The usefulness of latissimus dorsi transfer for reconstruction for malignant fibrous histiocytoma in the infraspinatus muscle region: a case report / Utilidad de la transferencia del latissimus dorsi en la reconstrucción por histiocitoma fibroso maligno en la región muscular infraespinosa: reporte de un caso

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is a type of highly malignant soft tissue sarcoma with a predilection for the extremities of adults. We report a patient with MFH in the infraspinatus muscle for which wide resection including total resection of the infraspinatus muscle was performed, followed by transfer of the latissimus dorsi muscle for shoulder reconstruction in a onestage operation with good postoperative function.

El histiocitoma fibroso maligno (HFM) es un tipo de sarcoma del tejido suave, altamente maligno, con predilección por las extremidades de los adultos. Reportamos el caso de un paciente con HFM en el músculo infraespinoso, al cual se le hizo una amplia resección que incluyó la resección total del músculo infraespinoso, seguida de una transferencia del músculo latissimus dorsi para la reconstrucción del hombro, en una operación de una sola etapa con buena función postoperatoria.

The biological effects of high-pressure gas on the yeast transcriptome

The aim of the present study was to examine the feasibility of DNA microarray technology in an attempt to construct an evaluation system for determining gas toxicity using high-pressure conditions, as it is well known that pressure increases the concentration of a gas. As a first step, we used yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as the indicator organism and analyzed the mRNA expression profiles after exposure of yeast cells to nitrogen gas. Nitrogen gas was selected as a negative control since this gas has low toxicity. Yeast DNA microarray analysis revealed induction of genes whose products were localized to the membranes, and of genes that are involved in or contribute to energy production. Furthermore, we found that nitrogen gas significantly affected the transport system in the cells. Interestingly, nitrogen gas also resulted in induction of cold-shock responsive genes. These results suggest the possibility of applying yeast DNA microarray to gas bioassays up to 40 MPa. We therefore think that "bioassays" are ideal for use in environmental control and protection studies.

Infection of an adult in Mie Prefecture, Japan by Bertiella studeri.

Two gravid strobila without scolex were passed by a 23-year-old male in Mie Prefecture, Japan. Morphological features were comparable to characteristics of Bertiella studeri. Although two children's cases have already been reported, this is the first case of an adult in Japan since the occurrence of B. studeri was proven in Japan.

Malaria and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

A screening test for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency was carried out in North Sumatra, Indonesia by using a simple agar plate method. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency in male was 6.0% (9/151) in Nias prefecture, 3.9% (12/307) in Asahan prefecture and 0.9% (1/110) in Medan city (average 3.9%). The prevalence of malaria was investigated at the same time in Nias and Asahan. It was 8.6% (13/151) and 10.4% (32/307) in males. The parasite rate of Plasmodium falciparum in normal and G6PD deficient groups was 4.1% and 9.5%, respectively. There was no statistical significance between them. The usefulness of the system of detecting malaria and G6PD deficiency at the same time was discussed in relation to malaria control.