The multiple biological activities present in semipurified lymphokine preparations have made it difficult to assign discrete biological functions to each lymphokine. As a result, the large number of identified lymphokine activities may actually reflect the manifestations of a few factors. While this research has also been hampered by the limited quantities of lymphokines available, hybridoma and recombinant DNA technologies have begun to help overcome these limitations.Macrophage activation has been intensively investigated because it is generally agreed that activated macrophages play an essential role in the defense against microorganisms and in the immune response against neoplasia (1). Macrophage activation mediated by macrophage activation factor (MAF) 1 and gamma interferon (IFN-'y) has been characterized by similar morphologic, metabolic, and functional changes (2-6) including stimulation of nonspecific tumoricidal activities (5), induction of Ia antigen expression (7, 8), increased Fc receptor expression (0, 10), production of plasminogen activator (I 1), and production of hydrogen peroxide (12). Several investigators (5,8,12,13) have postulated therefore that IFN-q~ and MAF may be identical. In support, Schreiber et al. (14) have recently demonstrated biosynthetic and biochemical similarities of IFN-'y and MAF produced by a murine T cell hybridoma (24/G1). Both the antiviral and MAF activities of 24/G1 cultured supernatants were neutralized by anti-IFN-% but not anti- . have demonstrated neutralization of MAF activity with polyclonal antMFN-7, definitive results could not be ascertained since these antisera were prepared from partially purified preparations and could contain antibodies that neutralize other lymphokine activities.In the present report, murine IFN-~ produced by recombinant DNA techniques (18) (>00% pure) was tested for MAF activity; special attention was given

This relatively inexpensive first-pass genetic testing device for patients with a diagnosis of CSNB will improve molecular diagnostics and genetic counseling of patients and their families and gives the opportunity to analyze whether, for example, more progressive disorders such as cone or cone-rod dystrophies underlie the same gene defects.

Sixty-three patients with tick-borne encephalitis were studied for sequelae up to 5 years after the acute illness (median: 12 months, range: 1-44 months). Patients were examined clinically, by neuropsychological testing and by electroencephalography. The clinical presentation during the acute stage was as follows: Meningitis (M,n = 12), Meningoencephalitis (Me,n = 27), Meningoencephalomyelitis (My,n = 15), and Meningoencephaloradiculitis (R,n = 9). A total of 59 patients reported a neurasthenic syndrome after discharge, which correlated with the severity of the acute illness. Twenty patients were not able to work because of reduced stress tolerance, fatigue or an elevated emotional sensitivity, which lasted for 3 months at most. In some patients hypacusis (n = 7), severe dysarthria and dysphagia (n = 4) remained essentially unimproved for years following the acute illness. While in 8/9 patients with radiculitis paresis of the extremities improved well over months to years, improvement was quite limited in all patients with myelitis. In 41/55 patients, investigations by electroencephalography revealed normal findings even within months after acute illness. Persistent cognitive deficits were present only in 7/11 patients with a severe course of disease.

Established endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) techniques carry a not entirely eludible risk of iatrogenic complications, mainly because of incomplete view of the cutting blade and intraoperative pressure increase inside the carpal tunnel (CT). We describe a novel single-portal ECTR method, conceived to reduce these risks, by optimizing visual control and avoiding dilatation of the CT. After incising the well exposed proximal third of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL), transection of the remainder is completed using a pediatric urethrotome. This small caliber instrument is moved in the plane of the TCL, without invading the tunnel, and provides detailed view of the TCL and any crossing anatomical structures at any given moment. We present the technique and the results of a retrospective case series of 33 patients with CT syndrome who underwent the procedure, after failing to respond to conservative treatment. Because of improved view and the avoidance of intraoperative pressure trauma to structures passing through the CT, the described approach may contribute to prevent iatrogenic complications and represent a valid improvement over conventional ECTR procedures.