Optic nerve glioma and the management of optic nerve tumours in the young.

Thirty-one patients presenting as orbital optic nerve glioma have been reviewed with maximum follow-up of 14 years. Sixteen of these patients have been reported on previously and further follow-up is provided. Sixteen patients had a stable clinical course with little change over a period of up to 13.5 years. Neurofibromatosis was relatively common in this group (11/16). Fifteen patients had progressive enlargement of the tumour; the incidence of neurofibromatosis in this group was low (4/15). Eleven of these patients were explored neurosurgically and the optic nerve totally excised in 10 of them. The proximal cut end was normal in six patients and the chiasm has apparently remained free of tumour in all of them. We suggest a method of management of primary optic nerve tumours, both meningiomas and gliomas, in young patients.     

Nuclease hypersensitivity of the rat cytochrome P450IA1 gene

The bovine pancreatic deoxyribonuclease I (DNAase I) hypersensitivity of the rat cytochrome P450IA1 gene was investigated. A nuclease-hypersensitive region was observed at approximately 3.2 to 5.1 kilobase pairs upstream of exon 1 in adult and fetal rat liver. This region did not necessarily correlate with gene expression following 3-methylcholanthrene induction, although it may determine the potential for inducibility of this gene.     

Pharmacological properties of fluphenazine-mustard, an irreversible calmodulin antagonist

We describe an improved synthesis and properties of fluphenazine-mustard, a potent phenothiazine having an alkylating chlorethylamine chain in its structure. The drug possesses anticalmodulin activity equivalent to the parent compound, but unlike fluphenazine dihydrochloride, the mustard derivative irreversibly antagonizes the ability of calmodulin to activate cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase. This property is partially calcium-dependent and can be overcome by coincubation with excess fluphenazine dihydrochloride. The compound irreversibly inactivated calmodulin when incubated with intact cells and caused single-stranded breakage of DNA. Fluphenazine-mustard possesses potent antiproliferative and cytotoxic properties against malignant cell lines that are likely to be mediated through both of these actions.     

Diagnostic value of load tests in the evaluation of nonspecific changes in the electrocardiogram

The paper describes the examinations of 353 patients with various cardiovascular pathologies and changes in the end-portion of the ECG ventricular complex. For that purpose potassium chloride, obsidan, orthostatic and hyperventilation tests were used. The examinations demonstrated that the ECG changes were of functional nature in 178 patients, of organic nature in 155 patients and of mixed nature in 20 patients which was important for reliable diagnostic and expertise conclusions.     

A pulse reflectometer for routine monitoring of transmitted and reflected power in physiological NMR studies

A simple circuit design is described which provides LED readout of transmitted and reflected pulsed rf power. The utility of monitoring these variables in physiological NMR studies is discussed.     

Functional characteristics of intraepithelial lymphocytes from mouse small intestine. III. Inability of intraepithelial lymphocytes to induce a systemic graft-versus-host reaction is because of failure to migrate in vivo.

In this study we have investigated whether addition of bone marrow accessory cells or concurrent administration of recombinant IL-2 would allow intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) to induce a systemic, lethal GvHR in irradiated hosts. In addition we have studied the ability of IEL to migrate into lymphoid tissues after intravenous injection and compared this with their locomotor capacity in vitro.     

The surgical management of resistant club foot by rotation skin flap and extensive soft tissue release

Summary Resistant club foot remains an unsolved problem because of the complex aetiological and pathological factors, and is still seen quite frequently, especially in developing countries. The posteromedial skin contracture is a potent deforming force which is responsible for many failures or relapses. I report the results of an operation in which a rotation skin flap was combined with an extensive soft-tissue release. The age of the children was from 9 months to 10 years. The follow-up period was from one to 9 years with an average of 43 months, and in 50 cases for more than 5 years. I consider that the outcome has been excellent or good in 94 out of 100 feet.

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Résumé Le pied bot invétéré demeure un problème mal résolu en raison de la complexité des facteurs étiologiques et anatomiques et il est encore bien souvent rencontré, notamment dans les pays en voie de développement. La rétraction cutanée postéro-interne représente un puissant élément de la déformation, qui est responsable de bon nombre d'échecs ou de récidives. Nous rapportons les résultats d'une opération qui associe un lambeau cutané de rotation à la libération des parties molles. L'âge des enfants était compris entre neuf mois et dix ans. Le recul est de un à neuf ans, avec une moyenne de 43 mois. Cinquante enfants ont été suivis plus de cinq ans. Les résultats sont excellents ou bons dans 94% des cas.

     

A correctable complication of advanced congestive heart failure

Hyponatremia is a common complication of chronic advanced CHF unresponsive to the usual therapeutic measures. Thus low levels of serum sodium are a significant marker for severe CHF refractory to the more conventional measures. The combined use of ACE inhibitors and diuretics is generally very effective in correcting the hyponatremic state and often helpful in reversing CHF.