The presence of interferon and type A immunoglobulins in the nasopharyngeal secretions of volunteers immunized with an inactivated influenza vaccine.

The presence of interferon and type A immunoglobulins (IgA) was followed up in the nasopharyngeal washings collected from volunteers immunized intranasally with an inactivated influenza vaccine [strain A/Rom 1/73 (H3N2)]. Interferon was detected 24 hours after vaccine administration, its incidence being similar to that in the course of acute infection. Intranasal administration of inactivated influenza vaccine stimulated the production of secretory IgA in 3 of 10 samples collected 12 days after vaccination. At the same time, IgA were found in 4 samples collected before vaccination, and inhibited in certain cases the stimulation of interferon synthesis. The practical importance of the route of influenza vaccine administration is discussed.     

A Comparison of the Behavior of Monomolecular and Dual Molecular Probes in F127/Cyclodextrin Systems

Molecular probes are often used to describe local interactions and to characterize inhomogeneities in complex systems. In this study, two series of monomolecular probes (paramagnetic or fluorescent) and a series of dual molecular probes are used to evaluate local changes and the regions targeted by these probes in three pluronic F127 systems, in the absence and in the presence of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, which have been previously characterized. All molecular probes used in this study have as a common structural unit the short oligoethylene chains that link (2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl)oxyl (TEMPO) and/or pyrene moieties. Using these probes, changes in hydrophobicity inside the pluronic micelles are evidenced and the micelle‐to‐gel phase transition is characterized.     

Self-administration of intravenous drugs--a rare cause of respiratory arrest in medical practice

Respiratory arrest is a major emergency in medical practice, which implies prompt intervention from the physician assisting such case. Respiratory arrest can be classified into primary respiratory arrest, caused by airway obstruction, decreased respiratory drive, or respiratory muscle weakness and secondary respiratory arrest, as a result of circulatory insufficiency. Among important causes of respiratory arrest, acute poisonings are to remember. We present a case of respiratory arrest following intravenously self-administration of opiates in attempted suicide. Patient required rapidly orientated etiologic diagnostic, and had a favorable outcome, with complete recovery, after applying CPR protocol, as well as antidote.     

White-Bland-Garland syndrome: the maximum natural development of the coronary anastomosis(II)

The anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (White-Bland-Garland syndrome) is a very rare coronary malformation, having despite the great mortality in the early childhood, an adult form, characterized by minor symptoms and long course. This paradoxical situation is totally dependent to the complete development of the coronary anastomosis, allowing the right coronary flow to perfuse the left myocardium. The theory of the "terminal arterial perfusion" of the heart, still persistent in some monographs is meeting in this natural situation its strongest opponent argumentation. The coronary anastomosis, clearly visible by coronarography are large enough (in late stages) to inverse the flow in left coronary artery, filling the pulmonary artery. Is the coronary-pulmonary shunt, responsible for the majority of symptoms, in the 5th or 6th decades. The adult form of the White-Bland-Garland syndrome is indicative for the maximum result we may hope to reach using the new revascularisation method for ischemic heart disease: new vessels formation and enhancing the coronary anastomosis by growth factors administration therapy.     

Renal cell carcinoma- diagnosis by computed tomography

In approximately 10% of cases, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) could present as a fluid- filled cystic mass. There are three mechanisms by which RCC may become cystic: extensive cystic necrosis, intrinsic cystic growth and origin from the epithelium lining a simple renal cyst. Simple renal cysts are very common. Uncommonly these cysts are complicated by hemorrhage, infection and possibly ischemia. The goal of the radiologist in evaluating these cystic lesions is to distinguish malignant neoplastic cystic masses from non-neoplastic complicated cysts so that appropriate management can be undertaken: RCC is best treated by surgical excision while non-neoplastic complicated cysts do not require surgery. The radiologic findings in these cystic masses which must be carefully evaluated include calcification, abnormal density, septations, nodularity, wall thickening and enhancement.