Elevated plasma CD105 and vitreous VEGF levels in diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the industrialized world. Hyperglycaemia induces retinal hypoxia that upregulates a range of vasoactive factors which may lead to macular oedema and/or angiogenesis and hence potentially sight threatening retinopathy. In this study, we have focused on the association of CD105 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy by means of quantifying their expression in the plasma and vitreous of diabetic patients. CD105 levels were quantified in the plasma of 38 type I diabetic patients at various stages of retinopathy and 15 non-diabetic controls. In an additional cohort of 11 patients with advanced proliferative retinopathy and 23 control subjects, CD105 and VEGF were measured in the vitreous. The values were expressed as median (range) and statistical analysis was carried out using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Plasma CD105 levels were significantly increased in diabetic patients [1.8 (1.1-2.4) ng/ml] compared with non-diabetic controls [0.7 (0.3-1.8) ng/ml] (p<0.01). Plasma CD105 levels were elevated in diabetic patients with all stages of retinopathy, the highest level was observed in background retinopathy [2.3 (2.1-2.5) ng/ml] followed by proliferative retinopathy [2.1 (0.9-2.8) ng/ml] and advanced proliferative retinopathy [1.4 (0.6-1.8) ng/ml]. Vitreous contents of CD105 did not differ between controls and patients with advanced proliferative retinopathy, but vitreous levels of VEGF were elevated by approximately 3-fold in patients with advanced proliferative retinopathy [7.2 (1.90-15.60) ng/ml] compared with the control subjects [1.80 (1.10-2.210)] (p<0.01). These observations indicate that plasma levels of CD105 and vitreous levels of VEGF are associated with diabetic retinopathy, suggesting that CD105 and the angiogenic factor VEGF may play a critical role in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. Further studies are required to determine whether circulating CD105 levels could serve as a surrogate marker for early stage retinopathy and for monitoring disease progression.

Remifentanil infusion in association with fentanyl-propofol anaesthesia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: effects on morphine requirement and postoperative analgesia.

BACKGROUND: We have prospectively assessed the effects of remifentanil on morphine requirement in the first hour after emerging from general anaesthesia after elective coronary artery bypass surgery and in the first 12 h postoperatively, and pain and agitation scores in the first hour after emerging from general anaesthesia. METHODS: Twenty patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, receiving standardized propofol-fentanyl-based anaesthesia, randomly received infusions of either remifentanil 0.1 microg kg(-1) min(-1) (Group R, n=10) or saline (Group S, n=10), each infused at 0.12 ml kg(-1) h(-1). Propofol and trial drug infusion were continued into the postoperative period until the patients were ready to be woken up. Postoperative analgesia was provided with morphine infusion commenced immediately after operation, and was additionally nurse controlled on the basis of a visual analogue scale (VAS) score (0-10). Agitation score was recorded using a VAS of 0-3. RESULTS: In the first hour after discontinuing propofol and trial infusion, morphine requirements were significantly higher in the remifentanil group (8.15 (sd 3.59) mg) compared with the saline group (3.29 (2.36) mg) (P<0.01). There was no difference in the total morphine given during the period after stopping propofol or in the total requirement in the first 12 h postoperatively. There was no significant difference in either pain scores or agitation scores between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Use of remifentanil is associated with increased opioid requirement in the first hour after it has been discontinued.

A cost-effective cane molasses medium for enhanced cell-bound phytase production by Pichia anomala.

AIM: Formulation of an inexpensive cane molasses medium for improved cell-bound phytase production by Pichia anomala. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cell-bound phytase production by Pichia anomala was compared in synthetic glucose-beef extract and cane molasses media. The yeast was cultivated in 250 ml flasks containing 50 ml of the medium, inoculated with a 12 h-old inoculum (3 x 10(6) CFU ml(-1)) and incubated at 25 degrees C for 24 h at 250 rev min(-1). Different cultural parameters were optimized in cane molasses medium in batch fermentation. The cell-bound phytase content increased significantly in cane molasses medium (176 U g(-1) dry biomass) when compared with the synthetic medium (100 U g(-1) dry biomass). In fed-batch fermentation, a marked increase in biomass (20 g l(-1)) and the phytase yield (3000 U l(-1)) were recorded in cane molasses medium. The cost of production in cane molasses medium was pound 0.006 per 1000 U, which is much lower when compared with that in synthetic medium (pound 0.25 per 1000 U). CONCLUSIONS: An overall 86.6% enhancement in phytase yield was attained in optimized cane molasses medium using fed-batch fermentation when compared with that in synthetic medium. Furthermore, the production in cane molasses medium is cost-effective. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Phytase yield was improved in cane molasses when compared with the synthetic medium, and the cost of production was also significantly reduced. This enzyme can find application in the animal feed industry for improving the nutritional status of feed and combating environmental pollution.

Premixed solutions of diamorphine in ropivacaine for epidural anaesthesia: a study on their long-term stability.

BACKGROUND: Local anaesthetics and opioid mixtures are commonly used to provide anaesthesia or analgesia during the perioperative period. In order to facilitate their preparation and storage it is necessary to establish the stability of such solutions. METHODS: In our study, diamorphine was added to ropivacaine 0.2% 200-ml polybags to give a concentration of 25 micro g ml(-1) and to ropivacaine 1% 50-ml syringes to give a concentration of 45 micro g ml(-1). The polybags and syringes were stored at 40 degrees C, 21 degrees C and 4 degrees C for up to 120 days. Samples were taken during this period for measurement of diamorphine and ropivacaine content and pH of the solutions. RESULTS: We found that the storage temperature and the initial concentration influenced the rate of degradation of diamorphine in both the polybags and the syringes. In the syringes, 10% degradation of diamorphine [T (0.9)] was: 6 days at 40 degrees C, 16 days at 21 degrees C and 30 days at 4 degrees C. In the polybags, diamorphine T (0.9) was 6 days at 40 degrees C, 28 days at 21 degrees C and 70 days at 4 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to manufacture such solutions in pharmacy aseptic units and to store them for up to 1 month for routine use in epidural infusions.

A study of psychiatric comorbidity in alcohol dependence.

The diagnosis of comorbid psychiatric conditions have important clinical ramifications as the outcome is poorer with multiple disorders. Various studies have shown that alcohol abuse has severe adverse effects on the course of metal illness and vice versa. Only a little data on the subject are available from our country. We interviewed 30 patients suffering from alcohol dependence using SCID - I & SCID - II. Seventy six percent of the sample had axis - I comorbid diagnosis and 40% had an axis -II diagnoses. Depressive disorder and cluster B personality disorders were the most common comorbid diagnosis.

The use of remifentanil during general anaesthesia for caesarean delivery in two patients with severe heart dysfunction.

We describe the management of two patients with severe heart dysfunction requiring caesarean section because of incipient left ventricular failure. One patient had a bicuspid valve and developed symptoms of severe aortic incompetence during pregnancy. The second patient had known hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and developed chest pain and symptoms of left ventricular failure at 32 weeks' gestation. In both cases the worsening cardiac disease prompted the decision for operative delivery. We decided to employ general anaesthesia and achieved cardiovascular stability using remifentanil as an adjunct.

Prevalence and pattern of alcohol and substance abuse in urban areas of rohtak city.

A sample of 4,691 subjects aged 14 years and above were interviewed on a schedule based on WHO Questionnaire to collect information about prevalence & pattern of alcohol and substance abuse The study revealed a prevalence rate of 19 78%. 42.41% of users were in the age group of 25-34 years while 44.1 % were literate (up to matric). 45.04% among labourers were alcohol users. In terms of age of onset, 94.83% respondents had their first drink between the ages of 15-25 years. Most common type of alcohol consumed was country liquor by 69.07%. Majority (63.44%) of alcohol users said that they usually drink with some companion, only in the evening and night. 50.03% had arguments with family or friends after taking alcohol while 13.57% alcohol abusers confessed that they had neglected their family and work due to alcohol. In family history of 23.16% alcohol users, father was abusing alcohol. 26.61% alcohol users cited to be sociable as reason for their drinking. 16.81% users were smokers also while 6.89% had the habit of taking Pan Masala/Zarda. 2.04% of alcohol users were taking soolfa also along with alcohol while the frequency of opium and cannabis abuse was 1.51 and 1.18% respectively.

A Study of Hostility, Career Choice and Job Satisfaction Among Surgeons.

The present study has been carried out to study the hostility pattern of surgeons and compare it with other specialities. 100 teachers working in different specialities in Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) Rohtak (Surgery and allied specialties 21, Medical and allied specialities 14, Non-clinical specialities 30) were given Hostility and Direction of Hostility Questionnaire (HDHQ) along with questions regarding their choice of career and Job satisfaction. Hostility pattern did not differ statistically among these groups. Surgeons showed strong aptitude for the field and were contended with their choice of speciality but their Job satisfaction was low. Possible explanations and implications of the study are discussed.

Neurotrauma in Pakistan.

The incidence of head and spinal injury is on the rise in developing countries. The number of deaths and burden of disability may be reduced, if not completely stopped, through preventive measures after an epidemiological survey on trauma. The goal can be achieved to a significant extent through the use of guidelines from the countries that have achieved a reduction in the incidence of neurotrauma. To determine the incidence and outcome of neurotrauma in developing countries, a study was necessary using standardized assessment parameters for global interpretation. Such a study was conducted to determine the sociodemographic characteristics, morbidity, and mortality of patients with head and spinal injury admitted to various neurosurgical centers in Pakistan from July 1, 1995 to June 30, 1999. A total of 260,000 patients were admitted with head injury over a 4-year period. The majority of patients presented during second decade (i.e., 33.2%) followed by first and third decade. There were 195,000 (75%) males, and 65,000 (25%) females with a ratio of 3:1. Road traffic accident was the commonest cause of head trauma. Mild, moderate, and severe head injury was observed in 135,200 (52%), 78,000 (30%), and 46,800 (18%) patients, respectively. Conservative management was carried out in 176,800 (68%) patients. Surgery was required in 83,200 (32%), 50% of which had depressed skull fracture, simple or compound. Follow-up period varied from 2 months to 2 years with a mean of 11 months. Patient's outcome was assessed according to Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Good outcome was observed in 174,200 (67%). The total mortality was 46,800 (18%). In this study, 2654 patients ranging in age from 5 to 70 years had spinal injuries. There were 1922 males (72%) and 732 (28%) females. British Medical Research Council Scale was used for assessment of motor power of patients with spinal trauma. Of these, 780 patients (29%) had complete spinal cord injury. Surgical intervention was performed in 1800 patients (68%) and the rest were managed conservatively.

Urethral stricture associated with malacoplakia: a case report and review of the literature.

A 68-year-old man presented with obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms and microscopic hematuria. Cystourethroscopy showed a circumferential stricture in the bulbar urethra that bled easily on contact. Biopsy revealed malacoplakia. There was also focal nonspecific cystitis. The patient improved symptomatically, but the microscopic hematuria persisted. Follow-up biopsies showed persistent urethral malacoplakia and stricture. Malacoplakia of the male urethra is exceptionally rare, this being the second reported case.

Klingsor syndrome: a case report.

A Case of genital self-mutilation under the effect of delusions and hallucinations is described. The Importance of liasion between surgical and psychiatric services is highlighted.

Haemodynamic effects of increasing angle of head up tilt.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the haemodynamic effects of varying the angle of head up tilt. METHODS: 20 healthy subjects (12 female, eight male; mean (SD) age 33.6 (8.4) years) underwent head up tilt for five minutes to each of four angles of tilt in random order, with a five minute rest period at the horizontal between each angle. Forearm blood flow was measured using intermittent occlusion mercury strain gauge plethysmography at two and five minutes. Subjects underwent continuous monitoring of heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by Finapres and cardiac output and stroke volume by impedance cardiography. Each variable was measured at two and five minutes, averaged over the period of blood flow measurement. RESULTS: Every haemodynamic variable at each angle was significantly different from supine values. Head up tilt produced progressive increases in heart rate (11-21%), SBP (12-21%), and DBP (20-33%) with increasing tilt angle. However, although 45 degrees produced significantly less haemodynamic effect, there were no significant differences for angles between 60 degrees and 90 degrees. Cardiac output fell on head up tilt by 17-20% and stroke volume by 28-34%, but increasing tilt angle produced no significant additional reduction in cardiac output and stroke volume because of increases in heart rate and vasoconstriction. CONCLUSIONS: Angles < 60 degrees produce significantly less haemodynamic effects than steeper angles. Increasing tilt angle beyond 60 degrees produces no apparent additional effect on cardiac output or sympathetic tone. Increasing tilt angle beyond 60 degrees confers no additional orthostatic stress and may not affect the sensitivity and specificity of head up tilt testing as previously thought. Sixty degrees of tilt is a more practical angle for support of a syncopal patient and is recommended.

An epidural scoring scale for arm movements (ESSAM) in patients receiving high thoracic epidural analgesia for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Thoracic epidural analgesia appears to improve the outcome of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Cranial extension of nerve blockade involving the third, fourth and fifth cervical nerve roots can cause apnoea. However, progressive paraesthesia and weakness due to cephalad spread of thoracic epidural analgesia will affect the arms before the diaphragm. A scale was designed to test three active movements of the arms bilaterally: hand grip (T1/C8), wrist flexion (C8/7) and elbow flexion (C6/5). This epidural scoring scale for arm movements (ESSAM) consists of four grades (0-3) based on the number of absent movements, and suggests appropriate action. The reliability of this scale was tested in 40 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Twelve of the 40 patients had their epidural infusion reduced on the basis of the scale. Of these 12 patients, eight had a worst ESSAM score of 1, three had a worst score of 2 and one had a worst score of 3. In each patient, motor power returned following the reduction in infusion rate, taking between 30 min and 3 h. This scale appears to be a simple and reliable method for the early detection of the cephalad spread of thoracic epidural analgesia.

Metastatic germ cell tumor to the heart presenting with syncope.

Malignant nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) rarely metastasize to the heart. The first such case presenting with syncope is described. Eight previously described cases of NSGCT with intracaval metastasis to the heart are reviewed and the literature to date is discussed. Transesophageal echocardiography is the diagnostic study of choice and treatment consists primarily of platinum-based chemotherapy followed by surgical resection of residual deposits.