Dermatosis contributing factors in bilateral lower limb war-amputees.

This study conducted to assess the factors related to skin lesions in bilateral lower limb war-amputees. This is a clinical based, cross-sectional study of 335 bilateral amputees who injured during Iran-Iraq War. Their demographics and injuries detail, amputation, prosthesis and gait-aid characteristics, stump hygiene and skin problems, have been investigated. Through logistic regression analysis, the three factors of the shape of the stumps, the length of the stumps and excessive perspiration were recognized to have an independent association in skin lesions development, among the population studied. The results suggest that most of stump skin disorders in war-injured amputees are due to intensity of injury and awkwardness of the stump. The quality of surgical, medical and rehabilitative care, improve their quality of life by functional ambulation with prosthesis.

Effect of scalp infiltration with Bupivacaine on early hemodynamic responses during craniotomy under general anesthesia.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of scalp infiltration with Bupivacaine on hemodynamic responses during early stimulation in craniotomy under general anesthesia. Thirty six patients were prospectively randomized to receive Bupivacaine scalp infiltration (B group) or a saline control (S group) as an adjuvant to general anesthesia using isoflurane in 50% N2O-O2. Mean Arterial Blood Pressure (MAP) and Heart Rate (HR) were recorded as base line, after scalp incision or pin insertion and then every 3 min until 12 min. The measurements were repeated every 5 min till dura was opened. The mean difference between the two groups for HR during scalp incision or pin insertion was significant (p = 0.03). The mean MAP throughout the time intervals of preincision or pin insertion to 12 min postincision and then to dural opening were statistically different between the two groups (p = 0.001). No complications related to the technique of block or drugs were recorded. Scalp infiltration with Bupivacaine as an adjuvant to general anesthesia can provide more stable hemodynamics, as measured by HR and MAP changes during early stimulation in craniotomy.

Skin disorders associated with bilateral lower extremity amputation.

We conducted this study to determine the types and frequency of skin problems among war related bilateral lower limb amputees. Three hundred and thirty five cases were examined for dermatologic problems in about 20 years (20 +/- 3.89) after bilateral lower extremity amputation. The subjects were injured during the Iraq-Iran war. Descriptive statistics were used. At least one skin problem was found in 189 (56.4%) of the amputees. Three hundred and nineteen skin problems were diagnosed in 189 amputees. The most common skin problems were contact dermatitis 39.5% (n=126), calluses 26.6% (n=85), folliculitis 14.42% (n=46) and ulcers 7.2% (n=23). The skin problems were more frequently seen in subjects with bilateral below the knee amputation. Skin problems were highly incident in our amputees. The substantial multidisciplinary rehabilitation team included a dermatologist, orthopedic surgeon, prosthetist and physical therapist is recommended to prevent and diagnose these problems on time.

Molecular structure of terrecyclodiol: a derivative of the antifungal metabolite terrecyclic acid A from Aspergillus terreus.

A strain of Aspergillus terreus, which was isolated from organic mulch and inhibited the growth of the plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi, produces an antifungal metabolite when grown in liquid culture. This metabolite was isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation and identified as terrecyclic acid A (1). X-ray diffraction studies and spectroscopic details of the derived terrecyclodiol (2) are described.