Oat cell carcinoma of the common bile duct

Oat cell tumors in the common bile duct are extremely rare. We describe the case of a 76-year-old man with skin and mucous jaundice of 15 days' duration without constitutional syndrome. A tumor was diagnosed in the mid portion of the common bile duct. After surgical resection, pathological analysis revealed small-cell (oat cell) carcinoma. The treatment of these tumors is multidisciplinary. Surgery is followed by chemo- and radiotherapy.     

Phagocytic NADPH oxidase overactivity underlies oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in patients with metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to investigate whether a relationship exists between phagocytic NADPH oxidase activity and oxidative stress and atherosclerosis in metabolic syndrome patients. The study was performed in 56 metabolic syndrome patients (metabolic syndrome group), 99 patients with one or two cardiovascular risk factors (cardiovascular risk factor group), and 28 healthy subjects (control group). NADPH oxidase expression and activity was augmented (P < 0.05) in metabolic syndrome compared with cardiovascular risk factor and control groups. Insulin was enhanced (P < 0.05) in metabolic syndrome patients compared with cardiovascular risk factor and control groups and correlated with NADPH oxidase activity in the overall population. Insulin stimulated NADPH oxidase activity; this effect was abolished by a specific protein kinase C inhibitor. Oxidized LDL and nitrotyrosine levels and carotid intima-media thickness were increased (P < 0.05) in the metabolic syndrome group compared with cardiovascular risk factor and control groups and correlated with NADPH oxidase activity in the overall population. These findings suggest that phagocytic NADPH oxidase overactivity is involved in oxidative stress and atherosclerosis in metabolic syndrome patients. Our findings also suggest that hyperinsulinemia may contribute to oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome patients through activation of NADPH oxidase.     

Clinical and urodynamic effects of anterior colporraphy and approximation of pubococcygeus muscles in patients with severe cystocele

Objective The objective was to evaluate in a homogeneous series of patients the clinical and urodynamic outcomes following anterior colporraphy and approximation of pubococcygeus muscles for correcting cystocele and genuine stress incontinence (SUI).Methods The authors analyzed the pre- and postoperative clinical and urodynamic data of 56 consecutive, not previously operated, patients underwent anterior colporraphy and approximation of pubococcygeus muscles by the same surgeon. The mean follow-up period was 20 months (range 12–32). Statistical analysis was performed with Wilcoxon matched pairs test and Fishers exact test.Results Four (8%) patients experienced cystocele recurrence at a lesser degree than preoperatively and 2 (4%) patients developed grade II rectocele postoperatively. Recurrence of cystocele occurred only among those patients undergone sacrospinous colposuspension (4 out of 20 vs. 0 out of 32, P=0.018). Manifested and potential genuine stress incontinence (Pot-SUI) treatment was successful in 18 out of 30 (60%) patients. These patients showed a significant increase (P<0.001) of bladder-to-urethra pressure transmission ratio (PTR) values whereas, in those patients who presented recurrence, such an increase did not occur.Conclusion Anterior colporraphy and approximation of pubococcygeus muscles appears, from our preliminary results to be a safe, effective technique for the primary treatment of cystocele without compromising the other vaginal profiles but should not be considered as the procedure of choice for patients presenting with manifested or Pot-SUI. Long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate whether these results are durable.     

Mittelfrequenzreizung des Nerven bei Querdurchströmung

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Antibacterial activity in amniotic fluid from west virginia women

Amniotic fluids from women in West Virginia were evaluated for the presence of antibacterial activity by a bioassay technique. 41% of 32 third trimester samples were inhibitory. Evaluation of additional test organisms emphasized differences in susceptibility of various bacterial strains; two isolates of Escherichia coli were found which were more sensitive to the phosphate-sensitive antibacterial system of amniotic fluid than in the initial test organism. The stated prevalence of inhibition may therefore be considered a conservative estimate.