Effects of intrauterine exposure to parathion on the activity of renal ATPases in offspring

The effects of ethyl parathion on the activities of various renal enzymes were studied in the offspring from dams treated with this insecticide during pregnancy. The enzymes tested were the (Na+-K+)- and the Mg2+-dependent ATPases, the glutathione S-transferases and carboxylesterases. The postnatal effects of parathion on kidney ATPases from undernourished rats were also assessed. The organophosphate was administered per os to pregnant rats at a dose of 1 mg kg-1 body weight per day throughout gestation, and suspended after delivery. The offspring were divided in groups of normally-fed and undernourished rats. In the undernourished group, food restriction produced a decrease of 43% in body weight as compared to the normally-fed group. Offspring were sacrificed 6 weeks after birth and the enzymatic activities were determined in kidney homogenates. We found a decrease in the enzymatic activity of total ATPases, at the expense of the Mg2+-dependent ATPase. However, the activities of the (Na+-K+)-dependent ATPase, the glutathione S-transferases and the carboxylesterases did not show significant changes. On the other hand, undernutrition did not potentiate the effects of parathion on the ATPases. Thus, this organophosphate administered during pregnancy produced a selective inhibition on the renal Mg2+-dependent ATPase from offspring, which was not potentiated by our undernutritional model.     

Quantitative morphologische Untersuchungen sogenannter dynamischer,exzentrischer Koronarstenosen bei akuten Koronartodesfällen

Zusammenfassung Das restliche normale Wandsegment einer exzentrischen Koronarstenose kann durch eine spastische Mediakontraktion zu einer Einengung des Restlumens führen. Damit können solche dynamischen Koronarstenosen Myokardischämien bewirken, verstärken oder über Rhythmusstörungen zum akuten Herztod führen. Bei 39 Fällen von akutem Koronartod wurden die extramuralen Koronararterien zunächst angiographiert und an uneröffneten histologischen Gefäßquerschnitten planimetrisch vermessen. Von insgesamt 382 Stenosen über 45% waren 178 oder 46,6% exzentrischer Art. Diese exzentrischen Stenosen waren zu 48% im RIVA lokalisiert. Pro Koronartodesfall bestanden im Mittel 4,5 exzentrische Stenosen. Am häufigsten fanden sich exzentrische Stenosen mit rundlichem Restlumen (49,4%) oder quer anliegendem elliptischem Restlumen (35,3%). Das normale Wandsegment aller exzentrischen Stenosen betrug im Mittel 30,5% der Begrenzung des Restlumens. Die quantitativen Ergebnisse sprechen dafür, daß bei dem hohen Anteil exzentrischer Stenosen mit größerem normalem Wandsegment diesen eine funktionelle Bedeutung für die akute Koronarinsuffizienz zukommen kann. Die morphologische Beschreibung und Beurteilung der Koronarsklerose muß daher auch die Stenoseform berücksichtigen.     

Acid-base derangements during sorbent regenerative hemodialysis in mechanically ventilated patients

OBJECTIVE: To assess acid-base derangements during sorbent regenerative hemodialysis in mechanically ventilated patients. DESIGN: Consecutive case series; prospective study. SETTING: An ICU in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Seven patients undergoing hemodialysis for acute renal failure who required mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure. INTERVENTIONS: Pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics, pH, and gas tensions in dialysate, arterial and mixed venous blood, and blood entering and leaving the dialyzer, were measured before, during, and after hemodialysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: During the first 2 hrs of hemodialysis, dialysate pH decreased from 6.91 +/- 0.14 to 6.06 +/- 0.37 and PCO2 increased to 437 +/- 111 torr (58.2 +/- 14.8 kPa). Simultaneously, the patients lost bicarbonate into the bath. As a result, pHa decreased from 7.38 +/- 0.02 to 7.31 +/- 0.02. At the end of dialysis, pHa returned to normal. CONCLUSION: Sorbent hemodialysis in mechanically ventilated patients is accompanied by acidosis that may contribute to hemodynamic instability.     

Right pneumonectomy syndrome: a lethal complication of lung resection in a newborn with cystic adenomatoid malformation

A newborn girl underwent a right pneumonectomy for cystic adenomatoid malformation. She subsequently developed compression of the trachea and left mainstem bronchus by a combination of aortic arch, pulmonary artery, and ductus arteriosus. She died while planning aortic suspension, and the anatomic relationships were confirmed by autopsy. This problem is potentially treatable by a variety of means.     

MR of benign chondroblastoma of the temporal bone.

A benign chondroblastoma of the temporal bone in an 8-year-old boy is reported. Head CT showed an expansile mass with calcifications in the center. The tumor appeared as a well-lobulated, hypointense intraosseous mass on T1-weighted brain MR; it was isointense to brain parenchyma on intermediate-weighted images and enhanced homogenously with gadolinium.     

Extensively calcified synovial sarcoma

 Synovial sarcoma is an uncommon fibroblastic soft tissue neoplasm, commonly arising near, but not necessarily from, the synovium of joint capsules, bursae or tendon sheaths. The radiological diagnosis is difficult. We present a case of synovial sarcoma studied with plain film radiography, CT, and pathology that had an unusual extensive calcification, which complicated its radiological diagnosis.     

The 9/11 experience: who's listening to the children?

In the 2 plus years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, a substantial number of children have developed psychiatric disorders, severe psychological distress, and functional impairment. Despite significant financial support, the availability of mental health services, and the presence of relatively sophisticated mental health providers, a surprisingly large gap has emerged between documented need and service use. This article identifies some of the factors that appear to have contributed to this situation and potential remedies for ongoing difficulties.