Multifunctional IgG/IgM antibodies and cellular cytotoxicity are elicited by the full-length MSP1 SumayaVac-1 malaria vaccine

Radical control of malaria likely requires a vaccine that targets both the asymptomatic liver stages and the disease-causing blood stages of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. While substantial progress has been made towards liver stage vaccines, the development of a blood stage vaccine is lagging behind. We have recently conducted a first-in-human clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the recombinant, full-length merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1FL) formulated with GLA-SE as adjuvant. Here, we show that the vaccine, termed SumayaVac-1, elicited both a humoral and cellular immune response as well as a recall T cell memory. The induced IgG and IgM antibodies were able to stimulate various Fc-mediated effector mechanisms associated with protection against malaria, including phagocytosis, release of reactive oxygen species, production of IFN-γ as well as complement activation and fixation. The multifunctional activity of the humoral immune response remained for at least 6 months after vaccination and was comparable to that of naturally acquired anti-MSP1 antibodies from semi-immune adults from Kenya. We further present evidence of SumayaVac-1 eliciting a recallable cellular cytotoxicity by IFN-γ producing CD8+ T cells. Our study revitalizes MSP1FL as a relevant blood stage vaccine candidate and warrants further evaluation of SumayaVac-1 in a phase II efficacy trial.

Increased circulation time of Plasmodium falciparum underlies persistent asymptomatic infection in the dry season

The dry season is a major challenge for Plasmodium falciparum parasites in many malaria endemic regions, where water availability limits mosquito vectors to only part of the year. How P. falciparum bridges two transmission seasons months apart, without being cleared by the human host or compromising host survival, is poorly understood. Here we show that low levels of P. falciparum parasites persist in the blood of asymptomatic Malian individuals during the 5- to 6-month dry season, rarely causing symptoms and minimally affecting the host immune response. Parasites isolated during the dry season are transcriptionally distinct from those of individuals with febrile malaria in the transmission season, coinciding with longer circulation within each replicative cycle of parasitized erythrocytes without adhering to the vascular endothelium. Low parasite levels during the dry season are not due to impaired replication but rather to increased splenic clearance of longer-circulating infected erythrocytes, which likely maintain parasitemias below clinical and immunological radar. We propose that P. falciparum virulence in areas of seasonal malaria transmission is regulated so that the parasite decreases its endothelial binding capacity, allowing increased splenic clearance and enabling several months of subclinical parasite persistence.

Comparative effectiveness of alternative clinical pathways for primary hip and knee joint replacement patients: a pragmatic randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) (arthroplasty) surgery for end-stage osteoarthritis (OA) are ideal candidates for optimization through an algorithmic care pathway. Using a comparative effectiveness study design, we compared the effectiveness of a new clinical pathway (NCP) featuring central intake clinics, dedicated inpatient resources, care guidelines and efficiency benchmarks vs. the standard of care (SOC) for THR or TKR.

METHODS

We compared patients undergoing primary THR and TKR who received surgery in NCP vs. SOC in a randomised controlled trial within the trial timeframe. 1,570 patients (1,066 SOC and 504 NCP patients) that underwent surgery within the study timeframe from urban and rural practice settings were included. The primary endpoint was improvement in Western Ontario and McMaster University osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) overall score over 12 months post-surgery. Secondary endpoints were improvements in the physical function (PF) and bodily pain (BP) domains of the Short Form 36 (SF-36).

RESULTS

NCP patients had significantly greater improvements from baseline WOMAC scores compared to SOC patients after adjusting for covariates (treatment effect=2.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.10-4.01]). SF-36 BP scores were significantly improved for both hip and knee patients in the NCP (treatment effect=3.01, 95% CI [0.70-5.32]), but SF-36 PF scores were not. Effects of the NCP were more pronounced in knee patients.

CONCLUSION

While effect sizes were small compared with major effects of the surgery itself, an evidence-informed clinical pathway can improve health related quality of life (HRQoL) of hip and knee arthroplasty patients with degenerative joint disorder in routine clinical practice for up to 12 months post-operatively. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT00277186.

Spatial accessibility and availability measures and statistical properties in the food environment

Spatial accessibility is of increasing interest in the health sciences. This paper addresses the statistical use of spatial accessibility and availability indices. These measures are evaluated via an extensive simulation based on cluster models for local food outlet density. We derived Monte Carlo critical values for several statistical tests based on the indices. In particular we are interested in the ability to make inferential comparisons between different study areas where indices of accessibility and availability are to be calculated. We derive tests of mean difference as well as tests for differences in Moran's I for spatial correlation for each of the accessibility and availability indices. We also apply these new statistical tests to a data example based on two counties in South Carolina for various accessibility and availability measures calculated for food outlets, stores, and restaurants.

Association between polymorphisms of the GPX1 gene and second primary tumours after index squamous cell cancer of the head and neck

We investigated the association between genetic polymorphisms in GPX1 gene amongst patients who had index squamous cell carcinoma (SCCHN) and a second primary tumour (SPT) after a primary SCCHN in a case-control study. GPX1 genotypes were determined for 61 patients with SPT and for 259 control subjects by a PCR technique using a fluorescent-labelled primer. Analysis was by an ABI automated fluorescent sequencer. The associations between specific genotypes and the development of SPT were examined by logistic regression. A significant difference was found between the control group and the SPT cases in allele frequencies of GPX1 ALA( *)6 and ALA( *)7 (p(trend)=0.04). These results suggest that polymorphisms in the GPX1 gene may be a marker for SPT development and further studies are indicated.

Cribriform variant papillary thyroid cancer: a characteristic of familial adenomatous polyposis

Inherited cancer syndromes may predispose to more than one type of cancer, and these characteristically develop at an earlier age than their sporadic counterparts. The occurrence in a single individual of multiple, early onset primary cancers may indicate an inherited cancer susceptibility. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), an autosomal, dominantly inherited susceptibility to colorectal adenomas and cancer also predisposes to childhood medulloblastomas and to a specific rare histologic type (cribriform variant) of papillary thyroid cancer. We describe a patient who developed a childhood medulloblastoma of the cerebellum, and subsequently a cribriform papillary thyroid cancer. These cancers predated the diagnosis of FAP in this patient, who was later found to have several relatives with FAP. The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutation delineated in this family was in the region associated with those causing an increased risk of thyroid cancer. We submit that the diagnosis of the cribriform variant of papillary thyroid cancer in a young individual, especially after a previous cancer diagnosis, should alert the physician to the possibility of a diagnosis of FAP.

Pharyngogastric colonic interposition for total oesophageal occlusion in epidermolysis bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa comprises a group of rare heritable disorders, characterized by blistering of skin and other epithelial lined structures following minor trauma. In the oesophagus, trauma from food boluses leads to bullae, ulceration and scarring, with formation of strictures. Oesophageal strictures are usually managed with balloon dilatation. We describe a case of a 19-year-old woman whose oesophageal stricture did not respond to balloon dilatation. She underwent a substernal colon interposition between the pharynx and stomach. The surgery included cervical, thoracic and abdominal approaches, with involvement of three specialist surgeons. Three months after surgery, the patient reported to be swallowing with little difficulty. Because of the high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with this surgery, we recommended that the patient should be managed in a specialist centre, with availability of intensive care facilities and the possibility of providing a multidisciplinary approach during surgery.

The MRI appearance of the optic nerve sheath following fenestration for benign intracranial hypertension

Optic nerve fenestration is carried out in cases of severe benign intracranial hypertension. This study aimed to monitor the optic nerve sheath appearances and orbital changes that occur following this procedure. The eight patients were all female with an average age of 37.3 years and a range of 20-58 years. The duration of symptoms was 2-6 years. Symptoms included headaches, diplopia and visual obscurations. Examination revealed severe papilledema. All investigations, including MRI, biochemical and immunological tests, were negative. Patients had fenestration of a 2 mm x 3 mm segment of the medial aspect of the optic nerve sheath. Imaging was obtained with a 1 T MRI machine using a head coil. Coronal, axial and sagittal 3 mm contiguous sections using STIR sequences with TR 4900 ms, IT 150 ms and TE 60 ms were obtained. Five patients showed clinical improvement. The post-operative MRI findings in four of these included a decreased volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the optic nerve sheaths and a localized collection of fluid within the orbit. There were no MRI changes in the three patients with no clinical improvement. Decreased CSF volume around the optic nerve and a fluid collection within the orbit may indicate a favorable outcome in optic nerve fenestration.

The ultrasound appearances of neonatal renal vein thrombosis

Renal vein thrombosis (RVT) is the most frequently occurring vascular condition in the new-born kidney. The predisposing factors include dehydration, sepsis, birth asphyxia, maternal diabetes, polycythaemia and the presence of an indwelling umbilical venous catheter. (RVT) may present clinically with a flank mass, haematuria, hypertension or renal failure. Many imaging modalities have been employed, but ultrasound is the technique most commonly used in the evaluation of neonates with suspected RVT. Thrombosis commences in the small renal veins and subsequently propagates via larger interlobar veins to the main renal vein and inferior vena cava (IVC). The ultrasound appearances depend upon the stage at which the examination is performed and extent of the thrombus. Initially, the interlobular and interlobar thrombus appears as highly echogenic streaks. These streaks commence in a peripheral, focal segment of the involved kidney and only persist for a few days. In the first week the affected kidney swells and becomes echogenic with prominent echopoor medullary pyramids. Later, the swelling increases and the kidney becomes heterogenous with loss of corticomedullary differentiation. Grey scale ultrasound readily demonstrates thrombus within the renal vein and IVC. Adrenal haemorrhage is a recognized association and may be identified ultrasonically. Colour Doppler scanning provides additional information. In the early stages of RVT, colour Doppler may demonstrate absent intrarenal and renal venous flow. Ultimately, the kidney may recover, show focal scarring or become atrophic. Thus, ultrasound provides an accessible and reliable tool in the assessment of suspected neonatal RVT.

Except for alanine, muscle protein catabolism is not influenced by alterations in glucose metabolism during sepsis

OBJECTIVE

To assess any relationship between hyperglycemia and muscle protein catabolism associated with critical illness.

DESIGN

Cohort analytic study.

SETTING

Clinical research center and intensive care unit of a university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Six healthy volunteers and five patients with severe sepsis.

INTERVENTIONS

Study subjects were given infusions of 6,6,d2 glucose and 15N lysine for 6 hours. After infusion of the stable isotopes for 2 hours (basal period), dichloroacetate, which accelerates pyruvate oxidation, was given (dichloroacetate period). Leg blood flow was measured by indocyanine green dye dilution, and femoral artery and vein substrate concentrations were quantitated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The metabolic rates of glucose production, oxidation, and clearance; the whole-body protein breakdown rate; and the net efflux of amino acids from the leg were determined.

RESULTS

In comparison with the healthy volunteers, septic patients had significant elevations in glucose production, oxidation, and clearance, accelerated protein catabolism, and greater net peripheral efflux of amino acids. Dichloroacetate significantly decreased glucose production and increased the percentage of glucose directed toward oxidation in both healthy volunteers and septic patients. However, this dichloroacetate-induced perturbation of glucose utilization had no significant effect on whole-body protein breakdown or the efflux of specific amino acids from the leg except for alanine, whose net efflux doubled (P < or = .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study demonstrate a universal acceleration in the metabolic rates of both intermediary glucose metabolism and protein/amino acid catabolism during sepsis. Except for alanine, however, there appears to be no coupling between these two physiologic responses to sepsis.

The use of the Wallstent endovascular prosthesis in the treatment of malignant inferior vena cava obstruction

We report three cases of inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction due to metastatic liver disease treated with a self-expanding Wallstent endoprosthesis (Schneider SA, Zurich, Switzerland). All three patients experienced symptomatic relief during their remaining few weeks of life. The Wallstent is effective and easy to deploy, and should be considered for use in the management of such patients. The literature to date on IVC stenting is also reviewed.

The prognostic value of individual histologic grading parameters in small lingual squamous cell carcinomas. The importance of the pattern of invasion

BACKGROUND

The histologic grading of the deep invasive margin of oral squamous cell carcinoma recently has been shown to have prognostic value, but previous series have not been homogeneous enough to allow grading parameters to be assessed individually.

METHODS

Forty-seven small lingual carcinomas limited to the lateral border of the tongue and treated by radiotherapy were graded histologically at their deep invasive front. Clinical and grading parameters were correlated by statistical tests performed by permutational techniques.

RESULTS

Carcinoma recurred locally in 6 patients, and metastases developed in 19. Local recurrence correlated with Broders' grade (P = 0.0143), keratinization (P = 0.017) and pattern of invasion (P = 0.0195). Metastasis had a highly significant correlation with Broders' grade (P < 0.001), pattern of invasion (P < 0.001), and invasive front grading total score (P < 0.001). Seven of 8 carcinomas with diffuse infiltrating patterns metastasised, whereas only 4 of 25 with large islands or a broad infiltrating pattern metastasized.

CONCLUSIONS

The usefulness of the deep invasive front grading system for small lingual carcinoma was demonstrated. The pattern of invasion was the component of the grading system that had the closest correlation with metastasis and recurrence in this type of carcinoma.

Can preoperative and postoperative CEA predict survival after colon cancer resection?

Although elevated preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels are associated with a poor prognosis, little has been written regarding the correlation of CEA response following curative resection of colorectal cancer and its relationship to survival. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to retrospectively evaluate survival in three groups of patients undergoing curative resection (Dukes B and C) for colorectal carcinoma: 1) elevated preoperative CEA/elevated postoperative CEA (EL/EL); 2) elevated preoperative CEA/normal postoperative CEA (EL/NL); and 3) normal preoperative CEA/normal postoperative CEA (NL/NL). A normal CEA was defined as a value < 5.0 ng/mL. Levels were drawn the day before surgery and between 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. Patients were evaluated for age, sex, histologic grade, CEA levels (pre and postoperative), nerve and venous invasion, tumor site, and survival. There were no significant differences with respect to age, sex, Dukes stage, tumor site, histologic grade, or incidence of nerve or vascular invasion among the three groups. Five-year survival was significantly worse for patients with elevated preoperative CEA levels compared to those with normal preoperative CEA (53% versus 64%, P < 0.05), and for the EL/EL group compared with either of the other two groups (EL/EL: 66.6 +/- 11.8; EL/NL: 87.7 +/- 10.2; Group 3: 93.4 +/- 9.5, P < 0.05 ANOVA). The results indicate that a preoperative elevated CEA, particularly one that fails to decrease to normal postoperatively following a curative resection for colorectal carcinoma, represents a poor prognostic factor. Use of the CEA response may be useful for identifying a subgroup of colorectal cancer patients who are candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy.

Comparison of indirect calorimetry and a new breath 13C/12C ratio method during strenuous exercise

A new stable isotope method for the determination of substrate oxidation rates in vivo is described and compared with indirect calorimetry at rest and during high-intensity exercise (30 min at 80-85% maximal O2 uptake capacity) in six well-trained cyclists. This method uses the absolute ratios of 13C/12C in expired air, endogenous glucose, fat, and protein in addition to O2 consumption and is independent of CO2 production (VCO2). Carbohydrate and fat oxidation rates at rest, calculated by both methods, were not significantly different. During exercise the breath 13C/12C ratio increased and reached a steady state after 15-20 min. Carbohydrate oxidation rates during exercise were 39.4 +/- 5.2 and 41.7 +/- 5.7 mg.kg-1.min-1 [not significant (NS)], and fat oxidation rates were 7.3 +/- 1.3 and 6.9 +/- 1.2 mg.kg-1.min-1 (NS), using indirect calorimetry, and the breath ratio method, respectively. We conclude that the breath 13C/12C ratio method can be used to calculate substrate oxidation under different conditions, such as the basal state and exercise. In addition, the results obtained by this new method support the validity of the underlying assumption that indirect calorimetry regards VCO2 as a reflection of tissue CO2 production, during exercise in trained subjects, even up to 80-85% maximal O2 uptake.

Technetium-99m (v) dimercaptosuccinic acid: a clinical and scintigraphic study in an animal tumour model

Technetium-99m (99mTc) (v) dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) is a new tumour-imaging agent which has been used to image head and neck squamous carcinoma. This study used an established rabbit tumour model to compare palpation versus planar scintigraphy in the detection of superficially transplanted cancers. Palpation detected 83% of tumours measuring less than 2 cm compared with 58% for scintigraphy. Overall, the sensitivity for palpation was 88% (77% specificity) compared with 50% (63% specificity) for scintigraphy.

The reliability of palpation in the assessment of tumours

There is now a joint UICC-AJC classification for cervical lymph nodes based mainly on the size of the nodes. There is a recognized error in palpation, not only for detecting the presence of tumour but also its size. This study used an animal tumour model system to compare the ability of 6 independent observers of varying experience to detect and stage superficially transplanted growths. A preclinical medical student was as good as a Consultant ENT Surgeon in predicting the presence of tumour but the ability to stage tumours accurately was related to experience. Whilst the most experienced observers accurately estimated the size of tumours less than 2 cm, they were less accurate for larger (greater than 2 cm) tumours which were constantly understaged. This phenomenon may have important clinical implications particularly related to current nodal staging criteria.

The effect of the level of dietary protein, carbohydrate and fat on urea kinetics in young children during rapid catch-up weight gain

The kinetics of urea metabolism were measured in children recovering from severe malnutrition. For a period of up to 10 d they received one of four diets which provided 711 kJ (170 kcal)/kg per d. Two groups received a diet with a high protein:energy (P:E) ratio of 10-6% (HP), enriched with either fat (HP/F) or maize starch and sucrose (HP/C). Two groups received a diet with a low P:E ratio of 8.8% (LP), enriched with either fat (LP/F) or maize starch and sucrose (LP/C). The rate of weight gain on the HP diets was significantly greater than on the LP diets. There was no difference in urea production between any of the four diets: HP/F 1.23 (SE 0.12), HP/C 1.37 (SE 0.14), LP/F 1.64 (SE 0.22), LP/C 1.15 (SE 0.15) mmol nitrogen/kg per h. On the HP diets urea excretion was 0.77 (SE 0.07) mmol N/kg per h, 61% of production. There was significantly less urea excreted in the urine on diet LP/C than on LP/F (0.36 (SE 0.05) and 0.64 (SE 0.04) mmol N/kg per h respectively). A significantly greater percentage of the urea production was hydrolysed on the LP diets (61%) compared with the HP diets (39%), with the consequence that 50% of urea-N produced was available for synthetic activity on the LP diets compared with 30% on the HP diets. The increase in the urea hydrolysed on the LP diets was equivalent in magnitude to the decreased intake of N, so that overall intake plus hydrolysis did not differ between the LP and the HP diets. Crude N balance was similar on diets HP/F, HP/C and LP/C, but was significantly reduced on diet LP/F. These results show that there is an accommodation in urea kinetics during rapid catch-up weight gain, which becomes evident when the P:E ratio of the diet falls to 8.8%. It is proposed that, for a P:E ratio of 8.8%, protein is limiting for catch-up growth. When the intake has a P:E ratio of 8.8% the pattern of urea kinetics can be modified by the relative proportions of fat and carbohydrate in the diet. The measurement of urea kinetics provides a useful approach to the definition of the adequacy of the protein in the diet.

Identification of hypoxaemia in children having tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

A series of children having tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy was investigated for hypoxaemia during sleep and to assess the value of signs and symptoms as predictors of hypoxaemia. Forty-four children were studied the night before surgery. Oxygen saturation (SaO2) was measured whilst the child was awake using a pulse oximeter and when the child was asleep oxygen saturation. ECG and chest impedance were continuously monitored and recorded. In addition, 20 control children having urological surgery were studied in the same way. All the measures of hypoxaemia (awake SaO2, baseline asleep SaO2, number of hypoxaemic episodes) differed significantly between patients and controls (P less than 0.01). When significant hypoxaemia was defined as a baseline sleeping SaO2 below 90% or one dip in SaO2 of at least 10% below the baseline per hour 15 children were found to have abnormal studies. These children could not be identified from history or clinical examination but using the criteria of mouth breathing, audible respiration at rest and an awake SaO2 of less than 96%, 14 of the 15 children were accurately identified (93% sensitivity, 86% specificity). Thus a combination of the physical signs of mouth breathing and measurement of oxygen saturation whilst awake may provide a useful clinic screening test for children suspected of suffering from sleep apnoea.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the alveolar ridge in an adult

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck is rare in adults, and past reports indicate that it is a more aggressive disease than that which is found in children. We report the case of a 63-year-old woman with an alveolar type of rhabdomyosarcoma located on the mandibular alveolar ridge. Rhabdomyosarcoma of the oral cavity appears to carry a particularly poor prognosis, especially when bone is involved. Multimodal treatment with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy is indicated in all patients.

Studies of progressive glomerular sclerosis in the rat

To obtain a better understanding of the sequential development of sclerosis in immune glomerular disease, the authors induced experimental membranous nephropathy in unilaterally nephrectomized rats and evaluated the lesions that developed over a 35-week period. Serial renal biopsies were examined by light and immunofluorescence microscopy for IgG, C3, neoantigens of the membrane attack complex (MAC), and interstitial (Type III) and basement membrane (Type IV) collagen. Urinary protein excretion increased from 208 +/- 19 mg/day to 308 +/- 36 mg/day during the period of observation. Progressive mesangial sclerosis, crescent formation, and interstitial fibrosis developed in association with deposition of Type IV but not Type III collagen in the glomeruli. Capillary wall deposits of IgG, C3, and MAC gradually decreased, whereas coarse granular deposits of C3 and MAC were visible in sclerotic areas beginning at 8 weeks. The appearance of complement components in early sclerotic lesions raises the possibility that they are of pathogenetic importance. The absence of interstitial collagen in sclerotic glomeruli suggests that the components of the lesion are produced solely by glomerular cells.

Assessment of facial reinnervation by use of chronic electromyographic monitoring

The study of muscle reinnervation has been difficult because of lack of an accurate, reproducible method to monitor return of function. Visual assessment relies on subjective interpretation. Histology provides anatomic, not functional, information. Electromyography and anatomic tracing have been most effective in evaluating physiologic return of muscle function. It has been difficult to assess the timing of functional return electromyographically because measurements are intermittent and electrode placement varies. A method was designed to allow long-term monitoring of electromyographic (EMG) activity in the facial musculature of the rabbit. Sixteen rabbits were monitored for at least 1 month or until return of normal EMG activity was identified. Various levels of injury (nerve crush, transection without repair, and transection with immediate end-to-end anastomosis) were evaluated. EMG evidence of reinnervation was seen in all animals with nerve crush injuries as well as those with anastomoses. Physiologic continuity of the nerves was then evaluated by retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. All muscles showing return of EMG activity had uptake of HRP into the appropriate brain stem motor neurons. The denervated muscles showed no HRP uptake. The information gained in this study shows potential for use of this technique in comparing functional return of muscle activity between different reinnervation methods.

Interstitial irradiation for squamous carcinoma of the oral cavity

Interstitial radiation delivered by iridium 192 implants was used to treat 38 patients with squamous carcinoma of the oral cavity. Thirty-six patients had either T1 or T2 tumours and no patient had palpable nodes at the time of implantation. Control of the primary tumour was achieved in all but 2 patients; these 2 were successfully treated by surgery. Fifteen patients (39%) went on to develop metastatic neck nodes. Nine were cured by radical neck dissection but the remaining 6 died of their disease. This gives a 5-year actuarial survival of 81%. Since all deaths occurred after the development of metastatic disease in the neck with control of the primary lesion, the evidence for and against prophylactic treatment of the neck lymphatics in clinically negative necks was reviewed. Prophylactic irradiation of the neck is probably preferable to any form of neck dissection but clear evidence that this improves long-term survival compared with careful follow-up and radical neck dissection for palpable nodes is still lacking.

The effects of recurrent tonsillitis on growth and cervical lymphadenopathy in children

A group of 50 children between the ages of 4 and 10 years with a history of recurrent tonsillitis were compared with 50 age- and sex-matched controls. The latter group were recruited from out-patients with orthopaedic, ophthalmological or general surgical problems. The heights and weights of the two groups did not differ significantly. A difference in the incidence of cervical lymphadenopathy between the two groups was demonstrated, but this difference was relatively minor. Of the control children 70% had palpable lymph nodes in their necks. We conclude that none of the 3 factors are of much value in deciding whether or not a patient would benefit from tonsillectomy.

Prognostic factors in oral squamous carcinoma and their relation to clinical staging

One hundred and three patients with an oral squamous carcinoma were studied in an attempt to determine the clinical factors which affect survival. The 5 yr actuarial survival of the whole group of patients was 55%. Although survival depended on clinical staging, in those patients with no palpable nodes on presentation the tumour size did not affect survival. The most significant factor determining survival was the presence of palpable lymph nodes on presentation. Palpable nodes were more likely in patients with large tumours than those with small tumours. On the basis of these findings a modification of the TNM classification is suggested giving more weight to the presence of cervical nodes than in the present staging system.

The role of enlarged adenoids in the aetiology of serous otitis media

The size of the adenoid in a series of children with middle ear fluid was compared radiologically with the size of the adenoid in a series of age and sex-matched children who had sustained a head injury. There was no significant difference in the size of the adenoid in the 2 series of children. This therefore casts doubt on the role of enlarged adenoids in the aetiology of serous otitis media in the majority of children with this condition.

Management of post-cricoid carcinoma

This paper discusses the results of treatment of post-cricoid carcinoma based on a personal series of 141 patients. The following conclusions can be drawn: small tumours with no clinical evidence of cervical lymph node metastasis should almost certainly be treated with radiotherapy, which gives a 5-year survival of approximately 35%. Surgery for recurrent disease after radiotherapy if fraught with complications, and satisfactory salvage is seldom possible. Surgery for larger tumours and those associated with neck node metastases has a lower (20%) 5-year survival with a high incidence of complications. The main problem after pharyngolaryngectomy is replacement of the pharynx. There is no evidence that any one of the methods in common use (skin flaps, transposition of the colon or stomach) is superior to any other.

The occurrence of adenoidal signs and symptoms in normal children

A characteristic clinical picture has been attributed to enlarged adenoids. In order to investigate this concept the occurrence of certain signs and symptoms was compared in a series of children selected for adenoidectomy and in a series of normal children. Nasal obstruction, snoring and speech defect occurred more frequently in children having adenoidectomy. The symptoms of rhinorrhoea, cough and headache and the signs of mouth breathing and abnormality on anterior rhinoscopy occurred as frequently in normal children as in children having adenoidectomy.

Value of physical signs in the diagnosis of enlarged adenoids

In a series of children due to have surgery on their upper respiratory tracts an assessment of mouth breathing, abnormality on anterior rhinoscopy and size of the adenoid on posterior rhinoscopy was made by 3 observers. All these signs showed poor reproducibility between observers and the size of the adenoid assessed by posterior rhinoscopy showed no significant relationship to the weight of the adenoid subsequently removed.

A radiological study of the adenoid in normal children

In this study the radiology of the adenoid is compared in two groups of children: those selected for adenoidectomy and those with a history of head injury who had had a lateral radiograph of the skull. The size of the adenoid was found to be the same in both groups though the nasopharyngeal airway was found to be significantly smaller in the children selected for adenoidectomy. On the basis of measurements in the normal children a lower limit of normal is suggested for the width of the nasopharyngeal airway, this is 2 mm in the case of children below the age of 70 months and 3 mm in the case of children over 70 months old. Only 17% of the children selected for adenoidectomy have abnormally narrow nasopharyngeal airways.

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias: analysis of six cases

During three years, from January 1975 through December 1977, the authors saw six cases of traumatic left diaphragmatic hernias, all of whom survived. All were males aged 17 to 56 years, with an average age of 30 years. Four (67 percent) of the cases resulted from blunt abdominal trauma while two (33 percent) were due to stab wounds of the left lower chest. Admitting chest x-ray findings were diagnostic for all acute hernias due to blunt trauma and for all hernias presenting with a delayed interval. Digital exploration of all penetrating lower chest wounds is recommended by some authors if exploratory laparotomy is not contemplated. Our preferred approach for the repair of the hernias includes (1) laparotomy for all acute cases, (2) thoracotomy for delayed cases, and (3) separate abdominal thoracic incisions whenever a combined approach is considered necessary. The repair should be carried out in two layers with nonabsorbable sutures.

Adenoidectomy: an evaluation of the indications

A group of 76 children who had been listed for adenoidectomy was investigated by scoring the symptoms and signs usually attributed to adenoidal hypertrophy, and removing the adenoids and weighing them. With the possible exception of snoring there was no correlation between the size of the adenoids and the symptoms usually attributed to hypertrophy of this organ. We wish to acknowledge our gratitude to those consultants who allowed us access to their patients, to Dr Ian McDicken, Department of Pathology, University of Liverpool who did the histological examination, and to Mrs P. O'Brien who did the typing.

Critical evaluation of adenoidectomy

In two matched groups of thirty-two children, one which had tonsillectomy alone and the other which had tonsillectomy plus adenoidectomy, the symptoms generally attributed to adenoidal hypertrophy were equally common in both groups before operation and improved with equal frequency after operation whether or not the adenoids were removed.

The assessment of adenoidal size by radiological means

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of radiology in the assessment of both adenoidal size and the size of the nasopharyngeal airway. There was a good correlation between the preoperative assessment of the size of the adenoid by radiology and the actual size of the adenoid removed at surgery. A method of estimating the size of the nasopharyngeal airway is described. There was a good inverse correlation between the size of the airway and the weight of the adenoid.

The value of signs and symptoms in the diagnosis of enlarged adenoids

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between preoperative signs and symptoms and the actual size of the adenoid found at operation in a group of children listed for adenoidectomy.

The treatment of acromegaly by Yttrium implantation

Yttrium implantation is one of the many ways of treating acromegaly. The advantages are the minor nature of the procedure and the fact that pituitary replacement is not as commonly required as after hypophysectomy. Thus in young female patients menstruation may be resumed following treatment and pregnancy has occurred. The procedure is not as free from complications as external irradiation but the response is more satisfactory.