Chromosomal abnormalities in clear cell sarcoma. Implications for histogenesis.

Cytogenetic analysis was performed on three specimens of clear cell sarcoma, a rare neoplasm of uncertain histogenesis. Chromosomal analysis of clear cell sarcoma has not been reported previously. Two of the specimens analyzed consisted of the primary foot lesion and subsequent lymph node metastasis in a 29-year-old male. The other specimen was a primary foot lesion in a 61-year-old male. Clonal abnormalities were detected in all three of the specimens. The significance of these results with regard to the origin of this uncommon neoplasm is discussed.

Primary skeletal Ewing's sarcoma in Down syndrome.

Primary skeletal Ewing's sarcoma that occurred in two teenage patients with Down syndrome are reported. Cytogenetic analysis of one of these tumors showed the 11;22 translocation characteristic of Ewing's sarcoma as well as other complex karyotypic changes. The possible role of constitutional trisomy 21 in development of these sarcomas is discussed.

Quantification of leakage pressures after durotomy repairs in the canine.

This study was undertaken to investigate the relative strengths of dural repair using standard suture techniques, suture supplemented with tissue adhesive, and tissue adhesive alone. Uniform 2 mm dural defects were created in adult beagles, repaired, and then subjected to pressurization testing. Defects repaired with suture alone initially leaked within the range of physiologic pressurization, while those supplemented with tissue adhesive or repaired with tissue adhesive alone failed at higher pressurization levels. Histologic sections obtained from the dura treated with fibrin adhesive sealant demonstrated minimal inflammatory response not significantly different than those sections examined at sites repaired by suture alone. A new substance, fibrin adhesive sealant, appears to be useful in effecting dural repair due to its ability to withstand pressures greater than those obtained with suture alone.

Investigation of transfusion reactions through microcomputer education software.

The purpose of this study was to develop educational software to simulate laboratory investigation of transfusion reactions. An interactive, branching-style program was developed using a 256K Personal Computer (International Business Machines, Boca Raton, FL). Over 75 institutions in the United States and Canada are currently using the software in preprofessional and continuing professional education programs.

Microcomputer software simulating problems in Rh immune globulin prophylaxis and hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Our purpose was to develop educational software that would simulate laboratory investigation of problems in Rh immune globulin prophylaxis and hemolytic disease of the newborn. An interactive, branching style program was developed using a 256K Penonal Computer (International Business Machines, Boca Raton, FL). The software has been used in over 125 institutions for preprofessional and continuing professional education.

Translocation t(X;18) in orofacial synovial sarcoma.

Cytogenetic analysis of a synovial sarcoma of the base of the tongue showed a reciprocal translocation involving chromosomes X and 18 [t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2)]. This is a translocation recently reported to be characteristic of synovial sarcomas of the extremities. The histogenesis of synovial sarcoma is controversial. Our discovery of this translocation in an oral synovial sarcoma confirms the unity of origin of this neoplasm with the far more common synovial sarcomas of the extremity. Karyotypic analysis may prove useful in confirming the diagnosis of this uncommon neoplasm.

The use of hepatitis B marker prevalences in regional blood center employees as a guide to vaccination policy.

Hepatitis B vaccination has been recommended for health care personnel having frequent contact with blood. Serologic markers of hepatitis B infection were studied in employees of this regional blood center to determine the prevalence of infection in our population.