Bag Of Worms Research Articles

Sublethal injury and virulence changes in Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua treated with antimicrobials carvacrol and citral

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two antimicrobial substances, carvacrol and citral, on Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua cells, as well as possible virulence changes in injured cells, using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model test. The results indicated that the percentage of sublethal damage was higher in L. monocytogenes than in L. innocua. The results of the study carried out by using C. elegans indicated that C. elegans fed in a lawn of L. monocytogenes previously treated with carvacrol showed a loss in life span (p ≤ 0.05) as compared with L. monocytogenes treated with citral, Escherichia coli OP50 as a negative control, and treated and untreated L. innocua. Egg laying was also affected: worms fed in a lawn of treated and untreated L. monocytogenes laid fewer eggs than those fed in a lawn of treated and untreated L. innocua or fed with OP50 as a negative control. Worms fed in a lawn of treated and untreated L. innocua also laid fewer eggs than those fed with OP50 as a negative control. A phenotype named bag of worms and an undescribed new one, “vulva inflammation”, were also observed.

A case of round ligament varicosities during pregnancy

Estimated incidence of round ligament varicosities in pregnancy is not known and often times it is confused with inguinal hernia due to their clinical similarities. When a patient is presented with inguinal mass especially in association with varicosity in the genital region or lower extremity, round ligament varicosity must be considered as a plausible diagnosis. Depiction of “bag of worms” on color Doppler ultrasonography is diagnostic of the round ligament varicosity and it is known to resolve spontaneously following delivery. We report a case of round ligament varicosities that was diagnosed at 29 weeks of gestation with a brief review of the literatures.

In Caenorhabditis elegans Nanoparticle-Bio-Interactions Become Transparent: Silica-Nanoparticles Induce Reproductive Senescence

While expectations and applications of nanotechnologies grow exponentially, little is known about interactions of engineered nanoparticles with multicellular organisms. Here we propose the transparent roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans as a simple but anatomically and biologically well defined animal model that allows for whole organism analyses of nanoparticle-bio-interactions. Microscopic techniques showed that fluorescently labelled nanoparticles are efficiently taken up by the worms during feeding, and translocate to primary organs such as epithelial cells of the intestine, as well as secondary organs belonging to the reproductive tract. The life span of nanoparticle-fed Caenorhabditis elegans remained unchanged, whereas a reduction of progeny production was observed in silica-nanoparticle exposed worms versus untreated controls. This reduction was accompanied by a significant increase of the ‘bag of worms’ phenotype that is characterized by failed egg-laying and usually occurs in aged wild type worms. Experimental exclusion of developmental defects suggests that silica-nanoparticles induce an age-related degeneration of reproductive organs, and thus set a research platform for both, detailed elucidation of molecular mechanisms and high throughput screening of different nanomaterials by analyses of progeny production.

Evaluation of plexiform neurofibroma in neurofibromatosis type 1 in 18 family members of 3 generations: ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging a diagnostic supplement

Abstract Plexiform neurofibroma in neurofibromatosis type 1, an autosomal-dominant genetic disorder, is characterized by a combination of interlacing components or a network. The prominent enlargement of a nerve with tumor nodules results in the gross pathologic appearance termed "bag of worms." Plexiform neurofibroma was found in two of seven family members with neurofibromatosis type 1 in three generations. Ultrasonography/color doppler and magnetic resonance imaging, in addition to microscopic pathology, were used as diagnostic tools, and their indications for future use in the diagnosis of plexiform neurofibroma are highlighted.

Report on varicocele and infertility

Controversies regarding diagnosis and treatment of varicoceles in male partners in infertile couples are considered in detail.

Adult Onset Flatfoot Associated With an Intramuscular Hemangioma of the Posterior Tibialis Muscle

A 30-year-old man was referred for a painful mass in the left calf and planovalgus deformity of the left foot. The pain had been present for 15 years but recently had become severe. On examination there was a visible, exquisitely tender mass in the medial distal aspect of the lower leg. There was valgus deformity of the hindfoot, abduction of the forefoot, and complete loss of the longitudinal arch which was passively correctable to neutral. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 3.035.5312.0-cm complex mass in the calf with a "bag of worms" appearance consistent with a vascular tumor. An incisional biopsy resulted in diagnosis of benign intermuscular hemangioma. A marginal resection of the mass was later performed. During operative resection, the tumor was found to involve the entire posterior tibialis muscle to the musculotendinous junction. The patient began full weight bearing 4 weeks postoperatively and was placed in an ankle-foot orthosis for correction of the planovalgus. At 19 months postoperative, he reported no pain and mild weakness of the left foot, and he had returned to full-time work. There was no recurrence of the tumor. Intermuscular hemangioma of the calf may cause acquired spasticity and equinus deformity of the foot. In addition, intramuscular hemangiomas have been reported to cause muscle weakness and tendon rupture. In this patient, the authors believe that the posterior tibialis muscle was weakened and elongated secondary to the replacement of the muscle tissue by the tumor, ultimately leading to the planovalgus deformity.

Splenic enlargement and abdominal scarification in childhood malaria. Beliefs, practices and their possible roles in management in Benin City, Nigeria

To achieve sustainable reduction in malaria burden in Africa, cultural practices that foster increased malaria burden must be addressed. In Edo state Nigeria, scarification/tattooing on the left hypochondrium presumably over an enlarged spleen arising mainly from malaria is widely practiced. This practice is deleterious, diversionary and causes complications. This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study to evaluate the beliefs and practice, regarding abdominal wall scarification in children and within the context of malaria control; It was carried out among experienced women in child care selected from Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Information relating to beliefs, knowledge and their practices including possible socio-cultural/economic determinants were obtained with use of questionnaire. Of the 400 questionnaires administered 394 were responded to. The modal age bracket was 26 - 30 years (Range, 18 - 56 years) Respondents were mainly Binis Esan and Ibos amongst others. About 27.0% of respondents considered the spleen a "bag of worms". Other views included "collection of bad blood" 27.2% and as a sickness of its own, 14.7%. Named causes of splenomegaly were fever, 59.6% and evil spirit, 15.5%. Over 45.0% of respondents would consult the herbalists for splenomegaly. Less educated (X2 = 40.0, p<0.005), women over 40 years of age (X2 = 13.5, p< 0.05) and Esan/Bini ethnic groups (X2 = 15.6, p <0.05) are more prone to the practice. Reasons for widespread use included perceived effectiveness, low cost and accessibility. Information on scarification was obtained mainly from family members, 49.5%, neighbours, 25.1%; and friends/colleagues, 16.7% Practice of scarification is deep rooted and widespread in the study location. It has potentials to negate efforts involved in malaria control. Education including public enlightenment campaign should effectively check the practice.

Intraoral solitary neurofibroma in an infant

Neurofibroma is a non-circumscribed, thick and irregular benign tumor of the peripheral nerve sheath. On the skin, the diffuse and soft nature of neurofibroma often resembles a bag of worms. It can develop at any point along a nerve and often form by late adolescence. Although neurofibromas occur predominantly as a feature of neurofibromatosis affecting the soft tissue, a few cases of solitary intraoral neurofibromas have also been reported. Solitary intraosseous neurofibroma in the oral cavity is a rare benign tumor with very few cases reported in literature. This case report presents a case of intraosseous solitary neurofibroma of maxilla in a 5-month-old male child due to the rarity of this tumor at this site in very early age, along with a discussion of its clinical, radiological, and histopathological presentation.

Bag of worms

A Pacific Island male with previously diagnosed but untreated filariasis with episodic chyluria presented to us with spiking temperatures. A CT scan of his abdomen revealed innumerable serpiginous non-enhancing structures within the posterior mediastinum from the carina, throughout the retroperitoneum and pelvis and into the upper inguinal regions. This abnormality involved the hilar regions of both kidneys. The temperatures eventually settled after treatment with doxycycline for filiriasis.

Solitary Plexiform Neurofibroma(s): Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A 10-year-old boy presented with a painless progressive swelling on the nape of the neck of 8 years' duration. When the child was 1 year old, the swelling appeared as a minute raised skin eruption the size of a pearl at the back of the neck. It was painless and progressive, continuing to increase in size until it reached the size of a walnut. At age 2 years, a minor surgical intervention was undertaken to remove the swelling, but a year later, it recurred at the same site. The size continued to increase until it reached the present size. Examination of the afflicted skin surface showed the presence of a globular, nonreducible swelling measuring 7.5 cm x 5 cm located on the upper posterior portion of the neck. Both the swelling and the skin over it were mobile and nontender. Otherwise, the boy's skin surface was without blemishes. On palpation, the swelling was plexiform, resembling a bag of worms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on 1.5T MR (Signa, GE Healthcare, Chalfont St Giles, England) using T1 and T2 weighted fast spin echo and short tau inversion recovery sequences in the axial and sagittal planes. The images were marked by a well-defined, homogeneous signal intensity lesion in the subcutaneous plane of the nape of the neck. The lesion appeared isointense in T1W images and hyperintense in T2W images with few flow voids within the lesion. Based on the MRI findings, a diagnosis of superficial plexiform neurofibroma was considered. Results of routine liver and kidney function blood examination tests were within normal limits. Surgical resection was done under general anesthesia. As soon as the skin was excised, the swelling started bleeding profusely, but bleeding stopped almost immediately on the complete excision of the swelling. No cavities were present in the mass, and the underlying structures were normal. The wound was closed with nonabsorbable monofilament nylon suture. The postoperative period was uneventful. In addition to initial excision biopsy, all of the resected tissue material was subjected to serial sectioning for microscopic pathologic examination. Hematoxylin- and eosin-stained sections showed unremarkable epidermis with slight hyperkeratosis. Upper dermis showed circumscribed, lobular proliferation of spindle cells in a loose fibular background distorting much of the dermis and subcutaneous fat. Subcutis showed numerous thin-walled, ectatic blood vessels lined with prominent endothelium. Intervening tissue consisted of wavy bundles of collagen lined with elongated thin cells with tapering and wavy nuclei. The nuclear chromatin was bland without significant polymorphism or raised mitotic activity. A few nerve twigs were also seen within the tumor, which was infiltrating the surrounding fat.

Facial plexiform neurofibroma in a child with neurofibromatosis type I: A case report

Plexiform neurofibroma is a non-circumscribed, thick and irregular benign tumor of the peripheral nerve sheath. It is a virtually pathognomonic and often disabling feature of neurofibromatosis type I. The diffuse and soft nature of plexiform neurofibroma is often compared to 'a bag of worms' and is difficult to distinguish from a vascular malformation or a lymphangioma, thus necessitating thorough clinical and histopathological examination and imaging of the lesion. We present a case of plexiform neurofibroma in a 12-year-old male child.

Bag of Worms

In this story, I describe, from my perspective as a resident, working with a surgeon to resuscitate a woman who has suffered an avulsion of her pulmonary artery. The patient, a victim of a collision with an intoxicated driver, arrived at the hospital as I was caring for another patient who was undergoing his tenth admission for detoxification. Having been thrown unexpectedly into the fray, I looked upon a beating heart for the first time.

Neonatal Movement Disorders

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Delineate the characteristics that differentiate hyperkinetic neonatal movement disorders from neonatal seizures. 2. Describe the primary characteristics of and treatment for hyperekplexia. 3. Explain the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and movement disorders in neonates. 4. Describe the primary ocular movement disorders in neonates. Neonates often exhibit paroxysmal behaviors that are nonepileptic in nature, such as oral-buccal-lingual movements, pedaling, stepping, and rotatory arm movements. The electroencephalogram (EEG) is of particular value for distinguishing these nonepileptic behaviors from subtle seizures. EEG and video-EEG studies in such movement disorders do not exhibit seizure discharges during the events. This distinction is important because nonepileptic events do not require treatment with anticonvulsants. Although the absence of surface ictal activity does not exclude entirely the possibility of seizures arising from deeper structures, it generally is accepted that these disorders are not epileptic. For the purposes of this review, we include common nonepileptic paroxysmal (episodic) movements that occur from birth to early infancy (onset between birth and 3 months of age). Many of these movement disorders may persist during infancy or early childhood. We do not discuss more persistent motor problems, such as spasticity, hypotonia, or myotonia. Also, disorders that occur after 3 months of age are not included. We have classified the movement disorders into two major categories: 1) hyperkinetic movements and 2) dystonic or extrapyramidal type of movements. Because the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying neonatal movement disorders often are unknown, they are categorized on the basis of phenomenology, rather than presumed cause. Some of these disorders may have overlapping symptomatology. A third category encompasses “ocular movement disorders.” ### Jitteriness of the Newborn Jitteriness may be due to many factors, including metabolic disturbance, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, drug withdrawal, hypoglycemia, and hypocalcemia. Although jitteriness may be mistaken for neonatal seizures, a distinguishing feature of jitteriness is that the …

A Werner syndrome protein homolog affects C. elegans development, growth rate, life span and sensitivity to DNA damage by acting at a DNA damage checkpoint.

A Werner syndrome protein homolog in C. elegans (WRN-1) was immunolocalized to the nuclei of germ cells, embryonic cells, and many other cells of larval and adult worms. When wrn-1 expression was inhibited by RNA interference (RNAi), a slight reduction in C. elegans life span was observed, with accompanying signs of premature aging, such as earlier accumulation of lipofuscin and tissue deterioration in the head. In addition, various developmental defects, including small, dumpy, ruptured, transparent body, growth arrest and bag of worms, were induced by RNAi. The frequency of these defects was accentuated by gamma-irradiation, implying that they were derived from spontaneous or induced DNA damage. wrn-1(RNAi) worms showed accelerated larval growth irrespective of gamma-irradiation, and pre-meiotic germ cells had an abnormal checkpoint response to DNA replication blockage. These observations suggest that WRN-1 acts as a checkpoint protein for DNA damage and replication blockage. This idea is also supported by an accelerated S phase in wrn-1(RNAi) embryonic cells. wrn-1(RNAi) phenotypes similar to those of Werner syndrome, such as premature aging and short stature, suggest wrn-1-deficient C. elegans as a useful model organism for Werner syndrome.

Cutaneous Metaplastic Synovial Cyst: Unusual Presentation With "A Bag Of Worms"

Cutaneous metaplastic synovial cyst (CMSC) is a rare cystic tumor that is unfamiliar to most dermatologists. A traumatic history usually precedes its onset. CMSC is often misdiagnosed as suture granuloma clinically. A correct diagnosis requires histopathologic examination to reveal its characteristic features, that is, a cystic tumor line by synovium-like structure. To describe a case of CMSC encountered during dermatologic surgery practice. We present an unusual case with elongated projections. A case report and literature review are presented. The differential diagnosis of tender cutaneous cysts should include CMSC. Projections from the cyst wall may attain significant size and give the intraoperative impression of a "bag of worms."

Cutaneous Metaplastic Synovial Cyst

BACKGROUND Cutaneous metaplastic synovial cyst (CMSC) is a rare cystic tumor that is unfamiliar to most dermatologists. A traumatic history usually precedes its onset. CMSC is often misdiagnosed as suture granuloma clinically. A correct diagnosis requires histopathologic examination to reveal its characteristic features, that is, a cystic tumor line by synovium-like structure. OBJECTIVE To describe a case of CMSC encountered during dermatologic surgery practice. We present an unusual case with elongated projections. METHODS A case report and literature review are presented. CONCLUSION The differential diagnosis of tender cutaneous cysts should include CMSC. Projections from the cyst wall may attain significant size and give the intraoperative impression of a “bag of worms.”

Letter: Myokymia vs transient rippling of the skin.

To the Editor.— In the January 1975 issue of theArchives(111:130), Tonkens and Eng, commenting on the case reported by Fine et al under the title Transient Rippling of the Skin (theArchives, society transactions, 110:141, 1974), suggested that the condition is an instance of myokymia. We have examined all of the references they gave and cannot concur. Myokymia, which means muscle movements in waves, is described in these references as sporadic or continuous undulations caused by involuntary contractions of voluntary muscles in the form of fascicular or fibrillary twitchings or as movements in a bag of worms. Moreover, the patients involved were adults who were afflicted with other conditions, such as hypoglycemia, disturbed thyroid function, myotonia, and wasting of muscle. Our case was that of a healthy infant without any suggestion of concurrent, incipient, or further metabolic or neural disease. Also, the movements of the skin in our

Jesus and Ethics by Richard H. Hiers

210 BOOK REVIEWS From the detailed exegesis and interpretation of Paul's use of flesh the author is lead to the conclusion that he does not put forward a " systematic anthropology, nor does he offer a psychology of man as such, of his constituent parts, his nature, his functions." (p. ~16) Rather the author concludes that Paul treats of man in various ways, and even when using the central idea of flesh he does not restrict himself to a single meaning. He does, however, always treat of the whole man and in the context of a redemptive-history theology. The third section provides the background against which the author determines Paul's debt to the thought of the Old Testament and Judaism for his use of flesh, as well as the area in which his meaning diverges. In regard to the latter-flesh as a term for man in slavery to sin and at enmity with God-he insists upon the importance of Paul's Christology and teaching on the Spirit for a proper interpretation of meaning. In summary, the dissertation is an impressive and imposing piece of work on an important topic. However, certain reservations might be entertained about methodology. The method used by the author is basically the so-called Begriffsforschung-the investigation of the theology contained in a word or group of words. Since .James Barr's resounding criticism of this method in Semantics of Biblical Language, one wonders whether the on-going discussion might not relegate such an approach as the author's to a school of the recent past. Dominican House of Studies Washington, D. C. JusTIN CuNNINGHAM, 0. P. Jesus and Ethics. By RICHARD H. HIERS. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1968. Pp. ~08. $6.50. This book studies the thought of four scholars, Harnack, Schweitzer, Bultmann and Dodd on the relation between the eschatology and ethics of Jesus. By eschatology Hiers means mostly the specific teaching of Jesus that the kingdom of God would be coming visibly, dramatically, and very soon, at which time human history would end. Harnack argues that, although the teaching is in the New Testament, Jesus never took it very seriously and certainly did not make it part of the essence of his doctrine. Schweitzer asserts that Jesus took the teaching very seriously and called for an " interim " ethics until the time would come. Bultmann agrees with Schweitzer that Jesus took the teaching seriously, taught it, and was mistaken about it. The exegete now must demythologize to find an ethical teaching for today. Dodd holds that Jesus preached that the kingdom of God had already come. BOOK REVIEWS 211 Thus, if each man were asked what the relation between the eschatology and the ethics of Jesus is, Harnack would say that there is no relation; Schweitzer that the ethics is a direct result of the eschatology; Bultmann that, since the eschatology is myth, one must go behind it to find the real meaning of existence, namely, radical obedience to the Word of Jesus expressing itself in love of neighbor; Dodd that the ethics flows naturally from a realized eschatology. Hiers accepts something from all these men but follows the exegesis of Schweitzer and Bultmann mostly. He thinks Dodd is guilty of introducing Platonism into his exegesis by claiming that Jesus was consciously symbolizing in his eschatological teaching an eternal order beyond space and time. Hiers holds that Jesus was simply mistaken about his teaching and taught nothing of the eternal order created by Dodd's platonism. This, of course, opens up the bag of worms about the identity of Jesus. Hiers skirts the question but seems to give us his own idea about it when he says that God " was incarnate both in the men of faith in ancient Israel and in Jesus of Nazareth." (p. 154) In other words, Hiers would not accept the divinity of Jesus in any unique sense. His criticism of Dodd's position, then, does not allow the possibility that that doctrine, not platonism, gave Dodd his basic insight into the preaching of Jesus. Even if one cannot accept all of Hier's conclusions, the book is a useful summary of the positions of four...