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Lead toxicity in a young Hispanic woman from sucking on a terra cotta candy container led to investigating lead contamination in candy packaging materials imported from Mexico. Printed cellophane candy wrappers may present a significant risk for lead exposure.
OBJECTIVE: The studies were undertaken to: (i) evaluate the epidemiological situation of infections with intestinal parasites among seven-year-old children attending first classes of the elementary schools in 25 provinces of Poland (ii) answer the question concerning an influence of the summer flood 1997 on the epidemiological situation of intestinal parasitoses in the affected regions. METHODS: The studies included 30,110 children, i.e. 10% of the population of seven-year-olds, in the provinces under study, and were based on the examination of a single faecal specimen and a cellophane swab using the following methods: wet mount preparations in 0.9% NaCl and diluted Lugol,s iodine, zinc sulphate centrifugal flotation and decantation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The parasites most frequently encountered in the examinations included: Enterobius vermicularis (in 16.45% of the examined), Ascaris lumbricoides (2.8%), Giardia intestinalis (1.02%), Entamoeba coli (0.73%), Trichuris trichiura (0.29%). The obtained results confirmed the decreasing frequency of infections with intestinal parasites in Poland and indicated that the summer flood of 1997 had a little influence on the epidemiological situation of intestinal parasitoses in the affected regions.
Colony counts on 122 clean-catch mid-stream urine specimens were determined with Bacturcult and compared with those obtained using the quantitative pour plate method. The suggested criteria for using Bacturcult resulted in an unacceptably high number of false positive cultures. It has been shown that over 100 colonies in the proscribed area on the cellophane sleeve correlated well with pour plate colony counts of over 100 000/ml. Bacturcult was found to be a simple and convenient method for performing a quantitative colony count on a urine specimen. It could be recommended for use in domiciliary practice, out-patient clinics and in population screening programes.
Three repeated orally doses of albendazole 400 mg in 6 weekly intervals were evaluated in Thai hill-tribe students who had at least one kind of soil-transmitted helminths (i.e. Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura). Stool examination and parasite egg count were performed using Beaver's standard direct smear method and Kato-Katz's cellophane thick smear method prior to treatment and then 1 month after the first, second and third dose of drug administrations. A single dose of albendazole was very effective against A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections, with cure rates of 98.68 per cent and 92.16 per cent, respectively. The second and third dosages eradicated A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections, respectively. Conversely, the first to third cure rates for T. trichiura infection were relatively low, being 37.76-58.16 per cent. Three repeated doses of albendazole proved to be beneficial in eradication of A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections, and decreased the prevalence of T. trichiura infected cases. For eradication of T. trichiura infection, further regimen and period of drug administration is required.
Syphacia muris parasitism was eliminated from rats and voles by feeding fenbendazole-medicated chow (150 ppm) for five 7-day periods; treatment periods were separated by 7-day periods of feeding non-medicated chow, yielding atotal treatment course of 9 weeks. No other manipulations to facilitate eradication, including the use of filter tops, autoclaved cages, environmental decontamination, colony depopulation, breeding cessation, and research restriction, were done. The examination of 3143 cellophane-tape impressions of the anus and 160 cecal examinations from euthanized rats and voles during the treatment period and for 7 months afterwards confirmed the efficacy of treatment. Treatment was rapidly effective in voles. In rats, pinworm eggs persisted at high levels for 2 weeks after the start of treatment, but no eggs were found after 22 days.
Treatment of trichuriasis with mebendazole 500 mg for three days, and 100 mg twice daily for three days, yielded cure rates of 93.9 and 88.9% in Thai patients, while the cure rates in Karen patients were 96.2 and 95.5% respectively. The total number of Thai and Karen trichuriasis patients were 60 and 48, when tested by modified cellophane thick smear Kato-Katz technique. There were no significant differences among the two groups of patients and doses of treatment (p > 0.05).
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost and effectiveness of parasite investigations in our laboratory in order to restrict the number of specimens. METHODS: The analysis were performed retrospectively on 53,701 specimens submitted for cysts, ova, and larvae, 224 specimens for intestinal trophozoites, 1,888 cellophane tape impressions, 3,134 malaria smears, and 524 bronchial aspirates. RESULTS: Potentially pathogenic parasites were demonstrated in 3.2% of specimens examined for cysts, ova, and larvae, 6% examined for intestinal trophozoites, 16% for pinworm, 7% for malaria, and 9% for Pneumocystis. The cost of demonstrating a single infection with a pathogenic parasite was calculated to be DKK 6206 for cyst, ova, and larva specimens. This cost could be reduced considerably, if the examination of patients with acute diarrhoea, but without a history of travel was omitted. Similarly, the demonstration of trophozoites, pinworm, malaria and Pneumocystis in a person was calculated to be DKK 1122, DKK 526, DKK 2874 and DKK 3716, respectively. Examination of three specimens for cysts, ova, and larvae showed 62-74% of the infections in the first sample. Two specimens increased the frequency of positive findings by 13-23% and three specimens by a further 9-12%. For the blood smears, 92% of the infections were demonstrated in the first sample. DISCUSSION: The analysis shows that to obtain an acceptable ratio between cost and diagnostic yield, the indication for the investigations should be tightened up. However, examination of three samples from each patient is necessary to exclude a parasitic infection.
A case of opportunistic pulmonary infection in the form of fungal ball produced by the family of mucoraceae in the class of phycomycetes having nonseptate hyphae (cellophane tubules) with haphazard branching in a post-tubercular immunocompetent patient is described. Clinical course was chronic with right upper lobe cavity invaded by fungi of mucor species, pathology was granuloma with blood vessel thrombosis, and a fungus ball. The host had no associated predisposing diseases. Segmental resectional surgery of the right upper lobe along with removal of fungus ball under the coverage of modified dose of amphotericin B was performed. Literature scanning revealed rarity of mucormycosis in immunocompetent host.
A 42-year-old woman with a refractive error of -10.00S - 2.00C x 105 degrees in the right eye underwent laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) at our hospital. LASIK was performed using the Schwind excimer laser (Keratom Multiscan, Schwind, Kleinostheim, Germany) and Moria LSK--One manual microkeratome with a 130 microns ablation plate. The uncorrected visual acuity improved postoperatively, and the patient was very satisfied. However, nine months later, she complained of sudden loss of visual acuity in the right eye. Indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed a giant retinal tear extending from 10:00 to 2:00 o'clock position with retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage. We performed scleral buckling procedure (with silicone band encircling), vitrectomy, and fluid-gas exchange with air/SF6 mixture. The retina attached postoperatively and remained so during 3-month follow-up period, but cellophane maculopathy was noted.
Evaluation of pharmaceutical availability of drugs from topical preparations is usually aimed to evaluate the capability of the dosage form to release the drug for its therapeutic action. Permeation cells have been used for this purpose, employing solid membranes including cellophane. Within a study of phenylcarbamic acid derivatives with local anaesthetic effect, the present paper evaluates the dosage form for topical administration containing potential drug XIX M, the chemical name N-[2-(2-heptyloxyphenylcarbamoyloxy)-ethyl]-morpholinium chloride and potential drug XXII B, the chemical name N-[2-(2-octyloxyphenylcarbamoyloxy)-ethyl]-dimethylammonium chloride. The selected auxiliary substance in the formulation of the dosage form was a cellulose derivative--methylcellulose in increasing concentrations from 0.5 to 1.5%. On the basis of the obtained results it can be stated that the examined polymer methylcellulose with increasing concentration decelerated the release of both potential drugs approximately in the same way and that it can be used in practice to prolong the local anaesthetic effect.
Bladder explants of young rats were cultivated in Carrel flasks on millipore filters, cellophane or polyvinyl chloride film. Nutritional mixture consisted of Eagles' medium, human serum and lactalbumin hydrolysate with addition of glucose, insulin and penicillin. On a millipore filter and a polyvinylchloride film the explants survived for up to 50 days, preserving a histotypical structure of the bladder mucosa. The technique described could be used for modelling various pathological conditions occurring in the urinary bladder.
Zoosporic and conidial fungi species and environmental factors in 5 various sites of the Podlasie stretch of the river Bug were studied. Samples of water were collected in October 1999 and April 2000 for hydrochemical analysis and the order to determine the number of fungal species. Buckwheat-seeds, hemp-seeds, cellophane and snake exuviae were used as bait during the exposure in laboratory. Sixty-four zoosporic fungus species and forty-six conidial species were found in various sites of the Podlasie stretch of the river Bug. 8 species were recorded for the first time from Poland.
Zoosporic and conidial fungi species and environmental factors in 10 various sites of River Narew in the Narew National Park were studied. Samples of water were collected in autumn 1999 and spring 2000 for hydrochemical analysis and the order to determine the number of fungal species. Buckwheat-seeds, hemp-seeds, cellophane and snake exuviae were used as bait during the exposure in laboratory. 198 lower aquatic fungus species were found in various sites of River Narew. 13 species were recorded for the first time from Poland.
Selecting by indirect ELISA eleven hybridoma cell lines, secreting monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) against Magnaporthe grisea were produced by fusing mouse myeloma cells(SP2/0) with spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with the mixture of conidia, germ tubes and appressoria of M. grisea using 50% PEG. The result of IFTC test showed that four of McAbs, named as 2B4, 4A1, 1D1, and 2H4 specifically bound to the cell wall surface of the fungus; Western blotting revealed that 2B4, 4A1, 1D1 were recognized different protein antigens from the surface of conidia and germ tubes; These four McAbs could effectively interfere with the appressorium formation both on cellophane membrane and the surface of onion epidermis and inhibit the disease leaf lesions development in vitro test.
OBJECTIVE: To understand the difference of Demodex prevalence among medical students living and studying together with different classes, sexes and nationalities. METHODS: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis were detected by using cellophane tape on the nasolabial grooves. RESULTS: The overall prevalence was 51.5% in 2,248 medical students. Prevalence in different classes and sexes was: freshman 42.6%, sophomore 49.6% and third year students 66.8%; 55.7% in males and 48.7% in females. Prevalence in students with different nationalities was: Mongolian 49.8%, Han 52.8% and other minorities 64.3%. CONCLUSION: The Demodex prevalence in students of senior classes was higher than those from junior ones (P < 0.01), higher in males than in females (P < 0.01). Prevalence in Han students was slightly higher than in Mongolian with no statistical difference.
Ethylene glycol is a major constituent of motor vehicle antifreeze-coolant fluids and is also found in other commercial products including hydraulic brake fluids, adhesives, printer's inks, and wood stains. It is used in the manufacture of polyester films and fibers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) solid state resins, plasticizers, elastomers, cellophane, and other products. Previous 13-week and 2-year studies of ethylene glycol in F344 rats were considered adequate to evaluate the toxicology and carcinogenicity of ethylene glycol in this species and strain; therefore, the present studies were conducted in mice only. Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies were conducted by administering ethylene glycol (greater than 99% pure) in feed to male and female B6C3F1 mice for 13 weeks and 2 years. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium, mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells, and Chinese hamster ovary cells. 13-Week Studies: Groups of 10 male and 10 female mice received feed containing 0, 3,200, 6,300, 12,500, 25,000 or 50,000 ppm ethylene glycol. All mice survived to the end of the studies. Final mean body weights of dosed male and female mice and feed consumption of dosed males were similar to those of the controls. Feed consumption of dosed females was significantly greater than that of controls. Absolute and relative organ weights of mice administered ethylene glycol were generally similar to those of controls throughout the study. No chemical-related clinical findings were observed. Chemical-related kidney and liver lesions, seen only in 25,000 and 50,000 ppm male mice, consisted of nephropathy and centrilobular hepatocellular hyaline degeneration (cytoplasmic accumulation of non-birefringent, eosinophilic, globular, or crystalline material resembling erythrocyte fragments). 2-Year Studies: Groups of 60 mice received diets containing ethylene glycol for up to 103 weeks (males: 0, 6,250, 12,500, or 25,000 ppm; females: 0, 12,500, 25,000, or 50,000 ppm). These concentrations correspond to daily doses of approximately 1,500, 3,000, or 6,000 mg/kg body weight for male mice and 3,000, 6,000, or 12,000 mg/kg for females. Dietary concentrations greater than 50,000 ppm have the potential to affect the nutritional value of the feed. Interim evaluations were performed on six males and nine or ten females from each dose group at 15 months. Survival, Body Weights, Feed Consumption, and Clinical Findings in the 2-Year Studies: At the end of the 2-year studies, survival rates of male and female mice exposed to ethylene glycol were similar to those of controls. Mean body weights and feed consumption of exposed male and female groups were also similar to those of controls. No clinical findings associated with the administration of ethylene glycol were observed. Pathology Findings: No chemical-related neoplasms were observed in male or female mice in these studies. Hepatocellular hyaline degeneration was seen in mid- and high-dose male and high-dose female mice. Pulmonary arterial medial hyperplasia was observed at an increased incidence in exposed females but not in exposed males. Incidence and severity of nephropathy were not affected by treatment in either sex. Small numbers of oxalate-like crystals, calculi, or both were noted in renal tubules, urethrae, and/or urinary bladders in a few high-dose male mice. Genetic Toxicology: Ethylene glycol did not induce gene mutations in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1537, trifluorothymidine resistance in mouse L5178Y lymphoma cells, or sister chromatid exchanges or chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary cells. All tests were conducted with and without exogenous metabolic activation (S9). Conclusions: Under the conditions of these 2-year feed studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of ethylene glycol in male B6C3F1 mice receiving 6,250, 12,500, or 25,000 ppm, or in female B6C3F1 mice receiving 12,500, 25,000, or 50,000 ppm. Administration of ethylene glycol resulted in hepatocellular hyaline degeneration in male mice fed diets diets containing 12,500 or 25,000 ppm and in female mice fed diets containing 50,000 ppm. An increased incidence of medial hyperplasia of small pulmonary arteries and arterioles occurred in female mice fed diets containing 12,500, 25,000, or 50,000 ppm ethylene glycol. Synonyms: 1,2-dihydroxyethane; ethane-1,2-diol; 1,2-ethanediol; ethylene alcohol; ethylene dihydrate; glycol; glycol alcohol; 2-hydroxyethanol; monoethylene glycol
Genetics plays a substantial role in host resistance in many host-parasite interactions. We examined the prevalence of naturally acquired infection with Syphacia obvelata in a number of mouse strains housed in a non-barrier facility. These mice, which included cross-bred and congenic, inbred strains on various genetic backgrounds, differ in the loci for the immune function genes--major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII), toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4), and solute carrier family 11, member 1 (Slc11a1)--which allowed comparisons of the impact of these genes on resistance to pinworm infection. Male and female mice of various ages were sampled over an 18-month period; infection was determined by use of the cellophane tape test. Results indicated that mice that were MHCII+/+ had a significantly lower prevalence of infection than did mice that were MHCII-/-. Differences were not seen between male and female mice. Although MHCII+/+ mice had an age-associated decrease in infection prevalence, such decrease was not seen in MHCII-/- mice. In contrast, infection prevalence in mice with the normal Tlr4 gene (Tlr4(LPS-n/LPS-n)) gene did not differ significantly compared with that in mice that were homozygous for either the point mutation (Tlr4(LPS-d/LPS-d)) or deletion (Tlr4(LPS-del/LPS-del)) of that gene. Likewise, the presence (Sle11a1r/r) or absence (Slc11a1s/s) of functional alleles for Slc11a1 had no effect on the prevalence of infection with S. obvelata. In conclusion, presence of MHCII, but not Tlr4 or Slc11a1 significantly influences prevalence of naturally acquired infection with S. obvelata. These data justify further comprehensive analyses of the immune components that are involved in pinworm resistance.
BACKGROUND: To define the main clinical mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of macular holes (MH) in patients affected by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: 236 RP subjects were enrolled in this study and ophthalmologically examined according to a standard FIARP (Italian Federation of the RP Associations) protocol. The prevalence of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) as well as all types of RP-related macular abnormalities--especially vitreoretinal interface alterations (VRIA), cystoid macular edema (CME), "bull's eye maculopathy" (BEM) and MH--was reported; statistical analyses and correlations were assessed by means of Student t test and Pearson chi2. RESULTS: VRIA and CME were observed in 26.15% and 9.45% of the cases respectively and resulted significantly associated with MH, since they were constantly present in 22 of the 25 eyes affected by MH (88%) (chi2 = 50.4; p < 0.01). In particular, in 9 of these cases (40.9%) MH was correlated to both CME and VRIA, while in 11 (50%) and 2 (9.1%) eyes CME or VRIA were present separately. A normal biomicroscopic macular appearance, PVD and BEM were found in 26.81%, 6.6% and 21.54% of the cases respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies involving a larger number of patients are required to complete these preliminary results. However, the present investigation seem to confirm the data already reported in the literature, i.e. that pathogenesis of MH in RP is strictly correlated to the presence of VRIA, cellophane maculopathy and cystic foveal degeneration with CME.