RESUMEN
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an acute-phase serum protein, and its inherited deficiency has been shown to predispose to infections. The developmental profile of serum MBL in preterm infants has been demonstrated previously. To determine the profiles of serum MBL levels and mbl2 polymorphisms over age and genders in an adult population, samples from 689 southern Chinese (age range 16-57 years; 382 males and 307 females) were studied using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and high-throughput genotyping of mbl2. Serum MBL levels maintained within a narrow range from age groups of 16-20 years old to 31-40 years old (mean of 2050-2160 micro g/l) and declined to a mean of 1466 micro g/l in the last age group 41-57 years old. No significant differences were found in the distributions of mbl2 haplotypes (YA, XA and YB) among all these age groups. Between gender groups, no significant imbalance of MBL profile in terms of serum MBL levels and distribution of mbl2 haplotypes was found. Results suggest an important role of circulating MBL in first-line host defence because MBL maintains at fairly constant levels after childhood and no gender influence on the MBL profile.
Asunto(s)
Lectina de Unión a Manosa/sangre , Lectina de Unión a Manosa/genética , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple , Adolescente , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Pueblo Asiatico , ADN/química , ADN/genética , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN , Factores Sexuales , Estadísticas no ParamétricasRESUMEN
In recent years there has been a considerable increase in the use of complementary therapies in the field of learning disabilities. This paper describes the use of a Snoezelen (multisensory) room for adults with learning disabilities in a psychiatric setting in Hong Kong. Theoretical and operational issues are discussed. The demographic and clinical data of a cohort of 96 patients who had used the room were reviewed. Rating forms were completed by their carers or staff at the end of the course to provide a subjective evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment. This is followed by three case reports. In view of the rising popularity of the multisensory room for people with learning disabilities, more research of the impact and therapeutic values is recommended.