Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy. Schwann cell inclusion in the peripheral nerve

Abnormal Schwann cell inclusion is reported in biopsied peripheral nerve in a case of infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy. In addition to non-specific dystrophic changes of the axons, the Schwann cells contained several distinct bodies which were composed of stacks of irregularly disposed membranes; in some instances, transformed Schwann cell cytoplasm was distined with similar bodies. This change has not been reported on this condition and its significance is briefly discussed.

Superficial esophageal carcinoma. Radiological findings in double-contrast studies

Most cases of superficial esophageal cancer have been reported in Japan and China. Radiological findings in 11 patients (13 lesions) are described. Superficial spreading cancer is difficult to detect despite widespread mucosal involvement. Double-contrast technique is essential, both to detect lesions and to demonstrate their extent. An irregular, rigid wall, mucosal abnormalities such as barium pooling and coating, and protrusions of various sizes and shapes are diagnostic features.

The studies of the attacks of abnormal eye movement in a case of infantile spasms

We observed the attacks of nystagmus in a case of infantile spasms and carried out overnight sleep polygraphy. The following findings were obtained: (1) Awake time was prolonged to 56% of TIB, while sleep time was markedly shortened to 44% of TIB. Also REM sleep time was reduced to 20% of SPT and deep slow sleep (stage N3) was absent. (2) Attacks of nystagmus were observed only during wakefulness. At first, fast wave bursts appeared in the right occipital area, and were followed by left-upward deviations of eyeballs, and then the attacks of counterclockwise right-downward rotatory nystagmus. Also the fast wave bursts were succeeded by spreading of fast waves to adjacent areas. At the same time, EMG exhibited elevated muscle action potentials of mentalis and biceps femoris. During the attacks of nystagmus, there was alteration of respiratory movements. In NREM sleep, both fast wave bursts and the attacks of nystagmus were not observed. In REM sleep, the fast wave bursts and eye movements were observed but the attacks of nystagmus did not appear. During the fast wave bursts, alteration of respiratory movements were observed. From the results of this study, it was presumed that the brain lesions of this case were extended with severe degree of damage in the great parts of brain containing cerebral cortex and brain stem.

Diffuse finely nodular lesions of the esophagus

Double contrast study of the esophagus revealed a variety of diffuse finely nodular lesions, some of which have not been adequately reported. Acanthosis nigricans, superficial spreading esophageal cancer, leukoplakia, moniliasis, and esophagitis were found to produce this appearance. Typical cases of the first three diseases are demonstrated and the differential diagnosis discussed.

Radiographic features of gastric polyps in familial adenomatosis coli

Recent reports have noted a high frequency of elevated mucosal lesions of the stomach in patients with familial adenomatosis coli. This paper describes an additional 10 cases from six different families. Nine patients had sessile polyps in various portions of the stomach. Six of these have been examined histologically; two were adenomatous and four hyperplastic. The need for meticulous examination of the stomach in patients with multiple colonic polyposis is emphasized.

Radiological manifestations of oesophageal involvement in acanthosis nigricans

Radiologic features of two cases of acanthosis nigricans with oesophageal involvement are reported. The first case demonstrated diffuse, granular shadows throughout the oesophagus which were difficult to differentiate from oesophageal moniliasis. Another case showed many discrete and tiny elevations resembling pseudopolyposis of the colon. Emphasis is placed on radiological differential diagnosis from moniliasis and leukoplakia of the oesophagus.

Distribution and serological specificity of sialidase produced by various groups of streptococci

The occurrence of a streptococcal sialidase (designated St-sialidase) in culture fluids of various streptococci was investigated. St-sialidase was found to occur in strains belonging to groups A, B, C, E, G, H, and L, and the unclassified strains, Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus uberis. St-sialidase of group A was confined predominantly to types 4 and 22. St-sialidases, extracted from the culture fluids of some selected strains, were antigenic, eliciting the formation of antibody which effectively neutralized the enzymatic activity of the enzyme. Antisera to the St-sialidases of groups A, B, C, E, G, and L, and Streptococcus sanguis were produced in rabbits. The St-sialidases of groups A, B, and E streptococci were serologically distinct and group-specific. The St-sialidases from groups C, G, and L were serologically homologous, but distinct from St-sialidases of the other groups. Antiserum to the enzyme of strain 10557 (S. sanguis) cross-reacted with the St-sialidase of strain 9927 (S. uberis).

Addition of carbethoxynitrene to trans- and cis-propenylbenzene and the ring-opening of the resulting aziridines

Carbethoxynitrene (1) generated thermally from ethyl azidoformate adds stereospecifically to trans- and cis-propenylbenzene. Ring-opening of the aziridines thus produced, proceeds with inversion at the phenyl-substituted carbon in dry acetic acid, while the reaction in aqueous acetic acid occurs with no stereospecificity.