Oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein is a chemoattractant for human T lymphocytes.

Oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) is a known chemoattractant for monocytes. Here we demonstrate, using a modified Boyden chamber assay, that human peripheral blood T lymphocytes, but not B lymphocytes, also respond chemotactically to Ox-LDL, showing a threefold increase over control and an optimum response at 10 micrograms/ml. Copper and endothelial cell-oxidized LDL and beta-VLDL were used and gave similar results. The activity was not chemokinetic and native LDL possessed no chemoattractant activity. The chemoattractant activity was found to reside in the lipid fraction of Ox-LDL. Lysophosphatidylcholine is a major phospholipid component of Ox-LDL and is known to be chemotactic for monocytes. We show that lysophosphatidylcholine is also chemotactic for T lymphocytes with a maximal fourfold increase at 10 microM. Nonmetabolizable analogues of lysophosphatidylcholine had no such chemotactic effect. Thus, Ox-LDL, by virtue of its lysophosphatidylcholine content, may contribute to the recruitment of both T lymphocytes and monocytes into developing atherosclerotic lesions.     

The utility of the SCL-90-R for the diagnosis of war-zone related posttraumatic stress disorder

A scale for assessing war-zone-related posttraumatic stress disorder (WZ-PTSD scale) was derived from the Symptom Checklist-90-R by identifying items that best discriminated Vietnam theater veterans with and without PTSD (N= 202). The 25-item WZ-PTSD scale had excellent internal consistency, and signal detection analyses revealed that its diagnostic utility was comparable to or exceeded that of several established PTSD scales and measures of global distress. In a cross-validation sample (N=99), the diagnostic utility of the WZ-PTSD scale was stable, whereas other PTSD scales performed more poorly. The WZ-PTSD scale appears to be a valuable new measure of PTSD that can be particularly useful in archival data sets or in any situation where other PTSD measures are not available.     

The Mirror Pelvic Examination: Assessment in a Clinic Setting

The traditional pelvic examination is often viewed by patients with mixed feelings, and there are reasons to believe that enhanced patient knowledge might foster more positive attitudes toward this important aspect of women s health care. One proposed technique in accomplishing this goal is the mirror pelvic examination (MPE). However, there is a paucity of reported clinical experience dealing with this modification of the traditional pelvic examination. Accordingly, a questionnaire was designed to assess attitudes and impressions toward the MPE among a sample of 21 women who were offered the procedure at a metropolitan clinic. This survey revealed the MPE to be well received by patients, both as a method of anxiety reduction and as one of patient education.     

On the Localization of the Gb Locus within the MHS Region of Chromosome No. 6

Further data on the Gb - HL-A linkage relationship are presented. All three GBG informative recombinants investigated are Gb - first HL-A recombinants; therefore Gb must be situated on the second HL-A side of the first HL-A locus. Ninety additional apparently Gb - HL-A non-recombinant offspring from 23 matings indicate that the Gb locus is situated in clsoe proximity to the second HL-A locus.     

Cardiac Neoplasms: Current Diagnosis, Pathology, and Therapy

Cardiac neoplasms remain enigmatic because of their rarity and protean clinical manifestations. Although surgery for benign cardiac neoplasms seems straightforward, certain difficulties in diagnosis and extirpation often exist. Newer diagnostic modalities including intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography seem promising and may provide better planning for the surgeon. Moreover, cardiac transplantation has provided relief for some patients with irresectable benign neoplasms. As ventricular arrhythmias may emanate from benign tumors, electrophysiologically guided extirpation may provide helpful control. Malignant cardiac tumors remain the true challenge, whether primary or metastatic, as little surgical or medical progress has resulted. This review examines nearly all diagnostic, pathological, histologic, and therapeutic aspects of benign and malignant cardiac tumors. Moreover, the various surgical approaches necessary for removal of resectable neoplasms are detailed.