Hypothesis: association of the critical region of trisomy 18 and 18q2—syndrome with dermatoglyphic findings and a growth suppressor (deleted in colon cancer) locus

Evidence from the literature is reviewed to suggest that when fingertip dermal ridge patterns in chromosomal deletion syndromes are characteristic of the opposite spectrum of the developmental scale from patterns found in cases trisomic for the same chromosomal region, the association may be a consequence of loci with growth regulatory functions. Evidence is presented that DNA markers at 18q21 should be the first candidate sequences to be used to test this hypothesis in families with fingertip arches segregating in an apparent autosomal dominant fashion.     

Coffee, caffeine, and serum cholesterol in Japanese men in Hawaii

The relationship between coffee consumption and serum cholesterol was investigated in a cohort of 5,858 Japanese males born in 1900-1919 and living in Hawaii in 1965 who are currently followed by the Honolulu Heart Program. Data on coffee consumption, other dietary variables from a 24-hour dietary recall, and other potentially confounding variables collected in 1965 were correlated with serum cholesterol at that examination and at examination six years later. The mean coffee and tea consumption was 3.4 and 1.8 cups/day, respectively. Those consuming no coffee had a mean serum cholesterol of 210 mg/dl, while that of those drinking 9+ cups/day was 220 mg/dl (no such relationship was apparent with tea or cola). The relationship of coffee consumption and serum cholesterol with potentially confounding variables including body mass index, cigarette smoking, diastolic blood pressure, alcohol consumption, physical activity index, serum glucose, serum uric acid, education, age, and fat consumption was examined. When these variables were entered into a multiple regression equation with coffee consumption, a significant relationship between coffee consumption and serum cholesterol (p less than 0.001) persisted, as did that between baseline coffee consumption and serum cholesterol six years later (p less than 0.001). There was no significant relationship between tea or cola, the other major caffeine contributors to the diet, and baseline serum cholesterol. Thus, this analysis indicates a significant positive relationship between coffee consumption and serum cholesterol which is not present with other sources of caffeine.     

Is antibiotic prophylaxis necessary for routine urodynamic investigations? A controlled study in 100 patients

The value of a prophylactic antibiotic before a routine cystometrogram has been assessed in a controlled trial of 100 patients. The infection rate was low and not statistically different in both groups. Subsequent symptoms of dysuria and haematuria had a mechanical aetiology.     

Nighttime bracing for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with the Charleston bending brace. Preliminary report

The authors report their preliminary experience with the Charleston bending brace for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This brace holds the patient in the position of maximum side bend correction and is worn only at night. Patients in this prospective multicentered study met all the following criteria: skeletal immaturity (Risser 0, 1+, or 2+), curvature greater than 25 degrees before bracing, no prior treatment, and greater than 1-year follow-up since initiation of treatment. There were 191 structural curves in the 139 patients. One hundred fifteen patients (83%) showed improvement or less than 5 degree change in curvature. Twenty-four patients (17%) demonstrated an increase in curvature greater than 5 degrees. Based on these preliminary results, continued use of bending brace treatment at nighttime only is justified for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Patients with double curves should be observed closely for increase in compensatory curves.     

Long-term results and complications of preoperative radiation in the treatment of rectal cancer

A retrospective study of 149 patients with rectal cancer diagnosed between 1972 and 1979 was undertaken to compare survival, disease-free survival, recurrence sites, and long-term complications of 40 patients who received 4000 to 4500 rads of preoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (radiation group) with those of 109 patients treated by resection alone (control group). After a mean follow-up of 84 months and 99 months, respectively, survival of the irradiated patients was significantly better than that of controls (68% versus 52%, p less than 0.05). Disease-free survival of those patients rendered free of disease by treatment was also superior for the irradiated group (84% versus 57%, p less than 0.005). Local recurrence without signs of distant metastases developed only one-third as often in irradiated patients (6% versus 18%). Distant metastases, alone or in combination with local recurrence, were also less common after radiation (12% versus 27%). Second primary tumors developed in 15% and 10% of the respective groups, a difference that was not statistically significant. When we consider the survival benefit of preoperative radiation therapy, long-term complications were relatively mild. Delayed healing of the perineum was noted in two irradiated patients. Persistent diarrhea was severe enough to warrant treatment in only one case, and one patient required a colostomy for intestinal obstruction from pelvic fibrosis.     

Estrogen synthesis by osteoblast cell lines.

Estrogens play a central role in modulating bone turnover and in the postmenopausal female are formed almost exclusively by peripheral conversion of sex steroid precursors derived from the adrenals. In this study we have demonstrated that three human osteoblastic cell lines [HOS, U20S (HTB96) and MG63] possess the enzymes necessary for estrogen synthesis and metabolism. Aromatase, estradiol 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (reductive and oxidative) and estrone sulfatase activities were measured in whole cell monolayers over a 20 h period by isotopic assay techniques. Significant aromatase activity was detected in all three cell lines ranging from 1.8 +/- 0.2 fmol/20 h/10(6) cells (mean +/- S.D., n = 3) for MG63 cells to 51 +/- 1.5 fmol/20 h/10(6) cells for HOS cells. The specific aromatase inhibitor, 4-hydroxyandrostenedione (1 mumol/L) completely inhibited aromatase activity in these cells. Two of the cell lines, HOS and MG63, had significant estradiol 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity with oxidative (32.7 +/- 1.9 and 1068.4 +/- 40.2 fmol/20 h/10(6) cells respectively) predominant over reductive activity (1.6 +/- 0.4 and 38.7 +/- 1.8 fmol/20 h/10(6) cells). All three cell lines were able to hydrolyse estrone sulfate to estrone with activities ranging from 13.3 +/- 1.5 fmol/20 h/10(6) cells for U20S cells to 482.2 +/- 3.7 fmol/20 h/10(6) cells for MG63 cells. Since estrogen has been implicated as a critical factor in the modulation of bone resorption and formation, the regulation of skeletal estrogen production, particularly at the time of the menopause, is likely to be an important mechanism by which bone volume is determined in physiological and pathological states.     

Malignant oncocytoma of the maxillary sinus— An ultrastructural study

A unique case of a malignant oncocytoma of the maxillary sinus is reviewed in detail. The ultrastructural findings are presented. The histologic and ultrastructural criteria that characterize onco-cytes and the clinicopathologic features of benign and malignant oncocytomas are discussed. This case represents the eleventh reported case that would truly qualify as a malignant oncocytoma of the paranasal sinuses.