Present Series (present + series)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Extinction in the developing rat: An examination of renewal effects

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2007
Carol S.L. Yap
Abstract In the present series of experiments the context-specificity of extinction was examined from a developmental perspective. For postnatal day (PN) 23 rats, renewal of freezing to an aversive odor conditioned stimulus (CS) was observed when rats were conditioned in Context A, extinguished in Context B, and tested in Context A (i.e., ABA renewal). This effect was not observed in PN16 rats, which is consistent with previous studies suggesting that rats <,PN20 are impaired in encoding contextual information [i.e., Carew and Rudy [1991]. Developmental Psychobiology, 24, 191,209]. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that for rats conditioned at PN16 and tested at PN23, contextual regulation of extinction performance depended on the age at which extinction occurred. Specifically, ABA renewal was observed in rats given extinction training at PN22 but not in rats given extinction training at PN17. These latter results show that whether or not context regulates the expression of an ambiguous memory is determined by the animal's age when the memory becomes ambiguous. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 565-575, 2007. [source]


Paediatric lap-belt injury: A 7 year experience

EMERGENCY MEDICINE AUSTRALASIA, Issue 1 2006
Michael Shepherd
Abstract Objective:, To highlight the injuries that result from lap-belt use and make recommendations for prevention, the recent experience of a regional paediatric trauma centre was reviewed. Methods:, Retrospective review of admissions to Starship Children's Hospital from 1996 to 2003, with significant injury following involvement in a motor vehicle crash, while wearing a lap-belt. Patients were identified from two prospectively collected databases and discharge coding data. Results:, In total, 19 patients were identified over the 7 year period. The morbidity sustained includes 15 patients with hollow viscus injury, 13 laparotomies, 7 spinal fractures, 2 paraplegia and 1 fatality. A total of 11 patients required laparotomy with a median delay of 24 h. Of patients in the present series, 58% were aged less than 8 years and thus were inappropriately restrained. Conclusions:, Lap-belt use can result in a range of life-threatening injuries or permanent disability in the paediatric population. The incidence of serious lap-belt injury does not appear to be decreasing. Morbidity and mortality could be reduced by the use of three-point restraints, age appropriate restraints and booster seats. [source]


PRECLINICAL STUDY: Ghrelin administration into tegmental areas stimulates locomotor activity and increases extracellular concentration of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens

ADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2007
Elisabet Jerlhag
ABSTRACT Ghrelin stimulates appetite, increases food intake and causes adiposity by mechanisms that include direct actions on the brain. Previously, we showed that intracerebroventricular administration of ghrelin has stimulatory and dopamine-enhancing properties. These effects of ghrelin are mediated via central nicotine receptors, suggesting that ghrelin can activate the acetylcholine,dopamine reward link. This reward link consists of cholinergic input from the laterodorsal tegmental area (LDTg) to the mesolimbic dopamine system that originates in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and projects to the nucleus accumbens. Given that growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHSR-1A) are expressed in the VTA and LDTg, brain areas involved in reward, the present series of experiments were undertaken to examine the hypothesis that these regions may mediate the stimulatory and dopamine-enhancing effects of ghrelin, by means of locomotor activity and in vivo microdialysis in freely moving mice. We found that local administration of ghrelin into the VTA (1 µg in 1 µl) induced an increase in locomotor activity and in the extracellular concentration of accumbal dopamine. In addition, local administration of ghrelin into the LDTg (1 µg in 1 µl) caused a locomotor stimulation and an increase in the extracellular levels of accumbal dopamine. Taken together, this indicates that ghrelin might, via activation of GHSR-1A in the VTA and LDTg, stimulate the acetylcholine,dopamine reward link, implicating that ghrelin is a part of the neurochemical overlap between the reward systems and those that regulate energy balance. [source]


Extraintestinal manifestations of Edwardsiella tarda infection

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 8 2005
I-K Wang
Summary Edwardsiella tarda, a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae, is a rare human pathogen. Gastroenteritis is the most frequently reported manifestation of E. tarda infection. In contrast, extraintestinal infection with E. tarda has rarely been reported. This study made a retrospective case and microbiological data review of patients with extraintestinal E. tarda infections to further understand this disease. This study retrospectively reviewed the charts of all isolates of E. tarda cultures from clinical specimens other than faeces at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan from October 1998 through December 2001. Edwardsiella tarda was isolated from 22 clinical specimens from 22 hospitalised patients (13 females and nine males). The extraintestinal manifestations of E. tarda infection included biliary tract infection, bacteraemia, skin and soft tissue infection, liver abscess, peritonitis, intra-abdominal abscess, and tubo-ovarian abscess. The major underlying diseases predisposing to E. tarda extraintestinal infection were hepatobiliary diseases, malignancy and diabetes mellitus. The overall mortality rate of E. tarda extraintestinal infection in the present series was 22.7% (5/22), and four (40%) of 10 patients with bacteraemia expired. Although rare, human E. tarda extraintestinal infections can have diverse clinical manifestations and moreover may cause severe and life-threatening infections. Consequently, E. tarda should be considered a potentially important pathogen. [source]


Unified QSAR & network-based computational chemistry approach to antimicrobials.

JOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2010

Abstract In the previous work, we reported a multitarget Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (mt-QSAR) model to predict drug activity against different fungal species. This mt-QSAR allowed us to construct a drug,drug multispecies Complex Network (msCN) to investigate drug,drug similarity (González-Díaz and Prado-Prado, J Comput Chem 2008, 29, 656). However, important methodological points remained unclear, such as follows: (1) the accuracy of the methods when applied to other problems; (2) the effect of the distance type used to construct the msCN; (3) how to perform the inverse procedure to study species,species similarity with multidrug resistance CNs (mdrCN); and (4) the implications and necessary steps to perform a substructural Triadic Census Analysis (TCA) of the msCN. To continue the present series with other important problem, we developed here a mt-QSAR model for more than 700 drugs tested in the literature against different parasites (predicting antiparasitic drugs). The data were processed by Linear Discriminate Analysis (LDA) and the model classifies correctly 93.62% (1160 out of 1239 cases) in training. The model validation was carried out by means of external predicting series; the model classified 573 out of 607, that is, 94.4% of cases. Next, we carried out the first comparative study of the topology of six different drug,drug msCNs based on six different distances such as Euclidean, Chebychev, Manhattan, etc. Furthermore, we compared the selected drug,drug msCN and species,species mdsCN with random networks. We also introduced here the inverse methodology to construct species,species msCN based on a mt-QSAR model. Last, we reported the first substructural analysis of drug,drug msCN using Triadic Census Analysis (TCA) algorithm. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2010 [source]


Endoscopically demonstrable esophageal changes after Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with gastric disease

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 12 2001
Shinichi Yachida
Abstract Background and Aims: An increased prevalence of reflux esophagitis has been reported following Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in patients with duodenal ulcers in Western countries. However, it has remained unknown whether this might also appertain to individuals with other diseases. We therefore carried out this study to determine the effect of eradicating H. pylori infection in a series of Japanese patients. Methods: Of a total of 203 H. pylori -positive patients successfully cured of infection, 82 cases (58 males, 24 females) with gastric disease, but not duodenal ulcers, were included in the present study; median age 56 years (range 18,80) and median follow up of 24 months (range 6,65). The patients were investigated clinically and endoscopically at regular intervals. Results: Mild reflux esophagitis developed after eradication in three of 55 (5.5%) patients formerly without this condition, while it improved after eradication in five of 27 (18.5%) patients, with the disease endoscopically diagnosed prior to eradication. The estimated incidence of esophagitis within 3 years was 4.8% after cure of infection. Short segment Barrett's esophagus developed after eradication in six of 58 (10.3%) patients who did not have it prior to the therapy, while the condition did not improve in 24 patients affected before eradication. Conclusions: Endoscopic esophageal changes after H. pylori eradication in the present series of Japanese patients were relatively infrequent and mild. This therapeutic approach thus appears to be safe and unproblematic. [source]


Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Infection and Its Correlation with Cervical Lesions in Commercial-Sex Workers in Japan

JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2000
Dr. Kazuhisa Ishi
Abstract Objective: To investigate the prevalence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and its correlation with cervical lesions in commercial-sex workers (CSWs) who attended a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic in an entertainment area in Tokyo. Methods: Surveys were conducted on 546 prostitutes and 233 control subjects. In all subjects, HPV detection was performed by the hybrid capture method. A cervical cytological examination was performed on 247 prostitutes and 233 control subjects. Results: The HPV-positive rates in the two periods of study were higher (p < 0.01) in CSWs than in the control subjects. When the cytological grades were examined according to HPV-positive rates, the proportion of cytologic Class IIIa to Class IV was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the HPV-positive CSWs than in the HPV-negative CSWs or in the normal subjects. Conclusion: The high frequencies of HPV infection and cervical dysplasia in the CSWs in the present series might predict a higher risk of cervical cancer in this group of subjects. [source]


On The Peña,Box Model

JOURNAL OF TIME SERIES ANALYSIS, Issue 6 2004
Yu-Pin Hu
Abstract., Peña and Box [Journal of Americal Statistical Association (1987) Vol. 82, PP. 836,843] proposed a factor model which aimed to explore the possibility of using lower-dimensional series to represent or explain an observed higher-dimensional multiple time series. However, there were no statistics with distribution results with which to build the model. In this paper, we derive a statistical procedure to build the model for stationary and first-order non-stationary series. The main idea, conducted by the canonical correlation analysis between present series and non-present series, is an extension of the concept of the scalar component model proposed by Tiao and Tsay [Journal of the Royal Statistical Society B (1989) Vol. 51, pp. 157,213]. Finally, simulation studies and reanalysis of two real data sets are illustrated. [source]


Dissolution and Enzymatic Degradation Studies Before and After Artificial Ageing of Silk- or Linen-Reinforced Gelatin Laminates, 1

MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 5 2003
M. Boyanova
Abstract In an attempt to overcome the poor mechanical properties of native, i.e., untreated gelatin, laminates based on gelatin and gelatin/starch blend reinforced with fabrics (linen or silk) were prepared by melt pressing. The mechanical properties of fresh and artificially aged samples were reported previously. In the present series of two consecutive papers we present data concerning the dissolution and biodegradation of these laminates. A two-step procedure for treatment of the laminates was used. The first step is treatment with an aqueous buffer solution, the second with a buffered solution of the enzyme subtilisin. The time-course of the absorbance at 280 nm of the "washing" solutions was followed. A number of kinetic characteristics was determined and discussed with respect to laminate composition and their treatments. In the present Part 1 about the environmental behavior of these new biodegradable materials, the non-enzymatic solubilization in water and buffer solution (i.e., simple dissolution) of fresh and artificially aged samples is described. The dissolution process was followed spectrophotometrically as well as by the weight losses. It was found that gelatin-based silk- or linen-reinforced laminates were subject to dissolution, similarly to the gelatin and gelatin-based materials studied in previous works. In addition, it was established that the thermal treatment of the laminates during their melt pressing leads to postcondensation reactions and crosslinking of the gelatin macromolecules. Similar reactions occur between the matrix and the reinforcing element silk, thus improving their mutual adhesion. Decreased gelatin dissolution ability was observed after the thermal treatment, in the presence of reinforced fabrics and upon "additional" crosslinking with methylenedi(p -phenyl) diisocyanate. The untreated gelatin is the only one that dissolves completely in water. The artificially aged samples tend to dissolve better than the respective fresh samples due to degradation processes during aging. [source]


Ancillary Tools in Pacemaker and Defibrillator Lead Extraction Using a Novel Lead Removal System

PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2001
ANTONIS S. MANOLIS
MANOLIS, A.S., et al.: Ancillary Tools in Pacemaker and Defibrillator Lead Extraction Using a Novel Lead Removal System. A previous report described our preliminary experience with a highly successful pacing lead removal system (VascoExtor). Extending this experience, we found it necessary to use additional tools to enhance the success of percutaneous lead extraction with this system. In the present series, we used the standard locking stylets (S and K), and recently, one newer type of stylet (Magic) over the last 3 years in 34 patients to extract 48 pacemaker leads in 31 patients and 3 defibrillator (ICD) leads in 3 patients. Lead extraction was carried out in 23 men and 11 women (aged 64 ± 17 years) because of pacemaker infection (n = 21), pacemaker (n = 8) or ICD (n = 3) lead malfunction, or prior to ICD implant (n = 2). Leads were in place for 3.5 ± 3.7 years. Infections, involving pocket and lead(s), were due to S. epidermidis (n = 13), S. aureus (n = 6), S. aureus plus E. coli (n = 1), or fungi (n = 1). Of the 48 pacing leads, 31 were ventricular, 15 atrial, and 2 were VDD leads. The ICD leads were two double-coil leads (CPI) and one single-coil lead (Telectronics). Using the S (n = 12), K (n = 8), or Magic (n = 3) stylets, all pacing leads in 23 patients and the ICD leads in 2 patients were successfully removed from a subclavian approach using the locking stylets. However, in nine (26.5%) patients ancillary tools were required. In four patients, lead fragments were captured with use of a noose catheter, a pigtail catheter, and a bioptome from a right femoral approach. In two patients, locking could not be effected and a noose catheter from the right femoral vein was used, aided by a pigtail and an Amplatz catheter and a bioptome to remove three leads. In a patient with an ICD lead, a combined subclavian (stylet S) and right femoral approach (noose catheter) was required. In a patient with a dysfunctional ventricular lead 12 years old, a motor drive unit was used to facilitate the exchange of locking stylets, but extraction failed. In another patient, a fragment of a dysfunctional ventricular lead remained intravascularly despite resorting to a femoral approach. Finally, lead removal was completely (32/34, 94%) or partially (1/34, 3%) successful in 33 (97%) of 34 patients for 50 (98%) of 51 leads without complications. In conclusion, to enhance the success of pacing or ICD lead extraction with use of the VascoExtor locking stylets, an array of ancillary tools were required in more than one fourth of patients. [source]


Congenital lobar emphysema: Differential diagnosis and therapeutic approach

PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2008
Refik Ulku
Abstract Background: Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a rare anomaly of lung development that usually presents in the neonatal period with respirator distress and pulmonary lobar hyperinflation. It is commonly confused with pneumothorax. The aim of the present paper was to review the authors' experience in order to emphasize the importance of differential diagnosis with pneumothorax. Methods: Children with CLE treatment at Department of Thoracic Surgery, Dicle University School of Medicine, Turkey, between January 1993 and June 2004, were reviewed. Results: Ten children consisting of six boys and four girls (age range, 6 h,12 months) had CLE. Major presenting symptoms were tachypnea(n = 100%) and respiratory distress in (n = 80%). On chest radiograph, emphysema was seen in all patients, and shift-herniation to the opposite lung, atelectasis were observed. Computed tomography was performed in all patients, which indicated emphysema in the affected lobes in all cases. Pulmonary perfusion scan was performed in two patients, showing loss of perfusion in the affected lobe. The most common affected lobe was the left upper lobe (50%). In the present series, three patients were mistakenly diagnosed as pneumothorax and intercostal drains were inserted in the emergency department. Eight patients underwent lobectomy, and postoperative course was uneventful. Two patients were followed conservatively. Emphysema was detected in all pathological specimens. One patient was lost to follow up. Mean follow-up duration of all patients was 26.8 ± 29.24 months (range, 1,89 months). Conclusions: CLE is established on combined clinical, radiological and scintigraphic imaging. Surgical excision of the affected lobe is the appropriate treatment. Particularly, differential diagnosis should be made between CLE and pneumothorax. [source]


Correlation of ultrasound findings and biochemical markers in the second trimester of pregnancy in fetuses with trisomy 21

PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 3 2002
Vivienne L. Souter
Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to assess possible correlations between ultrasound findings and maternal serum biochemical (,triple test') markers among fetuses with trisomy 21 in the second trimester of pregnancy. Methods The study was a retrospective cohort study of 72 pregnancies affected by trisomy 21 who had a second trimester ultrasound and biochemical screen performed at a single center between 1990 and 1999. The biochemical screen consisted of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), total beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and estriol (uE3). Marker levels were expressed in multiples of the median (MoM). The ultrasound findings assessed were major structural anomalies, short humerus length, short femur length, increased nuchal fold thickness (NF), hyperechoic bowel, echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF), ventriculomegaly, choroid plexus cysts and renal pyelectasis. Results Second trimester maternal serum biochemical markers and ultrasound findings appeared to be largely independent of each other. However, some significant correlations were observed. Estriol was significantly lower when a fetal cystic hygroma was detected on ultrasound compared to those with no cystic hygroma (0.40 vs 0.70 MoM, p<0.05). The median hCG level was significantly lower in those pregnancies with a normal second trimester fetal ultrasound compared to those with positive ultrasound findings (2.07 vs 2.87 MoM, p<0.05). Median hCG levels were also significantly higher in those cases with NF,5,mm as compared to those with NF<5,mm (2.99 vs 2.49 MoM, p<0.05). This difference persisted after exclusion of the five cases with cystic hygromas (2.99 vs 2.49 MoM, p<0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between log10 hCG and log10 NF MoM (Spearman's ,=0.252, p<0.05). NF was significantly greater among fetuses with an identifiable cardiac defect compared with those without a detectable cardiac defect (median of 7.0,mm vs 3.8,mm, p<0.01). This difference persisted when expressed as multiples of the median (2.8 vs 1.3 MoM, p<0.01). Conclusion Second trimester ultrasound and biochemical markers are largely independent in fetuses with trisomy 21, however significant correlations between the two were observed in the present series. These may be important in screening protocols that combine second trimester ultrasound and biochemical markers. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Primary Cutaneous Fungal Infections in Solid Organ Transplantation: A Case Series

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 7 2002
Peter S. Miele
Cutaneous fungal infections in solid-organ transplant patients present in a variety of nonspecific ways, requiring a high index of suspicion to diagnose correctly. In the present series of four transplant recipients, subsequent primary cutaneous fungal infections presented as papules, plaques, ulcers and subcutaneous nodules. Transplantations included one cardiac, two renal and one renal,pancreatic transplant. Fungal infections were limited to the skin; there was no evidence of disseminated disease in any case. The pathogens isolated were Scedosporium apiospermum (Pseudallescheria boydii), Alternaria species, Aspergillus fumigatus, and a coelomycete in the Coniothyrium-Microsphaeropsis complex of dark molds. Individuals were successfully treated with surgical debridement, antifungal agents, and reduction of immunosuppressive therapy. All patients and allografts survived. Accurate diagnosis, aggressive surgery and appropriate antifungal therapy, combined with close outpatient follow-up, optimize the likelihood of a cure in a transplant population. [source]


Treatment of internal iliac artery aneurysms: single-centre experience

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 4 2009
Nikolaos Tsilimparis
Abstract Background:, The aim of the present study was to analyse the short-term results of treatment of internal iliac artery aneurysms (IIAA). Methods:, In a prospective single-centre cohort study all patients with IIAA (symptomatic or maximal diameter ,30 mm) were evaluated for endovascular repair, which included coil embolization of the run-off vessels and coverage of the orifice of the IIAA with a stent graft. Open repair was performed with aneurysm excision or aneurysmorrhaphy. Outcome criteria were technical and clinical success and complications of treatment. Results:, In a period of 40 months 11 patients underwent operation for 12 IIAA. Nine aneurysms were repaired endovascularly and three with open repair. Coil embolization was routinely performed in all cases. At a median follow up of 18 months, technical and clinical success was 100%. Major complications included two early limb thromboses, a contrast-agent-induced nephropathy, and an intraoperative ureteric injury. Conclusion:, Despite the limited number of patients, the present series, with good short-term results, further supports the trend towards endovascular repair of suitable IIAA. [source]


Use of a single silastic chest drain following thoracotomy: initial evaluation

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 8 2005
Nand K. Kejriwal
Background: It is standard practice to use multiple large bore semi-rigid chest tubes to drain the pleural cavity following thoracic procedures. These can cause pain and discomfort at the insertion site. Methods: We describe our experience with the use of a single small silastic drain following thoracotomy. From November 2001 to November 2003, size19-F silastic chest tubes (Blake drains) were used for drainage of the pleural cavity in 37 patients at our institution. The patients ranged in age from 18 to 81 years (mean 65). The operations included 22 lobectomies, two bilobectomies, 10 wedge resections, and three other procedures. Results: Total drainage in each patient ranged from 420 to 5440 mL (mean 1387 mL). Tubes were left in place for an average of 4.3 days (range 1,12). The average postoperative length of stay was 7.6 days (range 3,44, median 5). Three patients required insertion of an additional tube for dislodgement, persistent air leak, and bronchopleural fistula, respectively. These complications occurred among the first 15 patients in the present series. None of the patients had persistent pleural effusion. Subjectively, these tubes were more comfortable for the patients and were easier to remove. Summary: The use of a single, small silastic chest drains following thoracotomy may be safe and effective in draining both fluid and air, though an additional tube may be necessary for persistent leaks. [source]


Local recurrence following surgical treatment for carcinoma of the lower rectum

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 9 2004
Adrian L. Polglase
Background: The present paper examines the local recurrence rate following surgical treatment for carcinoma of the lower rectum with principally blunt dissection directed at tumour-specific mesorectal excision (including total mesorectal excision when appropriate). Methods: During the period April 1987,December 1999, 123 consecutive resections for carcinoma of the middle and distal thirds of the rectum were performed. The patients had low anterior resection, ultra low anterior resection or abdomino-perineal resection. Ninety-six eligible patients underwent curative resection. The mean follow-up period was 66.8 months ±44.3 (range 3,176 months). Data were available on all patients having been prospectively registered and retrospectively collated and computer coded. Results: The overall rate of local recurrence was 5.2% (four recurrences following ultra low anterior resection and one following abdomino-perineal resection. No local recurrence occurred after low anterior resections.). Local recurrences occurred between 16 and 52 months from the time of resection, and the cumulative risk of developing local recurrence at 5 years for all patients was 7.6%. The overall 5-year cancer specific survival of the 96 patients was 80.8%, and the overall probability of being disease free at 5 years, including both local and distal recurrence, was 71.8%. Conclusion: The results of the present series confirm the safety of careful blunt techniques combined with sharp dissection for rectal mobilization along fascial planes resulting in extraction of an oncologic package with tumour-specific mesorectal excision (or total mesorectal excision when appropriate). [source]


Refinements in the lotus petal flap repair of the vulvo-perineum

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 8 2004
Satish K. Warrier
Background: Many reconstructive techniques have been used to repair the vulval, vaginal and perianal areas after excision. These range from grafts to various types of flap repair. The authors have modified a procedure called the lotus petal flap repair to provide a simpler, equally reliable, yet aesthetically enhanced technique for vulvo-perineal reconstruction. Methods: Where primary closure was not possible the modified lotus petal flap was employed. The present flap design was based on the dense perforators supplying the perineum. The flap resembles the petals of a lotus flower as in the design of Yii and Niranjan. However, the present modification uses a thinned cutaneous flap without identification of the blood supply. The flap is sited over an area of dense perforators. Transpostion with this thinner design allows for easy coverage of the defects. Results: In the present series of eight patients and 12 flaps no cases of partial or complete flap failure were recorded. The only complications encountered in the series were one case of cellulitis after discharge from hospital, and a single case of urethral incontinence. Conclusions: The modified lotus flap repair is a reliable, simple, and aesthetically appealing alternative to those already available to the plastic surgeon for vulval repair. [source]


Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Indolylthiadiazinoazetidinones and Indolylthiadiazinothiazolidinones as Antimicrobial Agents

ARCHIV DER PHARMAZIE, Issue 2 2010
Vikas Kumar
Abstract Some new 5-methoxy/ethoxy-2,3-[2,-(3,,-chloro-2,,-oxo-4,,-substituted-aryl-1,,-azetidinyl)-1,,3,,4,-thiadiazino]indoles 13,20 and 5-methoxy/ethoxy-2,3-[2,-(2,,-substituted-aryl-4,,-oxo-1,,,3,,-thiazolidin-3,,-yl)-1,,3,,4,-thiadiazino]indoles 21,28 have been synthesized from 5-methoxy/ethoxy-2,3-[2,-(substituted-benzylidinylimino)-1,,3,,4,-thiadiazino]indoles 5,12. These newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental and spectral analysis. Further, compounds 5,28 of the present series have been screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Both minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and inhibition zones were determined in order to monitor the efficacy of the synthesized compounds. Compounds 14 and 16 were found to be the most potent members of the present series, they showed maximal antibacterial and antifungal properties much better than the standard drugs. [source]


Ocular conservation in patients with uveal melanoma by a multimodality approach to treatment

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2007
C GARCIA-ALVAREZ
Purpose: To analyse eye survival in patients with uveal melanoma with a multimodality approach to treatment Methods: 273 patients with uveal melanoma diagnosed at Ocular Oncology Unit of the University Hospital of Valladolid from 1997 September to 2007 April. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to identify between variables and primary enucleation. Logistic regression was used to identify independent variables predicting primary enucleation. Cox's univariate proportional hazards model was used to identify associations between variables and time to secondary enucleation.Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to draw survival curves for time to secondary enucleation Results: 273 patients were included in the study. Primary enucleation was performed in 80 patients. Secondary enucleation in 12. Gender (p=0,032), basal tumour diameter >15mm (p<0,001), tumour weight >10mm (p<0,001), anterior tumour margin (p<0,001) and extraocular spread (p<0,001) were associated with primary enucleation. Predictive factors for primary enucleation were largest basal tumor diameter (odds ratio [OR], 3,8; 95% confidence interval [IC], 1,5-9,1) and tumour weight (OR, 2,7; IC, 1-7,5). Ocular conservation probability 5 years after conservative treatment was 88%. Largest basal tumor diameter, anterior tumour margin and extraocular spread had influence in ocular survival after conservative treatment. Only largest basal tumor diameter was a predictive factor of secondary enucleation Conclusions: In the present series 69,9% of patiens had a conservative treatment and 88% of them conserved treated eye 5 years [source]


Posterior pelvic exenteration for primary rectal cancer

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 4 2006
G. C. Bannura
Abstract Background, Indications for and the prognosis of posterior pelvic exenteration (PPE) in rectal cancer patients are not clearly defined. The aim of this study was to analyse the indications, complications and long-term results of PPE in patients with primary rectal cancer. Methods, A retrospective review included patient demographics, tumour and treatment variables, and morbidity, recurrence, and survival statistics. These results were compared with a group of female patients who underwent standard resection for primary rectal cancer in the same period (non PPE group). Results, The series included 30 women with an average age of 56.7 years (range 22,78). Tumour location was recorded in three cases in the upper rectum, 13 cases in the medium rectum and 14 cases in the lower rectum. A sphincter-preserving procedure was performed in 70% of the patients. Mean operative time was 4.2 h (range 2,7.5 h). Overall major morbidity rate in this series was 50% and mean hospital stay was 19.7 days (range 9,60 days). There was no hospital mortality. Pathological reports showed direct invasion of uterus, vagina or rectovaginal septum in 19 cases, involvement of perirectal tissue in 25 cases and positive lymph nodes in 18 cases. Comparison between PPE and non PPE groups showed no differences in mean tumour diameter, histological grade and tumour stage, but patients in the first group were younger. Although low tumours were seen more frequently in the PPE group (P = 0.003), the rate of sphincter-preserving procedure was comparable in both groups. Operative time was longer (P = 0.04) and morbidity was higher (P = 0.0058) in the PPE group. Local recurrence with or without distant metastases for the whole series was 30%. Five-year survival rate for patients who underwent curative resections (TNM I,III) was 48% in the PPE group vs 62% in the non PPE group (P = 0.09). Conclusions, In the present series, PPE prolonged operative time, increased postoperative complications and showed a trend toward poor prognosis in recurrence and survival. However, PPE offers the only hope for cure to patients with a primary rectal cancer that is adherent or invades reproductive organs. [source]