Rehabilitation of eroded trails and gullies on quartzite rock outcrops with native species in a high-altitude grassland.

The quartzite rock outcrops and the native vegetation of grasslands located at the Serra da Calçada Mountain in Minas Gerais State (Brazil) have been severely degraded by extreme sports activities such as motocross and off-road vehicles, greatly damaging the abundant headwaters. The main consequences thereof were hilly and gully erosion processes with soil loss and the deviation of the water from its original paths. However, currently, there is no report of successful restoration efforts in severely eroded outcrops in Brazilian high-altitude grasslands (campo rupestre). Through the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), we found a high general erosion rate in the study site (669.91 t·ha-1·year-1), and the specific soil loss provoked by off-road vehicles on trails was significantly greater (49 m3 per 100 m2) than that caused by mountain bikes and trekking (5.8 m3 per 100 m2). We performed the physical reconstruction of eroded outcrops and surface water flow paths by allocating locally available quartzite rocks. These rocks were inoculated with different species of bryophytes and planted with native species under two treatments: un-inoculated and inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) spores of the Rhizophagus irregularis species. After 2 years, the bryophyte communities showed a similar pattern to the preserved site, and the AMF inoculation favoured plant establishment of most species, especially of the Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, Malpighiaceae, Orchidaceae and Poaceae families. The AMF also improved the soil fertility, highlighting soil P, SOM, CEC, NH4+-N as well as soil water content and water retention capacity. Poaceae family species showed an outstanding occupation, which was considered a functional indicator of rehabilitation success, functioning as a "hydraulic carpet" for water exportation, conduction and drainage across the outcrops. This study provides an eco-technology to restore severely eroded outcrops over headwaters using native species in the Brazilian high-altitude grasslands.

Manual adjustment of tube voltage from 120 to 100 kVp during abdominal CT in patients with body weights ≤75 kg: assessment of image quality and radiation dose in a prospective, randomised trial.

AIM: To assess image quality and radiation dose in patients with body weights ≤75 kg undergoing abdominal computed tomography (CT) with a tube voltage of either 120 or 100 kVp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients weighing ≤75 kg were prospectively assigned to receive either 120 or 100 kVp abdominal CT in the portal-venous phase. Attenuation values of abdominal organs and image noise were measured, and the contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated. Subjective image quality was assessed by three independent radiologists. Radiation exposure was assessed by size-specific dose estimate (SSDE). RESULTS: The mean attenuation of the kidney increased by 20% at 100 kVp (p<0.0001), and the mean image noise was 27% higher in the 100 kVp (p=0.003). The CNR did not significantly differ between the groups (120 kVp, 6.6±2.8; 100 kVp, 7.4±3.6; p=0.26). Except for subjective image noise (p<0.001), no other subjective quality parameters (e.g., contrast, artefacts) were significantly different between the two groups (p between 0.094 and 0.761). The mean SSDE in the 100-kVp group (9.8±1.8 mGy) was reduced by 19% compared to the 120-kVp group (12.1±1.8 mGy; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Manual reduction of tube voltage from the standard 120 to 100 kVp for portal-venous phase CT in patients with body weights ≤75 kg resulted in a 19% dose reduction while maintaining objective and subjective image quality.

Assessment of image quality and low-contrast detectability in abdominal CT of obese patients: comparison of a novel integrated circuit with a conventional discrete circuit detector at different tube voltages.

OBJECTIVES: To compare image quality and low-contrast detectability of an integrated circuit (IC) detector in abdominal CT of obese patients with conventional detector technology at low tube voltages. METHODS: A liver phantom with 45 lesions was placed in a water container to mimic an obese patient and examined on two different CT systems at 80, 100 and 120 kVp. The systems were equipped with either the IC or conventional detector. Image noise was measured, and the contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) was calculated. Low-contrast detectability was assessed independently by three radiologists. Radiation dose was estimated by the volume CT dose index (CTDIvol). RESULTS: The image noise was significantly lower, and the CNR was significantly higher with the IC detector at 80, 100 and 120 kVp, respectively (P = 0.023). The IC detector resulted in an increased lesion detection rate at 80 kVp (38.1 % vs. 17.2 %) and 100 kVp (57.0 % vs. 41.0 %). There was no difference in the detection rate between the IC detector at 100 kVp and the conventional detector at 120 kVp (57.0 % vs. 62.2 %). The CTDIvol at 80, 100 and 120 kVp measured 4.5-5.2, 7.3-7.9 and 9.8-10.2 mGy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The IC detector at 100 kVp resulted in similar low-contrast detectability compared to the conventional detector with a 120-kVp protocol at a radiation dose reduction of 37 %.

Diagnostic performance of CT with Valsalva maneuver for the diagnosis and characterization of inguinal hernias.

PURPOSE: Inguinal hernias are mainly diagnosed clinically, but imaging can aid in equivocal cases or for treatment planning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CT with Valsalva maneuver for the diagnosis and characterization of inguinal hernias. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study reviewed all consecutive Valsalva-CT studies between 2018 and 2019. A composite clinical reference standard including surgery was used. Three blinded, independent readers (readers 1-3) reviewed the CT images and scored the presence and type of inguinal hernia. A fourth reader measured hernia size. Interreader agreement was quantified with Krippendorff's α coefficients. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of Valsalva-CT for the detection of inguinal hernias was computed for each reader. RESULTS: The final study population included 351 patients (99 women) with median age 52.2 years (interquartile range (IQR), 47.2, 68.9). A total of 381 inguinal hernias were present in 221 patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 85.8%, 98.1%, and 91.5% for reader 1, 72.7%, 92.5%, and 81.8% for reader 2, and 68.2%, 96.3%, and 81.1% for reader 3. Hernia neck size was significantly larger in cases correctly detected by all three readers (19.0 mm, IQR 13, 25), compared to those missed by all readers (7.0 mm, IQR, 5, 9; p < 0.001). Interreader agreement was substantial (α = 0.723) for the diagnosis of hernia and moderate (α = 0.522) for the type of hernia. CONCLUSION: Valsalva-CT shows very high specificity and high accuracy for the diagnosis of inguinal hernia. Sensitivity is only moderate which is associated with missed smaller hernias.

Tube voltage-independent coronary calcium scoring on a first-generation dual-source photon-counting CT-a proof-of-principle phantom study.

To evaluate the accuracy of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring at various tube voltages and different monoenergetic image reconstructions on a first-generation dual-source photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT). A commercially available anthropomorphic chest phantom with calcium inserts was scanned at different tube voltages (90 kV, Sn100kV, 120 kV, and Sn140kV) on a first-generation dual-source PCD-CT system with quantum technology using automatic exposure control with an image quality (IQ) level of 20. The same phantom was also scanned on a conventional energy-integrating detector CT (120 kV; weighted filtered back projection) for reference. Extension rings were used to emulate different patient sizes. Virtual monoenergetic images at 65 keV and 70 keV applying different levels of quantum iterative reconstruction (QIR) were reconstructed from the PCD-CT data sets. CAC scores were determined and compared to the reference. Radiation doses were noted. At an IQ level of 20, radiation doses ranged between 1.18 mGy and 4.64 mGy, depending on the tube voltage and phantom size. Imaging at 90 kV or Sn100kV was associated with a size-dependent radiation dose reduction between 23% and 48% compared to 120 kV. Tube voltage adapted image reconstructions with 65 keV and QIR 3 at 90 kV and with 70 keV and QIR 1 at Sn100kV allowed to calculate CAC scores comparable to conventional EID-CT scans with a percentage deviation of ≤ 5% for all phantom sizes. Our phantom study indicates that CAC scoring with dual-source PCD-CT is accurate at various tube voltages, offering the possibility of substantial radiation dose reduction.

Impact of Vessel Suppressed-CT on Diagnostic Accuracy in Detection of Pulmonary Metastasis and Reading Time.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To assess if vessel suppression (VS) improves nodule detection rate, interreader agreement, and reduces reading time in oncologic chest computed tomography (CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-hundred consecutive oncologic patients (65 male; median age 60y) who underwent contrast-enhanced chest CT were retrospectively included. For all exams, additional VS series (ClearRead CT, Riverrain Technologies, Miamisburg) were reconstructed. Two groups of three radiologists each with matched experience were defined. Each group evaluated the SD-CT as well as VS-CT. Each reader marked the presence, size, and position of pulmonary nodules and documented reading time. In addition, for the VS-CT the presence of false positive nodules had to be stated. Cohen's Kappa (k) was used to calculate the interreader-agreement between groups. Reading time was compared using paired t test. RESULTS: Nodule detection rate was significantly higher in VS-CT compared to the SD-CT (+21%; p <0.001). Interreader-agreement was higher in the VS-CT (k = 0.431, moderate agreement) compared to SD-CT (k = 0.209, fair agreement). Almost all VS-CT series had false positive findings (97-99 out of 100). Average reading time was significantly shorter in the VS-CT compared to the SD-CT (154 ± 134vs. 194 ± 126; 21%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Vessel suppression increases nodule detection rate, improves interreader agreement, and reduces reading time in chest CT of oncologic patients. Due to false positive results a consensus reading with the SD-CT is essential.

Mitral annular calcification in the elderly - Quantitative assessment.

PURPOSE: To determine the reliability of subjective and objective quantification of mitral annular calcification (MAC) in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis, to define quantitative sex- and age-related reference values of MAC, and to correlate quantitative MAC with mitral valve disease. METHODS: In this retrospective, IRB-approved study, we included 559 patients (268 females, median age 81 years, inter-quartile range 77-85 years) with severe aortic stenosis undergoing CT. Four independent readers performed subjective MAC categorization as follows: no, mild, moderate, and severe MAC. Two independent readers performed quantitative evaluation of MAC using the Agatston score method (AgatstonMAC). Mitral valve disease was determined by echocardiography. RESULTS: Subjective MAC categorization showed high inter-reader agreement for no (k â€‹= â€‹0.88) and severe MAC (k â€‹= â€‹0.75), whereas agreement for moderate (k â€‹= â€‹0.59) and mild (k â€‹= â€‹0.45) MAC was moderate. Intra-reader agreement for subjective MAC categorization was substantial (k â€‹= â€‹0.69 and 0.62). Inter- and intra-reader agreement for AgatstonMAC were excellent (ICC â€‹= â€‹0.998 and 0.999, respectively), with minor inconsistencies in MAC involving the left ventricular outflow tract/aortic valve. There were significantly more women than men with MAC (n â€‹= â€‹227, 85% versus n â€‹= â€‹209, 72%; p â€‹< â€‹0.001), with a significantly higher AgatstonMAC (median 597, range 81-2055 versus median 244; range 0-1565; p â€‹< â€‹0.001), particularly in patients ≥85 years of age. AgatstonMAC showed an area-under-the-curve of 0.84 to diagnose mitral stenosis, whereas there was no association of AgatstonMAC with mitral regurgitation (p â€‹> â€‹0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis shows that quantitative MAC scoring is more reliable than subjective MAC assessment. Women show higher AgatstonMAC scores than men, particularly in the elderly population. AgatstonMAC shows high accuracy to diagnose mitral stenosis.

Mitral annular disjunction in patients with severe aortic stenosis: Extent and reproducibility of measurements with computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To determine with CT the prevalence and extent of mitral annular disjunction (MAD) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and its association with mitral valve disease and arrhythmia. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 408 patients (median age, 82 years; 186 females) with severe aortic stenosis undergoing ECG-gated cardiac CT with end-systolic data acquisition. Baseline and follow-up data were collected in the context of a national registry. Two blinded, independent observers evaluated the presence of MAD on multi-planar reformations. Maximum MAD distance (left atrial wall-mitral leaflet junction to left ventricular myocardium) and circumferential extent of MAD were assessed on CT using dedicated post-processing software. Associated mitral valve disease was determined with echocardiography. RESULTS: 7.8 % (32/408) of patients with severe aortic stenosis had MAD. The maximum MAD was 3.5 mm (interquartile range: 3.0-4.0 mm). The circumferential extent of MAD comprised 34 ±â€¯15 % of the posterior and 26 ±â€¯12 % of the entire mitral annulus. Intra- and interobserver agreement for the detection of MAD on CT were excellent (kappa: 0.90 ±â€¯0.02 and 0.92 ±â€¯0.02). Mitral regurgitation (p = 1.00) and severe mitral annular calcification (p = 0.29) were similarly prevalent in MAD and non-MAD patients. Significantly more patients with MAD (6/32; 19 %) had mitral valve prolapse compared to those without (6/376; 2 %; p < 0.001). MAD was not associated with arrhythmia before and after TAVR (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using CT, MAD was found in 7.8 % of patients with severe aortic stenosis, with a higher prevalence in patients with mitral valve prolapse. We found no association of MAD with arrhythmia before or after TAVR.

[Improved efficiency in swallowing diagnostics using an electronic documentation system]. / Effektivierung der Schluckdiagnostik durch ein elektronisches Dokumentationssystem.

BACKGROUND: The aim is to present a German-language electronic documentation system for the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in order to make routine swallowing diagnostics and therapeutic recommendations more effective and as initial confirmation of its suitability for daily use. METHODS: Time-efficient, precise, and complete documentation is provided by an interactive findings system via preset text fields and integration of representative frames with automatic report generation. This documentation system (FEED) (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Dysphagia, XION medical GmbH, Berlin) was applied to 301 digitized FEES recordings. RESULTS: Of the parameters required by the FEES protocol, 97% were recorded in 9 min on average. Altogether, the application of FEED resulted in a time-saving of more than 50% as compared to free protocols. The use of the Murray and Rosenbek scales enabled a graded evaluation of swallowing disorders. CONCLUSIONS: FEED shortens documentation time, improves report quality and has proven to be a practical instrument in making routine swallowing diagnostics and therapy more effective.

Ivermectin: repurposing a multipurpose drug for Venezuela's humanitarian crisis.

Ivermectin (IVM) is a robust antiparasitic drug with an excellent tolerance and safety profile. Historically it has been the drug of choice for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis global elimination programs. IVM is an oral insecticide and is a standard treatment against intestinal helminths and ectoparasites. The current humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is a regional public health threat that requires immediate action. The public health system in Venezuela has crumbled because of a 70% shortage of medicines in public hospitals, low vaccination campaigns, and the mass exodus of medical personnel. Herein we discuss the repurposing of IVM to attenuate the burden imposed by the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Venezuela, including soil-transmitted helminths, ectoparasites and, possibly, vector-borne diseases, such as malaria. In addition, novel experimental evidence has shown that IVM is active and efficacious in vitro against Chagas disease, Leishmaniases, arboviruses, and SARS-CoV-2. In crisis-hit Venezuela, all these infectious diseases are public health emergencies that have long been ignored and require immediate attention. The versatility of IVM could serve as a powerful tool to tackle the multiple overlapping endemic and emergent diseases that currently affect Venezuela. The repurposing of this multipurpose drug would be a timely therapeutic approach to help mitigate the tremendous burden of NTDs nationwide.

Effects of a low-volume plyometric training in anaerobic performance of adolescent athletes.

BACKGROUND: Parameters related to the anaerobic capacity and power may be important for the performance of many sports whose skills are related to high-intensity and short-duration efforts. Although plyometric training (PT) has been widely used in the regular strength and conditioning programs of young athletes, its effects on anaerobic performance are still controversial. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of PT in anaerobic performance in young athletes. METHODS: Twenty-nine adolescent athletes participated in this 10-week study. Baseline and post intervention testing included Flying Start 30 m Sprint Test (F30), 1600 m, and Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST). Subjects were divided in two groups: one completed only their regular training sessions, thus serving as the control (CON, N.=15), whereas the other performed the regular training plus twice-weekly low-volume plyometric training (PLYO, N.=14). RESULTS: PLYO groups had significant increases in all variables analyzed. The novel findings were the increase in F30 performance (4.22% for PLYO vs. 1.08% for CON), the decreases in Fatigue Index (9.9% for PLYO vs. 1.53% for CON), and increases in minimum (19.41% for PLYO vs. 0.29 for CON), mean (14.7% for PLYO vs. 0.16% for CON) and peak power (10.88% for PLYO vs. 0.81% for CON) during the RAST Test. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that anaerobic performance is an important feature in many sports, our results suggests that coaches involved with strength and conditioning of youth athletes should consider the inclusion PT in their training periodization.

Effects of surface undulations of biphasic calcium phosphate tablets on human osteoblast behavior.

In this work, the in vitro behavior of human osteoblast cells on the undulated surfaces of biphasic calcium phosphate tablets was investigated. The tablets were produced by uniaxial pressing with convex cylindrical undulations occupying only half of the surface area; the other half was flat. Chemical and physical characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD and FTIR analyses revealed the presence of hydroxyapatite (HA) and alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP) in a well-defined ratio. Moreover, microtopography, evaluated by SEM and AFM, was similar on the flat region and on that with undulations. However, surface undulations induced different cellular arrangements, confirming the influence of the macrotopography on the cells orientation.

Emerging genetic diversity of HIV-1 in South America.

OBJECTIVE: Genotype determination and risk group analysis of HIV-1 infected individuals in selected regions of South America. DESIGN: Cross-sectional convenience sampling of HIV-1-positive individuals in Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay and Paraguay from March, 1994 through September, 1998. METHODS: HIV-1-positive subjects were identified through the national AIDS surveillance program in each country. A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain demographic, clinical and risk factor data on each study subject. Viral DNA was extracted from participants' peripheral blood mononuclear cells either directly or after co-cultivation. A nested PCR was used to obtain selected fragments of the envelope genes for genotyping by the heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA). A 600 bp sequence encompassing the V3 loop was sequenced from a selection of 23 of these samples for phylogenetic analysis and confirmation of HMA genotype. RESULTS: Among the 257 successfully genotyped HIV-1-positive samples, genotype B was found in 98.3% (228/232) of those obtained from subjects in Peru, Ecuador, and Paraguay. In contrast, 56% (14/25) of the samples from Uruguay were genotype F, and the remainder were genotype B. Genotype F was detected for the first time in Peru (2/224) and Paraguay (1/4), and genotype A for the first time in Peru (1/224). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the genotype identified by HMA in the 23 samples sequenced. There was no detectable genetic clustering of HIV-1 within the different high-risk groups or geographic locations. CONCLUSIONS: These findings verify and extend the presence of several different HIV-1 genotypes in South America.

The effects of gastric pH and food on the pharmacokinetics of a new oral cephalosporin, cefpodoxime proxetil.

The effects of alteration of gastric pH and food on the pharmacokinetics of 200 mg doses of cefpodoxime proxetil tablets were studied in two separate randomized, open label, crossover studies in healthy subjects. In the pH study (n = 17 subjects), there was a lead-in period done under fasting conditions, followed by randomization to a four-way crossover of pentagastrin (6 micrograms/kg, subcutaneously), ranitidine (150 mg orally, 10 and 2 hours before dosing with the antibiotic), sodium bicarbonate (12.6 gm), or aluminum hydroxide (120 cc). Gastric pH was determined by nasogastric aspirates before and 10 minutes after the intervention, just before the antibiotic was given. Peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) and area under plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) were highest in fasting and pentagastrin periods and were 35% to 50% lower for all of the other periods (p less than 0.0001). Gastric pH and Cmax and AUC were inversely related (r = 0.66 and r = 0.62; p less than 0.0001 for both). In the food study (n = 16 subjects), there were two lead-in periods, one done while subjects were fasting and one while they were normal diet, followed by randomization to a four-way crossover of either high or low protein diets, or high or low fat diets. There were six meals in each diet. Dosing with the antibiotic was done at the midpoint of the fourth meal. Cmax and AUC were 22% to 34% higher for all diets than for the fasting period (p less than 0.0001), whereas the time to Cmax was unchanged. These studies demonstrated that absorption of cefpodoxime proxetil is best at low gastric pH or in the presence of food, which suggests that the role of gastrointestinal function on the pharmacokinetic profile is complex.

The calcium antagonist nifedipine inhibits arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Migration of smooth muscle cells from the media to the intima of the arterial wall and proliferation of intimal smooth muscle are major early events in the formation of an atherosclerotic lesion. The start of proliferation requires that the cells have passed through a modulation from contractile to synthetic phenotype and that they are stimulated with growth factors. Here, we have examined the effects of the calcium antagonist nifedipine on phenotypic modulation and growth of isolated rat arterial smooth muscle cells cultivated in vitro. The results indicate that micromolar concentrations of nifedipine slow down the rate of transformation of the cells from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype and inhibit initiation of DNA synthesis as well as cellular proliferation. The inhibitory effect on DNA synthesis was seen both in cells stimulated with whole blood serum and with purified platelet-derived growth factor. The results raise the possibility that nifedipine may be used to prevent atherogenesis and to inhibit progression of fibromuscular lesions by interfering with the proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells.

Detection of gastroesophageal reflux in the pediatric-age patient by esophageal intraluminal pH probe measurement (Tuttle test).

The esophageal intraluminal pH probe test (Tuttle test) was used in 24 pediatric-age patients who had symptoms of gastroesophageal (GE) reflux to determine its sensitivity in detecting gastric acid reflux and to document its usefulness as a prognostic indicator. Eight children had a positive Tuttle test. Six of these patients failed a trial of medical management and required surgery to control their symptoms. None of these patients had GE reflux on esophagrams. Only one of 16 children with a negative test required surgery. This patient also did not have GE reflux on esophagram. The Tuttle test should be included in the diagnostic evaluation of pediatric patients with the clinical presentation of GE reflux.

Value of esophageal manometric studies in the gastroesophageal reflux of infancy.

Fifteen infants with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) were evaluated with esophageal manometric studies. Six infants failed on a medical regimen of frequent thickened feedings and an upright position 24 hours per day for three weeks. These infants had Nissen fundoplications. Their mean lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was 12.7 mm Hg. The nine infants who did well on the medical regimen had a mean LES pressure of 19.6 mm Hg. These means are significantly different (P less than .001). Esophageal manometric studies should be included in the evaluation of all infants with symptoms of chronic GER.

Achalasia: diagnosis, management, and clinical course in 16 children.

Clinical features, radiographic and esophageal manometry findings, and treatment results in 16 patients less than 15 years old with achalasia are described. Esophageal manometry performed in 15 patients showed results similar to those found in adults: (1) increased resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure, (2) incomplete or failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter on swallowing, and (3) ineffective or absence of peristalsis in all. The most common symptoms in the 16 patients were: dysphagia in 15, postprandial vomiting in 13, and retrosternal pain in five. The average duration from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 28 months. The esophagram was diagnostic in all patients. Pneumatic dilation was the initial treatment in eight and was successful for more than 1 year in five. Two patients required two dilations and were then symptom-free for more than 1 year, but required a Heller myotomy. The remaining patients underwent Heller myotomy following failure of the second dilation. Three patients underwent myotomy and two patients had myotomy with fundoplication as initial treatment; only one remained symptomatic. Esophageal dilation using a pneumatic dilator should be the initial treatment of choice in school-aged children. However, if more than two dilations are required within 1 year, surgical management is recommended.

Depressed neutrophil chemotaxis in infants with cow's milk and/or soy protein intolerance.

Neutrophil chemotaxis and random migration were studied in 11 infants with active cow's milk and/or soy protein intolerance and in an additional four infants following clinical recovery. Results were compared to 15 age-matched control subjects. Infants with active intolerance exhibited depressed chemotaxis and enhanced random migration. The four recovered infants had values similar to those of control subjects.

Lymphoid polyps (focal lymphoid hyperplasia) of the colon in children.

Lymphoid polyps (focal lymphoid hyperplasia) of the colon are rare in children. These lesions are benign, but must be differentiated from malignant lymphomas. Grasp biopsies of the lesion are inadequate for this purpose and the polyp should be submitted in toto for pathologic examination. No treatment other than local excision is warranted. Two cases are presented and the literature is reviewed.