Downward deviation of progressive addition lenses in a myopia control trial

PURPOSE: To clarify how the downward deviation of progressive addition lenses (PALs) reduces their near-addition effect in schoolchildren participating in a myopia control trial. METHODS: Among 95 schoolchildren wearing PALs for 6 months (age range: 6-12 years; refractive error range: -6.00 to -1.25 D), facial images were captured with a digital still camera placed 60 cm in front of the eyes while he or she was looking ahead with natural head posture. The vertical deviations of PALs from their ideal position (mm) were evaluated by analysing these images. RESULTS: The mean (+/-SD) downward deviations of PALs for the right and left eyes were 3.7 +/- 2.3 and 3.7 +/- 2.0 mm, respectively, and the largest downward deviation was 10.2 mm. For simulations using the average downward deviation, the near-addition effect of PALs was reduced to 30 and 63% of the expected value at the 10 degrees and 20 degrees downward eye positions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The downward deviation of PALs is a significant factor in reducing their therapeutic effect for near-addition. To ensure the proper alignment of PALs in children, the conventional spectacle-frame-fitting procedure is not sufficient, and repeated confirmation using a testing method similar to that used in this study is required.     

宣肺清热颗粒剂稳定性研究

目的:研究宣肺清热颗粒剂中橙皮甙热稳定性变化,为该颗粒剂有效期的确定、制剂生产、贮存条什提供实验参考依据。方法:采用加速实验法对橙皮甙热稳定性进行研究,用甲醇超声提取样品,HPLC进行含量测定。根据Arrhenius公式处理数据。结果:Arrhenius公式得室温下的速度常数K298=3.38×10-5/h,得出常温下该颗粒剂以橙皮甙为指标的有效期为3.6年。结论:宣肺清热颗粒剂稳定性好,初步符合中药稳定性要求。     

Small round and spindle cell sarcoma with neuronal differentiation and oncocyte-like features of the thoracic wall: A case report with histological,immunohistochemical and ultrastructural examinations

A case of small round and spindle cell sarcoma with neuronal differentiation and oncocyte-like features is presented. The tumor was encountered in a 32 year old Japanese woman with an initial presentation of palpable tumor in the left lateral region of the thorax. The resected tumor was a partially well encapsulated whitish medullary one and consisted of small round and spindle tumor cells, together with so-called rhabdoid cells in the small round cell area. Although pseudorosettes were often observed, true rosette formation could not be detected anywhere. Ultrastructurally, despite a histologic variety of tumor cells, most tumor cells possessed numerous mitochondria, some of which occasionally contained abnormal filamentous or crystalloid structures. Various amounts of microfilaments were present in most tumor cells and microtubules were present in a few. A minority of small round cells possessed a small number of neurosecretory granules, especially in short cytoplasmic processes. A positive immunoreaction for neuron specific enolase was found by immunohistochemical examination in several small round tumor cells and for neurofilaments in lesser numbers. Despite the lack of S-100 protein, MB2 was detected in both small round and spindle cells. On the basis of these findings, the tumor of the present case corresponds to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with neuronal differentiation and oncocytic features.     

Melanotic paraganglioma of the posterior mediastinum

A melanotic paraganglioma occurred in a 57-year-old woman, located in the left paravertebral space of the upper mediastinum. It was totally resected. During a 5 year follow up period neither tumour reccurrence nor metastasis were observed. Histological examination of the tumour revealed a paraganglioma with monomorphous chief cell like elements which were arranged in a zellballen pattern. Immunohistochemical results also were in accordance with the diagnosis since neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin and synaptophysin were found in tumour cells whereas keratin was not. Additionally, neurosecretory granules were found in tumour cells during electron microscopy. A peculiar feature of the tumour was its strong pigmentation due to melanin located within the tumour cells and tumour associated melanophages. The simultaneous expression of functional properties of two different neural crest derived cells in one tumour stresses the close relationship between all neural crest elements and is in accordance with the observation of other melanotic, non-melanomatous tumours.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Dr. mult. h.c. W. Doerr on the occasion of his 80th birthday     

Primary polypeptide hormones and mucin-producing malignant carcinoid of the larynx

A case of primary malignant laryngeal carcinoid with dual endocrine and mucous differentiation i s reported. Histologically the tumor showed a characteristic organoid pattern and exhibited Alcian-blue, periodic acidschiff, and Grimelius silver positivity. By the immunoperoxidase technique cal citoni n, ACTH, and or-hCG subunit were demonstrated in the tumor cells. ELectron microscopy revealed two different types of endocrinelike cells: mucous cells and occasional cells containing both endocrinelike granules and mucin droplets. Diagnostic morphologic criteria of this rare tumor entity are discussed and reference t o biologic behavior and possible h istogenesis is made.     

Lobular carcinoma with cytoplasmic granules

We report on a case of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast with a previously undescribed cytologic feature. Diff-Quik-stained cytologic preparations showed uniform single cells with prominent coarse cytoplasmic granules. Ultrastructurally, the granules showed features suggestive of autophagosomes and/or degenerative mitochondria. The cytologic differential diagnosis included granulocytic sarcoma, metastatic melanoma, extramedullary hematopoiesis, large granulocytic leukemia/lymphoma, and mast-cell tumor. Adjunctive studies were helpful in the diagnosis of carcinoma. Histologic study of the mastectomy specimen showed classic type of invasive lobular carcinoma.     

The thymus is a site of mast cell development in chicken embryos

Thymic mast cells were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy in chicken embryos during organogenesis. Mast cells made their first appearance at day 15. At days 16 and 17, there was a burst of mast cell development with a peak of 278 ± 54 cells/mm² at day 16. Then, mast cell density decreased until hatching. During the whole embryonic period, about 80% of mast cells localized to the thymic medulla. In the cortex, they were less numerous, and some rare mast cells could be identified in the capsule and septa. Thymic mast cells could be recognized in association with hematopoietic foci, but frequently they grew independently from areas of hematopoiesis and appeared as single cells interspersed among thymocytes, thymic epithelial cells, and interdigitating cells. They were often recognized in close relationship with the scanty and delicate extracellular matrix of the developing gland. Viewed by electron microscopy, mast cells were relatively small cells, with a few secretory granules. Exocytosis was never seen, but, notably, granules emptied in a piecemeal degranulation fashion. This study demonstrates that the chicken thymus is a site of mast cell development during embryogenesis. The high mast cell density we found suggests a possible role for these cells during thymus organogenesis.