The characteristics of the effect of point and classical massage on the hemodynamics of patients with a history of transient ischemic attacks in the vertebrobasilar system

Clinical and instrumental studies have revealed differences in effects of nerve ending and classic massage on hemodynamics in 41 patients early after transitory ischemic attacks in the vertebrobasilar area. Point massage produced more potent vasotropic effect, contraindications to it are minimal. It can be considered as a pathogenetic therapy aimed at correction of cerebral circulation in patients with vertebrobasilar area applicable early after acute cerebrovascular episodes.     

Current problems in the rational use and conservation of the medical resources of southern Kamchatka

The paper presents statistic data on the Russian females engaged in national economy and its individual industries, results of studies into the reproductive health of working women (their health during pregnancy and nonpregnancy, gynecological morbidity). It also gives data on the relationship of reproductive health with the factors of production.     

Chronic melatonin treatment counteracts glucocorticoid-induced dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the rat

The aromatherapy service at the Cancer Support and Information Centre (CSIC) of this regional Cancer Centre has been continually assessed since its inception in 1993. New methods of assessing complementary therapies, based on the 'therapy-as-practised', have been explored. The present study evaluates the service following changes made after an initial pilot. The professional aromatherapist developed an evaluation tool, and formal questionnaires were limited to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). HADS was completed before and after a course of six aromatherapy sessions. Of 89 patients referred, 58 patients completed the six sessions. Referrals were made by health professionals working in the Cancer Centre and in the CSIC. The majority of patients were female with breast cancer and were receiving radical oncological treatment. Tension, stress and anxiety/fear were the most common reasons for referral, and this was reflected in high initial HADS scores. There were significant improvements in HADS scores in the 58 patients completing the course (mean anxiety, depression, and combined scores dropped from 8.9 to 6.2 6.1 to 4.0 and 15.0 to 10.2, respectively, P < 0.001). Fifty per cent or more of the sample reported a significant improvement in the eight most commonly assessed symptoms. The therapist was initially cautious about using questionnaires, but she gained confidence in using HADS as an assessment tool. The areas covered by her own evaluation tools were broadly comparable to established instruments such as the EORTC QLQ-C30. We conclude that aromatherapy massage has a role in reducing psychological distress, and improving symptom control in cancer patients. Further service evaluation is needed to promote appropriate referral and effective planning of treatment, and to justify cost. Given the multifaceted nature of complementary therapies, the need to develop new research methodologies is acknowledged.     

Wandering spleen in childhood: a report of three cases

Wandering spleen is a rare cause of abdominal pain in children, and an accurate diagnosis is seldom made preoperatively. A splenectomy is the treatment of choice in cases of splenic torsion and infarction, while in patients with chronic symptoms splenopexy may also be attempted. We herein report three patients with wandering spleen, of whom two presented with acute torsion of the splenic pedicle and one demonstrated an asymptomatic mobile abdominal mass. In the first case splenopexy was attempted, but during follow-up the spleen was found to have undergone atrophy. The presentation, diagnostic procedures, and treatment modalities in pediatric wandering spleen are reviewed.     

The late results of the surgical treatment of gigantic carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (2 cases)]

It is described a new born child with many hemangiomas on the liver. It is made a karyogram to exclude. The possibility of chromosome disease. We fixed male karyotype 46 XY--syndrome Morris. We found out that it is a rare combination of testicular feminization with disseminated hemangiomatosis. After the medical treatment with high doses of cortisone the hemangiomas decreased their sizes.     

Liver as a focus of impaired oxygenation and cytokine production in a porcine model of endotoxicosis

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the liver is a focus of insufficient oxygenation and whether liver is a source of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in a porcine model of endotoxicosis. DESIGN: In vivo, prospective, controlled, repeated-measures, experimental study. SETTING: Experimental physiology laboratory in a university. SUBJECTS: Juvenile pigs, weighing 22 to 35 kg. INTERVENTIONS: Catheters for blood sampling were inserted into the carotid artery, portal vein, hepatic vein, and pulmonary artery of anesthetized animals. Ultrasonic flow probes were placed on the portal vein and the hepatic artery. During surgery, normal saline was infused intravenously at 25 mL/kg/hr. Following stabilization, animals were allocated randomly to one of two groups. The endotoxemic group (n = 6) received 50 mg/kg of purified Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide infused into the external jugular vein over 1 hr. The control group (n = 6) received a sham saline infusion infused over 1 hr. Once the endotoxin or sham infusion was initiated, the rate of the intravenous saline infusion was increased to 48 mL/kg/hr for the remainder of the experiment. Measurements were obtained before the endotoxin or sham infusion, immediately after the infusion, and every 30 mins thereafter for 4 hrs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Blood gases, lactate, and bioactive TNF and IL-6 concentrations were measured from the carotid artery, portal vein, hepatic vein, and pulmonary artery. The porcine model is characterized by systemic hypotension, pulmonary hypertension, and maintenance of cardiac output. Despite decreased hepatic oxygen delivery in endotoxemic animals (p < .02), there was no change in hepatic oxygen consumption compared with controls. Throughout the experiment, there was net hepatic consumption of lactate in both groups. There was no significant hepatic production (or consumption) of TNF or IL-6 in either group. CONCLUSIONS: In this porcine model of endotoxicosis, there is a reduction of hepatic oxygen delivery but dysoxia is not present. The liver is not a source of TNF or IL-6 in this model of endotoxicosis.