Autologous Serum Therapy in Chronic Urticaria

Autologous serum therapy is a promising therapy for treatment resistant urticaria. This is useful in developing countries as this is economical option. Minimum instruments like centrifuge, syringe and needles are required for the procedure.     

A dual-functional luminescent Tb(iii) metal–organic framework for the selective sensing of acetone and TNP in water

Herein, a novel water-stable luminescent terbium metal–organic framework, {[Tb(L₁)(L₂)_0.5(NO₃)(DMF)]·DMF}_n (TPA-MOF), with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and 3,3′,5,5′-azobenzene-tetracarboxylic acid (H₄abtc) ligands was solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. TPA-MOF possesses a two-dimensional (2D) extended framework featuring an 8-connected uninodal SP2-periodic net topology with the Schläfli point symbol of {3^12;4^14;5^2}. The π-electron rich luminescent TPA-MOF exhibits four characteristic emission bands of Tb³⁺ ion and acts as a selective and sensitive probe for acetone as well as the electron deficient 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP). Moreover, gas sorption studies confirm that TPA-MOF displays ultra-micropores and adsorbs moderate amounts of N₂ and CO₂.

A novel 2D luminescent terbium metal–organic framework demonstrating highly efficient and selective sensing for acetone and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) in an aqueous solution was solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized.     

Association of Interleukin-1β-31C/T, -511T/C and -3954C/T Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Their Blood Plasma Level in Acquired Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia (AA) is an immune-mediated disorder in which hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are targeted by a number of cellular and molecular pathways. This case control study aims to investigate the association of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) gene polymorphisms, (IL-1β-31, IL-1β-511 and IL-1β-3954) and their plasma levels with acquired AA. Genotyping was done by Restricted Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method and IL-1β plasma levels were evaluated in peripheral blood using ELISA. Increased level of IL-1β was reported to be significant in cases as compared to controls. The susceptibility of developing AA was higher in the cases for IL-1β-3954 genotype. IL-1β-511 genotype showed significant association with the severity groups of AA. No significant association was noticed in responder versus non-responder group. Plasma level of IL-1β gene was found to be significantly higher in severe and very-severe group of AA versus control group. Our findings suggest that IL-1β gene and its genotypes might be involved in the pathophysiology of AA and play a central role in the etiopathogenesis of AA.     

Does milk have a cataractogenic effect?

We undertook a prospective study to test Simoons' hypothesis that in certain susceptible races milk exerts a cataractogenic effect. Overall milk intake in low lactase deficiency areas did not correlate with cataract occurrence. Subgrouping of cataract patients revealed that greater milk intake did show positive correlation with cortical cataracts. Cortical cataracts were also markedly more common in females. Analysis of data from three different regions showed greater milk intake in cortical cataract patients only. Our data indicate the importance of specifying cataract type in cataract studies and highlight the problem this approach brings forth. We noted no different trends in subjects from northwest and southeast India, although the number of subjects from the southeast was considerably less. Patients with early cortical cataracts may be advised to restrict milk intake.Part of this material was presented at second cataract epidemiology meeting at Bonn in March 1988. A brief report has been accepted for publication in the proceedings of the meeting to be published inDevelopment of Ophthalmology, Vol. 17, 1988.     

Percutaneous interventions in patients with cocaine-associated myocardial infarction: a case series and review.

Cocaine-associated myocardial infarction (CAMI) is a well-reported entity. Most previous reports on CAMI have been limited to conservative care utilizing benzodiazepines, aspirin, nitroglycerin, calcium channel blockers, and thrombolytics. Current guidelines on CAMI advocate immediate use of angiography and angioplasty if available rather than routine administration of thrombolytics. However, based on literature search from 1966 to 2001 (using keywords "cocaine," "myocardial infarction," and "angioplasty"), there have been only two case reports of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with cocaine-associated myocardial infarction. Both were notable for complications either during or immediately after the procedure. We report a series of 10 patients with cocaine-associated myocardial infarction who were treated with percutaneous interventions, which included angioplasty, stenting, and AngioJet mechanical extraction of thrombus. Despite the different arteriopathic process involved, our findings suggest that PCI can be performed safely and with a high degree of procedural success in patients with CAMI.     

Physician communication styles in initial consultations for hematological cancer

Objective

To characterize practices in subspecialist physicians’ communication styles, and their potential effects on shared decision-making, in second-opinion consultations.

Methods

Theme-oriented discourse analysis of 20 second-opinion consultations with subspecialist hematologist-oncologists.

Results

Physicians frequently “broadcasted” information about the disease, treatment options, relevant research, and prognostic information in extended, often-uninterrupted monologs. Their communicative styles had one of two implications: conveying options without offering specific recommendations, or recommending one without incorporating patients’ goals and values into the decision. Some physicians, however, used techniques that encouraged patient participation.

Conclusions

Broadcasting may be a suboptimal method of conveying complex treatment information in order to support shared decision-making. Interventions could teach techniques that encourage patient participation.

Practice implications

Techniques such as open-ended questions, affirmations of patients’ expressions, and pauses to check for patient understanding can mitigate the effects of broadcasting and could be used to promote shared decision-making in information-dense subspecialist consultations.