Obstructive jaundice--an unusual complication of duodenal tuberculosis: treatment with transhepatic balloon dilatation

This is a report of a patient on treatment for duodenal tuberculosis, who developed obstructive jaundice due to a benign stricture of the terminal common bile duct. This complication of duodenal tuberculosis, to our knowledge, has not been reported before. Percutaneous, transhepatic balloon dilatation of the stricture alleviated the jaundice.     

Insulin dependent diabetes in children

We present our experience with twenty children with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus admitted during the past 2 1/2 years. Sixteen patients were admited with acute onset of ketoacidosis while four were having gradual onset. Active and symptomatic treatment was started in all diabetic ketoacidotic patients. One patient died during the acute stage. Eleven patients were followed for 3–6 months or more. Glycosylated hemoglobin was considered as a criteria for control. Three had good control, two fair and six poor control; six developed diabetic ketoacidosis and three developed hypoglycemia     

Transformation of immortal, non-tumorigenic osteoblast-like human osteosarcoma cells to the tumorigenic phenotype by nickel sulfate

Epidemiological studies have indirectly linked compounds ofchromium, nickel and arsenic to human carcinogenesis. However,there is no evidence that metal compounds can transform humancells to the tumorigenic phenotype in culture. We show herethat exposure to 36 µM NiS0₄ for 48–96 h resultsin transformation of an immortal, non-tumorigenic, osteoblast-likecell line, HOS TE85, to the tumorigenic phenotype. Continuouspassaging following treatment leads to the formation of a fewdense foci. The cells isolated and expanded from the foci aremorphologically transformed, and form anchorage-independentcolonies of the size and abundance comparable to that formedby Kirsten murine sarcoma virus transformed HOS TE85 cells.The transformed cells from tumors in nude mice, have enhancedlevels of plasminogen activators and have lost the ability toform model bone matrix on extended culture in the presence ofascorbic acid and ß-glycerophosphate. A number ofcell lines have been established from nude mouse tumors. Cytogeneticanalysis reveals 16 marker chromosomes and an aberrant chromosome16. This is the first report of the transformation of a humancell line to tumorigenic phenotype by a metal carcinogen.     

Is antibiotic prophylaxis necessary for routine urodynamic investigations? A controlled study in 100 patients

The value of a prophylactic antibiotic before a routine cystometrogram has been assessed in a controlled trial of 100 patients. The infection rate was low and not statistically different in both groups. Subsequent symptoms of dysuria and haematuria had a mechanical aetiology.     

Treatment of an Amalgam Tattoo with a Q-Switched Alexandrite (755 nm) Laser

BACKGROUND: Amalgam tattoos result from deposition of metallic particles (eg, silver, mercury, copper, zinc, and tin) into the oral mucosa. Their clinical and histologic appearance is similar to that of decorative tattoos. OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful use of a Q-switched alexandrite laser for removal of an amalgam tattoo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An amalgam tattoo on the buccal mucosa and gingiva was treated with a QS 755 nm alexandrite laser. Three treatments were delivered at 8-week time intervals (average fluence = 6.8 J/cm2). RESULTS: Significant lightening of the tattoo was achieved after each of the three treatments without adverse sequelae. CONCLUSION: Q-switched alexandrite laser irradiation can safely and effectively eradicate amalgam tattoos.     

Is endometrial infection with Candida albicans a cause of recurrent vaginal thrush?

OBJECTIVE--It was hypothesised that the endometrium might act as a reservoir for candida, thus infecting the vagina as the endometrium is shed during menstruation. DESIGN--A prospective study of women with recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidiasis. The endometrium was sampled and cultured for candida species. SETTING--Central London STD clinic. SUBJECTS--26 women were enrolled, of whom 20 completed the study. RESULTS--One patient had a positive endometrial culture for candida species, the isolate being Candida krusei. CONCLUSIONS--The endometrium is not a common resevoir for candida species and therefore, infection at this site is an unlikely cause of recurrent vaginal candidiasis.     

Endocrine changes in Alzheimer's disease

In conclusion, at present, no consistent endocrine abnormalities can be detected in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. However, assessment of neuroendocrine function might help identify subpopulations of patients with particular neurotransmission abnormalities who are likely to benefit from a specific pharmacologic strategy. For example, patients in whom cholinomimetic drugs produce the greatest elevation in plasma cortisol concentration appear to derive the most symptomatic benefit from these drugs.