Round worm migration along ventriculoperitoneal shunt tract: a rare complication

Though a ventriculoperitoneal shunt has been associated with myriads of unusual complications, so has been that with roundworms. A case of a three-year-old boy is presented who had an unusual complication of roundworm migration along the shunt tract that presented as shunt tract infection.     

Hepatitis C virus particles of different density in the blood of chronically infected immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients: Implications for virus clearance by antibody

The purpose of this study was to analyse the influence of the humoral immune response on the generation and clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA containing particles in the blood of chronically infected patients. Blood samples were fractionated by sequential flotation ultracentrifugation and HCV RNA was recovered in three fractions: low density of < 1.063 g/ml, intermediate density of 1.063-1.21 g/ml, and high density of > 1.21 g/ml. Serum low-density lipoproteins co-fractionated with the low-density particles, and high-density lipoproteins co-fractionated with the intermediate-density particles. Immunoglobulins were found exclusively in the high-density fractions. In patients with congenital immunodeficiencies, with no or low serum antibodies to the virus, mean HCV RNA titres were equal in each fraction, at approximately 10(5) IU/ml. In antibody-positive, immunocompetent patients, however, virus titres in the low-density fraction and those in the high-density fraction were reduced or absent in most patients, suggesting that virus particles in these fractions are subject to antibody-mediated clearance. Particles of intermediate density were approximately equal in titre in both patient groups, suggesting that these particles are neither generated by, nor cleared, as a result of the humoral immune response. Immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that particles of intermediate density were not complexed with either high-density lipoprotein or immunoglobulins. Elucidation of the mechanisms by which these particles are generated and maintained in the blood may provide valuable insight into the mechanism of virus persistence.     

Relationship between ROS production, apoptosis and DNA denaturation in spermatozoa from patients examined for infertility

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the role of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in inducing DNA damage in ejaculated spermatozoa. METHODS: We examined ejaculated spermatozoa from 31 patients examined for infertility and 19 healthy donors for apoptosis, production of ROS and DNA damage using annexin V binding, chemiluminescence assay and sperm chromatin structure assay. RESULTS: The percentage of spermatozoa that underwent apoptosis in the whole ejaculate and mature fraction was higher in the patients than in the donors (P<0.001 and P=0.009, respectively). Levels of ROS in the whole ejaculate and immature fraction were higher in the patients than in the donors (P=0.002 and P=0.009). Apoptosis was significantly correlated with ROS within patients in the whole ejaculate [r (95% confidence interval)=0.53 (0.19-0.86)] and in the mature [0.71 (0.39-1.00)] and immature spermatozoa [0.75 (0.45-1.00)]. Only apoptosis and the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were significantly correlated within patients in the whole ejaculate [0.57 (0.18-0.97)]. CONCLUSIONS: DNA damage may be induced by oxidative assault. Apoptosis may not contribute significantly to the DNA damage.     

Cell-mediated immunity in experimental Nocardia asteroides infection.

Experimental mycetoma-like lesions developed in guinea pigs after subcutaneous injection of Nocardia asteroides. Although delayed hypersensitivity appeared earlier, increased macrophage migration inhibition and microbicidal activity appeared after 7 weeks. When the lesions healed, high cell-mediated immunity was present. Cell-mediated immunity was transferred to normal recipient guinea pigs from healed donor guinea pigs by spleen cell transfer. Recipient guinea pigs showed marked protection against challenge with N. asteroides.     

The flickery block of ATP-dependent potassium channels of skeletal muscle by internal 4-aminopyridine

We have examined the effects of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) on single ATP-dependent potassium channels in patches excised from frog skeletal muscle. 4-AP applied to the internal face of the membrane caused a flickery block. We could not detect any flickery block when 10 mM 4-AP was applied to the external surface of the membrane. The reduction in mean unitary current by internal 4-AP was consistent with 11 binding with a K _d of 3.3 mM at 0 mV. The block was voltage-dependent, increasing with depolarization with an effective valency of 0.57. Rate constants for blocking and unblocking by 4-AP were obtained by fitting functions to the distribution of current amplitudes. Both rate constants were voltage-dependent. At 0 mV they were 17 mM^–1 ms^–1 and 61 ms^–1. Simulation of the block using these rate constants produced a flickery block very similar to that observed experimentally.     

Shared allergenic and antigenic determinants in Alternaria and Stemphylium extracts

To develop a model for mold allergen extract standardization, we studied eight commercial Alternaria extracts from various suppliers by a variety of immunochemical and physicochemical techniques, including measurement of Alt-I, a purified allergenic fraction of Alternaria. Wide variations were noted in the allergenic and antigenic potencies of these extracts. Estimates of Alt-I content measured by Alt-I RAST inhibition and by radioimmunoassay correlated significantly (p < 0.05), but Alt-I activity by either method could not be correlated with allergenic potency as measured by RAST inhibition using solid-phase Alternaria. Each test extract produced unique and differing patterns of Coomassie blue-stained bands in isoelectrofocusing gels and in crossed immunoelectrophoresis gels using rabbit antibodies to Alternaria. The optimal method for mold allergen standardization involves a combination of RAST inhibition, isoelectrofocusing, and crossed immunoelectrophoresis techniques, and, if possible, quantitation of individual allergens.