Kangaroo blindness and some other new viral diseases in Australia.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
P Hooper
Publications and source records attributed to P Hooper.
Experimental reproduction of viral chorioretinitis in kangaroos.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether preparations containing Wallal and/or Warrego viruses could cause disease when inoculated subcutaneously into captive kangaroos. DESIGN AND PROCEDURE: Four groups of two kangaroos, seronegative to both Wallal and Warrego virus, were each inoculated with wild Wallal virus, cultured Wallal virus, wild Warrego virus, or wild Warrego virus followed by wild Wallal virus after 3 weeks. A single uninoculated animal served as a control. Animals were monitored weekly under anaesthesia, examined ophthalmoscopically (including fundic photography), and samples collected for haematological and serum biochemical analysis, virus isolation, PCR and serological examination for antibodies against Wallal and Warrego viruses. Animals inoculated with cultured Wallal virus were killed at week 10, and remaining kangaroos were reinoculated with cultured Wallal virus at week 12. RESULTS: Virus was isolated from the blood of two kangaroos 2 weeks after inoculation with Wallal virus preparations, and from a third kangaroo 2 weeks after reinoculation. By 3 weeks after inoculation, all kangaroos given Wallal virus preparations had seroconverted to Wallal virus and one had seroconverted to Warrego virus. Fundic changes were detected in the three viraemic kangaroos 4 or more weeks after inoculation, and lesions were present in the eye and brain typical of those seen in field cases of chorioretinitis. No other kangaroos had lesions. Wallal virus was identified by PCR and immunohistochemical analysis in the retina of one affected animal and orbivirus-like particles were seen by electron microscopy in the remains of retinal cells. CONCLUSION: The condition of chorioretinitis was reproduced in three of eight kangaroos by inoculation with preparations containing Wallal virus.
Animals↗
A new image for Birmingham.
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Advertising↗
Australian bat lyssavirus infection in three fruit bats from north Queensland.
We report the case findings of Australian bat lyssavirus infection in two black flying foxes (Pteropus alecto) and one little red flying fox (Pteropus scapulatus) from north Queensland between January 1995 and August 1996. Although the P. alecto case in January 1995 is the first recognised case of Australian bat lyssavirus infection in Australia, this was a retrospective diagnosis made after identification of the index case at Ballina in May 1996. Eight persons had exposure to the three bats. Serum antibodies to classical rabies virus were measured in six of these persons; the only one seropositive was a veterinarian who had previously been vaccinated against rabies. Six persons received rabies vaccine following exposure. None of the in-contact humans developed signs of lyssavirus infection. For people exposed to Australian bat lyssavirus-positive bats who have not been scratched or bitten or had mucosal contamination by these bats, we suggest a post-exposure regime of five inoculations of the human diploid cell inactivated rabies vaccine.
Animals↗
The use of salivary stimulant pastilles to improve compliance in women taking oxybutynin hydrochloride for detrusor instability: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of salivary stimulant pastilles in improving tolerance of and compliance with oxybutynin chloride for detrusor instability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty women with detrusor instability were treated with oxybutynin in either a fixed or variable dose. After 3 weeks, patients were given salivary stimulant pastilles (Salivix, Thames Laboratories, Clwyd, UK) to chew as often as required. Symptom diaries were used to record episodes of dry mouth (xerostomia) together with a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) score of the severity of xerostomia. RESULTS: The frequency of xerostomia was unchanged but there was a significant decrease in median severity from 71 to 39 on the VAS (P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test). Nine patients on the variable-dose regimen tolerated a higher dose of oxybutynin when taking the pastilles (P < 0.01, Wilcoxon's matched-pairs test). CONCLUSION: Salivary stimulant pastilles appear to be a useful adjuvant therapy for patients receiving oxybutynin chloride for detrusor instability, allowing higher doses of oxybutynin to be tolerated.
Administration, Oral↗
Health care fraud alert: beware of suspect enforcement activities.
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Financial Management, Hospital↗
Stability of the antiproliferative effect of mitomycin-C after reconstitution.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term stability of the antiproliferative effect of mitomycin-C (MMC) following reconstitution. METHODS: Identical MMC preparations were reconstituted from the crystalline form and then stored at room temperature or 4 degrees C. Cultured human Tenon's fibroblasts were exposed to MMC (0.5 mg/ml) for 2.5 min at 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days following reconstitution. After removal of the drug, fibroblast proliferation was measured by tritiated thymidine uptake. RESULTS: The percentage of inhibition was maintained at > 85% for both the room temperature and the 4 degrees C groups, and this inhibition persisted for the duration of the experiment. There was no statistically significant difference in the results between the storage temperatures. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that MMC retains its antiproliferative effect for at least 6 weeks following reconstitution and that this effect is not changed by storage temperature. Cost savings may be realized by storing MMC in unit-dose reconstituted aliquots for these longer periods, providing sterility can be assured.
Analysis of Variance↗
Immunocytochemical and morphometric studies of gastrin-, somatostatin- and serotonin-producing cells in the stomach and duodenum of patients with acid peptic disorders.
Gastric and duodenal biopsies from 90 patients with various acid peptic disorders-reflux esophagitis (n = 24), gastric ulcer (n = 13), duodenal ulcer (n = 47) and nonulcer dyspepsia (n = 6)-were examined. Seven patients with minimal dyspeptic symptoms and an endoscopically and histologically normal stomach and duodenum served as controls. Immunoperoxidase staining for gastrin-producing G cells, somatostatin-producing D cells and serotonin-producing EC cells was carried out on fundic, antral and duodenal biopsies, and was quantified using a Zeiss MOP Videoplan using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique of Sternberger. In the gastric antrum, a G:D:EC cell ratio of approximately 1.6:1:1-was observed. In the duodenum the corresponding ratio was 1:1:2.4. No significant differences were observed within any of the major diagnostic categories. Patient age, sex, duration of symptoms, smoking habits, alcohol consumption and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use had no effect on endocrine cell densities. Reduced G cell density in the descending duodenum was observed in the presence of mild duodenitis in four patients. In four patients with evidence of antral intestinal metaplastic changes, a significant increase in duodenal G cell densities was found. These results suggest that a change in the number of G, D or EC cells does not play a primary role in the pathophysiology of acid peptic disorders in the majority of patients.
Adult↗
Four-layer bandaging and healing rates of venous leg ulcers.
This paper reports the healing rates of venous leg ulcers in a community setting (Exeter and District Community Health Services NHS Trust) using the Charing Cross four-layer compression system. We report on 514 venous leg ulcers and show healing rates of 40% at 12 weeks, 50% at 17 weeks, 57% at 24 weeks and 80% predicted at 2 years. Patients were treated in one of 16 community leg ulcer clinics or in their homes. Nurses were allowed to use this system only after full training by the leg ulcer management service. Nurses had to prove their competence in leg ulcer assessment, Doppler measurement and the technique of four-layer compression. Even in patients whose leg ulcers did not heal, it was felt that the four-layer compression system was comfortable, convenient and cost effective with only weekly changes of bandages being necessary.
Aged↗
A morbillivirus that caused fatal disease in horses and humans.
A morbillivirus has been isolated and added to an increasing list of emerging viral diseases. This virus caused an outbreak of fatal respiratory disease in horses and humans. Genetic analyses show it to be only distantly related to the classic morbilliviruses rinderpest, measles, and canine distemper. When seen by electron microscopy, viruses had 10- and 18-nanometer surface projections that gave them a "double-fringed" appearance. The virus induced syncytia that developed in the endothelium of blood vessels, particularly the lungs.
Adult↗
Total number of immunocompetent cells in the normal rat epididymis and after vasectomy.
The aim of this study was to make unbiased quantitative estimates of the number of T8 cytotoxic cells and T4 helper cells and macrophages in the head and tail of rat epididymides, using newly developed design-based stereological methods in fertile control animals, and to compare these with results from vasectomized animals. The location of these cells within the intra- and interepithelial compartments of the epididymis was also studied. In control animals, both the T4 helper cells and macrophages and T8 cytotoxic cells were found in significantly higher numbers (P < 0.01) in the head interepithelial location than in the intraepithelial site. In addition, there were significantly more (P < 0.01) T8 cytotoxic cells in the tail interepithelial region. Within the head region of vasectomized rats, there was a significant increase in T8 cytotoxic cells in the intraepithelial location (P < 0.01), and a decrease in T4 helper cells and macrophages in the interepithelial region (P < 0.05). Serum samples from vasectomized animals, when compared with those from control animals, showed a significant increase in cytotoxic antisperm antibody. This suggests that, in response to the increased spermatozoal antigenic absorption that takes place in the epididymis after vasectomy, the immune system redistributes its T cell subsets to modify the immune tolerance that may occur.
Animals↗
Mucociliary clearance in patients with cystic fibrosis and in normal subjects.
The aim of this study was to examine baseline mucociliary clearance (MCC) in patients with cystic fibrosis (n = 30; mean +/- SEM age, 23 +/- 1 yr; FEV1, 68 +/- 5% pred; range, 14 to 126%) and a group of normal subjects (n = 12; mean age, 27 +/- 1 yr) after an aerosol deposition of 99mTc-sulphur colloid (mass median diameter, 4.8 microns; geometric standard deviation, 1.6). Dynamic geometric mean images were formed from gamma camera data, and the percent clearance of activity after 60 min (%C60) was calculated for the whole right lung. Initial deposition of the aerosol was determined in terms of the penetration index, the ratio of peripheral to central activity. For normal subjects, an increase in mean inspiratory flow rate (MIFR) (49 +/- 5 versus 21 +/- 3 L/min, p < 0.05) resulted in an increase in whole right lung MCC (%C60, 31 +/- 4 versus 18 +/- 2%; p < 0.05). When aerosol delivery was controlled (MIFR, 34 +/- 5 versus 36 +/- 5 L/min), there was excellent reproducibility between studies (whole lung %C60, 34 +/- 8 versus 31 +/- 7; NS). The measurement of MCC was highly reproducible in six patients studied on four occasions with a mean coefficient of variation of 3.3 +/- 1%. A breathing pattern to accentuate central deposition was utilized in the patient studies (MIFR, 49 +/- 4 L/min).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adult↗
CQI in the internist's office.
Five ASIM members relate their experiences with using continuous quality improvement (CQI) theory in their practices. Although critics grumble about paperwork and data collection, supporters claim that CQI is a lifesaver for private practice.
Internal Medicine↗
Hanlester Laboratories decision: how is it affected by new sanctions and penalties regulations?
The following excerpts from the briefs recently submitted to Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Stephen Kessel in the Hanlester Laboratories administrative proceeding, deal with the applicability of a January 29, 1992 final rule on fraud and abuse sanctions and civil money penalties (57 Fed. Reg. 3,298 (January 29, 1992) to the case. Counsel for Hanlester Laboratories, Patric Hooper and W. Bradley Tully of Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, Inc. in Los Angeles, argue that the Office of the Inspector General (OIG-HHS) is trying to change the rules "well after the game has been played," and that this "is obviously being done for the sole purpose of negating the rights" of the Hanlester respondents. The Office of the General Counsel (OGC), in a brief prepared by OGC attorney Larry J. Goldberg, contends that ALJ Kessel "must apply these regulations in rendering his decision," arguing that the "regulations at issue do not even involve a change in policy, but merely a clarification." The Hanlester case (The Inspector General v. Hanlester Network et al., No. C-448 (Department of Health and Human Services, Departmental Appeals Board, Civil Remedies Division) was remanded by the Departmental Appeals Board to ALJ Kessel on September 18, 1991. It is the first case to consider the application of the antikickback statute to a joint venture, and is the first HHS civil exclusion case to be brought as the result of allegations of violations of the antikickback statute (see HealthSpan, November 1991, p. 8).
Fees and Charges↗
The wavelength of light governing intraocular immune reactions.
Injection of antigen into the anterior chamber of the eye results in the induction of suppressed systemic cell-mediated responses as measured by delayed-type hypersensitivity or contact hypersensitivity (CHS). Previous studies from the author's laboratories have determined that this response is governed by exposure of the eye to visible light during the initial intraocular encounter between T cells and antigen. To more fully understand the role of light, as well as to begin to understand the molecular mediators involved, the authors chose to explore the properties of light governing the effect. Neutral density filter were used to demonstrate that the minimum amount of light required to induce suppression of CHS following anterior chamber injection of antigen is 1-2 lux (lumens/meter2). With narrow band filters, the wavelengths responsible for suppression were shown to be 500-510 nm. The results show that the effect of light extends beyond the hapten-derivatized spleen cell system to other antigens placed in the anterior chamber of the eye. Studies also show that the retina and the pineal gland, two light absorbing structures, may not be involved. The results in this report show that light of very restricted wavelengths controls intraocular immune reactions.
Animals↗
Interaction of operant behaviour and autonomic thermoregulation in the domestic fowl.
1. Domestic fowls were trained to peck a disc in order to receive a limited thermal reinforcement. 2. When subsequently tested, their use of the operant response was a function of ambient temperature, decreasing from 0 to 24 degrees C and rising again steeply from 28 to 42 degrees C. 3. Under cool conditions changes in rate of heat production were of major significance in maintaining homeothermy, whilst in the heat the operant response was used in preference to, or in addition to, thermal panting. 4. Data from the behavioural studies, together with those on autonomic effector mechanisms, indicate that optimal thermal conditions for the fowl are likely to be attained at 22 to 24 degrees C.
Animals↗
Inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation by resident ocular cells.
The mechanisms by which the eye maintains an immunosuppressive environment has been the subject of recent investigations. In this report we investigated the ability of resident ocular cells from the iris, choroid, and retina to inhibit lymphocyte responses in vitro. Our results demonstrate that single cell suspensions derived from iris and choroid to inhibit alloantigen induced lymphocyte proliferation. We show that this inhibition was mediated by soluble factors which are low (less than 10,000) and intermediate (10,000-30,000) molecular weight molecules. This capacity is limited to iris and choroid and is not demonstrable in cell preparations derived from the retina. We conclude from our studies that cells derived from iris and choroid are capable of regulating immune responses and suggest that these cells (or their soluble products) may play a role in the immunosuppressive environment of the eye.
Alkylating Agents↗
Side by side.
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Hospital Bed Capacity, 100 to 299↗