Aneurysmal bone cysts of the spine

Aneurysmal bone cysts are uncommon bony lesions of the spine. Two such patients are reported in the study. The first patient had involvement of first and second thoracic vertebrae, and a preoperative diagnosis was made possible due to the typical magnetic resonance imaging appearances. A total removal was achieved in two stages. In the second patient the C2 spinous process was involved, and this patient presented as atantoaxial dislocation. Removal of the abnormal tissue and posterior fusion was done. Both the patients showed neurologic improvement. The relevant literature is reviewed.

Light/dark modulation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase in C3 and C 4 species

In this report, the effects of light on the activity and allosteric properties of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase were examined in newly matured leaves of several C3 and C4 species. Illumination of previously darkened leaves increased the enzyme activity 1.1 to 1.3 fold in C3 species and 1.4 to 2.3 fold in C4 species, when assayed under suboptimal conditions (pH 7) without allosteric effectors. The sensitivities of PEP carboxylase to the allosteric effectors malate and glucose-6-phosphate were markedly different between C3 and C4 species. In the presence of 5 mM malate, the activity of the enzyme extracted from illuminated leaves was 3 to 10 fold higher than that from darkened leaves in C4 species due to reduced malate inhibition of the enzyme from illuminated leaves, whereas it increased only slightly in C3 species. The Ki(malate) for the enzyme increased about 3 fold by illumination in C4 species, but increased only slightly in C3 species. Also, the addition of the positive effector glucose-6-phosphate provided much greater protection against malate inhibition of the enzyme from C4 species than C3 species. Feeding nitrate to excised leaves of nitrogen deficient plants enhanced the degree of light activation of PEP carboxylase in the C4 species maize, but had little or no effect in the C3 species wheat. These results suggest that post-translational modification by light affects the activity and allosteric properties of PEP carboxylase to a much greater extend in C4 than in C3 species.

Cytogenetic effects of deltamethrin on rat bone marrow

Deltamethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, was administered to adult female albino rats as a single i.p., s.c., or oral dose of 5.6, 8.4, or 11.2 mg/kg b.w. or repeated i.p. doses of 2.24 mg/kg b.w. for five consecutive days (cumulative dose 11.2 mg/kg b.w.). This treatment inhibited the mitotic index in a dose-dependent manner and increased the frequency of chromosome aberrations in the bone marrow at 24 h post exposure. The parenterally (i.p. and s.c.) administered deltamethrin appeared more effective than the oral gavage for eliciting its cytotoxicity and genetic toxicity potential. The frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes in the bone marrow was also increased at 30 h following a single i.p. dose of 5.6, 8.4, or 11.2 mg/kg b.w. The most prevalent abnormality observed in this study was endomitotic reduplication of chromosomes which, along with mitotic inhibition and micronucleus induction, indicated microtubular/mitotic spindle poisoning by deltamethrin. The increased frequency of chromosome aberrations and micronucleated erythrocytes also suggests a clastogenic potential of deltamethrin. These observations indicate the in vivo susceptibility of mammals to the genetic toxicity potential of deltamethrin.

Necrotizing enterocolitis: laboratory indicators of surgical disease

The timely distinction between infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) who need surgery and those who are likely to recover with medical management is important, but it may be difficult clinically. Because pneumoperitoneum is not always present, additional markers of bowel gangrene are needed. Among 73 babies managed for NEC over the study period, 49 (67%) met the study criteria of Bell's stage > 1, and their records were reviewed to determine the usefulness of common laboratory tests in predicting outcome. The patients were divided into three groups based on management. Group 1 (7 patients) required surgery at the time of initial presentation because of pneumoperitoneum. The remaining 42 patients were initially managed medically, 19 of whom (group 2) recovered successfully; the other 23 (group 3) required surgery. The combination of certain laboratory tests, ie, white blood cell count (WBC), immature:total neutrophil ratio (I:T), platelet count (PLT), and base excess (BE), was of significance in distinguishing between infants who would need surgery and those who would recover with medical therapy (group 3 v group 2) 4 to 12 hours or 12 to 24 hours after the diagnosis of NEC was established. A scoring scale was developed, with a point for each of the following: WBC < 9,000/mm3, I:T > .5, PLT < 200,000/mm3, and BE < or = -2. A score of > or = 3 during 4 to 12 hours after diagnosis of NEC strongly predicted the presence of surgical disease (positive predictive value, 100%; negative predictive value, 76%; specificity, 100%; sensitivity, 64%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pili and lipopolysaccharide of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bind to the glycolipid asialo GM1

This study investigated which adhesins of Pseudomonas aeruginosa interact with the glycolipid asialo GM1, using solid-phase binding and thin-layer chromatography assays. Radioiodinated pili and flagella contaminated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) bound to the glycolipid. When LPS was reduced to acceptable levels in pilus and flagellum samples, only pili specifically bound to the glycolipid. Commercial, radiolabeled LPS as well as whole bacteria of strain ATCC 19660 also bound to asialo GM1. Binding was specific, competitive, and saturable. Organ cultures of whole mouse eyes and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used also, and strain ATCC 19660 was inhibited from corneal binding by exogenous pili or commercial LPS and inhibition was concentration dependent for both. Binding of radiolabeled strain ATCC 19660 bacteria to neutral lipids extracted from bovine corneal epithelial tissue showed that the bacteria bound to a glycolipid which migrated at a position similar to that of an asialo GM1 standard and that the glycolipid stained positively with an antibody specific for asialo GM1. The data provide evidence that pili (reduced LPS) and LPS of P. aeruginosa bind to asialo GM1 glycolipid and that the glycolipid is not restricted to the mouse cornea.

Antifertility effects of porcine zona pellucida-3 immunization using permissible adjuvants in female bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata): reversibility, effect on follicular development and hormonal profiles

Female bonnet monkeys Macaca radiata (n = 8, four per group) were immunized with purified 55 kDa glycoprotein from porcine zona pellucida (ZP3) and ZP3 conjugated to the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta hCG) using adjuvants permissible for human use (alum, muramyl dipeptide and sodium phthalyl derivative of lipopolysaccharide). The animals were monitored for anti-ZP3 antibody titres, biweekly progesterone concentrations, menstrual cyclicity and status of fertility. All the animals generated a good anti-ZP3 antibody response, continued to have ovulatory cycles, remained infertile in the presence of high anti-ZP3 antibody titres and showed no disturbance in cyclicity (except summer amenorrhoea). Examinations by laparoscope showed normal ovaries with developing follicles or corpora lutea on the surface. Fifty per cent of the animals conceived after a decline in antibody titres. Ovaries of animals that failed to regain fertility were examined for changes in morphology at times when anti-ZP3 antibody titres in the circulation were low and following a booster when titres were high. None of the ovaries showed any sign of inflammation or lymphocytic infiltration. Follicles at different stages of development were seen in all of the ovaries. No significant reduction in the number of follicles, except in one monkey (MRA 178), was observed. There was no increase in the numbers of atretic or degenerating follicles. The results showed that ZP3 immunization with permissible adjuvants could be used for immunocontraception without obvious ovarian changes.

Fat and oil inhibit phosphine release from aluminium phosphide--its clinical implication

Poisoning by suicidal or accidental ingestion of aluminium phosphide (AlP) is a frequent medical emergency seen all over the world. AlP, a grain fumigant and rodenticide, on exposure to moisture, liberates highly toxic gas, phosphine. The rapidly inhibits mitochondrial respiration and has cytotoxic action. No specific antidote is known against it till date and prognosis depends much on dose and time lag between AlP ingestion and the stomach wash in the hospital (critical period). Physicochemical properties of AlP and nonmiscibility of fat and water promoted us to study the effect of different fats and oils as possible antidotes to inhibit phosphine liberation. In vitro experiments revealed that vegetable oils and liquid paraffin were much more effective than butter and ghee in inhibiting release of phosphine from AlP. These findings may have significant clinical implication.

Lipid components of mustard seeds (Brassica juncea L.) as influenced by cadmium levels

In a pot experiment the soil application of different levels of Cd2+ (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 micrograms g-1 soil) affected the lipid components of mustard seeds (Brassica juncea L. Cv. RH-30) markedly. Total lipids declined with the Cd2+ levels regularly while phospho and glycolipids increased only at higher levels. Fatty acids profile of total, neutral and polar lipid fractions were affected considerably. Erucic acid in total and neutral lipids was observed to increase while it decreased in polar lipids with Cd2+ as compared to control. On the other hand palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids had reverse trend. Cadmium concentration increased consistently with increasing levels of Cd2+. Plant dry weight was also decreased significantly with Cd2+ levels.

Differentiation of immortalized epithelial cells derived from cystic fibrosis airway submucosal glands

Cystic fibrosis (CF) involves abnormalities in mucus production and secretion of the airway. Studies of the regulation of airway mucin production and secretion has been difficult due to the lack of in vitro models of the airway epithelial cells which express functional differentiation. Because the majority of the mucin in the airway is apparently produced by the submucosal glands, we have focused our attention on the development of cell culture models of human airway submucosal glands. This report describes the propagation of CF airway submucosal gland epithelial cells which continue to express mucin production. The CF bronchus was obtained from a 31-yr-old patient who received a double lung transplant. The glands were dissected out and primary cultures prepared by the explant/outgrowth procedure. The cells were immortalized by infection with Ad12-SV40 hybrid virus. The cultures are maintained in serum-free keratinocyte basal medium supplemented with insulin (5 micrograms/ml), hydrocortisone (0.5 microgram/ml), epidermal growth factor (10 ng/ml), bovine pituitary extract (25 micrograms/ml), and antibiotics. Cultures were passaged using 0.125% trypsin in Ca+2 and Mg(+2)-free Hanks', balanced salt solution. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis demonstrated that the cells were homozygous for the delta F508 mutation. Morphologic observations showed that the cells were epithelial and were interconnected by sparsely distributed desmosomes. Their cytoplasm contained secretory-type structures including abundant Golgi, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and secretory vesicles. Immunofluorescent studies determined that all cells were positive for cytokeratins, mucin glycoconjugates, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. The cultures secreted substantial amounts of mucin glycoproteins and expressed the MUC-2 mucin gene.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Growing fracture of the skull: report of an unusual case

The authors report a case of a growing fracture of the skull in an elderly woman who remained asymptomatic for over 6 decades and presented at the age of 62 years with symptoms akin to the syndrome of the trephined. Successful duraplasty and cranioplasty were done with disappearance of all symptoms. A brief review of the relevant literature is also presented.

Avoiding recomputation in linkage analysis

We describe four improvements we have implemented in a version of the genetic linkage analysis programs in the LINKAGE package: subdivision of recombination classes, better handling of loops, better coordination between the optimization and output routines, and a checkpointing facility. The unifying theme for all the improvements is to store a small amount of data to avoid expensive recomputation of known results. The subdivision of recombination classes improves on a method of Lathrop and Lalouel [Am J Hum Genet 1988;42:498-505]. The new method of handling loops extends a proposal of Lange and Elston [Hum Hered 1975;25:95-105] for loopless pedigrees with multiple nuclear families at the earliest generation. From a practical point of view, the most important improvement may be the checkpointing facility which allows the user to carry out linkage computations that are much longer than the mean-time-to-failure of the underlying computer.

Lymphoglandular bodies in lymphoid lesions and non-lymphoid round cell tumours: a quantitative assessment

Lymphoglandular bodies (cytoplasmic fragments) were counted in 10 high power fields (HPF) of the smears in 35 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 26 Hodgkin's disease (HD), 36 reactive lymphadenitis, 24 non-lymphoid round cell tumors, and 20 cases of secondaries in lymph nodes. The number of lymphoglandular bodies in both May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG) and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) stained smears in NHL, HD, and reactive lymphadenitis were significantly higher compared to non-lymphoid round cell tumors (P < 0.001). In H&E stained smear 92.5% of NHL, 86.2% of reactive lymph nodes, and 66.7% of HD cases had > 100 lymphoglandular bodies per 10 HPF. In MGG stained smears 100% NHL, 89.7% of reactive lymphadenitis, and 66.7% of HD cases contained > 100 lymphoglandular bodies per 10 HPF. On the other hand only 4.8% of non-lymphoid round cell tumors crossed this level in both H&E stained and MGG stained smears. Number of lymphoglandular bodies was also significantly higher in MGG stained smears compared to H&E stained smears (P < 0.05 to < 0.01) and in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) smears compared to imprint smears (P < 0.01 to < 0.001) in cases of NHL, HD, and reactive lymphadenitis.

Serum trace elements and Cu/Zn ratio in malignant lymphomas in children

Serum copper and zinc levels, and Cu/Zn ratio were measured in 40 children with Hodgkin's (n = 18) and non-Hodgkin's (n = 22) lymphomas, and 30 controls using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The mean serum copper levels were higher in lymphoma patients than in controls (199.8 micrograms/dl v. 95.8 micrograms/dl) P < 0.001). The increase in serum copper level correlated with the stage of disease being maximum in Stage IV (219.4 micrograms/dl v. 143.2 micrograms/dl) (P < 0.01). On the other hand, there was a decrease in the serum zinc levels in lymphoma patients as compared to controls (86.1 micrograms/dl v. 117.4 micrograms/dl) (P < 0.001), but this was significant only in patients with advanced disease. The Cu/Zn ratio was therefore markedly increased in these patients (2.46 v. 0.83) (P < 0.001). Following successful treatment the abnormal serum copper and zinc levels returned towards normal. The exact mechanisms responsible for these alterations are yet to be elucidated. We conclude that serum copper and zinc levels and Cu/Zn ratio are easily measurable biochemical indices that can be used as predictors of successful treatment in pediatric patients with lymphomas.

Characterization of antigenic determinants on porcine zona pellucida-3 beta(ZP3 beta) glycoprotein by monoclonal antibodies

Out of 11 monoclonal antibodies(MAbs) developed against porcine zona pellucida-3 beta(ZP3 beta) glycoprotein, 6 (MA-451, -454, -455, -462, -467 and -470) reacted with ZP2 beta, deglycosylated ZP3 beta(DGZP3 beta), and reduced and carboxyamidomethylated ZP3 beta(RCMZP3 beta) in ELISA and Western blot suggesting that these monoclonals recognise a linear protein epitope. Five MAbs(MA-452, -456, -459, -474 and -476) showed reduced binding with DGZP3 beta and RCMZP3 beta as compared to ZP3 beta in ELISA suggesting that these may recognize either carbohydrate moities or conformation dependent epitopes. Moreover, these MAbs failed to recognize these antigens on Western blot. Based on competitive inhibition studies in ELISA for the ability of MAbs to inhibit the binding of biotinylated ZP3 beta to solid phase antibody, 6 distinct domains were discernible. Domain V recognised by MA-467 partially overlaps with the domain corresponding to MA-454 and MA-455. All 11 MAbs reacted with zona pellucida of intact oocytes as revealed by indirect immunofluorescence but only 3 antibodies (MA-454, -455 and -467) delayed the zona lysis by trypsin. In immunoblots MA-467 recognised 18kDa fragment of RCMZP3 beta digested with endoproteinase lys-C and 37 and 30kDa bands of elastase digest of ZP3 beta. The results will help in delineation of functionally relevant domains and design of contraceptive vaccine based on zona pellucida aiming for pre-fertilization block.

Serum magnesium levels in idiopathic epilepsy

Fifty cases of idiopathic epilepsy and 25 age and sex matched normal healthy controls were studied. There was a significant fall in serum magnesium levels in idiopathic epilepsy on day one and 4 of the seizures (P < 0.01) as compared to controls, and was not decreased significantly on day 7 of the seizures (P < 0.05). The fall was maximum in status epilepticus and severe epilepsy than in mild and moderate epilepsy. Serum magnesium took less time to come back to normal in mild and moderate epilepsy than in other types. This shows that serum magnesium does have a prognostic significance. Lesser the fall in the magnesium levels, less frequent were the convulsions and vice versa. It is concluded that serum magnesium continues to be a sensitive early diagnostic index of idiopathic epilepsy.

Antibody response against three epitopic domains on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in women and rodents immunized with a beta hCG-based immunocontraceptive vaccine

The antibody repertoire generated against human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), following immunization with an immunocontraceptive vaccine based on the beta subunit of the hormone, in humans was compared with that generated in rats. Three epitopic domains represented by the beta hCG loop peptide 38-57, the carboxy-terminal peptide (CTP) 109-145, and a region defined by monoclonal antibody (MAb) 206 were probed. In both species, the titer of antibodies against the MAb 206-defined epitopic domain had a good correlation with the total anti-hCG antibody titers. However, the antibody response against the beta hCG loop peptide (38-57) was not observed in human subjects and there was a weak response against this peptide in rats. Despite the good anti-hCG antibody titers in all animals (n = 8), only two had antibodies against this domain. A good antibody response was observed against CTP in rats, whereas in humans this region was weakly immunogenic. Antibodies against CTP were detected in random samples in only 57% of the subjects and this response had no correlation with the total anti-hCG antibody titers. The high antibody response against CTP in rodents compared to humans may be due to its recognition as a foreign determinant. Our results demonstrate that contraception can be achieved in women despite a poor antibody response against the CTP (109-145) and a receptor binding domain (38-57) of beta hCG.

Reversal of clinical and dental fluorosis

A large number of Indians are forced to consume fluoride contaminated water. Toxic effects of chronic fluoride ingestion are hitherto considered irreversible. In this study 20 children were selected from an area consuming water containing 4.5 ppm of fluoride (Group A) and a second sample of 20 children from another area consuming water containing 8.5 ppm of fluoride (Group B). All the children were in an age group of 3 to 12 years and weighed 12 to 25 kg. Both samples were graded for clinical, radiological and dental fluorosis. All grades of manifestations were observed. These children were given ascorbic acid (500 mg), calcium (250 mg) and vitamin D3 (800 IU) daily. Follow up revealed reversal of clinical and dental fluorosis after 44 days. Improvement in the Group B sample was slower than Group A. Dosage of ascorbic acid was increased to 750 mg per day, keeping the dosages of other drugs unchanged to Group B children. After 15 days of the revised therapy a marked improvement was noticed in clinical and dental fluorosis in this sample also.

Fine needle aspiration cytologic diagnosis of axillary accessory breast tissue, including its physiologic changes and pathologic lesions

Sixty-nine cases of axillary accessory breast tissue, including its physiologic changes and pathologic lesions, were diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology. The age of the patients ranged from 13 to 40 years, with a median of 25, and all were female. The cases presented with swellings in the left axilla in 16 cases, right axilla in 30 cases and both axillae in 23 cases. The common clinical diagnoses included accessory breast tissue (23.2%), lipomatous lesion (17.4%), lymphadenopathy (18.8%) and swellings not otherwise specified (30.4%). In 8.8% cases two of the possibilities were considered. The cytodiagnoses included axillary accessory breast tissue (47 cases), axillary breast tissue with pregnancy or lactational changes (15), cystic disease (4) and fibroadenoma (3). One of the cystic disease cases showed granulomatous inflammation. Although no case of carcinoma in axillary breast tissue was diagnosed during the study period, there were two cases of malignancy in axillary swellings (diagnosed as metastatic carcinoma) when no primary was detected in the breasts.

Intranuclear Reinke's crystals in a testicular Leydig cell tumor diagnosed by aspiration cytology. A case report

Fine needle aspiration cytologic findings in a Leydig cell tumor of the testis are described. Besides the rarity of case reports on fine needle aspiration cytologic diagnosis of this tumor, the present case was of interest because of the finding of numerous intranuclear and intracytoplasmic Reinke's crystals as well as some lying free between the cells. In a few cells the intranuclear crystals were seen to orient themselves in a row, with a nipplelike protrusion of the nuclear membrane as if being pushed by the crystals. Besides the well-formed crystals, many nuclei showed irregular, thin, groovelike spaces that may have been earlier stages of crystal formation. These findings suggested the intranuclear formation of Reinke's crystals. Extranuclear crystals were seen to fuse in pairs and hence to appear thicker than the intranuclear crystals. The crystals lying free between the cells also showed a linear arrangement in places. The crystals were more numerous with May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG) staining. Intranuclear crystals were seen only in MGG-stained smears.

Acute idiopathic axonal neuropathy (AIAN): a clinical and electrophysiological observation

Twenty patients (M:F 15:5) with electrophysiological evidence of predominant axonal lesion and fulfilling clinical criteria for Guillain Barré Syndrome were observed during a period of 6 years (1985-1990). Their mean age was 27.5 years (range 5-55). Seven patients had antecedent febrile illness. Peak motor deficit was reached at a mean period of 6.5 days (range 2-21 days). All the patients had distal muscle weakness out of proportion to proximal muscle weakness. Facial paresis (13 patients), bulbar palsy (2), respiratory failure (1), sensory deficits (7) and dysautonomia (1) were other salient features. CSF analysis revealed albumino-cytological dissociation in 12 patients. One patient died and in the remaining patients the recovery was delayed and incomplete. Presence of predominant distal muscle wasting and weakness, low amplitude CMAP or inexcitable nerves, absence of conduction block or significant temporal dispersion, normal or only slightly reduced conduction velocity and evidence of poor recovery suggest that the primary pathology in these patients may be axonal degeneration. These cases may represent a distinct entity and need to be differentiated from the more commonly observed acute idiopathic demyelinating neuropathy.

Comparative efficacy of diclofenac and flurbiprofen for maintenance of pupillary dilatation during cataract surgery

A double-blind, prospective, randomized clinical study was undertaken to evaluate the relative efficacy of flurbiprofen 0.03% and diclofenac 0.1% eye drops, in combination with routinely used mydriatics, in maintaining pupillary dilatation during extracapsular cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation. The effectiveness of administering systemic flurbiprofen along with the topical drugs in enhancing maintenance of pupillary dilatation also was assessed. Pupillary diameter, as measured at various surgical stages, was significantly greater in the patients receiving diclofenac or flurbiprofen eye drops as compared with those in a control group who did not (P < .001). While the maintenance of pupillary dilatation was consistently better with diclofenac than with flurbiprofen, the difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, though maintenance of pupillary dilatation was better in cases in which systemic flurbiprofen was added to the preoperative drug regime, again, the difference was not significant.

Expression of a mutant Gi2 alpha subunit inhibits ATP and thrombin stimulation of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2-mediated arachidonic acid release independent of Ca2+ and mitogen-activated protein kinase regulation

The 85-kDa cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) is the major hormone and growth factor-regulated enzyme that catalyzes release of arachidonic acid in mammalian cells. Activation of cPLA2 requires elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and the phosphorylation of the cPLA2 enzyme by mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. Down-regulation of protein kinase C by phorbol esters or pertussis toxin catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gi proteins inhibits thrombin and ATP receptor-stimulated MAP kinase and arachidonic acid release, indicating that functional protein kinase C and Gi proteins are required for G protein regulation of arachidonic acid release. A mutant G alpha i2 subunit having Gly203 mutated to Thr (alpha i2G203T) inhibited thrombin and ATP receptor stimulation of arachidonic acid release independent of adenylyl cyclase inhibition, Ca2+ mobilization, and MAP kinase activation. Overexpression of the wild-type alpha i2 polypeptide or the inactive mutant alpha i2G204A (Gly204 mutated to Ala) polypeptide had no effect on thrombin or ATP receptor stimulation of arachidonic acid release. The phenotype observed with expression of the mutant alpha i2G203T polypeptide defines a role for Gi2 in the control of cPLA2 activity and subsequent arachidonic acid release in addition to the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ levels and MAP kinase activity.