Comparative analysis of oncological morbidity in the population of an industrial city and workers of a metallurgical plant

Analytical epidemiology techniques were used to study the malignant neoplasms prevalence in the population of Magnitogorsk (400,000), and among the workers engaged in the Magnitogorsk metallurgical plant (64,000 workers). Revealed was that the malignant neoplasms related morbidity rate was 1.6 higher in men and 3.2 higher in women among the plant workers as compared with the city population in general. The cancer risk factors were predominantly occupational ones, e. i. the major industrial carcinogens--benzopyrene in tars and carbon-black; benzol, chromium and nickel in the dust; the carcinogenesis modifying substances--nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, phenols, iron oxides, lead and its non-organic compounds, high temperatures. The data received can be used in further studies and elaboration of primary preventive measures.     

Increased Fas expression reduces the metastatic potential of human osteosarcoma cells.

PURPOSE: The process of metastasis requires the single tumor cell that seeds the metastatic clone to complete a complex series of steps. Identifying factors responsible for these steps is essential in developing and improving targeted therapy for metastasis. Resistance to receptor-mediated cell death, such as the Fas/Fas ligand pathway, is one mechanism commonly exploited by metastatic cell populations. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND RESULTS: LM7, a subline of the SAOS human osteosarcoma cell line with low Fas expression, was selected for its high metastatic potential in an experimental nude mouse model. When transfected with the full-length Fas gene (LM7-Fas), these cells expressed higher levels of Fas than the parental LM7 cells or LM7-neo control-transfected cells. These cells were also more sensitive to Fas-induced cell death than controls. When injected intravenously into nude mice, the LM7-Fas cell line produced a significantly lower incidence of tumor nodules than control cell lines. Lung weight and tumor nodule size were also decreased in those mice injected with LM7-Fas. Levels of Fas were quantified in osteosarcoma lung nodules from 17 patients. Eight samples were Fas negative, whereas the remaining 9 were only weakly positive compared with normal human liver (positive control). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that altering Fas expression can impact the metastatic potential of osteosarcoma cells. We conclude that the increase of Fas on the surface of the LM7 osteosarcoma cells increased their sensitivity to Fas-induced cell death in the microenvironment of the lung, where Fas ligand is constitutively expressed. Thus, loss of Fas expression is one mechanism by which osteosarcoma cells may evade host resistance mechanisms in the lung, increasing metastatic potential. Fas may therefore be a new therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.     

Comparison of complications after Ahmed versus Baerveldt implant in glaucoma patients: one year follow-up

AIM: To compare surgical results of the Ahmed and Baerveldt implant procedures in glaucoma patients at 1y follow-up at Jakarta Eye Center (JEC) Eye Hospitals. METHODS: This cohort retrospective study was conducted on glaucoma patients aged ≥18y who had undergone Ahmed and Baerveldt implant surgery. Intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, glaucoma medication, success rate, early and late postoperative complications, and the number of resurgeries were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 351 eyes in the Ahmed group and 94 eyes in the Baerveldt group were included in this study. At 1y follow-up, the mean IOP was found to be significantly lower in the Baerveldt group (13±4.47 mm Hg) compared to the Ahmed group (15.02±5.73 mm Hg; P=0.025). Glaucoma medication was required in both the Ahmed and Baerveldt groups (58.92% vs 71.67%). Comparable success rate was found in both groups. The Ahmed group revealed a complete and qualified success of 86.82%, and failure of 13.17%. Similarly, the Baerveldt group showed complete and qualified success in 87.75% and failure in 12.25% cases. In the Ahmed group, 11.97% early complications, 26.06% late complications and 9.97% resurgeries were observed. In comparison, in the Baerveldt group, 23.40% early complications, 30.95% late complications and 11.70% resurgeries were observed. CONCLUSION: Both groups of glaucoma implants show significant IOP reduction, however, the Baerveldt implant group demonstrates greater IOP reduction with more failure rates and complications than the Ahmed implant group.     

The validity of self‐reported cancer in an Australian population study

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the validity of self‐reported cancer data by comparing it to the Australian Cancer Database (ACD). Methods: Self‐reported data were obtained from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) study, which were then linked to the ACD up until 31 December 2010. Positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Cohen's kappa coefficient (?) was also calculated to assess the agreement between self‐reported cancer and the ACD. Logistic regression was used to examine the determinants associated with false negative and false positive reporting. Results: The overall sensitivity of self‐report cancer was 71.1%, and sensitivities showed great variation by cancer site. Higher sensitivities were observed for breast (90.7%), bowel (77.8%) and prostate (77.1%) cancers, whereas the lowest sensitivity was observed for melanoma of the skin (36.9%). Similarly, the kappa coefficient analysis showed substantial agreement for self‐reported breast cancer (?= 0.79) and moderate agreement for melanoma (?= 0.45) against the ACD. Years since cancer diagnosis and older age were associated with false negative reporting and older age was associated with false positive reporting. Conclusions and implications: The use of self‐reported cancer to collect cancer outcomes has varying reliability, depending on cancer type and population. The findings presented here may assist medical researchers in making informed decisions when conducting research using self‐reported cancer data in Australia where the acquisition of registry data is not feasible.     

Analysis of ultrastructural synaptic apparatus in parietal neurocortical and midbrain neurons in animals with experimental mild craniocerebral injury prior to and following magneto-laser therapy

Background

Magnetic laser therapy is widely used in general medicine in a complex treatment of many diseases. This is due to its unique and versatile biological properties; it which activates intracellular metabolic processes and expedites the repair of damaged tissues. Magnetic laser therapy is an important area of modern theoretical and clinical physiotherapy; It is used in the treatment of dermatological, general surgical, endocrinological, and dental diseases; pain syndromes; and other conditions.

Objectives

Our objective is to assess the therapeutic efficacy of magnetic laser therapy in experimental mild traumatic brain injury in rabbits.

Material and Methods

We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of magnetic laser therapy in experimental mild traumatic brain injury in 20 rabbits based on an analysis of ultrastructure of synaptic apparatus of neurons in the parietal and midbrain regions. Magnetic transcranial laser influence exercised by our developed method.

Results

The course of magnetic laser therapy led to statistically significant changes in quantitative characteristics of the ultrastructural components in the synaptic apparatus of neurons that express the activation of compensatory processes and restoration of structural and functional integrity of the synaptic apparatus of neurons in experimental mild traumatic brain injury.     

Molecular proximity of seprase and the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor on malignant melanoma cell membranes: dependence on beta1 integrins and the cytoskeleton

Previous studies have shown that several proteolytic enzymes are associated with membrane protrusions at the leading edge of migrating tumor cells. In this study we demonstrate that seprase and the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), co-localize in the plasma membrane of LOX malignant melanoma cells. Cells were labeled with fluorochrome-conjugated monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed against seprase and uPAR. Proximity between these two molecules was detected with resonance energy transfer (RET) imaging, single-cell emission spectrophotometry, and single-cell excitation spectrophotometry. Significant RET signals were detected on LOX cells when adherent to uncoated and extracellular matrix (ECM)-coated surfaces. This indicates that seprase and uPAR are within approximately 7 nm in the plasma membrane of LOX cells. When LOX cells adhered to a 3D extracellular-like matrix, seprase-uPAR complexes were found to be associated with invadopodia. Further microscopy experiments demonstrated gelatinolytic activity, a functional attribute of seprase, in association with seprase-uPAR membrane domains. Formation of seprase-uPAR membrane complexes is dependent upon both the cytoskeleton and integrins. Specifically, the involvement of beta(1)-integrins was demonstrated by the inhibition of RET by an inhibitory anti-beta(1)-integrin mAb. Based on these findings, we speculate that formation of heterogeneous lytic domains in the invading membranes of LOX cells increases the efficiency of directed pericellular proteolysis.     

Language of Transducer Manipulation

There is a need for consistent, repetitive, and reliable terminology to describe the basic manipulations of the ultrasound transducer. Previously, 5 basic transducer motions have been defined and used in education. However, even with this effort, there is still a lack of consistency and clarity in describing transducer manipulation and motion. In this technical innovation, we describe an expanded definition of transducer motions, which include movements to change the transducer's angle of insonation to the target as well as the location on the body to optimize the ultrasound image. This new terminology may allow for consistent teaching and improved communication in the process of image acquisition.     

Improved outcomes using a systematic and evidence-based approach to the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in a single academic institution

No standardized approach exists for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). At a newly instituted bariatric surgery program, four experienced laparoscopic surgeons used the systematic and evidence-based approach consisting of multidisciplinary preoperative evaluation, screening, and education; standardized operative technique; inpatient clinical pathway; and close postoperative follow-up. The outcomes were subsequently analyzed to determine if this approach improved the morbidity and mortality. From January 2003 to June 2006, 835 consecutive LRYGBs were performed. The patient population was 85 per cent women with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 50.4 kg/m2 (range 33-96 kg/m2). The mean age was 44 (range 15-67). Sixty-two per cent of the patients had previous abdominal or pelvic operations. The conversion rate to open surgery was 0.2 per cent. The average length of hospital stay was 2.6 days (range 2-13 days). There were no anastomotic leaks or deaths. The 30-day readmission and re-operation rates were 3.2 per cent and 1.8 per cent, respectively. The incidence of anastomotic stricture, marginal ulcer, bleeding, pulmonary embolism, and internal hernia was 0.8 per cent, 3.5 per cent, 4.2 per cent, 0.1 per cent, and 0.4 per cent, respectively. A systematic and evidence-based approach to the LRYGB by experienced laparoscopic surgeons resulted in a lower incidence of complications when compared with the published results from other comparable institutions.