Serum high density lipoprotein subclasses, testosterone and sex-hormone-binding globulin in Trinidadian men of African and Indian descent

Serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, testosterone and sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured in 300 men, aged 35-64 years, of African and Indian descent who represented a 40% sample of participants in a community survey of coronary heart disease in Trinidad. Free testosterone was calculated from total testosterone and SHBG. In 113 men, HDL2 and HDL3 cholesterol were measured by a precipitation technique. Indian men had a significantly lower HDL-cholesterol concentration than African men (P = 0.003), which is known to be due to a reduction in the HDL3 fraction (demonstrable only in younger men in the subsample drawn for this study). Testosterone did not differ with ethnic group, but SHBG was reduced in Indians (P = 0.03). After allowance for age, ethnic group, alcohol consumption and smoking habit, HDL cholesterol was associated positively with SHBG (P = 0.025) but was not related significantly to either total testosterone or its free and bound components. Serum HDL2 cholesterol was associated positively and independently with SHBG (P = 0.001) and total and bound testosterone (P = 0.002), whereas HDL3 cholesterol showed no significant associations with these factors. Neither SHBG or testosterone afforded an explanation for the relatively low HDL and HDL3 cholesterol concentrations in Indian men.     

Tissue anchor use in arthroscopic glenohumeral surgery

Arthroscopic surgery has become the mainstay of treatment of several common glenohumeral pathologies such as tears of the rotator cuff and labrum. Arthroscopic rotator cuff and labral repair provide outcomes comparable to those achieved with traditional open techniques, with the benefits of smaller incisions and less soft-tissue disruption. Development and improvement of tissue anchors and arthroscopic instrumentation has been integral to the increased popularity of arthroscopic glenohumeral repairs. Current anchors can be categorized by design and material composition. Awareness of the advantages and limitations of these implants may influence anchor selection.     

Arteriovenous malformation mimicking a renal-cell carcinoma

We describe a renal arteriovenous malformation in a patient with a 1-month history of flank pain. Imaging studies were interpreted as being consistent with renal-cell carcinoma. However, Doppler ultrasonography demonstrated turbulent blood flow, and selective renal angiography confirmed the diagnosis of an arteriovenous malformation. Embolization relieved the pain. This case calls attention to the need to consider arteriovenous malformations in the differential diagnosis of central homogenously enhancing renal lesions.     

外科手术中产生的烟气:仅仅是大量的热空气吗?

外科医生和手术室人员经常接触手术设备产生的烟气,病人也会暴露于烟气中,特别是腹腔镜手术中产生的烟气滞留于腹腔内这一密闭空间并被吸收.这些烟气是一种与香烟烟气相似的毒性物质,然而对这种毒性物质的影响还未引起足够重视.应该采取必要措施尽可能减少手术中烟气的不良影响.     

Laparoscopy-assisted transperitoneal percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal caliceal diverticular calculi

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are a variety of options for the management of symptomatic calculi in caliceal diverticula, each with utility in particular situations. Herein, we describe a laparoscopy-assisted transperitoneal percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) technique to address the unusual combination of an anterior caliceal diverticulum together with multiple branched calculi having segments both within and proximal to the diverticulum. TECHNIQUE: With the patient in a modified lithotomy position, standard transperitoneal laparoscopy was performed utilizing three 10-mm trocars. After mobilization of the colon medially, the cystic diverticulum was opened. An additional 12-mm trocar was placed to allow transperitoneal PCNL within the diverticulum. Rigid nephroscopy, holmium laser lithotripsy, and stone extraction were performed, including laser enlargement of the diverticular neck and removal of the stone burden proximal to the neck. A double-pigtail ureteral stent and Jackson-Pratt drain were placed. RESULTS: This procedure was successful in the only patient in whom it has been used to date. As far as we know, this is the first report of laparoscopy-assisted transperitoneal PCNL for the management of caliceal diverticular calculi. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy-assisted transperitoneal PCNL is a safe and effective alternative for the management of symptomatic stones in anterior cystic caliceal diverticula with a narrow neck and complex branched calculi.     

Challenges of Childhood TB/HIV Management in Malawi

The diagnosis and management of childhood tuberculosis (TB) are major challenges in countries such as Malawi with high incidence of TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Diagnosis of TB in children often relies only on clinical features but clinical overlap with the presentation of HIV and other HIV-related lung disease is common. The tuberculin skin test (TST), the standard marker of M. tuberculosis infection in immune competent children, has poor sensitivity in HIV-infected children and is not usually available in Malawi. HIV test should be routine in children with suspected TB as it improves clinical management. HIV-infected children are at increased risk of developing active disease following TB exposure which justifies the use of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) once active disease has been excluded but this is difficult to implement and appropriate duration of IPT is unknown. HIV-infected children with active TB experience higher mortality and relapse rates on standard TB treatment compared to HIV-uninfected children, highlighting the need for further research to define optimal treatment regimens. HIV-infected children should also receive appropriate supportive care including cotrimoxazole prophylaxis and anti-retroviral treatment (ART) if indicated. There are concerns about concurrent use of some anti-TB drugs such as rifampicin with some ARTs.     

Comparison of Phaconit Rollable IOL with Acrylic Foldable IOL

Background

Phaconit or ultra micro incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery involves phacoemulsification through a 0.9 millimetre sleeveless phaco tip and irrigating chopper followed by implantation of a rollable intraocular lens. The procedure leads to negligible astigmatism and faster visual recovery as compared to phacoemulsification with a foldable intraocular lens.

Methods

This prospective study analysed 80 cases of sub millimetre phaconit surgery with implantation of rollable intraocular lenses(IOL) in 40 cases and acrylic foldable IOL in the remaining 40 cases. Evaluation of efficacy and adaptability of procedure, equipment settings, operative constraints, postoperative complications, keratometric and topographic evaluation of induced astigmatism with visual outcome and patient''s rehabilitation were studied.

Results

The intraoperative complications were surge/ chamber collapse in 16 (20%), iris chaffing in one and corneal burns in two cases. All cases had an induced astigmatism of less than or equal to ± 0.25 D in four to six weeks after rollable IOL and ± 0.5 D to ± 0.75 D after acrylic IOL implantation. All patients had best-corrected visual acuity of 6/6 by third post operative day.

Conclusion

Phaconit with rollable IOL is a perfect blend of surgical skill, application of technology and ultra thin IOL.Key Words: Phaconit, Ultra micro phaco, Submillimetre incision, Rollable IOL implantation