A versatile shuttle cosmid vector for the efficient construction of genomic libraries and for the cloning of fungal genes

A shuttle cosmid vector, pANsCos1, has been constructed for Escherichia coli and filamentous fungi. This vector contains two cos sequences separated by a single XbaI restriction site. pANsCos1 allows the efficient construction of representative genomic libraries from as little as 15–20 g of genomic DNA. Due to the presence of a functional hygromycin B phosphotransferase gene (hph) transformation of fungal protoplasts with pANsCos1, or derivatives of it, results in the formation of hygromycin B-resistant transformants. The T7 and T3 RNA polymerase promoter sequences flanking the cloning site, in combination with two adjacent NotI sites facilitate genomic walking and the rapid construction of restriction maps of cloned inserts.Dedicated to Professor Dr. K. Esser on the occasion of his 70th birthday     

Epidemiology of chronic suppurative otitis media and deafness in a rural area and developing an intervention strategy

Of 613 children evaluated in a village in Haryana 94 (15.3%) were observed to have chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). Fifty eight (61.7%) children had hearing impairment. CSOM contributed to 71.6% of the hearing impaired (58/81). On analysis of association of CSOM with literacy and socio-economic status of mothers, and age, sex, and upper respiratory tract infections (URI) in children positive correlation was observed only with URIs (P<0.001). Literacy and socio-economic status of the mothers did not correlate significantly with knowledge about treatment seeking, and ear cleaning practices, probably due to the narrow range of incomes and literacy levels. An intervention program consisting of play, demonstrations, health charts and slogans, and aural cleaning and antibiotic drops was introduced.     

微血管舒张功能障碍及体外反搏的改善作用

目的：通过测定微血管血流灌注来反映微血管的舒张功能,同时观察体外反搏治疗改善冠心病患者微血管舒张功能障碍的效果。方法：应用激光多普勒血流量计（ＬＤＦ） ,测量５８ 个被观察者的前臂皮肤在反应性充血前后微血管血流灌注增加比值,评价血流介导的微血管舒张功能。结果：冠心病组、高胆固醇血症组及吸烟组微血管舒张功能明显低于对照组,比值分别为１．８３±０．３７、２．６３±０．５１、３．１９ ±０．５６ 比３．５６±０．３６ ;Ｐ分别＜ ０．０１,＜０．０１,＜ ０．０５。冠心病组反搏治疗前后比,其微血管的舒张功能明显提高,比值为１．８３±０．３７ 比２．５４±０．４３; Ｐ＜０．０１。结论：ＬＤＦ可检测冠心病患者明显的微血管舒张功能障碍及高胆固醇血症者和吸烟者微血管功能的异常;体外反搏治疗可改善冠心病患者的微血管舒张功能。     

Penicillium peritonitis in an adolescent receiving chronic peritoneal dialysis

A 19-year-old female on chronic peritoneal dialysis developed acute peritonitis; multiple peritoneal fluid and catheter tip cultures yielded Penicillium species. She promptly responded to catheter removal and intravenous amphotericin B, followed by oral fluconazole, without further recurrences 1 year later. This is the first reported case of Penicillium peritonitis in the pediatric population. We review the microbiology and clinical spectrum of this disease, as well as the few previous reported cases in adults. Received: 2 November 1998 / Revised: 1 February 1999 / Accepted: 4 February 1999     

Do we need to treat otitis media?

Otitis media is a common pediatric problem. It is well established that over half of infants and children with acute otitis media may have spontaneous recovery. Since it is difficult to predict the course (self-limited versus serious disease) all the children with acute suppurative otitis media need to be treated with antibiotics. Amoxicillin is still the initial antibiotic of choice. There are several alternate antibiotics available with activity against beta-lactamase positive bacteria. These agents have no advantage over amoxicillin in infections due to penicillin resistant pneumococci. Recent use of beta-lactam antibiotics and/or attendance in a day care where there is frequent use of antibiotics are predisposing factors for penicillin resistant pneumococcal infection. In such cases after tympanocentesis, higher dose of amoxicillin, clindamycin or intramuscular ceftriaxone should be considered. Secretory otitis media does not need to be treated with antibiotics unless the patient is in high risk group. Prophylactic use of antibiotics should be actively discouraged. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination (2 years or older) should be encouraged in children with recurrent episodes of acute otitis media. Breast feeding should be encouraged.     

Stability of aztreonam in a portable pump reservoir used for home intravenous antibiotic treatment (HIVAT)

The stability of the monocyclic -lactam antibiotic aztreonam in portable pump reservoirs was studied during storage at temperatures of-20°C and +5°C and during drug delivery at 37°C. Three 100-ml drug reservoirs and three glass containers containing 60 mg/ml aztreonam were stored at-20°C and 2-ml samples were analysed in the freshly prepared solution and after thawing at days 7, 21, 28, 70 and after 6 months of storage. A separate triplicate batch of 100-ml prefilled drug reservoirs and glass containers containing a similar aztreonam concentration (60 mg/ml) were refrigerated and tested immediately after preparation and daily for 8 days and after 70 days. Solutions of aztreonam in duplicate freshly prepared reservoirs were tested for stability when the solution was pumped at 37°C over a 24-h period. All solutions were inspected for visual changes and tested for pH. Drug concentration was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. No colour changes or pH differences were observed in any of the solutions in the reservoirs or containers. No statistically significant decrease in aztreonam concentration could be detected after 6 months of storage at-20°C. Aztreonam was stable at 5°C for at least 8 days. A 24-h pumping period at 37°C showed a 3.6% decrease in aztreonam concentration. Aztreonam at a concentration of 60 mg/ml in a pump reservoir is sufficiently stable to be used in home intravenous antibiotic treatment programmes.     

Granulomatous mastitis secondary to histoplasmosis: report of a case diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy

A case of unilateral histoplasmal "granulomatous" mastitis diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is presented. The clinical presentation and mammographic findings were strongly suspicious for carcinoma. FNAB cytology showed a picture of necrotizing granuloma secondary to histoplasmosis. The lesion was treated with surgical excision and appropriate antifungal therapy. The differential diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis is discussed.     

针刺、自主牵引、药物外敷治疗腰椎间盘突出症疗效观察

目的 :观察针刺、自主牵引、药物外敷治疗腰椎间盘突出症 (简称治疗组 )的疗效。方法 :随机分为针刺、自主牵引、药物外敷组和单纯针刺组进行对比观察。结果 :治疗组总有效率 94 .1% ,明显高于对照组 75 .8% ,经统计学处理 ,P <0 .0 5 ,具有显著性差异。结论 :治疗组疗效优于对照组