Olfactory neuroblastoma: clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical characterization of four representative cases

Olfactory neuroblastomas are rare tumors whose clinical prognosis is not predictable by assessment of initial stage or grade. The pathologic diagnosis is often difficult because of the wide range of the patient's age and histologies. In this report, we document that the diagnosis of olfactory neuroblastoma can be clarified by immunohistochemical demonstration of a unique antigenic profile that can be obtained in routinely processed biopsies. We describe four cases of olfactory neuroblastoma diagnosed and treated from 1979 to 1989, each confirmed by immunohistology. One of our patients was misdiagnosed twice at an outside institution, first as having nasopharyngeal carcinoma and then as having small-cell, undifferentiated "oat cell" carcinoma. Despite accurate tumor diagnosis and appropriate therapy, we found that there was no apparent correlation of clinical outcome with Kadish clinical stage or histologic grade of tumor.

Adjuvant 5-FU and MeCCNU improves survival following curative gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma

During the 13-year period ending December 31, 1984, 51 patients treated by curative gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma invasive beyond the submucosa were eligible to enter adjuvant chemotherapy trials. Twenty-one of 22 patients in the first treatment group (FMe) received 5-fluorouracil and a nitrosourea. The second group of eight patients received the same drugs plus Adriamycin (FAMe). Twenty-one patients were observed as surgical controls. Each adjuvant treatment group was subdivided into groups of patients with zero to four or five or more lymph node metastases for survival analysis. Fifteen patients were alive without evidence of disease at five years. Analysis of variance of survival times showed that lymph node status (P = 0.0001) and adjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.01) were statistically significant prognostic variables. The FMe group had the best survival. A Fisher's exact test showed that the FMe group had a greater proportion of five-year survivors (P = 0.0217) than the no treatment arm. Patients with only zero to four positive lymph nodes in the FMe group had a statistically greater number of five-year survivors than patients in the no treatment arm (P = 0.0155). In this series, postoperative 5-fluorouracil and MeCCNU significantly improved the survival times of patients after curative gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma as compared with surgical controls.

Widespread silent transmission of pertussis in families: antibody correlates of infection and symptomatology

Four children with pertussis and their 18 family members were subjects of a 1-year study to detect infection and antibody responses to Bordetella pertussis. Attack rate for pertussis infection in contacts was 83%. Two-thirds of cases in these immunized contacts were subclinical. All infected family contacts had diagnostically elevated serologic tests for pertussis at the time the index case was diagnosed. Culture identified only 20% of infected contacts. Infected individuals had a mean of 5.5 of 10 antibody tests diagnostic for recent infection. ELISA assay for IgG to pertussis toxin and assay for IgA to filamentous hemagglutinin on serum and nasal secretions were the most discriminating diagnostic tests. Index cases and immunized contacts had different type and timing of antibody responses, making a single assay or sampling unable to identify all infected individuals. Symptomatic infection was characterized by higher magnitude of pertussis toxin antibody response and asymptomatic infection by filamentous hemagglutinin. After pertussis immunization, immunity to disease is greater than is protection from infection.

Comparison of two methods for determination of total solids content of milk: collaborative study

Ten laboratories analyzed 9 pairs of blind duplicate raw milk samples for total solids. A direct forced air oven method (4 h at 100 degrees C) and a modification of the AOAC predry method (16.032) were used. Preliminary evaluation of the modified AOAC method indicated that blank determinations were necessary. Total solids content ranged from 12.0 to 14.6%. Average repeatability standard deviations (Sr) of the direct forced air oven and modified AOAC methods were 0.019 and 0.017, respectively. Average reproducibility standard deviations (SR) of the direct forced air oven and the modified AOAC methods were 0.042 and 0.047, respectively. Average repeatability relative standard deviations (RSDr) for the direct forced air oven and the modified AOAC methods were 0.149 and 0.136%, respectively; average reproducibility relative standard deviations (RSDR) were 0.327 and 0.370%, respectively. Mean repeatability values (r) and reproducibility values (R) were 0.054 and 0.118 for the direct forced air oven method and 0.049 and 0.133 for the modified AOAC method, respectively. The mean test result of the direct forced air oven method (12.7293%) was comparable to that for the modified AOAC method (12.7273%). The modification of AOAC method 16.032 and the direct forced air oven method have been approved interim official first action.

Combination of total solids determined by oven drying and fat determined by Mojonnier extraction for measurement of solids-not-fat content of raw milk: collaborative study

Each of 9 laboratories analyzed 9 pairs of blind duplicate raw milk samples for fat, using the Mojonnier ether extraction method (16.E13-16.E17), and for total solids, using a new direct forced air oven method. Solids-not-fat was determined by subtracting percent fat from percent total solids. The solids-not-fat content of the samples tested in the collaborative study ranged from 8.48 to 9.36%. The average repeatability standard deviation (sr) and the average reproducibility standard deviation (SR) for the solids-not-fat method were 0.019 and 0.041, respectively. Average repeatability (RSDr) and reproducibility (RSDR) relative standard deviations were 0.218 and 0.466%, respectively. The mean repeatability value (r) was 0.055; the mean reproducibility value (R) was 0.117. The difference between milk total solids determined by direct forced air oven drying and milk fat determined by Mojonnier ether extraction has been approved for interim official first action for determination of solids-not-fat content of milk.

Endoscopic ablation of esophageal malignancies with the neodymium-YAG laser and electrofulguration

The case reports of 40 patients with obstructive esophageal cancer treated with electrofulguration (EF) or neodymium (Nd)-YAG laser were reviewed. Surgery was contraindicated because of advanced carcinoma (17 patients), recurrence after resection (13 patients), recurrence after irradiation (four patients), and poor medical condition (four). Two patients refused surgery. There were 31 men and four women; mean age was 62 years. There were 31 adenocarcinomas, eight squamous cell carcinomas, and one metastatic breast carcinoma. Tumor locations were lower esophagus in 35 patients, middle esophagus in three, and cervical esophagus in two. Thirty-five patients had obstructions; two, bleeding, and three, both. None of the patients could swallow solids. A total of 255 treatments were given (mean, 6.6 per patient). The mean number of Nd-YAG treatments was 1.9; for EF, 1.3. All 40 patients tolerated solid food after treatment and the esophagus remained open from three to 14 weeks. Mean survival from first treatment was 11 months; from diagnosis, 17 months. Both techniques were safe and effective.

A standard procedure for measuring rodent bedding particle size and dust content

Hardwood dust can cause dermatitis, respiratory disease, allergies and nasal cancer in humans. A major concern with animal hardwood bedding is its dust content and its possible effects on animals and animal technicians. Previous reports on the quality control of rodent bedding did not specify sample size or shake time for measuring bedding particle size and dust content. These variables could alter particle size analyses. In an effort to more accurately characterize bedding particle size and dust content, 50g and 100g samples of hardwood bedding were shaken for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 minutes in a portable sieve shaker containing U.S. standard sieves (Nos. 8, 20, 30 and 50) to determine optimum sample size and shake time. Significant differences (P less than 0.05 or greater) were observed in the percent of bedding retained on a No. 8 sieve when 50g and 100g samples were taken for 30 seconds or for 1 minute. Samples shaken for 2 or more minutes did not show any statistical differences in the percent of bedding which was retained on or passed through the different sieves. Major differences occurred in the percent of bedding which was retained or passed through the different sieves, when the shake time was varied from 0.5 to 5 minutes. These results indicated that 0.5 or 1 minute was definitely not enough time to accurately measure bedding particle size and dust content and that the sample size and shake time must be consistent in order to accurately compare the particle size and dust content of different shipments of bedding or to compare bedding from different vendors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Three studies comparing performance of the ER-3A tubephone with the TDH-50P earphone

Three studies compared the performance of the ER-3A Tubephone insert earphone and the TDH-50P-MX41/AR supra-aural earphone. The three factors addressed were: threshold differences in children 7 to 10 yr old compared to adults, differences in real ear attenuation, and threshold differences in the presence of high background noise levels. The influence of insertion depth of the ER-3A Tubephone was also investigated. Findings showed no significant threshold differences between children and adults, significantly better real ear attenuation for the ER-3A Tubephone, and significantly better thresholds for the ER-3A in the presence of high background noise levels. Most critically, there was a significant change in attenuation characteristics of the ER-3A Tubephone, which was dependent on the insertion depth of the ear-tip.

Comparison of Babcock and ether extraction methods for determination of fat content of milk: collaborative study

Eleven collaborating laboratories analyzed 18 blind duplicate pairs of raw milk samples for fat by the Babcock method and by a modified Mojonnier ether extraction method in 7 round robins conducted over a 14 month period. Ten laboratories used the Babcock method and 10 used the modified Mojonnier method. Fat content of samples ranged from approximately 2.7 to 5.6%. Mean test value of samples analyzed was approximately 3.9% fat. Average standard deviations of within-laboratory repeatability (Sr) of the Babcock and ether extraction methods were 0.029 and 0.015% fat, respectively. Average standard deviations of between-laboratory reproducibility (SR) of the Babcock and ether extraction methods were 0.039 and 0.020% fat, respectively. Average repeatability relative standard deviations (RSDr) for the Babcock and ether extraction methods were 0.742 and 0.396%; average reproducibility relative standard deviations (RSDR) were 1.014 and 0.512%, respectively. Mean repeatability values (r) and reproducibility values (R) were 0.081 and 0.111% for Babcock and 0.044 and 0.056% for ether extraction, respectively. The ether extraction method demonstrated consistently better within- and between-laboratory agreement. The overall mean test value for the Babcock method was significantly higher (0.021% fat) than that for ether extraction. The difference between Babcock and ether extraction fat test results was different for different farms. In addition, the mean difference between percent fat determined by the Babcock and ether extraction methods was different in different months. There was no correlation in the difference between Babcock and ether extraction methods with the absolute level of fat in the samples in the range of 2.7 to 5.6% fat. The modifications of the AOAC Babcock method and the modified Mojonnier ether extraction method have been approved interim official first action.

Detection and characterization of human serum antibodies to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon diol-epoxide DNA adducts

The presence of serum antibodies to the diol-epoxide DNA adducts of representative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), chrysene, benz[a]anthracene and benzo[a]pyrene, was determined by ELISA using serum samples obtained from normal healthy individuals. Antibodies that reacted against PAH adducted-DNA, but not against PAH-adducted protein, were found in the serum of approximately 40% of the test individuals. Specificity analysis of the antibodies demonstrated that serological cross-reactions between the benzo[a]pyrene and the chrysene diol-epoxide adducts were present. Similar cross-reactivity between the benz[a]anthracene and the chrysene adducts was observed. Sera containing antibodies that were apparently specific for each of the three PAH-DNA adducts were also identified. The presence of antibodies to PAH-DNA adducts indicates both past exposure to these carcinogenic PAH and their metabolic activation to the DNA damaging metabolites. These antibodies may prove to be useful in both retrospective and prospective epidemiological studies of various diseases associated with PAH exposure.

Simultaneous administration of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine with booster doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and poliovirus vaccines

The safety and efficacy of simultaneous administration of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), and trivalent oral poliovirus (OPV) vaccines in a test group of 405 children were compared with the safety and efficacy of sequential administration of the same vaccines in a control group of 410 children given MMR followed by booster doses of DTP and OPV 2 months later. The study was double blind and placebo controlled with respect to DTP and OPV. Seroconversion rates to measles, mumps, and rubella exceeded 96% in both groups. Geometric mean titers to measles (P = .05) and rubella (P = .004) were higher in the test group, and titers of antibodies to the other seven antigens were similar in both groups. Clinical reaction data were analyzed in 248 of 405 test children and 249 of 410 control children. The rates of serious vaccine-associated reactions were low and similar in the two groups. Some minor side effects were reported more frequently in the test group, but these differences were judged to be related to study design rather than to differences in the safety of the two vaccine schedules. The results indicate that the safety and serologic efficacy of administering MMR simultaneously with reinforcing doses of DTP and OPV in the second year of life is equivalent to the safety and efficacy observed after administering these antigens separately.

Surgical treatment of stenosis of the external auditory canal

Analysis of the outcomes of reconstruction for stenosis of the ear canal in 20 patients revealed that the key step in the procedure after the stenotic meatus and ear canal skin have been removed (in the process accomplishing a wide meatoplasty) is widening the posterior bony canal wall until some mastoid cells are encountered. After the tympanic membrane has been deepithelialized, the bony canal should be lined with two separate pieces of split-thickness skin grafts and protected with Silastic sheeting and packing. Average follow-up of 3 1/3 years revealed that 2 ear canals have restenosed, 2 have partially restenosed, and 18 have healed. Of the 22 ears, 15 have had hearing improved to within 25 dB SRT or better, 5 have moderate hearing improvement, and 2 have no improvement. There were no complications.

Osteosarcoma of the jaw

The records of 66 patients with osteosarcoma of the jaw were reviewed. The ages of the 42 males and 24 females ranged from 12 to 79 years (mean, 34.2 years). Swelling and pain, the most frequent presenting complaints, were noted an average of three months before the patient was seen by a physician. Fifty-one percent of the lesions involved the maxilla and 49% involved the mandible. The most common sites of involvement were the body of the mandible and the alveolar ridge of the maxilla. Radiologically, most of the lesions in the maxilla were osteoblastic (50%), whereas most of those in the mandible were osteolytic (43%). Chondroblastic osteosarcoma was the most frequent histologic type (48%) and was associated with the best survival rate (47%). Treatment included radical and local surgery with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or various combinations. The recurrence rate for all treatment modalities was 70%. Patients treated by initial radical surgery had the best survival (80%). Survival decreased to 27% with local surgery. Of the 43 (65%) patients who died, most died with uncontrolled local disease; only four patients had documented distant metastasis, which involved lung, cervical lymph nodes, spinal column, and brain.

Defect in polyamine metabolism in a BHK cell mutant temperature-sensitive for rRNA maturation

A mutant of BHK cells (ts422E) temperature-sensitive for processing 32S rRNA to 28S rRNA (Toniolo et al., '73) also loses the ability to synthesize polyamines and 5.8S rRNA when shifted to the non-permissive temperature (39 degrees). The activity of several enzymes not involved with polyamine synthesis, methylation of 32S rRNA, and small nuclear RNA production are apparently unaffected after at least 24 hours at 39 degrees. When cultures are returned to the permissive temperature (33 degrees), polyamine synthesizing capacity returns to normal as mature rRNA production resumes.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase mutants degrade protein at a normal rate

The stability of both rapidly and slowly degraded proteins in wild type CHO cells is similar to that in three ts aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase mutants at both permissive and non-permissive temperatures, although the degree of tRNA charging in the synthetase mutants differs considerably with temperature. These results indicate that the altered rate of protein breakdown seen under a variety of physiological conditions in eukaryotic systems is not mediated by uncharged tRNA.

Marke's disease herpesviruses. III. Purification and characterization of Marek's disease herpesvirus B antigen

Sera from chickens naturally infected with Marek's disease herpesvirus (MDHV) form preciptin lines with at least two immunologically distinct soluble antigens designated MDHV-A and MDHV-B. Partial purification and characterization of the glycoprotein MDHV-A antigen was previously reported. MDHV-B was found predominantly in the sonically treated extracts of infected cells, in contrast to the predominantly extracellular MDHV-A. Analysis of these extracts from [14C]glucosamine-labeled cells by immunodiffusion with chicken anti MDHV-B serum negative for MDHV-A followed by autoradiography confirmed that MDHV-B was a common antigen between MDHV and herpesvirus of turkeys and revealed that it was also a glycoprotein. Because of their glycoprotein nature, both MDHV-A and MDHV-B bound to concanavalin A affinity chromatography columns and could then be eluted by alpha-methyl-D-mannoside and recovered for further analysis. Concanavalin A affinity chromatography was an excellent technique for initial purification of MDHV-A and MDHV-B, since approximately 5- and 15- fold purification, respectively, was achieved in a single simple step. MDHV-B was resistant to trypsin under conditions where MDHV-A was sensitive, but was similar to MDHV-A in resistance to pH 2.0 and to 1.0 or 2.0 M urea and 0.05% Brij 35. Partially purified MDHV-B was analyzed by sucrose gradient sedimentation, isoelectric focusing, and gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 in the presence of 1.0 or 2.0 M urea and 0.05% Brij 35 to purify the antigen and to determine its physical and chemical properties in comparison with those already reported for MDHV-A. MDHV-B had a much lower isoelectric point in pH 4,54, a higher sedimentation coefficient of 4.4S, and a greater molecular weight of 58,250. These data indicate that MDHV-B is physically distinct from MDHV-A antigen, although the size difference is not sufficient to allow for effective separation. In contrast, the isoelectric point difference of greater than 2 pH units makes isoelectric focusing an effective means of purifying the antigens free of one another. The four-step purification procedure achieved greater than 200-fold purification of MDHV-B. Immunization of rabbits with this highly purified antigen results in the preparation of antisera that appeared monospecific for MDHV-B in immunodiffusion.