Undifferentiated Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland in a 10-Month-old Child

Malignant salivary gland tumors in children are very rare. This report describes the autopsy of a child with parotid gland cancer. The patient, a 10 month old girl, was admitted to the Nagoya First Red Cross Hospital with facial nerve palsy. lncisional biopsy of a post-auricular tumor was performed, and undifferentiated carcinoma was diagnosed. The patient died 6 months later of respiratory failure due to pulmonary lymphangitis carcinomatosis. Light and electron microscopic and immunohistochemical examinations of the tumor tissue were performed. The tumor cells were arranged in a medullary, sheet-like manner. Keratinization or mucus lakes were not observed. PAS-alcian blue staining demonstrated intracytoplasmic mucus as granules, and also small intercellular droplets of mucus that might otherwise have been unnoticed. Ultrastructurally, some of the tumor cells had tonofilament-like keratin filaments, and also small hollow spaces bounded by microvilli and containing secretory particles. These were stained by antisera against CEA and keratin. These findings are suggestive of differentiation to mucoepider-moid carcinoma. We also review and discuss malignant salivary tumors of epithelial origin in children. Acta Pathol Jpn 40: 149–152, 1990.     

Individual differences in the perception of optimism and disease severity: A study among individuals with Parkinson's disease

The extent to which individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) show lability in optimism was explored in the present study. The relationship between optimism and perceived disease severity was examined as well. Twelve individuals diagnosed with PD completed self-report measures for 70 consecutive days. All individuals in this study showed lability in optimism over short time periods; however, 67% of the sample showed no pervasive negative changes in optimism over time. Increased levels of optimism on one day were predictive of decreased perceived disease severity the next day for one-fourth of the sample, after controlling for negative affect. Individual differences in the relationship between optimism and disease severity provided support for the idea that living with chronic illness has no monolithic meaning. More optimistic individuals reported less need for assistance with basic functional abilities than less optimistic individuals. The usefulness of lability in optimism among individuals with PD is discussed.     

Review of the mutagenicity of ethylene oxide

Ethylene oxide has been shown to be an effective mutagen in a variety of organisms ranging from bacteria to mammalian cells. There is also an association between ethylene oxide exposure and human somatic cell cytogenetic damage. Furthermore, ethylene oxide has been shown to alkylate protein and DNA at exposure levels that have been encountered occupationally. Ethylene oxide is not only effective at producing somatic cell mutations but also at inducing genetic damage in germ cells. While it is clear that ethylene oxide is a germ cell mutagen in whole mammals, the mechanism(s) by which it produces genetic lesions in germ cells is uncertain.     

Recurrent Poisoning in Children: A Review

The literature on poisoning accidents or ingestion of toxicsubstances in children is reviewed. Special emphasis is givento the phenomenon of recurrent or repeat episodes. Recommendationsare made concerning means for identifying children who are atrisk for repeat poison episodes, as well as for developing methodsof intervention to prevent such occurrences.     

30例麻疹暴发疫情的调查分析

目的调查本地某乡镇一次麻疹疫情的流行强度,描述其三间分布,分析暴发原因及影响因素。方法现场流行病学调查,酶联免疫捕获法检测麻疹IgM抗体,作免疫空白与麻疹发病关联的病例对照研究。结果2006年5月～7月,该乡镇发生30例麻疹局部暴发,其中29例儿童麻疹,1例成人麻疹,5例麻疹IgM抗体阳性。发病地点主要为小学和和幼儿园,罹患率分别为7.94%、7.87%。免疫空白与发病关系研究表明,初种免疫空白OR=7.2,X2=6.84,复种免疫空白OR=11.0,X2=9.48;影响免疫空白形成的社会因素调查,未接受麻疹疫苗初种或复种儿童的父母双亲常年在外务工占82.4%(28/34),有麻疹疫苗接种史儿童的父母常年在外务工占35.3%(12/34),二者有统计学差异(X2=15.54)。结论免疫空白是麻疹暴发形成的重要因素,农村儿童的父母常年在外务工形成隔代抚养教育对计免工作有负面影响。     

Patient safety unit for a hot-film anemometer,used for blood-velocity determination in humans

An inexpensive patient safety unit for a constant temperature hot-film anemometer is described. Both the so-called ‘electrical hazard’ and the thermal risk, which is special for the anemometer, have been eliminated.     

Neuropsychological Deficit and Academic Performance in Children and Adolescents Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Evaluated the utility of neuropsychological testing in predictingacademic outcome in children 1 year following traumatic braininjury (TBI). Fifty-one schoolage children who were admittedto hospital after TBI were assessed with a battery of neuropsychologicalmeasures at 3 months postinjury. Academic achievement was assessedat 3 and 12 months postinjury. The neuropsychological batteryincluded intelligence testing and measures of memory, learning,and speed of information processing. Academic outcome was assessedin terms of post-TBI changes in reading, spelling, and arithmetic;changes in teacher ratings of school performance; and changein school placement. According to logistic regression analysis,change in placement from regular to special education at 1-yearpost-TBI was predicted by injury severity and by neuropsychologicalperformance at 3 months post-TBI. Findings suggest that neuropsychologicaltesting is useful in identifying children with special educationalneeds subsequent to TBI.     

Mucosal immunization with PLGA-microencapsulated DNA primes a SIV-specific CTL response revealed by boosting with cognate recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara

Systemically administered DNA encoding a recombinant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) derived immunogen effectively primes a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response in macaques. In this further pilot study we have evaluated mucosal delivery of DNA as an alternative priming strategy. Plasmid DNA, pTH.HW, encoding a multi-CTL epitope gene, was incorporated into poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles of less than 10 microm in diameter. Five intrarectal immunizations failed to stimulate a circulating vaccine-specific CTL response in 2 Mamu-A*01(+) rhesus macaques. However, 1 week after intradermal immunization with a cognate modified vaccinia virus Ankara vaccine MVA.HW, CTL responses were detected in both animals that persisted until analysis postmortem, 12 weeks after the final boost. In contrast, a weaker and less durable response was seen in an animal vaccinated with the MVA construct alone. Analysis of lymphoid tissues revealed a disseminated CTL response in peripheral and regional lymph nodes but not the spleen of both mucosally primed animals.     

Behavioral Upset in Medical Patients-Revised: Evaluation of a Parent Report Measure of Distress for Pediatric Populations

Examined the utility of a new parent-report measure designedspecifically for pediatric inpatients, the Behavioral Upsetin Medical Patients-Revised (BUMP-R). The BUMP-R was administeredto 151 mothers of hospitalized children ages 4–12 yearsthe day following the child's hospital admission. The BUMP-Rdemonstrated good internal consistency and a factor analysisrevealed four factors identified as negativity/agitation, amiability,dysphoria, and noncom-pliance. Children exhibiting behavioraldistress at home were more likely to experience adjustment problemsupon hospitalization. Demographic and illness-related variableswere not substantial risk factors for hospital adjustment difficulties.