Electron microscopic effects of thallium poisoning on the rat hypothalamus and hippocampus: biochemica changes in the cerebrum

Rats were given thallous acetate (5 mg elemental thallium/kg body weight) IP daily for 7 days and prepared for electron microscopy (perfusion-fixation) and for biochemical study. Increased incidence of Golgi zones and electron-dense bodies were observed in the anterior hypothalamus and hippocampus. Sequestrated axons were seen in the hypothalamus. Depletion of succinic dehydrogenase and guanine deaminase occurred in the cerebrum.

Two new methods of percussion

Existing methods of percussion have been reviewed and their drawbacks enumerated. Two new methods of percussion, single hand, and four methods have been described. It has been claimed that the new methods of percussion are better than the existing methods.

Electron microscope study of thallium-induced alterations in the oligodendrocytes of the rat area postrema

Thallotoxicosis following accidental ingestion of thallium in rodenticides and in cases of homicidal and suicidal ingestion are well documented in the literature. The mechanism of action of thallium, in particular the pathogenesis of its neurotoxic manifestations, is not entirely clear. This is the first electron microscopic investigation dealing with the effect of thallium on the oligodendrocytes of the area postrema. The area postrema is devoid of a blood-brain barrier, indicating that the hemoneural transport of thallous ions may be quite substantial in this region. Rats weighing 155-175 g were given intraperitoneal injections of 5 mg/kg thallous acetate for 7 days (35 mg/kg total dose). Following perfusion-fixation, ultrathin sections of area postrema were examined with an electron microscope. The oligodendrocytes exhibited pleomorphic vacuolated dense bodies in their perikaryon. The findings were also suggestive of the fact that either the multiplication of oligodendrocytes or their aggregation to form "giant cell" was operative.

Dissimilatory nitrate reduction in Clostridium tertium

Fermentation balance studies were carried out on Clostridium tertium grown with and without nitrate in the medium. Nitrate reduction increased the efficiency of energy produced from glucose by permitting the utilization of additional sites of substrate level phosphorylation. The effect was even more dramatic in C. tertium than in C. perfringens, with increased cell yields of about 30% being observed in the former compared with 20% in the latter. Unlike C. perfringens, C. tertium responded to the presence of nitrate in the medium with an increased growth rate. A slight increase in the Y ATP of these cultures was also observed, and quantitatively, this appeared to be consistent with the prediction of Stouthammer and Bettenhaussen that Y ATP will vary with the growth rate. Thus, C. tertium, like C. perfringens, was able to use nitrate as an electron acceptor in conjunction with its energy metabolism, suggesting that this may be widespread among the nitrate-reducing anaerobes.

A double-blind trial of penbutolol: a new beta-receptor blocking agent in the treatment of angina pectoris

A double-blind placebo controlled study of angina pectoris with penbutolol was undertaken in parallel groups in fifty-two patients. The duration of the study was six weeks. The dosage range for penbutolol was 8 mg to 50 mg per day. Six patients were dropped from the analysis. Seventeen patients (81%) in the penbutolol series exhibited a 50% reduction in anginal attacks, NTG consumption and subjective improvement. Significant reduction in nitrite intake was observed. Effort tolerance was improved significantly in those receiving penbutolol. Penbutolol was well-tolerated.

Genesis and possible dissolution of neuronal lipofuscin

The studies reviewed here reflect a marked difference of opinion among investigators on some fundamental aspects of lipo-fuscin research, such as its correlation to ageing, different type(s) and origin(s) of pigment granules, role of trauma and diseases, and the effect of drugs. An attempt has been made to present a unified concept of origin of lipofuscin and to point out the lacunae in our knowledge with a view to stimulate further research.

The occipital sinus

✓ Fresh dural preparations and dried occipital bones from 200 adult cadavers were examined to define the characteristics of the occipital sinus. The occipital sinus was found to be present in 64.5% cases. Different morphological types are classified into the following: median occipital sinus (35%), double occipital sinus (22.5%), left occipital sinus (4%), and right occipital sinus (3%). Communications with the confluence, superior sagittal, straight, transverse, and sigmoid sinuses are described. The normal findings and some notable anomalies are discussed in the light of the available literature.

To compare the efficacy of triple therapy with furazolidone, amoxicillin and omeprazole for two weeks and three weeks in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Bangladeshi duodenal ulcer patients

Helicobacter pylori eradication is the mainstay in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori associated peptic ulcer disease. Furazolidone was tried in several developing countries and showed good results in some trials. Increasing the duration of treatment has been shown to improve the eradication rate. This study was done to compare the efficacy of triple therapy for two weeks (Group–A) and three weeks (Group–B) consisting of omeprazole 20 mg b.d. amoxicillin 1gm b.d. and furazolidone 200 mg b.d. in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in duodenal ulcer patient. A total of 70 duodenal ulcer patients with Helicobacter pylori infection were included in the study. Healing of duodenal ulcer was assessed three months after the end of treatment and at the same time Helicobacter pylori eradication assessed by Campylobacter Like Organism (CLO) test and histology. In group–A, duodenal ulcer was healed in 17(58.62%) patients and Helicobacter pylori was eradicated in 15(52%) patients. In group-B, duodenal ulcer was healed in 19(61.30%) patients and Helicobacter pylori was eradicated in 18(58%) patients. Healing of duodenal ulcer was not significantly different between two groups. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori was also not significantly different between two groups. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v37i3.9118 BMRCB 2011; 37(3): 83-87

Adolescent Pregnancy Complication and Wastage in Bangladesh

Introduction: Pregnancy among adolescents is a health risk for the individual as well as the fetus. The main aim of this study is to examine the pregnancy complications and its outcome among adolescent women in Northern region (Rajshahi) of Bangladesh. Methods: The analysis is based on a part of faculty research; University of Rajshahi funded study on adolescent motherhood and pregnancy complications in the region, which involved a micro level survey of 400 adolescent conception aged 10-19 and in-depth interviews with 37 adolescents who had experienced pregnancy wastage. The indicator of poor pregnancy outcomes analysed includes pregnancy or delivery complications and pregnancy wastage. Results: A striking finding is the higher proportions suffer pregnancy problems, especially in cases of early conception. In particular, younger adolescent aged under 20 years has been observed to have the highest proportions of delivery complications and pregnancy wastage due to insufficient intake foods and possible biological immaturity. Conclusion: Early teenage pregnancy and its effects pose very severe different pregnancy and delivery complications consequently wastage. Key words: Adolescent; Pregnancy; Wastage; Odds ratio DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v30i3.3917J Nep Paedtr Soc 2010;30(3):147-153

A huge acrochordon in labia majora - An unusual presentation

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v37i3.9123 BMRCB 2011; 37(3): 110-111