Head circumference reference data: birth to 18 years

Highly reliable data from a sample of 888 white US children, measured serially in a single study, have been used to provide reference data for head circumference from birth to 18 years of age. The present data differ little from those already available for the age range from birth to 36 months of age, but they are considerably higher (about 0.5 cm) at older ages for boys and tend to be slightly higher for girls. These new reference data are smoother across age than those used currently for screening and evaluation. Percentiles for 6-month increments from birth to 6 years have been provided.     

Role of Oxalobacter formigenes in calcium oxalate stone disease: a study from North India

OBJECTIVE: The present study was performed to detect the presence of an oxalate degrading bacteria Oxalobacter formigenes in the GI tract of calcium oxalate stone patients and normal individuals from North India. Furthermore, the possible relationship of this bacterium with number of stone episodes in this part of the world was also studied. The correlation of the presence or absence of O. formigenes with the urinary oxalate levels was evaluated. METHODS: DNA was extracted from the stool samples of 63 calcium oxalate stone formers and 40 normal individuals. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using genus specific primers for O. formigenes. The presence of which was confirmed by Southern blotting. Urinary oxalate levels were tested in each patient. RESULTS: As shown by PCR and Southern blotting, O. formigenes was present in 65% of normal individuals and in 30% of calcium oxalate stone formers. In patients with three or greater than three stone episodes colonies were present only in 5.6% of patients. Oxalate excretion was less in patients colonized with O. formigenes as compared to those with no colonization. CONCLUSION: In North Indian population the absence of O. formigenes can lead to a significant increase in the risk of absorptive hyperoxaluria and resultant recurrent calcium oxalate stone episodes.     

An unusual case of late ocular changes after lightning injury

We describe a case of late ocular changes after lightning injury. One year after the injury, complete ankyloblepharon, severe dry eye, corneal opacity, healed iritis and mature cataracts were noted in both eyes of the patient.     

Variation in content of taxol and related taxanes in Eastern Himalayan populations of Taxus wallichiana

Extraction and analysis of paclitaxel and other taxanes in bark, needle leaves and stem segments of male and female plants of Taxus wallichiana, representing several populations, indicate that significant variation in taxane content exists within the population. Bark accumulated maximum amount of paclitaxel in almost all plants. Populations located at higher altitude tended to accumulate more paclitaxel than lower altitude plants. Seasons in which samples were collected and plant age have also been shown to affect paclitaxel accumulation. No effects of plant sex on paclitaxel content of the plants analyzed were observed. Significant differences in baccatin-III and 10-deacetylbaccatin III content were found to exist in the trees analyzed in this study.     

Endothelin receptor antagonists--an overview

In thirteen years since the appearance of Endothelin (ET) on the international scene, possibility of its involvement in a variety of diseases has attracted the attention of medicinal chemists in search of novel therapeutics for various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Discovery of pharmaceutical agents which either block the generation of ET from its precursor or antagonize its binding to cellular receptor, should not only provide means to assess the physiological role of ET, but lead to useful therapy for conditions associated with altered production or responsiveness to ET. In this review article, we have attempted to present in a classified format, the kaleidoscope of ET receptor antagonists that have emerged through structure activity relationship studies using the parent peptide as well as from screening of various compound libraries. By all indications, the variety and range of small molecules that are currently under investigation continues to open up newer opportunities and lures fresh groups of scientists into this research arena. Presently a number of these compounds are in the clinics, being evaluated for their beneficial effects in a range of human pathologies such as essential hypertension and chronic heart failure.     

Risk factors for premature coronary artery disease and determinants of adverse outcomes after revascularization in patients < or =40 years old

Smoking is an important and modifiable risk factor associated with premature atherosclerosis and the need for coronary revascularization in young adult patients ≤40 years old. Although intermediate and long-term survival is better in young adult patients after percutaneous coronary intervention, co-morbidities such as low ejection fraction, previous myocardial infarction, and previous bypass surgery are important adverse prognostic determinants.     

Carotid endarterectomy in elderly patients: low complication rate with overnight stay

HYPOTHESIS: Elderly patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can have a low complication rate and a short hospital stay. DESIGN: In this case series, we compared CEA results from January 1, 1994, through December 31, 1998, in 2 different age groups: 71 to 80 years and 81 years and older. SETTING: A private vascular surgery practice. PATIENTS: We studied 271 patients who underwent 293 CEAs; 124 procedures were for patients in the 71- to 80-year-old age group, and 42 procedures were for patients aged 81 years and older. INTERVENTIONS: Classic CEA was performed on all patients. From 1994 through 1996, 179 operations were performed under general anesthesia with routine shunting. In 1997 and 1998, 114 operations were performed under locoregional anesthesia with selective shunting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Length of hospital stay and 30-day morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The mortality rate for the entire series was 0.7% (2 of 293 patients). Major cardiac complications occurred in 3 patients (1.0%). Perioperative stroke occurred in 3 cases(1.0%); 2 strokes occurred in patients aged 71 to 80 years (2 [1.6%] of 124 patients), and 1 occurred in a patient aged 81 years or older (1 [2.4%] of 42 patients). Two additional patients developed reversible ischemic neurological deficits but were not in the elderly group (> or =81 years and older). The mean hospital stay was 1.5 days for patients aged 71 to 80 years and 1.2 days for patients aged 81 years and older. All outcome variables were statistically similar in both age groups. CONCLUSION: Octogenarians can undergo CEA with little morbidity and mortality and virtually an overnight hospital stay.     

Clinical examination and hematological data in asymptomatic & apparently healthy school children in a boarding school in a tribal area

In a boarding school of Maharashtra State of India 314 students (Bhil & Pawar) were examined clinically and blood was examined. Anemia was present in 16.2% male & 38.3% female. B (Beta). Thalasemia trait was present in 1.6% male & 2.4% female. Sickle cell trait was present in 21.3% male and 14.4% female and sickle cell disease in 0.6% student. G6PD deficiency was seen in 5.1% male & 4.8% female students.