Measurement of the in-medium K0 inclusive cross section in pi(-) -induced reactions at 1.15 GeV/c.

The K0 meson production by pi(-) mesons of 1.15 GeV/c momentum on C, Al, Cu, Sn, and Pb nuclear targets was measured with the FOPI spectrometer at the Schwer-Ionen-Synchrotron accelerator of GSI. Inclusive production cross sections and the momentum distributions of K0 mesons are compared to scaled elementary production cross sections and to predictions of theoretical models describing the in-medium production of kaons. The data represent a new reference for those models, which are widely used for interpretation of the strangeness production in heavy-ion collisions. The presented results demonstrate the sensitivity of the kaon production to the reaction amplitudes inside nuclei and point to the existence of a repulsive KN potential of 20+/-5 MeV at normal nuclear matter density.

Gastroesophageal tumor embolization to the popliteal arteries.

Arterial tumor embolization is an unusual cause of acute arterial occlusion and is reported primarily in the oncologic literature. We report a case of acute bilateral popliteal artery emboli from adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus. Arterial tumor emboli are infrequent but should be considered in the differential diagnosis by the vascular surgeon caring for patients with malignancy.

Venous valvular assessment after retrograde catheterization.

PURPOSE: To determine whether retrograde passage of a coaxial infusion system (Mewissen-Katzen catheter and guide wire) into extremity veins with valves causes damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrograde common femoral vein puncture and passage of an infusion wire-catheter system through the superficial femoral and popliteal veins of one leg were performed in five anesthetized pigs. Heparinized saline was then infused via the catheter and wire for approximately 8 hours. The pigs were then killed, and the femoropopliteal veins were removed from both legs of each pig and examined by a pathologist. The noncatheterized leg veins served as a control in each animal. RESULTS: Valvular damage occurred in one of five pigs. This may have resulted from leg movement during catheter passage in this animal. CONCLUSION: Retrograde passage of a catheter-guide-wire infusion system caused minimal to no damage to the venous valves of pigs. This suggests that human venous valves may be spared injury during catheter-directed venous thrombolysis. Further study of catheter manipulation in a model of deep venous thrombosis is needed.

Diltiazem and granulomatous hepatitis.

A case of granulomatous hepatitis proven by biopsy and related to diltiazem use is described. Clinicians should be alert to the possible presence of this complication in patients who develop fever, laboratory abnormalities, or clinical evidence of hepatic injury while taking diltiazem.

An immediate hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti-C and a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti-Ce+e: hemoglobinemia, hemoglobinuria and transient impaired renal function.

A patient with phenotype R2r and anti-C has a hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR) with hemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria which occurred within 2 h of receiving an R1r transfusion. Transient impaired renal function ensued. A patient with phenotype R2R2 and anti-Ce+e had the same experience on day 4 after receiving three R1r and one rr units. 2 other patients, 1 R2r with anti-C who received one R1r unit and the other R2R2 with anti-Ce+e who received two R1r units, showed no clinical evidence of HTR. Both anti-C antibodies were entirely IgG while both anti-Ce+e antibodies initially were predominantly IgM. IgG subclassing was unsuccessful and red blood cell-mononuclear phagocyte assays were normal. These cases occurred from 1979 to 1981.

Graft infection or graft reaction?

A perigraft reaction has been described that has been found to be free of infection, with a microscopic picture compatible to an immunologic-like reaction. Varied time intervals between onset of reaction and removal of tissue have allowed for a histopathologic staging. Note is made that four of the five grafts involved were external velour Dacron, with a question remaining as to whether the double velour stimulates an intensified hyperimmune response. Graft replacement by way of new uninvolved plains of tissue has not been necessary. Replacement with polytetrafluoroethylene through the same pathway resulted in prompt healing of wounds with no evidence of recurrent reaction.