Pneumonitis After Concurrent Chemoradiation and Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Patients with Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

AIMS

Pneumonitis is a common and potentially deadly complication of combined chemoradiation and immune checkpoint inhibition (CRT-ICI) in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). In this study we sought to identify the risk factors for pneumonitis with CRT-ICI therapy in LA-NSCLC cases and determine its impact on survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 140 patients with LA-NSCLC who underwent curative-intent CRT-ICI with durvalumab between 2018 and 2021. Pneumonitis was diagnosed by a multidisciplinary team of clinical experts. We used multivariable cause-specific hazard models to identify risk factors associated with grade ≥2 pneumonitis. We constructed multivariable Cox proportional hazard models to investigate the impact of pneumonitis on all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

The median age of the cohort was 67 years; most patients were current or former smokers (86%). The cumulative incidence of grade ≥2 pneumonitis was 23%. Among survivors, 25/28 patients had persistent parenchymal scarring. In multivariable analyses, the mean lung dose (hazard ratio 1.14 per Gy, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.25) and interstitial lung disease (hazard ratio 3.8, 95% confidence interval 1.3-11.0) increased the risk for pneumonitis. In adjusted models, grade ≥2 pneumonitis (hazard ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.0-6.2, P = 0.049) and high-grade (≥3) pneumonitis (hazard ratio 8.3, 95% confidence interval 3.0-23.0, P < 0.001) were associated with higher all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for pneumonitis in LA-NSCLC patients undergoing CRT-ICI include the mean radiation dose to the lung and pre-treatment interstitial lung disease. Although most cases are not fatal, pneumonitis in this setting is associated with markedly increased mortality.

I've got you under my skin: inflammatory response to elephant seal's lice

Seals (Phocidae) undergo an annual cycle of moulting that implies hair regeneration, and in the case of southern elephant seals, it also involves the superficial strata of the epidermis. Therefore, surviving the moulting period is crucial for their obligate and permanent ectoparasites. Throughout evolutionary time, sucking lice (Echinophtiriidae) have developed morphological, behavioural and ecological adaptations to cope with the amphibious lifestyle of their hosts. Lepidophthirus macrorhini, the Southern elephant seal louse species, faces the additional challenge of surviving attached to the host during the moulting period. Since lice live on the skin, L. macrorhini has developed a unique survival strategy by piercing the skin of their host, thus keeping them protected from moulting. During fieldwork in Patagonia and Antarctica, skin samples with lice within were collected for histological analysis to assess whether these parasites caused damage to the host. Lice generate an inflammatory process in the host's dermis, and these lesions could alter the normal chemical and mechanical protective properties of the skin facilitating secondary infections. Further studies that analyse the potential pathogens in those skin lesions are necessary to properly assess the real impact of ectoparasites on their host health.

Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and B. henselae in dogs

This study aimed to molecularly survey Bartonella in dogs from Chile. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) for Bartonella spp. based on nuoG gene was performed in 139 blood samples taken from dogs belonging to rural localities of the Valdivia Province, Los Ríos region, southern Chile. nuoG qPCR-positive samples were submitted to conventional PCR assays for ftsZ, gltA, rpoB and nuoG genes and sequencing for speciation and phylogenetic analysis. Based upon qPCR results, Bartonella spp. occurrence in dogs was 4.3% (6/139). Out of six nuoG qPCR-positive samples, six, three, two and none showed positive results in cPCR assays based on gltA, ftsZ, rpoB and nuoG genes, respectively. Consistent sequencing results were obtained only for the ftsZ gene from sample #1532 (GeneBank accession number: MG252491), and gltA gene from samples #1535 (MG252490) and #1532 (148 bp fragment that was not deposited in GenBank). Phylogenetic analysis of ftsZ and gltA genes allowed speciation of two nuoG-positive samples, one as Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and the other as B. henselae. Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and B. henselae are detected for the first time in dogs from Chile, highlighting the importance of the canine population as a source of zoonotic agents and potential infection risk to humans.

Identification of the Products from the Sulfonation of an Oleic Acid Methyl Ester

Sulfonation with SO3 of an oleic methyl ester has led to a mixture of sulfonates with potential properties as a surfactant, an emulsifier or even a wetting agent that can be used in detergent formulations. For the first time, the products from the sulfonation reaction with SO3 are identified.

Effect of Calcium Ions Concentration on the Foaming Power of Anionic Surfactants

Water solutions based on the novel surfactant sulfoxylated methyl ester (Φ-MES C16) have been studied and compared to two leading types of surfactants used today: linear alkylbezene sulfonate (LAS) and secondary alkane sulfonate(SAS) with regard to foaming power. This work describes the foam height related experimental results carried out according to the Ross Miles test where either the anionic concentration and water hardness have been varied alternatively. The experimental results obtained indicate that [Anionic]/[Ca2+] ratio strongly influences foam height and that Φ-MES C16 is superior to LAS and SAS.

Impacto de la información en epilepsia sobre las actitudes y creencias de un grupo de profesores

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Selective labeling of central and peripheral sensory neurons in the developing zebrafish using P2X3 receptor subunit transgenes

The two paralogous P2X receptor subunit genes p2rx3.1 and p2rx3.2 are selectively expressed in overlapping, but unique, patterns of sensory neurons in the developing zebrafish. We constructed a series of transgenes derived from both genes using the recombineering technique. Transgenes utilizing either enhanced green fluorescent protein or monomeric red fluorescent protein-1 were shown to be expressed with the same spatial and temporal patterns as the native genes. The p2rx3.1-derived transgenes labeled the vast majority of the Rohon-Beard neurons in the spinal cord and neurons of the trigeminal ganglia. The p2rx3.2-derived transgene labeled fewer Rohon-Beard and trigeminal neurons than what was observed for the p2rx3.1-derived transgenes, but was also detected in neurons of the epibranchial ganglia. Three distinct populations of sensory neurons were detected: those expressing only one or the other paralog, and those expressing both paralogs. The fluorescent proteins encoded by the transgenes allowed for visualization of the neuronal somas as well as their peripheral and central projections. These reagents should prove extremely useful in providing the basis for future studies aimed at elucidating the developmental and physiological attributes of sensory neurons.

Genomic structure, developmental distribution and functional properties of the chicken P2X(5) receptor

We report here the cloning of a chicken cDNA (402 aa) showing high sequence similarity to the previously cloned rat and human P2X(5) receptors (67 and 69%, respectively). The chicken P2X(5) subunit is encoded by a gene composed of 12 translated exons, which shows conserved genomic structure with mammalian P2X genes. In HEK-293 cells heterologously expressing chicken P2X(5) receptors, ATP activates a current that desensitizes in a way that is dependent on the presence of extracellular divalent cations. ATP and 2-methylthio ATP are equipotent agonists (EC(50) approximately 2 microM) and suramin and pyridoxal 5-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid are potent antagonists. Additionally, reversal potential measurements indicate that chicken P2X(5) is permeable not only to cations but also to chloride (P(Cs+)/P(Cl-) approximately 1.9), as has been described for native P2X receptor mediated responses in embryonic chicken skeletal muscle. mRNA distribution of chicken P2X(5) was determined by in situ hybridization analysis in both whole embryos and on tissue slices of heart and skeletal muscle. Our results suggest that chicken P2X(5) receptors are expressed in developing muscle and might play a role in early muscle differentiation.

Distinct Localization of P2X receptors at excitatory postsynaptic specializations

ATP mediates fast excitatory synaptic transmission in some regions of the central nervous system through activation of P2X receptors. Nonetheless, the functional significance of ATP-mediated neurotransmission is not yet understood. Using postembedding immunocytochemistry, we describe the distribution of P2X(2), P2X(4), and P2X(6) subunits in cerebellum and in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Dendritic spines of cerebellar Purkinje cells showed immunogold labeling for all three subunits when apposed to parallel fiber (PF) terminals. In contrast, no immunogold labeling was observed on dendritic spines or cell bodies receiving inputs from climbing fibers and basket cells, respectively. In CA1 pyramidal cells, postsynaptic membranes apposed to terminals of Schaffer collaterals were immunogold-labeled for P2X(2), P2X(4), and P2X(6) subunits. Immunolabeling was also observed perisynaptically and intracellularly in relation to membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum. The analysis of the tangential distribution of gold particles showed that they were preferentially located at the peripheral portion of the postsynaptic specialization of both parallel fiber and Schaffer collateral synapses. By double imunogold labeling using antibodies for P2X receptor subunits and GluR2/3 subunits of the AMPA glutamate receptors, we show that synapses expressing P2X receptors are also glutamatergic. The present study shows for the first time qualitatively and quantitatively the precise localization of P2X receptors in brain. Moreover, our data indicate that P2X receptors may play a significant role at glutamatergic synapses.

Antagonistic properties of the suramin analogue NF023 at heterologously expressed P2X receptors

The suramin analogue 8,8'-(carbonylbis(imino-3,1-phenylene carbonylimino)bis(1,3,5-naphthalenetrisulfonic acid) (NF023) antagonizes in a competitive fashion P2X receptor-mediated responses in certain vascular and visceral smooth muscles. In the present study, the effect of NF023 on voltage-clamped Xenopus oocytes heterologously expressing homomultimeric P2X1-P2X4 as well as heteromultimeric P2X2/P2X3 receptors has been characterized. P2X1 receptors were most sensitive to inhibition by NF023 with IC50 values of 0.24 and 0.21 microM for the rat and human homologue, respectively. P2X3 receptors have an intermediate sensitivity with IC50 values of 8.5 and 28.9 microM for rat and human subtypes, respectively and P2X2 was the least sensitive subtype (IC50 > 50 microM). P2X4 receptors were insensitive to NF023 at concentrations up to 100 microM. Coexpression of rat P2X3 with rat P2X2 resulted in receptors whose sensitivity to NF023 was identical to that obtained for homomultimeric rat P2X3 receptors (alphabeta meATP as agonist; IC50 = 1.4 and 1.6 microM, respectively). NF023 inhibited P2X1 receptors in a voltage-insensitive manner. In addition, NF023 (5 and 30 microM) caused a shift of the concentration-response curve to the right without affecting the maximal response to ATP (K(B) = 1.1 +/- 0.2 microM). Our results indicate that NF023 is a subtype-selective and surmountable antagonist at P2X1 receptors heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

[Cardiovascular manifestations of obstructive sleep apnea. Effects of the treatment]

There is a direct relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disorders. Obstructive sleep apnea, defined as an intermittent complete or partial upper airway obstruction during sleep, occurs in approximately 4% of adults, although some authors suggest a 9% prevalence in women and 24% in men. Due to its high frequency, this condition must be considered as another cardiovascular risk factor that should be prevented and adequately treated.

Prenatal growth retardation, pelvic hypoplasia, and arthrogrypotic changes of lower limbs: a distinct autosomal-recessive disorder

We report on 5 sibs (4 males, 1 female) with growth retardation, severe pelvic hypoplasia, arthrogrypotic changes and muscular hypotrophy of the lower limbs, and mild vertebral changes of prenatal onset. To our knowledge, this syndrome has not yet been reported. The family history suggests autosomal-recessive inheritance.

Molecular characterization and pharmacological properties of the human P2X3 purinoceptor

Using PCR and library screening techniques, a cDNA encoding an ATP ligand-gated channel has been isolated from human heart. The full-length cDNA encodes a protein 397 amino acids long which shows a high amino-acid sequence identity with the rat P2X3 purinoceptor (93%). By fluorescence in situ hybridization, the human P2X3 gene has been mapped to region q12 of chromosome 11. Tissue distribution analysis of human P2X3 receptor mRNA shows a restricted expression pattern, i.e. transcripts are limited to the spinal cord and heart. This result contrasts with the distribution of the rat P2X3 receptor which was detected exclusively in sensory neurons of trigeminal, dorsal root and nodose ganglia. Heterologous expression of human P2X3 cRNA in Xenopus oocytes generates a fast desensitizing ATP-activated channel with pharmacological properties resembling the profile of the rat homologue receptor. Thus, the order of agonist potency is 2MeSATP > ATP > alphabeta-meATP > CTP > betagamma-meATP approximately ADP. Moreover, ATP-evoked currents on human P2X3 receptor are efficiently blocked in a reversible manner by the purinoceptor antagonists, suramin and PPADS.

Characterization of recombinant human P2X4 receptor reveals pharmacological differences to the rat homologue

We isolated a cDNA from human brain encoding a purinergic receptor that shows a high degree of homology to the rat P2X4 receptor (87% identity). By fluorescence in situ hybridization, the human P2X4 gene has been mapped to region q24.32 of chromosome 12. Tissue distribution analysis of human P2X4 transcripts demonstrates a broad expression pattern in that the mRNA was detected not only in brain but also in all tissues tested. Heterologous expression of the human P2X4 receptor in Xenopus laevis oocytes and human embryonic kidney 293 cells evoked an ATP-activated channel. Simultaneous whole-cell current and Fura-2 fluorescence measurements in human embronic kidney 293 cells transfected with human P2X4 cDNA allowed us to determine the fraction of the current carried by Ca2: this was approximately 8%, demonstrating a high Ca2+ permeability. Low extracellular Zn2+ concentrations (5-10 microM) increase the apparent gating efficiency of human P2X4 by ATP without affecting the maximal response. However, raising the concentration of the divalent cation (> 100 microM) inhibits the ATP-evoked current in a non-voltage-dependent manner. The human P2X4 receptor displays a very similar agonist potency profile to that of rat P2X4 (ATP > > 2-methylthio-ATP > or = CTP > alpha, beta-methylene-ATP > dATP) but has a notably higher sensitivity for the antagonists suramin, pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid, and bromphenol blue. Chimeric constructs between human and rat isoforms as well as single-point mutations were engineered to map the regions responsible for the different sensitivity to suramin and pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2'4'-disulfonic acid.

Molecular cloning and functional expression of a novel rat heart P2X purinoceptor

Here we describe a novel purinergic receptor, the P2X5 receptor, cloned from rat heart. The full-length cDNA encodes a protein 455 amino acids long which shares an overall identity of 40-47% with other members of the P2X purinergic receptor family. P2X5 mRNA transcripts are found predominantly in rat heart but are also present in brain, spinal cord and adrenal gland. Functional expression of the recombinant receptor in HEK-293 cells shows a current that resembles mostly the P2X2 phenotype: the ATP-activated current reveals little agonist desensitization, is not activated by alpha,beta-meATP and is completely blocked by suramin and PPADS.

Cloning and tissue distribution of a novel P2X receptor from rat brain

We have isolated the cDNA for a novel member (P2X6) of the ATP-gated ion channel family. The rat P2X6 nucleotide sequence encodes a 379 amino acid protein that conserves all the structural features of previously cloned P2X receptors, including the two putative transmembrane domains predicted by hydrophobicity plots. In situ hybridization analysis of rat brain sections showed a wide pattern of mRNA expression that is virtually identical to that already described for P2X4. Injection of P2X6 cRNA in Xenopus oocytes did not give rise to ATP-activated channels. Coexpression of P2X6 with P2X4 subunits produced currents which were not discernibly different from those of P2X4 expressed alone.

P2X4: an ATP-activated ionotropic receptor cloned from rat brain

Extracellular ATP exerts pronounced biological actions in virtually every organ or tissue that has been studied. In the central and peripheral nervous system, ATP acts as a fast excitatory transmitter in certain synaptic pathways [Evans, R.J., Derkach, V. & Surprenant, A. (1992) Nature (London) 357, 503-505; Edwards, F.A., Gigg, A.J. & Colquhoun, D. (1992) Nature (London) 359, 144-147]. Here, we report the cloning and characterization of complementary DNA from rat brain, encoding an additional member (P2X4) of the emerging multigenic family of ligand-gated ATP channels, the P2X receptors. Expression in Xenopus oocytes gives an ATP-activated cation-selective channel that is highly permeable to Ca2+ and whose sensitivity is modulated by extracellular Zn2+. Surprisingly, the current elicited by ATP is almost insensitive to the common P2X antagonist suramin. In situ hybridization reveals the expression of P2X4 mRNA in central nervous system neurons. Northern blot and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) analysis demonstrate a wide distribution of P2X4 transcripts in various tissues, including blood vessels and leukocytes. This suggests that the P2X4 receptor might mediate not only ATP-dependent synaptic transmission in the central nervous system but also a wide repertoire of biological responses in diverse tissues.

Biochemically active sesquiterpene lactones from Ratibida mexicana

Bioactivity-directed fractionation of the methanol extract of the roots of Ratibida mexicana resulted in the isolation of two bioactive sesquiterpene lactones, isoalloalantolactone and elema-1,3,11-trien-8,12-olide. Both compounds caused a significant inhibition of the radicle growth of Amaranthus hypochondriacus and Echinochloa crus-galli, exerted moderate cytotoxic activity against three different solid tumour cell lines and inhibited significantly the radial growth of three phytopathogenic fungi. Isoalloalantolactone also caused the inhibition of ATP synthesis, proton uptake and electron transport (basal, phosphorylating and uncoupled) from water to methylviologen, therefore acting as a Hill's reaction inhibitor. The lactone did not affect photosystem I but inhibited photosystem II. The site of inhibition of isoalloalantolactone is located in the span of P680 to QA redox enzymes because the uncoupled electron transport from water to silicomolybdate and, from DPC to DCIP are inhibited approximately to the same extent.

[Computer assisted codification of diagnosis. Experience in a neurology/neurosurgery service]

The aim of this report is to show a dBase III+based program designed to assign the International Classification of Diseases codes to medical diagnoses. The principal features, advantages and limitations diagnoses. The principal features, advantages and limitations of the program are depicted and its yield with different users in a Neurology and Neurosurgery department is analyzed. It is concluded that this is a user friendly software with minimal hardware requirements that can be used in any clinical setting.

Possible coexistence of two independent mechanisms contributing to anthracycline resistance in leukaemia P388 cells

Murine leukaemia P388 and L1210 cell sublines with varying degrees of resistance to the anthracycline daunomycin (DNM) have been used to monitor (i) intracellular accumulation of DNM, (ii) expression of the drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein (pgp) and (iii) cytoplasmic pH changes. Drug-resistant L1210/65 cells (65-fold resistance), overexpress pgp, and display decreased intracellular accumulation of DNM and identical intracellular pH as compared to the parental drug-sensitive L1210 cell line. On the other hand, moderately drug-resistant P388/20 cells (20-fold resistance), which also exhibit a decreased intracellular drug accumulation with respect to drug-sensitive P388/S cells, display only moderate pgp-encoding mdr1 gene transcription without detectable levels of pgp protein, and undergo cytoplasmic alkalinisation (up to approximately 0.2 pH units). A further increase in the level of drug resistance (P388/100 cells, 100-fold resistance), results in a more pronounced decrease in drug accumulation, significant pgp expression and slightly higher intracellular alkalinisation. Alterations in the degree of protonation of DNM have been shown previously to influence processes such as the rate of uptake and the intracellular accumulation of the drug. On this basis, we propose that the changes in intracellular pH, observed at low levels of drug resistance (P388/20 cells), could constitute an early cellular response aimed at decreasing the intracellular accumulation of ionisable anti-neoplastics. As the level of resistance increases (P388/100), the cells seem to require more efficient mechanisms of defense against the drug, such as that represented by the expression of pgp. Since there is no apparent correlation between the extent of the changes in intracellular pH and the level of pgp expression in DNM-resistant P388 cell sublines, it is suggested that these two cellular responses contributing to drug resistance could operate independently.

Verapamil reverses the ultrastructural alterations in the plasma membrane induced by drug resistance

Two P388 cell sublines with different levels of resistance to daunomycin (DNM), P388/20 and P388/100 cells (approximately 20- and 100-fold resistance, respectively), undergo a significant (approximately 2-fold) increase in the number of intramembrane particles (IMPs) present at their plasma membrane, as compared to that exhibited by the parental, drug-sensitive P388 (P388/S) cell line. Regardless of the level of resistance, incubation of drug-resistant cells with verapamil, a well known reverting agent of anthracycline resistance, restores the morphology of the plasma membrane in these cells, yielding a pattern in which the number and size distribution of IMPs at both leaflets of the bilayer, become undistinguishable from those displayed by drug-sensitive cells. Furthermore, verapamil did not affect the ultrastructural organization of the plasma membrane of drug-sensitive cells. It is possible that the alterations in the structural organization of the plasma membrane of the antineoplastic-resistant tumor cells, might represent a reliable 'marker' for early diagnosis of drug resistance.

Rapid kinetics of the interaction between daunomycin and drug-sensitive or drug-resistant P388 leukemia cells

The initial stages of the interaction of daunomycin (DNM) with drug-sensitive (P388/S) and drug-resistant (P388/100) cells have been defined by a rapid kinetics stopped-flow procedure. The process can be described by two kinetic components. The faster component accounts for rapid occupation of cell surface sites by DNM, as supported by experiments with liposomes with different surface charge. On the other hand, the effect of verapamil in the assays, suggests that the slower component is involved in the transport of the drug into the cells. Our observations are consistent with a loss in the control of the passive permeability to the drugs in the drug-resistant tumor cells.

Aneuploidies, chromosome aberrations and dominant gene mutations detected in 113,913 consecutive newborn children in Mexico

Data on 113,913 liveborn children from a hospital in Guadalajara, Jalisco (Mexico), were analysed for birth defects (BD); mutation rates were calculated for sporadic aneuploidy, chromosome aberrations and dominant gene mutations. The results showed a general incidence of 13.92 BD cases per 1000 liveborns, of which 1.64% were chromosomal abnormalities, 1.50% were aneuploid, 0.14% were structural chromosome aberrations and 3.23% were dominant gene mutations. The mutation rates were 8.20 x 10(-4) chromosomal abnormalities, 7.5 x 10(-4) aneuploidies, 7.0 x 10(-5) chromosome aberrations and 1.61 x 10(-3) dominant gene mutations/gamete/generation, respectively. The lethality rate was 15.32% of the liveborns with BD. The described findings estimate the incidence of new human mutants detected at birth in a sample of the Mexican population. They show that the rate for some aneuploidies are similar to those found in other populations previously reported in the literature but the rates of chromosome and dominant gene mutations were different.

Achalasia microcephaly syndrome in a patient with consanguineous parents: support for a.m. being a distinct autosomal recessive condition

A 4 9/12-year-old boy with achalasia microcephaly syndrome (AMS), born to a consanguineous couple, is reported. Comparative analysis of this case and the patients previously described in a Mexican family supports the notion that the syndrome is a distinct autosomal recessive condition. It is interesting that the area of origin and ethnicity of both the present and the previously reported cases is northwest Mexico.

The role of fine needle aspiration biopsy cytology in the evaluation of the clinically solitary thyroid nodule

The imputation that a clinically solitary nodule is a suspicious sign of carcinoma has been the cause of too many surgical procedures as well as the subject of much controversy. This study evaluated the effectiveness of fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy cytology in diagnosing the uninodular goiters in 286 patients who presented with clinically solitary nodules. The final diagnoses in these cases included carcinoma (4.7%), adenoma (6.3%), autonomous nodule (11.0%), colloid goiter (45.8%), colloid cyst (17.4%) and chronic thyroiditis (13.4%). The proportion of patients with cancer in this group was the same as in patients with multinodular and diffuse goiters. These findings call attention to (1) the fact that any thyroid disease may appear as a uninodular goiter and (2) the frequency with which lymphocytic thyroiditis was cytologically diagnosed, even in cases with negative antibody titers. The cytologic diagnosis of benign disease has contributed to a reduction in the number of unnecessary surgical procedures; only 24.1% of our patients with uninodular goiters underwent surgery.

Discrete systems, cell-cell interactions and color pattern of animals. II. Clonal theory and cellular automata

The morphogenesis of the color pattern of animals is modeled with cellular automata. The cell-cell near neighbor interactions are taken into account and impose restrictions on the model. The allowed patterns are observed in reptiles, felines and fishes.

Autosomal dominant macroglossia in two unrelated families

Two unrelated families, one with 15 and the other with 3 members affected with macroglossia as a sole trait, are described. It is concluded that this entity differs from previously reported syndromes presenting macroglossia and is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion.

Ciliary and superciliary hypotrichosis. A distinct autosomal dominant trait

A woman and her four children showed congenital sparse eyebrows, short, thin, misplaced and very scanty upper eyelashes and absent lower eyelashes. Erosion of the corneal epithelium was a common complication. This report confirms the condition as an autosomal dominant disorder.

Tracking procedures in follow-up studies of drug abusers

One of the problems that researchers frequently confront is the tracking and locating of research subjects. "Deviant" populations may present special difficulties in this regard. The experiences of a trained field survey unit doing drug-related research are examined. The tracking procedures which they developed are systematically presented. While the substantive focus is on doing research among drug abusers, many of the stated procedures are applicable to research on other deviant groups and, indeed, to all social groups.