Contraceptives and dysplasia: higher rate for pill choosers.

Among women choosing the pill in preference to other contraceptive methods there is a higher rate of the cancer precursor, dysplasia of the cervix, before any possible effect of the pill.

Cytokeratin characterization of human prostatic carcinoma and its derived cell lines.

Two murine monoclonal anti-cytokeratin antibodies with defined specificity were shown to distinguish between basal cells and luminal cells in human prostate tissue. Forty-one biopsies or transurethral resection specimens were characterized using these two antibodies. In cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia, focal loss of the basal cell layer was noted in areas of glandular proliferation. Ten cases of adenocarcinoma of the prostate, varying in Gleason's histological grade from 2 to 4, were also studied. In each case the carcinoma was shown to represent the luminal cell phenotype with no evidence of involvement of the basal cell phenotype. An analysis of three established metastatic prostatic carcinoma cell lines (DU-145, PC-3, and LNCaP) using two-dimensional electrophoresis showed that the cytokeratin complement of each cell line was slightly different but retained the phenotype of the luminal cell. It was concluded that during both hyperplasia and neoplastic transformation of the prostate, the luminal cell phenotype is primarily involved and that the basal cell phenotype does not appear to contribute to either intraluminal proliferation or invasive cell populations.

Ephedrine requirements are reduced during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section in preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Despite controversy over the haemodynamically safest blockade for caesarean section in women with severe preeclampsia, an increasing number of anaesthetists now opt for spinal anaesthesia. In a previous study we found that spinal compared to epidural anaesthesia offered an equally safe but more effective option for these patients. The current study was designed to compare the hypotension induced by spinal anaesthesia, as measured by ephedrine requirement, between 20 normotensive and 20 severely preeclamptic but haemodynamically stabilised women. METHOD: Standardised spinal anaesthesia was instituted and ephedrine was given in boluses of 6 mg if the systolic pressure fell >20% from the baseline, or if the patient exhibited symptoms of hypotension. RESULTS: The mean ephedrine requirement of the normotensive group (27.9+/-11.6 mg) was significantly greater (P<0.01) than that of the preeclamptic group (16.4+/-15.0 mg). CONCLUSION: This suggests that the hypotension induced by spinal anaesthesia in women with severe but haemodynamically stabilised preeclampsia, is less than that of normotensive patients.

Effect of nutrition education on the nutritional status of low-income pregnant women of Mexican descent.

Low-income pregnant women of Mexican descent were studied to determine whether their food habits could be improved by nutrition education. Biochemical indices of nutritional status were also investigated. Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls were obtained at an initial interview and again at a final interview after a nutrition education program, which was offered to a randomly selected treatment group. At the initial interview, the mean nutrient intakes that were most often below two-thirds of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) were iron, vitamin A, thiamin, and calcium. The mean energy value of the diets was also frequently below the RDA. At the final intakes, although the mean energy values and the calcium and carbohydrate of both the control and treatment groups increased significantly, the following improvements in dietary intakes were seen only within the treatment group: 1) there were significant increases in the mean intake of protein, ascorbic acid, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin, 2) there were significant decreases in the percentage of intakes below two-thirds of the RDA for ascorbic acid and riboflavin, and 3) there was a significant decrease in the incidence of multiple low nutrient intakes. These dietary improvements, which occurred only in the treatment group, suggest the effectiveness of the nutrition education program. The most common biochemical deficiencies were of folic acid, thiamin, and riboflavin. Except for an improvement in mean serum folate levels, the biochemical indices for the treatment group did not appear to be influenced by the nutrition education. It is possible that the vitamin and mineral supplements which were taken by 80% of the women could have obscured improvements in biochemical indices which may have been due to the education program.

Bone mineral content in postmenopausal women: comparison of omnivores and vegetarians.

This cross-sectional study of bone mineral content (BMC)/bone width (BW) (BMC/BW, cortical radius) was conducted in elderly, free-living Methodist omnivores (n = 146) and Seventh-day Adventist vegetarians (n = 144) in southern California. The purpose was to investigate relationships between BMC/BW and dietary factors (primarily vegetarianism and intakes of protein and calcium) and use of prescribed drugs. BMC was measured by single-photon absorptiometry. Dietary intakes during current and early periods of life were assessed by 24-h dietary recall and frequency methods. Information about drug use was obtained by interview. BMC/BW was not different in omnivores vs vegetarians. There were no significant relationships or trends between current or early dietary intakes and BMC/BW in either group. In multiple-regression analysis, age, weight, and use of estrogen and thiazide diuretics were predictive of 31% of the variability in BMC/BW in the total group.

Zinc supplementation during pregnancy: effects on selected blood constituents and on progress and outcome of pregnancy in low-income women of Mexican descent.

The effects of zinc supplementation on levels of various blood constituents and the outcome of pregnancy in 213 Hispanic women attending a prenatal clinic in Los Angeles was assessed in this double-blind study. The women were randomized into either a control (C) or a zinc-supplemented (Z) group and received similar vitamin and mineral supplements except that 20 mg zinc was added to the Z group's capsules. At the final interview, women (C + Z) with low serum Zn levels (less than or equal to 53 micrograms/dl) had higher (p less than 0.01) mean ribonuclease activity and lower (p less than 0.01) mean delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity than women with acceptable serum zinc levels. The incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension was higher (p less than 0.003) in the C than in the Z group, but pregnancy-induced hypertension was not associated with low serum zinc levels at either the initial or final interview. The expected increase in serum copper levels was greater (less than 0.001) in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension (C + Z) than in normotensives. Except for pregnancy-induced hypertension, there was a higher incidence of abnormal outcomes of pregnancy in the noncompliers than in the compliers (C + Z).

Zinc supplementation during pregnancy: zinc concentration of serum and hair from low-income women of Mexican descent.

The effect of zinc supplementation on concentrations of zinc in hair and serum of 213 pregnant Hispanic women attending a clinic in Los Angeles was assessed using a random, double-blind experiment. Both the treatment (T) and control (C) groups received similar vitamin and mineral supplements except that 20 mg zinc was added to the supplements for the treatment group. Nutrient intakes were calculated from 24-h recalls. The initial mean dietary zinc intake of both groups was about 50% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (9 +/- 5 mg). Initially there were no significant differences between the two groups in mean zinc levels in serum (66 +/- 11 micrograms/dl, C, and 65 +/- 12 micrograms/dl, T) or in hair (184 +/- 41 micrograms/g, C, and 175 +/- 38 micrograms/g, T). Zinc supplementation did not alter mean zinc levels in serum or hair but significantly (p less than 0.05) reduced the number of low serum zinc values (less than or equal to 53.3 micrograms/dl) toward the end of pregnancy. Although serum zinc levels do decline in pregnancy, our results suggest that severely depressed levels (less than or equal to 50 to 55 micrograms/dl) indicate inadequate zinc status.

Zinc supplementation during pregnancy in low-income teenagers of Mexican descent: effects on selected blood constituents and on progress and outcome of pregnancy.

As a follow-up of our study of pregnant women, we report effects of zinc supplementation during pregnancy in another population of 138 Hispanic teenagers in Los Angeles. Teenagers were randomized (double-blind) to a control or zinc-supplemented group and received similar daily vitamin and mineral supplements except for 20 mg zinc added to the zinc-supplemented group's capsules. Initially, mean dietary zinc intakes of both groups were about 50% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance and their mean serum zinc levels did not differ significantly (69.8 +/- 11.2 micrograms/dl in control and 69.0 +/- 11.4 micrograms/dl in zinc-supplemented group). Zinc supplementation did not maintain mean serum zinc levels during pregnancy but, as in our earlier study, it reduced (p = 0.018) the number of low serum zinc values (less than or equal to 53 micrograms/dl) in late pregnancy. Zinc supplementation did not affect outcome of pregnancy but serum zinc levels were lower (p = 0.038) in teenagers with pregnancy-induced hypertension than in normotensives.

Factors associated with a rapid course of multiple sclerosis.

A cohort of 886 cases of multiple sclerosis (MS) who had onset between Jan 1, 1960, and Dec 31, 1969, and who were resident in 1970 in either a low-prevalence area (Los Angeles County, California, 560 cases) or in a high-prevalence area (King and Pierce Counties, Washington, 326 cases) were followed up for changes in disability status through Dec 31, 1979. Cases had to meet the modified Schumacher criteria for definite/probable MS and to have had a diagnosis of MS or equivalent by a physician. Onset year of disease was determined by onset of the earliest reported symptom. Disability status was determined at intake by an interviewer-administered questionnaire and in subsequent years by an annual mailed questionnaire (self-reported disability status). Progression to a nonambulatory status or death was significantly greater among (1) patients with an older age at onset, (2) patients with a rapid early course, (3) males, and (4) residents of Los Angeles County.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of keratins in human ovarian neoplasms. A comparison of methods.

A comparison of five immunohistochemical methods for the demonstration of keratins in human ovarian neoplasms using affinity-purified polyclonal rabbit antibody was made. The use of indirect immunofluorescence on frozen sections briefly fixed in acetone was found to be the most sensitive method and demonstrated keratin in all 14 primary and 1 metastatic ovarian epithelial neoplasms studied. Protein A-peroxidase, peroxidase--antiperoxidase (PAP), indirect peroxidase, or the avidin--biotinylated peroxidase complex (ABC) methods applied to formalin-fixed tissues were less sensitive and led to false negative results in 9 of 15, 1 of 15, 8 of 15, and 6 of 15 cases, respectively. A single case of dysgerminoma failed to reveal keratin by any method.

Respiratory effects of cocaine "freebasing" among habitual users of marijuana with or without tobacco.

Use of cocaine by smoking its alkaline precursor ("freebasing") has become increasingly prevalent. Recent studies of small numbers of cocaine users suggest that freebasing frequently causes cough, dyspnea, and abnormalities in diffusing capacity (DCO), although these findings could have been due to concomitant use of other drugs. We therefore evaluated the relationship between cocaine use by freebasing and chronic respiratory symptoms and lung dysfunction in a large sample of habitual smokers of marijuana with or without tobacco who denied intravenous drug abuse. The findings suggested that, among habitual marijuana smokers, "moderate" cocaine smoking damaged both large and small airways, as reflected by functional changes that were independent of concomitant marijuana use and appeared to be synergistic with the effects of tobacco. On the other hand, no adverse influence of cocaine smoking on the pulmonary microcirculation was demonstrated in our sample of freebase users.

Analysis of non-response in a prospective study of depression in Los Angeles County.

The occurrence of depression in a probability sample of 1003 Los Angeles County adults was measured in a 1979-80 prospective cohort study. The primary measure of depression was the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Of the original 1003 adults, 893 were successfully re-interviewed at a second time period (reasons for not being interviewed originally and at the second time period are given). Demographic data on those not re-interviewed are contrasted with data from those who did respond. The mean depression level and percentage classified as depressed at the first interview were higher in non-respondents than in respondents to the second interview. Techniques are given for assessing whether discontinued participation is due to exposure or disease factors. For this study, it was shown that dropping out of the study was mainly due to exposure (or demographic) factors and not to depression as such. Two methods for estimating the level of disease at the second time period for respondents and dropouts are illustrated.

Comparison of the usefulness of histochemistry and ultrastructural cytochemistry in the identification of neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Neuroendocrine (NE) neoplasms range from well to poorly differentiated types. These neoplasms usually contain neurosecretory (NS) granules demonstrated by either transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or silver reduction methods. By using the uranaffin reaction, one can differentiate NSG from other membrane-bound organelles. Recently, a variety of antibodies reactive against specific peptides or neurotransmitter substances have been advocated as being diagnostically useful. Using the peroxidase-anti-peroxidase (PAP) or Avidin-Biotin technics, we studied 41 NE neoplasms using anti-sera specific for neurospecific enolase (NSE), bombesin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), calcitonin, and serotonin. All cases were shown to contain NS granules with a positive uranaffin reaction. In all 25 well-differentiated cases, at least one anti-serum gave a positive reaction. NSE was positive in 22 of the 25. In the poorly differentiated group, 7 (43.2%) of 16 were negative for all anti-sera tested. In these negative cases TEM using the uranaffin reaction remains an important diagnostic test.

Paget's cells. New evidence linking mammary and extramammary Paget cells to a common cell phenotype.

Three mouse monoclonal anti-human cytokeratin antibodies were made against human sole epidermis. One of these (KA4) was shown to react with a variety of human simple epithelium, including eccrine and apocrine sweat glands and the luminal cells of the breast ducts and lobules, but failed to decorate interfollicular stratified squamous epithelium. This antibody reacted by the immunoblot technic with cytokeratins of Mr values 54, 46, and 40 kdaltons. KA4 reacted strongly with clear cells found in 11% of breast epithelium in clinically uninvolved nipples and with all Paget's cells in four cases of mammary and five cases of extramammary Paget's disease. These findings suggest a common cellular phenotype for Paget's cells and relates them to a population of cells found in breast epithelium.

The use of antikeratin antibodies in the diagnosis of human neoplasms.

The presence of intracellular keratin was examined in 230 human neoplasms using indirect immunofluorescence on fresh frozen, acetone-fixed sections. The use of antikeratin antibodies raised in rabbits against human callus and purified by affinity chromatography proved to be a rapid, sensitive, and reliable method of demonstrating keratin. Epithelial tissues and epithelial-derived neoplasms were found to contain keratin, whereas tissues and neoplasms of mesenchymal, lymphoreticular, or neural crest origin did not contain intracellular keratin. This technic is a useful adjunct for the surgical pathologist in the diagnosis of poorly differentiated neoplasms. Its application either confirmed, modified, or in several instances, changed the original light microscopic impression. The modified or changed diagnoses were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy.

Two populations with multiple sclerosis. Clinical and demographic characteristics.

Cross-sectional data from 1,793 cases of definite or probable multiple sclerosis (MS) identified in an extensive population survey in King and Pierce (K-P) Counties, Washington and Los Angeles (LA) County, California, were analyzed. Compared to the U.S. population as a whole, patients were more likely to be divorced and to have more years of schooling. The prevalence of MS was higher for females, and for northern-born, regardless of sex. Reconstructed age-, sex-specific incidence rate estimates for natives of the two areas showed a much higher peak annual incidence occurring in an older age group in K-P than in LA. Earliest symptoms in both areas were numbness in the legs, double vision, and loss of vision in one or both eyes. Weakness in arms, speech difficulties, and urinary incontinence tended to be late symptoms. The overall assessment of disability levels showed more than half of the patients to be fully ambulatory at the time of the first interview, with a somewhat higher proportion of each sex severely disabled in California. The ages of onset tended to be younger in LA than in K-P. The earlier onset of disease and the higher proportion of patients with high disability in Los Angeles County suggest that the course of disease is more malignant in this low-prevalence area.

Race, ethnicity, and depression: a confirmatory analysis.

This study addresses two questions: (a) Are depressive-symptom scales equally indicative of depression in different racial/ethnic groups and (b) are there mean differences between the groups in the underlying depressive disorder assessed by these scales? The data consist of interviews obtained from a large community survey of depression in Los Angeles County. Four racial/ethnic groups were considered: Anglos, blacks, English-speaking Hispanics, and Spanish-speaking Hispanics. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test both one-factor and two-factor models of depression. An invariant factor pattern was demonstrated. No significant mean differences on a factor of Depression were found, but the groups were found to differ on a Well-Being factor. Implications for survey research on psychiatric impairment among different racial/ethnic groups are discussed.

Nutrient estimates from computerized questionnaires vs. 24-hr. recall interviews.

A computerized nutritional assessment service used by dentists was investigated. Daily nutrient intake of forty-six adult subjects was estimated from replies to a computerized food frequency questionnaire and the results compared with the average nutrient intakes of the same individuals obtained during five 24-hr. dietary recall interviews. Although the two methods produced essentially the same mean for carbohydrate intake and a minimal difference in the mean caloric values, mean estimates of the other nutrients were 6 to 88 per cent greater with the computerized data than via the dietary recalls. The dietary assessment service included unwarranted recommendations for vitamin and mineral supplementation.