Insect allergens in the human dwelling

The paper considers the insect fauna of a human dwelling as a risk factor for patients with respiratory allergic diseases with domestic dust hypersensitivity. It shows that cockroaches, moths, domestic dust ticks, and molds may be additional sources of allergens within the human dwelling. The paper also lends support of an important role of cockroaches and their vital activity in the development of respiratory allergy and shows their implication as inhalation allergens.     

Heterogeneity of chemosensitivity of esophageal and gastric carcinoma

Esophageal and gastric cancer have a poor prognosis, and chemotherapy is rarely of long-term benefit. This may be related in part to heterogeneity of chemosensitivity and to constitutive resistance to individual cytotoxic drugs. This study aimed to demonstrate the degree of heterogeneity of chemosensitivity between tumors. We have examined the heterogeneity of chemosensitivity in esophageal and gastric cancer specimens (n=85) using an ex vivo ATP-based chemosensitivity assay (ATP-TCA). A variety of chemotherapeutic agents were tested. Sixty-four specimens were endoscopic biopsy samples; the remainder were from resection specimens. Cells were obtained from 62 specimens (73%). Eight assays were infected due to contamination/infection of the biopsy material, giving an evaluability rate of 87%. Analysis of the data showed considerable heterogeneity of chemosensitivity. The most active single agents identified by the assay were mitomycin C (56% sensitivity) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU; 42% sensitivity). Exposure of tumor cells to combinations of drugs showed ECF (epirubicin, cisplatin, 5-FU) and mitomycin C+5-FU to be moderately active regimens. Other experimental drug combinations showed greater activity. There is a marked heterogeneity of chemosensitivity in esophageal and gastric cancers. The degree of heterogeneity observed suggests that the ATP-TCA could be used to individualize chemotherapy by selecting agents for particular patients. This approach provides the rationale for a trial of ATP-TCA-directed therapy to determine whether individualization of chemotherapy might improve patient response and survival.     

Oral sumatriptan in the acute treatment of migraine and migraine recurrence in general practice

We investigated the efficacy, safety and tolerability compared with placebo of a second dose of oral sumatriptan 100 mg in 1349 general practice patients who had already treated a moderate or severe migraine headache with 100 mg sumatriptan 4 h earlier. Headache was relieved by the first sumatriptan dose in about 70% of patients, but the second dose did not produce significantly more relief than placebo, either in nonresponders or in the group as a whole, nor did it reduce other symptoms (photophobia, nausea, vomiting, etc,) at 8 h, or influence the incidence of headache recurrence. The drug was well-tolerated, and a further single dose was effective in treating recurrence after initial relief. A single 100 mg dose of sumatriptan is an effective acute treatment for migraine. A second dose should be reserved for treating headache recurrence.      

A review of drug prevention system development in Romania and its impact on youth drug consumption trends, 1995–2005

Issues. A tremendous growth occurred in the reported drug use and abuse in Romania from 1995 to 1999. Lack of concern by government and little policy attention contributed to the surprising delay of drug policy and drug prevention system development. General public stigmatize drug users and drug consumption is considered a matter of personal fault and responsibility. There is some but not sufficient research and evaluation on drug use, abuse problem. Approach. Drug use, abuse and prevention are discussed from research‐based, user‐focused and prevention system development perspectives. Prevalence and trends of drug use, abuse in the past decade (1995–2005) are summarized. Prevention issues are discussed based on research data from adolescents, parents and teachers. The Romanian primary drug prevention system has been evaluated based on our experiences in drug use prevention activities carried out in schools and recreational environments. Key Findings. Public and scientific perspectives on drug consumption in Romania, between 1995 and 1999, were dominated by an idealistic, non‐realistic perception. Since 1995, drug use among adolescents increased almost four times in less than 4 years. The first law against drug traffic and consumption was issued only in 2000. Now primary drug prevention strategies are in action, but in general they are lacking standard evaluation procedures. Implications/Conclusion. Conclusions are drafted for new perspectives in prevention activities. More long‐term, user‐focused, demand‐centred prevention activities should be carried out in more and more diversified settings and evaluation should be thoroughly considered.[Dégi CL. A review of drug prevention system development in Romania and its impact on youth drug consumption trends, 1995–2005. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009;28:419–425]     

Polypous rhinosinusitis in the context of the asthma triad

The present study included 37 patients at the age from 18 to 65 years suffering polypous rhinosinusopathy (PRS). Endoscopic examination of their nasal cavity and anterior rhinoscopy revealed the presence of large- and medium-sized polyps (stages II-III according to the classification of G.M. Portenko).. All the patients were treated with longidase either injected directly into the polyps at a dose of 3,000 IU or used to irrigate the affected nasal mucosa (10 seances). Positive effect of the treatment was documented in 32 (86%) patients of both groups who reported restoration of nasal breathing, showed improved functional characteristics, and significantly reduced size of local polyps upon the endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity. It is concluded that longidase is an efficacious and safe preparation for the conservative treatment of polypous rhinosinusitis.