Activation of guinea pig eosinophil respiratory burst by leukotriene B4: role of protein kinase C

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and the protein kinase C activator, 4-beta-phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu), both induced a pronounced and concentration-dependent stimulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation by purified guinea pig peritoneal eosinophils in the concentration range 1 nM-1 microM. The LTB4 response was inhibited competitively by the specific LTB4 receptor antagonist, U-75302, with a KB of 25 nM, while the concentration-response curves for both stimuli were shifted rightwards (3.8-fold and 2.8-fold for LTB4 and PDBu, respectively) by the competitive protein kinase C inhibitor, 1-O-hexadecyl-2-O-methylglycerol at a concentration of 300 microM. LTB4 appears, therefore, to induce respiratory burst in eosinophils via a receptor-mediated mechanism involving protein kinase C.     

Graded stress radiography of injured anterior cruciate ligaments.

Fifty-five patients with clinical suspicion of injury to their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) were examined by graded stress radiography before arthroscopic verification in an effort to determine the loss of ACL function as a result of ligament tearing. Using a commercially available stress device capable of applying varying pressures to the mid-calf, anterior drawers were measured from lateral radiographs at 0-, 7-, 14-, and 21-kiloPascal pressures and used to calculate the equivalent elastic modulus of the remaining ACL fibers. According to viscoelastic theory, this modulus is proportional to the number of elastically active fibers in the ligament. To verify the validity of this concept, the stress-strain relationship of a freshly excised ACL ligament was examined in a tensile testing machine, and the procedure was repeated after the ligament had been partially transsected with a scalpel. Comparison with the elastic modulus of the (intact) ACL of the opposite knee permits an estimate of the percentage of rupture in cases of partial tears. Overstretched ligaments show essentially normal viscoelastic properties once the slack in the ligament has been taken up. Complete tears, on the other hand, show a complete breakdown in the viscoelastic properties of the ACL. The results show that partial tears can be diagnosed by graded stress radiography with a sensitivity of 20% and specificity of 90%. Diagnosis of overstretched ligaments had sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 94%. Complete tears were detected with sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 75% as diagnosed against all other ACL lesions and including normals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Transesophageal echocardiography in pediatric patients: preliminary results

Transesophageal echocardiography was attempted in 59 pediatric patients with congenital heart disease in the operating room (n = 33) or during heart catheterization or in the intensive care unit (n = 26). Six different commercially available transducers were used with diameters ranging from 7 to 15 mm. Age ranged from 1 day to 16 years, and body weight ranged from 3.7 to 65 kg. Objectives of the study were to determine (1) minimum body weight in which transesophageal echocardiography with various probes is possible, (2) additional diagnostic value, and (3) potential applications. In three cases (one surgical and two nonsurgical) the probe could not be inserted. Minimum body weight was 17 to 20 kg for probes with a diameter of greater than or equal to 13 mm and approximately 12 kg for the 11 mm probes. A 7 mm probe, on the other hand, could be inserted easily in all patients (including a neonate) in whom transesophageal echocardiography was attempted. In 11 of 56 patients, additional diagnostic information was obtained. Thus, transesophageal echocardiography is feasible in the pediatric age group provided that special probes are used in small children. Additional diagnostic information can be obtained, and the technique is of value during cardiac surgery or balloon interventions for evaluation of the efficacy of the procedure and for monitoring ventricular function.     

Medialization thyroplasty for cancer-related unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: To justify the application of medialization thyroplasty in Chinese patients with symptomatic cancer-related unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective chart review from February 2000 to March 2006. RESULTS: Eighty-seven Chinese patients undergoing medialization thyroplasty for UVFP were included; there were no significant differences between the cancer-related and benign groups in terms of the speech and swallowing rehabilitation outcome and the perioperative complication rate (P > 0.05). The median survival time of cancer-related UVFP patients from the date of medialization to death was 129 days. Age more than 65 years was identified as the only factor for a shorter survival period after medialization (P = 0.040). CONCLUSION: Medialization thyroplasty restores satisfactory speech and swallowing and has a low perioperative complication rate in Chinese patients with cancer-related UVFP. Postmedialization survival period was also reasonable. SIGNIFICANCE: Medialization thyroplasty is a justifiable treatment option for cancer-related UVFP.     

Imaging orofacial tissues by magnetic resonance

Magnetic resonance imaging was used to study the human orofacial complex. Two imaging methods, a fixed head coil and a surface coil, were used. Images from a database of 31 subjects revealed details of many structures including the masseter, temporal, medial and lateral pterygoid muscles, the teeth, articular condyles, and facial bones. A dentigerous cyst and a maxillary sinus "polyp" were also identified. Our study demonstrates the utility of this imaging modality in the identification and localization of soft tissue lesions. The strengths and weaknesses of the technique and its clinical potential are discussed.     

脑啡肽与生长抑素在鸡视网膜无长突细胞共存的免疫组织化学研究

本文介绍用免疫组织化学的单标和双标技术研究脑啡肽(ENK)和生长抑素(SOM)在鸡视网膜无长突细胞的定位和共存。单标的实验结果表明,一些SOM免疫反应阳性无长突细胞的形态、胞体在内核层的位置及其突起在内网层的分支式样与某些ENK免疫反应阳性无长突细胞相似,虽然其突起在内网层的第3、4亚层形成的丛网不象ENK免疫反应阳性突起那样丛密,在内网层的第5亚层也未见SOM免疫阳性突起。双标的实验结果表明,一些无长突细胞显示ENK和SOM两种免疫阳性反应,而另一些无长突细胞分别只显示ENK或SOM阳性免疫反应。文中还对视网膜神经多肽间或与经典神经递质的共存进行了讨论。