Immunomodulation of Delayed Hypersensitivity to Methylated Bovine Serum Albumin (MBSA) in Mice Using Subliminal and Normal Sensitization Procedures

Delayed hypersensitivity (DH) was induced in the footpads of mice sensitized to methylated bovine serum albumin (MBSA). The magnitude of this DH response increased with increasing sensitizing concentration of MBSA. Levamisole administered 1 hr prior to MBSA challenge stimulated the DH response and this was optimal using subliminal sensitizing concentrations of antigen. A number of antirheumatic agents, immunomodulators mediator antagonists and antiallergies were subsequently examined using the subliminal sensitizing concentration of MBSA. The same drugs were also evaluated using a normal sensitizing procedure. These studies indicate that the sensitizing concentration of antigen is critical in establishing whether a drug will stimulate or suppress a DH response.     

Varicocele and its surgical management

A discussion of the present role of varicocele in the management of the subfertile couple is presented, with emphasis on detection techniques and the increasing awareness of the presence of bilateral varicocele. The indications and techniques of surgical management are discussed, with particular emphasis on the use of the operating microscope to dissect the spermatic cord at the level of the external inguinal ring under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis with significant cost savings to the patient.     

Otogenic Fusobacterium necrophorum meningitis

A case of meningitis secondary to acute suppurative otitis media in a previously healthy child is reported. The only organism isolated from blood after aerobic and prolonged anaerobic culture was identified as Fusobacterium necrophorum. Complete recovery followed treatment with surgery and prolonged antibiotic therapy. The role of anaerobes in the development of meningitis, the isolation and identification of Fusobacterium necrophorum, the clinical presentations of F. necrophorum infection and the choice of antibiotics in the treatment of these infections are discussed.     

Functional use of the Nucleus 22-channel cochlear implant in the elderly

A questionnaire was sent to 101 Nucleus 22-channel cochlear implant recipients aged 65 years and older to investigate the perceived impact of cochlear implantation on their quality of life. The questionnaire was designed to gain insight into the patient's daily use of the Nucleus implant. Sixty-seven questionnaires were returned over a 3-month period. The results of the survey showed that elderly cochlear implant patients obtained similar benefits to younger adult patients who were implanted with the same device. We believe that the results of this study will aid other centers when counseling elderly patients on the expected daily functional benefits of this device.