Spontaneous choroid plexus carcinoma in an albino rat

Neoplasms of the choroid plexus are very rare in the rat, and few cases have been described. We report on a spontaneously occurring choroid plexus carcinoma arising from the fourth ventricle in a 2-year-old female albino rat. The infiltrative growth was observed in the adjacent brain parenchyma, in the wall of the vessels of the circle of Willis, in the perivascular space of VIRCHOW and ROBIN and in the leptomeninges. Immunohistochemical investigations demonstrated positive staining for cytokeratin (Lu-5) indicating that choroid plexus tumors in the rat express epithelial differentiation. The diagnosis was made on the basis of microscopical and immunohistochemical findings.

Water supplementation enhances the effect of high-fiber diet on stool frequency and laxative consumption in adult patients with functional constipation

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a high-fiber diet and fluid supplementation in patients with functional chronic constipation.

METHODOLOGY

One hundred and seventeen patients with chronic functional constipation (aged 18-50 years) were randomly divided into two treatment groups. For two months both groups consumed a standard diet providing approximately 25 g fiber per day. Group 1 (58 patients) was allowed ad libitum fluid intake, while Group 2 was instructed to drink 2 liters of mineral water per day. Compliance was monitored throughout the study and results were assessed in terms of bowel-movement frequency and laxative use.

RESULTS

Fiber intake was similar in the two groups, while total daily fluid intake in Group 2 (mean 2.1 liters) was significantly greater than that of Group 1 (1.1 liters)(p < 0.001). In both groups, there were statistically significant increases in stool frequency and decreases in laxative use during the two-month trial, but both changes were greater in Group 2 (stool frequency: p < 0.001 vs. Group 1; laxative use: p < 0.001 vs Group 1).

CONCLUSIONS

A daily fiber intake of 25 g can increase stool frequency in patients with chronic functional constipation, and this effect can be significantly enhanced by increasing fluid intake to 1.5-2.0 liters/day.

Spontaneous malignant craniopharyngioma in an albino rat

Craniopharyngioma is a rare neoplasm in the rat, and few cases have been described. These lesions are thought to originate from squamous cell remnants of Rathke's pouch, an evagination of primitive stomatodeum. This neoplasm is usually locally invasive, and neither cranial nor extracranial metastases have been described. A spontaneously occurring malignant, metastasizing craniopharyngioma arising from the neurohypophysis was detected in a 2-year-old male albino rat. The infiltrative growth was observed in the wall of the vessels of the circle of Willis, in the perivascular space of Virchow and Robin, in the submeningeal space near the hypothalamus, through the fissura chorioidea, in the medulla oblongata, and along the optic nerve into the periocular region. Metastases were detected in the thalamus and hippocampus. The diagnosis was made on the basis of microscopic, immunocytochemical and ultrastructural findings.

Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in cancer

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in cancer, yet they are also responsible for many, often serious, adverse effects. This review examines the various mechanisms through which NSAIDs work. It looks at the experience built up in using NSAIDs in cancer pain in general, but then particularly examines whether the evidence available supports the claim often made that these drugs have a specific role in relief of pain from bony metastases. Criteria for choosing one NSAID over another, including adverse effect profiles, efficacy and tolerability, are considered, as are methods for improving the safe use of these drugs.

Food intolerance and allergy

Various food products can trigger disagreeable symptoms in certain people which are generally described as food intolerances. Given the complexity of the subject and the fact that a great deal remains to be learned about the mechanisms responsible for these reactions, the paper attempts to clarify the whole question. Food intolerances have been classified in various ways by different authors. The present paper considers only the three major groups: those due to enzyme deficiencies, those due to an allergic mechanism and those caused by histamine-release or histamine-releasing food products.

Spontaneous osteosarcoma of the meninges in an albino rat

A search of the rat tumor literature revealed no papers on naturally occurring primary osteosarcoma of meninges. In humans, this tumor, arising primarily from the meninges, is unusual; only two cases have been reported. We report on a spontaneously occurring osteosarcoma arising from meninges in a 2-year-old female albino rat. The diagnosis was made on the basis of gross, microscopic, and ultrastructural findings. The diagnosis of this neoplasm is supported by the fact that a primitive mesenchymal cell in the meninges is capable of giving rise to a wide variety of neoplasms.

Plasmatic values of some antioxidant vitamins on healthy children

The serum of 60 healthy children aged 1-16 years was analysed for vitamin A, vitamin E, beta-carotene and cholesterol contents. The study group consisted in 33 females and 27 males, living in the area of Rome, Italy. The mean serum values are 37.2 +/- 12.3 micrograms/dl for beta-carotene and 0.83 +/- 0.25 micrograms/dl for vitamin E. According to sex distribution, mean values of studied micronutrients levels are higher in boys than in girls, but not significantly. The cholesterol does not show alterations among the different groups in relation to sex or age. Vitamin A and vitamin E serum levels increased with age. Vitamin E level is strongly correlated with total cholesterol serum value. The beta-carotene increases significantly in the age group from 7 to 12 years and this value holds then steady until the age of 16.

The importance of vitamins in relation to the presence of heavy metals in food

Heavy metals are among the most widespread potential chemical contaminants in the environment and may be transferred to man through diet. Cadmium, mercury and lead are those which are most dangerous to human health. The nutritional status of exposed subjects is of particular interest in the study of the biochemical and morphological changes linked to heavy metal intoxication. Some vitamins play an efficacious protective role through direct or indirect mechanisms which interfere with the intestinal absorption of heavy metals by increasing urinary excretion or creating a synergic effect on the chelating element. It is important to underline the importance of an adequate vitamin intake in the prevention and treatment of cadmium, mercury and lead intoxications.

[Correlations between folic acid, human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervix neoplasms]

The study aimed to verify the probable correlation between the incidence of cervical cancer and the presence of human papilloma virus (HPV) in relation to a state of folic acid hypovitaminosis. In this context, however, it is important not to overlook the important protective role played by vitamins A and C in cancer prevention, as mentioned in the paper. Numerous authors agree that this is a real finding in cervical pathology, as shown in our research, even if folic acid therapy does not alter the course and prognosis of disease. On the contrary, low blood levels of folic acid appear to increase the risk of contracting the disease. Extensive and radical surgery therefore appears to be even more justified in order to increase the probability of recovery on the operating table in view of the irrational and inexorable progress of this pathology, especially if metastases are already present.

The role of dietary, genetic and hormonal factors in the development of breast cancer. Importance of adequate vitamin intake. Clinical and instrumental prevention

It is now recognised that inadequate diet can trigger the onset of various (cardiovascular, metabolic, neoplastic) diseases. In the field of cancer, in particular, researchers have become increasingly convinced over the years not only of the link between diet and tumour incidence, but also that there may be a hormone factor that increases the likelihood of certain conditions (e.g. breast cancer). Research is also paying increasing attention to the possibility of a genetic factor. In any event, there can be no doubt that a good, balanced diet supplemented by an adequate intake of vitamins (especially A, E, D, C, B6) combined with periodic clinical and instrumental examinations will significantly reduce the incidence of this and other conditions.

[Variations of atrial natriuretic peptide in hemodialysis]

In this study the variations of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in hemodialyzed patients were correlated to blood volume and atrial cavities diameter. At the end of the dialytic process we observed a significant reduction of ANF plasma levels and body weight. This data established the crucial role of blood volume in the regulation of ANF secretion-suppression. In addition the fluctuations recorded in the heart atrial diameters reveal their sensitivity to blood volume variations induced by hemodialysis.

Amino acids for dialysis patients

Calorie/protein malnutrition is a common problem among dialysis patients. A study was designed to determine the value of adding a mixture of amino acids to the diet of 36 patients (mean age, 42 years) who had been receiving triweekly hemodialysis for periods ranging from 1 to 13 years. For 1 month the patients received a mixture containing 8 essential and 9 nonessential amino acids. Before treatment, the mean levels of most amino acids were lower in the patients than in a control group of 18 healthy subjects (mean age, 43.5 years). Significant increases in most amino acids were noted in the patients after treatment, including marked increases in tryptophan, valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, threonine, taurine, aspartic acid, serine, histidine, tyrosine, and alanine. The essential:non-essential and tyrosine:phenylalanine ratios increased significantly during treatment. Meanwhile, serum hematocrit levels increased and phosphorus and parathormone levels decreased significantly; no changes were noted in urea, creatinine, or total protein levels. The patients reported an improvement in health and in tone and mood after treatment. The results confirm the value of dietary supplementation for dialysis patients.

Is there really any significant link between a high fat diet and breast cancer?

The possibility of a connection between a diet high in saturated fatty acids and breast cancer is examined and is found to lack conclusive proof as yet. Prevention by means of early clinical and instrumental examinations appears to offer a greater chance of success.

Concomitant ceco-appendicular and urinary tuberculosis. Description of two rare cases: physiopathological and diagnostic remarks

Two cases of specific tubercular processes in the ceco-appendicular zone and the urinary system in men aged 25 and 30 years are described. Both patients reported abdominal pain and persistent fever that did not respond to treatment. Surgery revealed ulcerated appendix, intraperitoneal serous exudate, ascitic liquid, peritoneal ulcerocaseous nodules, and fibrous adhesions. Histological sections revealed a tubercular puchet in the ceco-appendicular zone. Subsequent x-ray test in response to reports of frequent painful urination showed specific lesions in the papillae and renal ureteral ampullae, and urine cultures were positive for Koch's bacillus. Treatment with streptomycin, followed by isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and morinamid for 2 years, was effective.

[The importance of some physiopathological parameters in the development of diabetic nephropathy]

Causes contributing to diabetic nephropathy evolution are many also if the primary is the hyperglycemia. This study treats many parameters (arterial hypertension, albuminuria, etc.) but focuses primarily the importance of intraglomerular pressure, glomerular hypertrophy and anomalies of elements constituting the glomerulus in the pathogenesis of this complex pathology, which diagnostic stage of is fundamental for the institution of a correct and lasting therapeutic approach.

[Anticholinergics and cytoprotectants in gastroduodenal ulcer]

The authors evaluate the present curative indications of anticholinergic and cytoprotector drugs in the treatment of ulcer disease. They conclude that the therapeutic relevance of mucosal protective agents is limited in comparison with the major gastroactive medications especially in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease.

Few aspects of bacterial colonies in the stomach during the treatment with acidoinhibitors

On this paper are stated the reasons why a prolonged gastric-acid inhibition causes bacterial and/or mycotic colonizations in the stomach. Instead, the surgical operations, that now became obsolete, are only casual occasions of intragastric colonizations. This paper ends with some rules to be followed in order to avoid risks connected to a pH increase, and with a short hint to two important vitamins (i.e. Vitamin C and Vitamin E) for the complementary treatment of ulcerous patients.

[Evaluation of protein compliance in patients with chronic renal insufficiency undergoing hemodialysis treatment]

The majority of hemodialyzed patients manifests a proteic malnutrition. This metabolic status is a main factor in the morbidity and mortality of such subjects. It is therefore necessary to dispose of more adequate diagnostic instrumentation to offset this highly invalidating condition. The ongoing and severe evaluation of the nutritional status by means of up-to-date and sophisticated techniques such as antroproteic parameters may contribute to the maintenance of good conditions while refraining the evolution of various and often lethal complications induced by chronic renal failure.

[Omeprazole and misoprostol in acute gastroduodenal pathology. Physiopathological and therapeutic considerations in a surgical study]

In a clinical study on acute gastroduodenal pathology, the authors checked the therapeutical efficacy of Omeprazole and Misoprostol in comparison with H2-Antagonists. The study shows how Omeprazole could reduce to a half the treatment period necessary for H2-Antagonists to determine duodenal ulcer healing. Compared with these drugs, Omeprazole represents a real therapeutical progress. However, Omeprazole did not change the actual indications for surgical treatment in gastroduodenal ulcer. In drug-induced erosive gastritis treatment, Misoprostol proved to be unable to replace H2-Antagonists advantageously.

[Angiocardiographic evaluation of the left ventricular function in adult and pediatric subjects with interatrial defect of the ostium secundum type]

In order to assess left ventricular function in adults and children with ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD), 42 patients were examined by hemodynamic and angiocardiographic techniques. Patients were divided into three groups: Group I, 18 patients (mean age 42 years) with ASD; Group II, 14 patients (mean age 9 years) with ASD; Group III, 10 patients without cardiopathies who represented the control group. The following parameters of ventricular function were assessed: left ventricular end diastolic volume, global and regional left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular telediastolic pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, the ratio between pulmonary flow and systemic flow (QP/QS). Group I patients showed higher values of left ventricular end diastolic pressure and mean pulmonary artery pressure (16 +/- 0.6 mmHg; 33 +/- 1.5 mmHg) in relation to those of Group II (5.1 +/- 0.4 mmHg; 14 +/- 1.4 mmHg) and Group III (8.1 +/- 0.5 mmHg; 18 +/- 1.6 mmHg). In both cases the difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.001). A significant difference (p less than 0.05) was also noted in the incidence of mitral valve prolapse between patients in Group I and II. There was no significant difference (p = NS) however, between overall ejection fraction values in the three groups of patients; a lower regional ejection fraction (postero-basal segment) was recorded in Group I patients with mitral valve prolapse in comparison to patients in the other two groups (p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

As regards to the immunosuppressive treatment in kidney transplant. Possibilities and limits

The Authors deal with the immunosuppressive drugs administered to kidney-transplant receiving. The point out the complexity of the utilized pharmacological schemes, underlining the metabolic and immunologic iatrogenic effects brought about by this therapeutic iter, which should not neglect the clinical conditions of the patient.

Correlation between angiographic success and functional improvement assessed by exercise test following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Sixty-one consecutive patients with stable effort angina and single vessel disease underwent successful (reduction of coronary stenoses by greater than or equal to 20%) percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Anatomical results were analysed on the basis of functional evaluation obtained by exercise test (ET) 1 week before (pre-PTCA) and within 1 month after (post-PTCA) PTCA. Total exercise duration and maximal double product significantly increased after PTCA (4.5 +/- 1 min vs 6.9 +/- 1.5 min, p less than 0.001 and 14.1 +/- 3.6 x 1000 mmHg x bpm vs 18 +/- 4.2 x 1000 mmHg x bpm, p less than 0.001). Pre-PTCA ET was positive in 43 patients (70%) and post-PTCA ET in 15 (24%). In patients with post-PTCA positive ET, mean stenosis diameter reduction was significantly lower than that obtained in patients with negative post-PTCA ET (29.6 +/- 8.9% vs 61.1 +/- 18.8%, p less than 0.001). In conclusion, PTCA improved exercise tolerance in the majority of patients with myocardial ischemia, however the definition of anatomical success used in this study appears to be poorly correlated with functional improvement as assessed by ET.

[Physiopathological and nutritional changes in hemodialysis patients and in those who have undergone renal transplantation]

The paper examines the complex metabolic behaviour of patients undergoing hemodialysis and renal transplantation. It underlines the importance of the metabolic and nutritional status of these patients since inadequate nutritional therapy may result in the failure of hemodialysis and/or surgery. Given the complexity of the metabolic syndrome and its bronchopulmonary, cardiovascular and septic complications, it is necessary to monitor the various chemical and clinical parameters in these patients in order to guarantee an optimal recovery and satisfactory survival rate. Fortunately today, by replacing the use of Azathioprine, Cyclosporin--irrespective of its collateral and/or secondary effects--has replaced the use of corticosteroids whose immunodepressive action made it obligatory to start simultaneous prophylactic antibiotic treatment and/or chemotherapy in order to avoid the development of other chance disease. The paper also reports the findings of a retrospective study (1976-1986) which evaluated various physiopathological and metabolic parameters and compared them to data reported in the literature.