Deterioration in quality of life and depressive symptoms during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life and psychologic profile during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The University of Washington QoL instrument and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered to 202 patients at two or three time points during radiation therapy. RESULTS: A total of 118 (54.6%) patients completed the questionnaires at the beginning and at the end of the study. A mid-treatment dataset was also available for 67 (31.0%) patients. There was a statistically significant deterioration in composite QoL scores (P < 0.000) and a statistically significant increase in depression (P < 0.000). There was no difference in anxiety levels (P = 0.276). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing radiation are increasingly depressed as treatment progresses, with worsening QoL during the treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: This study underlines the need for good psychologic support during radiation therapy in head and neck cancer.     

Elevated alpha-fetoprotein and a normal fetal sonogram: association with placental abnormalities

This report documents the outcome of 25 pregnancies with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein levels on two separate samplings despite normal anatomic appearance of the fetus on a detailed "consultative" sonographic examination. Six of these also had elevated amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein. All fetuses in this series were anatomically normal at time of delivery; one aborted fetus was triploid. Of the 25 pregnancies, 16 had sonographically demonstrable placental hemorrhage, eight retroplacental and eight subchorionic. One had hydropic changes in the placenta associated with triploidy. Of the subgroup of six pregnancies in which both serum and amniotic fluid values were elevated, one had a retroplacental hemorrhage, one had a subchorionic hemorrhage, and one had diffuse hydropic changes in the placenta. A control group of 112 patients with normal alpha-fetoprotein levels yielded four with small (less than 2 cm3) subchorionic hemorrhage. The occurrence rate of placental hemorrhage in women with elevated alpha-fetoprotein and normal fetus was 64%, whereas the control group of patients with normal alpha-fetoprotein had a 3.6% occurrence rate of placental hemorrhage. Sonographically detectable placental abnormalities may be associated with elevated alpha-fetoprotein in serum and/or amniotic fluid samples. Such abnormalities may occur because of fetomaternal admixture associated with placental hemorrhage and/or intraamniotic bleeding resulting from subchorionic hemorrhage.     

Tinea corporis caused by Microsporum canis: Report of a Nosocomial outbreak

In an unusual nosocomial outbreak, 13 staff and 11 patients in an acute and chronic health care facility were infected with the zoophilic dermatophyte, Microsporum canis. The dermatophyte was apparently introduced into the facility by a single infected patient. Likely modes of subsequent disease transmission include person-to-person contact, handling of contaminated laundry, and use of a shared razor. Infection control measures for managing such outbreaks are discussed.     

Der chirurgische Part im Rahmen multimodaler Therapiekonzepte in der Onkologie-Schilddrüse

29. Tagung der ?sterreichischen Gesellschaft für Chirurgie und Ihrer Assoziierten Fachgesellschaften Innsbruck, 2. bis 4. Juni 1988 Herausgeber: E. Bodner und G. Szinicz Abstracts

Der chirurgische Part im Rahmen multimodaler Therapiekonzepte in der Onkologie-Schilddrüse     

In vitro Propagation of Valeriana wallichii

A tissue culture procedure has been developed for the rapid multiplication of VALERIANA WALLICHII D C. through shoot tip and axillary bud explants. MS medium containing Kn or BAP (5.0 mg/l (-1)) in combination with IAA (1.0 mg/l (-1)) induced an optimal growth of shoots within 6-8 days from both apical and axillary bud explants. The roots developed on the same medium within 2-3 weeks. Hardening of IN VITRO grown plantlets in pots under glass-house conditions was dependent upon the temperature and humidity. A cold-temperate climate favoured early establishment. Following the given procedure, a large number of plants have been established under field conditions at two locations. The method has implications in the early introduction of an elite population as well as its improvement.     

Effects of racist provocation and social support on cardiovascular reactivity in african american women

It has been speculated that exposure to the chronic stress of racism contributes to the high rates of hypertension among African Americans. Social support may buffer the effects of stress on cardiovascular (CV) health by attenuating stress-induced CV responses that have been linked to hypertension. In this study we investigated the effects of racism and social support on CV reactivity in African American women. Participants showed greater increases in CV and emotional responses while responding and listening to racist provocation. Augmented blood pressure (BP) persisted through recovery following racial stress. Participants receiving no support showed the greatest increases in anger during racist provocation. No significant effects were seen for support on CV reactivity. These results provide some of the first evidence that interactive confrontation with racism elicits significant increases in CV reactivity and emotional distress. Furthermore, individuals receiving less support may be at greater risk for the potentially health-damaging effects of racial stress. These findings may have significant implications for the health of African Americans.