Multiple genes of tumor necrosis factor receptor family in cowpox virus

OBJECTIVE: Esophageal adenocarcinoma is increasing in white men. We sought to identify trends in esophageal cancer in different patient groups in our region. METHODS: We reviewed the records of all patients with esophageal cancer seen at two hospitals in Columbia, SC between 1981 and 1995. Patients were divided into three cohorts (1981-1985, 1986-1990, and 1991-1995). Demographic data, histological type, tumor stage, grade, and survival were recorded. RESULTS: Histology was available in 371 of 386 patients (cohort 1, 113 patients; cohort 2, 144; and cohort 3, 114). Adenocarcinoma accounted for 24%, 27%, and 49% of esophageal cancer in white men in cohorts 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = 0.03). Corresponding figures for African-Americans were 10%, 7%, and 3% (p = 0.22). Women comprised 8%, 14%, and 22% of patients with squamous carcinoma in the three cohorts (p = 0.03). Median survival for esophageal cancer was 6.0, 6.8, and 10.4 mo in cohorts 1, 2, and 3 (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: Adenocarcinoma is increasing in whites. Squamous carcinoma remains the predominant type in this region, seen mainly in African-Americans. Esophageal squamous carcinoma is increasing in women. The mean age at diagnosis of squamous carcinoma has decreased in whites. There is a trend toward improved survival in patients with esophageal cancer.     

The ultrasonographic confirmation of the role of external carotid artery in blood supply of ischemic lesion in the big cerebral hemisphere

Using intraoperative monitoring of the blood flow linear speed in a. cerebralis media while total a. carotis interna occlusion in 10 patients the authors have concluded, that the degree of blood flow compensation in a. cerebralis media depends not only on collateral compensation possibilities by the contralateral side and rate of it inclusion, but largely-on a. carotis externa possibility on the lesion side.     

Prevention of health status impairment in children under conditions of the Extreme North

Normally the rat gingival microcirculatory bed is represented by superficial capillaries, postcapillaries, arterioles, and venules of different diameters. The major changes characterizing microcirculation disorders in experimental periodontitis are edema, arteriolar constriction and dilatation, stasis, and thrombosis, which undergo variously directed shifts in different periods of pathological process.     

Absolute diet therapy and antibiotic tolerance in bronchial asthma patients

In 10 patients with bronchial asthma (BA) treated conventionally (control group), 10 BA patients on absolute diet therapy (group 1) and 10 BA patients in absolute diet therapy combined with wheat herb juice (group 2) tolerance to 12 antibiotics of different classes and some immunity factors were determined using a complex of diagnostic methods. The latter implies: case history, humoral and cell immunity defense system tests and special tests (chemical erythrograms and leukocyte migration inhibition test in plane capillary tubes with tested drugs). The data obtained evidence for increased tolerance of the antibiotics in groups 1 and 2 as well as for changes in humoral defense system, especially in immunoglobulin E. The drug tolerance may be a therapeutic criterion of absolute diet therapy in bronchial asthma patients.     

3',5'-cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors in the combined treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

A study was made of clinical effectiveness and mechanism of action of the inhibitor of the specific 3',5'-cAMP phosphodiesterase papaverine in a therapeutic complex of measures designed to treat RA patients involving an immunodepressive preparation free from any cytopenic effect prospidin as a basic mediator. It has been shown that the papaverine antiarthritic action is associated with its positive effects on the unspecific component of the immune-complex inflammation, viz. processes of lipid peroxidation, activity of the antioxidant system of defence as well as on the vascular tone and microcirculation. All this improves tissue metabolism, and in this way enhances efficiency of RA basic therapy.     

Hyperexpression of the multiple drug resistance gene (MDR-1) in chronic myeloleukemia patients

AIM: To elucidate prognostic value of MDR-1 gene expression in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MDR-1 gene expression was studied by in situ hybridization in hemopoietic cells of 63 Ph-positive CML patients in different phases of the disease. The survival of the patients and duration of the chronic phase (CP) were evaluated using the Caplan-Meyer method. RESULTS: MDR-1-positive patients had a shorter survival (p < 0.01) and CP (p < 0.05) than negative ones. MDR-1 gene overexpression has no impact either on the survival or duration of AP and BP (p < 0.05). Moreover, the MDR-1 gene overexpression is not dependent either on the previous treatment or other prognostic markers. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of MDR-1 gene is an independent prognostic factor and an additional parameter to Sokal's scores.