Preferential use of the VH4 Ig gene family by diffuse large-cell lymphoma

Ig heavy chain variable region (VH) genes expressed by human diffuse large-cell lymphoma (DLC) and follicular lymphoma (FL) were identified and analyzed with respect to germline gene families. In 67 cases of FL, VH region genes were expressed in a pattern similar to that of normal B cells, with a predominance of the large VH3 gene family being used. In contrast, of the 17 cases of DLC, there was an extremely biased use of VH genes. Of these DLC tumors, 88% expressed genes from the small VH4 gene family; and even among these tumors, there was a limited use of genes, with 11 cases producing Igs derived from the VH4.21 germline gene. Although most of the VH genes expressed by DLC tumor cells contained mutations with respect to their germline counterparts, almost all of these mutations occurred before the clonal expansion of the tumor. This contrasts with our previous findings of ongoing mutations in FL and represents a fundamental difference between these two malignancies. This preferential gene use implies an important role for the VH4 gene family, and specifically for VH4.21, in the genesis of DLC.     

Towards a new ICIDH

In 1995 a special issue of Disability and Rehabilitation was published on the use of the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps (ICIDH) which was issued by WHO in 1980. Since 1995 a lot of energy has been spent by WHO and other organizations aiming at the development of a new and improved ICIDH. In 1997, a draft ICIDH-2 (Beta-1 version) was circulated by WHO in order to be tested in the field. This paper informs the reader about the content of the draft ICIDH, the revision process planning and some Dutch comments relating to the actual draft.     

Iopamidol and meglumine diatrizoate: comparison of effects on patient discomfort during aortofemoral arteriography

Iopamidol was compared with Renografin-60 (meglumine diatrizoate, Squibb) in a controlled, randomized double-blind study of 40 patients undergoing peripheral arteriography for arteriosclerotic occlusive disease to determine which agent caused less discomfort. Each patient was evaluated for objective signs of discomfort and subjective feelings of pain and heat. Monitoring was achieved by multiple physical examinations, chemical tests, electrocardiograms, and intra-arterial pressure recordings. It is concluded that iopamidol is safe and causes significantly less patient discomfort than Renografin-60.     

Small bowel CT‐enteroclysis: Technique,pitfalls and pictorial review

Computed tomography small bowel enteroclysis has been carried out at Noosa Hospital since July 2003, and more recently at St George Private Hospital, Kogarah. Over 125 cases have been carried out. This article describes the different techniques, the pitfalls and a pictorial review of small bowel pathology.