Apoptosis inducing activity of steroidal constituents from Solanum xanthocarpum and Asparagus racemosus

A series of Sarsapogenin and Diosgenin derived steroidal constituents (1-12), isolated from Solanum xanthocarpum and Asparagus racemosus were screened for their ability to induce cell death and apoptosis of colon carcinoma cells. The carbohydrate moieties linked to the steroid backbones were found to strongly influence cytotoxic activity and cell death mode (apoptosis or necrosis). Compound 10, from A. racemosus was found to be a potent inducer of apoptosis.

Cervico-mediastinal lymphangioma

Two cases of cervico-mediastinal lymphangioma ppesenting in adults are reported. In one the lesion originated in the mediastinum and only when advanced showed extension into the neck. The other was associated with a cervical cystic hygroma. Both wwer relieved by one-stage excision. Although they are benign, the tendency of these lesions is to become progressively larger, and to infiltrate between the vital structures in the neck and mediastinum. These features, and the importance of early surgery, are illustrated by the patients we now report.

Constrictive pericarditis following mild non-penetrating trauma

A case of constrictive pericarditis developed within twenty-four days of mild, blunt thoracic trauma. Rapid progression from traumatic pericarditis to constriction is documented with clinical evidence, electrocardiographic changes and cardiac catheterisation data. Other manifestations of pericardial reaction after blunt chest trauma are reviewed briefly.

Silent mitral regurgitation

The occurrence of significant mitral regurgitation whithout the characteristic auscultatory signs, particularly the holosystolic murmur and the third heart sound, is unusual. It becomes of considerable importance when it occurs in combined lesions of the mitral valve, and more so in those areas where the treatment of mitral stenosis is by closed mitral valvotomy. Two cases of silent mitral incompetence are presented. The features that should have indicated the coexistence of regurgitation with mitral stenosis were cardiomegaly with considerable dilatation of the left atrium, and lesser degrees of right ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiography for the severity of mitral stenosis and evidence of biventricular hypertrophy.

Pleural empyema due to ruptured amoebic liver abscess

Thirty-one cases of empyema due to ruptured amoebic liver abscess treated by either intercostal tube drainage or decortication are presented. On account of the rapid development of a thick membrane, intercostal drainage was successful only in the cases which were seen early. The poor general condition of the patient was the cause of death in 4 of the 5 fatal cases.

Penetrating injuries of the heart

Thirty consecutive patients with penetrating cardiac wounds were treated surgically during a period of 6.5 years. There were 6 deaths, giving a survival rate of 80 per cent. Delay in undertaking repair was associated with a friable myocardium. Cardiac arrest, either before or during operation, occurred in 5 patients, 4 of whom subsequently died. Left ventricular wounds were associated with a higher mortality than those affecting the right ventricle. Perforating cardiac injuries had a mortality of 43 per cent in comparison with 13 per cent for penetrating injuries. Coexistent intraperitoneal injuries were present in 4 patients, 2 of whom underwent successful repair.

Wakeley--the international surgeon in the Commonwealth

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The problem of mitral stenosis in childhood

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