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The properties of cancer result from microevolutionary selection pressures, which occur during the development and growth of damaged cells. Attributes of cancer cells include abnormal redox state,proliferation, anaerobic metabolism, immortality, aneuploidy, local invasion, and metastatic spread. Cancer cells differ sufficiently from those of their host, in terms of genetic makeup and competitive behaviour, to regard them as differing species, or ‘selfish’ cells. The microevolutionary model provides insights into the diversity of cancer cells; it also helps explain how these cells respond to treatment. In particular, it provides a scientific rationale for the role of antioxidant supplements in preventing cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new account of the action of ascorbate in humans: the dynamic flow model. The model is consistent with previous studies and with the known properties of vitamin C. Based on this model, we propose a mechanism by which human physiology can compensate for losing the ability to synthesize vitamin C. The dynamic flow approach links Linus Pauling's megadose suggestions with other reported effects of massive doses for the treatment of disease. The model also refutes the current low dose hypothesis and resulting recommendations for dietary intakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased criticism concerning the alleged misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis of deep vein thrombophlebitis (DYT) in the lower extremities, and of pulmonary embolism, is being leveled at clinicians when unequivocal documentation by venography, lung scanning, and pulmonary angiography is lacking. The excessive adoption of this attitude by audit and utilization committees could prove dangerous for patients with these conditions, particularly when rigid criteria intimidate the physician and override his clinical judgment and experience. The matter assumes added importance in view of the increasing magnitude of DVT and pulmonary embolism. The following pertinent issues will be discussed: 1. Failure to consider DVT and pulmonary embolism in the appropriate clinical settings, especially when they are still minor and atypical. 2. Deficiencies in the physical examination. 3. Failure to recognize the inherent limitations of existing diagnostic methods. 4. The perpetuation of diagnostic bias and dogma by teachers and the literature. 5. Confusion introduced by coexisting disorders. The combination of these insights, greater confidence in clinical skills, and newer noninvasive diagnostic methods promise to help resolve this heated controversy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) afforded significant relief of the pain associated with acute and recurrent thrombophlebitis in 90% of 39 patients so treated. The method is simple to administer, noninvasive, and apparently free of side effects. It can be self-administered by the patient after appropriate instruction. TENS can be given in conjunction. with analgesics, anticoagulant therapy, and other supportive measures to achieve greater relief and mobility in patients with thrombophlebitis whose occupations and other activities are severely limited by their pain. Further clinical trials involving larger numbers of patients, and clarification of the analgesic mechanisms involved, are warranted because of the magnitude of this problem. TENS therapy can be uniquely beneficial in certain clinical situations. They include the contraindication of conventional treatments for the pain of thrombophlebitis, pelvic vein phlebitis, and the presence of concomitant. painful orthopedic. and, neurologic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]