Effects of smokeless tobacco and snuff on oral mucosa of experimental animals

The effects of smokeless tobacco on oral mucosa were studied in 60 Syrian hamsters. Histologic study of the buccal pouch mucosa revealed no significant pathologic changes at either ten or 20 weeks after the start of the experiment. However, studies on epithelial whole mounts revealed a statistically significant decrease in mitotic activity and a statistically significant increase in the number of Langerhans' cells in animals subjected to daily use of tobacco or snuff for 20 weeks.

Binding of busulfan to plasma proteins and blood cells

The reversible and non-reversible binding of busulfan to plasma proteins and to blood cells has been evaluated in man. The reversible binding to plasma proteins was insignificant in both healthy subjects and in patients with chronic myelocytic leukaemia. The percentage of busulfan irreversibly bound to plasma ligands was 32.4. Busulfan was distributed evenly between blood cells and plasma. The fraction of busulfan irreversibly bound to the blood cells was 46.9%. The major portion of busulfan that is degraded in whole blood reacts with the blood cells and the main part of that binds to macromolecular components in the cells.

[Echography of palpable abdominal masses in adults. Apropos of 92 cases]

A retrospective study was conducted of 92 cases of palpable abdominal masses in adults, lesions being of undetermined origin clinically but verified by ultrasound imaging. Final distribution of organs affected showed considerable divergence between the different intra- and retro-peritoneal organs and the various pathological conditions involved, with a predominance of malignant tumors. This dispersion means that a discriminating examination such as ultrasonography must be practised. Ultrasound imaging was able to identify the affected organ in 86 p. 100 cases using a precise semiological analysis (mass center, interface). Diagnostic difficulties (14 p. 100 cases) are due to restrictions in semiological factors, large masses, and certain topographic or morphologic clinical forms. Ultrasound regularly provides macroscopic data: shape of mass, and size reduced by approximately 15 p. 100 in all cases. Regional and metastatic extension is also underestimated in approximately 1/4 cases. If these limitations are accepted, the use of ultrasonography appears to be the primary procedure required, this determining the therapeutic decision.

Kinetics of the chlorination of azobenzene and comparison with azoxybenzene

The activating effect of the phenylazo substituent in electrophilic substitution has been examined. The rates and partial rate factors for chlorination of azobenzene with molecular chlorine and protonated chlorine acetate have been determined relative to benzene. Whereas the chlorine acetate reaction proceeds readily (relative rate 4900) there is virtually no activation to chlorination by molecular chlorine. Complexes between azobenzene and bromine were, however, isolated and chatacterized. Their formation implies that during molecular halogenation reactions the electrophile is essentially unavailable. The relative chlorination rates for azobenzene and azoxybenzene have also been established: the phenylazo group is more activating towards protonated chlorine acetate whereas azoxybenzene (which does not complex with halogens) is the more reactive with molecular chlorine. The chlorination results confirm the versatility of the phenylazo group which is the first substituent for which kinetic data have been obtained quantifying activation of aromatic electrophilic, radical and nucleophilic substitution.

[Echography of non-suppurative thyroiditis]

The echographic results of 14 cases of thyroiditis (7 of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT), 5 of De Quervain subacute thyroiditis, 1 of lignous thyroiditis, 1 of Riedel's fibrous thyroiditis) were extracted from a consecutive series of 900 thyroid echograms and analysed retrospectively. Homogeneous hypoechogenicity, similar to that of surrounding muscles, was found in 12 cases. This hypoechogenicity affected all of the thyroid parenchyma diffusely in the 6 cases of CLT where it was present, and by contrast localised to a unilateral lateral or, more often, 2 bilateral lateral plaques, progressively blending with the residual parenchyma in SAT and lignous thyroiditis. Riedel's thyroiditis took the form of a large unilateral hypoechogenic but heterogeneous mass. Echography would seem overall to make a significant contribution in the diagnosis of thyroiditis: a diffuse hypoechogenic goitre is very common, though not an absolutely constant feature, in TCL. Bilateral lateral plaques of homogeneous hypoechogenicity are highly suggestive of a diagnosis of SAT.

[Bronchocentric granulomatosis. A new case and review of the literature]

One the basis of one case, a review is undertaken of this recently described condition. The special interest of this case lies in its reticulo-nodular type radiological appearances and above all the presence of aspergillus within the lesions, rarely reported in non-asthmatics.

Determination of busulfan in plasma by GC-MS with selected-ion monitoring

A GC-MS technique with selected-ion monitoring is described for the determination of busulfan in plasma. Busulfan is extracted from plasma with methylene chloride and converted to 1,4-diiodobutane. Analysis by GC-MS with selected-ion monitoring (m/z 183) gave a relative standard deviation of +/- 4.3% (n = 5) at the 10-ng/ml level.

Busulfan kinetics

Busulfan kinetics were studied in patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia after oral doses of 2, 4, and 6 mg. The plasma concentration-time data could be fitted to a zero-order absorption one-compartment open model. The elimination rate constant averaged 0.27 +/- 0.05 hr-1 (SD). The plasma AUC was linearly related to the dose. The lag time for the start of absorption, the time absorption ends, and the absorption rate constant showed some interindividual variations. About 1% of busulfan is excreted unchanged in urine over 24 hr.

A simple and economical method for the preparation of adsorbents for the thyroid hormone uptake test

A low-cost and simple method has been developed for the preparation of human or animal protein-based adsorbents for use in the thyroid hormone uptake test. A combination of sodium sulphate precipitation and glutaraldehyde polymerisation of pooled whole serum or purified albumin preparations was employed to yield a fine solid-phase suspension which eliminates the need for capping and rotating assay tubes. Results for 107 samples obtained by this method correlated well with those obtained by use of a commercial kit.

The radiologic diagnosis of thoracic aortic rupture on plain film

This paper reviews the recent literature (1968-1982) describing the radiologic diagnosis of aortic rupture and attempts to define causal relationships between rupture and radiologic signs as well as assessing respective predictive values. Also presented is a case report of a patient with thoracic aortic rupture in whom esophageal (nasogastric tube) displacement occurred to the left rather than the right, in apparent violation of one of the more newly established radiologic signs of aortic rupture.

Clinical and laboratory evaluation of a commercial kit for measurement of serum free thyroxin ("Amerlex Free T4")

Different indexes of thyroid function were determined in conjunction with values obtained with a new commercial radioimmunoassay kit for serum free thyroxin, in 49 apparently healthy subjects, 87 pregnant women, and 142 outpatients attending the thyroid clinic. The results indicate a diagnostic success rate of 88% when free thyroxin was measured instead of estimating the so-called free thyroxin index. Furthermore, in three cases of papillary carcinoma the concentration of free thyroxin was increased, although all the other laboratory tests indicated a euthyroid state. Technically, the method is simple, rapid, and precise, and it would be of most value in the small hospital laboratory lacking the facilities of a comprehensive thyroid-function test service.

Clinical and laboratory evaluation of a commercial kit for measurement of serum free thyroxin ("Amerlex Free T4")

Different indexes of thyroid function were determined in conjunction with values obtained with a new commercial radioimmunoassay kit for serum free thyroxin, in 49 apparently healthy subjects, 87 pregnant women, and 142 outpatients attending the thyroid clinic. The results indicate a diagnostic success rate of 88% when free thyroxin was measured instead of estimating the so-called free thyroxin index. Furthermore, in three cases of papillary carcinoma the concentration of free thyroxin was increased, although all the other laboratory tests indicated a euthyroid state. Technically, the method is simple, rapid, and precise, and it would be of most value in the small hospital laboratory lacking the facilities of a comprehensive thyroid-function test service.

[Cerebral tomodensitometry in neuropediatrics]

CAT scan is now the primary diagnostic procedure for intracranial lesions in children. It is particularly well-suited for investigating intracranial hypertension, tumors and other space-occupying lesions, hydrocephalus, and malformations. Because it is non-invasive, this technique tends to be unduly performed as a screening procedure, with a resulting oversaturation of neuroradiological facilities. CAT scan should not be used as a routine examination, but only in well-selected cases. Careful clinical assessment and a good knowledge of pediatric neurology are still essential. New techniques are now becoming available and neuroradiologists will be able to select the best investigation for each particular case.

Structural considerations in the metabolism of nitriles to cyanide in vivo

In order to investigate structure-activity relationships that influence metabolism of nitriles to CN-, thiocyanate was measured, as an index of CN- release, in urine of rats given equimolar doses of nitriles. Significantly more SCN- was excreted after po than after ip administration of saturated (C2-C5) nitriles, but SCN- excretion was the same after both routes for n-hexanenitrile. Among saturated nitriles, SCN- excretion was maximal for the C3 and C4 compounds, propionitrile, n-butyronitrile, and isobutyronitrile, after both po and ip administration. SCN- excretion was not elevated after administration of the tertiary nitrile trimethylacetonitrile. Administration (po) of the unsaturated nitriles acrylonitrile, crotonitrile, and 3-butenenitrile yielded 37%, 5.6%, and 29% of the dose as SCN-, whereas after ip injection 4.5%, 4.6%, and 18% of the doses were excreted as SCN-, respectively. After iv injection of acrylonitrile, urinary SCN- content was not elevated, whereas 45% of an iv dose of the saturated analog propionitrile was excreted as SCN-. These results suggest that length of the carbon chain, presence of substituents at the alpha-carbon, position of double bonds, and, for some compounds, route of administration, are important factors influencing the release of CN- from nitriles.

[Ultrasound anatomy of the right hypocondrium on coronal scans. Description and clinical applications (author's transl)]

Ultrasound anatomy of the right hypocondrium as it appears on control scans is described and illustrated. Such views are often self-speaking and are readily understood by the clinicians, because they are similar to the classified radiological anatomy. Moreover, coronal studies of the right hypocondrium proves to be very suitable in a wide variety of pathological situations and in some peculiar patients such as the stout ones.

A novel non-separation fluoroimmunoassay for thyroxine

It has proved possible to develop a novel non-separation fluoroimmunoassay for thyroxine employing antibodies both to thyroxine and to fluorescein incorporated into immune complexes by addition of a common species-specific anti-immunoglobulin G serum. The labelled hapten could bind to antibody of either specificity but not to both at the same time. Binding to anti-fluorescein markedly reduced fluorescence whereas binding to anti-thyroxine did not. Unlabelled thyroxine competed with the labelled hapten only for anti-thyroxine binding sites and, as a result, more of the labelled thyroxine was bound to anti-fluorescein with a decrease in total fluorescence.

Magnetizable solid-phase fluoroimmunoassay of thyroxine by a sequential addition technique

We describe a simple fluoroimmunoassay for the determination of thyroxine concentrations in serum. The method, "sequential addition, separation fluoroimmunoassay," involves both thyroxine labeled with fluorescein and magnetizable cellulose/iron oxide particles to which antibodies to thyroxine have been covalently linked. Serum sample or standard is incubated with an excess of the solid-phase antibody; the particles, which now carry most of the antigen in the sample, are sedimented onto a magnet and the supernate, which contains endogenous fluorophores and other interfering factors, is removed and discarded. Excess labeled thyroxine is then added, and, after incubation, the fluorescence in the supernate (free fraction), which is related directly to the amount of thyroxine in the sample is measured. For the whole procedure, including fluorometry, each sample is treated entirely within disposable polystyrene test tubes. Correlation studies with two different radioimmunoassays showed good agreement.

Magnetizable solid-phase fluoroimmunoassay of thyroxine by a sequential addition technique

We describe a simple fluoroimmunoassay for the determination of thyroxine concentrations in serum. The method, "sequential addition, separation fluoroimmunoassay," involves both thyroxine labeled with fluorescein and magnetizable cellulose/iron oxide particles to which antibodies to thyroxine have been covalently linked. Serum sample or standard is incubated with an excess of the solid-phase antibody; the particles, which now carry most of the antigen in the sample, are sedimented onto a magnet and the supernate, which contains endogenous fluorophores and other interfering factors, is removed and discarded. Excess labeled thyroxine is then added, and, after incubation, the fluorescence in the supernate (free fraction), which is related directly to the amount of thyroxine in the sample is measured. For the whole procedure, including fluorometry, each sample is treated entirely within disposable polystyrene test tubes. Correlation studies with two different radioimmunoassays showed good agreement.

Beta-thromboglobulin and the diagnosis of thrombosis in elderly patients

The plasma concentration of beta-thromboglobulin was estimated in elderly in-patients using a radio-immuno-assay technique. There were highly significance differences between the mean values of patients with arterial or venous thrombosis, as compared with controls. The ability of the test to detect thrombosis above the inguinal ligament means that it is a useful addition to the existing battery of tests for detecting thrombosis.

Radiological manifestations of neonatal renal vein thrombosis on follow-up examinations

Renal atrophy involving all or part of one or both kidneys was found in 10 children with renal vein thrombosis who had been given conservative treatment. This appearance is nonspecific and can be found in any condition which disturbs the renal parenchyma. However, in a significant number of patients calcification produced a pathognomonic radiological pattern. Awareness of these late radiological manifestations may help in recognizing those cases in which renal vein thrombosis went unnoticed in the neonatal period and the patient is now found to have a perplexing radiological appearance.

The syndrome of accelerated bone maturation in the newborn infant with dysmorphism and congenital malformations. (The so-called Marshall-Smith syndrome)

A new case of the syndrome of "accelerated skeletal maturation, facial dysmorphism, failure to thrive and psychomotor retardation" is presented. The syndrome was noted in the neonatal period. The diagnosis can be readily suggested by the radiologist because ossification centers show exceptionally early maturation. This case history increases to at least five the number of cases so far reported following the initial publication by Marchall and al. in 1971. If the two cases described in 1974 by Weaver and al. (as a distinct entity) are also included then the total of cases reported rises to seven.

[Cholesterol pneumonia in a child (author's transl)]

The case presented is that of a pneumonia due to cholesterol in a young girl of 13 years old. The clinical picture was that of severe progressive pulmonary fibrosis. On histology, a foreign body reaction around cholesterol crystals was found. The history enabled confirmation of the endogenous origin of this fatty infiltration.

Introduction of a rapid, simple radioimmunoassay and quality control scheme for thyroxine

A simple radioimmunoassay has been developed for service purposes to determine serum total thyroxine levels. Only three additions are required, of standard or sample, labelled thyroxine and antibody in polyethylene glycol. After 2 hours' incubation at room temperature the antibody-bound and free fractions are separated by centrifugation. Serum total thyroxine levels were measured in 195 euthyroid subjects and it was established that normal values lay within the range 57 to 155 nmol/1. Serial blood samples taken over a 24-hour period, from 11 subjects, indicated that there was no circadian rhythm so that samples for total thyroxine assay can be taken at any time of the day. Similar results were obtained using serum or plasma. Satisfactory results were obtained for three quality control sera when measured by seven different laboratories using this method.

[Vertebral angiography and tumours of the posterior fossa in children. 29 cases (author's transl)]

With reference to 29 cases of tumours of the posterior fossa, the authors attempt to place the value of vertebral angiography amongst other diagnostic techniques and in particular in relation to ventriculography using iodised hydrosoluble contrast media. Whilst recognising the diagnostic possibilities offered by vertebral angiography, they feel that, in many cases, opacification of the IVth ventricle is necessary and that angiography does not therefore form part of the routine pre-operative assessment of such tumours.

[A rare cause of antro-pyloric stenosis in the child: septic granulomatosis. Concerning one case (author's transl)]

Presentation of a case of pyloric stenosis in a five year old boy due to a granuloma during the course of septic granulomatosis. The discussion must enable one to evoke the diagnosis when it is a known case of granulomatous disease, and consequently to treat it medically with antibiotics. In the opposite case where the disease is not known, it is a question of etiological discussion of pyloric stenosis. It is now worth thinking of septic granulomatosis routinely with the more classical causes of pyloric stenosis in the order boy.

[Renal localization of lymphosarcoma in the child (author's transl)]

Eight children with renal localization of a lymphosarcoma are presented. Intravenous pyelography is generally carried out in the systematic full check-up of a known case of lymphosarcoma, in order to determine the degree of extension of the disease and in order to adapt chemotherapy. The different radiological appearances are discussed. They more frequently lead to the diagnosis of more well known conditions when the diagnosis of lymphosarcoma has not yet been established.