Adenosine deaminase activity in bronchoalveolar lavage of pulmonary tuberculosis

Adenosine deaminase [ADA] activity, lymphocytes and T-cell subsets% [CD3%, CD4% and CD8%] were measured in BAL from 15 patients with active pulmonary TB, 15 persons with inactive pulmonary TB and 15 normal nonsmoker volunteers. ADA activity in BAL and serum, lymphocytes%, CD3%, CD4% and CD4: CD8 ratio in BAL were statistically highly significantly [p <0.001] increased among patients with active pulmonary TB compared with inactive cases and normal controls, whereas no statistical difference [p >0.05] was found as regard CD8%. ADA activity showed positive correlation more with CD4% in BAL [r = +0.93] and both showed positive correlation with tuberculin test. So, ADA may constitute a new marker of cell-mediated immune response and tuberculous lung infection is characterized by T- cell [CD4] alveolitis. It is suggested that, ADA activity in BAL over 3 U/L and/or serum: BAL ADA ratio below 7, BAL lymphocytes >10%, CD3 >50% or CD4: CD8 ratio >2.5 denoted active pulmonary TB, whereas lower values serve to diagnose inactive disease. So, measurement of ADA activity and T-cell subsets% in BAL may be valuable parameters for diagnosis and follow up of pulmonary TB

value of CEA in the differentiation between malignant and non-malignant effusion

In order to discriminate between benign and malignant effusion, the value of carcinoembryonic antigen has been estimated in the serum and in serous effusion. The present work included 40 patients, 22 with malignant and 18 with benign effusions. The mean CEA level in the malignant group was significantly higher than that in the benign group. Using CEA value of 5 ng/ml as a cut-off value, CEA level in the effusion was found to have a sensitivity of 41% and specificity of 94%. The corresponding values in the serum were 45% and 100% respectively. In the malignant group, the mean CEA value was found to be high in patients having adenocarcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma. On the other hand, the mean CEA level in patients having mesothelioma was low

effect of resilient liner on the biting force of edentulous individuals

The biting pressure of 8 edentulous subjects were recorded by [Boos Dimeter] attached to acrylic record bases. The record bases were relined by soft liner and the biting power measured and compared with the pressure exerted on hard bases. The biting powers were recorded at 3 vertical jaw separation. The results showed a real increase in the biting ability with the application of soft liner. This increase was more evident at the lowest vertical jaw separation