Liver phospholipid distribution in hypophysectomized catfish, Clarias batrachus and Heteropneustes fossilis

As with any specialized diagnostic technique, the degree of success and safety of needle biopsy of the thyroid are largely based on experience. While an adequate core of tissue for examination is imperative, the interpretation by the pathologist is equally important. A close liaison of the latter with his clinical colleagues is necessary for optimal pathologic evaluation. A review of this experience during a 20 year period shows that needle biopsy is a reliable diagnostic procedure in more than 90 per cent of the patients. It is unlikely to disseminate the disease or compromise the prognosis, and it is a safe office procedure.     

Disease markers in acute multiple sclerosis

Three serum components that are known to become elevated during inflammation and tissue destruction, C-reactive protein, C3 proactivator, and orosomucoid, which are acute phase reactants, and serum lgM were measured in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) hospitalized with acute exacerbations. Significantly elevated levels of one or more of these serum components were found in 12 of 13 patients with clinically active MS. Serial studies in two patients revealed that clinical improvement was accompanied by a decline in the serum levels of these factors. These findings suggest that measurement of these serum proteins may be of value in assessing progress of disease activity in MS patients.     

Endometrial cytology during menstrual cycle, menopause and progestinic treatment

The AA. examined 72 cytological smears of the human normal endometrium. Twenty-three were taken during the proliferative phase, 17 during the secretory phase, 21 during menopause and 11 during estro-progestinic treatment. The study pointed out that the endometrial smear, which has been employed up to now almost exclusively in the cyto-oncological field, is also quite suitable for a dynamic cyto-functional evaluation of ovarian function, because of the series of interpretative elements, easily and readily identifiable at the microscope, which it furnishes.     

Regional chemotherapy via the pulmonary artery for pulmonary metastases

Regional chemotherapy with Adriamycin via the pulmonary artery produces significantly higher tissue levels in the infused canine lobe than systemic administration. Seven patients with soft tissue sarcomas who had received the maximum dose of Adriamycin and had shown metastatic tumor recurrence to the lungs, received small doses of 10 to 20 mg of Adriamycin in the lobar arteries supplying areas with tumor via a Swan-Ganz catheter, temporarily occluding with its inflated balloon the infused artery. One partial objective regression was noted. A total of 56 injections of Adriamycin was given through individual lobar arteries in the seven patients. This preliminary experience indicates the feasibility and relative safety of the use of the pulmonary artery for regional chemotherapy of pulmonary malignant tumors and suggests further cautious exploration of this method.