PET scan evaluation of thymic mass after autologous peripheral blood stem-cell transplantation in an adult with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

We report the case of a 31-year-old man with anaplastic large-cell lymphoma successfully treated with chemotherapy who showed mediastinal widening 5 months after autologous stem-cell transplantation. CT scan and PET evaluations were consistent with the diagnosis of benign thymic hyperplasia. Because of the rapid and aggressive course of this type of lymphoma, and the progressive widening of the mass at CT scan, we performed a mediastinal biopsy that confirmed these findings, showing normal thymic tissue. This is the first case of benign thymic hyperplasia defined with FDG-PET and confirmed by histologic evaluation.     

Intragastric Balloon Followed by Diet vs Intragastric Balloon Followed by Another Balloon: A Prospective Study on 100 Patients

Aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB®) followed by diet with BIB followed by another BIB. A prospective study was designed: a homogeneous group of 100 obese patients (age range 25–35, BMI range 40.0–44.9, M/F ratio 1/4) was allocated into two groups according to procedure: BIB (6 months) followed by diet therapy (7 months; group A?=?50 pts), BIB positioning followed by another BIB after 1 month (group B?=?50 pts). Baseline demographics were similar in both groups (Group A 10M/40F; mean age 31.4?±?2.6; range 25–35; mean weight 106.3?±?12.5 Kg; range 88–150; mean BMI 42.6±2.7 Kg/m²; range 40.2–43.8; Group B 10M/40F; mean age 32.1?±?2.1; range 25–35; mean weight 107.1?±?11.9 Kg; range 90–150; mean BMI 42.9?±?2.3; range 40.2–43.9). In both groups, weight loss parameters (Kg, BMI, and % EBL) were considered. Statistics were by Fisher’s exact test (p?p?2 (range 24–40), and 35.9?±?9.7 Kg/m² (range 34–42); mean % EBL was 51.9?±?24.6% (range 0–100) and 25.1?±?26.2% (range 0–100) in group B and A, respectively. As compared with diet, a second intragastric balloon can be positioned without difficulties, achieving good results with continuous weight loss.     

Diethylaminopropionamido-hydroxy-anthraquinones as Potential Anticancer Agents : Synthesis and Characterization

A number of new 9,10-anthracenediones were obtained, bearing one or two hydroxyl groups and one positively charged side chain at different positions of the aromatic ring system (compounds 1-5 in Chart 1). These derivatives resemble the anticancer agents mitoxantrone and ametantrone. The synthesis started from dihydroxy- or amino-hydroxy-9,10-anthracenediones, which were converted into the nitro-derivatives. After reduction to the corresponding amines and acylation with 3-chloropropionyl chloride, substitution with diethylamine led to the final diethylaminopropionamido derivatives. The new anthracenediones cause a quite relevant inhibition of cell growth in vitro and will be tested as possible anticancer agents.     

Myocardial infarction in patients with coronary artery spasm demonstrated by angiography

Twelve cases of myocardial infarction (MI) were documented in 11 of 39 patients who had coronary artery spasm (CAS) that was observed by angiography either before MI (3 patients), after MI (5 patients), or both before and after MI (3 patients). MI corresponded in location to sites of ECG changes of myocardial ischemia during spontaneous angina pectoris in 7 of 7 patients and to the region of myocardium supplied by the vessel in which CAS was observed by angiography in each patient. MI occurred in the distribution of the right coronary artery in 8 patients and of the left coronary artery in 4 patients. Of 12 vessels that supplled infarcted regions of myocardium, 7 vessels had ≥50% diameter fixed coronary artery narrowing (CAN), but the remaining 5 vessels had minimal (10%) or no fixed CAN. In those patients who were studied after MI, coronary angiography demonstrated that only 3 of 9 vessels in the distribution of infarcted regions of myocardium were completely occluded. Clinical follow-up for an average of 1.3 years after MI showed that 7 patients continued to have chest pain, 2 patients were asymptomatic, and 2 patients died suddenly 9 weeks and 1 year, respectively, after MI. Therefore, among our patients with CAS demonstrated by angiography, Mis (1) were frequent (28%), (2) occurred in the distribution of observed coronary spasm, (3) were frequently (5 of 12 arteries) in the distribution of vessels having minimal or no fixed narrowing, and (4) were often (6 of 9 arteries) in the distribution of vessels that were demonstrated to be patent after MI.     

Lactoferrin inhibits early steps of human BK polyomavirus infection

Lactoferrin, a member of the transferrin family, is a bi-globular iron binding glycoprotein, found in milk, exocrine secretions of mammals, and in secondary granules of polymorphonuclear neutrophiles that plays an important role in the defence against various pathogenic microorganisms. Previous studies in different virus-cell systems showed that lactoferrin is a potent inhibitor of different enveloped and naked virus infection. In this research we studied the effect of lactoferrin on BK polyomavirus, a human naked double-stranded DNA virus responsible for productive, persistent, and latent infections of the urinary tract. Results obtained demonstrate that lactoferrin treatment prevents early steps of BK virus infection in Vero cells, at the level of the adsorption phase, probably through the interaction with capsidic structures, although a lactoferrin-BK virus competition for cell plasma-membrane receptors cannot be ruled out.     

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage—An unusual manifestation of neurofibromatosis

Hemorrhage from intestinal neurofibromas or leiomyomas is an infrequent but often life-threatening complication of neurofibromatosis. Despite typical cutaneous findings, the bleeding tumor usually cannot be demonstrated because of its inaccessible location in the jejunum or ileum. In the present case, superior mesenteric arteriography successfully demonstrated hemorrhage from a jejunal leiomyoma. Review of the literature demonstrates the difficulty of establishing the correct diagnosis by other means. Arteriography should be the contrast procedure of first choice in the patient with neurofibromatosis and gastrointestinal bleeding.     

Horseshoe lung in an infant with recurrent pulmonary infections.

A case of horseshoe lung occurred in a 7-month-old infant, the first, we believe, to be associated with horseshoe kidney. This lesion should be considered in any infant with dextrocardia, recurrent cardio-respiratory distress, and pulmonary infections.     

The American Nurses'' Association''s position statement on nursing and social policy: philosophical and ethical dimensions

This article analyses the American Nurses' Association's position statement on nursing and social policy. Specifically, its purpose is to highlight three themes suggested within the position statement: nursing as duty, nursing as moral art and nursing as autonomous profession. Questions are raised about the nature and significance of these themes as they relate to philosophical and ethical dimensions within nursing.