The histocompatibility-2 system in wild mice. XI. Ss and Slp properties of wild-derived H-2 haplotypes

In this study, 14 B10.W lines were examined for genetic traits associated with the Ss protein and Slp alloantigen. Three B10.W lines were found to possess low levels of serum Slp alloantigen. Of these three Slp-positive lines, expression of the alloantigen was sex-limited in two lines (B10.LIB55 and B10.STA12) and constitutive, i.e., found in both sexes, in the remaining line (B10.KPB128). Lines which were found to be Slp-negative were also tested for IA-controlled immune response to Slp alloimmunization. The finding that one of these Slp-negative lines produced no detectable anti-Slp indicates that nonresponder alleles exist in wild populations. Further, the discovery of an unexpected immune response to Slp in F1 hybrids involving lines B10.LIB55 and B10.STA12 suggests the existence of a variant form of Slp alloantigen in these lines.

The Oaxaca, Mexico, Earthquake of 29 November 1978: A Preliminary Report on Aftershocks

Aftershocks of the 29 November 1978 Oaxaca, Mexico, earthquake (surface-wave magnitude Ms = 7.8) define a rupture area of about 6000 square kilometers along the boundary of the Cocos sea-plate subduction. This area had not ruptured in a large (Ms >/= 7), shallow earthquake since the years 1928 and 1931 and had been designated a seismic "gap." The region has also been seismically quiet for small to moderate (M >/= 4), shallow (depth </= 60 kilometers) earthquakes since 1966; this quiet zone became about six times larger in 1973. A major earthquake (Ms = 7.5 +/- 0.25) was forecast at this location on the basis of the quiescence that began in 1973. The aftershock data indicate that an area approximately equivalent in size to the seismic gap has now broken.

Sterilization of a non-scrotal mammal (Suncus murinus L.) by intratesticular injection of cadmium chloride

The testis of the musk shrew is resistant to subcutaneous administration of cadmium chloride. In contrast, a single intratesticular injection of cadmium chloride (0.01 to 0.03 mM/kg body weight) caused total destruction of germinal epithelium; Leydig cells, however, regenerated after an initial phase of atrophy. Unilateal injection of the drug induced degenerative changes in the injected testis only; the contralateral testis appeared normal macroscopically and histologically. The factors responsible for the differential response of the testes of this non-scrotal mammal to the two routes of administration of cadmium chloride are discussed.

Facial nerve schwannoma

The present article gives a brief and complete account of the incidence, pathology, clinical features, diagnosis, management and prognosis of the schwannoma with special reference to facial nerve schwannomas. A case report of a rare schwannoma of the vertical part of the facial nerve found on biopsy of tissue during a postaural modified radical mastoidectomy is included.

Phacoemulsification versus small incision cataract surgery (SICS): which one is a better surgical option for immature cataract in developing countries?

Background: Several studies have shown comparable visual outcomes of SICS and phacoemulsification (Gogate et al 2007, Ruit et al 2007). Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of different types of surgical procedures (phacoemulsification versus SICS) for cataract surgery in immature cataract. Material and methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was carried out involving 93 and 89 patients with immature senile cataract selected for phacoemulsification and SICS respectively. Statistics: Mean values with standard deviations were calculated. P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of gender, age and pre-operative visual acuity (p = 0.09). In phacoemulsification group (n=93) more than two thirds and in SICS group (n=89) more than three quarters of the patients had good visual outcome (6/6-6/18) on first postoperative day (p=0.065). Poor outcome (<6/60) was recorded in 6% (phacoemulsification group) and 1% (small incision cataract surgery group). Mean visual acuity was 0.43 ± 0.27 in phacoemulsification group and 0.47 ± 0.24 in SICS group. Mean surgery time was significantly shorter in SICS group (p=0.0003). Statistics: Data were computed and analyzed using the SPSS software program vs 10. The p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in visual outcome on first post operative day in between phacoemulsification and SICS technique. However, performing SICS was significantly faster. Small incision cataract surgery with implantation of rigid PMMA lens is a suitable surgical technique to treat immature cataract in developing countries. Keywords: phacoemulsification; small incision cataract surgery (SICS) DOI: 10.3126/nepjoph.v1i2.3682 Nep J Oph 2009;1(2):95-100

Kala Azar- A Diagnostic Dilemma - A Case Report

Kala Azar- A Diagnostic Dilemma - A Case Report