Specific Staining of Egg-Shell Material in Trematodes and Cestodes

The material which forms the egg-shell in trematodes is an orthodihydroxyphenol-protein complex (Stephenson, 1947) which originates in the cells of the so-called vitellaria (Dawes, 1946). It has been found that both malachite and methyl green in aqueous solution have a marked and specific affinity for this material after formolsaline fixation. The same was found to be true for the egg-shell material in pseudophyllidean cestodes. These stains thus provide the helminthologist with a simple method by means of which the process of egg-shell formation in these groups may be worked out.     

METABOLIC EFFECTS OF RENAL INSUFFICIENCY IN CHILDREN

Chronic kidney disease in children is frequently associated with stunting of growth or dwarfing. The bones in many of these patients lose some of their essential minerals—calcium and phosphorus. Diets which are alkaline and contain high calcium, low phosphorus, are of value with regard to preventing the bone defect. Aluminum hydroxide by mouth may have a similar beneficial effect. Underlying both the dwarfing and the faulty bone development, may be loss of calcium or phosphorus or interference with the body''s use of hormones and vitamins.