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Effect of dimethyltin(IV) complexes of different substituted phenyl acrylic acids on the ability of Agrobacterium tumefaciens to cause tumours in plants was studied by using potato discs. The results demonstrated significant inhibition of tumours formation. All the compounds were synthesized and characterized by using analytical techniques, i.e. FTIR, multinuclear NMR ((1)H, (13)C, (19)F and (119)Sn) and mass spectrometry. These studies explain that dimethyltin(IV) derivatives exist in a deformed octahedral environment known as skew trapezoidal geometry with four strong and two weaker bonds.

Following our earlier work on the Ruppeiner geometry of an anyon gas [B. Mirza and H. Mohammadzadeh, Phys. Rev. E 78, 021127 (2008)], we will derive nonperturbative thermodynamic curvature of a two-dimensional ideal anyon gas. At different values of the thermodynamic parameter space, some unique and interesting behaviors of the anyon gas are explored. A complete picture of attractive and repulsive phases of the anyon gas is given.

Ankle exercise increases venous blood velocity while supine, but the effect of ankle exercise on venous blood velocity while sitting is not known. In this investigation, we test the hypothesis that venous blood velocity can be increased while sitting by repetitive dorsiflexion of the foot. Time-averaged peak velocity (TAPV) in the popliteal vein of 20 healthy male volunteers was measured by pulsed Doppler ultrasound at rest and during ankle exercise in the supine and sitting positions. Right popliteal vein TAPV while supine at rest was 11 cm/second (sec) (95% confidence interval [CI] =9-13 cm/sec) and with ankle exercise it increased to 24 cm/sec (95% CI =20-28 cm/sec) (p<0.0001). With sitting at rest, right popliteal vein blood TAPV decreased from 11 cm/sec to 3 cm/sec (95% CI = 2-4 cm/sec) (p<0.0001). With ankle exercise while sitting, right popliteal vein TAPV increased to 18 cm/sec (95% CI =15-21 cm/sec) (p<0.0001). In conclusion, in both the supine and sitting positions, ankle exercise increased venous blood velocity, thereby transiently reducing a tendency toward venous stasis. Such ankle exercise might be useful in the prevention of stasis-induced deep venous thrombosis.

Amiodarone is generally regarded to have a high safety profile with a low incidence of arrhythmias. However, there have been reports of torsades de pointes under certain conditions, such as electrolyte imbalance or concomitant antiarrhythmic therapy. We describe a case of amiodarone-induced torsade de pointes early after initiation of intravenous amiodarone in the setting of T-wave alternans.

The environmental impact of metal complexes such as organotin(IV) compounds is of increasing concern. Genotoxic effects of organotin(IV) compounds (0.01 mug/ml, 0.1 mug/ml or 1.0 mug/ml) were measured using the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay to measure DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) and the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay to determine micronucleus formation. Biochemical-cell signatures were also ascertained using attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. In the comet assay, organotin(IV) carboxylates induced significantly-elevated levels of DNA SSBs. Elevated micronucleus-forming activities were also observed. Following interrogation using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, infrared spectra in the biomolecular range (900 cm-1 - 1800 cm-1) derived from organotin-treated MCF-7 cells exhibited clear alterations in their biochemical-cell fingerprint compared to control-cell populations following exposures as low as 0.0001 mug/ml. Mono-, di- or tri-organotin(IV) carboxylates (0.1 mug/ml, 1.0 mug/ml or 10.0 mug/ml) were markedly cytotoxic as determined by the clonogenic assay following treatment of MCF-7 cells with >/= 1.0 mug/ml. Our results demonstrate that ATR-FTIR spectroscopy can be applied to detect molecular alterations induced by organotin(IV) compounds at sub-cytotoxic and sub-genotoxic concentrations. This biophysical approach points to a novel means of assessing risk associated with environmental contaminants.PACS codes: 87.15.-v, 87.17.-d, 87.18.-h.

The 4-(dihydroxyphenylthio)-2H-chromen-2-one derivatives have been synthesized by direct electrochemical oxidation of catechols in the presence of 4-mercaptocoumarin as a nucleophile in water/acetonitrile (50/50) solution, in a one-pot process, at carbon rod electrode, in an undivided cell and in constant current conditions, through an EC mechanism. The products are characterized by spectra data. Besides, the difference in electrochemical oxidation of catechol in the presence of 4-hydroxycoumarin and 4-mercaptocoumarin explained by computational structure, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis and density functional theory (DFT: B3LYP/6-31G*//B3LYP/6-31G*) based methods, using the GAUSSIAN 98 package of programs.

Background: Duodenal atresia is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in neonates. It is associated with other congenital anomalies like Down's syndrome, annular pancreas etc., Case Presentation: We present a case of a two days old male baby presented to us with bilious vomiting since birth. It was associated with Down's syndrome, Annular pancreas and Malrotation., Conclusion: Duodenal atresia is associated with other congenital anomalies but more than one congenital anomalies in a single patient is very rare.

Solid-phase synthesis of a parallel library of 3'-hydroxy-2,3-dihydrobenzothiazepines has been carried out through [4+3] annulation of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones with aminothiophenol, using Wang resin as solid support. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their potential as antibacterial, tumor inhibitors as well as acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors. None of the compounds showed any significant antibacterial activity. However, quite a few compounds showed significant potential as crown gall tumor inhibitors. These results reflect a strong exploratory potential in search of new benzothiazepines as source of anticancer agents. The results of the inhibition of cholinesterase revealed that benzothiazepines have a greater potential as butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors as compared to acetylcholinesterase. Moreover, the substitution of hydroxy group at C-3 in ring A led to increased activity when compared to unsubstituted- and 2'-OH substituted benzothiazepines.

We derive the thermodynamic curvature of a two-dimensional ideal anyon gas of particles obeying fractional statistics. The statistical interactions of anyon gas can be attractive or repulsive. For attractive statistical interactions, thermodynamic curvature is positive and for repulsive statistical interactions, it is negative, which indicates a more stable anyon gas. There is a special case between the two where the thermodynamic curvature is zero. Small deviations from the classical limit will also be explored.

Laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair has become a viable option to overcome the challenges that face the hernia surgeon. Multiple techniques have been described over the last 5 years, one of which is the lateralizing "sling" technique, first described by Sugarbaker in 1980. In this study, we report the technique and our early results with the laparoscopic modified Sugarbaker repair of parastomal hernias after ileal conduit.

Plant development is critically dependent on the interactions between clonally unrelated cell layers. The cross-talk between layers can be addressed by studies of cell autonomy. Cell autonomy is a property of genetic mosaics composed of cells of differing genotypes. Broadly, if the phenotype of a mutant tissue reflects only its genotype and is unaffected by the presence of wild-type tissue, the trait is cell-autonomous. Conversely, if the phenotype of a mutant tissue reflects that of wild-type tissue in the mosaic, the trait is non-autonomous. Here we report a novel, versatile and robust method for studies of cell autonomy in Arabidopsis. Cell autonomy (CAUT) lines consist of a collection of homozygous stocks, each containing one of 76 mapped T-DNA inserts, each of which corrects the yellow ch-42 mutant to green (CH-42) by complementation. This has the effect of translocating the colour marker to 76 new locations around the genome. X-irradiation of heterozygous CAUT line seeds results in yellow sectors, with loss of the CH-42 transgene and adjacent wild-type genes. This property can be used to remove the wild-type copy of developmental genes in appropriate heterozygotes, resulting in yellow (ch-42) sectors that are hemizygous for the trait of interest. Such sectors can provide insight into cell autonomy. Experiments using the ap1, ap3, ag and clv1 mutants show that CAUT lines are useful in the study of cell autonomy.

Background and Objectives: Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a development of recent origin. In 2004, Kalloo et al first described NOTES investigation in an animal model. Since then, several investigators have pursued NOTES study in animal survival and nonsurvival models. Our objectives for this project included studying NOTES intervention in a laboratory environment using large animal (swine) models and learning to do so in a safe, controlled manner. Ultimately, we intend to introduce NOTES methodology into our surgical residency training program. The expertise of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon, fellowship-trained laparoendoscopic surgeon, and veterinarian along with a senior surgical resident was utilized to bring the input of several disciplines to this study. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and Pharmacy (NEOUCOM/COP) approved this study., Methods: A series of 5 laboratory sessions using mixed breed farm swine varying in weight from 37 kg to 43.1 kg was planned for the initial phase of NOTES introduction into our residency program. Animals were not kept alive in this investigation. All animals were anesthetized using a standard swine protocol and euthanized following guidelines issued by the American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia. Equipment included a Fujinon EVE endoscope 0.8 cm in diameter with a suction/irrigation channel and one working channel. Initially, a US Endoscopy gastric overtube, 19.5 mm OD and 50 cm in length, was used to facilitate passage of the endoscope. However, this device was found to have insufficient length. Subsequently, commercially available 5/8" diameter clear plastic tubing, 70 cm to 80 cm in length, was adapted for use as an overtube. Standard endoscopic instruments included Boston Scientific biopsy forceps, needle-knife, papillotome, endoscopic clip applier, and Valley Lab electrosurgical unit. A Karl Storz laparoscope and tower were used for laparoscopic observation of NOTES maneuvers. Necropsy was performed to determine specific details of surgical intervention., Results: NOTES intervention is feasible in an animal model. Insight into the potential of NOTES was obtained in this investigation., Conclusions: NOTES investigation in a controlled, laboratory setting using an animal model proved to have value for our program. A steep learning curve was encountered despite the availability of an investigator familiar with elementary NOTES procedures. The authors strongly suggest investigators adopt the ASGE/SAGES working group recommendations for a multidisciplinary team possessing advanced therapeutic endoscopic and advanced laparoscopic skills to study NOTES before human investigation. Animal laboratory facilities to perform research and training should be available to the multidisciplinary team for exploration of NOTES techniques and procedures. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval must be obtained before introduction of NOTES procedures in human patients.

A series of mono-, di- and triorganotin compounds with general formulae [RSnL(2)Cl], R = Bu (compound 3), [R(2)SnL(2)], where R = Me, Et, Bu, Oct (compounds 1, 2, 4 and 6) and [R(3)SnL], where R = Bu, Cy and Ph (compounds 5, 7 and 8) and where L = 3,4-methylenedioxy-6-nitrophenylpropenoic acid have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, multinuclear ((1)H-, (13)C- and (119)Sn-) NMR and mass spectrometry. The ligand and its respective organotin complexes were screened for cytotoxicity using the brine shrimp lethality assay and for antitumor activity using the crown gall tumor inhibition (potato disc) assay. The bioassay results support the conclusion that the biological activities of these synthetic compounds are in the following order: [RSnL(2)Cl] < [R(2)SnL(2)] < [R(3)SnL].

A 175-member chalcone library was designed and synthesized from seven differently substituted acetophenones (A(1)-A(7)) and 25 differently substituted aryl or heteroaryl aldehydes (B(1)-B(25)). Potential lead compounds were identified by deconvolution of a two-dimensional library matrix via positional scanning, and the members of the most-active sub-libraries were synthesized and screened against crown-gall tumors with the aid of the potato-disc assay. The resulting hits gave rise to significant antitumor activities, with no antibacterial effect on the tumor-producing bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Two identified lead structures, (2E)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (A(1)B(9)) and the hydroxy analogue (2E)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (A(2)B(9)), are promising candidates to be developed into highly effective anticancer chemotherapeutics.

SUMMARY A 9-year-old girl presented with a 6-month history of inflamed tender nodules in the pretibial area. These eventually healed leaving depressed areas of atrophy and loss of subcutaneous tissue. Histology showed a predominantly lymphocytic lobular panniculitis, consistent with connective tissue panniculitis. Investigations revealed an elevated thyroid stimulating hormone, elevated thyroid antiperoxidase antibody and a weakly positive antinuclear antibody (titre 1 in 40). She was commenced on hydroxychloroquine 300 mg daily, which resulted in resolution of the panniculitis. She developed focal vitiligo on the thighs. This gradually improved with 0.1% mometasone furoate ointment. The hydroxychloroquine dose was tapered to 200 mg daily after 12 months, then to 100 mg daily after 18 months therapy. Her thyroid autoantibody levels continued to rise and the hydroxychloroquine was increased again to 300 mg daily. She became borderline hypothyroid. Hashimoto's thyroiditis was diagnosed. Thyroxine was instituted with a resultant improvement in her thyroid blood tests. The lipoatrophy has not developed further during 2-year follow up.

A 120-membered chalcone library has been designed and prepared from six differently substituted acetophenones (A1-A6) and 20 benzaldehydes (B1-B20). The library was subjected to biological studies targeted against six bacterial strains. For the identification of the most-active member(s) of the library, the so-called indexed or positional-scanning method was applied. Six out of 26 sub-libraries, i.e., AL1-AL6, were synthesized by keeping the acetophenone moiety A fixed and using equimolar quantities of the 20 different benzaldehydes. The remaining 20 sub-libraries BL1-BL20 were prepared by keeping the benzaldehyde B component fixed and varying the six acetophenones (Table 1). The bactericidal activities of the resulting sub-libraries were tested and used as indices to the rows or columns of a two-dimensional matrix. Finally, parallel synthesis of 24 specific members with the highest-expected antibacterial activities, present in two sub-libraries, was carried out. These chalcones were screened again, and the results were exploited for establishing the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and the identification of the lead compound, which turned out to be 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (A2B2) in terms of activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis (Tables 5-7).

In the experiment reported here, effect of the nature of T-DNA integration region on the activity of the transgenes was studied by using a colour marker gene in Arabidopsis thaliana. For this purpose a pale homozygous ch-42 mutant was transformed with the wild-type copy of the gene (CH-42) using kanamycin resistance gene as a selectable marker. Two independent lines were identified in which CH-42 transgene was inactive. The T-DNA flanking sequences were recovered from these inactive and two active lines. These flanking sequences were used to examine copy number and DNA methylation of the T-DNA insertion site in active and inactive lines. Southern blots produced by using MspI/HpaII digested genomic DNA showed signs of methylation in both inactive lines. Furthermore, in one of the inactive line the T-DNA flanking sequence probe hybridized to highly repetitive sequence. The results suggest some correlation between silencing of the transgene and methylation of its insertion region.

Atypical fibroxanthoma is a controversial entity with a disputed histogenesis. It has recently been suggested that most atypical fibroxanthoma are actually variants of squamous cell carcinoma. We reviewed 100 purported cases of atypical fibroxanthoma received over 4 years to perform clinical follow up and immunohistochemical markers. In particular, we focused on the detection of any recurrence or metastasis. Ten cases were subsequently excluded on the basis of either incorrect coding, or insufficient or absent paraffin blocks on file. A further case was interpreted as a malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Additional new markers, such as CD10 and CD99, were employed in a proportion of cases. Our cases were typical of the usual clinical presentation of atypical fibroxanthoma on the skin of the sun-damaged elderly. We found no cases of recurrent or metastatic atypical fibroxanthoma. Two patients developed a second primary atypical fibroxanthoma. CD10 proved to be a useful marker for atypical fibroxanthoma when used on 20 cases in the present study, as was CD99 in seven cases. The only case demonstrating positive staining for keratin also stained for CD10. It had dual features of atypical fibroxanthoma and squamous cell carcinoma. However, as the majority of atypical fibroxanthoma had no adjacent solar keratosis, our data suggest it is unlikely that atypical fibroxanthoma is a variant of squamous cell carcinoma.

A finite-size scaling approach based on the transfer matrix method is developed to calculate the critical temperature and critical exponent of the symmetric and the asymmetric two-layer three-state Potts models. For similar intralayer interactions our calculation of the shift exponent phi confirm some scaling arguments which predict phi = gamma, where gamma is the susceptibility exponent. For unequal intralayer interactions we have obtained phi = 0.5 which differ from the prediction phi = gamma/2 of a generalized mean-field theory.

A 77-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of left thumbnail dystrophy, purulent discharge and aching pain. There was no history of trauma. On examination there was a linear area of nail dystrophy and dyschromia of the nail bed. The nail plate was thinned proximally. No other digits were affected. There was no lymphadenopathy. X-ray of the digit was normal. Longitudinal nail biopsy revealed Bowen's disease along the length of the nail bed and nail matrix specimen. After avulsion of the nail plate, the nail matrix and tumour were fully excised. The defect was repaired with a split-skin graft. His symptoms were relieved.

Pinch-off syndrome (POS) occurs when a long-term central venous catheter is compressed between the clavicle and the first rib. The compression can cause transient obstruction of the catheter and may result in a tear or even complete transsection and embolization of the catheter. POS may be preceded by a finding of "pinch-off sign" on chest X-ray (CXR) films in which the catheter is indented as it passes beneath the clavicle. We performed a collective review of the 109 cases of POS in the medical literature and report 3 new cases. On average, POS occurs 5.3 months after the insertion of the catheter but has ranged from immediately after insertion to 60 months later. If the subclavian vein is used for access, then an upright CXR should be obtained after the procedure and periodically thereafter to rule-out POS. Treatment of POS is removal of the catheter. If the tip of the catheter has embolized, it can usually be retrieved percutaneously with a transvenous snare. POS can be prevented by using the internal jugular vein for access rather than the subclavian vein.

To understand graft rejection in cell based therapies for brain repair we have quantified IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12p40, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha mRNA levels using real-time PCR, at days 4, 14, and 42 post-transplantation, in rats engrafted with syngeneic, allogeneic, concordant and discordant xenogeneic neural tissues. In addition, in the discordant xenografts immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were applied to detect local expression of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-10 and TGF-beta. Allografts remained non-rejected but expressed IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-4 transcripts but not IL-12p40 and IFN-gamma. Xenografts demonstrated distinct cytokine profiles that differed from syngeneic and allogeneic grafts. Non-rejected discordant xenografts contained higher levels of TNF-alpha transcripts and lower levels of IL-2 transcripts than the rejected ones at day 42. Discordant xenografts displayed a stronger and earlier expression of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, followed by T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 associated cytokine expression. The number of cells expressing mRNA encoding TNF-alpha and TGF-beta was significantly increased over time in the discordant group. In conclusion, the immunological disparity of the implanted tissue explains survival rates and is associated with different cytokine profiles. In allografts, a chronic inflammatory reaction was detected and in xenogeneic grafts a delayed hypersensitivity like reaction may be involved in rejection.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer and occurs predominantly as two forms, nodular or superficial. We report cases of two females who presented with facial BCCs, one with a 2-month history of superficial BCC with a dual growth pattern (superficial BCC overlying a deep micronodular pattern BCC), and the other with a 4-year history of superficial BCC. Both patients had undergone previous unsuccessful treatments. Differing responses of facial superficial BCCs were observed following daily treatment with imiquimod 5% cream over 6 weeks. This included a treatment failure in the BCC with a dual growth pattern and complete clearance of the other superficial BCC.

Objectives: To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, two bacterial pathogens commonly associated with community-acquired pneumonia., Design: Cross-sectional study., Setting: Bacterial isolates were obtained from adults suspected to have community-acquired pneumonia and who sought treatment at two city council clinics in Nairobi, Kenya. Susceptibility to antimicrobial agents was performed using a microdilution broth method, according to the criteria set by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards., Results: A total of 277 S. pneumoniae and 58 H. influenzae were obtained from 536 adults examined in the period January 1998 to December 1999. Of the 277 S. pneumoniae, only 56.7% were susceptible to penicillin and 7.6% of strains were resistant to two or more antimicrobial agents. Of the 58 H. influenzae strains, 91.4% were sensitive to ampicillin, with 6.8% resistant to two or more antimicrobial agents. 8.6% were beta-lactamase producers and accounted for the entire ampicillin-resistant population., Conclusion: The prevalence of resistance to penicillin and other commonly used antibiotics among pneumococci is high and the large number of multi-resistant strains among H. influenzae is a cause for concern. The prudent use of antibiotics in treatment of pneumonia and other infections should be advocated to minimise spread of resistance.

Embryonic ventral mesencephalic tissue from the pig is a potential alternative donor tissue for neural transplantation to Parkinson's disease patients. For stable graft survival, the host immune response has to be prevented. This study was performed in order to analyze the mechanisms and dynamics of neural xenograft rejection, as well as neurobiological properties of the donor tissue. Adult normal mice and rats, and cyclosporin A-treated rats, received intrastriatal transplants of dissociated embryonic ventral mesencephalic pig tissue that was 27 or 29 embryonic days of age (E27 and E29). The animals were perfused at 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks after grafting and the brains were processed for immunohistochemistry of dopaminergic (tyrosine hydroxylase positive) neurons, CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes, natural killer cells, macrophages, microglia, and astrocytes. Thirty-five rats received daily injections of BrdU for 5 consecutive days at different time points after transplantation and were perfused at 6 weeks. These animals were analyzed for proliferation of cells in the donor tissue, both in healthy and in rejecting grafts. No tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells proliferated after grafting. Our results demonstrated that E27 was superior to E29 donor tissue for neurobiological reasons. Cyclosporin A immunosuppression was protective only during the first weeks and failed to protect the grafts in a long-term perspective. Grafts in mice were invariably rejected between 2 and 4 weeks after transplantation, while occasional grafts in untreated rats survived up to 12 weeks without signs of an ongoing rejection process. CD8(+) lymphocytes and microglia cells are most likely important effector cells in the late, cyclosporin A-resistant rejection process., (Copyright 2001 Academic Press.)

Background: Embryonic xenogeneic neural tissue is an alternative for transplantation in Parkinson's disease, but immune responses limit the application. The aims of this study were to enhance the in vitro viability rates by donor tissue pretreatment; to compare the efficacy of cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK) in inhibiting xenograft rejection in rats; to evaluate additional inductive therapy with prednisolone (PRE) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)., Methods: Tirilazad (a lipid peroxidase inhibitor) or FK and acYVAD-cmk (a caspase inhibitor), were added to embryonic porcine ventral mesencephalic tissue and viability was assessed in vitro. Tirilazad-treated tissue was grafted to the striatum of rats that were either left untreated or immunosuppressed with FK (1 mg/kg) or CsA (15 mg/kg) alone or in combination with a 2-week PRE (20 mg/kg) or MMF (40 mg/kg) induction course. Xenograft survival and host responses were determined using immunohistochemistry., Results: Pretreatment with tirilazad enhanced tissue survival in vitro. After transplantation into untreated controls, there was no graft survival at twelve weeks. Neural cell counts were significantly improved in immunosuppressed recipients, but there were no differences between the treatment groups. Additional inductive treatment reduced the infiltration with CD4+ and CD8+ cells, and macrophage infiltration was reduced compared with animals given CsA or FK alone., Conclusion: Pretreatment of the donor tissue with free-radical scavengers reduces cell loss caused by tissue trauma. Porcine neural tissue xenografts survive significantly better in animals immunosuppressed with either FK or CsA. Additional inductive treatment with PRE or MMF reduced the infiltration of host cells into the xenografts.

Virtually any neurological disorder leads to activation of resident microglia and invasion of blood-borne macrophages, which are accompanied by an increase in number and change in phenotype of astrocytes, a phenomenon generally termed reactive astrocytosis. One of the functions attributed to activation of astrocytes is thought to involve restoration of tissue damage. Hitherto, the role of astrocytes in the inflammatory reaction occurring in Parkinson's disease has not received much attention. In the present study, we examined the inflammatory events in autopsies of the substantia nigra and putamen from Parkinson's disease patients using age-matched autopsies from normal patients as controls. In the substantia nigra, activation of microglia was consistently observed in all Parkinson's disease autopsies as verified from immunohistochemical detection of CR3/43 and ferritin. Activation of resident microglia was not observed in the putamen. No differences were observed between controls and Parkinson's disease autopsies from the substantia nigra and putamen, in terms of distribution, cellular density or cellular morphology of astrocytes stained for glial fibrillary acidic protein or metallothioneins I and II, the latter sharing high affinity for metal ions and known to be induced in reactive astrocytes, possibly to exert anti-oxidative effects. Together, these findings indicate that the inflammatory process in Parkinson's disease is characterized by activation of resident microglia without reactive astrocytosis, suggesting that the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease is an ongoing neurodegenerative process with a minimum of involvement of the surrounding nervous tissue. The absence of reactive astrocytosis in Parkinson's disease contrasts what follows in virtually any other neurological disorder and may indicate that the inflammatory process in Parkinson's disease is a unique phenomenon.

A patient with end-stage renal disease developed severe hyperchloremic acidosis (venous serum total CO2 level of 10 mmol/L) after treatment with 16 L of isotonic saline. Analysis of this case and published literature indicates that dilutional acidosis may result when very large volumes of isotonic saline are administered intravenously, especially in patients with impaired or absent renal function.