BACKGROUND & AIMS: :Extensive literatures have shown significant trend of progressive electrical changes according to the proliferative characteristics of breast epithelial cells. Physiologists also further postulated that malignant transformation resulted from sustained depolarization and a failure of the cell to repolarize after cell division, making the area where cancer develops relatively depolarized when compared to their non-dividing or resting counterparts. In this paper, we present a new approach, the Biofield Diagnostic System (BDS), which might have the potential to augment the process of diagnosing breast cancer. This technique was based on the efficacy of analysing skin surface electrical potentials for the differential diagnosis of breast abnormalities. We developed a female breast model, which was close to the actual, by considering the breast as a hemisphere in supine condition with various layers of unequal thickness. Isotropic homogeneous conductivity was assigned to each of these compartments and the volume conductor problem was solved using finite element method to determine the potential distribution developed due to a dipole source. Furthermore, four important parameters were identified and analysis of variance (ANOVA, Yates' method) was performed using design (n = number of parameters, 4). The effect and importance of these parameters were analysed. The Taguchi method was further used to optimise the parameters in order to ensure that the signal from the tumour is maximum as compared to the noise from other factors. The Taguchi method used proved that probes' source strength, tumour size and location of tumours have great effect on the surface potential field. For best results on the breast surface, while having the biggest possible tumour size, low amplitudes of current should be applied nearest to the breast surface.

背景与目标： : 根据乳腺上皮细胞的增殖特性，大量文献显示出明显的进行性电变化趋势。生理学家还进一步推测，恶性转化是由持续的去极化和细胞分裂后细胞无法重新极化引起的，与未分裂或静息的对应物相比，癌症发展的区域相对去极化。在本文中，我们提出了一种新方法，即生物场诊断系统 (BDS)，该方法可能具有增强乳腺癌诊断过程的潜力。该技术基于分析皮肤表面电势以鉴别诊断疾病乳房异常的功效。我们通过将乳房视为仰卧状态下的半球，具有不同厚度的各层，从而开发了一种接近实际的女性乳房模型。将各向同性均匀电导率分配给每个隔室，并使用有限元方法解决体积导体问题，以确定由于偶极源而产生的电势分布。此外，确定了四个重要参数，并使用设计 (n = 参数数，4) 进行了方差分析 (ANOVA，yates方法)。分析了这些参数的影响和重要性。Taguchi方法进一步用于优化参数，以确保与来自其他因素的噪声相比，来自肿瘤的信号最大。使用Taguchi方法证明，探针的来源强度，肿瘤大小和肿瘤位置对表面电势场有很大影响。为了在乳房表面获得最佳效果，同时具有最大可能的肿瘤大小，应在最接近乳房表面的位置施加低振幅的电流。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :In a context of automation of cryo-electron microscopy, we developed a novel method for improving visibility of diffraction rings in the power spectra of cryo-electron micrographs of vitreous ice (without carbon film or high concentration of diffracting material). We used these enhanced spectra to semi-automatically detect and remove micrographs and/or local areas introducing errors in the global 3D map (drifted and charged areas) or those unable to increase global signal-to-noise ratio (non-diffracting areas). Our strategy also allows a detection of micrographs/areas with a strong astigmatism. These images should be removed when using algorithms that do not correct astigmatism. Our sorting method is simple and fast since it uses the normalized cross-correlation between enhanced spectra and their copies rotated by 90 degrees. It owes its success mainly to the novel pre-processing of power spectra. The improved visibility also allows an easier visual check of accuracy of sorting. We show that our algorithm can even improve the visibility of diffraction rings of cryo-electron micrographs of pure water. Moreover, we show that this visibility depends strongly on ice thickness. This algorithm is implemented in the Xmipp (open-source image processing package) and is freely available for implementation in any other software package.

背景与目标： : 在冷冻电子显微镜自动化的背景下，我们开发了一种新颖的方法，用于提高玻璃冰冷冻电子显微照片 (没有碳膜或高浓度衍射材料) 的功率谱中衍射环的可见性。我们使用这些增强的光谱来半自动检测和删除显微照片和/或在全局3D地图中引入错误的局部区域 (漂移和带电区域) 或无法增加全局信噪比的区域 (非衍射区域)。我们的策略还允许检测具有强散光的显微照片/区域。当使用不校正散光的算法时，应删除这些图像。我们的排序方法简单，快速，因为它使用了旋转90度的增强光谱及其副本之间的归一化互相关。它的成功主要归功于功率谱的新颖预处理。改进的可见性还可以更轻松地视觉检查排序的准确性。我们证明，我们的算法甚至可以提高纯水的低温电子显微照片的衍射环的可见性。此外，我们表明这种能见度在很大程度上取决于冰的厚度。此算法在Xmipp (开源图像处理包) 中实现，并且可以免费在任何其他软件包中实现。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :Collapse of the nasal vestibule during inspiration is a frequently encountered symptom, often caused by weak or medially displaced lateral crura in the lower lateral cartilages. Numerous techniques are available for lateralizing and strengthening the lateral crura using cartilage grafts or suture techniques. In most cases, they involve an external rhinoplasty approach or additional incisions. An elegant endonasal method for widening and strengthening the lateral component of the nasal valve area is described herein. The basis of the procedure is a permanent submucosal spanning suture between the piriform aperture and the distal part of the lower lateral cartilage. The effect of this technique is 2-fold. First, it provides superolateral rotation of the lateral crura, increasing the cross-sectional area, and second, the spanning suture provides additional support for the lateral wall of the nasal vestibule.

背景与目标： : 鼻前庭在吸气过程中塌陷是一种经常遇到的症状，通常是由下外侧软骨的弱或内侧移位引起的。使用软骨移植物或缝合技术，可以使用多种技术来侧向和增强外侧crura。在大多数情况下，它们涉及外部隆鼻方法或其他切口。本文描述了一种用于扩大和加强鼻瓣膜区域的外侧分量的优雅鼻内方法。该程序的基础是在梨形孔和下部外侧软骨的远端之间建立永久性的粘膜下跨越缝合线。这种技术的效果是2倍。首先，它提供了外侧crura的超外侧旋转，增加了横截面积，其次，跨越缝合线为鼻前庭的侧壁提供了额外的支撑。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :Malfunction of the SLC26A4 protein leads to Pendred syndrome, characterized by sensorineural hearing loss, often associated with mild thyroid dysfunction and goiter. It is generally assumed that SLC26A4 acts as a chloride/anion exchanger, which in the thyroid gland transports iodide, and in the inner ear contributes to the conditioning of the endolymphatic fluid. Here we describe a fast fluorometric method able to be used to functionally scrutinize SLC26A4 and its mutants described in Pendred syndrome. The validation of the method was done by functionally characterizing the chloride/iodide transport of SLC26A4, and a mutant, i.e. SLC26A4(S28R), which we previously described in a patient with sensorineural hearing loss, hypothyroidism and goiter. Using the fluorometric method we describe here we can continuously monitor and quantify the iodide or chloride amounts transported by the cells, and we found that the transport capability of the SLC26A4(S28R) mutant protein is markedly reduced if compared to wild-type SLC26A4.

背景与目标： : SLC26A4蛋白的故障导致Pendred综合征，其特征是感音神经性听力损失，通常与轻度甲状腺功能障碍和甲状腺肿有关。通常认为SLC26A4充当氯化物/阴离子交换剂，在甲状腺中转运碘化物，在内耳中有助于调节内淋巴液。在这里，我们描述了一种快速荧光测量方法，该方法能够用于功能检查SLC26A4及其在Pendred综合征中描述的突变体。该方法的验证是通过功能表征SLC26A4的氯化物/碘化物转运和突变体即SLC26A4(S28R) 来完成的，我们先前在患有感音神经性听力损失，甲状腺功能减退和甲状腺肿的患者中进行了描述。使用我们在这里描述的荧光法，我们可以连续监测和定量细胞转运的碘化物或氯化物量，并且我们发现与野生型SLC26A4相比，SLC26A4(S28R) 突变蛋白的转运能力显着降低。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: AIM:To identify the changes of mitochondrial protein expression in diabetic renal parenchyma and to characterize their molecular functions and biological processes in diabetes. METHODS:Mitochondrial proteins extracted from renal parenchyma mitochondria of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and normal rats were separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS:Eleven proteins from 533 visualized protein spots displayed significant different expressions in mitochondria of diabetic kidneys compared with those in normal ones. Among these altered proteins, two proteins with the most obvious changes in protein expression were identified as alpha-2u globulin (mature protein, named A2) and its proteolytically modified form (named A2-fragment) respectively. These proteins were found in mitochondria of male rat renal parenchyma and were proved to be down-regulated in diabetic rats simultaneously. CONCLUSION:Our results suggest that down-regulation of alpha-2u globulin may be associated with an abnormal β-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids during diabetes. The decreased expression of A2-fragment in renal mitochondria of diabetic nephropathy may reduce fatty acid β-oxidation, which leads to a diminished energy supply from mitochondria to kidney tissue and the deposition of a large number of fatty acids in the kidney, ultimately causing and aggravating kidney damage. In conclusion, these findings may be helpful for understanding the molecular mechanism of diabetic nephropathy.

背景与目标：

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :Determining effective traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments for specific disease conditions or particular patient groups is a difficult issue that necessitates investigation because of the complicated personalized manifestations in real-world patients and the individualized combination therapies prescribed in clinical settings. In this study, a multistage analysis method that integrates propensity case matching, complex network analysis, and herb set enrichment analysis was proposed to identify effective herb prescriptions for particular diseases (e.g., insomnia). First, propensity case matching was applied to match clinical cases. Then, core network extraction and herb set enrichment were combined to detect core effective herb prescriptions. Effectiveness-based mutual information was used to detect strong herb-symptom relationships. This method was applied on a TCM clinical data set with 955 patients collected from well-designed observational studies. Results revealed that groups of herb prescriptions with higher effectiveness rates (76.9% vs. 42.8% for matched samples; 94.2% vs. 84.9% for all samples) compared with the original prescriptions were found. Particular patient groups with symptom manifestations were also identified to help investigate the indications of the effective herb prescriptions.

背景与目标： : 确定针对特定疾病或特定患者群体的有效中药 (TCM) 治疗是一个困难的问题，需要进行调查，因为现实世界患者中复杂的个性化表现以及临床环境中规定的个性化组合疗法。在这项研究中，提出了一种结合倾向案例匹配，复杂网络分析和草药集富集分析的多阶段分析方法，以识别针对特定疾病 (例如失眠) 的有效草药处方。首先，将倾向病例匹配应用于临床病例匹配。然后，将核心网络提取和草药集富集相结合，以检测核心有效草药处方。基于有效性的互信息用于检测强烈的草药-症状关系。该方法应用于从精心设计的观察性研究中收集的955名患者的中医临床数据集。结果显示，与原始处方相比，发现了具有更高有效率的草药处方组 (匹配样品为76.9% 对42.8%; 所有样品为94.2% 对84.9%)。还确定了具有症状表现的特定患者组，以帮助调查有效草药处方的适应症。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :The present work investigated the effects of hydrothermal treatment (HTT) of Tamarix ramosissima by determination of sugar and inhibitor formation in the liquid fraction, and chemical and morphological changes of the pretreated solid material coupled with an evaluation of enzymatic hydrolysis. HTT was carried out in a batch reactor system at a maximal temperature (TMAX 180-240 °C) and evaluated for severities logRo ranging from 2.40 to 4.17. The liquid fractions were analyzed by HPLC, GPC, and GC-MS. The morphology and composition of the solid residues were characterized using an array of techniques, such as SEM, XRD, BET surface area, and CP/MAS (13)C NMR. Using a variety of tools, we have developed a better understanding of how HTT process affects biomass structure and cellulose properties that impact on its digestibility. These results provided new insights into the factors limiting enzymatic digestibility and mechanism of biomass deconstruction during hydrothermal process.

背景与目标： : 目前的工作通过测定液体馏分中的糖和抑制剂的形成以及预处理固体材料的化学和形态变化以及酶水解的评估，研究了Tamarix ramosissima的水热处理 (HTT) 的影响。在间歇反应器系统中在最高温度 (TMAX 180-240 °C) 下进行HTT，并评估范围为2.40至4.17的严重度。通过HPLC，GPC和gc-ms分析液体级分。使用一系列技术 (例如SEM，XRD，BET表面积和CP/MAS (13)C NMR) 表征了固体残基的形态和组成。使用各种工具，我们对HTT过程如何影响生物质结构和纤维素特性 (影响其消化率) 有了更好的了解。这些结果为水热过程中限制酶消化率的因素和生物质解构的机理提供了新的见解。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :We describe a rapid particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay for albumin in urine. Intra- and interassay CVs were less than 5% and less than 10%, respectively, the detection limit is 2 mg/L, and the working range extends to 200 mg/L. Mean analytical recovery of albumin added to centrifuged urines was 100% (SD 10.6%), and, when results were compared with those by the Pharmacia RIA, the correlation coefficient was 0.99. The working reagents are stable for at least six months; thus this assay is suited for both batch and urgent analysis.

背景与目标： : 我们描述了尿液中白蛋白的快速颗粒增强比浊法免疫测定。测定内和测定间CVs分别小于5% 和小于10%，检出限为2 mg/L，工作范围扩大至200 mg/L。添加到离心尿液中的白蛋白的平均分析回收率为100% (SD 10.6%)，并且当将结果与通过Pharmacia RIA进行比较时，相关系数为0.99。工作试剂至少稳定六个月; 因此，该测定法适用于分批和紧急分析。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :In cementless total hip arthroplasty, long-term implant stability is achieved by bone ingrowth. The strength of the new bond gradually increases in time, due to bone maturation and progression of ingrowth. In finite element simulations, osseointegration generally is implemented as an instant change in the mechanical behavior of the implant-bone interface, although this is a simplified interpretation of the bone ingrowth process. The aim of the present study was to build on previous bone ingrowth simulations and propose a new methodology to simulate bone ingrowth as a time-dependent process. We developed an algorithm to calculate the strength of the local implant-bone bond based of the magnitude of interface micromotions and gaps in time. Our algorithm was subsequently tested in multiple hip reconstructions in which the bone quality and implant-bone contact area were varied. The results of the simulations showed that in the ideal situation (good bone quality and no interface gaps), 91% of implant area could achieve ingrowth, while in the worst case only 17% of implant area showed ingrowth. The initial contact area had a significant effect on ingrowth, overruling the effect of variations in bone quality. The progression of ingrowth had a stabilizing effect on adjacent regions, especially in the high contact area cases. Further development and validation of the presented algorithm requires more information on the nature of the relation between the ingrowth rate and the magnitude of micromotions and gap.

背景与目标： : 在无骨水泥全髋关节置换术中，植入物的长期稳定性是通过骨向内生长来实现的。由于骨骼的成熟和向内生长的进展，新键的强度随时间逐渐增加。在有限元模拟中，骨整合通常是作为植入物-骨界面的机械行为的即时变化来实现的，尽管这是对骨向内生长过程的简化解释。本研究的目的是在以前的骨向内生长模拟的基础上，提出一种新的方法来模拟骨向内生长，这是一个与时间有关的过程。我们开发了一种算法，可以根据界面微动的大小和时间间隙来计算局部植入物-骨键的强度。随后，我们的算法在多次髋关节重建中进行了测试，其中骨质量和植入物-骨接触面积发生了变化。模拟结果表明，在理想情况下 (良好的骨质量和无界面间隙)，植入物区域的91% 可以实现向内生长，而在最坏的情况下，只有17% 的植入物区域显示向内生长。初始接触面积对向内生长有显着影响，从而推翻了骨质量变化的影响。向内生长的进程对相邻区域具有稳定作用，尤其是在高接触面积的情况下。提出的算法的进一步开发和验证需要更多有关向内生长速率与微动和间隙大小之间关系的性质的信息。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :Families must make decisions about organ donation for a loved one during intensely emotional circumstances in the hospital, where support from others is crucial to their coping. Research about families' experiences during the decision-making process regarding donating their loved ones' organs has shown that quality of hospital care and receiving psychosocial support are important factors influencing their decision. Typically, a donation coordinator from the local organ procurement organization approaches the family about the option of donation, whereas the role of medical and nursing staff is to convey diagnostic and prognostic information to the family. Currently, no requirement is in place for training of professional staff in communication skills for approaching and interacting with families about organ donation. This article discusses a simulated training method in empathic communication used for supporting families who are approached about organ donation. This innovative method can be adapted to and should be tested with professional audiences.

背景与目标： : 家庭必须在医院里情绪激动的情况下决定为亲人捐赠器官，而其他人的支持对他们的应对至关重要。对家庭在捐赠亲人器官的决策过程中的经历的研究表明，医院护理质量和接受社会心理支持是影响其决策的重要因素。通常，来自当地器官采购组织的捐赠协调员会向家人介绍捐赠的选择，而医疗和护理人员的作用是向家人传达诊断和预后信息。目前，没有要求对专业人员进行沟通技能培训，以便就器官捐赠问题与家人接触和互动。本文讨论了一种在移情交流中进行模拟训练的方法，该方法用于支持与器官捐赠有关的家庭。这种创新方法可以适应专业观众，也应该接受专业观众的测试。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: AIM:To develop a simple and accurate method for quantifying 8-isoprostane in plasma by employing a combination of two-step solid-phase extraction of samples and a commercially available ELISA kit, and by this method to examine the effects of drinking and smoking habits against the levels of plasma 8-isoprostane in healthy Japanese volunteers. METHODS:Plasma 8-isoprostane was extracted with ODS gel suspension followed by NH(2) Sep-Pak column. The 8-isoprostane fractions were assayed using a commercially available ELISA kit. We measured plasma 8-isoprostane levels in 157 healthy Japanese volunteers divided into three groups (64 non-habitual drinkers, 56 moderate drinkers and 37 habitual drinkers) according to their alcohol consumption per week. Genotypes of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) were also determined to investigate the plasma 8-isoprostane levels with reference to drinking habits. In addition, the plasma 8-isoprostane levels of 96 non-smokers and 61 smokers from the same subjects were compared. RESULTS:Our method fulfilled all the requirements for use in routine clinical assays with respect to sensitivity, intra- and inter-assay reproducibility, accuracy and dynamic assay range. Significant increases of plasma 8-isoprostane levels were observed in female habitual drinkers when compared with those of non-habitual drinkers (t = 5.494, P<0.0001) as well as moderate drinkers (t = 3.542, P<0.005), and 8-isoprostane levels were also significantly different between ALDH2*2/1 and ALDH2*1/1 in the female habitual drinkers (t = 6.930, P<0.0001), suggesting that excessive drinking of alcohol may increase oxidization stress, especially in females. On the contrary, no significant difference of the plasma 8-isoprostane levels was observed between non-smokers and smokers. CONCLUSION:Our present method was proved to be a simple and accurate tool for measuring plasma 8-isoprostane. However, the clinical utility of plasma 8-isoprostane for drinking and smoking habits was limited since elevated 8-isoprostane levels were observed in female heavy drinkers, and no association was found between smokers and nonsmokers.

背景与目标：

BACKGROUND & AIMS: BACKGROUND:Individuals with HIV disease often must adhere to complex medication regimens. To date, regimen complexity has not been examined in the literature using standardized procedures incorporating all important elements of antiretroviral (ARV) regimens. OBJECTIVE:This article presents a novel method of quantifying regimen complexity using objective criteria addressing the factors that may complicate adherence to ARV regimens. METHODS:Part 1 of this article describes the development of the Antiretroviral Regimen Complexity (ARC) Index scoring system. Based on input from pediatric and adult patients, caregivers of pediatric patients, and health care professionals, this comprehensive system includes the number of medications, dosing schedules, administration methods, special instructions, and required preparations associated with ARV regimens. Weights are applied for each of these factors to produce an overall score representing the regimen's level of complexity. Part 2 of this article presents reliability and validity data for the system. RESULTS:The ARC Index demonstrates excellent test-retest and interrater reliability as well as strong construct and discriminant validity. An on-line version of this system minimizes computation errors. CONCLUSIONS:Although modifications may be necessary for patients requiring nonstandard dosing instructions, preliminary evidence supports the utility of this measure as a reliable and valid indicator of the complexity of antiretroviral treatment regimens.

背景与目标：

BACKGROUND & AIMS: OBJECTIVE:Our purpose was to determine whether the incidence of postoperative endometritis and wound infection is associated with the method of placental removal at the time of cesarean section.

STUDY DESIGN:Parturients undergoing cesarean delivery were prospectively randomized to have the placenta removed manually or spontaneously. Patients were excluded from participation if they had received intrapartum prophylactic antibiotics or had been determined to have chorioamnionitis. After delivery of the infant women in the manual group had the placenta extracted by the primary surgeon, whereas women in the spontaneous group had the placenta delivered by gentle traction on the umbilical cord. All study subjects received perioperative prophylactic antibiotics. The primary outcome variable was a postcesarean infection, defined as postecsarean endometritis or wound cellulitis requiring drainage and antibiotic therapy.

RESULTS:A total of 333 women were enrolled in the investigation, with 165 assigned to the manual removal group and 168 allocated to have spontaneous removal. There were no statistically significant differences in mean gestational age, frequency or duration of ruptured membranes, frequency or duration of labor, or mean number of vaginal examinations between the two study groups. Postoperative infections occurred in 25 of 168 (15%) women in the spontaneous delivery group compared with 44 of 165 (27%) women in which the placenta was manually extracted (relative risk 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.4 to 0.9, p = 0.01). Subset analysis of patients delivered with ruptured membranes similarly demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of postoperative infections with spontaneous placental removal compared with manual extraction (20% vs. 38%, relative risk 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.3 to 0.9, p = 0.02). There was a similar trend toward a reduction in postdelivery infections associated with spontaneous placental removal in women with intact membranes; however, this difference did not attain statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS:Spontaneous delivery of the placenta after cesarean delivery is associated with a decrease in the incidence of postcesarean infections.

背景与目标： 目的 : 我们的目的是确定术后子宫内膜炎和伤口感染的发生率是否与剖宫产时胎盘摘除的方法有关。
研究设计 : 进行剖宫产的产妇被随机分配给人工或自发摘除胎盘。如果患者接受了产时预防性抗生素治疗或已确定患有绒毛膜羊膜炎，则被排除在参与治疗之外。分娩后，手动组的婴儿妇女由初级外科医生提取胎盘，而自发组的妇女则通过脐带上的轻柔牵引来递送胎盘。所有研究对象均接受围手术期预防性抗生素治疗。主要结局变量是剖宫产后感染，定义为剖宫产后子宫内膜炎或需要引流和抗生素治疗的伤口蜂窝织炎。
结果 : 共有333名妇女参加了调查，将165分配给手动移除组，并将168分配为具有自发移除。两个研究组之间的平均胎龄，破裂的频率或持续时间，分娩的频率或持续时间或阴道检查的平均数量没有统计学上的显着差异。自发分娩组168例 (15% 例) 妇女中有25例发生术后感染，而人工提取胎盘的165例 (27% 例) 妇女中有44例发生术后感染 (相对危险0.6，95% 置信区间0.4至0.9，p = 0.01)。类似地，对患有破裂膜的患者进行的子集分析表明，与手动拔除相比，自发胎盘的术后感染发生率在统计学上显着降低 (20% 与38%，相对风险0.5，95% 置信区间0.3 0.9，p = 0.02)。在具有完整膜的女性中，与自发胎盘摘除相关的分娩后感染减少的趋势相似; 但是，这种差异没有统计学意义。
结论 : 剖宫产后胎盘的自发分娩与剖宫产后感染的发生率降低有关。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: OBJECTIVE:To examine the relationship between infection with Mycoplasma and the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).

METHODS:Immunoblotting of patient synovial fluid and sera on detergent-phase membrane protein extracts of various Mycoplasma species was carried out to learn whether patients exhibited serologic evidence of previous exposure to mycoplasmas. Moreover, an ultrasensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was developed for assessing whether Mycoplasma DNA could be detected in synovial fluid from patients and controls.

RESULTS:Immunoblotting provided serologic evidence of previous Mycoplasma exposure in patients and controls. The genus-specific PCR detected known human Mycoplasma species and could reliably detect <5 copies of Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma fermentans, or a molecular mimic control in synovial fluid. Repeat testing revealed no evidence of Mycoplasma DNA in patient synovial samples.

CONCLUSION:This study provided serologic evidence suggesting that, while previous exposure to Mycoplasma was common, there was no detectable persistence of Mycoplasma DNA in the synovial fluid or tissue of patients with RA or JRA.

背景与目标： 目的 : 检查支原体感染与类风湿关节炎 (RA) 和幼年类风湿性关节炎 (JRA) 的发展之间的关系。
方法 : 对各种支原体的去污剂相膜蛋白提取物进行了患者滑液和血清的免疫印迹，以了解患者是否表现出先前暴露于支原体的血清学证据。此外，开发了一种超灵敏的聚合酶链反应 (PCR) 方法，用于评估是否可以在患者和对照组的滑液中检测到支原体DNA。
结果 : 免疫印迹提供了患者和对照组先前暴露于支原体的血清学证据。属特异性PCR检测到已知的人类支原体物种，并且可以可靠地检测滑液中 <5个拷贝的人支原体，发酵支原体或分子模拟对照。重复测试显示患者滑膜样本中没有支原体DNA的证据。
结论 : 这项研究提供了血清学证据，表明尽管先前暴露于支原体很常见，RA或JRA患者的滑液或组织中没有可检测到支原体DNA的持久性。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :The study of the ultrastructure of spematozoa by means of transmission electron microscopy often presents with problems of interpretation according to the method employed, depending on whether samples are either centrifuged previously to the fixation or immersed in viscous gels. The major problems of interpretation are: changes in the location of vesicles originated during the maturation process and modifications in the adsorption of seminal plasma proteins to the sperm membrane surface. The aim of our study is to communicate an original new method for the treatment of spermatozoa for ultrastructural study. Our method is based on the use of animal tissues as biological containers, inside which the spermatic suspensions are included. We developed this method using fresh sperm samples taken from mature Rasa aragonesa rams. As biological container, we used 2.5-cm long segments of the intestine of 1-week-old chickens (Gallus gallus) (diameter around 4 mm). To avoid any influence of digestive enzymes of the mucosa on the sperm surface, we put each intestine fragment inside out by means of microdissection forceps under bifocal optical microscope and cold light. One of the edges was tied with thin suture silk. The sperm suspension was injected in the optimal experimental condition and amount. Finally, the still open edge of the intestine segment was tied with silk in the same way as the other segment edge. By using this technique, we can perform a suitable morphological study at an ultrastructural level. In addition, the functional relationship of the ultrastructural components of the target cells is correctly preserved.

背景与目标： : 通过透射电子显微镜研究spematozoa的超微结构通常会根据所采用的方法出现解释问题，具体取决于样品是先离心到固定物还是浸入粘性凝胶中。解释的主要问题是: 在成熟过程中引起的囊泡位置的变化以及精浆蛋白在精子膜表面吸附的改变。我们研究的目的是为超微结构研究提供一种治疗精子的原始新方法。我们的方法基于将动物组织用作生物容器，其中包括精索悬浮液。我们使用从成熟的Rasa aragonesa公羊中采集的新鲜精子样本开发了这种方法。作为生物容器，我们使用了1周大鸡 (Gallus gallus) 的2.5厘米长的肠段 (直径约4毫米)。为了避免粘膜消化酶对精子表面的任何影响，我们在双焦点光学显微镜和冷光下通过显微解剖钳将每个肠碎片向内放置。其中一个边缘用细细的缝合丝绑着。以最佳实验条件和数量注射精子悬浮液。最后，以与另一段边缘相同的方式用丝将肠段的仍然开放的边缘绑扎。通过使用这种技术，我们可以在超微结构水平上进行适当的形态学研究。此外，正确保留了靶细胞超微结构成分的功能关系。