Biochemical changes in saliva of malnourished children

The protein concentration and activity of arginase enzymes in serum and saliva was estimated in a total of 94 children out of which 52 were suffering from protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and 42 served as controls. The salivary ferritin was also estimated in 41 children (control eight and PEM 33). There was a progressive fall in serum and salivary arginase activity and levels of salivary protein and ferritin with severity of PEM. The salivary ferritin showed very significant fall even in PEM grade I. In PEM grade III the mean ferritin value was 3.28 +/- 0.75 micrograms/L as compared to 169.3 +/- 21.9 micrograms/L for normal children. The changes in salivary protein, arginase activity, and ferritin in PEM may be used in recognizing severity as well as early stage of the disease.

Sarcocystosis in man: a report of two cases

Two cases of sarcocystis infestation in living humans are reported. Both presented with discharging sinuses; one on the lower extremity, the other gluteal. Microscopical examination of excised sinus tissue revealed characteristic cysts of the parasite. In none of the cases was the parasite's presence previously suspected. The significance of this parasite is discussed in relationship to these and previously reported cases.

Cytopathologic study of primary tumors of bones and joints

Fine needle aspiration biopsy and subsequent histopathologic examination was done in 69 patients with bone tumors. In 83% of the cases, the cytologic diagnoses were in complete agreement with the histopathologic diagnoses. In the remaining aspirations, the cytologic diagnosis could not be made, mostly due to a paucity of cells on the smears.

Microfilariae in association with neoplasms. Report of six cases

Microfilariae were observed during routine cytopathologic or histopathologic examination of tumor tissue from six neoplasms. Subsequent to the detection of the parasite in smears or sections, repeated examination of night blood smears from these patients demonstrated microfilariae in only one case of squamous-cell carcinoma of the cervix. Histopathologic examination of the serial sections revealed different types of unrelated tumors, but no microfilariae could be demonstrated except in one case of hemangioblastoma of the cerebellum.