The Pyhäjärvi Cataract Study. I. Study design,baseline characteristics and the demand for cataract surgery

Purpose: The Pyhäjärvi Cataract Study aims to study demand for cataract surgery in the population of a rural town in Finland. Methods: A random, population‐based sample of 881 persons aged ≥ 60 years were interviewed by telephone to obtain a Visual Function‐14 (VF‐14) score. A total of 294 persons were invited for an ophthalmic examination based on three categories of VF‐14 score. Of these, 230 (78%) responded, 10 of whom were excluded as a result of prior bilateral surgery. The New Zealand Priority Criteria (NZPC) and the 15‐Dimension Quality of Life (15‐D) instruments were administered. In addition, another group of 96 patients waiting for cataract surgery were examined and scored using the VF‐14, NZPC and 15‐D instruments. A modified Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III classification was used for grading the cataract. Results: Only one (0.5%) of the 220 examined subjects was referred for cataract surgery. Many patients with relatively good visual acuity (VA), including six people with a 100‐point VF‐14 score suggesting no visual symptoms, were waiting for surgery. Demographic factors were not associated with access to cataract surgery. The patients examined from the waiting list for cataract surgery had more cataractous changes in the lens(es), poorer VA, were older, and scored higher on the NZPC instrument than the population sample examined. Conclusions: Practically no hidden demand for cataract surgery was found in the study population as defined by the national criteria for cataract surgery in Finland. This reflects the fact that the current Finnish health care system appears to recognize and treat cataract patients very well, even in rural areas. Although VA tests may not be sufficient for evaluating need for cataract surgery, the role of questionnaires is not clear either.     

Variability in drug use prevalence across school districts in the same locale in Ohio

Substance use by adolescents continues to present a problem schools must address. Data from survey research can prove useful in helping schools determine the nature and extent of youth drug use. This study identified variations in drug use prevalence among ninth grade students in different school districts in the same locale in Ohio. Possible explanations for the differences were explored. Students (n = 3,016) from 12 suburban high schools anonymously completed self-report drug use questionnaires. School and community-level data were collected from other sources. Cluster analysis was used to group the school districts. ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences (P < or = 0.001) in levels of drug use by cluster. The cluster with significantly lower levels of drug use consisted of districts with at least one full-time drug abuse prevention coordinator, higher economic levels, and the highest per pupil expenditures. Drug use among youth is influenced, at least in part, by local contextual factors. Local survey data can inform local policy and programs. These findings have practical implications for policymakers, program developers, and school districts in other areas of the country.     

Allelic deletions of Rb and L-myc in urine sediments from patients with bladder tumors or carcinoma in situ

In a previous study we found allelic imbalances of Rb and L-myc associated with disease stage and disease course in bladder cancer. The primary aim of the present study was to determine whether the changes found in tumors were reflected in urine sediments. Secondly we wanted to test if Rb and L-myc were frequently lost in urine sediments from patients with carcinoma in situ and no bladder tumor at present. Based on this we examined allelic deletions of the Rb and L-myc genes in tumor and urine from 55 patients with bladder tumors or carcinoma in situ. Deletions were examined on extracted DNA from tumors and urine sediments by the use of microsatellite markers located as close to the genes as possible. Fifty-five patients and 10 controls were included. We found no strict correlation between allelic deletions in bladder tumors and urine sediments from the same patient. Allelic deletions in urine sediments were at least as common in patients with carcinoma in situ and no bladder tumor (32%) as in patients with bladder tumors (20%). It was possible to identify allelic deletions in urine sediment from 1 patient with cystitis and no history of malignant bladder disease (6%). In conclusion we found no strict correlation between allelic deletions in bladder tumors and urine sediments. Allelic deletions in urine sediments seem to be at least as common in patients with carcinoma in situ as in patients with bladder tumors.     

Immunocytochemical detection of the carbohydrate antigen, Sialyl Lewisx, in normal human skin and during irritant contact dermatitis

Abstract Sialys Lewis^x (SLex) is a ligand for the E-selectin and the interaction of E-selectin on the endothelium and SLe^x on T cells may be important for T-cell migration into the skin. We investigated the expression of SLe^x on Langerhans cells (LC) in normal skin and on LC repopulating epidermis deprived of LC due to a preceding irritant contact dermatitis. SLe^x was visualized by fluorescence and light microscopic immunocytochemistry using the monoclonal antibody. CSLEX-1. The results showed that about 40% of LC in normal epidermis express SLe^x. In the repopulation phase, most of the epidermal cells were CDla⁺/SLe^x+. We suggest that SLe^x is present on epidermal LC that have recently immigrated from the dermis.     

Drug abuse treatment experience and HIV risk behaviors among active drug injectors in Ohio.

This study compares the sociodemographic characteristics and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors of injection drug users who had received drug abuse treatment in the previous 5 years and those who had not received treatment. The National AIDS Demonstration Research Program database provided 2001 structured interviews, representing Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton, Ohio. About 43% of the subjects reported having received treatment in the previous 5 years. Length of involvement with drugs, more frequent injection, more legal problems, and higher levels of HIV risk behaviors were associated with a history of treatment. Incorporating HIV risk reduction education in drug abuse treatment is an urgent priority.     

Glutathionedopa in malignant melanoma.

A human melanoma metastasis was found to contain a substance identical with synthetic glutathionedopa when examined by means of an automatic amino acid analyser, chromatography on a Dowex-50 column, thin-layer electrophoresis, and by fluorimetry. The presence of glutathionedopa in melanoma tissue and of enzymes capable of hydrolysing the glutathione moiety of the molecule, together with the absence of glutathionedopa in the urine, suggest that glutathionedopa is an intermediate substance in the formation of 5-S-cysteinyldopa.