Swim-trained rats have greater bone mass, density, strength, and dynamics

Weight-bearing exercise is traditionally recommended for improving bone health in postmenopausal women. Effects of swim exercise were studied as an alternative to weight-bearing exercise in ovariectomized rats. Rats in a swim group (Sw, n = 8) swam for 12 wk, 5 days/wk for 60 min per session. A control group (Con, n = 9) engaged in no structured exercise. Femurs were analyzed for bone mineral density and for bone mineral content by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, biomechanical properties by three-point bending (Instron), and bone structure and formation by histomorphometry. Food intake did not differ among groups. Final body weights were significantly lower in Sw compared with Con (P < 0.05). Swimmers had significantly greater femoral shaft bone mineral density and content (P < 0.05) compared with Con. Femurs of the Sw group had greater mechanical properties (P < 0.05) compared with Con. Histomorphometric data were significantly better in the Sw group compared with Con after the 12-wk intervention (P < 0.05). In conclusion, data from this study demonstrate some beneficial effects of swim exercise on bone structure, turnover, and strength.

[High-resolution computer tomography of diffuse infiltrative lung diseases]

During a period of 17 months, a total of 101 patients were examined by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) whose minor focal changes revealed by chest X-ray raised the suspicion of diffuse infiltrative pulmonary disease. The disease of the interstitium was primarily caused by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (19%), autoimmune disease (18%), Boeck sarcoidosis (18%) as well as by specific (16%) and aspecific inflammation (12%). HRCT disclosed reticular (61%), nodular (55%), ground-glass opacity-like (48%), emphysematous (33%) and ring-like changes (17%). Also transbronchial excision was performed in 51 patients the results of which were compared to the changes observed during HRCT. Concerning fibrosis and inflammation, HRCT and histological analysis showed identical results in 70%. According to the authors observations, this technique is suitable for detection of fairly fine fibrotic, empysematous and inflammatory signs and for defining the activity of the individual disease as also for the selection of the optimal site of transbronchial excision. HRCT is a useful investigative method both for diagnosing diffuse infiltrative pulmonary disease as well as in following up the effectiveness of treatment.

[Pulmonary echinococcosis]

Two patients with pulmonal Echinococcosis are presented by the authors. Contact with cestoda carrier animals cannot be revealed. At the first patient, who was without any complaints, the two round shadows in her chest X-ray were detected accidentally by screening examination and before the operation only eosinophilia, many eosinophil granulocytes in the pleural effusion and the positive complement binding reaction were related to the Echinococcosis, which was proved by the histological examination of the intraoperative biopsy. The other patient had complaints during months. In this case the Echinococcus granulosus broke into the bronchus and emptied in the sputum. Postoperative histological diagnosis can be obtained by help of the excision from the intraluminal alteration which was visible during bronchoscopy. The authors summarize the etiology, the clinical signs, the diagnose and the therapy of Echinococcosis. They call attention to the incidence of this mainly tropical disease in Hungary and to the rare soliter pulmonal manifestation of the Echinococcosis.

[Solitary plasmacytoma of the lung]

A case of solitary plasmacytoma of the lung in a 64 year old woman is reported. The anatomical and clinical features of this exceedingly rare form are discussed. Stress is laid on the 'fact that diagnostic certainty can only be obtained by immunohistochemistry. It is also necessary that patients be subjected to periodical radiological and immunological studies in the postoperative period to detect the possible occurrence of multiple myeloma.