Cervical cytokines and clearance of incident human papillomavirus infection: Hawaii HPV cohort study.

Mechanisms for the control and resolution of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the cervix include the local production of cytokines, which control recruitment and function of cells integral to pathogen control. We established a cohort of women for long-term follow-up to examine the mucosal expression of antiviral (IFN-α2), Type-1 (IFN-γ, IL-12), regulatory (IL-10), and proinflammatory (IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1α, and TNF) cytokines in association with the clearance of incident cervical HPV infection. Interviews and specimens for HPV DNA analysis and cytokine protein measurement were obtained at baseline and at 4-month intervals. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to study the relationship between clearance of 107 high-risk and 111 low-risk incident HPV infections and cytokine levels among 154 women. Positive changes from baseline levels of IL-10, IL-12, MIP-1α, and TNF were associated with significantly longer times to type-specific HPV clearance. Inverse trends in the hazard ratios associated with clearance of high-risk HPV infections were monotonic and significant for IL-12 (ptrend = 0.02) and TNF (ptrend = 0.02); the likelihood of high-risk HPV clearance was reduced by 65% and 67%, respectively, among women in the highest as compared with the lowest quartile of change from baseline. Our results suggest that in women with a nontransient cervical HPV infection, proinflammatory, Type-1, and regulatory cytokines are elevated, underscoring the long-term commitment of local immune mediators to viral eradication.

Pattern of Injury among Students of the University of Calabar; Nigeria; Following a Violent Clash with Youths of the Neighbouring Community

Accidental traumatic injuries involving students of the University of Calabar; Nigeria and their neighbouring community were studied. The objectives of this study were to determine the body parts affected and to evaluate the type of injury sustained. The results indicate that most of the injuries were lacerations (open wound) involving the wrist/hand/finger and head; but the severest injuries (fractures and crush injury) were those incurred following assault with the axe. Males were more vulnerable than females in a ratio of 4:1. Committed professional awareness of accidental traumatic injury as a clinical-cum-public health problem; development of institutional/community based injury prevention programmes in requisite settings; and mass casualty coping disposition in health care delivery outfits serving tertiary educational institutions are recommended in the face of increasing youthful restiveness globally

[Contributions of endosonography in ovarian neoplasms: Report of 3 cases]. / Apport de l'écho-endoscopie dans les tumeurs de l'ovaire : à propos de 3 observations.

Ovarian investigations are necessary to answer to two questions Intraoperative explorations play a main part for that decision. Endoscopic sonography could contribute to distinguish benign from malignant lesions. We present three cases of endoscopic sonography of ovarian disease. In each case, endoscopic explorations induced to change usual surgical procedure. The authors suggest that endoscopic sonographic becomes an intraoperative step of ovarian surgery.

Transvaginal surgery for uterine scar dehiscence.

Asymptomatic uterine rupture, usually discovered during routine uterine examination because of a pre-existing uterine scar, it treated by techniques that include suturing the dehiscence via abdominal access, total or subtotal hysterectomy or therapeutic non-intervention. The authors propose a transvaginal technique.

Transvaginal colpo-urethropexy with fibrin sealant: 4 years-follow up in 23 cases.

A method of transvaginal colpo-urethropexy, using fibrin sealant was studied clinically. After a fingertip vaginal retropubic dissection, fibrin sealant is instilled in the retropubic space with the intent of inducing fibrosis between the elevated urethro-vesical junction and the retropubic periosteum. Twenty-three patients with urinary stress incontinence underwent this procedure with 82% of satisfactory results and 18% failure. Complications were minimal. In the future, this technique could be useful for ambulatory surgery.

Big me and little me: a Chinese perspective on self.

To achieve peace and harmony in this world, it is essential to recognize our common humanity across differing cultures. However, our enthusiasm for universal principles may at times lead us unknowingly to advocate what is in fact an ethnocentric attitude, hindering mutual understanding. Simpson's (1974) attack on moral development research attests to this. On the other hand, attempts to compare and contrast cultural differences may result in oversimplification. To steer a course between the Scylla of parochialism and the Charybdis of superficiality, the present paper will explore a Chinese perspective regarding a common human condition.