Does chronic prenatal methadone exposure affect beta-receptor subtypes in placental, fetal and maternal brain homogenates?

Computer competition analysis of 3H-DHA (3H-dihydroalprenolol, a nonselective beta-adrenergic radioligand) binding in the presence of unlabeled metoprolol (a beta 1-selective antagonist) indicates the existence of both beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptor subtypes in the rat placenta and confirms previous reports that both beta-adrenoceptors are present in adult rat cortex. In the fetal brain (20th day of gestation), however, only beta 1-receptors were detected. Pregnant rats were chronically exposed to methadone from day 7 to day 20 of gestation via implanted osmotic minipumps (6.3-9.0 mg/kg/day). This treatment schedule did not induce a change in the affinity and density of either beta-receptor subtype in the placental, fetal and maternal brain homogenates. The results are discussed in terms of the reported monoaminergic and opiate receptor functional interactions.     

Therapy of human cervical carcinoma with monoclonal antibody-Pseudomonas exotoxin conjugates.

Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) linked to the F(ab')2 fragment of 1H10, a murine monoclonal antibody recognizing a carbohydrate epitope of a glycoconjugate expressed on the surface of human cervical carcinoma tumor cells, was evaluated for in vitro and in vivo activity. PE can kill cells by ADP-ribosylating elongation factor 2 thus inhibiting protein synthesis. Disulfide- as well as thioether-linked immunotoxins (1H10-PE) killed cervical carcinoma cells in vitro and were 20-160 times more inhibitory to target than to control cells. Cell killing was antibody mediated as demonstrated by the reduction of 1H10-PE growth inhibition to target CaSki cells by free 1H10 F(ab')2. In addition, a control antibody immunotoxin was nontoxic to CaSki cells. Thioether-linked 1H10-PE administered either i.v. or i.p. suppressed the growth of established solid s.c. cervical carcinoma tumors xenografted in nude mice for over 30 days. Treatment with antibody alone or a control immunotoxin had no significant effect on tumor growth. Administration of immunotoxin i.p. was associated with less toxicity than administration i.v., but i.v. injections were more effective at suppressing the growth of established solid tumors.     

Paranasal sinus mucocele in cystic fibrosis

The relationship between cystic fibrosis, nasal polyposis and chronic sinusitis is clearly defined. Mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses, however, are a well-described complication of chronic sinusitis in adults; but they rarely occur in the pediatric age group. We report a three-year-old who presented with epiphora and fullness at the right medial canthus. Computed tomography confirmed a right ethmoid mucocele which was surgically drained, with resolution of symptoms. Approximately 12 other cases of mucoceles have been reported in the pediatric age group. Although many of these patients had recognized cystic fibrosis, some were previously undiagnosed. Only after presentation with a mucocele, did sweat testing reveal their underlying pathology. No pediatric patients in the literature were found with mucoceles and normal sweat tests. Paranasal sinus mucoceles may be diagnostic of cystic fibrosis and may be the presenting sign in some patients.     

The edematous hand

The purpose of this article is to increase the therapist's awareness of the effects of edema on the hand and the need for early treatment. The physiology of tissue fluid production and the two basic types of edema are discussed. The use of elevation, compression, and active exercise are the primary methods of controlling edema in the hand. Various modalities and commercial compression dressings are helpful for intractable edema; however, early intervention and treatment of the edematous hand can prevent subsequent hand dysfunction and sequelae.     

Prolonged running does not improve muscle coordination after cross-union of tibial and peroneal nerves in mice

Several months after cross-union of the tibial and peroneal nerves and full muscle reinnervation motor behavior was monitored and was tested by electromyographic recordings from both musculus tibialis anterior (TA) and musculus gastrocnemius medialis (MG). In addition spinal motoneuron pools were labelled by injecting wheat-germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) into experimental and control TA muscles. Though the location of TA motoneurons was similar in all 9 mice tested and suggested successful cross-reinnervation, running behavior and EMG patterns varied remarkably. In some animals the alternating activities of TA and MG muscles remained more or less clearly separated from each other but were out of phase with the running cycle. A somewhat better motor behavior was accompanied by simultaneous activity in both muscles. Voluntary running in wheels for several kilometers per day did not visibly improve motor coordination indicating the absence of activity-related synaptic readjustments.     

Paratesticular desmoid tumor

A primary intrascrotal mass clinically mimicking a testicular tumor was found to be a desmoid tumor originating from the spermatic cord. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a paratesticular desmoid tumor.     

Lesser metatarsophalangeal joint implants

A double-stemmed MTP joint silastic implant has been described that acts as a flexible spacer for a number of pathologic conditions that affect the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints. Preliminary results suggest that this is a feasible alternative to joint destructive procedures with advantages over previously described implants.