Primary spinal extradural hydatid disease: report of a case with magnetic resonance characteristics and pathological correlation

A rare case of hydatid disease of the lumbar extradural area and of the paravertebral muscles is reported. The patient underwent surgery, resulting in complete recovery. The limitations of computed tomography and the benefits of magnetic resonance imaging in forming a diagnosis are discussed. Magnetic resonance has been found to be an invaluable tool, not only in detecting the soft tissue extent of the disease but also in delineating the viability of hydatid cysts.     

Characterisation of G serotype dependent non-antibody inhibitors of rotavirus in normal mouse serum

Serotype specific (non-immunoglobulin) inhibitors of rotavirus have been identified in normal mouse serum obtained from BALB/c, CBA, and BL10 mice. Sialic acid was essential for the neutralising activity sera treated with the neuraminidase from Vibrio cholerae failed to neutralise rotavirus. G serotypes 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 were unaffected by the inhibitor(s) while G serotypes 1, 2, 6 and two G3 strains were neutralised to significant titres. Assessment of neutralisation of reassortants suggested that VP7 is the virus protein involved in the interaction although it remains possible that VP7 is influencing VP4 binding. Analysis of the sera by Western blot followed by virus overlay confirmed that binding is dependent on the presence of sialic acid. The human strain tested, Wa, bound to two (glyco) proteins (50 and 80 kDa) while the bovine strains tested, NCDV and UK bound to one (55 kDa) and two (36 and 55 kDa) proteins respectively. This indicates that while the bovine rotaviruses may bind to a common element, the human strain binds to clearly distinct proteins. We propose that these inhibitors interact with animal rotaviruses in a manner analogous to that by which they attach to target cells. The glycoprotein to which NCDV bound was purified and identified by N-terminal sequencing as murine alpha-1-anti-trypsin (MuAAT) and was confirmed to possess both neutralisation and anti-trypsin activity. Since MuAAT is known to possess only three N-linked glycans, identification and analysis of the actual virus-binding structure should now be possible.     

Increased lead absorption with anemia and slowed nerve conduction in children near a lead smelter

Studies to evaluate the prevalence, sources, and health consequences of lead absorption were conducted among children living near a primary lead smelter. Lead levels in air, soil, and dust were highest at the smelter and decreased with distance. Ninety-nine percent of one- to nine-year-old children living within 1.6 kilometers had blood lead levels greater than or equal 40 mug/dl, indicating increased absorption, and 22% had levels greater than or equal 80 mug/dl. The prevalence of lead levels greater than or equal 40 mug/dl decreased with distance; at 72 kilometers from the smelter it was 1%. Erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels increased with blood lead levels: 17% of children with lead levels of greater than or equal 80 mug/dl were anemic. There was no overt neurologic toxicity. Significant negative correlation was found in 202 five- to nine-year-old children between blood lead levels and motor nerve conduction velocity (r = 0.38, p less than 0.02).     

Intraocular penetrating of amoxicillin

Experiments have been carried out on four adult ewes to determine the effects on duodenal motility of intravenous or intraduodenal infusion of glucose solution and intravenous injection of insulin. At blood glucose levels below 80 mg%, the mean frequency of duodenal contractions was 1.6/min, but following the establishment of hyperglycemia by either intraduodenal or intravenous glucose infusion, contraction frequency fell to 0.9/min. The strength of contraction was unaffected.     

Arteriovenous fistula of the jejunum associated with gastrointestinal hemorrhage in a dog

Hemorrhage from the gastrointestinal tract of a young dog resulted in melena with concurrent anemia. Exploratory laparotomy revealed the hemorrhage originated from an arteriovenous fistula in the jejunum. Resection of the abnormal part of the jejunum was curative. The arteriovenous fistula in the dog was probably congenital in origin, but may have been the result of gastrointestinal tract trauma.