The free amino acid pool in Leishmania tropica promastigotes.

The principal constituents of the free amino acid pool in Leishmania tropica promastigotes include alanine, glycine, serine, threonine, alpha-aminobutyric acid and ethanolamine. Changes in levels of the pool constituents during starvation, nutrient supplementation and treatment with a metabolic inhibitor (sodium fluoride) were followed. Several enzymes capable of converting amino acids to Krebs cycle intermediates were identified. It is suggested that during prolonged starvation which is accompanied by enhanced proteolysis, these enzymes enable the cells to utilize endogenous amino acids as carbon and energy sources. This is compatible with previous reports that Leishmania promastigotes in culture could grow on amino acids as growth substrates when carbohydrates are totally lacking.

Efficacy of nebulized albuterol and cromolyn sulfate for acute wheezing and stridor in children: a prospective, randomized study.

A number of respiratory tract illnesses may produce acute wheezing and stridor in children, and treatment may vary, depending on the specific illness. These illnesses, however, may be difficult to differentiate solely on clinical grounds. A uniform therapeutic approach for children with acute wheezing or stridor independent of the specific etiology can be employed. In this prospective study, 246 children received aerosolized albuterol and cromolyn sulfate. Children who remain in distress after aerosolized medications should be admitted to the hospital. Those with partial improvement may be treated with home aerosol treatments after intramuscular injection of dexamethasone.

Treatment of acute sinusitis in childhood with ceftibuten.

Acute sinusitis is a common childhood illness. If it is overlooked or undertreated, suppurative and intracranial complications may develop. Amoxicillin has traditionally been the antibiotic of choice for treatment of acute sinusitis. However, the efficacy of amoxicillin has been reduced because of the emergence of bacteria producing b-lactamase and altered penicillin-binding proteins. This study compares the effectiveness of 10, 15, and 20 days of ceftibuten therapy with 14 days of erythromycin-sulfisoxazole therapy in treating acute sinusitis. The results indicate that both treatment regimens are effective in treating acute sinusitis (96% clinical response for erythromycin-sulfisoxazole vs 92% for a 10- or 15-day course of ceftibuten vs 100% for a 20-day course of ceftibuten). Longer treatment periods may be more effective in resolving the acute illness.

Acute accidental lithium poisoning in a child.

Poisonings are the fourth most common cause of death for children. Ingestion typically involves an accessible household product, especially medicine. Lithium may be accessible to children when it is used by family members or sitters. Lithium poisoning constitutes a serious medical condition with a 25% mortality rate. This article reports the accidental lithium poisoning of a child, its harmful effects and treatment.

Intrafamilial spread of Epstein-Barr virus.

Epstein-Barr (EBV) virus is a common contagious illness encountered during childhood. It is spread through oral secretions, however it has a low rate of transmission within a family. This article reports EBV illness among three children in the same family.

Manifestations of relapsing Epstein-Barr virus illness.

The Epstein-Barr Virus is well known for its pattern of communicability and features of clinical disease. It is a member of the herpes virus family and may establish a latency state in infected individuals. Characteristics of latency and reactivation have been well defined for both herpes and varicella. The Epstein-Barr Virus has been shown to establish a latency state within B lymphocytes, salivary gland epithelium, and oropharyngeal epithelial cells. Reactivation of the virus from these sites could produce relapse of EBV illness. Characteristics of relapse are described in this report.

Venomous snake bite of a child.

Venomous snake bites account for 9 to 15 deaths yearly. This is a low number considering that approximately 8,000 venomous snake bites occur each year. These deaths may be prevented by proper and timely medical treatment.

Anorexia and failure to grow associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection.

The Epstein-Barr virus is a common cause of contagious disease in childhood. It may produce fever and sore throat in young children and infectious mononucleosis in teenagers and young adults. This report discusses four cases of children with anorexia and poor weight gain due to Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Apnea of infancy associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection.

The Epstein-Barr virus is one of the most common causes of communicable disease. The clinical manifestations of this virus may vary widely depending on a child's age when primary infection occurs. I describe in this report a child with apnea associated with Epstein-Barr infection.

Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita.

Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (CMTC) is an uncommon benign condition presenting at birth with levido reticularis, telangiectasia, phlebectasia, and possible ulceration of the involved skin. Diagnosis is made through the clinical picture and supported by characteristic histopathologic changes when present. This condition should not be confused with manifestations of serious system disease and aggressive treatment is not indicated. We describe in this report a case of CMTC.

Special considerations in the treatment of college students with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a relatively common mental disorder that often has its onset during the college years. This means that students simultaneously face both the challenge of late adolescent development and the challenge of adapting to a major mental illness. As a further complication, the college environment is not well suited to the kinds of lifestyle changes that add stability to the lives of people with bipolar disorder. Treatment involves establishing an alliance, education about lifestyle changes, aiding adaptation to the illness, careful medication to minimize side effects, and loosening the affective constriction that can result from fear of relapse. Both the health care provider and student can use the culture of learning and self-discovery in the college setting to the treatment's benefit. As well, the provider can use the time-limited nature of college to lessen ambivalence about making long-term changes.