Lead (Pb) may alter T-lymphocyte reactivity in situ by preferentially enhancing the development of T-helper 2 (T(H)2)- and inhibiting T(H)1-lymphocyte development. These effects could result in dysregulation of the presence/availability of T(H)1- and T(H)2-associated cytokines. The aim of this study was two-fold, that is, to assess whole blood Pb levels in schoolchildren from Taiwanese communities that varied in degree of potential for Pb exposure and then ascertain if there were relationships between Pb exposure and changes in levels of key T(H)1 and T(H)2 cytokines. Grades 5 and 6 students were selected from four different community schools, i.e., one from: urban area with new homes; urban area with old homes; rural site with old homes; and area located near an oil refinery. Students at each site were further divided into healthy and respiratory allergy subgroups. Blood was collected and whole blood Pb levels and serum interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-12, -4, and -5 levels were determined. The results indicate no differences in whole blood Pb levels (<4 µg/dl) among students from urban and rural sites; these values were similar in the healthy and allergic subjects. Serum T(H)1 and T(H)2 cytokine levels also did not differ among/within the groups. In contrast, refinery children had significantly increased Pb levels (5.2-8.8 µg/dl) relative to any of the other sets' levels. Of these, children with allergies had serum T(H)2 cytokine levels significantly higher and T(H)1 cytokine levels significantly lower than their healthy counterparts. Oddly, though having elevated Pb levels, healthy refinery students did not display altered T(H)1 or T(H)2 cytokine levels relative to control student values. From this, we conclude that substantively increased whole blood Pb levels may promote T(H) cell dysregulation and alter the availability of key T(H)1 and T(H)2 cytokines, effects that could ultimately contribute to development of pulmonary allergic diseases.

Introduction: Those patients featuring a large prostate and undergoing transurethral resection typically face a longer duration of surgery, they have a higher degree of hemorrhage and a higher irrigant volume required for the procedure, and they tend to reflect a higher incidence of morbidity than is the case for a small prostate. We report on the relative safety and efficacy of transurethral electrovapor resection of the prostate (TUVRP) as compared with standard transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for Taiwanese patients having a prostate size >50 ml. Patients and Methods: Seventy-six symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia patients featuring a prostate size >50 ml were randomized and underwent either TUVRP using wedge loop or standard TURP. Perioperative parameters, treatment outcome, and adverse events associated with the surgical procedure are assessed herein. Results: Mean operation time, changes in hemoglobin levels, resected prostate weight, perioperative irrigant volume needed, and incidences of recatheterizations and readmissions, all differed significantly when the two surgical procedures were compared. The average expense differences for the two procedures were impressive (p < 0.0001). No postoperative intergroup sexual dysfunction differences were noted. Clinical improvements following either TUVRP or TURP were significant and sustained for at least a period of 2 years. Intergroup comparison of International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, peak flow rate, and postvoid residual volume revealed no significant differences at 2 years (p = 0.45, 0.48, 0.12, and 0.29, respectively). The need for postoperative medical retreatment and/or reoperation did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.62 and p = 0.56, respectively, at 6 months and p = 0.47 and p = 0.48, respectively, at 2 years). Conclusions: The TUVRP procedure offers advantages as regards a number of perioperative parameters when compared with the TURP procedure, and it seems that TUVRP might provide at least an equivalent treatment outcome as is the case for TURP.

This study shows that healthcare providers who work with primiparas during the first 2 months after giving birth should pay more attention to postpartum depression, keeping in mind associated risk factors. A new mother's confidence in her own abilities as a new mother may be particularly important in determining the likelihood of postpartum depression.

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