Alterations in hepatocytes after manipulation of the diet: Copper,zinc and cadmium interactions

Morphometric analyses of liver parenchymal cells were performed on male albino rats fed a semipurified diet supplemented with two levels of copper and zinc. These metals were administered in demineralized drinking water to four groups of animals at two levels. (1) 0.25 μgm Cu/ml, 2.5 μgm Zn/ml, and (2) 1.0 μgm Cu/ml, 10 μgm Zn/ml. Cadmium, also administered in the drinking water daily to rats at 17.2 μgm cadmium/ml, was given to one group of animals on each of the two semipurified diets. Two groups of rats were given laboratory chow plus 17.2 μgm Cd/ml for 71 days and for 280 days. Volume densities of all organelles diminished significantly when levels of copper and zinc were lowest. Surface densities of rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum were significantly decreased. Higher levels of copper and zinc produced morphologic and morphometric parameters which fell just below those obtained for rats fed chow. Glycogen accumulation was highest when the levels of metal were low. Lipid inclusions were more frequent with semipurified diets than with chow. Hepatocytes from rats fed the semipurified diet with low copper and zinc plus cadmium demonstrated a significant increase in smooth endoplasmic reticulum compared to animals fed the semipurified diet alone. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum changed little when cadmium was given to rats receiving adequate copper and zinc. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum increased when diets included chow and cadmium whereas rough endoplasmic reticulum decreased. Cup-shaped and elongated mitochondria with longitudinal cristae appeared in hepatocytes from animals fed chow with cadmium. These were not seen with semipurified diets and cadmium.     

Acute transverse myelitis: MR characteristics

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in 13 patients with acute transverse myelitis are reviewed. In 12 cases centrally located high intensity signal extending over few spinal segments was noted. The lesion occupied more than two thirds of the cord's cross-sectional area in 8 patients. Central dot sign was noted in 7 patients. Variable cord enlargement was seen in 5 patients. Contrast study in one patient showed peripheral enhancement. The MR characteristics that help in differentiating transverse myelitis from spinal form of multiple sclerosis are discussed.     

Pyomyositis - clinical and MRI characteristics report of three cases

We report three patients with pyomyositis due to Staphylococcus aureus. Magnetic resonance imaging aided in the accurate diagnosis of the infection and of the extent of involvement. Incision, drainage and antibiotic therapy eradicated the infection in all the patients. We suggest clinical or subclinical bacteraemic seeding of the diseased muscle, as the most likely mechanism for pyomyositis.     

Phase II trial of circadian infusion floxuridine (FUDR) in hormone refractory metastatic prostate cancer

Circadian administration of chemotherapy has been reported to decrease toxicity and possibly enhance efficacy. Between March 1991 and December 1993, 18 evaluable patients with progressive, hormone-refractory metastatic prostate cancer were treated in this phase II trial of circadian infusion floxuridine (FUDR). The drug was delivered through a central venous catheter using a CADD-Plus computerized pump such that approximately 70% of the drug was administered between 3 and 9 p.m. and the rest (30%) was administered between 9 p.m. and 3 p.m. The dose of FUDR was 0.15 mg/kg/day × 14 days every 4 weeks. A total of 79 complete cycles was administered.Two of 18 evaluable patients (11.1%) had decreases in PSA lasting five and eight months. No objective responses or improvement in bone scans was noted. The major toxicity observed was diarrhea. Although circadian infusion FUDR is feasible and tolerable, it has limited activity in hormone refractory prostate cancer.     

Phonomicrosurgery for benign vocal Fold lesions - our experience

Benign lesions of glottis creates stiffness of the vocal fold and inefficient glottal valve, aerodynamically effecting the vocal quality by preventing smooth vocal edge closure. Introduction of phonomicrosurgical techniques based on Hirano ’s principle of vocal fold epithelium have revolutionized results of voice surgery. Our experience in the management of benign vocal fold lesions by phonomicrosurgical techniques with pre and post operative stroboscopic, perceptual and computerized acoustic voice analysis is described.