Prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in Dammam and Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia

This report presents results from a 6-month study over the period 16 November 1986 to 15 May 1987 which was designed to investigate the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in Dammam and Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia. A total of 209 stool specimens from children and 112 from adults with diarrhoea were examined. Only two (1%) of the children, both aged 2 years, were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. Giardia lamblia was found in 13 (4%) cases and was found to be the most common protozoan parasite, whereas Salmonella spp. was seen in 19 (6%) cases. Stool specimens were examined for rotavirus from children under 2 years of age; 31 (41%) of the specimens were positive.     

Serum enzymes in head and neck cancer. II. Aliesterase

Serum aliesterase levels have been estimated in 38 patients with head and neck cancer. The mean value was significantly lower than in controls. The decrease in activity was greater in patients with ulcerative growths and it progressed with advancement in the stage of cancer. With radiotherapy, a progressive and significant increase in serum aliesterase activity was observed. In patients with non-malignant growths the activity was comparable with that in controls.     

Remifentanil and propofol sedation for retrobulbar nerve block

We studied remifentanil and propofol for analgesia and sedation during the placement of an ophthalmic block. Eighty ASA I or II patients undergoing elective cataract surgery under a retrobulbar block in a rural camp setting were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into four groups and received different drug combinations as follows: Group I--remifentanil 1 microg/kg, Group II--remifentanil 0.5 microg/kg and propofol 0.5 mg/kg, Group III--remifentanil 1 microg/kg with propofol 0.5 mg/kg and Group IV--saline 0.1 ml/kg. Patients were observed for degree of movement, sedation, pain, recall and respiratory depression. No patient in the study groups reported pain or displayed movement whereas most of the patients in the control group had significant pain during the placement of the block. Also, seven (35%) patients in the control group showed significant movement which may have led to failure of block in two patients and retrobulbar haemorrhage in one patient. Incidence of significant respiratory depression was maximum in Group III patients (60%), followed by Group I (20%) and least in Group II (5%). All patients in the study groups remained cooperative and obeyed commands except four patients in group III (OAA/S-4). Postoperatively, other than the control group, recall was maximum in Group I (55%) and least in Group II (5%). Hence, a combination of remifentanil 0.5 microg/kg with propofol 0.5 mg/kg as a bolus was considered to provide excellent relief of pain and anxiety with least adverse effects for the placement of ophthalmic blocks.     

Monoclonal antibodies to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) inhibit binding of the hormone to its receptor

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) were obtained using different strategies of conjugation of the peptide to carrier protein and immunization. Of several antibodies obtained, two, namely F1D3C5 and E2D2 bound GnRH in solution phase. Though the epitopes corresponding to the two overlapped, there was a one amino acid shift in the core epitope. These two antibodies were characterized with respect to inhibition of GnRH induced responses in rat pituitary cultures and alpha-T3.1 mouse gonadotrope cell line.     

Cutaneous lesions in new born

Five hundred unselected newborn babies delivered in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Unit II of SGBT Hospital attached to Government Medical College, Amritsar during April 2000 to October 2000 were examined for cutaneous lesions daily for the first five days after birth. Different cutaneous lesions were seen in 474(94.8%) newborns. The physiological skin changes observed in order of frequency were Epstein pearls in 305(61%), Mongolian spot in 301(60.2%), superficial cutaneous desquamation in 200(40%), icterus in 128(25.6%), milia in 119(23.8%), sebaceous gland hyperplasia in 107(21.4%), occipital alopecia in 94(18.8%), lanugo in 72(14.4%), peripheral cyanosis in 47(9.4%), breast hypertrophy in 29(5.8%) and miniature puberty in 28(5.6%) newborns. Of the transient non-infective skin diseases, erythema toxicum neonatorum was observed most commonly in 105(21%), followed by miliaria rubra in 103(20.6%) and acne neonatorum in 27(5.4%) newborns. The naevi and other developmental defects in the descending order were salmon patch in 69(13.8%), congenital melanocytic noevi in 10(2%), accessory tragi in 3(0.6%), spina bifida in 2(0.4%), hydrocephalus in 1(0.2%) and poliosis in 1(0.2%) newborns. Cradle cap was the only dermatitis observed in 50(10%) newborns. One (0.2%) case each of Harlequin ichthyosis and labial cyst was seen.     

Laparoscopic omental-cerebellar pedicled graft harvest

The minimally invasive technique has altered our approach to many surgical diseases. Laparoscopic surgery is performed on a variety of abdominal organs. One such organ, the omentum, traditionally has been harvested via a laparotomy. The omental harvest now has been attempted successfully laparoscopically, although usually for reconstructive efforts. Here we describe the first case of a laparoscopic omental-cerebellar pedicled graft harvest.