查看更多>>摘要：That systemic candidiasis increases TNF-alpha has been proved in various studies. In our study, we investigated if fluconazole too, which is used in treatment, has an additional effect on the increase of TNF-alpha. On the sixth day of the experimental infection, it was measured that TNF-alpha levels of candidiasis was 699 +/- 60 pg/ml whereas it was 683 +/- 35 pg/ml in the mice that were treated with fluconazole. TNF-alpha levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Due to the fact that no statistically significant difference was found between them (p > .05) it was thought that fluconazole did not have an additional effect on the increase of TNF-alpha in candidiasis.
查看更多>>摘要：Many achievements in medicine have come from applying linear theory to problems. Most current methods of data analysis use linear models, which are based on proportionality between two variables and/or relationships described by linear differential equations. However, nonlinear behavior commonly occurs within human systems due to their complex dynamic nature; this cannot be described adequately by linear models. Nonlinear thinking has grown among physiologists and physicians over the past century, and non-linear system theories are beginning to be applied to assist in interpreting, explaining, and predicting biological phenomena. Chaos theory describes elements manifesting behavior that is extremely sensitive to initial conditions, does not repeat itself and yet is deterministic. Complexity theory goes one step beyond chaos and is attempting to explain complex behavior that emerges within dynamic nonlinear systems. Nonlinear modeling still has not been able to explain all of the complexity present in human systems, and further models still need to be refined and developed. However, nonlinear modeling is helping to explain some system behaviors that linear systems cannot and thus will augment our understanding of the nature of complex dynamic systems within the human body in health and in disease states.
查看更多>>摘要：Infection of the hepatobiliary system is most commonly due to enteric bacteria. We report three unusual cases of acute cholecystitis in which Staphylococcus aureus was the primary pathogen. Infection of the gallbladder with this organism has been rarely described and may be associated with gallstones and obstructive disease as well as acalculous cholecystitis in the setting of staphylococcal bacteremia and endocarditis. Two of our patients had multiple chronic medical conditions and were infected with oxacillin-resistant S. aureus (ORSA) suggesting nosocomial acquisition. Including our cases with a review of the literature, three of nine reports of S. aureus cholecystitis were associated with infectious endocarditis. Thus, the finding of S. aureus cholecystitis with bacteremia is rare and should prompt an investigation for a possible endovascular focus of infection.
查看更多>>摘要：At ceremonies held in Baltimore Maryland on May, 4, 2002, Dr. Howard A Pearson, Professor of Pediatrics, was awarded the John A. Howland award of the American Pediatric Society, probably the most prestigious award of American Pediatrics. Dr. Pearson had been nominated for the award by Dr. Norman Siegel. The Department of Pediatrics Grand Rounds on Wednesday noon, October 26, 2002 was originally scheduled as a repetition of the presentation by Dr. Siegel and the acceptance by Dr. Pearson for those who could not be in Baltimore. However; in a number of meetings, unknown to Dr. Siegel, it was unanimously decided that it would be very appropriate to instead honor him as he stepped down from his position as Vice- and Interim Chairman of Pediatrics, and to formally thank him for his long and faithful service to the Department of Pediatrics, the Yale University School of Medicine, and the Yale New Haven Hospital.
查看更多>>摘要：Biologists view life as transient while theologians see it as eternal. An unbiased definition for life would respect both views until one or both were eliminated by evidence. This paper identifies pre-requisites for such a definition. First among these is that all assumptions be made explicit. Currently "life" is surrounded by implicit assumptions, e.g., that it is what organisms lose at death or that it is eternal, that its quality is inversely related to personal distress, that it originated some four billion years ago, and that animate matter can be distinguished from inanimate matter. None of these assumptions are supported by data. It is possible therefore that "life" is as meaningless as phlogiston. If life has meaning, i.e., if it is true, it must be as permanent as buoyancy, gravity, electricity, and the other truths of nature. Any definition for life that would permit such truth to be seen must be free of unwarranted assumptions. For the moment, at least, such a definition would need to be loosely structured and broadly focused. It would need to describe the long and convoluted process by which matter and energy form organisms which then evolve to form conscious organisms which then explore nature and eventually discover truth. Such a definition would include all the reactions and interactions of matter and energy and all the aspects of conscious discovery. It would suffer from superficiality, but, by being free from bias, provide a foundation for dialogue between biologists and theologians.
查看更多>>摘要：In keeping with a long-standing tradition, Yale Medical and Physician Associate students gather at a ceremony each year after the completion of the anatomy course. The ceremony is a chance to reflect and to give thanks. It gives students the opportunity to articulate their gratitude to the selfless individuals who donated their bodies for the benefit of education. Many family members of the donors attend the ceremony. By reading poetry, performing musical pieces, and presenting works of art, the students and their teachers express some of the emotions and thoughts that the anatomy course has evoked. The following are some of the contributions presented at this year's ceremony.
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