Über eine tödliche Blausäurevergiftung nach dem Genuß bitterer Mandeln (Prunus Amygdalus)

Zusammenfassung Nach einer tödlichen Bittermandelvergiftung wird auf Grund quantitativer Analysen die Cyanidverteilung im frischen menschlichen Organmaterial, Blut und Urin untersucht.

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Lethal poisoning with hydrocyanic acid after ingestion of bitter almonds (prunus amygdalus)

Summary After lethal poisoning with bitter almonds the distribution of cyanide was determined in fresh human organ material, blood and urine obtained at autopsy.

     

Heat-shock protein 70 acts as an effective adjuvant in neonatal mice and confers protection against challenge with herpes simplex virus

Immunization of the neonate is a highly desirable goal for vaccine developers, since the neonate is profoundly susceptible to a number of viral and bacterial pathogens. The neonatal immune system tends to generate Th2 recall responses, known as neonatal tolerance, which may not protect against viral challenge later in life. In this study we demonstrate that a potent immune proinflammatory stimulator, heat-shock protein 70 (hsp70), can act as an effective and safe adjuvant in neonates. Priming of neonates with hsp70 coupled to a viral MHC Class I-restricted epitope (gB498-505) and injection with recombinant gB generated strong cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses and a Th1 primary T helper cell response during the neonatal period. In addition, enhanced CTL and predominant Th1 recall responses to viral antigens were observed following secondary challenge as adults. These responses were sufficient to allow protection against a lethal challenge with Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 (HSV-1). Therefore, hsp70 in conjunction with viral epitopes and recombinant viral protein can perhaps prime protective immune responses to herpes viruses early in life when infection, which can be life-threatening, and the establishment of latency frequently occur.     

Effects of extended systemic and topical folate supplementation on gingivitis of pregnancy

Abstract A former double-blind study evaluated the effect of a 14–day period of systemic and topical folate supplementation on gingival inflammation during pregnancy (Pack & Thomson 1980). The current experiment was similar to the earlier one except that supplementation was for 28 days during the eighth month only. Thirty women during their 32nd week of pregnancy were randomly divided into three equal groups. Control Group A received placebo mouthwash (MW) and placebo tablets; Group B received placebo MW and one 5 mg folate tablet daily; Group C received placebo tablets and rinsed with folate MW twice daily for 1 min. At the beginning and end of the experimental period, oral status was determined using a plaque index (PII) and a gingival index (GI). Each subject furnished a 1–week diet record which was analysed for dietary folate. No differences in parameters existed between groups at the commencement of the study except for folate levels which were lower in Group B. Results confirmed the findings of the former experiment. Group C showed highly significant improvement in Gl despite no significant changes in PII (0.00 < p < 0.01), whilst in Group B, changes in gingival health were not statistically significant (0.05 < p < 0.10). No significant changes were demonstrated in Group A. Folate levels increased significantly in Groups B and C. Dietary folate was similar in all groups.     

Bone mass and turnover in women with epilepsy on antiepileptic drug monotherapy

Antiepileptic drugs, particularly cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers, are associated with disorders of bone metabolism. We studied premenopausal women with epilepsy receiving antiepileptic drug monotherapy (phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate, and lamotrigine). Subjects completed exercise and nutrition questionnaires and bone mineral density studies. Serum was analyzed for indices of bone metabolism including calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, insulin growth factor I, insulin binding protein III, and bone formation markers, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin. Urine was analyzed for cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen, a bone resorption marker. Calcium concentrations were significantly less in subjects receiving carbamazepine, phenytoin, and valproate than in those receiving lamotrigine (p = 0.008). Insulin growth factor-I was significantly reduced in subjects receiving phenytoin compared with those receiving lamotrigine (p = 0.017). Subjects receiving phenytoin had significantly greater levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.007). Our results demonstrate that phenytoin is associated with changes in bone metabolism and increased bone turnover. The lower calcium concentrations in subjects taking carbamazepine or valproate compared with those taking other antiepileptic drugs suggest that these antiepileptic drugs may have long-term effects. Subjects receiving lamotrigine had no significant reductions in calcium or increases in markers of bone turnover, suggesting this agent is less likely to have long-term adverse effects on bone.     

Predictors of infection with Chlamydia or gonorrhea in incarcerated adolescents

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence, multiple correlates, and gender differences in chlamydia and gonorrhea infections among adolescents, aged 13 to 18, incarcerated in a youth detention center in the southern region of the United States. GOAL: The goal of this study was to identify factors associated with juvenile offenders' sexually transmitted disease (STD) risk that may guide the development of interventions specifically tailored for this population. STUDY: The authors conducted a cross-sectional survey. RESULTS: Rates of undiagnosed chlamydia were 24.7% for incarcerated girls and 8.1% for boys. Gonorrhea was detected in 7.3% of the girls and 1.5% of the boys. Predictors of STD positivity differed for boys and girls. Demographic characteristics (gender, race, and age) account for 52% of the total variance in STD infections; youths' behavior accounts for approximately one third of the total variance, and psychologic and family variables account for 8.6% and 7.2% of the total variance, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An approach that considers psychologic and social influences on adolescent sexual behavior is useful for identifying potential risk and protective factors of adolescent STD/HIV risk that are amenable to intervention.