The effect of siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) on substrate utilization and performance.

It has been suggested that Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES), also known as Siberian ginseng or ciwuija, increases fat utilization in humans. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological responses to supplementation with ES in endurance cyclists. Using a randomized, double-blind crossover design, 9 highly-trained men (28 +/- 2 years, VáO2max 57.3 +/- 2.0 ml á kg-1 á min-1) cycled for 120 min at '60% VáO2max followed by a simulated 10-km time trial. Diet was controlled, and ES (1,200 mg á day-1) or a placebo (P) were administered for 7 days prior to each of the two trials. Oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, and heart rate were recorded every 30 min, and rating of perceived exertion, plasma [lactate], and plasma [glucose] were recorded every 20 min during the 120 min of steady state cycling. There were no significant differences (p >.05) between the ES and P groups at any steady-state time interval or during the cycling time trial (ES = 18.10 +/- 0.42, P = 17.83 +/- 0.47 min). In contrast with previous reports, the results of this study suggest that ES supplementation does not alter steady-state substrate utilization or 10-km cycling performance time.

Endodermal sinus tumor of the maxillary sinus: a case report.

Endodermal sinus tumor is an uncommon malignant germ cell tumor that occurs in both gonadal and extragonadal tissues. Endodermal sinus tumors of the head and neck, exclusive of the central nervous system, are rare. We report a case of endodermal sinus tumor arising from the maxillary sinus in a 4-year-old boy. Combined treatment with radiation therapy and chemotherapy resulted in complete tumor regression.

Fibrous histiocytoma of the larynx.

We present a case of fibrous histiocytoma of the larynx in a young female who presented eight years ago and is still alive and well with no evidence of any regional invasion or distant metastasis. This rare lesion has been described in 30 cases previously of which 26 were malignant and four benign. Our case is unusual in a sense that histologically it has not been possible to determine its exact biological behaviour and growth potential. However, clinically it behaved as a low-grade malignant tumour.

Unusual anterior course of the sigmoid sinus: report of a case and review of the literature.

The position and dimensions of the jugular bulb and the venous dural sinuses vary considerably. While the anatomical variations of the jugular bulb have been extensively reported in the literature, that of the sigmoid sinus have been reported only rarely. We report a case of unusual anterior course of the vertical segment of the sigmoid sinus which was encountered during an attempted myringoplasty. Anomalies of the jugular bulb in general are also described.

Solitary fibrous tumour of the infratemporal fossa.

Solitary fibrous tumour was first described as a pleural tumour. It has been reported in a number of extrapleural sites including the head and neck. We present the first case of solitary fibrous tumour of the infratemporal fossa described in the English literature. Complete excision was achieved using the orbitozygomatic infratemporal craniotomy approach.

Head growth in cocaine-exposed infants: relationship to neonate hair level.

Intrauterine brain growth retardation is the most common brain abnormality in infants of cocaine-abusing mothers. We report a cross-sectional study of "at-risk" pregnancies with 34 infants born to mothers urine positive for cocaine at delivery compared to 33 infants born to urine-negative mothers from the same clinic. Degree of cocaine exposure was assessed by radioimmunoassay of combined cocaine and benzoylecgonine (BE) levels in neonatal hair samples. Twenty-eight neonates were hair-positive for BE (mean 2507.40 +/- 1248.88 ng/g hair; range 716 to 5440 ng/g) and differed significantly from the control infants (n = 33) in head circumference and head growth percentiles. A negative correlation approaching significance was found between mean BE and head circumference (r = -.36; p < .06) in the group of newborns with hair positive for BE (n = 28). The study demonstrates for the first time head growth abnormalities in association with levels of cocaine exposure.

Prognostic features of children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

The presenting features and long-term outcome of 39 children (median age 6.5 months, range 1 day to 16 years) with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) were reviewed to help determine the appropriate management of these patients. Four outcome groups were identified: those who died, improved, had IDC resolved or received transplants. Presenting clinical features of age, sex, race, congestive heart failure, cardiomegaly, and degree of systolic ventricular dysfunction did not predict final outcome. Left ventricular hypertrophy on the electrocardiogram was seen significantly more often in children who improved than in those who died or in whom IDC resolved (p = 0.002). A rhythm disturbance was also seen more often in those who died than in those who survived (p = 0.025). Of 36 patients treated medically, 12 (33%) died, 15 (42%) improved and 9 (25%) resolved. Eighteen of 26 (69%) patients presenting at age less than or equal to 2 years survived, whereas 6 of 10 patients greater than 2 years survived. There were no differences based on age at presentation, in the time to death or time of follow-up. Three patients received orthotopic heart transplants, 1 of whom died from graft failure. Thus, no clinical feature including age at presentation consistently predicts ultimate outcome in children with IDC.