Multiple sclerosis (MS) is believed to be an autoimmune process occurring in genetically susceptible individuals after an appropriate environmental exposure. We have exploited the homogeneous Afrikaner population of European ancestry to investigate the likelihood that iron dysregulation, in association with infectious and/or autoimmune disease susceptibility, may underlie the MS phenotype in a subgroup of patients. The functional Z-DNA forming repeat polymorphism of the natural resistance-associated macrophage protein-1 (NRAMP1) gene was analyzed in 104 patients diagnosed with MS and 522 Caucasian controls. A family-based control group consisting of 32 parental alleles not transmitted to MS offspring was additionally studied to exclude the likelihood of population substructures. Statistically significant differences in allelic distribution were observed between the patient and control samples drawn from the same population (P < 0.01). Evidence is furthermore provided that alleles considered to be detrimental in relation to autoimmune disease susceptibility may be maintained in the population as a consequence of improved survival to reproductive age following infectious disease challenge. Although it remains to be determined whether the disease phenotype in MS patients with allele 5 of the NRAMP1 promoter polymorphism is directly related to dysregulation of iron or modified susceptibility to viral infection and/or autoimmunity, a combination of these processes most likely underlies the disease phenotype in these patients. In view of the emerging role of polymorphic variants in complex diseases and minimizing of possible confounding factors in this association study, we conclude that allelic variation in the NRAMP1 promoter may contribute significantly to MS susceptibility in the South African Caucasian population.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Lymphatic metastasis; lymphangiochemotherapy of mammary cancer: ascitic form of rat mammary adenocarcinoma 13762.

When 5 million cells of the ascitic form of the RMT 13762 are injected into syngeneic F344 rat footpads there is consistent metastasis to the popliteal node more rapidly than when the solid form is used. A greater number of tumor cells escapes from the footpad to the draining node via the afferent lymph than with the solid tumor. Local intralymphatic injection of 5FU produces cure or retardation of nodal metastasis in a significant number of animals (p less than 0.002).

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Validity of self-reported crack cocaine use among homeless persons in treatment.

The validity of self-reported crack cocaine use among 131 homeless persons participating in an outpatient substance abuse treatment research demonstration project was assessed by comparing the concordance of self-report and urinalysis results. The subjects were participants in either a Usual Care outpatient program or an Enhanced Care day treatment program that included drug free contingent work therapy and housing. For all subjects across four evaluation points, the false negative classification by self-report (i.e., denied verified use) rate for crack cocaine use was 32.0%. Denied verified use was greater in Usual Care (34.9%) than in Enhanced Care clients (23.7%) and greater at follow-up as compared to treatment entry for all clients. The findings are explained in terms of social desirability and the influence of treatment contingencies and greater accountability specific to the Enhanced Care program. The need for validation of self-reported cocaine use data among homeless persons in settings where contingencies are present and in other drug treatment or research settings is recommended.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Bedwetting: a new approach to treatment in a mentally handicapped boy.

Lifelong nocturnal enuresis in a 9-year-old boy with Down's syndrome was tackled using progressive lifting, in which he was lifted and potted at a time in the early evening when he was found to be reliably dry. The programme was designed for the boy to be lifted progressively later in the evening until all-night dryness was achieved. However, all-night dryness began to occur 4 months after the start of the programme and lifting was at only half an hour beyond the original time when it was discontinued. Four months after this the boy was completely dry. Possible reasons are discussed.

Behavior Therapy↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The dying process: a psychological continuum. A refinement of Kubler-Ross' five stage theory.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A comparison of healing rates on two pressure-relieving systems.

The authors have previously reported the preliminary results of a randomized-controlled trial comparing the relative efficacy of two pressure-relieving systems: Huntleigh Nimbus 3 and Aura Cushion, and Pegasus Cairwave Therapy System and ProActive Seating Cushion (Russell et al, 2000). Although both the mattresses and cushions were effective treatments for pressure ulcers, the Huntleigh equipment was demonstrated to be statistically more effective for heel ulcers, but no differences were demonstrated for sacral ulcers. This article gives a more detailed analysis of the 141 patients assessed using computerized-image analysis of the digital images of sacral ulcers captured during the trial and specifically discusses the healing rates and other patient characteristics. Ninety-eight per cent of ulcers examined were deemed superficial (Torrance grade 2a, 2b, 3). Precision of image analysis assessed by within- and between-batch coefficients of variation was excellent: calibration CV 0.93-1.84%; area CV 4.61-5.72%. The healing rates on the two mattresses were not shown to be statistically different from each other.

Beds↗

PubMedDate not supplied