Anastomotic Recurrence of Colon Cancer—is it a Local Recurrence,a Second Primary,or a Metastatic Disease (Local Manifestation of Systemic Disease)?

The aim of this study is to review the literature to find out the exact etiology of anastomotic cancers of colon post resection and differentiate them between a recurrence, second primary, and metastatic disease (local manifestation of systemic disease). Web-based literature search was done, and datas collected. We searched PubMed for papers using the keywords colon cancer recurrence, anastomotic recurrence, and recurrent colon carcinoma. We also searched for systematic review in the same topic. In addition, we used our personal referrence archive. Anastomotic recurrences of colon are postulated to arise due to inadequate margins, tumor implantation by exfoliated cells, altered biological properties of bowel anastomosis, and missed synchronous lesions. Some tumors are unique with repeated recurrence after repeated resection. Duration after primary surgery plays a major role in differentiating recurrent and second primary lesions. Repeated recurrences after repeated resections have to be considered a manifestation of systemic disease or metastatic disease due to the virulence of the disease. A detailed analysis and study of patients with colonic anastomotic lesion are required to differentiate it between a recurrent, a second primary lesion, and a metastatic disease (local manifestation of a systemic disease). The nomenclature is significant to study the survival of these patients, as a second primary lesion will have different survival compared to that of recurrent lesions.     

Self-Mutilation in Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) is the term applied to a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting in iron deposition in the basal ganglia. Well-known phenotypic features are progressive regression with extra pyramidal involvement and a variable course. A 10-year-old child born to consanguineous parents presented with progressive generalized opisthotonic dystonia, retrocollis, oromandibular dyskinesias, apraxia for swallowing, optic atrophy and severe self-mutilation of lips. MR imaging showed brain iron accumulation. Other causes of self-mutilation were excluded. Early infantile onset, ophisthotonic dystonia with oromandibular dyskinesias and characteristic MR images are suggestive of NBIA. There is only one case reported in the literature of self-mutilation in this condition.     

Audio spectrum and sound pressure levels vary between pulse oximeters

PURPOSE: The variable-pitch pulse oximeter is an important intraoperative patient monitor. Our ability to hear its auditory signal depends on its acoustical properties and our hearing. This study quantitatively describes the audio spectrum and sound pressure levels of the monitoring tones produced by five variable-pitch pulse oximeters. METHODS: We compared the Datex-Ohmeda Capnomac Ultima, Hewlett-Packard M1166A, Datex-Engstrom AS/3, Ohmeda Biox 3700, and Datex-Ohmeda 3800 oximeters. Three machines of each of the five models were assessed for sound pressure levels (using a precision sound level meter) and audio spectrum (using a hanning windowed fast Fourier trans-form of three beats at saturations of 99%, 90%, and 85%). RESULTS: The widest range of sound pressure levels was produced by the Hewlett-Packard M1166A (46.5 +/- 1.74 dB to 76.9 +/- 2.77 dB). The loudest model was the Datex-Engstrom AS/3 (89.2 +/- 5.36 dB). Three oximeters, when set to the lower ranges of their volume settings, were indistinguishable from background operating room noise. Each model produced sounds with different audio spectra. Although each model produced a fundamental tone with multiple harmonic overtones, the number of harmonics varied with each model; from three harmonic tones on the Hewlett-Packard M1166A, to 12 on the Ohmeda Biox 3700. There were variations between models, and individual machines of the same model with respect to the fundamental tone associated with a given saturation. CONCLUSION: There is considerable variance in the sound pressure and audio spectrum of commercially-available pulse oximeters. Further studies are warranted in order to establish standards.     

Predictors of long-term survival in patients with gallbladder cancer

The aim of this study was to examine the predictors of long-term survival (>24 months) in patients with gall bladder cancer. A retrospective review of 117 cases of gall bladder cancer resected between 1989 and 2000. The resections included 80 simple cholecystectomies and 37 extended procedures. Patients with survival >24 months (n=44) were compared with those having survival <24 months (n=73) for 17 prognostic factors. Overall median survival was 16 months with a 5-year survival of 27%. T status (P=.000) and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (P=.001) were independent predictors of long-term survival. Survival advantage was seen in T3N+ve disease (P=.007) with extended procedures. Complete (R0) resection was attained in 30 patients with a 5-year survival advantage of 30% as compared with incomplete (R1) resection (P=.0002). Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy improved survival in simple cholecystectomy group (P=.0008) but no advantage was seen after extended procedures. Stage III (P=.001) and node-positive disease (P=.0005) had significant benefit with adjuvant therapy. Poor differentiation and vascular invasion were associated with poor long-term survival. R0 resection was associated with prolonged survival. Extended procedures improved survival in patients with T3N+ve disease. Addition of chemoradiotherapy made significant improvement in long-term survival in stage III and node-positive lesions and in patients undergoing simple cholecystectomy. R0 resection predicted long-term survival in gall bladder cancer. T3 N+ve disease had better survival after extended procedures. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy improved survival in stage III and node-positive disease. Poor differentiation and vascular invasion were adverse predictors of survival.     

Left ventricular mass regression following aortic valve replacement with mechanical valves

Objective The degree of Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI) regression following aortic valve replacement correlates with long-term survival. This study aims to assess the extent of LVMI regression at 3 months following aortic valve replacement (AVR) with different types and sizes of mechanical valves in rheumatic aortic valve disease. Methods The LVMI regression was studied in 34 consecutive patients, undergoing elective AVR for rheumatic aortic stenosis and/or regurgitation. They were grouped in A and B, matched in age, body surface area and pre-operative LVMI, receiving respectively a tilting disc and a bileaflet mechanical valve. The LVMI was calculated by M-mode echocardiography using the Devereux' formula pre-operatively and three months post-operatively. The trend of LVMI reduction was compared between the two groups and amongst the patients with stenotic, regurgitant and mixed aortic valve, pathologies; and receiving different sizes of valves. Results The mean preoperative LVMI was 199g±79.5 g/m². At three months post aortic valve replacement, the mean LVMI was 130g±49.0 g/m². There was a significant reduction of LVMI post-operatively (p=0.001) at three months follow-up. The extent of LVMI regression following surgery amongst the groups A and B did not vary significantly (p=0.92). The extent of LVMI regression did not vary significantly in patients with different aortic valve pathology nor with different sizes of the valves implanted. Conclusions There is a significant early LVMI regression following aortic valve replacement in rheumatic aortic valve disease. The type and the size of the mechanical prosthesis or the rheumatic pathology do not appear to influence this regression.     

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in employees of a blood transfusion centre

Blood bank staff, 8 out of 25 (32%) have been exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the prevalence of HBV markers in blood bank employees handling high risk subjects show hepatitis B surface antigen (n = 1), hepatitis B surface antibody (n = 7), hepatitis B core antibody (n = 6) and combined hepatitis B surface antibody and hepatitis B core antibody (n = 6) seropositivity but all are negative to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Serum alanine aminotransferase was raised in the employees than normal subjects and it is suggestive of sub-clinical hepatitis. The employees of blood bank should be trained for proper handling of test materials and must be periodically monitored for HBV and HIV. Immunisation for HBV is mandatory only for the employees of transfusion centre which handles high risk subjects.     

Characterization of a novel metabolite intermediate of ziprasidone in hepatic cytosolic fractions of rat, dog, and human by ESI-MS/MS, hydrogen/deuterium exchange, and chemical derivatization.

Ziprasidone (Geodone), a novel atypical antipsychotic agent, is recently approved for the treatment of schizophrenia. It undergoes extensive metabolism in preclinical species and humans after oral administration, and only a very small amount of administered dose is excreted as unchanged drug. In vitro studies using human liver microsomes have shown that the oxidative metabolism of ziprasidone is mediated primarily by CYP3A4. However, coadministration of ziprasidone with ketoconazole, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, showed only a modest increase in its exposure. Therefore, in vitro metabolism of ziprasidone was investigated in hepatic cytosolic fractions to further understand its clearance mechanisms in preclinical species and humans. The major metabolite from incubation of ziprasidone in cytosolic fractions of rat, dog, and human was characterized by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and found to be the product of reductive cleavage. Derivatization and hydrogen/deuterium exchange were used to deduce that the addition of two hydrogen atoms had occurred at the benzisothiazole moiety. Further studies to determine the enzyme involved in the formation of this metabolite are currently in progress. The identification of this novel metabolite in cytosol has clarified the clearance mechanism of ziprasidone in humans and preclinical species.     

Lung function development in the first 2 yr of life is independent of allergic diseases by 2 yr

The aim of the study was to assess if lung function at birth predicts lung function at 2 yr and secondly, if lung function development was influenced by the common phenotypes of recurrent bronchial obstruction (rBO) or atopic eczema (AE) by 2 yr. Lung function was assessed at birth (n = 802) and at 2 yr within the prospective birth cohort study 'the Environment and Childhood Asthma Study' in Oslo. The 135 children with lung function measured at birth by tidal flow volume (TFV) loops and passive respiratory mechanics, who were included in a nested case-control study were reinvestigated at 2 yr with clinical examination, TFV loops (n = 90) (mean age 26.6 (3.7 s.d.) months), skin prick test and parental interview. Children were categorized into quartiles (lower, middle two, upper) according to time to peak tidal expiratory flow/total expiratory time (t(PTEF)/t(E)) at birth as well as clinical phenotype based on the presence of rBO and/or AE (ever) by 2 yr. The observed reduction in mean t(PTEF)/t(E) from birth to 2 yr within the quartiles, were not significantly different after controlling for 'regression to the mean'. t(PTEF)/t(E) at birth correlated significantly with t(PTEF)/t(E) at 2 yr, (r = 0.475, p < 0.001). Children with both rBO and AE by 2 yr had significantly lower t(PTEF)/t(E) at 2 yr (p = 0.002) and at birth (p = 0.027), compared with children with no rBO or AE. Clinical phenotype at 2 yr did not influence the change in t(PTEF)/t(E) from birth to 2 yr. This study demonstrates a clear tracking of lung function from birth, not influenced by rBO or AE by 2 yr.