Psychological effects of aromatherapy on chronic hemodialysis patients

Effects of aromatherapy (odorless condition, lavender, and hiba oil) on mood and anxiety were investigated in 14 female patients who were being treated with chronic hemodialysis. A control period consisting of natural hospital smells was established before each test session, and then aromatic test conditions were systematically evaluated for odorless conditions as well as aromatic conditions containing lavender and hiba oil aromas. The effects of aromatherapy were measured using the Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAMD) and the Hamilton rating scale for anxiety (HAMA). Hiba oil aroma significantly decreased the mean scores of HAMD and HAMA, and lavender aroma significantly decreased the mean scores of HAMA. The mean scores of HAMD and HAMA in an odorless condition were not significantly different from those of the control conditions. These results indicate that in chronic hemodialysis patients hiba oil is an effective, non-invasive means for the treatment of depression and anxiety, and that lavender alleviates anxiety.     

Radioresponse of Thymomas Verified with Histologic Response

Patterns of radiologic response of 10 thymomas treated by preoperative radiotherapy (RT) (18-20 Gy/2 weeks) were determined in conjunction with histologic response. Changes in tumor volume were evaluated with CT scans obtained 5 to 36 days before and 14 to 24 days after the initiation of RT and before surgery. The extent of tumor volume reduction (TR) varied widely (40-78%), while the mean daily volume decrement expressed as a percentage of the pre-RT tumor volume correlated significantly with the pre-RT tumor volume. Histologically, the tumors, all of which were resected 17 to 33 days after RT initiation, generally consisted of predominant fibrous tissues, rare necrotic foci, and few epithelial cells. The TR did not correlate with pre-RT tumor volume, observation period, histologic subtype, or quantity of remaining epithelial cells. The TR of thymomas does not predict RT impact on tumor cells but does reflect the quantity of inherent tumor stroma.     

Long-term PM2.5 exposure before diagnosis is associated with worse outcome in breast cancer

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment - Many patients seek breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Debate exists regarding the best reconstructive option. The authors evaluate outcomes comparing...     

CT diagnosis of primary Budd-Chiari syndrome--membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava

Five cases with primary Budd-Chiari syndrome due to membranous obstruction of the hepatic segment of the inferior vena cava were examined by CT. In all cases, CT demonstrated caudate lobe enlargement, reticular low density within the liver parenchyma, splenomegaly, and collaterals via the ascending lumbar veins and azygous system. Pathological study revealed liver cirrhosis or fibrosis in all cases. In two cases, calcification was shown in the region of the hepatic segment of the inferior vena cava. Our results suggested that the CT appearance of primary Budd-Chiari syndrome was rather characteristic and useful in diagnosis, although membranous obliteration could not be shown directly on CT.     

Repression-sensitization and processing of favorable and adverse information

One hundred forty-two female Ss divided into repressors and sensitizers by their median score on the R-S scale received either a favorable or an unfavorable evaluation of themselves, both discrepant at a similar degree from their own self-evaluation. Sensitizers, in comparison to repressors, exhibited greater adoption of the negative evaluation and acceptance of its source, but less acceptance of the positive evaluation and its source. These results were explained as providing support for the contention that repressors and sensitizers differ in their willingness to assign negative vs. positive qualities to one's self and to endorse internal conflict rather than in their choice of defense mechanisms in the face of threatening information.     

Enhanced VWF biosynthesis and elevated plasma VWF due to a natural variant in the murine Vwf gene

Both genetic and environmental influences contribute to the wide variation in plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels observed in humans. Inbred mouse strains also have highly variable plasma VWF levels, providing a convenient model in which to study genetic modifiers of VWF. Previously, we identified a major modifier of VWF levels in the mouse (Mvwf1) as a regulatory mutation in murine Galgt2. We now report the identification of an additional murine VWF modifier (Mvwf2). Mvwf2 accounts for approximately 16% of the 8-fold plasma VWF variation (or approximately 25% of the genetic variation) observed between the A/J and CASA/RkJ strains and maps to the murine Vwf gene itself. Twenty SNPs were identified within the coding regions of the A/J and CASA/RkJ Vwf alleles, and in vitro analysis of recombinant VWF demonstrated that a single SNP (+7970G>A) and the associated nonsynonymous amino acid change (R2657Q) confers a significant increase in VWF biosynthesis from the CASA/RkJ Vwf allele. This change appears to represent a unique gain of function that likely explains the mechanism of Mvwf2 in vivo. The identification of a natural Vwf gene variant among inbred mice affecting biosynthesis suggests that similar genetic variation may contribute to the wide range of VWF levels observed in humans.     

A comparison of two mechanisms of severe paediatric injury in Northern Israel

Background

An increased incidence of severe injury due to falls from buildings (FFB) is reported in the rural area of northern Israel. This makes FFB, and motor vehicle collision (MVC) the two leading causes of severe paediatric trauma.

Methods

A single-centre, age-sex matched comparison analysis of the two mechanisms of injury was conducted. Children involved in MVC (study subjects) or FFB (controls), who were brought by the Emergency Medical System Mobile-Intensive-Care-Unit from the field to the trauma bay of the Emergency Department (ED) were enrolled on the basis of a convenience sample. Immediately following ED admission, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and base deficit (BD) were recorded. Types of injuries, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) on scene, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were also obtained.

Results

Eleven study subjects and 22 controls were enrolled during a 1-year period. The mean ISS for the study subjects group and for the controls was 23.4 and 19.5, respectively. No difference was found in comparing the ISS, BD, SBP and HR of the two groups (p = 0.261, p = 0.421, p = 0.314, and p = 0.824, respectively). Controls had a lower GCS (p < 0.031) and were more likely to have a skull fracture (p < 0.0082). Study subjects were more likely to have limb injuries (p < 0.0001) and thoracoabdominal injuries (p < 0.0059).

Conclusions

This study suggests that the Injury Severity Score of the two mechanisms of paediatric injury is high. The haemodynamic characteristics on ED admission were comparable between the two groups of patients but the likelihood of specific type of injury was different.     

Pseudomyxoma peritonei with progressive calcifications: CT findings.

Development of abdominal calcifications due to pseudomyxoma peritonei is rare. The authors present three cases whereby computed tomographic (CT) studies during or after chemotherapy for pseudomyxoma peritonei demonstrated development and progression of punctate calcifications in the abdomen. The clinical and CT findings of these cases are presented together with a brief review of the pertinent literature.