Characterization of the antispike IgG immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people with a wide variety of immunodeficiencies

Research on coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination in immune-deficient/disordered people (IDP) has focused on cancer and organ transplantation populations. In a prospective cohort of 195 IDP and 35 healthy volunteers (HV), antispike immunoglobulin G (IgG) was detected in 88% of IDP after dose 2, increasing to 93% by 6 months after dose 3. Despite high seroconversion, median IgG levels for IDP never surpassed one-third that of HV. IgG binding to Omicron BA.1 was lowest among variants. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 pseudo-neutralization only modestly correlated with antispike IgG concentration. IgG levels were not significantly altered by receipt of different messenger RNA-based vaccines, immunomodulating treatments, and prior severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections. While our data show that three doses of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccinations induce antispike IgG in most IDP, additional doses are needed to increase protection. Because of the notably reduced IgG response to Omicron BA.1, the efficacy of additional vaccinations, including bivalent vaccines, should be studied in this population.

Antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in individuals with various inborn errors of immunity

BACKGROUND

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is recommended in patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEIs); however, little is known about immunogenicity and safety in these patients.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the impact of genetic diagnosis, age, and treatment on antibody response to COVID-19 vaccine and related adverse events in a cohort of patients with IEIs.

METHODS

Plasma was collected from 22 health care worker controls, 81 patients with IEIs, and 2 patients with thymoma; the plasma was collected before immunization, 1 to 6 days before the second dose of mRNA vaccine, and at a median of 30 days after completion of the immunization schedule with either mRNA vaccine or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine. Anti-spike (anti-S) and anti-nucleocapsid antibody titers were measured by using a luciferase immunoprecipitation systems method. Information on T- and B-cell counts and use of immunosuppressive drugs was extracted from medical records, and information on vaccine-associated adverse events was collected after each dose.

RESULTS

Anti-S antibodies were detected in 27 of 46 patients (58.7%) after 1 dose of mRNA vaccine and in 63 of 74 fully immunized patients (85.1%). A lower rate of seroconversion (7 of 11 [63.6%]) was observed in patients with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy. Previous use of rituximab and baseline counts of less than 1000 CD3+ T cells/mL and less than 100 CD19+ B cells/mL were associated with lower anti-S IgG levels. No significant adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Vaccinating patients with IEIs is safe, but immunogenicity is affected by certain therapies and gene defects. These data may guide the counseling of patients with IEIs regarding prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the need for subsequent boosts.

A prospective study on canine atopic dermatitis and food-induced allergic dermatitis in Switzerland

Canine atopic dermatitis sensu stricto and food-induced allergic dermatitis are common canine skin conditions, which are often considered clinically undistinguishable. Several attempts have been made to describe populations of atopic dogs and determine breed predisposition but the results were often biased by the use of hospital populations as control group. The present study aims to describe a population of Swiss atopic and food-allergic dogs and to compare it with a data set representing more than 85% of all Swiss dogs. The study, which was carried out during 1 year in several practices and teaching hospital in Switzerland, describes a group of 259 allergic dogs, determines breed predisposition for atopic dermatitis and food-induced allergic dermatitis, compares the clinical signs and features of both conditions, and outlines the clinical picture of five frequently affected breeds.

The MAXEBIS at GSI as a test ion source for charge breeding and for HITRAP

The electron beam ion source MAXEBIS, developed and built at the University of Frankfurt, has been installed at GSI to serve as an offline test ion source for the HITRAP project and for use as a test setup for charge breeding explorations. The setup has been equipped with new diagnostics and beam optics devices. Two ion sources dedicated to the production of singly charged ions for external ion injection into the MAXEBIS have been included. First time of flight (TOF) spectra with external injected, charge-bred argon ions were taken. However, these spectra indicated beam losses in the beam transport from the multipassage spectrometer (MPS) to the MAXEBIS. In order to understand the losses, the beam transport has been simulated with the SIMION code and the beam line has been modified accordingly. Measurements of the MAXEBIS' beam emittance, using the "nondestructive" beam profile method, have been performed as well as measurements of the electron current density via charge state analysis of the TOF spectra. The injection and breeding efficiency of the MAXEBIS have been determined for the first time. The results of the measurements and the planned experiments will be discussed.

A comparison of an A1 adenosine receptor agonist (CVT-510) with diltiazem for slowing of AV nodal conduction in guinea-pig

1. The purpose of this study was to compare the pharmacological properties (i.e. the AV nodal depressant, vasodilator, and inotropic effects) of two AV nodal blocking agents belonging to different drug classes; a novel A1 adenosine receptor (A1 receptor) agonist, N-(3(R)-tetrahydrofuranyl)-6-aminopurine riboside (CVT-510), and the prototypical calcium channel blocker diltiazem. 2. In the atrial-paced isolated heart, CVT-510 was approximately 5 fold more potent to prolong the stimulus-to-His bundle (S-H interval), a measure of slowing AV nodal conduction (EC50 = 41 nM) than to increase coronary conductance (EC50 = 200 nM). At concentrations of CVT-510 (40 nM) and diltiazem (1 microM) that caused equal prolongation of S-H interval (approximately 10 ms), diltiazem, but not CVT-510, significantly reduced left ventricular developed pressure (LVP) and markedly increased coronary conductance. CVT-510 shortened atrial (EC50 = 73 nM) but not the ventricular monophasic action potentials (MAP). 3. In atrial-paced anaesthetized guinea-pigs, intravenous infusions of CVT-510 and diltiazem caused nearly equal prolongations of P-R interval. However, diltiazem, but not CVT-510, significantly reduced mean arterial blood pressure. 4. Both CVT-510 and diltiazem prolonged S-H interval, i.e., slowed AV nodal conduction. However, the A1 receptor-selective agonist CVT-510 did so without causing the negative inotropic, vasodilator, and hypotensive effects associated with diltiazem. Because CVT-510 did not affect the ventricular action potential, it is unlikely that this agonist will have a proarrythmic action in ventricular myocardium.

Surgical treatment of "steal syndrome" induced by arteriovenous grafts for hemodialysis

OBJECTIVE

A rare but serious complication of angioaccess surgery for hemodialysis is the so called steal syndrome presenting as ischemia distal to an arteriovenous fistula. The main problem of various surgical techniques to correct steal is subsequent thrombosis of the fistula or persistence of distal ischemia.

INTERVENTIONS

This paper describes an unknown technique for correction of ischemic steal consisting of ligation of the artery just distal to the take-off of the fistula and arterial bypass from the artery proximal to the take-off of the fistula to the artery distal to ligation.

PATIENTS

Six patients with chronic renal insufficiency (3 male, 3 female) with patent upper arm cephalic fistulas presented with severe hand ischemia.

RESULTS

Symptoms improved in all 6 patients immediately after operation. Successful hemodialysis could be maintained using the original fistula.

CONCLUSIONS

The described technique is maybe the procedure of choice for the correction of fistula induced ischemic steal.

HIV seroprevalence among male prison inmates in the Wisconsin Correctional System

OBJECTIVE

To estimate HIV seroprevalence and the acceptance of voluntary HIV testing among male inmates entering the Wisconsin Correctional System during July 1, 1994-June 30, 1995, and compare these estimates with similar data obtained in 1987-1988.

METHODS

A blinded HIV seroprevalence survey concurrent with a review of voluntary HIV antibody testing records.

RESULTS

HIV test results were obtained for 3,681 (89%) male prison entrants during the study period; 26 (0.7%) were HIV-1 seropositive. Based on this estimate and the total number of male prison entrants (4,134), an estimated 29 HIV-1 seropositive male inmates entered the Wisconsin Correctional System during the study period. Eighty-four percent of all inmates were tested voluntarily. Among inmates testing HIV-1 seropositive, 69% were tested voluntarily.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that HIV-1 seroprevalence among male prison inmates in Wisconsin is low, and is unchanged from the late 1980s; however, a large increase in the prison population has resulted in a substantial increase in the absolute number of HIV-1 seropositive inmates entering the correctional system. Although overall acceptance of voluntary HIV testing is high, nearly one third of HIV-1 seropositive inmates declined voluntary HIV testing.

Chronic calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder-therapy by percutaneous needle aspiration and lavage: a prospective open study of 62 shoulders

In an open study the therapeutic value of percutaneous needle aspiration and lavage performed in local anaesthesia under image intensifier control in patients with chronic calcifying shoulder tendinitis was investigated. 60 patients (62 shoulders) were included in the study. The average age was 48 years, and the median duration of shoulder pain and calcification was 24 months and 7 months respectively. The right shoulder was affected in 34 and the left in 24 patients; two patients had painful calcifications in both shoulders. In 47% X-ray showed calcium deposits in the contralateral shoulder. 77% of the painful deposits projected on the supraspinatus tendon and in most cases image intensifier examination showed multiple calcifications. Calcareous material could be removed by needle aspiration and lavage in 76% of all cases. There was no correlation regarding the preferred working hand and the side of calcifying tendinitis. X-ray controls performed after 2 months revealed a significant reduction of the size of calcifications. The clinical follow-up 2 and 6 months after needling showed a significant reduction of global pain intensity. There were also significant improvements in the areas of pain on movement, pain at night and impairment of sleep. Clinical success was independent of the radiological aspect of the calcifications.

Intracellular staining of angiotensin receptors in the PVN and SON of the rat

Our immunocytochemical results demonstrate the presence of angiotensin AT1 receptors in the cytoplasm and at the cell membrane in paraventricular and supraoptic neurons of the rat hypothalamus. The reaction product had a punctate appearance. We found no staining in the cell nucleus. Similar results were obtained with an anti-idiotypic antibody to angiotensin II.

1,3-Dipropyl-8-[2-(5,6-epoxy)norbornyl]xanthine, a potent, specific and selective A1 adenosine receptor antagonist in the guinea pig heart and brain and in DDT1MF-2 cells

The objective of this study was to characterize the adenosine receptor (AdoR) antagonistic properties of a newly synthesized alkylxanthine, 1,3-dipropyl-8[2-(5,6-epoxy)norbornyl]xanthine (ENX), and compare them to those of 1,3-dipropyl-8-(cyclo-pentyl)xanthine (CPX), 1,3-dipropyl-8-(3-noradamantyl)xanthine (NAX) and (+/-)-N6-endo-norbornan-2-yl-9-methyladenine (N-0861). The potencies and selectivities of ENX, CPX, NAX and N-0861 were determined by functional studies of guinea pig isolated perfused hearts, and by radioligand binding assays for A1 and A2a AdoRs in the guinea pig forebrain and striatum. ENX competitively antagonized A1 AdoR-mediated prolongations of atrioventricular nodal conduction time caused by Ado or by 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine, but not those caused by carbachol (0.14 microM) or MgCl2 (3 mM). Schild analysis of 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine-antagonist competition curves yielded pA2 values for ENX, CPX and NAX of 8.45 +/- 0.19, 8.55 +/- 0.28 and 8.79 +/- 0.15, respectively. ENX (30 microM) and N-0861 (30 microM) did not attenuate the A2 AdoR-mediated increase in coronary conductance caused by adenosine. CPX and NAX attenuated the coronary vasodilation caused by adenosine with IC50 values of 1.5 and 7.1 microM, respectively. Radioligand binding assays revealed that ENX, CPX and NAX and N-0861 had a 400-, 209-, 110- and 10-fold greater affinity, respectively, for A1 than for A2a AdoRs of guinea pig brain membranes. Thus, ENX was equipotent with CPX and NAX and more potent than N-0861 (pA2 = 6.2) as an antagonist at A1 AdoRs, but had lower affinity for A2 AdoRs in guinea pig hearts and brain striatum than did either CPX or NAX. In DDT1 MF-2 cells, all three alkylxanthines had similar affinities for A1 AdoRs, whereas the affinity of N-0861 for A1 AdoRs was significantly lower. ENX appears to be the most A1 AdoR subtype-selective of the alkylxanthine class of AdoR antagonists reported to date.

The impact of a comprehensive chlamydia prevention program in Wisconsin

An analysis using case reports, laboratory records of tests for C. trachomatis, and Hospital Discharge Summary data shows that, following implementation of a chlamydia prevention program in Wisconsin in 1985, statewide declines were observed in prevalence, incidence and complications of infection. In 1990, prevalence rates among teenage women peaked at 2,794 infections per 100,000 15-19-year-old females. Between 1987 and 1991 (a period of stable testing volume), the proportion of positive tests decreased in all age-groups for females (by 29-41%) and males (by 10-14%), and the incidence of new infections in women decreased in clinic populations by 27%-50%. Between 1986 and 1991, hospitalization rates declined by 33% for pelvic inflammatory disease and by 20% for ectopic pregnancy.

[Osteoporosis screening--indications for bone densitometry]

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem because of increasing prevalence and the cost of related morbidity, especially fractures of the spine and hip. The perimenopausal evaluation of risk patients by assessment of clinical risk factors and bone-mass measurements are used to select patients for prevention of postmenopausal and age-associated bone loss. The value of bone-mass for prediction of fracture-risk and the clinical significance of bone-densitometry for patient management is reviewed. Four essential clinical indications for bone mass assessment are discussed.

[Treatment of calcific humero-scapular periarthropathy using needle irrigation of the shoulder: retrospective study]

212 patients with calcareous tendinitis of the shoulder were retrospectively analysed with a pain questionnaire after treatment with needle irrigation. Age, sex, number of needle irrigations and the time interval between treatment and interview were recorded from a file-card, also the side of affection. 149 questionnaires could be analysed by relational data bank processing on a personal computer. The median pain duration previous to the irrigation was 24 months; the median time interval between chalk deposition in x-ray studies of the shoulders and irrigation was 6 months. The sex ratio was 2:1 with preference given to females. The mean age at intervention was 47 years among the females and 49 years among the males; this age difference was not significant. There was no relationship between the preferred hand for working and the side of subacromial chalk deposition. We found in 54.5% painful calcareous depositions in the right shoulder and in 33.5% in the left. Both sides were affected in 12%. The median interval between needle irrigation and questionnaire analysis was 5 years. At this time 60% of all patients were free of pain, 34% stated a marked relieve of pain and 6% were unchanged.

[Multiple retroperitoneal and mediastinal lymph cysts in primary ectatic lymph vessels]

A unique case of a large retroperitoneal and multiple mediastinal lymphcysts is presented. Cystic abdominal tumors of lymphatic origin are very rare. Usually single cases or small numbers have been reported in the international literature. The aetiology, clinical findings and therapy of these lesions are discussed.

[Idiopathic spontaneous pneumoperitoneum. Case discussion based on two cases, assessment procedure and therapy and review of the literature]

Idiopathic spontaneous pneumoperitoneum is a rare condition we consider after exclusion of perforation of an intraabdominal viscus and other known causes of free intraperitoneal gas. We will report two cases of idiopathic spontaneous pneumoperitoneum seen during the year 1991 and discuss a rational way to get to the diagnosis. In the absence of peritoneal signs the rather unexpected amount of free intraperitoneal air is a constant finding. Reviewing the literature we found different opinions concerning the treatment of this condition. Regarding the benign character we emphasize a non-surgical management, given the careful exclusion of other, maybe fatal causes of pneumoperitoneum. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage may help to avoid unnecessary laparotomy.

[Treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia by implantation of a pre-peritoneal prosthesis. Results of a prospective study]

44 patients with 47 recurrent inguinal hernias entered a prospective study. All patients were operatively managed by a standardized technique using a polypropylene (Prolene) mesh inserted through a pre-peritoneal approach. Operating in the pre-peritoneal space avoids dissection of the scared cord and the "inlay" prosthetic mesh safely creates a new "fascia transversalis" with a low rate of recurrences. All patients were personally controlled every 6 months with a follow-up time of 12 to 60 months (mean 20.2 months). The low postoperative morbidity included only one seroma, no infection and no testicular complications. We observed one recurrence occurring 6 months after surgery (2%). The described operative technique using an inlay patch is recommended as the therapy of choice in all recurrent groin hernias.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of angiotensin II receptors in rat brain by use of an anti-idiotypic antibody

In the present study we investigated the ability of an anti-idiotypic antibody which recognizes angiotensin II (AII) receptors to demonstrate the presence of such receptors under immunohistochemical conditions. The experiments revealed punctate immunoreactive granules on neurons of the nucleus supraopticus and of the nucleus paraventricularis of the hypothalamus. This localization of AII receptors is consistent with the findings obtained using other experimental approaches to the brain renin-angiotensin system. The conclusion of this study is that the applied anti-idiotypic antibody seems to be a reliable tool for mapping AII receptor distribution. The established experimental approaches to AII receptors are thus now supplemented with the possibility of immunohistochemical investigation. Moreover, the possible microscopic analysis of AII receptors on distinct cells will allow studies at an ultrastructural level.

[Suspected adult-onset Still's disease: unexpected manifestation of leprosy]

A 23-year old male from Sri Lanka was admitted to hospital with symmetrical inflammatory peripheral polyarthritis, fever of 39 degrees C and poly-lymphadenopathy. At first we suspected adult onset Still's disease. The histological findings from axillary lymph node biopsy strongly suggested the diagnosis of leprosy, for which we had had little evidence thus far. Typical skin lesions were absent, skin smears were negative and neurological symptoms only became obvious much later when fever and arthritis had subsided under anti-inflammatory treatment. At this time a right ulnar palsy developed, with atrophy of the interosseous muscles and thickening of the ulnar nerves at both medial epicondyles. Fite-stains of a sural nerve biopsy confirmed the diagnosis when mycobacteria were detected. Leprosy displays a clinico-pathological spectrum caused by variations in host resistance. A widely accepted classification is the five group system of Ridley and Jopling. At one extreme of this spectrum are patients with lepromatous or low resistance leprosy with numerous bacilli, and at the other those with high resistance or tuberculous leprosy where few or no bacilli are found. The numerous bacilli in the sural nerve biopsy classified the disease as lepromatous in our case. Of the various manifestations of the lepra reaction occurring in lepromatous leprosy, one is acute arthritis, but a more common one is erythema nodosum leprosum. Our patient's clinical presentation was interpreted to be a rheumatic manifestation of a type-2 reaction. This form of immunological response in leprosy is an immune complex syndrome and may mimic different rheumatic diseases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

HIV seroprevalence among patients attending a Milwaukee clinic for sexually transmitted diseases: findings from four annual surveys, 1988-1991

Blinded HIV seroprevalence surveys were conducted annually from 1988 through 1991 among patients at a Milwaukee sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic. Among 5,295 patients tested, 70 (1.3%) were HIV-1 Western blot positive. HIV seroprevalence rates were higher among male patients (1.7%) than among female patients (0.5%). HIV seroprevalence increased progressively with age and the number of prior STD episodes. During the four survey periods, HIV seroprevalence increased among teenage STD patients, patients who reported no prior STD, and patients without determined risk exposures. Selective voluntary HIV testing of patients who reported high risk exposures failed to detect 80% of all HIV seropositive patients. Because STD clinic patients are at high risk of HIV infection, HIV antibody testing, with appropriate referral of patients who test positive, and risk reduction education should be made routinely available to all STD patients with or without HIV-associated risk exposures.

Decreased prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection associated with a selective screening program in family planning clinics in Wisconsin

The effectiveness of selective screening for control of Chlamydia trachomatis is unknown. In 1986, a statewide screening program began in family planning clinics in Wisconsin after the prevalence of infection among women was found to be 10.7% in four nonurban clinics and 13.7% in an urban Milwaukee clinic. In 1990, endocervical specimens were obtained from 1,757 women attending these same clinics; 5.2% of women in the non-urban clinics and 6.9% in the Milwaukee clinic tested positive for C. trachomatis. Prevalence of infection had decreased similarly (by 53% overall) in both high- and low-risk groups in all five clinics. Although reported condom use increased from 16% to 31%, most other demographic and behavioral risk factors for infection did not significantly change; in contrast, the prevalence of clinical signs of infection decreased. The percentage of infections identified by selective screening criteria decreased from 77% to 55%. Selective screening and attendant activities, as well as an increase in condom use, were associated with a decrease in prevalence of C. trachomatis infection in this population.

The autoshaping procedure as a residual block clock

In the first experiment, 4 pigeons were each presented with a recurring sequence of four key colors followed by the delivery of grain (block clock). Once the rate of pecking had stabilized, three of the colors were replaced, during different series of sessions, by a darkening of the key. The rate of pecking was reduced within those segments of the interval between deliveries of food during which the key was dark; when the key was dark during the final portion of the interval, rates were reduced throughout the entire interval. In the second experiment, 3 new pigeons were exposed to a different sequence of colors, and the final stimulus was replaced in successive conditions by a novel color, a darkened key, and a restoration of the original color. The data indicated that darkening the key had a more severe, more extensive, and more persistent effect than did a mere change in color. These results suggest that it may be fruitful to conceptualize the autoshaping procedure as a special version of the block clock in which pecking is suppressed throughout the greater part of the interval by darkening the key. In the final condition, the same stimulus appeared in each of the last three portions of the interval. The rate of pecking was lower during the last two portions than when distinctive colors were presented, with the peak rate now appearing in the fifth of seven equal temporal components.

[The entrapment syndrome of the popliteal artery: diagnosis, therapy, results]

The popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is caused by an anatomical anomaly in the popliteal fossa. Mostly the popliteal artery is compressed by a faulty insertion of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. The main symptom is an intermittent claudication at an early age. We review our experience with four typical cases. All patients were examined because of a unilateral sudden claudication in the calf at ages between 23 and 43 years. In two patients we could find angiographically a typical stenosis, in two others a complete occlusion of the popliteal artery. Additionally a female patient showed a 6 x 8 cm poststenotic aneurysm in the popliteal fossa. Therapeutically we restored the flow of the artery on two patients by dividing the compressing gastrocnemius muscle. As a late complication two years after the first operation one of these patients had an occlusion of popliteal artery which was bypassed by a popliteo-crural vein graft. On two patients we primary inserted a vein graft. All patients were checked 6 months till 5 years after the first operation by duplex scanning, by measurement of pressure at the ankle and by pulse volume recording at the big toe. All our postoperative examinations demonstrate patency of the repairs and the patients have very few problems.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women attending urban midwestern family planning and community health clinics: risk factors, selective screening, and evaluation of non-culture techniques

To determine prevalence and risk factors for endocervical Chlamydia trachomatis infection in an urban midwestern population and to evaluate two non-culture direct tests for C. trachomatis, we studied 849 women attending two family planning clinics and a community health clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Adequate endocervical specimens were obtained from 751 women for chlamydial isolation in tissue culture and antigen tests using direct fluorescence (DFA) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA); 93 (12.4%) patients had cultures positive for C. trachomatis. Compared to culture, the DFA test had a 77.4% sensitivity, 96.8% specificity, and a predictive value positive (PVP) of 77%. For the EIA, these values were 83.9%, 97.0%, and 80%, respectively. No single historical, clinical, or laboratory variable, including the previously described cervicitis index and specific cytologic findings on Pap smear, had sufficient predictive value to be used as the only criterion for selective screening in this population. Criteria for selective screening were proposed that would result in screening 43% of patients and would identify 71% of infections. PVP of both non-culture tests was 89% in persons identified by these criteria to be at increased risk of C. trachomatis infection.

Toxicosis in pigs fed selenium-accumulating Astragalus plant species or sodium selenate

Three groups of 5 pigs each were fed a high selenium (Se) diet by mixing either Astragalus praelongus (31.6 ppm Se in feed), A bisulcatus (31.7 ppm Se in feed), or sodium selenate (26.6 ppm Se in feed) with commercial hog feed. Ten control pigs were fed only commercial hog chow containing trace selenium (0.44 ppm Se). Pigs were fed for 9 weeks and necropsied when they had ataxia or paralysis. Blood was collected for hematologic and serum biochemical determinations, and samples of various tissues were collected and fixed in neutral-buffered 10% formalin for histologic evaluation or frozen for determination of selenium concentration. All forms of selenium induced clinical signs of weight and hair loss, with cracked hooves and inflamed coronary bands developing in all Na2SeO4-fed pigs and 1 A praelongus-fed pig, but not in A bisulcatus-fed pigs. Serum calcium, phosphorus, and albumin concentrations were unchanged or significantly decreased from prefeeding values in groups fed selenium. Serum aspartate transaminase (AST) activities in Astragalus species-fed groups, and amylase activities and PCV in all groups of pigs fed selenium, were increased. Serum alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase activities were significantly increased in the A praelongus-fed pigs and significantly decreased in Na2SeO4-fed pigs. Terminal tissue and body fluid selenium concentrations were determined in all groups of pigs fed selenium and compared with values in control pigs. Urine and bile concentrations were increased by the greatest factor (40 to 100x), with tissue concentrations of selenium increased by a lesser factor (6 to 17x).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absence of infection with human immunodeficiency virus in Peruvian prostitutes

We serologically tested 140 female prostitutes (mean age, 30 years) from the port city of Callao, Peru, for evidence of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema pallidum, herpes simplex viruses (HSV) I and II, and hepatitis B virus. The women had worked as prostitutes for an average of 5 years; one-fourth serviced foreign visitors exclusively, mainly sailors. Only 4 women used condoms, and only 1 woman gave a history of parenteral narcotic abuse, although 53% were regularly exposed to unsterile needles outside the medical setting for injections of vitamins, antibiotics, or steroids; another 29% are thought to probably use unsterile needles. None of the 140 prostitutes screened was seropositive for HIV, despite a very high prevalence of antibody to T. pallidum (24%), C. trachomatis (97%), HSV I and II (100%), and hepatitis B (51%); 5% were HbsAg positive. These data indicate that HIV has not yet been introduced into female prostitutes in the Peruvian port city. We believe that widespread use of unsterile needles in developing countries, such as Peru, represents a serious health threat and will amplify the spread of HIV, once introduced.

The splenius capitis muscle of the rat, architecture and histochemistry, afferent and efferent innervation as compared with that of the quadriceps muscle

The splenius muscle of the rat was investigated with regard to its structure and innervation. The latter was compared with that of the quadriceps muscle. The results can be summarized as follows: The splenius muscles of both sides form a bipennate muscle plate connecting the occipital bone with the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebra. The lateral parts of both muscles are attached directly to this prominent bony process, whereas the medial parts end in a median raphe which forms a tendinous cranial extension of the second thoracic vertebra. This tendinous extension, showing no connection to the cervical vertebrae, serves also for the attachment of acromio-trapezius muscle fibers. The lateral part of the splenius muscle is divided into two parts by a tendinous intersection. The splenius muscle consists mainly of fast twitch fibers: 55% were characterized as IIB and 40% as IIA fibers by histochemical demonstration of myosin ATPase-activity. A high content of muscle spindles--57 spindles per gram of muscle tissue--was found. Comparing several aspects of the innervation of the splenius to that of the quadriceps muscle, the following results could be obtained: The ratio of motor end plate size to muscle fiber volume is significantly higher in the splenius than in the quadriceps muscle. As demonstrated by transganglionary HRP-transport, the main part of labeled splenius afferents to the spinal cord terminates in the central cervical nucleus. Quadriceps afferents, entering the lower thoracic and upper lumbar segments, mainly end in the area of Clarke's column. Several labeled fibers descend to the sixth lumbar and first sacral segments, where they terminate in the area of Stilling's nucleus. A group of primary afferents from both muscles--most probably III- and IV-afferents--projects to the dorsal laminae of the dorsal horn; terminals from the splenius are accumulated in the lateral parts of these laminae, whereas those of the quadriceps are more concentrated in the medial areas. Within the brain stem, most afferents from the splenius terminate in the external cuneate nucleus. Most of the quadriceps afferents course to the gracile nucleus. Terminals from both muscle nerves were found in the area of the spinal vestibular nucleus. In conclusion, the most conspicuous results were: 1) Besides the segmental projection to the dorsal horn there is an almost exclusive projection of splenius primary afferents to relay nuclei to the cerebellum. 2) The relatively high ratio: end plate size/muscle fiber volume, which is characteristic of finely adjusting muscles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)