The significance of urinary melanoma antigen excretion and the ability of thymosin to raise the level of depleted lymphocytes in vitro in malignant melanoma

One hundred and fifty-six patients were screened for the presence of urinary melanoma antigen and serum cytoplasmic antibody. It was found that 44% of symptomless Stage 1 patients tested five to 15 years after operation had detectable antigen (Ag) in their urine; the urines of 67% of Stage 2A (local recurrence) patients were positive for Ag; while in only 38% of those patients graded 2B (lymph-node involvement) were these tests positive. Urines of 83% of patients with generalized metastases (Stage 3) were positive. A sequential study was made of 23 patients seen and treated in 1976. Of this group, 14 reverted from a positive state to a negative one following excision of their tumour, while six were negative on first postoperative testing and subsequently became positive. Three out of the 23 remained persistently negative. T lymphocyte levels were assessed in 71 melanoma patients, and a stage-related fall was noticed. Thymosin (Hoffman LaRoche) on in vitro incubation significantly raised the levels of T lymphocytes.

The implantation of natural tooth form bioglasses in baboons. A preliminary report

This report describes a 6-month screening study comparing the tissue responses of several bioglass natural tooth implants in adult female baboons. The dental implants were designed to elicit osteogenesis at the interface of the implant and the oral tissues. This is in contrast to those types of implant materials that are merely biologically acceptable. Incisor teeth were extracted, dupplicated in bioglass, returned to the natural sockets, and splinted to the adjacent natural tooth, where they remained splinted for 3 months and then free standing for an additional 3 months. Microscopic evaluation revealed distinct histopathologic characteristics with certain bioglass formulas, such as ankylosis, a pseudofibrous capsule with fibers running parallel to the root surface, or an apparently true periodontal membrane with properly oriented Sharpey's fibers. True cementogenesis was not found.

Segmental renal hypoplasia and hypertension

The association of hypertension with congenital renal hypoplasia (Ask-Upmark kidney) has been well established. A case is presented that clearly demonstrates the distinctive clinical, roentgenographic and pathologic features. An abnormal production of renin by the affected kidney suggested that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis was involved in the genesis of the hypertension. Hypertension was cured by unilateral nephrectomy.