The role of nutrition in preventing prostate cancer: a review of the proposed mechanism of action of various dietary substances

Background: Dietary modifications to prevent prostate cancer (PCa) continue to gain attention as research demonstrates that various dietary nutrients/supplements are related to decreased risk of developing prostate cancer (PCa). Several studies have focused on the antioxidant and nonantioxidant effects of various dietary substances in the prevention of PCa. Research into the mechanisms by which PCa is prevented, or its disease severity is reduced by dietary micronutrients and vitamins continues to enrich our understanding of the mechanisms by which PCa is initiated and progresses. Methods: We reviewed the literature on dietary nutrients with antioxidant properties that have been shown to have a positive effect in reducing the incidence or preventing the occurrence of PCa including carotenoids (e.g., lycopene), retinoids (e.g., vitamin A), vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, and polyphenols. Other nutrients examined included vitamin D and calcium. Results: Many dietary micronutrients have demonstrated significant and complex effects on PCa cell proliferation, differentiation, and signaling related to the initiation, progression, and regression of PCa. Conclusion: Understanding the mechanisms by which various dietary nutrients exert their effects on PCa may make it possible to design effective drugs for treating PCa and to promote better nutrition and lifestyle changes in those at risk for PCa.     

Alexithymia and somatisation: quantitative review of the literature

OBJECTIVE: To present a quantitative review of the empirical literature on somatisation and alexithymia. METHODS: Medline and PsycLIT searches for relevant studies were conducted. Meta-analytical techniques were applied to quantify the strength of the associations that were found. RESULTS: A small to moderate relationship was found between general alexithymia and somatic symptom reporting. The alexithymia dimension measuring difficulty in identifying feelings showed the strongest association with symptom reports. The alexithymia dimension measuring externally oriented thinking was virtually unrelated to somatic symptom reports. Compared to healthy control populations, subjects suffering from a somatoform condition were significantly more alexithymic, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. The studies comparing somatoform to medical or psychiatric conditions yielded inconclusive results. CONCLUSIONS: By means of quantitative procedures, an association between general alexithymia and somatic symptom reporting was established. Due to the use of questionnaires that can only check for symptoms, not whether these symptoms are medically explained or not, it is however not possible to draw conclusions on somatisation properly defined. The inconsistent results found when comparing somatoform conditions to medical and psychiatric controls may be attributed to confounding variables. In future studies, these variables should be statistically controlled to establish a more consistent pattern of associations between somatoform conditions and alexithymia. It is, however, equally feasible that this inconsistency reflects the nonspecific character of the association between alexithymia and somatisation. The presence of only one prospective study does not allow to draw conclusions on alexithymia as a predisposing factor for somatisation.     

Does breastfeeding protect against allergic rhinitis during childhood? A meta‐analysis of prospective studies

The effect of breastfeeding on the development of allergic rhinitis and other atopic conditions has been assessed in many studies but remains controversial. To elucidate this issue, a systematic review was conducted of prospective studies that evaluated the association between exclusive breastfeeding during the first 3 mo after birth and allergic rhinitis. The 1966-2000 MEDLINE databases were searched and the reference lists of relevant articles were reviewed according to predetermined inclusion criteria. The methodological aspects of each study, duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding, outcome measures, control for potential confounding variables and other factors were assessed, and estimates of the association between breastfeeding and allergic rhinitis were abstracted independently by the investigators using a standardized approach. Six prospective studies met the inclusion criteria. The summary odds ratio for the protective effect of breastfeeding was 0.74 (95% confidence interval 0.54-1.01). The effect estimate in studies of children with a family history of atopy was 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.48-1.58).

Conclusion : Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 3 mo after birth protects against allergic rhinitis in children, both with and without a family history of atopy. The protective association, although of borderline statistical significance, was substantial. Larger prospective studies with strict methodology and longer periods of follow-up are needed.     

Advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma: the role of thalidomide

Multiple myeloma (MM) accounts for 1% of all malignancies and 10% of malignant hematological neoplasms. In spite of high-dose therapy with stem cell rescue, relapse and disease resistance are common events in the course of the disease. Thalidomide (Thal) has been successfully used in such situations and it's use has also been expanded to the up-front therapy and as adjuvant to stem cell transplantation. Here, we review the underlying concepts and current clinical data regarding Thal in the treatment of MM.     

The potential risk of carotid injury in cochlear implant surgery

BACKGROUND: The advent of cochlear implantation has revolutionized the options afforded to the deaf population. With the increase in the prevalence of this procedure have come larger experiences in the associated technical challenges and complications. RESULTS: We present the evaluation and management of a patient with an unusual complication of improper placement of the implant electrode into the carotid canal and its management. We discuss the anatomy of the carotid artery and its proximity to the cochlea to emphasize the potential risk to this large vessel. CONCLUSIONS: Damage to the carotid canal and the carotid artery is a potential risk of cochlear implant surgery. When available, we recommend intraoperative electrical testing of the cochlear implant be performed. If there is doubt as to the placement of the electrode, a radiograph should be obtained before the patient is taken out of the operating room to avoid this complication.     

冷压疼痛实验范式：一种实验室疼痛诱导技术

冷压实验（the cold-pressor task／test CPT）是实验室疼痛研究手段。实验中，被试者将手掌或前臂放入冰水中，随着时间的增长，冰水会引起强度逐渐增加的疼痛感，被试者在无法继续忍受的情况下缩回手臂，实验任务就到此结束。文章从冷压实验任务的基本概念、实验仪器设计、伦理及结果测量等方面，对冷压实验进行了介绍，并为冷压疼痛实验的实施提出了一些意见和建议。     

Hospital inpatient self-administration of medicine programmes: a critical literature review

Aim The Department of Health, pharmaceutical and nursing bodies have advocated the benefits of self- administration programmes (SAPs), but their implementation within UK hospitals has been limited. Perceived barriers are: anticipated increased workload, insufficient resources and patient safety concerns. This review aims to discover if benefits of SAPs are supported in the literature in relation to risk and resource implications.Method Electronic databases were searched up to March 2004. Published English language articles that described and evaluated implementation of an SAP were included. Outcomes reported were: compliance measures, errors, knowledge, patient satisfaction, and nursing and pharmacy time.Results Most of the 51 papers reviewed had methodological flaws. SAPs varied widely in content and structure. Twelve studies (10 controlled) measured compliance by tablet counts. Of 7 studies subjected to statistical analysis, four demonstrated a significant difference in compliance between SAP and controls. Eight studies (5 controlled) measured errors as an outcome. Of the two evaluated statistically, only one demonstrated significantly fewer medication errors in the SAP group than in controls. Seventeen papers (11 controlled) studied the effect of SAPs on patients’ medication knowledge. Ten of the 11 statistically analysed studies showed that SAP participants knew significantly more about some aspects of their medication than did controls. Seventeen studies (5 controlled), measured patient satisfaction. Two studies were statistically analysed and these studies suggested that patients were satisfied and preferred SAP. Seven papers studied pharmacy time, three studied nursing time but results were not compared to controls.Conclusions The paucity of well-designed studies, flawed methodology and inadequate reporting in many papers make conclusions hard to draw. Conclusive evidence that SAPs improve compliance was not provided. Although patients participating in SAPs make errors, small numbers of patients are often responsible for a large number of errors. Whilst most studies suggest that SAPs increase patient’s knowledge in part, it is difficult to separate out the effect of the educational component of many SAPs. Most patients who participated in SAPs were satisfied with their care and many would choose to take part in a SAP in the future. No studies measured the total resource requirement of implementing and maintaining a SAP.     

颈静脉球体瘤的诊断与治疗

综述颈静脉球体瘤的诊断分型和治疗方法,颈静脉球体瘤是位于侧颅底少见的良性肿瘤,常侵犯中耳、后组颅神经及硬脑膜,具有恶性生物学行为,其诊断与治疗临床上尚有争议,本文就颈静脉球体瘤的诊断、分型及治疗现状作一综述。     

Psychopharmacological treatment in PTSD: a critical review

Introduction: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder that is heterogeneous in its nature, and often presents with other psychiatric comorbidities. As a result, empirical research on effective pharmacotherapy for PTSD has produced complex findings. This article reviews the existing research literature on pharmacological treatments for PTSD, identifies the most effective treatments, and where possible examines their mechanism of action with respect to the neurobiology of PTSD. Methods: We examined reports of clinical trials of psychotropic agents carried out with PTSD patients and published in peer-reviewed journals, as well as reports from presentations at scientific meetings between 1966 and 2001. Results: Numerous medications are effective in treating PTSD. These include tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Considering reported overall efficacy and side effects profiles, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors emerge as the preferred first line treatment for PTSD. Mood stabilizers, atypical neuroleptics, adrenergic agents, and newer antidepressants also show promise, but require further controlled trials to clarify their place in the pharmacopoeia for PTSD. Discussion: There is clear evidence for effective pharmacotherapy of PTSD. Future improvements in the treatment of this disorder await further clinical trials and neurobiological research.