Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the liver: a case report

Primary squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] of the liver is a very rare entity and to the best of our knowledge only 35 cases have been so far reported worldwide. Squamous cell carcinoma is usually diagnosed in skin, head and neck, respiratory tract, esophagus, cervix, and rectum. However, it can rarely occur in the liver as a primary tumor. It has been reported to be associated with liver cysts, chronic inflammation of biliary ducts, and biliary stones. Primary SCC of the liver has an aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. Herein, we reported a middle-aged lady presented with a hepatic mass. Biopsy of the mass revealed SCC and no primary source, other than the liver itself, could be found despite extensive examinations. That is why the tumor was considered to be a primary occurrence of SCC in the liver

Predisposing factors, incidence and mortality of pneumothorax in a neonatal intensive care unit in Isfahan, Iran / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the predisposing factors, frequency and mortality of pneumothorax (PTX) among the newborns hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Isfahan, Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data of 43 cases of PTX among the 738 neonates hospitalized in the NICU were analyzed retrospectively according to gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, type of delivery, age of mother, parity, perinatal asphyxia, resuscitation at birth, side of PTX, mechanical ventilation, surfactant therapy, and underlying lung disorders.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Mean gestational age was 31 weeks and birth weight was 1 596 g in the PTX cases. The gestational age of 12 (28%) neonates was less than 28 weeks. Twenty-eight (65%) neonates were below 1,500 g. In total, PTX occurred in 43 (5.8%) neonates. Sixty-three episodes of PTX (97%) were unilateral and 2 (3%) were bilateral. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (40/43, 93%) and mechanical ventilation (37/43, 86%) were common predisposing factors of PTX. Overall, 28 (65%) neonates with PTX died. Birth weight, gestational age and chest tube duration were significantly different between dead and surviving infants. The mortality rate was significantly higher in neonates who required surfactant therapy than that in those who did not require it.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The incidence and mortality of PTX in this study were higher than some other reports and this might be attributed to lower birth weight and gestational age. RDS and mechanical ventilation were the most common predisposing factors for the development of neonatal PTX, and mortality increased with lower birth weight, lower gestational age and more severe underlying primary lung disease.</p>

Training parents or children? Which is more successful in controlling passive smoking?

Environmental tobacco smoke [ETS] has been shown to have adverse health hazards for children. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of two intervention programs for controlling passive smoking in children based on their serum cotinine level. In this trial, 40 children, aged 8-12 years, who were exposed to ETS were randomly assigned to two groups of equal number. In the first the parents [group P], and in the second group the children [group C] were educated about the harmful effects of passive smoking. Children's blood sample was taken for serum cotinine measurement before and after intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed by SPSSv13/win using paired t-test. Smoking allowed inside home decreased in both groups; however, this decrease in group C was significantly higher than in group P. Serum cotinine concentration decreased in both groups with a more prominent decrease in group C. Education of children can be an effective method for controlling passive smoking. This type of education can be effective for lifestyle change in the entire family