Antibacterial effects of endodontic irrigants on black-pigmented gram-negative anaerobes and facultative bacteria

The antibacterial effect of endodontic irrigants was evaluated against four black-pigmented Gram-negative anaerobes and four facultative anaerobic bacteria by means of the agar diffusion test. All solutions used were inhibitory against all bacterial strains tested. A 4% NaOCl solution provided the largest average zone of bacterial inhibition of this study that was significantly superior when compared with the other solutions, except 2.5% NaOCl (p < 0.05). Based on the averages of the diameters of the zones of bacterial growth inhibition, the antibacterial effects of the solutions could be ranked from strongest to weakest as follows: 4% NaOCl; 2.5% NaOCl; 2% chlorhexidine; 0.2% chlorhexidine, EDTA, and citric acid; and 0.5% NaOCl.     

The effect of baking soda/hydrogen peroxide dentifrice (Mentadent) and a 0.12 percent chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse (Peridex) in reducing gingival bleeding

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a baking soda/hydrogen peroxide dentifrice, Mentadent, and a 0.12 percent chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse, Peridex, in reducing gingival bleeding. Forty subjects were divided into three groups; the baking soda group, the chlorhexidine group and the control group. All groups received oral hygiene instruction and brushed and flossed three times per day. Bleeding point scores were evaluated at baseline and at five weeks. The baking soda/hydrogen peroxide group used the supplied dentifrice as their sole toothpaste. The 0.12 percent chlorhexidine group used the mouthrinse twice per day. The control group performed oral hygiene as instructed. At five weeks, the 0.12 percent chlorhexidine mouthrinse significantly reduced gingival bleeding. The dentifrice and control groups revealed no statistically significant reductions. The results indicate that the 0.12 percent chlorhexidine mouthrinse is useful in improving oral health, whereas the baking soda/hydrogen peroxide dentifrice offered no advantages to conventional oral hygiene.     

Effects of 0.05% chlorhexidine lavage on the tarsocrural joints of horses

In six horses, a 0.05% solution of chlorhexidine diacetate was used to lavage one tarsocrural joint; the contralateral control joint was lavaged with lactated Ringer's solution. Horses were evaluated daily for lameness. Synovial fluid samples were collected on days 1, 4, and 8 for determination of protein concentration, total and differential leukocyte counts, and mucin clot formation. After death on day 8, synovium and osteochondral samples were collected from the tarsocrural joints for examination of morphology and proteoglycan staining. Lavage with chlorhexidine solution caused lameness that was reduced but still evident at day 8. Synovial protein concentration was significantly increased by chlorhexidine lavage; the greatest increase occurred on day 1. Joint lavage increased synovial leukocyte counts on day 1, primarily by increasing polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell counts. Although total synovial leukocyte counts returned to normal by day 4, PMN cell counts remained elevated through day 8; PMN cell counts for chlorhexidine-lavaged joints were typically twice that of control joints. Chlorhexidine lavage caused synovial ulceration, inflammation, and abundant fibrin accumulation. Consistent differences in proteoglycan staining were not detected between control and chlorhexidine-lavaged joints. Joint lavage with 0.05% chlorhexidine diacetate, the lowest known bactericidal concentration, is not recommended for equine joints.     

Pulsed magnetization transfer contrast for MR imaging with application to breast

The relative populations and transverse relaxation times of the solid-like hydrogen pool (PB and T2B) and the magnetization transfer (MT) rates between the solid-like and liquid-like hydrogen pools (kappa) have been determined for three different agar gel concentrations (2%, 4%, and 8% by weight) as well as excised fibroglandular breast tissue specimens. PB was determined to be .003(.001), .01(.002), .02(.01), and .06(.01); T2B was determined to be 13.0(.2), 14.0(.1), 14.5(.1) and 15.2(1.3) microseconds; and kappa was determined to be 0.78(.01), 1.15(.02), 2.00(.02), and 3.55(1.5) sec-1 for the 2%, 4%, and 8% agar gels and the fibroglandular tissue, respectively. The image signal intensities of a pulsed MTC-prepared gradient-echo imaging technique are predicted using these MT parameters and are shown to agree well with experimental data obtained from a clinical MR imaging system. This technique is shown to suppress signal intensity of fibroglandular breast tissue by 40%-50% without exceeding SAR limits (< or = 8 W/kg) and is helpful for visualizing lesions and silicone implants.     

One-step needle aspiration and lavage for the treatment of abdominal and pelvic abscesses

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study was undertaken to show the efficacy and safety of one-step needle aspiration and lavage for the treatment of nonenteric, nonpancreatic abdominal and pelvic abscesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two nonconsecutive patients (age range, 4-81 years old) with 97 abdominal and pelvic abscesses were treated over 16 years with a one-step percutaneous needle aspiration and lavage technique. Abscesses were drained with sonographic or CT guidance in a single session. An 18-gauge needle was used for aspiration and repeated saline lavage; no drainage catheter was left in place. For collections that appeared multiloculated, needle repositioning and repeated aspiration and lavage were performed during the single session. All patients received i.v. antibiotics. RESULTS: Eighty-seven (90%) of 97 abscesses in 72 of 82 patients were successfully treated, including 17 (85%) of 20 abscesses that were multiloculated. The only two complications were transient sepsis in one patient and hemorrhage in one patient that resolved with transfusion and conservative treatment. Needle aspiration and lavage failures were associated with diffuse peritonitis, occult malignancy, unsuspected enteric communication, and a dropped surgical clip. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous needle aspiration and lavage can be a safe, effective alternative to the more conventional treatment of prolonged catheter drainage. In selected patients, including certain patients with multiloculated abscesses, one-step needle aspiration and lavage should be considered as the initial method of treatment.     

Purification and characterization of a membrane-bound hydrogenase from Sporomusa sphaeroides involved in energy-transducing electron transport

Three experiments were conducted to assess the influence of prolactin on lipolysis in rabbits. In vivo, a single injection of 1 mg of ovine prolactin induces increased plasma glycerol and nonesterified fatty acids concentrations within 30 min (P < 0.01). On the contrary, in vitro, oPRL did not stimulate glycerol release in isolated adipocytes at physiological concentrations (under 10(-8) M). In a third experiment, the effect of chronic hyperprolactinemia on the adrenergic control of lipolysis was studied (daily subcutaneous injections of 1 mg ovine prolactin for 12 days). The weight of perirenal adipose tissue at the end of the period of injections was 27% lower in the prolactin-injected (PRL) rabbits than in the control (CTL) rabbits (88 +/- 15 g vs. 120 +/- 25 g; P < 0.05). Food intake during the period of injections was 28% lower in the PRL group than in the CTL group (177 +/- 21 g/d vs. 246 +/- 13 g/d; P < 0.05). Basal glycerol release was 157% higher in adipocytes from PRL rabbits than in those from CTL rabbits (P < 0.05). Stimulation of lipolysis with different adrenergic agonists was similar in both groups. These results suggested an indirect influence of prolactin on adipose tissue lipolysis in rabbits, but mechanisms implicated in this effect remain to be elucidated.     

Effects of a sympathetic activation by a lower body negative pressure on glucose and lipid metabolism

The effects of a sympathetic activation elicited by a lower body negative pressure (LBNP) (at -15 mmHg for 75 min) were assessed in 7 healthy subjects on two occasions: (i) in post-absorptive conditions, and (ii) during glucose infusion (22.2 mumol kg-1 min-1). LBNP increased plasma norepinephrine concentration and heart rate. It did not alter whole-body glucose metabolism (measured with [6,6-2H]glucose) and glycerol turnover (measured with [1,1,2,3,3-2H]glycerol). Interstitial glycerol concentrations were monitored with microdialysis in subcutaneous adipose tissue and in skeletal muscle. LBNP increased dialysate glycerol concentrations in muscle by 16% (P < 0.03) but not in adipose tissue in post-absorptive conditions, and by 37% in adipose tissue (P < 0.05) but not in muscle during glucose infusion. These results indicate that an LBNP-induced sympathetic activation (i) does not increase endogenous glucose production, and (ii) induces only a slight stimulation of lipolysis in adipose tissue during glucose infusion.     

Human growth hormone treatment of short-stature children born small for gestational age: effect on muscle and adipose tissue mass during a 3-year treatment period and after 1 year's withdrawal

In addition to its growth promoting effect, GH has profound metabolic effects that have not always been evaluated in longitudinal studies. We have recently shown that the effect of GH on body composition can be evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging measurement of adipose and muscle tissue cross-sectional (cs) areas in the thigh. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of human GH (hGH) (0.2 IU/kg day) on muscle and adipose tissue mass during a 3-yr treatment period and after 1 year's withdrawal in short SGA (small for gestational age) children. Measurement of muscle and fat tissue mass by magnetic resonance imaging of the thighs was used to study the metabolic effect of hGH in 14 prepubertal short children born SGA. Results were compared with those of a control group of 7 normal children followed longitudinally. An increase of muscle tissue cs area was observed during the 3 yr of hGH treatment, an increase which was significantly different during the first 2 yr of treatment from that seen in controls (+31.2+/-2.6% and +18.1+/-1.8% during the 1st and 2nd year, respectively, vs. +9.1+/-2.6% change during 1 yr in controls). After a significant decrease in adipose tissue cs area during the first year of therapy (-16.4+/-3.4% vs. baseline values), an increase in adipose tissue cs area occurred during the second and third years. At the end of the third year, the muscle tissue cs area change was significantly greater in SGA-treated children, as compared with controls (+71.6+/-4.6% vs. 22.1+/-4.6%; P < 0.001), whereas the adipose tissue cs area change was similar in the two groups (+12.6+/-9.5% vs. +19.9+/-4.2%). After hGH withdrawal, the effects were opposite after 3 months, as compared with those observed after the first 3 months of hGH administration, whereas no additional significant change was seen after 1 yr off treatment, indicating the maintenance of muscle and adipose tissue mass. In conclusion, hGH administered to SGA children is effective in improving growth velocity and has long-term effects on muscle and adipose tissue mass. These effects may lead to speculation about the sensitivity of these tissues to GH. The physiological consequences of such effects must be evaluated.     

HIV infection and AIDS among drug injectors at Rio de Janeiro: perspectives and unanswered questions

Determination of the presence and characterization of oestrogen receptors (ERs) in subcutaneous and internal fat depots were performed and compared with ERs in the uterus using ligand binding and immunological techniques. Successful and consistent measurement of ERs in ovine adipose tissue could only be accomplished in animals depleted of endogenous sex steroids by combined ovariectomy and adrenalectomy. Scatchard, sucrose gradient and Western blot analyses all confirmed the presence of ERs in the cytosolic fractions of various adipose and uterine tissues from ovariectomized-adrenalectomized ewes. The approximate Kd values of 0.1-0.4 nmol/l for oestradiol binding in cytosolic fractions of gluteal, omental and perirenal adipose tissues were similar to the expected high affinity binding of Kd 0.35 nmol/l observed in uterine tissue. The binding was specific for oestrogens, as unlabelled diethylstilboestrol and oestradiol effectively competed with labelled hormone for receptor sites and progesterone, R5020, testosterone and dexamethasone all failed to compete. Mean (+/- S.E.M.) concentrations of ERs, expressed as fmol specific binding sites per mg protein, were much lower (P < 0.05) in adipose tissues than in uterine tissue (975 +/- 33). However, the content of ERs was greater (P < 0.05) in subcutaneous gluteal fat (11.5 +/- 0.8) than in the internal omental or perirenal fat (5 +/- 0.6) depots. ERs from adipose and uterine tissues both migrated as moieties of 8S on 5-20% sucrose gradients. Western blot analysis of ERs from uterine and adipose tissues in the presence of protease inhibitors demonstrated an immunostaining band with a molecular mass of 67 kDa.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

GH but not IGF-I or insulin increases lipoprotein lipase activity in muscle tissues of hypophysectomised rats

Changes in GH secretion are associated with changes in serum lipoproteins, utilisation of fuels and body composition. Since lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a key enzyme in the regulation of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, changes in LPL activity may contribute to these effects of GH. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of GH and the GH-dependent growth factor, IGF-I, in the regulation of LPL in heart, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Female rats were hypophysectomised at 50 days of age. One week later, hormonal therapy was commenced. All hypophysectomised rats received l-thyroxine and cortisol. Adipose tissue, the heart, soleus and gastrocnemius muscles were excised after 1 week of hormonal therapy. The effect of insulin injections on adipose tissue and heart LPL activity was also studied. In separate experiments, LPL activity in post-heparin plasma was measured. Hypophysectomy had no effect on adipose tissue LPL activity, whereas activity was reduced in heart, soleus and gastrocnemius muscle tissues. GH treatment had no significant effect on LPL activity in adipose tissue or soleus muscle, but increased the LPL activity in heart and gastrocnemius muscle. GH treatment increased post-heparin plasma LPL activity. Recombinant human IGF-I treatment (1.25 mg/kg per day) markedly reduced LPL activity in adipose tissue, but had no effect in muscle tissues. The effect of IGF-I treatment on adipose tissue LPL was not reflected by a decrease in post-heparin plasma LPL activity. Daily injections of insulin for 7 days increased LPL activity in adipose tissue but had no effect on heart LPL activity. In adipose tissue, LPL mRNA levels tended to decrease as a result of IGF-I treatment. In the muscle tissues, no significant effects of hypophysectomy, GH or IGF-I treatment on LPL mRNA levels were observed.%It is concluded that GH increases heart and skeletal muscle tissue LPL activity, which probably contributes to an increased post-heparin plasma LPL activity. The effect of GH on muscle LPL activity is probably not mediated by IGF-I or insulin. Insulin and IGF-I have opposite effects on LPL activity in adipose tissue.     

Comparative in vitro activities of trovafloxacin (CP-99,219) against 221 aerobic and 217 anaerobic bacteria isolated from patients with intra-abdominal infections

Four hundred thirty-eight bacteria cultured from specimens of patients with serious intra-abdominal infections were tested by agar dilution against trovafloxacin and other quinolones and antimicrobial agents. Trovafloxacin inhibited 435 strains (99.3%) at < or =2 microg/ml. All the quinolones had similar activities against Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas sp., but trovafloxacin showed superior activities against streptococci, enterococci, and anaerobic organisms. Because of its excellent in vitro activities against diverse bacteria, trovafloxacin has potential use as a single agent for polymicrobial infections.     

The effect of splenectomy on alveolar macrophages morphology and function

OBJECTIVE: To study the morphological and functional changes of pulmonary alveolar macrophages of rats after splenectomy, and the applied effects of splenic tissue autotransplantation in practice. METHODS: 87 Wistar rats were randomly divided into shamoperation group, splenectomy group and splenic tissue autotransplantation group. Six months after splenectomy, alveolar macrophges were subjected to brochoalveolar lavage described by Shennib. The dynamic survival and adherent rate of alveolar macrophages in culture, lysosomal enzyme content, hydrogen peroxide production and expression level of interleukin 1 (IL-1) activity of alveolar macrophages were quantitatively measured. The alveolar macrophages ultrastructure was observed by utilizing transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: The splenectomized rat's alveolar macrophages were different from alveolar macrophages of sham-operated rats. Their surface filopodia was reduced and shortened, lysosome fewer and its acid phosphatase quantity decreased, adherence postponed, hydrogen peroxide production and expression of IL-1 activity impaired. Splenic tissue autotransplantation fairly restored the splenic effects on maturation and function of alveolar macrophages. CONCLUSION: Splenic tissue autotransplantation is a simple useful operation for preserving splenic function after splenectomy.     

Effects of a protective foam on scrubbing and gloving

OBJECTIVE: To test the effects of a skin protectant on surgical scrub and glove integrity. DESIGN: Forty-nine healthy adult volunteers were assigned (12 subjects per group) to apply a protective foam (DermaMed; Benchmark Enterprises, Salt Lake City, Utah) in conjunction with surgical scrub in one of the following formulations: 70% isopropyl alcohol, a liquid detergent base containing 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, a liquid detergent base containing 7.5% povidone-iodine, or a nonantimicrobial liquid soap (control). According to a standard protocol, subjects performed a surgical scrub on 3 days (every other day). Foam was applied after surgical scrub on day 1 and before surgical scrub on day 3. No foam was applied on day 2. Subjects were gloved for 2 hours after surgical scrub. SETTING: Laboratory setting. RESULTS: On all test days, there were significant differences in bacterial reduction by products (chlorhexidine gluconate or alcohol > povidone-iodine > control). When controlling for baseline counts and products used, there were no significant differences in colony-forming unit counts on hands with or without foam immediately after scrubbing or at 2 hours after scrub on gloved or ungloved hands, nor were there differences in glove leakage rates when foam was on hands. CONCLUSIONS: Such protectants can be used without detrimental effects to scrub effectiveness or glove integrity.     

Lipoprotein lipase transport in plasma: role of muscle and adipose tissues in regulation of plasma lipoprotein lipase concentrations

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is synthesized in tissues involved in fatty acid metabolism such as muscle and adipose tissue. LPL is also found in the circulation, but is mostly lipolytically inactive. The proportion of active circulating LPL increases after a fatty meal. We investigated the release of active and inactive LPL from adipose tissue and muscle in the fasting and postprandial states. Arteriovenous concentration gradients of LPL across adipose tissue and forearm muscle were measured in male subjects before and after a fat-rich meal (n = 7) and before and during infusion of a triacylglycerol emulsion (Intralipid) (n = 6). Plasma LPL activity rose after the meal and more so during Intralipid infusion. Plasma LPL mass (>95% inactive LPL) increased after the meal but decreased after Intralipid infusion. In the fasting state (n = 13) muscle efflux of LPL activity was 0.263 +/- 0.098 mU/min per 100 ml of muscle tissue whereas there was an influx of LPL activity to adipose tissue of 0.085 +/- 0.100 mU/min per 100 g of adipose tissue (P < 0. 02 muscle vs. adipose tissue). Similarly in the postprandial state only muscle released LPL activity. Both tissues released LPL mass. In the fasting state efflux was 17.8 +/- 8.8 ng/min per 100 ml muscle and 55.2 +/- 21.3 ng/min per 100 g of adipose tissue (P < 0. 05 muscle vs. adipose tissue). Release of LPL, either active or inactive, was not correlated with levels of non-esterified fatty acids or plasma triacylglycerol. In conclusion, there is a substantial release of LPL from adipose tissue and muscle, most of which is inactive. A small proportion of active LPL seems to be redistributed from muscle to adipose tissue.     

Comparison of axenic and monoxenic media for isolation of Acanthamoeba

Acanthamoeba is a genus of ubiquitous, free-living amebae that can be difficult to isolate by standard microbiologic techniques. We retrospectively reviewed the laboratory records of patients with ocular acanthamoebic infection for the period from January 1973 to June 1996 and found that Acanthamoeba isolates were recovered from 73, 71, and 70% of clinical specimens inoculated onto buffered charcoal-yeast extract agar (BCYE), nonnutrient agar with live or dead Escherichia coli, and tryptic soy agar (TSA) with horse or sheep blood, respectively. We then prospectively compared the recovery of a corneal isolate of Acanthamoeba on commercial media from Remel and BBL (TSA with 5% sheep blood, TSA with 5% horse blood, TSA with 5% rabbit blood, V agar, chocolate agar, BCYE, and selective BCYE with polymyxin B, anisomycin, and vancomycin) and on axenic and monoxenic media prepared with live or dead bacteria (Enterobacter aerogenes, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia). Good recovery of trophozoites was obtained on BCYE, TSA with rabbit blood, TSA with horse blood, and Remel TSA with sheep blood. BBL TSA with horse blood or rabbit blood provided good recovery of cysts. All species of live or dead bacteria yielded good recovery of trophozoites; however, only nonnutrient agar with live P. aeruginosa, live E. aerogenes, or live S. maltophilia gave good recovery of cysts. TSA with either rabbit blood or horse blood, BCYE, and nonnutrient agar prepared with live P. aeruginosa, E. aerogenes, or S. maltophilia offer optimal recovery of Acanthamoeba.     

Lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus variants: cosegregation of neuropathogenicity and impaired capability for high viremic persistent infection

The antilipolytic effect of insulin on human abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue and skeletal muscle during local inhibition of cAMP-phosphodiesterases (PDEs) was investigated in vivo, by combining microdialysis with a euglycaemic, hyperinsulinaemic clamp. During hyperinsulinaemia, the glycerol concentration decreased by 40% in fat and by 33% in muscle. Addition of the selective PDE3-inhibitor amrinone abolished the insulin-induced decrease in adipose glycerol concentration, but did not influence the glycerol concentration in skeletal muscle. Nor did the PDE4-selective inhibitor rolipram or the PDE5-selective inhibitor dipyridamole influence the insulin-induced decrease in muscle tissue glycerol. However, the non-selective PDE-inhibitor theophylline counteracted the antilipolytic action of insulin at both sites. The specific activity of PDEs was also determined in both tissues. PDE3-activity was 36.8+/-6.4 pmol x min(-1) x mg(-1) in adipose tissue and 3.9+/-0.5 pmol x min(-1) x mg(-1) in muscle. PDE4-activity in skeletal muscle was high, i.e., 60.7+/-10.2 pmol x min(-1) x mg(-1) but 8.5 pmol x min(-1) x mg(-1) or less in adipose tissue. In conclusion, insulin inhibits lipolysis in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle by activation of different PDEs, suggesting a unique metabolic role of muscle lipolysis.     

Persistence of decreased T-helper cell function in industrial workers 20 years after exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the distribution of mepivacaine hydrochloride after distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint injection in horses. DESIGN: Prospective, uncontrolled study. ANIMALS: 10 adult horses. PROCEDURE: 30 minutes before euthanasia, 8 ml of 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride was injected into the dorsal pouch of a forelimb DIP joint. Synovial tissue from the DIP joint and podotrochlear (navicular) bursa and bone tissue from the medullary cavity of the distal sesamoid (navicular) bone were taken from both forelimbs immediately after death. All synovial and bone specimens were analyzed for tissue concentration of mepivacaine by high-performance liquid chromatography. Synovial tissue and bone specimen concentrations from the injected forelimb were compared with corresponding specimens from the noninjected forelimb. All synovial tissue and bone specimen concentrations were compared with an estimated effective tissue concentration of mepivacaine (0.3 microgram/mg) for local anesthesia. RESULTS: Specimen concentrations of mepivacaine from the injected forelimb were significantly greater (P < 0.05) than those in the corresponding tissues of the contralateral noninjected forelimb. All DIP joint and navicular bursa synovial tissue specimens from the injected forelimb had greater than the estimated effective tissue concentration of mepivacaine for local anesthesia. Of the 10 navicular bone specimens from the injected forelimb, 4 were higher and 2 were within 20% of the estimated effective tissue concentration of mepivacaine for local anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Mepivacaine hydrochloride deposited into the DIP joint should anesthetize pain arising from navicular bursa synovia and may decrease pain arising from the medullary cavity of the navicular bone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: DIP joint injection of mepivacaine hydrochloride is not specific for DIP joint pain.     

Studies on the uptake of 14C-neostigmine in the isolated rat diaphragm

Fatty acid incorporation into adipose tissue (FIAT), the metabolic process assimilating plasma triglyceride fatty acids liberated by lipoprotein lipase, was recently found to be lower in hyper- than in normotriglyceridaemia. In the present report, the relation of FIAT to glucose tolerance and adipose tissue morphology and fatty acid composition has been studied in a popoulation of men with normo- and hypertriglyceridaemia, using needle biopsy specimens. In addition, the associations between plasma triglyceride concentration and these factors as well as FIAT were examined by statistical methods. FIAT and GLIAT (glucose incorporation into adipose tissue) activities per cell were positively correlated with fat cell diameter but not with fat cell number. FIAT activities per cell and per unit surface area were lower in hyper- than in normo-triglyceridaemic subjects. The k-value of the i.v.glucose tolerance test and glycerol release from adipose tissue did not correlate with FIAT or GLIAT activities. The proportion of stearic acid in adipose tissue was negatively correlated with the serum triglyceride level and with fat cell diameter, but positively correlated with FIAT. Linolenic acid in adipose tissue correlated positively with the k-value. The negative correlation between serum triglycerides and FIAT remained when the other variables which were significantly correlated with FIAT or the serum triglycerides were entered in partial correlat-on analysis. These results suggest that although low FIAT activity is related in part to other characteristics, it occurs in hypertriglyceridaemia independent of glucose tolerance or various characteristics in fat. With serum triglyceride concentration as dependent variable, stepwise regression analysis was performed, entering all other variables as independent ones. The highest multiple --value was 0.76 (p less than 0.001) and it was obtained with three adipose tissue parameters: FIAT (or GLIAT), content of linolenic acid and of stearic acid. The other parameters did not give rise to any further improvement in the prediction of the serum triglyceride concentration which is better than 50% (R2 = 0.57).     

Fine needle aspiration of poorly differentiated rhabdomyosarcoma presenting with quadriparesis. A case report

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of metastatic poorly differentiated rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in lymph node specimens by fine needle aspiration presents a difficult problem since it is virtually indistinguishable from other small round cell neoplasms. CASE: Fine needle aspiration was performed under radiologic guidance on an extradural, space-occupying lesion of unknown etiology in the region of the C-6 and C-7 vertebrae in a 20-year-old male who was hospitalized with quadriparesis. Cytologic examination suggested a metastatic tumor consistent with the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. A subsequent search for the primary tumor site revealed a soft tissue swelling in the right calf muscle. Light microscopic, ultrastructural and immunocytochemical examination of multiple Tru-cut biopsy specimens from the swelling in the right calf muscle confirmed the diagnosis of poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. CONCLUSION: Immunostaining is useful for muscle proteins in the detection of poorly differentiated forms of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Electron microscopy is of limited use in such cases.     

Interstitial fluid concentrations of glycerol, glucose, and amino acids in human quadricep muscle and adipose tissue. Evidence for significant lipolysis in skeletal muscle

To determine the relationship between circulating metabolic fuels and their local concentrations in peripheral tissues we measured glycerol, glucose, and amino acids by microdialysis in muscle and adipose interstitium of 10 fasted, nonobese human subjects during (a) baseline, (b) euglycemic hyperinsulinemia (3 mU/kg per min for 3 h) and, (c) local norepinephrine reuptake blockade (NOR). At baseline, interstitial glycerol was strikingly higher (P < 0.0001) in muscle (3710 microM) and adipose tissue (2760 microM) compared with plasma (87 microM), whereas interstitial glucose (muscle 3.3, fat 3.6 mM) was lower (P < 0.01) than plasma levels (4.8 mM). Taurine, glutamine, and alanine levels were higher in muscle than in adipose or plasma (P < 0.05). Euglycemic hyperinsulinemia did not affect interstitial glucose, but induced a fall in plasma glycerol and amino acids paralleled by similar changes in the interstitium of both tissues. Local NOR provoked a fivefold increase in glycerol (P < 0.001) and twofold increase in norepinephrine (P < 0.01) in both muscle and adipose tissues. To conclude, interstitial substrate levels in human skeletal muscle and adipose tissue differ substantially from those in the circulation and this disparity is most pronounced for glycerol which is raised in muscle as well as adipose tissue. In muscle, insulin suppressed and NOR increased interstitial glycerol concentrations. Our data suggest unexpectedly high rates of intramuscular lipolysis in humans that may play an important role in fuel metabolism.