External beam radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer

Radiotherapy (XRT) is a curative treatment option for prostate cancer (PCa). Recent XRT technologies allow higher dose therapy that lead to increased local control with less adjacent tissue damage. Additionally, receiving neo-adjuvant or adjuvant hormonotherapy (HT) during radiation therapy increases the curative effect. The aim of this paper is to review the current literature and guidelines on external beam radiation therapy for PCa. However, brachytherapy and radiosurgery, a recently evolving relatively new technology for the radiotherapeutic management of localized PCa, are beyond the scope of this paper.     

The impact of birth weight and maternal history on acne, hirsutism, and menstrual disorder symptoms in Turkish adolescent girls

The aim of the study was to determine the association between birthweight, maternal medical history and acne, hirsutism, and menstrual disorder symptoms in Turkish adolescent population. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to all volunteer female students at 15 secondary schools. The subjects' body mass index, birthweight, age at menarche, pattern of menstrual cycle, and presence of acne or hirsutism problems were recorded. Maternal obstetric parameters, menstrual cycle, presence of acne or hirsutism at present and at adolescent period were also asked. The impact of birthweight and maternal history on acne, hirsutism, and menstrual disorder symptoms was evaluated. The results of the study showed that after exclusion of subjects born prematurely, total of 1,309 students filled the questionnaires properly and included in the study. Of these students, 174 had low birthweight (LBW) (<2,500?g), 925 had appropriate (2,500-4,000?g), and 210 had high birthweight (>4,000?g). LBW students had higher incidence of menstrual disorder and acne problems (P?=?0.032 and P?=?0.011, respectively). Maternal acne and hirsutism problems were significantly often in LBW group. Multivariate analysis showed that LBW was a predictor of acne, hirsutism, and menstrual disorder at adolescent period (P?=?0.001; P?=?0.01, and 0.02, respectively). In addition, maternal menstrual disorder was also a predictor of menstrual disorder (P?=?0.035). We concluded that LBW is a good predictor of acne, hirsutism, and menstrual disorder problems in Turkish adolescent population.     

The reflex effects on the respiratory regulation of the CO2 at the different flow rate and concentration

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the activation of the respiratory centers during insufflation of the larynx with CO2 at different flow rates and concentrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiments were carried out in spontaneous air breathing rabbits, anesthetized with thiopental sodium (25 mg kg(-1) i.v.). The larynx was separated from the oropharyngeal cavity and the trachea. The tidal volume (VT) and respiratory frequency (f min(-1)) were recorded from the lower tracheal cannula. The respiratory minute volume (VE) was calculated, the action potentials from the right phrenic nerve were recorded and the inspiratory (TI) and expiratory (TE) periods and the mean inspiratory flow rate (VT/TI) were calculated. The larynx was insufflated at flow rates of 500 mL min(-1) and 750 mL min(-1), with 7 and 12% CO2-Air by means of a respiratory pump. RESULTS: Insufflation of the larynx, with both gas mixtures, decreased the f and VT significantly. The TI and TE were found to increase significantly due to the decreasing in f. There was a significant decrease in VT/TI ratio. Following bilateral midcervical vagotomy, on the passing of both gas mixtures, significant decreases were observed in the VT, and the responses of f, TI and TE were abolished. After cutting the superior laryngeal nerve, the responses of the VT to both gas mixtures were abolished. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the results of this study purpose that the stimulation of the laryngeal mechanoreceptors by the effect of hypercapnia decreases the activation of the respiratory center.     

Effect of Hypericum perforatum on intraperitoneal adhesion formation in rats

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Hypericum perforatum for prevention of adhesion formation in rats.

Material and methods

Twenty-four female wistar rats underwent left uterine horn adhesion model. Rats were randomised into 4 groups. Group 1 (Control): Closure of abdominal incision without any agent administration. Group 2: Closure of incision after administration of intraperitoneal (i.p.) Ringer''s lactate solution. Group 3: Closure of incision after administration of i.p. olive oil (diluent of H. perforatum). Group 4: Hypericum perforatum extract (Ecodab^®) was administered i.p. before the closure of incision. Fourteen days later, relaparatomy was performed and surgical adhesion scores, inflammation and fibrosis scores were noted. Groups were compared according to these scores.

Results

There was statistical significant difference between ringer''s lactate group and olive oil group according to surgical adhesion score (p = 0.009). However, groups were not different according to inflammation and fibrosis scores (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Despite antiinflammatory, antioxidants and antimicrobial properties of H. perforatum, our results revealed no positive effect of H. perforatum on the prevention of intraperitoneal adhesion formation.     

Relation between abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue thickness and inflammatory markers during pregnancy

Introduction

Subcutaneous abdominal fat thickness (SCFT) is important for predisposition to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Our aim was to evaluate maternal SCFT and metabolic changes (such as insulin resistance and high inflammatory markers) during pregnancy.

Material and methods

A total of 92 pregnant women between 24–28 weeks of gestation were enrolled in the study. The SCFT was measured by ultrasonography and patients were divided into 2 groups according to thickness of maternal SCFT and body mass index (BMI). Groups were compared with each other for oral glucose loading test (OGL) results, and for haematological, biochemical and fetal biometric parameters.

Results

After analysis of frequency for SCFT, the most appropriate cut-off value for grouping patients was found to be 15 mm for SCFT. In 48 cases SCFT was over 15 mm. High C reactive protein (CRP) was found in 47.9% (23) of cases with SCFT over 15 mm. Serum haemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) level was significantly correlated with SCFT thickness. The most important factors for determination of OGL level were found to be serum HbA_1c level, BMI and SCFT. In obese subjects (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²), levels of inflammatory markers and SCFT thickness were higher. The CRP and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels were significantly correlated with BMI and SCFT.

Conclusions

High SCFT during pregnancy is associated with elevated inflammatory marker levels and HbA_1c. Pregnant women with thicker SCFT may be susceptible to the development of metabolic complications of pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and hypertension, as well as risk of future metabolic and cardiovascular disease.