Different Periods Of Treatment Research Articles

Electro-acupuncture protects against hypoxic–ischemic brain-damaged immature rat via hydrogen sulfide as a possible mediator

We investigated whether hydrogen sulfide (H 2S) may be a mediator of electro-acupuncture (EA) stimulation treatment for hypoxic–ischemic brain-damage (HIBD). We studied a HIBD 7-day-old rat model with 4 types of treatments: (1) 14 sessions of EA; (2) hydroxylamine (HA), an inhibitor of cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), the key enzyme of H 2S generation; (3) both EA and HA; or (4) no treatment. Sham-treated rats with or without EA were also studied. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was monitored before, during and after EA at different periods of treatment (d1, 7 and 14 sessions). We evaluated motor function, H 2S levels and CBS expression in the cerebral cortex and prepared cerebral pathomorphological images after 14 sessions of treatment. EA stimulation could increase local blood circulation and improve motor function in HIBD rats. HIBD significantly increased H 2S levels of brain tissue as compared with sham treatment, and EA treatment could decrease the H 2S generation. Rats with HIBD receiving both EA and HA therapy showed greatly recovered motor function and brain morphology. H 2S might be a mediator of EA treatment of HIBD in rats.

Synergy of combined Doxycycline/TUDCA treatment in lowering Transthyretin deposition and associated biomarkers: studies in FAP mouse models

Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy (FAP) is a disorder characterized by the extracellular deposition of fibrillar Transthyretin (TTR) amyloid, with a special involvement of the peripheral nerve. We had previously shown that doxycycline administered for 3 months at 40 mg/Kg/ml in the drinking water, was capable of removing TTR amyloid deposits present in stomachs of old TTR-V30M transgenic mice; the removal was accompanied by a decrease in extracellular matrix remodeling proteins that accompany fibrillar deposition, but not of non-fibrillar TTR deposition and/or markers associated with pre-fibrillar deposits. On the other hand, Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a biliary acid, administrated to the same mouse model was shown to be effective at lowering deposited non-fibrillar TTR, as well as the levels of markers associated with pre-fibrillar TTR, but only at young ages.In the present work we evaluated different doxycycline administration schemes, including different periods of treatment, different dosages and different FAP TTR V30M animal models. Evaluation included CR staining, immunohistochemistry for TTR, metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and serum amyloid P component (SAP). We determined that a minimum period of 15 days of treatment with a 8 mg/Kg/day dosage resulted in fibril removal. The possibility of intermittent treatments was also assessed and a maximum period of 15 days of suspension was determined to maintain tissues amyloid-free. Combined cycled doxycycline and TUDCA administration to mice with amyloid deposition, using two different concentrations of both drugs, was more effective than either individual doxycycline or TUDCA, in significantly lowering TTR deposition and associated tissue markers. The observed synergistic effect of doxycycline/TUDCA in the range of human tolerable quantities, in the transgenic TTR mice models prompts their application in FAP, particularly in the early stages of disease.

Angioarchitecture of squamous cell carcinoma from hamster buccal pouch: a scanning electron microscopy study

Tumoral angiogenesis has been widely studied by histochemical analysis but little has been done regarding morphology of these new vessels. The objective of this study was to perform a qualitative analysis of the angiogenic response to chemical induction with dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) and carbamide peroxide of squamous cell carcinoma in pouches of Syrian hamsters after different periods of treatment. Twenty-four Syrian golden hamsters, divided into three groups of eight animals each, had their right jugal pouches treated with a 5% DMBA solution three times a week and a 10% carbamide peroxide two times a week for 55, 70 and 90 days. The left pouch was considered the control. After tumor induction, five animals in each group had their pouches prepared for analysis under scanning electron microscopy and three animals for analysis under light microscopy. The control pouches showed a vascular system composed by few main vessels running parallel to the longest axis of the pouch with some branches. In the pouches submitted to tumor induction, a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was present since 55 days induction in all samples. The new vascular system showed the presence of many tortuous vessels and the majority of them were veins and capillaries. Terminal loops were extremely sinuous adopting a glomerular or corkscrew shape. These tumor vessels are different from normal vessels, presenting irregular diameters, outpouchings and constrictions. Angiogenesis of sprouting and intussusceptive kind could be identified in the tumor pouches, and they were more frequent as the tumor developed.

Role of low dose mifepristone in management of uterine leiomyomata

OBJECTIVE: To assess the decrease in uterine and fibroid volume and to evaluate the relief in symptoms of the patients with 10mg/day of mifepristone for 3 months by using monthly transvaginal sonography. DESIGN: Prospective study in a tertiary institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty women with symptomatic uterine leiomyoma were given 10mg/day of mifepristone for 3 months. The decrease in menstrual and pressure symptoms and the decrease in uterine and fibroid volume measured by transvaginal sonography were assessed at the end of 3 months of treatment and after 3 months of stopping treatment. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the uterine volume and the maximum fibroid volume at the end of 3 months. The mean reduction in uterine and fibroid volume after 1 month was upto 9.6% and 11.1%, after 2nd month was 18.3% and 21.4% and after 3rd month was 27.8% and 32.1%. All the changes were statistically significant (<0.001). Three months after stopping treatment there was increase (p<0.001), but it was still 26.25% and 27.24% less than baseline.TableMean fibroid volume at different periods of treatment(a) 0 month(b) 1st month(c) 2nd month(d) 3rd month(e) 6th monthMean (cc)75.3667.0659.2951.2154.83SD30.4427.9225.6323.7723.98P (a vs. b, c, d, e); (b vs. c); (c vs. d); (d vs. e) <0.001. Open table in a new tab P (a vs. b, c, d, e); (b vs. c); (c vs. d); (d vs. e) <0.001. There was significant reduction of menorrhagia, metorrhagia, polymenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea and pressure symptoms of bladder pressure, frequency and pelvic pain at the end of three months (<0.001), but they increased slightly (p<0.05) after 6months (three months after completing therapy). CONCLUSIONS: Low dose mifepristone had a shrinking effect on the fibroids, which was maintained for as long as the medication was used, it did not have a permanent effect. Hence it may be used to reduce symptoms and allow time to correct anemia and plan surgery. However some women who are approaching menopause, the “bought time” may lead them right into menopause, when the nature shrinks the fibroids.

Acupuncture in the Rehabilitation of Women after Breast Cancer Surgery – a Case Series

To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on rehabilitation of motor function, reduction in lymphoedema and improvement in perceived heaviness and tightness in the arms of women who had undergone breast cancer surgery. Twenty nine women who had had mastectomy or segmentectomy with axillary dissection, presenting with lymphoedema and/or a decrease in movement amplitude of the upper limb ipsilateral to surgery were studied. The patients underwent 24 acupuncture sessions once a week from February to December 2004. The movement amplitude of shoulder flexion and abduction and circumferential measurements of the arm, forearm and wrist were evaluated before and after one, three and six months of treatment. Statistical analysis was performed by Friedman's test. Significant improvements in range of movement of shoulder flexion and abduction (P<0.001), degree of lymphoedema (P=0.016), and sense of heaviness and tightening (P<0.001) in the affected limb after six months of therapy were observed. For circumferential measurements of the arm, forearm and wrist, no significant improvement between the different periods of treatment was observed. Acupuncture in rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery was shown to be associated with improvements in movement amplitude of the shoulder, symptoms of heaviness and tightness in the arm, and the degree of lymphoedema. However, controlled trials should be performed to ascertain whether the results were due to the natural history of the complaint or the acupuncture treatment.

Salivary anti-PGL IgM and IgA titers and serum antibody IgG titers and avidities in leprosy patients and their correlation with time of infection and antigen exposure

The present work proposed to correlate serum antibody avidity and salivary antibody titers as parameters for time of infection and antigen exposure in a cohort study evaluating leprosy patients in different periods of treatment. Colorimetric enzyme-immunoassays for salivary antibodies, serum antibody IgG titers and avidities were performed in the samples. Anti-PGL-1 IgA and IgM salivary antibodies were significantly higher in multibacillar (MB-L) patients compared to normal controls (p<0.05), but not when compared to borderline tuberculoid (BT) or to paucibacillar (PB-L) patients (p>0.05). A good correlation was found between salivary anti-PGL-1 IgA and IgM levels in MB-L patients (r=0.41, p<0.01). Two out of 33 tested saliva samples from patients who had completed the drug regimen treatment presented positive salivary antibodies. Among non-treated patients, samples with low, medium or high serum IgG antibody avidity were found in similar frequencies. In patients under treatment, most of the serum samples showed low or medium IgG antibody avidity. The treated MB-L patients showed medium or high antibody avidity, except for two, who showed very low antibody avidity results. We suggest that salivary anti-PGL antibodies and serum IgG avidity could be useful for the indication of recent exposure or re-exposure to bacteria after chemotherapy.

In vitro Study of Antiviral Activity of Mycophenolic Acid on Brazilian Orthobunyaviruses

Objective: Oropouche, Caraparu, Guama, Guaroa and Tacaiuma are ssRNA viruses that belong to the genus Orthobunyavirus and have been associated with human febrile illnesses and/or encephalitis. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral action of mycophenolic acid (MPA) on theseorthobunyaviruses to achieve a therapeutic agent to treat the diseases caused by these viruses. Methods: The in vitro antiviral evaluation to MPA was done by using plaque assay at different periods of treatment. Results: Results showed that MPA at a concentration of 10 µg/ml has significant antiviral activity on Tacaiuma virus when treatment was initiated either 24 h before or 2 h after viral infection. Moreover, MPA has an inhibitory effect on Guama virus replication, but only when treatment was initiated before cell infection. Addition of guanosine in the culture reverted the inhibitory effect of MPA on Tacaiuma and Guama viruses, suggesting that the antiviral activity of this substance was via depletion of the intracellular guanosine pool. Conclusion: Our results suggest that MPA would not be a good therapeutic agent to treat the diseases caused by Oropouche, Caraparu, Guama, Guaroa, and Tacaiuma viruses.

Kardiovaskuläre Sekundärprävention

Cardiovascular secondary prevention plays a fundamental role due to the rising average age of the population. The reorganization of the health care system is also becoming more important. Especially the needs of high-risk patients have to be prioritized. A change of habits (e. g. abnegation of nicotine, change in eating habits, obtaining a BMI<25) is the basis of preventive measures in order to maximize the effectivity of drug therapy. Here the application of statins takes center stage (if there are no contraindications) which minimizes the risk of coronary incidences by 30%. In case of high lipid blood level, fibrates have to be applied at a low level of HDL-cholesterol and omega-3 fatty acids at high values of triglycerides. Omega-3 fatty acids must be given in the form of 1 g ethyl esters of EPA and DHA, otherwise a significant reduction of fatal cardiovascular incidences cannot be proven. Recently ACE inhibitors have gained in importance because of their ability to reduce the formation of plaques. Furthermore beta-blockers and aspirin can be applied for therapeutic measures, whereas different periods of treatment are recommended by the guidelines. With the aid of algorithms it is possible to specify the risk of experiencing a second myocardial infarction.

Halofuginone Induces Matrix Metalloproteinases in Rat Hepatic Stellate Cells via Activation of p38 and NFκB

The semisynthetic plant alkaloid halofuginone (HAL) was reported to prevent and partly reverse experimental liver fibrosis. However, its mechanisms of action are poorly understood. We therefore aimed to determine the antifibrotic potential of HAL and to characterize involved signal transduction pathways in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Results were compared with its in vivo effects in a rat model of reversal of established liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide. In vitro HAL inhibited HSC proliferation and migration dose dependently at submicromolar concentrations. HAL (200 nm) up-regulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-13 expression between 10- and 50-fold, resulting in a 2- to 3-fold increase of interstitial collagenase activity. Procollagen alpha1(I) and MMP-2 transcript levels were suppressed 2- to 3-fold, whereas expression of other profibrogenic mRNAs remained unaffected. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and nuclear factor kappaB(NFkappaB) pathways were activated by HAL, and specific inhibitors of p38 MAPK and NFkappaB dose dependently inhibited MMP-13 induction. Treatment with HAL did not affect HSC viability, and observed effects were reversible after its removal. In vivo HAL up-regulated MMP-3 and -13 mRNA expression 1.5- and 2-fold, respectively, in cirrhotic rats, whereas tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 was suppressed by 50%. In conclusion, submicromolar concentrations of HAL inhibit HSC proliferation and migration and up-regulate their expression of fibrolytic MMP-3 and -13 via activation of p38 MAPK and NFkappaB. The remarkable induction of MMP-3 and -13 makes HAL a promising agent for antifibrotic combination therapies.

Accelerated carbonation for treatment of MSWI bottom ash

Leaching of heavy metals from MSWI bottom ash exceeds some of the Flemish limit values for recycling the material as granular construction application. In particular, leaching of Cu, Zn and Pb often exceeds the limit value, with Cu being the most critical. In order to recycle bottom ash, treatment is therefore required. The bottom ash studied was divided on-site into four fractions using a large-scale wet sieving installation: a sludge fraction (Ø 0–0.1mm), a sand fraction (Ø 0.1–2mm) and two gravel fractions (Ø 2–6 and 6–50mm). The two gravel fractions complied with the limit values after 3 months of natural ageing. The sand and sludge fraction did not reach the limit value for Cu. Four weeks of accelerated carbonation resulted in an important decrease of Cu leaching from these two fractions, although the limit value is still exceeded. In view of applying carbonation as one of the treatment methods in an integrated industrial application, two tests were additionally performed. The use of stack gas as carbonating medium was verified by setting up an accelerated carbonation experiment at the incineration plant. Also, the depth of carbonation was measured in a 10cm thick sample of the sand fraction after different periods of treatment. After 3 months of natural ageing only the upper 4cm underwent a significant carbonation, while after one week of accelerated carbonation the total sample was carbonated. A model was developed to predict these experimental results.

Control of Leaf Formation and Somatic Embryogenesis in Cultured Zygotic Embryos ofArabidopsis thalianaby 2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4‐d)

The culture of bent‐cotyledon‐stage zygotic embryos of Arabidopsis thaliana in a medium containing the synthetic auxin 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐d) for 10 d induces the formation of early‐stage somatic embryos on the callus formed on the cotyledons. Transferring the callus to an auxin‐free basal medium leads subsequently to the formation of mature‐stage somatic embryos. The timing of formation of mature‐stage somatic embryos in Arabidopsis by 2,4‐d action was studied by monitoring the morphogenetic changes in zygotic embryos transferred to the basal medium and grown in light and/or dark conditions after different periods of treatment in a medium containing 2,4‐d. When embryos subjected to increasing periods of 2,4‐d action are grown in the basal medium, they form, in transitional order, normal seedlings; abnormal seedlings, consisting of a short stem with ovate, spoon‐shaped, and bifid or lobed leaves and adventitious leafy shoots; a callus of cotyledonary origin, bearing a mixture of leaves and tubular somatic embryos with fused, bifid, or lobed cotyledons; and, finally, a callus with mature‐stage tubular somatic embryos with fused, bifid, or lobed cotyledons. During growth in the basal medium in light, cotyledons of somatic embryos formed on zygotic embryos pretreated for suboptimal periods with 2,4‐d acquire the morphological and anatomical features of leaves by the formation of trichomes and the typical venation pattern, consisting of a midvein and secondary veins separating the cotyledon into two or more chambers. Somatic embryos in which cotyledons are transformed into leaves phenocopy zygotic embryos of the leafy cotyledon1 mutant of Arabidopsis. The transformation into leaves of cotyledons of somatic embryos regenerated on zygotic embryos subjected to suboptimal periods of 2,4‐d action indicates that a defective synthesis or maintenance of the local concentration of auxin during embryogenesis might account for this mutation.

Modulation of CD28 and CD86 Expression in Patients with Paracoccidioidomycosis in Different Periods of Treatment

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a thermo-dimorphic fungus, is the ethiologic agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). The recidive is the greatest obstacle of this disease, because the yeast usually returns after the long treatment period. In the present work, we have investigated the cellular immune response of cells from peripheral blood drawn from patients with different duration of PCM. The classification of patients ranged from nontreated to those with long-standing disease over 5 years. Unstimulated as well as cells stimulated with phytohemaglutinin or two different antigen preparations, secreted (MEXO) or somatic (PbAg) of P. brasiliensis, were characterized. We found that cells from patients with disease proliferate considerably upon stimulation with the antigen preparations and that cells from patients with disease of long duration does not proliferate that vigorously as from patients with more recent diagnosis. Both interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-4 appear to be increased in patients, but IFN-gamma tended to increase upon treatment while IL-4-secretion decreased. With respect to CD28 and CD86, we found that the subset of CD28 positive CD8 cells are decreased in all stages of the disease as compared to control individuals. A subset of CD86 positive CD19 cells appeared to be considerably increased compared to the controls. Indeed, our results demonstrated that the treatment of PCM patients promoted a regulation of IFN-gamma, IL-4 levels and CD28, CD86 expression bringing new insight to the cellular immune response in PCM.

Vancomycin Heteroresistance in Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, Taiwan

Vancomycin Heteroresistance in Methicillin-resistant<i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, Taiwan

Amelioration of lead toxicity on rat liver with Vitamin C and silymarin supplements

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of the combined administration of Vitamin C and silymarin on lead toxicity. Male albino rats were subdivided into three groups: the first was a control group, the second received lead acetate in diet as 500 mg/kg diet daily, the third received the same lead acetate dose and supplemented with Vitamin C (1 mg/100g body weight) and silymarin (1 mg/100g body weight) by gastric tube three times per week. Blood samples were taken after 2, 4 and 6 weeks of treatment. Significant lead-induced elevations in serum ALT, AST, GGT and ALP activities were observed after different periods of treatment. However, serum LDLc was decreased. The intensities of RNA and apoptotic fragments of DNA were measured as optical density by Gel-pro program. Lead acetate decreased the intensity of DNA at 6 weeks and induced apoptotic DNA fragments reversibly with time. After 2 weeks of lead administration dilation and congestion of terminal hepatic veins and portal vein branches were observed. Lead also induced hepatocyte proliferation without any localized distribution among zones 1-3. Portal inflammatory infiltrate with disruption of the limiting plates (interface hepatitis), steatosis, apoptosis and mild fibrosis were detected especially by sixth week of lead administration. Combined treatment of lead-exposed animals with Vitamin C and silymarin showed marked improvement of the biochemical, molecular and histopathological findings. These experimental results strongly indicate the protective effect of Vitamin C and silymarin against toxic effects of lead on liver tissue.

Effect of genotype on callus induction, shoot regeneration, and phenotypic stability of regenerated plants in the greenhouse of Primula ssp.

Genotypic differences between six genotypes of Primula vulgaris could be observed in callus induction rate, type of callus, root formation during the callus phase, and shoot regeneration rate. The shoot regeneration rate ranged from zero to 11.6 shoots per explant. There was no correlation between callus induction rate and shoot regeneration rate. Callus consistency and colour were an indicator of the organogenetic capacity of callus. An experiment with different periods of treatment with 4.0 mg l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2.0 mg l21 thidiazuron revealed that the shoot regeneration rate varied tremendously between genotypes. In two genotypes a period of 8 weeks on medium with plant growth regulators was sufficient to induce shoot regeneration. In three other genotypes a longer induction period was not able to overcome low regeneration capacity. However an increase in shoot regeneration rate was observed after 16iV32 weeks of induction. Phenotypic stability was also strongly dependent on genotype. In three genotypes the majority of regenerated plants looked normal and were diploid. Aberrations like abnormal growth habit, crinkly leaves, deviation of flower colour or lack of pollen formation occurred in only one genotype at a very low frequency (1.5 genotypes between 12.5 and 18.1 regenerants was tetraploid.

Effects of thoracolumbosacral orthosis on spinal deformities, trunk asymmetry, and frontal lower rib cage in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Prospective study. To document immediate and late changes in shape and balance of the thoracic and lumbar spine and lower rib cage on the frontal plane induced by treatment with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO). The effect of TLSO on lateral plane of spinal deformity, frontal lower rib cage, trunk balance, and natural history are poorly understood. Twenty-four female adolescents with major thoracic and/or lumbar scoliosis, averaging 30 degrees and 26 degrees, respectively, were treated with a full-time TLSO program. Scoliosis, kyphosis, convex, and concave rib-vertebral angles T7 to T12, frontal trunk balance, frontal vertebral inclination, rotation and translation from T7 to L4-vertebrae were measured before bracing, 1 month after bracing, and biannually thereafter in brace and without brace for a 4-year period and reevaluated at the age of 20 years, at an average of 3.5 years after termination of bracing to measure any permanent changes. Thoracolumbosacral orthosis treatment corrected both thoracic and lumbar scoliosis and reduced lateral trunk shift at the expense of significant, although temporary reduced physiological thoracic kyphosis, increased lateral displacement of T7 to T10, increased frontal inclination of L2 to L4, and elevation of the apical concave rib in favor of reduction of lateral displacement of T11 to L4; decreased frontal inclination of T7, T9, and T11; and derotated L1 and L2 and thoracic apical vertebra without affecting drooping of the 7th to 12th ribs. In this series, there was marked inconsistency in the obtained changes in several of the roentgenographic parameters in the different evaluations, which is probably because of the empiric application of the TLSO during different periods of treatment. 3.5 years after termination of TLSO-wearing, all roentgenographic parameters remained to the prebrace values. Thoracolumbosacral orthosis program maintained the measured roentgenographic parameters at the prebrace levels in progressive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, but it had no effect on the droop of the seven lower ribs. The TLSO treatment stopped progression of scoliosis and reduced the number of patients requiring surgery. Thus, it changed the natural history of scoliosis.

Carbamazepine and valproic acid: effects on the serum lipids and liver functions in children

We aimed to determine the effects of carbamazepine, which induces liver microsomal enzymes, and valproic acid on the serum lipids and liver function test results in epileptic children. Thirty-eight epileptic children (18 males, 20 females, mean age 8.6 ± 3.9 years) were evaluated for serum lipids and liver function test results at the onset and the second and sixth months of antiepileptic therapy. The results of the children receiving carbamazepine (n = 31) and valproic acid (n = 7) were compared. In addition, the values obtained at different periods of treatment were compared within each group. The differences in the serum lipid levels and liver function test results of the children in the carbamazepine group and the valproic acid group were not statistically significant throughout the study. However, the total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein, and gamma glutamyl transferase levels were significantly increased in the carbamazepine group during treatment ( P < 0.05) but not in the valproic acid group. Carbamazepine treatment alters the serum lipid profile of the children in such a way that it facilitates the development of atherosclerosis. Valproic acid does not alter the levels of the serum lipids.

Comparison of long lasting therapeutic effects between succimer and penicillamine on hepatolenticular degeneration.

AIM:To compare the long-term effect of succimer (Suc) with that of penicillamine (Pen) in treating hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD).METHODS:One hundred and twenty patients with HLD were divided into 2 groups. Group A (n =60) received Suc 750mg,po.bid.Group B (n =60) received Pen 250mg, po. qid. The period of maintenance treatment varied from 6 months to 3 years, averaging 1.5 years. Symptoms and therapeutic effects were evaluated by modified Goldstein scale.RESULTS:The total effectiveness of group A in two different periods of treatment were 80% and 85% respectively, higher than those of group B (58% and 59% respectively)(P < 0.05). Suc also had obvious curative effects for the patients who failed in the use of Pen. There were fewer side effect in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). Suc and Pen could increase urinary copper excretion effectively and continually.CONCLUSION:Suc is more effective and safer than Pen. Clinically, it can replace Pen as first-choice drug for long-term maintenance therapy of HLD.

Immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in 23 cases of ameloblastoma.

Ameloblastoma is the most frequent odontogenic tumour. It occurs mainly in the mandible and grows expansively. The treatment of ameloblastoma, which influences the prognosis, is decided in consideration of many factors, especially the age and size of the tumour. Conservative treatment sometimes leads to the recurrence of tumours and poor prognosis, but the relationships between the prognosis and the cytological features of tumour cells are still unclear. In the present study, we examined the immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in 23 cases of ameloblastoma and evaluated the correlation between the positive index of PCNA and the clinical and histological character. Our results revealed the higher the age of the patient the greater was the incidence of a positive index of PCNA. It was also shown that the mean positive PCNA index in the follicular type (34.56 +/- 14.00 S.D.) was higher than that of the plexiform type (24.436 +/- 15.74 S.D., P < 0.10). The cystic type showed a low positive PCNA index (14.75 +/- 8.41 S.D.). In the follicular type, the localisation of PCNA-positive cells was different according to the histological patterns of tumours. Additionally, the positive indices of the same patient differed at different periods of treatment.

Cytological effects of Phosalone on root meristem of Allium cepa L.

The cytological effects of the organophosphorus pesticide, Phosalone were studied on root meristems of A. cepa. Different periods of treatment were carried out using different concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0%) of the pesticide. Subsequent Knop's recovery was done for 96 hours after treatments of upto 24 hours and 48 hours. The pesticide induced mitostatic effects on root meristem cells, the mitotic index gradually decreasing with the increase in concentration and time of treatment. Mutagenic effect was noticed with abnormalities like chromosome breakage and erosion, sticky bridges, laggrads, multipolarity, polyploidy, clumping and pycnosis. There was a slow rise in the mitotic index after recovery for 48 hours and 96 hours of 24 hours and 48 hours treatments respectively. The percentage of total chromosomal abnormalities was found to have decreased fairly in the recovery set of 96 hours of 48 hours direct treatment, the percentage of total chromosomal abnormalities was found to increase in concentrations 0.25% and 0.75% and slightly to decrease in concentrations 0.50% and 1.0% respectively. Material treated with 0.75% and 1.0% Phosalone for 48 hours, failed to show marked recovery with death of roots.