterial organism relevant; (5) mycoplasma and ureaplasma are part of the normal flora of the genitourinary tract in dogs and bitches and, because most laboratories cannot give reliable quantitative results, interpretation of positive results often is difficult; (6) collection of prostatic tissue samples for cytology or culture was more likely to yield a correct diagnosis than submission of ejaculated prostatic fluid.     

粪便RNA的检测在大肠癌早期诊断中的应用

大肠癌是胃肠道恶性肿瘤之一,在我国大肠癌的发病率和死亡率呈上升趋势。由于死亡率与大肠癌的诊断时间密切相关,因此早期诊断大肠癌尤为重要。但是目前临床常规诊断方法存在一定的局限性,难以实现大肠癌的早期诊断。粪便RNA检测技术是近年来发展的基于分子水平的早期无创检测大肠癌的技术,与常规检测技术包括结肠镜检测、大便隐血检测和粪便DNA突变检测相比,粪便RNA检测具有成本低和灵敏度高等优点,并可同时分析多种基因表达量和动态监测肿瘤进展。文章介绍了粪便RNA检测的可行性,系统阐述了用于粪便RNA检测的特异性基因、粪便RNA的提取方法和粪便RNA的检测技术,并对粪便RNA检测技术在大肠癌早期诊断中的进一步应用进行了展望。     

A method of processing first-trimester chorionic villous biopsies for cytogenetic analysis

Chorionic villous biopsy is emerging as a technique for obtaining fetal cells for prenatal diagnosis in the first trimester of pregnancy. Chromosome analysis has been performed on small villous biopsies using either direct harvests of uncultured cells or after culturing villous tissue. Here, we describe a method where both techniques can be used simultaneously; from a single villous biopsy, GTG-banded chromosomes of improved morphology are obtained from direct preparations and from cultured villous cells.     

Progress in spondylarthritis. Spondyloarthritis: lessons from imaging

The advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and advanced sonographic techniques has led to a resurgence of interest in the role of imaging in the evaluation and management of spondyloarthritis. Radiography remains the cornerstone of diagnosis although MRI is more sensitive in early stages of the disease. Inflammatory changes in the sacroiliac joints and spine can now be reliably quantified and can also predict the subsequent development of radiographic changes in the corresponding locations. MRI-based scoring systems for inflammation are highly responsive, facilitating proof-of-concept studies of new therapies for spondyloarthritis. Assessment of chronic changes is much less reliable using MRI, while assessment using radiography lacks sensitivity to change. Assessment of disease modification therefore remains a principle challenge in the development of new therapies for ankylosing spondylitis. Ultrasound may be the preferred approach to the assessment of peripheral inflammation, especially enthesitis. Scintigraphy and computed tomography offer few advantages over MRI.     

Antifungal Therapy in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Antifungal therapy during pregnancy and lactation is challenging because of a lack of data on efficacy and safety, coupled with reports of teratogenicity. Although the Food and Drug Administration pregnancy category provides guidance regarding a drug’s potential fetal risks, limitations such as lack of a specific toxic dose or predisposing pregnancy trimester thwart its application. Central to the selection of optimal antifungal therapy are exploration of the literature and assessment of patient-specific factors, including awareness of effects on the pharmacokinetics of antifungal agents that result from physiologic changes during pregnancy. Topical azoles are favored for superficial fungal infections during pregnancy and lactation, whereas amphotericin B is preferred for invasive fungal infections. Data regarding the use of antifungal agents by breastfeeding women are lacking. More studies are needed, particularly with newer antifungals, to better guide clinicians in selecting optimal antifungal therapy that will provide benefit to the mother without harm to the fetus.     

Canine and feline abortion diagnostics

Knowledge of the causes of canine or feline pregnancy loss is limited and the success rate for making a definitive diagnosis is disappointingly low. Although these facts are discouraging, there are some things that can be done to improve success rates. This paper will address limitations and explore ways for improvement. For abortions caused by microbial infections, there are many reasons why it may not possible to identify the agents. "Non-infectious" causes are much more difficult to diagnose, and their relative importance is unknown. These include endocrine failure, underlying endometrial disease, genetic abnormalities, nutritional deficiencies, and toxicosis from drugs or environmental sources. Genetic abnormalities are a major cause of human pregnancy loss, yet we have little specific information about genetic diseases leading to abortion in animals. This paper addresses ways clinicians and diagnosticians can work together to improve diagnostic success. Necropsy techniques for fetal and placental examination and sampling are briefly reviewed. It is hoped that this series of papers will stimulate discussion on the causes and pathogenesis of pregnancy failure, and focus attention on areas where abortion diagnostics can be improved.     

污染土壤的生物标记物研究进展

生物标记物是指示环境中污染物危害效应的生物信号。利用生物标记物进行污染土壤的检测和定量分析是最可行的方法之一。本文主要综述了近年来一些典型的、指示土壤污染的几类生物标记物 (如细胞色素P4 5 0加氧酶系统、细胞抗氧化酶及DNA指纹技术 )的最新研究进展 ,并探讨了生物标记物在污染土壤修复效果评价及其早期诊断方面的应用前景。     

A reassessment of semiquantitative analytical procedures for DNA methylation: comparison of bisulfite- and HpaII polymerase-chain-reaction-based methods

Two techniques in particular are used to study site-specific DNA methylation: genomic sequencing after bisulfite modification and polymerase chain reaction after digestion by a methylation-sensitive endonuclease (usually HpaII). Only the former methodology assesses the methylation status of all the cytosine residues in the DNA sequence, but it is so complex and time consuming that the latter procedure, though limited to the restriction sites recognized by the endonuclease(s) used, is often preferred at least for a first analysis. In this work we investigate differences between these two techniques in the assessment of DNA methylation and offer some suggestions on how to avoid uncorrected results. Although there is substantial accordance in the results obtained using these different techniques, we observed a general overestimate for methylation levels above 30% and a general underestimate for methylation levels below this value using the HpaII/PCR technique in the study of methylation of the 5'-flanking region of the mouse myogenin gene in cultured muscle cells and mouse tissues.     

Automated cytology and histology, A historical perspective

The current status of the techniques of image analysis, morphometry and DNA measurements of human cells and tissue samples is reviewed, and the goals of these various techniques, in terms of the detection, diagnosis and prognosis of human cancer, are briefly summarized. Some of the accomplishments and problems of this research are discussed, and targets of future investigations are proposed. It is quite evident that the full value of objective assessment of human cells has not yet been achieved and that many years of additional research may be required to evaluate fully their significance as a scientific tool of objective diagnostic and prognostic value.     

Flow cytometric diagnosis of myelodysplasia and myeloproliferative disorders

The current diagnosis of both myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders relies in large part on subtle and subjective morphologic findings and the presence of cytogenetic abnormalities. Consequently, diagnosis of these disorders is often difficult and tentative with diagnosis at early stages representing a particular challenge. There is a need for new diagnostic techniques to allow a more definitive and objective diagnosis for these diseases. The published literature relating to the potential diagnostic utility of flow cytometric immunophenotyping in the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders is reviewed, and the increasingly important contribution of this technique to the diagnosis of these disorders emphasized.     

X-Ray Pelvimetry

The results of x-ray pelvimetry performed on 66 pregnant women, with a view to predicting the outcome of pregnancy, were reviewed. It was concluded that such pelvimetry was most valuable in cases in which it indicated a normal pelvis or gross bony disproportion. It was least effective in those with a “borderline” pelvis, in which the correct management of the patient requires an adequate trial of labour. The authors believe that pelvimetry in the later stages of pregnancy has no ill effects on the unborn baby or the mother.Indications for use of x-ray pelvimetry in obstetrics, the technique employed, the various types of female pelvis and the relation of these to the course of labour are considered. Pelvimetry findings are compared with the eventual outcome of labour in women with suspected cephalopelvic disproportion. It is emphasized that the pelvic assessment should be made jointly by the radiologist and obstetrician.     

子宫特殊部位妊娠18 例分析

目的:探讨子宫特殊部位妊娠的临床诊断及处理。方法:回顾性分析2005年7月至2010年12月我院收治的18例子宫特殊部位妊娠患者的临床表现、诊断、处理及预后。结果:宫颈妊娠6例、宫角妊娠6例、残角子宫妊娠2例、子宫剖宫产瘢痕处妊娠4例。宫颈妊娠通过子宫动脉介入栓塞后清宫术治愈;宫角妊娠经MTX保守治疗后在超声或宫腔镜引导下清宫术痊愈。残角子宫妊娠均行残角子宫切除术治愈。子宫剖宫产瘢痕处妊娠根据分型分别行超声引导下清宫+水囊压迫、局部注射MTX保守治疗治愈。结论:子宫特殊部位妊娠病情凶险,临床表现各异,但有其特异性,超声辅助检查有助于早期诊断,MTX、子宫动脉介入栓塞治疗后刮宫是有效治疗手段。     

Rapid methods for the immunodiagnosis of infectious diseases: recent developments

Current techniques for rapid diagnosis of microbial infections by direct detection of the microbial agent are compared. The techniques include enzyme immunoassay (EIA) tests, immunofluorescence, latex agglutination assays, and nucleic acid hybridization procedures. It is concluded that, for the near future, the preferred methods for rapid diagnosis will be by (1) EIA tests utilizing monoclonal antibodies and improved enzyme detection systems, and (2) improved latex agglutination procedures for certain antigens. Nucleic acid hybridization techniques, as currently performed, will need to be substantially improved to become the methods of choice.     

An algorithm for abdominal wall reconstruction

Acquired abdominal wall defects result from trauma, previous surgery, infection, and tumor resection. The correction of complex defects is a challenge to both plastic and reconstructive and general surgeons. The anatomy of the abdominal wall, as well as considerations in patient assessment and surgical planning, are discussed. A simple classification of abdominal wall defects based on size, depth, and location is provided. Publications regarding the various abdominal reconstruction techniques are reviewed and summarized to familiarize the reader with the treatment options for each particular defect. Finally, an algorithm is presented to guide the surgeon in selecting the optimal reconstructive technique.     

代谢组学及其应用

对代谢组学的概念、特性、发展历史做了简要介绍,综述了当前代谢组学研究中的数据采集、数据分析中采用的技术,及代谢组学在疾病诊断、药物毒性研究、植物和微生物等邻域的应用,并对代谢组学的发展作了展望。     

Evaluation of 100 autopsies performed in the maternity service of the H?tel-Dieu in Lyon during an 18 month period

100 Necropsies have been performed from January 1983 to June 1984, on 53 abortus and stillborn and 47 therapeutic terminations of pregnancy. All fetuses came from the same obstetric unit. Half spontaneous fetal deaths remained of unknown aetiology; in 18 cases (34%) placental, maternal or pregnancy pathology existed; fetal abnormalities were discovered in 10 (18%). As for therapeutic interruptions of pregnancy (the indications of which are detailed) the importance of ultrasonography emphasized since this technique allowed 25 of the 47 prenatal diagnosis. The importance of necropsy to help precise diagnosis and subsequent counselling is also recalled.     

Bacterial and protozoal causes of pregnancy loss in the bitch and queen

Several bacterial species have been implicated in canine and feline pregnancy loss. Brucella canis is one of the more important bacterial infectious agents that cause pregnancy loss in the bitch. Brucella has been documented in the queen but in general infectious abortion from bacteria and protozoal agents is uncommon in the species. Protozoal causes of pregnancy loss in the bitch and queen are less common than in other species. Etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of bacterial and protozoal causes of pregnancy loss in the bitch and queen are reviewed. Veterinary practitioners should be aware that many of these organisms have zoonotic potential.