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Notes: Abstract: The β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), a main constituent in both senile and diffuse plaques in Alzheimer's disease brains, was previously shown to be neurotoxic and to be able to interact with several macromolecular components of brain tissue. Previous investigations carried out in our laboratory demonstrated free radical species formation in aqueous solutions of Aβ(1–40) and its C-end fragment, Aβ(25–35). Toxic forms of Aβ rapidly inactivate the oxidation-sensitive cytosolic enzyme glutamine synthetase (GS). In this regard, we suggested and subsequently demonstrated that Aβ radicals can cause an oxidative damage of cell proteins and lipids resulting in disruption of membrane functions, enzyme inactivation, and cell death. Because GS can be a substrate for Aβ-derived oxidizing species, the present study was conducted to determine if GS could protect against Aβ neurotoxicity. In contrast to this initial hypothesis, we here report that GS significantly enhances the neurotoxic effects of Aβ(1–40). The Aβ-mediated inactivation of GS was found to be accompanied by the loss of immunoreactive GS and the significant increase of Aβ(1–40) neurotoxicity.

Notes: Phosphorus is one of several dopants that electronically compensate the native deep donor responsible for the yellow coloration observed in bismuth silicon oxide (BSO). Low-temperature optical absorption measurements of a series of Czochralski-grown P-doped BSO crystals show that ∼0.1–0.15 at. % P is needed in the sample to fully remove the yellow coloration. The absorption cutoff in the fully compensated P-doped sample was at 3.2 eV while compensated Al- and Ga-doped samples cutoff at 3.35 eV. Excitation at 10–15 K with near band-edge light produces photochromic absorption bands. In the lightly-doped (partially bleached) samples these bands were identical to those observed in undoped BSO. In the fully bleached sample a new spectrum was observed. Its major contribution was a band centered near 1.8 eV with a weaker absorption in the blue-green. By comparison with the spectra observed in undoped and in Al-doped material before and after photoexcitation it is believed that the 1.8 eV band is due to the [PO4]− center and that the broad 2.45 eV band observed in Al- and Ga-doped BSO is due to the [BiO4]0 center. © 1995 American Institute of Physics.

Notes: Aims: To describe the clinicopathological and immunophenotypic features of 25 cases of Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease (K–F), which remains a poorly recognized entity and is still frequently confused with malignant lymphoma, and to discuss the main diagnostic problems experienced by the referring pathologist.〈section xml:id="abs1-1"〉〈title type="main"〉Methods and resultsHaematoxylin and eosin sections of 27 lymph node biopsies were re-examined. Immunostains for B-lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes and macrophages were performed. Clinical and follow-up data were obtained through a questionnaire to the referring pathologist or from the patients' notes where available. The suggested initial diagnoses are discussed. The lymph nodes showed a necrotizing process characterized by patchy or confluent areas of necrosis associated with karyorrhexis and absence or paucity of granulocytes. This was associated with a proliferation of large blastic cells consisting of a mixture of T-lymphocytes and histiocytes. Fragmentation of the biopsy was a frequent feature. The diagnosis of K–F was suggested by the referring pathologist in three cases only. The most common suggested diagnosis was that of a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉ConclusionThis series documents continuing difficulties in the diagnosis of Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease in the UK and emphasizes that cases are still being mistakenly diagnosed as malignant lymphomas. The diagnosis of Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease merits active consideration in any nodal biopsy showing fragmentation, necrosis and karyorrhexis, especially in young women presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy.

Notes: To study the clinical and pathological features of primary malignant peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNETs) of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, to discuss the differential diagnosis, and to review the existing literature on these tumours.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉Methods and results:Eight cases of PNETs presenting in the skin and subcutaneous tissue were identified from the pathology records of the Christie Hospital, Manchester. Detailed immunohistochemical studies were performed on all cases and seven tumours were subjected to electron microscopic examination. Detailed clinical and follow-up information was obtained on seven cases. Six tumours occurred in children and adolescents and two were seen in young adults (age range, 8–36 years). No sex or site predilection was observed. Five tumours occupied the dermis and subcutis and three were entirely located in the subcutaneous tissue. Microscopically, they were composed of small round cells and seven tumours contained glycogen. Only one tumour focally exhibited Homer–Wright rosettes and neuropil. Two tumours contained rhabdoid or plasmacytoid cells in places and all cases showed microcystic and pseudovascular spaces. Immunostains revealed MIC2 (8/8), NSE (7/8), PGP9.5 (7/8), β2 microglobulin (7/8), neurofilament protein (6/8), S100 protein (3/8), synaptophysin (2/8) and Leu-7 (1/8) positivity. Anomalous cytokeratin (4/8), desmin (2/8), myoglobin (2/8), NKIC3 (4/8) and GFAP (1/8) staining was also noted. Ultrastructurally, neuroendocrine granules were detected in five cases and one case exhibited microtubules in processes. Adequate follow-up information was available in four cases. One patient died of metastatic disease. One child developed axillary lymph node metastasis but is alive with no evidence of disease 96 months after treatment. Two other patients are alive with no residual or recurrent disease 44 and 52 months after excision and radio/chemotherapy.〈section xml:id="abs1-3"〉〈title type="main"〉Conclusion:PNETs are rare malignant small round cell tumours of the skin and subcutaneous tissue which are probably underdiagnosed. A correct diagnosis can be made on light microscopic features, demonstration of neuroendocrine granules on electron microscopy and a combination of MIC2, β2 microglobulin, and more than one neural marker positivity. These neoplasms should be differentiated from other cutaneous neoplasms composed of small round cells. The number of cases of cutaneous PNETs studied so far is rather small, and no firm conclusion can be drawn about their behaviour but long-term survival is possible in some cases.

Notes: Aims: Two cases of angiotropic high-grade B-cell lymphoma are described in which involvement of endocrine glands was a prominent feature. Methods and results: One patient had marked unilateral adrenomegaly due to lymphoma within adrenal blood vessels. He is alive 5 years after presentation following combination chemotherapy. The diagnosis was made at autopsy in the second patient who presented with pyrexia of unknown origin and had hypothyroidism and a thyroid nodule. The thyroid gland and pituitary showed striking involvement by angiotropic lymphoma and the thyroid nodule was a cavernous haemangioma heavily colonized by lymphoma cells. Conclusions: Our cases illustrate endocrine organ manifestations of this rare disease. The condition may respond to combination chemotherapy.

Notes: Abstract We discuss methods using stimuli to manipulate behavior of a pest for the purpose of protecting a valued resource. The methods are divided into two categories: those that manipulate behavior over a long distance, e.g. volatile chemicals, visual, and auditory stimuli, and those that manipulate behavior at a short distance (〉1 cm), e.g. involatile chemicals. Particular emphasis is placed on methods that have been developed through studies of pest behavior and on combining stimuli to increase efficacy. Future prospects for behavioral manipulation methods in pest management are discussed.