Actinomycosis mimicking carcinoma of the maxillary sinus

Human actinomycosis may pose a diagnostic problem at times and is often mistaken for a neoplasm. A thirty-five year old male was clinically diagnosed as a case of carcinoma of the right maxillary sinus on the basis of history, clinical presentation and radiologic findings. Tissue biopsy was negative for malignancy on three consecutive occasions. Microscopic examination showed bits of granulation tissue and fragments of filamentous structures. On microbiological examination, Actinomyces israelii was isolated and fungus culture was negative. Long term Penicillin treatment caused disappearance of all signs and symptoms. The report highlights the importance of bearing in mind the fact that certain rare, chronic, suppurative granulomatous infections, like actinomycosis, may mimic malignancy.

Intracranial tuberculomas: MRI signal intensity correlation with histopathology and localised proton spectroscopy

In seven cases of intracranial tuberculomas showing different signal intensities on MRI (five characteristic and two nonspecific), detailed histopathological examination was performed to look for number of macrophages, fibrosis, gliosis, degree of inflammatory cellular infiltrate, and type of caseation. The granulomas showing more macrophages, fibrosis and gliosis appeared hypointense on T2-weighted images. Tuberculomas showing minimal macrophages, marked cellular infiltration, and minimal fibrosis appeared hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Lesions showing similar signal intensity on T2-weighted images showed variation in the amount of macrophages, cellular infiltrates, maturity and fibrosis. Trace element estimation was done (iron, copper, and magnesium) in two of these lesions appearing hypointense on T2 and two normal brain samples; these were significantly lower in tuberculoma compared to normal brain tissue. Localised proton spectroscopy was performed in two hypointense lesions which showed marked increase in peaks in the region of mobile lipids (1.28 ppm) compared to normal brain parenchyma. It is concluded that the signal intensity of the lesions is dependent on the number of macrophages, fibrosis and cellular infiltrates. In addition increased lipid contents in the tuberculoma also contribute to the hypointensity on T2-weighted images.

Exposed eye area (EEA) in the expression of various emotions

Exposed eye area (EEA) was measured in photographs of Indian adults who modeled six emotions--happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust--as well as a neutral expression. The data were analyzed with a 2 x 6 (Eyes x Emotions) factorial analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). EEA for neutral expression was used as the covariate measure. The EEAs of the two eyes did not differ significantly during the expression of emotion. The EEAs for fear and surprise were significantly larger, and the EEA for disgust was significantly smaller than those for either other emotions or neutral expression.

Biologically selected recombinants between feline leukemia virus (FeLV) subgroup A and an endogenous FeLV element

In efforts to elucidate the proximal leukemogens that might be produced during a feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection of cats, homologous recombinations between molecularly cloned exogenous and endogenous FeLV proviruses of known sequences were examined in cell cultures in vitro. A plasmid containing an infectious member of the most commonly occurring FeLV subgroup (FeLV subgroup A or FeLV-A) was coexpressed with noninfectious constructs containing the envelope (env) gene of an endogenously inherited FeLV-like feline genomic element in transfected feline fibroblasts. The viruses generated were selected for their ability to propagate in human cells which are resistant to infection by the parental ecotropic FeLV-A or the noninfectious endogenous constructs. An analysis of the recombinants thus derived identified a limited number of sites in the env gene which were preferentially utilized in the generation of recombinant FeLVs under the selection conditions used. These sites were clustered in the surface glycoprotein (SU) moiety of the env gene, and it appeared that most, but not all, of the SU gene product of FeLV-A, beginning from the N-terminus, can be replaced by sequences from an endogenous element, still allowing the virus to be biologically viable. In fact, these substitutions in the env gene expanded infectivity of the parental FeLV-A from ecotropic to polytropic cell tropism. Additionally, substitutions in the SU region yielded many recombinants in which a primary neutralizing pentapeptide epitope of FeLV-A was altered because of its variance in the endogenous element. In several of the recombinants, this sequence was also found to be frequently mutated. Consistent with the changes identified in this antibody-binding domain, the recombinant viruses were only weakly inhibited by a monoclonal antibody directed against this epitope, while FeLV-A was highly sensitive to neutralization.

Explosive Campylobacter jejuni diarrhea in immunoproliferative small intestinal disease

Campylobacter jejuni is an infrequent cause of self limiting acute diarrheal disease in adults in the Indian subcontinent. We report the occurrence of a life threatening diarrhea due to C jejuni infection in a patient with immunoproliferative small intestinal disease. We postulate that immunosuppression due to malignancy, malnutrition and cancer chemotherapy was responsible for the unusually severe diarrhea.

In vitro propagation of Allium tuberosum Rottl. ex. Spreng. by shoot proliferation

Halved shoot bases of Allium tuberosum Rottl. ex Spreng. proliferated both axillary and adventitious shoots on B5 medium (1968) supplemented with either 6-benzylaminopurine (0.5 mg/l) or 1-naphthalene acetic acid (0.1 mg/l) and 2-isopentenyladenine (0.5 mg11). Ia vitro shoots proliferated further numerous shoots upon subculture to fresh medium, and these shoots rooted spontaneously. Plantlets were transplanted successfully to soil and retained the diploid condition of the parents.

In vitro propagation of Allium tuberosum Rottl. ex. Spreng. by shoot proliferation

Seeds of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) are sensitive to desiccation, and could not withstand reduction in moisture level below 20%, whereas the excised embryonic axes could be easily desiccated to moisture levels as low as 14% without much loss in viability. Axes could be successfully cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen (-196°C) for eight months. The viable embryonic axes exhibited good growth on modified Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP). Growth of cryopreserved axes was promoted in the presence of charcoal in the medium allowing for plant recovery.

Cultures of human retinal pigment epithelium. Modulation of extracellular matrix

The extracellular matrix of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is an important component of the fibroelastic membranes formed in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). These membranes consist of cells intermingled with fibrillar proteins, such as elastin and collagen. Because RPE cells may be exposed to vitreous and serum-derived factors in conditions that lead to PVR, the effects of vitreous and serum on the deposition of fibrillar proteins by RPE cells were studied using radioactive labeling and indirect immunofluorescence techniques. The RPE cells, modulated by combined vitreous and serum into a fibrocytic-like appearance, deposited less fibroelastic proteins per cell. However, as a result of simultaneous cell proliferation, the total deposition of fibroelastic proteins per culture was increased. Indirect immunofluorescence studies suggest that it is type I collagen that is altered in the matrix of these modulated cell cultures. This information is important in pathologic conditions characterized by intraocular cell proliferation and fibroelastic membrane formation; these phenomena are seen in many vitreoproliferative disorders.

Hemifacial display of emotion in the resting state

The human face at rest displays distinguishable asymmetries with some lateralization of emotion or expression. The asymmetrical nature of the resting face was examined by preparing hemifacial composites, left-left, right-right, along with normal facial orientation. The left side and right side composites were constructed by using the lateral half of one side of the face and its mirror-reversal. The left side facial composites were found to be more emotional than the right side or normal facial orientations of neutral expressions.

Recombination between feline leukemia virus subgroup B or C and endogenous env elements alters the in vitro biological activities of the viruses

An important question in feline leukemia virus (FeLV) pathogenesis is whether, as in murine leukemia virus infection, homologous recombination between the infecting FeLV and the noninfectious endogenous FeLV-like proviruses serves as a significant base for the generation of proximal pathogens. To begin an analysis of this issue, several recombinant FeLVs were produced by using two different approaches: (i) the regions of the viral envelope (env) gene of a cloned FeLV (subgroup B virus [FeLV-B], Gardner-Arnstein strain) and those of two different endogenous proviral loci were exchanged to create specific FeLV chimeras, and (ii) vectors containing endogenous env and molecularly cloned infectious FeLV-C (Sarma strain) DNA sequences were coexpressed by transfection in nonfeline cells to facilitate recombination. The results of these combined approaches showed that up to three-fourths of the envelope glycoprotein (gp70), beginning from the N-terminal end, could be replaced by endogenous FeLV sequences to produce biologically active chimeric FeLVs. The in vitro replication efficiency or cell tropism of the recombinants appeared to be influenced by the amount of gp70 sequences replaced by the endogenous partner as well as by the locus of origin of the endogenous sequences. Additionally, a characteristic biological effect, aggregation of feline T-lymphoma cells (3201B cell line), was found to be specifically induced by replicating FeLV-C or FeLV-C-based recombinants. Multiple crossover sites in the gp70 protein selected under the conditions used for coexpression were identified. The results of induced coexpression were also supported by rapid generation of FeLV recombinants when FeLV-C was used to infect the feline 3201B cell line that constitutively expresses high levels of endogenous FeLV-specific mRNAs. Furthermore, a large, highly conserved open reading frame in the pol gene of an endogenous FeLV provirus was identified. This observation, particularly in reference to our earlier finding of extensive mutations in the gag gene, reveals a target area for potentially productive homologous recombination upstream of the functional endogenous env gene.

Cell culture propagation of calf rotavirus and detection of rotavirus specific antibody in colostrum and milk of cows and buffaloes

A bovine rotavirus was adapted to serial propagation in Madin Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells. Virus of cell culture origin when examined by electron microscopy exhibited characteristic rotavirus morphology and had a typical RNA electropherotype on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Mean IgG concentration in the first colostral whey was 62.80 +/- 6.56 mg/ml in cows and 104.40 +/- 31.12 mg/ml and 2.52 +/- 0.28 mg/ml respectively. The geometric mean neutralising antibody titre against bovine rotavirus in the first colostral whey was 279 in cows and 139 in buffaloes. It declined to 10 and 13 (respectively) by the tenth day.

Effect of sleep and sleep deprivation on ventilatory response to bronchoconstriction

To characterize ventilatory responses to bronchoconstriction during sleep and to assess the effect of prior sleep deprivation on ventilatory and arousal responses to bronchoconstriction, bronchoconstriction was induced in eight asthmatic subjects while they were awake, during normal sleep, and during sleep after a 36-h period of sleep deprivation. Each subject was bronchoconstricted with increasing concentrations of aerosolized methacholine while ventilatory patterns and lower airway resistance (Rla) were continually monitored. The asthmatic patients maintained their minute ventilation as Rla increased under all conditions, demonstrating a stable tidal volume with a mild increase in respiratory frequency. Inspiratory drive, as measured by occlusion pressure (P0.1), increased progressively and significantly as Rla increased under all conditions (slopes of P0.1 vs. Rla = 0.249, 0.112, and 0.154 for awake, normal sleep, and sleep after sleep deprivation, respectively, P less than 0.0006). Chemostimuli did not appear to contribute significantly to the observed increases in P0.1. Prior sleep deprivation had no effect on ventilatory and P0.1 responses to bronchoconstriction but did significantly raise the arousal threshold to induced bronchoconstriction. We conclude that ventilatory responses to bronchoconstriction, unlike extrinsic loading, are not imparied by the presence of sleep, nor are they chemically mediated. However, prior sleep deprivation does increase the subsequent arousal threshold.

Effects of spontaneous and simulated gastroesophageal reflux on sleeping asthmatics

We examined the effect of intraesophageal acid (either spontaneous gastroesophageal reflux or infused) on airflow resistance in 15 sleeping asthmatic subjects. We observed no significant acute or sustained changes in airflow resistance relative to periods of intraesophageal acid. Overnight changes in spirometry and lower airway resistance also demonstrated similar nocturnal worsening of bronchoconstriction despite the occurrence of spontaneous or simulated gastroesophageal reflux. The presence or absence of clinical evidence of esophagitis (Bernstein test response) did not alter the observed lack of response to intraesophageal acid. We conclude that gastroesophageal reflux contributes little to the nocturnal worsening of asthma.

Influence of sleep on lung volume in asthmatic patients and normal subjects

To assess the effect of sleep on functional residual capacity (FRC) in normal subjects and asthmatic patients, 10 adult subjects (5 asthmatic patients with nocturnal worsening, 5 normal controls) were monitored overnight in a horizontal volume-displacement body plethysmograph. With the use of a single inspiratory occlusion technique, we determined that when supine and awake, asthmatic patients were hyperinflated relative to normal controls (FRC = 3.46 +/- 0.18 and 2.95 +/- 0.13 liters, respectively; P less than 0.05). During sleep FRC decreased in both groups, but the decrease was significantly greater in asthmatic patients such that during rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep FRC was equivalent between the asthmatic and normal groups (FRC = 2.46 +/- 0.23 and 2.45 +/- 0.09 liters, respectively). Specific pulmonary conductance decreased progressively and significantly in the asthmatic patients during the night, falling from 0.047 +/- 0.007 to 0.018 +/- 0.002 cmH2O-1.s-1 (P less than 0.01). There was a significant linear relationship through the night between FRC and pulmonary conductance in only two of the five asthmatic patients (r = 0.55 and 0.65, respectively). We conclude that 1) FRC falls during sleep in both normal subjects and asthmatic patients, 2) the hyperinflation observed in awake asthmatic patients is diminished during non-REM sleep and eliminated during REM sleep, and 3) sleep-associated reductions in FRC may contribute to but do not account for all the nocturnal increase in airflow resistance observed in asthmatic patients with nocturnal worsening.

A comparison of four methods for detecting rotavirus in faeces of bovine calves

The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of four techniques to detect rotavirus in faeces from bovine calves with diarrhoea. The techniques used were an agar gel precipitation test (AGPT), discontinuous counter-immunoelectrophoresis (DCIE), an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with silver staining (PAGE-SS). Faecal samples, 20 each from cow and buffalo calves with diarrhoea from the government cattle farms and the farm of the Agricultural University of Haryana state, India, were tested. PAGE-SS and ELISA were found to be similar in their ability to detect rotavirus antigen, but both methods were found to be significantly superior to DCIE and AGPT (p less than 0.01).

Effect of pinealectomy on annual testicular cycle of Indian chequered water snake, Natrix piscator

Pinealectomy for 60 days (noted every month of the year), in the tropical Indian chequered water snake. Natrix piscator, caused inhibition of testicular growth during late progressive and active phases and retarded the rate of regression during regressive phase; during sexually inactive phase the testes remain partially active. The weight of the accessory sex organs, vas deferens, and kidney (along with the renal sex segment activity) followed the same pattern as that of the testes. Thus, it may be concluded that the pineal gland of this ophidian participates in the regulation of seasonal testicular cycle, probably via the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis, and hence the effects of pinealectomy are seasonal and a reproductive phase-dependent phenomenon.

Effect of pinealectomy on the testicular response of the freshwater snake Natrix piscator to different environmental factors

The effects of different humidity, photoperiod, and temperature regimes on the testicular function of the tropical water snake Natrix piscator were investigated in both sham-operated and pinealectomized snakes. Moderate humidity (50 ± 5%) had no effect on the testis, but high humidity (85 ± 5%) increased the testicular weight and activity of sham-operated snakes after 3, 6, and 9 weeks. Exposures to 14L:10D or 24L:0D and high temperature (42 ± 2 °C) inhibited testicular weight and activity in sham-operated snakes, whereas exposure to 10L:14D or 0L:24D and a low temperature (20 ± 2 °C) had no effect. Pinealectomized snakes did not respond to any of these experimental conditions, but their testicular weight remained the same as that of the pinealectomized controls under natural environmental conditions. The pineal gland showed an opposite response to that of the testes. Pineal gland weight decreased under high humidity and increased under 14L:10D, 24L:0D, and high temperature. These findings suggest that the ecofactors humidity, photoperiod, and temperature play a role in the regulation of testicular function in this snake, and that the pineal gland is implicated in the mediation of these factors.

Acute phosphine poisoning following ingestion of aluminium phosphide

1. Eight cases of phosphine poisoning following ingestion of aluminium phosphide tablets for suicidal attempt are described. The mean age of the patients was 23 years (range 14-25). 2. The clinical picture consisted of gastritis, altered sensorium and peripheral vascular failure in all cases, cardiac arrhythmia (3), jaundice and renal failure (1 each). Six patients died, the mean hospital stay was 19 h (range 4-72). 3. Post-mortem examination was performed in two patients, revealing pulmonary oedema, gastrointestinal mucosal congestion, petechial haemorrhages on the surface of liver and brain. Histopathological changes included pulmonary oedema, desquamation of the lining epithelium of the bronchioles; vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes, dilatation and engorgement of hepatic central veins, sinusoids and areas showing nuclear fragmentation. 4. The clinical picture of aluminum phosphide poisoning is described and precaution in the distribution and use of this pesticide recommended.

Lipids of dermatophytes. III. Sterol-induced changes in the lipid composition and functional properties of Epidermophyton floccosum

Sterol supplementation, alone or in the presence of cerulenin, resulted in an increase in the total sterol content of Epidermophyton floccosum. While the total phospholipid levels of E. floccosum exhibited only marginal changes with sterol supplementation, the fatty acid profiles of these phospholipids were highly varied. In the presence or absence of cerulenin, the oleic acid content of phospholipids were increased significantly by cholesterol supplementation, whereas linoleic acid levels were enhanced by ergosterol supplementation. These variations resulted in higher unsaturated/saturated phospholipid fatty acid ratios in sterol-supplemented cells. The uptake of labeled amino acids (aspartic acid, lysine, glycine) was influenced by sterol supplementation. Alterations in the number of binding sites for the membrane probe, 1-anilino-naphthalene-8-sulfonate (ANS), were seen based on Scatchard plot calculations. The results indicate a correlation between sterol-induced changes in membrane lipid composition and function.

Analysis of electrophoretypes of rotavirus from diarrhoeic faeces of neonatal buffalo calves in India

Two distinct rotavirus RNA electrophoretypes were revealed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by silver staining (PAGE-SS). The rotavirus was sampled from the faeces of buffalo calves in India from October, 1986 to January, 1987. In the buffalo farm under study one electrophoretype was prevalent first and then the second appeared after the disappearance of the first electrophoretype. For the detection of rotavirus in the diarrhoeic faeces of buffalo calves PAGE-SS was found more sensitive when compared with agar gel immunodiffusion and discontinuous counter immunoelectrophoresis tests.

Reversal of cerulenin-induced inhibition of phospholipids and sterol synthesis by exogenous fatty acids/sterols in Epidermophyton floccosum

Cerulenin, a specific inhibitor of fatty acids and sterol biosynthesis inhibited the growth of Epidermophyton floccosum, which was reversed when growth medium was supplemented with palmitic acid and sterols. Unsaturated fatty acids partially restored the growth. Cerulenin inhibited both phospholipid and sterol biosynthesis (60-70%) at the minimum inhibitory concentration (0.5 microgram/ml) as demonstrated by [32P]orthophosphoric acid and [14C]acetate incorporation into the respective lipids. Cerulenin-induced inhibition of phospholipid and sterol synthesis was dose dependent up to 0.5 microgram/ml. Exogenously supplied fatty acids and sterols restored the biosynthesis of phospholipids in cerulenin-treated cultures, while that of sterols was enhanced. The biosynthesis of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids was inhibited by cerulenin.

Effect of choline, ethanolamine and serine supplementation on the membrane properties of Microsporum gypseum

Phospholipid bases, choline and ethanolamine, when supplemented in the growth medium of Microsporum gypseum resulted in an increase in the corresponding phospholipid and total phospholipid content. However, when serine was supplemented, marginal changes were observed. The fatty acid profile of phospholipids remained almost unchanged. The uptake of lysine, leucine and aspartic acid in the spheroplasts of choline- and ethanolamine-grown cells was higher as compared to the control. 1-Anilinonaphathalene-8-sulfonate (ANS) binding to the spheroplast membrane, as calculated from Scatchard plots, demonstrated an increase in the number of binding sites in choline- and ethanolamine-grown cells, while a decrease was observed in the serine-supplemented cells. The results are discussed in terms of the effect of phospholipid polar head group composition on the membrane structure and function of this fungus.

Possible sex differences in the susceptibility of calves to rotavirus infection

The agar gel precipitation test was used to detect rotavirus antibodies in the serum of 562 calves and bovine rotavirus antigen in the feces of 347 calves. Significantly more females had rotavirus antibodies in the serum (P less than 0.01) and rotavirus antigen in the feces (P less than 0.1) than did male calves. Female buffalo calves were also found to be more susceptible than male buffalo calves to rotavirus infection.

Oesophago-pleuro-cutaneous fistula

We describe a case of oesophago-pleuro-cutaneous fistula occurring as a complication of tuberculous pyopneumothorax in a young adult.

Phospholipid metabolism in calcium-regulated differentiation in cultured murine keratinocytes

The present findings associate phospholipid alteration, particularly the turnover of phosphatidylinositol, in Ca2+ induced differentiation of keratinocytes. These conclusions are based on the hydrolysis of 14C-AA from prelabeled PI and the accumulation 14C-DG and 14C-PA after cells are switched from low to normal concentrations of extracellular Ca2+. This novel finding implies that the biological changes which accompany keratinocyte differentiation after switch from low to normal extracellular medium may be due at least in part to increased accumulation of PA and DG which are major deacylation and reacylation products of phosphatidylinositol. A second interesting finding in these studies is the marked transformation of 14C-AA into lipoxygenase products by proliferating keratinocytes cultured in low Ca2+ medium when compared to differentiating cells cultured in normal Ca2+. The significance of decreased generation of lipoxygenase products in epidermal differentiation deserve further exploration.

Anterior rhinotomy

Various approaches to the nose and nasal cavity have been evolved by various E.N.T. surgeons, keeping in mind the type and extent of the disease and the best method of approach. The nasal cavity can be approached through the natural nasal orifices, i.e. through the anterior or posterior nares. Moure of Bordeaux (1902) introduced the lateral rhinotomy of Michaux into practice; this is an excellent approach for tumours of the nasal cavity or of the ethmoidal, maxillary or sphenoidal sinuses. The central sublabial approach of Rouge is an excellent approach for tumours of the floor of the nasal cavity, the nasal septum and midline nasal tumours. Some tumours and fistulae of the nose can also be dealt with by a midline incision but this produces an ugly looking scar.

Isolation of sodium chloride-tolerant callus line of Cicer arietinum L. cv. BG-203

A NaCl-tolerant callus line of Cicer arietinum has been isolated, as a spontaneous variant, on agar-solidified MS-medium supplemented with 100 mM NaCl. The growth of this line, in the presence of 100 mM NaCl, was comparable to that of the NaCl-sensitive callus line growing in the absence of NaCl. Regarding relative tolerance of the two callus lines towards NaCl (0 to 200 mM), the tolerant line performed poorly in the absence of NaCl and exhibited optimal growth at 50 mM NaCl. The tolerance persisted even after three passages of 4-wk each, tested so far, away from the selective agent.