Cytologic findings in stage I adenocarcinoma of the lung: Implications for the detection of early lung cancer

Preoperative cytologic examinations were performed on bronchial material from 92 patients with postsurgical (pathologic) stage I (American Joint Committee) adenocarcinoma of the lung. All patients were followed up for at least 5 years or until death; thus, cases of adenocarcinoma metastatic to the lungs were virtually excluded. Only 22 patients (24%) had abnormal preoperative cytologic findings. This low cytologic sensitivity is ascribed to the small size and peripheral location of the tumors. Large lesions of high histologic grades were more likely to have positive preoperative cytologic findings than small, well-differentiated ones.     

Detection of wheat gliadin contamination of gluten-free foods by a monoclonal antibody dot immunobinding assay

Unfractionated wheat gliadin was used to produce murine monoclonal antibodies to gliadin. A dot immunobinding assay, using these antibodies, was developed to detect possible gliadin contamination of nominally gluten-free flour, using dilute ethanol extracts spotted onto nitrocellulose membranes. The sensitivity of the assay was less than 10 micrograms/ml of unfractionated gliadin which permitted the detection of trace amounts of gliadin present in certain wheat starch based 'gluten-free' products. The assay detected not only wheat gliadin, but also prolamine extracts of rye, barley and oats; maize, soya and potato extracts as well as the control proteins casein and ovalbumin, gave negative results. The assay is of value as a simple and rapid method of screening foods for their suitability for consumption by patients with coeliac disease.     

Modulation of neurotransmission in the guinea-pig vas deferens by capsaicin: involvement of calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P.

1. The effects of capsaicin, calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P were studied via three parameters in the guinea-pig vas deferens: the overflow of ATP and of tritiated noradrenaline, the mechanical responses to field stimulation and the mechanical responses to exogenous noradrenaline and alpha, beta-methylene ATP. 2. At 2 Hz, capsaicin inhibited the stimulus-evoked release of ATP, whereas it was without effect on the release of noradrenaline. At 20 Hz capsaicin did not affect the release of either of the cotransmitters. Capsaicin enhanced responses to alpha, beta-methylene ATP, but not to exogenous noradrenaline. 3. Calcitonin gene-related peptide, like capsaicin, inhibited the release of ATP, but not noradrenaline at 2 Hz and was without effect on release at 20 Hz. However, calcitonin gene related peptide inhibited responses to alpha, beta-methylene ATP and was without effect on responses to exogenous noradrenaline. 4. Substance P had no effect on the release of either noradrenaline or ATP at either frequency. However, like capsaicin it enhanced responses to alpha, beta-methylene ATP and was without effect on exogenous noradrenaline. 5. These results suggest that the actions of capsaicin on the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens are mediated via the release of both calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P. Furthermore, as capsaicin and calcitonin gene-related peptide prejunctionally modulate purinergic, but not noradrenergic transmission, this suggests that the mechanisms for the storage and release of the sympathetic co-transmitters noradrenaline and ATP may not be the same.     

Diagnosing abuse: a systematic review of torn frenum and other intra-oral injuries.

INTRODUCTION: A torn labial frenum is widely regarded as pathognomonic of abuse. METHODS: We systematically reviewed the evidence for this, and to define other intra-oral injuries found in physical abuse. Nine studies documented abusive torn labial frena in 27 children and 24 [corrected] were fatally abused: 22 were less than 5 years old. Only a direct blow to the face was substantiated as a mechanism of injury. RESULTS: Two studies noted accidentally torn labial frena, both from intubation. Abusive intra-oral injuries were widely distributed to the lips, gums, tongue and palate and included fractures, intrusion and extraction of the dentition, bites and contusions. CONCLUSIONS: Current literature does not support the diagnosis of abuse based on a torn labial frenum in isolation. The intra-oral hard and soft tissue should be examined in all suspected abuse cases, and a dental opinion sought where abnormalities are found.     

Advances in the use of nucleic acid probes in diagnosis of viral diseases of man

Summary A variety of methods are now available for the preparation and labelling of viral nucleic acids for use as probes in diagnostic virology. Some of these are assessed including the use of synthetic oligonucleotides in place of molecularly cloned nucleic acids, and alternatives to labelling with radioactive isotopes such as biotin, enzymes and fluorochromes. Dot blot, sandwich, indirect sandwich and in situ hybridization are covered, and examples given of the current use of nucleic acid probes in detection of human viral infections. The potential and limitations of nucleic acid hybridization are discussed in the light of these new methods.     

Season of birth in infantile autism

Existing evidence suggests an excess of winter births in schizophrenia and inconsistent results for other psychiatric conditions. The present study examined seasonal effects of birth among autistic individuals. Results revealed an excess of spring and carly summer births and an underrepresentation of winter and fall births. However, this pattern was obtained only for the male, nonverbal, and lower-functioning autistic subgroup.This project was supported in part by the Ontario Mental Health Foundation Grant #988-84/86.     

Neuropsychological assessment, neuroimaging, and neuropsychiatric evaluation in pediatric and adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD)

Traditionally, neuropsychological deficits due to Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) have been understudied in adults. We have begun to suspect, however, that symptomatic and asymptomatic Cerebrovascular Events (CVE) may account for an alarming number of deficits in this population. In the current brief review, we critically evaluated the pediatric and adult literatures on the neurocognitive effects of SCD. We highlighted the studies that have been published on this topic and posit that early detection of CVE via neurocognitive testing, neuropsychiatric evaluations, and neuroimaging may significantly reduce adult cognitive and functional morbidities.     

The advanced practice nurse in gastroenterology serving as patient educator.

The role of the advanced practice nurse is evolving in the specialty of gastroenterology, requiring flexibility and an openness to change on the part of the practitioner. The gastroenterology advanced practice nurse performs history and physical assessments, orders diagnostic studies, determines medical and nursing diagnoses, prescribes and evaluates pharmacologic and other therapeutic regimens, manages followup care, and evaluates patient outcomes. The advance practice nurse also provides patient, family, and group education and screening programs. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals; serving as a mentor and as a consultant; participating in continuing education, research and quality management; and providing professional leadership underscore the professional aspects of advance practice nurse activities. The focus of this article is the educational role of the advanced practice nurse. The body of knowledge applicable to the educational role is discussed, in addition to contributory professional activities.