Spiral coils for arterial occlusion

Roentgen endovascular occlusion with spiral emboli was used in 240 patients with different diseases. The introduction of spiral emboli into the arteries of abdominal and retroperitoneal organs was fulfilled through usual angiographic catheters. Duration of the arterial occlusion was checked up in the following angiographic examinations and showed the devices described to be appropriate for a continuous arterial blockade. No complications resulting from the introduction of the spiral embolus were noted.     

RENAL TRANSPLANTATION – AN EARLY EXPERIENCE

Renal transplant (RT) is now a therapy of choice for end stage renal disease (ESRD). The Nephrology Unit, Asvini started functioning in Dec 90 and to date 1298 sittings of hemodialysis have been given to 45 patients. Of these, 35 were in ESRD and 11 patients underwent renal transplantation at this hospital during the period Jan 91 – Dec 93. One patient expired after 18 months of transplantation due to infection. Early experience in screening patients for RT, use of immunosuppression, management of rejection episodes and protocol are presented with special emphasis on its relevance to the Armed Forces.KEY WORDS: Transplantation, Renal Failure, Immunosuppression, Rejection     

HIV AND TUBERCULOSIS CO-INFECTION IN A REFERRAL CHEST HOSPITAL

Serving personnel of Armed Forces admitted with tuberculosis between Apr 1996–1999 were evaluated for co-infection of tuberculosis and HIV. Sixty (1.06%) of tuberculosis patients were found to be HIV positive. Initial test was done by spot kits and subsequently confirmed by ELISA on two different samples. Majority of the cases were in sexually active age group 48 (80%). Alcohol and smoking was associated in 80% cases. Thirty six (60%) were sputum smear positive for AFB. Twenty eight (46.7%) gave history of exposure to sex workers. Family members were not available for study. Sero prevalence of HIV in association with tuberculosis is less in Armed Forces compared to civil population.KEY WORDS: HIV, Seroprevalence, Tuberculosis     

Muramyl dipeptide: Not just another brick in the wall

The robust expression of microbial pattern recognition receptors such as TLR4 and Nod2 in intestinal stem cells reflects an active communication dynamic between the host and the gut microbiota. A new study reveals that muramyl dipeptide, the bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan motif, activates Nod2 within crypt base columnar Lgr5-positive stem cells and promotes their survival. Apart from the immediate relevance to the growth of organoids for in vitro experiments, the study raises new questions about the molecular mechanisms whereby gut microbes influence intestinal physiology.     

Disseminated Fusarium oxysporum neurospinal infection

We report a case of disseminated meningospondylodiscitis in an elderly diabetic patient caused by Fusarium oxysporum. As the clinical presentation was nonspecific, the diagnosis of the condition could only be arrived at after laboratory and imaging studies. The diagnosis of the condition requires a high index of suspicion. Patient underwent thorough surgical debridement along with a short course of variconazole and remained asymptomatic after 36 months of diagnosis. Fusarium is a large genus of filamentous fungi widely distributed in soil and in association with plants. It is known to cause local infections (nail, cornea) in healthy humans and disseminated infection only in the immunocompromised.     

On Secondary Patenting of Organic Compounds Suitable for use as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal - Secondary patenting of organic compounds that can undoubtedly be used as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is discussed. As a rule, such compounds, their...