Effects of sulfhydryl inhibition on the regulation of basal lipolysis and glucose uptake in human adipose tissue.

Stimulation of basal lipolysis and inhibition of glucose uptake by N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) was demonstrated in vitro in human omental adipose tissue. NEM, at concentrations ranging from 4 to 5 × 10^?4 M, produced a maximal stimulation of basal lipolysis as well as a 50 per cent inhibition of the rate of glucose uptake, whereas concentrations above 1 × 10^-3M reduced the basal rate of glycerol release. In contrast, under the conditions in which it stimulated basal lipolysis, NEM strongly inhibited theophylline induced lipolysis. NEM-stimulated lipolysis was not directly related to decreased glucose uptake to α- or β-adrenergic mechanisms or to inhibition of phosphodiesterase. The lipolytic response of human adipose tissue to NEM was, however, markedly reduced by insulin and nicotinate, suggesting that adenylcyclase activation could be responsible for the lipolytic effect of NEM. The inhibitory effect exerted by NEM on glucose uptake was similarly reversed by the addition of insulin. The rate of basal lipolysis and glucose uptake by fat pads removed from diabetic patients was unaffected by NEM. A possible involvement of insulin in the effects induced by NEM on both basal lipolysis and glucose uptake in normal human adipose tissue is discussed.     

Correction of Lower Limb Deformities Using Ilizarov's Technique

Background

India accounts for approximately 10 million orthopaedically handicapped children and adults with limb deformity. Ilizarov ring fixator could treat most of these deformities.

Methods

Twenty cases of deformities of lower limb managed with Ilizarov technique during period between March 2001 and February 2003 were studied.

Results

55% were in the age group of 11-30 years. Out of the 20 cases studied, 6 were congenital talipes equino varus, 8 were fixed flexion deformity of knee, 4 were equines deformity of the ankle and 2 were malunited fracture shaft of tibia.4 patients who had recurrence were operated for fixed flexion deformity of the knee. The main complication encountered was pin tract infection, which was seen in 15(75%) cases. In 16(80%) cases, the results were excellent with no recurrence of deformity and patients were able to walk independently. In 4 (20%) cases, recurrence was mild to moderate (10 to 20) but all of them were able to ambulate idependently and carry out their routine activities.

Conclusion

Ilizarov ring fixator is a superior compared to conventional methods for correction of deformities of lower limb.Key Words: Ilizarov method, Ligamentotaxis, Distraction     

Complex Pediatric Elbow Injury: An Uncommon Case

Background  

There is paucity of literature describing complex elbow trauma in the pediatric population. We described a case of an uncommon pediatric elbow injury comprised of lateral condyle fracture associated with posterolateral dislocation of elbow.     

Association of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase VEB-1

Association of the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinant QnrA and the bla(VEB-1) gene was identified in a single Enterobacter cloacae isolate from K.-Bicêtre, France, and in 11 out of 23 bla(VEB-1)-positive enterobacterial isolates from Bangkok, Thailand. This result may explain in part the association between quinolone and extended-spectrum beta-lactam resistance.     

Novel genetic structure associated with an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase blaVEB gene in a Providencia stuartii clinical isolate from Algeria

A ceftazidime-resistant Providencia stuartii isolate from Algeria harbored a ca. 160-kb conjugative plasmid that contained a truncated bla(VEB-1b) gene flanked by three 135-bp repeated elements. This work gives further evidence of the worldwide spread of bla(VEB) genes that are associated with genetic structures other than class 1 integrons.     

Characterization of the naturally occurring oxacillinase of Acinetobacter baumannii

A chromosomally encoded oxacillinase, OXA-69, was characterized from Acinetobacter baumannii AYE. beta-Lactamase OXA-69 shared 97% amino acid identity with the recently described OXA-51 enzyme of A. baumannii and 62 and 56% amino acid identity with the carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinases OXA-24 and OXA-23, respectively. Biochemical characterization of the purified OXA-69 revealed a narrow-spectrum hydrolysis profile but including, at a low level, imipenem and meropenem. By PCR and sequencing bla(OXA-69)-like genes were identified in all A. baumannii strains tested (n = 12), suggesting that this oxacillinase is naturally occurring in that species.