Numerous studies performed in vitro have suggested a role for glutathione (GSH) in determining the sensitivity/resistance of tumour cells to various platinum-based drugs. Few studies have extended these findings into the in vivo setting. We have measured GSH levels in two murine (ADJ/PC6 plasmacytoma and L1210 leukaemia and their acquired platinum-drug-resistant sublines) and five human ovarian carcinoma (PXN/100, PXN/109T/C, SKOV3, HX/62 and OVCAR-3) tumour models of varying sensitivity to cisplatin. Results showed that relatively high GSH levels may be involved, at least partially, in determining platinum drug resistance in vivo in at least some of the tumour models studied (ADJ/PC6 carboplatin and tetraplatin resistant tumours; L1210 cisplatin and tetraplatin resistant tumours and the HX/62 and OVCAR-3 human ovarian carcinoma xenografts). However, in other tumours (e.g., the acquired cisplatin resistant ADJ/PC6 plasmacytoma) non-GSH mediated mechanisms of resistance (such as enhanced DNA repair) probably account for the resistance. Pretreatment of animals with oral buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), which resulted in approximately 70% depletion in tumour GSH levels, failed to potentiate the antitumour efficacy of either cisplatin (using the ADJ/PC6 and L1210 models) or the 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) platinum-drug, tetraplatin (using the ADJ/PC6 model). These BSO plus or minus cisplatin data suggest a limited role for such combinations in the clinic.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Echography in the diagnosis of neonatal adrenal hemorrhage].

Neonatal adrenal gland hemorrhage is not uncommon. Its etiology is still questionable, though hypoxia (antenatal, labor-induced, or neonatal) seems to be usually associated with the event. Symptoms include acute shock associated with severe blood loss. Milder cases exhibit anemia and jaundice associated with a suprarenal mass. Ultrasonography (US) has replaced urography in the diagnosis of this condition, demonstrating site and size of the lesion and allowing an accurate follow-up. The authors report on a series of 11 patients; US was performed on 9 of them. In 10 cases the lesion was unilateral and in one case bilateral. Antenatal US diagnosis was possible in 2 cases and confirmed neonatally. The extant 9 infants developed a palpable abdominal mass or were diagnosed while examined for other conditions. All cases were evident by the 2nd week of life. Eight patients exhibited spontaneous hemorrhage resolution, as shown by repeated US and/or urographic exams. Three patients underwent surgery because the lesion seemed stable. In these 3 instances, CT scans were inconclusive. This paper is aimed at reporting on the radiologic and US features we observed, with a special emphasis on the changes in size, shape and US features in the cases which resolved spontaneously. The first US examination is not conclusive and does not allow an unquestionable differential diagnosis. Only lesion evolution with progressive decrease in its size (changes in US features are less useful) allows unquestionable US diagnosis and prevents unnecessary surgery.

Adrenal Gland Diseases↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The condition of women, the length of stay and mortality in a psychiatric hospital].

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Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Counterfactual prevention].

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Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Family history and risk of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: a population-based case-control study].

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is a worldwide occurrence disease of childhood with genetic, environmental and familial risk factors. Our study aims to evaluate family history as a determinant of IDDM. In a population-based case-control study informations on all incident IDDM cases, age 0-14, diagnosed between January 1st 1990 and December 31st 1996 were taken from the IDDM population-based register of the Abruzzo Region. The control group was taken from the lists of children attending family paediatricians. The family history data collection for IDDM and non insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) were obtained by a questionnaire, administered to parents. Risk of IDDM associated with familiarity in first and second degree relatives was estimated using conditional regression analysis. Our results show that the risk of developing IDDM is increased by positive family history (OR = 3.99; 95% c.i. 1.56-10.23). The risk of IDDM for children whose fathers or brothers are affected by IDDM is respectively 11 and 20 times higher than for children with no family history. Family history for NIDDM does not influence the risk.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Diagnostic imaging of splenic cysts in children].

INTRODUCTION: Nonparasitic splenic cysts are a rare finding: they can be distinguished into true cysts (epidermoid or epithelial) cysts or false (pseudocysts), depending on the presence/absence of an inner epithelial lining. They are usually found during the second and third decade of life, although they can also appear during childhood. They grow bigger in children, becoming clinically apparent due to the symptoms of compression of adjacent structures. The diagnosis is radiological, made with ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT). We report the US and CT patterns of splenic cysts to differentiate true from false cysts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our series consists of 5 patients, aged 5-17 years, all examined with US and CT; one of them was also submitted to plain abdominal radiography. Conventional CT was used in 2 cases and helical CT in the extant 3. RESULTS: All examinations yielded useful clinical informations. The only radiograph showed the rightward displacement of the gastric gas bubble US always identified the cyst and its pertinence to splenic parenchyma, although failing to assess the liquid/solid nature of a highly echogenic cyst in one case. CT confirmed the cystic nature of all masses and showed the lack of contrast enhancement of cyst walls and the presence of septa or parietal calcifications. DISCUSSION: Radiological examinations, particularly US and CT, can diagnose splenic cysts unquestionably, correctly defining the relationships with adjacent organs. CT is more sensitive than US in detecting septa or calcifications, which are definitely useful findings to distinguish true from false cysts, since internal septa are more frequent in true cysts while parietal calcifications are typical of pseudocysts. The final diagnosis, however, is made at histology.

Adolescent↗