First prenatal diagnosis of X-linked lymphoproliferative disease

A family study was performed in order to diagnose X-linked lymphoproliferative (XLP) disease in a fetus. The molecular genetic analysis indicated that the fetus, as well as its healthy 7-year-old brother, inherited XLP. Analysis of immunoglobulin subclasses from the 7-year-old brother supported the DNA-based diagnosis. This is the first XLP family of African descent. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The appendix — a junkyard

Appendicitis remains the most common condition leading to emergency abdominal operations in children and adolescents. We present a case of foreign bodies in the appendix causing obstruction and perforation of the appendicular tip by a nail. Correspondence to: M. Samuel     

Investigation of renal calculi as piezoelectric materials by using X-ray diffraction technique.

The renal calculi are studied by using an X-ray diffractometer for different chemical composition of the stones. A new constituent, alpha-quartz, is confirmed to be present in the renal calculi which is responsible for piezoelectric property of such materials.     

Interleukin-1 beta induces interleukin-1 alpha messenger ribonucleic acid expression in primary cultures of Leydig cells

Previously, we have reported that interleukin-1 (IL-1) can modulate Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Recently, IL-1-like material has been shown to be present in the testis; however, the cellular source of this material remains unclear. In the present study we found that human recombinant IL-1 beta (1-100 ng/ml) caused dose-dependent increases in IL-1 alpha mRNA expression in Leydig cells. Similar to that reported in other tissues, IL-1 alpha mRNA from Leydig cells is mainly 2.2 kilobases. IL-1 alpha mRNA expression in Leydig cells was detectable as early as 2 h after the addition of IL-1 beta (10 ng/ml) and persisted for up to 24 h. Lipopolysaccharide also stimulated IL-1 alpha mRNA expression in these cells, but phorbol ester had no effect. Our results indicate that Leydig cells are a potential source of IL-1, which has both autocrine and paracrine effects.     

Effect of diethylcarbamazine on Setaria cervi in vitro

Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) produced an initial stimulation followed by depression of the movements of the intact worm and nerve-muscle preparation of Setaria cervi. The effective concentration of DEC was reduced to one hundredth in the nerve-muscle preparation as compared to the whole worm, suggesting that the cuticular barrier is highly effective in preventing the penetration of the drugs. The depressant effect of DEC was concentration dependent and was not reversed even after repeated changes of the bath fluid. The worms consumed 7.7 mg +/- 0.2 glucose/g wet weight/hr. The consumption of glucose was directly proportional to its motor activity; it increased during the stimulant phase with low doses of DEC and decreased during the depressant phase.     

Diazepam induced delirium

In Ophthalmic practice diazepam is often used a a premedicant. We report a case where administration of diazepam led to a state of acute delirium because of which surgery had to be postponed. The possible mechanisms for this reaction and the treatment is discussed. This side effect of diazepam should be kept in mind while dealing with delirium in the geriatric age group.     

Acute chest syndrome in children with sickle cell disease

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is an acute pulmonic process in patients with sickle cell disease. We prospectively studied 50 patients with ACS admitted to the Pediatric Medical Ward during one year period (Jan. 1993 through Dec: 1993). Twenty eight of them were males and twenty two were females giving a male: female ratio of 1.2: 1. The age ranged between one and 12 years. Twelve (24%) of the patients had chest pain on presentation. Twenty seven (54%) patients had significant temperature (>38°C). The x-ray findings showed that the right lung was involved in 30 patients, the left in 10 patients and both lungs in 10 patlents. Three patients had pleural effusion that required chest tube insertion. Laboratory profiles showed that the erythrocyte sedimentation rate ranged between 15 and 90mm/h, and their hemoglobin ranged between 4.2 gm and 12 gm/dl. Seven (14%) patients had significantly positive mycoplasma pneumoniae titer. None of the blood cultures was positive. All of our patient received antibiotic, usually either Cefuroxime or Ceftriaxone with Erythromycin in addition to other supportive measures such as blood transfusion, oxygen therapy and hydration therapy.     

Extradural lipomatosis presenting with paraplegia

An unusual case with spinal extradural lipomatosis in a non-obese and otherwise healthy man is reported. The patient presented with a history of weakness of legs which progressed to paraplegia over a 40 day period.