A preliminary study on the interaction of cell-polymer extract towards biodegradation.

Two newly synthesised polyurethanes were subjected to a preliminary study, in-vitro, on the interaction of cell polymer extract to understand the phenomenon of biodegradation by employing VERO cells. VERO cells exposed to the saline extract of the polymer showed cytopathic effect with granulations in the digestive vacuoles. It is suggested that the long term material performance of an implant-material can be evaluated by using VERO cells and/or macrophages and by analysing metabolic products secreted by the cells during interaction.     

Fatal outcome of group-G streptococcal meningitis (a case report)

An adult woman developed meningitis caused by Group-G streptococci. The organism was successfully isolated both from blood and cerebrospinal fluid of the patient. The woman succumbed to infection despite an appropriate antibiotic therapy.     

Hepatitis B surface antigen in blood donors. An epidemiologic study

Of 8085 volunteer donors attending the blood bank at SCTIMST screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier state by counterimmunoelectrophoresis, 103 (1.27%) were HBsAg positive. The personal data of donors showed a higher rate of HBsAg among men than women and in the age group of 21 to 30 years than in the other age groups. A significantly higher rate was noted among donors belonging to the lower socioeconomic group (p less than 0.05).     

Fast-wave periodic complexes in a mentally retarded child who later developed subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: a modification of a classic EEG by preexisting brain damage?

The EEG of a 12-year-old girl with stage H subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), who had also suffered from a non-progressive mental retardation of unknown aetiology since early childhood, revealed periodic generalised stereotyped fast wave bursts synchronous with myoclonic jerks. The background activity was nearly normal. The diagnosis of SSPE was established by raised serum and measles antibody titres, raised CSF IgO, and brain biopsy. This rare type of periodic complex has only once been described in the literature, again in a mentally retarded child who had developed SSPE. We suggest a mechanism of origin of this type of periodic complex drawn from observations in these two cases, and discuss its significance.     

Two new isoflavonoids from the roots of Dalbergia congesta (Grah)

A systematic examination of the roots of Dalbergia congesta, yielded a new oligomeric isoflavonoid (1), a new tetramethoxy isoflavone (2) along with two known compounds, an isoflavone dalspinin (3) and a benzophenone, cearoin (4). On the basis of chemical and spectral evidences, compounds 1 and 2 were determined to be 5,7-dihydroxy-6,4'-dimethoxy-6'[2'-hydroxy-2'(2',5'-dimethoxy neoflavonyl) ethenyl] isoflavone (dalcongestin) and 5,7-dihydroxy-2',3',5',6'-tetramethoxy isoflavone, respectively.     

Photodynamic therapy of a posttraumatic choroidal neovascular membrane

The authors present a patient with posttraumatic choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) treated with PDT resulting in regression of the CNVM.     

Late spontaneous dislocation (disenclavation) of iris-claw intraocular lenses

We report 2 cases of late spontaneous dislocation (disenclavation) of an iris-claw intraocular lens (IOL) after cataract surgery. Case 1 was a 65-year-old woman who presented with diminution of vision in the left eye. She had left eye cataract surgery 17 years ago with iris-claw IOL implantation. In the left eye, there was temporal disenclavation of IOL and the free end was touching the endothelium at 4 o'clock position. Case 2 was a 32-year-old man who first presented in 1994. He was a high myope and had cataract extraction in both eyes with iris-claw IOL implantation 7 years ago. He presented in October 2003 with complaint of blurred vision in the left eye of 4 months' duration. In the left eye, the IOL had disenclavated temporally and was hanging inferiorly. Case 1 had IOL exchange. In Case 2, IOL exchange was advised.