The mammalian homologue of mago nashi encodes a serum-inducible protein

OBJECTIVE: We prospectively compared the ability of two techniques--bone scintigraphy with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of the chest and CT of the chest--to reveal potential osteosarcoma metastases of the lung. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Our study included 27 patients with osteosarcoma who prospectively underwent both bone scintigraphy with SPECT of the chest and CT of the chest. The imaging results were compared with outcome or pathologic analysis of any lung lesions found. RESULTS: Eight (30%) of the 27 patients had pulmonary metastases. Four of these eight patients had positive results on both CT studies and bone SPECT studies, with additional lesions detected with bone SPECT in two of these four patients. The other four patients with pulmonary metastases had positive results on CT studies, whereas the results of bone SPECT studies remained negative. The results of bone SPECT studies were negative in the 19 patients without pulmonary metastases. CT, however, showed abnormalities in seven (37%) of the 19 patients, which were eventually attributed to benign conditions. CONCLUSION: Negative results on a bone SPECT study of the chest should not be used to exclude the possibility of lung metastases. However, if the results are positive, a bone SPECT study can be used to confirm abnormalities seen on CT scans and may also reveal subtle lesions missed on CT scans.     

Minor histocompatibility antigens as targets for T-cell therapy after bone marrow transplantation

BACKGROUND: Topical antimicrobials have been considered for treatment of secondarily infected wounds because of the potential for reduced risk of adverse effects and greater patient convenience. We compared mupirocin cream with oral cephalexin in the treatment of wounds such as small lacerations, abrasions, or sutured wounds. METHODS: In 2 identical randomized double-blind studies, 706 patients with secondarily infected wounds (small lacerations, abrasions, or sutured wounds) received either mupirocin cream topically 3 times daily or cephalexin orally 4 times daily for 10 days. RESULTS: Clinical success at follow-up was equivalent in the two groups: 95.1% and 95.3% in the mupirocin cream and the cephalexin groups, respectively (95% confidence interval [CI], -4.0% to 3.6%; P = .89). The intention-to-treat success rate was 83% in both groups. Bacteriologic success at follow-up was also comparable: 96.9% in the mupirocin cream and 98.9% in the cephalexin groups (95% CI, -6.0% to 2.0%; P = .22). The occurrence of adverse experiences related to study treatment was similar for the 2 groups, with fewer patients in the mupirocin cream group reporting diarrhea (1.1% vs 2.3% for cephalexin). CONCLUSIONS: Mupirocin cream applied topically 3 times daily is as effective as oral cephalexin given 4 times daily for the treatment of secondarily infected wounds and was well tolerated.     

The left hemisphere and the selection of learned actions

The ability of recombinant preparations of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) glycoprotein D (gD) to elicit specific antibody and T lymphocyte responses in the BALB/c mouse model of respiratory infection was investigated. Recombinant gD (rgD) expressed as a glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion protein in Escherichia coli elicited both high titer neutralizing antibody (nAb) and CD4 T cell proliferative responses following subcutaneous or intranasal immunization, but elicited only a weak antibody response after intraperitoneal immunization. Protection against respiratory tract infection with pathogenic EHV-1 RacL11 was observed in mice immunized subcutaneously with GST-gD. Furthermore, the degree of protection correlated to the titer of nAb and the T cell response observed. Finally, GST-gD was more effective in protecting against respiratory RacL11 infection if delivered intranasally. These results confirm that gD plays an important role in eliciting the protective immune response against EHV-1 infection, and indicate that subunit vaccines containing preparations of gD may be very effective if delivered directly to the upper respiratory tract.     

Perceived exertion associated with breathing hyperoxic mixtures during submaximal work

The effect of an enriched inspired oxygen concentration on perceived exertion (RPE) was investigated while running at two submaximal treadmill loads. Twelve males (VO2 max = 49.3 ml/kg-min) worked at 50% and 80% VO2 max, breathing either air or 80% O2-20% N2 in random order using a single blind technique. Subjects were evaluated while running for 10 min and during a 20 min recovery. Heart rate (HR), ventilation (VE), respiration rate (RR), tidal volume (VT) and RPE were measured before, during and after work. Blood lactate was measured 1 min after work. Oxygen concentration did not statistically affect HR, VE, RR or VT during exercise or recovery. At both loads, RPE at the end of exercise was significantly reduced breathing the hyperoxic mixture. At 50% VO2 max, mean RPE decreased from 11.2 breathing room air to 9.6 breathing 80% O2 and, 80% VO2 max, from 13.8 to 11.7 (P less than 0.01). Blood lactates were significantly reduced breathing 80% O2; from 23.4 mg to 13.3 at 50% VO2 max and from 55.5 to 36.5 at 80% VO2 max (P less than 0.01). The RPE correlated with lactate (r=0.64) at the end of work. Results indicate that during moderate and heavy work RPE is significantly affected by the inspired O2 concentration and there is a significant relationship between RPE and blood lactate.     

Villous papilloma of the rectum presenting as infective gastro-enteritis

Three elderly patients have recently been admitted as emergencies to the Infection Unit of the Aberdeen Hospitals as presumed cases of infective gastro-enteritis. Investigation revealed the presence of a villous papilloma of the rectum in each case.     

Hypoxic contraction of isolated canine coronary artery. Mediation by potassium-dependent exocytosis of norepinephrine

Effects of hypoxia on arterial tone, efflux of potassium, and efflux of norepinephrine were monitored for isolated canine coronary arteries labeled with radioactive potassium (42K) and norepinephrine (3HNE). Hypoxia elicited transient relaxation and subsequent sustained contraction accompanied by marked increases in the effluxes of 42K and 3HNE. After sympathetic nerve injury with 6-hydroxydopamine or cold storage, arteries responded to hypoxia with sustained relaxation. Sustained relaxation occurred also after pretreatment with L-propranolol, but not with D-propranolol or phentolamine. Inhibition of hypoxic contraction by L-propranolol did not alter 42K or 3HNE efflux. Colchicine, an inhibitor of the exocytosis of NE, suppressed hypoxic 3HNE efflux and contraction, but not 42K efflux. Proadifen inhibited 42K and 3HNE efflux as well as contraction. During proadifen-inhibited 42K efflux, exogenous K+ augmented overflow of 3HNE, indicating that proadifen relaxed the hypoxic artery primarily by inhibiting K+-dependent exocytosis of NE. The ratio of NE to dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity was similar in effluents from oxygenated arteries exposed to elevated K+ concentrations and in effluents from hypoxic arteries. Thus, hypoxia evoked exocytotic release of norepinephrine which promoted contraction by a beta-adrenergic mechanism.