A gist of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A review

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) have been recognized as a biologically distinctive tumor type, different from smooth muscle and neural tumors of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). They constitute the majority of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors of the GIT and are known to be refractory to conventional chemotherapy or radiation. They are defined and diagnosed by the expression of a proto-oncogene protein detected by immunohistochemistry which serves as a crucial diagnostic and therapeutic target. The identification of these mutations has resulted in a better understanding of their oncogenic mechanisms. The remarkable antitumor effects of the molecular inhibitor imatinib have necessitated accurate diagnosis of GIST and their distinction from other gastrointestinal mes-enchymal tumors. Both traditional and minimally invasive surgery are used to remove these tumors with minimal morbidity and excellent perioperative outcomes. The revolutionary use of specific, molecularlytargeted therapies, such as imatinib mesylate, reduces the frequency of disease recurrence when used as an adjuvant following complete resection. Neoadjuvant treatment with these agents appears to stabilize disease in the majority of patients and may reduce the extent of surgical resection required for subsequent complete tumor removal. The important interplay between the molecular genetics of GIST and responses to targeted therapeutics serves as a model for the study of targeted therapies in other solid tumors. This review summarizes our current knowledge and recent advances regarding the histogenesis, pathology, molecular biology, the basis for the novel targeted cancer therapy and current evidence based management of these unique tumors.     

Epidemiology of Accidents in Tile Factories of Mangalore City in Karnataka

Background:

Occupational accidents are a major point of concern in industries. The academic community should take the first step to address the long-neglected concerns of occupational safety.

Objective:

To assess the prevalence and pattern of occupational accidents.

Materials and Methods:

A record-based, cross-sectional study was done in three tile factories of Mangalore city, in Karnataka. A total of 416 workers were analyzed for the year 2004, and data regarding age, sex, job duration, type and nature of injury, body parts involved, and time of injury were collected in a prestructured proforma.

Statistical Analysis:

Proportions, Chi-square test, Univariate and Multivariate analysis.

Results:

The overall prevalence rate of accidents was found to be 18.5%. It was found that almost around 86% of the accidents had affected the limbs (upper limb 24.7%, lower limb 61%), around half (52%) of the injuries were contributed by superficial injuries, 40% of accidents were due to stepping/striking against objects and while handling. Hand tools and machinery in motion contributed to around 20% of the accidents. Accidents were more common among the younger age group and less-experienced workers. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that the age group of 30-39 years had an independent significant association with accidents (OR = 0.21, P = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Accidents in tile industries are an important occupational health problem in this area of the country. There is a need for proper safety training of the workers.     

手动牙刷的改进对牙齿疾病的影响

不断改善手动牙刷的设计 ,可以更显著的清除邻接部位的菌斑 ,在最近几年的临床试验中已经证明 ,新一代手动牙刷菌斑清除能力要优于旧式牙刷。当采用正确的刷牙方法刷牙时 ,新旧牙刷的差别也就更加显著。