Computer Modeling of Physiological Phenomena at the Cellular Level

This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using computer modeling to study physiology, and provides an example of how students can begin to use computer modeling in the classroom

A philosophical base for a physical education program design

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Michigan State University. Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, 1967Includes bibliographical references (pages 109-124

Enteric infection with an obligate intracellular parasite, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, in an experimental model.

Rabbits were intrarectally infected with 3 doses (5 x 10(3), 5 x 10(5), and 5 x 10(7] of an obligate intracellular parasite, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, with or without prior colonic lavages. Although chronic administration of enemas seems to interfere to some degree with the intestinal translocation of the parasite, systemic infection was observed in both manipulated and nonmanipulated animals. The animals responded with antibodies of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG isotypes, reflecting the route of infection. They also produced significant amounts of circulating immune complexes composed of IgA and IgG antibodies and E. cuniculi antigens. Lesions compatible with encephalitozoonosis were seen in the liver, kidney, lung, and brain. In all instances, nonmanipulated animals had more severe lesions than manipulated rabbits given the same dose of parasites. Levels of serum antibodies, circulating immune complexes, and histopathologic changes were associated with the infection dose. The presented data suggest that human microsporidiosis may also be transmitted via the rectal route. It is, therefore, of clinical relevance in view of several reports of microsporidian infections in patients with acquired immunodeficiency

Is Microsporidial keratitis an emerging cause of stromal keratitis? – a case series study

BACKGROUND: Microsporidial keratitis is a rare cause of stromal keratitis. We present a series of five cases of microsporidial keratitis from a single centre in southern India with microbiologic and histopathologic features. CASE PRESENTATION: Patient charts of five cases of microsporidial stromal keratitis diagnosed between January 2002 and June 2004 were reviewed retrospectively for clinical data, microbiologic and histopathologic data. The presence of microsporidia was confirmed by special stains on corneal scrapings and/or corneal tissues, and electron microscopy. All patients were immunocompetent with a preceding history of trauma in three. Four patients presented with unilateral, small, persisting deep stromal infiltrates, of uncertain etiology, in the cornea, which were not responding to conventional antimicrobial treatment and required penetrating keratoplasty in three. Fifth case was unsuspected and underwent keratoplasty for post-traumatic scar. Three of five cases were diagnosed on corneal scrapings, prior to keratoplasty, while two were diagnosed only on histology. The microsporidia appeared as oval well defined bodies with dense staining at one pole. None of the patients showed recurrence following keratoplasty. CONCLUSION: Microsporidia, though rare, should be suspected in chronic culture-negative stromal keratitis. Organisms could lie dormant without associated inflammation