Association between ERCC1 and XPA expression and polymorphisms and the response to cisplatin in testicular germ cell tumours.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin cures over 80% of testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs), and nucleotide-excision repair (NER) modifies the sensitivity to cisplatin. We explored the association between NER proteins and their polymorphisms with cisplatin sensitivity (CPS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with non-seminomatous (ns)-TGCTs. METHODS: The expression of ERCC1 and XPA and the presence of γH2AX were evaluated in cancer cell lines and in fresh ns-TGCTs. The ERCC1 protein was also determined in ns-TGCTs. The differences between CPS and non-CPS cell lines and patients were analysed by Student's t- or χ(2)-tests. The differences in OS were analysed using the log-rank test, and the hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using the Cox model. RESULTS: High ERCC1 expression was observed in the non-CPS cells, and both ERCC1 and γH2AX expressions were augmented after cisplatin treatment. Increased ERCC1 expression was also identified in non-CPS patients. Neither polymorphism was associated with either CPS or OS. The presence of ERCC1 was associated with non-CPS (P=0.05) and adjusted in the prognosis groups. The HR in ERCC1-negative and non-CPS patients was >14.43, and in ERCC1-positive and non-CPS patients the HR was >11.86 (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High levels of ERCC1 were associated with non-CPS, suggesting that ERCC1 could be used as a potential indicator of the response to cisplatin and prognosis in ns-TGCTs.

In vitro susceptibility of Mycobacterium kansasii to the difluorinated quinolone sparfloxacin using a broth microdilution and macrodilution MIC system.

OBJECTIVES: To study the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the difluorinated quinolone sparfloxacin against 32 clinical isolates of Mycobacterium kansasii from 23 patients, all of whom had clinically significant infections due to M. kansasii, and 11 the acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS). To study the correlation between the microdilution and macrodilution techniques in M7H9 broth. DESIGN: The MICs were determined by two methods: broth microdilution in microplates and broth macrodilution in tubes. The isolates were inoculated into two-fold drug dilutions (ranging from 0.063 to 8 microg/ml) in Middlebrook 7H9 broth and then incubated at 37 degrees C for 21 days. RESULTS: All 32 strains were susceptible, with identical MIC results in both methods, 96.9% of them showing an MIC of 0.25 microg/ml. CONCLUSION: These MIC studies suggest that sparfloxacin may be useful for drug treatment of slow-growing nontuberculous mycobacteria such as M. kansasii. The microdilution method appears to be a reliable method for routine susceptibility testing of M. kansasii, and is easy to interpret and to carry out.

[Use of the thermometer among mothers of young children]. / Uso del termómetro entre madres de niños jóvenes.

Due to the importance of fever and its correct measurement, we try to describe in our study the use of the thermometer by a sample of mothers of young children chosen at random in a low-middle class neighborhood. We surveyed them at home and checked their use of the thermometer. We found a frequent and correct usage of the thermometer. We identify the mother's educational level as one indicator of some of the mistakes in their use of the thermometer. We propose specific points to teach every mother when she goes to the pediatrician in order to provide adequate use of the thermometer in children with fever.

[Increased survival rates of children with cystic fibrosis]. / Aumento de la supervivencia en niños con fibrosis quística.

Seventy-two patients with cystic fibrosis were under care between January 1st 1972 and December 31st 1988, and 75 until now (July 1989). Fifty are alive, 24 died and 1 was lost to follow-up. The number of alive patients under control at the end of every year rose from 5 in 1972 up to 47 in 1988 and 50 at present. In order to assess the progress of survival rates, we compared two periods: 1972-1980 and 1981-1988. Twenty-eight were under control during the first period and 16 (57%) died, these figures for the second period being 55 and 8 (14%) (p 0.001) respectively. A remarkable increase in cumulative survival rates during the second period was observed at ages 1 (96% vs 68%), 5 (94% vs 55%) and 10 (86% vs 28%). Greater experience and closer follow-up, together with more aggressive treatment are likely to account for the increase in survival. It is vital that reference cystic fibrosis centers should be set-up in our country for the management of so complex a disease as 'cystic fibrosis.

[Value of the esophagogram in the study of vascular rings]. / Valor del esofagograma en el estudio de los anillos vasculares.

The diagnostic value of esophagograms was studied in 67 patients with aortic arch abnormalities and tracheoesophageal compression. This group of patients included the following malformations: double aortic arch (11), retroesophageal subclavia (48), retroesophageal aorta (5), cervical arch with retroesophageal component (2) and anomalous left pulmonary artery (sling) (1). Three types of esophageal indentation were observed in the esophagogram: anterior, posterior and bilateral. Anterior indentation was caused by the left pulmonary artery, and posterior indentation, when isolated, was caused by the retroesophageal subclavia. Posterior indentation associated with bilateral indentation was present in cases of double aortic arch. The upper lateral indentation was always caused by the predominant arch. We conclude that esophagogram is an easy and valid method for the diagnosis of this type of pathology.