Post streptococcal glomerulonephritis co-existing with acute rheumatic fever--a case report

A case of post streptococcal acute glomerulonephritis co-existing with acute rheumatic fever is reported. The relevant literature is briefly reviewed.

Characterization of a set of variable number of tandem repeat markers conserved in bovidae

Screening purpose-built libraries with minisatellite probes, we have isolated 36 bovine variable number of tandem repeat markers (VNTRs) characterized by a mean heterozygosity of 59.3 within the American Holstein breed. Matching probabilities and exclusion powers were estimated by Monte-Carlo simulation, showing that the top 5 to 10 markers could be used as a very efficient DNA-based system for individual identification and paternity diagnosis. The isolated VNTR systems should contribute significantly to the establishment of a bovine primary DNA marker map. Linkage analysis, use of somatic cell hybrids, and in situ hybridization demonstrate that these bovine VNTRs are scattered throughout the bovine genome, without evidence for proterminal confinement as in the human, and that at least some of them are organized as clusters. Moreover, Southern blot analysis and in situ hybridization demonstrate conservation of sequence and map location of minisatellites within Bovidae.

Idiopathic oedema--a missed entity

Twenty nine patients were diagnosed to have idiopathic oedema; 27 (93.1%) of these were females. Associated psychological symptoms were observed in 86.2% of patients. The most common associated symptoms were related to autonomic dysfunction. Obesity and diuretic abuse were found in 48.3% and 41.4% of patients respectively. The association of bizarre symptoms with idiopathic oedema is a common feature.

Reactivity of Cryptococcus neoformans & Candida species with concanavalin A & blood grouping sera

Forty strains of Cryptococcus neoformans, 30 of Candida albicans, 24 of C. parapsilosis and 10 strains each of C. tropicalis and C. (Torulopsis) glabrata were examined. A 0.2 per cent solution of concanavalin A (Con A) in phosphate buffered saline and commercial anti-A and anti-B blood grouping sera were used in the whole cell slide agglutination test. All the isolates of Candida species strongly reacted with Con A and over 90 per cent were agglutinated by anti-A and -B blood grouping sera. In contrast, except for one strain, Cryptococcus neoformans did not agglutinate with Con A or blood grouping sera. These findings suggest, on one hand, a fundamental difference in the sugar mosaic of the cell surface components of Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida species, and on the other, presence of similar antigenic determinant(s)/receptors on the cell surface of Candida species and human erythrocytes.

Protein A protects mice from depletion of biotransformation enzymes and mortality induced by Salmonella typhimurium endotoxin

Changes in hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidase enzyme levels (aniline hydroxylase, aminopyrine demethylase, glutathione S-transferase), glutathione content, total sulphydryl content, and plasma enzyme levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were studied in male Swiss albino mice exposed to Salmonella typhimurium endotoxin (50-150 micrograms per mouse, LC50 141.82 micrograms). Animals exposed to the same dose of endotoxin but pretreated with protein A of Staphylococcus aureus (5 micrograms/per mouse) protected the animals from both mortality and depletion of biotransformation enzymes.

Antithrombotic effect of thiopurinol

Antithrombotic activity of ten pyrazolo pyrimidine derivatives was tested in mouse pulmonary thromboembolism model. Out of these compounds, Thiopurinol (C5H4N4S) showed dose-dependent protection in mice from death/paralysis induced by collagen + adrenaline. It also caused dose-dependent inhibition of thrombus formation in the cat. Thiopurinol inhibited aggregation of platelets induced by ADP and arachidonic acid but did not inhibit superoxide generation. It had no antiinflammatory activity nor any effect on cardiovascular system. The results indicate that the antithrombotic activity of the compound is mediated via inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Denial and medical outcome in unstable angina

Denial may be adaptive during hospitalization for acute coronary disease. We studied the impact of denial in 48 patients referred to a tertiary care center for treatment of unstable angina. Using the Hackett-Cassem Denial Scale, we divided the group into 25 high deniers and 23 low deniers. The two groups were comparable in baseline demographic and social data, coronary risk factors, cardiac history, medical treatment, vital signs, and cardiac catheterization results (number of diseased vessels and ejection fraction). Compared to low deniers, high deniers had half as many episodes of angina during hospitalization (1.3 vs. 2.5; p less than 0.03, t = 2.2, df = 46) and were more likely to reach medical stabilization, i.e., pain free for 36 hr (92% vs. 65%, p less than 0.03, Fisher exact probability test). Intravenous nitroglycerin drips were also required less often in high deniers (32% vs. 78%, p = 0.002, Fisher exact). Two myocardial infarctions and one death occurred, all in low deniers. We conclude that denial independently predicts better medical outcome during acute hospitalization for unstable angina.