Antibiotic susceptibility of group A streptococci: a 6-year follow-up study.

The susceptibility patterns of group A streptococci over the last 6 years in our hospital were determined. Since our last study, carried out in 1987, all isolates have remained very susceptible in vitro to penicillin and all of the other beta-lactam agents tested. We observed resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, and ofloxacin. The prevalence of erythromycin-resistant group A streptococci did not change appreciably throughout the study period.     

Uncooked cornstarch--efficacy in type I glycogenosis

Uncooked cornstarch (UCCS) loads in 14 patients with type 1 glycogenosis revealed that satisfactory glycaemia was achieved for a median of 4.25 hours (range 2.5 to 6). Length of glycaemia was related weakly to UCCS dose, but not to patient age or measures of metabolic control. Careful monitoring is required during UCCS treatment.     

Mideyelid entropion

A distinct entity of entropion involving the middle portion of the lower eyelids is presented. This condition is not related to any local or systemic disorder and does not progress to entropion of the entire lower eyelid. Segmental atrophy of the lower lid tarsus is present.     

Chemokine expression and leucocyte infiltration in Sjogren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and source of chemokines in minor salivary gland biopsies (MSGs) in patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS). METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis was used to determine the pattern of chemokine expression in MSGs from patients with (n=6) and without (n=5) SS, as well as to examine the phenotype of both resident and infiltrating cells expressing chemokines. RESULTS: Significant differences in the number of infiltrating mononuclear (MN) cells in patients with and without SS were noted. Ductal epithelial cells of SS biopsies expressed significantly increased levels of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, MIP-1beta, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and RANTES (Regulated upon Activation, Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted). Biopsies from patients with SS showed that MIP-1beta was expressed by 51% of infiltrating cells, while 41% expressed MIP-1alpha, whereas 22 and 7% expressed RANTES and IL-8, respectively. CONCLUSION: Chemokines expressed by ductal epithelial cells may attract circulating leucocytes, in particular CD4+ T cells, towards the site of inflammation, thereby orchestrating the influx of MN cells characteristically seen in MSGs in SS. Chemokines may be induced directly by a putative triggering agent for SS, or secondary to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by epithelial cells. These findings further implicate epithelial cells as playing a major role in the pathogenesis of SS and implicate chemokines in the leucocyte recruitment in this setting.      

Anterior pituitary of the macaca mulatta monkey: an electron microscopic view.

An electron microscopic study was performed of the cells which constitute thar anterior pituitary of the Macaca Mulatta female monkey. The characteristics of each cell are described, and the findings are illustrated schematically. Different forms of hormonal secretion are observed and described.     

Bacterio-pharmacological activity of Saccharomyces boulardii in clindamycin-induced colitis in the hamster

The effect of S. boulardii on experimental colitis induced by the single oral administration of 1 mg/kg of clindamycin in the Syrian hamster was studied. Oral administration of S. boulardii for 13 days, starting 3 days prior to the administration of clindamycin, significantly reduced the mortality rate and inhibited the growth of C. difficile in the caecum and colon. There was a marked improvement in the sub-mucosa and mucosa which showed major inflammatory lesions when clindamycin was administered alone.