Demographic and behavioural factors in Tanzanian and Norwegian patients with sexually transmitted infections.

To evaluate whether differences in demographic or behavioural factors might explain differences in reported or diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STI), we have compared data from 1097 Tanzanian and Norwegian STI patients. Most demographic data were similar, whereas some behavioural data differed. Norwegian patients reported significantly higher numbers of sexual partners than Tanzanian. Thirty-three percent of Tanzanian patients tested positive for HIV antibodies, females more often (43%) than males (26%). Approximately one-third and two-thirds of the female HIV-positive Tanzanian STI patients had already seroconverted at the age of 25 and 30 years, respectively. The national differences encountered probably reflect cultural differences, different panoramas of STI and a lower accessibility to optimal health services in Tanzania. Lack of expected statistical associations between some of the data in the Tanzanian STI group might question the validity of the retrospectively collected data in this group, or indicate that questions not included in the questionnaire might be of importance.

The coinitiator DMABEE induces death by apoptosis and necrosis in human monoblastoid cells.

4-N,N-Dimethyl amino benzoic acid ethylester (DMABEE), a leachable lipophilic component of polymer-based dental-filling materials, has been shown to interact with cell membrane phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine (PS). One marker of cellular death by apoptosis is the change in architecture of the plasma membrane involving the translocation of the negatively charged PS from the inner to the outer leaflet of the cell membrane. We therefore hypothesized that DMABEE has the potential to induce apoptosis. The necrosis inducing potential was also investigated. To test our hypothesis human monoblastoid U-937 cells were exposed to 10, 20, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 microM of DMABEE for 24, 48, and 72 h. At the culture end-points apoptotic and necrotic cells were detected by flow cytometry. DMABEE enhanced cell death by apoptosis and necrosis in U-937 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. The data support our hypothesis that DMABEE triggers death-signaling pathways.

Performance characteristics of a glycoprotein G based oligopeptide (peptide 55) and two different methods using the complete glycoprotein as assays for detection of anti-HSV-2 antibodies in human sera.

Assays for serological diagnosis of HSV-2 infection in clinical settings have been generally available only recently. We wanted to investigate and compare the diagnostic utility of three different ELISAs for detection of anti-HSV-2 IgG antibodies, using intact glycoprotein G or an oligopeptide from a portion of the protein as antigens. HSV-1 negative/HSV-2 negative sera (n = 32), HSV-1 positive/HSV-2 negative sera (n = 30) and sera from HSV-2 culture positive individuals (n = 36), collected at least 6 months after culture verified HSV-2 genital infection were examined. Cut-off values were determined according to the manufacturer's instructions, and also by establishing new cut-off values at the level of highest diagnostic efficiency. Sensitivities and specificities were compared for each assay. In addition, test accuracies were compared using receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) methodology. Establishment of new cut-off values increased the performance characteristics for all three tests. At similarly set cut-off values, the peptide 55 assay showed the highest diagnostic sensitivity (100%) and specificity (98%). All three assays displayed high efficiency and also high agreement between the tests (kappa > 0.85 for all comparisons). The performance of all three assays were satisfactory although the highest efficiency and accuracy was obtained with the peptide 55 assay.

In situ identification of mononuclear cells in cutaneous infiltrates in discoid lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis and secondary syphilis

The inflammatory mononuclear cell infiltrates observed in lesional skin from patients with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), sarcoidosis, and secondary syphilis have been characterized in situ. Immunological markers (human T lymphocyte antigens and receptors for sheep erythrocytes, C3b, C3d and Fc gamma) were studied by using immunofluorescence tests with IgG F (ab')2 preparation of anti-T lymphocyte serum, hemadsorption with tissue sections, and tests with soluble immune complexes of peroxidase. In DLE, T lymphocytes were the dominant cell type. In sarcoidosis, the epithelioid cells, including giant cells, had markers similar to macrophages. The lymphohistiocytic cells consisted mainly of macrophages, some T lymphocytes and a few B lymphocytes. In secondary syphilis (condylomata lata), macrophages and T lymphocytes were the dominant cell types, and relatively few B lymphocytes were detected.