Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the nose and paranasal sinuses occurred in 14 men and 3 women with a mean age of 61 years. Nasal obstruction, unilateral facial swelling, and nasal discharge were frequent initial manifestations. The maxillary sinus and nose were the commonest primary sites. Using Rappaport's classification, there were 9 histiocytic, 5 poorly differentiated lymphocytic, and 3 mixed histiocytic-lymphocytic lymphomas. Sixteen patients had radiation therapy to the primary site, and 9 patients later received chemotherapy. Eleven patients (69%) are dead, with a median survival time of 11 months after diagnosis. Dissemination of lymphoma was the most common cause of death. Five patients (29%) are alive up to 40 months after diagnosis. Patients with poorly differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma survived longer than those with histiocytic or mixed histiocytic-lymphocytic lymphomas (medium survival times 35, 9, and 12 months, respectively). Poor response to radiation therapy and dissemination of lymphoma were poor prognostic indicators.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Minimal maintenance medication: effects of three dose schedules on relapse rates and symptoms in chronic schizophrenic outpatients.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The influence of different cultivating conditions on polymorphonuclear leukocyte apoptotic processes in vitro, I: the morphological characteristics of PMN spontaneous apoptosis.

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) populations incubated in vitro with normal human serum are save-regulated systems of spontaneous apoptosis. Light microscopy (LM), transmission (TEM), and scanning (SEM) electron microscopes were used for the evalution of PMN apoptopic alteration. Twelve-hour PMN populations were represented by optimal number of normal and different apoptotic forms. Their ultrastructural analysis showed that on this background, 3 apoptotic cell lines (code named "first," "second," and "third") were predominated. The following characteristics were featured: "first"--vacuolization of same organelles, release of their content outside, increase of general cytoplasmic density, nuclear filling with condensed chromatin, and formation of PMNs mainly into small, round, dense forms; "second"--involvement of micronuclei or nuclei in apoptosis, their displacement to the cytoplasmic membrane and separation from the cells, and cytoplasm had numerous intact granules almost until the completion of apoptosis; "third"--synchronous apoptotic process of the nuclei and cytoplasm, moderate electronic density of cytoplasm, and granular translocation to the cell surface. Secondary necrosis was completed mainly in the apoptotic process of the "second" and "third" lines. SEM surfaces confirmed the results of TEM. This research showed that neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis is a complicated process. The 3 apoptotic cell lines reflect different pathways characteristic for the studied systems under certain conditions of cultivation.

Apoptosis↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The influence of different cultivating conditions on polymorphonuclear leukocyte apoptotic process in vitro, II: ultrastructural characteristics of PMN populations incubated with proteinase 3 anti-neutrophil autoantibodies.

The present study shows the effects of proteinase 3 anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (PR3 ANCA) on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) apoptotic processes in vitro. The results are part of a generalized morphological analysis of 3 identical experiments on the influence of different cultivating conditions on the apoptotic processes. As controls, the authors use the results on spontaneous PMN apoptosis (Guejes L, Zurgil N, Deutsch M, Gilburd B, Shoenfeld Y. Ultrastruct Pathol. 2003;27: 23-32) and PMN populations incubated with normal human IgG. Interaction of PR3 ANCA with the target antigen proteinase 3 (PR3) is one of the crucial pathogenic factors in Wegener granulomatosis (systemic autoimmune vasculitis). Following 40min and 12h incubation, PMN populations were evaluated by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and immunogold electron microscopy. Twelve-hour cultures, either control or incubated with PR3 ANCA, contained different cell forms ranging from normal cells to cells at the final stages of apoptosis. Neutrophils at the state of complete manifestation of apoptotic phenotype were analyzed and compared. Three morphologically distinct apoptotic cell lines were characteristic for all PMN populations studied, regardless of cultivating conditions. As in spontaneous apoptosis, these cell lines are code-named "first," "second," and "third." The present study has shown, firstly, that in the presence of PR3 ANCA, all 3 apoptotic lines were modified or altered. Secondly, the modifications or alterations of apoptotic cell lines effected by PR3 ANCA are specific for each cell line: the "first" line is characterized by intensification and modification of activation; the "second" by vacuolized cell forms; and the "third" by pronounced lytic alterations of the nuclei, while the cytoplasm is fully identical to that of control cell lines.

Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The use of storage phosphors for portal imaging in radiation therapy: therapists' perception of image quality.

Two drawbacks in quality of portal radiographs in radiation therapy are their low contrast and low spatial resolution. These are due to the low differential absorption of body tissues at therapeutic energies and to a relatively large radiation source. We used an experimental, high-contrast sensitivity storage phosphor imaging system (Eastman Kodak Co.) to produce portal images. The system consists of a storage phosphor detector, a high-contrast sensitivity laser scanner (12 bit), an image processing module, and a laser printer (12 bit). Patients undergoing radiation therapy treatments had both a conventional portal image and a storage phosphor image taken. Both were displayed side-by-side and were evaluated independently by three radiotherapists according to quality of information to verify the treatment field. Each of the three radiotherapists rated the storage phosphor images to be better (p less than 0.001) than the conventional images. However, rated improvements of low-contrast storage phosphor images of the pelvis and abdomen (40) were significantly lower than those of high-contrast (head, neck, and chest) images (53).

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of analog contrast enhancement and digital unsharp masking in low-contrast portal images.

An experimental high-contrast sensitivity storage phosphor imaging system was used to produce double-exposure localization portal images of abdominal and pelvic treatment fields. The images were contrast enhanced by using an analog windowing technique and edge enhanced with a digital unsharp masking routine. A laser printer was used to print the storage phosphor images onto film. Conventional images were obtained by placing film in the cassette with the storage phosphor plates prior to exposure. Four radiation oncologists rated the storage phosphor and conventional films for perceptibility of anatomical detail needed to verify the placement of the treatment field. Contrast enhancement alone did not result in a significant improvement in perceptibility over unprocessed conventional film (p greater than 0.20). However, the combination of contrast and edge enhancement did result in a significant improvement over conventional film (p less than 0.05).

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A selective impairment of the IL-2 system in lymphocytes of patients with glioblastomas: increased level of soluble IL-2R and reduced protein tyrosine phosphorylation.

The occurrence of brain tumors is associated with broad suppression of the immune system function; however, the mechanisms involved in this impairment are not fully characterized. In this study, we have examined mechanisms involved in diminished T lymphocyte reactivity in patients with glioblastomas as compared to patients with other types of brain tumors. We found that the proliferative response of T lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin or anti-CD3 was significantly reduced in these patients as compared to patients with meningiomas, oligodendrogliomas and healthy individuals. Stimulated T cells appear to express lower levels of the alpha-subunit (p55) of the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R), and increased levels of soluble IL-2R in cell supernatants, whereas no significant differences were observed in the level of the beta (p75)- or gamma-subunits. In addition, we found that competent T cells of glioblastoma patients exhibit lower levels of tyrosine phosphorylation in response to IL-2 as compared with cells of healthy donors. The decrease in the levels of IL-2 and its receptor was selective since no significant changes were observed in the secretion of other Th1- and Th2-derived cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-4) and the expression of their respective receptors. These results indicate that the diminished response of T cells obtained from patients with glioblastomas may be due to a selective defect in the production of IL-2 and in the expression of functional IL-2R due to a decreased expression of the membranal IL-2R alpha and to lower levels of tyrosine phosphorylation in response to IL-2.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Radiotherapy after breast-conservation surgery: how much is enough?

The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast Project (NSABP) clinical trials have demonstrated that breast conservation surgery (lumpectomy), axillary dissection, and breast irradiation for women with Stage I and II invasive breast carcinoma provide disease-free survival and overall survival rates equivalent to modified radical mastectomy. Breast irradiation following lumpectomy decreases the incidence of in-breast tumor recurrence compared to lumpectomy alone. The addition of adjuvant systemic therapy appears to further decrease the incidence of in-breast tumor recurrence. Irradiation of the internal mammary and supraclavicular nodal regions is not indicated for patients with Stage I and II carcinoma. Similarly, irradiation of the axilla after axillary dissection is not indicated.

Age Factors↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Breast tumor recurrence following lumpectomy with and without breast irradiation: an overview of recent NSABP findings.

The latest findings from the NSABP B-06 trial on ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) continue to demonstrate that through 9 years of follow-up more patients treated with radiation remained IBTR free as compared to those receiving no radiation (P less than 0.001), regardless of age, nodal status, or tumor size. There is no significant difference in distant disease-free survival (DDFS) or survival between the two lumpectomy groups despite the highly significant difference in their probability of remaining IBTR free. A recent analysis shows that when a patient is diagnosed with an IBTR, the risk of distant metastatic disease increases, indicating that an IBTR is a marker for, not a cause of, distant metastatic disease. An IBTR indicates a greater risk for distant disease when the primary tumor was removed. Mastectomy or breast irradiation following lumpectomy eliminates or reduces the opportunity for identifying a marker of risk for distant disease, thus emphasizing the importance of an IBTR beyond the need for its removal. Since an IBTR is associated with a relative risk of 3.41 for the development of distant metastatic disease, systemic therapy subsequent to an IBTR should be considered. Evidence presented from recent NSABP studies indicates the value of systemic therapy for lowering the incidence of IBTR following lumpectomy and breast irradiation.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Abacillary cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis not treated with bacteriostatics].

A study was carried out on 48 cases of tuberculosis with a clinical and radiologic symptomatology but negative at the repeated bacteriologic examinations. The results suggested that these might be cases of spontaneous recovery since there were no evolutive radiologic signs. Although the lack of contagion may be admitted these cases especially the young children should be isolated and kept under radiologic and bacteriologic surveillance for at least three years.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Epidemiological and statistical problems in tubercular meningitis in children. (Observations during 1955-1974 period in the Satu-Mare district)].

The progressive decrease of the frequency of tuberculous meningitis in children will lead in the near future to the elimination of this type of localization, as a result of elimination of chronic focuses, achieved by strictly supervised treatment. The rare cases observed in the last years are due either to well-established contacts (parents, grandparents, neighbours), or to sporadic or even unique contacts with chronic cases.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Evaluation of the epidemiological potential of patients eliminating Koch bacilli demonstrable by direct microscopic examination].

A retrospective epidemiological study was carried out on the patients in evidence since 1972-1973, following up the contacts from that time. From the data obtained it results that the proportion of contacts who contracted the disease was of 1.06% of the subjects coming in contact with cases negative at the direct microscopic examination and in cultures, 1.1% of the subjects in contact with cases negative at the direct examination but positive in cultures, and 3.9% (four times greater proportion) of the subjects in contact with bacilli eliminators, at the direct examination. The authors emphasize the simplicity and greater output of the microscopic examinations in tuberculosis.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Surface morphology of circulating platelets: a suggested parameter for the monitoring of endothelial seeded grafts.

For the clinical follow-up of endothelial cell seeded grafts, non-invasive but sensitive parameters are required in order to determine the extent and effectiveness of the endothelialization process. Such a very sensitive parameter was found by investigating the surface morphology of circulating platelets. This technique is based on the previous observation that characteristic alterations of platelet morphology are closely associated with the course of the aggregometer tracings. Applying these ultrastructural criteria we investigated 16 patients after distal femoro-popliteal and femoro-crural bypass surgery. Reinforced 6 mm non-seeded PTFE vascular grafts were compared with reversed autologous saphenous vein grafts. As early as 4 hours after graft implantation, a significant higher percentage of discoid platelets with marginal pseudopods--representing the earliest stage of platelet activation--as well as of spheroid "shape changed" platelets was found in patients with PTFE grafts. Moreover, perforated platelet membranes were exclusively found in the PTFE group. These findings were most distinguished 10 days postoperatively but persisted over the follow-up period of 1 year. Considering the sensitivity of the described technique it might provide a simple, reliable, and non-invasive means for the clinical assessment of successful graft endothelialization.

Blood Platelets↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Digital radiography of the chest by self-scanning linear diode arrays.

Diode array digital radiography DADR is a method of radiographic imaging that combines the advantages of computer technology with self-scanning linear diode arrays. These digital images are superior to those obtained by film in recording and displaying information in the lightest and the darkest areas of the film, resulting in a balanced image of the entire thorax without compromising detail, and at reduced radiation dose. This is a direct result of the wide dynamic range, high contrast sensitivity, fiber optic coupling, small diode size, short exposure time, and rejection of scattered x-rays of the system coupled with digital post-processing enhancement of the image displayed at 1024 X 1024 pixels.

Adult↗