Minimal residual disease negativity in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia may indicate different postremission strategies than in younger patients.

In the present analysis, we evaluated whether in elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients (>60 years), minimal residual disease (MRD) assessed by flow cytometry may have a role in guiding choice of postremission strategies. We analyzed 149 young and 61 elderly adults who achieved morphological CR after induction course of EORTC/GIMEMA protocols. Elderly patients reached a postconsolidation MRD negative status less frequently than younger ones (11 vs 28 %, p = 0.009). MRD negativity resulted in a longer 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) both in elderly (57 vs 13 %, p = 0.0197) and in younger patients (56 vs 31 %, p = 0.0017). Accordingly, 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) of both elderly (83 vs 42 %, p = 0.045) and younger patients (59 vs 24 % p = NS) who were MRD positive doubled that of MRD negative ones. Nevertheless, CIR of MRD negative elderly patients was twofold higher than that of younger MRD negative ones (42 vs 24 %, p = NS). In conclusion, elderly patients in whom chemotherapy yields a MRD negative CR have duration of DFS and rate of CIR significantly better than those who remain MRD positive. Nonetheless, the high CIR rate observed in the elderly suggests that MRD negativity might have different therapeutic implications in this population than in the younger counterpart.

Rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes in foods, by a combination of PCR and DNA probe.

Listeria monocytogenes is a frequent contaminant of water and foods. Its rapid detection is needed before some foods can be prepared for marketing. In this work L. monocytogenes has been searched for in foods, by a combination of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a DNA probe. Both PCR and the probe were prepared for recognizing a specific region of the internalin gene, which is responsible for the production of one of the most important pathogenic factors of Listeria. The combined use of PCR and the DNA probe was used for the detection of L. monocytogenes in over 180 environmental and food samples. Several detection methods were compared in this study, namely conventional culture methods; direct PCR; PCR after an enrichment step; a DNA probe alone; a DNA probe after enrichment and another commercially available gene-probe. Finally PCR and the DNA probe were used in series on all the samples collected. When the DNA probe was associated with the PCR, specific and accurate detection of listeria in the samples could be obtained in about a working-day. The present molecular method showed some advantages in terms of rapidity and specificity in comparison to the other aforementioned tests. In addition, it resulted as being easy to handle, even for non-specialized personnel in small diagnostic microbiology laboratories.

[Hyperbaric oxygen treatment in gas gangrene (author's transl)]. / Zur Bewertung der hyperbaren Sauerstofftherapie der Gasbrand-Erkrankung.

Among 100 patients with proven gas gangrene surgical treatment was undertaken in 34 who also received 30--60 mega-units of penicillin, in addition to appropriate shock treatment. Since 1967, additional treatment in a hyperbaric chamber was undertaken in 66 patients. There was no clear-cut advantage of hyperbaric oxygenation as far as the death-rate was concerned. There was merely a moderate decrease in the amputation rate after limb injuries. Wide incision of the wound and radical surgical excision of all tissue affected by gas gangrene continues to be an essential form of treatment.

[Chemically induced carcinogenesis of stomach of the rat after vagotomy and resection (author's transl)]. / Chemisch induzierte Karzinogenese des Rattenmagens nach Vagotomie und Resektion.

180 male Wistar-rats were daily exposed to 30 and 100 mg MNNG/1000 ccm tapwater. After 7 weeks exposure a truncal vagotomy with pyloroplasty or a Billroth-II-resection was performed in 25 animals of each dosage-group. 80 rats were not operated. The incidence of carcinomas in the Billroth-II-rats of both dosage-groups was evidently higher than in the exposed controls. In the vagotomized rats an increased occurrence of carcinomas could not be observed.

[Chemically induced stomach carcinomas in rats following vagotomy and Bilroth II gastrectomy]. / Die chemische Erzeugung von Magencarcinomen bei der Ratte nach Vagotomie und Magensektion nach Billroth II.

180 Wistar-rats were daily exposed to 30 and 100 mg MNNG/1000 ccm tapwater. After an exposure of 7 weeks a truncal vagotomy with pyloroplasty or a Billroth II-resection was performed in 25 animals of each dosage-group. 80 rats were not operated. The incidence of carcinomas in the Billroth II-rats of both dosage-groups was evidently higher than in the exposed controls. In the vagotomized rats an increased occurrence of carcinomas could not be observed.

[Results of gastric lymphography with particular reference to gastric carcinoma (author's transl)]. / Ergebnisse der Magenlymphographie. Unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Magenkarzinoms

The regional lymph nodes of the stomach can be visualised radiologically by injecting Lipiodol Ultra-Fluid into the submucous layer of the stomach wall through a gastroscope. Lymphography was performed in gastrologically healthy probands (n = 10), in patients with gastroduodenal ulceration (n = 17), and in patients with gastric carcinoma (n = 35). In 28 of the gastric carcinoma patients the first order lymph nodes were demonstrated, in 21 cases the second order and in 15 cases the third order whereas defects in uptake indicated metastases in 16 patients which could be histologically confirmed in 13. Gastric lymphography may contribute to the indication for operation if metastases are suspected in the second and third order lymph nodes as nodes along the upper border of the pancreas and the coeliac trunk are very difficult to remove radically.

[Leiomyoma of the portal vein]. / Leiomyom der Vena portae. Bericht über eine erfolgreiche chirurgische Behandlung

A case report of a 34-year-old female with leiomyoma of the portal vein is presented. The tumor was found accidentally, when laparatomy with diagnosis of cholelithiasis was performed. Total excision of the leiomyoma including a part of the anterior wall of the portal vein was necessary and could be carried out. The continuity of the portal vein could be preserved using continuous vascular suture. Microscopical examination of the tumor showed an increased proliferation rate in the leiomyoma; therefore the tumor was classified "semimalignant". A review of the literature concerning leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma of the central and the peripheral veins showed 91 published cases and no other report of portal vein leiomyoma. The tumors of the vena cava inferior, which have been observed mostly, are listed in particular.