Malignant melanoma of the cerebello-pontine angle region

A case of malignant melanoma in the cerebello-pontine angle region is presented in a 72 year old female patient, who had neurological examination and CT scan suggestive of acoustic neuroma. The surgical finding and the histological examination provided the diagnosis. As a primary focus was not found on clinical examination and although autopsy was not carried out, there is a possibility of the diagnosis being a primary malignant melanoma in CNS. This specific location for this kind of tumor was found to be rare when literature is looked up.

[Paraparesis due to gout]

A case of a 23 year-old-man with a history of polyarthritis and chronic tophaceous gout is reported. He developed a crural paraparesis caused by sodium urate deposits in the spinal canal. Decompressive laminectomy and removal of urate-laden ligamentum flavum was performed without improvement. According to the literature there are nine cases previously reported.

The expression of acetylated microtubules during axonal and dendritic growth in cerebellar macroneurons which develop in vitro

The distribution of acetylated microtubules in cerebellar macroneurons which develop in culture was studied with 6-11B-1, a monoclonal antibody specific for acetylated alpha-tubulin. In these neurons 6-11B-1 helps to define a subset of stable, colchicine-resistant, microtubules that during early neuronal development are exclusively localized in the neuron's axon. On the other hand, in mature neurons acetylated microtubules display a widespread distribution being localized in the axon and thick dendritic trunks, a phenomenon correlated with an increase in the levels of acetylated alpha-tubulin and colchicine-resistant microtubules. Taken collectively, these observations suggest that the acetylation of alpha-tubulin is important for differentiating microtubules during neurite growth: in young neurons this post-translational modification may contribute to determine a selective stabilization of microtubules accompanying axonal differentiation.

Microtubule formation and neurite growth in cerebellar macroneurons which develop in vitro: evidence for the involvement of the microtubule-associated proteins, MAP-1a, HMW-MAP2 and Tau

The relationship between the expression of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and microtubule formation was studied in embryonic cerebellar macroneurons maintained in culture. The results obtained suggest that in these neurons high molecular weight-MAP2 (HMW-MAP2) acts as a promoter of tubulin assembly since its induction and pattern of distribution are highly correlated with the increase in microtubule mass which parallels axonal and dendritic growth; MAP-1a may have a similar role but restricted to the assembly of dendritic microtubules. On the other hand, Tau expression and accumulation follows a time course identical to that of the induction of stable microtubules; besides, at all stages of neurite differentiation and growth this protein seems to be preferentially associated with this subset of microtubules as opposed to the other MAPs, observations which suggest an important role for this protein in determining microtubule stability during axonal and dendritic elongation. Finally, the present results show that environmental stimuli are capable of regulating the expression of these MAPs; the induction of each of them varies as a function of the type of signal. Thus, while diffusable substances are able to dramatically induce HMW-MAP2, MAP-1a and Tau inductions depend on cell substrate attachment and/or cell-cell interactions.

Acute administration of alpha-melanotropin exerts a stimulatory control on puberty

The present experiments were undertaken to throw light on the physiological role played by alpha-MSH in the advent of female puberty. The serum and pituitary alpha-MSH concentrations were determined in prepubertal rats 5, 15, 25, 30, 33 days old and at vaginal opening. The serum levels showed a significant increase on day 30 and the pituitary alpha-MSH levels increased steadily from day 5 to day 33. To determine if a relation exists between the increase in alpha-MSH levels and the peak of LH prior to vaginal opening, prepubertal rats of the same age range as above received an injection of alpha-MSH or saline solution and were sacrificed 30 min later. The peptide increased LH serum levels only at 30 days of age. To examine the hypothesis that alpha-MSH was involved in determining the timing of puberty, prepubertal rats pretreated with estradiol benzoate received an injection of alpha-MSH or saline solution on day 28. This treatment advanced the time of vaginal opening by 2 days in the experimental animals. With the same experimental procedure, an increase in serum levels of LH and progesterone was also observed at 29 days of age. The action of alpha-MSH on GnRH was analysed by incubating median eminence from prepubertal rats 20, 25 and 30 days of age, with the peptide, alpha-MSH increased GnRH release only in 25-day-old rats. The above results show that acute treatment with alpha-MSH induces modifications in the hormones related to puberty and hence allows us to include alpha-MSH in the chain of neuroendocrine events involved in reproductive maturation.

Follow-up of anti-IgA antibodies in primary immunodeficient patients treated with gamma-globulin

The levels of anti-IgA antibodies and the appearance of adverse reactions following gamma-globulin administration in 41 patients affected by primary antibody defects treated with intramuscular (IMGG) or intravenous gamma-globulin (IVGG), and 3 patients with the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) have been studied during a 31-month period. Anti-IgA antibodies were restricted to patients with circulating B lymphocytes and measurable amounts of IgA. The incidence of anti-IgA antibodies in the immunodeficient patients studied was 22.7%, and 2 of the 3 WAS patients also had high levels of anti-IgA antibodies. The presence of moderate levels of anti-IgA antibodies (up to 1/1,600) was not associated with adverse reactions. Our results indicate a significant relationship (p less than 0.02) between persistence of anti-IgA antibodies and IMGG administration.

Behavior of mother rats in conflict tests sensitive to antianxiety agents

Previous studies of freezing and open-field activity have demonstrated that lactating rats are less fearful or less anxious than nonpregnant ones. The purpose of this investigation was to observe the behavior of mother rats in conflict tests, which are frequently used in studies on the neurobiology of anxiety. In the punished drinking test, in which licking from a water spout is punished by electric shocks, mothers (observed on Day 1 postpartum following 24 hr of water deprivation) were found to drink more than virgins. Mothers (Day 1 postpartum) also consumed more food than controls in an unfamiliar open field. In contrast, no difference between mothers (Day 5 postpartum) and virgins was present in the exploration of an electrified shock probe. The largest maternal anticonflict effects in the drinking and feeding tests were recorded when the females were tested with their pups. Increased punished drinking was also observed in virgin rats treated with the anxiolytic benzodiazepine midazolam. Water-deprived virgins and mothers did not differ in the shock titration test, a result suggesting that diminished pain reactivity was unlikely to account for the increased punished drinking in mothers. Moreover, females in late pregnancy, which are hypoalgesic (Gintzler, 1980), did not lick more than virgins in the punished drinking test. Following 24 hr of water deprivation, unpunished drinking was higher in lactating females than in virgins, so the increased acceptance of punishment by mothers might have been due to their being more thirsty than virgins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Behavior of mother rats in conflict tests sensitive to antianxiety agents

Previous studies of freezing and open-field activity have demonstrated that lactating rats are less fearful or less anxious than nonpregnant ones. The purpose of this investigation was to observe the behavior of mother rats in conflict tests, which are frequently used in studies on the neurobiology of anxiety. In the punished drinking test, in which licking from a water spout is punished by electric shocks, mothers (observed on Day 1 postpartum following 24 hr of water deprivation) were found to drink more than virgins. Mothers (Day 1 postpartum) also consumed more food than controls in an unfamiliar open field. In contrast, no difference between mothers (Day 5 postpartum) and virgins was present in the exploration of an electrified shock probe. The largest maternal anticonflict effects in the drinking and feeding tests were recorded when the females were tested with their pups. Increased punished drinking was also observed in virgin rats treated with the anxiolytic benzodiazepine midazolam. Water-deprived virgins and mothers did not differ in the shock titration test, a result suggesting that diminished pain reactivity was unlikely to account for the increased punished drinking in mothers. Moreover, females in late pregnancy, which are hypoalgesic (Gintzler, 1980), did not lick more than virgins in the punished drinking test. Following 24 hr of water deprivation, unpunished drinking was higher in lactating females than in virgins, so the increased acceptance of punishment by mothers might have been due to their being more thirsty than virgins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Use of octadecyl silica as an alternative non-conventional solid phase in immunoradiometric assays

The use of chemically modified silica (octadecyl silica or Si-C18), a liquid chromatography stationary reverse phase, is proposed as an alternative solid phase for immunoradiometric assays (IRMAs). Si-C18 and polyvinylchloride solid phases were compared in their efficiency to detect a murine plasma protein (sex-limited protein or Slp) in a two site-two antibody IRMA. Si-C18 is at least as sensitive as PVC since Slp could be detected in plasmas diluted 1/128,000 and 1/64,000 respectively. The fact that 1 mg of Si-C18 can adsorb 5-14 times more protein than a PVC well is in agreement with the larger relative surface of Si-C18 beads (approximately 50 cm2/mg), compared with the PVC (approximately 1 cm2/well). These results strongly suggest that the Si-C18 matrix, saturated with specific antibodies, could be an exceptional probe to rescue and detect antigenic moieties diluted in large volumes of complex biological fluids.

An immunocytochemical and biochemical study of the microtubule-associated protein MAP-2 during post-lesion dendritic remodeling in the central nervous system of adult rats

A monoclonal antibody against the microtubule-associated protein MAP-2 was used to examine the fate of this molecule during post-lesion dendritic remodeling in the hippocampus and septum of adult rats. Qualitative and quantitative immunocytochemical analyses were carried out in the dentate gyrus after unilateral destruction of the entorhinal cortex (EC). An increase in MAP-2 immunoreactivity was detected in dendritic processes located in the outer 2/3 of the ipsilateral molecular layer (ML) 2 days after the lesion. whereas dendritic staining decreased considerably in the inner 1/3 of the same ML. The increase of staining was also detected 4, 6 and 8 days after the lesion; it was accompanied by an increase in the immunoreactivity in the inner 1/3 of the ML. After that period, a progressive decrease in anti-MAP-2 staining toward control levels was detected along the whole extent of the ipsilateral ML. This was concurrent with alterations in dendritic orientation, and a decrease in stained dendrites in the inner 1/3 of the ML. By 30 days post-lesion anti-MAP-2 staining was almost identical to that of the contralateral ML, although the alterations in dendritic morphology were still present in the ipsilateral ML. Changes in MAP-2 levels were also evaluated by densitometry of Western blots or dot immunobinding of hippocampal extracts obtained at different post-lesion intervals. The results obtained revealed a pattern of change in MAP-2 levels identical to that observed with the immunohistochemical stain. A similar, immunocytochemical and biochemical, analysis conducted in the lateral septal nucleus after unilateral transection of the fimbria showed no changes in the distribution and/or content of MAP-2 at any post-lesion interval analyzed (2, 10 and 20 days post-lesion). The present observations show that post-lesion dendritic remodeling is concurrent with modifications in the levels and distribution of MAP-2. These modifications suggest that the dendritic cytoskeleton is dynamically changing in response to perturbation of the synaptic environment. In addition, our results indicate that these changes may only occur in those neurons which have the capability to remodel their post-synaptic surface in response to deafferentation.

Quantification of soluble serum HLA class I antigens in healthy volunteers and AIDS patients

A solid-phase enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) has been used to quantify human soluble Class I histocompatibility antigens in serum samples from voluntary blood donors and AIDS patients. Statistical analysis of the results showed significantly raised levels (p less than 0.01) of free HLA Class I in sera from AIDS patients (2.95 +/- 1.80 micrograms/ml) when compared with the blood donors (1.06 +/- 0.6 micrograms/ml). The assay is specific, reproducible and easy to perform. Potential uses of this determination are discussed.

Anti-IgA antibodies in selective IgA deficiency and in primary immunodeficient patients treated with gamma-globulin

Sera from 106 blood donors, 40 patients with primary immunodeficiencies (ID) treated with gamma-globulin, and 46 patients with selective IgA deficiency were analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for anti-IgA antibodies. Increased levels of antibodies to IgA were found in 5.6% of the blood donors, 17.5% of the ID patients, and 36.8% of the isolated IgA deficiencies. The percentage was higher in patients with IgA and IgG2 deficiencies (50%). The percentage of patients having increased levels of anti-IgA antibodies was similar to the total prevalence of the 10 other autoantibodies studied. These anti-IgA antibodies were mainly of the IgG class, except from one blood donor with IgM antibodies, and two patients, one with isolated IgA deficiency and the other with common variable immunodeficiency who had anti-IgA antibodies of the IgE class. The latter patient developed a near fatal anaphylactic reaction when intravenous gamma-globulin was administered. Most of the patients with severe adverse reactions to gamma-globulin did not present anti-IgA antibodies. Our data suggest that at least in some immunodeficient patients the elevated amounts of anti-IgA antibodies are not related to the administration of exogenous IgA. The importance of measuring anti-IgA antibodies of the IgG and IgE isotypes in IgA-deficient patients as well as in patients in treatment with gamma-globulin is emphasized.

Gamma interferon, CD8+ T cells and antibodies required for immunity to malaria sporozoites

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that T-cell effector mechanisms are required for protective immunity to malaria sporozoites. Administration of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against gamma interferon (gamma IFN) to immune hosts, reversed sterile immunity to sporozoite challenge, by allowing the growth of exoerythrocytic forms (EEF) and thus the development of parasitaemia. Immune animals also developed infections when depleted in vivo of their suppressor/cytotoxic T cells expressing the CD8 antigen (CD8+) but not when depleted of helper T cells expressing CD4 antigen (CD4+), before sporozoite challenge. Passive transfer of immune immunoglobin alone, or adoptive transfer of immune T cells alone, conferred partial protection to naive recipients. Transfer of both immune components resulted in significantly greater protection. This transferred immunity was reversed by the in vivo neutralization of gamma IFN. Thus, sterile immunity to sporozoite challenge requires the neutralization of sporozoites by antibodies and the inhibition of EEF development by gamma IFN with the participation of CD8+ cells.

Olfactory mechanisms in the control of maternal aggression, appetite, and fearfulness: effects of lesions to olfactory receptors, mediodorsal thalamic nucleus, and insular prefrontal cortex

During lactation the female rat is hyperphagic, aggressive toward adult conspecifics, and less fearful than usual. In the first experiment the importance of olfactory receptors was investigated by surgically removing the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity. Mother rats subjected to this treatment consumed significantly less food and weighed less than sham-operated females. Moreover, experimental subjects displayed a dramatic decrease in maternal aggression. Fear behavior (sound-elicited freezing), on the other hand, was not affected by the lesions. The mediodorsal thalamic nucleus and the prefrontal insular cortex form part of the central olfactory system. The second experiment assessed the involvement of this olfactory-related thalamocortical system and the behavioral profile of mother rats. It was found that whereas the thalamic and cortical lesions left food intake and fear behavior unaffected, they significantly decreased the frequency with which the mother would attack an intruder male placed into her home cage. The sense of smell appears, according to the present experiments, to play a crucial role in maternal aggression.

Interferon-gamma inhibits the intrahepatocytic development of malaria parasites in vitro

In this study, we examined the activity of recombinant interferon (IFN)-gamma against Plasmodium berghei exoerythrocytic forms (EEF) grown in vitro within the highly differentiated human hepatoma cell line HEPG2. We assayed the effect of IFN-gamma on parasite growth by DNA hybridization using a P. berghei specific DNA probe. The specific activity of IFN-gamma against EEF is very high, and depends upon the time of lymphokine addition. When IFN-gamma is added to HEPG2 cells containing intracellular EEF, 6 hr after sporozoite invasion, parasite DNA replication is inhibited by approximately 75% at 10(3) U/ml and 50% at 1 U/ml. This treatment can either abolish or greatly reduce the infectivity of EEF for mice. When added earlier, 3 hr after completion of sporozoite invasion, IFN-gamma inhibits parasite replication to an even greater degree. The highest levels of inhibition were obtained when IFN-gamma was added 6 hr prior to sporozoite invasion (100% inhibition at 10(2) U/ml, approximately 55% inhibition at 0.1 U/ml, and 17% inhibition at 0.001 U/ml). We found that HEPG2 cells express approximately 44,000 surface receptors for IFN-gamma. These data are consistent with the view that IFN-gamma exerts its antimalarial activity by binding to surface receptors on hepatocytes and inducing intracellular changes unfavorable for parasite development. Tryptophan starvation does not appear to be involved in this process. These findings also support the idea that IFN-gamma, released from immune T cells upon encountering sporozoite antigen, may be an important effector mechanism in sterile immunity to sporozoite challenge.

Interferon-gamma inhibits the intrahepatocytic development of malaria parasites in vitro

In this study, we examined the activity of recombinant interferon (IFN)-gamma against Plasmodium berghei exoerythrocytic forms (EEF) grown in vitro within the highly differentiated human hepatoma cell line HEPG2. We assayed the effect of IFN-gamma on parasite growth by DNA hybridization using a P. berghei specific DNA probe. The specific activity of IFN-gamma against EEF is very high, and depends upon the time of lymphokine addition. When IFN-gamma is added to HEPG2 cells containing intracellular EEF, 6 hr after sporozoite invasion, parasite DNA replication is inhibited by approximately 75% at 10(3) U/ml and 50% at 1 U/ml. This treatment can either abolish or greatly reduce the infectivity of EEF for mice. When added earlier, 3 hr after completion of sporozoite invasion, IFN-gamma inhibits parasite replication to an even greater degree. The highest levels of inhibition were obtained when IFN-gamma was added 6 hr prior to sporozoite invasion (100% inhibition at 10(2) U/ml, approximately 55% inhibition at 0.1 U/ml, and 17% inhibition at 0.001 U/ml). We found that HEPG2 cells express approximately 44,000 surface receptors for IFN-gamma. These data are consistent with the view that IFN-gamma exerts its antimalarial activity by binding to surface receptors on hepatocytes and inducing intracellular changes unfavorable for parasite development. Tryptophan starvation does not appear to be involved in this process. These findings also support the idea that IFN-gamma, released from immune T cells upon encountering sporozoite antigen, may be an important effector mechanism in sterile immunity to sporozoite challenge.

An immunocytochemical and biochemical study of the microtubule-associated protein Tau during post-lesion afferent reorganization in the hippocampus of adult rats

A monoclonal antibody against the microtubule-associated protein (MAP) Tau was used to examine the fate of this molecule during post-lesion afferent reorganization in the hippocampus of adult rats. An immunocytochemical analysis was carried out in the dentate gyrus after unilateral destruction of the entorhinal cortex (EC). In the non-denervated hippocampus, Tau immunoreactivity was detected in parallel axons and mossy fibers; no staining was present in neuronal cell bodies and dendrites. A significant decrease in Tau immunoreactivity was detected in the outer 2/3 of the ipsilateral dentate gyrus molecular layer (ML) 2 days after an EC lesion, whereas staining in the inner 1/3 of the same ML increased considerably. This was followed by a very rapid recovery of Tau immunoreactivity in the outer 2/3 of the denervated ML, which by 10 days post-lesion was almost identical to that of the contralateral non-denervated ML. A similar phenomenon was observed in other regions of the hippocampus denervated by the EC lesion. The modifications in Tau immunoreactivity in the denervated hippocampus were also accompanied by changes in the polypeptide composition of this heterogeneous group of MAPs, as revealed by immunoblot analysis of hippocampal extracts obtained at different post-lesion intervals; these changes involved a rapid and significant increase in low molecular weight migrating Tau-immunoreactive polypeptides. The present observations indicate that important modifications in Tau proteins occur in the deafferented hippocampus, a phenomenon that may well be related with the regulation of microtubule polymerization during post-lesion axonal growth.

An immunocytochemical analysis of the ontogeny of the microtubule-associated proteins MAP-2 and Tau in the nervous system of the rat

The developmental distribution patterns of beta-tubulin and the microtubule-associated proteins, MAP-2 and Tau, were studied by immunocytochemistry with monoclonal antibodies. The analysis of the in situ distribution of these proteins in embryonic brain tissue revealed intense immunoreactivity for beta-tubulin in proliferative and migrating neuroblasts. On the contrary, no immunoreactivity for MAP-2 or Tau was detected in this neuroepithelium; specific immunostaining for these MAPs was only present in those neuroblasts which have reached their final destination within a developing brain area, and have initiated terminal differentiation, i.e. the sprouting of axons and dendrites. During the initial stages of neuritic outgrowth both MAPs were detected in the somatodendritic compartment of developing brain neurons; Tau was also present in axons. While the distribution of MAP-2 remained essentially the same throughout development, Tau was progressively lost from cell bodies and dendrites. This pattern of compartmentation was observed in pyramidal neurons of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, as well as in cells of other brain regions (e.g. thalamus, hypothalamus, cerebral amygdala and tectum). It was not detected in cerebellar Purkinje cells which compartmentalize Tau to axons from the outset of neuritic differentiation, and in neurons of the Gasser ganglion which transiently express MAP-2 in axons. The expression and distribution of these MAPs was also analyzed in embryonic cerebellar and hippocampal pyramidal neurons grown in culture. Both MAPs were found in these cells as soon as 6 h after plating; they were also present in all of the neurites, axons and dendrites, that these cells extend after development in vitro for several days. With subsequence development (more than 4 days in vitro) MAP-2 was lost from axons, while Tau remained homogeneously distributed in both types of neurites. Taken collectively, the present results indicate that the development of the compartmentalized distribution of MAP-2 and Tau follows a complex pattern which is specific for each of these MAPs, and which varies as a function of the neuron type and the conditions under which the cell develops. In addition, the complex variations in the distribution of both MAPs during in situ and in vitro development make it unlikely that these proteins have a role in determining the fate of a neurite as an axon or a dendrite.

Mechanism of escape of exoerythrocytic forms (EEF) of malaria parasites from the inhibitory effects of interferon-gamma

We have studied the mechanism of inhibition by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) of the development of exoerythrocytic forms (EEF) of Plasmodium berghei in the livers of rats. At the time corresponding to the maximum development of EEF (44 hr after injection of sporozoites), the livers of the IFN-gamma-treated rats contained less parasite DNA as compared with controls. Twenty-four to 72 hr later, the livers of both groups of animals were free of parasites; that is, IFN-gamma treatment does not delay the development of the EEF. The decrease in parasite DNA observed in the IFN-gamma-treated rats was due to a diminution in the number, but not the size, of EEF. It appears, therefore, that treatment with the lymphokine either destroys the parasites or does not affect their replication. To study the mechanism of resistance to IFN-gamma of a small population of EEF, we subjected the parasites to four cycles of selection by IFN-gamma. The parasites from the "selected" and "nonselected" populations were equally susceptible to inhibition by IFN-gamma, indicating that the escape from IFN-gamma activity is not inherited.

Mechanism of escape of exoerythrocytic forms (EEF) of malaria parasites from the inhibitory effects of interferon-gamma

We have studied the mechanism of inhibition by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) of the development of exoerythrocytic forms (EEF) of Plasmodium berghei in the livers of rats. At the time corresponding to the maximum development of EEF (44 hr after injection of sporozoites), the livers of the IFN-gamma-treated rats contained less parasite DNA as compared with controls. Twenty-four to 72 hr later, the livers of both groups of animals were free of parasites; that is, IFN-gamma treatment does not delay the development of the EEF. The decrease in parasite DNA observed in the IFN-gamma-treated rats was due to a diminution in the number, but not the size, of EEF. It appears, therefore, that treatment with the lymphokine either destroys the parasites or does not affect their replication. To study the mechanism of resistance to IFN-gamma of a small population of EEF, we subjected the parasites to four cycles of selection by IFN-gamma. The parasites from the "selected" and "nonselected" populations were equally susceptible to inhibition by IFN-gamma, indicating that the escape from IFN-gamma activity is not inherited.

Evaluation of two community-wide smoking cessation contests

The Pawtucket (Rhode Island) Heart Health Program is designed to effect a community-wide change in heart disease morbidity and mortality by reducing smoking prevalence and other behavioral risks for this disease. The initial emphasis of the Pawtucket Heart Health Program was on the development of risk factor programs within specific churches, work sites, and other organizations in the community. At the end of 9 months of programming, however, only one organization had elected to begin a stop-smoking program. Given the community smoking prevalence of 43.4%, it was decided that larger-scale interventions would be required if a significant public health impact was to be realized. Therefore, a community-wide campaign was mounted to recruit as many participants as possible into the "Up in Smoke" cessation program. A lottery was attached to this program, with the contingency based on program attendance rather than cessation per se. One hundred three participants, including residents of neighboring communities, enrolled in three Up in Smoke lottery groups. At a 3-month follow-up, only 11 (7%) of smokers from the Up in Smoke lottery reported that they were not smoking (10% of those actually contacted). For a variety of reasons, the "Quit and Win" approach was later adopted by the Pawtucket Heart Health Program as the primary smoking intervention. One month after the end of the contest, 20% of those contacted reported not smoking. The percentage of quitters for the Up in Smoke program increased while the Quit and Win rate decreased over longer periods of follow-up. These and other data were compared with those of participants of a screening program conducted concurrently. Lotteries in general and face-to-face recruitment in large crowds were shown to be effective recruiting methods for large-scale smoking cessation programs.