Prevalence and determinants of community members utilizing preventive services offered by family physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Early detection and prevention of diseases can reduce morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. There is need to assess the utilization of preventive services for common chronic diseases, cancers, and vaccinations. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and sequence of utilization of preventive services for common chronic diseases, cancers, and vaccinations in addition to exploring community perspectives on these services. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey, which was conducted at primary healthcare centers in Prince Sultan Military Medical City covering Riyadh region from October 2022 to January 2023. The study used a self-administered questionnaire to collect data from attendees aged 18 years and older, focusing on the utilization of eight preventive services (blood glucose testing, blood pressure measurement, cholesterol testing, screening for breast cancer, screening for cervical cancer, screening for colorectal cancer, screening for prostate cancer, and flu and pneumococcal vaccines). Descriptive statistics of the study were reported in frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test was used to assess association between outcome variables. Results: Participants were mostly married and had a higher educational degree. However, a considerable number is not accessing primary healthcare services regularly. The results showed that the rate of utilizing preventive services was as follows: blood pressure screening (91%), blood glucose testing (72%), cholesterol testing (65.8%), vaccination utilization (39.5%), breast cancer screening (8%), prostate cancer screening (4.6%), colon cancer screening (4.2%), and least utilized was cervical cancer screening with frequency of (3%). Conclusion: The results underscore the importance of increasing awareness and accessibility of primary healthcare services to promote better health outcomes in the region.

Knowledge and Attitude Regarding the Use of Sun Protection to Prevent Adverse Laser Events Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Prolonged sun exposure has been linked with the development of numerous medical and dermatological complications, such as skin cancer. Photoprotection can help reduce ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced skin damage and skin cancer. This study aims to assess the knowledge about and attitude toward the use of sun protection to prevent laser adverse events among the general population in Saudi Arabia. Methodology This is a cross-sectional, analytical, community-based study carried out among the general population (sunscreen users) in Saudi Arabia. A total of 600 participants were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using a validated online self-administered questionnaire using Google Forms. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results A total of 600 sunscreen users were enrolled in this study, with an overall poor knowledge rate of 471 (78.5%) regarding the use of sun protection methods. Their ages ranged from 18 years to >55 years. The majority of them were females (537, 89.5%), had Saudi Nationality (533, 88.8%), and had skin type III (313, 52.2%). Almost all the participants (491, 81.9%) had undergone laser treatment before; the most reported reason was hair removal (522, 87%). In addition, 267 (44.5%) participants used sunscreens five to six times a week, with 440 (73.3%) also using sunglasses. Notably, only 91 (15.2%) of the study participants were aware that sunscreen covers UVA and UVB, and 34 (5.7%) knew that PA+++ is used in sunscreen. A total of 149 (24.8%) reported that sunscreen should be applied 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, while 153 (25.5%) stated that it should be reapplied every two hours. Moreover, 484 (80.7%) participants reported using topical steroid application after laser treatment. The results also showed that young participants (P = 0.001), single participants (P = 0.001), post-graduate participants (P = 0.010), students rather than the unemployed group (P = 0.002), and those who used sunscreens five to six times per week compared to those who never used sunscreens (P = 0.001) demonstrated an overall good knowledge about sunscreens and laser treatment. Conclusions The study showed poor knowledge among the participants regarding the use of sun protection to prevent adverse laser events. Therefore, an increase in awareness among the general public about the protection through campaigns is highly recommended.

A Rare Case of Fibrous Hamartoma of Infancy: A Clinicopathological Diagnosis at a Tertiary Hospital, Eastern Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Fibrous hamartoma of infancy is a rare soft tissue lesion of infants and young children with characteristic triphasic morphology. CASE DESCRIPTION: An 18-month-old female child was presented with complaints of swelling over right leg shin since birth. On examination, a lump of size 7x3 cm was identified which was mobile and nontender. Local excision was performed and tissue sent for histopathological examination. On gross examination, a globular, capsulated, firm to hard tissue had cut section revealing solid grey-white to grey-brown lesion with myxoid areas identified. Microscopic examination revealed a poorly circumscribed lesion comprising intersecting trabeculae of fibrous tissue, areas of immature oval and stellate cell within myxoid matrix, and varying amounts of interspersed mature fat cells. CONCLUSION: Even though fibrous hamartoma of infancy is a rare benign entity with limited clinical knowledge, proper diagnosis is mandatory as its prognosis is excellent.

Prescribing Skills of First and Second Year MBBS Students of A Teaching Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: To ensure safe, effective and rational prescribing by tomorrow's doctors it is important to assess the prescribing skills of today's medical students. The aim of this study was to assess the prescribing skills of MBBS preclinical students of a Teaching Hospital. METHODS: First and second year medical students were given different sets of common clinical scenarios and asked to write a prescription for these. The physician and drug related components were analyzed following the WHO guidelines. The data were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test for 99% and 99.99% Confidence Intervals. P values < 0.01 and < 0.0001 were considered significant respectively. RESULTS: MBBS first year student scored 123 (82%) and 94 (62.66%) in physician and drug related component respectively. MBBS second year students scored 139 (92.66%) and 111 (73.33%) in physician and drug related components respectively. Results obtained from the element prescriber's address and telephone number, date of prescription and patient's address on the prescription of first year and second year medical students were highly significant (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Prescribing skill of first and second year MBBS students is not satisfactory. Prescribing deficiencies were found on both the physician and drug related components which emphasizes the need of adequate prescribing knowledge in order to minimize the prescription errors and irrational prescribing. Based on this study, we suggest all the undergraduate medical students should be regularly trained and evaluated to further help minimize the prescribing errors.

Manejo pré-abate de ovelhas de descarte: perdas de peso corporal, qualidade da carne e comportamento animal / Pre-slaughter management of discard ewes: body weight losses, meat quality and animal behavio

Objetivou-se com este estudo conhecer o comportamento de ovelhas da raça Santa Inês em diferentes estágios fisiológicos durante o manejo pré-abate, assim como a perda de peso corporal, valores de hematócrito do sangue das mesmas e a qualidade da carne. Utilizaram-se 21 ovelhas de descarte, que foram distribuídas nos respectivos tratamentos: T1 = ovelhas que permaneceram por 60 dias em lactação com seus respectivos cordeiros e abatidas um dia após o desmame dos mesmos; T2 = ovelhas que permaneceram por 60 dias em lactação com seus respectivos cordeiros e mais um período aproximado de 30 dias sem os cordeiros e posteriormente foram abatidas; e T3 = ovelhas que permaneceram por 60 dias em confinamento e que não pariram durante o ano. O peso das ovelhas após o transporte foi menor para as do tratamento 1 em comparação às do tratamento 2. Os valores de hematócrito no sangue das ovelhas antes do transporte, após o mesmo e após o jejum dos animais no curral de espera não diferiram entre si, com valor médio de 58,50%. Concluiu-se que a qualidade da carne proveniente de ovelhas de descarte em diferentes estágios fisiológicos não é alterada pelo manejo pré-abate, quando realizado de maneira correta (evitando o estresse animal), quanto ao pH da carne.

The aim of this study was to know the behavior of Santa Inês ewes in different physiological stages during the pre-slaughter management, as well as their body weight loss, blood hematocrit values and meat quality. 21 discard ewes were used, arranged into the following treatments: T1 = ewes which remained in lactation for 60 days with their respective lambs and slaughtered one day after weaning; T2 = ewes which remained in lactation for 60 days with their respective lambs and one more period of approximately 30 days without the lambs and afterwards slaughtered; and T3 = ewes which remained in confinement for 60 days and did not give birth during the year. The weight of ewes after transportation was lower for T1 in comparison with T2. Blood hematocrit values of ewes before and after transportation and after fast in the waiting pen were not different among the treatments, with mean value of 58.50%. We concluded that the quality of meat of discard ewes in different physiological stages is not altered by pre-slaughter management, when correctly performed (avoiding animal stress), concerning meat pH.

A scenario of cervical carcinoma in a cancer hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical carcinoma is an important women's health problem throughout the world. There are very few published data on this disease in Nepal. We wanted to study the pattern of cervical carcinoma based on hospital data. METHODS: A 10 years retrospective study of scenario of cervical carcinoma was conducted. The data have been analyzed according to age, occurrence of other cancers, histological type, religion, risk factors and district wise. RESULTS: The number of cervical carcinoma showed a rising pattern over the 10 year period. The median age of the patients was 45 years and maximum frequency (33%) of cases were found in the age group 40 to 49 years. Squamous cell carcinoma comprised 40% of cases, Adenocarcinoma 4% and 1.1% cases were of mixed variety. 92% of cases were Hindu by religion. 43% of patients were smoker in our study, 5% had positive family history. Chitwan with 7.35% had the maximum number of cases followed by Rupandehi with 6.40% and Nawalparasi with 5.41%. CONCLUSIONS: The cancer pattern revealed by the present study provides valuable leads to cervical cancer epidemiology in Nepal. Routine cytological screening of the population for cervical cancer is highly necessary for its early detection and treatment.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 and optic pathway glioma. A long-term follow-up.

AIM: Optic pathway gliomas (OPG) are the predominant intracranial tumours associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and the outcome of OPG in 200 NF1 patients (122 males and 78 females, aged 1-25 years) followed up to 16 years (mean of 6 years). METHODS: All children were evaluated by a detailed physical, neurological and ophthalmological examination. Fifteen out of 200 (7.5%) of these patients (7 males, 8 females) were identified with evidence of optic pathway tumours. RESULTS: Nine children had symptoms such as endocranial hypertension, seizures, headache; 4 patients only showed anomalies at ophthalmological examination; 2 patients had no symptoms or signs. All children had evidence of optic pathway tumour on magnetic resonance imaging. Three had a prechiasmal tumour, 2 had a chiasmal tumour, 1 had prechiasmal/chiasmal tumour, 2 had a prechiasmal/chiasmal and postchiasmal tumour, 2 had a chiasmal and postchiasmal tumour, 4 had a massive involvement of the optic system, 1 child exhibited a bilateral involvement of the optic nerves with additional impairment of the chiasm. Four patients had partial and/or subtotal spontaneous regression. CONCLUSIONS: Because optic pathway tumours arise in children younger than 6 years of age, all NF1 children should undergo yearly ophtalmologic examination and growth assessment to monitor signs of precocious puberty.

Apoptosis-related gene expression in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the expressions of the bcl-2, bax, fas and c-myc apoptosis-related genes in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate carcinoma (CaP) to determine whether significant differences exist within each disease and between the two groups of patients. The correlation between gene expression and tumour diameter, stage, Gleason score and serum PSA was also investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tissue specimens from 51 cases of BPH and 27 cases of CaP were examined for bcl-2, bax, fas and c-myc expression by reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR). RESULTS: In BPH, bcl-2 and bax gave the weakest signals (p < 0.001). In CaP, bcl-2 was the least expressed gene (p < 0.001). In both patient groups, fas and c-myc were the most highly expressed genes (p < 0.05). Both bcl-2 and bax were expressed at higher levels in CaP than in BPH (p < 0.02). The bcl-2/bax ratio was lower in CaP than in BPH (p < 0.001). Bcl-2 was more highly expressed in high Gleason grade (> 7) tumours (p < 0.05). In the BPH group, bax showed a positive relationship with fas (p < 0.01), while the bcl-2 level inversely correlated with that of c-myc (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data showed that all the apoptosis-related genes were expressed in both BPH and CaP. The stronger expression of bax and the lower bcl-2/bax ratio observed in CaP may suggest a pro-apoptotic stimulus, while the higher bcl-2 levels appear to counterbalance the tendency to cell death.

[Current status of clinical nutrition at the network of public hospitals from Castilla y León]. / Situación actual de la nutrición clínica en la red de hospitales públicos de Castilla y León.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical nutrition is an activity realized in most of Health Centres of France, Canada, Great Britain and USA. The aim of our work was to determine activity and resources of Nutrition Units of Hospitals in the Community of Castilla y León. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was send to all Hospitals of Castilla y León (SACYL); Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, Hospital Clinico Universitario, Hospital Comarcal de Medina del Campo, Hospital General Yagüe-Divino Vallés (Burgos), Complejo Hospitalario de Le6n, Hospital General de Segovia, Hospital Virgen de Sonsoles de Avila, Hospital Virgen de la Concha de Zamora, Hospital Comarcal de Aranda de Duero, Hospital Comarcal de Miranda, Hospital General de Soria, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Salamanca. RESULTS: Nine Centres responded questionnaire (75%). A total of 5 Hospitals had a Unit of Nutrition (55.6%). The results showed an average of 0.37 +/- 0.55 specialists for each 400 beds, 0.87 +/- 0.63 nurses for each 400 beds and 1.91 +/- 2.3 auxiliaries for each 400 beds, with an average of 0.21 +/- 0.41 specialists for each 100,000 habitants, 0.49 +/- 0.36 nurses for each 100,000 habitants and 1.09 +/- 1.2 auxiliaries for each 100,000 habitants. The activity of these Units is demanded by other Units, with an average of 3.2 +/- 3.4 consultations per day. The main diseases of this activity were 33.3% tumoral pathology, 55.6% surgery and 11.1% neurological pathology. Oral supplements were the first intervention tool. Only 3 Centres had a home artificial nutrition consultation. The main diseases of this activity were post surgical patients (33,3%), tumoral pathology (33,3%), neurological pathology (22%) and inflammatory bowel disease (11%). CONCLUSION: Resources in Units of Nutrition of Castilla y Leon were limited. However, activity in Hospital an in home is equal than other areas. New actions of Local Administration are necessaries to follow recommendations of Council of Europe.

Prevalencia de obesidad e hipercolesterolemia en trabajadores de una institución estatal de Lima-Perú / Prevalance of obesity and hipercolesterolemia in a govermment institution in Lima-Peru

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de obesidad e hipercolesterolemia en los trabajadores de una institución estatal de Lima-Perú. Materiales y métodos: En este estudio transversal analítico, evaluamos 359 trabajadores, que acudieron a su examen médico anual respectivo entre octubre y diciembre de 2001. A cada sujeto se le determinó peso y talla y se le tomó una muestra de 5 mL de sangre en ayunas. Se definió sobrepeso como índice de masa corporal (IMC) mayor que 25 y menor 30, obesidad como IMC mayor que 30 e hipercolesterolemia como colesterol total sérico mayor 200 mg/Dl. Resultados: Las prevalencias de obesidad y sobrepeso fueron 17.9 por ciento y 46.8 por ciento, respectivamente. Se encontró 123 (34.7 por ciento) sujetos con hipercolesterolemia. Las proporciones de sujetos con valores de colesterol fueron: para HDL-C 0.0 por ciento, LDL-C 29.7 por ciento, triglicéridos 19.5 por ciento, CT/HDL-C 24.9 por ciento y LDL-C/HDL-C 16.7 por ciento. El sexo masculino, la edad mayor de 50 años y la condición de sedentario estuvieron asociados con obesidad (p menor que 0.05). El sexo masculino y la edad mayor de 40 años estuvieron asociadas con valores anormales de lípidos séricos. Los valores de colesterol total, LDL-C, triglicéridos, CT/HDL-C y LDL-C/HDL-C fueron significativamente mayores en los sujetos obesos (p menor que 0.05). El nivel de HDL-C fue mayor en el grupo con peso adecuado (p menor que 0.05). Conclusiones: La obesidad e hipercolesterolemia son patologías relevantes en esta población laboral. Se recomienda establecer programas de prevención de factores de riesgo cardiovascular y modificación de estilos de vida en esta población.

Objective: To determinate the prevalence of obesity and hypercholesterolemia in workers of a government institution in Lima ûPerú. Materials and methods: An analytical cross sectional study was performed, evaluating 359 workers who went to their annual medical check-up between October and December 2001. Weight and height were measured in each subject, and a 5mL fasting blood sample was taken. Being overweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI) major 25 and minor 30, obesity as a BMI major 30, and hypercholesterolemia as total cholesterol (TC) major 200 mg/dL. Results: The prevalence of obesity and being overweight was 17.9 percentage and 46.8 percentage respectively. Hypercholesterolemia was found in 123 (34.7 percentage). Subjects: The rates for abnormal cholesterol values were as follows: HDL-C, 0.0 percentage; LDL-C, 29.7 percentage; triglycerides, 19.5 percentage; TC-HDL-C with abnormal values for serum lipids. TC. LDL-C, and triglyceride values, as well as TC-HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C rates were significantly higher in obese subjects. However, HDL-C values were higher in the group of subjects with an adequate weight. Conclusion: Obesity and hypercholesterolemia were relevant conditions in this working population. We recommend to establish programs for the cardiovascular risk factors prevention and changes in life style in this population.

Arterial distensibility and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in young patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Vascular disease is an underestimated complication of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The few studies available on this disease are based on case reports. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 24-h heart rate obtained by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and the carotid femoral pulse wave velocity, a widely used index of arterial distensibility, evaluated with Complior. We studied 64 young NF1 patients and 30 healthy subjects. There was no difference in pulse wave velocity between NF1 patients and healthy subjects. Ten of the NF1 patients showed 24-h SBP or 24-h diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >95th percentile for age and sex. We divided the NF1 group into subgroups: NF1 patients with 24-h SBP and 24-h DBP < or = 95th percentile for age and sex (NF1A group) and NF1 patients with mean SBP or DBP >95th percentile for age and sex (NF1B group). The pulse wave velocity of NF1A and NF1B patients were 6.3 +/- 1 m/sec and 6.4 +/- 1 m/sec, respectively (P = not significant). A significant relationship was found between 24-h SBP, 24-h heart rate, and pulse wave velocity in healthy subjects, but not in all NF1 patients and also between the NF1A and NF1B groups. Distensibility of the central arteries may be altered by various environmental or genetic factors. Thus, genetic determinants may play a role in the response of the large arteries to blood pressure. The recent discovery of neurofibromin in aortic smooth muscle may explain the vascular abnormalities present in NF1 patients. We emphasize the importance of a careful vascular evaluation using a noninvasive method, such as Complior and a periodic ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to detect NF1 patients at high risk of vascular complications.

Direct effects of GnRH agonists in human hormone-sensitive endometrial cells.

The antiproliferative effect of two GnRH agonists (leuprorelin acetate and triptorelin), alone or combined with tamoxifen (TAM) or medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), on human estrogen-sensitive endometrial cancer cells (Ishikawa) was investigated. Although ineffective when tested alone in all the culture conditions used, both analogues counteracted or even suppressed the estrogen-stimulated growth of Ishikawa cells. The antiestrogenic effect of TAM or MPA was not modified by their association with high doses of the GnRH analogues, but low concentrations of triptorelin combined with MPA 10(-7) M determined a reduction in cell numbers which was greater than that obtained with the progestin or the analogue alone. In addition, analogue treatment prevented the estrogen-induced decrease in the level of estrogen receptors. Our data provide evidence that GnRH agonists can directly inhibit estrogen-stimulated endometrial cancer cell growth and suggest that they may interfere with steroid-receptor machinery.

Effect of placenta growth factor-1 on proliferation and release of nitric oxide, cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in human epithelial cells expressing the FLT-1 receptor.

We investigated the effect of placenta growth factor-1 (P1GF-1) on cell growth and on the release of nitric oxide (NO), cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) in human malignant epithelial cells. A noteworthy increase in proliferation was induced in choriocarcinoma cells (BeWo) by P1GF-1 treatment, while breast cancer cells (CG-5) were minimally affected. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry demonstrated the expression of the P1GF-1 receptor fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1) in these models. NO was released in the BeWo culture medium as a result of P1GF-1 treatment, with maximal induction occurring after 6 h. Enhanced cAMP levels were observed after 80 min-6 h, while the amounts of cGMP produced were undetectable. In summary, PIGF-1 stimulates the proliferation of cell types that express Flt-1, other than endothelial cells. In BeWo cells, this effect is preceded by the induction of NO and cAMP as probable downstream effectors of Flt-1 activation.

Diagnosis and follow-up of cystinuria: use of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy of urine (as well as of other biological fluids) is a very powerful technique enabling multi-component analysis useful in both diagnosis and follow-up of a wide range of inherited metabolic diseases. Among these pathologies, cystinuria is characterised by accumulation in urine of four dibasic amino acids, namely lysine, arginine, ornithine and cystine; the last one, being only slightly water soluble, generates urolithiasis. The mentioned aminoacids can be detected in the urine NMR spectrum of cystinuric patients, the most abundant being the lysine (5 mM and over are often detected), whose typical signals become very high; arginine and ornithine are also usually detectable, although pathologic concentrations are lower (usually below 2mM). The proposed NMR technique is also suitable in monitoring the therapy with alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine (MPG), providing quantitation of several metabolites of interest in the follow-up of the pathology, like cystine, creatinine and citrate.

Noninvasive evaluation of arterial abnormalities in young patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Neurofibromatosis regroups at least two different autosomal dominant genetic disorders: neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Vascular disease is an underestimated complication of NF1. Few studies are available on this, all based on case reports. Neurofibromin, NF1 protein product, has also been detected in aortic smooth muscle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical properties of the vessels, by measuring the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). This parameter was assessed by the Complior, a new noninvasive, validated device, used to screen a large population. The authors studied 64 neurofibromatosis patients (34 boys and 30 girls) with a mean age of 12 years (range 5-25 years). To investigate the presence of vascular lesions, aortic stiffness was evaluated by carotid-femoral PWV by using an automatic processor (Complior). They compared data from the PWV with a control group (30 healthy children, 17 boys and 13 girls, mean age 11 years, range 5-23 years). The calculated mean PWV in the control group was 6.5 +/- 1.15 m/s. The mean PWV of the 64 young patients with NF1 was 6.3 +/- 1.02 m/s. There was no difference between the two groups (p=0.39). Nevertheless, analysis of the linear regression has shown a linear relationship between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and PWV in the control group, while in NF1 patients this relationship is not present. The authors suggest that the coexistence of different factors, such as intimal proliferation, thinning media, fragmentation of the elastic tissue, irregularity, stenosis and tortuosity of the vessels, dysplasia of the small vessels, that counterbalance PWV, normalize the mean value. They emphasize the importance of a careful vascular evaluation, using noninvasive method, such as Complior. This device is well accepted by NF1 patients.

Manifestations and treatment of Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia: 14 new cases and a review of the literature.

UNLABELLED: Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD) is a rare autosomal recessive spondylo-epiphyseal dysplasia. The characteristic features of SIOD include 1) short stature with hyperpigmented macules and an unusual facies, 2) proteinuria with progressive renal failure, 3) lymphopenia with recurrent infections, and 4) cerebral ischaemia. Although 25 patients have been reported with this disorder, the clinical course and phenotype of SIOD are not well characterized. This report summarizes the clinical findings, course and treatment of reported patients and includes 14 additional patients with SIOD. We emphasize the high incidence of cerebral ischaemia and ocular abnormalities, define the high incidence of thyroid dysfunction and blood cytopenia, and confirm the absence of effective and durable medical therapies. CONCLUSION: Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia is a multi-system autosomal recessive disorder with variable expression that affects the skeletal, renal, immune, vascular, and haematopoietic systems. Medical therapy is limited especially for more severely affected individuals.

The growth of malignant and nonmalignant human cells is modulated by a human placental extract.

BACKGROUND: In the present paper, malignant and nonmalignant human cells were compared in their response to a fraction (fraction D, FD) of a human placental extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The activity of FD was tested on cell proliferation both in the absence and in the presence of 5%, 10% and 15% fetal bovine serum (FBS). For cells growing in monolayers, the medium was renewed with fresh medium containing FD 24 hours after plating and 3 days after the first exposure. In breast cancer cells only, it was also changed after 6 days. For leukemic cells, which grow in suspension, FD was added directly to the medium the day of the seeding and then after 3 and 6 days. RESULTS: In normal fibroblasts, when plated at a low density, a strong inhibitory effect on cell growth was seen with the highest FD dose. This effect was observed in the presence of 5% and 10% FBS, while it disappeared with 15% FBS. In endothelial cells, FD, in the presence of 5% or 10% FBS, produced a modest but constant inhibition of cell proliferation, which was evident after a short treatment and with almost every dose of FD. Breast cancer and leukemic cell lines, plated at a standard density, were markedly inhibited by FD, but this effect was reversed in serum-free conditions, at least in mammary cells. In leukemic cells, after an initial stimulatory effect, FD was not able to counterbalance the absence of serum. CONCLUSIONS: Our data seem to suggest that in FD both stimulating and inhibitory growth-factors coexist, the activity of which are greatly influenced by the culture conditions used.

Sensitivity of human melanoma cells to oestrogens, tamoxifen and quercetin: is there any relationship with type I and II oestrogen binding site expression?

We investigated the effect of oestrogens, anti-oestrogens and flavonoids on the growth of a human melanoma cell line (SK-Mel-28) and, at the same time, the presence of both type I oestrogen receptors (ERs) and type II oestrogen binding sites (type II EBS) to gain a fuller picture of the relationship between melanoma cell proliferation and receptor status. 17beta-Oestradiol (E2) and the flavonoid quercetin (Q) produced a marked inhibition of proliferation, but only at the highest dose used (10(-5) M) and only when added daily to the medium. Diethylstilboestrol (DES) (10(-5) M) was effective in inhibiting cell growth when the medium was renewed every 3 days and produced a more pronounced reduction when added daily to the medium. Tamoxifen (TAM) inhibited cell proliferation at a dose starting from 10(-7) M when the medium was renewed every 3 days. When added daily to the medium, it did not induce a greater inhibitory effect and it was cytotoxic at 5 x 10(-6) M and 10(-5) M. The antiproliferative effect of E2, DES and Q did not seem to be dependent on their interaction with ERs, which were minimally detected in SK-Mel-28 in both immunocytochemical and biochemical assays. Our model revealed, through a biochemical assay, a large number of type II EBSs which could be involved in the anti-oestrogen action, but this does not exclude the involvement of other mechanisms. Finally, TAM (10(-5) M) appeared to reduce the activity of the DNA repair enzyme O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase, an effect that could be interesting from the point of view of the therapeutic efficacy of alkylating agents.

[Hormone receptors and growth factors in carcinoma of the prostate]. / Recettori ormonali e fattori di crescita nel carcinoma della prostata.

The therapeutic and prognostic significance of androgen receptors in prostatic carcinoma has been examined on the basis of data obtained with the different techniques used in receptor determination. Moreover, the role of some polypeptide growth factors in the regulation of prostatic cancer growth and progression has been reviewed. Great attention has been focused on in vitro models utilized to investigate androgen receptor alterations and the effects of the different positive and negative regulators of prostatic carcinoma cell growth.