[Population genetics and the coagulation factor XIII A polymorphism]

Platelets of 235 blood donors were typed for FXIII A polymorphism using agarose gel electrophoresis with subsequent immunofixation with anti-FXIIIA serum. The allele frequencies obtained (FXIIIA 1 = 0.7787, FXIIIA 2 = 0.2212) are in agreement with previously published data for Caucasoid populations. FXIIIA may be an additional valuable marker for paternity and linkage studies.

Drug combinations--concepts and terminology

The terms "synergism" and "antagonism" are used inconsistently in pharmacology and toxicology designating different circumstances. This is a source of recurring scientific conflict. The present paper elucidates the existing discrepancies, and offers a consistent terminology incorporating also such terms as "additivity", "potentiation", and "simple similarity".

[Current assessment of radioimmunological determination (RIA) of prostate acid phosphatase in the diagnosis of prostatic cancer]

Sera of patients without any tumors of the prostate and sera of patients with benign and malignant tumors of the prostate were tested with the enzyme assay using thymolphthalein monophosphate as substrate. The results were compared with the RIA of Clinical Assay (Travenol) and found to yield an approximately 50% better recognition of malignant growth. However, false-positive rates were rather high (approximately 20%), which lowers the overall success rate to approximately 30%.

Absence of fractionation, protraction, radiation quality, and radical scavenger effects on radiation-induced interphase death of human G0 lymphocytes in vitro

In vitro interphase death of human peripheral blood lymphocytes, measured by shortening of the mean lifetime of small G0 lymphocytes, was studied with 150 kV and 10 kV X-rays. No effect of radiation quality, of fractionation and of protraction was observed. The possibility of protection by L-cysteine and DMSO was tested in cells irradiated with 150 kV X-rays, but no protection effect with respect to cell survival could be demonstrated. Non-DNA radiation-sensitive site(s), possibly the cell membrane, appear to be responsible for interphase death.