H. pylori infection among Buddhist monks in the selected regions of Myanmar.

Background: The prevalence of H. pylori infection is different in various regions of Myanmar, and the results of studies are contradictory regarding incidence of H. pylori infection. The infection rate of H. pylori among the monks could reflect the prevalence of the particular region studied. Objectives: The present study was aimed to determine the Helicobacter pylori status among asymptomatic Buddhist monks in Myanmar, and to observe the efficacy of clarithromycin based first line therapy by using C14 Urea Breath Test (PY test). Method: The Buddhist monks 17 years of age and above from the monasteries of both middle and lower Myanmar were selected by purposive sampling method. After filling out the questionnaire,H.pylori infection was detected by 14C-UBT (PY test, microCOUNTLite Liquid Scintillation Counter). H.pylori positive subjects were treated with 10 days' course of clarithromycin containing standard triple therapy as a first line.14C-UBT test was repeated at week 4 to check for H.pylori eradication status. Results: A total of 399 monks (from Bago and Mandalay city) were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 23.51+/ 8.907 years (range: 18 - 97). Urea breath test was positive in 65.4% of the monks. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was radically similar in different monasteries of different cities: Bago and Mandalay (67.52% ν 63.18%, p = 0.33). Among H. pylori infected monks, 67.7% achieved eradication with clarithromycin containing standard triple therapy. Conclusion: High H. pylori infection rates were found in asymptomatic Buddhist Myanmar monks and the standard triple therapy had moderate efficacy.

An anomalous pattern of superficial branch of radial nerve - a cadaveric case report / Patrón anómalo del ramo superficial del nervio radial - reporte de caso en un cadaver

In the present case study, there is an anomalous pattern of superficial branch of radial nerve (SBRN) that can be recognized as an anatomical variant of the left upper limb of a 60 years old donated embalmed male cadaver in the Department of Human Anatomy, Universiti Putra Malaysia, in which the superficial branch of radial nerve supplies the extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle. The superficial branch of radial nerve gave off branch to supply the proximal fusion part of extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis muscles immediately after bifurcation of the radial nerve into the superficial branch of radial nerve and deep branch of radial nerve. This variation is very important to the surgeon as the presence of the variant will make them more careful in dealing with nerve entrapment surgery, reconstructive surgery and in the pain management services, the variation giving indications for treatment.

En el presente estudio se observó un caso de un patrón anómalo del ramo superficial del nervio radial (RSNR) reconocido como una variante anatómica del miembro superior izquierdo en un cadáver de sexo masculino de 60 años perteneciente al Departamento de Anatomía Humana de la Universidad Putra, Malasia. En este caso el ramo superficial del nervio radial inervaba a los músculos extensores radial largo y corto del carpo. El ramo superficial del nervio radial otorgaba un ramo a nivel del origen fusionado de los músculos extensores radiales del carpo, inmediatamente después de la división en ramos superficial y profundo del nervio radial. Esta variación es de importancia para el cirujano debido a que requiere un mayor cuidado en el tratamiento quirúrgico de atrapamiento del nervio o cirugía reconstructiva para el manejo del dolor.

Effectiveness of sodium bisulfite on the stability of Russell's viper (Daboia russelli siamensis) venom toxoid under various storage conditions

Crude Russell's viper venom toxoid was prepred by slow and step-wise formalinization to a final concentration of 0.8 per cent formalin. Then 35 per cent sodium bisulfite was added to half volume of the toxoid. Two types of toxoid were stored at different storage temperatures. At two monthoy interval, the immunogenicity of these toxoid were tested in mice. The antibody levels in immunized mice were measured by ELISA. The toxoid with sodium bisulfite was more immunogenic than the toxoid without it. Therefore the reversion of formaldehyde lindage during storage was less in toxoid which contained sodium bisulfite.

Comparing the efficacy of mefloquine-artesunate combination with that of mefloquine and artesunate as single agents in uncomplicated falciparum malaria

To find out whether the combination regimen of mefloquine and artesunate tablets improves the cure rate in uncomplicated falciparum malaria compared to the use of mefloquine and artesunate as single agents, a prospective, randomised, uniblind controlled study was done between May and November 1991, on one hundred and eighty cases of acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria. The patients were randomised to the following three frug regimens: - (1) Mefloquine - 1000 mg stat, (2) Tab Artesunate 600 mg over 48 hours, (3) Mefloquine 1000 mg plus tab Artesunate 600 mg over 48 hours. The regimen of mefloquine as a single agent gave a cure rate of 83.3 percent (with R1 = 15 percent and R2 = 1.7 percent), PCT = 52.15 + 55.2 hours and FCT = 23.98 + 59.87 hours. Tab artesunate gave a cure rate of 75 percent (with R1 = 25 percent), PCT = 33.16 + 5.15 and FCT = 23.4 + 22.7 hours. The combination regimen gave a cure rate of 98.27 percent with only one patient recrudescing at R1 level, PCT = 35.11 + 29.16 and FCT = 8.15 + 10.34 hours. The side effects were not much increased by using the combination. No cardiovascular effects were noted. The combination is superior to that of the single agents.

Effect of enterotoxingenic Escherichia coli heat labile toxin on intestinal enzymes in rat

Differential study of the maker enzyme level for intracellular organelles in intestinal mucosa and muscularis layer following E. coli labile toxin (LT) administration to rat revealed that there were no changes in the enzyme levels in mucosa but some changes (a degree of acid phophatase and an increase of proteinase) in muscularis layer. The results suggest that the LT, being a high molecular weight toxin, may not be easily invaginated into intestinal epithelial cells and interact with the subcellular particles. The changes in the enzyme activities observed in the muscularis layer could be the abnormal metabolic consequences of prolonged hypersecretion produced by LT.

Epidemiological study of cases of alleged rape in Rangoon General Hospital from (1.8.78) to (31.10.81)

An analysis of 335 consecutive cases of alleged rape seen in the Office of the Police Surgeon, Rangoon General Hospital, has been presented. These have been considered form the standpoint of age, marital status, assailant, place of origin, place of crime, day of crime, time of crime, weapons, injury to victim, land credibility of charges made by victims.

Outcome of breech deliveries in Central Women's Hospital

The result of a survey of 968 breech presentations and the associated perinatal loss of 12.9 percent has been presented. The 38.5 percent incidence of prematurity is a most important factor in the perinatal loss. Breech presentation including delivery carries with it an increased perinatal loss as compared to cephalic presentation. However, if the above mentioned problems are appreciated and the patient treated by skilled and experienced obstetricians, the perinatal loss of mature infants should approximate that for cephalic presentations.