190 cancers of the thyroid with a follow-up of more than 5 years

Outcome in 190 patients operated upon by first intention for thyroid cancer is analyzed after follow up over more than 5 years. No deaths due to cancer occurred in 57 cases of papillary cancer, but 7 cases presented pulmonary metastases, while the global-5-year survival rate in 63 cases of vesicular cancer (including 25% with preoperative metastases) was 60%. In the absence of preoperative metastases, ans if well differentiated forms are separated from moderately differentiated forms, the respective 5-year survivals were 88 and 45%. The 1-year survival rate for the 42 cases of anaplastic cancer was 15%, while the 5-year rate for 15 cases of medullary cancer was 80%.     

Quantification of parthenolide in Tanacetum species by LC-UV/LC-MS and microscopic comparison of Mexican/US feverfew samples

LC-UV and LC-MS methods have been developed which permit the analysis of parthenolide in different Mexican/US feverfew samples and commercial products. The study was undertaken to confirm the presence of parthenolide in Mexican plant samples and its comparison with US feverfew samples. The best results were obtained with a Phenomenex Luna C18 (2) column using gradient mobile phase of water and acetonitrile:methanol (9 : 1). Elution was run at a flow rate of 1.0 mL per min and ultraviolet detection at 210 nm. The results obtained using LC-UV were comparable to those obtained using LC-MS. Parthenolide was detected in all the samples analyzed and is the major chemical constituent of feverfew. The samples collected in Oaxaca, Mexico (0.28%) and Puebla, Mexico (0.25%) showed the highest content of parthenolide. All Parthenium samples were also examined under light and fluorescent microscopy.     

Neuropharmacological profile of an ethanol extract of Ruta chalepensis L. in mice

The effects of an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Ruta chalepensis on the central nervous system (CNS) and LD(50) determination were studied in mice. A crude extract was given systemically and its effects were tested on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures, sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, exploratory activity, anxiety and nociception. Results from the experimental models tested showed: (1) a delay in the onset of seizures and a dose-dependent suppression in the tonic phase and mortality induced by PTZ; (2) a prolongation of the time of sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis; (3) a significant attenuation in the anxiety-response and (4) a reduction in the licking time and shaking behavior in the formalin-induced nociception test. The sedative-hypnotic potentiation, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and antinociceptive effects suggest that Ruta chalepensis induces a depressant activity on the CNS.     

Synchronous bilateral urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract

ObjectiveReport a case of a synchronous bilateral urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract without bladder affectation.MethodsWe describe the diagnosis and treatment of a case of a bilateral upper urothelial carcinoma.ConclusionsSynchronous bilateral urithelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract without bladder affectation in an unusual occurance (1-5% of urothelial tumors) and radical surgery continues to be the treatment of choice, although it is possible to take a less aggressive approuch with selected groups of patient, in which we can achiese a survival rate similar to that which we obtain with radical surgery.