Inflammatory pseudotumor of the lung in a child with mycoplasma pneumonia

A case of inflammatory pseudotumor of the lung occurring in a six-year-old boy is reported with clinicopathologic findings, including its ultrastructure. The patient had had frequent upper respiratory tract infections, and one and half year before the discovery of the lung mass, he suffered from pneumonia of the right lung, which was serologically proven to be a mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Exploratory thoracotomy revealed a large mediastinal mass that was removed together with the right middle and lower lobes of the lung. The mass arose from the lung with an endobronchial element. Microscopically, the mass was composed of a variety of inflammatory and mesenchymal cells, including plasma cells, histiocytes, lymphocytes, and fibroblast-like spindle cells. Ultrastructurally, the spindle-shaped mesenchymal cells were either fibroblasts or myofibroblasts. At the time of diagnosis of the inflammatory pseudotumor of the lung, the serum titer of antimycoplasma antibody rose again, and the lung parenchyma adjacent to the mass showed interstitial pneumonia with features of bronchiolitis obliterans. The present case suggests that the inflammatory pseudotumor of the lung could be a postinflammatory lesion associated with mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

Changes in the protein nutritional status of adolescent wrestlers

The protein nutritional status of adolescent wrestlers was studied to determine whether changes occur during a season of competition and weight loss. Subjects (N = 18) were measured prior to the start of the season (PRE), twice in the midseason, and once during late season (LATE) for weight, percent body fat, and height. At each of these times, a venous blood sample was obtained from the subjects, who were fasted, and analyzed for concentrations of albumin, prealbumin, retinol binding protein (RBP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and 23 amino acids. Diet records were kept by subjects to assess daily energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. Results showed that wrestlers decreased weight by an average of 6.6 +/- 0.9% and that percent body fat, fat-free weight, plasma levels of prealbumin and RBP, the ratio of total essential amino acids to total amino acids, and dietary energy nutrient intakes were significantly lower at LATE compared to PRE. RBP decreased during midseason and averaged (+/- SE) 3.21 +/- 0.15 mg.100 ml-1 at LATE; prealbumin was significantly lower at LATE with a mean value of 19.8 +/- 1.0 mg.100 ml-1. Total energy intake decreased from PRE values by 35%, to approximately 27 kcal.kg-1.d-1 during the season. In conclusion, in these high school wrestlers who lost approximately 6.6% of weight, there were adverse effects on some of the indices of protein nutritional status.

Effect of central-residue replacements on the helical stability of a monomeric peptide

The peptide acetylYEAAAKEARAKEAAAKAamide exhibits the dichroic features characteristic of a monomeric helix/coil transition in aqueous solution. Nineteen variants of this peptide each containing a different residue at position 9 were prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis and purified by reversed-phase chromatography. The thermal dependence of the far-ultraviolet dichroic spectrum of each of these peptides except that containing proline is characteristic for an alpha-helix/coil transition. The relative stability of the helical forms of these peptides does not correlate with the preference of the variable amino acid to occupy a middle position in a protein helix. It is likely that the specific interactions of the variable residue with its local environment obscure any inherent preference of the residue to reside in an alpha-helix.

Gastrointestinal manifestations of Henoch-Schönlein purpura

We report a case of the intestinal lesion in Henoch-Schönlein purpura, presented with an acute abdomen in a 4 year old boy. Five days after sudden colicky abdominal pain, skin purpura and painful joint swelling developed. These manifestations were associated with abdominal distension, hematemesis, hematochezia and hematuria. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a marked bowel distension with edema and patchy dark reddish discoloration of the jejunum and ileum. These patchy areas showed transmural hemorrhage and necrosis associated with characteristic leukocytoclastic vasculitis in and around the hemorrhagic lesions. These vasculitis was thought to be related to Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Status of intestinal parasite infections in inhabitants of Palmar, Guayas Province, Ecuador

Status of intestinal protozoan and helminthic infections was surveyed in mestizo population living in rural parish of Palmar and its nearby recintos(villages). Three of the surveyed villages were at the Pacific coast and 5 villages were in inner pasture land, located about 100 km west of Guayaquil, the second largest city in Ecuador. One stool sample was examined by one cellophane thick smear for helminth ova and one direct smear stained with Lugol's iodine solution for protozoan cysts. Of 325 persons examined, 66.1% were positive for any ova or cyst. The positive rates were: 18.1% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 19.4% for Trichuris trichiura, 0.6% for hookworm, 3.7% for Hymenolepsis nana, 1.8% for Taenia sp., 19.4% for Entamoeba histolytica, 28.6% for Entamoeba coli, 5.5% for Endolimax nana, 1.5% for Iodamoeba buetschlii, 11.1% for Giardia lamblia and 0.6% for Chilomastix mesnili. Poor supply of potable water was considered the main cause of high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections.

Frequent inactivation of the retinoblastoma anti-oncogene is restricted to a subset of human tumor cells

We have used polyclonal anti-synthetic peptide serum to study the role of retinoblastoma gene (RB) inactivation in a variety of human tumor cell lines. Our analysis indicates that inactivation of the RB protein, p105-Rb, is universal in retinoblastoma cells, vindicating the predictions of the Knudson "two-hit" hypothesis. In addition, our analysis has shown that inactivations of the RB gene are nearly as frequent in a more common human tumor, small cell lung carcinoma. One-third of bladder carcinomas surveyed also carry altered or absent p105-Rb. Other human tumors by contrast demonstrate only infrequent inactivation of the RB gene. These results suggest that inactivation of the RB gene is a critical step in the pathogenesis of a subset of human tumors.

Poorly differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid retrospective clinical and morphologic evaluation

Five thyroid carcinomas showing clinically aggressive biologic behavior were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the possible presence of morphologic differences from conventional thyroid carcinomas. They were originally diagnosed as follicular carcinomas, medullary carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, and mixed papillary and medullary carcinoma. There were three males and two females. The age at the time of initial diagnosis ranged from 36 years to 67 years (mean 56 years). The size of the tumor varied from 4.5cm to 10cm (mean diameter 7cm). One patient died of brain metastasis four years after the initial therapy and the other four patients are still alive with local recurrences and/or metastases to bone, spinal cord, lung, and buttock. Histologically these lesions are categorized into two different groups: insular variant and columnar cell variant. Insular variant was characterized by well-defined nests (insulae) that are composed of small, uniform cells, frequent tumor necrosis, and hyalinization of the stroma. Columnar cell variant was characterized by tall columnar cells with marked nuclear statification. All five cases stained positively for thyroglobulin and negatively for calcitonin. With the above clinical and histopathological findings, we interpreted these lesions as a poorly differentiated carcinoma, biologically in an intermediate position between well differentiated and anaplastic carcinomas. The rapid and often fatal outcome associated with these variants of poorly differentiated carcinoma warrants aggressive treatment at the time of diagnosis.

Thyroglobulin synthesis of oxyphilic cells in various types of neoplastic and autoimmune thyroid diseases

To determine the content of thyroglobulin in oxyphilic cells of the thyroid, which have been considered as non-thyroglobulin producing cells, the degree of stainability of the various oxyphilic cells for thyroglobulin was compared with that of non-oxyphilic follicular cells in either same or different lesion. A total of 13 oxyphilic lesions, including three follicular adenomas containing oxyphilic cell nodules, four pure oxyphilic cell adenomas, and six Hashimoto's thyroiditis were compared with 16 of non-oxyphilic lesions such as, seven follicular adenomas, four chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, and five Graves' disease. Many oxyphilic cells stained positively for thyroglobulin regardless of their morphologic variation, but less intensely than the usual follicular cells in follicular adenomas, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, and Graves' disease. The stainability of oxyphilic cells for thyroglogulin did not show any significant correlation with morphologic features, whereas in follicular adenomas, the non-oxyphilic follicular cells forming microfollicles stained less strongly for thyroglobulin than the same cells lining large mature follicles in a reproducible way. With above findings, we concluded that oxyphilic cells maintain the functional activity in terms of thyroglobulin synthesis, although the content of the thyroglobulin is less than that of non-oxyphilic colloid forming follicular cells.

Reduced training maintains performance in distance runners

This investigation examined endurance runners during a 3-week reduction in training volume and frequency. Ten well-conditioned runners were monitored for 4 weeks while training at their normal weekly training distance (mean +/- SE) (81 +/- 5 km/week, 6 days/week). This period was designated as baseline training (BT). Sixty km/week were run at approximately 75% VO2max, and the remainder (21 km/week) at approximately 95% VO2max in the form of intervals and races. The runners then reduced weekly training volume (RT) by 70% of BT to 24 +/- 2 km/week and frequency by 17% to 5 days/week for 3 weeks. During RT 17 km/week was performed at approximately 75% VO2max and the remainder (7 km/week) at approximately 95% VO2max (intervals and races). The runners were tested weekly and performed 5-km races on a 200-m indoor track during Bt and after 2 and 3 weeks of RT. Maximal heart rate (HR) increased (P less than 0.05) by approximately 4 beats/min at RT week 3, which may have been associated with a decrease in estimated plasma volume (P less than 0.01) of 5.62 +/- 0.43%. Time to exhaustion during the VO2max tests increased (P less than 0.05) by 9.5% at RT week 3. No significant (P greater than 0.05) changes occurred with RT in body weight, % body fat, overall 5 km race times, VO2max, muscular power (vertical leap and Margaria power test), and citrate synthase activity (at 2 weeks of RT). No alterations in venous lactate, energy expenditure, and HR were observed during submaximal running at two speeds (approximately 65% and 85% VO2max) with RT.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Testosterone, cortisol, and creatine kinase levels in male distance runners during reduced training

The purpose of this study was to examine if reduced training would reestablish normal testosterone, cortisol, and creatine kinase (CK) levels in male distance runners. Ten male runners (mean +/- SE) age 32.0 +/- 2.6 yrs, body fat 9.6 +/- 1.0%, VO2max 61.8 +/- 1.1 ml/kg/min) were monitored during 4 weeks of normal training (baseline training, BT) and 3 weeks of reduced training (RT). During BT running distance averaged 81 +/- 5 km/week, 6 days/week. During RT the runners reduced weekly training volume by 70% of BT to 24 +/- 2 km/week and training frequency to 5 days/week. Weekly resting blood samples were obtained between 0600-0900 hrs after an overnight fast. During BT resting total testosterone levels averaged 5.10 +/- 0.21 ng/ml, which is within the low ranges previously reported in male distance runners. Testosterone levels were not affected by RT (avg of 5.38 +/- 0.31 ng/ml). Cortisol levels were in the high range of normal during BT (23.61 +/- 1.18 ug/dl) and were not altered with RT (avg of 23.14 +/- 1.56 ug/dl). Creatine kinase was elevated (168 +/- 15 U/L) during BT and was significantly reduced (P less than 0.001) at weeks 1-3 of RT (avg of 99 +/- 9 U/L). These results suggest that normally training male runners have low resting total testosterone levels and cortisol levels in the high-normal range. Resting testosterone and cortisol were not responsive to the training reduction. Creatine kinase appears to be sensitive to relative changes in training.

Pilar sheath acanthoma--report of a case with review of the literature

A 52-year-old male presented with a solitary asymptomatic, skin-colored nodule with a central pore on the skin of the left cheek of one year duration. An excisional biopsy was performed. The skin biopsy finding showed the typical histological picture of pilar sheath acanthoma. A description of the lesion and a review of the literature are given.

Measurement of the absolute level of specific IgE to Dermatophagoides farinae by dot radioimmunoassay: relationship between the ratio of specific IgE to total IgE and skin reactivity

Allergen dot radioimmunoassay (dot-RIA), employing nitrocellulose filter paper (NFP) as the solid phase, and a Phadebas RAST tracer as the detecting antibody was used to measure the absolute amount of specific IgE to Dermatophagoides farinae (D. farinae) in forty-five D. farinae-sensitive patients and ten negative controls. These results with dot-RIA were compared with those with D. farinae radioallergosorbent test (RAST). When the elution of D. farinae-specific IgE from antibody-dotted NFP complex by alkaline buffer (pH 11.0) was done and followed by measurement of IgE contents in various dilutions of eluate to construct a standard curve, D. farinae-RAST exhibited greater binding than dot-RIA. There was a similar high degree of correlation of specific IgE levels between the ratio of specific IgE to total IgE by dot-RIA and RAST when compared with the wheal size on skin prick test to D. farinae. It was suggested that dot-RIA using NFP as the solid phase-a simple, less expensive, and reproducible method-is applicable for measuring the absolute level of specific IgE to D. farinae and for determining the relationship between the ratio of specific IgE to total IgE and the wheal size on skin prick test in D. farinae-sensitive patients.

Mechanical properties of BIS-GMA resin short glass fiber composites

The use of short glass fibers as a filler for dental restorations or cement resins have not been examined extensively. The mechanical properties and untreated glass fibers (5 microns dia x 25 microns) in Bis-phenol A glycidyl methacrylate (BIS-GMA) diluted with triethylene-glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) resin were investigated for possible use as a restorative dental composite or bone cement. Compression, uniaxial tension and fracture toughness tests were conducted for each filler composite mixtures of 40, 50, 60 and 70%. Set time and maximum temperature of polymerization were determined. The results show that the elastic modulus, tensile strength and compressive strength are dependent on the percent of filler content. Elastic modulus and compressive yield (0.2%) strength of silane treated glass fibers filled composite increased from 2.26 to 4.59 GPa and 43.3 to 66.6 MPa, respectively, wtih increasing the filler content while the tensile strength decreased from 26.7 to 18.6 MPa. The elastic modulus of the untreated composite was less than that of the silane treated fiber composite. The tensile strength and compressive strengths were 20 to 50% lower than those of silane treated composites. The fracture toughness of the silane treated glass fiber additions were not significantly different from the untreated additions. The highest fracture toughness was obtained at 50% filler content with 1.65 MPa m.5. Set time increased from 3.5 to 7.7 minutes with increased filler content and peak temperature dropped from 68.3 to 34 degrees C. The results of this study indicate that the addition of silane coated glass fiber to BIS-GMA resin increased the elastic modulus, tensile and compressive strengths compared with non-treated fibers. The addition of either treated or non-treated fibers increased the set time of the material and decreased the maximum temperature.

Substrate activation by malate induced by oxalate in the Ascaris suum NAD-malic enzyme reaction

Substrate activation of the rate of the NAD-malic enzyme reaction by malate is obtained in the presence but not in the absence of oxalate. The substrate activation is a result of competition between malate and oxalate for the E.NADH complex, with malate binding to the form of the complex unprotonated at an enzyme group with a pK of 4.9 and oxalate binding preferentially to the protonated form. The off-rate for NADH from the E.NADH complex is completely rate limiting when the group with a pK of 4.9 is protonated but is only one of several rate-limiting steps when it is unprotonated [Kiick, D.M., Harris, B.G., & Cook, P.F. (1986) Biochemistry 25, 227]. The competition by malate with oxalate thus results in an overall increase in the off-rate for NADH as a result of binding to the unprotonated form of E.NADH. Consistent with the proposed mechanism, the deuterium isotope effect on V for the nonsubstrate-activating malate concentration range decreases from 1.6 in the absence of oxalate to 1.3 in the presence of a concentration of oxalate equal to its Kii. The rate equation for the oxalate-induced substrate activation by malate is derived and presented in the Appendix. Data are discussed in terms of the overall mechanism of the NAD-malic enzyme.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome--report of an autopsy case

Authors report the first autopsy case of acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Korea. The patient was a 26 years old Korean male who died of respiratory failure due to mixed pulmonary infections. He had history of homosexual contacts with partners of both domestic and foreign nationalities. Initial presentation was unexplained fever for two months. Serological test and western blot test for anti-HIV were positive and T-cell subset analysis revealed T3/T4/T8 to be 73/8/67%. Pulmonary tuberculosis with mediastinal lymphadenopathy and esophagonadal fistula and oral candidiasis were presented. Respiratory infection progressed gradually and he died seven months after the initial symptom. Autopsy findings were generalized severe lymphoid cell depletion, especially of T-cell population and mixed pulmonary infections with Pneumocystis carinii and cytomegalovirus (CMV). The CMV infection involved lungs and adrenals. Oral candidiasis was also demonstrated.

Effects of fibrin sealant on the fixation of porous titanium and pyrolytic carbon implants

The authors investigated the potential role the fibrin sealant system may portray in the fixation of osseous implants. The application of a layer of fibrin did not interfere with the fixation of osseous implants of either pyrolytic carbon or Biolite-coated porous titanium. A greater percentage of tissue ingrowth was observed in the porous titanium implants in the presence of the fibrin sealant system; however, no significant difference in the ultimate interfacial shear stress was observed.

Point mutational inactivation of the retinoblastoma antioncogene

The retinoblastoma (Rb) antioncogene encodes a nuclear phosphoprotein, p105-Rb, that forms protein complexes with the adenovirus E1A and SV40 large T oncoproteins. A novel, aberrant Rb protein detected in J82 bladder carcinoma cells was not able to form a complex with E1A and was less stable than p105-Rb. By means of a rapid method for the detection of mutations in Rb mRNA, this defective Rb protein was observed to result from a single point mutation within a splice acceptor sequence in J82 genomic DNA. This mutation eliminates a single exon and 35 amino acids from its encoded protein product.

A histopathologic study on 1,095 surgically resected thyroid specimens

A histopathologic study was made on 1,095 thyroid specimens which had been removed surgically under various diagnoses at Seoul National University Hospital during the six-year period, 1976-1981. Among the 1,095 surgically removed thyroids, adenomatous goiter was the most common single disease, accounting for 43% of all cases; this was followed by papillary carcinoma and follicular adenoma. Of the malignant tumors, papillary carcinoma was the most frequent, accounting for 259 cases, 76.85% of all malignancies. Ground glass nuclei and psammoma bodies were seen in approximately 64% and 65% of the papillary carcinomas, respectively. Squamous metaplasia was, however, present in 17%. There were also 53 follicular, 13 anaplastic and seven medullary carcinomas. Of the 56 occult sclerosing carcinomas, most were detected in the backgrounds of the adenomatous goiters. Occult sclerosing carcinoma was found in 9.2% of the adenomatous goiters and in 4.3% of the follicular adenomas.

The effect of the extracorporeal shock wave lithotriptor on the bone-cement interface in dogs

The extracorporeal shock wave lithotriptor (ECSWL) is a machine that generates shock waves that transfer energy through biologic materials. This study focused the wave at a composite bone-cement (polymethylmethacrylate) interface and evaluated the effects both quantitatively and qualitatively. Six matched sets of dog femora were selected. The intramedullary canals were packed uniformly with cement. One of the set was randomly selected for treatment with impulses while the other served as the control. The bone was then sectioned transversely into discs, and scanning electron microscopy and mechanical push-out studies were performed. The results indicated that the ECSWL does have a loosening effect on the bone-cement interface. Using a paired Student's t-test, the shear strength was significantly less in the treated group than in the control (p less than 0.003). Microscopically, the treated specimens revealed relative sparing of the surrounding bone. At the bone-cement interface, however, microfractures, loose bodies, and widening were seen. Revision total arthroplasty has a significant morbidity, which can be partially attributed to cement extraction. The results of this study indicate that the ECSWL may be a useful adjunct in revision surgery by facilitating the extraction of polymethylmethacrylate and thereby reducing the morbidity.

Nucleolar organizer regions of lymphomas in Korea

Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) are loops of DNA which occur in the nucleoli of cells and which possess ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The numbers and/or configurations of NORs have been thought to be related to cellular activities. To assess the applicability of NORs associated protein (Ag-NORs) in the field of diagnostic histopathology, a silver staining was done in paraffin sections of malignant lymphomas, tonsils and reactive lymph nodes and the numbers of Ag-NORs in the nuclei of low-grade and those of high-grade lymphomas were compared. A significant difference was found between the numbers of Ag-NORs in the nuclei of low-grade lymphoma (a mean of 1.3 per nucleus) and those of high-grade lymphomas (a mean of 4.2 to 8.3 per nucleus). The Ag-NORs were often observed in nuclei in areas where nucleoli themselves were not visible in H&E stain. It is suggested that this method would be of great value in the field of tumor histopathology.

Effects of repeated days of intensified training on muscle glycogen and swimming performance

Twelve, highly trained male swimmers were studied before, during, and after 10 successive days of increased training in an attempt to determine the physical effects of training over-load. Their average training distance was increased from 4,266 to 8,970 m.d-1, while swimming intensity was maintained at 94% (SE +/- 2%) of their maximal oxygen uptake, resulting in an average caloric cost during training of 2,293 kcal.d-1 (+/- 74). As a result of the intensified training regimen, the swimmers experienced local muscular fatigue and difficulty in completing the training sessions. Nevertheless, their swimming power, sprinting (s.22.86 m-1), endurance (s.365.8 m-1) performance, aerobic capacity, and muscle (m. deltoid) citrate synthase were unchanged as a consequence of the 10-d training regimen. Four of the 12 swimmers were, however, unable to tolerate the heavier training demands, and were forced to swim at significantly slower (P less than 0.05) speeds during the training sessions. These men were found to have significantly reduced muscle glycogen values, which was the result of their abnormally low carbohydrate intake. The findings of this research suggest that some swimmers may experience chronic muscular fatigue as a result of their failure to ingest sufficient carbohydrate to match the energy demands of heavy training.

Malignant tumors among Koreans-relative frequency study on 19,140 cases during 1978 to 1986

A statistical analysis was made on 19,140 primary malignant tumors histopathologically diagnosed at Seoul National University Hospital during 9 year period from 1978 to 1986. The study was performed to understand the recent trend of the relative frequency of the primary malignant tumors among Koreans and to compare it with the previous studies using same hospital materials, twice presented in 1968 and 1978, respectively. Sex distribution of the cases was 10,025 (52.38%) males and 9,115 (47.62%) females. Among males the frequency rank was stomach (33.88%), lung and bronchus (8.73%), leukemia (7.02%), liver (4.79%) and oral cavity (4.70%). And among females it was uterine cervix (24.48%), stomach (20.45%), thyroid (7.87%), breast (6.48%) and leukemia (4.78%). The relative frequency of malignant tumors in this study was generally similar to the previous data published in 1978 at this department, except for the fact that stomach and lung cancers were more commonly seen in both sexes during this study period than the previous periods of years.

Histopathologic study of the so called 'palpation thyroiditis'

We have reviewed 1066 thyroid lesions and compared the relative incidence of the so called 'palpation thyroiditis' between autoimmune thyroiditis and normal thyroid parenchyme surrounding the nodular thyroid lesion and also discussed the pathogenesis of palpation thyroiditis. The typical histopathologic features of 'palpation thyroiditis' were seen in 275 cases among 467 adenomatous goiters and in none of the autoimmune thyroiditis. We here in this paper suggest that the so called 'palpation thyroiditis' is not merely a secondary phenomenon to mechanical follicular damage by vigorous palpation, but this lesion more likely develops in conditions where certain types of physiologic alteration has occurred in follicular basement membrane, just like a pathogenesis of subacute granulomatous thyroiditis.

Sodium bicarbonate ingestion improves performance in interval swimming

In an effort to determine the effects of bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion on exercise performance, ten male college swimmers were studied during five different trials. Each trial consisted of five 91.4 m (100-yd) front crawl swims with a two-minute rest interval between each bout. The trials consisted of two NaHCO3 treatments, two placebo trials and one test with no-drink. One hour before the onset of swimming, the subjects were given 300 ml of citric acid flavored solution containing either 17 mmol of NaCl (placebo) or 2.9 mmol of NaHCO3.kg-1 body weight (experimental), or received no drink (no-drink). Performance times for each 91.4 m swim were recorded. Blood samples were obtained before and one hr after treatment, two min after warmup, and two min after the final 91.4 m sprint. Blood pH, lactate, standard bicarbonate (SBC) and base excess (BE) were measured. No differences were found for performance or the blood measurements between the placebo and no-drink trials. Bicarbonate feedings, on the other hand, produced a significant (P less than 0.05) improvement in performance on the fourth and fifth swimming sprints. Blood lactate, pH, SBC and BE were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) at post-exercise in NaHCO3 treatments. These data are in agreement with previous findings that during repeated bouts of exercise pre-exercise administration of NaHCO3 improves performance, possibly by facilitating the efflux of hydrogen ions from working muscles and thereby delaying the onset of fatigue.

An evaluation of frozen section biopsy in 4434 cases

Frozen section diagnosis is a highly useful method of diagnosis. There were 4434 frozen sections, 24 false positive diagnosis, 65 false negative diagnosis and 30 deferred diagnosis. This method achieves the highest accuracy when there is a cooperation between experienced surgeon and reliable and careful pathologist. It is wise to defer the diagnosis of consult to other pathologist in difficult situation.

Prostatic malacoplakia. An ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study

A case of malacoplakia of the prostatic gland associated with prostatic nodular hyperplasia from a 69 years old man was presented, and its light and electron microscopic and immunohistochemical features were discussed along with its pathogenesis. This lesion was incidentally found in a transurethral prostatectomy specimen, and consisted of large number of epithelioid cells in which were typical cytoplasmic inclusions known as Michaelis-Gutmann bodies. Ultrastructurally, these inclusions showed a dense, central calcified bodies of various developmental stages. Immunohistochemical study using antilysosomal antibody revealed no lysosomal activity. Based on these findings, we could suspect that main problem for this development of malacoplakia is altered intracellular digestion process of foreign biologic materials.

The immune response to experimental Pasteurella haemolytica infection in calves

Four male dairy calves, ages 1-9 months, were inoculated intratracheally (IT), with log dilutions (1.5 X 10(3)-1.5 X 10(6)) of an isolate of P. haemolytica A-1. Doses of bacteria varied according to ages of the calves, older calves receiving the larger doses. All four calves became severely ill within 24 h after inoculation and antibiotic treatment was considered essential. Two months later the four calves remained healthy after IT injection of P. haemolytica, again given in log dilution (2.8 X 10(2)-2.8 X 10(5)). The control calf, given a dilution of only 28 viable P. haemolytica (plate count), developed severe respiratory infection 9 days post inoculation. Antibiotic treatment was given to this calf for 7 days, at which time recovery was evident. All five calves developed direct bacterial agglutination titers to P. haemolytica. Persistent leukocyte migration inhibition indexes of all calves were decreased by greater than or equal to 20% compared to their controls. Although the initial doses administered were low, the calves became ill. Most reports refer to massive doses necessary to produce primary disease and significant agglutination titers.

Postural relief of food impaction in a patient with stenosed esophagus--a case report

A patient with past history of esophageal stenosis complained of sudden dysphagia in the erect position which was relieved transiently in the supine position. Initial esophagoscopy failed to detect any mass in the lumen. Esophagogram revealed shifting foreign body from lower stenotic site to upper dilated area with postural change from the erect to the supine position. A French bean was detected and removed during the second esophagoscopy.

Effect of intravenous ferric or aluminum chloride on the uptake of 203Pb into brain and other soft tissues of rats

The hypothesis was investigated that colloidal ferric or aluminum hydroxides, formed in blood plasma in vivo, potently absorb lead and thus profoundly influence uptake of lead into certain soft tissues. Rats were given 203Pb i.v. to obtain a near constant plasma level of 203Pb. Tissue uptake of 203Pb at 1 hr was determined with and without the i.v. infusion of 5.0 mM ferric chloride or 5.0 mM aluminum chloride. Infusion of Fe chloride or Al chloride suppressed the uptake of 203Pb into brain, cerebrospinal fluid, skeletal muscle, kidney and red cells by 70 to 94%. In contrast, the uptake of 203Pb into liver and spleen was not significantly reduced, in the case of spleen being greater after Fe chloride or Al chloride infusion. The latter increases were not statistically significant. After ultracentrifugation, greater than 70% of plasma 203Pb activity was associated with the hydroxide-protein pellet (Fe chloride and Al chloride experiments). The ultrafilterable 203Pb in such sera was reduced by greater than 90% compared with controls. By the use of the lead electrode in vitro, lead adsorption to ferric hydroxide was confirmed. Thus, in vivo formation of colloidal hydroxides must occur under the authors' conditions, leading to a reduction of ionized lead in plasma and lower uptake where this depends on free lead and comparable or enhanced uptake into tissues containing reticuloendothelial cells capable of phagocytosis.

pH dependence of kinetic parameters for oxalacetate decarboxylation and pyruvate reduction reactions catalyzed by malic enzyme

Both chicken liver NADP-malic enzyme and Ascaris suum NAD-malic enzyme catalyze the metal-dependent decarboxylation of oxalacetate. Both enzymes catalyze the reaction either in the presence or in the absence of dinucleotide. The presence of dinucleotide increases the affinity of oxalacetate for the chicken liver NADP-malic enzyme, but this information could not be obtained in the case of A. suum NAD-malic enzyme because of the low affinity of free enzyme for NAD. The kinetic mechanism for oxalacetate decarboxylation by the chicken liver NADP-malic enzyme is equilibrium ordered at pH values below 5.0 with NADP adding to enzyme first. The Ki for NADP increases by a factor of 10 per pH unit below pH 5.0. An enzyme residue is required protonated for oxalacetate decarboxylation (by both enzymes) and pyruvate reduction (by the NAD-malic enzyme), but the beta-carboxyl of oxalacetate must be unprotonated for reaction (by both enzymes). The pK of the enzyme residue of the chicken liver NADP-malic enzyme decreases from a value of 6.4 in the absence of NADP to about 5.5 with Mg2+ and 4.8 with Mn2+ in the presence of NADP. The pK value of the enzyme residue required protonated for either oxalacetate decarboxylation or pyruvate reduction for the A. suum NAD-malic enzyme is about 5.5-6.0. Although oxalacetate binds equally well to protonated and unprotonated forms of the NADP-enzyme, the NAD-enzyme requires that oxalacetate or pyruvate selectively bind to the protonated form of the enzyme. Both enzymes prefer Mn2+ over Mg2+ for oxalacetate decarboxylation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

3H-5-hydroxytryptamine accumulation by rat brain synaptic vesicles in a membrane-impermeant medium, and selective reduction by 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine

In order to examine possible selectivity of amine uptake by synaptic vesicles, the ATP-stimulated accumulation of 3H-5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) by synaptic vesicles from rat whole brain was examined in a medium comprised largely of membrane-impermeant anions (d-tartrate). Such media have previously been shown to stabilize vesicular accumulation of several neurotransmitters. Accumulation of 3H-5HT did not occur in tartrate medium alone, but was increased biphasically with increasing concentrations of both potassium phosphate and potassium bicarbonate. At optimal concentrations of each anion (10 mM), stable accumulation of 3H-5HT was observed at 37 degrees (26.1 +/- 1.2 pmol/mg protein; Km 6 X 10(-7) M), which was reduced by greater than 95% in the absence of K2ATP, at 4 degrees C, in the presence of 10(-6) M reserpine, or in the presence of the proton ionophore carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP). Uptake was significantly antagonized by millimolar concentrations of Na+, Mg++ or Cl-, but was unaffected by ouabain (10(-5) M). Pretreatment of animals with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) (200 micrograms, intraventricular) 10 days prior to sacrifice reduced endogenous 5HT levels by 70%, while levels of endogenous norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) were unaffected. Accumulation of 3H-5HT, examined in the presence of 10(-6) M NE to block 3H-5HT accumulation by vesicles from noradrenergic nerve endings, was reduced by 40% in vesicles from treated animals. Vesicular accumulation of 3H-(-)-NE and 3H-DA was unaffected by 5,7-DHT treatment. The data suggest the possibility of preferential accumulation of 3H-5HT by vesicles arising from serotonergic nerve endings.

Serum and erythrocyte lipoperoxides and supproxide dismutase levels in normal persons and hypertensive patients

To assess the role and responses of lipoperoxide and superoxide dismutase in hypertensive disease, the serum and erythrocyte lipid peroxide and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase levels were measured in 65 normal persons and hypertensive patients.

The results are summerized as follows: In normal persons, serum and erythrocyte lipoperoxide values showed an increase according to age, but the elevation was not statistically significant. In normal persons, the erythrocyte superoxide dismutase value did not change according to age. In hypertensive patients, the serum and erythrocyte lipoperoxide values showed increases of 10.8% and 26% respectively compared to those of the controls. In hypertensive patients, the erythrocyte superoxide dismutase value showed a decrease of 29.9% compared to that of the controls.

CT patterns in histopathologically complex cavernous hemangiomas

Computed tomographic (CT) studies were correlated with microscopic findings in 10 histologically verified cavernous hemangiomas in nine patients. In four of the 10 lesions, two or more distinct types of cerebrovascular malformations were identified histopathologically. These included arteriovenous malformations, venous malformations, and telangiectasis. Such coexistence of various types of cerebrovascular malformations has been reported rarely. In each of the four combined lesions, there was evidence of recent or old hemorrhage. The CT findings were nonspecific and were similar to those seen in a variety of intracranial pathologic conditions.

Kinetic mechanism in the direction of oxidative decarboxylation for NAD-malic enzyme from Ascaris suum

Measurement of the initial rate of the malic enzyme reaction varying the concentration of NAD at several different fixed levels of Mg2+ (0.25-1.0 mM) and a single malate concentration gave a pattern which intersects to the left of the ordinate. Repetition of this initial velocity pattern at several additional malate concentrations and treatment in terms of a terreactant mechanism suggests an ordered mechanism in which NAD adds prior to Mg2+ which must add prior to malate. On the other hand, when a broader concentration range of Mg2+ (0.25-50 mM) is used, data are consistent with a random mechanism in which Mg2+ must add prior to malate. By use of product inhibition studies, pyruvate is competitive vs. malate and noncompetitive vs. NAD, while NADH is competitive vs. NAD and noncompetitive vs. malate. These results are consistent with the random addition of substrates and further suggest rapid equilibrium random release of products. Tartronate, a dead-end analogue of malate, is competitive vs. malate and noncompetitive vs. NAD. Thio-NAD is a slow substrate which is used at 2.4% the maximum rate of NAD. When used as a dead-end analogue of NAD, thio-NAD is competitive vs. NAD and gives a complex inhibition pattern vs. malate in which competitive inhibition is apparent at low concentrations of malate (less than 12.5 mM), and this changes to uncompetitive inhibition at high concentrations of malate (greater than 12.5 mM). These data are consistent with a steady-state random mechanism in the direction of oxidative decarboxylation in which Mg2+ adds in rapid equilibrium prior to malate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Histamine release into tracheal lumen and bronchial reactivity. Effect of local allergen administration on histamine release and bronchial reactivity

The influence of tracheal lavage with an allergen on the airway response to bronchial challenge with histamine, acetylcholine, and ascaris extract was investigated in 36 dogs. High histamine concentrations were measured in the tracheal solution after lavage with allergen. This amine, released on the mucosal surface, was observed in only very small concentrations in the circulation. Airway response to acetylcholine inhalation was significantly increased after tracheal lavage with allergen. This hyperreactivity of the lower airways induced by tracheal lavage with an allergen suggests that a reflex mechanism is involved. After histamine inhalation a significantly larger antigen-induced histamine release to tracheal lumen was observed. No influence on airway response was found after tracheal lavage with H2O.

Histamine release into tracheal lumen and bronchial reactivity. The histamine liberation of proteolytic enzymes in the tracheal lumen in relation to the bronchomotoric reactivity

The influence of tracheal lavage in a restricted area, with a proteolytic enzyme (Pronase) on the bronchial response to challenge with ACH and AE was studied in 15 dogs. Histamine concentrations measured in the tracheal liquid after lavage with Pronase were smaller than the values after tracheal lavage with allergen. Airway response to ACH inhalation was significantly increased after tracheal lavage with Pronase. Effects of proteolytic enzymes and allergens on the tracheal wall are compared. Allergens and proteolytic enzymes evidence a different mode of action in increasing reactivity of peripheral airways.

Histamine release into tracheal lumen and bronchial reactivity. Effect of compound 48/80 administered by different routes in various doses on histamine release and bronchial reactivity

The influence of tracheal lavage with compound 48/80 on the bronchial response to challenge with ACH and AE was studied in 24 animals. Furthermore, the effect of i.v. administration of 48/80 was compared to its administration into the tracheal lumen. No increased histamine liberation was detected in the tracheal fluid after lavage with 48/80, nor was an influence on the bronchial response observed. These observations were the same as those described for tracheal lavage with water. The same amounts of this secretagogue induced, after i.v. administration, a high histamine release which correlates significantly with blood pressure decrease.

Histamine release into tracheal lumen and bronchial reactivity. Effect of local histamine administration on histamine release and bronchial reactivity

The influence of tracheal lavage with histamine, and of i.v. administration of histamine on bronchospastic response was studied in 16 dogs. Airway response to acetylcholine inhalation was significantly increased after tracheal lavage with high concentrated histamine solution (1%). No influence on airway response was found after (1) tracheal lavage with lower concentrations of histamine and (2) its i.v. administration. The clinical importance of these manifestations is discussed.

[Histamine content of the sputa of patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis]

The sputa of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease show high histamine concentrations with large individual variations. The fluorometric and the biologic method correlate statistically significantly. Histamine concentrations decrease significantly, during 60 min at 37 degrees C, by different amounts in different patients. The measured histamine concentration can cause bronchoconstriction. The histamine and the NaCl control solutions have been found to liberate histamine into the blood, measured as free plasma histamine. There are still many questions open which should be solved because the histamine concentration in the sputum could play an important role in chronic obstructive lung disease.

Axonal dystrophy in the gracile nucleus in children and young adults. Reappraisal of the incidence and associated diseases

In 656 patients aged from one to 39 years, the incidence of axonal dystrophy in the gracile nucleus (ADG) is correlated with underlying diseases. The age-related incidence of ADG (minimal to severe) in these patients, 13, 53, 76 and 97% in the first, second, third, and fourth decades, respectively, is comparable to that observed by other investigators. The incidence drops to 8, 16, 31, and 60% when more than five spheroids in each gracile nucleus are taken into account. Diseases with which ADG is frequently associated vary according to the patient's age. Congenital biliary atresia and cystic fibrosis account for 71% of cases of ADG (mild to severe) in the first decade, while cystic fibrosis and malignancies account for 38 and 35% in the second decade, respectively. In the third decade, malignancies, renal diseases, cystic fibrosis, and heart diseases account for 30, 14, 12, and 12% of ADG cases, respectively, while malignancies, renal diseases, heart diseases, and diseases of digestive organs account for 30, 24, 15, and 11% in the fourth decade, respectively. The incidence of ADG also increases progressively with age, duration of the clinical course in the individual disease, or both, regardless of types of the diseases. This fact, when viewed together with the precocious development of severe ADG in patients with the malabsorption syndromes and in those with grave illnesses with protracted course leading to cachexia, seems to indicate that malnutrition represents a common factor correlated with severe ADG in the young patients. It seems to be premature at this time to disregard the hypothetical question that ADG in man is in some way related to deficiency or altered metabolism of vitamin E.