Odontogenic keratocyst: an unusual cause of unilateral nasal swelling.

The odontogenic keratocyst is the least common of all odontogenic cysts which usually presents to the maxillofacial surgeon. An unusual case is described which presented to the ENT department with a rapidly enlarging unilateral intranasal mass. The clinical and radiological features of this lesion are presented and attention is drawn to the need for aggressive surgical excision because of its high recurrence rate.

The role of coat proteins in the biosynthesis of secretory proteins.

The biosynthesis of secretory proteins requires vesicle-mediated transport between the organelles of the secretory pathway. Biochemical and genetic analysis of the secretory pathway has identified two non-clathrin coats--COPI and COPII--that drive the formation of vesicles that mediate transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus, and through the compartments of the Golgi. Recently, a molecular description of the subunits of these coats and the development of biochemical reagents to study their function has yielded new information on how these proteins share the task of organizing vesicle traffic early in the secretory pathway.

COPII: a membrane coat formed by Sec proteins that drive vesicle budding from the endoplasmic reticulum.

In vitro synthesis of endoplasmic reticulum-derived transport vesicles has been reconstituted with washed membranes and three soluble proteins (Sar1p, Sec13p complex, and Sec23p complex). Vesicle formation requires GTP but can be driven by nonhydrolyzable analogs such as GMP-PNP. However, GMP-PNP vesicles fail to target and fuse with the Golgi complex whereas GTP vesicles are functional.

The Sec13p complex and reconstitution of vesicle budding from the ER with purified cytosolic proteins.

SEC13 encodes a 33 kDa protein that participates in vesicle budding from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In order to purify a functional form of Sec13p, a SEC13-dihydrofolate reductase (mouse) fusion gene (SEC13:DHFR) was constructed that complements both sec13 temperature sensitive and null mutations. Methotrexate-agarose affinity chromatography facilitated the purification of two forms of the Sec13-dhfrp fusion protein: a monomeric form and a high molecular weight complex.

Cytosolic Sec13p complex is required for vesicle formation from the endoplasmic reticulum in vitro.

The SEC13 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required in vesicle biogenesis at a step before or concurrent with the release of transport vesicles from the ER membrane. SEC13 encodes a 33-kD protein with sequence homology to a series of conserved internal repeat motifs found in beta subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins. The product of this gene, Sec13p, is a cytosolic protein peripherally associated with membranes.

Foreign bodies in the throat: a prospective study of 388 cases.

We present the results of a prospective study of 388 patients presenting with a history of swallowing a foreign body. We indicate whether the patients' symptoms and signs were associated with a retained foreign body. While tenderness on palpation was an unreliable sign, pooling at indirect laryngoscopy invariably predicted a retained object.

Efficacy of oral oxpentifylline in the management of idiopathic tinnitus.

A prospective single-blind, placebo-controlled trial was effected in 30 patients presenting to an out-patient clinic complaining principally of tinnitus. Over a 6-week period, the subjects were assessed by routine audiometry and subjective reporting of change in their symptoms. A treatment group received the xanthine derivative, oxpentifylline (Hoechst UK), while a control group received identically presented inactive placebo.

Clinical experience with 0.05% halometasone/1% triclosan cream in the treatment of acute infected and infection-prone eczema in Egypt.

This is a report of a non-comparative trial to assess the usefulness of a 0.05% halometasone and 1% triclosan combination in a cream base in the treatment of acute infected and infection-prone eczematous skin disorders. The trial was carried out in three centres.

Outbreak of paralytic poliomyelitis in Finland: widespread circulation of antigenically altered poliovirus type 3 in a vaccinated population.

An outbreak of 9 cases of paralytic poliomyelitis and 1 non-paralytic case occurred in Finland between August, 1984, and January, 1985, after two decades of freedom from the disease attributable to a successful immunisation programme. During the outbreak poliovirus type 3 was isolated from the patients, from about 15% of healthy persons tested, and from sewage water. At least 100 000 persons were estimated to have been infected.

Kikuchi's--a new cause of cervical lymphadenopathy.

A case of Kikuchi's presenting in a young West Indian lady is recorded which typifies this rare condition. This histological features have been discussed and differential diagnosis outlined.

Variants of polyoma-transformed BHK21 cells unresponsive to fibronectin.

To investigate the relation between cell-substratum adhesion and cell-spreading we have isolated variants of anchorage-independent cells which fail to adhere to fibronectin. The variants are poorly adhesive both to fibronectin and serum, show dramatically altered morphology in culture and are unable to spread on any protein-coated surface yet tested.

Germ cell-specific decrease of acrosomal proteolytic activity, sperm motility, and number in mitomycin C-treated mice.

Assessment of mammalian sperm acrosomal proteolytic activity, sperm motility, and sperm count may be useful for detecting mutagens, carcinogens, developmentally active agents, and antifertility effects. Groups of six albino mice were given a single i.p.

Methotrexate and fertility in men.

The possible deleterious effects of folic acid antagonist methotrexate on the fertility potential have been investigated in 26 male psoriatic patients. Examination for semen, testicular histology, and spermatogenic function using radioactive phosphorus revealed that methotrexate had no unfavorable effect on male fertility. A long follow up of the patients and their offspring is needed to exclude the possible teratogenic effect of the drug.

The leprous testis.

A clinical investigative study of 148 male leprous patients demonstrated the presence of testicular lesions in 35 cases. Semen analysis revealed marked oligo-athenozoospermia in 10 cases and azoospermia in 25 cases. Testicular biopsies from leprous testes showed different histologic patterns ranging from spermatogenic arrest to complete hyalinization of both seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue.