Hyperbaric oxygen for the treatment of radiation cystitis and proctitis

Chronic radiation cystitis and radiation proctitis are known complications of the use of radiotherapy in the treatment of pelvic malignancies. These complications are, in part, due to endothelial damage and decreased vascularity and oxygenation to pelvic tissues. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be able to improve oxygenation and induce angiogenesis in damaged organs, resulting in recovery from radiation injury. Several studies have shown significant rates of response to hyperbaric oxygen treatment, however, no randomized trial exists to definitively demonstrate its effectiveness for cystitis and proctitis. In addition, concerns exist regarding the durability of the beneficial effect.     

新疆紫草颗粒剂与汤剂对药物流产效果影响的比较性研究

目的:比较新疆紫草颗粒剂与紫草汤剂对米非司酮配伍米索前列醇药物流产效果的影响,及不良反应。方法:将648例妊娠38-45　d、要求终止妊娠的妇女,随机分成3组,各组在米非司酮配伍米索前列醇药物流产时分别加服紫草颗粒剂或安慰剂或紫草汤剂,对3组的流产效果、出血时间、月经恢复时间等及不良反应进行观察。结果:紫草颗粒剂组和汤剂组的完全流产率(97.74%、97.70%)、平均出血时间(12.0±4.1　d、12.7±3.8　d)均无显著性差异(P均>0.05),且均显著优于安慰剂组(91.90%、14.3±4.8　d)(P均<0.05)。3组药物流产后月经恢复时间均无显著性差异。但紫草汤剂服用时有明显异味。结论:　紫草颗粒剂祛除了紫草的异味,服用方便,对其提高药物流产疗效与紫草汤剂相同,有必要进一步探讨。     

Seizures in children with low-grade tumors： outcome after tumor resection and risk factors for uncontrolled seizures

OBJECT： The goals of this study were to define the incidence of seizures in children with low-grade tumors, study seizure outcome after lesionectomy in these children, and identify risk factors for poor seizure outcome, METHODS： The authors performed a retrospective chart review of children who harbored low-grade brain tumors, experienced seizures, and were treated in a single institution, Statistical analyses included step-wise as well as single-variable binary logistic regression analyses.     

The "dependent viscera" sign in CT diagnosis of blunt traumatic diaphragmatic rupture

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to describe the "dependent viscera" sign and determine its usefulness at CT in the diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture after blunt abdominal trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 28 consecutive patients (19 men, nine women) between 17 and 74 years old (mean age, 31 years) who had undergone abdominal CT and subsequent emergency laparotomy after a blunt trauma. Ten patients had a diaphragmatic rupture (six, right-sided; four, left-sided) at laparotomy. An experienced radiologist unaware of the surgical findings retrospectively reviewed the CT scans, and then a second radiologist reviewed the scans to provide interobserver agreement. Note was made of discontinuity of the diaphragm, intrathoracic herniation of abdominal contents, and waistlike constriction of bowel (the collar sign). Also noted was whether the upper one third of the liver abutted the posterior right ribs or whether the bowel or stomach lay in contact with the posterior left ribs. Either of these findings was termed the "dependent viscera" sign. The radiologists' detection rate of diaphragmatic rupture on the CT scans via observance of the dependent viscera sign was determined. Interobserver agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa statistic. RESULTS: The dependent viscera sign was observed on the CT scans of 100% of the patients with a left-sided diaphragmatic rupture and of 83% of the patients with right-sided diaphragmatic rupture. Both observers missed one case of right-sided diaphragmatic rupture. The radiologists' overall rate of detecting diaphragmatic rupture was 90% using the dependent viscera sign. We found excellent interobserver agreement (kappa = 1) for detection of the dependent viscera sign and for the diagnosis of diaphragmatic tear on CT scans. CONCLUSION: The dependent viscera sign increases the detection at CT of acute diaphragmatic rupture after blunt trauma.     

Blood-brain barrier sodium transport limits development of brain edema during partial ischemia in gerbils

Sodium derived from the blood is known to accumulate in brain tissue during the early stages of incomplete ischemia. Our present studies were undertaken to determine the relation between blood-brain barrier sodium transport and the development of ischemic brain edema. Incomplete cerebral ischemia was produced in gerbils by ligation of the left common carotid artery under ether anesthesia. Following recovery from the anesthetic, the gerbis were evaluated for the presence of neurologic symptoms and were divided into symptomatic (n = 77) and asymptomatic (n = 94) groups. Tissue water, sodium, and potassium contents, tissue plasma volume, and brain uptake of 22Na were measured in both groups 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after carotid ligation. There was a progressive accumulation of sodium and water in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex of the symptomatic group compared with either the corresponding contralateral cortex of the same gerbils or with the asymptomatic group. Net changes in brain sodium and potassium concentrations appeared to be the main determinants of fluid accumulation. Brain edema was not due to opening of the blood-brain barrier because the unidirectional transport of 22Na remained low and was even reduced by 35-55% in the ischemic cortex. Nevertheless, this sodium transport activity appeared to be rate-limiting in the development of brain edema during the first 3 hours of ischemia because the rate of sodium accumulation in the tissue was the same as the rate of 22Na transport from the blood to the brain. We conclude that blood-brain barrier sodium transport is an important factor in the formation of ischemic brain edema.     

Abdominal computed tomography in patients with small cell lung cancer

The results of abdominal computed tomography in 38 patients with small cell lung cancer are reported. 47% patients had abnormal scans. Liver metastases were present in 24%, adrenal enlargement in 24% and lymphadenopathy in 8%. Two of the three patients (8%) with bilateral adrenal enlargement had ectopic hormone production. Overall 11% patients with retroperitoneal metastases had their staging changed from limited to extensive disease due to computed tomography.     

Accuracy of blood glucose measurements using a reflectance meter.

The performance of a stock reflectance meter for measuring blood glucose levels with glucose oxidase test strips has been assessed. Glucose values obtained were spuriously high, and the response of the instrument was non-linear. The instrument could not be recommended as an accurate means of determining glucose levels, but may be useful for detecting hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia.