P53 codon 72 polymorphism and BRCA 1 and 2 mutations in ovarian epithelial malignancies in black South Africans.

Mutations in the BRCA and p53 tumor suppressor genes are implicated in the oncogenesis of ovarian tumors although their exact roles remain unclear. Despite recognized ethnic differences in the frequency of ovarian cancer and in genetic polymorphisms between populations, studies carried out so far have focused almost entirely on Caucasian subjects. In this study, undertaken at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa, we examined blood and/or primary epithelial ovarian tumor tissue from 75 black South African women for the presence of the three most commonly occurring BRCA 1 and 2 mutations (185delAG, 5382insC and 6174delT).

Upper gastrointestinal bacillary angiomatosis causing hematemesis: a case report.

A 38-year-old HIV-positive woman presented with massive hematemesis on initial admission to hospital. Endoscopy revealed ulcerated nodular lesions in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The clinical impression was of Kaposi's sarcoma.

American physicians and dual loyalty obligations in the "war on terror".

Background: Post-September 11, 2001, the U.S. government has labeled thousands of Afghan war detainees "unlawful combatants".

Reduction mammoplasty in cases of giant fibroadenoma among adolescent females. Case reports and literature review.

Giant tumours of the breast cause massive enlargement of the breast resulting in asymmetry. Simple excision of the tumour fails to restore symmetry, and in some cases leaves the patient with a secondary deformity. We present two cases of giant fibroadenoma in adolescent females.

A study of some biochemical and histopathological responses of wet-stored recalcitrant seeds of Avicennia marina infected by Fusarium moniliforme.

Although fungi cause a recognized problem during storage of recalcitrant seeds of many tropical species, there are no data to date on defence strategies of these seeds against fungal attack. To ascertain whether recalcitrant seeds of Avicennia marina elaborate compounds that might suppress fungal proliferation during hydrated storage, the production and efficacy of beta-1,3-glucanase (EC 3.2.

Octreotide lowers gastric mucosal blood flow in normal and portal hypertensive stomachs.

Background: The vasoactive peptide octreotide has an established role in controlling variceal hemorrhage. The mechanism of action is believed to be a reduction in splanchnic blood flow. A decrease in splanchnic blood flow should be mirrored by a decrease in gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF).

The effect of soil type and climate on hookworm (Necator americanus) distribution in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

We investigated environmental factors influencing the distribution of hookworm infection in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Prevalence data were sourced from previous studies and additional surveys carried out to supplement the database. When geo-referenced the data revealed that higher prevalences are limited to areas below 150 m above sea level, and low prevalences to areas above this altitude.

Cerebral blood flow changes in rhinogenic subdural empyema and the role of hyperaemia in brain swelling.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that rhinogenic subdural empyema (SDE) generally has a good prognosis. Most patients are admitted with an altered level of consciousness or significant neurological deficit, but eventually have a good outcome. It is well known that intra-operative brain swelling may occur with subdural empyema.

Quantitative analysis of trophoblast invasion in preeclampsia.

Background: The process of physiological conversion of spiral arteries is dependent on the invasion of the interstitium and spiral arteries of the uterine wall by invasive extravillous trophoblast thereby creating a high flow-low resistance vessel. Quantitative data on restriction of trophoblast invasion and failure of spiral artery transformation are limited in preeclampsia.

Aim: This study morphometrically analyzes interstitial trophoblast cells and trophoblast cells embedded in the wall of the converted spiral arteries within the decidua and myometrium of normotensive and preeclamptic Black African pregnant women.

Micropropagation of Thapsia garganica--a medicinal plant.

The micropropagation of T. garganica, a medicinally important plant, was investigated as an option for conservation purposes as wild populations are becoming sparse. A Murashige and Skoog agar medium supplemented with 0.

Penetrating injuries to the cervical oesophagus: is routine exploration mandatory?

Background: There are differing views regarding the management of oesophageal injuries with some authors advocating mandatory operation while others prefer a selective, conservative approach. This study was undertaken to establish whether conservative management of cervical oesophageal injuries is safe and effective.

Patients And Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out over 5 years (1994-1998).

Misoprostol for cervical ripening at and near term--a comparative study.

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of misoprostol with that of dinoprostone for the induction of labour at term, or near term.

Design: Three hundred and ninety-six women with term pregnancies were randomised to receive either oral or vaginal misoprostol, or dinoprostone. Women who had had a previous caesarean section (CS) or those with a malpresentation or who were parity > or = 5, were excluded.

Phragmalin limonoids from the Madagascan Meliaceae Neobeguea leandreana.

The combined hexane-CH(2)Cl(2) extract of the stembark of the Madagascan Meliaceae Neobeguea leandreana yielded three novel phragmalin limonoids, leandreanins A (1), B (2), and C (3). Leandreanins A (1) and B (2) are rare seco-ring D 17-keto compounds related to pseudrelone B, while leandreanin C (3) has an unprecedented acetoxy functionality at C-19.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases in Africa: a disease transmission model.

A general disease transmission model is developed for a tick-borne disease for cattle. Both the tick and cow are possible hosts for the disease parasite. The two species are therefore classified as infected or uninfected.

Aspects of the care of people with HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

The study was aimed at exploring the realization of counseling, palliative care, and terminal care in the care of people with HIV/AIDS in seven settings in South Africa. A descriptive study was performed in seven sites where a model of home-based care was implemented that links hospitals, clinics, and home-based care in a continuum. Data was collected from people with HIV/AIDS (PWA), their caretakers, health care workers, and community members using semistructured interviews, observation, taping of onsite meetings, and completion of questionnaires.

Rhabdomyomatous multilocular thymic cyst.

The thymus is the seat of a diverse array of pathologic conditions given its embryologic roots. Multilocular thymic cysts, although well described, are uncommon, and one associated with rhabdomyomatous elements has not been described previously. A 15-year-old boy complained of sudden-onset chest pain of a month's duration, but was otherwise well.

Archaean ultra-depleted komatiites formed by hydrous melting of cratonic mantle.

Komatiites are ultramafic volcanic rocks containing more than 18 per cent MgO (ref. 1) that erupted mainly in the Archaean era (more than 2.5 gigayears ago).

Digestive efficiency of a generalist avian feeder, the Cape White-eye (Zosterops pallidus).

Digestive processes determine whether the particular diet of a bird is utilized efficiently and whether energetic demands are met. Assimilation efficiency is often used as an index of whether a diet is digested optimally. Studies on the digestive processing of generalist feeders are scarce.

Primary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the esophagus.

An uncommon manifestation of plasma cell neoplasia occurs outside the bone marrow and is designated "extramedullary plasmacytoma." These are usually encountered in mucosal sites of the head and neck region. The gastrointestinal tract may be secondarily involved in multiple myeloma or be the site of primary extramedullary plasmacytomas (PEMPs).

Risk factors for admission and the role of respiratory syncytial virus-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses in children with acute bronchiolitis.

Background: Risk factors for admission of children with acute bronchiolitis have remained controversial. Technological advances in the measurements of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity, enable respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-specific CTL activity to be studied in infants with bronchiolitis for the first time. We evaluated risk factors for admission of children with acute bronchiolitis and determined the role of CTL responses in those infected with RSV.

Nutritional aspects in ultra-endurance exercise.

Purpose Of Review: Despite much current debate regarding central and peripheral neural mechanisms which may be responsible for the onset of fatigue during prolonged exercise, maintenance of nutritional and hydration status remains critical for successful participation in ultra-endurance exercise. This review focuses on substrate and fluid homeostasis during ultra-endurance exercise and the use of nutritional supplementation both as ergogenic aid and to attenuate exercise-induced immunosuppression.

Recent Findings: Current evidence continues to support mandatory high carbohydrate intakes (1).