Risk of breast cancer in association with exposure to two different groups of tricyclic antidepressants

PURPOSE: In 2002, we reported an epidemiological study in which we found that some tricyclic antidepressants (identified as genotoxic in Drosophila Melanogaster) were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, when exposure took place 11-15 years before the date of diagnosis. The implications of the results found lead us to carry out a separate case-control study, using the same source population, to validate the conclusions drawn from our previous study. METHODS: We accrued 7330 breast cancer cases, diagnosed between 1981 and 2000, and 29 320 controls matched on age and time. RESULTS: The association between exposure to genotoxic TCAs 11-15 years before diagnosis and the risk of breast cancer development was much weaker, as compared to what was reported in our previous study. The relative risk of breast cancer in women exposed to high doses of genotoxic TCAs 11-15 years before diagnosis was 1.17 (95%CI: 0.79-1.74), while in women exposed to high levels of non-genotoxic TCAs during the same period it was 0.95 (95%CI: 0.61-1.48). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we did not find supporting evidence for an increased risk of breast cancer among women exposed to TCAs up to 20 years in the past.     

Physiology of female micturition

Micturition is a dynamic physiologic process consisting of alternating storage and expulsion phases and is accomplished by complex interactions among innervation, smooth muscle, connective tissue, urothelium and supportive structures. Although our current understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the lower urinary tract is far from complete, intensive research over the last decade has dramatically improved our appreciation of the neural, biomechanical, biochemical, and morphologic properties of the bladder and urethra, as well as the hormonal influences and unique pelvic and perineal anatomy of women. Continued research related to the physiology of female micturition promises to offer new insights into the complex bladder-urethral interactions and to provide a basis for developing better management strategies for a variety of voiding dysfunctions in women.     

Marijuana-induced transient global amnesia

A 6-year-old boy accidentally became intoxicated with marijuana secondary to ingesting cookies laced with marijuana. He presented with retentive memory deficit of sudden onset that was later diagnosed as transient global amnesia. Transient global amnesia as a result of marijuana intoxication is an extremely rare event.     

Cholera-like diarrhea and shock associated with community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (USA400 clone) pneumonia

A 14-year-old girl presented with florid watery diarrhea, vomiting and hypotension without respiratory prodrome. Shock, multiorgan system failure and death rapidly ensued. Influenza A was detected from her nasopharynx and CA-MRSA (USA400), positive for pvl, mecA, sea, sec and seh genes was cultured from a deep tracheal aspirate.     

Ethanol extract of Tephrosia bracteolata leaves and its fractions ameliorates alloxan-induced diabetes and its associated complications in Wistar rat model

International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries - Tephrosia bracteolata Guill. & Perr. (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae) is a traditional Nigerian medicinal plant used for the...     

Functional Multipotency of Stem Cells: A Conceptual Review of Neurotrophic Factor-Based Evidence and Its Role in Translational Research

We here propose an updated concept of stem cells (SCs), with an emphasis on neural stem cells (NSCs). The conventional view, which has touched principally on the essential property of lineage multipotency (e.g., the ability of NSCs to differentiate into all neural cells), should be broadened to include the emerging recognition of biofunctional multipotency of SCs to mediate systemic homeostasis, evidenced in NSCs in particular by the secretion of neurotrophic factors. Under this new conceptual context and taking the NSC as a leading example, one may begin to appreciate and seek the “logic” behind the wide range of molecular tactics the NSC appears to serve at successive developmental stages as it integrates into and prepares, modifies, and guides the surrounding CNS micro- and macro-environment towards the formation and self-maintenance of a functioning adult nervous system. We suggest that embracing this view of the “multipotency” of the SCs is pivotal for correctly, efficiently, and optimally exploiting stem cell biology for therapeutic applications, including reconstitution of a dysfunctional CNS.     

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity in Phosphate Ore,Phosphogypsum and Soil Samples Around a Phosphate Fertilizer Plant in Nigeria

The radionuclides present in phosphate ore, phosphogypsum and soil samples in the vicinity of a phosphate fertilizer plants in Nigeria were identified and their activity concentration determined to assess the potential radiation impact on the environment due to fertilizer production. The mean activity concentration of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K radionuclides in phosphate ore samples were 616 ± 38.6, BDL (Below Detection Level) and 323.7 ± 57.5 Bq kg⁻¹ respectively. For the phosphogypsum, 334.8 ± 8.8, 4.0 ± 1.4, and 199.9 ± 9.3 Bq kg⁻¹ respectively and for soil samples range from 20.5 ± 7.3 to 175.7 ± 10.5 Bq kg⁻¹ for ²²⁶Ra, 15.5 ± 1.5 to 50.4 ± 0.6 Bq kg⁻¹ for ²³²Th and 89.5 ± 8.1 to 316.1 ± 41.3 Bq kg⁻¹ for ⁴⁰K respectively. The mean absorbed dose rate was 71.4 nGy h⁻¹. The mean annual effective dose was 86 μSv.