Relationship between the gastric myoelectric and mechanical activity in the genesis of ulcers in indomethacin-insulin-treated rats

We have proposed that gastric contractile activity mechanically induces ulcers in the nonsteroid antiinflammatory drug (NSAID)-treated rat. This study examines first the relationship between number (dose) of peristaltic contractions applied to the mucosa and the ulcer score. Second, it examines the relative roles of: altered gastric myoelectrical activity (MEA) resulting from indomethacin (Indo) pretreatment, insulin-induced gastric peristalsis, and a combination of the two in the generation of mucosal lesions. Third, it examines the effect of exogenous prostaglandin on the Indo-altered MEA and relates it to ulcerogenesis. Indo pretreatment increased gastric tone and MEA. In such animals, the dose of peristaltic contractions applied to the gastric wall was related to the ulcer score in a dose-dependent manner. Exogenous prostaglandin (PG) reversed the MEA effect of Indo and reduced ulceration. It is postulated that an altered smooth muscle state secondary to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis (PG-S) renders the mucosa vulnerable to injury by peristaltic action.This study was supported by the Fast Foundation.     

A double blind trial of sex drive reducing medication in pedophiles

A sample of 100 men accused of sexual assault on a child and referred to a forensic clinic were approached for assessment and treatment in a double blind study of MPA (Provera). A total of 48 men completed assessment and 18 agreed to participate in the drug trial. Only 11 completed a 3-month course of MPA or placebo therapy. Those refusing treatment were less intelligent and less impaired on the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Test Battery but were more impaired on the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery. Dropouts differed only in reporting more frequent sexual fantasies of children. Of a possible 27 side effects for MPA, only two were statistically significant. MPA led to more depression and excess salivation than did the placebo, although the frequency of fatigue was noteworthy. MPA appeared as a useful sex drive reducing medication with few side effects but compliance in taking the drug was seen as a major obstacle in its use with pedophiles.     

Immunogenic and Antigenic Epitopes of Immunoglobulins Binding of Human Monoclonal Anti-D Antibodies to FcRI on the Monocyte-Like U937 Cell Line

Seventeen human monoclonal IgG1- or IgG3 anti-D-secreting clones have been examined for their ability to sensitise O+ red cells for Fc-receptor-mediated rosette formation with U937 cells. IgG3 but not IgG1 anti-D antibodies were able to mediate stable rosette formation with unstimulated U937 cells via interaction with the FcRI receptor. Decreasing FcRI density by incubating U937 cells with di-butyryl cAMP almost completely abolished rosette formation, whilst increasing FcRI density by incubating U937 cells with interferon-gamma increased the percentage of cells forming rosettes with IgG3- and IgG1-sensitised red cells. These data suggest that rosette formation between IgG anti-D-sensitised red cells and FcRI-expressing cells is dependent upon the density of IgG3 on the red cell surface, the density of FcRI on the effector cell, multiple FcRI/IgG interactions are required for stable rosette formation and that more FcRI/IgG1 than FcRI/IgG3 interactions are required.     

Personality and sexual anomalies

Test properties of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) were examined in a sample of 419 sex offenders and controls in three different settings. The offender group included sexual aggressives, pedophiles, incest perpetrators and miscellaneous cases. Nineteen of the 20 scales of the MCMI had alpha reliability over 0.60 and for 13 scales it was over 0.80. The scales showed satisfactory discriminant validity from age but 9 scales showed a moderate influence of intelligence scores and education. Criminal history did not influence scale results. The scales unfortunately did show significant correlations with MMPI validity scales. Although the scales were not susceptible to naive lying, they were influenced by social desirability especially. Four factors were extracted in principal axes factor analysis that accounted for 91.2% of the total variance. The first factor explained 58.2% of the variance and was labeled general psychopathology. The other three factors suggested psychotic tendencies, extraversion and the bipolar dependency-antisocial tendencies. When the groups were compared, almost all scales significantly differentiated them. When the MMPI F-K Scale was forced to enter a stepwise discriminant analysis first, five scales still were significant; Narcissistic, Schizoid-Asocial, Alcohol Abuse, Paranoid, & Dependent-Submissive scales. The MCMI taps important dimensions in sex offenders but suffers from validity problems.     

Efficacy of low-dose interferon with antiretroviral therapy in Kaposi's sarcoma: a randomized phase II AIDS clinical trials group study.

We wished to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a low and an intermediate daily dose of interferon-alpha2b (IFN-alpha2b) with didanosine in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). HIV-seropositive subjects with biopsy-confirmed cutaneous KS were randomized to receive either a low (1 million IU) or an intermediate (10 million IU) dose of IFN-alpha2b once daily with twice daily doses of didanosine. Treatment assignment was stratified by CD4 count. Response, toxicity, changes in CD4 counts, and survival were evaluated. Sixty-eight eligible subjects were accrued, 35 to low-dose and 33 to intermediate-dose IFN-alpha2b. The response rate was 40% in the low-dose group (95% CI, 24-58) and 55% in the intermediate-dose group (95% CI, 36-72) (p = 0.338). The median response duration was approximately 110 weeks in both groups. Intermediate-dose IFN induced grade 3/4 neutropenia more often (21% vs. 3%, p = 0.048) and grade 3/4 toxicity faster (p = 0.0231) and necessitated treatment discontinuation earlier for drug-related toxicities (p = 0.0416) than low-dose IFN. There were no significant differences in survival between the treatment groups. Baseline CD4 count was the only significant factor predicting response. Once-daily low-dose and intermediate-dose IFN-alpha2b induced similar response rates, which were achieved without optimal antiretroviral therapy. The slightly higher response rate in the intermediate-dose group was offset by its significantly poorer tolerance. These findings justify the use of lower, well-tolerated IFN doses for treatment of KS with currently used antiretroviral regimens.     

Traditional Practices of Women From India: Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Newborn Care

This article describes maternal and child care practices among women from India. As in all cultures, certain beliefs exist surrounding what facilitates a good pregnancy and its outcome, as well as negative sanctions. These practices continue to influence many immigrant women to whom western practices are either unknown or unacceptable. An understanding of the traditional belief system of such women can ease their adaptation into the Canadian and U.S. health care systems.     

IL-2诱导外周血单个核细胞对肿瘤细胞的杀伤效应

目的　了解白细胞介素 2 (IL 2 )诱导外周血单个核细胞 (PBMC)对肿瘤细胞的杀伤效应 ,探讨其作用机制。方法　IL 2 ( 10 5IU/L)体外诱导PBMC 5d ,并与Raji细胞株共同培养 ,采用MTT法测定不同时间诱导后的PBMC对Raji细胞的杀伤效应 ;采用BAS ELISA法检测杀伤活性最大时的IFN γ、TNF α、sFasL的表达 ,采用流式细胞仪检测诱导后PBMC的FasL、穿孔素、颗粒酶B的表达。结果　IL 2 ( 10 5IU/L)体外诱导PBMC 5d时 ,都能明显增强对Raji细胞的杀伤活性 ,而且在培养的第 4天杀伤活性最高 (P <0 0 5 ) ,诱导PBMC 4d后 ,FasL、穿孔素、颗粒酶B的表达与B组相比 ,明显增加 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　IL 2 ( 10 5IU/L)体外诱导PBMC能明显增强对Raji细胞的杀伤活性 ,主要是通过诱导PBMC表达IFN γ、穿孔素、颗粒酶B和FasL的表达而发挥抗肿瘤细胞的作用     

内镜下乳头气囊扩张术治疗胆囊切除术后胆总管结石

目的　探讨经内镜乳头气囊扩张术 (EPBD)治疗胆囊切除术后胆总管结石的安全性和疗效。方法　对胆囊切除术后出现黄疸或胆管炎的 31例患者 ,利用EPBD结合取石篮、取石球囊或总攻方法 ,使梗阻于胆总管下段的结石排入肠道。结果　 31例患者全部顺利实施EPBD ,共排除结石37颗 ,4例行 2次扩张术 ,术后患者均痊愈出院 ,复查B超无结石残存或胆管扩张。结论　经内镜治疗胆囊切除术后胆总管结石 ,安全、无创、有效 ,有望成为治疗LC术后胆总管结石的首选方法