The effect of the lectin from Sambucus nigra inflorescences on spontaneous and alkylating agent-induced mutagenesis in mammalian somatic cells

Data on separation of purified galactose-specific lectin as well as its two polypeptide chains from inflorescences of European elder Sambucus nigra are represented. Their molecule quaternary structure after the pattern a2 b2 is suggested. It was shown that purified protein in concentration 2.0 mg/ml had mutagenic activity and might enhance mutagenic effect of alkylating substance MNNG. Thus, preparations of lectin from inflorescences of European elder influenced on spontaneous and induced by the alkylating agent mutagenicity in mammalian somatic cells in vitro.     

An evidence-based approach to interactive health communication: a challenge to medicine in the information age. Science Panel on Interactive Communication and Health

OBJECTIVE: To examine the current status of interactive health communication (IHC) and propose evidence-based approaches to improve the quality of such applications. PARTICIPANTS: The Science Panel on Interactive Communication and Health, a 14-member, nonfederal panel with expertise in clinical medicine and nursing, public health, media and instructional design, health systems engineering, decision sciences, computer and communication technologies, and health communication, convened by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, US Department of Health and Human Services. EVIDENCE: Published studies, online resources, expert panel opinions, and opinions from outside experts in fields related to IHC. CONSENSUS PROCESS: The panel met 9 times during more than 2 years. Government agencies and private-sector experts provided review and feedback on the panel's work. CONCLUSIONS: Interactive health communication applications have great potential to improve health, but they may also cause harm. To date, few applications have been adequately evaluated. Physicians and other health professionals should promote and participate in an evidence-based approach to the development and diffusion of IHC applications and endorse efforts to rigorously evaluate the safety, quality, and utility of these resources. A standardized reporting template is proposed to help developers and evaluators of IHC applications conduct evaluations and disclose their results and to help clinicians, purchasers, and consumers judge the quality of IHC applications.     

Blockade of glutamatergic transmission as treatment for dyskinesias and motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease

In animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD), glutamate antagonists diminish levodopa (LD)-associated motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. We sought to investigate if these preclinical observations can be extended to the human disease, by evaluating the effects of three non-competitive NMDA antagonists (dextrorphan, dextromethorphan and amantadine) on the motor response to LD in patients with advanced PD. In four separate trials, adjuvant therapy with these drugs reduced LD-induced dyskinesias and motor fluctuations. These findings support the view that drugs acting to inhibit glutamatergic transmission at the NMDA receptor can ameliorate LD associated motor response complications.