c-Met expression of thyroid tissue with special reference to papillary carcinoma

It has become clear that papillary carcinomas of the thyroid often express the receptor for c-Met/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor, but little is known about the role of the HGF and c-Met system in the pathogenesis of thyroid carcinoma. In this study, the expression of c-Met/HGF receptor was evaluated in thyroid tissue by western blot and immunohistochemistry, and compared with the concentration of HGF. Clinicopathological characteristics were also compared. Fifteen of 20 papillary carcinomas (75%) showed c-Met bands of 145 kDa. No or only a low frequency of c-Met expression was detected in healthy thyroid tissue (0/5), thyroiditis or Basedow's disease (0/2), adenomatous goiters (0/8), follicular adenomas (1/9, 11%) and undifferentiated carcinomas (0/2). These results were confirmed by immunohistochemistry, but a relatively higher frequency of c-Met expression was detected in adenomatous goiters (25%), follicular adenoma (44%) and papillary carcinoma (100%) using formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded materials. A strong immunoreaction for c-Met was observed in the tumor cytoplasm of papillary carcinomas among the fibrous tissues situated at the periphery of the tumor. The densitometrically measured expression of c-Met had no relation to tumor stage in papillary carcinoma, but did correlate to the concentration of HGF in papillary carcinomas. In conclusion, in thyroid lesions, c-Met was highly expressed specifically in the cytoplasm of papillary carcinomas. c-Met expression was not related to the aggressiveness of the tumor but was related to the concentration of HGF, which was probably derived from the stroma. Also, the c-Met system might play a role in the pathogenesis of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid.     

Statistical analysis of 1186 cases of gastric carcinoma: with special reference to advanced lesion (author's transl)

750 cases of advanced gastric carcinoma were macroscopically and microscopically studied in relation with the 10 year survival rate. Most of the patients, 59.3% in female and 68.8% in male, belonged to the 5th and 6th decades. Macroscopically 44.1% of the cases were grouped in Borrmann III type, and secondly Early-Cancer Like Lesion, 26,6%. Histologically, in 510 cases out of 750 (68.0%) serosa was definitely broken by carcinoma cell nests and in 500 cases (66.7%) lymphnode metastasis was observed. The most frequent histological type was diffuse type, 44.9%, and secondly papillotubular type, 21.2%. 10 year survival rate of 516 cases, in which no residual cancer tissue was ascertained and the favorite prognosis could be expected was studied on various factors: Early-Cancer-Like-Lesion and Borrmann I & II types carcinoma, those cases in which the muscularis propria or serosa was preserved, those cases without lymphnode metastasis, and papillotubular or medullary tubular carcinomas showed a favorite prognosis in comparison with other types.     

Amiodarone-associated proarrhythmic effects. A review with special reference to torsade de pointes tachycardia

PURPOSE: To assess the incidence of amiodarone-mediated aggravation of ventricular tachyarrhythmias or the development of new arrhythmias, such as torsade de pointes, in patients with cardiac disease. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: A MEDLINE literature search was done to identify articles published during the last 20 years that presented data on amiodarone-associated proarrhythmic events. The articles were divided into three categories: case reports, uncontrolled retrospective studies, and prospective controlled trials. In addition, articles were identified that examined the effects of amiodarone in patients with previously documented drug-induced torsade de pointes. RESULTS: 65 English-language case reports dealing with torsade de pointes during amiodarone therapy were found in the literature. In many of these cases, other predisposing factors for the development of torsade de pointes were reported. Seventeen studies each reported data from at least 50 patients who were treated with amiodarone for at least 6 months. Of 2878 patients included in these trials, 57 were reported to have a proarrhythmic event while exposed to the drug (an overall incidence of 2%). Torsade de pointes was observed in one third of these patients (an overall incidence of 0.7%). In seven placebo-controlled trials in which the drug was given as monotherapy, amiodarone was not associated with the development of a proarrhythmic event in any patient. Finally, in three reports, 31 patients with previous drug-mediated torsade de pointes were exposed to amiodarone during short- and long-term therapy. In none of these patients did a recurrent episode of torsade de pointes develop, despite the amiodarone-induced prolongation of the QTc interval, which was equivalent to that observed at the time of torsade de pointes during exposure to previous drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Amiodarone appears to be associated with a remarkably low frequency of proarrhythmic events and an incidence of torsade de pointes of less than 1.0%. This low arrhythmogenicity and the negligible negative inotropic effect of the compound constitute properties that make amiodarone particularly useful in treating high-risk patients prone to sudden cardiac death. Its potential to reduce this risk is currently being evaluated in several large prospective trials.     

Bacteremia caused by Haemophilus influenzae with special reference to its relation to HIV infection

The present study was undertaken to reveal the magnesium distribution in human bone. Sixty human ribs, obtained from subjects aged 10-80 years of age, were used. Transverse sections were prepared from the middle region of the human ribs. Adjacent sections were ground to a thickness of about 1000 microns. One section was used for magnesium determination by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and the other was used for analysis with X-ray microanalysis. Thirty micron thick samples were abraded continuously from the periosteal and the endosteal surfaces by abrasive microsampling, as previously described by Weatherell et al. Results showed that magnesium concentrations were higher in both the periosteal and endosteal surfaces and did not change with age in general, although it tended to be higher among teenagers and lower over 80 years old.     

Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors in 75 patients with soft tissue sarcoma

Traditionally, patients who received minor gynecology surgery remained in the hospital for a few days, during which time post-operative care was given by nurses. However, since patients are now often discharged the same day, the responsibility for this care has been transferred to the patients and their families. Because the nursing staff of the Gynecology Day Surgery Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital believes there is a need for patient-monitoring after discharge and CLSCs do not offer services for this generally healthy clientele, they developed, with the head nurse and the assistant head nurse, a post-operative telephone follow-up program. This idea stemmed from the general need to adapt care as a result of the increase in day surgery. In addition to extending care beyond the hospital walls and improving its quality, this program has increased the job satisfaction of the nurses involved.     

Cartoon Reaction Scale with special reference to driving behavior.

Research suggests that hostility, aggression, and other personality traits may be indicative of problem drivers. Other evidence implies that certain types of humor are related to these personality dimensions. A Cartoon Reaction Scale (with "funniness" response choices) was developed to test the hypothesis that problem and nonproblem drivers would respond differentially and to a significant degree. Out of an original pool of 150 cartoons, 34 achieved discriminatory ability. These cartoons were subsequently administered to new groups of drivers. Reliability coefficients ranged from .77-.80. Validation and cross-validation achieved significance beyond the .01 level. The test's success in separating controls from problem drivers was also demonstrated by a cutoff score. Its predictive ability has not yet been shown. (32 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Bladder tumor. Presentation of 2 patients with soft tissue involvement

OBJECTIVE: To describe two uncommon cases of bladder tumor metastasizing to soft tissues. METHODS/RESULTS: Two patients with bladder tumor and cystic metastases in the abdominal wall are described. The cysts were easily palpable and were confirmed histologically. CONCLUSION: Soft tissues, like the abdominal wall, are unusual sites of metastasis of bladder tumor. The foregoing, however, should be considered in order to make an early diagnosis.     

Characteristics of type concepts with special reference to Sheldon's typology.

This paper describes the several limitations of Sheldon's physical and temperamental types and the relationship between the two. "In place of a priori complex types, the use of the multiple discriminant function is recommended for problems traditionally associated with typing." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cutting fluids and their effects on the skin of mice. An experimental study with special reference to carcinogenicity

Reports of skin malignancies due to occupational exposure have decreased since the introduction of solvent-refining of mineral oil fraction in the manufacture of oil based cutting fluids. Commercial mineral oil based cutting fluids caused local and general pathological changes after repeated application to the skin of mice in the present study. Forty-eight per cent of the mice exposed to oils showed severe dysplasia or malignancy of the skin on histological examination. The corresponding figure for the control group, where various additives were used was 8 per cent. The frequency of papillomas was also increased in the mice exposed to oils. The systemic lesions included focal necrosis of the liver, associated with amyloid deposition, as well as amyloidosis of the skin, spleen and kidneys. The substances responsible for these apparent carcinogenic properties of the complex mixtures may be polycyclic hydrocarbons; the latter are still present in the commercial products despite solvent refining; on the other hand the carcinogens may be additives to the cutting oils the composition of which is generally a trade secret.     

Outdoor winter activities of spinal cord-injured patients. With special reference to outdoor mobility

Two hundred forty-seven patients with spinal cord injuries living in Hokkaido, the northern part of Japan, were mailed a questionnaire relating to winter outdoor activities. One hundred eight patients responded to the questionnaire, 98 males and 10 females, with ages ranging from 30 to 79 (mean, 53.3) yr. Injury levels of patients were: cervical in 23 patients, thoracic and thoracolumbar in 47, and lumbar in 38. All respondents were unable to walk independently because of quadriplegia or paraplegia. Approximately 90 percent of respondents found it necessary to go outside during the winter season. Eighty-five percent were outside during the coldest period. The most common reasons for outdoor activities were shopping and routine doctor's appointments. The main method of ambulating outside was a manual and/or electrically operated wheelchair, sometimes in conjunction with an automobile. However, there were many problems reported in using wheelchairs; for example, wheels and casters were very slippery on the snow and ice, casters were easily buried in the snow, and wheelchair rims were very cold to handle. It was also pointed out that exposure to cold weather induced physical problems such as muscle spasticity, pain, and numbness of lower extremities. This survey revealed that spinal cord-injured patients would benefit from a wheelchair specifically designed for winter conditions.     

Blood rheological study in rats with fatty liver--with special reference to effects of ethyl icosapentate

A blood rheological study was conducted using Kikuchi's micro-channel method in rats with fatty liver. Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on blood rheology were also evaluated. Male SD rats given normal feed served as the control. One group was given choline-deficient feed for 4 weeks (EPA (-) group), while another group was daily given EPA (1000 mg/kg) for 4 weeks together with choline-deficient feed (EPA (+) group). The micro-channel passage time was determined using 100 microliters of whole blood. The passage time significantly increased in the EPA (-) group compared to the control (p < 0.01). It significantly decreased in the EPA (+) group compared to the EPA (-) group (p < 0.01). Findings obtained in the present study suggested that blood rheological factors are related to the development of fatty liver and that EPA inhibits fatty changes of the liver by improving these rheological factors.     

Flutter of left ventricular structures in patients with aortic regurgitation, with special reference to patients with associated mitral stenosis

Echocardiography was performed in 45 patients with aortic regurgitation. Forty showed a high frequency diastolic flutter of the mitral valve, which was holodiastolic in all but the patients with associated mitral stenosis. Of four patients with coexisting mitral stenosis, mitral flutter was absent in two; in the other two, in atrial fibrillation, mitral flutter occurred, but only during a fixed interval after mitral valve opening, irrespective of cycle length. A fine flutter of similar frequency was observed on the left ventricular aspect of the ventricular septum in 12 patients. In six of these it was of slight degree and restricted to early diastole and the high septum; in four others (three of whom had associated mitral stenosis), the septal flutter was more marked, holodiastolic, and present over all parts of the septum scanned; in two, it was holodiastolic over the high septum but early diastolic at lower septal levels. Aortography performed in 19 patients showed that septal flutter was present in seven of 12 patients in whom the regurgitant aortic jet was directed forward to the ventricular septum, whereas in the other seven patients with no septal flutter, the jet was directed away from the septum. Septal flutter is useful as an echocardiographic sign of aortic regurgitation, especially in the presence of mitral stenosis when mitral flutter may be absent or exceeded by septal flutter in both amplitude and duration, and when the mitral valve has been replaced by a prosthetic valve. Vibration of the septum appears to be attributable to the regurgitant aortic jet impinging on it and may contribute to the production and radiation of the characteristic diastolic murmur of aortic regurgitation.     

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy on patients with spinal cord injury with special reference to autonomic hyperreflexia

We performed treatment of urolithiasis on 7 patients with spinal cord injury (6 males and one female, with a mean age of 41 years old) by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) using a Lithostar (Siemens). The level of injury was cervical in 3 patients and lower thoracic in 4. The treated stones were renal in 6 patients, including one staghorn caliculus, ureteral in 2, and bladder stones in 2 patients. ESWL was performed under general anesthesia in 2 patients, and in another patient, epidural anaesthesia was employed in the first several sessions, but thereafter treatment was safely continued with no anesthesia. The other 4 patients were treated without anesthesia. In most patients, the stones (9 stones in 6 cases) were easily disintegrated after treatment of from one to 14 sessions, except one case of staghorn caliculus, and the clearance of fragments was also satisfactory. In one patient, hypertension and bradycardia due to autonomic hyperreflexia were observed during ESWL, and the treatment was discontinued, but the stone was successfully disintegrated and the fragments were voided. In another patient, autonomic hyperreflexia was observed while the fragments passed through the ureter, although no signs of this reflexia were seen during the ESWL procedure.     

Concept of social skill with special reference to the behavior of depressed persons.

Tested the general hypothesis that depressed persons, as a group, are less socially skillful than nondepressed individuals. Social skill was defined as the complex ability both to emit behaviors that are positively reinforced and not to emit behaviors that are punished by others. The interpersonal behaviors of 8 depressed and 11 nondepressed undergraduates in 2 groups were compared. All verbal interchanges among group members were coded. Results were cross-validated in both groups and were generally consistent in showing depressed Ss to be lower than controls on a number of operational measures of social skill (i.e., activity level, interpersonal range, rate of positive reactions emitted, and action latency). (32 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Patellectomy after fracture. Long-term follow-up results with special reference to functional disability

Six cases are reported, in which an excision of the ciliary-body has been performed: 5 cases with secondary closed-angle glaucoma, and one case with secondary open-angle glaucoma. All eyes were aphakic, and in all cases other surgical interventions preceded. The ciliary-body excision is the easiest exactly doseable procedure, compared with other procedures regarding the ciliary-body. Usually excision of the ciliary-body represents the last choice to offer, however in selected cases it might be the method of choice. In this aspect our results are encouraging. The technical details of this procedure are described.