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Background: Polymorphisms of the adipose most abundant transcript 1 gene (apM1) may be closely associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as described in several recent publications. In the present study, a meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively analyse the association of apM1 polymorphisms with T2DM using previous case-control studies in Chinese populations., Research Design and Method: Several electronic databases were searched for relevant articles up to January 2007. After data collection and gene loci selection, a meta-analysis was performed to assess heterogeneity, combine results and evaluate variations. Publication bias was examined by the Egger's linear regression test and fail-safe number for P = 0.05 (Nfs(0.05)). Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) test and different effect models were employed for the sensitivity analysis., Results: The meta-analysis for this study included 2379 subjects from nine studies. The distribution of SNP45TG + GG and SNP276GG polymorphisms of the apM1 was analysed. Results of these experiments revealed a significant association between the SNP45TG + GG and SNP276GG polymorphisms of apM1 with T2DM in Chinese populations (P < or = 0.05). There was some heterogeneity in the SNP45TG + GG apM1 among these studies. The odds ratio (OR) of apM1 genotype SNP45TG + GG in T2DM was 1.59 when compared with controls (95% CI, 1.00-2.53, P = 0.05), and the OR for the wild-apM1 genotype SNP276GG in T2DM was 1.26 (95% CI, 1.00-1.59, P = 0.05). The publication bias diagnostics and sensitivity analysis confirmed the reliability and stability of this meta-analysis., Conclusion: This apM1 polymorphism was found to be strongly associated with T2DM, and the SNP45TG + GG and SNP276GG forms of the apM1 increased risk for T2DM in Chinese populations.

Introduction: Recent and on going clinical research trials may indicate that the incidence of vasospasm is less in patients treated with lumbar drains following SAH than with patients treated with external ventricular drainage (EVD) alone. These studies have sparked interest in the more aggressive use of LDs in patients with aneurysmal SAH but some clinicians have been concerned about safety., Methods: This paper is a review of 25 patients with aneurysmal SAH cared for over a 2.2 year period at the University of Mississippi Medical Center Neurosciences Critical Care Unit that were managed with a LD. In general the LD was used subsequent to an EVD, but in some cases alone, in order to improve evacuation of blood from the cisterns around the base of the brain., Results: This retrospective cohort review demonstrates that lumbar drainage is safe in the setting of aneurysmal SAH. Of the 25 patients treated with a lumbar drain only one suffered a reversible neurological event. No other complications occurred., Conclusions: LDs are safe when used in the setting of aneurysmal SAH if appropriate patient selection and good technique are employed.

Carcinosarcomas are rare tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract, consisting of both carcinomatous and sarcomatous tissue. The larynx and oral cavity are most frequently involved. There has been much controversy regarding the histological nature and clinical course of these tumors. We report a case of carcinosarcoma of the floor of mouth in a 76 year old man who presented with a large pedunculated sublingual mass. There was no evidence of regional or systemic metastatic disease. After local excision, he was followed for one year without evidence of recurrence or metastasis. A review of the literature is presented, with an attempt to clarify clinically relevant aspects of nomenclature, pathogenesis, and clinical course.