Abolition of endocrine dimorphism in hyperthyroid males? An argument for the positive feedback effect of hyperoestrogenaemia on LH secretion

Our aim was (i) to investigate the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-gonadal axis in hyperthyroid Indian males, (ii) to rule out the modulatory role of adrenal steroids on it and (iii) to determine if the simultaneous rise in oestradiol and luteinising hormone (LH) in hyperthyroid males is due to a positive feedback action of oestradiol on pituitary LH release. Age- and BMI-matched men were divided into two groups, I, euthyroid subjects (n = 17) and II, hyperthyroid patients (n = 12) on the basis of their thyroid hormone levels. Serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, LH, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, E(2), T, P(4), sex hormone binding globulin and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) were assayed. Mean levels of T and E(2) were approximately two times higher in group II in comparison with group I. DHEAS levels were similar in both groups ruling out any adrenal involvement. Mean serum LH level was 2.6 folds higher in group II in comparison with group I. Mean serum levels of FSH were higher in group II, it was marginally nonsignificant. On the basis of these and previous observations, we hypothesise that endocrinological dimorphism in human male and female is not rigid; a sustained rise in serum oestradiol probably induces a positive feedback action on pituitary leading to elevated gonadotrophin levels.     

Successful use of Thoratec biventricular support in a small child awaiting cardiac transplantation

The use of paracorporeal mechanical biventricular support devices either as a bridge to transplantation or while awaiting recovery of the failing heart has been well described in the literature. The majority of these reports detail conditions specific to the adult population. We describe use of the Thoratec ventricular assist device (Thoratec Corp, Pleasanton, CA) in the smallest known cardiomyopathy patient to date to be successfully supported with an emergent biventricular device before subsequent cardiac transplantation. The operative technique, pump settings, and modifications utilized to optimize peripheral perfusion are detailed.     

Coronary endarterectomy for diffuse extensive coronary artery disease

Introduction Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is in an increasing trend in India. With the advancement of non-surgical methods of revascularisation, the patients coming for surgery are of less attractive anatomy. The role of coronary endarterectomy along with coronary artery bypass grafting for a selected group of these patients is quite promising. Materials and Methods From March 2000 to March 2005, out of 362 CABGs performed, 42 patients had undergone coronary endarterectomy. The age range being from 35 to 76 years, M: F is 38∶4 Hypertension was present in 26 (61%), diabetes mellitus in 20 (47.6%), smoking in 26 (61%) and dyslipidemia in 12 (28.5%) cases. Old myocardial infarction was present in 52.3% cases, unstable angina in 16.6%, stable angina in 23.8% and cardiogenic shock in 7.1% cases. All cases had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting with endarterectomy. Out of 18 LAD endarterectomies 17 cases LIMA was used as onlay patch. Result The average number of grafts anastomosed was 3.7. Single-vessel endarterectomy was done in 37, double vessel in 4 and four vessel in one case. LAD endarterectomy was done in 18, RCA in 12, diagonal in 10, intermediate in 1 and marginals in 8 cases. Postoperatively 3 patients had arrhythmia, two perioperative MI, one recurrent angina and one congestive cardiac failure (CCF). There was 2 (4.76%) mortality. Conclusion Hypertension and smoking are major risk factors. LAD is the most common artery requiring endarterectomy. Usage of LIMA following endarterectomy of LAD is quite satisfactory and short term results are encouraging.     

An immunochromatographic dipstick as an alternate for monitoring of heroin metabolites in urine samples

Heroin use and addiction pose serious risks and side effects due to overdose. Quantification of heroin in biological samples is challenging due to rapid deacetylation of heroin to its active metabolites. In this study, we report the quantification of metabolic degradation of heroin by-products in biological urine samples. The presence of the drug was monitored after oral administration of heroin at different time intervals. Various biophysical techniques, such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) were used to evaluate the presence of the drug. A competitive fluorescence based immunoassay was developed with a limit of detection (LOD) up to 0.01 ng mL⁻¹ and the IC₅₀ value was 0.1 ng mL⁻¹, while the dipstick assay shows a LOD up to 5 ng mL⁻¹. Rapid detection of narcotic drugs was carried out for biological urine samples collected at various time points. Validation of the developed dipstick was carried out for the standard as well as the spiked urine samples by fluorescence based immunoassay (FIA), using anti-morphine antibodies. A strong correlation (R = 0.94) was obtained between the developed dipstick and FIA assay for biological urine samples collected at various time points. The developed immunochromatographic dipstick is highly sensitive, field applicable and cost effective, and can serve as a first choice for the monitoring of narcotic drugs in blood, urine and saliva in drug addicts and athletes.

Pathway of heroin degradation post oral administration in mice.     

Unusual disposition of lateral circumflex femoral artery: Anatomical description and clinical implications

The anatomical knowledge of arterial variations of lower limb is of utmost significance for the present day surgeons and interventional radiologists for minimizing complications during vascular reconstructive procedures, catheterization procedures and surgical intervention for embolism. Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery(LCFA) isan important branch of Profunda Femoris artery and precise knowledge of its variations can be of great relevance during surgical and radiological procedures in femoral region. The present study reports a unique case of anomalous route taken by LCFA posterior to femoral nerve associated with a prominent muscular branch from Femoral artery mimicking the course of LCFA. Documentation of such variations is highly significant. It may serve as guideline for surgeons in reducing the incidence of postoperative complications where LCFA is used as a long vascular pedicle in anterolateral perforator thigh flap and in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Ignorance of such variations can lead to fatal intraoperative haemorrhage and incapacitating sensory and motor deficit due to injury to femoral nerve branches which are closely related to these vessels.     

HIV with Juvenile Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis with HIV infection has been very rarely reported. The authors report an 8-y-old boy who presented with skin rashes and edema, muscle weakness and polymicrobial infection along with mild immunosupression. Diagnosis of dermatomyositis was established by raised enzymes, suggestive MRI and muscle biopsy findings. Child responded to systemic steroids and low dose weekly methotrexate.     

Documenting the birth of a financial economy

The birth and explosive growth of mobile money in Kenya has provided economists with an opportunity to study the evolution and impact of a new financial system. Mobile money is an innovation that allows individuals to store, send, and receive money on their mobile phone via text message. This system has opened up basic financial services to many who were previously excluded, and has had real and measurable impacts on the ability of households to protect themselves against health risks. Using a unique survey instrument covering nearly 2,300 households over 2008-2010, we first document the lightning-fast adoption of mobile money in Kenya, which was faster than most documented modern technologies in the United States. We then present evidence on how this innovation allows households to respond better to unexpected adverse health events. We find that in the face of these events, users of mobile money are better able to tap into remittances to finance additional health care costs without having to forego necessary expenditures on education, food, and other consumption needs.