The influence of menstrual cycle changes on the tobacco withdrawal syndrome in women

Women have lower quit rates in smoking cessation than men. There are several factors suggested which are relevant to women's difficulties in smoking programs. One factor cited is the problem that women experience during withdrawal. Similar physiological and psychological symptoms are reported after smoking cessation and during menstrual cycle changes. In this study we evaluated the association between withdrawal and reports of menstrual distress. Results showed that a significant correlation existed between menstrual distress symptoms and initial smoking withdrawal symptoms. Women who quit smoking in the last phase (Phase 2) of their menstrual cycle experienced greater withdrawal than those who quit in the early phase (Phase 1) of the cycle. When these results were compared with male quitters, the Phase 2 women experienced significantly greater withdrawal than males. These results suggest that women may have specific biological needs that should be addressed in smoking treatment programs.     

Mechanism of resistance to some cephalosporins in Staphylococcus aureus

The mechanism of resistance to some cephalosporins in Staphylococcus aureus strains was investigated with high-pressure liquid chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. Drug inactivation by penicillinase was found to be the main mechanism of resistance to cefazolin, cephaloridine, and cephalothin in S. aureus.     

Identification of the Cardiac Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Protein: Solubilization and Purification by Affinity Chromatography

A protein that binds catecholamines with a specificity parallel to that of their in vivo effects on cardiac contractility (isoproterenol > epinephrine or norepinephrine > dopamine > dihydroxyphenylalanine) was solubilized from a microsomal fraction of canine ventricular myocardium. The binding protein was purified 500 to 800-fold by solubilization and subsequent affinity chromatography with conjugates of norepinephrine linked to agarose beads. Purified β-adrenergic binding protein exists in two forms, corresponding to molecular weights of 40,000 and 160,000. The purified material has a single association constant, 2.3 × 10⁵ liters/mol (as compared to two association constants, 10⁷ and 10⁶ liters/mol, for the binding protein in particulate form) but retains the identical binding specificity for β-adrenergic drugs and antagonists.     

Cutaneous absorption of trivalent chromium: tissue levels and treatment by exchange transfusion

ABSTRACT A man was accidentally immersed in hot acidic trivalent chromium sulphate solution but none was swallowed. The clinical course was dominated by burns, intravascular haemolysis, and acute renal failure. Blood concentrations of chromium were measured during treatment and tissue concentrations were measured at death. Exchange transfusion reduced blood chromium concentrations by two-thirds. The total quantities of chromium absorbed and removed by various routes were calculated. In-vitro studies showed that the chromium solution did not directly cause haemolysis.     

The HL-A7 Histocompatibility Antigen in Sarcoidosis Relation to Tuberculin Sensivity

Eighty cases of sarcoidosis have been investigated. In all except eight patients a histological verification of the diagnosis was obtained by mediastinoscopy or liver biopsy. The HL-A7 antigen was not increased in the entire group. However, in the group of patients with a negative sensitivity to tuberculin after the appearance of the disease there was a significant increase compared with controls. In the patients with a positive reaction, there was a complete absence of HL-A7. The HL-A system therefore does not seem to influence the liability to contract sarcoidosis, but once this condition has developed HL-A7 positives are more likely to lose cellular immunity to tuberculin and to reveal symptoms.     

HEALTH AWARENESS VERSUS ECONOMIC AFFLUENCE AS DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH STATUS : A COMMUNITY BASED EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

A community-based cross-sectional analytic epidemiological study was undertaken to compare the health status of school children from two villages and to see the association of the school children''s health status with the level of health awareness among parents and teachers. The two villages had only one major difference, i.e., one had an agriculture-based economy and was more affluent than the other village. The study, however, revealed that the overall morbidity and nutritional deficiencies were significantly less (p < 0.01) and immunization status significantly better (p < 0.01) among school children of the less affluent village, possibly because level of health awareness was significantly higher among parents and teachers of this village as compared to the more affluent one (p < 0.01). The importance of health education has been reinforced by this study.KEY WORDS: Health status, Health planning, Health education     

Polymyositis in Childhood A Case Report

A case of polymyositis in a 7-year-old girl, verified by electromyography and biopsy, is described. The difference between dermatomyositis and polymyositis is discussed. According to the literature, polymyositis appears to have a better prognosis. In the case reported, steroids were beneficial. This treatment is discussed