Si racetrack optical modulator based on the III-V/Si hybrid MOS capacitor

We have fabricated a Si racetrack optical modulator based on a III-V/Si hybrid metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor. The III-V/Si hybrid MOS optical phase shifter was integrated to a Si racetrack resonator with a coupling length of 200 µm and a coupling gap of 700 nm. The fabricated Si racetrack resonator demonstrated a small VπL of 0.059 Vcm. For 10-dB optical intensity modulation, the Si racetrack resonator showed a 60% smaller driving voltage than a Mach-Zehnder interferometer modulator with the same phase shifter, leading to a better balance between high energy efficiency and large modulation bandwidth.

Ultra-power-efficient 2 × 2 Si Mach-Zehnder interferometer optical switch based on III-V/Si hybrid MOS phase shifter

We have demonstrated an ultra-power-efficient 2 × 2 Si Mach-Zehnder interferometer optical switch with III-V/Si hybrid metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) phase shifters. The efficient low-loss phase modulation enables low-crosstalk and broadband switching in conjunction with multimode interference couplers consisting of tapered input and output ports. Owing to the negligible gate leakage current in the hybrid MOS capacitor, the power consumption required for switching is 0.18 nW, approximately 10⁷ times smaller than that of a Si thermo-optic phase shifter. We also demonstrated a switching time of less than 20 ns. The III-V/Si hybrid MOS phase shifter is promising for fabricating large-scale Si photonic integrated circuits that require efficient, low-loss, and high-speed optical phase control.

Ovo-vegetarian diet is associated with lower systemic blood pressure in Taiwanese women

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate blood pressure (BP) profiles among Taiwanese women with different dietary patterns.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A total of 269 non-hypertensive Taiwanese women, 40 years of age or older, were surveyed using structured questionnaires, and measurements of BP and physiological parameters were made. To assess differences among vegans, ovo-vegetarians, and meat eaters in terms of BP, demographic, and health behavior data, the chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were employed for categorical variables, and analysis of variance and independent t-tests were performed for continuous variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between BP and dietary patterns while controlling for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

A significant difference was found among the three test groups in terms of age, education, employment, stress, and waist-hip ratio. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly differed among the three groups. After controlling for age, body weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference, the three groups were observed to be a significant risk factor of the SBP and DBP. The SBP and DBP of the ovo-vegetarian group were significantly lower than those of the meat-eater group. No significant differences were found between the vegan and meat-eater groups in terms of SBP and DBP.

CONCLUSION

Dietary pattern is a likely risk factor for SBP and DBP outcomes in Taiwanese women. In particular, the SBP and DBP of ovo-vegetarians are the lowest among the values observed for all dietary patterns. This finding suggests that an ovo-vegetarian diet is beneficial for long-term BP control and prevention of hypertension in females.

Elucidating the process of co-composting of biosolids and spent activated clay

This study elucidates the co-composting of biosolids and spent activated clay (SAC) using physio-chemical, bioassay, and spectroscopic methods. A pilot-scale pile of blended limed biosolids, SAC, and rice husk was composted for 15weeks. The changes in temperature, pH, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, C/N, and germination index (GI) of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis) seeds with time support the goal of producing a mature compost with a decline in the SAC acidity of associated with biosolids. Cadmium, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb in the initial biosolids were converted from labile fractions into relatively immobile phases upon maturation. Temperature, moisture, pH, C/N, and GI were used to separate the composting process into three phases - initial, thermophilic, and cooling, based on a score plot of principal component analysis (PCA). The values of the parameters of interest reveal that the compost fulfills the requirements of compost maturity in the literature.

Effect of IGF-1R inhibitor BMS-754807 on tumor glucose metabolism and proliferation in Sal-IGF xenografts by FDG and FLT- PET imaging

e14501

Background: The type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) plays a critical role in mitogenesis and survival in a variety of human tumor cells. IGF-1R is also closely related to the insulin receptor (IR). It is becoming increasingly evident that stimulation of IR or IR/IGF-1R hybrid receptors by insulin or IGF-1/2 may contribute to cancer growth, suggesting that both IGF-1R and IR may be targets for cancer therapy. BMS-754807 (‘807) is an oral IGF-1R tyrosine kinase antagonist under development that also blocks IR activity. This study explores the feasibility of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and fluorothymidine (FLT) positron emission tomography (PET) as pharmacodynamic imaging biomarkers in a xenograft model. Methods: Mice were implanted with fragments of Sal-IGF, a transgenic salivary gland tumor expressing constitutively active IGF-1R. Once tumors reached desired size, the mice were divided into 3 treatment groups (vehicle, 6.25 mg/kg ‘807, & 50 mg/kg ‘807 on days 1–4). FDG-PET scans were performed on day -2 (prior to treatment), days 1 & 2 (max/min concentrations post day 1 dose), and days 4 & 5 (max/min day 4 dose). FLT-PET scans were performed on days -2, 2 (min day 1 dose), & 5 (min day 4 dose). Results: With FDG-PET imaging, a 66% reduction (P<0.05, paired t-test) in tumor SUVmean was observed at the end of the 50 mg/kg therapy (day 4) and sustained for 24h (day 5) with a concomitant reduction of 37% in tumor burden by day 5 (P<0.05). FLT-PET studies demonstrated a 45% reduction (P<0.05) in tumor SUVmean observed 24h after the end of 50 mg/kg therapy (day 5) with a concomitant reduction of 50% in tumor burden (day 5, P<0.05). Conclusions: Correlation with tumor growth inhibition suggests feasibility of FDG- PET despite IR blockade. These results support the use of both FDG and FLT PET imaging in clinical trials with ‘807.

[Table: see text]

A survey of microbial contamination of food contact surfaces at broiler slaughter plants in Taiwan

Microbial contamination levels at broiler slaughter plants were investigated at three major slaughter plants in Taiwan during the summer and winter. The microbial contamination levels in chicken carcasses and on food contact surfaces were examined using the swab method. The results indicated that the bacterial counts were affected by the slaughter processing plant, processes, and season (P < 0.05). The bacterial counts on food contact surfaces of the equipment before operation were not significantly lower than those after processing. Regardless of the bacterial type, bacterial counts of chicken carcasses generally decreased from the scalding step to the washing step before evisceration and then increased. The cleaning procedures for food contact surfaces should be evaluated, and special attention should be given to utensils used during processing, such as gloves, baskets, and hand tools.

Changes in viscosity of low shear rates and viscoelastic properties of oxidative erythrocyte suspensions

We exposed erythrocytes in soluble hemoglobin and Fe+2, in which hydroxyl radical (OH*) might be generated, and measured low shear rate viscosity and viscoelasticity of erythrocyte suspensions at Hct of 40%. The quantities of the lipid peroxidation product, malonyldialdehyde (MDA), for oxidized samples were higher than that for control (e.g., 2.20 +/- 0.46 nmol and 1.70 +/- 0.42 nmol, n = 6, p = 0.01, respectively). The viscosity values of oxidized erythrocyte suspensions for all tested shear rates were higher than those for the control samples (p < 0.05 or better, n = 6). Dynamic viscosity (eta') of oxidized erythrocyte samples was higher than that of control samples at the tested shear stress of 30 mPa whereas it was not observed in elasticity values (eta"). We tentatively concluded from the study, that oxidized erythrocytes would be more prone to form aggregates and increase viscosity of blood at low shear rates. Therefore, they might impair blood flow in the microcirculation.

Amyloidosis complicating idiopathic myelofibrosis

An 84-year-old man presented with ankle edema, significant proteinuria, and mild impairment of renal function soon after treatment was started for idiopathic myelofibrosis. Renal amyloidosis was found on biopsy. The amyloid deposit was resistant to potassium permanganate treatment and showed no immunoreactivity to immunoglobulin light chains, beta-amyloid protein, or amyloid A component. A review of the literature showed that the occurrence of amyloidosis in idiopathic myelofibrosis is very rare, and the chemical nature of the amyloid involved remains unclear.

Role of MR imaging in the management of "skier's thumb" injuries

"Skier's thumb" is an acute rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb. As the method of choice in evaluating soft tissue injuries, MR imaging is useful in evaluating UCL injuries. This article reviews current concepts regarding the rupture of the UCL, including a study of 34 UCL injuries in which MR imaging was used as the main diagnostic tool. When correlated with surgical findings, MR imaging resulted in identifying UCL tears with 96% sensitivity and 95% specificity.

Role of MR imaging in sports medicine research. Basic science and clinical research studies

The advent and advancement of MR imaging have provided an entire new dimension for medical imaging. MR imaging has been especially useful because of its capacity to image nonmineralized tissues with a very high degree of resolution. Although modalities such as ultrasound and scintigraphy have proven useful for specific purposes, it is MR imaging that has the most utility and capabilities, especially in the area of sports-induced injuries. The technology associated with MR imaging has expanded greatly, and it continues to evolve at a rapid pace. The result has been an ever-increasing diagnostic capability that has become more economic with time. As described previously, MR imaging is gaining importance in the area of comparative medicine for animal athletes as well. It is also interesting to note that MR imaging now has a greater potential for monitoring physiological and biochemical changes as well as anatomic ones. Some newer MR units actually include physiologic data acquisition components. Consequently, new bioassays and nondestructive tissue tests can be performed to further understand the molecular biology and ongoing cellular processes in any given condition. Coupled with MR spectroscopy, the enhanced MR techniques should continue to contribute to the overall information that will be integrated into the training and rehabilitation of patients with sports-induced inflammation and injuries. The authors support and encourage ongoing efforts in the area of MR imaging research, both basic science and clinical studies.

MR imaging of knee anterior cruciate ligament and associated injuries in skiers

Tears of the ACL have become widespread in the skiing population. Understanding of the mechanisms and patterns of associated injury of such ACL tears has benefited from and contributed greatly to clinical and imaging evaluation and management. MR imaging of the injured knee has become the gold standard comprehensive imaging examination for evaluating the ACL tear and associated soft-tissue and osseous injuries and assisting the treating physician in planning management, as the isolated ACL tear has proven to be the exception rather than the rule in skiing knee injuries.

MR imaging of the thrower's shoulder. Internal impingement, latissimus dorsi/subscapularis strains, and related injuries

In conclusion, internal impingement apparently occurs in nearly all patients and is demonstrable on MR imaging. Pathologic changes associated with internal impingement seem to develop with repetitive placement of the arm into a position of extreme external rotation and abduction. Findings may include lesions of the posterior superior labrum, undersurface irritation, or tearing of the supraspinatus-infraspinatus junction near the attachment site and cystic changes of the posterior superior glenoid and posterior lateral greater tuberosity. There is no evidence for a particular sequence of pathologic changes. Instability may be associated with but does not appear to be a prerequisite for the development of the pathologic lesions of internal impingement.

Role of MR imaging in the management of injuries in professional football players

This article discusses the effectiveness of MR imaging in evaluating the injuries of both upper and lower extremities in the professional football player. Topics include bone, joint and soft tissue disorders, and injuries resulting from overuse or trauma of the shoulder, elbow, forearm, and wrist; the pelvis and hip, lower extremity muscle and tendon, knee, and ankle.

MR imaging of rotator interval, long biceps, and associated injuries in the overhead-throwing athlete

The rotator interval between supraspinatus and subscapularis is proving to be an important anatomic and functional region of the shoulder. Appreciation of the anatomic structures, functional importance, and mechanisms of injury are invaluable in appropriate assessment, both by physical examination and diagnostic MR imaging. The long biceps tendon; the superior labrum and labral-biceps anchor; the coracohumeral ligament merging with the rotator interval capsule and the superior glenohumeral ligament; the ligamentous reflection pulley for the long biceps tendon at the far lateral margin of the interval extending to the lesser tuberosity and proximal bicipital groove, bounded by the distal superior margin of the subscapularis and anterior margin of the supraspinatus tendons; and the transverse humeral ligament extending between the lesser and greater tuberosities along the proximal bicipital groove all are intimately associated in this region and may be injured together. Understanding of the anatomy and function of the rotator interval continues to evolve. Rotator interval injury may be better understood as a complex or spectrum rather than an isolated lesion. When any one of the spectrum of associated injuries is suspected or found, all of the other possible associated injuries should be considered and evaluated, both on clinical and MR imaging evaluations.

MR imaging of tendon injuries in the elbow

Tendon injuries are among the more common sources of elbow pain, resulting from occupational and sports activities as well as the activities of daily living. The exquisite soft-tissue contrast resolution and multiplanar capability of MR imaging have proven ideal for evaluating, diagnosing, and managing tendon injuries. Familiarity with normal anatomy, the spectrum of tendon derangement from tendinosis to complete tears, and the typical injury mechanisms involved in tendinopathy about the elbow are all invaluable for appropriate MR imaging examination and interpretation.

Sports and occupational injuries of the elbow: MR imaging findings

Elbow injuries may limit participation in sports and occupational endeavors, as well as activities of daily living. Conventional radiography is the appropriate initial screening technique for evaluation of possible osseous injury or arthritis/arthrosis, but often it offers little information concerning soft-tissue derangement, which is a common source of dysfunction. MR imaging can evaluate these soft tissue to assist in diagnosis, as well as in planning treatment and assessing response to treatment. This essay illustrates MR findings of both the chronic overuse and the more acute traumatic soft-tissue injuries involving ligaments, tendons, muscles, and neurovascular structures, as well as radiographically occult osteochondral injuries.

Applied MRI anatomy of the shoulder

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder is rapidly evolving as the choice diagnostic procedure for management of shoulder derangement, particularly for soft tissue injuries not well delineated by conventional radiography. With application of appropriate MRI protocol/sequences and familiarity with applied shoulder MRI anatomy, valuable diagnostic information may be derived that can greatly assist management/therapy of common problems, such as rotator cuff tears, impingement, and instability as well as less frequent causes of shoulder pain and dysfunction.

Sunlight exposure, antioxidant status, and cataract in Hong Kong fishermen

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The aim was to test whether cataract is associated with higher lifetime exposure to sunlight, and whether antioxidants protect against cataract.

DESIGN

This was a cross sectional survey of eye disease, with assessment of antioxidant status in a subgroup.

SETTING

Hong Kong fishing communities in 1989.

PARTICIPANTS

685 men and women aged 55 to 74 years old were included in the study, of whom 367 (54%) attended hospital for detailed examination.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

At a mobile clinic visual acuity and lens opacities were assessed, and using a questionnaire, occupational history and lifetime exposure to sunlight. At hospital ophthalmic measurements were repeated and blood was taken for measurement of plasma vitamin C, vitamin E, and total carotenoids, and red cell activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Higher grades of cataract (particularly nuclear cataract) tended to be more common in subjects with the most sun exposure, although not to the point of statistical significance. In contrast to earlier studies, no association was found with antioxidant status.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings give some support to the hypothesis that sunlight causes cataract. The absence of a relation to antioxidant status may be because blood levels of antioxidants at one point in time do not adequately reflect a subject's past metabolic state, and particularly the past activity of antioxidants in the lens.

Alterations in the supraspinatus tendon at MR imaging: correlation with histopathologic findings in cadavers

To determine the histopathologic correlates of alterations in the rotator cuff at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, 13 cadaveric shoulders (in subjects aged 26-83 years at the time of death) underwent MR imaging in the coronal oblique plane at 1.5 T with proton-density- and T2-weighted spin-echo sequences. Areas corresponding to sites of MR imaging alterations were then examined histologically. Increased signal intensity on proton-density-weighted images (without further increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images) and an indistinct margin at the articular side of the supraspinatus tendon corresponded to eosinophilic, fibrillar, and mucoid degeneration and scarring. Areas of increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images were associated with severe degeneration and disruption of the supraspinatus tendon. Although other authors have suggested that certain MR findings are indicative of tendinitis, the histologic data in this study were not those of active inflammation but rather tendon degeneration.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow

The application of magnetic resonance imaging to elbow imaging holds great promise in view of the ability to demonstrate the complex anatomy of the elbow in multiple imaging planes with high soft-tissue contrast. Inflammatory or noninflammatory processes and traumatic disorders all may be well assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, particularly articular disorders or marrow and surrounding soft-tissue lesions. Evaluation and staging of neoplasms also may be done using magnetic resonance imaging.

Accuracy of dual-energy radiographic absorptiometry of the lumbar spine: cadaver study

Dual-energy radiographic absorptiometry (DRA) was used to measure the bone mineral content and area density of lumbar vertebrae (L2-L3) in 11 cadavers. These data were subsequently compared with measured ash content and density. Excellent correlation was obtained between bone mineral content measured with DRA and ash weight (r = .963, P less than .0001). The accuracy error in determining mineral content in lumbar vertebrae with DRA was about 9%. In addition, strong correlation was observed between bone mineral density measured with DRA and ash density (r = .881, P less than .0001).

Ultrathin coating of plasma polymer of methane applied on the surface of silicone contact lenses

Silicone rubber has great advantages as a contact lens material because of its very high oxygen permeability, softness, and excellent mechanical strength and durability. Practical application is hampered by inherent characteristics of elastomers, i.e., high tackiness and highly hydrophobic surface properties. By applying a thin layer, e.g., 5 nm, of plasma polymer of methane, it was found that all these disadvantages can be eliminated without sacrificing high oxygen permeation rate, e.g., less than 15% reduction. Optimization of operational parameters to achieve this task has been investigated. It was also found that under optimum conditions the coating withstood severe and repeated flexing of the contact lens.

Plasma exchange in patients with rapidly progressive idiopathic IgA nephropathy: a report of two cases and review of literature

Primary IgA nephropathy is generally considered an indolent disease, but progression to chronic renal failure is not uncommon, and a rapidly progressive course is observed in some cases, especially when extensive fibrocellular crescents are present. The therapeutic benefit of immunosuppression and plasma exchange remains controversial. We described two patients with primary IgA nephropathy and rapidly progressive renal failure. Both patients showed extensive glomerulosclerosis and crescent formation in their renal biopsies. Corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy failed to control the progression of the disease, and plasma exchanges were performed. In both cases, the serum creatinine and creatinine clearance initially improved with plasma exchange and the rapid progression of renal failure was apparently halted. In one patient, the serum creatinine rose when treatment was discontinued and fell again when plasma exchange was recommenced. Nevertheless, the long-term benefit of plasma exchange in crescentic IgA nephropathy was unsatisfactory as the renal function continued to deteriorate in the following 12 months despite an initial stabilization.

IgA nephropathy associated with hepatitis B virus antigenemia

The pathogenetic ability of hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigenemia to induce IgA nephropathy was examined in 10 patients with IgA nephropathy and HBV antigenemia. They had no previous history of liver diseases and their liver function tests were normal. All were positive for hepatitis + surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBcAg) with high titers, thereby indicating they were persistent carriers of HBV. Immunoperoxidase studies using monospecific polyclonal antibodies revealed HBcAg and HBsAg in the nuclei and cytoplasm of glomerular mesangial cells in 8 patients. These findings suggest immune complexes involving HBcAg and HBsAg may induce IgA nephropathy in persons who carry HBV.

An overlapping syndrome of IgA nephropathy and lipoid nephrosis

The authors studied eight cases of IgA nephropathy presenting with nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy revealed only mild mesangial proliferation or minor glomerular changes on light microscopic examination but typical features of IgA nephropathy on immunofluorescent and electron microscopic examination. A satisfactory response characterized by correction of hypoalbuminemia, clearance of proteinuria, and an increase of endogenous creatinine clearance occurred with corticosteroid therapy. These cases represent a variant of IgA nephropathy associated with a nephrotic syndrome that resembles lipoid nephrosis in its responsiveness to steroid.

Corticosteroid therapy in IgA nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome: a long-term controlled trial

A randomized prospective study of 34 patients with IgA nephropathy and nephrotic syndrome was conducted to determine the therapeutic value of corticosteroid therapy. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A, 17 patients receiving oral prednisolone/prednisone for four months; and Group B, 17 patients receiving no corticosteroid therapy and acting as controls. The groups are comparable in age of presentation, sex ratio, and duration of study. No difference in serum creatinine levels, creatinine clearance, serum IgA levels, severity of renal histopathological changes, incidence of hypertension or incidence of impaired renal function could be demonstrated but the Group A patients had significantly heavier proteinuria. During the mean study period of 38 months (range 12-106), no significant difference in serum creatinine levels and creatinine clearance was demonstrated between the two groups. Forty percent of the Group A patients developed complications related to steroid therapy. Despite the overall lack of therapeutic value in IgA nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome as reflected by change in renal function, corticosteroid treatment resulted in excellent remission of nephrotic syndrome in 80% of patients with mild glomerular histopathological changes. Our findings suggest that corticosteroid therapy is only beneficial to selected groups of patients with IgA nephropathy and nephrotic syndrome but its indiscriminate use should be discouraged.

The immunochemical characterization of the light chains in the mesangial IgA deposits in IgA nephropathy

The immunochemical characterization of the light chains of the mesangial immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposits were studied in 45 patients with IgA nephropathy. Kappa and lambda light chains were detected with direct immunofluorescence (IF) method, using monospecific rabbit anti-human anti-kappa and anti-lambda anti-sera. The glomeruli of 42 renal biopsies studied were strongly positive for lambda light chain, while only 25 specimens were positive for kappa light chain. Sixty-five percent of the biopsies showed a predominance of lambda light chain IF staining in the mesangial deposits. This IF pattern is unique as compared with similar studies on renal biopsies from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, idiopathic membranous nephropathy, and normal postmortem renal tissue. The results indicate that mesangial IgA deposits in IgA nephropathy consist mainly of IgA with lambda light chains despite the fact that the normal ratio of kappa to lambda light-chain-containing immunoglobulin in human serum is two to one.

Glomerulonephritis associated with Takayasu's arteritis: report of three cases and review of literature

Clinical features and pathologic findings of the kidney in three patients with Takayasu's arteritis and associated nephritis are described. Clinical evidence of renal disease included proteinuria, hematuria, and a reduction of glomerular filtration rate. Renal histology revealed mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis in one patient and minor glomerular abnormalities in the other two. The clinical course of the glomerulopathy is slow, yet progressive, and the corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy appear to delay the progression of the glomerular damage. In one patient in whom repeated examination of the kidney after corticosteroid and immunosuppressive treatment was possible, the glomerular pathology remained unchanged. This report of three patients with Takayasu's arteritis and concomitant nephritis supports the previous speculation of the association between these two conditions. The glomerular, vasculitic, and arteriopathic involvements in these patients may suggest a common immunologic mechanism.

Nephrotic range proteinuria--a good predictive index of disease in IgA nephropathy?

A combined retrospective and prospective study of 86 patients with IgA nephropathy was conducted to determine whether the level of proteinuria was a good predictive index of progressive disease. The patients fell into three groups: Group A, 31 patients with proteinuria of less than 1 g/day, Group B, 31 patients with proteinuria of 1 to 3.5 g/day; and Group C, 24 patients with proteinuria of more than 3.5 g/day. The groups are comparable in age of presentation, sex ratio, and duration of study and showed no difference in serum creatinine levels, creatinine clearance, incidence of hypertension or incidence of impaired renal function. Compared with the patients in the other groups, those in Group C did not have increased incidence of progressive disease. Nevertheless, they have a higher incidence of nephrotic syndrome (p less than 0.001), a lower incidence of macroscopic haematuria (p less than 0.05), lower serum albumin (p less than 0.05) and heavier proteinuria (p less than 0.01). Severity of proteinuria had no significant correlation with the severity of renal histopathologic changes. Clinical observations divided the 24 patients with nephrotic range proteinuria into three well-defined groups with different prognoses. Six patients had progressive disease with decreasing proteinuria. Five of these remained hypertensive and their initial renal biopsy showed advanced pathologic changes. Thirteen patients had persistent proteinuria although the renal function remained unchanged. Three of these were treated with steroid but failed to respond, and their renal histopathologic changes were usually moderate. The remaining five patients showed good response to steroid treatment although two became steroid-dependent. Their renal histopathology showed mild alteration. Our findings suggest that severe proteinuria in IgA nephropathy does not inevitably indicate a poor prognosis.

A cerebellar projection onto the pontine nuclei in the albino rat

Following removal of a significant part of the dentate nucleus and most of the interpositus nucleus in the rat cerebellum degenerated cerebellopontine fibres are shown to end in three fairly restricted regions in the contralateral pontine gray: in the paramedian position, in the middle and in the lateral third. The three regions are arranged in rostro-caudal longitudinal columns in the caudal three-quarters of the pons and these columns are continuous with one another by regions of scattered degeneration. The fibres appear to end in relation to distal dendrites of the pontine cells.