Longitudinal and topographical organization of the olivary projection to the cat ansiform lobule

This study on the organization of the olivary projections to the ansiform lobule in the cat was aimed at defining the longitudinal zonal pattern and the internal topography within the zones.The horseradish peroxidase method was used. Two types of injections were made: large injections covering the full extent of small groups of folia, and small injections aimed to be restricted to the single zones proposed by Voogd.It was shown that olivary projections to these parts of the cerebellum originate from the dorsal and medial accessory nuclei and from the principal nucleus, in agreement with previous studies. Moreover it was found that the ventral lamella and the dorsal lamella (and bend) of the principal nucleus give rise to two distinct, non-overlapping, cerebellar projections to D1 and D2 zones, respectively. It is thus concluded that in the cat four separate olivo-cerebellar strips, corresponnding to the C2, C3, D1 and D2 zones of Voogd, are present in the ansiform lobule.In addition a transverse rostro-caudal organization was found, in which discrete regions of each olivary subdivision are connected to discrete areas of the crural cortex, within each olivo-cerebellar strip. The old idea of a point-to-point topography in the olivo-cerebellar system is consequently still valid, being compatible with the now proven longitudinal zonal pattern of the olivo-ansiform projection.The fact that the two subdivisions of the principal olive, here shown to project to separate D1 and D2 zones of the ansiform lobule, receive specific sets of afferents suggests that the two cortical zones are part of two different cerebellar operational units.     

Occurrence of water-borne enteric viruses in two settlements based in Eastern Chad: analysis of hepatitis E virus, hepatitis A virus and human adenovirus in water sources

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a common cause of water-borne acute hepatitis in areas with poor sanitation. In 2004 an outbreak of HEV infection affected around 2,000 people in Eastern Chad (Dar Sila). This paper describes the decrease in the incidence of acute jaundice syndrome (AJS) from 2004 until 2009 when a mean incidence of 0.48 cases/1,000 people/year was recorded in the region. Outbreaks of AJS were identified in some of the camps in 2007 and 2008. Moreover, water samples from drinking water sources were screened for human adenoviruses considered as viral indicators and for hepatitis A virus and HEV. Screening of faecal samples from donkeys for HEV gave negative results. Some of the samples were also analysed for faecal coliforms showing values before disinfection treatment between 3 and >50 colony forming units per 100 mL. All water samples tested were negative for HEV and HAV; however, the presence of low levels of human adenoviruses in 4 out of 16 samples analysed indicates possible human faecal contamination of groundwater. Consequently, breakdowns in the treatment of drinking water and/or increased excretion of hepatitis viruses, which could be related to the arrival of a new population, could spread future outbreaks through drinking water.     

Comparative analysis of HLA-B 8101 by serology, isoelectric focusing, and sequence-based typing

We describe a bone marrow donor evaluation on a twenty-four-year-old patient from Honduras, Central America. The patient's phenotype included a HLA-B7v, with serologic reactivity to HLA- B7, 8101, and 48, and was consistent with, HLA-B*8101. One-dimensional isoelectric focusing (IEF) identified HLA-B 7.1, a low frequency isotype that has previously been associated with the HLA-B7 variant, B*0705. To further classify this allele, sequence based typing (SBT) was performed, confirming HLA-B*8101 sequence homology. The diagnostic evaluation of this case illustrates the correlation of sequenced based typing and isoelectric focusing in defining HLA Class I antigen characteristics and the use of IEF in screening for rare and novel alleles.     

Comparison of quality of facial scars after single low‐level laser therapy and combined low‐level with high‐level (PDL 595 nm) laser therapy

The main goal of our study was to compare the quality of resulting facials scar 12 weeks after single and combined laser therapy. Forty‐one children from age 1.5 to 5 years with facial scars after injury participated in the study. Thirty‐one underwent laser therapy, 14 were treated using single low‐level laser therapy (670 nm, fluence 3–5 J/cm^?2), and 17 underwent combined high‐level laser therapy with non‐ablative pulsed dye laser (PDL; 595 nm, spot size 7 mm, delay 0.45 ms or 1.5 ms, fluence 9–11 J/cm^?2, cryogen spray/delay 20/30 ms) and low‐level laser therapy. The control group consisted of 10 untreated children. Before treatment and at week 4, 8, and, 12 the scars were evaluated using the POSAS questionnaire. A statistically significant improvement in scars (between ratings before treatment and 4 weeks after therapy, before treatment and 8 weeks after therapy and before treatment and 12 weeks after therapy) was observed in all parameters in both treatment groups (p < 0.0001). For the HLLT+LLLT group the most significant enhancement in the quality of scars was found for all items and at all evaluations, except pigmentation and pliability. There was no improvement observed in quality of facial scars in the control group.     

Cutaneous necrosis complicating the injection of pegylated interferon alpha-2b in a patient with chronic hepatitis C

Pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-alpha) is a formulation of recombinant human interferon conjugated with polyethylene-glycol. This preparation has a long half-life (compared with conventional IFN), which allows for once-weekly injection. Elimination half-life of PEG-IFN-alpha 2b is 22-60 hours (average, 35-40 hours). We report the development of a local necrotizing reaction complicating subcutaneous injection of PEG-IFN in a patient with hepatitis C. This case enhances the need of careful training in drug reconstitution and self injection, with as much variation as possible of the injection site.     

Mano a Mano-Mujer: An Effective HIV Prevention Intervention for Chilean Women

The impact of a professionally facilitated peer group intervention for HIV prevention among 400 low-income Chilean women was examined using a quasiexperimental design. At 3 months postintervention, the intervention group had higher HIV-related knowledge, more positive attitudes toward people living with HIV, fewer perceived condom use barriers, greater self- efficacy, higher HIV reduction behavioral intentions, more communication with partners about safer sex, and decreased depression symptoms. They did not, however, have increased condom use or self-esteem. More attention to gender barriers is needed. This intervention offers a model for reducing HIV for women in Chile and other Latin American countries.