Molluscum contagiosum occurring in an epidermal cyst--report of 3 cases.

We present three unusual cases of molluscum contagiosum occurring in epidermal cysts. All of them are asymptomatic, elevated, oval nodules diagnosed clinically as epidermal inclusion cyst or prurigo nodularis. Histology showed true epidermal cysts containing molluscum bodies throughout the cyst wall and some type of laminated material within the cyst itself. The lesion, in all three cases developed in the pubic area of young adult men.     

Delayed acute measles inclusion body encephalitis in a 9-year-old girl: ultrastructural, immunohistochemical, and in situ hybridization studies.

A 9-yr-old girl developed delayed acute measles inclusion body encephalitis, which was different from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) in clinical course. Measles virus was demonstrated by electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization. Contrary to the most previous reports, matrix (M) protein was present in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid, and serum and was demonstrated by Western blot analysis and in situ hybridization. The hybridization was performed by a nonradioactive digoxigenin method.     

Personal history,training, and worksite as predictors of back pain of nurses

Back pain among nurses is a common problem. Prior studies of this problem have been based on cross-sectional or retrospective data. This 18-month prospective study involving nurses newly graduated from nursing school investigated personal, worksite, and training factors associated with future risk of back pain. Each nurse underwent a preliminary interview and periodic follow-ups to identify those with back injuries. Contingency tables and logistic regression analyses demonstrated that prior significant back pain episodes (evidenced by previous job changes because of back pain, frequent medication use, etc.) were associated with increased future risk. Training at nursing school or on the job did not have a protective effect. This pilot study therefore suggests factors useful in placement and counseling of new nurses and indicates the need for further implementation of mechanical lift assist device use. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

TNF alpha and Fas mediate tissue damage and functional outcome after traumatic brain injury in mice.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and Fas are induced after traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, their functional roles are incompletely understood. Using controlled cortical impact (CCI) and mice deficient in TNFalpha, Fas, or both (TNFalpha/Fas-/-), we hypothesized that TNFalpha and Fas receptor mediate secondary TBI in a redundant manner. Compared with wild type (WT), TNFalpha/Fas-/- mice had improved motor performance from 1 to 4 days (P<0.05), improved spatial memory acquisition at 8 to 14 days (P<0.05), and decreased brain lesion size at 2 and 6 weeks after CCI (P<0.05). Protection in TNFalpha/Fas-/- mice from histopathological and motor deficits was reversed by reconstitution with recombinant TNFalpha before CCI, and TNFalpha-/- mice administered anti-Fas ligand antibodies had improved spatial memory acquisition versus similarly treated WT mice (P<0.05). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha/Fas-/- mice had decreased the numbers of cortical cells with plasmalemma damage at 6 h (P<0.05 versus WT), and reduced matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in injured brain at 48 and 72 h after CCI. In immature mice subjected to CCI, genetic inhibition of TNFalpha and Fas conferred beneficial effects on histopathology and spatial memory acquisition in adulthood (both P<0.05 versus WT), suggesting that the beneficial effects of TNFalpha/Fas inhibition may be permanent. The data suggest that redundant signaling pathways initiated by TNFalpha and Fas play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of TBI, and that biochemical mechanisms downstream of TNFalpha/Fas may be novel therapeutic targets to limit neurological sequelae in children and adults with severe TBI.     

Urological manifestations of isolated iliac artery aneurysms

Three patients with iliac artery aneurysms were seen at our institution with the chief complaints owing to urological manifestations. Iliac artery aneurysms may present with a transrectally palpable mass, hematuria, bladder outlet obstruction, ureteral obstruction, retroperitoneal fibrosis or renal failure. Any such manifestations may bring the aneurysm to the attention of a urologist before diagnosis.     

Cobalt-dependent potentiation of net inward current density in Helix aspersa neurons.

A low concentration of transition metal ions Co2+ and Ni2+ increases the inward current density in neurons from the land snail Helix aspersa. The currents were measured using a single electrode voltage-clamp/internal perfusion method under conditions in which the external Na+ was replaced by Tris+, the predominant external current carrying cation was Ca2+, and the internal perfusate contained 120 mM Cs+/0 K+; 30 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA) was added externally to block K+ current. In the presence of Co2+ (3 mM) or Ni2+ (0.5 mM) inward Ca2+ currents were stimulated normally by voltage-dependent activation of Ca2+ channels. There was a 5-10% decrease in the rate of rise of the inward current. The principal effect of Co2+ and Ni2+ in increasing the current density seems to be a decrease in the rate at which the inward currents decline during a depolarizing voltage pulse. The results may be due to a decrease in a voltage-dependent or Ca(2+)-dependent outward current and/or an inhibition of Ca2+ channel inactivation. Outward current under these conditions (zero internal K+) was significant and most likely due to Cs+ efflux through the voltage-activated or Ca(2+)-activated nonspecific cation channels. Co2+ is an extremely effective blocker of this outward current. These results are not an artifact of internal perfusion or the special ionic conditions. Intracellular recording of unperfused neurons in normal Helix Ringer's solution showed that the Ca(2+)-dependent action potential duration was increased significantly by low concentrations of Co2+. This result is consistant with the Co(2+)-dependent increase in inward (depolarizing) current seen in voltage-clamp experiments.     

Paraffinoma in the urinary bladder: CT findings.

A case of a paraffinoma in the urinary bladder is presented. Plain radiography and intravenous urography showed a low attenuation filling defect in the urinary bladder, and CT demonstrated a lobulated fat-attenuation mass floating in the urinary bladder.