The impact of edge effect on termite community (Blattodea: Isoptera) in fragments of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

Habitat fragmentation is considered to be one of the biggest threats to tropical ecosystem functioning. In this region, termites perform an important ecological role as decomposers and ecosystem engineers. In the present study, we tested whether termite community is negatively affected by edge effects on three fragments of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Termite abundance and vegetation structure were sampled in 10 transects (15 × 2 m), while termite richness, activity, and soil litter biomass were measured in 16 quadrants (5 × 2 m) at forest edge and interior of each fragment. Habitat structure (i.e. number of tree, diameter at breast height and soil litter biomass) did not differ between forest edge and interior of fragments. Termite richness, abundance and activity were not affected by edge effect. However, differences were observed in the β diversity between forest edge and interior as well as in the fragments sampled. The β diversity partitioning indicates that species turnover is the determinant process of termite community composition under edge effect. Our results suggest that conservation strategies should be based on the selection of several distinct sites instead of few rich sites (e.g. nesting).

Effects of elevated CO2 concentration and water deficit on fructan metabolism in Viguiera discolor Baker

Elevated [CO2 ] is suggested to mitigate the negative effects of water stress in plants; however responses vary among species. Fructans are recognised as protective compounds against drought and other stresses, as well as having a role as reserve carbohydrates. We analysed the combined effects of elevated [CO2 ] and water deficit on fructan metabolism in the Cerrado species Viguiera discolor Baker. Plants were cultivated for 18 days in open-top chambers (OTC) under ambient (∼380 ppm), and high (∼760 ppm) [CO2 ]. In each OTC, plants were submitted to three treatments: (i) daily watering (control), (ii) withholding water (WS) for 18 days and (iii) re-watering (RW) on day 11. Analyses were performed at time 0 and days 5, 8, 11, 15 and 18. High [CO2 ] increased photosynthesis in control plants and increased water use efficiency in WS plants. The decline in soil water content was more distinct in WS 760 (WS under 760 ppm), although the leaf and tuberous root water status was similar to WS 380 plants (WS under 380 ppm). Regarding fructan active enzymes, 1-SST activity decreased in WS plants in both CO2 concentrations, a result consistent with the decline in photosynthesis and, consequently, in substrate availability. Under WS and both [CO2 ] treatments, 1-FFT and 1-FEH seemed to act in combination to generate osmotically active compounds and thus overcome water deficit. The proportion of hexoses to sucrose, 1-kestose and nystose (SKN) was higher in WS plants. In WS 760, this increase was higher than in WS 380, and was not accompanied by decreases in SKN at the beginning of the treatment, as observed in WS 380 plants. These results suggest that the higher [CO2 ] in the atmosphere contributed to maintain, for a longer period, the pool of hexoses and of low DP fructans, favouring the maintenance of the water status and plant survival under drought.

Expression analysis of thrombospondin 2 in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia

Thrombospondin 2 (TSP2) is a protein with important roles in different tumor types, mainly related to tumor inhibition. However, there are limiting data regarding TSP2 in prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We aimed to investigate TSP2 transcript and protein expression in tumoral and non-tumoral prostate tissues and cell lines, and its implications for PCa diagnosis and progression. TSP2 transcript expression was evaluated by real time PCR in PCa and BPH tissue samples and in tumoral and non-tumoral cell lines. TSP2 protein expression analysis was conducted by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray (TMA) containing PCa and BPH tissue samples. TSP2 transcript was down-regulated in PCa tissue samples and cell lines, when compared to BPH and non-tumoral samples (P<0.01). Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated that TSP2 transcript levels can better distinguish PCa from BPH tissue samples (P<0.01) than serum PSA levels (P=0.299). TSP2 protein expression has been observed in the cytoplasm of both PCa and BPH epithelial and stromal compartments. TSP2 stromal staining scores were significantly lower in PCa than in BPH tissues (P<0.01), while similar TSP2 epithelial staining patterns were observed in both diseases. Notably, the TSP2 epithelial staining score was significantly correlated to vascular invasion and biochemical recurrence in PCa tissue samples (P<0.05). Our data indicate that TSP2 is down-regulated at PCa tissues and cell lines, especially at stroma compartment, which could be related to PCa progression. TSP2 levels could potentially be applied for differential PCa and BPH diagnosis.

Behavioral aspects of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) in urban area endemic for visceral leishmaniasis

The study of some of the behavioral aspects of the main vector of Leishmania infantum chagasi Cunha & Chagas in the Americas, Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva), such as dispersion, population size, and vector survival rates, is important for the elucidation of the mechanisms of visceral leishmaniasis transmission. These parameters were studied by means of capture-mark-release-recapture experiments in an urban area of Campo Grande municipality, an endemic area of visceral leishmaniasis, situated in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. Six capture-mark-release-recapture experiments were undertaken between November 2009 and November 2010 and once in January 2012 with a view to assessing the population size and survival rate of Lu. longipalpis. The insects were released in a peridomicile surrounded by 13 residences. The recaptures were undertaken with automatic light traps for four consecutive weeks after release in the surrounding area. In total, 3,354 sand flies were captured, marked, and released. The overall recapture rate during the capture-mark-release-recapture experiments was 4.23%, of which 92.45% were recaptured at the release site, indicating limited dispersal. The greatest distance recorded from the release site was 165 m for males and 241 m for females. The male daily survival rate, calculated on the basis of regressions from the numbers of marked recaptured insects during the 15 successive days after release was 0.897. The estimated male population size measured by the Lincoln Index was 10,947.127. Though Lu. longipalpis presented a limited dispersion the physical barriers typical of urban environments did not prevent the sand flies from flying long distances.

The effect of iron supplementation in the diet of Dasypus novemcinctus (Linnaeus, 1758) armadillos in captivity

Armadillos of the species Dasypus novemcinctus have been used as an experimental model of leprosy. Besides non-human primates, they are the only species naturally infected with Mycobacterium leprae and when experimentally inoculated, reproduce the lepromatous form of the disease producing large quantities of bacilli. This species has been maintained in captivity by numerous researchers and specific housing and feeding requirements have been developed to guarantee their survival during long experimental periods. In the 'Lauro de Souza Lima' Institute, armadillos receive dog food, ground beef, boiled eggs and vitamin C. However, despite the balanced diet, anemia has been observed in some captive animals, especially in armadillos inoculated with M. leprae in advanced stages of infection. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of iron sulfate supplementation in the feed provided for armadillos, both inoculated and non-inoculated with M. leprae, by means of the evaluation of their hematological profile. Fourteen armadillos received 10 mg/animal of iron sulfate (Hematofer(R)) diluted in sterile water mixed with their daily feed for 50 days. Hemograms and serum iron dosages for each armadillo were performed before and after supplementation. The hematocrit values increased significantly after iron supplementation, both in armadillos inoculated and non-inoculated with M. leprae. It is possible that the amount of iron in the feed is insufficient for the formation of hemoglobin, leading to microcytic anemia. Dietary supplementation with iron sulfate reversed this state, showing the importance of understanding the metabolism of exotic species for their maintenance in captivity, and thus ensuring their well-being.

A novel strategy for identifying mutations that sensitize Drosophila eye development to caffeine and hydroxyurea

This report describes a novel strategy for isolating Drosophila mutants with conditional eye phenotypes that should be generally applicable for identifying genes required for cellular responses to specific drugs. To test the strategy, we screened 3 of the 5 major chromosome arms for hydroxyurea- and (or) caffeine-sensitive (huc) mutants, and isolated mutations affecting 5 different complementation groups. Most of these were represented by single alleles; however, we also isolated multiple alleles of huc(29DE) gene, an essential gene that is also associated with a nonconditional pupal lethal phenotype. We also identified huc(95E) mutants, which are extremely sensitive to caffeine. Although huc(95E) is a nonessential gene, mutant imaginal disc cells undergo caffeine-dependent apoptosis, and huc(95E) gene function is required for the viability of the organism when mutant larvae are exposed to levels of caffeine that controls can easily tolerate. We have mapped the cytological positions of huc(29D) and huc(95E) as a first step toward molecularly characterizing the relevant genes.

Spatiotemporal control of vascular endothelial growth factor delivery from injectable hydrogels enhances angiogenesis

Therapeutic angiogenesis with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) delivery may provide a new approach for the treatment of ischemic diseases, but current strategies to deliver VEGF rely on either bolus delivery or systemic administration, resulting in limited clinical utility, because of the short half-life of VEGF in vivo and its resultant low and transient levels at sites of ischemia. We hypothesize that an injectable hydrogel system can be utilized to provide temporal control and appropriate spatial biodistribution of VEGF in ischemic hindlimbs. A sustained local delivery of relatively low amounts of bioactive VEGF (3 mug) with this system led to physiologic levels of bioactive VEGF in ischemic murine (ApoE(-/-)) hindlimbs for 15 days after injection of the gel, as contrasted with complete VEGF deprivation after 72 h with bolus injection. The gel delivery system resulted in significantly greater angiogenesis in these limbs as compared to bolus (266 vs. 161 blood vessels mm(-2)). Laser Doppler perfusion imaging showed return of tissue perfusion to normal levels by day 28 with the gel system, whereas normal levels of perfusion were never achieved with saline delivery of VEGF or in control mice. The system described in this article could represent an attractive new generation of therapeutic delivery vehicle for treatment of cardiovascular diseases, as it combines long-term in vivo therapeutic benefit (localized bioactive VEGF for 1-2 weeks) with minimally invasive delivery.

Serological detection of antibodies against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in dogs with leishmaniasis

The aim of this study was to detect antibodies against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in dogs seropositive and seronegative for leishmaniasis. Sera from 836 dogs (449 positive and 387 negative to leishmaniasis) were analysed by ELISA and the immunodiffusion test using gp43 and exoantigen, respectively. The analysis of the 836 serum samples by ELISA and the immunodiffusion test showed a positivity of 67.8 % and 7.3%, respectively, for P. brasiliensis infection. The dogs positive to leishmaniasis showed a higher reactivity to gp43 (79.9%) and exoantigen (12.7%) than the negative ones (54.0% and 1.0%, respectively). The higher reactivity to P. brasiliensis antigens may be due to cross-reactivity or a co-infection of dogs by Leishmania and P. brasiliensis. The lower correlation (0.187) observed between reactivity to gp43 and Leishmania antigen reinforces the latter hypothesis.

Electrochemically induced pH changes resulting in protein unfolding in the ion source of an electrospray mass spectrometer

The operation of an electrospray ion source in the positive ion mode involves charge-balancing oxidation reactions at the liquid/metal interface of the sprayer capillary. One of these reactions is the electrolytic oxidation of water. The protons generated in this process acidify the analyte solution within the electrospray capillary. This work explores the effects of this acidification on the electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrum of the protein cytochrome c (cyt c). In aqueous solution containing 40% propanol, cyt c unfolds around pH 5.6. Mass spectra recorded under these conditions, using a simple ESI series circuit, display a bimodal charge-state distribution that reflects an equilibrium mixture of folded and unfolded protein in solution. These spectra are not strongly affected by electrochemical acidification. An "external loop" is added to the ESI circuit when the metal needle of the sample injection syringe is connected to ground. The resulting circuit represents two coupled electrolytic cells that share the ESI capillary as a common anode. Under these conditions, the rate of charge-balancing oxidation reactions is dramatically increased because the ion source has to supply electrons for both, the external circuit and the ESI circuit. The analytical implications of this effect are briefly discussed. Mass spectra of cyt c recorded with the syringe needle grounded are shifted to higher charge states, indicating that electrochemical acidification has caused the protein to unfold in the ion source. The acidification can be suppressed by increasing the flow rate and lowering the electrolyte concentration of the solution and by using an electrolyte that acts as redox buffer. The observed acidification is similar for sprayer capillaries made of platinum and stainless steel. Removal of the protective oxide layer on the stainless steel surface results in effective redox buffering for a few minutes.

Complete migration of retained surgical sponge into ileum without sign of open intestinal wall

A 24-year-old woman came to the emergency room with a history of diffuse abdominal pain in the form of colic, nausea, vomiting and intestinal constipation. Clinical and ultrasound findings suggested intestinal obstruction due to foreign body. She had been submitted to a cesarean section 4 months previously at another hospital. At laparotomy, a ileum loop was found to be distended by an inside large and hardened mass with another intestinal loops and omentum density adherent. An ileotomy was performed on the compromised segment with terminating anastomosis. When opened surgical specimen it was observed an intraluminal surgical sponge that had completely migrated into the interior of the ileum and stopped next to ileumcecal valve. No fistulas or open intestinal wall were observed.

Recovery of Bordetella holmesii from patients with pertussis-like symptoms: use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to characterize circulating strains

A 4-year retrospective study showing that we isolated Bordetella holmesii, but not Bordetella pertussis, from patients with pertussis-like symptoms was performed. From 1995 through 1998, we isolated B. holmesii from 32 nasopharyngeal specimens that had been submitted from patients suspected of having pertussis. Previously, B. holmesii had been associated mainly with septicemia and was not thought to be associated with respiratory illness. A study was undertaken to describe the characteristics of the B. holmesii isolates recovered and why we were successful in detecting the organism in nasopharyngeal specimens. B. holmesii isolates were characterized for drug sensitivities and for genetic relatedness by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). These isolates, an additional strain of B. holmesii isolated from a blood culture and previously confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga., and 14 other clinical isolates of Bordetella spp., including 4 of B. bronchiseptica, 5 of B. parapertussis, and 5 of B. pertussis, were studied. They were all separately inoculated on three Bordet Gengou (BG) selective media containing either 0.625 microgram of oxacillin per ml, 40 microgram of cephalexin per ml, or 2.5 microgram of methicillin per ml, on BG agar with no antibiotic (control), and on charcoal agar (CA) with and without 40 microgram of cephalexin per ml. We found that cephalexin, the antibiotic commonly incorporated in both CA and BG agar for the recovery of Bordetella spp., is inhibitory to the growth of B. holmesii. In addition, the genotypic analysis of the 32 B. holmesii isolates by PFGE following restriction with XbaI and SpeI identified the dominant strains circulating during the study period.

The biotransformation of ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid by Rhizopus stolonifer

Microbial transformation of ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid was carried out with R. stolonifer. After seven days of incubation, two metabolites, ent-7 alpha-hydroxy-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid and ent-12 beta-hydroxy-kaur-9(11),16-dien-19-oic acid, were isolated as a result of hydroxylation and hydroxylation/dehydrogenation, respectively. Incubation for 15 days also afforded ent-16 beta,17-dihydroxy-kauran-19-oic acid. The metabolites were identified by spectroscopic methods.

A pilot study of topiramate in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

We conducted an open, add-on study with topiramate (TPM) as adjunctive therapy in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), to assess the long-term efficacy and safety and to evaluate quality of life (QL) measurements in the chronic use of TPM. We studied 19 patients (11 male; age ranging from 4 to 14 years) with uncontrolled seizures receiving 2-3 anti-epileptic drugs. Patients were followed up to 36 months of treatment. A questionnaire was used to query parents about QL. Seven patients completed the study at 36 months and seizure frequency was reduced > or = 75% in 4, and < 50% in 3 patients. Two children became seizure free for more than 24 months. Most side effects were CNS related, with the most frequent being somnolence and anorexia. These were generally transient. One patient dropped-out due to powder in the urine. None of the patients required hospitalization. At 36 months, patients' alertness (2/7), interaction with environment (5/7), ability to perform daily activities (5/7), and verbal performance (6/7) improved on TPM. We conclude that TPM may be useful as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of LGS. The efficacy of TPM was maintained in long-term treatment in more than 40% of patients, long term safety was confirmed and QL improved on TPM.

Bordetella holmesii-like organisms isolated from Massachusetts patients with pertussis-like symptoms

We isolated Bordetella holmesii, generally associated with septicemia in patients with underlying conditions, from nasopharyngeal specimens of otherwise healthy young persons with a cough. The proportion of B. holmesii-positive specimens submitted to the Massachusetts State Laboratory Institute increased from 1995 to 1998.

Vigabatrin in refractory childhood epilepsy. The Brazilian Multicenter Study

Children, 47, with various types of severe drug-resistant epilepsy were entered into a prospective, add-on, open trial with vigabatrin. Patients with West syndrome and idiopathic generalized epilepsies were excluded. Seven children had the drug withdrawn, five because of increase in seizure frequency and two because of adverse effects. Drug efficacy, measured according to seizure type, showed a 100% decrease in seizure frequency in 18.6% of partial seizures and 17.3% of the generalized seizures. There was a higher than 50% decrease in 39.5% of partial and 60.8% of generalized seizures, and less than 50% decrease or increase in seizure frequency in 41.8% and 21.8% of partial and generalized seizures, respectively. Vigabatrin mean dosage during phase 3 was 63.6 mg/kg per day (S.D. = 30.5), ranging from 19.3 to 110.5 mg/kg per day. Parametric statistical analysis (Student's t-test) of seizure frequency between phases 1 and 3 showed a significant decrease in seizure frequency for partial (P = 0.022), and generalized seizures (P < 0.0001). Drug-related adverse effects were observed in 18/47 cases (38.3%), consisting mainly of irritability, hyperactivity, dizziness, somnolence and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Alcohol dependence induced in rats by semivoluntary intermittent intake

The objective of the present experiment was to assess ethyl alcohol (ETOH) dependence brought about by a semivoluntary intermittent intake regimen in rats. Male Wistar rats weighing 150-250 g at the onset of the experiment were assigned to the following groups: 0% ETOH (N = 11), 5% ETOH (N = 20), 20% ETOH (N = 20) and 40% ETOH (N = 18). ETOH solutions were offered at the end of the day and overnight from Monday to Friday, and throughout weekends, for 90 days. The concentration of the ETOH solutions was increased in a stepwise fashion allowing the rats to get used to the taste of alcohol. Reposition of pure water was permitted during 1-h water drinking periods in the morning. Daily volume intake (+/- SEM) averaged 25.4 +/- 0.4 ml (0% ETOH), 23.8 +/- 0.6 ml (5% ETOH), 17.6 +/- 0.7 ml (20% ETOH) and 17.5 +/- 0.6 ml (40% ETOH). ETOH consumption differed significantly (P < 0.05) among groups, averaging 4.4 +/- 0.2 g kg-1 day-1 (5% ETOH), 10.3 +/- 0.3 g kg-1 day-1 (20% ETOH) and 26 +/- 1.2 kg-1 day-1 (40% ETOH). Furthermore, ETOH detection in plasma 10-12 h after offering the solution indicated that its consumption in the 40% ETOH group was sufficient to override its metabolism. Overt signs of ETOH dependence, such as increased thirst, hyperactivity, puffing, hair ruffling and startle responsiveness as well as reduced drowsiness, were significantly increased in the 20% and 40% ETOH groups compared to the 0% and 5% groups. Accordingly, the model described here proved to be a useful tool for the evaluation of subtle or moderate behavioral and physical consequences of long-term ETOH intake.

[Effects of chronic administration of alcohol on neural mechanisms of arterial blood pressure regulation]

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the effect of alcohol and its withdrawal on arterial baroreflex (BR) and cardiopulmonary reflex (CPR).

METHODS

Male Wistar rats (150-250g) distributed in three groups (10-19 animals in each): ETOH 0%, ETOH 5% and ETOH 20%, received alcohol solution at the end of the day and at night over the week, and all day and night at the weekends for a 90 day period. The BR function was assessed analyzing the bradycardic response to phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction and tachycardic response to sodium nitroprusside-induced vasodilatation. The CPR was evaluated through the simultaneous bradycardic and hypotensive responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The tests were performed in conscious animals in conditions of alcohol intake or 48h alcohol withdrawal.

RESULTS

The nonwithdrawn animals of ETOH 5% group showed significative decrease of mean arterial pressure compared to ETOH 0% and an increase of heart rate compared to ETOH 0% and 20% groups. The sensitivity (gain) of baroreceptor reflex was significantly attenuated in ETOH 5% withdrawn animals and in ETOH 5% and 20% animals nonwithdrawn. This was mainly due to the reduction of range of the baroreflex and changes in the bradycardia and tachycardia plateau. The nonwithdrawn ETOH 5% group showed a higher effect of 5-HT (around 50%) on the fall of diastolic arterial pressure.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that alcohol intake produced significant alterations in the neural mechanisms of cardiovascular regulation that could result in a dysfunction of blood pressure regulation.

[Intermittent prophylaxis in febrile seizures with oral diazepam: study of 82 cases]

We present our results of intermittent prophylaxis with oral diazepam in febrile seizures. We treated 82 patients aged between 3 months and 5 years. They have had simple or complex febrile seizures. Recurrence occurred in 22 patients (26%), none had a long-lasting febrile convulsion. Transient side effects occurred in 21.95% of the cases. We conclude that diazepam is a safe and effective drug for prophylaxis of febrile seizures when used as soon as any sign of illness appears. We suggest, however, that the administration of the drug should be indicated if the child presents at least one consistent predictor of risk of recurrent febrile seizures.

Sensitivity of vincristine-sensitive K562 and vincristine-resistant K562-Lucena 1 cells to anthracyclines and reversal of multidrug resistance

The phenomenon of multidrug resistance (MDR), that involves the efflux pump P-glycoprotein, can be reversed by a number of substances known as MDR modulators or reversing agents. In the present study we investigated the action of three anthracyclines, mitoxantrone and vincristine on short-term (72 h) cultures using 2 methods ([3H] incorporation and MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiasol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide)), on 2 cell lines: K562, a human erythroleukemia, and a vincristine-resistant subline K562-Lucena 1. Using the same culture methods plus flow cytometry analysis, the reversing potentials of cyclosporin A and verapamil were studied in both cell lines. There were differences in the sensitivity and resistance profiles of the two lines to the various drugs but daunorubicin (5 micrograms/ml) and idarubicin (0.035 micrograms/ml) were the most effective when each was used in high concentration. Cyclosporine at 200 ng/ml and verapamil at 5 micrograms/ml reversed MDR in the resistant line, and had a synergistic action with chemotherapeutic agents on the sensitive line. Again differences were demonstrable between combinations of the various drugs and reversal was only clearly shown with the method measuring cell proliferation ([3H] incorporation) but not by the method measuring metabolic activity (MTT). The efflux of rhodamine-123 mimics the functional activity of the pump and cyclosporine was a better reversing agent by this criteria. These data show that the results obtained in in vitro studies attempting to identify treatments for different types of leukemias depend to a large extent on the methods used to measure cell response.

Evaluation of mycobacteria growth indicator tube for recovery and drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from respiratory specimens

The new BBL mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) was evaluated for its ability to detect mycobacteria directly from patient specimens and to determine the drug susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. A total of 85 respiratory specimens were tested. Specimens were digested, concentrated, examined microscopically for acid-fast bacilli, and inoculated into MGITs and onto Lowenstein-Jensen slants by standard procedures. The tubes were incubated at 37 degrees C and were examined daily for fluorescence to 365-nm UV light. All 25 specimens smear positive for acid-fast bacilli were tested for drug susceptibility in MGITs containing 1.0 mu g of rifampin per ml, 0.1 mu g of isoniazid per ml, 2.0 mu g of streptomycin per ml, and 2.0 mu g of ofloxacin per ml. These results were compared with those obtained by testing the same M. tuberculosis isolates by the indirect proportion method at drug concentrations of 4.0 mu g of rifampin per ml, 0.2 mu g of isoniazid per ml, 2.0 mu g of ethambutol per ml. 4.0 mu g of streptomycin per ml, and 2.0 mu g of ofloxacin per ml. No significant difference in the sensitivity of detection of M. tuberculosis isolates was found between the two methods. However, the time to detection was significantly shorter in MGITs. Drug susceptibility test results for M. tuberculosis isolates by the two methods demonstrated an excellent correlation. The mean time to reporting of drug susceptibility results was 5 days for MGITs versus 16 days for Lowenstein-Jensen slants. The results of this preliminary study indicate that the MGIT system appears to have potential for routine use in mycobacteriology for both the detection and the drug susceptibility testing of M. tuberculosis isolates. However, it is important to emphasize that simple nonautomated equipment should be developed to improve the accuracy of fluorescence detection.

Brain single photon emission computed tomography imaging in Landau-Kleffner syndrome

Five right-handed children with Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) who had disease onset between the ages of 3 and 9 years were studied with EEG and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) before and, in four cases, after 6 months of corticosteroid treatment. EEG findings included both focal and generalized spikes as well as spike-wave discharges with bilateral temporal predominance. These increased markedly during sleep in 1 child, and continuous spike-and-wave complexes appeared during slow-wave sleep in another patient. Neuropsychological testing demonstrated verbal auditory agnosia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 4 children and was normal. Brain SPECT imaging demonstrated abnormal perfusion in the left temporal lobe in all patients. The response to corticosteroid therapy was mixed. Our findings reinforce the concept that LKS is a functional disease affecting the language-dominant brain areas. We conclude that SPECT imaging may be of diagnostic assistance in the evaluation of this syndrome of unknown etiology.

[Intermittent prophylaxis in febrile convulsions with oral diazepam]

Intermittent prophylaxis with oral diazepam is presented as an optional treatment for febrile seizures. This proposition is justified by the severe side effects of the currently used chronic anticonvulsant drug therapy in febrile seizures (phenobarbital and valproate). Nineteen patients aged between 3 months and 5 years were treated. They had either simple or complex febrile seizures. Sixteen patients had at least one prognostic factor for recurrence of febrile seizures: first febrile seizure before 15 months of age, positive family history for epilepsy or febrile seizures, occurrence of a complex febrile seizure or abnormal neurological examination. Three patients had none (cases 8, 12 and 13). We recommended 2.5mg b.i.d. for children younger than 12 months, 5mg b.i.d. for children older than 12 months and younger than 3 years, and 7.5 b.i.d. for children older than 3 years. The results showed that only one patient had febrile convulsions while taking adequate diazepam dosage. Transient side effects occurred in 36.8% of the cases.

[Multiloculated hydrocephalus: report of 2 cases]

Multiloculated hydrocephalus is a clinicopathological entity consisting of enlarged, loculated ventricles and paraventricular poroencephalic cavities. We present two cases of multiloculated hydrocephalus: one due to infectious process of central nervous system and the other consequent to a congenital malformation. Tomographic aspects of this condition that permit the diagnosis are stressed. The pathophysiology, the management and the prognosis are discussed according to the available literature.

Hemophilus aphrophilus endocarditis with a probable primary dental focus of infection

A case of Hemophilus aphrophilus endocarditis in association with a prosthetic valve is reported in which the organism was isolated from dental plaque as well as blood. We emphasize the need for treating the primary source of the infection; in this case, periodontal disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of H aphrophilus endocarditis in which an oral primary focus has been demonstrated.