Anti-inflammatory effects of an injectable copolymer of fatty acids (Ara 3000 beta®) in joint diseases.

Background: In inflammatory joint disease, such as osteoarthritis or arthritis, there is an increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β. These cytokines stimulate the expression and release of matrix metalloproteases (MMP), leading to the degradation of cartilage extracellular matrix and subsequently mobility difficulty and suffering for patients. The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic potential of a fatty acid copolymer in in vitro and in vivo models of cartilage inflammation.

Marathon race medical administration.

Marathon race medical coverage involves coordinating many organisations, personnel and government agencies. An infrastructure of aid stations, finish-line medical tents, ambulance services, communication networks and transport vehicles support the medical professionals covering the event. Knowledge of the volume and type of medical problems that arise during a marathon allow the medical director to assemble the necessary components for a safe event.

Preservation of ventricular function in amateur athletes after completion of a marathon.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated the development of impaired systolic function and new segmental wall motion abnormalities following completion of ultraendurance events. Limited information is available on the effect of an endurance event such as a marathon on the left ventricular indices and hemodynamics.

Methods: We examined 45 patients (26 men, 19 women with the average age of 35+/- 8 years) who successfully trained and completed the 2001 Chicago Marathon (26.

[Extent and structure of data in realization of lifelong epidemiologic surveillance].

The realisation of a "medical record linkage" concept to achieve a lifelong medical surveillance requires the evaluation of the size and structure of the expected data. From this point of view the accessible health documentations of 120 persons of a small town covering the life period from birth to the age of 72 were evaluated retrospectively. The "epidemiological life report" resulting from this procedure enables the compilation of data on the reasons for utilising the health care system according to diagnostic-therapeutic and preventive aspects, and on the total number of medical expertises and paraclinical examinations.

Radiation therapy in early glottic cancer. Analysis of 177 consecutive cases.

Early vocal cord carcinomas (TiS or T1) in a consecutive series of 177 patients treated by primary radiotherapy over a 10-year period 1970-79 at the Department of General Oncology, Radiumhemmet, Karolinska Sjukhuset, were analysed regarding treatment results. In 137 cases the tumours were invasive (T1N0M0) and in 40 cases carcinoma of in situ type (TiS). Patient were treated with cobalt 60 gamma irradiation in fractions of 2 Gy up to a total dose of 64 Gy delivered as split course (CRE=17.

Sarcoidosis complicated by HTLV III-infection: steroid therapy in combination with thymostimulin.

Report on a patient suffering from severe lung sarcoidosis and HTLV III-infection. Under combined treatment with cortisone and thymostimulin the patient recovered surprisingly well. The X-ray showed a frank improvement of the lung alterations, and in addition an extensive normalization of leucocytes and lymphocytes could be noticed.

Sequential methotrexate-5-fluorouracil treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Thirty-six patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were treated with sequential methotrexate-5-fluorouracil followed by leucovorin rescue. The frequency of objective tumor regression obtained was 64% (complete response + partial response) with 19% complete regression. In 20 not previously treated patients, the objective response rate was 70%.

Methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil in head and neck cancer.

Since experimental data strongly suggest a synergistic cytotoxic effect when methotrexate (MTX) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are administered sequentially, we investigated antitumor effects and toxicity with sequential MTX/5-FU followed by leucovorin rescue in 52 patients with carcinoma of the head and neck. MTX (200 mg/m2) was given as an i.v.