Mutations in SOX2 cause anophthalmia-esophageal-genital (AEG) syndrome

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Expression of measles virus nucleocapsid protein in osteoclasts induces Paget's disease-like bone lesions in mice.

We targeted the MVNP gene to the OCL lineage in transgenic mice. These mice developed abnormal OCLs and bone lesions similar to those found in Paget's patients. These results show that persistent expression of MVNP in OCLs can induce pagetic-like bone lesions in vivo. INTRODUCTION: Paget's disease (PD) of bone is the second most common bone disease. Both genetic and viral factors have been implicated in its pathogenesis, but their exact roles in vivo are unclear. We previously reported that transfection of normal human osteoclast (OCL) precursors with the measles virus nucleocapsid (MVNP) or measles virus (MV) infection of bone marrow cells from transgenic mice expressing a MV receptor results in formation of pagetic-like OCLs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on these in vitro studies, we determined if the MVNP gene from either an Edmonston-related strain of MV or a MVNP gene sequence derived from a patient with PD (P-MVNP), when targeted to cells in the OCL lineage of transgenic mice with the TRACP promoter (TRACP/MVNP mice), induced changes in bone similar to those found in PD. RESULTS: Bone marrow culture studies and histomorphometric analysis of bones from these mice showed that their OCLs displayed many of the features of pagetic OCLs and that they developed bone lesions that were similar to those in patients with PD. Furthermore, IL-6 seemed to be required for the development of the pagetic phenotype in OCLs from TRACP/MVNP mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that persistent expression of the MVNP gene in cells of the OCL lineage can induce pagetic-like bone lesions in vivo.     

Simian virus 40 in humans

Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a monkey virus that was administered to human populations by contaminated vaccines which were produced in SV40 naturally infected monkey cells.     

Coma arousal procedure: A therapeutic intervention in the treatment of head injury

This study reports on the efficacy of a 'coma arousal procedure'. This procedure involved a programme of vigorous sensory stimulation administered to comatose patients by relatives using Comakits. An experimental group of 12 severely head-injured patients received the coma arousal procedure while a matched control group did not. Total duration of coma and weekly Glasgow Coma Scale Scores were recorded for the two groups. Results indicate that the total duration of coma was significantly shorter and that coma lightened more rapidly for the experimental group.     

The cause of child abuse and neglect and their effects on the development of children in Samaru Zaria, Nigeria

Every child despite his individual differences and uniqueness is to be considered of equal worth. He should therefore be entitled to equal social, economic, civil and political rights, so that he may fully realise his inherent potential and share equally in life (Gill, 1979).

Obviously, these values are rooted in the humanistic philosophy of any nation's declaration of independence. In accordance with these value premises therefore “any act of commission or ommission by individuals, institutions or the society as a whole, and any conditions which deprive children of equal rights and liberties and interfere with their optimal development, constitutes by definition abuse or neglectful acts or conditions” (Gill, 1979).

Child abuse is a significant contemporary community problem. Although children have been maltreated throughout history, our community has been silent in defence of abused children. Child abuse is not a phenomenon of the 20th Century nor is it unique to our society and culture alone. It has occurred throughout the recorded history of man. The future of any nation depends on its children and their capabilities. For this reason, they must be given a full chance.     

Acute transverse myelitis in the emergency department: A case report and review of the literature

Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a neurologic condition that presents with bilateral lower extremity weakness and sensory loss associated with bowel and bladder dysfunction. Whereas the time of onset may be hours to days, the time to either partial or complete recovery may require months. The etiology is varied and may be idiopathic. Laboratory and radiographic evaluation may be nonrevealing. Corticosteriods have been used for treatment, but their efficacy is controversial. As illustrated by this case report, the essential aspect of the initial management of ATM is the elimination of potentially treatable causes.