Blood group antigens in differentiated thyroid neoplasms

Alteration of cell-surface blood group antigens during malignant transformation is a well-known phenomenon that has not yet been sufficiently investigated in thyroid gland neoplasms. We evaluated 50 normal thyroid glands and 141 differentiated thyroid neoplasms (29 follicular adenomas, 30 follicular carcinomas, 56 papillary carcinomas, and 26 medullary carcinomas) both by the immunoperoxidase technique, using monoclonal antibodies against blood group antigens (A, B, H, Le(a), Le(b), Le(x), and Le(y)) and precursor substances (T, Tn, and sTn), and by affinity to the lectin from Arachis hypogea, to determine the usefulness of these antigens as tumor markers and prognostic factors. Neoplastic tissues showed immunostaining with concordant and nonconcordant expression of ABH antigens. There were statistically significant differences between normal and neoplastic tissues but not among the different neoplasms. Statistically significant differences in Lewis antigen expression were noted between normal and neoplastic tissues and between benign and malignant tumors. Tn and sTn antigen expression showed statistically significant differences between normal and neoplastic tissues. In conclusion, blood group antigens are tumor markers that are expressed more frequently in malignant than in benign neoplasms. The presence of metastases was correlated with enhanced peanut lectin receptors and a loss of A or B antigens.     

Effect of calcium phosphate ceramics on gram-negative bacteria resistant to antibiotics

This paper discusses the results of an experimental study on the effect of biphase calcium phosphate ceramics (BCPC) on laboratory-isolated polyresistant Gram-negative bacteria. Monitoring of this effect in a dynamical regimen was carried out upon Enterobacter cloacae 313, Klebsiella pneumoniae 227, Serratia marcescens 206, Klebsiella oxytoca 202, as well as on the standard strain Klebsiella pneumoniae 52145 (Institute Pasteur, Paris). The results show a significant antimicrobial effect of the ceramics. Antimicrobial properties are manifested during direct contact with BCPC and these depend on the quantity and grain size of the particles, as well as on the microbiological characteristics of the test microorganisms, and particularly on their cell size.     

D-transposition in situs inversus, atrial septal defect, open foramen ovale and tricuspid valve insufficiency

This paper reports on a rare case of a so-called corrected d-transposition of the great vessels of a 62-year old woman with situs inversus. In addition the patient had a VSD, a patent foramen ovale, and a tricuspid-valve insufficiency. The topography of the ventricular cavities, the great vessels and the coronary arteries is described in detail. There is pointed to the surgical treatment of additional abnormalities to improve the prognosis.     

Partition coefficients of selected pyridine carbamates and comparisons with their acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory potencies

Partition coefficients of a series of 2-substituted 3-(N,N-dimethyl)carbamyloxypyridines were determined in an octanol-buffer (pH 7.4) system. The values obtained were compared with the ihnibitory potencies of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. No significant difference was found for the role of hydrophobicity in the two enzyme systems.     

Diathermy procedures, light and laser coagulation, cryocoagulation. Experimental and clinical considerations

The clinical and experimental results from the methods of coagulation currently in use are presented. The advantages and disadvantages of trans-scleral methods (diathermy and cryopexy) and trans-ocular methods (Xenon arc and argon laser) are discussed. Experiments on absorption, the mode of action of intense light, the optimal time and method of application, the necessary intensity and the extent of the coagulated area are communicated. Of the trans-scleral methods, cryopexy is to be prefered. The trans-ocular methods have the advantage of a more exact localisation and dosage. Either route can often be chosen in any particular case, though at present no overriding advantage has been shown for either.