Disseminated hydatid disease involving orbit,spleen, lung and liver

Orbital hydatid disease is rare, even in endemic areas. We present a case of disseminated hydatid disease involving the orbit, spleen, lung and liver in a lady aged 35 years. Based on a typical clinical presentation, presence of eosinophilia, a positive indirect haemagglutination test for hydatid disease and presence of similar disseminated, anechoic cystic masses in the liver, lung, spleen and orbit on imaging studies, the diagnosis of hydatid cyst was seriously considered before surgery. Aspiration of the cyst, followed by cryo-extraction of the cyst wall through transconjunctival route was safely performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. In conclusion, multisystemic involvement of liver, lung and spleen in a case of orbital hydatid cyst has never been reported before. The surgical technique adopted in this case is safe and effective.     

Phenobarbital and MK-801, but not phenytoin, improve the long-term outcome of status epilepticus

To examine the effect of therapy on status epilepticus (SE) acutely and on long-term outcome, we compared three drugs with three different mechanisms. Phenobarbital, MK-801, and phenytoin were administered at 1, 2, and 4 hours after initiation of limbic status epilepticus by "continuous" hippocampal stimulation in rats. We evaluated the effects of these drugs on the course of SE and the subsequent development of chronic epilepsy. Phenobarbital and MK-801 were superior to phenytoin in suppressing SE and in preventing chronic epilepsy. There was no benefit if treatment was given 2 hours after the initiation of SE. Phenobarbital was most effective in suppressing electrographic seizure activity, but MK-801 had a slightly wider window for the prevention of chronic epilepsy. Early treatment, rather than electrographic suppression of SE, correlated with prevention of chronic epilepsy. This study shows that the drugs administered, which have different mechanisms of action, have clear differences in altering the outcomes. The findings suggest that studies of SE treatment should examine the effect of therapy on SE itself, as well as the long-term benefits of each treatment. The use of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists should be considered early in the treatment of SE.     

G, N, and P gene-based analysis of Chandipura viruses, India

An encephalitis outbreak in 2003 in children from India was attributed to Chandipura virus. Sequence analyses of G, N, and P genes showed 95.6%-97.6% nucleotide identity with the 1965 isolate (G gene, 7-11 amino acid changes); N and P genes were highly conserved.     

HIV/AIDS stories on the World Wide Web and transformation perspective

Survivor stories have been an important part of therapy and social support for persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS (PLWHAs), and the World Wide Web has made these stories accessible to a vast audience. These stories are examined in the light of the concept of "transformation perspective" defined as a self-communicative experience that changes an individual's life so that priorities and self-identity are refocused. The trigger event that alters the individual's life might be a diagnosis with cancer, HIV, diabetes, or some other serious illness; divorce; financial tragedy; unemployment; or retirement. The "disorienting dilemma," according to Mezirow, leads to self-examination, and thus to changes in the individual's frame of reference. The present study found that PLWHA's stories with more details were more likely to reflect transformation perspective.     

Aging and T cell development: interplay between progenitors and their environment

Thymic involution is the hallmark of hematopoietic aging. Because T cell differentiation is a multistep process that occurs non-cell autonomously, aging defects can occur at multiple points along the developmental pathway, both in the T progenitors themselves and in the thymic stromal cells that support their development. Here we review the evidence for age-related thymopoiesis defects at key steps in the production of na?ve mature T cells, highlighting the importance of the interaction between stromal aging and progenitor aging.     

Management of septic arthritis

Septic arthritis in children remains a serious disease with the potential for significant systemic and musculoskeletal morbidity. Staphlococcus aureus is the most common cause of bone and joint infections in all age groups. Microbial invasion of the synovial space occurs typically results from hematogenous seeding. Diagnosis in neonates and young infants can be difficult since the clinical signs are much less specific in these age groups. Early diagnosis by needle aspiration of the affected joint and prompt initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy in conjunction with drainage of the affected joint is critical to avoid destruction of the articular cartilage and prevent disability. Septic arthritis in infants and children should always be managed by a pediatrician in close consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. Empiric antibiotic regimens should always include adequate anti-staphylococcal coverage. Antibiotic treatment should be started with appropriate doses of intravenous antibiotics. Switch to oral antibiotic therapy can be made when patient demonstrates clinical improvement. A minimum of 3-4 weeks of therapy is recommended. Close follow-up is warranted to monitor the growth of the affected limb until skeletal maturity.     

Oral delivery of medications to companion animals: palatability considerations

There is an increased need for highly palatable solid oral dosage forms for companion animals, which are voluntarily accepted by the dog or cat, either from a feeding bowl or from the outstretched hand of the pet owner. Such dosage forms represent an emerging trend in companion animal formulations with major impact on medical needs such as convenience and compliance, particularly for chronically administered medications, and on marketing needs such as product differentiation. This review focuses on the science of taste, food and flavor preferences of dogs and cats, and palatability testing, in the context of applying these principles to the development of an oral palatable tablet for companion animals.