High salivary alpha-amylase levels in patients with schizophrenia: A pilot study

Previous studies have demonstrated the autonomic dysregulation in patients with schizophrenia using electrophysiological methods, such as electrodermal measures and heart rate analysis. Several theories have been proposed to explain the underlying mechanisms of schizophrenia and its autonomic function. Recently, the measurement of salivary alpha-amylase has been considered to be a useful tool for evaluating the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system. Psychosocial stress increases the release of salivary alpha-amylase. Although some studies have evaluated salivary alpha-amylase under psychosocial stress, no studies have demonstrated the change in the salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity level in schizophrenic patients. We examined the relationship between sAA level and psychiatric state in patients with schizophrenia (n = 54) using a portable and rapid hand-held monitor to investigate sAA. The sAA activity in the patients was significantly higher than that in the control subjects (n = 55) (p < 0.01). The correlation between amylase level and psychiatric symptoms was highly significant (r = 0.37, p < 0.01). These findings indicate that higher increases in sAA may indicate severe psychiatric symptoms. These results indicate a predominant role of the sympathetic nervous system in the secretion of sAA, together with parasympathetic withdrawal, under psychosocial stress.     

Spontaneous regression of advanced merkel-cell-like small cell carcinoma of the parotid gland

Small cell carcinomas of the salivary gland are rare. We present a case of spontaneous regression of an advanced merkel-cell-like small cell carcinoma of the parotid gland.     

Sclerosing polycystic adenosis of parotid gland: A unique report of two cases occurring in two sisters

Sclerosing polycystic adenosis (SPA) of salivary glands is a tumorous lesion of salivary glands, with clinical presentation of a slow-growing mass characterized by a combination of histological features, some of which are reminiscent of mammary fibrocystic disease. SPA is mostly unifocal, but rarely may be multifocal and/or bilateral. Recurrences have been reported in up to 19% of cases. Although originally considered pseudoneoplastic, the occurrence of “dysplasia” and carcinoma in situ of ductal epithelium, and recent evidence of clonality suggest a possible neoplastic nature. Herein we describe, for the first time, two cases of SPA in two sisters (7 and 33 years old). The younger patient experienced multiple recurrences. This is the first report of familial occurrence of SPA, suggesting a possible genetic background.     

唾液抗幽门螺杆菌IgG检测诊断幽门螺杆菌感染的评价

目的 评价唾液抗幽门螺杆菌（ＨＰ）抗体诊断ＨＰ感染的价值。方法 ９３例病人同时进行唾液抗ＨｐＩｇＡ测定、快速尿素酶试验（ＲＵＴ）、组织涂片ＨＥ染色及病理ＷＳ银染色法诊断ＨＰ感染结果 唾液抗ＨｐＩｇＧ检测阳性率近似于ＲＵＴ法，高于组织涂片ＨＥ染色法和病理ＷＳ银染色法，其诊断ＨＰ感染的敏感性与９６．９７％，特异性８８．２３％，准确性９５．１８％，阳性预测值９７％，阴性预测值８８．２４％，结论唾液抗Ｈｐ     

Sialoblastoma of salivary glands in children: Chemotherapy should be discussed as an alternative to mutilating surgery

Sialoblastoma is a very rare congenital salivary gland tumor. No consensus has been reached concerning the treatment of this tumor due to its rarity. The treatment of reference is surgery, which can be mutilating, in the case of a locally invasive tumor. The treatment of metastatic disease is also controversial. The authors report a new case of a 6-year-old girl with a progressively growing left parotid mass since birth. The first cytological diagnosis was that of pleomorphic adenoma. Due to local progression, superficial parotidectomy was performed at the age of 3.5 years and revealed a diagnosis of sialoblastoma. Six months later, local recurrence and lung metastasis were treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy with a very good partial response on the local recurrence and the lung metastasis, allowing complete parotidectomy with sacrifice of the facial nerve. Bilateral lung biopsies after adjuvant chemotherapy showed total necrosis. No recurrence was observed with a follow-up of 1 year.This case and a review of the literature confirm the very good chemosensitivity of this tumor and argue in favor of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally invasive tumors rather than extensive mutilating surgery.     

Reducing stress in canine patients while hospitalised in a veterinary practice – a review part 2

Part 1 explored the effect stress can have on our patients and some practices which can be implemented to reduce stress whilst at the hospital. Part 2 evaluates how well we can measure and perceive levels of stress and further ideas on how to limit and prevent stress, based on evidence-based research.