Carcinoid tumour of larynx

Rarity of the carcinoid tumours in the larynx prompted us to report this case which has been successfully treated by partial laryngectomy. Oncogenesis of these tumours, mode of treatment and prognosis have been discussed.     

Evidence of linkage and association on 18p11.2 for psychosis.

The genetic basis of bipolar disorder (BPD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) has been established through numerous clinical and molecular studies. Although often considered separate nosological entities, evidence now suggests that the two syndromes may share some genetic liability. Recent studies have used a composite phenotype (psychosis) that includes BPD, SCZ, psychosis not otherwise specified, and schizoaffective disorder, to identify shared susceptibility loci. Several chromosomal regions are reported to be shared between these syndromes (18p, 6q, 10p, 13q, 22q). As a part of our endeavor to scan these regions, we report a positive linkage and association finding at 18p11.2 for psychosis. Two-point linkage analysis performed on a series of 52 multiplex pedigrees with 23 polymorphic markers yielded a LOD score of 2.02 at D18S37. An independent set of 159 parent offspring trios was used to confirm this suggestive finding. The TDT analysis yielded support for association between the marker D18S453 and the disease allele (chi2 = 4.829, P < 0.028). This region has been implicated by several studies on BPD [Sjoholt et al. (2004); Mol Psychiatry 9(6):621-629; Washizuka et al. (2004); Biol Psychiatry 56(7):483-489; Pickard et al. (2005); Psychiatr Genet 15(1):37-44], SCZ [Kikuchi et al. (2003); J Med Dent Sci 50(3):225-229; Babovic-Vuksanovic et al. (2004); Am J Med Genet 124(3):318-322] and also as a shared region between the two diseases [Ishiguro et al. (2001); J Neural Transm 108(7):849-854; Reyes et al. (2002); Mol Psychiatry 7(4):337-339; Craddock et al. (2005); J Med Genet 42(3):193-204]. Our findings provide an independent validation of the above reports, and suggest the presence of susceptibility loci for psychoses in this region.     

Cancer mortality in relatives of retinoblastoma patients

The risk of other cancers in relatives of retinoblastoma (RTB) patients was determined by a survey of the mortality experience of siblings, parents, parental siblings, and grandparents of all U.S. or Canadian RTB patients referred to The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute between 1944 and 1980. Expected mortality was ascertained by the application of age-, sex-, race-, and calendar year-specific U.S. mortality rates to the observed person-years. Among 607 relatives of 33 unilateral-sporadic RTB probands, no excess in cancer deaths was observed (observed/expected = 18/22). Among 733 relatives of 47 bilateral-familial RTB probands, a slight excess in cancer deaths was observed (41/31). A significant excess in cancer deaths was occurred in relatives under age 55 years (18/9) and in fathers (7/1) of the bilateral RTB probands. To determine whether the cancer excess was related to some unique allele associated with second tumors in RTB survivors, the cancer mortality of 203 relatives of the 14 RTB patients with second tumors was examined, and no excess was observed (11/11). To determine whether the excess might be attributable to an unexpressed RTB gene or precursor, the mortality experience was examined in 6 kindreds in which parents, unaffected by RTB, had more than 1 child with RTB. Among these 72 relatives a significant excess in cancer deaths was observed (8/2). The findings demonstrate a modest overall cancer excess in relatives of hereditary RTB patients and suggest it may be attributable to an unexpressed RTB gene or precursor in a small number of kindreds. Mechanisms for an apparent "precursor" might involve a delayed mutation, genetic mosaicism, or a submicroscopic balanced chromosomal translocation.     

Antibacterial photodynamic activity of photosensitizer-embedded alginate-pectin-carboxymethyl cellulose composite biopolymer films

Lasers in Medical Science - Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) is a promising approach for treatment of wounds infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this approach, delivery of...     

Menopausal symptoms in women treated for breast cancer: the prevalence and severity of symptoms and their perceived effects on quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: To determine, first, the prevalence and severity of various symptoms related to estrogen deficiency in women within a few years of receiving treatment for breast cancer, second, how women perceive the effects of these symptoms on their quality of life and, third, what measures have been taken to relieve vasomotor symptoms. METHODS: Two hundred women (aged 29-65 years) who had received treatment for breast cancer within the last 5 years were included in this cross-sectional survey. Information was collected about their breast cancer treatment, menopausal symptoms (Menopausal Rating Scale), the perceived effects of menopausal symptoms on their and their partner's quality of life and any treatments they were receiving for hot flushes. RESULTS: All but one woman reported at least one symptom related to the menopause (95.9% vasomotor; 83.3% psychological; 89.7% somatic). Current treatment with tamoxifen or previous chemotherapy did not influence the prevalence or the severity of hot flushes. Current antidepressant treatment was, however, significantly associated with a higher prevalence and severity of most menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes and sweats (p = 0.008). The severity of hot flushes and sweats was significantly correlated with self-assessed effects on overall quality of life (r(s) = 0.47); 56.4% of the respondents believed that menopausal symptoms had affected their partner's quality of life, the strongest correlations being with severity of sexual symptoms (r(s) = 0.56) and vaginal dryness (r(s) = 0.5). Only 21% of women experiencing hot flushes were receiving any treatment for hot flushes, with most women describing no knowledge or poor knowledge of treatment options. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of women receiving treatment for breast cancer report menopausal symptoms, which negatively correlate, not only with their own, but also with their partner's quality of life. Most women experiencing hot flushes are not receiving treatment due to lack of both awareness and confidence in the existing treatment options.