A monoclonal antibody-defined membrane antigen complex is required for neutrophil-neutrophil aggregation

We examined the aggregation responses of normal neutrophils treated with the murine monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 60.3. Addition of MoAb 60.3 to normal neutrophils produced dose-dependent inhibition of neutrophil aggregation in response to phorbol myristate acetate, zymosan-activated plasma, and N-formyl-methionylleucylphenylalanine. We conclude that the membrane glycoprotein complex recognized by MoAb 60.3--designated CDw18- -is required for neutrophil-neutrophil aggregation in vitro.     

Provirus load in breast milk and risk of mother-to-child transmission of human T lymphotropic virus type I

In a prospective study of 101 mother-child pairs in Jamaica, we examined the association of provirus load in breast milk and the risk of mother-to-child transmission of human T lymphotropic virus type I. The provirus load in breast milk was a strong predictor of risk of transmission to children (relative risk, 2.34/quartile), after adjustment for other known risk factors. The risk of transmission increased from 4.7/1000 person-months when the provirus load in breast milk was <0.18% to 28.7/1000 person-months when it was >1.5%. Provirus detection in maternal breast milk predicted transmission months before infection in children was detected by serologic testing.     

Congenital antithrombin III deficiency causing mesenteric venous infarction: a lesson to remember--a case history.

Congenital antithrombin III deficiency is an uncommon but important cause of venous thrombosis, usually presenting with recurrent or atypical venous thromboembolism. Its importance lies in the fact that early recognition can lead to treatment in the acute stage, which can prevent propagation of the disease, and further prophylactic treatment may reduce the incidence of further episodes. The authors present a case of mesenteric venous infarction associated with congenital antithrombin III deficiency and briefly discuss the diagnosis, surgical implications, and treatment of this disorder.     

Prevention of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease: selection of an adequate dose of gamma radiation

To determine the optimal dose of gamma radiation necessary to inhibit T- lymphocyte function and prevent transfusion-acquired graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD), a donor plateletpheresis component was initially divided into ten 20-mL samples. One sample was not irradiated, while the other nine samples were treated with gamma radiation at doses ranging from 500 to 4500 cGy. T-lymphocyte function was subsequently measured by mixed lymphocyte cultures and mitogen stimulation assays. The results were assessed in each test by calculating the percentage of inhibition of each irradiated sample as compared to that of the unirradiated sample. The accuracy of the delivered dose of gamma radiation was measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters. It was concluded that a nominal dose of 3000 cGy (actual dose delivered, 2898 cGy) is the appropriate amount of gamma radiation needed to eliminate T- lymphocyte-mediated graft-versus-host disease.     

A new technique in the management of the ring avulsion injury

There is universal agreement that microvascular repair is the only way to salvage class II ring avulsion injuries. We report on two patients who sustained this type of injury and were treated successfully by extensive fasciotomy. The circulatory compromise following class II ring injuries deteriorates rapidly due to the tourniquet-like effect by the progressive swelling of the soft tissue envelope. Fasciotomy eliminates this effect and allows adequate inspection of the neurovascular bundles. Microvascular repair is still feasible if considered necessary.