Prevalence of nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease in an international setting; study using nonmotor symptoms questionnaire in 545 patients.

2006, there was, no single instrument (questionnaire or scale) for attempting a comprehensive assessment of the wide range of nonmotor symptoms (NMS) of Parkinson's disease (PD). The PD nonmotor group, a multidisciplinary group of experts including patient group representatives developed and validated the NMS screening questionnaire (NMSQuest) comprising 30 items. The NMSQuest is a self completed screening tool designed to draw attention to the presence of NMS. In this paper, we present the results gathered from 545 patients using the definitive version of the NMSQuest highlighting the prevalence of the wide range of NMS flagged in the NMSQuest from consecutive PD patients in an international setting.     

The Rett syndrome: progress report on studies at the Kennedy Institute

Clinical, biochemical and pathological studies in patients with the Rett syndrome (RS) are presented. The neuropathological changes and alterations in neurotransmitter markers are particularly interesting and provide valuable information that may be helpful in understanding the behavior and neurological phenotype of RS.     

Comprehensive evaluation of atrial septal defects in individuals undergoing percutaneous repair by 64-detector row computed tomography

Transcatheter atrial septal defect closure is becoming more commonplace as it has been demonstrated to be safe, efficacious and associated with low morbidity. Pre-procedural assessment of individuals has primarily relied upon transesophageal echocardiography. We present four individuals who underwent both transesophageal echocardiography as well as cardiac multidetector computed tomography. In all four cases, multidetector computed tomography added incremental information above the transesophageal echocardiogram. Multidetector computed tomography may play an essential role in individuals with atrial septal defects undergoing percutaneous transcatheter closure.     

Family support of immigrant Punjabi women with breast cancer

Women with breast cancer have been found to rely heavily on family members for providing support during their illness experiences. There has been limited research on ethnocultural families' experiences of illness and how these families respond to a diagnosis of breast cancer. This study examined the experiences and responses of family members of immigrant Punjabi women diagnosed with breast cancer. Through interviews with 19 Punjabi women diagnosed with breast cancer and 18 family members, key practical and emotional support strategies were described. Recommendations for culturally appropriate, family-centered models of care are provided that acknowledge breast cancer as a family event.     

p-nitrophenol toxicity to and its removal by three select soil isolates of microalgae: The role of antioxidants

The nontarget effects, in terms of biochemical changes induced by p-nitrophenol (PNP) in three soil microalgae, Chlorella sp., Chlorococcum sp., and Heterochlamydomonas sp., and the PNP removal efficiency of these isolates, were determined. On exposure to 20?mg?L(-1) PNP, Chlorella sp. showed greater activity of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase as well as high contents of proline and carotenoids. While Heterochlamydomonas sp. exhibited higher levels of catalase and protein, Chlorococcum sp. produced greater amounts of malondialdehyde, a measure of lipid peroxidation, in the presence of PNP. Chlorella sp. tolerated PNP by producing large quantities of antioxidants coupled with less lipid peroxidation, while Chlorococcum sp. was susceptible, as evidenced by low antioxidant production and high lipid peroxidation. During 7-d exposure, Chlorella sp., Heterochlamydomonas sp., and Chlorococcum sp. were able to remove 39, 18, and 4% of 20?mg?L(-1) PNP, respectively. The present results indicate that proline, carotenoids and malondialdehyde are the potential biomarkers for assessing PNP toxicity toward microalgae, and their response could be considered for differentiating tolerant and susceptible strains. Moreover, there is a clear correlation between PNP removal and antioxidant synthesis in microalgae on exposure to the pollutant. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1980-1988. ? 2012 SETAC.     

Leiomyosarcoma of IVC — rare vascular tumour

Aim-Background

Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (IVC), though an extremely rare tumour with exceptionally poor prognosis, is the most common primary malignancy of the IVC. Complete excision of the tumour is the only hope for long-term survival. Given its location and close proximity to vital structures, surgical resection requires careful planning. The location of the tumour determines the operative approach. Herein, the authors describe the case of a 33-year-old lady who presented with vague symptoms. The patient was managed with palliative chemotherapy. The Aim is to highlight this rare tumour and related management issues.     

Effect of concurrent radiochemotherapy and chemotherapy on serum proteins for prospective predictors of patients with HPV induced cervical cancer

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of radiochemotherapy and chemotherapy on human papilloma virus induced cervical cancer patients by the estimation of serum proteins and magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

HPV 16/18 viral DNA was detected in the plasma of cervical cancer patients (n = 50) by PCR using HPV consensus primers. Of the 50 cervical cancer patients, 25 cases undergoing radiation with chemotherapy and another 25 cases undergoing chemotherapy. Levels of pre- and post-treated serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen, soluble CD44, cancer antigen-125 were measured and evaluated the tumour size at pre- and post-radiation based on magnetic resonance images. The effectiveness of treatment was evaluated in terms of protein levels and represented as whisker line graphs.

Results

Of the amplified 50 samples, HPV 16 and 18 strains were identified as 48 and 44%, respectively. Serum protein levels were significantly increased in both pre-treated groups when compared to healthy group. Post-treated (radiotherapy) cervical cancer patients’ shows decreased tumour size when compared to pre-treated groups. Taking consideration of proteins, squamous cell carcinoma antigen, soluble CD44, cancer antigen-125 levels are more decreased in patients treated with radiochemotherapy than chemotherapy alone. The decreased levels of proteins were significantly higher in early stage of the cervical cancer than the advanced stage of cancer patients.

Conclusion

Serum levels of protein markers are more improved in patients treated with radiochemotherapy than chemotherapy hence, radiochemotherapy may be the best choice of treatment with reference to proteins at early stage of cervical cancer when compared to chemotherapy alone.