Outcome of elderly patients with classical Hodgkin's lymphoma.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal management of elderly patients (pts) with Hodgkin's lymphoma is not yet defined. The aims of the present study were: 1) to evaluate clinical and laboratory characteristics of elderly pts; 2) to indentify risk factors for unfavorable outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The outcome of 182 pts ≥ 60 years (y) was retrospectively analyzed (median age, 67y). Mixed cellularity histology was diagnosed in 49.5 %, advanced stage of disease was in 68.7 % pts, CIRS > 3 in 35.7 %, ECOG PS ≥ 2 in 22.9 % (60-69y) of pts. Chemotherapy (CMT) alone was used in 69.2 % and combination of CMT and radiotherapy in 26.9 % of pts. Anthracycline-based CMT received 83.5 % of pts. The median follow-up was 4.5y. RESULTS: The overall response/complete remission rate was 85.6/70.7 %. The median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 10y and 11.3y, respectively. Estimated 5-y PFS and 5-y OS were 65.7 % (in contrast to 98.2 % in pts < 60y; p < 0.001) and 70.5 % (99.4 % in pts < 60y; p < 0.001). Overall 70 (38.5 %) elderly pts died. The independent risk factors for a shorter OS included CIRS > 3, lymphopenia < 8 % and anthracycline-free CMT, for a shorter PFS anthracycline-free CMT and lymphopenia < 8 %. CONCLUSION: CIRS > 3, lymphopenia < 8 % and anthracycline-free chemotherapy appear to be significant for unfavorable outcome.

Emergence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) and/or carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and their antimicrobial resistance.

OBJECTIVES: We focused on detecting the most frequent resistance mechanisms in selected multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains and determining their antimicrobial resistance. BACKGROUND: MDR pathogens pose urgent public health threat due to limited treatment options, rigorous control measures and significant mortality. METHODS: We confirmed extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae through guidelines, as well following ß-lactamases: AmpC by cloxacillin, class A carbapenemase with phenylboronic acid, class B metallo-ß-lactamase with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Multilocus sequence typing was used to investigate 20 Escherichia coli strains. RESULTS: Overall 205 mostly ESBL Escherichia coli demonstrated resistance against amikacin (4.7 %), tigecycline (1.2 %), and no resistance to ceftazidime/avibactam, meropenem, nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin. Out of 41 Klebsiella species (spp.), 37 (90.2 %) showed carbapenemase activity, 13 (35.1 %) of class A and 24 (64.9 %) of class B. Resistance was following: meropenem 66.7 %, tigecyclin 10.2 % and colistin 0 %. From Enterobacter spp. 21 strains, 14 (66.7 %) were ESBL, 5 produced ESBL and/or AmpC and 2 were MDR. We ascertained 14 (70 %) E. coli sequence type - ST131. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed various resistance mechanisms in concert with different agents and association of specific ST131 within E. coli. These characteristics considerably contribute to emergence of antimicrobial resistance (Tab. 4, Ref. 30).

Automatic multimodal detection for long-term seizure documentation in epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated sensitivity and false detection rate of a multimodal automatic seizure detection algorithm and the applicability to reduced electrode montages for long-term seizure documentation in epilepsy patients. METHODS: An automatic seizure detection algorithm based on EEG, EMG, and ECG signals was developed. EEG/ECG recordings of 92 patients from two epilepsy monitoring units including 494 seizures were used to assess detection performance. EMG data were extracted by bandpass filtering of EEG signals. Sensitivity and false detection rate were evaluated for each signal modality and for reduced electrode montages. RESULTS: All focal seizures evolving to bilateral tonic-clonic (BTCS, n=50) and 89% of focal seizures (FS, n=139) were detected. Average sensitivity in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients was 94% and 74% in extratemporal lobe epilepsy (XTLE) patients. Overall detection sensitivity was 86%. Average false detection rate was 12.8 false detections in 24h (FD/24h) for TLE and 22 FD/24h in XTLE patients. Utilization of 8 frontal and temporal electrodes reduced average sensitivity from 86% to 81%. CONCLUSION: Our automatic multimodal seizure detection algorithm shows high sensitivity with full and reduced electrode montages. SIGNIFICANCE: Evaluation of different signal modalities and electrode montages paces the way for semi-automatic seizure documentation systems.

Reduced electrode arrays for the automated detection of rhythmic and periodic patterns in the intensive care unit: Frequently tried, frequently failed?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of systematic electrode reduction from a common 10-20 EEG system on pattern detection sensitivity (SEN). METHODS: Two reviewers rated 17130 one-minute segments of 83 prospectively recorded cEEGs according to the ACNS standardized critical care EEG terminology (CCET), including burst suppression patterns (BS) and unequivocal electrographic seizures. Consensus annotations between reviewers were used as a gold standard to determine pattern detection SEN and specificity (SPE) of a computational algorithm (baseline, 19 electrodes). Electrodes were than reduced one by one in four different variations. SENs and SPEs were calculated to determine the most beneficial assembly with respect to the number and location of electrodes. RESULTS: High automated baseline SENs (84.99-93.39%) and SPEs (90.05-95.6%) were achieved for all patterns. Best overall results in detecting BS and CCET patterns were found using the "hairline+vertex" montage. While the "forehead+behind ear" montage showed an advantage in detecting ictal patterns, reaching a 15% drop of SEN with 10 electrodes, all montages could detect BS sufficiently if at least nine electrodes were available. CONCLUSION: For the first time an automated approach was used to systematically evaluate the effect of electrode reduction on pattern detection SEN in cEEG. SIGNIFICANCE: Prediction of the expected detection SEN of specific EEG patterns with reduced EEG montages in ICU patients.

Applicability of NeuroTrend as a bedside monitor in the neuro ICU.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether ICU caregivers can correctly read and interpret continuous EEG (cEEG) data displayed with the computer algorithm NeuroTrend (NT) with the main attention on seizure detection and determination of sedation depth. METHODS: 120 screenshots of NT (480h of cEEG) were rated by 18 briefly trained nurses and biomedical analysts. Multirater agreements (MRA) as well as interrater agreements (IRA) compared to an expert opinion (EXO) were calculated for items such as pattern type, pattern location, interruption of recording, seizure suspicion, consistency of frequency, seizure tendency and level of sedation. RESULTS: MRA as well as IRA were almost perfect (80-100%) for interruption of recording, spike-and-waves, rhythmic delta activity and burst suppression. A substantial agreement (60-80%) was found for electrographic seizure patterns, periodic discharges and seizure suspicion. Except for pattern localization (70.83-92.26%), items requiring a precondition and especially those who needed interpretation like consistency of frequency (47.47-79.15%) or level of sedation (41.10%) showed lower agreements. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that NT might be a useful bedside monitor in cases of subclinical seizures. Determination of correct sedation depth by ICU caregivers requires a more detailed training. SIGNIFICANCE: Computer algorithms may reduce the workload of cEEG analysis in ICU patients.

[Hodgkin´s Lymhoma - the Treatment Aproaches Development and Current Trends]. / Hodgkinuv lymfom -  vývoj lécebných prístupu a soucasné trendy.

Hodgkins lymphoma is a relatively rare malignant disease, mostly affecting younger adults. It represents one of the most curable disease among all lymphomas and other malignant diseases of adult age, with curability more than 80%. The progress of curability and long term survival demonstrates the development of oncologic approach during the last few decades, depicted in this article, particularly by introduction of combined modality treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), progress in radiotherapy technique, implementation of high intensity regimens for advanced stages and use of novel drugs as well. Because of high curability rate and young age of most of the patients, late toxic effects are of significant relevance. The ongoing clinical research is focused on better prognostic stratification offering the patients more individualized treatment by risk and response disease evaluation, aiming to reduce toxicity while maintaining high curability and introduction of novel, less toxic drugs and their use in early phases of treatment.

Automatic detection of rhythmic and periodic patterns in critical care EEG based on American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS) standardized terminology.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: Continuous EEG from critical care patients needs to be evaluated time efficiently to maximize the treatment effect. A computational method will be presented that detects rhythmic and periodic patterns according to the critical care EEG terminology (CCET) of the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS). The aim is to show that these detected patterns support EEG experts in writing neurophysiological reports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First of all, three case reports exemplify the evaluation procedure using graphically presented detections. Second, 187 hours of EEG from 10 critical care patients were used in a comparative trial study. For each patient the result of a review session using the EEG and the visualized pattern detections was compared to the original neurophysiology report. RESULTS: In three out of five patients with reported seizures, all seizures were reported correctly. In two patients, several subtle clinical seizures with unclear EEG correlation were missed. Lateralized periodic patterns (LPD) were correctly found in 2/2 patients and EEG slowing was correctly found in 7/9 patients. In 8/10 patients, additional EEG features were found including LPDs, EEG slowing, and seizures. CONCLUSION: The use of automatic pattern detection will assist in review of EEG and increase efficiency. The implementation of bedside surveillance devices using our detection algorithm appears to be feasible and remains to be confirmed in further multicenter studies.

Prediction of rhythmic and periodic EEG patterns and seizures on continuous EEG with early epileptiform discharges.

BACKGROUND: Continuous EEG (cEEG) is necessary to document nonconvulsive seizures (NCS), nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), as well as rhythmic and periodic EEG patterns of 'ictal-interictal uncertainty' (RPPIIU) including periodic discharges, rhythmic delta activity, and spike-and-wave complexes in neurological intensive care patients. However, cEEG is associated with significant recording and analysis efforts. Therefore, predictors from short-term routine EEG with a reasonably high yield are urgently needed in order to select patients for evaluation with cEEG. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of early epileptiform discharges (i.e., within the first 30 min of EEG recording) on the following: (1) incidence of ictal EEG patterns and RPPIIU on subsequent cEEG, (2) occurrence of acute convulsive seizures during the ICU stay, and (3) functional outcome after 6 months of follow-up. METHODS: We conducted a separate analysis of the first 30 min and the remaining segments of prospective cEEG recordings according to the ACNS Standardized Critical Care EEG Terminology as well as NCS criteria and review of clinical data of 32 neurological critical care patients. RESULTS: In 17 patients with epileptiform discharges within the first 30 min of EEG (group 1), electrographic seizures were observed in 23.5% (n = 4), rhythmic or periodic EEG patterns of 'ictal-interictal uncertainty' in 64.7% (n = 11), and neither electrographic seizures nor RPPIIU in 11.8% (n = 2). In 15 patients with no epileptiform discharges in the first 30 min of EEG (group 2), no electrographic seizures were recorded on subsequent cEEG, RPPIIU were seen in 26.7% (n = 4), and neither electrographic seizures nor RPPIIU in 73.3% (n = 11). The incidence of EEG patterns on cEEG was significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.008). Patients with early epileptiform discharges developed acute seizures more frequently than patients without early epileptiform discharges (p = 0.009). Finally, functional outcome six months after discharge was significantly worse in patients with early epileptiform discharges (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Epileptiform discharges within the first 30 min of EEG recording are predictive for the occurrence of ictal EEG patterns and for RPPIIU on subsequent cEEG, for acute convulsive seizures during the ICU stay, and for a worse functional outcome after 6 months of follow-up. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Status Epilepticus.

Prospective assessment and validation of rhythmic and periodic pattern detection in NeuroTrend: A new approach for screening continuous EEG in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: NeuroTrend is a computational method that analyzes long-term scalp EEGs in the ICU according to ACNS standardized critical care EEG terminology (CCET) including electrographic seizures. At present, it attempts to become a screening aid for continuous EEG (cEEG) recordings in the ICU to facilitate the review process and optimize resources. METHODS: A prospective multicenter study was performed in two neurological ICUs including 68 patients who were subjected to video-cEEG. Two reviewers independently annotated the first minute of each hour in the cEEG according to CCET. These segments were also screened for faster patterns with frequencies higher than 4 Hz. The matching annotations (2911 segments) were then used as gold standard condition to test sensitivity and specificity of the rhythmic and periodic pattern detection of NeuroTrend. RESULTS: Interrater agreement showed substantial agreement for localization (main term 1) and pattern type (main term 2) of the CCET. The overall detection sensitivity of NeuroTrend was 94% with high detection rates for periodic discharges (PD = 80%) and rhythmic delta activity (RDA = 82%). Overall specificity was moderate (67%) mainly because of false positive detections of RDA in cases of general slowing. In contrast, a detection specificity of 88% for PDs was reached. Localization revealed only a slight agreement between reviewers and NeuroTrend. CONCLUSIONS: NeuroTrend might be a suitable screening tool for cEEG in the ICU and has the potential to raise efficiency of long-term EEG monitoring in the ICU. At this stage, pattern localization and differentiation between RDA and general slowing need improvement. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Status Epilepticus".

[Antibiofilm activity of agents for disinfection of skin, mucosa, and wound on microorganisms isolated from patients with catheter-related infections]. / Vplyv prípravkov urcených na dezinfekciu koze, slizníc a rán na zivotaschopnost biofilmovej formy rastu mikroorganizmov izolovaných od pacientov s katétrovými infekciami.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the activity of four disinfectious agents used for skin, mucosa and wound disinfection (chlorhexidine digluconate, povidone-iodine, octenidine hydrochloride, super oxygenated water) on the biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida sp. strains, isolated from patients with catheter-related infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The tested agents were applied on 24-hours biofilm in the microtiter plate wells. After 20-minutes exposition, the wells were washed, and the microbial vitality was tested by regrowth method after 24-hours cultivation in fresh culture medium. Biofilm formation was confirmed in a parallel microtiter plate; the quantity of produced biofilm was measured after crystal violet staining spectrophotometrically at 570 nm. RESULTS: All four tested disinfectious agents inactivated the biofilm of all S. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans, C. krusei and C. glabrata strains, without respect to the intensity of biofilm production. Three strains of C. tropicalis with intensive biofilm production partially preserved their vitality after exposition to chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine, and 2 strains to octenidine. Super oxygenated water had no effect on yeasts associated with massive biofilm of one C. tropicalis strain, and only partially decreased the vitality of additional two strains. CONCLUSIONS: The tested disinfectious agents proved in-vitro antibiofilm activity on all microbial strains from catheter-related infections, with exception of three C. tropicalis strains with intensive biofilm production. Octenidine was found to be the most active agent. The results enable to assume, that the tested disinfectious agents, when applied to patients, will inactivate not only the individual microorganisms not protected by biofilm, but also the biofilm on the catheter surfaces approachable by local application. However, C. tropicalis strains producing massive biofilm, protecting them partially from effects of disinfectious agents tested in the present study, still remain a challenge.

Mediastinal foregut duplication cyst of enteric type containing a persistent thymus, imitating a pericardial cyst.

UNLABELLED: Mediastinal foregut duplication cysts are rare congenital masses caused by developmental disorders of the anterior part of the embryonic primitive gut. In adults they can be discovered as an incidental finding on chest radiograph. They can mimic other intrathoracic pathologies as it was initially the case in our patient. A 51-year-old woman was incidentally found to have homogenous mass at the right cardiophrenic angle on the chest radiograph. Based on that finding and echocardiography a pericardial cyst was suspected. Computed tomography demonstrated a simple anterior mediastinal cyst. Because of the growth with a mild progression of the compression of the right atrium, the cyst was resected. Histology and immunohistochemistry revealed the mass to be a mediastinal foregut duplicatory cyst of enteric type containing persistent thymus. To our knowledge, this is the first report in which a mediastinal foregut cyst contained both enteric mucosa and ectopic persistent thymus (Fig. 9, Ref. 13). KEYWORDS: foregut cyst, mediastinal cyst, thymus, enteric cyst, pericardial cyst.

Retrospective analysis of the results of high-dose chemotherapy with the support of autologous blood stem cells in patients with multiple myeloma. The experience of a single centre.

Despite new medical products introduced in multiple myeloma therapy, autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) remains a standard procedure in younger patients with symptomatic disease. We analyzed a group of 190 patients who underwent ASCT at our clinic for multiple myeloma as primary therapy in years 1995-2008. The total number of transplants performed in this group was 291. 110 patients underwent one ASCT, 59 patients had double transplant, out of which 51 patients underwent tandem transplant, 21 patients underwent triple ASCT, out of which 15 patients were transplanted front-line throughout a clinical trial and 6 patients underwent follow-up transplants due to disease progression. The assessment of the best therapeutic effect of ASCT showed the total rates of patients with complete remission--22%, very good partial remission (VGPR)--8%, partial remission--63%, stabilized disease--6% and progression--1%. The transplant related mortality (TRM) was 4.1%. With the median follow-up of surviving patients 2.6 years, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 21 and 54 months, respectively; the likelihood of a 7-year overall survival was 28%. Comparing tandem versus single transplants, there was a significant increase in the median PFS (25.8 versus 20.8 months, respectively); however, there was no difference in overall survivals. The IVE mobilization regimen was found to be more efficacious for PBPC collection than high-dosed cyclophosphamide.

[The outcome of whole-body FDG-PET examination predicts the future of patients with diffuse large-cell lymphoma in the use of both intermediary staging and at the end of standard chemotherapy]. / Výsledek celotelového FDG-PET vysetrení predikuje osud nemocných s difuzním velkobunecným lymfomem jak pri pouzití v intermediárním stagingu, tak pri pouzití na konci standardní chemoterapie.

AIM: Response to the therapy is one of the most valuable prognostic factors. The response evaluation is performed by computer tomography as a standard tool. The introduction of FDG-PET whole body imaging allows to discriminate viable tumor and fibrotic changes in structural abnormalities. METHODS: We have performed retrospective analysis of 96 patients with diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (1999-2004) who were treated by anthracyclin based chemotherapy and FDG-PET was performed as a part of intermediate restaging (after 2nd-4th cycle, 69 patients) or/and at the end of standard chemotherapy (68 patients). RESULTS: The progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) at 3 years were the endpoints. Median follow up was 30 months. The PFS and OS resp. for PET negative pts at intermediate restaging was 80.7% and 97.6% compared to the 50.5% and 71.5 % resp. for PET positive patients. The relapse risk and death risk for PET positive patients was 4.8 and 6.4 resp. The PFS and OS resp. for PET negative pts at the end of chemotherapy was 81.7% and 94.7% resp. compared to the 29.4% (p < 0.0001) and 57.5% (p < 0.0001) resp. for PET positive patients. The relapse risk and death risk for PET positive patients was 7.0 and 12.9 resp. Predictive value of PET at intermediate as well at the end restaging was observed in IPI low group as well IPI high risk subgroups for both PFS and OS, except OS in high risk subgroup at intermediate restaging. CONCLUSION: The current analysis confirms predictive PET value for patients with DLBCL at intermediate as well at the end restaging. The question if and how to use the PET findings for tailoreing of therapy remains to be answered in prospective trials.

[Adenomatoid tumor of the right adrenal gland: a case report]. / Adenomatoidný tumor pravej nadoblicky: kazuistika.

Adenomatoid tumor of adrenal gland is a very rare primary tumor with favourable prognosis. The mesothelial origin of this tumor was confirmed by multiple studies of various authors. This origin was proven by immunohistochemical and ultrastructural examinations. In our case report, we present an interesting case of the adenomatoid tumor of the right adrenal gland in a 55-year-old woman. Our case is the second well-documented case of this tumor occurring in a female adult patient. We emphasize the presence of an intraluminal thread-like bridging strands, generally considered to be a characteristic histologic feature of this tumor, which have not yet been reported in literature in adenomatoid tumor located in adrenal glands.

[Columnar cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland--case report]. / Karcinóm stítnej zlazy zo stlpcovitých buniek--kazuistika.

Columnar cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland is a very rare malignant tumour with characteristic histological features. The tumour is characterized by typical aggressive behaviour and unfavourable prognosis. We describe a case of this carcinoma in 69-year-old man. We present clinical and histological features of this tumour. In addition, we present features of this tumour in fine-needle aspirates, which were described only in a few cases in literature so far.

Major thoracic surgery in octogenarians: the video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) approach.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic surgery is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate in the elderly patient population. Appropriate management of thoracic diseases is often avoided because of the inherent risks associated with the access thoracotomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of octogenarians who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for a variety of thoracic conditions. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was done on all patients who were between 80 and 90 years of age and underwent elective VATS between January 1995 and August 2001. RESULTS: A total of 162 consecutive VATS procedures were performed in 157 patients. Comorbid conditions consistent with their advanced age included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. The procedures included 96 lung resections (53 lobectomies, 42 wedge/segment resections), 46 pleurectomies, 8 decortications, 8 mediastinal biopsies, 3 pericardial windows, and 1 drainage of hemothorax. The pathology included 76 primary lung cancers, 35 metastatic diseases, 37 benign conditions, 9 nesotheliomas, and 3 carcinoid tumors. The average operative time and length of hospital stay after surgery were 51 min and 2.6 days, respectively. There were 3 (1.9%) mortalities, 2 from cardiac complications and 1 from pneumonia. Two (1.2%) patients required reexploration for bleeding. Four (2.5%) cases were converted to open thoracotomy thirteen (8.0%) cases had an air leak, of which 11 were managed on an outpatient basis with a Heimlich valve. They were discharged from the hospital an average of 3.3 days postoperatively. CONCLUSION: With VATS, surgical therapy can be offered to octogenarians with a low morbidity and mortality rate, as well as a short hospital stay.

[Pseudomalignant changes in benign phyllodes breast tumor]. / Pseudomalígne zmeny v benígnom phylloides tumore mliecnej zl'azy.

Phylloides tumor of the breast is well known entity in pathology for a long time. It includes fibroepithelial tumors of the different biological character. They are generally divided into three groups: benign, low-grade malignant (borderline) and high-grade malignant. Adenoses of the breast are a group of the benign lesions, the main feature of which is the proliferation of the glandular component of the breast. More frequent adenoses occurring in practice are: blunt duct adenosis, sclerosing adenosis, nodular adenosis, adenosis tumor and florid adenosis. The less frequent adenoses are: microglandular adenosis, tubular adenosis, apocrine adenosis, and myoepithelial (adenomyoepithelial) adenosis. In this article two histologically unusual lesions of the breast in middle-aged women are presented, consisting of the benign variants of the phylloides tumor, modified distinctly by various types of adenoses, which can cause, together with intensive myoepithelial proliferation, great diagnostic problems, especially on frozen sections. They may be mistaken with invasive ductal or lobular cancer. Reliable differentiation between these entities is possible only by using of the immunohistochemical methods.

Susceptibility and reactivity of sheep to Trichinella spiralis infection.

Susceptibility and reactive manifestation to Trichinella spiralis infection were studied in atypical hosts (sheep) for the period of 247 days. Sheep produced anti-Trichinella antibodies as early on Day 11 (low titer 1:200), with maximum reached at Day 35 (titer 1:800). From Day 42 the antibody level was declining with a negative result of examination on Day 70. Mice exhibited anti-Trichinella antibodies only on Day 32 (titer 1:200). This level was rising, reaching high titer (1:1600) on Day 56. This antibody level persisted until Day 156. In the following period, a rapid decrease in the titer was observed (Graph). On Day 32, T. spiralis larvae in sheep were present in all groups of the muscles examined. The highest larval counts during the entire experiment were detected in the masseter. The initially high counts in the diaphragm and tongue were reduced to only 1/4 or 1/10 at the end of the experiment. In mice, the larvae occurred evenly throughout the entire experiment (Tab. I). The first appearance of a capsule around the T. spiralis larva in muscles was observed on Day 32 p. i. No cell response was detected around the capsule (Fig. 1). Neither was any response observed around necrotizing larvae, even though the surrounding myofibrils were caused to die off (Fig. 2). Certain differences in the degree of myofibril degradation by larvae were evident as early as on Day 32. The least damaged myofibrils were those in the masseter, tongue and diaphragm. This finding correlates with the histological recovery of a different number of necrotized larvae from the individual muscle groups examined. Fresh blood extravassations around larvae were observed on Day 59 (Fig. 3). They could be caused by the migration of larvae to a parasitation site. Live uncapsulated larvae were also found on Day 115 p. i. (Fig. 4). An increased cellular presence around some larvae was observed on Day 84. The larvae surrounded by lymphocytes consequently died off, those without lymphocytic responses formed capsules and survived (Fig. 5). The necrotizing larvae were subject to a powerful phagocytic process, presented by histiocytes, forming multinuclear symplasms (Fig. 6). On Day 11 p. i., larvae inside a capsule were dying off as well. The initial stage of larval necrosis in a capsule is also accompanied by an increased lymphocytic response (Fig. 7). The condition of larvae in capsules and the cellular unresponsiveness as late as on Day 247 indicate the long-lasting viability of the larvae. The capsules surrounding T. spiralis larvae in mice were distinctly seen as early as on Day 32 p. i. Lymphocytic aggregations around the capsule were observed throughout the entire experiment (247 days)-Fig. 8.

[Selection of medical residents for medical specialist education: experiences with a structured procedure]. / Selectie van assistent-geneeskundigen voor medisch-specialistische opleidingen: ervaringen met een gestructureerde procedure.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of an objective, standardised method for selection of residents for medical specialty training. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: University Hospital Utrecht, department of diagnostic radiology. Utrecht University, Department of Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology. METHODS: All applicants for residency positions in 1990-1991 were requested to complete a standard application form. The applications were judged by seven staff members on six criteria. Using statistical tests the relative contribution of each criterium was calculated. A similar procedure was followed for those who were invited for an interview. RESULTS: Most of the criteria applied for the written and oral applications contributed significantly to the rank order achieved. The written and oral criteria showed some degree of overlap, whilst the criteria used for the written application were relatively independent from those used for the interview. For a balanced evaluation of the written information a selection committee of four staff members was sufficient. CONCLUSION: Structuring the selection process as described gives both staff and applicants more insight in the criteria applied, and thus allows a more objective and valid evaluation. To medical students it is beneficial to become acquainted with criteria that may be used in selection procedures for medical specialty training, so they can prepare themselves adequately.