Urethral blood circulation during cardiopulmonary bypass

The haemodynamic changes induced by extracorporeal circulation (ECC) are thought to be important in the induction of urethral strictures in open heart surgery when indwelling latex catheters are used. In the present study, 6 piglets were cannulated and connected to extracorporeal perfusion apparatus. Pump flows correlated with human ECC values with non-haemic prime were used. The mucosal and submucosal blood circulation in the urethra reduced by 66% during ECC (P less than 0.05). The brain and hepatic arterial flows increased. A significant reduction was seen in renal blood circulation. The changes in the urethral blood circulation during ECC correlated with previous findings. The reduced wash out levels of chemicals leaching from the indwelling latex catheters as a result of reduced local blood circulation are the main trigger for the induction of urethral strictures during ECC and in other shock-like circulatory disturbances in the human body.     

Cerebral lymphoma and HIV encephalitis in a case of paediatric AIDS,with Pre-Existing multicystic eneephalomalacia

A case of intracerebral malignant B cell lymphoma associated with encephalitis typical of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is described in a 4 year old child, with post-transfusion Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and severe pre-existing cystic encephalomalacia. This report further documents B cell lymphoma as the commonest cause of an intracerebral mass, and an important cause of death in paediatric AIDS. That more than one pathological process may be responsible for neurological symptoms in paediatric AIDS is also emphasised.     

The microbial flora of in-use blood pressure cuffs

The capacity of blood pressure cuffs to act as vehicles of hospital infection has been recognised. We describe the microbial flora of in-use DINAMAP blood pressure cuffs used in the operating theatres and one recovery room in a teaching hospital. Our results show significant microbial contamination of in-use blood pressure cuffs.     

Nyctometric studies in argon laser coagulation in patients with diabetic retinopathy

Forty-two patients (57 eyes) with diabetic retinopathy at various stages have been examined by nyctometry before and over the course of the follow-up period after argon laser coagulation of the retina. The findings evidence a marked reduction of the adaptation ability of the central retinal area even in high vision acuity in the patients with diabetic retinopathy vs. normal subjects. A stable rise of the nyctometric parameters has been observed after argon laser coagulation; these parameters characterize the function of the pigmented epithelium and of the retinal cone, and these data may be considered as an evidence of the improved trophics of these tissues, resultant from such therapy.     

Synthesis and antiinflammatory activity of N-[1-(5-R-Oxy-2-methylbenzofuran-3-yl)ethyl]-N-hydroxyureas

Two benzofuran derivatives — analogs of 5-lipoxygenase antagonist zileuton — have been synthesized and tested. It is established that both compounds possess antiinflammatory activity. __________ Translated from Khimiko-Farmatsevticheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 39, No. 12, pp. 17–20, December, 2005.     

Helicobacter pylori in peptic ulcer disease in Kenya

Sixty six patients with dyspeptic symptoms underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsies for Helicobacter pylori culture. The number of H. pylori isolated increased with age reaching a peak at 51 to 60 years of age. Antral gastritis closely followed by duodenitis accounted for the highest number of H. pylori isolated, (87.5% and 85.7% respectively). In patients with duodenal ulceration only, 57% had H. pylori isolated from their antral biopsies, a result that was just slightly higher than that where no endoscopic diagnosis was made (50%).