Isolation and characterization of marine luminous bacteria from shallow coastal waters of Taiwan.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Marine luminous bacteria were isolated and identified from samples in shallow coastal waters of Taiwan during the relatively warm seasons. METHODS: Identification of the luminous isolates was performed based on differences of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics together with data from phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: Twenty seven strains of marine luminous bacteria were isolated. They were divided into five types based on differences of phenotypic characteristics. However, they could be clustered into only two genotypes according to the analysis of restriction patterns of polymerase chain reaction-amplified 16S rRNA genes digested with various restriction enzymes. The characterization data together with the 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates included in phenotype I (seven isolates) could be Photobacterium leiognathi, and those included in phenotypes II-V (twenty isolates) might be classified as Vibrio harveyi. However, phylogeny based on gyrB sequences indicated that phenotypes II-V could be classified into two species, V. harveyi and Vibrio campbellii. CONCLUSION: Culturable luminous bacteria in the shallow coastal waters of Taiwan during the sampling period are dominated by V. harveyi/campbellii and P. leiognathi, and the former species appeared to be more prevalent and numerous than the latter species in general.     

Ossifying fibroma of nose in a two year old child

We report a cast of ossifying fibroma of the nose, arising from the bony septum and extending into the nasophaynx in a 2 yrs. old child presenting with features of obstructed nose.     

Neuroactive steroids: their mechanism of action and their function in the stress response

Steroids are usually identified as genomic regulators, yet recently a body of evidence has accumulated demonstrating specific plasma membrane effects, as well as coordinative effects, of some steroids on both membrane and intracellular receptors. The resulting rapid (<1 min) modulation of cellular activity has strongly suggested a non-genomic, and possibly modulatory, role for certain steroid compounds, and dramatic effects on membranes of excitable as well as other tissues have been demonstrated. Steroid synthesis and metabolism have been shown to exist in the CNS, and the effects have been seen in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. The major groups of neuroactive steroids, and their metabolites, have been progesterone, deoxycorticosterone, and some androgens, notably dihydroxyepiandrosterone (DHEA). These compounds show increased concentrations both in blood and in the brain following stress and they have also been associated with anxiolytic effects and antiepileptic activity. In the periphery, some of these compounds show remarkable inhibitory effects on the secretion of catecholamines and other neurotransmitters. The mechanism for the majority of the effects of these steroids is via their effect on receptor-mediated binding to ligand-gated ion channels. Activation of the GABAA receptor complex, resulting in the opening of its central chloride channel, is the major target of the neuroactive steroids, resulting in re-polarization of the plasma membrane and inhibition of further neuronal firing. The anxiolytic, anti-convulsant and sedative-hypnotic actions of these neuroactive steroids have resulted in their being used as therapeutic agents for the treatment of anxiety, epilepsy, insomnia, and possibly for the alteration of pain thresholds.     

New multiple congenital anomalies: Mental retardation syndrome (MCA/MR) with facio-cutaneous-skeletal involvement

Five unrelated patients (a male and 4 females) were affected with a previously undefined multiple congenital anomalies/mental retardation syndrome which has been designated the facio-cutaneous-skeletal (FCS) syndrome and which includes mental retardation with specific sociable, humorous behavior, characteristic facial appearance, excessive generalized skin, postnatal growth failure, and skeletal involvement. Consanguinity was noted in 2 patients, thus autosomal recessive inheritance is suggested. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Neu-Laxova syndrome: Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis,clinical and pathological studies,and new manifestations

A diagnosis of the Neu-Laxova syndrome (NLS) was made by ultrasonography at 32 wks of gestation. Ultrasonographic examination showed intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), Dandy-Walker anomaly, choroid plexus cysts, receding forehead and microcephaly, bilateral cataract without prominent eyes, scalp edema with no generalized edema, retrognathia, curved penis, and flexion deformities of limbs. The findings in this case are consistent with NLS; however, they did not fit any of Curry's [1982] groups. Massive swelling of hands and feet were among the main manifestations in classic NLS cases. In the case presented herein, edema was noted only in the scalp. This might shed further light on the question of variability vs. heterogeneity in the NLS. This case shows the existing possibility of an early diagnosis of NLS and adds Dandy-Walker anomaly and choroid plexus cysts as new findings to this syndrome. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Paracentric inversion of Xq and ovarian dysfunction

We report on a paracentric inversion X(q13 q24) in a 20-year-old woman with ovarian dysfunction. The findings add evidence on the role of breakpoints in Xq13 and Xq24 in causing ovarian dysfunction. A review of the published data on paracentric inversion of chromosome X is included.     

Clinical presentation,viral kinetics,and management of human monkeypox cases from New Delhi,India 2022

We describe the clinical and demographic characteristics, virological follow-up, and management of five confirmed monkeypox cases from New Delhi, India without any international travel history. The viral load kinetics and viral clearance were estimated in oropharyngeal swabs (OPS), nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS), EDTA blood, serum, urine, and various lesion specimens on every fourth day of follow-up ranging from 5 to 24 post onset day (POD) of illness. All five cases presented with mild to moderate-grade intermittent fever, myalgia, and lesions on the genitals, groins, lower limb, trunk, and upper limb. Four cases had non-tender firm lymphadenopathy. No secondary complications or sexually transmitted infections were recorded in these cases except for the presence of viral hepatitis B infection marker hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) in one case. All the cases were mild and had a good recovery. A higher viral load was detected in lesion fluid (POD 9), followed by lesion roof (POD 9), urine (POD 5), lesion base (POD 5), and OPS/NPS (POD 5). The monkeypox virus (MPXV) DNA was detected in clinical samples from 5th to 24th POD. These monkeypox cases without international travel history suggest the underdiagnosed monkeypox infection in the community. This emphasizes the need for active surveillance of MPXV in the high-risk population such as men having sex with men and female sex workers.     

Epidemiology of childhood hepatitis B in India: Vaccination related issues

It has been estimated that presently hepatitis B kills more people every day than AIDS kills in a year world-wide. Infection with hepatitis B produces a wide range of manifestations ranging from asymptomatic carriers to persistent infections leading to chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma. Availability of effective and safe vaccine has made all this preventable. To formulate on appropriate vaccination strategy for India the epidemiology of hepatitis B needs to be defined. This report critically reviews the available data. The burden of long term sequelae of HBV infection is probably under-diagnosed and under-reported in India. Prevalence studies of HBV markers indicate that India falls under the area of intermediate endemicity. Limited data on agespecific prevalence of HBV markers suggests that the majority of the infection seems to take place below 15 years of age, and most of it under one year. Perinatal transmission appears to contribute significantly to the carrier pool. Childhood vaccination for HB among the general population is the obvious strategy of choice. But more information is required to decide on the timing of the first dose.