Successful treatment of chronically infected wounds with sugar paste

A sugar and polyethylene glycol paste is introduced which has marked antimicrobial activity and is available in thick and thin forms. The paste was used to treat 20 patients with chronically infected abdominal and perineal wounds that had failed to respond to conventional forms of treatment. Complete healing was achieved in 19 patients. The paste was especially effective in the treatment of large abscess cavities with small external openings. It was inexpensive, and easy and painless to apply.     

Amyloid β protein (Aβ) deposition in dementia with Lewy bodies: predominance of Aβ42(43) and paucity of Aβ40 compared with sporadic Alzheimer's disease

Amyloid β protein (Aβ) deposition was investigated by quantitative immunohistochemistry in 13 cases of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and compared with that in a series of age, gender and ApoE genotype matched cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In DLB the predominant Aβ peptide species deposited was Aβ₄₂₍₄₃₎ and this was similar in amount to that in AD. By contrast, Aβ₄₀ deposition was sparse in DLB and was lower than that in AD as was the total Aβ (Aβ₄₀+Aβ₄₂₍₄₃₎ ) deposition. These data reinforce the viewpoint that in all disorders in which Aβ deposition is characteristic, the initial and predominant peptide species deposited is the longer form, Aβ₄₂₍₄₃₎ . The density of Lewy bodies (LB) in DLB was unrelated to the extent of Aβ deposition, although those cases possessing one or more copies of the apolipoprotein E E4 allele had a higher LB density than those without an E4 allele. This suggests that the apolipoprotein E E4 isoform might facilitate, though not necessarily trigger, the formation of LB in susceptible individuals.     

Phase I trial of a novel matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat (BB-94) in patients with advanced cancer

Summary Degradation of basement membrane and extracellular matrix by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is believed to be required for tumor invasion, tumor-induced angiogenesis and vascular invasion. A synthetic hydroxamate, batimastat (also known as BB-94), inhibits MMPs by binding the zinc ion in the active site of the MMP. Batimastat inhibits at least 50% of MMP activity at concentrations less than or equal to 10 ng/ml in vitro. Batimastat retarded ascites accumulation and increased survival in mice with human ovarian tumor xenografts. Acute and long-term toxicological studies revealed no major toxicity in animals. Batimastat is poorly soluble and was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) as a suspension. Previous studies in patients with malignant ascites have shown no major toxicities at doses as high as 1350 mg/m².     

Silver-Russell syndrome with absence of digits and syndactylism of the fingers

A patient with Silver-Russell Syndrome with previously undescribed absence of two fingers plus syndactyly of the opposite hand is reported.     

Fibrinolytic degradation products in urine of anticoagulated transplant patients.

A study of the level of urinary fibrinolytic split products in 14 renal transplant patients who received oral anticoagulants postoperatively revealed a tendency toward increased levels of fibrinolytic split products that were temporally related to graft rejection. The amount of fibrinolytic split products in the urine was positively related to the severity of rejection as well as to the final status of the allograft. Thus, the urinary level of fibrinolytic split products, as determined by the latex-coated particle test, can be used as an indicator of the course of warfarin-anticoagulated patients after renal allografting.     

Temperature taking with glass thermometers: a review

This paper gives a review of the pertinent literature related to the use of clinical glass thermometers in body temperature recordings, historically and up to the present day. An attempt is made to give this commonly practised nursing procedure a scientific basis. Aspects of methods involved are discussed, particularly from the viewpoints of accuracy and safety. Some of the discrepancies inherent in current practice are pointed out and, where relevant, suggestions are made on the revision of this in the light of research findings and scientific data.     

Oedème bleu involving the lower limb

Oedème bleu may masquerade as an acute vascular disorder of the limb. We present a case of this syndrome occurring in a young female with the physical signs involving the lower limb.