Secretion of γ-Interferon at the Cellular Level

Using a haemolytic plaque assay for gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) secretion we found that in vitro Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exposure of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from EBV immune individuals led to IFN-gamma secretion, which was apparent within 6 h after virus contact and peaked 12-24 h after induction. Live, ultraviolet-light-irradiated and heat-inactivated virions all caused IFN-gamma secretion. In contrast, blood mononuclear cells from EBV non-immune adults or neonates could not be activated to IFN-gamma production by EBV.     

Analysis of the Expression of I-Ak-like Antigens in Murine Fetal and Adult Tissues with the Monoclonal Antibody 10–2.16

The expression of I-Ak antigens in normal C3H/FeJ adult and 15-day embryonic mice has been investigated by indirect immunofluorescence staining of tissue cryostat sections with the anti I-Ak antigen monoclonal antibody 10-2.16. In adult mice I-Ak antigens were expressed in Langerhans-like cells in the skin, epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract, endometrium, thymic reticuloepithelial cells, and several capillary endothelia. On the other hand, these antigens were not detected in Kupffer cells, alveolar macrophages, brain or mammary gland. In 15-day-old embryos the expression of Ia-like antigens was restricted to thymic reticuloepithelial cells, isolated spleen cells, and capillaries of the gastrointestinal tract.     

Screening and genetic counselling for relatives of patients with breast cancer in a family cancer clinic.

Family history is the major risk factor in the aetiology of breast cancer. Breast screening is currently available to women from the age of 50 to 64 through the National Breast Screening Programme. There is, however, an equivalent risk of developing breast cancer below 50 for first degree relatives of women diagnosed with breast cancer premenopausally. We have estimated the risk of breast cancer for relatives of women affected at different ages and used these to establish a family cancer clinic offering breast screening based on individual risk. In three years we have seen 851 patients. Compliance for annual radiology was in excess of 83% over this period and of five cancers detected one had a lump at presentation, two developed interval breast lumps, and two were asymptomatic.     

LES modelling of flow in a simple airway model

Detailed information about the flow field pattern is highly important in accurately predicting particle deposition sites in the human airway. Flow in the upper airway during heavy breathing can have a Reynolds number as high as 9300, and therefore presents turbulent features. Although turbulence is believed to have an important effect on the airflow and other transport processes in the bronchial tree, to date both theoretical and numerical studies have predominantly assumed the flow to be laminar. In this paper, transitional/turbulent flow during inspiration is studied using a large eddy simulation (LES) in a single asymmetric bifurcation model of human upper airway. The influence of the non-laminar flow on the patterns and the particle paths is investigated in both 2D and 3D models. Throughout the investigation, comparisons with the laminar and conventional k- models for the same configuration and flow conditions are made. The LES model is also carefully validated against published experimental data in a stenotic tube model. The results demonstrate that the LES model is capable of capturing instantaneous eddy formation and flow separation in (almost) laminar, transitional and turbulent flow regimes, and hence may be used as a powerful and practical tool to provide much of the detailed flow information required for tracing the particle trajectories and particle deposition in human airways.     

Osteosarcomatosis

A review of the 690 cases of osteosarcoma in the radiographic file of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology revealed 29 cases of "osteosarcomatosis" (multiple skeletal sites of osteosarcoma). Fifteen of these patients were 18 years old and under and manifested rapidly appearing, usually symmetric, sclerotic metaphyseal lesions. The remaining 14 patients were more than 18 years old and had fewer, asymmetric sclerotic lesions. In most patients (28 of 29), a radiographically dominant skeletal tumor was seen. Pulmonary metastases occurred in the majority of patients and were detected at the same time as the bone lesions. These 29 patients were studied with regard to demographic data and skeletal distribution and radiographic appearance of their lesions. As a result of the findings, a metastatic origin from a primary dominant osteosarcoma is favored over a multifocal origin as the basis for osteosarcomatosis. Osteosarcomatosis is more commonly encountered in the mature skeleton than has been previously recognized.     

MODULATION OF ALCOHOL PREFERENCE BY NMDA ANTAGONISTS IN MALE RATS

Chronic alcoholization by alcohol inhalation was used to studythe properties of magnesium, a non-competitive NMDA receptorantagonist, and CGP 39551, a competitive NMDA receptor antagonist,on behavioural dependence as estimated by the free-choice paradigm[alcohol 10% (v/v) vs. water], on the hypermotility after alcoholwithdrawal, and finally on the cortical vascularization. Thefirst experimental group received the drugs per os during thewhole alcoholization period. Magnesium (20 mg/kg/day) decreasedthe alcohol dependence while CGP 39551 (5 and 10 mg/kg/day)increased, in a dose-dependent manner, the dependence to alcohol.A second group of animals received the same drugs at the samedosages, not simultaneously during chronic alcoholization, butimmediately after alcoholization in one shot i.p. injection.In this case, rats receiving 5 mg/kg CGP 39551 never showedany dependence towards alcohol, while 10 mg/kg CGP 39551 or20 mg/kg magnesium prolonged the number of days of alcohol dependence.These results thus indicate the close interaction between NMDAreceptor function and dependence for alcohol. Magnesium hadno effects on hypermotility, while CGP 39551-treated animalspresented a decrease in the hypermotility observed after alcoholwithdrawal. Neither drug affected the hypervasculanzation accompanyingthe chronic alcoholization.     

LYME PERICARDITIS LEADING TO TAMPONADE

We report the case of a 62-yr-old man who presented with Lymepericarditis leading to cardiac tamponade shortly followed byan arthritis. IgM and IgG antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferiwere demonstrated in serum by indirect immunofluorescence. Borreliaburgdorferi was demonstrated and identified in pericardial fluidby indirect immunofluorescence using serum from a patient withproven Lyme disease and by a monoclonal antibody immuno-goldsilver stain. Spirochetes were also found in synovial biopsiesusing a silver stain. The tamponade was treated with pericardiocentesis;the arthritis was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone (2 gonce daily) for 14 days. The patient recovered completely withindays of commencing treatment. This case report demonstratesthat borrelial infection may lead to pericarditis and cardiactamponade. KEY WORDS: Borrelia burgdorferi infection, Arthritis, Pericarditis, Tamponade     

Determination of left ventricular volume by two-dimensional echocardiography: comparison with magnetic resonance imaging

Left ventricular volume was determined in 12 healthy volunteersusing a newly developed two-dimensional echocardio-graphic delineationmethod. The results were compared with those of magnetic resonanceimaging, which served as the method of reference. Left ventricularend-diastolic volume was 123 ± 12 ml, echocardiographicallydefined, and 121 ± 12 ml calculated with magnetic resonanceimaging. End-systolic volume was 41 ± 7 ml on echocardiographyand 37±6 ml on magnetic resonance imaging. Left ventricularejection fraction was 67 ± 4%, echocardiographicallydefined, and 70 ± 5%, calculated with magnetic resonanceimaging. There was no statistical difference for any of themeasured parameters. Interstudy and inter-observer variabilitywas minimal. In conclusion, in healthy volunteers left ventricularvolume was accurately defined, using this newly developed two-dimensionalechocardiographic delineation method. During endocardial delineationa dynamic display is continuously available on a second window,allowing precise visual edge-detection. Moreover, correctionscan be made easily and quickly. These two advantages enhancethe accuracy of the method, even in cases of poor echogenicity.     

Occupational transmission of HIV in health care workers: A review

Health care workers have a small but real risk of acquiringHIV infection as a result of occupational exposure. In thispaper, we review all reports in the scientific literature from1984 through to December 1993 of confirmed and probable casesof HIV seroconversion after a specific occupational exposure.A total of 64 confirmed cases have been reported, 24 in Europe,36 in the USA and 4 in other countries. Most seroconversionshave resulted from percutaneous exposure (91%) to AIDS patients(62%), usually caused by hollow bore needlestick injuries inflictedduring blood drawing procedures. Almost all seroconversionshave been detected within 6 months of exposure (94%) and haveusually been preceded by an episode of acute illness (73%).Ten seroconversions have occurred in spite of partial or completecourses of zidovudine prophylaxis. An additional 113 probablecases have been reported, 75 in the USA, 35 in Europe and 3in other countries. Aggregating the results of the prospectivestudies carried out, it is calculated that the risk of seroconversionfollowing percutaneous exposure is 0.33% or 3 in 1000 exposures(95% Cl: 0.21–0.52%), while the risk following mucocutaneousexposure is much lower (0.04%, 95% Cl: 0.006–0.31%). Thedocumented failure of zidovudine prophylaxis following occupationalexposure in a number of instances indicate its effect is, atbest, only partial; furthermore, exposure to source patientswho have been receiving the drug may lead to transmission ofzidovudine-resistant strains of HIV. Risk factors for occupationalexposure to HIV and for transmission, given that an exposurehas occurred, are discussed.     

Potentiation of the mitogenic effect of estrogen on the pituitary-gland by alcohol-consumption

The effect of alcohol on estrogen-regulated lactotropic cell proliferation was examined in Fisher 344 rats. Alcohol was administered for 2 weeks using liquid diet containing 8.7% ethanol (v/v) and 37% ethanol-derived calories. The control group was pair-fed with an isocaloric diet minus the ethanol or adlib-fed with normal diet. Ethanol-treated rats showed mean blood ethanol concentrations between 60-90 mg/dl. Alcohol treatment did not effect the body growth rate, but increased the DNA synthesis in lactotropes and reduced the levels of lactotropic growth inhibitory transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) protein and mRNA in the pituitary. These results suggest that alcohol promotes estrogen-induced lactotropic proliferation, possibly by down regulating the inhibitory TGF-beta 1 control of lactotropic function.