[Constraint-induced movement therapy in the rehabilitation of hemineglect after a stroke].

Introduction: Hemineglect produces a lower capacity for recovery after the stroke and so far there are no rehabilitation techniques that have proven to be effective at functional level.

Aims: The main objective of this work was to assess whether the modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT)for hemineglect produces greater benefits than conventional therapy on functional hemineglect. Secondary objectives were to assess whether mCIMT produces greater benefits on upper and lower limb function as well as on the degree of autonomy and disability of patients with in relation to conventional therapy.

Chemoradiation for anal squamous cell carcinoma: case report.

Introduction: Anal squamous cell carcinoma is rare and seems to be associated with chronic inflammatory conditions, infections and immunosuppression. Their incidence has been arising since the last 25 years. Compared to adenocarcinoma of the rectum and squamous cell cancer of the anal canal, squamous cell carcinoma is a distinct entity with a different etiology, pathogenesis, prognosis and requires a different therapeutic approach.

Effect of L-carnitine on oxidative stress and platelet activation after major surgery.

Background: The surgical/anesthesia trauma is associated with an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This enhanced oxidative stress leads to cell damage resulting in various complications such as sepsis, myocardial injury and increased mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of antioxidant treatment with l-carnitine in oxidative stress and platelet activation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Lymphocyte apoptosis, caspase activation and inflammatory response in septic shock.

Background: We examined lymphocyte apoptosis, activity of caspases-1, -3, -8 and -9 and the relationship between those two events and inflammation response in septic shock.

Materials And Methods: Blood samples were obtained within 24 h after diagnosis of septic shock from 16 patients to measure apoptosis, caspases-3, -8, -9 expression, changes in mitochondrial transmembrane potential and expression of Fas/FasL system of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Moreover, serum levels of caspase-1 and blood concentrations of IL-6, IL-12, IL-15 and IL-18 were assessed.

[Acute pulmonary oedema associated with laryngospasm after thyroidectomy: a case report].

In this paper, a case report of acute pulmonary oedema following thyroidectomy in a 51-year-old male patient is reported. The aetiological factor was vigorous inspiratory effort against an obstruction of the upper airway occurring immediately after extubation. The patient was transferred to intensive care unit and treated with CPAP ventilation.