Longer average blood storage duration is associated with increased risk of infection and overall morbidity following radical cystectomy

Background

Patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) experience high rates of perioperative blood transfusions (PBTs) and morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of blood storage duration on the risk of adverse perioperative outcomes in this high-risk patient population.

Synovial sarcoma of anterior abdominal wall

Sarcomas are connective tissue tumours, and can arise in any part of the body, more commonly in the extremities. Histological types and clinical presentation of truncal sarcomas are similar to those seen in any other anatomic locations. Radiological investigations may be contributory, but biopsy is conclusive. Surgical resection with wide margins is the initial standard treatment, however a multimodal approach including radiotherapy and chemotherapy is often favoured. Because of the high recurrence rate regardless of therapy, close follow-up is imperative. We present a case of synovial sarcoma of the anterior abdominal wall.     

Illustration of anti-rheumatic mechanism of rheumavedic capsule

The present study was taken up to illustrate the mechanism of anti-rheumatic activity of ‘Rheumavedic capsule’, a polyherbal formulation of Vedic-bio Labs, Bangalore, in adjuvant induced arthritic rats. Anti-inflammatory mechanism is illustrated using phlogistic agents induced paw edema in rats. Analgesic mechanism is illustrated using Eddy’s hot plate and acetic acid (0.6%v/v) induced writhing in mice. Histopathology of knee joint was studied.Rheumavedic showed inhibition of inflammation mediated through Histamine, 5-Hydroxy tryptamine, and Bradykinin. Rheumavedic showed protection in both acetic acid and Eddy’s hot plate induced pain. Histopathology of knee joint of rat pre-treated with rheumavedic showed significant reduction in the mononuclear infiltration, pannus formation and adhesion molecules.The anti-rheumatic mechanism of rheumavedic is due to; inhibition of inflammatory mediators i.e., Histamine, 5-Hydroxy tryptamine and Bradykinin., protection against prostaglandins mediated pain, by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase synthesis and reduction in pannus formation, by inhibiting mononuclear infiltration.     

Citrobacter sepsis in infants

A study of blood cultures from 320 cases of neonatal sepsis showed 136 (42.5%) to be positive for bacterial growth; of these 82 (60.29%) isolates being gram negative bacilli. Citrobacter was the commonest gram negative bacilli isolated. Other commonly isolated gram negative organisms were Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Salmonella typhimurium, Acinetobacter and Escherichia coli. Antibiotics susceptibility pattern revealed the isolates to be resistant to commonly used antibiotics.     

Informed consent for the neurosurgeon

Obtaining informed consent from patients contemplating neurosurgical procedures is an important process in preoperative care. A surgeon's failure to fulfill his or her legally prescribed duty to inform the patient and obtain consent can result in unnecessary exposure to liability. This paper describes the legal background, doctrine, and elements of informed consent. It also outlines the dialog that should legally take place between physician and patient before a planned procedure and discusses special circumstances that may affect the informed consent process.     

Vitamin A supplementation in Tanzania: the impact of a change in programmatic delivery strategy on coverage

Background  

Efficient delivery strategies for health interventions are essential for high and sustainable coverage. We report impact of a change in programmatic delivery strategy from routine delivery through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI+) approach to twice-yearly mass distribution campaigns on coverage of vitamin A supplementation in Tanzania