Antibodies to HTLV-1 in saliva of seropositive individuals from Japan

Secretory antibodies protect mucosal surfaces against transmission of many viruses. Human T-lymphotropic Virus, Type I (HTLV-I) is transmitted via blood products and via sexual contact across mucosal surfaces. We investigated the presence of HTLV-I-specific antibodies in whole saliva samples from 10 seronegative and 28 seropositive volunteers from a hospital in southern Japan. Antibodies directed to HTLV-I antigens were found in the salivas from 22 of 28 (79%) of the seropositive subjects. None of the seronegative individuals showed evidence of salivary antibodies. Antibodies directed to the envelope antigens of the virus were found in 21 of 22 positive saliva samples. Secretory antibodies may be important in preventing mucosal transmission.     

Prevalence of ECG changes in an unorganized population of Novosibirsk

The paper is concerned with the data on the prevalence of various ECG changes in an open male and female population (aged 25 to 64) in Novosibirsk obtained on examination of a random representative sample. The analysis permitted defining groups of persons with prognostically unfavorable ECG changes serving as a basis for further study of regularities of their appearance.     

Differentialdiagnose von Ovarialtumoren — hilft dem Gynäkologen die NMR-Tomographie

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Choice of an ovarian stimulation protocol according to the follicular puncture method in an in vitro fertilization programme

In order to ascertain the adequacy of ovarian stimulation protocols with a type of follicular puncture, 126 women undergoing in vitro fertilization received either combination clomiphene/hMG or hMG alone according to a randomized test protocol. Within both groups patients for whom a pelvic examination was required had laparoscopies, while others had transvaginal ultrasonically guided punctures as far as possible. Clomiphene/hMG was more efficient than hMG alone as assessed from the cleavage rate (68% vs. 54%; p less than 0.01) and the pregnancy per attempt rate (16% vs. 5%; p less than 0.05). Laparoscopic punctures were more efficient than ultrasonically guided punctures (mean number of recovered oocytes: 4.8 +/- 2.6 vs. 3 +/- 2.5; p less than 0.001), but slightly better results were achieved by this latter method in ongoing pregnancy per puncture rate (18% vs. 8%; NS). With ultrasonically guided punctures, stimulation by clomiphene/hMG allowed better oocyte recoveries (3.8 +/- 2.5 vs. 2.3 +/- 1.9, p less than 0.05). Such results constitute an argument for preferential use of the clomiphene/hMG stimulation protocol with ultrasonically guided punctures.     

Left ventricular volume, mass, and function following surgical correction of chronic aortic regurgitation

Following surgical correction of chronic aortic regurgitation, left ventricular (LV) volume falls to normal or near normal in most patients; this change generally occurs within the first week after surgery. During the ensuing six months, a significant regression of LV hypertrophy occurs, but most patients do not achieve a normal LV mass. The systolic ejection fraction may increase while the LV end-diastolic pressure almost uniformly falls to normal. Postoperative studies of LV volume mass and function should be aimed at identifying those patients which do not undergo these favorable changes so that medical therapy can be directed at this high risk group.     

Endoscopic balloon dilatation as a therapeutic option in the management of intestinal strictures resulting from Crohn's disease

Endoscopic balloon dilatation was undertaken in seven patients who presented with obstructive symptoms resulting from Crohn's disease. Five patients had strictures from recurrent disease at the site of an ileotransverse anastomosis, one had duodenal stenosis and one a colonic stricture. The procedures were performed under intravenous sedation on one to four occasions (median 2) and were uncomplicated. Sustained improvement over an 18-24-month follow-up period was achieved in five patients, but dilatation was unsuccessful in two cases. Endoscopic balloon dilatation is a safe and effective option in selected patients with intestinal strictures resulting from Crohn's disease and may overcome the need for surgery.     

Symptoms of tobacco withdrawal. A replication and extension

Smokers (n = 315) who wished to quit were randomly assigned in a double-blind manner to groups using either nicotine or placebo gum. Self-reported and observed symptoms of tobacco withdrawal were collected before cessation and at follow-ups of 1 to 2 weeks, 1 month, and 6 months. Self-reported and/or observed anger, anxiety, craving, difficulty concentrating, hunger, impatience, and restlessness were the most prominent symptoms of tobacco withdrawal. These symptoms had returned to precessation levels by 1 month except increased weight, hunger, and craving continued for 6 months in many smokers. Nicotine gum decreased most symptoms, including craving and hunger but not weight. Abstinent smokers with more intense withdrawal were not more likely to relapse. Abstinent smokers who gained more weight were less likely to relapse.