Comparative assessment of carbon sequestration potential of different types of wetlands in lower Gangetic basin of West Bengal, India

Wetlands provide a great ecological service by accumulating and sequestering carbon in their soils and thus help in mitigating climate change caused due to global warming. However, the capacity and efficiency of different types of wetlands vary considerably depending upon the nature of the wetland, hydrology, biogeochemistry, climatic condition, and many other factors. In the present paper, we have studied the carbon accumulation and sequestration in three different wetlands, one sewage fed, and two floodplain oxbow lakes in the West Bengal state of India. The selected wetlands vary in terms of ecological regimes such as water volume, depth, link channel, agricultural runoffs, primary productivity, macrophyte coverage, and fishery. The carbon accumulation in the wetlands, which varied from 48.53 to 143.17 Mg/ha up to 30-cm depth of soil, was much higher than that in the corresponding upland sites. The difference was much higher in the floodplain wetlands. So the study revealed that wetlands are better carbon sinks than the corresponding reference sites and the carbon sequestration potential varies according to the type of wetlands. A positive correlation was also observed between macrophyte coverage and the amount of C stored in the wetlands.

Thermal stress-induced oxidative damages in the liver and associated death in fish, Labeo rohita

Fish mortality generally occurs during extreme summer temperatures in India which are apprehended to be more frequent in near future and may reduce the fish population, particularly in closed aquatic systems. This present study is conducted with the objectives to find out heat shock and associated oxidative stress responses that occurred in selected fish Labeo rohita due to extremely high water temperature (treated, 37-38 °C against control, 28-30 °C) exposure for 2 weeks. Calculated mortality was 30% during the experimental period. The results revealed the biomolecules associated with both the anti-oxidative response (reduced glutathione in serum, liver, muscle; catalase activity in liver, muscle; superoxide dismutase gene expression in the liver) and the heat shock response (hsp70 gene expression in the liver) were elevated under thermal stress. Pro-inflammatory responses (expression of complement protein 3, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase in the liver) and oxidative damages (lipid peroxidation in all studied tissue and DNA fragmentation in the liver) were more under thermal stress. Extreme thermal stress induced by partial lethal temperature exposure in this study led to the activation of both the heat shock response and the anti-oxidative response. However, these responses were not elicited to the level so that they can protect from oxidative damages and inflammation in the liver of all the studied fish that caused partial mortality in fish. Thermal stress-induced hepatotoxicity caused fish death which was documented for the first time in freshwater fish.

Occurrence and Safety Evaluation of Antimicrobial Compounds Triclosan and Triclocarban in Water and Fishes of the Multitrophic Niche of River Torsa, India

Personal care product (PCP) chemicals have a greater chance of accumulation in the aquatic environments because of their volume of use. PCPs are biologically active substances that can exert an adverse effect on the ecology and food safety. Information on the status of these substances in Indian open water ecosystems is scarce. In this paper, we report the incidence of two synthetic antimicrobials, triclosan (TCS), including its metabolite methyl-triclosan (Me-TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) in Torsa, a transboundary river flowing through India. In water TCS and TCC were detected at levels exceeding their respective PNEC (Predictive No Effect Concentration). Both the compounds were found to be bioaccumulative in fish. TCS concentration (91.1-589 µg/kg) in fish was higher than that of TCC (29.1-285.5 µg/kg). The accumulation of residues of the biocides varied widely among fishes of different species, ecological niche, and feeding habits. Me-TCS could be detected in fishes and not in water. The environmental hazard quotient of both TCS and TCC in water indicated a moderate risk. However, the health risk analysis revealed that fishes of the river would not pose any direct hazard to human when consumed. This is the first report of the occurrence of these PCP chemicals in a torrential river system of the eastern Himalayan region.

Distribution Pattern and Outcome of the Patients in the Intensive Care Unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University: A Short Term Analysis

The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of patients admitted to intensive care unit and their outcome in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh. This retrospective, descriptive study was conducted in the intensive care unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from January 2016 to June 2016. Data was retrieved from hospital records of all admitted patients regarding age, gender, admission source, reason for admission, length of ICU stay, requirement of mechanical ventilation, number of organ failure and their outcome. During this study period, the total number of patients admitted was 225; most of them were males (148, 65.7%). Among the 225 patients, the highest number of admission was comprised of intracranial haemorrhage (22.6%), followed by sepsis (12.4%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (10.2%), acute renal failure (9.3%) malignancy (8.8%) and ischemic stroke (8.0%). Mean age of the patient was 54±18 years and mean length of ICU stay was 6.8±3 days. Out of 225 patients, 87 expired (38.6%). Majority of the patients required mechanical ventilation (69.3%) and had multi organ failure (59.8%). Most of the expiries were due to intracranial haemorrhage (24.1%); followed by acute respiratory distress syndrome (12.6%), malignancy (12.6%) and sepsis (11.4%). Elderly age (>65 years), requirement of mechanical ventilation and multiorgan failure had significant relationship (p<0.05) with overall ICU mortality. Intracranial haemorrhage, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome were the main reasons for admissions in ICU, while mortality was highest for intracranial haemorrhage. Developing a well equipped neurological ICU with adequately trained staff will help to improve the outcome of patients.

Deep Vein Thrombosis in A Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patient: Successful Conservative Management

Deep vein thrombosis is an alarming medical emergency. Deep vein thrombosis or deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a deep vein predominantly in the legs. Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting deep vein thrombosis is a very rare medical condition relatively in Asian. Approximately 80% of deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) is clinically asymptomatic, 20% of those that actually demonstrate signs and symptoms can be easily confused with symptoms of other commonly presenting musculoskeletal disorders. Proper medical management can reduce patient's morbidity and further burden. A 50 years old diabetic Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting gentleman had been suffering for left leg swelling, high grade fever and calf muscle pain for 5 days. He had absent Arteria Dorsalis Paedis pulse on left foot, Positive Homan sign and Wells score is 7. His left leg was hugely swelled. He had normal leg hair distribution. Duplex study of Left Leg-Deep Vein Thrombosis in left lower limb (Popliteal segment) with sign of recanalization. He is also a patient of anemia of chronic disease due to hemorrhoid. Several investigations have done to find the cause of his chronic anemia. His treatment was meticulous with complete bed rest, elevation of left lower limb, heparinization, oralrivaroxaban. He had rapid recovery following treatment. Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting patient should be given post-operative enoxaparin (Low molecular weight Heparin) or Heparin for 3-5 days. Early diagnosis of the disease condition reduces morbidity. Combined treatment with Rivaroxaban and Heparin is of great clinical value and outcome in a case of Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Deep Vein Thrombosis patient.

Right Atrial Myxoma: An Uncommon Presentation

There are two types of tumors found in the cardiac chamber. These are divided into primary intra-cardiac tumors and secondary intra-cardiac tumors. Primary intra cardiac tumors are rare and among them 29% are myxomas. Majority of them are found in the left atrium. Here, we report a case of a myxoma in the right atrium with hepatomegaly and Hepatitis B virus infection. The coexistence of all these conditions is very rare. A 52 years old patient presented with history of shortness of breath on exertion along with fever and generalized weakness for 6 months which aggravated lately for last 2 months. He was then taken for better medical care and hospitalization. On cardiac evaluation he had soft S1 and S2 over the tricuspid region on the right lower parasternal region. He had bilateral mild pitting pedal edema. On further examination, it was revealed that he had mild tender hepatomegaly with jaundice. His blood analysis for HBsAg was positive. Echocardiogram showed right atrial myxoma of 14.3cm² almost completely occupying the right atrium and even protruding into the Inferior Venacava however not fully obstructing it. The inferior vena cava size was mildly dilated (22mm). Abdominal ultrasound report showed hepatomegaly (17.6cm) with coarse hepatic parenchyma. In this report, we emphasize the rarity of myxoma in the Right Atrium, its difficult diagnosis because of the location and the atypical presentation in the echocardiograph.

Effect of green tea on serum cholesterol level in cholesterol fed rabbits

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Since the development of atherosclerosis involves dyslipidemia, we postulated that green tea may exert lowering of serum cholesterol levels. Objectives: To investigate the effects of green tea on serum cholesterol level. Methods: Total 45 rabbits (15 were fed on 1% cholesterol and green tea for 16 weeks, another 15 were fed on 1% cholesterol and plain water for 16 weeks, last batch of 15 rabbits received normal rabbit diet for 16 weeks) in the department of Cardiac Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from April 2011 to September 2012.They were evaluated for lipid profile and presence of atherosclerosis. Results: The mean total cholesterol in cholesterol fed rabbits with green tea after 16 weeks was 21.06 ± 5.55, LDL-C was 20.80 ± 6.16, Serum TG was 153.67 ± 33.59, HDL-C neither increased nor decreased. The mean total cholesterol in cholesterol fed rabbits with plain water after 16 weeks was 27 .53 ± 5.15, LDL-C was 32.40 ± 8.24 and TG was 290.13 ± 44.31, no effect were seen on HDL-C. These rabbits were fed on green tea for 8 weeks, cholesterol levels returned to levels at commencement of experiment. Rabbits fed on normal rabbit diet for 16 weeks had TC l9.20 ± 4.85, LDL-C was 19.20 ± 2.04 and TG was 155.06 ± 32.03 mg/dl. HDL-C remained in normal range. But there was no atheroschlerotic change in any group. Conclusion: Green tea significantly reduces serum cholesterol levels in cholesterol fed rabbits. There was no effect of green tea on HDL-C in any group.</p>

Ruptured Aneurysm of Sinus of Valsalva: A Case Report

We have presented a case of ruptured aneurysm of sinus of valsalva, in a female of 24 years old, with the symptoms and signs of right heart failure. Diagnosis made by echocardiography. For further evaluation, cardiac catheterization was done. After improvement of her general condition, she was undergone operation. Per-operative findings were bicuspid aortic valve having no calcification. A fistulous tract having windsock appearance found in between fused RCC & NCC extending into the RV cavity, which was opened inferior to the tricuspid valve. Fistulous tract was excised and the opening in the root of the aorta was closed with PTFE patch by 5/0 polypropylene and RV side was closed by direct suture. Patient was symptomless after operation. Patient discharged on eighth postoperative day in stable condition.

Outcome of Extended Thymectomy in Myasthenia Crisis Patient

Myasthenic crisis is a life-threatening condition. We studied the demographic, frequency, causes and clinical presentation of isolated Myasthenic crisis, steps of treatment and to review our experience of extended thymectomy on patients with at least one episode myasthenic crisis. A prospective and retrospective study was conducted on patients with at least one episode of myasthenic crisis, from March 2010 to September 2014, at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh who were referred for thymectomy. Eighteen patients (13.6% of the total 132 patients with myasthenia gravis were admitted with single to multiple episodes of myasthenic crisis, median crisis was 2.5 episodes. Mean age of the patient was 35.5 (18-72) years with male predominance. All eighteen patients had undergone extended thymectomy after completion of 5 cycle plasmapheresis, of which 2 had experienced postoperative respiratory crisis, required invasive ventilator support for median 14 days. One patient required invasive ventilator support after third post operative day. Six patients had thymoma and 12 had thymic hyperplasia. Three patients needed Intravenous immunoglobin. Nine patients needed post operative anti acetylcholinesterase inhibitor after median 2.5 post days. Post thymectomy remission and decreases the frequency of myasthenic crisis was seen in follow up and post operative medication requirement reduced significantly as compared to the preoperative requirement. This report highlights that the patients who had extended thymectomy after episodes of myasthenia crisis are benefitted even in the histhopathology report does not confirmed thymoma. After thymectomy, there was remission of myasthenic crisis. Patients with myasthenic crisis should have judicious drug adjustments under supervision and should be treated aggressively during impending myasthenic crisis. With modern management of myasthenia gravis, early surgery with myasthenic crisis is safe with good long-term outcomes.

A Case of Massive Pleural Effusion: Pleurodesis by Bleomycin

Malignant pleural effusion is a common complication of primary and metastatic pleural malignancies. Pleurodesis for the management of malignant pleural effusion is intended to achieve symphysis between parietal and visceral pleura, and to prevent relapse of pleural effusion. Many chemical agents are tried to induce inflammation and damage of the pleural mesothelial layer to achieve this symphysis. Hemorrhagic pleural effusion, especially in the right hemithorax commonly occurs as presentation of primary and metastatic pleural malignancies. This case reports massive right-sided hemorrhagic pleural effusion as the sole manifestation of primary lung cancer in a 45 year old man. Patient attended our department of thoracic surgery complaining of cough, shortness of breath and right sided chest pain. A chest X-ray and chest computer tomography (CT) radiograph shows right sided massive pleural effusion. Right sided tube thoracotomy done. Pleural fluid study was done. Fluid for cytopathology was positive for malignant cell. Computed tomography guided fine needle aspiration cytology from right lung lesion was also done. Diagnosis was as small cell carcinoma. Pleural effusion resolved after 9(th) post operative day of chest tube insertion. Bleomycin pleurodesis was done. Day after pleurodesis intra thoracic tube was removed and patient was discharged from hospital on 10(th) Post operative day with an advice to attend the oncology department for further treatment. The protocol of tube thoracostomy and chemical pleurodesis was almost always successful in giving symptomatic relief of respiratory distress for a considerable period of time. However, chemical pleurodesis is not possible in all cases of malignant pleural effusion because it has got potential complication including death.

Left Atrial Myxoma in a Late Case of Lung Carcinoma

Concomitant occurrence of lung carcinoma and an atrial myxoma is rare. We are reporting such a case, a 55 year old male, farmer, smoker for 30 years was under evaluation for his recent episode of stroke with hemiparesis during which an echocardiography showed presence of a left atrial myxoma and chest x-ray showed a lesion in the midzone of right lung. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from enlarged right supraclavicular lymphnode revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma. Patient was referred to a tertiary cancer care hospital thereafter.

A Rapid and Reliable End-To-End Anastomosis Technique for Emergency Vascular Surgery--A Case Report

A 28 year old male presented to us with 8 hours old open fracture of distal shaft of left femur which was already stabilized with external fixator but had no palpable distal pulse both clinically and on doppler examination. He underwent a primary repair following limited segmental resection. Commonly end-to-end anastomosis techniques following transection of arteries include interrupted and continuous suturing with or without 'parachuting' of the vessel or graft. Here we offer a rapid and reliable technique with following advantages: i) operating system always towards the surgeon, ii) posterior row of suture placed as both ends are well visualized, iii) less chance of catching posterior wall, iv) flushing performed easily before completing anterior row suture. Upto 2nd post operative day anticoagulant used in the form of inj. Heparin 2500 IU subcutaneously 8 hourly and patient was discharged from hospital on 3rd post operative day with presence of good distal pulses both on clinical and Doppler examination. Fourteen days later, on follow up Duplex study showed normal arterial flow without any stenosis or occlusion.

Surgical Closure of Atrial Septal Defect with High Pulmonary Vascular Resistance--A Case Report

We have reported a case of successful pericardial patch closure of atrial septal defect with high pulmonary vascular resistance in a 32 years aged male. Diagnosis was confirmed by Doppler Echocardiography, Cardiac catheterization and lung biopsy. Before starting (orally) bosentan pulmonary arterial pressure was 105 mm Hg and pulmonary vascular resistance was 8 wood's unit. Bosentan was started at a dosage of 125 mg per day (62.5 mg twice a day) for 4 months before operation in this case. Just day before operation pulmonary arterial pressure was 87 mm Hg. Bosentan lowered pulmonary arterial pressure and reversed remodeling of pulmonary arteries and allowed surgical correction. During the post operative course, partial pressure of oxygen was significantly decreased and bilateral radiolucent opacity was present in lower zone of both lungs. All these were managed successfully in postoperative period. This case report has demonstrated that surgical correction of an atrial septal defect is feasible but requires long time pre and post operative treatment with pulmonary vasodilators.

Ice test in diagnosis of ocular myasthenia

This observational, non-control, non equivalent pretest and post test descriptive study was carried out at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from June 2009 to December 2009 to compare the efficacy of ice test and repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) in diagnosis of ocular myasthenia gravis. Ten patients with fluctuating ptosis (4 male and 6 female) who were suspected of having ocular myasthenia were included in the study. Male and female ratio in the study was 2:3. The mean age of the patients was 28.1 years. Positive response to pyridostigmine was taken as confirmation of ocular myasthenia. A piece of ice (2cm × 1cm) was placed over the upper eyelid for 2 minutes and the vertical eye lid fissure height was noted before and after the application of ice. Repetitive nerve stimulation was performed in the same subjects subsequently. Results of two tests were compared. Eight patients shows good (>2mm) elevation of eyelid with ice and three patients had abnormal RNS. In conclusion, ice test appears as more sensitive clinical test to detect ocular myasthenia than RNS test.

Prevalence of Dyslipidemia and Associated Factors among the Sub-Urban Bangladeshi Population

Dyslipidemia is highly prevalent in the urban and rural areas of Bangladesh but information in the suburban,  is limited. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia in sample    population who live in the sub-urban area of Bangladesh. Random sampling of the volunteers aged > or = 18  years in Bhaluka upozilla of Mymensingh district was done. After 12-hour fasting, the blood sampling was  drawn for the analysis of fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. In the present study, we have shown that there is increasing trend of dyslipidemia even in the sub-urban community. Women had significantly higher body mass index, serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels than men after 40 years of age. Of the study population 16.9% had high TC (e”240 m/dl), and 8.8% had low HDL-C (d”40 mg/dl). The population with high (e”160 mg/dl) LDL-C was 15.7%. In addition, 17.8% had high TG (e”200 mg/dl) and 2.0% had very high TG (e”350 mg/dl). Our findings also suggest a protective role of ordinary Bangladeshi diet such as fish cooked in mustard oil on dyslipidemia. Individually, both fish and the mustard oil are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, and biologically, their beneficial effects are related not only to reduction of blood pressure, but also to lowering of lipids and to their antithrombotic effects. In conclusion, prevalence of dyslipidemia was very high in Bangladeshi sub-urban region. Useful role of fish cooked in mustard oil, as a protective factor needs to be probed further in future longitudinal studies. The observed prevalence of dyslipidemia in this study suggests the need for a comprehensive national policy to control dyslipidemia in Bangladesh. Further surveillance in this population is essential in verifying the impact of dyslipidemia as a risk of cardiovascular  disease in Bangladeshi people. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/uhj.v8i1.11662 University Heart Journal Vol. 8, No. 1, January 2012  

Duplex evidence of recanalization of deep venous thrombosis with conservative management

A female patient was admitted in vascular surgery department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) after confirmation of diagnosis with duplex ultrasonographic examination. The patient was treated with intra-venous heparin for 10 (ten) days and elevation of the affected limb with application of crepe bandage. Later on the patient was discharged with oral anti-coagulant e.g. Tab. Warfarin for 06 (six) months along with application of crepe bandage on the affected limb. During the patient received oral anti-coagulant therapy the patient was asked to do Prothrombin time every week for adjustment of dose of oral anti-coagulant therapy. After 01 (one) month duplex ultrasonographic examination of deep veins of the affected limb was performed, which showed good recanalization of deep and superficial veins of right lower limb. It can be stated that, serious complications like pulmonary embolism can be avoided with effective and timely treatment of deep venous thrombosis with complete recanalization.

Blood glucose and ischemic brain damage

The effect of hyperglycemia on ischemic brain damage was studied in a rat model of incomplete ischemia. Incomplete ischemia was produced by permanent occlusion of one (either left or right) common carotid artery (CCA). Hyperglycemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 50% glucose, and same volume of physiological saline was injected in the controls 40 min before CCA ligation. Serum glucose level, at the time of vessel ligation, was 33.3 mMol/L. After CCA ligation, the rats were allowed to wake up and survive for upto 1 month. Perfusion-fixed brains were embedded in paraffin, subserially sectioned, and stained with haematoxylin-eosin/cresyl violet. Brain from sham-operated animals showed no damage neurons. Only mild neuronal damage was observed in saline pre-treated rats in CA1 area. Histological examination 24 h after CCA occlusion revealed ischemic neuronal cell damage to be more extensive in hyperglycemic rats. Neuronal damage was found in the major brain structures vulnerable to several insults. Some of those damaged neurons recovered well, but presence of some damaged neurons at 1 month of recovery suggesting delayed recovery. The results indicate that increased blood glucose level (hyperglycemia) during brain ischemia exaggerates structural alterations and leads to delay in recovery.

Effects of anodal polarization on protein kinase Cγ (PKCγ) in the rat brain

An anodal direct current of 0.3 microA or 30.0 microA was unilaterally applied for 30 min or 3 hr to the surface of the sensorimotor cortex of rats, and the effects of anodal polarization on protein kinase C (PKCgamma) activity were examined. The brains were processed by means of immunocytochemistry using the monoclonal antibody 36G9 raised against purified PKCgamma. In sham-operated animals, PKCgamma-like-immunoreactivity (PKCgamma LI) was noted in neuronal cytoplasm, as well as in processes in the cerebral cortex and in the hippocampus. Anodal polarization with 3.0 miroA for 30 min resulted in a pronounced increase in the number of PKCgamma-like-positive neurons in accordance with the intensity of immunostaining in the cerebral cortex, and an increase in the polarized hemispheres was highlighted by repeated applications of the currents. Polarization with 0.3 microA for 3 hr also increased the PKCgamma LI, but 0.3 microA for 30 min or 30.0 microA for any duration had no effects. The effect of polarization on PKCgamma activity, as evaluated by the intensity of immunostaining and the number of neurons, began to increase 1 h after polarization, peaked at 3 hr and thereafter decreased to the control levels by 72 hr. These results indicated the involvement of the gamma-isoform of PKC in the neurochemical mechanism of long-standing central and behavioral changes induced by anodal polarization.

Nephrogenic adenoma of the ureter--a case report

We present a case of nephrogenic adenoma, a rare benign lesion arising from the ureter. Histologically, it showed the formation of epithelial lined tubules resembling the renal tubules. Special Stain demonstrated the presence of intraluminal PAS-positive materials.

The status of lower-limb amputation in Bangladesh: a 6-year review

We conducted a review of 450 single lower-limb amputations performed in our hospital in Bangladesh between July 1982 and June 1987. The incidence of amputation in the specific area of 1000000 inhabitants covered by the hospital was 0.75/10(3) per year. The indications for amputation were: limb ischemia in 366 patients (81%), traumatic crush injury in 45 (10%), diabetes-associated complications in 20 (5%), severe limb infection in 10 (2%), and neoplasm growth in 10 (2%). The ratio of above-knee (AK) to below-knee (BK) amputation was 1:65, and 36 patients (8%) required reamputation, 22 of whom had undergone BK amputation previously. Thus, the number of patients with a final amputation at AK level was 302 (67%). The operative mortality was 21% and the uncomplicated primary wound healing rate was 89% within the survivors. Among the 355 patients who survived the amputation, 265 (75%) were given a prosthesis, 50 (14%) refused a prosthesis, and the remaining 40 (11%) were unfit for a prosthesis. Rehabilitation was successful in 44% of the AK and 86% of the BK amputees. In conclusion, when amputation is inevitable, maximum consideration should be given to the type of surgery performed to avoid rehabilitation failure.

Cardiac malignant lymphoma in severe combine immunodeficient mice

Extranodal malignant lymphomas are known to occur with increased frequency in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Although cardiac malignant lymphomas are rare, recently an increasing number of patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and cardiac lymphoma have been reported. To clarify the relationship between AIDS and cardiac lymphomas, we used 60 severe combine immunodeficient (SCID) mice as animal models in whom five different types of human lymphoma cell lines were injected. Primary lymphomas at the site of cell line injection developed within 14-30 days in 58 mice. Cardiac malignant lymphoma was detected in 10 cases (17%), among which tumour was macroscopically evident in 2. Tumour was present on the pericardial aspects of the heart extending into the myocardium in most cases, but no intracavitary lesion was observed. In one case, obstructive features were marked near the root of the great vessels by direct pressure of the growth. This study indicates that lymphomas have a predilection to invade the heart in immunocompromised conditions.

Increase in the calcium level following anodal polarization in the rat brain

The accumulation of calcium ions (Ca) was examined in the rat brain by means of 45Ca autoradiography following the application of a weak anodal direct current to the surface of the sensorimotor cortex. Repetition of the anodal polarization with 3.0 microA for 30 min caused more Ca to accumulate in the cerebral cortex. The degree and extent of accumulation was greater in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the polarization than in the other. Accumulation was also noted in the hippocampus and thalamus. Ca accumulation was detected after 24 h and it remained virtually constant up to 72 h after the last polarization. The results suggest that a long-lasting disturbance of Ca homeostasis is involved in the cortical plastic changes seen following anodal polarization.

Correlation between the number of apoptotic cells and expression of the apoptosis-related antigens Fas, Le(y) and bcl-2 protein in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

The relationship between the number of apoptotic cells and the expression of apoptosis-related antigens was examined in 56 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and in 10 cases of reactive hyperplastic lymph nodes (RHL). Apoptosis was visually quantified by the in situ end-labeling (ISEL) method, and the expression of Fas, Le(y) antigens and bcl-2 protein was examined by immunohistochemistry. The expression of Le(y) antigen was observed in germinal centers of RHL and 45% of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The apoptotic cell count (AC) in follicular lymphomas was significantly less than that in diffuse lymphomas. The distribution pattern of apoptotic cells in follicular lymphomas was inverse to that in RHL. In follicular lymphomas, AC was lower in follicles than in interfollicular areas. In contrast, AC was higher in follicles than in interfollicular areas in RHL. Le(y) antigen-positive lymphomas showed a significantly higher AC than the negative cases. The Fas antigen-positive lymphomas showed a higher AC than the negative cases. However, AC in bcl-2 protein-positive and negative cases was not significantly different. These results suggest that Ley and Fas antigens appear to be involved in the apoptotic tendency of tumor cells in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, whereas bcl-2 does not necessarily.

Detection of DNA damage induced by apoptosis in the rat brain following incomplete ischemia

To clarify the pathogenesis and molecular basis of ischemia-related nerve cell death, we examined the occurrence of DNA fragmentation as a hallmark of apoptotic cell death following incomplete ischemia in the rat brain by means of in situ end labeling of fragmented DNA. Incomplete ischemia was produced by permanently occluding one carotid artery, while temporarily occluding the other. The condensed nuclei of ischemic neurons in the neocortex, and in the subiculum and CA1 area of the hippocampus were positively stained 24 h and 3 days following vessel occlusion, respectively, and their morphology was typically apoptotic. The ischemic neurons with condensed nuclei gradually increased in number and were clearly stained for fragmented DNA in these areas. The labeled nuclei in the neocortex became pyknotic 72 h later, and in the hippocampus 7 days later incomplete ischemia. After attaining a peak, the number of labeled nuclei decreased with the duration of recovery in all areas. These results suggest that an apoptotic process plays, at least primarily, a role in the degeneration of neurons associated with incomplete forebrain ischemia in rat.

Acute myocardial infarction: A complication of left atrial myxoma

A 58-year-old female patient, immediately after an acute myocardial infarction underwent an echocardiographic examination and emergency coronary arteriography which led to the discovery of left atrial infarction. Successful emergency coronary arterial by-pass graft (CABG) and excision of the myxoma was done within 24 h of the onset.

Immunocytochemical distribution of gamma isoform of protein kinase C (PKC-gamma) following incomplete ischaemia

Immunocytochemical distribution of PKC-gamma was examined in rat brain in relation to molecular mechanisms of post-ischaemic neuronal modulation following incomplete ischaemia. Incomplete ischaemia was developed by either permanent occlusion of one common carotid artery (CA) or permanent occlusion of one CA with temporary occlusion of opposite CA. Unilateral CA (UCA) occlusion resulted in a pronounced increase in the intensity of staining and number of PKC-gamma positive neurons in the neocortex ipsilateral to the insult after 3 h. The effect was maximum at 6-12 h and was undetectable after 7 days. CA1 neurons showed an increase immunoreactivity (IR) after 1 day, reached to a peak by 3 days, then reduced to basal levels after 7 days. Bilateral CA (BCA) occlusion showed almost similar changes in the neocortex, but on both sides and short durated. The altered patterns of PKC-gamma IR in the neocortex and hippocampus following CA occlusion may reflect activation and/or down-regulation of PKC-gamma in ischaemic neurons. PKC-gamma may, therefore, potentially play an important role in the post-ischaemic modulation of synaptic efficacy in these neurons and in the neuronal damage following incomplete ischaemia.

Management of isolated radial or ulnar arteries at the forearm

The effects of management of single forearm arterial injuries without other associated major muscular, vascular, or neurological trauma were studied. Ninety-six patients with acute injuries to either radial or ulnar arteries without obvious associated major injuries were evaluated. No patient had an ischemic hand secondary to arterial injury. The selection of operative treatment by arterial repair or ligation was by surgeon choice (50 injuries were ligated, and 46 were repaired). Six months to six years postoperative follow-up was done. The overall patency rate for all repaired vessels was 52% (24 cases). The collateral arteries appeared to be a factor causing the low patency rate. The remaining intact artery demonstrated a consistent increase in flow velocity. No subject had hand claudication; there were 51 cases (53%) of hand weakness, 27 incidents (28%) of parasthesia, and 14 incidents (15%) of cold sensitivity independent of patency of the damaged forearm vessel. In the absence of acute hand ischemia, ligation of a lacerated radial or ulnar artery is safe and cost effective.

Induction of N-methyl-D-asparate receptor mediated c-fos protein in the rat brain by incomplete ischaemia

The expression of c-fos protein was examined by means of immunocytochemistry in the rat brain following incomplete ischaemia, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of post-ischaemic neuronal death and of the modulated neurotransmission of surviving neurons. Incomplete ischaemia was produced by permanent unilateral or bilateral common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion. After 1 h of unilateral occlusion, the level of c-fos protein-like nuclear immunoreactivity increased in cortical neurons ipsilateral to the insult, especially in cingulate and piriform cortices. The reactivity peaked at 3-6 h, and was undetectable after 3 days. A number of scattered immunostained neurons in the ipsilateral subiculum, CA 1 and dentate gyrus became visible after 1 day. The effect reached a peak between 1-3 days, then returned to basal levels by 7 days. Bilateral CCA occlusion showed a similar distribution of immunoreactivity, but on both hemispheres. Immunoreactive neurons were more numerous and intensely stained but more transient. The induction of c-fos was completely blocked or reduced by treatment with MK-801. Our results suggest that c-fos expression after CCA occlusion is NMDA receptor mediated, and that it has a specific role in neurons after ischaemic insult.

Carotid artery occlusion causes reversible brain damage in rat

In order to assess the density and distribution of brain damage after pure focal ischemia uncomplicated by hypotension or hypoxia, ischemia was produced by occlusion of one and/or both common carotid arteries (CCA) temporarily or permanently in the rat, followed by 3 months recovery. The brains were perfusion-fixed with formaldehyde, embedded in paraffin, subserially sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin/cresyl violet. Mild ipsilateral neuronal damage was observed after unilateral permanent occlusion, but confined only to the hippocampus. Damage of neocortical neurons began to appear after 1 day following bilateral permanent occlusion. Damage was worst over the superolateral convexity of both hemispheres, CA 4 and subiculur neurons; subsequently other sectors of hippocampus and other brain structures were affected. Some damaged neurons in the superficial cortex and CA 1 sector of hippocampus, and almost all in the other regions of brain reverted to normal profile by 3 months of recovery. All brain structures showed normal profiles, except a relative neuronal rarefication in neocortex and CA 1 sector of hippocampus after 3 months of recovery. These results suggests that only CCA occlusion causes partial/incomplete ischemia in the rat brain, where damaging effects are counterbalanced by metabolic and circulatory adjustments.