KRAS and BRAF mutation analysis can be reliably performed on aspirated cytological specimens of metastatic colorectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Sanger sequencing is one of several reliable methods in use to detect KRAS and BRAF mutations to facilitate clinical patient selection for anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody therapy in unresectable metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC). Most analyses are made on pretreatment biopsy or resection specimens. There is a scarcity of published studies on the suitability of cytological samples for KRAS testing in this setting. METHODS: DNA extraction was attempted on 11 search-retrieved paired cases of histological resections or excisions of CRC and their corresponding cytological samples (representing metastases) and tested for KRAS mutations in exon 2 and 3, as well as BRAF exon 15 mutations by Sanger sequencing. Only KRAS wild-type cases were subjected to BRAF analysis because this is the setting with true diagnostic value, as these mutations are mutually exclusive. RESULTS: Of the 11 paired cases analysed, only eight histology cases showed satisfactory DNA quality for sequencing. Thus, only eight of the corresponding cytology cases were analysed. Seven of the eight cases tested showed the same KRAS genotype on both the aspirated cytology specimen of metastatic carcinoma and the primary tumour (histological specimen), from which we derive an overall concordance rate of 87.5%. The single discordant case was likely to be a true difference as it was demonstrated again on repeat testing of both samples. No BRAF mutations were detected on the four KRAS wild-type cases. CONCLUSION: A range of cytological samples are suitable for KRAS and BRAF mutation testing, be it from previously stained preparations or cell blocks. These samples would be highly valuable in cases where cytological samples are the only material available for mutation testing.

Correlation and accuracy of contrast-enhanced computed tomography in assessing depth of invasion of oral tongue carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation and accuracy of depth of invasion (DOI) measurement from preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scans in comparison to histopathological examination (HPE) in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). Preoperative CT scans of 18 OTSCC patients were reviewed retrospectively by a single observer to measure the DOI on axial and coronal sections; these were then compared to the HPE report. Mean DOI was compared between CECT and HPE using repeated measures ANOVA. The strength of correlation of CT-derived tumour depth was determined using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) followed by assessment of accuracy by Bland-Altman plot. In general, the measurement of DOI was smaller on CECT, with a mean difference of 0.743mm on axial CT and 1.106mm on coronal CT. Regarding the correlation between CECT and HPE tumour depths, ICC was 0.956 for axial CT and 0.965 for coronal CT. Bland-Altman analysis showed that DOI from CECT and histopathological depth were in agreement with each other. In conclusion, there was excellent correlation and accurate measurement of DOI from CECT.

COVID-19: Four Paediatric Cases in Malaysia.

OBJECTIVE: This is a brief report of 4 paediatric cases of COVID-19 infection in Malaysia BACKGROUND: COVID-19, a coronavirus, first detected in Wuhan, China has now spread rapidly to over 60 countries and territories around the world, infecting more than 85000 individuals. As the case count amongst children is low, there is need to report COVID-19 in children to better understand the virus and the disease. CASES: In Malaysia, until end of February 2020, there were four COVID-19 paediatric cases with ages ranging from 20 months to 11 years. All four cases were likely to have contracted the virus in China. The children had no symptoms or mild flu-like illness. The cases were managed symptomatically. None required antiviral therapy. DISCUSSION: There were 2 major issues regarding the care of infected children. Firstly, the quarantine of an infected child with a parent who tested negative was an ethical dilemma. Secondly, oropharyngeal and nasal swabs in children were at risk of false negative results. These issues have implications for infection control. Consequently, there is a need for clearer guidelines for child quarantine and testing methods in the management of COVID-19 in children.

Comparative validation of c-kit exon 11 mutation analysis on cytology samples and corresponding surgical resections of gastrointestinal stromal tumours.

OBJECTIVE: Studies have shown that c-kit mutation analysis of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) can be routinely performed. We validated c-kit exon 11 mutational analysis on cell block material obtained from fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for diagnostic purposes and compared it with the same analysis in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded full sections of the corresponding resection specimens. METHODS: c-kit mutation analysis was done on cell block material obtained from ten cases encountered in our department from 1999 to 2008 on which FNAC was attempted pre-operatively. The findings were compared with analysis on full paraffin section of the corresponding resected tumours in seven cases where patients opted for resection. c-kit exon 11 was examined via bidirectional nucleic acid sequencing. RESULTS: Our results showed 100% concordance for the presence and type of exon 11 mutation in the resected and aspirated tumours in all seven cases. These mutations had diagnostic value when compared with other neoplasms that are part of the cytomorphological differential diagnosis, such as leiomyosarcoma or gastric adenocarcinomas. CONCLUSION: Molecular cytopathology is a powerful tool that can complement morphology and immunohistochemical assessment of cytological material in routine practice for the diagnosis and prognostication of GISTs. We briefly discuss the advantages and limitations of the fine needle method of obtaining tissue for the diagnosis and prognostication of GISTs, and its current therapeutic strategies.

Intrarenal nitric oxide activity and pressure natriuresis in anesthetized dogs.

Recent studies have indicated that changes in intrarenal nitric oxide (NO) production participate in mediating arterial pressure-induced changes in urinary sodium excretion. Until recently, however, the means to measure changes in intrarenal NO activity in vivo have not been available. For the present study, changes in renal tissue NO activities were assessed directly using an NO-selective microelectrode inserted into the cortical tissue of anesthetized dogs. Control studies demonstrated that the electrode was responsive to intrarenal bolus injections of acetylcholine and to the NO donor S-nitroso-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP). Intrarenal nitro-L-arginine (50 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) decreased renal tissue NO concentration by 593+/-127 nmol/L (P<0.05; n=7). Infusions of SNAP (1, 2, and 3 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) for 25 minutes) in nitro-L-arginine-treated dogs (n=5) resulted in dose-dependent increases in renal tissue NO activity, which showed a positive correlation with changes in urinary excretion rates of NO metabolites, nitrates and nitrites, (r=0.62, P<0.05) and sodium (r=0.78, P<0.01). During graded reductions of renal arterial pressure within the autoregulatory range (144+/-3 to 73+/-2 mm Hg; n=10), there were decreases in tissue NO activity that were positively correlated with changes in renal arterial pressure (r=0.45; P<0.05), urinary nitrate/nitrite excretion (r=0.64, P<0.005), and urinary sodium excretion (r=0.46; P<0.05). These data support the hypothesis that acute changes in renal arterial pressure result in alterations in intrarenal NO activity, which may be responsible for the associated changes in sodium excretion.

Factors associated with withdrawal bleeding after administration of oral micronized progesterone in women with secondary amenorrhea.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two dosages of oral micronized progesterone (P) and placebo for withdrawal bleeding and side effects. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind. SETTING: Academic institution. PARTICIPANTS: Out of 190 screened with oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea, 60 who qualified completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: A 10-day course of (1) oral micronized P 300 mg, (2) oral micronized P 200 mg, or (3) placebo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Withdrawal bleeding, side effects, and changes in lipids. Endogenous estradiol (E2) concentrations at baseline and P concentrations during treatment were correlated with bleeding response. RESULTS: Withdrawal bleeding occurred in 90% of women taking 300 mg, 58% of women taking 200 mg, and 29% of women taking placebo (P less than 0.0002 for 300 mg versus placebo). Side effects occurred similarly among the groups (P = not significant). Lipid concentrations were unchanged. Endogenous E2 and treatment P concentrations were of limited predictive value for withdrawal bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Progesterone 300 mg induced significantly more withdrawal bleeding than placebo, with similar side effects. Bleeding response cannot be predicted reliably from E2 and P concentrations.

Sonographic findings of the neopharynx after total laryngectomy: comparison with CT.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To our knowledge, sonographic findings in the neopharynx have not been well characterized. We describe our results and assess the role of sonography versus CT in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy. METHODS: We examined 25 patients (24 men and one woman; 44-78 years old) who had had a total laryngectomy. Sonography (with a 10-MHz transducer) and contrast-enhanced CT were performed in all patients. We evaluated the normal shape of the neopharynx and assessed the accuracy of sonography versus CT in detecting tumor recurrence in the neck. RESULTS: The neopharynx appears as a round or ovoid structure on imaging studies. On sonograms, the neopharyngeal wall has five layers of alternating echogenicity: an innermost hyperechoic layer of superficial mucosa, an inner hypoechoic layer of deep mucosa, a middle hyperechoic layer of submucosa, an outer hypoechoic layer of muscle, and an outermost hyperechoic layer of adventitia. On CT scans, the neopharynx appears as a three-layered structure, with an inner hyperdense layer of mucosa, a middle hypodense layer of submucosa, and an outer isodense layer of pharyngeal constrictor muscles. Nine pathologically proved recurrences were found: three local recurrences, one local recurrence with lymph node metastasis, and five cases of lymph node metastasis only. One instance of false-negative lymph node metastasis was seen at sonography and one case of false-positive local recurrence was seen at CT. CONCLUSION: The neopharynx has a unique sonographic appearance, and this imaging technique is useful for detecting local tumor recurrence in the neopharynx in patients who have had a total laryngectomy.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck in adults: MR and CT findings.

PURPOSE: To evaluate imaging findings of rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck in adults. METHODS: We examined 11 patients (seven men and four women; 17 to 73 years old) with pathologically proved rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck. The tumors originated in the paranasal sinuses (n = 6), cheek (n = 3), nasal cavity (n = 1), and infratemporal fossa (n = 1). Eight of the rhabdomyosarcomas were of the embryonal type, two were pleomorphic, and one was alveolar. Necrosis was seen in four patients, but calcification or intratumoral hemorrhage was not found. Two tumors had nodal extension. Contrast-enhanced CT was performed in 10 patients, and two patients had contrast-enhanced MR imaging. RESULTS: On CT scans, the masses enhanced to the same degree as adjacent muscle. The masses showed a homogeneous pattern in six cases and a heterogeneous pattern in four cases. The tumor margins were poorly defined in eight cases. On MR images, the masses were homogeneously isointense with muscle on T1-weighted studies and were hyperintense relative to muscle on T2-weighted studies. On both CT and MR images, 10 of 11 cases showed poorly defined, homogeneous masses destroying adjacent bony structures. CONCLUSIONS: MR imaging seems to be better than CT for initial and follow-up examination of patients with rhabdomyosarcoma because of its multiplanar capability and because it more precisely defines the extent of tumor.

Polysulfone capillary fiber for intraocular drug delivery: in vitro and in vivo evaluations.

Studies were conducted to investigate the usefulness of polysulfone capillary fiber (PCF) as a drug delivery device for intraocular applications. Carboxyfluorescein (CF) was used as a model drug to prepare PCF-dye devices for both in vitro and in vivo kinetic studies. For the in vitro study, PCF-CF devices were incubated in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 at 37 degrees C, and CF release was quantified at various times up to 5 weeks. In vitro results indicated a bi-phasic, sustained-release profile of CF from the PCF device for over 30 days. PCF-CF devices released 5% and 10% of their initial CF contents by the first and second day following incubation, respectively. By 10 days after incubation, approximately 50% of the dye content was released from the PCF-CF devices. The rate of dye release decreased thereafter, such that 65% and 90% of CF was released by 17 and 28 days after incubation, respectively. In a subsequent study, the in vivo kinetics of the PCF-CF device were determined in the rabbit eye. PCF-dye devices were prepared with the following CF formulations: 1) microsphere-incorporated CF; 2) lyophilized liposome-encapsulated CF; or 3) micronized CF powder. A PCF-dye device was implanted in the vitreous cavity, and fluorophotometry from the retina to the anterior chamber was performed at various times up to 45 days to quantify fluorescein level. At the conclusion of the study, eyes were enucleated and examined for histopathology. The time-course study showed fluorescein level for up to 45 days in the vitreous. The midvitreous concentration-time profile indicated a CF t1/2 of 10 and 30 days for the PCF-CF powder and PCF-CF liposome preparation, respectively. In contrast, the PCF device prepared with microsphere-incorporated CF showed fluorescein level with a t1/2 of less than one week in the vitreous. Histological examination of the eyes implanted with PCF or PCF-dye device showed no sign of ocular toxicity. Collectively, these results indicated that the PCF device is biocompatible and may be useful for the extended release of drugs in the posterior segment of the eye.

Diagnosis of recurrent uterine cervical cancer: computed tomography versus positron emission tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of CT and positron emission tomography (PET) in the diagnosis of recurrent uterine cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Imaging findings of CT and PET in 36 patients (mean age, 53 years) in whom recurrent uterine cervical cancer was suspected were analyzed retrospectively. Between October 1997 and May 1998, they had undergone surgery and/or radiation therapy. Tumor recurrence was confirmed by pathologic examination or follow-up studies. RESULTS: In detecting recurrent uterine cervical cancer, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT were 77.8%, 83.3%, and 80.5%, respectively, while for PET, the corresponding figures were 100%, 94.4%, and 97.2%. The Chi-square test revealed no significant difference in specificity (p =.2888), but significant differences in sensitivity (p =.0339) and accuracy (p =.0244). CONCLUSION: PET proved to be a reliable screening method for detecting recurrent uterine cervical cancer, but to determine the anatomical localization of recurrent tumors, and thus decide an adequate treatment plan, CT was eventually needed.

Postpneumonectomy empyema. CT findings in six patients.

Chest radiographs and CT scans, obtained in six patients with proven postpneumonectomy empyema, were retrospectively reviewed by comparing the radiologic image obtained at present with that obtained before symptom onset. Convexity or straightening of the concave mediastinal margin of the postpneumonectomy space was identified on CT scans in all of six patients (100%), while contralateral mediastinal shift was noted on both radiographs and CT scans in four patients (67%). Multiple air-fluid levels appeared equally on radiographs and CT scans in three patients (50%). CT depicted increased thickening of the parietal pleura (n=5, 83%) and the extrapleural tissues (n=3, 50%) and empyema necessitans (n=2, 33%), which were not apparent on radiographs. Postpneumonectomy empyema is characterized on CT scans by reversal of the normal concavity of the mediastinal margin with increased thickening of the residual parietal pleura. CT is superior to radiography in assessing the manifestations of postpneumonectomy empyema.

In vitro evaluation of polymeric matrix and porous biodegradable reservoir devices for slow-release drug delivery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Biodegradable polymeric devices were evaluated in vitro for intravitreal drug delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The matrix (short-term drug delivery) and the porous (longer-term drug delivery) reservoir devices were made from polycaprolactone of two molecular weights (30,000 and 56,000). Matrix devices were loaded with 5-fluorouracil or ganciclovir. Porous reservoirs were loaded with 5-fluorouracil, ganciclovir, 5-carboxyfluorescein, or foscarnet. The release was monitored in phosphate-buffered solution using ultraviolet spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Release from the matrix devices was characterized by an initial burst, followed by a nonlinear release. The porous reservoirs demonstrated zero order linear release of drugs, sustained up to 250 days in this experiment. CONCLUSIONS: The matrix device is capable of sustained release over several months; the porous reservoir can deliver drugs for over 1 year. Further studies are needed to evaluate in vivo biodegradation behavior and toxicity of drugs used for sustained release.

Korean birthday rituals.

This paper, based on a four year comparative ethnographic study of late life rituals among Korean and Korean-Americans, discusses the ways in which late life rituals change to meet the differing and changing environments. Using the Korean 60th birthday ritual, hwangap, observed in Korea and the United States, the social context of aging in Seoul and within the ethnic Korean American community in San Francisco is discussed.As Korea is undergoing vast social changes, the traditional ritual is compared to the transformed manifestations of the ritual. Migration to the United States provides another transformation of the traditional ritual.

This, that, and the other. Managing illness in a first-generation Korean-American family.

The use of Western medicine and of holistic traditional medicine and healing rituals is common in Korean-American families with a chronically ill member. I present a case as an example of the complexity of health management in first-generation Korean-American immigrants. Immigration and acculturation issues, Confucian-related sociocultural and psychological factors, and the psychiatric diagnosis of Western specialists all elicited family conflict leading to emotional and physiologic distress.

Impairment of pressure-natriuresis and renal autoregulation in ANG II-infused hypertensive rats.

Chronic infusions of initially subpressor doses of angiotensin II (ANG II) lead to progressive hypertension over a 2-wk period and to augmented intrarenal ANG II levels. The present study was performed to investigate total renal blood flow (RBF) and medullary blood flow (MBF) autoregulatory behavior and pressure-natriuresis in ANG II-infused hypertensive rats and how these are modified by concomitant treatment with an ANG II AT(1) receptor antagonist. ANG II-infused rats (n = 27) were prepared by administration of ANG II at 60 ng/min via osmotic minipump for 13 days. Twelve of the ANG II-infused hypertensive rats were treated with losartan in the drinking water (30 mg. kg.(-1) day(-1)). Rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (50 mg/kg, ip) and prepared for renal function measurements. An aortic clamp was placed above the junction of the left renal artery to reduce renal arterial pressure. Autoregulatory responses for renal plasma flow, overall RBF, and glomerular filtration rate were impaired in ANG II-infused hypertensive rats; however, MBF autoregulation was not disrupted. Most strikingly, pressure-natriuresis was markedly suppressed in ANG II-infused hypertensive rats. Chronic treatment with losartan prevented the impairment of the pressure-natriuresis relationship caused by chronic ANG II infusion. These findings demonstrate that chronic ANG II infusion leads to marked impairment of sodium excretion and suppression of the pressure-natriuresis relationship, which may contribute to the progressive hypertension that occurs in this model. These renal effects are prevented by simultaneous treatment with an AT(1) receptor blocker.

Vasodilator responses to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and amylin in the rat isolated perfused kidney are mediated via CGRP1 receptors.

This study was designed to characterize the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors mediating vasodilation in the rat isolated perfused kidney and to address the question as to whether amylin, a 37 amino acid peptide having about 50% overall sequence homology with CGRP, interacts with common CGRP receptors or acts via distinct amylin receptors. Human alpha-CGRP (h alpha CGRP) and human beta-CGRP, rat alpha-CGRP and rat amylin amide produced dose-related vasodilation of the perfused renal vascular bed with pD2 estimates of rat alpha-CGRP (10.8 +/- 0.2), h alpha CGRP (10.5 +/- 0.2), human beta-CGRP (10.5 +/- 0.2) and rat amylin amide (9.4 +/- 0.3). In contrast, the CGRP2 receptor-selective agonist [acetamidomethyl-cysteine2.7]h alpha CGRP (0.1 mumol) was inactive. The CGRP1-receptor antagonist, h alpha CGRP8-37 reversibly antagonized the vasodilator response induced by h alpha CGRP with an apparent pK1 of 8.03 +/- 0.21. The analog h alpha CGRP8-37 (1 microM) also reversibly inhibited submaximal responses to rat amylin amide. In contrast, rat amylin8-37 (1 microM) had no significant inhibitory effect either on rat amylin amide- or on h alpha CGRP-induced vasodilation (P > .05), showing that rat amylin8-37 does not have affinity for the CGRP1 receptor in this preparation. These data suggest that the predominant CGRP receptors in the rat renal vascular bed are of the CGRP1 type, and that the vasodilation induced by rat amylin amide is due to CGRP1 receptor activation.

Nitric oxide-angiotensin II interactions in angiotensin II-dependent hypertension.

Many studies indicate that renal haemodynamic function in angiotensin II- (ANG II) dependent hypertension is not reduced as much as would be predicted from the elevated ANG II levels suggesting that counteracting renoprotective mechanisms are activated. One important renoprotective effect is mediated by increased levels of nitric oxide. Recent studies using the ANG II-infused hypertensive rat model have shown that inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis (NOS) causes greater decreases in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate in ANG II-infused hypertensive rats than in control rats. This augmented nitric oxide-dependent influence is localized primarily in the cortex and to the preglomerular vasculature. The differential effects on the renal cortex and medulla are also reflected by the differences in NOS activities and protein expression. Ca2+-dependent NOS activity was significantly greater in the cortex but not the medulla of the ANG II-infused hypertensive rats compared with control rats. This was associated with marked activation of endothelial NOS protein levels and smaller increases in neuronal NOS protein levels in the cortex but not in the medulla. In contrast, the Ca2+-independent NOS activity and the inducible NOS protein levels in the cortex were significantly lower in the ANG II-infused hypertensive rats. These data support the hypothesis that cortical Ca2+-dependent NOS, primarily endothelial NOS, is stimulated during the early phases of ANG II-induced hypertension and exerts a renoprotective effect on cortical haemodynamics.

Renoprotective effects of nitric oxide in angiotensin II-induced hypertension in the rat.

Experiments were performed in anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats to determine whether increased nitric oxide (NO) activity during the development of hypertension exerts a protective effect on renal cortical blood flow (CBF) and medullary blood flow (MBF). The effects of acute NO synthase inhibition on renal function and on CBF and MBF, measured by laser-Doppler flow probes, were evaluated in control and ANG II-infused hypertensive rats, prepared by the infusion of ANG II at a rate of 65 ng/min via osmotic minipumps implanted subcutaneously for 13 days. In normotensive rats (n = 8), intravenous infusion of N omega-nitro-L-arginine (NLA; 20 micrograms.100 g-1.min-1) decreased CBF by 21 +/- 4% and MBF by 49 +/- 8% and increased blood pressure from 118 +/- 1 to 140 +/- 2 mmHg. In ANG II-infused rats (n = 7), CBF and MBF decreased by 46 +/- 5% and 25 +/- 6%, respectively, during infusion of NLA. Arterial pressure increased from 160 +/- 5 to 197 +/- 7 mmHg, which was a greater absolute increase than in normotensive controls. Basal renal blood flow (RBF), estimated from p-aminohippurate clearance and hematocrit, was similar in both the control (6.0 +/- 0.5 ml.min-1.g-1) and hypertensive (6.0 +/- 0.6 ml.min-1.g-1) rats. However, NLA-induced reductions in RBF averaged 60 +/- 5% in the hypertensive rats, compared with 31 +/- 9% observed in control rats. GFR in control (0.97 +/- 0.03 ml.min-1.g-1) and hypertensive rats (0.78 +/- 0.12 ml.min-1.g-1) decreased to a similar extent during the first 30-min period of NLA infusion. GFR returned toward control levels in control rats; in contrast, GFR remained significantly decreased in the ANG II-infused rats (0.58 +/- 0.11 ml.min-1.g-1). Basal urinary sodium excretion (0.2 +/- 0.08 mueq.min-1.g-1), fractional excretion of sodium (0.3 +/- 0.13%), and urine flow (4.9 +/- 0.39 microliters.min-1.g-1) in hypertensive rats did not increase significantly after NLA treatment as occurred in normotensive controls. These data suggest that a compensatory increase in nitric oxide activity partially counteracts the vasoconstrictor influence of elevated ANG II levels to regulate renal hemodynamics and maintain cortical perfusion in the renal circulation.

Quality of mechanically deboned chicken meat frankfurter incorporated with chicken skin.

Four formulations were processed into frankfurters with different ratios of mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDCM) and cooked chicken skin (CCS) i.e. 80/0, 70/10, 60/20 and 50/30. The products were evaluated for proximate composition, cholesterol content, colour; 'L' value (lightness) and 'a' value (redness), percentage of cooking loss, physical measurements (shearforce-kgf and folding test), thiobarbituric acid value (TBA) and taste panel evaluation. The increment of CCS in the frankfurters increased the contents of moisture, ash, protein, fat, cholesterol, the lightness ('L' value) and redness ('a' value). After 3 months of frozen storage, the increment continued except for the moisture contents for formulations with 20 and 30% CCS. The lipid oxidation (TBA value) and cooking loss were lowered in formulations with CCS. After 3 months of frozen storage, TBA value decreased, while the cooking loss increased for all the formulations. The addition of CCS increased hardness of the frankfurters but affected folding ability, with formulation with 10% CCS scoring better grade. Sensory evaluation was carried out using 30 untrained panelists to evaluate aroma, colour, appearance, hardness, juiciness, chicken taste, oily taste, rancid taste and overall acceptance of the products. The addition of CCS in the frankfurters at 10 and 20% resulted in products with taste and texture that were acceptable after 3 months of frozen storage.

Radiological prediction of the depth of invasion and histologic type in early gastric cancer.

In cases of early gastric cancer (EGC), the depth of tumor invasion and histologic type are important factors in its prognosis. To predict the depth of invasion and histologic type by a double-contrast barium study of the stomach, 304 consecutive patients with EGC were analyzed, comparing barium study with pathologic findings. We predicted the depth of invasion and histologic type according to the lesion size, surface pattern, and surrounding mucosal pattern. The depth of tumor invasion was correctly diagnosed in 65.3% (66 of 101) of cancers limited to the mucosal layer (m), and in 59.1% (110 of 186) of cancers which have invaded to the submucosal layer (sm). The histologic type was correctly predicted in 78.9% (56 of 71) of a differentiated adenocarcinoma, and 73.1% (57 of 78) of an undifferentiated adenocarcinoma. Prediction of the depth of tumor invasion and histologic type was promising and showed good correlation to the pathologic findings.