Primary spinal T-cell rich B-cell lymphoma: a case report

During my nursing career, I remember constantly being aware of patients who needed some emotional help--those who were frightened about a forthcoming operation, those who were shocked and despairing after being given their diagnosis and prognosis, others who were down in the dumps because they couldn't go home as soon as they had hoped. There were also the 'ward clowns' who tried to make everyone laugh with their good humour and little pranks, yet felt no less anxious, worried or depressed than anyone else. Patients seem to fit into categories: the nervous ones, the depressives, the jovial types, the moaners, those who demand attention and those who shun it. I feel sure that every nurse has noticed the different 'types' of people who fill hospital beds-ordinary people who seem to take on a new persona as soon as they get into their pyjamas and become a 'patient'. Somehow, their identity gets folded up and put away in their locker along with their outdoor clothes and other reminders of the outside world.     

Photocleavage of Water in Organized Molecular Systems

Photocleavage of water by solar light in molecular systems is discussed. The advantages of organized molecular photosystems are demonstrated for the main steps of the photocleavage process: charge photoseparation, stabilization of the separated charges, and catalytic production of hydrogen and oxygen under the action of one-electron reductants and oxidants, respectively.     

Anti-retroviral therapy and antiepileptics. Case report and discussion]

Therapy of HIV infection is changing rapidly as new drugs are introduced. Many patients with HIV infection require anticonvulsants for therapy or prophylaxis of seizures. Antiretroviral drugs, above all protease inhibitors, and anticonvulsants may cause interactions since they are metabolised through common hepatic pathways and may substantially modulate the activity of numerous cytochrome P450 isoenzymes. We describe known interactions between anticonvulsants and antiretroviral drugs and advise on possible combinations.     

Ergot alkaloids. Current status and review of clinical pharmacology and therapeutic use compared with other oxytocics in obstetrics and gynaecology

Ergot alkaloids are well known preparations. Ergot alkaloids used in obstetrics and gynaecology are ergometrine (ergonovine; EM), methylergometrine (methergine; ME) and bromocriptine. The pharmaceutical properties of ME EM) are critical. To guarantee stability, ME and EM ampoules should be stored in a cool, dark place. ME and EM tablets are unstable in all conditions and they show an unpredictable bioavailability, which prevents oral use of the drugs for any purpose. ME and EM are known for their strong uterotonic effect and, compared with other ergot alkaloids, for their relatively slight vasoconstrictive abilities. ME and EM do have a place in the management of the third stage of labour as they are strong uterotonics. They act differently from oxytocin and prostaglandins, and have different adverse effects. Oxytocin should be used as prophylaxis or a the drug of first choice; next, ME or EM should be used, and if none of these drugs produce the desired effects, prostaglandins should be used to control bleeding. Ergot alkaloid use in gynaecology has been limited and today is discouraged even in essential menorrhagia. It is suggested that EM and ME be used (parenterally) only in first trimester abortion curettage, to reduce blood loss. Bromocriptine has been used for lactation suppression. However, alternatives such as cabergoline, which possess fewer adverse effects, are now available and therefore preferred for this indication. In sum, there is no place for the prophylactic use of ME and EM in obstetrics or gynaecology. They can be used for therapeutic purposes in the third stage of labour. During use, the practitioner must be alert for adverse effects.     

Captopril-induced agranulocytosis: a case report

1,000 refugees living in Strasbourg have had a stoll parasitologic exam between 1986 and 1990. We have not retained results of South America and other areas of Asia subjects because of their scarce total number. Proportionally, the most numerous are the South East Asia Nationals (51.7%); followed by those from Middle East and Africa (20 and 15.5%) and more recently by those from East of Europe (5.2%). Their parasitic infestation's rate remains important (60.9%) but variable depending on their origin. Thus, people coming from Middle East and Africa are parasited mainly by protozoan, although those from South East Asia are parasited by helminths. It's interesant to notify that the prevalence of D. fragilis is ten times higher among East European people than in the common people.