Cytological findings in nodular fasciitis

Nodular fasciitis, proliferative fasciitis, and proliferative myositis are tumorous proliferative soft tissue changes which on histological examination are quite often erroneously diagnosed as malignant neoplasms. Reported are cytological and histological findings recorded from nodular fasciitis in a man aged 34 years. The cytomorphology of nodular fasciitis is sufficiently characteristic, so that the lesion can be differentiated with certainty from malignant processes, since the cells have no features of malignancy, and the admixture of granulocytes and histiocytes in smears suggests a proliferative inflammatory process.     

Dermatoglyphics and creases in patients with neurofibromatosis von Recklinghausen

Fingerprint and palmar dermatoglyphics and creases were investigated in 60 patients (20 males and 40 females) with generalized neurofibromatosis. Like previous investigators, we found a significantly increased frequency of digital central pocket patterns. Furthermore, affected males and females had an increased frequency of monocentric whorls (P = 0.0037), higher quantitative values on digit II of both hands (P = 0.04), more often a reduction of main line C (P less than 0.05) with decreased frequencies of patterns in the 3rd and 4th interdigital area of the left hand (P less than 0.05), and a lower ab ridge count (males P less than 0.005; females P less than 0.001) than control individuals. On the right hand of males the frequency of high endings (5' or 5') of line A was decreased (P less than 0.05). A significantly increased frequency of Sfl (Sydney line) was found in female patients (P less than 0.001). Male and female patients often showed a high number of secondary creases (P less than 0.001).     

The sensitivity of guinea pig mesenteric and pulmonary mast cells to some histamine releasers

The mesenteric and pulmonary mast cells of guinea pigs were obtained by enzymatic dispersion of the tissues with the enzyme collagenase. The guinea pig mast cells obtained by this method were morphologically intact, as judged by light microscopy. The mast cells from lung and mesentery of actively sensitized guinea pigs released histamine in a dose-dependent fashion after challenge with specific antigen. Both pulmonary and mesenteric mast cells of nonsensitized animals were unresponsive to the action of compound 48/80 and concanavalin A. Both populations of mast cells responded to polymyxin B, but the magnitude of histamine release was low. These cells responded strongly to the ionophore A23187; the mesenteric mast cells were markedly more reactive than pulmonary mast cells.     

Early detection of COPD by high risk population spirometric screening

COPD is the most frequent chronic lung disease in Poland. The disease is however under-diagnosed, especially at the early stages. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of spirometric screening for COPD in middle aged smokers. Informations on causes and symptoms of COPD were disseminated in mass media in 14 large cities. Subject aged over 39 and with smoking history of > 10 packyears were invited for a free spirometry in local chest clinic. However, everyone attending had the spirometry performed. Spirometry was performed according to ATS recommendations. Airway obstruction (AO) was diagnosed when FEV1/FVC < 85% of N and categorised as mild (FEV1 > 70% of N), moderate (FEV1 50-69% of N) or severe (FEV1 < 50% of N). Spirometry was accompanied by an antismoking advice. RESULTS: 12.781 subjects were screened (mean age 52 +/- 12 years, 57% males). In 8.269 subjects who complied with inclusion criteria AO was diagnosed in 29.8% (mild in 10.9%, moderate in 12% and severe in 6.9%). In smokers < 40 years of age and a history of < 10 packyears AO was found in 8.8% (mild in 6.0%, moderate in 1.8% and severe in 1.0%). CONCLUSION: Mass spirometry is an effective and easy method for early detection of COPD.     

Relationship of calcium-binding protein containing neurons and projection neurons in the rat basolateral amygdala

Two-laser and two-color approaches were used to observe the colocalization of the calcium-binding proteins, calbindin D28k and parvalbumin, and the retrograde tracer, Fluoro-Gold (FG) in the basolateral amygdala of the rat. The study was performed on five adult rats into which FG was injected to the frontal association cortex. Then, the localization of the retrogradely labeled neurons in the basolateral amygdala was compared with the localization of the neurons labeled by calcium-binding proteins. The present study showed that most of the retrogradely labeled neurons in the posterior part of the basolateral amygdala are also calbindin-positive. Even though a lot of parvalbumin-positive endings were present at the surface of the retrogradely labeled cells, we did not observe the colocalization of the parvalbumin and projective neurons.     

Immune complexes in sera of children with HBV-mediated glomerulonephritis

Multiple serum samples from 27 children with hepatitis B virus (HBV)--mediated glomerulonephritis (GN) were screened for the presence of immune complexes by an antigen-specific method. For this purpose an immunoenzymatic test was set up, applying a solid-phase Clq and the enzyme-conjugated antibodies: anti-HBs and anti-HBe. Complexes of HBsAg were found in sera of 15 children (55.6%), while complexes of HBeAg--in sera of 12 children (44.4%). Molecular weight of complexes was measured in sera of three patients, disclosing the values of 2.5-3.3 X 10(6) daltons for HBsAg complexes and 2.5-3.2 X 10(5) daltons for HBeAg complexes. Immune deposits consisting of hepatitis B virus antigen (HBeAg), IgG and C3 were detected in the glomeruli by immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescent assays respectively, in 3 out of 4 patients with membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN). No genetic defect of the complement system was found by the measurement of total haemolytic activity of complement and concentration of early complement components. From the analysis of clinical and laboratory data it was concluded that the appearance of HBeAg complexes correlated with more severe course of the disease.     

Microbial transformation of azacarbazoles. IX. Preliminary studies on hydroxylation of 2,3-benzo-1,4-dimethyl-alpha-iso-carboline by Paecilomyces flavinosus

Microbial transformation of 2,3-benzo-1,4-dimethyl-alpha-iso-carboline performed with several strains of fungi Beauveria bassiana, Verticillum lecani and Paecilomyces flavinosus yielded common products which were expected to be hydroxylated derivatives of starting compound. Among the microorganisms tested, strain Paecilomyces flavinosus P-5 was selected to perform quantitative bioconversion of 2,3-benzo-1,4-dimethyl-alpha-iso-carboline for preparative scale.     

Effects of nocturnal desaturation on pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with overlap syndrome (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea)

We studied pulmonary haemodynamics and nocturnal desaturation in 17 patients with an overlap syndrome (OS), all males, mean age 51.4 +/- 8.3 years, mean BMI 37 +/- 4.2 kg/m2. Diagnosis of COPD was based on pts history, clinical examination, lung function tests and chest radiography. Spirometry showed: FVC 2.7 +/- 0.7 L (59 +/- 16% N), FEV1 1.5 +/- 0.7 L (43 +/- 16% N), FEV1% FVC 54 +/- 13%, Raw 0.58 +/- 0.4 kP.s/L, RV 3.3 +/- 1.2 L (144 +/- 51% N), TLC 6.6 +/- 1.3 L (100 +/- 14% N) and RV% TLC (49.5 +/- 12.1%. Arterial blood gas values were: PaO2 56.9 +/- 9.5 mmHg, PaCO2 46.9 +/- 9.8 mmHg, pH 7.37 +/- 0.05. Mean apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) was 63.9 +/- 18.9. Pulmonary haemodynamics at rest (Swan Ganz thermodilution catheter) were: mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP-SP) 24.2 +/- 7.4 mmHg, mean pulmonary wedge pressure (PW-SP) was 9.1 +/- 7.3 mmHg, cardiac output (CO-SP) was 5.6 +/- 2.3 L/min. and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was 229 +/- 97 dyn.sec.cm-5. During exercise (40 Watts, 7 mins, in 8 pts) PAP rose from 19 +/- 6 mmHg to 41.2 +/- 15.1 mmHg, PW rose from 7.4 +/- 7.2 mmHg to 11 +/- 10.2 mmHg, CO rose from 5.8 +/- 2.7 L/min to 12.7 +/- 2.4 L/min. Overnight pulse oximetry showed: mean oxygen saturation (SaO2 mean) 80.2 +/- 8.5%, minimal saturation (SaO2 min) was 50.7 +/- 19.7%. Time spent in desaturation SaO2 < 90% (T 90) was 76.9 +/- 25.7%. We conclude that pts with OS have resting pulmonary hypertension and elevated PVR. During low grade exercise the rise in PAP was highly abnormal. Statistical analysis showed no correlations between nocturnal SaO2 and diurnal pulmonary haemodynamics data.     

Magnesium and calcium ions transport by synthetic analogues of teichoic acids with 1,2- and 1,3-linked phosphodiester units

2-Ethylhexylpoly(trimethylene 1,3-phosphate) ( 3 ), poly(1,2-glycerol phosphate) ( 1 ) and poly-(1-acetoxy-2,3-glycerol phosphate) ( 2 ) were synthesized and used as synthetic analogues of teichoic acids. Their properties as a carrier of magnesium and calcium ions were examined in the competitive exchange diffusion process with the countertransport of hydrogen or sodium ions. It turned out that polymers with 1,2-glycerol phosphate units ( 1,2 ) exhibit lower ability to transport preferentially magnesium ions than poly(1,3-alkylene phosphate)s ( 3 ). In all cases the efficiency of polyphosphates in preferential transport of magnesium ions is higher when transport is coupled with proton counterflow.