Oculomotor paralysis and Lyme disease

Lyme disease is an infectious multi system disorder caused by the spirochète Borrelia Burgdorferi. Neurologic syndromes occurring during the second stage of the illness are common and the neurologic feature is extremely variable. We report a case of Lyme disease with diplopia. In contrast with most reported cases of ocular motor involvement in Lyme disease, no other systemic symptoms were detected. The serodiagnosis, although mildly positive, was confirmed by western blot antibodies analysis and evaluation of CSF antibodies. Symptoms readily vanished 3 days after the introduction of antibiotherapy. The efficacity of antibiotic therapy on the quality and timing of functional recovery justifies the use of this therapy.     

Recent advances in human papillomavirus vaccines

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and the etiologic agent of cervical dysplasia and cancer. Recent research on the safety and efficacy of prophylactic vaccines against HPV has shown promising results with nearly 100% efficacy in preventing persistent infections and cervical dysplasia. Several approaches are being tested in therapeutic vaccine clinical trials whereby E6, E7, or both agents are administered in live viral vectors, as proteins, or in nucleic acid form. Cell-based therapeutic vaccines are also being tested. HPV vaccines have the potential to eradicate a major cancer and source of morbidity around the world.     

Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Ultrasonographic findings in 5 cases

The ultrasonographic findings in 5 patients (4 males, 1 female, mean age 70 years) presenting with mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas are described. The lesion was located in the head and body of the pancreas in 2 cases, in the head alone in 2 others, and in the tail in one. The size ranged from 40 to 85 mm (mean 64 mm). Internal septa were seen in 5 patients, endocystic proliferation in 2, parietal calcifications in 1 and mixed cystic-solid areas in 3. The estimation of CEA in the fluid collected by sonographic guided puncture may be useful in diagnosis. Guided microbiopsy and fine needle cytology performed in 3 cases confirmed the diagnosis. Moreover, ultrasonography clearly showed the modifications of the vessels (splenic and portal veins, inferior vena cava) secondary to the tumor. It is concluded that ultrasonography with guided puncture is a simple, inexpensive and effective method for the diagnosis of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas.     

Comparison between swallowing and chewing of garlic on levels of serum lipids,cyclosporine, creatinine and lipid peroxidation in Renal Transplant Recipients

Abstract Hyperlipidemia and increased degree of oxidative stress are among the important risk factors for Atherosclerosis in renal transplant recipients (RTR). The Medical treatment of hyperlipidemia in RTR because of drugs side effects has been problematic, therefore alternative methods such as using of Garlic as an effective material in cholesterol lowering and inhibition of LDL Oxidation has been noted. For evaluation of garlic effect on RTR, 50 renal transplant patients with stable renal function were selected and divided into 2 groups. They took one clove of garlic (1 gr) by chewing or swallowing for two months, after one month wash-out period, they took garlic by the other route. Results indicated that although lipid profile, BUN, Cr, serum levels of cyclosporine and diastolic blood pressure did not change, Systolic blood pressure decreased from138.2 to 132.8 mmHg (p=0.001) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased from 2.4 to1.7 nmol/ml (p=0.009) by swallowing route, Cholesterol decreased from 205.1 to 195.3 mg/dl (p=0.03), triglyceride decreased from 195.7 to 174.8 mg/dl (p=0.008), MDA decreased from 2.5 to 1.6 nmol/ml (p=0.001), systolic blood pressure decreased from 137.5 to 129.8 mmHg (p=0.001), diastolic blood pressure decreased from 84.6 to 77.6 mmHg (p=0.001) and Cr decreased from 1.51 to 1.44 mg/dl (p=0.03) by chewing route too. However HDL, LDL and cyclosporine serum levels had no significant differences by both of swallowing and chewing routes. We conclude that undamaged garlic (swallowed) had no lowering effect on lipid level of serum. But Crushed garlic (chewed) reduces cholesterol, triglyceride, MDA and blood pressure. Additionally creatinine reduced without notable decrease in cyclosporine serum levels may be due to cyclosporine nephrotoxicity ameliorating effect of garlic.     

The optomotor response: a robust first-line visual screening method for mice

In both scotopic and photopic conditions, the rotation of a grating was found to elicit head movements in mice. The highest spatial frequency eliciting this optomotor response provided an estimate of visual acuity. In male C57BL/6J mice, visual acuity increased from 0.26cpd in scotopic conditions to 0.52cpd in photopic conditions whereas it was 0.52 cpd in both sets of conditions in 129/SvPas mice. No optomotor response was detected in albino CD1 mice and rd1 retinal degeneration mice although light sensitivity in CD1 mice was attested by photophobia and normal electroretinograms. This rapid and cheap method could provide a powerful test of visual performance in genetically modified and pharmacologically treated mice.