Neuroimaging in Pineal Tumors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The authors report radiological findings in 11 tumors in the pineal region, which were histologically diagnosed as germinomas, pineocytomas pineoblastomas, ependymomas, teratomas, and astrocytomas. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) was performed in seven patients and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in all patients. RESULTS: CT showed a solid or solid/cystic mass with variable contrast enhancement. MRI showed a heterogeneous mass, with hypointense signal on T1 and iso/hyperintense signal on T2-weighted images (WI) and gadolinium enhancement. Extension to adjacent structures occurred in five patients and spread through the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in two. CONCLUSIONS: Pineal region tumors have no pathognomonic imaging pattern. MRI and CT are complementary in diagnosis and are important to determine localization, extension, and meningeal spread.     

Comparison of detection of antibody to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome virus by enzyme immunoassay, immunofluorescence, and Western blot methods.

There was 100% agreement between enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (Abbott Laboratories), Western blot, and indirect immunofluorescence (IF) when these three methods were used to measure antibody to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) virus in sera from 142 high-risk individuals, indicating that IF was a sensitive alternative method for detecting antibody to this agent. Thirty-two (64%) of 50 EIA-positive plasma specimens from a blood bank and 6 (21%) of 28 EIA-positive sera from alternative testing sites were negative by IF. In addition, two EIA-negative sera from the latter group were positive by IF. Western blotting agreed with IF on those 40 specimens which gave discrepant results by EIA and IF. The IF method was determined to be equal to Western blotting in sensitivity and specificity for detection of AIDS antibody, and it was found to be useful for confirming positive EIA results, especially in specimens from individuals in low-risk groups.     

The clinical-grade 42-kilodalton fragment of merozoite surface protein 1 of Plasmodium falciparum strain FVO expressed in Escherichia coli protects Aotus nancymai against challenge with homologous erythrocytic-stage parasites

A 42-kDa fragment from the C terminus of major merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) is among the leading malaria vaccine candidates that target infection by asexual erythrocytic-stage malaria parasites. The MSP1(42) gene fragment from the Vietnam-Oak Knoll (FVO) strain of Plasmodium falciparum was expressed as a soluble protein in Escherichia coli and purified according to good manufacturing practices. This clinical-grade recombinant protein retained some important elements of correct structure, as it was reactive with several functional, conformation-dependent monoclonal antibodies raised against P. falciparum malaria parasites, it induced antibodies (Abs) that were reactive to parasites in immunofluorescent Ab tests, and it induced strong growth and invasion inhibitory antisera in New Zealand White rabbits. The antigen quality was further evaluated by vaccinating Aotus nancymai monkeys and challenging them with homologous P. falciparum FVO erythrocytic-stage malaria parasites. The trial included two control groups, one vaccinated with the sexual-stage-specific antigen of Plasmodium vivax, Pvs25, as a negative control, and the other vaccinated with baculovirus-expressed MSP1(42) (FVO) as a positive control. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Ab titers induced by E. coli MSP1(42) were significantly higher than those induced by the baculovirus-expressed antigen. None of the six monkeys that were vaccinated with the E. coli MSP1(42) antigen required treatment for uncontrolled parasitemia, but two required treatment for anemia. Protective immunity in these monkeys correlated with the ELISA Ab titer against the p19 fragment and the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain 2 fragment of MSP1(42), but not the MSP1(42) protein itself or the EGF-like domain 1 fragment. Soluble MSP1(42) (FVO) expressed in E. coli offers excellent promise as a component of a vaccine against erythrocytic-stage falciparum malaria.     

Comparison of immunofluorescence, enzyme immunoassay, and Western blot (immunoblot) methods for detection of antibody to human T-cell leukemia virus type I.

A total of 3,349 serum samples were screened by the immunofluorescence (IF) method for antibody to human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I). Only 9 of 2,409 specimens from selected individuals, blood bank donors, patients with encephalitis-meningitis, and human immunodeficiency virus antibody-positive homosexual or bisexual men were reactive by IF. In addition, 940 serum samples from intravenous drug abusers were tested by IF and also by an HTLV-I enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method. Of these, 222 (24%) were positive for both HTLV-I and HTLV-II antigens by IF, and 191 of these 222 were also reactive in the HTLV-I EIA. Of the 31 IF-positive, EIA-negative serum samples, 20 exhibited optical density readings greater than or equal to 70% of the positive cutoff in the EIA, and 29 samples reacted with 1 or more bands in the Western blot (immunoblot) test. An additional 10 specimens that were EIA negative reacted only with HTLV-I by IF. Differences in staining morphology and in reactions on HTLV-I and HTLV-II antigens before and after absorption of the serum specimens with HTLV-I and HTLV-II-infected cell pellets revealed six distinct serological patterns by IF. These results indicate that infections by HTLV-I or by another closely related retrovirus(es) occur in California. Further studies utilizing statistically valid sampling methods are needed to estimate true prevalence rates among various groups. IF and Western blot tests should supplement the EIA method to maximize sensitivity and specificity of test procedures.     

Radiographic techniques to evaluate paintings

Radiographic techniques may be helpful in evaluation of the condition of paintings for their restoration, preservation, and occasionally to determine their authenticity. On the basis of experience with several of these procedures, the utility of each method is described in reference to specific "diagnoses" regarding paintings. Radiographic techniques have several advantages over other methods; they are nondestructive, they may be used to survey the entire painting, and they are subject to quantitative and serial analysis.     

Radiographic changes of the skull in sickle cell anemia.

Skull radiographs of 194 patients from 4 months to 55 years old with sickle cell anemia revealed porous decreased bone density in 25%, widening of diplo? associated with a relative decrease in the width of the outer table in 22%, and vertical "hair-on-end" striations in 5%. The youngest patient with vertical striations was 5 years old and the oldest was 39. Serial examinations in 60 patients revealed no decrease of the skull width nor disappearance of the striations with age.