Onchocerciasis endemic in the State of Bolivar, Venezuela

Microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus were demonstrated by single shoulder-skin biopsy in 42.8% of inhabitants of seven Amerindian villages in an area of approximately 10,000 km2, near the Brasilian Roraima Territory. The highest prevalence was found among the Yanomama Indians of Chajuraña (84.6%, with a mean of 61.3 microfilariae per mg of skin). The six other communities were affected, but with lower prevalence and microfilaria skin densities. The absence of lymphoedema and the few subcutaneous nodules and eye lesions found among the infected individuals suggest a relatively recent introduction of the disease to the region. Mansonella ozzardi infections were also detected in the area.

Chromosome translocations in couples with multiple spontaneous abortions

The reported incidence of balanced chromosomal translocations in couples with multiple spontaneous abortions (SABs) ranges from 0% of 31%. Because our experience has suggested that SABs are useful for ascertaining balanced translocations, we report the results of chromosome analyses performed on blood specimens from 440 individuals including 200 couples who were ascertained on the basis of two or more SABs. Balanced translocations were found in 3.6% of these 200 couples. For 122 of these couples, more detailed reproductive histories were available. For 48 couples with two SABs, four (8.4%) had balanced translocations; for 37 couples with three SABs, one (2.7%) had a balanced translocation; for 20 couples with four SABs, two (10%) had balanced translocations; and for 17 couples with five or more SABs, one (5.9%) had a balanced translocation. These 122 couples could also be classified on the basis of having abnormal or healthy children. For 40 couples with two or more SABs, one or more healthy children, and no abnormal offspring, two (5.0%) had balanced translocations; for 20 couples with two or more SABs and one or more abnormal children (and in some cases one or more healthy children), one (5.0%) had a balanced translocation; for 62 couples with two or more SABs and no other pregnancies, four (6.5%) had balanced translocations.

Mansonella ozzardi infections in Indians of the Southwestern part of the state of Bolivar, Venezuela

Mansonella ozzardi infections were found in 80/139 (58%) of Indians living in the forest of the upper Caura River Basin located in the southwestern part of Bolivar State, Venezuela. In four (3%) of the blood samples a second type of microfilaria which could not be identified was also found.

The use of supports in the lyophilization of oil-in-water emulsions

The results of drying oil-in-water emulsions by lyophilization have shown this process could be applied to emulsions having dissolved in the aqueous phase a solid material which acts as support for the oily phase after the water has been removed. The rate of creaming and the globule size distribution were also investigated. The tests were made before and immediately after lyophilization, and after 20 and 40 days of storage at room temperature (18–20°) at 0° ±1° and at 40° ±1°. The emulsions were coarser and creaming rate was increased after lyophilization.