Synergism of endogenous inhibitors, exogenous cytostatic agents and hormones in arrest of proliferation

The synergism between endogenous regulators of proliferation (protors), alkylating agents and hormones in vitro was studied. The effects were monitored by the incorporation of 3H-TdR into human and rat short term bone marrow cultures and by the formation of mouse granulocyte-macrophage colonies in semisolid agar capillaries. An additive and/or slight potentiating synergism was demonstrated between different types of inhibitory protors (GI-3S2, GI-3S3 and GI-3B), between GI-3 and hydrocortisone, and between GI-3 and the alkylating agents (adriamycin, dianhydrogalactitol) examined. The results offer a real possibility of strengthening the inhibition of neoplastic proliferation without increasing cytotoxicity of the drugs used.

Phosphorylation of a mast cell protein in response to treatment with anti-allergic compounds. Implications for the mode of action of sodium cromoglycate

Challenge of rat peritoneal mast cells with anti-rat IgE induces a similar pattern of protein phosphorylation to that already reported for compound 48/80. Rapid phosphorylation of a mast cell protein, mol. wt 78,000, is induced by sodium cromoglycate and several chemically related anti-allergic agents in the absence of any challenge. Phosphorylation of this protein reflects their potency in inhibiting anti-IgE-induced histamine release. Compounds which inhibit histamine release by elevating intracellular cAMP levels do not induce phosphorylation. However, dibutyryl-cGMP induces phosphorylation of the 78,000 mol. wt protein in the absence of any challenge, at concns which inhibit IgE-dependent histamine release. Sodium cromoglycate appears to activate an endogenous control mechanism for switching off mediator release using a mechanism mediated by cGMP.

Resistant geriatric depressions and therapeutic response to monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Elderly depressed patients who met the research diagnostic criteria (RDC) for major depressive illness, resistant to other types of treatment, were treated with phenelzine, a nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, for a period of 2 to 7 weeks, following 2 weeks of placebo washout period. Dosage ranged from 15-75 mg daily. Clinical status of patients as well as vital signs, EKG, and platelet MAO inhibition were measured weekly. All responders at the end of this period were followed for 1 to 2 years. Analysis of the results showed a 65% response rate as measured by Hamilton, Global, and Self-rating Scales. No significant drug effect in cognitive functioning, as measured by objective cognitive tests, was observed. Clinical improvement was sustained for all participants throughout the follow-up period with no side effects. A direct relationship between platelet MAO inhibition and clinical response was found. The majority of the responders (70%) had achieved high platelet MAO inhibition values (greater than 80%), while most of the nonresponders had platelet MAO inhibition values of less than 80%. These findings have potential clinical and research implications for treating geriatric depression, especially the ones resistant to other forms of treatment.

Oral hygiene among Israeli kibbutz youth

The purpose of this study was to assemble up-to-date information regarding oral hygiene status among Israeli kibbutz adolescents 14-17 years of age. The oral hygiene status of 465 teenagers in 10 kibbutzim was determined. The findings indicate a relatively better oral cleanliness as compared with past results in Israel for similar age groups. It was suggested that the nature and structure of the kibbutz way of life, family and peers strongly influences kibbutz teenagers' oral hygiene practices.

Rh isoimmunization following genetic amniocentesis

A series of 8009 genetic amniocenteses were retrospectively examined to evaluate the relationship of the procedure to Rh isoimmunization. Of the 615 Rh negative women giving birth to Rh positive infants and estimated to be at risk, thirteen (2.1 per cent) were sensitized subsequently to the amniocentesis. Eleven of the sensitizations occurred early in the programs, and a combination of experience and ultrasound performed concurrently with the amniocentesis appear to have reduced the risk of isoimmunization to that of control data from the literature.

Prevalence of dental caries and demands for services among Israeli kibbutz youth

The purpose of the present study was to assembly information regarding caries prevalence among adolescent residents of kibbutzim in Israel. A total of 465 teenagers in 10 kibbutzim were examined for dental caries experienced. The DMFT figures derived in the study were almost double the values recorded for a comparable kibbitz age groups in the later 60's. Mean DMFT values were found to increase with age. The mean number of decayed teeth (D) showed a similar distribution. The proportion of teenagers free of caries was 1.5% and only 2.3% did not require any treatment. Despite the overwhelming need for dental care noted among kibbutz youth, only 21.6% were receiving care of their dental needs. Since physical blocks to access to dental care are almost non-existent in the kibbutz, it was suggested that the reason for the high rates of unmet needs, could, at least partially, be attributed to fear of pain and anxiety about the treatment.

The third component of complement: covalent attachment of a radioactive sugar to the labile binding site of C3 via the alternative pathway

A complement- (C) fixing particle consisting of agarose beads to which 5-thioglucose was attached by a --S--S-- bond (agarose-thioglucose) was employed to investigate the mechanism of attachment of C3 to surfaces. When whole serum containing [125I] C3 was incubated with agarose-thioglucose, labeled C3b was taken up in a form that was not removed by 2 M NaCl but was released by 10 mM dithiothreitol. Deposition of DTT-releasable C3b was dependent upon the alternative pathway of C activation. Gel electrophoresis of DTT-releasable C3b from similar experiments performed with unlabeled serum and agarose-[3H]thioglucose showed that the liberated C3b contained a molecule of radioactive thioglucose attached to the alpha'-chain by a covalent bond that was stable to mercaptoethanol. We propose that the thioglucose-alpha' chain bond was formed during the course of C activation by a reaction between the "labile binding site" of newly released C3b and the (then) particle-bound sugar. This formulation implies that the reaction by which C3b attaches to 5-thioglucose in this system is the reaction responsible for opsonization by C3b, and that the C3b-linked sugar represents a marker for the labile binding site. Incubation of the particle-bound C3b in serum resulted in the cleavage of the covalently linked alpha'-chain to several smaller polypeptides, the major cleavage product having a m.w. of 70,000.

Loss of periodontal attachment in adolescents

Loss of attachment as measured by a portion of Ramfjord's Index (PDI) was determined in 383, 12-16-year-old schoolchildren in rural Juniata County, PA. Prevalence and distributions were tabulated for sex, last dental visit, and type of treatment received. Dental knowledge test scores, toothbrushing effectiveness periodontal status and oral cleanliness were determined at annual intervals from Spring '75 to Spring'79. Mean scores were contrasted with bone loss measurements. 47.3% had loss of attachment (greater than 1 mm) including 24.5% with 2mm or more of attachment loss per mouth. Females (41.0%) ahd significantly lower prevalence rates than males (52.7%). Students who visited a dentist in the last 6 months and who received scaling had less bone loss, lower GI, PII, PI, and QHI scores. An inverse relationship was found between dental knowledge and the other variables measured. Similar patterns were seen with high, medium and low bone loss groups. Many variables in this study were associated with bone loss, including: plaque, dental knowledge, dental behavior (toothbrushing and visiting a dental clinic), recent treatment received and sex. None appeared more significant than the others.

The third component of complement: covalent attachment of a radioactive sugar to the labile binding site of C3 via the alternative pathway

A complement- (C) fixing particle consisting of agarose beads to which 5-thioglucose was attached by a --S--S-- bond (agarose-thioglucose) was employed to investigate the mechanism of attachment of C3 to surfaces. When whole serum containing [125I] C3 was incubated with agarose-thioglucose, labeled C3b was taken up in a form that was not removed by 2 M NaCl but was released by 10 mM dithiothreitol. Deposition of DTT-releasable C3b was dependent upon the alternative pathway of C activation. Gel electrophoresis of DTT-releasable C3b from similar experiments performed with unlabeled serum and agarose-[3H]thioglucose showed that the liberated C3b contained a molecule of radioactive thioglucose attached to the alpha'-chain by a covalent bond that was stable to mercaptoethanol. We propose that the thioglucose-alpha' chain bond was formed during the course of C activation by a reaction between the "labile binding site" of newly released C3b and the (then) particle-bound sugar. This formulation implies that the reaction by which C3b attaches to 5-thioglucose in this system is the reaction responsible for opsonization by C3b, and that the C3b-linked sugar represents a marker for the labile binding site. Incubation of the particle-bound C3b in serum resulted in the cleavage of the covalently linked alpha'-chain to several smaller polypeptides, the major cleavage product having a m.w. of 70,000.

Safety data on zimelidine hydrochloride following an overdose

Zimelidine, a new antidepressant, has proved to be a potent and selective inhibitor of 5-HT uptake into central 5-HT neurons. Due to its structural differences from the tricyclic antidepressants, it has also been suggested that it may have a different pharmacological profile, and be devoid of anticholinergic and noradrenaline potentiating properties. During the treatment with zimelidine hydrochloride, as a part of an open trial, one of our patients, a 38-year-old chronically depressed woman, overdosed herself with more than 10 times the actual therapeutic dose of zimelidine with no undesirable side effects. Previous studies have indicated that zimelidine in comparison with imipramine and chlorimipramine has no, or at most, a slight effect on peripheral adrenergic neurons, and has less pronounced anticholinergic properties than imipramine. The findings of our overdose case provide some support for these findings.

Acute fluoride poisoning in a New Mexico elementary school

Thirty-four persons became ill with acute fluoride poisoning shortly after drinking water in an elementary school in Los Lunas, NM. The water supply of the school was supplemented with a concentrated sodium fluoride solution designed to raise fluoride levels in drinking water to 1 to 5 ppm. Two water samples taken after the incident was reported showed elevated fluoride levels of 375 and 93.5 ppm. Malfunction of a relay switch controlling dilution of the fluoride solution produced toxic fluoride levels in the water. The symptoms of all patients were mild and generally of short duration, with two thirds of patients reporting complete resolution within 24 hours. The bitter, salty taste of the water deterred consumption of large amounts and prevented serious intoxication.

Application of the periodontal treatment need system (PTNS) in a group of young Israeli adults

The Periodontal Treatment Need System (PTNS) was applied to a group of young Israeli adults, 18-25 years of age, to test the system in the field. A total of 830 persons were examined. Their periodontal treatment needs were assessed. One of the aspects investigated was that of treatment needs according to distribution by sex. Only 2.7% of young adults studied were free of plaque, calculus and gingival inflammation. All the rest (97.3%) needed some kind of periodontal treatment. The time required for treatment needed was also calculated. It was found that on the average 2.4 h per person would be required to deliver the periodontal treatment needs of the group. A close association between sex and PTNS was established in this study.

Altered platelet monoamine oxidase activity in affective disorders

Platelet MAO activity was found to be elevated in primary depressive illness, and the severity to correlate positively with MAO activity. The reactive depression subgroup's mean platelet MAO activity was not significantly different from that of the controls. The endogenous group's unipolar and bipolar subgroups had significantly different platelet MAO activity, respectively high and low. The differences in MAO activity between unipolar and bipolar patients appeared to persist in the well state, but not after lithium carbonate therapy. These differences in MAO activity were apparent with the substrate tyramine but not with benzylamine. Altered MAO activity in patients with affective disorders may be determined through genetic mechanisms.

Platelet monoamine oxidase activity in schizophrenia. Relationship to disease, treatment, institutionalization and outcome

A study was made of platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in non-medicated, newly-admitted schizophrenics and institutionalized chronic schizophrenics both on and off medication. These patients were compared to two control groups: normal subjects and brain-damaged institutionalized patients. No relationship was found between platelet MAO activity and the severity or duration of illness, duration of psychotropic medication, presence of auditory hallucinations or institutionalization. Mean platelet MAO activity did not differ significantly between the schizophrenic subgroups and control groups. Thirty-one patients studied before and after treatment with phenothiazines showed no significant change in platelet MAO activity. The findings did not indicate a relationship between schizophrenia, its treatment or outcome and platelet MAO activity.

The prevalence of periodontal diseases iin urban Israeli youth (14-18 years of age)

The purpose of the present study was to obtain current information regarding periodontal diseases. The study was conducted in Israel among ninth to twelth grade students, 14 to 18 years of age, residing in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan. A total of 725 school children were examined. During the examination only periodontal status was checked. Periodontal status was recorded according to Russell's Periodontal Index (PI). The mean PI found was 0.52. The results indicate an increase in the mean PI with age. Significant difference was found in the mean PI values between girls and boys. Girls constantly scored lower mean PI values than boys. No significant differences were found in the mean PI scores when studied according to country of origin.

Human plague in New Mexico: report of three autopsied cases

Plague is a deadly disease of obvious concern to individuals, communities, and public health officials. The rapid recognition of plague victims is of paramount importance in saving the lives of the victims and in the protection of contacts. Three autopsied plague cases have been presented and the pathological features have been discussed.

Dietary fiber and blood lipids: reduction of serum cholesterol in type II hyperlipidemia by guar gum

Guar gum, a storage polysaccharide galactomannan and a form of dietary fiber, was administered to 10 patients with type II a or b hyperlipidemia for 2 weeks. Five grams of gum was given before each of three meals daily, either in a specially prepared soup or mixed with fruit juice or milk. No other deliberate change of diet was made. Three patients had been taking 12 to 16 g/day of cholestyramine for more than 2 years and one had been taking 1000 mg of clofibrate daily. These drugs were continued throughout the trial. Serum cholesterol levels of all 10 patients had been stable for 6 to 18 months before the trial at the start of which the mean level was 345 +/- 15 mg/dl. After 2 weeks of guar gum the mean was 308 +/- 16 mg/dl, a fall of 10.6% (P less than 0.01). Serum triglyceride was not changed significantly. Guar gum, which can be incorporated into foods, merits further study as a potential hypocholesterolemic agent.

Platelet monoamine oxidase activity in Huntington's chorea

The possibility that genetically determined abnormalities in the monoamine oxidase of certain central nervous system aminergic neurones may play a part in the pathology of Huntington's chorea was investigated using human platelet monoamine oxidase. Significantly elevated monoamine oxidase activity was found in male patients compared to control subjects suggesting this may be a screening test for this disorder. Low monoamine oxidase activity was associated with a better clinical response to drugs.

Occlusion pressure in acute bronchospasm induced by methylcholine

We measured resting minute ventilation, the pressure developed by the inspiratory muscles during the first 0.1 sec of inspiratory effect against an occluded airway (P0.1), FRC and airway resistance in normal subjects during bronchoconstriction induced by methylcholine inhalation and again after the bronchoconstriction had been reversed by inhaled isoproterenol. Methylcholine resulted in a 2- to 3-fold increase in airway resistance, FRC rose in 5/6 subjects and ventilation changed in variable fashion. P0.1 increased in all subjects with methylcholine and decreased after isoproterenol. When the subjects were considred as a group, P0.1 correlated positively with airway resistance. Normal subjects respond to bronchoconstriction as they do to external resistance loading, by increasing inspiratory muscle activity. During bronchoconstriction, all subjects demonstrated an increase of breathing frequency and a decrease in the duration of expiration; inspiratory duration did not change significantly. This response may have been due to activity of pulmonary irritant receptors. Breathing frequency and expiratory duration returned to control levels with isoproterenol, so we could not show that this response was independent of changes in lung mechanics.

New orally effective chromosome derivatives for the treatment of asthma

Two new chromone derivatives have been identified which possess oral anti-allergic activity in the rat PCA model of immediate hypersensitivity. They may have a wider spectrum of anti-allergic activity than disodium cromoglycate (SCG) since they are effective in in vitro tests involving sensitized basophils, in which SCG is inactive. Both compounds, when given orally, provide relief from experimental and clinical asthma in man.