Evaluation of minor clinical features of atopic dermatitis

The diagnostic significance of 19 previously proposed minor features of atopic dermatitis was evaluated. The frequency of these features was studied in 50 patients with typical atopic dermatitis compared to that in 50 control subjects. The ages of all individuals ranged from 3 months to 12 years. Six of the minor features, chelitis, nipple eczema, perifollicular accentuation, white dermographism, recurrent conjunctivitis, and anterior neck folds, were encountered as often in patients as in controls. Two additional features that were of diagnostic significance were diffuse scaling of the scalp and infraauricular fissuring.

Chemoimmunoprophylaxis against bovine tropical theileriosis in young calves: a comparison between buparvaquone and long-acting oxytetracycline

Eighteen seven to 21-day-old crossbred (Bos taurus cross Bos indicus) calves were allocated to four groups (A to D). Groups A and B each consisted of six calves and groups C and D three calves each. Each calf in groups A, B and C was inoculated with ground-up tick supernate (GUTS) equivalent to two infected acini prepared from Theileria annulata-infected Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum. Each calf in group A was also given a single intramuscular injection of buparvaquone, 2.5 mg kg-1 bodyweight simultaneously with GUTS, whereas each calf in group B was given a single intramuscular injection of long-acting oxytetracycline, 20 mg kg-1 bodyweight following inoculation of GUTS. In calves of group A clinicopathological reactions were negligible, whereas in calves of group B mild to severe reactions were observed resulting in the death of three of the six calves. All the calves of group C (infected, untreated controls) died of acute theileriosis. All the surviving calves of groups A and B withstood a lethal homologous challenge given on day 30 after immunisation, indicating no difference in the immune status of the surviving calves of the two groups. Group D, challenge control, all calves died of theileriosis within 18 days of challenge.

Early open reduction for congenital dislocation of the hip

We have reviewed 82 children with congenital dislocation of the hip, after treatment by anterior open reduction followed by derotation femoral osteotomy. The clinical and radiological results were significantly better in the group that had open reduction before the appearance of the capital femoral epiphysis; this group also had a lower incidence of avascular necrosis. We conclude that, when it is clearly indicated, the earlier an open reduction is carried out the better the results.

Clinicopathological correlation of hard contact lens related changes in tarsal conjunctiva by impression cytology

Eighty contact lens wearing eyes and 20 non-contact lens wearing eyes are investigated for biomicroscopic changes and impression cytology. Symptomatic contact lens wearing eyes demonstrate significantly more prevalent and severe papillary conjunctival changes than in asymptomatic contact lens wearing eyes. Impression cytological changes demonstrate squamous metaplasia and goblet cell loss which is seen to increase with increasing duration of lens wear.

Faun-tail nevus--a case report

A Case of faun-tail nevus is presented. A long tuft of hair over the back in the lumbar region hid a bony defect of the fifth lumbar spine. No neurological symptoms were encountered.

Uremic optic neuropathy

A rare case of documented reversible bilateral optic neuropathy as the presenting manifestation of chronic renal failure is discussed. Repeated hemodialysis in the early stages of the disorder was useful for recovery of vision.

Partial purification and characterization of phospholipase C from Yersinia enterocolitica

About 34% of the strains of Yersinia enterocolitica isolated from raw milk were found to produce lecithinase. A selected strain produced phospholipase C at 22 degrees C and 37 degrees C; production was optimum at 37 degrees C in the stationary phase (14-16 h). A decrease in phospholipase C activity at various storage temperatures (-5 degrees C, 4 degrees C, 37 degrees C) was also observed, although the enzyme was active over a wide range of temperature (5-65 degrees C) and pH (3.5-7.5). The phospholipase C was partially purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation and Sephadex column chromatography, and characterized.

Involvement of the legs in idiopathic striae distensae--a case report

A case of idiopathic striae distensae (ISD) is presented. The patient was a healthy young adult with no history of weight lifting, use of systemic or local corticosteroids, infections or trauma. Horizontally disposed striae were located on the abdomen, back and legs. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report case of ISD where idiopathic striae were present below the knees.

Treatment of experimentally induced Theileria annulata infection in cross-bred calves with buparvaquone

Twenty cross-bred (Bos taurus X Bos indicus) calves, 7-21 days old, were infected by a ground-up tick supernate of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum infected with the Hisar isolate of Theileria annulata. Six calves acted as untreated controls and they all died of theileriosis within 17 days of infection. The remaining 14 calves were divided into Group A and B, each consisting of seven calves. All the calves of Groups A and B were treated intramuscularly with buparvaquone (BW 720C) on Day 11 post-infection, when clinical signs of theileriosis were apparent. Each calf received 2.5 mg BW 720 C kg-1 body weight as a single injection. In addition, each calf of Group B was given proprietary haematinics by intramuscular injection, daily for 12 days. In Group A, two calves died of cerebral theileriosis and five were clinically cured. However, four of these five calves later died of anaemia. In Group B, all the calves were clinically cured and none died during the observation period of 1 month. The parasitaemia declined to less than 1% within a fortnight of treatment. The initial declines in haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume were halted and preinfection values were soon restored. No toxic signs attributable to treatment with buparvaquone were observed.

Bilateral, simultaneous, spontaneous rupture of the quadriceps tendon. A report of 3 cases and a review of the literature

Bilateral, simultaneous, spontaneous rupture of the quadriceps tendon is a very rare injury. It usually occurs in the obese older patient (over 50 years). Often, patients are mistakenly treated for rheumatoid arthritis, mild strokes and even neurological paralysis. This diagnostic confusion can lead to a delay in treatment. There is often no history of significant trauma. The pathognomonic signs are a palpable suprapatellar gap and an inability to lift the straight leg. Surgical 'end to end' repair, even of delayed cases, yields satisfactory results. In none of our cases was protective additional tissue reinforcement or a pullout suture used.

Immunization of neonatal bovines against Theileria annulata by an infection and treatment method

Sixty three cross-bred (Bos taurus X Bos indicus) 4-5-day-old calves were divided into 16 groups (A-P). Each calf in Groups A and B was given ground-up-tick supernate prepared from Theileria annulata-infected or non-infected Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (GUTS) equivalent to 5 ticks (50 infected acini). Groups D and E received infected GUTS equivalent to 2 ticks (20 infected acini) and Groups G and H were given infected GUTS equivalent to 1 tick (10 infected acini). Each calf in Groups J, K and L received infected GUTS equivalent to 5 infected acini (0.035 tick), and Group O was inoculated with non-infected GUTS equivalent to 5 ticks. Each calf in Groups A, D, G, J, K and O was also given a single intramuscular injection of long acting oxytetracycline, 20 mg kg-1 body weight just after inoculation of GUTS. Severe reactions resulted in the death of five of eight, three of eight, five of six, one of five and one of five calves in Groups A, D, G, J and K respectively and all of the calves in Groups B, E, H, and L. The surviving calves of Groups A, D, G, J, K and O were challenged on Day 45 post-immunization along with freshly introduced susceptible control calves of Groups C, F, I, M, N and P. All the calves of Groups A, G, J and K withstood the challenge dose; in Group D four of five and in Groups C, F, I, M, N, O, and P all the calves died of theileriosis. It is concluded that though the infection and treatment method of immunization may be used for neonatal bovines, the dose of immunogen should be based on actual counts of infected salivary acini of ticks instead of the number of ticks.

Pulmonary edema following pericardiotomy for cardiac tamponade

A 57-year-old man with a history of a previous myocardial infarction presented with acute cardiac tamponade due to malignant pericardial effusion. Immediately following emergency surgical drainage of the pericardium by subxiphoid window, acute pulmonary edema developed. The sudden increase in venous return following the release of cardiac compression may result in this rare complication. Gradual removal of pericardial fluid under hemodynamic monitoring is advisable, particularly in patients with preexisting heart disease.

Protection of cattle against Theileria annulata infection using Corynebacterium parvum

Four groups of calves (A, B, C and D) each consisting of five calves were used for the present study. Group A calves were given Corynebacterium parvum alone. Group B calves were inoculated with inactivated ground-up-tick supernate (GUTS) prepared from Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum infected with Theileria annulata plus C. parvum. Group C received only inactivated GUTS. All the surviving calves of groups A to C were exposed on day 45 post-inoculation to a lethal tick challenge along with susceptible control calves of group D. All the calves of groups A and B withstood the challenge whereas all the calves of groups C and D died of theileriosis. Complement fixing antibodies were detected in calves of groups B and C. A significant decrease in neutrophils and a significant increase in monocytes was observed in calves of groups A and B. No significant changes were seen in other cell types. The results of this study demonstrated that C. parvum alone may be used as an immunostimulant for producing non-specific resistance against T. annulata.

Non-specific immunization against bovine tropical theileriosis (Theileria annulata) using killed Corynebacterium parvum

Killed Corynebacterium parvum was used as an adjuvant for the production of non-specific resistance against Theileria annulata in cattle. Groups of cross-bred (Bos indicus X Bos taurus) calves were administered C. parvum adjuvant subcutaneously and were then challenged with T. annulata-infected ticks on 45, 60 or 90 days later. The challenge caused mild reactions in the protected calves. None of the 10 immunized calves died due to theileriosis, whereas all three paris of susceptible control calves died due to theileriosis. It appears from this pilot study that cattle can be protected non-specifically with C parvum adjuvant against T. annulata.

T- and B-lymphoid cell population in calves immunized against Theileria annulata

Distribution of T- and B-lymphoid cells in peripheral blood, lymph node, spleen and bone marrow of normal healthy calves and valves immunized against Theileria annulata followed by challenge on Day 50 post-immunization were studied by rosette tests. Significantly increased percentages of T- and B-lymphoid cells were recorded in immunized calves.

Infectivity of ground-up tick supernates prepared from Theilerai annulata infected Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum

Groups of Theileria annulata infected Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum adults prefed on a calf for 1 to 6 days were separately ground in tissue culture medium-199, supplemented with bovine albumin powder, Fraction-V. Supernatant fluid was collected, made up with additional medium, so that each millilitre represented material from 25 ticks, and was injected subcutaneously into groups of cross-bred male calves. The results indicated that ground-up tick supernate (GUTS) prepared from unfed ticks was not infective, whereas that prepared from 1 to 6 days prefed ticks was infective. GUTS prepared from 3 days prefed ticks appeared to contain highest infectivity and 1 ml of it induced fatal theileriosis.

Synthesis of some newer formazans and tetrazolium salts as antiviral agents

Thirteen new formazans were prepared by the condensation of the phenylhydrazone of 3.4-dimethoxy-6-nitro-veratraldehyde with the appropriate phenyl diazonium salts. Attempts were made to oxidize these highly coloured formazans with various oxidizing agents to their corresponding tetrazolium salts. The most suitable oxidizing agent was found to be H2O2/Fe2+. Both the formazans and tetrazolium salts were screened for their antiviral activity against the Ranikhet disease virus and vaccinia virus in a stationary culture of chorioallantoic membrane of chick embryo. Among the 15 compounds tested one of the compounds namely 1-o-carboxyphenyl-3[3'.4'-dimethoxy-6'-nitrophenyl]-5-phenylformazan evinced 100% protection against the Ranikhet disease virus. Rest of the compounds showed significant protection ranging from 83 to 20%. An attempt has also been made to arrive at some structure-activity relationship.