In this study we determined the concentration of epidermic growth factor receptors (EGFr) in non-small cell carcinoma of the lung (NSCCL) and analyzed its relation to the anatomical, pathological and clinical factors of these neoplasms. The concentration of EGFr in 62 tumor tissue samples was 9.9 +/- 14 fmol/mg, higher than that found in 14 tissue samples from cases of spontaneous pneumothorax (3.9 +/- 3.6 fmol/mg) (p = 0.005). EGFr concentration in lung tissue with no signs of neoplasm was 6.5 +/- 10 fmol/mg. In 21 (33%) cases of NSCCL the concentration exceeded the normal threshold of 10 fmol/mg. EGFr concentration was higher in cases of epidermoid carcinoma than in other tissue samples (p = 0.042). No significant association was found between EGFr levels and status of tumor node metastasis, degree of differentiation and mitotic index. The probability of remaining free of tumor recurrence and of survival after 24 months among patients whose tumoral EGFr concentration was below 10 fmol/mg was 34 and 40%, respectively. The rates for patients with concentrations that exceeded the threshold were 20% (p = 0.32) and 25% (p = 0.26), respectively. The results seem to indicate that the study of EGFr concentration alone does not yield practically important information for the management of patients with NSCCL who have undergone surgery. The concentration of EGFr marks degree of differentiation in NSCCL and has prognostic implications derived from its association with other factors.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Anti-centromere antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: Anti-centromere autoantibodies (ACA) are frequently detected in systemic sclerosis (SScl), especially in the calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia (CREST) syndrome, in which a prevalence of 55% has been reported. The presence of ACA in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is so rare that its detection can raise serious doubts about the validity of the diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of ACA positive subjects from a wide monocentric cohort of SLE patients and analyse the clinical and biological characteristics of this group. METHODS: Five hundred and sixty consecutive SLE patients were systematically analysed for the presence of ACA and other autoantibodies using indirect immunofluorescence, counter-immunoelectrophoresis, double immunodiffusion, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western-blot. RESULTS: ACA were detected in 11 SLE patients (1.9%); all of them were women. The CENP-B-specific ELISA was positive in all patients. The main clinical features of scleroderma (cutaneous sclerosis, sclerodactylia, digital ulcers, or pulmonary fibrosis) were not present in these patients, who did not differ clinically from the whole SLE group. CONCLUSIONS: ACA can be detected in patients with genuine SLE without concurrent scleroderma. Therefore, the presence of this antibody does not preclude the possibility of the diagnosis of SLE. In addition, SLE patients with ACA do not represent a different clinical subgroup.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Production and characterization of three polyclonal antibodies raised against cyst wall proteins of a hypotrichous ciliate.

Three polyclonal antibodies raised against Paraurostyla sp. cyst wall polypeptides of molecular weight 110,000 (p110), 66,000 (p66) and 52,000 (p52) have been obtained. The specificity of the antisera was tested by immunoblotting. Anti-p110 antibody detected five bands of 300, 170, 135, 110 and 40 kDa, respectively. Antiserum obtained against p66 recognized only this protein. Anti-p52 antiserum showed reaction for two different bands of 52 and 44 kDa, respectively. The precise localization of these proteins in the cyst wall was assessed by light microscope immunocytochemistry. Anti-p110 antiserum produced a strong positive reaction in both the ectocyst and endocyst. Both anti-p66 and anti-p52 antibodies recognized the ectocyst.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Paramecium tetraurelia encodes unconventional actin containing short introns.

The polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify and clone an actin gene fragment from Paramecium tetraurelia. This DNA fragment was 1,138 bp long, more than 96% of the actin coding sequence, and contained four in-frame UAA codons and two small introns located at positions unique in the actin intron catalogue. This is the first report for the phylum Ciliophora of an actin gene containing introns. The deduced amino acid sequence of this actin fragment shared 58-77% identity with other actins. When compared with rabbit alpha-muscle actin, similarities were observed mainly in subdomains 1 and 3, whereas subdomains 2 and 4 appeared to be more divergent.

Actins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Actin of Histriculus cavicola: characteristics of the highly divergent hypotrich ciliate actins.

A macronuclear gene-sized molecule carrying an actin gene from the hypotrich ciliate, Histriculus cavicola, was characterized. Southern blot analysis using a coding region probe suggested that actin in H. cavicola is encoded by a single gene. A comparison of the promoter regions indicated that the H. cavicola actin gene has a TATA box in the 5' flanking region in a position identical to those in other oxytrich ciliates. The coding sequence of this gene is not interrupted by any introns, and codes for a protein of 375 amino acid residues. This protein shares a high degree of similarity with other oxytrichid actins, and a relatively low similarity with actins from other eukaryotes. Comparative analyses of sequences indicated that most of the amino acid substitutions in hypotrich actins are found in surface loops, while the core structures are well-conserved. The sites that interact with DNase I and several regions involved in actin-actin contact have diverged considerably in hypotrich actins, while nucleotide-binding sites are the best-conserved interaction motif.

Actins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Photoprotection by Cichorum endivia extracts: prevention of UVB-induced erythema, pyrimidine dimer formation and IL-6 expression.

In the gradual process of evolution, plants have developed natural sun protecting substances that enable continuous survival under direct and intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation. As part of our studies of plant-derived pigments that might constitute an alternative to conventional sunscreens, we have tested the ethanolic extracts of roots, stalks, and inflorescences of populations of wild Cichorum endivia subsp. Divaricatum (Asteraceae) in terms of protection against sunburn, and in prevention of UVB-induced pyrimidine dimer formation and IL-6 mRNA expression in the human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. Using ELISA technique for detection of pyrimidine dimers and RT-PCR for detection of IL-6, we found that the ethanolic extract of C. endivia roots absorbs radiation in the UVB spectrum and partially prevents induction of pyrimidine dimers and IL-6 expression. Application of the root extract on the skin prior to UVB irradiation totally prevented erythema. Our findings suggest that C. endivia extracts might possess sun-protective qualities that make them useful as sunscreens.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Coagulation, fibrinolytic and kallikrein systems in neonates with uncomplicated sepsis and septic shock.

This study evaluates the contact system, coagulation inhibitors and fibrinolysis in 23 full-term newborns with sepsis (8 with septic shock). The results were compared with a group of 20 healthy newborns. Blood samples were obtained at the time of clinical diagnosis and 3 days after the antibiotic therapy was started. The results showed that: severe infection was associated with activation of the contact system, depletion of anticoagulant proteins and elevation of C4b-binding protein levels. There was a shift in protein S to the complexed inactive form, and the thrombin-antithrombin complexes increased. These changes occurred in parallel to both activation and inhibition of fibrinolysis. These changes were more pronounced in the septic shock patients than in nonshock neonates. After therapy, this procoagulant state decreased among survivor patients while in those who died, the abnormalities in coagulation did not improve. Our study suggests that neonatal sepsis induces a hypercoagulable state that persists in nonsurvivor neonates despite a correct treatment.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Low prevalence of the factor V Leiden among patients with ischemic stroke.

The aim of the study is to determine if a novel thrombophilia mechanism (factor V Leiden) that is associated with resistance to activated protein C (APC) is in itself a risk factor for the development of ischemic stroke (IS). Sixty-six controls and 66 patients with IS were included in an unmatched case-control study. In the group of patients selected for this study, other causes of IS were ruled out. APC resistance was considered if activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) measured in the presence of APC was less than 2.2 times prolonged when compared to aPTT in the absence of APC (APC ratio < 2.2). Digestion with a restriction enzyme of a previously amplified exon 10 of the gene that encodes for factor V was used to detect the presence of the factor V mutation. We identified 5 patients (prevalence: 7.5%) with APC resistance (mean age: 31 years, range: 6-52 years). Mutation in factor V gene was confirmed in three of them. In the control group we detected 3 (4.5%) low APC ratios, all of them carrying specific factor V mutation. We cannot conclude a significant association between APC resistance and IS [odds ratio: 1.72; chi 2 Mantel and Haenszel was 0.53 (p = 0.4673) and exact Fisher's test p = 0.3589] but these 5 young adults suffered an episode of IS having APC resistance as the only prothrombotic condition. In conclusion, these results cannot prove a statistical association between APC resistance and IS. Further studies must be done in order to confirm that there is no relationship between APC resistance and IS in young adults when major risk factors are excluded.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Value of serum neuron-specific enolase in nonsmall cell lung cancer.

To assess the prognostic value of pretreatment serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), levels were measured in 84 NSCLC patients, 40 healthy controls, and 20 patients with benign pulmonary diseases. NSE concentration was higher in NSCLC (11.7 +/- 10.8 ng/ml) (mean +/- SD; median = 9.7 ng/ml) than in the two control groups (p < 0.001). Serum NSE was neither related with the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, nor with histologic subtype. At a cutoff value of 15 ng/ml, NSE had a sensitivity of 27.3% and a specificity of 96%. Patients with a preoperative NSE level < 15 ng/ml showed significantly longer 24-month survival than those whose initial levels were > 15 ng/ml (70 vs, 47%; p < 0.05), and this was confirmed after stratifying by TNM stage. Likelihood of tumor relapse in I, II, and IIIa TNM stages showed similar behavior. These findings suggest that NSE could be used as an adjunctive prognostic test in NSCLC patients.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Serum CEA, CA125, and SCC antigens and tumor recurrence in resectable non-small cell lung cancer.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC), and CA125 were determined pre- and postoperatively in non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC) to assess the relationship between serum levels and postoperative recurrent disease. Ninety-five patients who underwent curative surgical resection were included (TNM stages I, II, IIIa). CEA and CA125 were determined by solid-phase enzyme-immunoassay, SCC by radio-immunoassay. Tumor relapse was detected in 41 patients (43%): 16 (39%) with locoregional disease and 25 (61%) with disseminated disease. The overall 36-month disease-free survival rate was 42%. The sensitivity for recurrence was 58% for CEA, 53.6% for CA125, and 51.2% for SCC; 87.8% of patients showed at least one elevated marker. The sensitivity of CEA and CA125 increased significantly in patients with preoperative serum concentrations above the cut-off: 86.6% versus 42.3% (p < 0.01), and 93% versus 18% (p < 0.01), respectively. Preoperative CA125 above 15 U/ml identified a high-risk group of patients: a lower 36-month disease-free survival rate (0% versus 56%) (p < 0.001), a 3.02-fold higher risk of recurrence (p < 0.05), and a 6.22-fold higher risk of disseminated failure (p < 0.001). The identification of CEA and CA125 producer-tumors, based on preoperative serum values, enhances the clinical performance of a postoperative surveillance program in surgically treated NSCLC. Preoperative serum CA125 is a prognostic factor to identify patients at high risk of postoperative tumor recurrence.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cardiac sympathetic-parasympathetic balance in rats with experimentally-induced acute chagasic myocarditis.

To clarify the mechanism responsible for the transient sinus tachycardia in rats with acute chagasic myocarditis, we have examined the cardiac sympathetic-parasympathetic balance of 29 rats inoculated with 200,000 parasites (Trypanosoma cruzi). Sixteen infected animals and 8 controls were studied between days 18 and 21 after inoculation (acute stage). The remaining 13 infected animals and 9 controls were studied between days 60 and 70 after inoculation (sub-acute stage). Under anesthesia (urethane 1.25 g/kg), all animals received intravenous atenolol (5 mg/kg) and atropine (10 mg/kg). Acute stage: The baseline heart rate of the infected animals was significantly higher than that of the controls (P < 0.0001). The magnitude of the negative chronotropic response to atenolol was 4 times that of the controls (P < 0.00001). This response correlated with the baseline heart rate (r = -0.72, P < 0.001). The heart rate responses to the beta-blocker and to atropine, of the infected animals studied during the sub-acute stage, were not different from controls. These findings suggest that cardiac sympathetic activity is transiently enhanced and cardiac parasympathetic activity is not impaired, in rats with acute chagasic myocarditis. The transient predominance of cardiac sympathetic activity could explain, in part, the sinus tachycardia observed in the acute stage of experimentally-induced chagasic myocarditis.

Acute Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Heart rate responses to a muscarinic agonist in rats with experimentally induced acute and subacute chagasic myocarditis.

We administered arecoline to rats, with experimentally induced chagasic myocarditis, in order to study the sinus node sensitivity to a muscarinic agonist. Sixteen month old rats were inoculated with 200,000 T. cruzi parasites ("Y" strain). Between days 18 and 21 (acute stage), 8 infected rats and 8 age-matched controls received intravenous arecoline as a bolus injection at the following doses: 5. 0, 10.0, 20.0, 40.0, and 80.0 microg/kg. Heart rate was recorded before, during and after each dose of arecoline. The remaining 8 infected animals and 8 controls were subjected to the same experimental procedure during the subacute stage, i.e., days 60 to 70 after inoculation. The baseline heart rate, of the animals studied during the acute stage (349 +/- 68 bpm, mean +/- SD), was higher than that of the controls (250 +/- 50 bpm, p < 0.005). The heart rate changes were expressed as percentage changes over baseline values. A dose-response curve was constructed for each group of animals. Log scales were used to plot the systematically doubled doses of arecoline and the induced-heart rate changes. The slope of the regression line for the acutely infected animals (r = - 0.99, b =1.78) was not different from that for the control animals (r = - 0.97, b = 1.61). The infected animals studied during the subacute stage (r = - 0.99, b = 1.81) were also not different from the age-matched controls (r = - 0.99, b = 1.26, NS). Consequently, our results show no pharmacological evidence of postjunctional hypersensitivity to the muscarinic agonist arecoline. Therefore, these results indirectly suggest that the postganglionic parasympathetic innervation, of the sinus node of rats with autopsy proved chagasic myocarditis, is not irreversibly damaged by Trypanosoma cruzi.

Acute Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Low occurrence of arthritic manifestations in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. T cell subsets and humoral studies.

Given the suspected role of mycobacteria in the establishment of disorders with an autoimmune background and joint damage, a study was conducted to analyze whether rheumatic symptoms were likely to be present in tuberculosis (TB) patients. To this end, 330 patients with a bacteriologic confirmation of tuberculosis were investigated for the presence of arthritic complaints. The latter were recorded in five of them with rheumatic symptoms mostly involving interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints, and preceding the clinical manifestations of the TB illness. Three out of these five patients remained arthritic by the time of the bacteriologic conversion and fulfilled the criteria for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. In the two remaining patients sputum negativization was accompanied by a disappearance of rheumatic manifestations. These patients were also assessed for their peripheral levels of major T cell subsets as well as for the presence of autoantibodies. Comparisons with a series of non-arthritic TB cases, rheumatoid arthritis patients, and controls revealed that presence of rheumatic manifestations was associated with a different profile of autoantibody formation and T cell subset changes. Evidence recorded in the present study indicates that joint affectation in TB is a rare event, being rather the exception than the rule.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Are medical mailing lists reliable sources of professional advice?

Professional mailing lists are one of the more useful and popular medical resources on the Internet. Some concern has been raised about the reliability of these uncontrolled forums. We have studied some quality aspects of a subset of Internet mailing lists on nephrology. From November 1996 to March 1997 the mailing lists NEPHROL, PDIAL-L and HYPERTEL were studied. The subscribers that posted, and a representative sample of the total number of subscribers of each list, were searched in the Medline Silver-Platter database, and their individual impact factors were obtained from the Science Citation Index. In addition, the first authors of the original articles, and short communications from the more established nephrology journals, were searched similarly, in order to compare the mailing lists with the journals. NEPHROL was the most active list (7 postings/day on average). HYPERTEL had the best average impact factor among the subscribers who posted (6.6). In general, the journals showed higher average impact factors than the mailing lists, but without statistically significant differences. HYPERTEL, PDIAL-L and NEPHROL are high quality nephrology mailing lists, and can be considered as a complement to the specialized nephrology journals.

Bibliometrics↗