Detection of circulating antigen by McAb-AST for evaluating the efficacy of anti-Leishmania chemotherapy.

We have adapted the simple and sensitive McAb-antigen spot test (AST) for evaluating the efficacy of anti-Leishmania chemotherapy. Serum samples from 37 kala-azar patients were tested by McAb-AST, and all showed definite positive reactions before treatment. After a course of antimony treatment, 20 turned negative, coupled with the disappearance of clinical symptoms; another 12 cases responded with weak positivity accompanied by an improvement of clinical manifestations; and the remaining 5 antimony-resistant patients showed strong positive reactions, with their conditions gradually worsening. Furthermore, all 6 cases in which the diagnosis was missed by the bone marrow smear method turned McAb-AST negative after chemotherapy. These results suggest that McAb-AST can be used to evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy as well as to avoid missed diagnosis by the bone marrow smear method.     

Mitogenic, chemotactic, and synthetic responses of rat periodontal ligament fibroblastic cells to polypeptide growth factors in vitro.

The mitogenic, chemotactic, and synthetic responses of rat periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblastic cells to epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF)-AB, rhPDGF-BB, natural (n) PDGF-AB, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) were examined in vitro using PDL cells obtained from the coagulum of healing tooth sockets. PDGFs and IGF-I have potent and comparable mitogenic effects on PDL fibroblastic cells. The maximum mitogenic effect of PDGFs was observed at the concentration of 10 ng/ml, whereas that of IGF-I was seen at concentrations higher than 100 ng/ml. In contrast, EGF induced moderate, and TGF-beta inhibitory mitogenic responses. The combination of rhPDGF-AB with either EGF or TGF-beta demonstrated comparable mitogenic potency, equivalent to the level of PDGF alone regardless of the mitogenic effect of other growth factors. The combination of rhPDGF-AB and IGF-I, however, showed a synergistic effect revealing the highest mitogenic effect among all individual growth factors as well as any combinations of the growth factors tested. Similarly, PDL fibroblastic cells demonstrated strong chemotactic responses to both IGF-I and PDGFs. The maximum effect was observed by IGF-I at concentrations higher than 10 ng/ml, followed by rhPDGF-BB at 0.1 ng/ml, rhPDGF-AB and nPDGF at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1 ng/ml. TGF-beta revealed no, and EGF slightly increased, chemotactic effects. IGF-I slightly enhanced the synthesis of total protein, whereas other factors had no significant effect. However, both rhPDGF-AB and TGF-beta stimulated collagen synthesis. On the other hand, IGF-I showed no effect on collagen synthesis, while EGF suppressed collagen synthesis. These findings suggest that rhPDGF-BB and IGF-I stimulate proliferation and chemotaxis of PDL fibroblastic cells. In addition, the combination of these growth factors further increases the mitogenic effect. rhPDGF-AB also stimulates collagen synthesis by PDL fibroblastic cells. Thus, rhPDGF-BB and IGF-I may have important roles in promotion of PDL healing, and consequently, may be useful for clinical application in periodontal regenerative procedures.     

The Canadian Psychiatric Association practice profile survey: I. Methods and general sample characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the rationale, methodology, and general sample characteristics of the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) practice profile survey, a national survey of psychiatrists and psychiatric practice. METHOD: Mail-in interviews were sent to all Canadian psychiatrists listed in their provincial registers and to all active CPA members (total = 3628). Respondents provided general information about their professional activities for one 24-hour day and detailed information for 1 randomly selected hour. Patient information--including sociodemographics, diagnostic profiles, functioning levels, risk of harm to self or others, and disposition--was elicited for 1 patient seen during the random hour as well as for the most seriously ill patient receiving clinical services that day. RESULTS: There was a 45.5% response rate. Questionnaires completed by nonpsychiatrists or with a large percentage of missing or incorrect data were eliminated (107 surveys), resulting in a final sample size of 1570. CPA members and those from Western Canada responded at a higher rate to the survey. The results suggest some cause for concern about future manpower shortages. Most psychiatrists practise eclectically, seeing patients across the life-span, and working in both community and institutional settings. The old and the young appear to be underserviced, compared with adults. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents an important step forward in evaluating the profile and activities of the profession.     

Status and trend of HIV-1 infection and AIDS in Taiwan, December, 1991.

From May 1, 1985 to December 31, 1991, a total of 4,962,707 serum samples from 8 population groups in Taiwan were tested for anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (anti-HIV-1). In total, 256 samples were seropositive; of these individuals, 43 developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): 29 were homosexuals; 5 were hemophiliacs; 8 were heterosexuals and 1 was of unknown risk. Although the prevalence of HIV-1 infection and AIDS remains low compared with other countries, since 1988 the increase has been rapid. Before 1977 the majority were homosexuals and hemophiliacs; thereafter the risk groups diversified, with a trend away from homosexuals and hemophiliacs towards heterosexuals and intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs). A few patients have caused serious social problems for the public, health care workers and families. Active community efforts are needed to achieve future success in the control of HIV-1 infection and AIDS in Taiwan.     

Human papillomaviruses and small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

The in vitro DNA amplification technique of polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the possible presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. None of the 12 cases examined contain detectable amounts of either HPV type 16, 18, 31, or 33 DNA. On the other hand, HPV types 16 and 18 DNA were found in 14 (93.3%) and 9 (60.0%) of 25 invasive cervical squamous carcinoma tissues. The results seem to suggest that these types of HPV are not present or are present in extremely small quantities in cervical small cell carcinoma. Such an absence of HPV DNA makes it unlikely that these types of HPV play any etiological role in the pathogenesis of cervical small cell carcinoma.     

D4S1647、D6S2414基因座在中国汉族、蒙古族、藏族的遗传多态性

目的 调查D4S1647、D6S2414基因座在中国汉族、蒙古族、藏族群体中的遗传分布规律。方法 采集308份血及唾液标本应用PCR技术，扩增产物用非变性聚丙酰胺凝胶电泳分离，银染显色分析。结果 两位点各群体基因型频率分布均符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡，每一位点等位基因频率分布在各群体间无显著差异；通过对10个汉族家系的遗传模式分析，证实了两位点等位基因传递遵循孟德尔遗传规律。结论 D4S1647、D6S2414基因座在中国汉族，蒙古族，藏族群体均具有高度遗传多态性。     

急性脑梗死后血浆NO、NOS、ET含量的动态变化及尼莫地平对其影响

目的　观察急性脑梗死 (ACI)后血浆一氧化氮 (NO)、一氧化氮合成酶 (NOS)、内皮素 (ET)含量的动态变化 ,以及尼莫地平治疗后对其影响。方法　ACI患者 110例 ,随机分成尼莫地平组 (5 0例 ) (在常规治疗基础上用尼莫地平 )和常规治疗组 (6 0例 )。在发病后不同时点动态观察血浆NO、NOS、ET含量 ,并设 5 0例脑动脉硬化患者为对照组。结果　脑梗死后血浆ET含量显著升高 ,直至恢复期 ;NO、NOS先增高后下降 ;尼莫地平组和常规组比较ET有显著差异 (P <0 .0 1) ,NO、NOS差别不显著 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论　NO、NOS、ET参与并影响了ACI后复杂的病理生理过程 ;尼莫地平部分通过对ET含量的影响发挥其对脑梗死的治疗作用     

Prostaglandin synthesis by squamous carcinoma cells of head and neck, and its inhibition by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The purpose of this study was to determine the nature and amounts of prostaglandins (PGs) produced by squamous carcinoma cells (SCC) and the sensitivity of these cells to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. SCC of four lines of the tongue and one line of facial epidermis of humans were incubated in phosphate buffer solution with ¹⁴C-arachidonic acid (AA). Radioactive metabolites in aqueous methanol were chromatographed on Sep-Pack CIS cartridges, separated and quantitated by means of TLC, autoradiography, and liquid scintillation counting. The results showed that cyclooxygenase products, PGs, were the major products formed by all cell lines, and PGE₂ was predominant among the PGs detected. Two radioactive bands corresponding to PGF_2α and three unseparated standards of PGA₂, 15-keto-PGE₂, and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE₂were detected in lesser amounts. Very small amounts of the lipoxygenase products 12-and 15-HETE were found. The concentrations of indomethacin, ibuprofen and aspirin required to inhibit 50% of PGE₂ synthesis (IC₅₀) by SCC lines were .008- .080, .080–6.4 and 32–88 μM, respectively.