Sterilization of the pumping units of the apparatus for artificial circulation AIK-5 and AIK-5M]

Materials on clinical application in cardiosurgery of Soviet-made apparatus for extracorporeal circulation, models (formula: see text) and (formula: see text) are presented. Modification of these apparatus aimed at securing separate sterilization of its pumping units and setting them in place as a complete aggregate is described. This is achieved by providing the pumping assembly with articulated lock bolts and locating grips diametrically on the faceplate of the pump over which, to temporarily fix the cover with distributing valves and the pump's diaphragms, a rubber plait is hooked on.     

Bone mineral content and collagen metabolites in children receiving steroid treatment for nephrotic syndrome

Bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) were measured in nine children treated with corticosteroids for nephrotic syndrome and in age-matched controls, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The urinary excretion of cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTx) released from collagen type I as a specific marker of bone resorption was also measured. There were no significant differences in body size, BMD results or NTx urinary concentrations between patients and controls, nor could any significant differences be found when the six patients given a cumulative corticosteroid dose of >15 g were analysed separately. The lack of significant differences could be due to the small number of patients included in the study. But when the measured BMD and BMC were analysed according to methods that corrected for body size and puberty stage, values well within the normal range were found in patients as well as in controls. There was, however, a significant, negative correlation between the urinary excretion of NTx and the cumulative dose of corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: Despite treatment for long periods with high, cumulative doses of corticosteroids, the skeletons of the patients had a normal mineral content, which is encouraging for all those in need of steroids for nephrotic syndrome. A negative correlation between urinary collagen degradation products and the cumulative steroid dose might point to a reduced growth velocity in patients on high doses of steroids earlier than an effect on bone mineralization.     

Dense artery sign of the middle cerebral artery: Traumatic cause

Dense artery sign of the middle cerebral artery on non-enhanced computed tomography is recognized as an early sign of ensuing major cerebral infarction and is usually a consequence of thrombosis or embolism of an ischaemic stroke. A case is described resulting from trauma that correlated with angiographic and Doppler ultrasound findings and the significance of this sign in this case is discussed.     

Effects of dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate on erythropoietin production in human renal carcinoma cell cultures

A human renal carcinoma from a patient with erythrocytosis, serially transplanted into athymic nude mice, was grown in primary monolayer cell cultures. After reaching confluency, the cultured cells formed multicellular hemicysts (domes), which became more abundant as the cultures approached saturation density. Erythropoietin (Ep) production by this renal carcinoma in culture was only slightly increased at the time of semiconfluency but showed a marked increase after the cultures reached confluency, in parallel with dome formation. Dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate significantly (P less than .01) stimulated Ep production and dome formation in the semiconfluent and confluent cultures of the renal carcinoma.     

Esophageal anastomotic leaks: preliminary results of treatment with balloon dilation

Disruption of a cervical esophagogastric or esophagocolonic anastomosis shortly after surgery is a common complication, and fistula drainage from the leaking anastomosis may be prolonged. Narrowing of the anastomosis apparently contributes to the development and maintenance of the fistula. Fluoroscopically guided balloon dilation of anastomotic strictures was performed in three patients with anastomotic leaks. Preliminary results suggest that the procedure is safe and promotes healing of the fistula.     

Atlantoaxial distance in patients with Down syndrome: standardization of measurement

Atlantoaxial subluxation is common in persons with Down syndrome. For radiologic screening to be valid, accurate measurement of the atlantoaxial distance (AAD) must be obtained from radiographs of the cervical spine. A radiopaque millimeter scale has been designed to simplify accurate measurement of the AAD from these radiographs.     

Oncologic significance of para-aortic lymph node and inferior mesenteric lymph node metastasis in sigmoid and rectal adenocarcinoma

Background

Recurrence patterns or survival in colorectal cancer patients might differ according to inferior mesenteric lymph node (IMLN) metastasis. However, few studies have compared para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastasis and IMLN metastasis. The aim of the current study is to identify survival and recurrence patterns in patients with sigmoid colon and rectal adenocarcinoma with either PALN or IMLN metastasis and to evaluate the prognostic significance of PALN and IMLN metastasis.