Blood serum levels of immunoglobulins among African children: Seasonal variations and ethnic factors (a study done in Lourenco-Marques among a group of 11-year olds) (author's transl)]

The blood titers of IgG, IgA and IgM and total proteins were determined in October 1971 (dry season) and again in April 1972 (wet season) among girls and boys belonging to 4 ethnic groups: White, Bantu, Indian, Mixed. Parasitic studies were also done. These studies indicate a rise of IgM among the girls and of IgA in both sexes from October 1971 to April 1972. The average IgM titer among the four groups is higher than the one found in the Occident. This is especially notable for the Bantu and the Mixed. The Indian levels exceeded, on the average, the White group's. The average IgG figures are only slightly higher than those found in the literature for Western populations. Genetic influences do not appear to explain the differences found between the ethnic groups. The role of environment is stressed, and parasitic influences are discussed.     

Platelet mobilization induced by PAF and its role in the thrombocytosis triggered by adrenaline in rats

The injection of PAF (6 micrograms/kg, i.v.) induced, in rats, haemoconcentration accompanied by an increase in the platelet number, as attested by the counts of platelets in blood samples diluted in formalin-free EDTA solution. This increase was significant at 15 min, peaked from 1 to 4 h and returned to basal levels 24 h after the lipid administration. The release of platelets induced by PAF was inhibited dose-dependently by specific PAF receptor antagonist such as WEB 2086 (0.5-2 mg/kg), BN 52021 and 48740 RP (5-25 mg/kg). Furthermore, platelet mobilization was clearly impaired in splenectomized animals stimulated by PAF, whereas thrombocytopenia and haemoconcentration by the same stimulus were intact. It was also noted that a second injection of PAF, 24 h after the initial stimulation with the lipid, failed to induce an increase in platelet counts, indicating autodesensitization. Desensitization to PAF or pretreatment with PAF antagonists clearly prevented the increase in the platelet counts after stimulation by adrenaline (15 micrograms/kg). These findings suggest that, in rats, PAF can induce release of platelets by a spleen-dependent mechanism and that this lipid may be relevant to the thrombocytosis triggered by adrenaline.     

Rhinofacial entomophthoromycosis due to Conidiobolus coronatus. A report of a case treated successfully with fluconazole]

A case of rhinofacial entomophthoromycosis caused by Conidiobolus coronatus is reported in a 30-years-old male from S?o Paulo, Brazil. The patient was successfully treated with oral fluconazole in a prolonged regimen. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological and mycological data.     

Phase II study of docetaxel (taxotere) in patients with previously untreated extensive small cell lung cancer

Summary The objective of this multicenter phase II study was to evaluate the activity of docetaxel in previously untreated small cell lung cancer. Fourteen patients were treated at a dose of 75 mg/m² intravenously every three weeks. Of the 12 patients evaluable for response, one had a partial response for a duration of 12 weeks for a response rate of 8.3%. Toxicity was mild. We conclude that docetaxel has, at the dose given in this study, little activity in previously untreated small cell lung cancer.