In this communication we present the results of the study of the surface antigen expression of cells dispersed from 19 fresh lymph node biopsies. All cases subsequently received a histological diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma (T-NHL). The monoclonal antibody (Mab) panel employed for surface staining of viable cells contained reagents reactive with the sheep red blood cell receptor (OKT11) and T3-receptor associated determinants (UCHT1, OKT3) and a range of surface antigens found on subsets of T-cells. These antibodies are characterized according to their CD group as allocated by the First and Second Monoclonal Antibody Workshops. Cells were also stained with Mabs reactive with MHC class II subregion products. All 19 cases displayed marked heterogeneity for both pan-T-cell and T-subset antigens. An observation which is significant in terms of the routine diagnosis of T-NHL and with regard to the rational classification of node-based tumours of T-cell origin. Unlike resting peripheral blood T-cells, MHC class II subregion products were expressed on most of the cases examined though Tu22, directed towards a monomorphic determinant of HLA-DQ, stained fewer cells than other antibodies. Aberrant expression of MHC class II on lymphoma cells may reflect the activation of the tumour population.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Demonstration of beta-casomorphin immunoreactive materials in in vitro digests of bovine milk and in small intestine contents after bovine milk ingestion in adult humans.

Healthy young volunteers ingested one liter of cows' milk; then the contents of the small intestine were aspirated through an intestinal tube at various times and assayed for the presence of bovine beta-casomorphin immunoreactive materials. Considerable amounts of beta-casomorphin-7, but no beta-casomorphin-5 and only small amounts of beta-casomorphin-4 or -6 immunoreactive materials were found. Chromatographical characterization showed that most of the beta-casomorphin-7 immunoreactive material was not identical with beta-casomorphin-7, whereas the major part of the beta-casomorphin-4 or -6 immunoreactive materials might be identical with their corresponding beta-casomorphins. Analogous results were obtained for in vitro digestion of bovine milk which had been designed as a rough imitation of the gastrointestinal digestion process. A regulatory influence of beta-casomorphins as "food hormones" on intestinal functions is suggested.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Malaria antibodies and mefloquine levels among United Nations troops in Angola.

BACKGROUND: The United Nations deployed about 8,000 soldiers in a peacekeeping mission in Angola. Malaria is the most common disease there and consequently it was the major risk to the UN troops. Most of them are from malaria free areas. As a result of improper prophylactic measures there were many cases of malaria, including some deaths in 1995. In February-March 1996, an Israeli team was sent to Angola to evaluate the malaria situation among UN soldiers. This paper deals specifically with some aspects of chemoprophylaxis and diagnosis. The efforts were concentrated in one particular area where malaria incidence had been reported as the highest. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from nonimmune soldiers who were using mefloquine as a prophylactic drug and were exposed to malaria. The mefloquine and the antimalarial antibody plasma levels were monitored. RESULTS: While the local laboratory indicated that about 80% had a malaria episode, the serological results revealed that only 5 soldiers of the 56 (9%) examined had antimalarial antibodies, of which 3 were Angolans. Despite a controlled prophylactic regimen there was considerable variability in mefloquine plasma levels: 46% of the samples were below the required prophylactic level and 26% above it. All patients who were proven positive with malaria by both microscopic and serologic observation had a low level of mefloquine. CONCLUSIONS: In field conditions, a kit which identifies plasmodial antigens, is preferable, to a microscopic diagnostic method. Controlled mefloquine prophylaxis may not prevent malaria, especially when blood levels are low. The reason for the low mefloquine blood levels is not clear and needs further evaluation.

Angola↗

PubMedDate not supplied

High rate of gastrointestinal side effects in fructose-consuming patients.

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Diarrhea↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Diverticulosis-diverticulitis].

Diverticulosis of the colon and its clinical sequelae--diverticulitis, peridiverticulitis, and pericolitis--are typical diseases of elderly people. The main causes are weakness of the connective tissue in the colonic wall increasing with age and pathologic motility pattern of the colon due to low dietary fibre consumption. In about 20% of all people with diverticula, acute or chronic-recurrent diverticulitis develops, often with serious complications as perforation, abscess or fistula formation, obstruction, inflammatory pseudotumor and intestinal bleeding. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical examination and barium enema (double contrast, maximal spasmolysis). Colonoscopy may be helpful in excluding carcinoma of the large bowel. Patients with diverticulosis and uncomplicated diverticulitis should be managed conservatively by medical treatment. The following measures proved to be successful: high-fibre diet, unprocessed wheat bran, and hydrophilic plant colloids to regulate the bowel movements, systemic or local antibiotics if signs of inflammation are present, and antispasmodics or analgesics against abdominal pain. Prognosis depends mainly on the duration of the disease, sufficient dietary-fibre intake, and elective or semi-elective surgical intervention before the development of life-threatening complications. The question as to whether diverticula or relapsing attacks of diverticulitis can be prevented with added dietary-fibre remains open for the time being.

Abscess↗