Identification and localization of type IV collagen chains in the inner ear cochlea

The expressions of cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) gene in the liver, lung, skeletal muscle, and kidney were studied by in situ hybridization with a cDNA probe from rat liver CDO under normal conditions. Significant expression of the CDO gene was detected in the liver, lung, and kidney, but not skeletal muscle. In the liver, the signal was confined to the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes. Furthermore, the signal was stronger in the periportal than that in the perivenous areas. In the lung, an intensive signal was found in the bronchiolar epithelium. As to the kidney, an intensive signal was observed in the distal convoluted tubules, while no signal was found in the proximal convultions.     

Assessing the role of the biomaterial Aquavene in patient reactions to Landmark midline catheters

Generators of early cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) still remain to be precisely localised. This gap in knowledge has often resulted in unclear and contrasting SEPs localisation in patients with focal hemispheric lesions. We recorded SEPs to median nerve stimulation in a patient with right frontal astrocytoma, using a 19-channel recording technique. After stimulation of the left median nerve, N20 amplitude was normal when recorded by the parietal electrode contralateral to the stimulation, while it was abnormally enhanced in traces obtained by the contralateral central electrode. The amplitude of the frontal P20 response was within normal limits. This finding suggests that two dipolar sources, tangential and radial to the scalp surface, respectively, contribute concomitantly to N20 generation. The possible location of the N20 radial source in area 3a is discussed. The P22 potential was also recorded with increased amplitude by the central electrode contralateral to the stimulation, while N30 amplitude was normal in frontal and central traces. We propose that the radial dipolar source of P22 response is independent from both N20 and N30 generators and can be located either in 3a or in area 4. This report illustrates the usefulness of multichannel recordings in diagnosing dysfunction of the sensorimotor cortex in focal cortical lesions.     

In vitro maintenance of Leishmania amastigotes directly from lesions: advantages and limitations

Leishmania amazonensis (MHOM/BR/77/LTB0016) amastigotes were obtained from mouse cutaneous lesions and maintained in vitro for 48 hr at pH 4.6, 33 C. These organisms were reproducing, capable of transformation to promastigotes, and did not display the promastigote-specific antigen, GP46. In contrast, 97% of the organisms maintained for 24 hr at 31 C, pH 7.3, were positive for GP46. Thus, short-term cultivation of this L. amazonensis strain under appropriate conditions can provide a high yield of amastigotes for various in vivo and in vitro studies. However, the possible interference of host immunoglobin on the surface of these amastigotes needs to be considered because fluorescent-labeled anti-mouse immunoglobulin was detected on 16% of lesion-derived amastigotes even after 114 hr of cultivation.     

Intravascular malignant lymphomatosis

Intravascular malignant lymphomatosis (IML) is a rare form of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by proliferation of malignant lymphoid cells within the lumen of small blood vessels. We describe a case of IML presenting with non-specific pulmonary symptoms, weight loss, intermittent fever and a confusing collection of laboratory findings. Later on the patient developed cardiac symptoms, and finally diffuse cerebral symptoms and skin lesions. His condition deteriorated and he died within six months. The diagnosis of IML was made at autopsy. Complete remission and long-term disease-free survival may be obtained with standard chemotherapy directed at high-grade lymphomas. It is important to remember IML in the differential diagnosis of patients with confusing and changing ischaemic symptoms and signs from several organs.     

Stress fractures of the femoral neck

Stress fractures of the femoral neck are uncommon injuries. In general these injuries are seen in two distinct populations: (1) young, healthy, active individuals such as recreational runners, endurance athletes, or military recruits; and (2) the elderly who have osteoporosis. Stress fractures can be classified as either fatigue or insufficiency fractures and result from untoward cyclic loading or impaired bone quality. The key to treatment is early diagnosis, which may require scintigraphy or magnetic resonance imaging. Nondisplaced compression type stress fractures can be treated nonoperatively with protected weight-bearing and frequent radiographic followup. Tension type stress fractures should be stabilized internally to prevent the adverse consequences of fracture displacement.     

Barriers and pathways to testing among HIV-infected women

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), the acetylated variant of the amino acid L-cysteine, is an excellent source of sulfhydryl (SH) groups, and is converted in the body into metabolites capable of stimulating glutathione (GSH) synthesis, promoting detoxification, and acting directly as free radical scavengers. Administration of NAC has historically been as a mucolytic agent in a variety of respiratory illnesses; however, it appears to also have beneficial effects in conditions characterized by decreased GSH or oxidative stress, such as HIV infection, cancer, heart disease, and cigarette smoking. An 18-dose oral course of NAC is currently the mainstay of treatment for acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. N-acetylcysteine also appears to have some clinical usefulness as a chelating agent in the treatment of acute heavy metal poisoning, both as an agent capable of protecting the liver and kidney from damage and as an intervention to enhance elimination of the metals.