Thysanotaenia congolensis n. sp. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) in the lesser savanna cane rat, Thryonomys gregorianus from Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa.

Ten (100%) lesser savanna cane rats, Thryonomys gregorianus, collected from the Lake Kivv area of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa were found to be infected with an undescribed anoplocephalid tapeworm, Thysanotaenia congolensis n. sp. Like other species of Thysanotaenia, T. congolensis n. sp. has the ovary and vitellarium centrally located, and the egg capsules and testes are intervascular. The new species differs from the 2 existing species, Thysanotaenia lemuris in lemurs and Thysanotaenia cubensis in humans, in being smaller (34-50 mm long) and in having a smaller scolex (260-410 microns in diameter), a shorter cirrus sac (115 microns long), and smaller eggs (40 microns in diameter). Anastomoses of the excretory system and formation of egg capsules in the new species are also described.

Laparoscopic exploration of the contralateral groin in children: an improved technique.

Repair of inguinal hernias are among the most frequently performed operative procedures in children. Bilateral inguinal hernias (BIH) are common, especially in patients under the age of 2 years, and present both synchronously and metachronously. Most pediatric surgeons perform open exploration of the contralateral groin in infants and young children with symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernias to avoid missing the potential metachronous presentation of BIH. The practice of contralateral groin exploration is controversial because of the increased cost, morbidity, and potentially serious complications associated with open groin exploration. We have developed a technique for laparoscopic exploration of the contralateral groin (LECG) to assess the internal inguinal ring in the asymptomatic groin and to measure the depth of a patent processus vaginalis. A pneumoperitoneum is produced by insufflation through a 14-gauge intravenous catheter placed into the hernia sac of the operated side. A 1.2-mm laparoscope is then passed through another 14-gauge intravenous catheter inserted through the abdominal wall of the contralateral side providing a direct, "in line" view of the internal ring. Depth of patency of >1.5 cm was considered positive and a standard operative repair was performed. In 110 children who underwent LECG the incidence of bilaterality was 21%. This technique is rapid, accurate and was associated with no complications.

Lumbosacral neurenteric cyst in an infant. Case report.

The case of a combined intra- and extraspinal neurenteric cyst in an infant is reported. This case is unique because an intraspinal cyst was not suspected clinically until large numbers of squamous epithelial cells were obtained at lumbar puncture performed as part of a workup for a septic entity. The cyst extended from an intradural location ventral to the conus medullaris at L-1 through a ventrolateral defect in the S-4 vertebral body to communicate with a large presacral component. The entire cystic cavity was lined by stratified squamous epithelium. The possible pathogenesis of this lesion is discussed.

Malrotation in twins: a rare occurrence.

Although malrotation is commonly found in infants with intestinal obstruction, the presence of malrotation in twins is rare. We report a set of twins who each had malrotation and non-bilious vomiting on the first day of life.

Local and systemic factors regulating mucosal mast cells.

The contributions of local and systemic factors to the regulation of mucosal mast cells and globule leukocytes have been examined in the rat. Nippostrongylus brasiliensis has been used to provide a potent immunological stimulus for mucosal mast cell hyperplasia and the roles of intestinal and extraintestinal sensitization observed by comparison of the gut mast cell responses to larval and adult worm infestations. Systemic effects of adult worm infestations have been examined in isolated Thiry-Vella loops of intestine. It is concluded that the extraintestinal phase of larval infestation is not obligatory for a gut mast cell response and that mast cell hyperplasia and globule leukocyte formation are not dependent on direct contact with the parasite or its products. The dissemination of the mast cell response and the general significance of the results are discussed.