Angioid streaks associated with abetalipoproteinemia

Angioid streaks were observed in a 31-year-old man with abetalipoproteinemia. Angioid streaks have now been described in hereditary spherocytosis, beta thalassemia, alpha thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and acanthocytosis secondary to abetalipoproteinemia and hypobetalipoproteinemia. The nature of the association of angioid streaks and structural defects of hemoglobin and the red blood cell is not understood.     

Risk indicators for third molar caries and periodontal disease in senior adults.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to identify risk indicators for the prevalence at enrollment and incidence over 36 months of periodontal pathology and coronal caries experience affecting third molars in a community-based study of people over 65 years of age. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data from a subsample of 810 dentate subjects from the Piedmont 65+ Study were available for analyses. All visible teeth were examined. Periodontal probing measures were taken at 2 sites, mesiobuccal and buccal/facial. Clinical data on caries experience were collected by visual-tactile examination. At enrollment, 340 subjects had at least 1 visible third molar; all were examined for caries experience. Periodontal probing measures were available for 277 of these same subjects. The significance of the possible risk indicators for periodontal pathology and caries affecting third molars was determined by chi(2) tests. Statistical significance was set at .05. Logistic multivariable models were used to derive odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: African-American subjects were more likely to have visible third molars (P < .01). Caucasian subjects were more likely to have third molar coronal caries experience (P < .01), as were subjects with greater than a high school education and those with a dental visit within 3 years (both P < .01). However, African American subjects were more likely to have periodontal pathology, CALs >/= 3 mm on third molars (P < .01), as were those who used tobacco (P < .01). None of the other risk indicators we studied were associated with progression of periodontal pathology or coronal caries experience on visible third molars. CONCLUSION: In this population study of senior adults, Caucasians and African Americans appear to have different levels of risk for caries experience and periodontal pathology affecting retained third molars.     

In situ saphenous vein bypass grafts: angiographic evaluation and interventional repair of complications

In situ saphenous vein grafts are being used with increasing frequency for bypass procedures involving the femoral and popliteal arteries. Complications of these procedures include anastomotic stenoses and persistent arteriovenous fistulae that may result in failure of the graft. Balloon angioplasty and embolotherapy with detachable balloons were employed successfully in three or four recent cases of patients with complications from in situ grafts. Tailored angiography is essential for evaluating in situ grafts, and interventional techniques are extremely useful for managing complications.     

Suppression of the vitro humoral immune response of mouse splenocytes by benzo(a)pyrene metabolites and inhibition of benzo(a)pyrene-induced immunosuppression by alpha-naphthoflavone

Several investigators have demonstrated that the humoral immune response of mice and splenocyte cultures was suppressed with benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] exposure. The mechanism of the B(a)P immunosuppression, however, has not been established. Since reactive metabolites of B(a)P, rather than the parent compound, have been shown to mediate the carcinogenic effects of B(a)P, it was hypothesized that the immunosuppression produced by B(a)P may also be mediated by its reactive metabolites. The objective of this investigation was to examine the role of B(a)P metabolism in the B(a)P-induced suppression of the in vitro humoral immune response. This was addressed by first determining if various B(a)P metabolites are capable of inhibiting the generation of antibody-forming cells (AFC) of splenocyte cultures. Addition of B(a)P or B(a)P-7,8-diol (2 X 10(-5) M) to splenocyte cultures produced a similar dose-dependent suppression of the in vitro T-dependent AFC response to sheep red blood cells. In contrast, decreases in the AFC response and cell viability of cultures exposed to the 4,5-diol or 9,10-diol were only observed at 2 X 10(-5) M. Exposure of cultures to 3-hydroxy-B(a)P resulted in a significant decrease in the AFC response at 2 X 10(-6) and 2 X 10(-5) M. Slight decreases in the AFC response were observed with the addition of B(a)P-4,5-epoxide or B(a)P-6,12-dione at 2 X 10(-6) M, whereas a dramatic decrease in the AFC response, as well as a 45% decrease in cell viability, was obtained at 2 X 10(-5) M. The second objective was to examine the effects of the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor, alpha-naphthoflavone (ANF), on the B(a)P- and B(a)P-7,8-diol-induced suppression of the in vitro AFC response. Exposure of splenocyte cultures to 2 X 10(-5) M ANF did not affect the AFC response. Coincubation of splenocytes with ANF was observed to attenuate the suppressive effects of B(a)P and B(a)P-7,8-diol. This concentration of ANF was observed to inhibit the metabolism of [3H]B(a)P by splenocyte cultures to water soluble metabolites. Moreover, B(a)P metabolism by splenic microsomal preparations of untreated mice was inhibited by ANF. These findings suggest that the B(a)P-induced suppression of the in vitro AFC response is mediated by B(a)P metabolites generated by cytochrome P-450 present within splenocytes.     

Hemorrhagic and nonhemorrhagic brain lesions: evaluation with 0.35-T fast MR imaging

Two fast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques, advanced Fourier and partial-flip imaging, were used at 0.35 T to examine 21 patients with suspected intracranial lesions; the results were quantitatively compared with a conventional spin-echo study. Both of the fast MR techniques yielded a fourfold reduction in imaging time per section. The advanced Fourier sequence showed contrast that was identical to the conventional spin-echo study with signal-to-noise ratios of 58% and 57% for the first and second echoes, respectively. The partial-flip sequence showed a contrast of 109% and 57% for lesions versus substantia alba, and 107% and 78% for substantia grisea versus substantia alba relative to the first and second echoes of the conventional spin-echo study. The partial-flip sequence was particularly sensitive to magnetic susceptibility; this produced artifacts that may undermine the usefulness of partial flip for routine screening in certain parts of the brain. However, this susceptibility significantly improved the detection of intracranial hemorrhage when compared with the spin-echo sequence, particularly when combined with phase mapping of the partial-flip study.     

Prognostic significance of oestrogen and progestogen receptor activities in breast cancer

The prognostic significance of the tumour activities of 2 steroid receptors, those for oestrogen (ER) and for progestogen (PgR), has been studied in 372 patients with breast cancer, in whom follow-up was available for 2-6 years (median 41 months). Of 252 patients with operable disease, 75.8 per cent had ER-positive tumours and 46.4 per cent had PgR-positive tumours, though a small additional fraction (6.3 per cent) had an equivocal PgR assay result. For the 236 patients with unequivocal receptor status, the relationships between disease-free interval or overall survival and receptor activity and other factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. The latter revealed that only tumour size, node status, menstrual status and ER status related significantly to both disease-free interval and survival, though adjuvant therapy also related to disease-free interval, and tumour grade related to survival. It is concluded that measurements of PgR activity do not add to the prognostic significance of ER status.     

Cutaneous allergy to mustard in a salad maker

A case of allergic contact dermatitis to mustard (Brassica nigra) in a salad maker is reported. The sources of skin contact included a commercial salad cream, a vinegrette, and various members of the mustard family, Cruciferae. The Cruciferae family includes many salad vegetables and condiments which contain allergenic isothiocyanates. The extent of skin contact among salad makers and other food handlers may be significant, and sensitization to isothiocyanates from this large family of vegetables may be an important cause of food contact allergy in these individuals.     

Tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flap in lower abdominal wall reconstruction

The tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flap provides a reliable autogenous building block for anatomical lower abdominal wall reconstruction. Preservation of innervation allows maintenance of voluntary motor control and protective sensation. The excellent blood supply of this flap is particularly helpful in reconstructing previously irradiated areas. A one-stage repair is possible, leaving minimal secondary defect. We describe 4 patients illustrating the uses and versatilty of this flap. Anatomy, operative procedures, and indications for delay are also discussed.