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Biomedical subjects

C Rodriguez

Publications and source records attributed to C Rodriguez.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Expression and induction of a large set of drug-metabolizing enzymes by the highly differentiated human hepatoma cell line BC2.

The BC2 cell line derived from the human hepatocarcinoma, HGB, undergoes a spontaneous sharp differentiation process in culture as it becomes confluent, remains stably differentiated for several weeks, and may return to proliferation thereafter under appropriate density conditions. The relevance of the line as an hepatic model has been evaluated. Cells synthesize a large number of plasma proteins, and rates of glycogen and urea synthesis increase with time of confluency and become sensitive to insulin, reflecting the process of differentiation. Differentiated BC2 cells express the most relevant cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isozyme activities (CYP1A1/2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C9, 2E1, and 3A4) and conjugating enzymes (glutathione S-transferase and UDP-glucuronyltransferase) and also respond to model inducers. Methylcholanthrene induced an increase in CYP1A1/2 enzyme activity (eightfold), phenobarbital induced CYP2B6 activity (1.7-fold), and dexamethasone induced CYP3A4 activity (fivefold). In parallel, expression of the most relevant liver-enriched transcription factors, HNF-4, HNF-1, C/EBP-alpha and C/EBP-beta mRNAs, was significantly increased in differentiated cultures. This increase was largest in HNF-1 and HNF-4, which supports the idea that a redifferentiation process towards the hepatic phenotype takes place. BC2 is an hepatic cell line that is able to express most hepatic functions, especially the drug-biotransformation function, far more efficiently than any previously described human hepatoma cell line.

Albumins↗
PubMed2001

Moderate intake of n-3 fatty acids is associated with stable erythrocyte resistance to oxidative stress in hypertriglyceridemic subjects.

BACKGROUND: The important triacylglycerol-lowering capacity of n-3 fatty acids is counterbalanced by their inherent sensitivity to oxidation. Inconsistent results about the latter have been reported in hypertriglyceridemic individuals. After incorporation into cell membranes, n-3 fatty acids may alter membrane-related functions. In view of the distinct composition of hypertriglyceridemic membranes and the prooxidant status in this condition, it can be surmised that cell enrichment with the oxidizable n-3 fatty acids will be associated with an increased hemolytic process. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the effect of fish oil consumption on n-3 fatty acid incorporation into erythrocyte membranes and subsequent ex vivo oxidative-stress-induced hemolysis in normotriglyceridemic and hypertriglyceridemic subjects. DESIGN: Sixteen normotriglyceridemic and 12 hypertriglyceridemic subjects were given 6 g fish oil/d for 8 wk. Blood samples were collected before and 4 and 8 wk after treatment. Resistance to 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced hemolysis was assayed in fresh erythrocyte suspensions, and erythrocyte samples were stored at -70 degrees C for later analysis of cholesterol, hemoglobin, fatty acids, vitamin E, and glutathione peroxidase activity. RESULTS: Fish oil supplementation induced n-3 fatty acid incorporation in normotriglyceridemic and hypertriglyceridemic erythrocyte membranes without decreasing their resistance to AAPH. n-3 Fatty acids significantly protected normotriglyceridemic but not hypertriglyceridemic erythrocytes against hemolysis. In normotriglyceridemic subjects only, the higher resistance to hemolysis correlated with changes in cell vitamin E. CONCLUSION: Although they exhibit a high susceptibility to oxidation, n-3 fatty acids may preserve membrane integrity and represent an added benefit in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemic patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Clinical characteristics of schizophrenia in multiply affected Spanish origin families from Costa Rica.

Sixty-six families from Costa Rica with multiply ill sets of siblings were examined in detailed clinical evaluations and compared with 59 similarly evaluated families from the USA. Eighty-six unrelated Costa Rican individuals with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis and no other ill siblings were an additional comparison group. This study was undertaken to examine whether schizophrenia in Costa Rica has similar clinical and demographic characteristics to that in the USA, whether a homogeneous population such as that in Costa Rica might harbor a specific definable subtype, and whether singletons have similar or differing characteristics from individuals in multiplex families. Overall, schizophrenia in Costa Rica is similar to that in any other geographic location. The same symptoms, sex ratio and age of onset characteristics predominate. However, there was significantly less prevalence of affective symptoms (depression and mania) and drug abuse among the Costa Rican multiplex families by comparison with those from the USA. The families with only one ill member from Costa Rica had significantly more alcohol abuse than the multiply affected families. Within multiplex families (both USA and Costa Rica), age of onset was found to have a familial component. Family sibship size was significantly greater in Costa Rica than the USA for the generation with illness studied. However, these siblings had overall fewer children. In Costa Rica, the male but not the female siblings with schizophrenia had reduced fecundity compared with their well siblings. These families from Costa Rica will be used in further molecular genetic studies to determine whether the illness etiology can be traced to one or more specific genetic linkages.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Beneficial effects of softened fabrics on atopic skin.

There is general concern about the possible cutaneous adverse effects of wearing garments treated with household laundry products, particularly on atopic skin. Our objective was to compare softened and non- softened fabrics in a forearm wet and dry test, under conditions simulating real-life conditions. Twenty atopic volunteers entered a single-blind 12-day (3 sessions per day) forearm wetting and drying test. Cotton fabrics were machine washed and liquid fabric conditioner was added or not to the final rinse. To simulate conditions of skin damage, a dilute solution of sodium lauryl sulphate was applied under occlusion to the forearm of each volunteer before the start of the study. Skin effects were evaluated by visual grading (redness, dryness and smoothness), squamometry and in vivo instrumental measurements (capacitance, transepidermal water loss and colorimetry). Rubbing of atopic skin with fabrics generally resulted in discrete to moderate alterations of the structure of the stratum corneum. Both for control and pre-irritated skin, all measured parameters indicated that softened fabric was less aggressive to the skin than unsoftened fabric. In the case of pre-irritated skin, the recovery of the skin was significantly faster when rubbed with softened than with unsoftened fabrics. In conclusion, softened fabrics help mitigate the skin condition in atopic patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Dissemination of catabolic plasmids among desiccation-tolerant bacteria in soil microcosms.

The dissemination of catabolic plasmids was compared to bioaugmentation by strain inoculation in microcosm experiments. When Rhodococcus erythropolis strain T902, bearing a plasmid with trichloroethene and isopropylbenzene degradation pathways, was used as the inoculum, no transconjugant was isolated but the strain remained in the soil. This plasmid had a narrow host range. Pseudomonas putida strain C8S3 was used as the inoculum in a second approach. It bore a broad host range conjugative plasmid harboring a natural transposon, RP4::Tn4371, responsible for biphenyl and 4-chlorobiphenyl degradation pathways. The inoculating population slowly decreased from its original level (10(6) colony-forming units [CFU]/g of dry soil) to approx 3 x 10(2) CFU/g of dry soil after 3 wk. Transconjugant populations degrading biphenyl appeared in constant humidity soil (up to 2 x 10(3) CFU/g) and desiccating soil (up to 10(4) CFU/g). The feasibility of plasmid dissemination as a bioaugmentation technique was demonstrated in desiccating soils. The ecologic significance of desiccation in bioaugmentation was demonstrated: it upset the microbial ecology and the development of transconjugants.

Bacteria↗
PubMed2001

Vitamin C and vitamin E supplement use and colorectal cancer mortality in a large American Cancer Society cohort.

Some recent epidemiological studies have suggested that use of vitamin C or vitamin E supplements, both of which are important antioxidants, may substantially reduce the risk of colon or colorectal cancer. We examined the association between colorectal cancer mortality and use of individual vitamin C and E supplements in the American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study II cohort. We used proportional hazards modeling to estimate rate ratios among 711,891 men and women in the United States who completed a self-administered questionnaire at study enrollment in 1982, had no history of cancer, and were followed for mortality through 1996. During the 14 years of follow-up, 4404 deaths from colorectal cancer occurred. After adjustment for multiple colorectal cancer risk factors, regular use of vitamin C or E supplements, even long-term use, was not associated with colorectal cancer mortality. The combined-sex rate ratios were 0.89 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.73-1.09] for 10 or more years of vitamin C use and 1.08 (95% CI, 0.85-1.38) for 10 or more years of vitamin E use. In subgroup analyses, use of vitamin C supplements for 10 or more years was associated with decreased risk of colorectal cancer mortality before age 65 years (rate ratio = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.28-0.81) and decreased risk of rectal cancer mortality at any age (rate ratio = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.20-0.80). Our results do not support a substantial effect of vitamin C or E supplement use on overall colorectal cancer mortality.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Photodynamic therapy in the canine prostate using motexafin lutetium.

Our purpose was to determine the feasibility of comprehensive treatment of the canine prostate with photodynamic therapy (PDT) using motexafin lutetium (Lu-Tex) and to evaluate the toxicity and tissue effects associated with this treatment. Twenty-five adult male beagles with normal prostate glands were given an i.v. injection of the second-generation photosensitizer Lu-Tex (2-6 mg/kg). An additional two dogs were used as controls and did not receive any photosensitizing drug. All 27 dogs underwent laparotomy to expose the prostate. Three hours postinjection, a total dose of 75-150 J/cm of 732 nm laser light was delivered interstitially and/or transurethrally to the prostate via cylindrical diffusing fibers. Dogs were euthanized between 2 days and 3 months after PDT. All subjects were monitored for clinical evidence of toxicity. Specimens were examined macroscopically and microscopically to characterize the tissue reaction and assess extent of tissue effect as a result of treatment. Interstitial and/or transurethral PDT were successfully delivered in all dogs with no perioperative complications. No clinical evidence of acute urinary obstruction or rectal bleeding was noted. At all dose levels, macroscopic and microscopic evaluation revealed a prostatic tissue reaction characterized initially (within 48 h) by inflammation and necrosis followed by fibrosis and glandular epithelial atrophy. Comprehensive treatment of the entire prostate could be achieved using the interstitial alone approach or combined transurethral and interstitial approach. The transurethral alone approach did not result in complete coverage of the prostate. Dogs receiving transurethral or combined interstitial and transurethral treatment developed erythema and urethral epithelial disruption at all dose levels. Those receiving combined treatment at the highest dose level (Lu-Tex 6 mg/kg, 150 J/cm light) developed urethral fistulae and peritonitis. Dogs treated with the interstitial alone approach were found to have the least amount of urethral damage. Comprehensive treatment of the canine prostate with Lu-Tex PDT is feasible using an interstitial alone or combined interstitial and transurethral approach. The interstitial alone technique results in the least amount of toxicity. The prostatic tissue reaction to treatment is characterized by initial inflammation and necrosis followed by fibrosis and glandular epithelial atrophy.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Body mass index, height, and prostate cancer mortality in two large cohorts of adult men in the United States.

Body weight and height have both been associated consistently with postmenopausal breast cancer but less consistently with prostate cancer. The present study examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI), height, and death from prostate cancer in two large American Cancer Society cohorts. Men in the study were selected from the male participants in Cancer Prevention Study I (CPS-I; enrolled in 1959 and followed through 1972) and Cancer Prevention Study II (CPS-II; enrolled in 1982 and followed through 1996). After exclusions, 1,590 prostate cancer deaths remained among 381,638 men in CPS-I and 3,622 deaths among 434,630 men in CPS-II. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to compute rate ratios (RR) and to adjust for confounders. Prostate cancer mortality rates were significantly higher among obese (BMI, > or =30) than nonobese (BMI, <25) men in both cohorts [adjusted RR, 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-1.56 in CPS-I; RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.07-1.37 in CPS-II]. Prostate cancer mortality rates in the CPS-I cohort were lowest for the shortest men (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.63-1.03 for men <65 inches versus 65-66 inches) and highest for the tallest men (RR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.11-1.74 for men > or =73 inches tall versus 65-66 inches). Rates remained constant among men 65-72 inches tall. No association between height and prostate cancer mortality was observed in the CPS-II cohort (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.82-1.29 for men > or =75 versus 65-66 inches). These results support the hypothesis that obesity increases risk of prostate cancer mortality. Decreased survival among obese men may be a likely explanation for this association.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Determinants of DNA yield and quality from buccal cell samples collected with mouthwash.

Buccal cells are becoming an important source of genomic DNA in epidemiological studies, but little is known about the effect of different sampling conditions on DNA quality and yield. We used a mouthwash protocol to collect six daily buccal cell samples from 35 healthy volunteers. Twenty-four individuals (six men and 18 women) correctly completed the protocol and were included in paired analyses to determine whether "swish" time (30 s versus 60 s), toothbrushing before collection, or lag time between collection and DNA extraction (1 day versus 5, 10, or 30 days at room temperature) would affect sample quality and yield. Total DNA, human-specific DNA (hDNA), degradation of DNA, and ability to amplify by PCR were determined. hDNA yield did not significantly vary by "swish" time. However, toothbrushing 1 h before sample collection reduced the amount of hDNA by nearly 40% (34 microg versus 21 microg; P = 0.06). Median hDNA yields for samples that were held for 1, 5, 10, and 30 days before extraction were 32 microg (range, 4-196), 32 microg (2-194), 23 microg (3-80), and 21 microg (5-56), respectively. The 10- and 30-day samples had significantly less hDNA than those processed after 1 day (P = 0.01). PCR success rates for beta-globin gene fragments of length 268 bp, 536 bp, and 989 bp were 94% or better, and high molecular weight DNA (>23 kb) was found in all but one sample. These results suggest that buccal cells should be collected before brushing teeth and processed within 5 days of collection to maximize hDNA yield.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

An intent of correlating clinical manifestations and ultrastructural lung changes in mice inoculated with Tityus discrepans (Buthidae) venom.

Investigation of the pathogenesis of human pulmonary damage caused by the toxic aggression by Tityus discrepans venom relies to a considerable extent upon the use of animal models. In this work, authors examine the correlation of clinical manifestations and changes in the organisation of cellular and subcellular pulmonary components in the murine model that probably resembles the damage found in envenomed humans. To evaluate lung subcellular response to Tityus discrepans venom, male C57/Bl adult mice were randomised into two groups: envenomed mice were intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 5 mg/Kg of weight and controls received saline solution. Lung samples were processed by electronic microscopy techniques and observed in a Hitachi-300. Ultrastructural findings in pulmonary tissue showed a partial denudation of its epithelial cells; the basal membrane was irregular and swollen. In the interstice there were fibroblasts with multiple cytoplasmatic projections and abundant extracellular material. Adjacent to the interstice bronchiolar areas with cells showing disperse nuclear chromatin were appreciated. There were losses of the intercellular unions and a clear separation among the cellular plasmatic membranes was observed. In conclusion, we suggest that some of the clinical manifestations of scorpion envenoming may be determined by ultrastructural lung damage produced by toxins present in this venom.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Cigarette smoking and colorectal cancer mortality in the cancer prevention study II.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that long-term cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Whether the association is causal or due to confounding remains unclear. METHODS: We examined cigarette smoking in relation to colorectal cancer mortality, evaluating smoking duration and recency and controlling for potential confounders in the Cancer Prevention Study II. This prospective nationwide mortality study of 1 184 657 adults (age > or =30 years) was begun by the American Cancer Society in 1982. After exclusions, our analytic cohort included 312 332 men and 469 019 women, among whom 4432 colon or rectal cancer deaths occurred between 1982 and 1996 among individuals who were cancer free in 1982. Rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by fitting Cox proportional hazards models. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: Multivariate-adjusted colorectal cancer mortality rates were highest among current smokers, were intermediate among former smokers, and were lowest in lifelong nonsmokers. The multivariate-adjusted RR (95% CI) for current compared with never smokers was 1.32 (1.16-1.49) among men and 1.41 (1.26-1.58) among women. Increased risk was evident after 20 or more years of smoking for men and women combined as compared with never smokers. Risk among current and former smokers increased with duration of smoking and average number of cigarettes smoked per day; risk in former smokers decreased significantly with years since quitting. If the multivariate-adjusted RR estimates in this study do, in fact, reflect causality, then approximately 12% of colorectal cancer deaths among both men and women in the general U.S. population in 1997 were attributable to smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term cigarette smoking is associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer mortality in both men and women. Clear reduction in risk is observed with early smoking cessation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Body mass index and colon cancer mortality in a large prospective study.

Obesity has been reported to increase the risk of colon cancer, especially in men. The authors examined this relation in the American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study II, a nationwide mortality study of US adults. After 12 years of follow-up, 1,616 deaths from colon cancer in women and 1,792 in men were observed among 496,239 women and 379,167 men who were cancer free at enrollment in 1982. The authors used Cox proportional hazards analyses to control for effects of age, race, education, smoking, exercise, alcohol, parental history of colon cancer, fat intake, vegetable and grain intake, aspirin use and, in women, estrogen replacement therapy. In men, death rates from colon cancer increased across the entire range of body mass index (BMI). The rate ratio was highest for men with BMI > or =32.5 (rate ratio (RR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46, 2.47) compared with men with BMI between 22.00 and 23.49. In women, a weaker association was seen in the three BMI categories of 27.5-29.9 (RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.53), 30.0-32.4 (RR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.72), and > or =32.5 (RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.59). These prospective data support the hypothesis that obesity increases the risk of colon cancer death and that the relation is stronger and more linear in men than in women.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Biphasic response after brain death induction: prominent part of catecholamines release in this phenomenon.

BACKGROUND: The physiopathology of hemodynamic instability that occurs after brain death remains unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the initial response to brain death induction. METHODS: After anesthesia and monitoring, 16 pigs were randomized into a control group (C, n = 8) and a brain death group (BD, n = 8). We inflated a subdural catheter balloon to induce brain death. We analyzed hemodynamic and plasmatic biochemical data for 180 minutes after brain death induction. Energetic compounds were measured. We expressed the results in comparison with the C group. RESULTS: The C group remained stable. One minute after brain death, the Cushing reflex appeared, with a hyperdynamic response to plasma catecholamines levels increasing (norepinephrine and epinephrine, 3.1-fold, p = 0. 02, and 3.8-fold, p = 0.07, respectively). After a return to baseline, we recorded a second hyperdynamic profile 120 minutes later. At this time, a second peak of catecholamines appeared (6. 3-fold, p = 0.04, and 9.1-fold, p = 0.02, concerning norepinephrine and epinephrine). At the same time, we observed brief myocardial lactate production (+175%, p < 0.01), with a rise of troponine I (+64%, p = 0.03). The energetic index was similar in both groups: 0. 85 (+/-0.02) in the C group vs 0.87 (+/-0.02) in the BD group. CONCLUSIONS: In this model, biphasic plasmatic catecholamine release appears to primarily explain the physiopathology of the hemodynamic response to brain death induction.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Microperfusion techniques for long-term hypothermic preservation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare several methods of hypothermic heart preservation. METHODS: We preserved isolated pig hearts for 24 hours in cold cardioplegia (4 degrees C), using either continuous microperfusion (Group I) or simple storage (Group II), and with a new preservative solution (NPS, groups IA and IIA) vs St. Thomas' solution (groups IB and IIB). The main characteristics of the NPS include (1) prevention of cell swelling with polyethelene glycol (PEG), (2) low calcium and magnesium, and (3) presence of metabolic substrates, such as glucose, insulin, pyruvate, aspartate, alanyl-glutamine, and membrane stabilization compounds such as ethanol and chlorpromazine. RESULTS: The 4 above groups were compared with hearts harvested and immediately reperfused (control group). During preservation, only Group IB showed significant edema (40% +/- 8.4% water gain). Adenylate charge was 25% to 50% higher in microperfused Groups IA and IB (0.678 +/- 0.049 and 0.795 +/- 0.071, respectively) as compared with simple-storage groups IIA and IIB (0.605 +/- 0.048 and 0.524 +/- 0.160, respectively). Ultrastructural analysis showed that tissue injury occurred mainly in Group IIB (altered mitochondria, chromatin clumping). Functional data showed better recovery of NPS groups as compared with St. Thomas groups: coronary flow was identical in Group IB and control (57.8 +/- 22 and 56.6 +/- 14 ml/min/100 g, respectively), and in IA > IB (p < 0.001) and IIA > IIB (p < 0.01); the rate pressure products were higher in NPS groups compared with St. Thomas groups (IA > IB, p < 0.01); IIA > IIB, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The microperfusion method associated with the NPS provides excellent protection in long-term hypothermic heart preservation.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Evaluation of a new preservative solution for cardiac graft during hypothermia.

BACKGROUND: Reports conflict on the beneficial effects of several cardioplegic solutions such as University of Wisconsin and St. Thomas' Hospital solutions. Therefore our objective was to assess the efficacy of several cardioplegic solutions for cardiac preservation by comparing University of Wisconsin modified solution (UW-1 and UW-1 + calcium = UW-2), St. Thomas' Hospital solution N degrees 1 (STH-1), Celsior solution, and a solution from our laboratory, Lyon preservation solution (LYPS). METHODS: We randomized male rats (n = 70) to 7 groups: LYPS, Celsior, STH-1, UW-1, UW-2, normal saline solution, and control. All hearts, except control hearts were preserved by cold storage (8 hours, 4 degrees C) in the various solutions. We used isolated non-working-heart preparations (left ventricular function evaluation, n = 5/group) or biopsy specimens (energetic store evaluation, n = 5/group) to assess quality of heart preservation. RESULTS: Hearts stored with the saline solution had a mean left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) of 3.6 +/- 1.3 mm Hg. In contrast, LYPS and Celsior hearts had mean LVDP close to that of the control hearts (97 +/- 2.6, 92.1 +/- 2.2, and 122 +/- 1.9 mm Hg, respectively), whereas STH-1, UW-1, and UW-2 hearts presented an intermediate functional response (48 +/- 4, 39.9 +/- 4.1, and 69 +/- 1.8 mm Hg, respectively). The STH-1 and saline hearts showed increased release of creatine kinase (541.9 +/- 168 and 1,080.8 +/- 126.2 UI/liter, respectively). The energetic charge (EC = [(0.5 ADP + ATP)/ATP + ADP + AMP]) in Celsior, UW-2, and saline was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in the other groups. CONCLUSION: The composition of the preservation solutions had a notable effect on myocardial viability. Our results indicated that LYPS and Celsior solutions had comparable efficacy for left ventricular function. However these solutions may offer better preservation than do UW-1, UW-2, or STH-1 solutions.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Patterns of inpatient surgeries for the top four cancers in the United States, National Hospital Discharge Survey, 1988-95.

BACKGROUND: At a time when the population is aging and medical practices are rapidly changing, ongoing surveillance of surgical treatments for cancer is valuable for health services planning. METHODS: We used data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey for patients with discharge diagnoses of lung, prostate, female breast, and colorectal cancer during 1988-95 to estimate population-based rates and numbers of inpatient surgical procedures. RESULTS: In 1988-91, rates of lobectomy for lung cancer were significantly higher in males than females. By 1994-95, the male/female differences had largely disappeared due to increasing trends among females and decreasing trends among males. During 1988-95, surgeries on the large intestine for colorectal cancer, including right hemicolectomy and sigmoidectomy, decreased significantly, as did abdominoperineal resections of the rectum. Anterior resections of the rectum increased significantly. Radical prostatectomies for prostate cancer increased from 34,000 in 1988-89 to 104,000 in 1992-93 and then decreased to 87,000 in 1994-95; rates followed a similar pattern. Finally, the number and rates of inpatient mastectomies for female breast cancer decreased over the study period (from 219,000 to 180,000 and from 78.8 to 61.5 per 100,000, respectively). CONCLUSION: These trends in inpatient surgeries for the major cancers in the US probably reflect changes in disease occurrence and modified treatment recommendations.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2000

Nested PCR for rapid detection of mumps virus in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with neurological diseases.

In this study, we have developed a reverse transcription (RT)-nested polymerase chain reaction (n-PCR) for the detection of mumps virus RNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with neurological infections. A specific 112-bp fragment was amplified by this method with primers from the nucleoprotein of the mumps virus genome. The mumps virus RT-n-PCR was capable of detecting 0.001 PFU/ml and 0.005 50% tissue culture infective dose/ml. This method was found to be specific, since no PCR product was detected in each of the CSF samples from patients with proven non-mumps virus-related meningitis or encephalitis. Mumps virus RNA was detected in all 18 CSF samples confirmed by culture to be infected with mumps virus. Positive PCR results were obtained for the CSF of 26 of 28 patients that were positive for signs of mumps virus infection (i.e., cultivable virus from urine or oropharyngeal samples or positivity for anti-mumps virus immunoglobulin M) but without cultivable virus in their CSF. Overall, mumps virus RNA was detected in CSF of 96% of the patients with a clinical diagnosis of viral central nervous system (CNS) disease and confirmed mumps virus infection, while mumps virus was isolated in CSF of only 39% of the patients. Furthermore, in a retrospective study, we were able to detect mumps virus RNA in 25 of 55 (46%) CSF samples from patients with a clinical diagnosis of viral CNS disease and negative laboratory evidence of viral infection including mumps virus infection. The 25 patients represent 12% of the 236 patients who had a clinical diagnosis of viral CNS infections and whose CSF was examined at our laboratory for a 2-year period. The findings confirm the importance of mumps virus as a causative agent of CNS infections in countries with low vaccine coverage rates. In summary, our study demonstrates the usefulness of the mumps virus RT-n-PCR for the diagnosis of mumps virus CNS disease and suggests that this assay may soon become the "gold standard" test for the diagnosis of mumps virus CNS infection.

Central Nervous System Diseases↗