Determinants of oxidative stress and DNA damage (8-OhdG) in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) is a major concern of health risk in developing countries, such as India. Apart from genetic configuration, environmental and lifestyle factors, as well as poor oral hygiene, provide free radical-generating environment, which may contribute to the development of cancer through DNA damage. Materials and Methods: Here we ascertained the various oxidative stress determinants in diagnosed SCCHN patients with health risk addictions. This study further evaluated the incremental effects inflicted by these lifestyle factors on redox status. The study included 100 consenting SCCHN patients and 90 matched healthy controls. Salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), free radicals: such as reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) along with oxidative DNA adduct (8-OHdG) were monitored. Results: Our findings indicated altered salivary oxidant-antioxidant status in SCCHN. A substantial rise in ROS (~2.0 folds) and RNS (~1.4 folds), together with significant lowering in TAC (~1.2 folds) and GSH (~1.7 folds) was observed. The 8-OHdG levels were also found to be considerably higher (P < 0.001) in salivary cell's DNA of these patients. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate significant redox imbalance in cancer patients suggesting their paramount importance in the development of SCCHN.

Epidemiology of intussusception in Malaysia: a three-year review.

This study aimed to document the baseline incidence and epidemiology of intussusception (IS) in Malaysia. This retrospective surveillance examined hospital discharge data from three hospitals in Malaysia to identify IS cases over a 3-year period (2000-2003) in children <5 years of age. Identification of definite cases of IS was done through a search of computerized hospital discharge records (ICD-9-CM code 560.0) followed by confirmation of diagnosis through medical record review. The definition of IS was based on the clinical guidelines from the IS Brighton Collaboration Working Group, version 2002. During the 3-year study period, there were 62 cases hospitalized due to IS, of which 74.2% were < 1 year of age. The incidences for hospitalization due to IS in children < 1 year old and < 5 years old averaged 17.8 and 4.8 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. No IS-associated deaths were recorded and all IS cases had a favorable outcome. No distinct seasonality with IS occurrence was observed.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography using Chiba needle by blind method.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography using Chiba needle by blind method was done on 25 patients with suspected obstructive jaundice. The overall success rate of the procedure was 96% and with few minor complications only.