Antioxidant, carbonic anhydrase inhibition and diuretic activity of Forssk. Decne.

Background: Forssk. Decne is a member of family Apocynaceae and locally known as 'Khipp'. It is found in dry, sandy habitat of Pakistan and in several other regions around the world including Asia, Tropical Africa, Western Gulf and Mediterranean countries.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and anti-pyretic activities of Cenchrus ciliaris L.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Cenchrus ciliaris L. belongs to the family Poaceae and is found all over the world. It is native to the Cholistan desert of Pakistan where it is locally known as 'Dhaman'.

Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of robotic versus laparoscopic total mesorectal excision in management of rectal cancer.

Background: We aimed to evaluate comparative outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) in patients with rectal cancer.

Methods: We systematically searched electronic data sources with application of combination of free text and controlled vocabulary search adapted to thesaurus headings, search operators, and limits. Perioperative clinical and short-term oncological outcomes were evaluated.

Triple Assessment of Breast Lump: Should We Perform Core Biopsy for Every Patient?

Introduction The triple assessment for a lump in the breast is standard practice and the robustness of assessment towards the diagnosis of breast cancer is crucial. The combination of the modalities, physical examination, imaging (mammogram and ultrasound), and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is more accurate than any modality alone. Aim To examine the combined and individual predictive values of physical examination (P), mammography (M), ultrasound (U), FNAC (C), with core biopsy (B) - triple assessment in the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Comparison of 'Excision and Primary Repair' with 'Bascom's Technique' in the Surgical Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus.

Introduction The management of the chronic pilonidal disease is variable and the principles of treatment are aimed to eradicate the sinus tract, promote wound healing, prevent disease recurrence, and improve the quality of life of the patient. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of excision and primary closure, and Bascom's technique in the management of pilonidal sinus disease. Methods  The study was performed at a tertiary hospital from April to October 2011.

Simultaneous stoma reinforcement and perineal reconstruction with biological mesh - A multicentre prospective observational study.

Introduction: The optimal method for perineal reconstruction after extralevator abdominoperineal excision (elAPE) for low rectal cancer remains controversial. This study aimed to assess whether simultaneous perineal reconstruction and parastomal reinforcement with Strattice™ Reconstructive Tissue Matrix after elAPE could prevent hernia formation.

Methods: In this prospective, multicentre, observational, non-comparative study of consecutive patients undergoing elAPE for low rectal cancer underwent simultaneous perineal reconstruction and colostomy site reinforcement with Strattice™ mesh.

The "two-week wait" referral pathway is not associated with improved survival for patients with colorectal cancer.

Aim: To improve survival rates in patients diagnosed with cancer in the UK, a two-week wait (2ww) referral to first appointment target and a 62 day referral to treatment target were introduced in 2004. This study analyses survival rates for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) by mode of referral and referral to treatment time.

Method: A prospectively maintained database of CRC outcomes at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust was analysed.

Circulating plasma microRNAs as a screening method for detection of colorectal adenomas.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules. Reduced or increased levels of specific miRNAs are observed in colon and other cancers, supporting their role in carcinogenesis. Detection of colorectal polyps is the cornerstone of the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in the UK.

Quantum entanglement distillation with metamaterials.

We propose a scheme for the distillation of partially entangled two-photon Bell and three-photon W states using metamaterials. The distillation of partially entangled Bell states is achieved by using two metamaterials with polarization dependence, one of which is rotated by π/2 around the direction of propagation of the photons. On the other hand, the distillation of three-photon W states is achieved by using one polarization dependent metamaterial and two polarization independent metamaterials.

MicroRNAs associated with initiation and progression of colonic polyp: a feasibility study.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the third most common neoplasm worldwide. The sequential progression of colorectal cancer from adenoma to carcinoma highlights that opportunities exist to alter the natural course of disease progression. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression levels of microRNAs linked to development and progression of colorectal neoplasia.

Successful embolization of vulval varices arising from the external pudendal vein†.

Varicose veins in the vulvar and peri-vulvar area are seen in 4% of women and most commonly seen during pregnancy. It is thought to be as a direct result of the presence of ovarian and pelvic varicosities. Diagnostic modalities used in the investigation of this condition included pelvic ultrasound, computed venography, magnetic resonance venography and catheter-directed venography.

Optimizing low loss negative index metamaterial for visible spectrum using differential evolution: comment.

In a recent paper, Zhao et al. [Opt. Express 19(12), 11605 (2011)], proposed the use of differential evolution technique to optimize figure of merit of a negative index metamaterial (NIM) for the visible spectrum.

Does pathologic response of rectal cancer influence postoperative morbidity after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and total mesorectal excision?

Background: A pathologic complete response (pCR) can be observed in up to 25% of patients after preoperative chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer and is associated with an improved long-term prognosis. However, few data are available regarding the effect of pCR on postoperative morbidity. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pCR on postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME).

Internal sphincterotomy versus topical nitroglycerin ointment for chronic anal fissure.

Background: Anal fissure is a common benign condition. An anorectal problem is defined as a split in the anal canal mucosa that extends from the dentate line to the anal verge. Chronic anal fissure is defined by a history of symptoms present for more than 2 months' duration and with a triad of external skin tags, namely, a hypertrophied anal papilla, an ulcer with rolled edges, and a base exposing the internal sphincter.

MicroRNA manipulation in colorectal cancer cells: from laboratory to clinical application.

The development of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) follows a sequential progression from adenoma to the carcinoma. Therefore, opportunities exist to interfere with the natural course of disease development and progression. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer cells indirectly results in higher levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) specific to tumour promoter genes or tumour suppressor genes.

Surgical management of pneumothorax: significance of effective admission or communication strategies between the district general hospitals and specialized unit.

A preoperative delay in emergency surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax is associated with a poor outcome after surgery and a prolonged hospital stay. To reduce preoperative delays, all tertiary referrals from district general hospitals to our thoracic surgery unit were processed through a 'clinical decisions unit' (CDU). Prior to the establishment of the CDU, these patients were added to a waiting list for a surgical bed.

Ten years experience of managing the primary tumours in patients with stage IV colorectal cancers.

Introduction: Approximately 20% of patients with colorectal cancer have metastases at the time of presentation. Such patients are often offered systemic chemotherapy but debate continues as to whether these patients benefit from resection of the primary tumour. We describe our ten years experience of managing the primary tumours in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer.

Synchronous ileal carcinoid and primary colonic neoplasms: a case report.

Primary colonic tumours with synchronous ileal carcinoid tumours are rare in occurrence and are mainly found incidentally on autopsies or pathological examination of resected surgical specimens. This article describes a case of adenomatous colonic polyps, adenocarcinoma of sigmoid colon and concurrent malignant carcinoid tumour of ileocaecal junction, detected on colonoscopic examination. The radiological staging investigations revealed no distant spread of disease.

Latissimus dorsi myoclonus after video assisted thoracoscopic lung volume reduction.

Myoclonus as a sequel to thoracotomy has been reported, and its treatment can be challenging to both the patient and the surgeon. We describe a 43-year-old patient with chest wall pain and latissimus dorsi muscle contractions (myoclonus) after video-assisted thoracoscopic lung volume reduction. His symptoms remained refractory to benzodiazepines, nerve blockage, and botulinum toxin injection due to either poor compliance or lack of response to therapy.

Video-assisted mediastinoscopic drainage of a bronchogenic cyst presenting with cardiac dysfunction.

Bronchogenic cysts originate from the anomalous development of the ventral foregut. The usual presentation of bronchogenic cyst in the mediastinum is related to cyst infection or tracheobronchial compression. We describe a case of bronchogenic cyst presenting with cardiac dysfunction and hemodynamic compromise in a 23-year-old man with chest pain and progressive dyspnea.

A management algorithm for hematospermia.

The presence of blood in the semen--hematospermia--is an anxiety-provoking but usually self-limiting condition. Its exact incidence remains unclear. The risk of underlying malignancy, despite being very low, drives evaluation.

A case of liver metastasis from an oncocytoma with a focal area of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: a wolf in sheep's clothing.

In 2004, the World Health Organization classified the renal oncocytomas as benign neoplasms of the kidney. There are reports of subtypes of renal tumors, with similar histological morphology to oncocytoma, but with malignant potential, one of these tumors is the eosinophilic variant of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. It is important to characterize the histological features and the subtype of tumor, as this predicts biological behavior and cancer-specific survival rate.

Prolonged gastroparesis after corrective surgery for Wilkie's syndrome: a case report.

Introduction: Wilkie's syndrome, a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, is related to anatomical and mechanical factors associated with the reduction of retroperitoneal fat padding. The diagnostic challenges of identifying vascular constriction between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery have been answered by advances in the field of computed tomography. Despite diagnostic confusion with intestinal dysmotility syndrome, conservative therapy with nutritional supplementation is the initial approach and duodenojejunostomy is favoured if non-surgical treatment fails.

Acardiac twins: a case series.

Acardiac twinning is a severe and rare complication of monochorionic placentation. The acardiac twin does not survive while mortality of the normal twin is about 50-70% as the normal twin has to provide circulation not only for itself but also for acardiac twin. Proper timing of the delivery is of prime importance to the survival of the normal fetus for which emphasis is placed on close sonographic monitoring for early antenatal diagnosis.