Selective distribution of selenium in colon parallels its antitumor activity

Results of epidemiologic and experimental studies suggest thatselenium can inhibit the development of tumors. In rats, theadministration of selenium decreases the incidence of carcinogeninducedcolon tumors; the inhibition is greater in the proximal colonthat in the distal colon. We investigated the distribution ofselenium in the different segments of rat colon and determinedthe uptake of selenium in the mucosa and in the muscle layersof each segment. The colon was perfused before removal of thesegments to ensure complete removal of blood-borne selenium.We found that the concentration of selenium was greater in theproximal colon than in the distal colon and that within eachsegment the uptake was higher in mucosa than in muscle. In addition,we determined the level of selenium in blood, serum, and liverat different times after the administration of various dosesof selenium. Though the mechanism by which selenium preventstumor development is unknown, the data indicate a correlationbetween the uptake of selenium in different segments of colonand inhibition of tumorigenesis.     

Metastatic malignant melanoma mimicking renal cell carcinoma

Large renal parenchymal masses are a rare manifestation of metastatic malignant melanoma. We report the second and third such cases to be noted on excretory urography.     

Ureteroarterial fistula: a case report

We report on a patient with a fistula between the right common iliac artery and the distal right ureter who had undergone pelvic exenteration for carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The patient also had received prior radiation therapy and was being treated with an indwelling ureteral stent at the time the fistula developed. Diagnosis was made by an occlusive ureterogram and the lesion was treated successfully with embolization of the common iliac artery.     

Ventilation during CPR: two-rescuer standards reappraised

Current American Heart Association standards for ventilation during two-rescuer CPR recommend that a 0.8- to 1.2-L breath be delivered in 0.5 second after every fifth chest compression. Delivering a high-volume breath over a brief inspiratory time (TI) may lead to hypoventilation and gastric insufflation in victims with an unprotected airway. We reasoned that lengthening TI would lower peak inspiratory pressure and peak inspiratory flow rate, and thus improve lung inflation. To study this possibility, a mechanical model of the airway and upper gastrointestinal tract was designed. A ventilator delivering a sinusoidal wave form was used to simulate artificial ventilation. A 0.8-L breath was delivered at 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 seconds at three lung compliances (CLs). Also, the effect of lengthening TI was studied with increased airway resistance. Lengthening TI improved lung inflation and decreased gastric insufflation at all CLs, but more so with normal CL than with decreased CL. This study demonstrates the need for evaluating alternative ventilatory patterns with longer TI during CPR.     

Applications of thin needle aspiration biopsy in urology.

Percutaneous thin needle aspiration biopsy was done on 34 patients for better staging of malignant disease by study of opacified lymph nodes, on 12 patients to eliminate the possibility of a malignant etiology of ureteral obstruction and on 7 patients with potentially metastatic soft tissue or visceral lesions. Ideally, a positive biopsy should change subsequent patient management and may eliminate the need for an exploratory operation. A significant number of falsely negative results occur and, for this reason, a negative biopsy should not affect subsequent patient management.     

Biologic basis for female orgasm: A retrospective report

Female sexual function, including orgasms, is a new area of sexual medicine, with regard to sexual pleasure as opposed to procreation. Researchers must consider all aspects of biopsychosocial influences affecting the endpoint of orgasm when defining the biologic basis of female orgasm. This paper explores the mind-body connection in female sexual function and proposes a process for understanding female sexual response and orgasm.     

Endoscopic ultrasound appearance of watermelon stomach

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) seen endoscopically has characteristic thickened, red vascular folds radiating from the pylorus to the antrum. The endoscopic ultrasound findings are described and correlated with the visual appearance, computed tomographic (CT) scans, and histologic findings. Hyperechoic focal thickening of the inner layers of the gastric wall are noted and may reflect the diagnosis of GAVE.