Application of infrared spectral analyses for medicinal plants containing calcium (Ca2+)

A study was performed with the methods of Non-equilibrium energy spectrum (NES), Differential non-equilibrium energy spectrum (DNES), mathematical models and water cluster analysis on the changes of hydrogen bonds energy distribution in aqueous solutions due to calcium ions (Ca2+) from the medicinal plants: Origanum vulgare L., Thymus vulgaris L., Mentha longifolia L., Petroselinum crispum Mill., Sideritis scardica Griseb., Salvia officinalis L. All of them are known to contain more than 1000 mg/100 g of calcium ions. The local maximum at (E = -0.1112 eV) (? = 11.15 ?m) (? = 897 cm-1) in all investigated solutions was associated with the presence of calcium ions by Student’s t-test at P<0,05. In the proposed practical approach, the solutions had similar clustering patterns at E = -0.1387 eV, corresponding to water clusters of 16-20 water molecules. These findings from different plant species further expand the evidence about the specific influence of calcium ions on the -0.1112 eV hydrogen bonds energy level in aqueous solutions

Local excision for early rectal cancer - is it proper surgical decision?

Sphincter preservation, disease control, and long-term survival are the main goals in the treatment of rectal cancer. Although transanal local excision is attractive because it is a sphincter spar ing procedure, some contradictory data exist in the literature about its ability to locally control disease and provide over all survival comparable with radical procedures, even for patients with early stage tumor. In patients with early rectal cancer (T1), local excision may be an alternative approach in highly selected patients. For more advanced rectal cancer, radical surgical resection is the treatment of choice.METHODS: We reviewed the literature to identify the current recurrence and survival rates of both techniques as well as the salvage surgery success, only 1 study was prospective, 5 were comparative, and 5 were case reports. We present a case report of a woman with local excision of rectal tumor. Five years later a rectal recurrence has showed up. We describe the case and make some conclusions.Scripta Scientifica Medica 2009; 41(2): 169-171

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Colon Cancer

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was first implemented in early gastric cancer allowing for en-bloc resection of the lesions. With the experience came the expertise to introduce ESD for early colon cancer (ECC). ESD demonstrates several advantages in comparison with the endoscopic mucosa resection. It allows accurate histological assessment of the depth of invasion, minimizes the risk of local recurrence and helps in the determination of additional therapy. Indications for ESD are placed only after adequate endoscopic morphological classification of the lesions excluding higher risk of nodal metastases. This chapter provides an overview of the application of ESD techniques in ESD for ECC and provides assessment on its technical aspects and complications. In order to decrease the rate of complications a standard protocol for the ESD should be adopted. The protocol includes recommendations for patient selection, bowel and patient preparation, appropriate equipment (knives, endoscopes, and power devices). The chapter will review the current ESD techniques and oncological results. ESD could have great impact on the treatment of early colon cancer. Its role is already proven in rectal localizations and despite the challenges it should be adopted for the colon. Safe strategy for ESD is the cornerstone in decreasing complications, which includes suitable resection of specialized ESD devices

Diagnostic modalities for early rectal cancer - review of the literature

Rectal carcinoma represents a significant health problem in the modern world. Its high rate of occurrence and mortality in the late stages of the disease stresses the need for better diagnostic, prognostic and predictive methods. We present a review of the literature concerning the staging modalities, including the characteristics of early rectal carcinoma. Endoscopy, endoluminal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging play a major role in the preoperative staging and the restaging of rectal carcinoma. The new devices and technologies improve the diagnostic process thus providing an option for new management strategies and better results