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.     

Saskatchewan dial-access drug information service

In September 1974 the colleges of pharmacy and medicine of the University of Saskatchewan began offering a drug information service to the pharmacists and physicians of Saskatchewan without charge. With the help of a radio-page system, calls are taken immediately by experienced pharmacists and pharmacologists. The cost of long-distance phone calls is borne by grants from the Saskatchewan medical and pharmaceutical associations. During the 1st year of operation 415 requests for information were received. Of 93 persons who called up to Feb. 28, 1975, 76% responded to an evaluation questionnaire; virtually all described the service as very valuable. The information received resulted in the alteration of drug therapy in one third of calls requesting information to assist in current treatment of a patient.     

Evaluation of the results of gastropancreatoduodenal resection in oncological patients

The results of gastropancreatoduodenal resection (GTDR) carried out in 111 patients were evaluated. Application of said procedure was shown to be justified in cancer patients, if indications and necessary logistics are provided. The procedure should be carried out in special facilities enabling early diagnosis, adequate identification of lesions in biliopancreatoduodenal area, effective preparation and intensive care before and shortly after operation. The operating surgeon should be capable of doing reconstructive surgery at all stages of the procedure taking due account of the peculiarities of each individual case.