Biological characters of [18F]O-FEt-PIB in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease using micro-PET imaging

AIM

To evaluate whether the newly-synthesized positron emission tomography (PET) tracer, [18F]2-(4'-(methylamino)phenyl)-6-fluoroethoxy- benzothiazole ([18F] O-FEt-PIB), could bind to beta-amyloid aggregates in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) using micro-PET.

METHOD

[18F]O-FEt-PIB was synthesized and purified by radio HPLC. PET imaging was performed with a R4 rodent model scanner in 3 model and 3 control rats. Dynamic PET scans were performed for 40 min in each rat following an injection of approximately 37 MBq of [18F]O-FEt-PIB. Static scans were also performed for 15 min in each rat. PET data were reconstructed by a maximum posteriori probability algorithm. On the coronal PET images, regions of interest were respectively placed on the cortex, hemicerebrum [including the hippocampus and thalamus (HT)], and were guided by a 3-D digital map of the rat brain or the brain images of [18F]2-Deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) in normal rats. Time-activity curves (TAC) were obtained for the cerebrum and cerebellum. The activity difference value (ADV) between 2 hemicerebrums was also calculated.

RESULTS

The TAC for [18F]O-FEt-PIB in the cerebrum or cerebellum peaked early (at approximately 2 min), but washed out a little slowly. In the dynamic and static micro-PET images, increased radioactivity was found in the area of the right HT in the model rats where infused with beta-amyloid (1-40). No distinct difference of radioactivity was found between the right and left HT areas in the control rats. The ADV(HT) was approximately 14.6% in the AD model rats and approximately 4 times greater than that of the control rats (3.9%).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate a small molecular PET probe for the beta-amyloid deposits in vivo using micro-PET imaging in an AD-injected rat model. The suitable biological characters showed that the tracer had potential to be developed as a probe for detecting beta-amyloid plaques in AD.

High-pressure polymorphic transformation of rutile to alpha-PbO2-type TiO2 at {011}R twin boundaries

The presence of nano-scale lamellae of the alpha-PbO2-type polymorph of TiO2 sandwiched between twinned rutile inclusions in jadeite has been confirmed by electron diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, backed up by image simulation techniques, from ultrahigh-pressure jadeite quartzite at Shuanghe in the Dabie Mountains, China. The crystal structure is orthorhombic with lattice parameters a=4.58 A, b=5.42 A, c=5.02 A and space group Pbcn. A three-dimensional structural model has been constructed for the rutile to alpha-PbO2-type TiO2 phase transformation based on high-resolution electron microscopic images. Computer image simulation and structural model analysis reveal that rutile {011}R twin interface is a basic structural unit of alpha-PbO2-type TiO2. Nucleation of alpha-PbO2-type TiO2 lamellae 1-2 nm thick is caused by the displacement of one half of the titanium cations within the {011}R twin slab. This displacement reduces the Ti-O-Ti distance and is favored by high pressure.

A comparison of perinatal mortality in Korea on holidays and working days

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether the perinatal mortality of infants born during holidays differs from that of infants born on workdays, and to elucidate its cause.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study. Setting Vital statistics linked to the National Infant Mortality Survey data for 1999 births in Korea.

POPULATION

In all, 628 485 births in 1999 in Korea.

METHODS

Number of births and perinatal mortality were classified according to the day of the week using the occurrence index. After adjusting for confounding factors, the odds ratios (ORs) for increased holiday mortality were estimated using logistic regression.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Birthweight-adjusted perinatal mortality.

RESULTS

Births on holidays were 33% fewer and perinatal deaths 24% higher than expected (PMR, Perinatal Mortality Rate, 16.4 versus 12.8; OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2-1.4). After the adjustment of birthweight, gender, plurality and congenital anomalies, the odds ratio for death of infants born during holidays was 1.2 (95% CI, 1.1-1.3).

CONCLUSIONS

The higher perinatal mortality during holidays in Korea appears to be due to different qualities of perinatal care, rather than difference in case-mix.

Domain structures in rutile in ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks from Dabie Mountains, China

According to the HRTEM study, the UHP jadeite-quartzite mineral (Rutile, TiO(2)) in Anhui Province, Dabie Mountains, China, has ultrastructures such as 011 two-dimensional commensurable modulated structures or superstructures, [011] twin domain structures, dislocations and crystal deformations. The SAED patterns and HRTEM images indicate the existence of the deformations and stacking faults on the interface of [011] twin crystal of rutile and its two-dimensional commensurate modulated structures with repetition period 0.753 nm (3d(011)) has tetragonal symmetry, cell parameters a = 3a0 = 1.377 nm (a0 = 0.459 nm), c = c0 = 0.3 nm. The modulated structures of rutile were probably caused by the isomorphic replacement of Ti(4+) and position modulation or occupation modulation of oxygen atoms in different degree; the deformation structures reveal that during the process of crystallization and mineralization, this mineral may be affected by the geological environment (such as temperature, pressure and stress), metamorphism and deformation.

Antioxidant enzymes suppress nitric oxide production through the inhibition of NF-kappa B activation: role of H(2)O(2) and nitric oxide in inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in macrophages

Reactive molecules O(-)(2), H(2)O(2), and nitrogen monoxide (NO) are produced from macrophages following exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and involved in cellular signaling for gene expression. Experiments were carried out to determine whether these molecules regulate inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression in RAW264.7 macrophages exposed to LPS. NO production was inhibited by the antioxidative enzymes catalase, horseradish peroxidase, and myeloperoxidase but not by superoxide dismutase (SOD). In contrast, the NO-producing activity of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells was enhanced by the NO scavengers hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin. The antioxidant enzymes decreased levels of iNOS mRNA and protein in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, whereas the NOS inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine as well as Hb increased the level of iNOS protein but not mRNA, indicating that NO inhibits iNOS protein expression. NF-kappa B was activated in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and the activation was significantly inhibited by antioxidant enzymes, but not by Hb. Similar results were obtained using LPS-stimulated rodent peritoneal macrophages. Extracellular O(-)(2) generation by LPS-stimulated macrophages was suppressed by SOD, but not by antioxidative enzymes, while accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species was inhibited by antioxidative enzymes, but not by SOD. Exogenous H(2)O(2) induced NF-kappa B activation in macrophages, which was inhibited by catalase and pyrroline dithiocarbamate (PDTC). H(2)O(2) enhanced iNOS expression and NO production in peritoneal macrophages when added with interferon-gamma, and the effect of H(2)O(2) was inhibited by catalase and PDTC. These findings suggest that H(2)O(2) production from LPS-stimulated macrophages participates in the upregulation of iNOS expression via NF-kappa B activation and that NO is a negative feedback inhibitor of iNOS protein expression.

[The protective effects of tea catechins on the injury of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rats]

OBJECT

The protective effects of tea catechins on the injury of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rats were observed with rat cerebral ischemia and reperfusion model produced by bilaterally clamping the common carotid arteries and vagus nerves for 60 min and then removing the occlusion for 30 min.

METHOD

Wistar rats were divided into normal control group, model group and catechin group (30 mg.kg-1 and 50 mg.kg-1 i.p., qd x 7 d). The changes of biochemical indications and pathology were observed.

RESULT

The results presented that the concentration of MDA in brain tissue and serum of model rats were higher than that of control rats(P < 0.01). Compared with model group, tea catechin groups could decrease the concentration of MDA in brain tissue and serum, and tea catechin group (50 mg.kg-1 i.p., qd x 7 d) could improve the injury of blood brain barrier.

CONCLUSION

Tea catechins have protective effects on the injury of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rats.

Magnesium sulfate does not reduce postoperative analgesic requirements

BACKGROUND

Because magnesium blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and its associated ion channels, it can prevent central sensitization caused by peripheral nociceptive stimulation. However, transport of magnesium from blood to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) across the blood-brain barrier is limited in normal humans. The current study was designed to evaluate whether perioperative intravenous magnesium sulfate infusion affects postoperative pain.

METHODS

Sixty patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy received 50 mg/kg intravenous magnesium sulfate as a bolus dose followed by a continuous infusion of 15 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) for 6 h (magnesium group) or the same volume of isotonic saline (control group). At the end of surgery, serum and CSF magnesium concentration were measured in both groups. The cumulative postoperative analgesic consumption was measured to assess the analgesic effect using a patient-controlled epidural analgesia device. Pain intensities at rest and during forced expiration were evaluated at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively.

RESULTS

At the end of surgery, patients in the magnesium group had significantly greater postoperative serum magnesium concentrations compared with both preoperative and control group values (P < 0.001). Despite significantly higher serum magnesium concentrations in the magnesium group, there was no significant difference in magnesium concentration measured in postoperative CSF. Cumulative postoperative analgesic doses were similar in both groups. However, there was observed an inverse relation between cumulative postoperative analgesic consumption and the CSF magnesium concentration in both groups. Visual analog pain scores at rest and during forced expiration were similar and less than 4 in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate did not increase CSF magnesium concentration and had no effects on postoperative pain. However, an inverse relation between cumulative postoperative analgesic consumption and the CSF magnesium concentration was observed. These results suggest that perioperative intravenous magnesium infusion may not be useful for preventing postoperative pain.

Identification and characterization of Psx-2, a novel member of the Psx (placenta-specific homeobox) family

Psx (now designated as Psx-1) is a murine placenta-specific homeobox gene. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a second mouse Psx gene (Psx-2). Although 29bp were absent towards the 3' end of Psx-2, Psx-2 and Psx-1 cDNA had identical 5' and 3' ends. Overall sequence identity between the two cDNAs was 91% at the nucleotide level and 81% at the amino acid level. Both Psx proteins contain 227 amino acids. These results suggest that they arose through a recent gene duplication. A surprising finding is that the 81% sequence identity between Psx-1 and Psx-2 proteins drops at the level of homeodomain to 78%. Further, the amino acid at position 51, which is invariably an asparagine in other homeodomains and is known to contact DNA directly, is a methionine in the homeodomains of both Psx-1 and Psx-2. This suggests that Psx proteins may interact with DNA sequences differently to those bound by other homeodomains. Southern blot analysis indicated that the two Psx genes occur on separate loci in the mouse genome. The Psx-2 gene spans approx. 2. 6kb of mouse genome, and contains four exons and three introns.

Difference in the distribution pattern of Helicobacter pylori and grade of gastritis in the antrum and in the body between duodenal ulcer and benign gastric ulcer patients

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonization and the grade of gastritis in the antrum and in the body of patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) or benign gastric ulcer (BGU).

METHODS

This study was performed in H. pylori-positive 220 DU patients and 180 BGU patients. H. pylori density was evaluated by modified Giemsa staining and CLO test, and gastritis grade was graded by H&E staining in the antrum and in the body.

RESULTS

H. pylori grade by Giemsa staining was 1.24 in the antrum and 0.82 in the body for DU group (p < 0.01), and those of BGU group were slightly reversed, 0.83 and 0.87, respectively, but without statistical significance. Similarly H. pylori grade by CLO test was 3.1 in the antrum and 2.8 in the body for DU group (p < 0.01), and those of BGU group 2.3 and 2.6 (p < 0.05), respectively. In contrast, gastritis grade was 1.7 in the antrum and 1.2 in the body for DU group (p < 0.01), and those of BGU group 1.6 and 1.3 (p < 0.01), respectively, similar to those of DU. However, there was a correlation between H. pylori grade and gastritis grade in the antrum and in the body, not only in DU but also in BGU group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

In spite of different distribution patterns of H. pylori between DU group and BGU group, gastritis grade of the antrum was significantly higher than that of the body in both DU and BGU. However, gastritis is correlated with H. pylori density not only in DU but also in BGU patients. It looks like the inflammatory reaction to H. pylori is stronger in the antrum than in the body.

Psx homeobox gene is X-linked and specifically expressed in trophoblast cells of mouse placenta

We previously isolated a cDNA clone for a homeobox-containing gene with its expression restricted to the extraembryonic tissues. In this study, Psx gene expression was further examined using in situ hybridization to determine the cellular distribution of Psx transcripts during embryo development. Psx expression was first detected at embryonic day 8.5 only in trophoblast giant cells and chorionic ectoderm. At E 9.5 and E 13.5, the expression was restricted to the giant cells and the labyrinthine trophoblast layer. In addition, the gene expression was detected in differentiated Rcho-1 trophoblast cells in vitro, which is typical of trophoblast giant cells in vivo, but not in proliferating Rcho-1 cells and HRP-1 cells. Interestingly, rat Psx homologue mRNA is about 200 bp shorter than mouse Psx, suggesting that there is a high degree of sequence divergence between the mouse and rat Psx homologues. The sequence divergence, perhaps as a result of rapid evolution, is further supported by the zoo blot analysis because the Psx gene was detectable only in mouse and rat but not in other vertebrate species tested. Psx is localized to the murine X chromosome. Taken together, our results suggest that Psx gene plays a unique role in the function of differentiated trophoblast cells and also serves as a useful model for studying trophoblast cell lineages and the rapid evolution of homeobox genes.

pp60v-src reactivation inhibits serum-induced accumulation of inositol phosphates and phosphatidylethanol in tsNRK

In tsRSV-infected NRK (tsNRK) cells, pp60(v-src) reactivation by temperature-shift from a nonpermissive temperature, 39 C, to a permissive one, 32 degrees C, induced the production of inositol phosphates (IPt) and phosphatidylethanol (PEt). This was accompanied by an increase in membrane-associated protein kinase C (PKC) activity in the absence of exogenous growth factors. However, with serum-stimulation, the amounts of IPt and PEt at 32 degrees C were less than those at 39 degrees C. Pretreatment with PKC inhibitors, Ro-31-8220 and staurosporine, enhanced the accumulation of IPt but not of PEt at 32 degrees C. The tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLCgamma1) was increased either by serum or by pp60(v-src) reactivation. These results suggest that serum transduces its signal through PLCgamma1 mediation, and that pp60(v-src), possibly through the PKC mediation, negatively affects serum-induced PLCgamma1 activation.

Epidural verapamil reduces analgesic consumption after lower abdominal surgery

In this double-blind study, we administered lumbar epidural bupivacaine or bupivacaine plus verapamil to investigate the possible role of the calcium channel blocker, verapamil, in postoperative pain. One hundred patients (ASA physical class I or II) scheduled for lower abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Group 1 received 10 mL of 0.5% epidural bupivacaine injected 15 min before incision, followed by 10 mL of epidural normal saline 30 min after incision. Group 2 received 10 mL of epidural normal saline injected before incision, followed by 10 mL of 0.5% epidural bupivacaine 30 min after incision. Group 3 received 10 mL of 0.5% epidural bupivacaine plus 5 mg of verapamil injected before incision, followed by 10 mL of epidural normal saline 30 min after incision. Group 4 received the same drugs as Group 3, in the reverse order. Pain and mood numeric rating scores, sedation scores, Prince Henry scores, patient-controlled cumulative postoperative analgesic consumption, and the incidence of side effects were assessed 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after the operation in each group. Cumulative postoperative analgesic consumption in Groups 3 and 4 was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that in Groups 1 and 2 24 and 48 h after surgery. There were no differences in the pain, mood, and sedation scores and the incidence of side effects among the four groups. We conclude that epidural verapamil decreases postoperative pain, possibly by interfering with normal sensory processing and by preventing the establishment of central sensitization.

IMPLICATIONS

Calcium plays an important role in pain physiology at the spinal cord level. We examined the effect of bupivacaine plus verapamil (calcium channel blocker) and of bupivacaine alone. We demonstrated that the combination, administered epidurally, resulted in less postoperative analgesic consumption than bupivacaine alone.

Small-dose fentanyl: optimal time of injection for blunting the circulatory responses to tracheal intubation

This study was designed to examine the optimal time of injection of a small dose of fentanyl during anesthetic induction to attenuate circulatory responses to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. One hundred seventy patients were randomly assigned to one of five groups. In Groups II, III, IV, and V, patients received fentanyl (2 microg/kg) 1, 3, 5, or 10 min before tracheal intubation, respectively. Group I patients did not receive fentanyl and served as the control group. In Groups III and IV, blood pressures were not increased, except diastolic pressure in Group III, significantly postintubation compared with preinduction values; but Groups I, II, and V showed a significant increase (P < 0.05). The 1-min postintubation values of systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure in Groups III and IV were less than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Increases of heart rate in Group IV were less (P < 0.05) than those in the control group, but significant differences were not observed in Groups II, III, and V. The number of patients with tachycardia and dysrhythmia was significantly smaller in Group IV than in the control group (P < 0.05). We conclude that the most effective time to administer fentanyl to protect circulatory responses to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation is 5 min before tracheal intubation.

IMPLICATIONS

Fentanyl is often used to reduce the hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation. However, large doses may cause unwanted side effects. Administration of fentanyl at the optimal time reduces the dose required. Our results indicate that optimal injection time of fentanyl for intubation is 5 min before intubation.

Psx, a novel murine homeobox gene expressed in placenta

To identify homeobox genes involved in mouse embryo development, we have screened a mouse cDNA library prepared from the 13.5-day-old entire conceptus for homeobox-containing sequences using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloning strategy. We identified a mouse homeobox gene that might be the prototype of a new class. The full-length cDNA, designated Psx (placenta specific-homeobox), encodes a protein of 247 amino acids. The expression patterns of the Psx during embryonic development and in adult tissues were studied by Northern blot analysis. The Psx transcript was first detected at embryonic day 8.5 of conceptus and persisted until birth. Psx mRNA is expressed in extraembryonic tissues, mainly in placenta, but not in fetus, pups and adult tissues tested, suggesting that Psx plays an important role in placenta. Psx is a new member of the murine homeobox genes which are expressed in extraembryonic tissues such as placenta and amnion.

Blockade of myocardial ATP-sensitive potassium channels by ketamine

BACKGROUND

The adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel underlies the increase in potassium permeability during hypoxia and ischemia. The increased outward potassium current during ischemia may be an endogenous cardioprotective mechanism. This study was designed to determine the effects of ketamine on KATP channel in rat hearts.

METHODS

Inside-out and cell-attached configurations of patch-clamp techniques and 3 M potassium chloride-filled conventional microelectrodes were used to investigate the effect of ketamine on KATP channel currents in single rat ventricular myocytes and on the action potential duration of rat papillary muscles, respectively.

RESULTS

Ketamine inhibited KATP channel activity in rat ventricular myocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. In the inside-out patches, the concentration of ketamine for half-maximal inhibition and the Hill coefficient were 62.9 microM and 0.54, respectively. In a concentration-dependent manner, ketamine inhibited pinacidil- and 2,4-dinitrophenol-activated KATP channels in cell-attached patches. The application of ketamine to the intracellular side of membrane patches did not affect the conduction of single-channel currents of KATP channels. Ketamine increased the action potential duration, which was then shortened by pinacidil in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Ketamine inhibited KATP channel activity in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that ketamine may attenuate the cardioprotective effects of the KATP channel during ischemia and reperfusion in the rat myocardium.

Epidural morphine plus ketamine for upper abdominal surgery: improved analgesia from preincisional versus postincisional administration

Increased postoperative pain may be caused by central nervous system plasticity, which may be related to actions of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors on neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Opioids act mainly on presynaptic receptors and reduce neurotransmitter release, while ketamine antagonizes NMDA receptors and prevents wind-up and long-term potentiation. Thus, we postulated that central nervous system sensitization would be prevented more effectively by the preoperative use of these two drugs simultaneously, and the effect of preemptive analgesia would be demonstrated. Ketamine, 60 mg, and morphine, 2 mg, were injected epidurally through an indwelling catheter that was inserted at the T7-8 interspace in 60 ASA physical status class 1-2 patients. The drugs were injected before induction of anesthesia (Group 1; n = 30) or immediately after removal of a surgical specimen (Group 2; n = 30). An additional 2 mg of morphine was injected when the patients complained of resting pain. The analgesic effect was assessed by the time from first analgesic injection to second dose and the number of patients who needed supplemental injections. Complications were also noted. The duration of analgesia was longer (P < 0.01) in Group 1 (31.1 +/- 16.0 h) than in Group 2 (21.1 +/- 12.0 h), and the proportion of patients who needed supplemental injections was decreased (P < 0.05) in Group 1 (56.7%) compared with Group 2 (90.0%). The incidence of adverse effects was not different between the two groups. In conclusion, preoperative administration of morphine and ketamine is more effective in reducing postoperative pain than it is when given during the operation.

Coloanal anastomosis in radical surgery for low rectal carcinoma by intra-anal circular ligation

Using self-made special supporting tube, coloanal anastomosis was performed by intra-anal ligation for radical surgery in 48 patients with low rectal carcinoma. The anastomoses were completed without suturing, and the results were quite satisfactory. Follow-up after operation revealed that the bowel movement and the sphincteric function were excellent in all patients. The anal canal and the anal sphincter were all kept intact and abdominal colostomy was not required for decompression. Anastomosis without suturing, least trauma, and short operation time made blood transfusion unnecessary during the operation. This technique is actually derived from Park's operation, and is considered a promising procedure for coloanal anastomosis in the radical surgery for low rectal carcinoma.

Histopathology and immunohistopathology of lymph nodes of the first autopsy with HIV positivity in China

Nineteen lymph nodes of a HIV-positive boy were studied histologically and immunohistologically. According to Stutte's classification of HIV-related lymphadenopathy, 84% of the lymph nodes were at the third or fourth stages in relation to clinical status ARC/AIDS. Lymph follicle atrophy, angiogenesis, histiocytic proliferation and destruction of the normal reticulum frame were observed. Immunohistochemical studies showed most of the remaining lymphocytes to be T cells and changes in the distribution of S-100 positive cells. Ki 1 positive cells existed mainly at the second stage. The significance of these changes is discussed.

The use of native thick filaments in in vitro motility assays

Native thick filaments from the clam, Mercinaria mercinaria translocate actin filaments both toward and away from the center of the thick filament in an in vitro motility assay. The thick filaments from the adductor muscle are about 10 microns long whereas those from the catch muscle are 30-50 microns long. These thick filaments should prove useful in understanding the mechanism of myosin-dependent movement of actin filaments.

Split gluteus maximus muscle flap in the reconstruction of the external anal sphincter and levator ani

We treated 52 patients with anal and low rectal carcinomas by orthotopic reconstruction of the anus, using an unilateral split gluteus maximum (GM) muscle flap to form the external anal sphincter and levator ani together with invagination of the colon to form the internal sphincter after radical resection of carcinoma. Among the 36 patients who were followed up for over 6 months, 34 (94.4%) exhibited good to excellent continence.

[X-ray diagnosis of primary tumors of the small bowel (report of 24 cases)]

Primary tumors of the small bowel are relatively rare. The 24 cases reported in this paper have been confirmed by operation and pathology. Based on clinical and radiologic findings and review of literature, the main X-ray manifestations of primary tumors of the small bowel were as follows: (1) Stenosis; (2) Filling defect; (3) Stiffness of involved intestinal wall with destruction of mucosa and loss of valvulae conniventes; (4) Intestinal obstruction or intussusception; (5) Dynamic dilatation and reversed peristalsis of the bowel segment proximal to the tumor. The causes of misdiagnosis and failure of detection and the site of predilection of the tumor were discussed. The differential points between benign and malignant tumors, sarcoma and carcinoma, metastatic tumor and primary tumor, Crohn's disease and carcinoma were mentioned.

Clinical analysis of four Chinese hemophiliacs with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is now considered as the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A high risk of AIDS has been reported among patients with hemophilia who received lyophilized commercial factor VIII and IX concentrates of American origin. At a prevalent survey from September to December 1985, HIV antibodies were found in all four patients with hemophilia treated with the batch number W87307, 955 I.U. of American commercial factor VIII concentrate supplied by Armour Pharmaceutical Company, USA. One of the sero-positive patients developed AIDS-related complex (ARC) and died of cerebral hemorrhage. The other three sero-positive patients had abnormalities in cell-mediated immunity. Of them two developed left lumbosacral radiculopathy and hemorrhagic herpes zoster and one remained well so far.