Cell kinetics of the human anagen hair follicle. Flow cytometric studies in healthy and psoriatic subjects

Anagen hair follicles obtained from both healthy (n = 7) and uninvolved psoriatic (n = 4) scalps were segmentally analyzed for proliferative activity using DNA flow cytometry. Hair follicle kinetics were almost equal in either group except for the infundibular portion which exhibited significant increase of S-phase values in psoriatic patients. Maximum proliferation was disclosed within the bulbar segment. This study confirms that cell kinetics behavior of hair follicles from uninvolved scalp of psoriatics compared with those from healthy scalps is altered in the infundibular portion only.     

Flow cytometric testing of susceptibilities of Mycobacterium avium to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin and rifabutin in 24 hours

Objective   To develop a biologically safe flow cytometric susceptibility test that depends on detection and enumeration of actively growing Mycobacterium avium organisms in drug-free and antimycobacterial agent-containing medium.
Methods   Prior to analysis by flow cytometry, all M. avium susceptibility test samples were inactivated by exposure to paraformaldehyde. The susceptibilities of 20 clinical isolates of M. avium to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, and rifabutin were tested by the flow cytometric and BACTEC methods.
Results   Agreement was 97% between the results of the two methods. The results of flow cytometric susceptibility tests were available 24 h after inoculation of drug-containing medium, while the BACTEC method required 4–8 days to complete.
Conclusions   The flow cytometric assay is safe, simple and reproducible.     

Giant hemangioma of the arm associated with cardiac failure and the Kasabach-Merritt syndrome in a neonate

We report a neonate who presented within hours of birth with severe congenital cardiac failure, thrombocytopenia, and consumption coagulopathy, caused by a massive hemangioma of the left arm. Initial treatment with glucocorticoids, platelet and clotting factor replacements, and cardiovascular support failed to control these hemangioma effects and amputation was avoided only when axillary artery ligation and an intermittent pneumatic compression device, manufactured in this hospital, achieved control of this lesion and hastened its subsequent resolution. The treatment of such lesions is reviewed, emphasizing individualized treatment protocols, and stressing that such lesions and their effects, cannot be regarded as variants of a single disease entity when planning management.     

Objective assessment of therapeutic hair growth--methods, possibilities and problems

With regard to hair growth induced by therapeutics, we have to consider various aspects of the activity of the hair follicle. This means that a study on the efficacy of hair growth therapeutics requires a selective investigation of different kinds of follicular activity. The decision which of the non-invasive, semi-invasive or invasive techniques available should be applied in a specific case depends on the reliability of the method in relation to the technical requirement, on the one hand, and the acceptance by the volunteer as well as the clinical type and degree of hair loss, on the other. Trichorhizogram results as the only means of evaluating the efficacy of hair growth therapeutics seem problematical, since an increase of the anagen rate does not absolutely correlate with a prolongation of the anagen phase.     

Transferrin is a growth factor for the bloodstream form ofTrypanosoma brucei

A method for the selective depletion of transferrin from bovine serum is presented. Bloodstream forms ofTrypanosoma brucei cannot grow in medium containing transferrin-deficient serum, whereas reconstitution with transferrin restores normal growth. We conclude that transferrin is an essential growth factor for the mammalian stage of the parasite.     

Evaluation of the 10-micrograms clindamycin disk for susceptibility testing of anaerobes by the aerobically incubated thioglycolate broth disk method.

The reliability of the 10-micrograms clindamycin disk was evaluated for susceptibility testing of anaerobes by the aerobic thioglycolate broth disk method. A good correlation between the aerobic thioglycolate broth disk method and the reference agar dilution procedure of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards was obtained by using a 4-microgram/ml breakpoint. Improved correlation was obtained when the medium of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards was buffered.