Inhibition of bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase in vitro transcription by DNA-binding pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines

The interactions of several pyrrolo[2, 1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine (PBD) antitumor antibiotics with linearized plasmid pGEM-2-N-ras DNA have been analyzed by quantitative in vitro transcription (QIVT) and in vitro transcription footprinting (IVTF) methods. A concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of the PBDs on transcription is observed using both techniques. The rank order for overall inhibition of transcription by the QIVT method is found to be: sibiromycin > tomaymycin > anthramycin > DC-81 > neothramycin, whereas the IVTF experiments show a different ranking: sibiromycin > anthramycin > neothramycin > tomaymycin. In addition, stimulation of transcription was observed at low PBD concentrations in both the QIVT and IVTF experiments. These results demonstrate unequivocally that the formation of PBD-DNA adducts at AGA-5' base sequences on the transcribed strand results in transcription blockage for all PBDs examined. Furthermore, the sequence of flanking base pairs appears to influence the degree of blocking, with the sequences ACAGAAA-5', AAAGATG-5', AGAGATA-5', and CAAGAAC-5' providing the most pronounced blocks for all PBDs studied in this system. Neothramycin and tomaymycin cause additional blocks at some GGA-5' and TGA-5' sequences. Parallel MPE-Fe(II) footprinting studies have revealed PBD binding sites on both the transcribing and nontranscribing strands, although all transcription blocks determined from the IVTF assays are due to drug bound on the transcribing DNA template strand.

Agreement between the Takeda UA-731 automatic blood pressure measuring device and the manual mercury sphygmomanometer: an assessment under field conditions in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess agreement between two Takeda UA-731 automatic blood pressure measuring devices (referred to as machines A and B) and two manual mercury sphygmomanometers.

DESIGN

A 'Y' connector attached each Takeda UA-731 to a manual mercury sphygmomanometer. Simultaneous measurements were made on adult subjects.

SETTING

A population based cardiovascular disease survey in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

PARTICIPANTS

Measurements on machine A were compared in 71 individuals (all women), and on machine B in 75 individuals (9 men, 66 women). The age range of subjects was 28 to 76 years and median ages were 59 years for machine A and 50 years for machine B.

MAIN RESULTS

Blood pressure (mmHg) ranged from 72 to 212 systolic and 44 to 102 diastolic. Both Takedas gave significantly lower readings than the manual devices for systolic and diastolic pressures: differences were mean (SD: 95% CI) 3.7 mmHg (6.5: 2.2, 5.2) for machine A systolic, 2.3 mmHg (4.5: 1.3, 3.4) machine A diastolic; 1.8 mmHg (6.2: 0.4, 3.3) machine B systolic, and 1.8 (4.4: 0.8, 2.8) machine B diastolic. On the British Hypertension Society criteria, machine A was graded C on systolic measurements and B on diastolic; machine B was graded B on both systolic and diastolic measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

The performance of these machines compares favourably with the Dinamap 8100, recently adopted for survey work by the Department of Health. The Takeda UA-731 looks promising for epidemiological survey work but before it can be fully recommended further evaluations are needed.

Changes in locus-of-control attitudes about drug misuse in a self-help group in a methadone maintenance clinic

Clients of a methadone-maintenance clinic in Brooklyn, New York participating in a clinically-guided self-help (CGSH) program plus standard treatment (methadone maintenance plus individual counseling) demonstrated statistically significant changes in locus-of-control beliefs, from external to internal causation, about personal responsibility for drug misuse. Members of two control groups--one participating in a didactic lecture program plus standard treatment and the other receiving only standard treatment--failed to demonstrate similar changes. This increase in internal locus of control in the CGSH group suggests the potential efficacy of CGSH as a relapse-prevention therapeutic technique.

Application of two microsatellite sequences in wheat storage proteins as molecular markers

In eukaryotes, tandem arrays of simple-sequence repeat sequences can find applications as highly variable and multi-allelic PCR-based genetic markers. In hexaploid bread wheat, a large-genome inbreeding species with low levels of RFLP, di- and trinucleotide tandem repeats were found in 22 published gene sequences, two of which were converted to PCR-based markers. These were shown to be genome-specific and displayed high levels of variation. These characteristics make them especially suitable for intervarietal breeding applications.

Cytotoxic and clastogenic effects of benzyl isothiocyanate towards cultured mammalian cells

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), a compound found in cruciferous vegetables present in the human diet, has previously been shown to induce chromosome aberrations in an Indian muntjac cell line. The results of this study show that it also induces both chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in the absence of an exogenous metabolic activation system and induces DNA strand breaks as measured by the single-cell gel electrophoresis assay. However, whereas it increased the number of aberrations four-fold, it was not able to raise SCE levels by more than 50% and there was a levelling-off in the dose-response curve. Whereas the survival curve of CHO cells exposed to BITC was linear in shape, that of the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line HT29 was found to fit the exponential model (with an alpha equivalent of 0.28 and a beta equivalent of 2.80, where the concentration of BITC is measured in micrograms/ml). This pattern of clastogenic and cytotoxic activities is reminiscent of that generated by ionizing radiation and certain radiomimetic chemotherapeutic agents.

Selective toxicity of compounds naturally present in food toward the transformed phenotype of human colorectal cell line HT29

It has previously been observed that allyl isothiocyanate, a compound naturally present in the diet, is more cytotoxic toward the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line HT29 in its control transformed state than after exposure to sodium butyrate or to dimethylformamide, which slow growth and induce differentiation (detransformation). In the present study, a range of other dietary compounds were assayed for such selective toxicity. These compounds were chosen as constituents of foodstuffs that have been identified from epidemiologic studies as being potentially antitumorigenic and also as having anticarcinogenic activity in experimental models. Benzyl and phenethyl isothiocyanate, benzyl thiocyanate, and quercetin showed decreased toxicity towards HT29 after detransformation of the cells by one or both treatments, whereas no change was observed in the sensitivity to diallyl sulfide or diallyl disulfide. It is proposed that the presence of such selectively toxic compounds in the diet may inhibit the development of tumors by interfering with the growth of preneoplastic lesions while having little effect on normal cells. The cumulative effects of these inhibitions may contribute to the chemopreventive properties of the parent foodstuffs observed in epidemiologic studies.

A comparison of physical and laboratory measures between two Hutterite leute and the rural Saskatchewan population

This study compares physical, laboratory and anthropometric measurements from each of two groups (leute) of Hutterites (N = 846) with a population of non-Hutterites from rural Saskatchewan (N = 750). Marked interleute differences were observed in the comparative analysis with the non-Hutterite population. Dariusleut males had significantly greater mean diastolic and systolic blood pressures, total cholesterols, LDL cholesterols and Body Mass Indexes (BMI) than non-Hutterites. Compared with non-Hutterite women, the Dariusleut females had significantly greater mean diastolic and systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterols, BMIs and waist-hip ratios. In contrast, the only significant difference between non-Hutterites and Lehrerleut males was in BMI. Lehrerleut females had significantly greater mean systolic blood pressures, HDL cholesterol levels and BMIs. While the surprising inter-leute differences may be due to subtle variations in lifestyle, the genetic isolation of the groups suggests heredity may offer a more likely explanation for the differences.

Audit of a system for dealing with a practice's laboratory test results

In order to improve efficiency in a non-computerized practice of 4700 patients the system for dealing with laboratory test results and communicating them to patients was audited over a two-week period. The audit involved a questionnaire for the practice team, a postal questionnaire to 36 patients, and an analysis of doctors' and receptionists' workload when dealing with laboratory test results. A new system was introduced, with two receptionists logging investigation details into a newly designed results book, and with date/process stamping of results. The new system was re-audited using another practice questionnaire and analysis of doctors' and receptionists' workload and found to be as effective as the old system but less time consuming, largely owing to the layout of the new results book. All members of the practice team were more satisfied with the new system. The function of a results book and its role in doctor-patient communication is discussed.

Careprovider and obstetrical interventions--a comparative study of four European countries

The purpose of this study was to compare the treatment recommendations of obstetricians and midwives in four European countries: the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, and Slovenia. Intervention orientation was examined with six hypothetical patient cases. We wanted to learn whether midwives differ from obstetricians in their choices, and whether there is any variation among countries regarding the willingness of staff to intervene. In Finland the two professions were quite similar in their recommendations for interventions, but in Hungary and Slovenia, midwives and obstetricians differed from each other. There were also differences between the countries in the treatment recommendations, and there was disparity between opinions and actual obstetrical practices. Slovenian obstetrical staff were the most interventionistic in many cases, compared with others, although the actual frequency of interventions was no greater than in other countries. In Finland the staff were the most passive in their opinions, yet the actual proportion of interventions was greatest.

Training needs of staff in Romanian institutions for young children

In order to make adequate provision for staffing and staff training in leagane (long-term residential care institutions for preschool age children in Romania) a postal survey was conducted in the autumn of 1991 to ascertain the demographic characteristics, job titles and educational attainment of directors and staff, staffing needs and the kinds of positions currently filled, the numbers of directors and staff exposed to continuing education programmes within the last 2 years, and the opinions of directors and staff regarding their most important continuing educational needs. The bulk of the direct care workforce was less than 50 years old. Thirty-four per cent of the direct care staff had less than a high-school education. Sixty-seven per cent of the staff were health professionals or health care workers. There were few psychologists, physical therapists, teachers or social workers. In the last 2 years, directors and other physicians had been mostly exposed to courses in the areas of psycho-social care/management and paediatric medical care. Nurses had attended professional development courses. Infirmiera (nursing assistants) had also attended professional development courses such as those offered by foreign non-governmental organizations on the care of institutionalized children. Educators (teaching assistants) had attended courses in child development and rehabilitation. Directors and staff expressed clear opinions regarding their needs and preferences for additional training.

Commentary: the public health consequences of restricted induced abortion--lessons from Romania

The question of whether abortion should be legal is currently being decided in many countries. Although much of the discussion has focused on ethical issues, the public health consequences should not be overlooked and should be addressed realistically and responsibly. Nowhere are the public health manifestations of restricted abortion more apparent than in Romania. The pronatalist policies of the Ceaucescu regime resulted in the highest maternal mortality rate in Europe (approximately 150 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births) and in thousands of unwanted children in institutions.

Health care consequences of the European economic community in 1993 and beyond

Generally, health services are not covered by the treaties of the European Community. However, to an increasing extent the EC has and will have an influence on national health systems. In particular the effects of regulations made for other sectors have repercussions for health. For example the free movement of labour and the harmonization initiatives have direct effects on the educational curricula for health professions and may, in time increase professional migration within the community. Within the EC research programmes health related topics have been included to an increasing extent. This goes in particular for medical informatics, standardization, quality assurance systems and pharmaceuticals. Indirect effects of the single market will probably appear within the area of insurance, public purchasing and building and other types of construction works. Other areas that probably will be influenced are record security and occupational health benefits.

Recovery of Salmonella from shell eggs

A preenrichment procedure and a direct selective enrichment procedure were compared for recovery of Salmonella artificially inoculated into liquid whole egg, egg yolk, and egg albumen. For liquid whole egg and egg yolk, the 2 procedures were comparable. With egg albumen, however, preenrichment in lactose broth gave significantly higher recoveries than did direct selective enrichment in either selenite cystine or tetrathlonate broths. The lactose preenrichment procedure was used to determine the survival of S. enteritidis in egg yolk and egg albumen over a period of 7 days. As shown by most probably number determinations, counts of S. enteritidis inoculated into egg albumen decreased by 3 log units, whereas those in egg yolk did not change significantly. It is recommended, therefore, that only the egg yolk be examined for this pathogen. In a comparison of 5 different preenrichment media (lactose broth, brain heart infusion broth, trypticase soy broth, buffered peptone water, and nutrient broth), lactose broth was somewhat less productive than the other 4 media for the recovery of Salmonella from egg yolks. Trypticase soy broth gave the highest recovery.

Comparison of non-mydriatic retinal photography with ophthalmoscopy in 2159 patients: mobile retinal camera study

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether non-mydriatic Polaroid retinal photography was comparable to ophthalmoscopy with mydriasis in routine clinic screening for early, treatable diabetic retinopathy.

DESIGN

Prospective study of ophthalmoscopic findings according to retinal camera screening and ophthalmoscopy and outcome of referral to ophthalmologist.

SETTING

Outpatient diabetic clinics of three teaching hospitals and three district general hospitals.

PATIENTS

2159 Adults selected randomly from the diabetic clinics, excluding only those registered as blind or those in wheelchairs and unable to enter the screening vehicle.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Numbers of patients and eyes correctly identified by each technique as requiring referral with potentially treatable retinopathy (new vessel formation and maculopathy) and congruence in numbers of microaneurysms, haemorrhages, and exudates reported.

RESULTS

Camera screening missed two cases of new vessel formation and did not identify a further 12 but indicated a need for referral. Ophthalmoscopy missed five cases of new vessel formation and indicated a need for referral in another four for other reasons. Maculopathy was reported in 147 eyes with camera screening alone and 95 eyes by ophthalmoscopy only (chi 2 = 11.2; p less than 0.001), in 66 and 29 of which respectively maculopathy was subsequently confirmed. Overall, 38 eyes received laser treatment for maculopathy after detection by camera screening compared with 17 after ophthalmoscopic detection (chi 2 = 8.0; p less than 0.01). Camera screening underestimated numbers of microaneurysms (chi 2 = 12.9; p less than 0.001) and haemorrhages (chi 2 = 7.4; p less than 0.01) and ophthalmoscopy underestimated hard exudates (chi 2 = 48.2; p less than 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-mydriatic Polaroid retinal photography is at least as good as ophthalmoscopy with mydriasis in routine diabetic clinics in identifying new vessel formation and absence of retinopathy and is significantly better in detecting exudative maculopathy.

Differences among treatment clinic types in attitudes toward narcotic addiction

Factor analysis of data from a general survey of attitudes and opinions concerning narcotic addiction and its treatment revealed 10 major dimensions, five of which were likely to have significant implications for drug abuse intervention strategies. For these latter dimensions, differences were determined among clients and staff according to type of treatment clinic (three types involving the provision of methadone maintenance in various combinations with other treatments and one involving the use of abstinence only). The most pronounced differences were between the methadone clinics and those offering abstinence only. Both the clients and staff of abstinence clinics were more skeptical concerning treatment effectiveness, were more negative regarding the use of narcotic drugs, and were more disposed to the use of ex-addict counselors and group procedures in treatment.

MMPI-168 profiles of male narcotic addicts by ethnic group and city

MMPI-168 profiles were obtained on 225 male narcotic addicts who were attending methadone maintenance clinics in Baltimore and New York City during 1983 and 1984. Data were collected on Black and White (Anglo, other than Hispanic) addicts in Baltimore and on Black, Hispanic, and White addicts in New York City. In general, the profiles indicated high levels of psychopathology, with particularly high elevations on the F, D, PD, PT, and Sc scales. Consistent across cities and in agreement with earlier findings, profiles of Whites indicated somewhat more maladjustment than those for Blacks, while the profiles of Hispanics displayed essentially the same levels of disturbance as those for Whites. Comparisons by city revealed greater deviance for New York City subjects, a finding more evident among Whites than among Blacks.

High esophageal stricture: a complication of "inlet patch" mucosa

High esophageal stricture associated with a circumferential "inlet patch" of heterotopic gastric mucosa is reported in 2 patients. Biopsy specimens taken from the strictures demonstrated inflamed or ulcerated gastric fundal-type mucosa in both cases. Dilatation of the strictures followed by treatment with histamine H2-antagonists produced almost complete resolution of dysphagia in both patients.