By analyzing the allelic frequencies at the D1S80 locus in 43 human populations, we show that the locus is polymorphic globally and that it can be used to discriminate between major racial groups and subpopulations through phylogenetic analysis. Although the use of informative multiple loci generally provides more accurate phylogenetic relationships, in instances where time and/or target DNA availability is limited, D1S80 could provide useful data to discriminate between human groups. Also, knowledge of which loci independently provide accurate phylogenetic relationships, such as the D1S80, can be used to design more accurate multi-locus combinations. In addition, allele frequencies at the locus are reported, for the first time, for Bahamian individuals of African origin and for Chimila, Bari, and Navajo (Cañoncito Valley) native Americans. Allelic data was obtained using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. In the four new populations, 65 genotypes and 20 segregating alleles were observed. All populations conformed to Hardy-Weinberg expectations except the Chimila.

Genetics, Population↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The effects of infection prevention regimens on early infectious complications in marrow transplant patients: a four arm randomized study.

Three hundred and forty-two patients with hematological malignancies underwent allogeneic marrow transplantation from family donors and were allocated to receive 1) no specific infection prophylaxis in a conventional hospital room (control, 100 patients), 2) prophylactic systemic antibiotics (PSA) in a conventional hospital room (PSA group, 101 patients), 3) decontamination and isolation in a laminar air flow (LAF) room (LAF group, 65 patients) and 4) PSA in an LAF room (LAF+PSA group, 76 patients). Patients were studied for bacterial and fungal complications from the day of admission and until engraftment. LAF isolation was discontinued before engraftment in 27% (LAF+PSA group) to 32% (LAF group) of isolated in 26% (LAF+PSA group) to 27% (PSA group) of patients on prophylactic antibiotics. Septicemia occurred in 41%, 22%, 25% and 10% of patients in the control, PSA, LAF and LAF+PSA group, respectively. The incidence of septicemia was significantly less in the LAF+PSA group than in the control and LAF group with the incidence of septicemia significantly higher in the control group than in any of the other three groups. No other risk factors analyzed in proportional hazards regression tests were associated with septicemia acquisition. It is concluded that effective infection prevention modalities significantly reduce infection morbidity in transplant patients. Since most granulocytopenic transplant patients not receiving PSA will receive empiric or therapeutic broad spectrum antibiotics. The use of PSA in or out of LAF isolation is recommended as an effective modality to reduce septicemia acquisition.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Stimulation of the lateral septum attenuates immobilization-induced stress ulcers.

Rats with electrodes implanted in their dorsolateral septal area underwent a cold-immobilization restraint procedure during which the experimental group received electrical stimulation while the control group did not. Electrical stimulation of the dorsolateral septal region clearly reduced the number of gastric ulcers formed during the cold-immobilization stress procedure. The pattern of results with septal stimulation contrasts with that seen by other investigators after stimulation of the central amygdaloid nucleus. The mitigation of stress-induced ulceration after lateral septal stimulation is consistent with the proposed function for the lateral septal area in relief from aversive emotional states.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

What is the solution to proximal migration of the Amsterdam type biliary endoprosthesis?

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Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage secondary to gastric ulcer complicating percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Bone complications during the treatment of osteoporosis with fluor].

Fourteen osteoporotic women who had been under treatment with fluoride (23 mg/day of fluorine ions) for 12 months on average developed periarticular pain in the lower limbs or pelvis, corresponding to 21 fractures due to bone insufficiency. Six of these fractures were revealed only by radionuclide uptake in the painful areas, whereas the remaining 15 fractures, including 2 of the sacrum, were visible at radiography. Four patients had a past history of hyperthyroidism or were in a state of active hyperthyroidism detected by hormonal assays and iliac bone biopsy when the fractures were diagnosed. The decalcification associated with hyperthyroidism facilitates the occurrence of bone insufficiency fractures, as do treatments with high doses of fluoride, inadequate calcium supplement intake (observed in 5 cases) or the presence before treatment of renal impairment or disorders of bone mineralization, sometimes detected only by iliac bone biopsy. Repeated measurements of blood and urinary fluoride levels during treatment make it possible to adjust fluoride dosage, and lower doses (14 mg/day of fluorine ions) might reduce the incidence of the adverse effects of fluoride on bone.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Oral etoposide for patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

PURPOSE: Oral etoposide has been shown to be effective against some solid tumor types. This phase II study examined the efficacy of oral etoposide in patients with untreated advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Previously untreated patients with measurable unresectable or metastatic disease were eligible for inclusion in this study. They were required to have a Zubrod performance status of < or = 2 and normal hematological, renal, and hepatic functions. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. The etoposide dose was 50 mg/m2/d given orally daily for 21 days with a 7-day rest period and was adjusted based on toxicity. Response was assessed after two courses of therapy. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were enrolled and fourteen were evaluable for toxicity and response. Twelve patients developed progressive disease while two patients had only a minor response. The median number of courses was 2 (range, 1-4) and there were 29 total courses delivered. The median survival was 3.5 months (range, 1.6-25.9). There were no treatment-related deaths. Toxicity was moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Oral etoposide is not effective against advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Insertion of N regions into heavy-chain genes is correlated with expression of terminal deoxytransferase in B cells.

The variable regions of immunoglobulin heavy chains are encoded in the germ line by three discrete DNA segments: VH (variable) elements, D (diversity) elements and JH (joining) elements. During the differentiation of B lymphocytes, individual segments from each group are brought together by recombination to form the complete VHDJH variable region. To understand these processes better, we have now isolated and sequenced molecular clones representing intermediates (DJH fusions) and final products (VH-to-DJH joins) of heavy-chain gene rearrangement in two cell lines that represent analogues of cells at early stages of B-lymphocyte differentiation. Heavy-chain gene assembly in one cell line but not in the other is accompanied by the appearance of short nucleotide insertions at the recombinational junctions. The generation of such insertions is positively correlated with the expression of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase in these lines.

Animals↗