Demanda por contracepção no Brasil em 2006: contribuição para a implementação das preferências de fecundidade / Demand for contraception in Brazil in 2006: contribution to the implementation of fertility preferences

Resumo Este estudo buscou estimar a demanda por contracepção no Brasil a partir dos últimos dados disponíveis e identificar possíveis associações entre características sociodemográficas e econômicas das mulheres com a ocorrência desse fenômeno. Para isso, utilizaram-se dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde da Mulher e da Criança (PNDS) de 2006 e o método de estimação revisado por Bradley et al. (2012). Apesar do elevado percentual de uso de contracepção no Brasil, estimou-se uma necessidade não atendida por planejamento da fecundidade de 8,3% entre mulheres casadas/unidas de 15 a 49 anos. Isto é, existe um grupo específico de mulheres (no início e no final da vida reprodutiva, de estratos econômicos inferiores, evangélicas e sem religião) que não gostariam de ter mais filhos ou tê-los mais tardiamente e não conseguem fazê-lo devido à falta de acesso aos meios de regulação da fecundidade. Conclui-se que houve uma irrisória redução da demanda em relação à 1996 e com isso, tem-se reforçada a necessidade de investimentos públicos focalizados para que se consiga reduzir os níveis e diferenciais da demanda não atendida por contracepção no país e se tenha garantido os direitos de implementação das preferências reprodutivas.

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the demand for contraception in Brazil from the latest available data and identify possible associations between the sociodemographic and economic characteristics of women and the occurrence of this phenomenon. For this, we used data from the National Demographic and Health of Women and Children (PNDS) 2006 database and the estimation method reviewed by Bradley et al. (2012). Despite the high percentage of contraceptive use in Brazil, there was an estimated unmet fertility planning need in 8.3% of married/partnered women aged 15-49 years. That is, there was a specific group of women (at the beginning and end of their reproductive life, in the lower economic strata, evangelical and without religion) who wanted to have more children or have them later and failed to do so due to a lack of access to fertility regulation means. It was concluded that there was a negligible reduction in demand compared to 1996, which has reinforced the need to focus public investments to achieve lower unmet contraception demand differentials in the country and has guaranteed the implementation of the rights of reproductive preferences.

Efficacy and security of lauromacrogol and pingyangmycin in treatment of hemangioma and venous malformation: A meta-analysis / 解放军医学杂志

Objective: To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of pingyangmycin and lauromacrogol in treatment of hemangioma or venous malformation. Methods: All the databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang, CBM, VIP and CNKI were searched from their inception to November 30, 2018 to seek the randomly controlled trials (RCTs) involving the efficacy and adverse reaction of lauromacrogol and pingyangmycin in treatment of hemangioma and venous malformation. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers were respectively responsible for screening researches, extracting data and assessing the risk of bias of included studies. Subsequently, meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of 12 studies containing 1619 individuals with hemangioma or venous malformation were incorporated. Meta analysis showed that the cured rates of hemangioma and venous malformation were superior when treated with lauromacrogol than with pingyangmycin, the difference was statistically significant (OR=1.98, 95%CI 1.58-2.49, P<0.001). While no significant difference existed in the efficiency (OR=1.17, 95%CI 0.40-3.41, P=0.77) and inefficiency (OR=0.44, 95%CI 0.12-1.66, P=0.23) when treating hemangioma and venous malformation with lauromacrogol or pingyangmycin. The incidence of complication was distinctly lower in lauromacrogol group than in pingyangmycin group with statistical significance (OR=0.27, 95%CI 0.17-0.44, P<0.001). Conclusion: In the treatment of hemangioma and venous malformation, lauromacrogol is obviously superior to pingyangmycin in the therapeutic effect and safety, but there is no significant difference in effectively reducing the focus.

Final Health- and Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Maize MON 88017 x MON 810

In preparation for a legal implementation of EU-regulation 1829/2003, the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) has been requested by the Norwegian Environment Agency and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) to conduct final food/feed and environmental risk assessments for all genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and products containing or consisting of GMOs that are authorized in the European Union under Directive 2001/18/EC or Regulation 1829/2003/EC. The request covers scope(s) relevant to the Gene Technology Act. The request does not cover GMOs that VKM already has conducted its final risk assessments on. However, the Agency and NFSA requests VKM to consider whether updates or other changes to earlier submitted assessments are necessary. The insect-resistant and glyphosate-tolerant genetically modified maize MON 88017 x MON 810 from Monsanto (Unique Identifier DAS-MON 88017-3 x MON-ØØ81Ø-6) was approved under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 in the EU for food and feed uses, import and processing on 28th of July 2010 (Commission Decision 2010/429/EC). Genetically modified maize MON 88017 x MON 810 has previously been risk assessed by the VKM Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO), commissioned by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority related to the EFSA public hearing of the application in 2007 (VKM 2007a). In addition, MON 88017 and MON 810 has been evaluated by the VKM GMO Panel as single events and as a component of several stacked GM maize events and Regulation (EC) 1829/2003 and Directive 2001/18/EC (VKM 2005a,b,c, VKM 2007b,c,d, VKM 2008, VKM 2009, VKM 2010 a,b,c, VKM 2012, VKM 2013, VKM 2016). The food/feed and environmental risk assessment of the maize MON 88017 x MON 810 is based on information provided by the applicant in the application EFSA/GMO/CZ/2006/33 and scientific comments from EFSA and other member states made available on the EFSA website GMO Extranet. The risk assessment also considered other peer-reviewed scientific literature as relevant. The VKM GMO Panel has evaluated MON 88017 x MON 810 with reference to its intended uses in the European Economic Area (EEA), and according to the principles described in the Norwegian Food Act, the Norwegian Gene Technology Act and regulations relating to impact assessment pursuant to the Gene Technology Act, Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms, and Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed. The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety has also decided to take account of the appropriate principles described in the EFSA guidelines for the risk assessment of GM plants and derived food and feed (EFSA 2011a), the environmental risk assessment of GM plants (EFSA 2010), selection of comparators for the risk assessment of GM plants (EFSA 2011b) and for the post-market environmental monitoring of GM plants (EFSA 2011c). The scientific risk assessment of maize MON 88017 x MON 810 include molecular characterisation of the inserted DNA and expression of novel proteins, comparative assessment of agronomic and phenotypic characteristics, nutritional assessments, toxicology and allergenicity, unintended effects on plant fitness, potential for gene transfer, effects on biogeochemical processes and interactions between the GM plant and target and non-target organisms. It is emphasized that the VKM mandate does not include assessments of contribution to sustainable development, societal utility and ethical considerations, according to the Norwegian Gene Technology Act and Regulations relating to impact assessment pursuant to the Gene Technology Act. These considerations are therefore not part of the risk assessment provided by the VKM Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms. Likewise, the VKM mandate does not include evaluations of herbicide residues in food and feed from genetically modified plants. The hybrid maize MON 88017 x MON 810 was produced by conventional crosses between inbred lines containing MON 88017 and MON 810 events to combine resistance to certain coleopteran and lepidopteran pests, and to confer tolerance towards glyphosate-containing herbicides. Maize MON 88017 was developed to express a modified Cry3Bb1 insecticidal protein, derived from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kumamotoensis , which confers protection against coleopteran target pests belonging to the genus Diabrotica such as Western corn rootworm ( Diabrotica virgifera virgifera ). MON 88017 is also developed to provide tolerance to the herbicidal active substance glyphosate by the introduction of a gene coding for the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), from Agrobacteri um tumefaciens strain CP4 (CP4 EPSPS). Maize MON 810 expresses the Cry1Ab insecticidal protein, derived from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. k u rstaki, which confers protection against lepidopteran pests such as Ostrinia nubilaris and species belonging to the genus Sesamia. Molecular characterisation Southern and PCR analyses indicate that the recombinant inserts in the single maize events MON 88017 and MON 810 are retained in the stacked event MON 88017 x MON 810. Genetic stability of the inserts has previously been demonstrated in the single events. The levels of CP4 EPSPS, Cry3Bb1 and Cry1Ab proteins in grain and forage from the stacked event are comparable to the levels in the corresponding single events. Phenotypic analyses also indicate stability of the insect resistance and herbicide tolerance traits of the stacked event. Based on current knowledge and the previous assessments of the parental maize events, the VKM GMO Panel considers the molecular characterisation of maize MON 88017 x MON 810 satisfactory. Comparative assessment The applicant has performed comparative analyses of data from field trials located at representative sites and environments in USA during the 2002 growing season. With the exception of small intermittent variations and the insect resistance and herbicide tolerance conferred by the CP4 EPSPS, Cry3Bb1 and Cry1Ab proteins, the results showed no biologically relevant differences between maize stack MON 88017 x MON 810 and its conventional counterpart. Based on the assessment of available data, the VKM GMO Panel concludes that maize MON 88017 x MON 810 is compositionally, agronomically and phenotypically equivalent to its conventional counterpart, except for the new proteins. Food and feed safety assessment A whole food feeding study on broilers indicates no adverse health effects of maize MON 88017 x MON 810, and shows that it is nutritionally equivalent to conventional maize varieties. The Cry3Bb1, Cry1Ab and CP4 EPSPS proteins do not show relevant sequence resemblance to other known toxins or IgE-allergens, nor have they been reported to cause IgE-mediated allergic reactions. However, some studies have indicated a potential role of Cry-proteins as adjuvants in allergic reactions. Based on current knowledge, the VKM GMO Panel concludes that maize MON 88017 x MON 810 is nutritionally equivalent to conventional maize varieties. It is unlikely that the Cry3Bb1, Cry1Ab and CP4 EPSPS proteins will cause toxic or IgE-mediated allergic reactions to food or feed based on maize MON 88017 x MON 810 compared to conventional maize. Environmental risk assessment Considering the intended uses of maize MON 88017 x MON 810, excluding cultivation, the environmental risk assessment is concerned with accidental release into the environment of viable grains during transportation and processing, and indirect exposure, mainly through manure and faeces from animals fed grains from maize MON 88017 x MON 810. Maize MON 88017 x MON 810 has no altered survival, multiplication or dissemination characteristics, and there are no indications of an increased likelihood of spread and establishment of feral maize plants in the case of accidental release into the environment of seeds from maize MON 88017 x MON 810. Maize is the only representative of the genus Zea in Europe, and there are no cross-compatible wild or weedy relatives outside cultivation. The VKM GMO Panel considers the risk of gene flow from occasional feral GM maize plants to conventional maize varieties to be negligible in Norway. Considering the intended use as food and feed, interactions with the biotic and abiotic environment are not considered by the GMO Panel to be an issue. Overall conclusion Based on current knowledge, the VKM GMO Panel concludes that maize MON 88017 x MON 810 is compositionally, nutritionally, agronomically and phenotypically equivalent to its conventional counterpart except for the new proteins. It is unlikely that the Cry3Bb1, Cry1Ab and CP4 EPSPS proteins will cause an increased risk of toxic or IgE-mediated allergic reactions to food or feed based on maize MON 88017 x MON 810 compared to conventional maize varieties. The VKM GMO Panel concludes that maize MON 88017 x MON 810, based on current knowledge, is comparable to conventional maize varieties concerning environmental risk in Norway with the intended usage.

Investigation for use of(GB/T 12346-2006), national standard / 中国针灸

To understand the use in recent 10 years of(GB/T 12346-2006),a standard of The People's Republic of China,so as to provide the evidence for its further establishment and revision,we investigated and analyzed the application ofthrough relevant literature and the textbook. It is found that making use of the standard is being realized in various types of articles and it is described in almost all the textbooks. Implementing the standard intensively promotes the standardization of acupuncture-moxibustion education and clinical manipulation as well as the academic exchange domestically and overseas. In turn,its scientificalness and authority are further strengthened.

An Assessment Framework to Delineate Between Dietary Foods for Special Medical Purposes and Normal Foods.

This paper describes an assessment framework (‘decision tree’) to delineate between ‘dietary foods for special medical purposes’ and normal ‘foods’. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority commissioned this work in 2010. The background for the 2010 request was that some normal foods to which the EU Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation 1924/2006 applies [1], were presented on the market in the Netherlands as ‘dietary foods for special medical purposes’ falling under Directive 1999/21/EC [2]. In order to assist in the enforcement of the EU Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation 1924/2006 it was necessary to have an assessment framework. In 2010, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) produced its final report. This report was since then used by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority to enforce appropriate law in Europe/the Netherlands. Although since 2010 this decision tree has worked satisfactory, it was available only in the Dutch language on the website of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority [3]. Hence, it could not be communicated internationally. However, once international experts became aware of this document existing in Dutch and indicated their active interest, it was decided to have a full translation of the original document in the public domain. This paper shortly describes the relevant definitions of “foods” in the applicable EU legislations and then the full translation (in English) of the original document (in Dutch). In an annex, the definition of ‘food’ in the applicable EU legislation is given.

Phenotypic profiles and detection of target genes by PCR in isolates from different sources and reference strains, identified as Cronobacter spp. (Enterobacter sakazakii)

Cronobacter, formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii, is a novel genus of the Enterobacteriaceae family recognized as a cause of high number of fatal cases in neonates, after consuming infant formula. The conventional methods for detecting these organisms are time-consuming and lack sensitivity. The ISO/TS 22964:2006 is the most recently standardized methodology for detecting Cronobacter in powderedinfant formula. This study aimed at confirming the Brazilian isolates previously identified as E. sakazakiias Cronobacter spp. by biochemical assays, and also to compare characteristics of 37 Cronobacter andnon-Cronobacter isolates; and the miniaturized kits and the ISO/TS methodology were evaluated. A conventional PCR protocol targeting dna G was also developed and a previously described gluA targeting protocol was used. The majority of the Brazilian isolates were not confirmed as Cronobacter spp., and the selective enrichment step of ISO/TS methodology was inhibitory to some Cronobacter strains. The ID 32 Ewas the most reliable kit. The PCR protocol targeting gluA showed consistent results with ID 32E and the developed dnaG PCR protocol was 100% sensitive and specific. Thus, the PCR protocols targeting gluA and dnaG might be used to complement the Cronobacter spp. detection or identification after performing the conventional isolation and identification methods.

Daily steps corresponding to the reference quantity of physical activity of Exercise and Physical Activity Reference for Health Promotion 2006 (EPAR2006) assessed by accelerometer / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to determine daily steps corresponding to the reference value for the quantity of Physical Activity and Exercise for Health Promotion 2006 (23 METs·h/wk) considering non-locomotive activities. Two hundred and thirty one men and 224 women wore a tri-axial accelerometer for two weeks. We analyzed the data in each age group (young (less than 40 years), middle-aged (40 to 59 years), and elderly (60 years or more) groups), also. There were significant relationships between daily steps and locomotive activity (r = 0.762 to 0.820, p < 0.001) and total (locomotive and non-locomotive) physical activity (r = 0.706 to 0.824, p < 0.001) with intensity of 3 METs or more in all groups. The daily steps corresponding to 23 METs·h/wk, calculated using regression lines between the daily steps and total physical activities with intensity of 3 METs or more in men and women were 6,534 steps/d and 6,119 steps/d. On the other hand, the daily steps corresponding to 23 METs·h/wk, calculated using regression lines between the daily steps and locomotive activities with intensity of 3 METs or more in men and women were 7,888 steps/d and 8,584 steps/d. These results suggest that non-locomotive activity should also be taken into consideration in the case of assessment of a daily physical activity.

Assessment of nutritional status in Indian preschool children using WHO 2006 Growth Standards.

Background & objectives: This study attempts to compare the pattern of growth of Indian children as assessed by weight for age, height for age and BMI for age with the WHO standards for growth (2006) and to explore the implications of differences in undernutrition rates in the 0-59 months of age group as assessed by these three indices. Methods: From the National Family Health Survey -3 database, growth curves for height, weight and BMI for age in Indian preschool children were computed using LMS software and compared with the WHO (2006) standards. Using the WHO (2006) standards, trends in prevalence of undernutrition as assessed by height, weight and BMI for age in the 0-59 month age group were computed. Results: During the first three months there was no increase in underweight and stunting rates. There was progressive increase in underweight and stunting rates between 3-23 months of age. Low BMI for age and wasting rates were highest at birth. Interpretation & conclusions: Poor growth is an adaptation to chronic low energy intake and stunting is a measure of cumulative impact of chronic energy deficiency on linear growth. It is important to prevent stunting because it is not readily reversible. Low BMI is an indictor of current energy deficit. Early detection of energy deficit using BMI for age and expeditious interventions to correct the deficit might be effective in prevention of stunting.

Nutritional status of under-fives in rural area of South India.

Background: Malnutrition is widely recognized as a major health problem in developing countries. It is wide spread in rural, tribal and urban slum areas. Growing children are most vulnerable to its consequences. Anthropometry is a simple field technique for evaluating physical growth and nutritional status of the children. Objective: To assess the nutritional status of under-fives'. Materials and Methods:This cross sectional study was conducted in Kakati-A sub-centre, under Primary Health Centre Vantamuri of Belgaum district. The sample size was 290. Data collection was done using pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. Statistical Analysis:Distribution of variables was assessed and comparison was done using chi square test and P value. Results: The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was observed to be 26.55%, 31.38% and 7.59%, while severe degree of underweight, stunting and wasting was observed in 5.86%, 27.24% and 6.51% respectively according to World Health Organization (WHO) 2006 classification. According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) classification the prevalence of Grade I malnutrition was 121 (47.10%), Grade II was 29 (10.00%) and Grade III and IV were 4 (1.40%). Conclusion: Majority of the children's diet was not adequate for calories and proteins as per Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines. Less than half of children were underweight, nearly one third were stunted and one fifth of children were wasted. No child was found to be overweight or obese.

EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS USING A NEW GUIDELINE ON DYSLIPIDEMIA OUTPATIENTS / 体力科学

“Exercise Guideline 2006” was published by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan to maintain and promote the health of people and to prevent lifestyle-related diseases through improving their habits of physical activity and exercise. In “Exercise Guideline 2006”, define ‘Ex’ as a unit of quantity of physical activity, and recommend to increase the ‘Ex’ value for physical activity to maintain the health of people. We investigated the effect of physical activity instruction using this new guideline on the profiles of dyslipidemia outpatients.We gave monthly physical activity instructions to 25 outpatients with dyslipidemia according to “Exercise Guideline 2006” and evaluated body composition and blood profiles 6 months after the instruction was started.Weekly physical activities were significantly increased by the instruction, from 7.1±4.1 Ex (pre) to 15.5±10.6 Ex (post). As the increased amount of physical activity in each subject was varied with individuals, we classified the subjects into two groups (increased group, or non-increased group) according to the increased amount of activity. In the subjects in increased group, significant decrease in body weight and serum triglyceride, and significant increase in serum HDL cholesterol were observed at 6-month point. There is no correlation between the variations in body compositions and the variations in triglyceride or HDL cholesterol levels.In conclusion, we suggest that physical activity instruction using “Exercise Guideline 2006” might be a useful and convenient strategy to improve lipid profiles in dyslipidemia patients.

Determinação da taxa de aplicação máxima anual de lodo de esgoto higienizado por processo alcalino em solos da região metropolitana de Curitiba / Determination of maximum annual rate of application sewage sludge sanitized by alkaline process in soils of the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as curvas de pH de três solos representativos da Região de Metropolitana de Curitiba para determinação das taxas de aplicação máxima anual de lodo de esgoto higienizado pelo processo de estabilização alcalina prolongada (lodo EAP), conforme estabelece a legislação, e para comparação com a metodologia de saturação por bases (V por cento). Os solos foram incubados com seis doses de lodo EAP (pH 9,2) e o pH avaliado em 5 datas até 75 dias. O solo Cambissolo Húmico Distrófico típico, com a capacidade de troca de cátions e teor de carbono mais elevados, atingiu o pH 7 com 49 t ha-1 de sólidos totais (ST); o Latossolo Bruno Distrófico típico com 38 t ha-1 de ST, e o Cambissolo Háplico Distrófico típico, o mais restritivo, indicou que a aplicação anual de lodo EAP não deverá ultrapassar a 31 t ha-1 de ST. Sugeriu-se cautela na seleção do solo representativo. O método V por cento recomendou quantidades de lodo EAP iguais ou ligeiramente superiores às que atingiram pH 6 pelo método de incubação.

The objective of this study was to analyze the pH curves of three representative soils of the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba for determining the maximum annual application rates of sewage sludge sanitized by prolonged alkaline stabilization process (EAP sludge), as stated in the legislation, and for comparison with the methodology of base saturation (V percent). The soils were incubated with six doses of sludge EAP (pH 9.2) and pH measured on 5 dates, up to 75 days. The Inceptisol from Piraquara with the cation exchange capacity and higher carbon content reached the pH 7 with 49 t ha-1 of total solids (ST); the Oxisol with 38 t ha-1 of ST, and to Inceptisol from Pinhais, the most restrictive, indicated that the annual application of sludge EAP shall not exceed the 31 t ha-1 of ST. Caution in selecting representative soil was suggested. The method V percent recommended EAP sludge quantities equal or slightly higher than that reached pH 6 by the method of incubation.

Qualitative research about reasons of delaying to receive medical treatment among patients with breast cancer / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To know the masons of delaying to receive medical treatment among patients with breast cancer, and then reference to related health education. Methods 13 patients with breast cancer were selected in this research, interviewed them by phenomenological method to know their reasons of delaying to receive medical treatment, analized the results of interview by Clolaizzi method. Results The were five themes for patients with breast cancer about delaying to receive medical treatment, they were not understand breast cancer-related knowledge, shortage of method of self-examination, psychological factors, working pressure and family factors, social environment factors. Conclusions We should strengthen breast cancer-related health education when changed women's traditional ideas and ameliorated their family and social environment.

Caminhos para o parlamento: candidatos e eleitos nas eleições para deputado federal em 2006 / Voies vers le parlement: candidats et elus aux élections des députés fédéraux en 2006 / Paths to congress: candidates running for and elected to the Brazilian chamber of deputies in 2006

This article is intended to identify the variables with the greatest impact on a candidate's odds of being elected to the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies (the lower house) in the 2006 elections. Based on data from the Superior Electoral Court, the article begins by analyzing the existence of statistically significant correlations between gender, age, occupation, schooling, and campaign spending on the one hand and the election outcome on the other (elected versus not elected). Next, the article presents a bivariate logistic regression model to measure the real impact of each of these variables on the candidate's outcome. These same procedures were repeated for the parties of the right, center, and left. The conclusion is that being a professional politician is the most important variable in determining a candidate's electoral success in Brazil.

Dans cet article, on cherche à préciser quelles variables ont le plus incidé sur les chances de victoire des candidats à l'élection fédérale de 2006. À partir des données fournies par le Supérieur Tribunal Électoral, on a examiné, tout d'abord, la présence de corrélations statistiquement significatives entre, d'un côté, le sexe, l'âge, la profession, la scolarité et les coûts de campagne, et de l'autre, le résultat obtenu par le candidat - élu ou non élu. Ensuite, on présente un modèle de régression logistique binaire afin de mesurer le vrai impact de chacune de ces variables sur le succès du candidat. Ces procédés ont été appliqués aux partis de droite, centre et gauche. On conclut que le fait d'être un homme politique professionnel est la variable la plus importante pour assurer le succès électoral du candidat.

The 2006 Dengue Outbreak in Delhi, India.

Dengue is a worldwide condition spread throughout the tropical and subtropical zones between 30 degrees north and 40 degrees south. It is endemic in South East Asia, the pacific, East and West Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas. Dengue outbreaks are occurring almost every three yearly in Delhi for the last 12 years. The latest outbreak was in the year 2006, which started late in August, peaked in the month of October and lasted till late November. We describe here the clinical, hematological and biochemical data of 70 patients of dengue fever diagnosed as per WHO criteria in Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi during this outbreak. Hematological parameters were estimated by automated counter and dengue serology was done by capture ELISA technique. The results displayed widespread effect of dengue fever on hematological and biochemical profile. Some of our patients also had atypical dengue manifestations. These results suggest that dengue fever is a major public health problem which can lead to significant morbidity and can even be fatal at times. All efforts should be made to prevent it.

Biological characteristics of dendritic cells derived from peripheral blood of patients diagnosed with syphilis / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To study the biological characteristics of dendritic cells (DCs) derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients diagnosed with syphilis. Methods PBMCs were isolated from 16 patients clinically and serologically diagnosed with syphilis, and from 16 healthy human controls, then cultured with GM-CSF and IL-4. On day 10, the monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs)of the patients and controls were collected and subjected to the detection of surface molecules by flow cytometry; TpN17 was used to stimulate MoDCs from the controls, the expression of phosphorylated ERK was detected by Westem blotting 20 minutes following the stimulation. Results The positivity rate of CD80 was significantly increased in the patients with syphilis than that in the controls (51.90% vs 33.67,P ＜ 0.05), while no significant difference was observed in the expressions of CD83, CD86 or HLA-DR be tween the two groups (16.53% vs 15.99%, 66.13% vs 59.32%, 91.29% vs 90.51%, all P 0.05). The ex pressions of CD80 and CD83 on the surface of MoDCs were enhanced in a dose-dependent manner after ex-posure to TpN17. The expression of cytoplasmic phosphorylated ERK was observed in MoDC stimulated by TpN17, but not in those without the treatment. Conclusions Antigenic stimulation with Treponema pal-lidum may be a reason for phenotypic abnormality of MoDCs derived from patients with syphilis. TpN17 may stimulate the maturation of DCs through the ERK signal transduction pathway.

Study on the genetic characteristics of the avian influenza virus strain A/Zhejiang/16/2006 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To study the genetic characteristics of avian influenza virus strain A/Zhejiang/16/2006 which was isolated from the case first reported in Zhejiang province.Methods Complete genome of A/Zhejiang/16/2006 including eight segments were sequenced and compared on the genetic homogeneity with sequences of the similar strains provided through domestic and overseas sources.Results There were 11 amino acids showing differences on HA between A/Zhejiang/16/2006 and the H5N1 isolates of neighboring countries,but these differences had not affected the stability of glycosylation sites.In the NA region,20 amino acids located in the 49th to 68th position were found absent in the isolates obtained after 1997.Eight segments of H5N1 isolates,circulating in the mainland of China in the recent years,formed a separate branch compared to the strains in neighboring countries and there was also obviously different from the strains isolated in Hong Kong and Guangzhou in 1996 and 1997.However,several Chinese strains were close to the Hong Kong strains isolated in 1997 but diffferent from the current strains in the phylogenetic tree.Conclusion The influenza virus strain A/Zhejiang/16/2006 formed a separate branch with the strains isolated in the mainland of China in the past years but it presented an obvious difference with the isolates from the neighboring countries.

Analysis of Papers Published on Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society in 2006

Since the authors participated in the editorial committee in October 2001, many dramatic changes have been introduced to the Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society(JKNS). The format, the external appearance, the editorial system, and the reviewing process have been transformed with new standpoints to enhance the quality and to raise the level of JKNS. The authors reviewed papers published on JKNS in 2006 with special interest on the changes of JKNS during last five years.In total, 186 articles were published on JKNS in 2006. Because the editorial committee asked two review articles to renowned neurosurgeons, there were 184 peer-reviewed articles. Eighty seven clinical articles, eighty one case reports, seven laboratory investigations, four special articles and five technical reports were published. This distribution changed from the previous year with marginal value of statistical significance (p=0.101). The ratio of the original articles (laboratory investigations and clinical articles) decreased to 51.1% from 57.5% of 2005 but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.222). The number of laboratory investigations significantly decreased to 7 (3.8%) from 19 (10.4%) of 2005 (p=0.014). Other changes such as number of authors per article, number of institutes which published papers on JKNS have been examined to assess the trend and/or change in characteristics of papers published on JKNS.