Antioxidant,cytotoxic, and anti-venom activity of Alstonia parvifolia Merr. Bark

Objective: To evaluate antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-venom capacity of crude bark extracts of Alstonia parvifolia Merr. Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spec...     

Peri-operative outcomes of patients with stage IV endometriosis undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery

We analyzed peri-operative outcomes of 80 patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery and were diagnosed with stage IV endometriosis (revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine) between January 2007 and December 2010 at a tertiary gynecologic oncology referral center with a fellowship training program. Eligible women had a combination of one or more factors: pelvic mass, sub-acute or chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, elevated serum CA-125, diagnosed with stage IV endometriosis at surgery with robotic-assisted gynecologic procedures using the da Vinci^? Surgical System. The mean age was 43.7?±?7.0?years, body mass index 27.5?±?7.4?kg/m², and 23 (28.9%) patients had prior endometriosis surgery. Presenting symptoms included: chronic pelvic pain (48.8%), dysmenorrhea (40.3%), and dyspareunia (33.8%). Sixty-nine (86%) patients had pelvic masses (43 unilateral and 26 bilateral). Thirty-seven (46.3%) had elevated CA-125 levels (mean 97.9?±?71.6 U/ml). Forty-eight (60%) underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy (RALH)/bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), 9 (11.3%) RALH/unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (USO), 5 (6.3%) modified radical hysterectomy, and 10 (13%) USO or BSO only. Four (5%) had ovarian cystectomies with excision of endometriotic implants. Three (3.8%) underwent appendectomy and no patient required bowel resection. Four (5%) patients required conversion to laparotomy during the first 15 cases of this series [dense adhesions (3) and ureteral injury (1)]. Mean operative time was 115?±?46?min, blood loss 88?±?67?ml, and length of stay 1.0?±?0.4?days. There were four (5%) complications (ureteral injury, cuff abscess, cuff hematoma, re-admission for nausea and vomiting secondary to narcotics) and no transfusions. One (1.3%) patient underwent a second surgery for pain (dyspareunia). Robotic-assisted surgery for stage IV endometriosis resulted in excellent pain relief, with few laparotomy conversions or complications during a robotic learning-curve experience.     

Assessing parasitic infestation of vegetables in selected markets in Metro Manila,Philippines

ObjectiveTo assess the parasitic infestation of vegetables in selected markets in Metro Manila, Philippines.MethodsA total of 80 vegetables were purchased from public and private markets in Munoz, Quezon City, and Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Vegetables were washed, and the washings were collected and examined for parasitic organisms.ResultsIn all vegetables examined, 36 of 80 (45.0%) were infested with parasitic organisms. Vegetables obtained from Muntinlupa City showed that 17 of 40 (42.5%) have parasitic infestation as compared with those obtained from Quezon City with 19 of 40 (47.5%). Significant differences on the parasitic organisms existed between the public and private markets and between the two locations (P<0.05).ConclusionsFindings indicate that vegetables can be potential source of parasitic infection. There is a need to be vigilant in ensuring that foodstuffs sold in our market systems are safe and fit for consumption.     

Recurrent infections in a rheumatoid arthritis patient with a primary immunodeficiency, treated with conventional and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs

A 64-year-old woman with longstanding rheumatoid arthritis suffered from recurrent severe infections after treatment with both synthetic and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). She was found to have mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency. MBL deficiency is associated with increased risk of infections, in particular in individuals treated with immunomodulating drugs. Patients with a history of recurrent infections in childhood, and severe infections after treatment with synthetic or biologic DMARDs, should be tested for MBL deficiency.