Laparoscopy in the treatment of intussusception in children

PURPOSE: The technique and outcome of minimally invasive laparoscopic treatment of various forms of intussusception in children after ineffective attempt at conservative treatment are described. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients from 2 months to 11 years of age were analyzed. RESULTS: Suggested scheme of surgical treatment using laparoscopic technique was successful in 64 patients (65.3%), and conversion to open procedure occurred in 34 (34.7%). There was no mortality or intraoperative complications in our series. CONCLUSION: Practically every form of intussusception without bowel necrosis, including the most complex forms, can be reduced now using modern videolaparoscopic equipment and atraumatic instruments.     

Multiple genes of tumor necrosis factor receptor family in cowpox virus

OBJECTIVE: Esophageal adenocarcinoma is increasing in white men. We sought to identify trends in esophageal cancer in different patient groups in our region. METHODS: We reviewed the records of all patients with esophageal cancer seen at two hospitals in Columbia, SC between 1981 and 1995. Patients were divided into three cohorts (1981-1985, 1986-1990, and 1991-1995). Demographic data, histological type, tumor stage, grade, and survival were recorded. RESULTS: Histology was available in 371 of 386 patients (cohort 1, 113 patients; cohort 2, 144; and cohort 3, 114). Adenocarcinoma accounted for 24%, 27%, and 49% of esophageal cancer in white men in cohorts 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = 0.03). Corresponding figures for African-Americans were 10%, 7%, and 3% (p = 0.22). Women comprised 8%, 14%, and 22% of patients with squamous carcinoma in the three cohorts (p = 0.03). Median survival for esophageal cancer was 6.0, 6.8, and 10.4 mo in cohorts 1, 2, and 3 (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: Adenocarcinoma is increasing in whites. Squamous carcinoma remains the predominant type in this region, seen mainly in African-Americans. Esophageal squamous carcinoma is increasing in women. The mean age at diagnosis of squamous carcinoma has decreased in whites. There is a trend toward improved survival in patients with esophageal cancer.     

The ultrasonographic confirmation of the role of external carotid artery in blood supply of ischemic lesion in the big cerebral hemisphere

Using intraoperative monitoring of the blood flow linear speed in a. cerebralis media while total a. carotis interna occlusion in 10 patients the authors have concluded, that the degree of blood flow compensation in a. cerebralis media depends not only on collateral compensation possibilities by the contralateral side and rate of it inclusion, but largely-on a. carotis externa possibility on the lesion side.     

Prevention of health status impairment in children under conditions of the Extreme North

Normally the rat gingival microcirculatory bed is represented by superficial capillaries, postcapillaries, arterioles, and venules of different diameters. The major changes characterizing microcirculation disorders in experimental periodontitis are edema, arteriolar constriction and dilatation, stasis, and thrombosis, which undergo variously directed shifts in different periods of pathological process.     

Absolute diet therapy and antibiotic tolerance in bronchial asthma patients

In 10 patients with bronchial asthma (BA) treated conventionally (control group), 10 BA patients on absolute diet therapy (group 1) and 10 BA patients in absolute diet therapy combined with wheat herb juice (group 2) tolerance to 12 antibiotics of different classes and some immunity factors were determined using a complex of diagnostic methods. The latter implies: case history, humoral and cell immunity defense system tests and special tests (chemical erythrograms and leukocyte migration inhibition test in plane capillary tubes with tested drugs). The data obtained evidence for increased tolerance of the antibiotics in groups 1 and 2 as well as for changes in humoral defense system, especially in immunoglobulin E. The drug tolerance may be a therapeutic criterion of absolute diet therapy in bronchial asthma patients.     

3',5'-cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors in the combined treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

A study was made of clinical effectiveness and mechanism of action of the inhibitor of the specific 3',5'-cAMP phosphodiesterase papaverine in a therapeutic complex of measures designed to treat RA patients involving an immunodepressive preparation free from any cytopenic effect prospidin as a basic mediator. It has been shown that the papaverine antiarthritic action is associated with its positive effects on the unspecific component of the immune-complex inflammation, viz. processes of lipid peroxidation, activity of the antioxidant system of defence as well as on the vascular tone and microcirculation. All this improves tissue metabolism, and in this way enhances efficiency of RA basic therapy.