Human natural interferon-alpha producing cells.

Interferons (IFNs) are critical components of the host immune system, serving as antiviral agents, immunomodulators and inhibitors of cell growth. Among peripheral blood mononuclear cells, the primary IFN-alpha-producing cell is a light density, HLA-DR+ cell negative for cell surface markers typical for T cells, B cells, monocytes, natural-killer or progenitor cells and has been tentatively termed the 'natural IFN-producing cell' or NIPC. Although present in very low frequency (approximately 1:1000 among peripheral blood mononuclear cells), the NIPC are very potent, with an individual cell able to produce 1-2 IU of IFN.

Management of the surgical patient with multiple system organ failure.

The management of the surgical patient with multiple system organ failure (MSOF) remains a formidable problem. Despite advances in critical care, mortality from MSOF remains virtually unchanged since the syndrome was characterized almost two decades ago. At the present time, there are no modalities that can actively reverse established organ failure, hence the treatment of these patients consists of metabolic and hemodynamic support until the process reverses itself or until death.

Recurrent acute suppurative thyroiditis.

Recurrent acute left-sided suppurative thyroiditis was observed and treated in an eight-year-old girl. Barium swallow performed after the third episode revealed the presence of a pyriform sinus fistula extending to the upper pole of the left lobe. Despite resection of the fistula, she relapsed for a fourth time.

Microinjections of norepinephrine into the intermediolateral cell column of the spinal cord exert excitatory as well as inhibitory effects on the cardiac function.

Cardiac responses to microinjections of norepinephrine (NE) into the intermediolateral column of the spinal cord (IML) at T2 level were studied in pentobarbital-anesthetized, immobilized and artificially ventilated, male Wistar rats. For describing the effects of NE conveniently, the doses of NE were divided into two ranges. The small dose-range consisted of 20 nl volumes of 50, 75 and 100 micromolar (microM) solutions (i.

The incidence of decreased red blood cell deformability in sepsis and the association with oxygen free radical damage and multiple-system organ failure.

We studied the incidence of decreased red blood cell deformability (RBCD) in sepsis and the association between decreased RBCD and oxygen free radical generation (as measured by malonyldialdehyde) and the occurrence of multiple-system organ failure (MSOF). Patients were divided into three groups: septic (n = 28), nonseptic (n = 15), and control (n = 5). Serial measurements of deformability index, malonyldialdehyde, and MSOF were made.

Crystal-associated arthropathies.

Crystal-associated arthritis constitutes one of the best-understood inflammatory processes involving joints in humans. It affects mainly middle-aged or elderly individuals and is often seen in association with signs of degenerative joint disease. Articular manifestations of crystalline deposition disease not uncommonly are also the first presentation of reversible metabolic or endocrine disorders.