Chemotherapy induces the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of taxane-based chemotherapy on intratumoral levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Lung specimens obtained at the time of surgery were used to measure levels of COX-2 and PGE(2) in tumors and adjacent nontumorous tissues in three subsets of NSCLC patients who underwent: (A) surgical resection only (n = 16); (B) surgical resection after preoperative taxane-based chemotherapy (n = 13); or (C) surgical resection after preoperative chemotherapy coadministered with the selective COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib 400 mg bid (n = 17). RESULTS: Levels of intratumoral PGE(2) were nearly 3-fold higher among patients who received preoperative chemotherapy compared with those treated by surgery alone (P < 0.001). This difference was abrogated by the addition of celecoxib to preoperative chemotherapy (P < 0.001). Amounts of intratumoral COX-2 were approximately 3-fold higher in groups of patients who received preoperative chemotherapy with celecoxib (P < 0.0001) or without celecoxib (P < 0.001), compared with the group who underwent surgical resection only. Importantly, statistically significant positive correlations between COX-2 and PGE(2) were observed in the surgery only (r = 0.502, P = 0.047) and preoperative chemotherapy groups (r = 0.740, P = 0.004); this correlation was abrogated when celecoxib was given with chemotherapy (r = 0.005, P = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with chemotherapy led to increased amounts of COX-2 and PGE(2) in NSCLC. Cotreatment with celecoxib abrogated the increase in levels of PGE(2) but not COX-2 induced by chemotherapy. Importantly, these results clearly show that levels of a pharmacologic target (i.e., COX-2) can be affected by both the intrinsic molecular properties of a tumor and therapy.     

Hemangiomas of the external auditory canal:a literature review and two new case reports

Aim  

The aim of this paper is to present two case reports of patients with hemangiomas of the external auditory canal, and to overview all cases published in English language literature so far.     

Ontogenetic influence on rat susceptibility to lindane seizure after pretreatment with phencyclidine

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of early postnatal PCP treatment on the sensitivity of pubertal and adult rats to lindane proepileptogenic effects. Rat pups were treated with NaCl (0.9%) or PCP (10 mg/kg) at postnatal days 2, 6, 9 and 12. One control (NaCl-35) and one experimental (PCP-35) group have received lindane (4 mg/kg) at postnatal day 35, while others received lindane at postnatal day 65 (NaCl-65 and PCP-65). One week prior to lindane treatment three gold-plated EEG electrodes were implanted. Pubertal rats had significantly shorter latency time. After lindane, a prompt increase in power spectral density seen in PCP-treated groups vs. control was evident earlier in PCP-65 rats. The theta waves were significantly increased in PCP-35 and alpha rhythm in PCP-65 rats, when compared with corresponding controls. Postnatal PCP treatment increases the synchronization of brain electrical activity, thus contributing to the increased susceptibility to lindane.     

Analysis of a large single‐center experience with robot‐assisted pyeloplasty

Objectives: To report a single‐center experience with robot‐assisted pyeloplasty. Methods: Medical records of 100 consecutive robot‐assisted pyeloplasty cases carried out between May 2004 and August 2010 were retrospectively reviewed, and major perioperative parameters were recorded. Patients underwent functional (renal scan) and/or anatomical (ultrasound or computerized tomoghraphy) imaging at 6 months. Results: The mean patient age was 39.8 years. A total of 12 patients underwent prior attempts at repair. Ureteral stents were placed in all patients except one, and closed‐suction drains were placed in 59 patients. There were two intraoperative complications and two postoperative complications requiring surgical intervention. One patient with a complex prior surgical history developed a urine leak that was managed with prolonged drainage. A total of 42 patients were discharged on postoperative day 1, and 44 were discharged on postoperative day 2. Mean length of follow up was 22.8 months. The operative success rate was 96%. Conclusions: The majority of patients undergoing robot‐assisted pyeloplasty can expect a short hospitalization with minimal morbidity. The operative success rate is high, even in patients with prior attempts at repair. Complication rates including urine leaks are quite low, and routine placement of a closed‐suction drain is likely to be unnecessary.     

The use of absorbable polyglactin/polydioxanon implant (Ethisorb) in non-surgical closure of oro-antral communication

Oro-antral communications (OAC) greater than 4-5mm in diameter can seldom be counted on to heal spontaneously without the necessity for surgical closure. The initial experience in applying an absorbable polyglactin/polydioxanon implant (Ethisorb^®), in non-surgical closure of OAC ranging from 5 to 7 mm in diameter, is presented. Twelve patients of varying ages with OAC up to72 h in duration, have been treated with Ethisorb^®. Failures were not demonstrated in the form of the creation of an oro-antral fistula (OAF), and in all patients, OAC-s were closed with the epithelization of post-extraction wounds up to 21 days after implantation of Ethisorb^®. Based on these initial encouraging results, we propose that an Ethisorb^® biopolymeric absorbable implant can be used in selected clinical cases for non-surgical closure of OAC.     

Emergency department visits for work-related injuries

Background

Work-related injuries are commonly seen in the emergency department (ED). This study sought to analyze characteristics of ED patient visits that were billed under workers' compensation.