Beneficial effects of vincamine with thioctic acid and lutein on retinal and optic nerve functions in an opaque media

AIM: To detect whether the combination of vincamine, thioctic acid and lutein will improve the retina and optic nerve functions in cases of an opaque media with an optic nerve and/or a retinal defect or not. METHODS: Totally 2000 patients (2000 eyes) of corneal opacities with defects in the optic nerve or/and the retinal functions were studied. Every patient received three types of drugs: thioctic acid with cyanocobalamine, vincamine, and lutein. The drugs were given daily for 3-12mo according to patient’s responses. Full field flash electroretinogram (ERG) and flash visual evoked potential (VEP) were done before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12mo sequentially. Patients were followed up for 12mo. RESULTS: In the 2000 eyes, 1000 eyes had both moderate optic nerve and retinal function defects; and 840 eyes out of the 1000 improved with the medical treatment. Another 500 eyes out of the 2000 eyes had extinguished retinal function with normal optic nerve function and only 125 eyes of them improved. The 290 out of the 2000 eyes had severe defects in optic nerve with normal retinal function and 130 of them improved. Another 210 eyes have mild optic nerve and retinal function defects and 194 improved. CONCLUSION: The combination of vincamine, thioctic acid with cyanocobalamine, and lutein improved both retina and optic nerve functions mainly in mild and moderate defect than in severe cases.     

A flow cytometry‐based assay for measuring invasion of red blood cells by Plasmodium falciparum

Variability in the ability of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum to invade human erythrocytes is postulated to be an important determinant of disease severity. Both the parasite multiplication rate and erythrocyte selectivity are important parameters that underlie such variable invasion. We have established a flow cytometry‐based method for simultaneously calculating both the parasitemia and the number of multiply‐infected erythrocytes. Staining with the DNA‐specific dye SYBR Green I allows quantitation of parasite invasion at the ring stage of parasite development. We discuss in vitro and in vivo applications and limitations of this method in relation to the study of parasite invasion. Am. J. Hematol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Inpatient bladder retraining: is it beneficial on its own?

Introduction and hypothesis  

Urinary incontinence is a common problem with serious effect on the quality of life. Bladder training aims to increase the interval between voids, either by a mandatory or self-adjustable schedule, so that incontinence is avoided. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of inpatient bladder retraining.     

Does Primary Surgical Management of Liver Hydatid Cyst Influence Recurrence?

Background and aims  

Hydatid disease is still a major health problem in sheep-raising areas. Surgery remains the basic treatment for liver hydatid cyst (LHC). However, recurrences can occur after all therapies. Surgery for recurrence of LHC becomes technically more difficult with higher rate of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine perfective factors associated to hepatic recurrence after LHC surgery and to propose and discuss postoperative follow-up schedules.     

Patterns and management of vascular injuries in intravenous drug users: A literature review

BackgroundIntravenous drug use is becoming an increasing problem in today’s society causing an enormous socio-economic burden. Any intravenous injection will carry a risk of vascular injury. However, this risk will be significantly increased with repeated injections. With ongoing injection drug misuse, individuals are at risk of serious complex vascular injuries that can masquerade as simple illnesses.MethodsA comprehensive Medline search was conducted to identify key articles related to vascular injuries in intravenous drug users (IVDUs).ResultsNumerous arterial and venous injuries have been described as a result of intravenous drug use. This article reviews the literature to identify appropriate management of the peripheral vascular injuries encountered more and more often in this group of patients. Recommendations for investigation and treatment are made.ConclusionIntravenous drug users are notoriously difficult to treat and present late in the course of their illnesses. Despite management problems, it is important to have a high index of suspicion for serious vascular problems. Education and awareness of both patients and health care professionals may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of these conditions which carry significant morbidity and mortality.     

The pregnant male: a metasynthesis of first-time fathers’ experiences of pregnancy

Objective: To synthesise qualitative study findings in order to gain an understanding of fathers’ experiences of pregnancy. Background: As the transition to fatherhood can be challenging, awareness of the factors facilitating or hindering expectant fathers’ adjustment is important. Our aim was to better understand the experiences of men during this significant life cycle phase, and to use this knowledge to advise health care professionals on how best to support men during this transition. Methods: We used Noblit and Hare’s metasynthesis approach to review and synthesise 13 qualitative studies relating to expectant fathers’ experiences of pregnancy. Results: The synthesis revealed five super-ordinate themes, which captured the emotional, psychological and physiological experiences of the expectant fathers during pregnancy: (1) Reacting to early pregnancy; (2) On the outside looking in; (3) The pregnant male; (4) A journey of acceptance; and (5) Redefining self as a father. Conclusion: Possible clinical implications and limitations of the metasynthesis approach are discussed. Relevant recommendations on how health professionals and services can be more effectively supportive of men during this period are outlined.     

The prevalence of fimbrial pathology in patients with early stages of endometriosis

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The presence of fimbrial pathology in advanced endometriosis is clearly understood. However, little is known about the prevalence of fimbrial pathology in early stages of endometriosis. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of fimbrial pathology in patients with infertility with early stages of endometriosis. DESIGN: Historical cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II/III). SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: The study group (Group 1) consisted of 315 infertile women who were found to have stage I or stage II endometriosis, and the control group (Group 2) consisted of 152 infertile women without endometriosis (Group 2). INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic evaluation for the presence and type of fimbrial pathology. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The prevalence of fimbrial pathology was significantly higher in infertile patients with early stages of endometriosis (50.2%) compared with infertile patients with no endometriosis (17.8%, p <.0001). CONCLUSION: These preliminary data suggest the presence of fimbrial pathology in many patients with early stages of endometriosis. Such pathology may act as a mechanical factor interfering with the ovum pick-up mechanism.     

Concurrent oxytocin with dinoprostone pessary versus dinoprostone pessary in labour induction of nulliparas with an unfavourable cervix: a randomised placebo-controlled trial

Objective  To compare concurrent oxytocin with dinoprostone pessary versus dinoprostone pessary in labour induction for nulliparas with an unfavourable cervix.
Design  A randomised double-blind study.
Setting  University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia.
Population  Nulliparas at term with intact membranes, Bishop score ≤ 6 and admitted for labour induction.
Methods  All women received 3 mg dinoprostone pessary for labour induction. Those randomised to the oxytocin arm received oxytocin infusion started at 1 mu/minute and doubled every 30 minutes to a maximum 16 mu/minute. Women assigned to placebo received identical volume of saline infusion. After 6 hours, infusion was stopped and vaginal reassessment performed to guide further management.
Main outcome measures  Primary outcome was vaginal delivery within 24 hours.
Results  Concurrent oxytocin infusion with dinoprostone pessary did not significantly increase vaginal delivery rate within 24 hours (48.6 versus 35.9%; P = 0.07, relative risk [RR] 1.4 [95% CI 1.0–1.9]). It reduced the requirement for repeat dinoprostone (37.1 versus 61.2%; P = 0.001, RR 0.61 [95% CI 0.45–0.81]) and improved maternal satisfaction with the birth process (median score of 3 versus 5 on a 10-point visual analogue scale, P = 0.007). Caesarean rates were not different (41.9 versus 44.7%, P = 0.52).
Conclusions  Labour induction with concurrent oxytocin infusion and vaginal dinoprostone could be considered for nulliparas with an unfavourable cervix. Larger studies are needed.