Villous papilloma of the rectum presenting as infective gastro-enteritis

Three elderly patients have recently been admitted as emergencies to the Infection Unit of the Aberdeen Hospitals as presumed cases of infective gastro-enteritis. Investigation revealed the presence of a villous papilloma of the rectum in each case.     

Eimeria maxima: a comparison of two laboratory strains with a fresh isolate

Oocysts of the Weybridge and Houghton strains of Eimeria maxima and a fresh field isolate were similar and measured on average 30-9 X 22-4 mum. The Weybridge strain and the field isolate produced similar pathogenic effects in 6-week-old chickens, high doses causing 50-80% mortality and severe weight loss. The Houghton strain was slightly less pathogenic and few birds died but more oocysts were produced. With each strain, a single dose gave complete immunity to a light challenge with the homologous strain. Two or 3 immunizing doses gave complete immunity to a heavy homologous challenge but were not sufficient to protect against heterologous challenge.     

Dermal and glomerular deposition of IgA in anaphylactoid purpura

During the period of acute anaphylactoid purpura, skin biopsies were performed on 14 patients with purpuric and nonpurpuric skin. In addition, four patients had renal biopsies. Examination of the tissue by immunofluorescence to anti-human immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE, fibrin/fibrinogen, complement Clq, C4, and C3 demonstrated predominant IgA, C3, fibrin/fibrinogen in the purpuric skin and glomerulus, without Clq and C4. These immunohistochemical findings are characteristic of anaphylactoid purpura and suggest that IgA is involved in the pathogenesis of anaphylactoid purpura and may operate through the alternate pathway of the complement system.     

A method for monitoring uterine activity in induced labour

A system for the quantitative assessment of uterine activity during an oxytocin-induced labour has been developed. This has been achieved using relatively simple analogue techniques and can easily be used in the labour ward alongside existing monitoring equipment. Initial results indicate that a plateau of uterine activity can be easily recognised from the display and maintained at oxytocin dosage levels below those that might normally be used.