HIV combination therapy: partial immune restitution unmasking latent cryptococcal infection

Objective: To describe two cases of cryptococcal meningitis and one re-exacerbation of Cryptococcus-associated meningitis occurring in temporal association with commencement of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in patients with advanced HIV infection (CD4 cells < 50 x 10(6)/l), which suggests that partial immune restitution can facilitate development of clinically apparent meningitis in response to Cryptococcus or its antigen

The use of adjunctive corticosteroids in the treatment of pericardial, pleural and meningeal tuberculosis: Do they improve outcome?

SummaryTuberculosis remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity on a global scale. Effective anti-tuberculous chemotherapy has improved outcomes for individuals suffering from tuberculosis, although the disease often results in significant and permanent damage to organs. The use of adjunctive corticosteroid treatment has been studied with a view to demonstrating a reduction in inflammatory events that may improve outcomes for both mortality and morbidity. Cochrane reviews have summarized the evidence for adjunctive corticosteroids in the treatment of tuberculous pericarditis, meningitis and pleural effusion. These reviews have shown improved mortality for pericarditis and meningitis, but inconclusive effects for pericardial constriction and ongoing neurological disability. Rapid improvements in clinical parameters for pleural effusion were not supported by any lasting improved outcomes for these patients

Effect of 50% ethanolic extract of <it>Syzygium aromaticum </it>(L.) Merr. & Perry. (clove) on sexual behaviour of normal male rats

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The flower bud of <it>Syzygium aromaticum </it>(L.) Merr. & Perry. (clove) has been used in Unani medicine since ancient times for the treatment of male sexual disorders. The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of 50% ethanolic extract of clove on general mating behaviour, libido, potency along with its likely gastric ulceration and adverse effects on sexually normal male albino rats.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The suspension of the extract was administered orally at the dose of 100, 250, and 500 mg / kg, to different groups of male rats (n = 6) once a day for seven days. The female albino rats involved in mating were made receptive by hormonal treatment. The general mating behaviour, libido and potency were determined and compared with the standard reference drug sildenafil citrate. The probable gastric ulceration and adverse effects of the extract were also evaluated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Oral administration of the extract significantly increased the Mounting Frequency, Intromission Frequency; Intromission Latency, Erections; Quick Flips, Long Flips as well as aggregate of penile reflexes and caused significant reduction in the Mounting Latency and Post Ejaculatory Interval. The most appreciable effect of the extract was observed at the dose of 500 mg/kg. The test drug was also found to be devoid of any conspicuous gastric ulceration and adverse effects.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The results indicated that the 50% ethanolic extract of clove produced a significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats, without any conspicuous gastric ulceration and adverse effects. Thus, the resultant aphrodisiac effectivity of the extract lends support to the claims for its traditional usage in sexual disorders.</p