Outbreak of gastroenteritis due to a new strain of non O group 1 Vibrio cholerae, in Ludhiana in May-August 1993

The isolation of the new serotype 0139 of non 01 V. cholerae from an outbreak of gastroenteritis is reported. The study of 35 such isolates revealed their similarity with the El tor vibrios biochemically and by other characters. All were strongly haemolytic and 97.1 per cent of the strains showed a positive haemagglutination.

Poliomyelitis in Malaysia: two confirmed cases after 6 years without polio

Poliomyelitis in Malaysia has not been reported since 1986. We report two cases of poliomyelitis in non-immunized children whose parents, though relatively educated, opted not to vaccinate their children for socio-cultural reasons. This recent trend may interfere with our attempts to eradicate poliomyelitis globally by the year 2000. The clinical features, pathophysiology and differential diagnosis are discussed.

Evaluation of peritoneovenous shunt in refractory cirrhotic ascites in Indian patients

Ten patients with tense and refractory cirrhotic ascites underwent a modified peritoneovenous shunt procedure. Nine patients responded with complete resolution of ascites, mean weight gain of 5 (range 0-8) Kg, and rise in serum albumin level of 0.6 g/dL. Six patients improved from Child's class B to A. The longest survival period was 2.3 years. The main constraint in a developing country is the high cost of the shunt.

IgA nephropathy in Pakistan

A light, electron and immunofluorescence microscopy study was performed on 102 consecutive patients on whom suitable percutaneous renal biopsies were obtained. In this selected group of patients primary IgA glomerulonephritis was diagnosed in 6 (5.9%) cases. On light microscopy the glomerular lesions were predominantly focal (WHO class III) and diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (Class IV). The mesangial deposits showed high association with IgM deposits and presence of early complement components (C1q, C4) indicative of both classical and alternative pathways of C3 activation in our patients. The high incidence of nephrotic syndrome with microhaematuria (5 cases) is due to patient selection when compared to other studies. This study shows the existence of IgA nephropathy in Pakistan and larger number of cases need to be investigated to determine the true prevalence of this disease and its clinical manifestations and importance in Pakistan.

Rate constants for the reactions of halogenated organic radicals

Absolute rate constants have been measured by means of pulse radiolysis for the reactions of various halogenated aliphatic compounds (ethane derivatives, including the anaesthetics halothane, enflurane, isoflurane and methoxyflurane) with hydrated electrons and .OH radicals, the reactions of halogenated carbon-centered radicals, derived thereby, with molecular oxygen, and the reactions of halogenated peroxyl radicals with various antioxidants (ascorbate, chlorpromazine, promethazine, propyl gallate, ABTS) in aqueous solutions. All oxygen addition reactions occur essentially diffusion-controlled. This finding is correlated with the stereoelectronic properties of the primary carbon-centred radicals. The oxidative power of the halogenated peroxyl radicals reflects the inductive -I effect of the halogens and accordingly increases with the degree of halogen substitution, with fluorine substituents being particularly effective. The peroxyl radicals derived from freon 113, namely CClF2CClFOO. and CCl2FCF2OO., have been identified as the best oxidants among these species.

Free radical induced degradation of 1,2-dibromoethane. Generation of free Br. atoms

Free Br. atoms have been found to be generated upon eaq- and .OH radical induced degradation of 1,2-dibromoethane in aqueous solution. The relevant process is beta-bromine cleavage from CH2BrCH2 and CH2BrCHBr radicals, respectively. An absolute rate constant of k = 2.8 x 10(6) s-1 has been determined for the reaction CH2BrCH2----Br. + CH2 = CH2, while an estimate of k approximately 10(6) s-1 can be given for CH2BrCHBr----Br. + CH2 = CHBr. The Br. atoms have been identified through their reaction with Br- to Br2-. (k = 7.7 x 10(9) mol-1dm3s-1) and their reaction with 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (k = 6.8 x 10(9) mol-1dm3s-1). Ethylene and vinyl bromide have been identified via GC. The results substantiate earlier findings that free radical induced mechanisms can serve as informative probe for metabolic processes.

Traumatic oesophageal perforation treated with Mousseau Barbin tube

A traumatic perforation of the oesophagus during endoscopy was managed successfully by the use of a Mousseau Barbin tube instead of by a thoractomy repair.

Hemodialysis therapy for psoriasis

Twenty-five patients with extensive plaque psoriasis resistant to conventional treatment were evaluated for study of the effects of dialytic therapy on the skin lesions. Twenty patients were dialyzed twice a week for six hours each time with a 1.0 m2 Cuprophan membrane dialyzer. Eighteen patients responded to this therapy with regression of skin lesions. Twelve of them have not developed recurrence of lesions during a followup period extending from 6 to 27 months. A few new lesions were observed after two to six months in four patients, but the lesions were not severe enough to justify reinstitution of dialysis. Two patients developed relapse within two months after cessation of dialytic therapy. One of them was started on dialysis a second time and this was followed by remission of lesions. Five patients were taken as controls and were treated with other modes of therapy including sham dialysis, ultrafiltration without dialysis, or systemic heparinization before they were taken on the dialysis program. Whereas sham dialysis and systemic heparinization had no effect on the skin lesions which responded later to dialytic therapy, the ultrafiltration procedure was followed by partial regression of psoriasis. Dialysis appears to have a definite role in the treatment of psoriasis.