HLA and RBC immunization after filtered and buffy coat-depleted blood transfusion in cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: WBC reduction of all blood components is being introduced in many countries. Prevention of immunologic side effects of transfusions is part of the motivation. To compare the immunogenicity of before- or after-storage WBC-reduced RBCs with RBCs without buffy coat, a randomized clinical trial was performed.

Cognitive and motor functioning in gene carriers for Huntington's disease: a baseline study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the first changes in cognitive and motor functioning in Huntington's disease. Forty-six gene carriers, not clinically diagnosed for HD, were compared with 88 non-gene carriers. Gene carriers performed significantly worse on the Benton Visual Retention Test.

DNA ploidy status as a prognostic marker and predictor of lymph node metastasis in laryngeal carcinoma.

In patients with laryngeal carcinoma, nodal metastasis, recurrence after radiotherapy, and prognosis are important factors in clinical decision-making. Parameters such as tumor stage are considered insufficient for predicting these important items. The DNA ploidy status of the tumor may be a useful additional marker.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a survey of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT).

A survey was carried out among the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) centres to determine the incidence, risk factors, treatment and outcome of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. TTP was defined as the simultaneous occurrence of red cell fragmentation, laboratory findings of haemolysis, red cell transfusion requirement and de novo or persistent thrombocytopenia caused by consumption, in the absence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Forty-five centres reported all patients (n = 406) transplanted between July and December 1996.

Short-term preoperative radiotherapy interferes with the determination of pathological parameters in rectal cancer.

Short-term preoperative radiotherapy in combination with surgery has been shown to decrease the rate of local recurrence in rectal cancer patients. The effects of this type of radiotherapy on the histopathology of rectal carcinoma has been hitherto unknown. Since various histopathological factors are associated with prognosis, the study of alterations induced by irradiation is an important issue.

Markers for nodal metastasis in head and neck squamous cell cancer.

Objective: To identify markers that are relevant as predictors of lymph node metastasis in head and neck squamous cell cancer.

Design: Expression of p53, Rb, cyclin D1, E-cadherin, and epithelial cell adhesion molecule was examined using immunohistochemical analysis and traditional histological parameters, and the correlation of these markers with the histologically verified presence of regional metastases was determined.

Subjects: The study sample comprised 121 patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer from whom paraffin-embedded material of primary tumors was used.

Partial matrix excision or segmental phenolization for ingrowing toenails.

Objective: To decide whether partial nail extraction with phenolisation or with partial excision of the matrix should be the standard treatment in patients with ingrowing toenails of the hallux.

Design: Randomized clinical trial with 12-month follow-up evaluations performed by observers who did not know which procedure was applied.

Setting: Outpatient department of a surgical teaching hospital.

Proliferation in Adrenocortical Tumors: Correlation with Clinical Outcome and p53 Status.

There appears to be a relationship between mitotic activity and malignant behavior in adrenocortical tumors, and carcinomas with a high mitotic index may have a poorer prognosis. This has been investigated further by quantifying and comparing the Ki-67 index using antibody MIB-1 in a series of 14 adrenocortical adenomas and 40 carcinomas. The levels have been correlated with survival and disease-free survival in carcinomas and with evidence of abnormal p53 expression as detected by immunohistochemistry.