A comparative study of the ability of different solvents and adsorbents to extract aroma compounds from alcoholic beverages

Seven liquid solvent systems--dichloromethane, dichloromethane-pentane (1:1), freon 113, diethyl ether-pentane (1:1 and 1:9), ethyl acetate-pentane (with and without an additional salting-out effect) (1:3 and 1:20), and seven solid-phase extraction (SPE) systems (Amberlite XAD-2, 4, 7, and 16; Porapak Q; C8; and C18)--are comparatively studied. The distribution coefficients between the extraction system and a hydroalcoholic solution (12% v/v in ethanol, pH = 3.2) of 14 selected volatile compounds belonging to different chemical families and polarities are calculated. The results are processed by factor analysis and cluster analysis, and the following conclusions are reached. First, the efficiency of extraction decreases in this order: polymeric sorbents > silica-based sorbents > liquid-liquid systems with salting-out effect approximately dichloromethane > rest of liquid solvents. Second, the addition of salt mainly increases the recovery of compounds with Lewis acid properties. Third, the efficiency of the extraction of a liquid solvent depends not only on its polarity but also on its solubility in water. Fourth, in regards to the selectivity of the SPE systems, Porapak Q is the best to extract nonpolar compounds, Amberlite XAD 4 and 16 provide the least selective extraction profiles, and C8 and C18 have a special ability to extract compounds with a Brønstedt-Lowry character. Results indicate that in all cases liquid solvents can be replaced satisfactorily by SPE systems.

Cytologic diagnosis of leishmaniasis in HIV infection. A report of eight cases

BACKGROUND

Leishmania organisms are among the intracellular microorganisms with a tendency to develop in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). With increasing travel to endemic areas by patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, it is becoming a more-frequent diagnosis in nonendemic areas.

CASES

Ten cytologic specimens from eight patients with leishmaniasis and AIDS were reviewed. Eight samples were obtained from lymph nodes through fine needle aspiration (FNA). Another sample was obtained after scraping a tongue ulcer. The last one was an ascitic fluid specimen. Smears showed numerous parasitized histiocytes with abundant intracellular Leishmania organisms (amastigotes). Extracellular microorganisms were also abundant. Diff-Quik-stained smears allowed the clear recognition of the characteristic morphologic appearance with a deep-staining area (nuclei) and paranuclear zone (kinetoplast). Intracellular organisms were round, while single, extracellular forms were a more elongated.

CONCLUSION

The polymorphous clinical manifestations usually seen in patients suffering from leishmaniasis and AIDS constitute a diagnostic challenge that can be facilitated by cytopathologic examination. Cytology permits easy and rapid identification of Leishmania amastigotes, allowing a specific diagnosis and treatment.

[Efficacy of group therapy of alcoholics. Results of a controlled clinical trial]

BACKGROUND

Group therapy is widely used in psychiatry and psychology, specially in the treatment of alcoholism. Nevertheless, scientific evidence of its efficacy is scarce, and professionals tend very often to doubt about its usefulness.

METHODS

Clinical trial to test the efficacy of group therapy to improve abstinence and compliance of alcoholics (CIE-10 criteria) randomly assigned to standard treatment plus group therapy (TG+, n = 45) versus standard treatment alone (TG-, n = 43) during 12 months.

RESULTS

At 6 months follow up, the percentage of alcohol consumers (26 vs 20%) and dropouts (49 vs 36%), was slightly higher among the TG- group; while Cumulated Abstinence Duration (131 days [SD 57] versus 135 days [SD 64]) tended to be higher in the TG+ group. Differences increase at the one year follow up, reaching a significant level when measuring time to first relapse (233 vs 382 days; p = 0.04). Also, the probability to remain abstinent is clearly lower in the TG- (31 vs 76%).

CONCLUSIONS

These results clearly show the efficacy of group therapy. Its effect appears from the 3rd month and increases from 6th to 12th months. Some patients, specially those who will have worse clinical evolution, refuse to attend group sessions. Also, some others who don't accept an abstinence oriented treatment, may interfere in group dynamics. In order to maximize group efficacy, extreme care should be taken in selection of patients, group composition, setting and leadership style.

Mercury toxicity due to use of a cosmetic cream

The Arizona Department of Health Services performed an investigation to determine the health effects associated with the use of a mercury-containing beauty cream. A urine test for mercury was offered to cream users who contacted the Arizona Department of Health Services. Those with urine mercury levels > 20 micrograms/L were offered clinical evaluation. Eighty-nine urine specimens were submitted for testing. Of these, 66 showed an elevated urine mercury level (> 20 micrograms/L), and 55 people were evaluated in clinic. There were no major abnormalities found through physical examination or laboratory testing. Urine mercury levels declined from an initial mean of 170 micrograms/L to 32 micrograms/L at the final test (mean, 139 days later). The high urine mercury levels indicate that the use of this cosmetic cream constitutes a significant exposure. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were frequently reported, but few objective signs were noted.

Post-Paget telangiectatic osteosarcoma of the skull

Sarcomatous transformation is the most dreaded complication of Paget's disease. We report on a case of post-Paget telangiectatic osteosarcoma of the skull, a variant of osteogenic osteosarcoma, in a 79-year-old woman. We discuss the radiological pattern in relationship to the differential diagnosis.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of breast fibroadenoma. A cytohistologic correlation study of 405 cases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cytohistologic correlation of breast fibroadenoma (FA) in order to assess the value of cytology in the conservative management of this lesion.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of all aspirates diagnosed as FA or fibroadenomatous lesion (n = 1,549) for which a histologic follow-up study was available (n = 362). Forty-three aspirates, including 14 nonrepresentative smears, from histologically proven FAs with a different cytologic report were also included in the study.

RESULTS

Cytohistologic agreement was present in 287 of the 362 cytodiagnoses. Lack of correlation was observed in 75 cases. Most diagnostic errors accumulated in the older patient group. The sensitivity of the cytologic diagnosis of FA was 86.9% (90.8% excluding nonrepresentative cases), with a positive predictive value of 79.3%. In 43 cases a histologic diagnosis of FA was given after previous erroneous (n = 29) or nonrepresentative cytodiagnoses (n = 14). The specificity of the cytologic diagnosis of FA reached 93.8%, with a negative predictive value of 96.3% (97.5% excluding nonrepresentative cases). Regarding malignancy, five tumors were diagnosed as FA and were malignant. No false positive diagnoses of malignancy were given, but nine aspirates were included in the category "suspicious for carcinoma."

CONCLUSION

FA of the breast remains a diagnostic challenge for the cytopathologist. A considerable amount of benign breast lesions can mimic FA on cytology, and such diagnostic categories as "fibroadenomatous lesion" or "consistent with FA" are associated with low diagnostic accuracy. While the cytologic requisites for entering a program of conservative management of FA are established, it seems that strict diagnostic criteria should be applied even at the expense of diminishing sensitivity.

[The topographic diagnosis of the sympathetic nervous system lesions in Cuban epidemic neuropathy. The value of the sympathetic skin response]

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate from the electrophysiological point of view the existence of disorders of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and to deepen in the probable topography of the lesions. The sympathetic skin response (SSR) was studied in 37 patients with Cuban epidemic neuropathy (CEN) and in 29 sound individuals. The response to electrical stimulation with simultaneous registry in the 4 limbs was assessed. The latencies and amplitudes of the SSR registered in the lower limbs of patients were significantly different from those of the controls (p < 0.05). This difference between both groups was not observed in the upper limbs. These results are an objective and reproducible evidence of the injury of the ANS in the Cuban epidemic neuropathy. The highest intensity of affectation of the amplitudes of the SSR of lower limbs, with relative indemnity of those of the upper limbs, suggests a predominance of the axonal injury of the peripheral efferent branch towards the lower limbs that is congruent with the greatest affectation of the peripheral nerves in this localization.

ACE inhibitor quinapril reduces the arterial expression of NF-kappaB-dependent proinflammatory factors but not of collagen I in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis

Increasing evidence supports an association between inflammation and plaque rupture. Macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells are a source of cytokines and growth factors, which contribute to ongoing inflammation during atherogenesis. In a rabbit model of atherosclerosis, we evaluated the effect of the ACE inhibitor quinapril on different parameters implicated in the pathogenesis of the plaque, such as the presence of chemokines (interleukin-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), collagen I, and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation (PDGF-B). Since nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) has been implicated in the control of chemokine transcription and cell proliferation, we also investigated its activation and localization in the lesion. Quinapril administration for 28 days caused a down-regulation in arterial expression of interleukin-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (mRNA and protein). However, collagen I expression (mRNA and protein) was not modified. PDGF-B expression was reduced in both the intima and the media. Active NF-kappaB, found in both macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells, was also reduced by quinapril. Nevertheless, no significant changes were noted in the mild neointima formation, although a certain trend toward normalization was found in the quinapril-treated group. In conclusion, our results show that quinapril treatment attenuates several parameters associated with inflammation within the atherosclerotic lesions that are controlled by NF-kappaB, although it has no effect on collagen I expression. Both effects could contribute to the stabilization of the atherosclerotic plaque.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibition by atorvastatin reduces neointimal inflammation in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVES

To study the effect of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA)-reductase inhibitor atorvastatin on the potential mechanisms involved in the recruitment of monocytic cells into the vessel wall.

BACKGROUND

Inhibitors of HMG-CoA-reductase reduce cardiovascular mortality though the mechanisms yet elucidated. Most ischemic events are secondary to disruption of atherosclerotic plaques highly infiltrated by macrophages.

METHODS

Atherosclerosis was induced in the femoral arteries of rabbits by endothelial damage and atherogenic diet for 4 weeks. Then, animals were switched to standard chow and randomized to receive either no treatment or atorvastatin (5 mg/kg/d) and killed after 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Atorvastatin induced a significant reduction in serum lipids and in lesion size. Arterial macrophage infiltration was abolished by the treatment, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was significantly diminished in the neointima and in the media. Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappaB) was activated in the 60% of the lesions, both in macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), of the untreated group while only in 30% of the atorvastatin group. NF-kappaB activity was also lower in the uninjured aorta and liver of treated compared with untreated rabbits. In cultured VSMC, MCP-1 expression and NF-kappaB activity induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha were downregulated by atorvastatin.

CONCLUSIONS

In a rabbit atherosclerosis model, atorvastatin diminishes the neointimal inflammation, and this could contribute to the stabilization of the atherosclerotic plaque. This may be an additional explanation for the reduction of acute ischemic events in patients treated with statins.

Trace element analysis on Si wafer surfaces by TXRF at the ID32 ESRF undulator beamline

Synchrotron radiation total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (SR-TXRF) has been applied to the impurity analysis of Si wafers using a third-generation synchrotron radiation undulator source. A lower limit of detectability (LLD) for Ni atoms of 17 fg (1.7 x 10(8) atoms cm(-2)) has been achieved with an optical set-up based on an Si(111) double-crystal monochromator and a horizontal sample geometry. These first results are very promising for synchrotron radiation trace element analysis since we estimate that it is possible to lower the LLD by a factor of about 25 by employing appropriate optics and detectors. The use of a crystal monochromator opens new possibilities to perform absorption and scattering experiments (NEXAFS and X-ray standing-wave methods) for chemical and structural analysis of ultratrace elements.

Nodular pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia of the breast. Cytologic features

OBJECTIVE

To define and discuss the cytologic findings in six cases of nodular pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) of the breast.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective evaluation of the medical records, cytologic and histologic material from six patients with palpable mammary PASH. Cases in which PASH was associated with other predominant mammary lesions were not included in the study.

RESULTS

A total of six patients with histologically proven PASH underwent aspiration in nine occasions (three patients studied twice). Clinically, five patients were diagnosed as having fibroadenoma or another benign lesion, and in one patient carcinoma was suspected. In two patients, mammography disclosed rapid growth of the lesion. Seven aspirations, performed on five patients, were diagnosed as fibroadenoma (n = 5) or fibroadenomatous lesion (n = 2). An eighth aspiration was cystic and reported as fibrocystic disease. The last case was erroneously diagnosed as suspicious for carcinoma. Even after revision, the cytologic similarities of PASH with fibroadenoma were remarkable. Most smears were less cellular than those of conventional fibroadenomas. Epithelial clusters showed variable size, with a predominance of medium to small groups. Stromal elements were minimal or absent. Background cellularity was composed of round to oval naked nuclei and others with spindle shapes. Occasional epithelial clusters showed cellular dissociation and slight atypia.

CONCLUSION

Due to the absence of specific cytologic features and similarities to fibroadenoma, a precise diagnosis of PASH cannot be made on cytologic material. However, the majority of cases can be diagnosed correctly as benign, allowing appropiate treatment.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of mammary fibromatosis: report of two cases

The purpose of this study is to evaluate cytologically two cases of mammary fibromatosis (MF). Prior to FNAC, clinical and mammographic suspicion of carcinoma and fibroadenoma were present. In both cases cytology disclosed the presence of numerous spindle cells admixed with epithelial cells. In the first case, carcinoma was excluded and the diagnosis of "spindle-cell proliferative lesion" was established. The second case was erroneously diagnosed as "cellular fibroadenoma" due to the presence of monolayered ductal epithelial groups and stromal tissue. In both cases local excision of the lesion was recommended. Although in a strict sense fibromatosis is a pure stromal lesion, the frequent presence of epithelial groups in the smears should raise a differential diagnosis with other more frequent mixed (epithelial and stromal) lesions such as fibroadenoma, cystosarcoma phyllodes, and metaplastic carcinoma. Due to the fact that clinically and mamographically MF is frequently confused with malignancy, preoperative recognition is essential since in many cases it would avoid unnecessary radical surgery. In this sense cytology offers very important preoperative information.

Resistance to apoptosis and up regulation of Bcl-2 in benign prostatic hyperplasia after androgen deprivation

PURPOSE

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is related to advancing age and the presence of androgens and occurs in virtually all older men. BPH causes morbidity, most often by urinary obstruction, in a substantial fraction of men over sixty. Both finasteride and androgen ablation induce partial diminution in BPH that occurs over weeks to months. This is in contrast to the often rapid involution seen in both normal prostatic epithelium and prostatic carcinoma in response to androgen withdrawal. This study was performed to analyze the response of prostatic cells, and in particular BPH, to acute androgen ablation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We subjected a cohort of 26 men to androgen ablation with goserelin, a gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist, for 3-4 weeks prior to radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Preablation biopsy specimens and prostatectomy specimens were immunohistochemically stained for apoptotic cells and for expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins Bcl-2, Bax, Bcl-x, and Bak.

RESULTS

Normal prostatic epithelial cells and prostate cancer responded to hormone deprivation by undergoing apoptosis, but in 19/26 specimens prostatic hyperplasia had a total absence of apoptosis. In all 26 specimens, benign prostatic hyperplasia demonstrated increased expression of the Bcl-2 protein, but no change in the expression of Bax, Bcl-x, and Bak. In contrast, adjacent normal and malignant prostatic epithelium showed positive staining for apoptosis and did not alter Bcl-2 expression in response to androgen ablation.

CONCLUSIONS

BPH demonstrated increased staining for Bcl-2 after androgen deprivation that may render hyperplastic epithelium relatively resistant to apoptosis induced acutely by androgen withdrawal.

[Prognostic value of lymphatic metastasis in bladder cancer]

OBJECTIVE

The presence of lymph node metastasis in bladder cancer is considered to be a sign of poor prognosis. The present study was performed to analyze the influence of the number of positive lymph nodes on survival and the therapeutic value of lymphadenectomy in pN+patients.

METHODS

From January, 1983 to January, 1993, 160 patients aged 39 to 77 years (mean 61.8) underwent radical cystectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for carcinoma of the bladder. The records of 122 patients were available for review. The UICC 1978 classification system was used.

RESULTS

Cancer-specific mortality was 22.8% (16/70) for pNo patients, 44.4% (4/9) for pN1 patients and 88.9% (16/18) for pN2-4 patients. We obtained the following cancer-specific mortality by stratifying according to T category: 5.4% (2/37) for pNoT1-T3a, 42.4% (14/33) for pNoT3b-T4, 0% (0/2) for pNIT1-T3a, 57.1% (4/7) for pNIT3b-T4 and 88.9% (16/18) for pN2-4T3b-T4.

CONCLUSION

The presence of only 1 positive regional lymph node (pN1) appears to worsen patient survival, particularly when the primary tumor is T3b or worse. In these cases cancer-specific mortality after patient discharge increased from 42% for the pNo patients to 57% for the pN1 patients (p > 0.05). Radical cystectomy was highly effective and curative in 95% of T1-T3apNo-1 patients (37/39). The presence of multiple positive lymph nodes carries a very poor prognosis, with 89% of the patients dying at a mean of 12 months.

[Isolated laryngeal candidiasis. Description of 2 cases and review of the literature]

Infection of the larynx by Candida is rare and usually accompanies lung or disseminated candidiasis. The incidence of isolated laryngeal candidiasis (ILC) is low, although it may be underestimated. We describe 2 patients with ILC confirmed during autopsy: a 45-years-old male with pulmonary fibrosis and a 4-years-old girl with acute myeloblastic leukemia. Hoarseness and dysphagia are the most common symptoms of ILC. The most effective diagnostic technique is laryngoscopy with specimen culture and/or histopathology. Specimens usually show whitish plaques on the larynx. Most ILC patients have some associated disease and/or predisposing factors, with frequent antibiotic treatment prior to the advent of candidiasis. Intravenous amphotericin B provides the most effective therapy, although other antimycotics are also useful. Early diagnosis and initiation of therapy curtail the disease and can prevent systemic dissemination.

Cystadenoma of the epididymis, another cause of scrotal mass in infancy

We describe a case of cystadenoma of epididymis in a boy, 12-year-old. This condition should be emphasized in the differential diagnosis of a scrotal mass in the infancy.

[An adenocarcinoid tumor of the vermiform appendix]

Goblet cell carcinoids of the vermiform appendix are uncommon. A comprehensive review of the literature revealed about 100 reported cases. Clinical presentation included: asymptomatic patients, acute appendicitis, and/or chronic intermittent lower abdominal pain with or without a palpable mass. We report the case of a 57 year-old woman with lower abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Normal blood tests. X-ray of the abdomen showed dilated small bowel loops with fluid levels. Initially, conservative treatment was started. After three days with no clinical improvement, the patient was operated on. An appendicocecal inflammation was found and a terminal ileum plus cecal resection with an end-to-side anastomosis was performed. The pathological diagnosis was goblet cell carcinoid. The patient shows no evidence of recurrence after 1 year follow-up.

[Mucoprotein secretion in calculous gallbladder]

Secretion of mucoproteins or mucine (MP) have been studied as possible markers in several pathological conditions of the digestive tract, such us colonic polyposis or gastric dysplasia. In the gallbladder (VB) it has been established that form the core of crystalization for the calculi. A study in 100 gallbladders have been made based on the utility of the analysis of the qualitative and quantitative modifications of MP in lithogenesis. It was been determined by histochemical techniques the three main types of MP (neutral, low and high sulphated acid) to evaluate the alterations in the process of lithiasis. Results show a high production of the MP in VB with lithiasis, presenting in 97% a mixed composition of MP (48.9% of 2 types, and 3 types in 46%), without a predominating type in this pathology.