Fine needle aspiration cytology, imprint cytology and tru-cut needle biopsy in breast lumps: a comparative evaluation

Fine needle aspiration cytology, imprint cytology and tru-cut needle biopsy were performed in 86 patients with breast lump and the results of these techniques were finally compared with the incisional or excisional biopsy in all the patients. Fine needle aspiration cytology had the sensitivity of 96.8% and specificity of 100%, the imprint cytology had the sensitivity of 98.4% and specificity of 100%. While the tru-cut needle biopsy had the sensitivity and specificity of 100% though in this technique 15 of 86 (17.4%) specimens were rejected as insufficient for any diagnosis.     

Occult spinal dysraphism in children: need for early neurosurgical referral

The natural history of occult spinal dysraphism in children is one of progressive and unpredictable neurological deficit. The modern role of neurosurgery is in the prevention of deterioration rather than correction of established disability. A prospective study was carried out on 40 consecutive patients to analyse the referral pattern of children with this condition. The age, reason for referral, clinical history and source of referral was recorded in each case. The reason for referral varied with age. Of the 40 patients studied, only 12 were found to be without neurological deficit at the time of referral. The incidence of progressive neurological deterioration increased with increasing age. The referral source in different age groups varied, but in all age groups relatively few were referred by the general paediatricians or paediatric neurologists. For optimum surgical results, early referral and treatment is desirable and should become our objective.     

Effects of improved contrast on lung-nodule detection. A clinical ROC study

We evaluated the effects of unsharp masking and highly efficient scatter rejection on film-screen chest radiographs of cancer patients. Unsharp masking significantly improved the detectability of lung nodules and visibility of anatomic structures in poorly penetrated areas of the chest. Highly efficient scatter rejection by an improved antiscatter grid provided only modest additional benefits. The study supports the conclusion that nodule detection in poorly penetrated areas on conventional chest radiographs is limited primarily by display contrast, whereas in the well-penetrated lung fields it is limited primarily by confusing background structures, rather than inadequate contrast. A method for analyzing clinical nodule detection data by transforming the FROC data to ROC coordinates also is demonstrated.     

SQ 30,957, a new antibiotic produced by Penicillium funiculosum. Taxonomy, fermentation, isolation, structure determination, synthesis and antibacterial activity

A new antibiotic, SQ 30,957, 4-diazo-3-methoxy-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one, has been isolated from fermentation broths of Penicillium funiculosum. The structure (1) was deduced from its spectroscopic properties and its degradation reaction. SQ 30,957 has excellent activity against anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium and Bacteroides and has moderate activity against aerobic bacteria. The compound has an LD50 of less than 17 mg/kg in mice by intraperitoneal administration.     

Migration and schizophrenia: an examination of five hypotheses

Summary Data are presented on rates of admission for schizophrenia for the native born and the four largest foreign born populations living in England in 1981 (Irish, Indian, Pakistani and Caribbean born). These data show that, in general, the foreign born have higher rates of admission for schizophrenia, and a higher proportion of all diagnoses accounted for by this disorder than do the native born. The exception is Pakistani born women who have conspicuously low rates. Five hypotheses are examined to account for these differences. The apparently high rates of schizophrenia found for the Indian born of both sexes, and Pakistani born men can be accounted for to a large extent by the demographic differences that exist between them and the native born. The Irish born residents of England have rates comparable with the Irish in Ireland who also show much higher rates than do the native English. There is no completely satisfactory account for the very high rates found for Caribbean born men and women but a combination of adverse post migration experiences and tendency to misdiagnose schizophrenia in this group is offered as a tentative explanation for at least some of the excess. The low rates of admission for schizophrenia of Pakistani women is attributed to a tendency on their part to opt out of the formal mental health system after an initial encounter, possibly to return to their native land.     

A study on the prevalence of chronic bronchitis in workers exposed to smoke and irritant fumes in a railway workshop.

In the present study 108 full time workers employed in various sections of a railway workshop and exposed to smoke and irritant fumes, and 45 matched control subjects from local administrative staff were investigated to find prevalence of chronic bronchitis. In all 18 (16.7%) workers and 4 (8.9%) control subjects had clinical evidence of chronic bronchitis. Peak expiratory flow rate less than 300 L/min was observed in 54.6% workers and 2.2% control subjects. A significantly higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis was seen in workers. The advancing age, smoking and duration of exposure had significant influence on prevalence of chronic bronchitis.     

A newly designed attachment device of multipurpose frame for neuronavigator

Summary A newly designed attachment device of the multipurpose head frame (Sugita) for Neuronavigator (Watanabe) is presented with an illustrative case of glioblastoma in an eloquent area. This has extended the usefulness of the neuronavigator for those who prefer and use the multipurpose head frame, while the requirements for keeping a stereotactic combination and the original concept of the multipurpose head frame, as well as that of the neuronavigator have been kept undisturbed.