Stiff skin syndrome

Stiff skin syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by pronounced skin induration, mild hypertrichosis and limited joint mobility, predominantly on the buttocks and thighs. Many heterogeneous cases have been reported under the name of stiff skin syndrome. We present a case of stiff skin syndrome from China, the diagnosis based on the patient's typical clinical and histopathological features.

Effects of Temperature and Water Vapor Pressure on Conidial Germination and Lesion Expansion of Sphaerotheca macularis f. sp. fragariae

Conidial germination in vitro and foliar lesion expansion were studied for Sphaerotheca macularis f. sp. fragariae. Detached strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) leaves were inoculated, then held in controlled environments of constant temperatures (4 to 36°C) and relative humidity (RH, 32 to 100%) representing the range of these variables observed under California commercial production conditions. Percent germination and lesion expansion rate were determined by destructive subsampling over time. Conidia germinated at all temperatures by 6 h and reached a maximum by 48 h, with the optimum near 20°C. Lesions were marked with the aid of a microscope and measured by computer-assisted image-analysis to determine expansion rate. Maximal rates occurred at 25°C. Several growth models were fit to the expansion rate data with high significance. Predicted optima from these models ranged from 22 to 27°C and/or 17 to 27 mm Hg VP_water@100%RH. Neither RH, partial vapor pressure of water (VP_water), nor vapor pressure deficit (VPD) correlated with lesion expansion rate, adding to studies minimizing the importance of RH and VPD as determinants of asexual phase powdery mildew growth other than specifically at spore germination.

[The efficacy of the chlorhexidine chip following scaling and root planing (SRP) and compared to SRP alone]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the adjunctive use of Chlorhexidine Chip (CHX; commercial name, Perio Chip) following scaling and root planing (SRP) in periodontitis.

METHODS

One center, blinded, randomized, split-mouth and active control study was designed. Sixty-five adult periodontitis patients were enrolled into the baseline after SRP. Each subject had at least one tooth with pocket depth of 5 mm or more and bleeding on probing (BOP) in each side of the mouth. Then the tooth was selected as a target and its parameters of probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), BOP, gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI) and staining index (SI) were recorded. Each side of mouth was randomly assigned to one of two treatments--drug placement after SRP or SRP alone. All the adverse events and parameters were recorded at time of 3-month, 6-month and meanwhile the patients received oral hygiene instruction and scaling. The same was conducted at 6-week, 4.5-month except for recording of parameters and scaling of the target teeth.

RESULTS

Reduction of PD and gain of attachment at 6-month in group of SRP plus CHX (1.32 mm, 0.94 mm) were significantly higher than those in group of SRP alone (0.77 mm, 0.40 mm) (P < 0.001). Forty-four point six percent (44.6%) of patients reflected adverse reactions related to drug placement. Toothaches, the main reactions, were mild to moderate in nature and spontaneously resolved within 2-4 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The chlorhexidine chip is indeed a safe and effective control-delivered drug for topical use when patient in his supportive periodontal therapy.

[The effect of non-surgical periodontal and adjunctive minocycline-HCL treatments on collagenase activity]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of scaling and root planing combined with local application of 2% minocycline hydrochoride ointment(Periocline) on the level of collagenase activity releasing from PMNs in GCF.

METHODS

This was a randomized, single-blinded, split mouth design study. The target sites of 31 patients with moderate to severe periodontitis (PD > 5 mm) was randomized by left-side and right-side into one of the two groups (the test group and the control group). Subsequently each patient was scheduled for two appointments for the full-month supra-gingival scaling and oral hygiene instruction. At baseline all patients received subgingival scaling and root planing and were followed by 4-time applications of Periocline with one-week interval for totally four weeks in the test group. All patients were taken GCF for measuring collagenase by the method of Nakashima et al (1996) and were examined based on four parameters, including plaque index, pocket depth, attachment loss and bleeding on probing.

RESULTS

Four weeks after root planing with 4-time applications of Periocline, all clinical parameters and active collagenase in GCF decreased significantly in the test groups[(593 +/- 112) mU/sample vs (311 +/- 98) mU/sample, P < 0.001]. On the other hand, simple root-planing therapy had limited effect on the active collagenase[(611 +/- 123) mU/sample vs (523 +/- 127) mU/sample], although all clinical parameters were also reduce significantly. Interestingly, seven weeks later, gingival inflammation and the active collagenase were reduced more significantly than those after four-week root planing in both groups[Test: (311 +/- 98) mU/sample vs (207 +/- 57) mU/sample;

CONTROL

(523 +/- 127) mU/sample vs (345 +/- 117) mU/sample, P < 0.001]. At eleven week, gingival inflammation and the level of collagenase activity were rebounded in the control group[(467 +/- 108) mU/sample]. However, in the test group they were kept in lower level[(213 +/- 121) mU/sample]. The level of collagenase activity showed significantly positive correlation with GCF volumes and AL in two groups.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that local application of 2% minocycline hydrochoride ointment may effectively inhibit the level of active collagenase from PMNs and may inhibit connective tissue breakdown by inhibiting neutrophil collagenase.

[Diagnosis and management of recurrent pituitary adenoma]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the clinical features, diagnosis and management of recurrent pituitary adenoma.

METHODS

38 cases of recurrent pituitary adenoma presented in our hospital during a period from January 1997 to May 1999 were analyzed retrospectively, and the relative references were reviewed.

RESULTS

All cases were confirmed by surgery and pathology. The average recurrent interval of pituitary adenoma was 5.1 years, ranging from 3 months to 18 years. The main clinical manifestations were visual interference, pituitary dysfunction and headache. CT and MRI showed masses in the sellar region with contrast enhancement. Repeated surgeries were performed in 25 cases via transfrontal approach, 13 cases via transsphenoidal. Twenty-nine of 35 cases with visual interference were resolved, no improvement was achieved in 6 cases. Ten of 13 cases with PRL above normal level recovered within one week after surgery and no death was seen. 31 cases were followed up, and showed satisfying results.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of recurrent pituitary adenoma mainly relies on the analysis of clinical manifestations, endocrinological and neuroradiological examinations. Operative management, medical treatment and radiation therapy are all treatment of choice for recurrent pituitary adenoma; while surgery is a main and effective method.

[Microsurgical treatment of giant pituitary adenomas (reports of 56 cases)]

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a microsurgical operative experience with 56 cases of huge pituitary adenomas.

METHODS

Fifty-six cases of huge pituitary adenomas were studied retrospectively. The tumors were classified into four types according to their configuration and extensive direction. The tumors were removed by various approaches, such as transsphenoidal, transsubfrontal, extended transsphenoidal, extended subfrontal extradual and subfrontal-transperitonal method. All patients were treated by 10 types of surgical approaches. The choice of surgical approach and operative care were introduced.

RESULTS

Total removal was achieved in 29 cases, subtotal in 20, without any severe complications.

CONCLUSION

Choosing appropriate approach can improve the rate of total tumor removal and can decrease the mortality and recurrent rate.

Studies on dynamics of growth and biosynthesis of artemisinin in hairy roots of Artemisia annua L

Seven hairy root lines with the properties of fast growth and high artemisinin contents were selected from 747 hairy roots induced by transformation of Artemisia annua L. strain 025 with Agrobacterium rhizogenes ATCC15834. The differences of growth rates and artemisinin contents among the 7 selected hairy root lines were extremely significant, of which HR-9 gave the highest yield of artemisinin, reaching 33.25 mg/y.L. The differences of growth rates and artemisinin contents among hairy roots, untransformated roots and callus were also significant. There were no obvious lag phase in batch culture of hairy roots of Artemisia annua L. The exponential growth phase was 7 approximately 15 days after inculation. The growth rate reached the highest on the 11th day, and the cultures reached a stationary phase on the 20th day. The properties of artemisinin content of hairy roots were obviously "related to growth". The artemisinin content decreased slowly during the exponential phase, increased while the growth rate slowed down and remained consistent after the growth stopped. The optimum culture time for hairy roots of Artemisia annua L. was 21 days in our system.

[Treatment of class II furcation involvement: guided tissue regeneration with atelocollagen membrane]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) on class II furcation involvement with absorbable atelocollagen membranes made in China.

METHODS

GTR was performed on 26 sites with class II furcation defect in 17 patients. Clinical measurements and digital subtraction radiography were used to evaluate the effect.

RESULTS

Clinical measurements showed significant attachment gain, significant decrease of probing depth (PD) and horizontal probing depth (HPD) at 3, 6, and 12 month after surgery. The mean reduction of HPD were 1.8 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.5 mm at 3 month (23 sites), 6 month (12 sites), and 12 month (6 sites) after surgery respectively. PD decreased by 1.22 mm, 1.56 mm and 1.75 mm. Attachment gained by 1.17 mm, 2.11 mm and 1.75 mm. Three sites showed complete defect fill during 3 to 12 months after surgery. Only 1 mm or less could be probed horizontally in another 4 furcation lesions during 3 to 12 months post-operation. The HPD of pre-operation in these 7 cases were 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm, and the bone defects observed during surgery were smaller in these cases than in other cases. The other 19 furcation involvement improved significantly. The result of digital subtraction radiography showed that increase of bone density was found at 2 months after surgery. The amount of bone gain increased with time. The areas of increased bone density were 0.3-25.7 mm2 in 13 teeth.

CONCLUSION

The class II furcation involvement can be treated by GTR with absorbable atelocollagen membranes with good results.

Determining animal drug combinations based on efficacy and safety

A procedure for deriving drug combinations for animal health is used to derive an optimal combination of 200 mg of novobiocin and 650,000 IU of penicillin for nonlactating cow mastitis treatment. The procedure starts with an estimated second order polynomial response surface equation. That surface is translated into a probability surface with contours called isoprobs. The isoprobs show drug amounts that have equal probability to produce maximal efficacy. Safety factors are incorporated into the probability surface via a noncentrality parameter that causes the isoprobs to expand as safety decreases, resulting in lower amounts of drug being used.

A method of estimating varietal stability for data of long-term trials

A method is proposed to analyze the stability of cultivars in long-term varietal trials. The method involves the following steps: (i) regress a standard variety on environmental means; (ii) regress varieties under test on the standard variety; (iii) transform, through a procedure of reparameterization, the regression computed for each variety under test on the standard variety into the regression of the variety on environmental means. Although this method is proposed to analyze data sets from complex designs, it may also possess some advantages over conventional procedures for simpler designs.

Gas-liquid chromatographic determination of melengestrol acetate in cattle feed supplements: collaborative study

The assay for melengestrol acetate (MGA) in cattle feed supplements was the subject of a collaborative study using 6 laboratories. Two feed formulations were each fortified with 0, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.500, 1.00, and 1.50 mg MGA/lb of supplement, and each laboratory assayed 4 samples of each level of each formulation by electron capture gas chromatography after liquid-liquid extraction of each sample followed by solvent partition and column chromatography cleanup procedures. Overall recovery was 83.2% with a pooled within-laboratory sample-to-sample standard deviation of 9.5%. This includes the variability due to formulation, batches, days, levels of MGA, samples, and their interactions. Including the collaborators as a source of variance results in an overall standard deviation of 15.0%. The major sources of variability were associated with collaborator, formulation, and level of MGA. Lower than expected recoveries were attributed to difficulty in recovering MGA from samples containing concentrations of MGA below the range of the method and the inadvertent substitution by some laboratories of ethanol-free chloroform for the ethanol-containing reagent grade chloroform specified in the methodology. On the basis of the collaborative results, the method has been adopted as official first action for MGA in cattle feed supplements at concentrations from 0.125 to 1.00 mg MGA/lb.

Analysis of the Distribution of Potassium-stimulated Adenosine Triphosphatase Activity in Soybean Root

The distribution of activity of a potassium-stimulated ATPase associated with the plasma membrane was determined in 4-day-old soybean roots. Changes in protein-based specific activity of the enzyme coincided with developmental changes in the root. Activity was low in the region of the root cap, increased to a maximum in the meristematic region, decreased to a minimum as cell elongation proceeded, and then increased as lateral root development began. Analysis of the data indicated that fluctuations in enzyme activity can be described by a three-phase system which can be approximated by a linear-linear-linear piece-wise regression curve. The need for constructing a biological model to describe plasma membrane development is suggested.

A PROBABILITY MODEL FOR EVALUATING THE RANDOMNESS OF THE ASSORTMENT OF CHROMOSOMES DURING SOMATIC REDUCTION

Pollen mother cells with reduced numbers of chromosomes have been observed in wheat, its hybrid derivatives and amphiploids. Models are presented here for calculating the exact probability of the occurrence of any particular combination of single chromosomes and chromosome pairs in any reduced cell. Hence, it is possible to evaluate randomness of chromosome assortment in somatic reduction. Several sets of data reported by other investigators on somatic reduction in Triticum are analyzed, and we conclude that in those instances chromosomes assort at random.

Pharmacologic and toxicologic study of prostaglandin F2alpha in cattle

Prostaglandin F 1alpha (tham salt formulation) was injected IM into mature beef heifers at the rate of 0, 25, 75, 125, or 250 mg (4 heifers/dose group) on days 2 and 10, or 0 and 25 mg (4 heifers/dose group) on days 1 through 10. Drug effects were evaluated by means of 19 clinical observations, measurements of body weight and 10 organ weights, 15 clinical chemistry measurements, 9 hematologic measurements, 7 urinalysis measurements, and gross and microscopic observations of 27 tissues. Prostaglandin F2alpha administered on days 1 and 10 or daily for 10 days produced little evidence of pharmacologic effects and no evidence of toxicologic effects. Pharmacologic effects included a slight transitory increase in heart rate in all treated groups and slight hyperthermia in the 250-mg group. Failure to produce important toxicologic effects at 250 mg/day and with luteolytic doses occurring around 15 to 25 mg/day demonstrated that the safety factor was in excess of 10 X.

Clinical, morphologic, and clinicopathologic findings in Beagles treated for two years with melengestrol acetate

Melengestrol acetate (MGA) was administered orally to groups of 10 female and 3 male Beagles at doses of 0, 1, 2, or 8 microgram/kg of body weight/day for 2 years. Treatment was continuous at the same dose rate in the first 3 groups, but in the 4th group, the dose for bitches was reduced to 4 microgram of MGA/kg/day during the 2nd year. Matings were made within MGA-dosage groups and among 10 additional bitches treated at 1 microgram of MGA/kg/day and the dogs treated at 8 microgram/kg/day. Doses of 8 and 4 microgram of MGS/kg caused progestational effects on the uterus resulting in expected histopathologic changes, dystocia, and pyometritis. Leukocytosis, normocytic, hypochromic anemia, and increased alkaline phosphatase values were the results of systemic and uterine effects consistent with the indirect and expected pharmacologic action of progestational agents in the bitch. Doses of 1 and 2 microgram of MGA/kg in dogs and bitches and 8 microgram/kg in dogs produced no significant differences in clinical observations, hematologic findings, blood chemical analysis, urinalysis, organ weights, or gross and microscopic observations at necropsy.

Biological evaluation of mibolerone in the female Beagle

Mibolerone effectively inhibited estrous activity in immature or mature Beagle bitches given 60 and 200 microgram, respectively, daily for up to 730 days. A dose level of 20 microgram of mibolerone daily was 70% effective in preventing estrus. Effects of mibolerone included estrus inhibition prolongation of the interestrous interval in bitches given 20 microgram of the mibolerone daily, vaginal discharge, and a dose-related increase in clitoral size. A decrease in posttreatment conception rate was observed only in bitches receiving 20 microgram of mibolerone daily for 730 days. Pups born to bitches conceiving after mibolerone treatment were grossly normal.

Effect of prostaglandin F2alpha-THAM in the bitch

The subcutaneous median lethal dosage for prostaglandin F2alpha for the Beagle bitch was determined to be 5.13 mg/kg, using a sequential experimental design. Clinical signs and gross and histologic findings were consistent with a diagnosis of shock syndrome. It was concluded that prostaglandin F2alpha could be used to develop a pharmacologically controlled shock model.

Determination of melengestrol acetate in bovine tissue: collaborative study

Seven laboratories collaboratively studied a method for the assay of melengestrol acetate at the 0, 10, and 20 ppb levels in bovine fat, liver, muscle, and kidney. The study included fortification of tissue by each laboratory and analysis of fat samples taken from treated heifers which had endogenous levels of 0, 10, and 20 ppb melengestrol acetate. The multistep cleanup procedure used included extraction, solvent partition, column chromatography, and electron capture gas-liquid chromatographic, determination. Results of the study for muscle, liver, kidney, and fat showed that the method gave satisfactory recoveries and accuracy. In fat, the most critical tissue, recovery was greater than 93%. A statistical comparison of the results reported for fat tissue from treated heifers demonstrated that 5 of the 7 laboratories obtained similar results. The results produced by the method can be expected to be repeatable within and among laboratories. On the basis of the collaborative results the method has been adopted as official first action.

Effect of lincomycin on prevalence, duration, and quantity of Salmonella typhimurium excreted by swine

Thirty-one swine (7.5 kg live wt) were fed diets which contained 0 or 110 mg of lincomycin/kg. These pigs were then inoculated with a nalidixic acid-resistant strain of Salmonella typhimurium and monitored for 56 days thereafter to determine (1) the quantity of S typhimurium shed in the feces, (2) the length of time the organism was shed, and (3) the number of swine which shed the organism for the 56-day period after exposure. Addition of lincomycin to diets did not alter these 3 criteria from those obtained in S typhimurium-exposed nontreated swine when results for nontreated and treated swine were compared. In addition, the sensitivity of the S typhimurium strain to 8 antibiotics, 1 nitrofuran, and 1 sulfonamide was not affected by in vivo exposure to lincomycin for 39 days. Lincomycin did not produce adverse effects in either inoculated or noninoculated pigs.

Efficacy of p-Toluoyl chloride phenylhydrazone against gastrointestinal helminths in ovines

A new anthelmintic candidate, p-toluoyl chloride phenlylhydrazone, was administered to lambs in a paste formulation. The efficacy of this drug was determined at dose rates of 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg of active ingredient per kilogram of body weight. Helminths expelled by these dosages included Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia circumcicta, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, T. axei, Nematodirus filicollis, Cooperia curticei, Strongyloides papillosus, Oesophagostomum columbianum, Bunostomum trigoncephalum, Chabertia ovina, Moniezia expansa, and M. benedeni.