Droplet-air collision dynamics: evolution of the film thickness.

This study is devoted to the experimental and theoretical investigation of aerodynamic drop breakup phenomena. We show that the phenomena of drop impact onto a rigid wall, drop binary collisions, and aerodynamic drop deformation are similar if the correct scaling is applied. Then we use observations of the deforming drop to estimate the evolution of the film thickness of the bag, the value that determines the size of the fine child drops produced by bag breakup. This prediction of film thickness, based on film kinematics, is validated for the initial stage by direct drop thickness measurements and at the latest stage by the data obtained from the velocity of hole expansion in the film. It is shown that the film thickness correlates well with the dimensionless position of the bag apex.

[Leiomyosarcoma of the stomach].

Gastric leiomyosarcoma (GLMS) is a malignant, smooth muscle neoplasm accounting for not more than 0.45%-3.5% of primary gastric malignancies and 17%-20% of all smooth muscle tumors of the stomach. A well-characterized variant has been variously referred to as leiomyoblastoma and epithelioid leiomyosarcoma. Because of the rarity of GLMS, few authors have tried to correlate clinical presentation, pathological findings, and treatment. There is no uniform therapeutic approach for leiomyosarcoma of the stomach and reported survival rates vary widely. We present a 56-year-old man whom we treated for this condition.

Gastric leiomyosarcoma (Review).

Gastric leiomyosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor of the stomach which has seldom been described in the literature. Three patients, aged 47, 55, and 72 at time of presentation, were treated by the authors between 1985 and 1989. Clinical and pathological findings, treatment and outcome are discussed. A literature review is provided to establish a correlation between clinical and pathological findings, surgical and oncological treatment, and rate of survival.

[Treatment of well-differentiated thyroid cancer].

Well-differentiated thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the thyroid gland, yet its optimal management remains controversial. 269 patients with such lesions were operated on, with or without supplementary treatment. It was concluded that young patients with stage I disease can be safely treated by subtotal thyroidectomy. Total thyroidectomy combined with radioactive ablation is indicated in patients with more advanced systemic disease.

Changes in interleukin-1 beta and soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels in CSF and serum of schizophrenic patients.

Some evidence points towards a possible autoimmune role in the aetiology of schizophrenia. Experimental findings provide contradictory results regarding abnormalities in cytokine production in this disorder. In the present study we tested the production of cytokines in CSF and serum in 16 schizophrenic patients and 10 healthy controls (tumor necrosis factor alpha - TNF alpha; interleukins IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-6, soluble IL-2 receptor). Cytokine levels were evaluated by radioactively-labeled antibodies (IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-6), by enzyme-linked immunoassay (TNF) and by a sandwich enzyme immunoassay (soluble IL-2 receptor). No significant differences were found in either CSF fluid or serum levels of TNF and IL-2 or IL-6. Interleukin-1 beta was significantly decreased in patients' CSF and serum as compared to controls. Soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels were decreased in CSF of patients, but highly increased in their serum in comparison with controls. Changes in various cytokine levels in CSF fluid and serum of schizophrenic patients probably reflect interrelated process of growth, degeneration or neuroimmunological abnormalities, which may all play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The present study supports evidence for change in immune activation, probably of peripheral origin, in schizophrenic patients.

Interleukin-1: local production and modulation of human granulosa luteal cells steroidogenesis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the possibility of local interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-1 inhibitor production by human granulosa and cumulus cells and to assess their direct effects on the steroidogenesis of these cells in vitro. DESIGN: Prospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Normal ovulatory women undergoing ovulation induction for in vitro fertilization. INTERVENTION: Pretreatment of patients with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue, human menopausal gonadotropin, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Retrieval and isolation of granulosa luteal cells and follicular fluid (FF). Granulosa luteal cells and cumulus cells cultured and analyzed by fluorescent activated cell sorter. Follicular fluid separated and bioassayed for IL-1 and IL-1 inhibitory activity. Steroid measurement performed. Interleukin-1 inhibitor purified. Interleukin-1 and IL-1 inhibitor bioassay performed. Statistical analysis made and interpreted. RESULTS: Interleukin-1, but not IL-1 specific inhibitory activity, was found in granulosa and cumulus cell cultures and also in FF, only after its purification on a high-pressure liquid chromatography column. Under nonstimulated conditions, neither IL-1 nor IL-1 inhibitor had any effect on basal progesterone (P) or estradiol (E2) secretion. However, IL-1 inhibitor demonstrated significant (P < 0.01) inhibition of hCG-stimulated P secretion (from 200 to 110 ng/10,000 cells per 24 hours). In addition, IL-1 demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) and dose-dependent inhibition of hCG-stimulated E2 production (from 6,832 +/- 460 to 4,237 +/- 141 pg/10,000 cells per 24 hours). CONCLUSIONS: Interleukin-1 may exert a significant local autocrine regulatory role in the human ovary.

CA-125 is present in significant concentrations in periovulatory follicles of in vitro fertilization patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of CA-125 in follicular fluid (FF) and its possible correlation to FF estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and testosterone (T) and in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcome. DESIGN: Twenty-eight patients undergoing IVF-ET were randomly chosen and 123 FF were sampled. SETTING: Clinical IVF-ET program and immunology laboratory for tumor diagnosis in a university tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Pure tubal factor patients treated by midluteal (long) gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol coupled with follicular phase human menopausal gonadotropin. INTERVENTIONS: Transvaginal follicular aspiration followed 48 hours later by ET. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The 28 treatment cycles resulted in six gestations including five take-home infants. The mean levels (+/- SD) were 30.1 +/- 66.0 U/ML for CA-125, 28.5 +/- 58.1 ng/ML for E2, 2,360.5 +/- 2,846.3 ng/ML for P, and 7.22 +/- 7.08 ng/ML for T. The FF CA-125 levels were found to be widely divergent in different follicles of the same patient. There was no significant correlation between FF CA-125 and E2, P, T, oocyte fertilization, embryo quality, and pregnancy rates. CONCLUSIONS: CA-125 exists in significant amounts in FF of periovulatory follicles of IVF-ET patients. Intrafollicular CA-125 secretion is neither interrelated to follicular steroidogenesis nor is correlated to the outcome of IVF-ET.

[CA15-3 tumor marker in early detection of breast cancer].

CA15-3 is a tumor marker associated with mammary tumors. Increased levels have been observed in patients with breast cancer, while normal low levels are usually found in women with no evidence of disease. The potential clinical uses of this marker include monitoring of patients with breast cancer, prognosis, and early detection of recurrence. Tumor markers are not usually used for diagnosis, as only in a few patients are elevated levels found. But when high levels of tumor markers are detected at an early stage, it may be of diagnostic value. In this study we describe a patient we believe to be the first in whom the CA15-3 tumor marker indicated breast cancer, while physical examination and the initial mammography were without suspicious findings. We also show sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue stained by the CA15-3 indirect immunoperoxidase method.

Fat necrosis below musculocutaneous flap mimicking carcinoma of breast.

The increasing rate of breast reconstruction after modified radical mastectomy has led to the adoption of several techniques including transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. Although the method creates a life-like breast both in texture and appearance, among other complications resulting from this operation, fat necrosis mimicking carcinoma on mammography clearly is common. We focus on the case history of 1 patient and detail our findings.

Solitary nonparasitic cyst of the liver: a rare cause of abdominal distension.

Solitary nonparasitic liver cysts are clinically rare, and fewer than 900 patients have been documented over the years. A case is described of a female patient with a large solitary cyst containing 7 L of fluid, which was treated successfully by unroofing. The literature relating to the clinical features, incidence, pathogenesis, histopathology, diagnostic imaging, and surgical management of such cysts is reviewed.

Intra-abdominal lymphangioma.

The historical background, aetiology, clinical features, radiographic findings and treatment of abdominal lymphangiomas are reviewed. The condition may give rise to the acute surgical abdomen.

Ulcerative colitis in pregnancy in Israel.

Sixty pregnancies in 31 ulcerative colitis patients were studied retrospectively. Twelve patients (20 per cent) improved, 11 (18.3 per cent) deteriorated, while in 37 (61.6 per cent) there was no change during pregnancy. Seven pregnancies (13.7 per cent) ended by spontaneous and two by artificial abortions. There were 50 full-term deliveries and one premature birth. Seven of the patients were treated with sulfasalazine; five were given steroids; and two, azathioprine. All gave birth to normal children. Of unplanned pregnancies 38.4 per cent were associated with activity of the disease versus only 12 per cent of planned gestations. Pregnancy does not seem to aggravate the course of pre-existing ulcerative colitis, nor does the colitis interfere with the outcome of the pregnancy.