Enhanced reaction with Vicia graminea lectin and exposed terminal N− acetyl-D-glucosaminyl residues on a sample of human red cells with Hb M− Hyde Park

A sample of polyagglutinable red cells was obtained from a healthy individual (group O, N) possessing a hemoglobin (Hb) variant called Hb M-Hyde Park. The sialic acid content of the individual's red cells is 90 percent of normal, and his cells are agglutinated by monoclonal but not lectin anti-Tn, a panel of lectins specific for N-acetylgalactosamine (or galactose), and N-acetylglucosamine. Enhanced agglutination reactions were obtained with Vicia graminea, Ulex europaeus, and human anti-I and -i. Using various enzyme treatments and different methods of labeling cell surface components, two defective cell membrane sites have been identified: one associated with the O-linked oligosaccharides on sialoglycoproteins and the other associated with exposed N-acetylglucosaminyl residues located on membrane components of apparent molecular weights 88,000 to 130,000 and 46,000 to 73,000 (probably the Band 3 and Band 4.5 regions, respectively).     

Effect of MR imaging on spleen colony formation following gamma irradiation

This article describes experiments performed to examine the possible effect of interaction between ionizing radiation and magnetic resonance (MR) on damage to normal tissue. Eight-week-old ICR male mice were irradiated (cobalt-60 radiation) with 5, 6, or 7 Gy given either alone or followed by MR imaging. Other groups received fractionated doses of 6 Gy (3 Gy + 3 Gy) or 7 Gy (3 Gy + 4 Gy) either with or without subsequent MR imaging. Ten days after exposure, spleens were assayed for endogenous spleen colonies. The number of spleen colonies was lower at higher radiation doses, and fractionation of the dose resulted in an increase in colony number compared with a comparable dose in a single exposure. No difference was seen, however, between comparable radiation groups that were or were not subjected to MR imaging. In addition to the spleen colony assay, body weights and wet weights for spleen, thymus, and testes were obtained, since these suffer weight loss in proportion to radiation dose. As with the spleen colony assay, no significant effect of MR imaging was observed. These results indicate that for the normal tissues studied, MR imaging neither increases radiation damage nor inhibits repair between fractions.     

Contribution of fibreoptic endoscopy to diagnosis and management of children with gastro-oesophageal reflux

Endoscopic and radiological examination was performed in 53 children with gastro-oesophageal reflux. There was fair agreement between endoscopic and radiological findings. Most patients showed either a normal or an erythematous oesophageal mucosa at endoscopy and these patients became asymptomatic on conservative therapy. 7 children presented destructive changes of the oesophageal mucosa with severe pathological abnormalities. Though their symptoms improved on conservative therapy, 5 required operation because of persistence or deterioration of mucosal damage. Endoscopic and pathological changes returned to normal after operation. Retrospective examination of data led to the definition of 'high risk factors' in this condition.     

Severity of Psoriasis Among Adult Males is Associated with Smoking,Not with Alcohol Use

Context:

Lifestyle factors such as tobacco smoking and alcohol use can affect the presentation and course of psoriasis. There is a paucity of data on this subject from India.

Aims:

To find out whether increased severity of psoriasis in adult Indian males is associated with tobacco smoking and alcohol use.

Settings and Design:

Cross-sectional study in the Department of Dermatology of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital.

Subjects and Methods:

Male patients above 18 years of age attending a psoriasis clinic between March 2007 and May 2009 were studied. Severity of psoriasis (measured using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index – PASI) among smokers and non-smokers was compared. We also studied the correlation between severity of psoriasis and nicotine dependence (measured using Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence) and alcohol use disorders (measured using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–AUDIT).

Statistical Analysis:

Z-test, Odd''s ratio, Chi-square test, Spearman''s correlation coefficient.

Results:

Of a total of 338 patients, 148 were smokers and 173 used to consume alcohol. Mean PASI score of smokers was more than that of non-smokers (Z-test, z = −2.617, P = 0.009). Those with severe psoriasis were more likely to be smokers (χ² = 5.47, P = 0.02, OR = 1.8, Confidence Interval 1.09-2.962). There was a significant correlation between PASI scores and Fagerström score (Spearman''s correlation coefficient = 0.164, P < 0.01). Mean PASI scores of persons who used to consume alcohol and those who did not were comparable.(Z-test, z = −0.458, P = 0.647). There was no association between severity of psoriasis and alcohol consumption.(χ² = 0.255, P = 0.613, Odds Ratio = 1.14, CI 0.696-1.866). There was no correlation between PASI scores and AUDIT scores (Spearman''s correlation coefficient = 0.024, P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Increased severity of psoriasis among adult males is associated with tobacco smoking, but not with alcohol use.     

ABDOMINAL INCISIONAL HERNIAS - A REVIEW OF 50 OPERATED PATIENTS

Fifty patients (5 men and 45 women) in the age group of 25 to 65 years with abdominal incisional hernia were studied. The most common antecedent cause (in 86 per cent patients) was found to be a gynaecological operative procedure done earlier through a lower midline incision. All patients underwent anatomical repair and were followed-up after repair for an average of 18 months (range 6–32 months). The results were reviewed and it was seen that there was evidence of recurrence in 3 patients only.KEY WORDS: Abdominal incisional hernia, Hernia ventral, Surgical wound dehiscence