Current treatment patterns for radiation-induced nausea and vomiting

Over 80% of patients undergoing radiation of the upper hemibody, including the upper abdomen, will develop symptoms of nausea and vomiting (1). However, the impact and extent of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV) is often underestimated, particularly in terms of prolonged fractionated radiotherapy. This treatment modality, which can involve up to 40 fractions over 6-8 weeks, may result in nausea and vomiting symptoms lasting over several weeks, with a prolonged effect on patients' quality of life. Indeed, nausea and vomiting are still rated by patients as some of the most feared symptoms of cytotoxic treatment, and uncontrolled symptoms may lead to delay or refusal of future therapy (2)

The shelf life and effectiveness of granular formulations of Metschnikowia pulcherrima and Pichia guilliermondii yeast isolates that control postharvest decay of citrus fruit

Our overall objectives were to prepare commercially acceptable formulations of the postharvest biological control yeasts, Metschnikowia pulcherrima and Pichia guilliermondii, which have a long storage life and to determine the effectiveness of these formulations to control postharvest green and blue moulds on citrus fruit. Yeasts, grown on a cane molasses-based medium, were combined with talc or kaolin carriers and various adjuvants and the viability of yeast in 12 formulations was determined over a 6 month period. Formulation no. 11, containing talc, sodium alginate, sucrose, and yeast extract, for both yeasts had a significantly higher viable yeast cell content over a 6 month storage period. Among the formulations, three formulations (formulations no. 5, 6, and 11) were selected for additional in vivo testing because they had higher levels of viability amongst yeast cell populations during storage and were easier to resuspend remained in suspension more easily. These formulations were tested on Satsuma mandarin and grapefruit to control green and blue moulds. Formulations no. 5, 6, and 11 for both yeasts effectively controlled green mould, while only formulation no. 11 with either yeast isolate M. pulcherrima (isolate M1/1) or P. guilliermondii (isolate P1/3) effectively controlled both blue and green moulds. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.We thank for their support to Turkish Scientific and Technical Research Council (TUBİTAK) Ege University Science and Technology Research and Application Center (EBILTEM) and acknowledge Pak Gıda A.S. and Syngenta Crop Sciences for their support. We are grateful to Joseph L. Smilanick (USDA ARS, Parlier, California) for his help during preparation of the manuscript and statistical analysis of data. -

Isolated inguinal lymph node metastasis from breast carcinoma - Case report and review of the literature

We report on a case of a premenopausal woman with breast cancer and unusual disease dissemination with isolated inguinal and iliac lymph node metastasis. The primary tumor was T2N0M0. After mastectomy the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy, hormonotherapy and radiotherapy (RT). Painful edema developed at the right leg 69 months after the operation. Diagnostic investigations revealed isolated right inguinal and iliac lymphadenopathy (LAP). Tru-cut aspiration biopsy was reported as negative. Four months later, abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed paraaortic and bilateral iliac and inguinal LAP. Pathological assessment of the right inguinal LAP confirmed a metastasis from breast cancer. After unsuccessful chemotherapy, palliative RT was performed to the inguinal, iliac and paraaortic lymph nodes, resulting in partial response. The patient ultimately died because of disease progression. Clinicians should maintain a high degree of suspicion when coming across with unusual complaints and findings in patients with breast cancer. © 2006 Zerbinis Medical Publications