Restriction fragment length polymorphism of human mitochondrial DNA in a sample population from Apulia (Southern Italy)

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of human mitochondrial DNA was analysed in a sample of 87 subjects from Apulia (South Italy) by the restriction enzymes Hpa I, Bam HI, Hae II, Msp I, Ava II, and Hinc II using total blood cell DNA probed by human mtDNA from placenta. Five BamHI morphs were observed, two of which are new ( Bam HI-4 and -5), as well as one new Ava II morph ( Ava II-28). The association Bam HI-4/ Ava II-28 enables us to demonstrate for the first time two polymorphic Bam HI sites present together in the same mtDNA molecule. In agreement with historical data the Apulian sample has been shown to be the most heterogeneous Italian population so far tested.     

Synthesis of TPH-13, a new tridecapeptide from Phyllomedusa rohdei

The synthesis of TPH-13 (Glp-Glu-Lys-Pro-Tyr-Trp-Pro-Pro-Pro-Ile-Tyr-Pro-Met-OH), a tridecapeptide isolated from the skin of the South American frog Phyllomedusa rohdei, is described and alternative approaches are discussed.     

Intratemporal vascular tumors: detection with CT and MR imaging

The diagnostic contributions of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were compared in 12 patients with benign intratemporal vascular tumors (hemangioma or vascular malformation). The tumors included six in the internal acoustic canal and six in the geniculate ganglion region. Clinical and histologic correlations were made. Two of the six patients with tumors in the internal acoustic canal underwent CT, and both required gas cisternography to show the tumor. Five patients in that group underwent MR imaging, and all five studies showed the tumor. All six patients with geniculate ganglion tumors underwent CT. Results in one study were questionable, and five showed the tumor. Five patients in this group underwent MR imaging, but the MR findings were positive in only two cases. MR imaging should therefore be performed before CT in the evaluation of facial nerve dysfunction, as it demonstrated all tumors in the internal acoustic canal and some in the geniculate ganglion region. If MR findings are negative, CT should then be performed to rule out a possible geniculate ganglion lesion.     

A metropolitan experience with infrainguinal revascularization. Operative risk and late results in northeastern Ohio

Despite being of fundamental importance, the late results of major arterial reconstruction rarely have been documented throughout a large metropolitan area. In this study of 932 patients entered into the computer registry of the Cleveland Vascular Society, 19 surgeons representing 13 community hospitals and referral centers in Cleveland and Akron report the intermediate-term outcome during a mean interval of 35 months after infrainguinal lower extremity revascularization performed in northeastern Ohio from 1978 through 1982. Operative risk (5%), the early amputation rate (7%), and actuarial 5-year survival (48% to 55%) for patients with rest pain or tissue necrosis were significantly worse (p less than 0.05) than comparable figures (0.6%, 0%, and 77%, respectively) for others who underwent procedures for disabling claudication. Although both materials had similar success above the knee, the cumulative 3-year patency rate of autogenous vein bypass to the distal popliteal (69% to 88%; p less than 0.05) and tibioperoneal arteries (43%; 0.05 less than p less than 0.1) was superior to the results of polytetrafluoroethylene grafts (32% to 50% and 19%, respectively). Moreover, polytetrafluoroethylene grafts required reoperations at three times the rate of vein grafts to maintain limb salvage.     

Acquired Cutis Laxa in Childhood Sweet's Syndrome

Abstract:  In Sweet's syndrome, the essential features are the characteristic morphology of the lesions, their histologic appearance, the dramatic response to corticosteroids and the absence of scarring. We report an 8-month-old infant in whom Sweet's syndrome was diagnosed and who developed acquired cutis laxa in the skin lesions.     

Transient shock and myocardial impairment caused by phaeochromocytoma crisis

A patient admitted to hospital after injury to the abdomen was found to have transient hypertension which was followed by profound hypotension. ST elevation developed and extensive myocardial akinesia was seen at echocardiography, but coronary angiograms at this stage were normal. After treatment with intravenous fluids and dopamine he progressively recovered normal cardiac function. A partly necrotic catecholamine secreting tumour was later removed from the abdomen and it is likely that a kick to the abdomen had damaged the tumour and the consequent release of catecholamine had triggered a phaeochromocytoma crisis.