Immune complex glomerulonephritis in experimental kala-azar

In the present work we demonstrate that hamsters infected with L. donovani eliminate large quantities of immunoglobulins in the urine. This alteration is clearly a consequence of a conspicuous immune complex glomerulonephritis readily detectable 7 days after the beginning of infection. L. donovani antigens and hamsters immunoglobulins (Igs) were revealed as granular deposits in the mesangial areas and contiguous loops of the glomeruli. Histopathological alterations such as focal mesangial proliferation with progression to diffuse proliferation were observed in the first 3 weeks of infection. From day 35 onwards, all diseased animals presented large deposits of amyloid material of predominantly glomerular localization. In consonance with these alterations, Igs were detected in the urine by day 21 of infection and their concentration increased substantially with the progression of disease. In contrast, serum Igs increased until day 21, when their concentration dropped steadily.     

THE INCIDENCE OF SKIN DISEASES IN THE WEST OF SCOTLAND

SUMMARY. A survey of dermatological out-patients in 2 large Glasgow hospitals from 1955ndash;64 is reported.
The incidence of common diseases is analyzed in detail and changes in incidence are indicated and discussed. *
Earlier surveys in Glasgow and comparable recent surveys in other cities are reviewed.
The need for an internationally acceptable nomenclature for common diseases, without unproven aetiological implications, is emphasized.     

Autoantibodies to nucleolar antigens in systemic scleroderma: clinical correlations

Indirect immunofluorescence(IIF) and double immunodiffusion (DID) were performed on the sera of 64 patients who had a nucleolar immunofluorescence pattern on HEp-2 cells. Forty-nine of the sera were from 296 patients with systemic scleroderma (SSc) and 15 sera were from 214 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A homogeneous nucleolar staining pattern was found in 45 of the 64 sera (70.3%), a clumpy fluorescence associated with fibrillarin antibody in 14 (21.8%) and a speckled pattern was found in five of the sera (7.8%). There was a clear correlation between the sera which showed a homogeneous nucleolar staining pattern with symptoms of the polymyositis/scleroderma overlap syndrome that differed from SSc with concomitant myositis. The clumpy pattern was mainly associated with diffuse scleroderma and the speckled pattern with limited scleroderma (previously called acrosclerosis).     

SENSORY REINFORCEMENT TABLE for severely retarded and multiply handicapped children*

A table which provides light, vibration, or sound stimulation on completion of form board tasks is described. Questions relating to the evaluation of such equipment are discussed.     

Sensory reinforcement table—an evaluation*

A table, which provides sensory reinforcement on completion of form board tasks, was evaluated for use in teaching and occupying severely mentally handicapped children. Sensory stimulation was found to be more effective than edibles or social reinforcement in occupying two children working at skills already acquired. The addition of sensory reinforcement to social reinforcement was found to enhance learning new skills in three children. Sensory stimulation was no more effective than conventional reinforcers with five children whose performance at form board tasks was generally very low. It is suggested that the use of such equipment be investigated further with larger numbers of children.