The underestimated burden of aspiration event and pneumonia within hospitals: what happens after dysphagia.

Study design: Prospective observational study. Background: Despite dysphagia large prevalence and the growing ageing phenomenon occurring in European countries, aspiration events among inpatients are often underestimated, given their frequent spontaneous resolution or silent contribution to aspiration syndromes. Our main objective was to evaluate the incidence of aspiration events among medical inpatients and to identify risk factors influencing the outcome of the event. Methods: Data about aspiration events - day, hour, type and outcome of the event occurred - along with underlying patient clinical conditions at the admission were collected. Between May 2015 and September 2016, data about aspiration event occurred among medical inpatients were collected in three large Italian hospitals. Results: Patients affected by aspiration events were 135 on 102,619 cumulative days of hospitalization; they were mostly females (53%) with an average age of 82. The total incidence of aspiration events was of 1.4 every 1,000 days of hospitalization (C.I. 95%: 1.2-1.7) and the most frequent manifestation was cough (61.6%). The addition of drugs or an infection diagnosis during the 24 hours preceding the event acted as risk factors for those events that needed additional interventions during the hospitalization (OR 3.1 e OR 1.9 respectively), while the elimination of one or more prescribed drugs seemed to lead to aspiration events without impact on the hospitalization. Conclusions: Results showed a large incidence of aspiration events within medical wards, many of them influencing patient outcomes. Healthcare professionals' attention concerning aspiration events should be fostered during the first hours and days of hospitalization.

Multimechanistic Monoclonal Antibodies (MAbs) Targeting Staphylococcus aureus Alpha-Toxin and Clumping Factor A: Activity and Efficacy Comparisons of a MAb Combination and an Engineered Bispecific Antibody Approach.

Secreted alpha-toxin and surface-localized clumping factor A (ClfA) are key virulence determinants in Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections. We previously demonstrated that prophylaxis with a multimechanistic monoclonal antibody (MAb) combination against alpha-toxin (MEDI4893*) and ClfA (11H10) provided greater strain coverage and improved efficacy in an S. aureus lethal bacteremia model. Subsequently, 11H10 was found to exhibit reduced affinity and impaired inhibition of fibrinogen binding to ClfA002 expressed by members of a predominant hospital-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) clone, ST5. Consequently, we identified another anti-ClfA MAb (SAR114) from human tonsillar B cells with >100-fold increased affinity for three prominent ClfA variants, including ClfA002, and potent inhibition of bacterial agglutination by 112 diverse clinical isolates. We next constructed bispecific Abs (BiSAbs) comprised of 11H10 or SAR114 as IgG scaffolds and grafted anti-alpha-toxin (MEDI4893*) single-chain variable fragment to the amino or carboxy terminus of the anti-ClfA heavy chains. Although the BiSAbs exhibited in vitro potencies similar to those of the parental MAbs, only 11H10-BiSAb, but not SAR114-BiSAb, showed protective activity in murine infection models comparable to the respective MAb combination. In vivo activity with SAR114-BiSAb was observed in infection models with S. aureus lacking ClfA. Our data suggest that high-affinity binding to ClfA sequesters the SAR114-BiSAb to the bacterial surface, thereby reducing both alpha-toxin neutralization and protection in vivo These results indicate that a MAb combination targeting ClfA and alpha-toxin is more promising for future development than the corresponding BiSAb.

Complicaciones en cirugía laparoscópica: como lo hago yo, para que usted no lo haga y le vaya bien / Complications in laparoscopic surgery: how I do it, so you won´t and do well

INTRODUCCIÓN: La cirugía laparoscópica urológica no esta exenta de complicaciones. Estas van a depender de la selección del paciente, así como de la experiencia del cirujano. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se presentan cuatro casos en los que ocurrieron complicaciones durante una cirugía laparoscópica renal. Se discute la complicación y se analizan los factores que la precipitaron, el manejo de esta y sugerencias para evitarla. RESULTADOS: Se presentan dos casos de lesión de pedículo renal durante nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica, 1 lesión de vena renal y una lesión de arteria renal. En ambos fue posible la resolución mediante sutura intracorpórea. Se presenta dos casos de lesión de pedículo durante nefrectomía radical laparoscópica. 1 lesión de arteria renal y una lesión de venal renal. En ambos casos fue necesaria la conversión a cirugía abierta para controlar la complicación. Se presenta un caso de lesión esplénica durante una nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica. La laceración fue controlada mediante compresión y electro coagulación. CONCLUSIONES: Las presencia de complicaciones durante la cirugía laparoscópica urológica es inherente al procedimiento. El uso de equipo e instrumental adecuados son fundamentales para minimizar el riesgo, así como también la selección del paciente es un factor importante. El dominio de la sutura intracorpórea es de suma importancia para solucionar la complicación una vez que esta ya está establecida. linfadenectomía aorto-ilíaca. Se realizó un abordaje transperitoneal con el sistema da Vinci S-HD® y técnica de 6 trócares. Nuestra plantilla de disección ganglionar tiene como límites el pubis hacia distal, la arteria mesentérica inferior hacia proximal, el nervio genito-femoral hacia lateral y la vejiga hacia medial. (AU)

Introduction: Laparoscopic urological surgery is not without complications. These will depend on the patient's selection as well as the surgeon's experience. Material and Methods: Four cases in which complications occurred during laparoscopic renal surgery are presented . The complication is discussed and the causes that produced it are analyzed. Results: Two cases of renal pedicle injury are presented during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, 1 renal vein and 1 renal artery injuries. In both cases resolution was possible by intracorporeal suture. Two cases of pedicle injury are presented during laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. 1 renal artery injury and renal venal injury. In both cases, conversion to open surgery was necessary to control the complication. A case of splenic injury is presented during a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The laceration was controlled by compression and electrocoagulation. Conclusions: The presence of complications during laparoscopic urological surgery is inherent in the procedure. The use of appropriate equipment and instruments are essential to minimize risk, as well as patient selection is an important factor. The domain of intracorporeal suture is of paramount importance to solve the complication once it is already established. (AU)

The plasticizer dibutyl phthalate (DBP) potentiates chemical allergen-induced THP-1 activation.

Recent studies suggest that phthalates may have a role in the development of allergic diseases, probably due to an adjuvant effect. The present study aimed to investigate the possible adjuvant effect of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in two in vitro models of contact-allergen induced cell activation, namely the NCTC 2544 IL-18 assay and the THP-1 activation assay. Results show no adjuvant effect in the human keratinocyte cell line NCTC 2544, indicated by lack of increase in interleukin 18 (IL-18) production after exposure to p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) in association with DBP. On the contrary, increased upregulation of CD86 and interleukin 8 (IL-8) production were observed in THP-1 cells exposed to combinations of citral (Cit) or imidazolidinyl urea (IMZ) with DBP, indicative of an adjuvant effect. Additionally, higher production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in THP-1 cells treated with DBP associated to Cit supports that oxidative stress could be part of the molecular mechanism of the observed adjuvant effect. In conclusion, we demonstrate that DBP presents in vitro an adjuvant effect for immune stimulation in dendritic cells but not in keratinocytes. Future studies are necessary to elucidate the precise mechanism underlying the adjuvant effect of DBP in vitro and in vivo.

Tumour Budding and Survival in Stage II Colorectal Cancer: a Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis.

PURPOSE: Tumour budding is defined as the presence of isolated or small clusters of malignant cells at the invasive edge of the tumour. It is considered a negative prognostic factor in colorectal cancer (CRC) and is associated with a poor outcome and adverse pathological features. Here, we report a meta-analysis of the association of tumour budding and survival in stage II CRC patients. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and SCOPUS were searched for studies that assessed the relationship between tumour budding and 5-year overall survival (OS) in stage II CRC patients. Published data were extracted and used to compute odds ratios (ORs) for death at 5 years and hazard ratios (HRs) for survival amongst patients with respect to the extent of tumour budding, using multivariate analysis. Data were pooled using the Mantel-Haenszel random effect model. RESULTS: We analysed 12 studies that included a total of 1652 patients. High-grade budding was associated with worse OS at 5 years (OR for death, 6.25; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 4.04-9.67; P < 0.00001). The absolute difference in 5-year OS was -25 % (95 % CI, -18- - 33 %, P < 0.00001). It was particularly noteworthy that the presence of high-grade budding was associated with an increased risk of death (HR for death, 3.68; 95 % CI, 2.16-6.28, P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Tumour budding is associated with worse survival in stage II CRC, in particular in pT3N0M0 patients. It could therefore potentially be used when deciding whether to administer adjuvant chemotherapy in high-risk node negative CRC patients.

Nefrectomias parciales y tumorectomias: experiencia durante los ultimos 10 años en servicio de urología Hospital Clínico de Valdivia / Partial nephrectomy and Tumorectomy specimens: experience duringthe last 10 years in the Urology department of the Hospital the Valdivia

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: El mayor uso de imágenes diagnósticas, ha implicado un aumento en el diagnóstico de lesionestumorales renales de menor tamaño, llevando al desarrollo de técnicas quirúrgicas conservadoras de parenquimarenal. Series internacionales han demostrado que los resultados oncológicos de este tipo de cirugía son similares a la nefrectomía radical. Nuestro objetivo es mostrar la experiencia y resultados oncológicos de la cirugía conservadora deparenquima renal. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, de las nefrectomías parciales y tumorectomías realizadas entre Enero del año 2002 y Junio del año 2013, en el Hospital Clínico Regional de Valdivia. RESULTADOS: 50 pacientes fueron sometidos a cirugía renal conservadora, con 51 cirugías realizadas. 26 corresponden a sexo masculino y 24 a sexo femenino; promedio de edad de 58,2 años. De las cirugías realizadas veinte correspondieron a nefrectomías parciales, contamaño tumoral promedio de 4,3 cms. (2-7 cms.) y 31 a tumorectomías, con tamaño tumoral promedio de 2,5 cms. (1-6,1cms.). Del total de los tumores resecados, ocho (26%) fueron informados como tumores benignos y 43 (84%) corresponden a adenocarcinomas; 41 (95%) corresponden a la variante células claras y solo dos a variante de células cromofobas. Lasbiopsias rápidas están todas entre 1-2 mm de tejido sano como margen, y todas fueron negativas para tumor. La biopsiadiferida, informo cuatro márgenes positivos para tumor. De estas, tres fueron a re-cirugía cuyas biopsias fueron negativaspara tumor. El tiempo promedio de seguimiento fue de 51,1 meses, con una sobrevida actuarial a los diez años cercana al70% y una sobrevida específica a los diez años cercana al 95%...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The increased use of diagnostic imaging, has involved an increase in the diagnosis ofsmaller tumor lesions, taking the development of conservative surgical techniques of renal parenchyma. Internationalseries have shown that cancer results from this type of surgery are similar to radical nephrectomy. Our goal is to show the experience and oncological results of renal parenchymal sparing surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective studyof tumorectomies and partial nephrectomies performed between January 2002 and June 2013, at the Regional Hospital ofValdivia. RESULTS: 50 patients underwent renal sparing surgery, with 51 surgeries performed. 26 are male and 24 female,average age of 58.2 years old. Of the surgeries performed, twenty were partial nephrectomy, with average tumor size of4.3 cm. (2-7 cms.) and 31 tumorectomies, with average tumor size of 2.5 cm. (1-6.1 cms.). Of all resected tumors, eight (26%)were reported as benign and 43 (84%) were adenocarcinomas, 41 (95%) were clear cell variant and only two chromophobecell variant. Quick biopsies are all 1-2 mm of healthy tissue margin, and all were negative for tumor. The deferred biopsy,reported four positive tumor margins. Of these, three went to re-surgery, whose biopsies were negative for tumor. The average follow-up time was 51.1 months, with an actuarial survival at ten years about 70% and a specific survival at ten years was approximately 95%...

Polymethylmethacrylate membrane and serum free light chain removal: enhancing adsorption properties.

INTRODUCTION: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) membranes can adsorb a wide variety of uremic toxins including serum free light chains (sFLC). However, limited data are available regarding the clinical use of PMMA in multiple myeloma patients and its maximum adsorption capacity in this setting. AIM: This study aimed to measure the capacity of PMMA to adsorb sFLC and identify strategies to improve its efficiency in clinical practice. METHODS: Ten patients with dialysis-dependent renal failure and high levels of sFLC were included in the study. Five patients received standard PMMA hemodialysis (HD; n = 18), while in the other 5 patients a new technique called enhanced adsorption dialysis (EAD) was used, which involves PMMA dialyzer replacement after 2 h (n = 19). In all patients, sFLC were measured at the beginning and at the end of each dialysis session to calculate the difference between start and end of treatment and the percentage removal. RESULTS: PMMA membranes reduced sFLC in both the PMMA HD and EAD groups. PMMA HD showed similar efficiency on κ and λ percentage removal (22.3 and 21.0%, respectively, n.s.) but, in contrast, had a significantly greater effect on the delta of sFLC in κ [1,555 mg/l (-511 to +6,027)] versus λ [390 mg/l (120-650)] treatments (p = 0.007). EAD treatments only partially increased percentage removal of κ sFLC (22.3-31.0%, p = 0.38), while they had a significantly great effect on λ (21.0-53.1%, p = 0.003). A positive linear correlation was found between delta sFLC and pre-HD sFLC concentrations in PMMA HD κ treatments (r = 0.68, p < 0.02) but not for λ treatments (r = 0.54, p = 0.21), while the analysis of patients receiving EAD demonstrated a strong positive correlation for both κ and λ subtypes (r = 0.81 and r = 0.85, respectively, p < 0.008). In EAD sessions, a positive linear correlation was shown between blood flow during treatment and percentage removal of sFLC (r = 0.58, p = 0.02); however, with PMMA HD such a correlation was not observed (r = 0.28, p = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: PMMA membranes can efficiently adsorb sFLC, but the process is limited by membrane saturation and is different between κ and λ sFLC. The new EAD technique can greatly improve λ removal but only partially act on κ sFLC. Therefore, EAD should be considered a valid economic treatment option without side effects in particular subsets of patients for the removal of sFLC.

Cerebrospinal fluid levels of BAFF and APRIL in untreated multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTS: To examine in vivo levels of BAFF (B-cell activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family) and APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) in both the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 30 naïve MS patients and 79 subjects affected by acute or chronic inflammatory or non-inflammatory neurological diseases. DESIGN: Case-control study. RESULTS: No difference among groups was evidenced in serum BAFF or APRIL levels. By contrast, CSF levels of BAFF in MS (mean 144.3 pg/ml+/-141.2), although not significantly different from those observed in NIND (164.2 pg/ml+/-92.0), acute peripheral OIND (243.1 pg/ml+/-139.0) or chronic OIND (240.2 pg/ml+/-122.5), were significantly higher in acute central OIND patients (1274.0 pg/ml+/-803.8; p<0.001 vs. all groups). Similarly, CSF APRIL levels in MS (1541.0 pg/ml+/-1071.0), NIND (2629.0 pg/ml+/-1669.0), acute peripheral OIND (2834.0 pg/ml+/-1118.) or chronic OIND (2764.0 pg/ml+/-659.7) were not significantly different, while they were significantly higher in acute central OIND (6218.0 pg/ml+/-3790.0; p<0.001 vs. MS and NIND; and p<0.05 vs. acute peripheral OIND). CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly suggest that further investigation is warranted to elucidate the role of BAFF and APRIL in MS and that serum levels of BAFF and APRIL do not reflect CSF levels.

[Neuroendocrine small-cell bladder cancer: our experience]. / Carcinoma neuroendocrino a piccole cellule della vescica; nostra esperienza.

INTRODUCTION: Neuroendocrine bladder cancer is extremely rare, with an estimated incidence of 0.35-0.70% of all bladder tumors. The small-cell carcinoma represents the most frequent histologic variant described. Small-cell carcinoma is an epithelial tumor associated with a more aggressive behavior and poorer prognosis than transitional cell bladder carcinoma. The overall survival rate at 5 years does not exceed 8%. At the time of presentation 59% of patients have clinical stage >T2 and 56% show metastatic disease. In 50% of the patients, fatal progression occurs within 6 months. Local recurrence after radical surgery occurred in 50-70% of cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report three cases of pure neuroendocrine small-cell bladder cancer. Hematuria was the most common presenting symptom. Local advanced disease was present in all the cases with stage >T2, metastatic disease in 1 case, lymph node involvement and ureteral bilateral obstruction in 2. Two patients were treated by radical cystectomy, bilateral pelvic limph node resections and urinary derivation. Platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy was proposed but only two patients received the treatment. One patient with liver metastasis was managed only by extensive TUR and support regimen. RESULTS: In 2 patients residual or relapsed cancer reappered within 2 months after surgery. All of the three patients died of metastatic disease at 5, 7, and 13 months. Median overall survival was 7 months. The most common site of relapse and spread of disease was the peritoneum and intestinal tract, and the reason of death was uncontrolled acute hemorrhage from gastro-intestinal district. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of a prospective study, and because of the rarity of the disease, the best treatment for small-cell bladder cancer remains uncertain. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with platinum regimen plus aggressive surgical approach will be the treatment of choice. The association of chemotherapy and radiotherapy should also be considered.

[Eosinophilic cystitis: review and two case reports]. / Cistitis eosinofílica: revisión y reporte de dos casos.

Eosinophilic cystitis is a low frequency disease, with less than 200 reported cases in the world. It is characterized by a bladder wall inflammation, mainly by eosinophils, with fibrosis and muscle necrosis areas. Its origin seems to be immunological, although the triggers are not well known. Several predispose factor have been described such as allergic diseases, bladder injuries, drugs, infections, etc. It affects patient of all ages, mainly adults. It presents with frecuency, haematuria and suprapubic pain. Other less frequent symptoms are disuria, urinary retention, nicturia, and enuresis. The laboratory study (urinalysis, urinalysis and haemogram) and radiology (ultrasound, intravenous pyelography, computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance) are non specific. The lesions observed in the cystoscopy could emulate other diseases, that why the proper diagnostic is the histological analysis. The management could be observation o antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory and corticoid treatment. In refractory cases, surgery is an alternative. In this work, two male adult cases are reported with their symptoms, studies and management.

Cistitis eosinofílica: Revisión y reporte de dos casos / Eosinophilic cystitis: Review and two cases report

La cistitis eosinofílica es una enfermedad de baja frecuencia, con menos de 200 casos reportados en el mundo. Se caracteriza por la inflamación de toda la pared vesical, predominantemente por eosinófilos, con fibrosis y áreas de necrosis muscular. Su origen parece ser inmunológico aunque los desencadenantes no se conocen bien. Se han descrito varios factores predisponentes como enfermedades alérgicas, trauma vesical, fármacos, infecciones, etc. Afecta a pacientes de todas las edades, preferentemente adultos. Se presenta con polaquiuria, hematuria y dolor suprapúbico. Otros de menor frecuencia son disuria, retención urinaria, nicturia y enuresis. El estudio de laboratorio (sedimento de orina, urocultivo, hemograma)y radiológico (ecotomografía, pielografía de eliminación, tomografía computada y resonancia nuclear magnética) son inespecíficos. En la cistoscopía se observan lesiones que pueden simular otras enfermedades, por lo que el diagnóstico definitivo es histológico. El manejo puede ser expectante o con antihistamínicos, antiinflamatorios y corticoides. En los casos refractarios al tratamiento médico la cirugía puede ser una alternativa. Reportamos dos casos de pacientes hombres, adultos, con su cuadro de presentación, estudio y manejo (AU)

Eosinophilic cystitis is a low frequency disease, with less than 200 reported cases in the world. It is characterized by a bladder wall inflammation, mainly by eosinophils, with fibrosis and muscle necrosis areas. Its origin seems to be immunological, although the triggers are not well known. Several predispose factor have been described such as allergic diseases, bladder injuries, drugs, infections, etc. It affects patient of all ages, mainly adults. It presents with frecuency, haematuria and suprapubic pain. Other less frequent symptoms are disuria, urinary retention, nicturia, and enuresis. The laboratory study(urinalysis, urinalysis and haemogram) and radiology (ultrasound, intravenous pyelography, computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance) are non specific. The lesions observed in the cystoscopy could emulate other diseases, that why the proper diagnostic is the histological analysis. The management could be observation o antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory and corticoid treatment. In refractory cases, surgery is an alternative. In this work, two male adult cases are reported with their symptoms, studies and management (AU)

[Intrauterine device migration to the bladder: four case reports]. / Migración de dispositivo intrauterino a vejiga: aportación de cuatro casos.

The intrauterine device has been commonly used in our population for many years as contraceptive method. One of the complications is the device migration out of the uterus. One of the most uncommon fait of this migration is the bladder, with few reports on the literature. In this work, four cases are reported with their clinical presentation, study and treatment.

Migración de dispositivo intrauterino a vejiga: aportación de cuatro casos / Intrauterine device migration to the bladder: four cases report

El dispositivo intrauterino (DIU) ha sido utilizado en nuestro medio durante muchos años como método anticonceptivo. Una de las complicaciones es la migración fuera del útero, siendo la localización vesical inusual, con escasos casos en la literatura. Presentamos cuatro casos de migración del DIU a la vejiga. Se describe cuadro clínico, estudio y tratamiento (AU)

The intrauterine device has been commonly used in our population for many years as contraceptive method. One of the complications is the device migration out of the uterus. One of the most uncommon fait of this migrationis the bladder, with few reports on the literature. In this work, four cases are reported with their clinical presentation, study and treatment (AU)

Isothermal-isobaric ensemble for small systems.

The application of the isothermal-isobaric (N-P-T) ensemble to small systems is considered. In the small system limit, which is currently gaining in scientific and technological significance, a volume scale must be introduced in order to obtain a partition function that is dimensionless. The volume scale, however, must be carefully chosen since it depends upon the nature of the boundary separating the system from the surroundings. If the incorrect volume scale is used, the resulting N-P-T ensemble partition function will not rigorously describe the small system of interest. Although volume scales become inconsequential in the thermodynamic limit, care must be exercised in formulating the ensembles used to study small systems.

Pituitary prolactin-secreting macroadenoma combined with bilateral breast cancer in a 45-year-old male.

We describe an unusual case of bilateral breast cancer synchronous with pituitary macroprolactinoma in a young male. Up to date, only very few of such cases have been described worldwide and to our knowledge this is the first one in which both breast cancer and pituitary macroadenoma have been found together at the time of presentation. A 45-year-old male was diagnosed as having a pituitary macroprolactinoma and bilateral breast cancer on the basis of hypogonadism (testosterone 2.9 pmol/l) with very high levels of prolactin (33,100 U/l), typical neuroradiologic finding of a pituitary macroadenoma, marked bilateral gynecomastia with mammographic pattern highly suspected for cancer and subsequent hystological confirmation. Bilateral mastectomy was performed and medical therapy with bromocriptine 10 mg/day was started. After 2-year follow-up the patient is disease-free. Hormonal, neuroradiological and oncological patterns are all negative or markedly improved. We stress the importance of prolactin for its possible biological effects on breast cancer induction or growth. Moreover in any case of hyperprolactinemia we suggest a mammographic examination and, in the case of breast cancer, at least a baseline hormonal profile.

Can a prosthesis cause psychological disturbances?

This study has the aim of evaluating whether a very simplified, fixed prosthesis and correction (single crown or small bridge) can be the cause of psychological problems in some patients. The tests utilised are, STAI-Y (STAI-S for state anxiety, STAI-T for trait anxiety), BDI for depression, SP-it for stress events, SDS for somatoform disorders, The tests were given to patients at the first examination (t(0)) and at the check-up (t(1)) 1 month after the definitive prosthesis was cemented. The results have shown that somatic preoccupations, in some cases, increased from t(0) to t(1). It is then right that we ask ourselves the following: if the prosthesis were to be very complicated (implants, dentures), what would happen to the patient from a psychological standpoint?

Malignant transformation of biliary cystadenoma: a difficult diagnosis.

The case is described of a 63-year-old female with a multilocular liver cyst diagnosed as cystadenoma after imaging and fine needle aspiration. The lesion, however, proved to be an invasive cystadenocarcinoma at surgery. Cystadenoma cannot be differentiated, preoperatively, from cystadenocarcinoma and should always be considered for surgical resection.

[Carcinoid tumors of the cecal appendix]. / Tumori carcinoidi dell'appendice cecale.

The authors evaluate the incidence of carcinoid tumours out of a total of 2478 appendectomies performed between January 1984 and December 1991 at Treviglio Hospital. Histological tests, routinely performed on all appendixes removed, have revealed an incidence of 0.56% of this disease. Lesions are clinically silent in all cases. In fact, the finding of a carcinoid tumour was coincidental in 12 patients undergoing appendectomy for symptoms of appendicitis, and in two cases in which appendectomy was initially performed during the course of hysterectomy. Eleven cases were histologically of the classical type, including one with a "balloon cell" variant. Lastly, three cases were tubular type adenocarcinoids. In all cases treatment took the form of simple appendectomy. Follow-up studies are still in progress which have enabled the recidivation of neoplasia to be excluded in all patients, even 11 years after treatment.

Effects of hydroperiod and predation on a Mississippi River floodplain invertebrate community.

The objective of this study was to determine if pond permanence and vertebrate predation (by fish and waterfowl) affect invertebrate community structure in the mudflat habitat of floodplain ponds. Invertebrate communities were studied for 1 year in four Mississippi River floodplain ponds with different hydroperiods. Pond 1 experienced five dry periods, pond 2 experienced four, pond 3 dried once, and standing water remained in pond 4 for the entire year. Vertebrate predator exclusion treatments (all access, no access, small-fish access and cage controls) were placed in all ponds. As pond duration increased, predatory invertebrate richness and abundance increased while overall invertebrate richness and abundance decreased. With the exception of the cladoceran Diaphanosoma, all commonly encountered taxa were strongly affected by pond permanence in terms of abundance, biomass and, generally, individual biomass. Taxa were nearly early divided between those that were more abundant in less permanent ponds and those that were more abundant in longer-duration ponds. Invertebrate taxa richness, abundance, and total biomass were lower in the all-access treatment than in the treatments that restricted predator access, and these effects were stronger in the more permanent ponds. In general, there were no significant differences in responses to the treatments with small-fish access and no access. These results support models that predict relatively weak effects of predation in frequently disturbed habitats.