Fourteen human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients with parotid enlargement were reviewed retrospectively in order to elucidate the natural history of this clinical entity. The efficacy of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in predicting benign nonsurgical disease was evaluated. The most common findings on FNA were proteinaceous fluid and/or epithelial cells consistent with cyst contents in 71% of the patients, followed by reactive lymphadenitis (50%), and chronic or granulomatous inflammation (21%). No evidence of malignancy was seen in any patient. These results correlated well with the histopathologic diagnosis in all operated patients. Surgery did not affect the ultimate clinical outcome. This study suggests that HIV-positive patients with isolated asymptomatic parotid swelling in the absence of other clinical features suggestive of malignancy can be followed conservatively with FNA, avoiding the risks of surgery.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Stress inhibits the proliferation of granule cell precursors in the developing dentate gyrus.

The granule cell population of the dentate gyrus is produced predominantly during the postnatal period in rats. Previous studies have shown that experimental increases in the levels of adrenal steroids suppress the proliferation of granule cell precursors during the first postnatal week, the time of maximal neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. These findings raise the possibility that stressful experiences that elevate adrenal steroid levels may inhibit the production of granule neurons, and thus alter the development of the dentate gyrus. To test this possibility, we exposed naive rat pups to the odors of a known predator, adult male rats, and examined both plasma corticosterone levels and the number of 3H-thymidine labeled cells in the dentate gyrus. A single exposure of rat pups to adult male rat odor elevated corticosterone levels immediately and diminished the number of 3H-thymidine labeled cells in the granule cell layer by 24 h later. These results suggest that stressful experiences suppress the production of granule neurons in the developing dentate gyrus.

Aging↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A study of some factors concerned in the schooling of visually handicapped children.

Sixty children integrated into the fully-sighted school system and 34 children attending partially-sighted schools were assessed. All were using low vision aids. It was found that there was little difference in acuity, parental or school support, but the integrated children tended to be more intelligent and came from a higher socioeconomic group. More children could avoid special schools if given appropriate services at an early age and assessment should be by a multidisciplinary team.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Extraocular muscle metastasis 16 years following primary prostate carcinoma.

An 83-year-old man with a history of localized prostate carcinoma treated 16 years prior with transurethral partial prostatectomy and radioactive seed implants presented with a 2-month history of right globe proptosis. Computed tomography demonstrated a right medial rectus mass. Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was normal. Tumor biopsy revealed poorly differentiated carcinoma with diffuse staining of tumor cells with PSA and prostatic acid phosphatase. This case demonstrates that prostate carcinoma may metastasize to an extraocular muscle many years after treatment of the primary tumor and may not be accompanied by elevated serum PSA. Immunohistochemical stains are helpful in establishing the diagnosis.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Nuclear grooves in cytologic preparations. A study of the utility of this feature in the diagnosis of papillary carcinoma.

The sensitivity and specificity of nuclear grooves and inclusions for papillary carcinoma was investigated in 32 touch preparations and 69 fine needle aspiration cytologic preparations of the thyroid. Ultrastructurally, these grooves and inclusions are cytoplasmic invaginations into the nucleus. Overall, 100% of the papillary carcinomas contained nuclear grooves while only 70% contained inclusions. Grooves, however, could be seen in 70% of nonpapillary neoplasms and in 56% of nonneoplastic conditions of the thyroid, albeit generally fewer in number and often not as distinct. Inclusions were present in 13% of nonpapillary neoplasms and were absent in nonneoplastic conditions. Some nuclei on cytologic preparations contain lines that are probably artifacts of chromatin alignment and do not represent true nuclear grooves. Since such lines may be indistinguishable from true grooves, grooves should be used cautiously and in conjunction with other criteria in the diagnosis of papillary carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Papillary↗