Multiplex real-time PCR and culture methods for detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella Thompson in strawberries, a lettuce mix and basil.

An appropriate approach of high throughput multi-screening was verified for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Salmonella spp. in strawberries, lettuce and basil. Sample replicates were inoculated with STEC O157 or O26 and Salmonella Thompson (ca. 10-70, 100-700 and 1000-7000 cfu/25 g) and analysed after 1 and 5 days of storage (strawberries and lettuce at 7 °C and basil at 10 °C). After 18-24 h of enrichment at 37 °C in buffered peptone water, detection was performed using the GeneDisc multiplex PCR (stx1, stx2, eae and iroB genes) and selective culture media for isolation of STEC (with immunomagnetic separation (IMS)) and Salmonella spp. in parallel. After 1 day, the pathogenic strains were recovered from all samples for all inoculum levels, whereas reduced detection rates of STEC O157 and S. Thompson were observed after 5 days of storage in case of strawberries, in particular for the lowest inoculums level, suggesting superior survival potential for STEC O26. Overall, this study indicates the ability of PCR based screening methods for reproducible multi-detection of low numbers (10-70 cfu/25 g) of STEC and Salmonella in this type of foods. However, for the basil samples, PCR needed twofold dilution of the DNA extract to overcome inhibition. It was noted that on several occasions growth of competitive microbiota obstructed finding presumptive colonies on the selective agar media, whereas the use of an additional agar medium such as CHROMagar STEC (without IMS) improved recovery rate of STEC.

A systematic literature review of the efficacy and safety of the Prostar XL device for the closure of large femoral arterial access sites in patients undergoing percutaneous endovascular aortic procedures.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and analyse existing evidence from published studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of a percutaneous vessel closure device for the closure of large arterial femoral arterial access sites (≥ 10 French). DESIGN: This study was a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for studies published on the evaluation of the Prostar XL vessel closure device. There was no restriction by study design or patient population. Appraisal of studies for inclusion and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed where feasible. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included, which reported data specifically for closure of large (≥ 10 Fr) femoral arterial access sites using the Prostar XL device. The Prostar XL device, used for closure of these large femoral artery access sites, had a high rate of procedural success equal to that reported for closure by femoral artery surgical cut-down. There was evidence for reduced procedural time, time to discharge and time to ambulation. Complication rates were lower, but not significantly so, with Prostar XL vs. surgical cut-down. CONCLUSIONS: The Prostar XL is an effective and safe device for use in percutaneous closure of large (≥ 10 Fr) femoral artery access sites, comparable to open surgical femoral artery cut-down. Furthermore, it may reduce procedure times and hospitalisations, thereby leading to potential cost savings.

Functional neuroanatomy of the noradrenergic locus coeruleus: its roles in the regulation of arousal and autonomic function part I: principles of functional organisation.

The locus coeruleus (LC) is the major noradrenergic nucleus of the brain, giving rise to fibres innervating extensive areas throughout the neuraxis. Recent advances in neuroscience have resulted in the unravelling of the neuronal circuits controlling a number of physiological functions in which the LC plays a central role. Two such functions are the regulation of arousal and autonomic activity, which are inseparably linked largely via the involvement of the LC. The LC is a major wakefulness-promoting nucleus, resulting from dense excitatory projections to the majority of the cerebral cortex, cholinergic neurones of the basal forebrain, cortically-projecting neurones of the thalamus, serotoninergic neurones of the dorsal raphe and cholinergic neurones of the pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, and substantial inhibitory projections to sleep-promoting GABAergic neurones of the basal forebrain and ventrolateral preoptic area. Activation of the LC thus results in the enhancement of alertness through the innervation of these varied nuclei. The importance of the LC in controlling autonomic function results from both direct projections to the spinal cord and projections to autonomic nuclei including the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, the nucleus ambiguus, the rostroventrolateral medulla, the Edinger-Westphal nucleus, the caudal raphe, the salivatory nuclei, the paraventricular nucleus, and the amygdala. LC activation produces an increase in sympathetic activity and a decrease in parasympathetic activity via these projections. Alterations in LC activity therefore result in complex patterns of neuronal activity throughout the brain, observed as changes in measures of arousal and autonomic function.

Functional neuroanatomy of the noradrenergic locus coeruleus: its roles in the regulation of arousal and autonomic function part II: physiological and pharmacological manipulations and pathological alterations of locus coeruleus activity in humans.

The locus coeruleus (LC), the major noradrenergic nucleus of the brain, gives rise to fibres innervating most structures of the neuraxis. Recent advances in neuroscience have helped to unravel the neuronal circuitry controlling a number of physiological functions in which the LC plays a central role. Two such functions are the regulation of arousal and autonomic activity, which are inseparably linked largely via the involvement of the LC. Alterations in LC activity due to physiological or pharmacological manipulations or pathological processes can lead to distinct patterns of change in arousal and autonomic function. Physiological manipulations considered here include the presentation of noxious or anxiety-provoking stimuli and extremes in ambient temperature. The modification of LC-controlled functions by drug administration is discussed in detail, including drugs which directly modify the activity of LC neurones (e.g., via autoreceptors, storage, reuptake) or have an indirect effect through modulating excitatory or inhibitory inputs. The early vulnerability of the LC to the ageing process and to neurodegenerative disease (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases) is of considerable clinical significance. In general, physiological manipulations and the administration of stimulant drugs, alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonists and noradrenaline uptake inhibitors increase LC activity and thus cause heightened arousal and activation of the sympathetic nervous system. In contrast, the administration of sedative drugs, including alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonists, and pathological changes in LC function in neurodegenerative disorders and ageing reduce LC activity and result in sedation and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Arousal and the pupil: why diazepam-induced sedation is not accompanied by miosis.

RATIONALE: There is a close relationship between arousal and pupil diameter, decrease in the level of arousal being accompanied by constriction of the pupil (miosis), probably reflecting the attenuation of sympathetic outflow as sedation sets in. Paradoxically, sedation induced by benzodiazepines is not accompanied by miosis. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the hypothesis that diazepam may attenuate both the sympathetic and the opposing parasympathetic outflow to the iris, which may mask the miosis. Dapiprazole (sympatholytic) and tropicamide (parasympatholytic) were applied topically, together with the cold pressor test (CPT), to manipulate the sympathetic/parasympathetic balance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen healthy male volunteers participated in four weekly sessions according to a balanced double-blind protocol. Diazepam 10 mg (two sessions) and placebo (two sessions), associated with either 0.01% tropicamide or 0.5% dapiprazole eyedrops, were administered orally. Pupil diameter, light and darkness reflexes and pupillary sleepiness waves were recorded with infrared video pupillometry, alertness was measured by critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) and visual analogue scales (VAS), blood pressure and heart rate by conventional methods. CPT was applied after post-treatment testing. Data were analysed by analysis of variance, with multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Diazepam caused sedation (reduction in VAS alertness scores and CFFF, increase in sleepiness waves), dapiprazole had a sympatholytic and tropicamide a parasympatholytic effect on the pupil. Diazepam had no effect on pupil diameter and reflexes or their modifications by the antagonists. CPT increased pupil diameter, blood pressure and heart rate, and the increase only in systolic blood pressure was attenuated by diazepam. CONCLUSIONS: Diazepam-induced sedation is not accompanied by any change in either the sympathetic or parasympathetic influence on the iris.

Diazepam-induced disruption of classically-conditioned fear-potentiation of late-latency auditory evoked potentials is prevented by flumazenil given before, but not after, CS/US pairing.

Classical fear conditioning involves pairing a neutral conditional stimulus (CS) with an aversive unconditional stimulus (US). Subsequent presentation of the CS alone induces fear responses. Acquisition of conditioned fear is thought to involve learning of the CS/US association, followed by memory consolidation. Recently we reported that the N1/P2 auditory evoked potential was enhanced by fear conditioning in humans. Diazepam 10 mg, given before CS/US pairing, prevented subsequent expression of fear potentiation when the response was elicited, 1 week later, in the presence of the CS. In this experiment, we examined whether this effect of diazepam was caused by disruption of the formation of CS/US associations or by disruption of consolidation. The benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil was used to block the effect of diazepam either during the association period or during subsequent consolidation. Forty-two male volunteers (18-35 years) participated in two sessions separated by 7 days. In Session One, they ingested diazepam 10 mg or placebo: 60 minutes later they received flumazenil 1 mg or saline intravenously (i.v.). Then they received 20 presentations of a light (CS), 50% of which terminated with electric shock (US). This was followed by a second infusion of flumazenil or saline. Subjects received placebo/saline/saline (Group 1), diazepam/saline/saline (Group 2), diazepam/flumazenil/saline (Group 3) and diazepam/saline/flumazenil (Group 4). In Session Two, the CS was presented without the US; 50% of CS presentations terminated with a sound pulse; an equal number of sound pulses were presented without the CS. Auditory evoked potentials were recorded at Cz. In Session Two, CS presentation enhanced the auditory N1/P2 potential in placebo-treated subjects (Group 1). This enhancement was prevented by diazepam (Group 2). Flumazenil reversed diazepam's effect on fear potentiation if it was administered before conditioning (Group 3), but not if it was administered afterwards (Group 4). The results confirm that diazepam prevents the acquisition of fear conditioning in humans, and suggest that it disrupts the formation of CS/US associations, rather than the consolidation of fear memory.

Comparison of pramipexole and amisulpride on alertness, autonomic and endocrine functions in healthy volunteers.

RATIONALE: In a previous study in healthy volunteers, the anti-Parkinsonian drug pramipexole caused sedation and pupil dilatation, consistent with the stimulation of inhibitory D(2)/D(3) autoreceptors on the ventral tegmental area dopaminergic neurones. The sedation may be related to the removal of the dopaminergic excitation of the locus coeruleus (via the meso-coerulear pathway), whereas the pupil dilatation may be due to the removal of the dopaminergic excitation of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus (via a putative meso-pupillomotor pathway). OBJECTIVES: We investigated the hypothesis that amisulpride, a D(2)/D(3) receptor antagonist, would have effects opposite to those of pramipexole on alertness, pupillary and endocrine functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pramipexole (0.5 mg), amisulpride (50 mg), and their combination were administered to 16 healthy males in a balanced, cross-over, double-blind design. Tests included measures of alertness (Pupillographic Sleepiness Test, critical flicker fusion frequency, visual analogue scales), pupillary functions (resting pupil diameter, light and darkness reflex responses), non-pupillary autonomic functions (heart rate, blood pressure, salivation, core temperature), and endocrine functions [blood concentrations of prolactin, growth hormone (GH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)]. Data were analysed by ANOVA. RESULTS: Pramipexole reduced alertness and pupillary light reflex response amplitude, tended to reduce core temperature, reduced prolactin levels and increased GH levels. Amisulpride reduced pupil diameter, increased the amplitude of the light reflex response and prolactin and TSH levels. CONCLUSIONS: The opposite effects of pramipexole and amisulpride on alertness, pupillary function and pituitary hormone levels are consistent with their interactions with inhibitory D(2)/D(3) receptors on VTA neurones and in the tuberoinfundibular system.

Comparison of pramipexole and modafinil on arousal, autonomic, and endocrine functions in healthy volunteers.

The noradrenergic locus coeruleus is a major wakefulness-promoting nucleus of the brain, which is also involved in the regulation of autonomic and endocrine functions. The activity of the locus coeruleus is believed to be tonically enhanced by a mesocoerulear dopaminergic pathway arising from the ventral tegmental area of the midbrain. Both modafinil, a wakefulness-promoting drug, and pramipexole, a D(2)/D(3)receptor agonist with sedative properties, may act on this pathway, with modafinil increasing and pramipexole decreasing locus coeruleus activity. The aim of this study was to compare the two drugs on alertness, autonomic and endocrine functions in healthy volunteers. Pramipexole (0.5mg), modafinil (200mg), and their combination were administered to 16 healthy males in a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Methods included tests of alertness (pupillographic sleepiness test, critical flicker fusion frequency, visual analogue scales), autonomic functions (resting pupil diameter, light and darkness reflex responses, heart rate, blood pressure, salivation, core temperature), and endocrine functions (blood concentrations of prolactin, growth hormone, and thyroid stimulating hormone). Data were analysed by ANOVA. Pramipexole reduced alertness, caused pupil dilatation, increased heart rate, reduced prolactin and thyroid stimulating hormone, and increased growth hormone level. Modafinil caused small increases in blood pressure and core temperature, and reduced prolactin levels. The sedative effect of pramipexole and the autonomic effects of modafinil are consistent with altered activity in the mesocoerulear pathway; the pupil dilatation following pramipexole suggests reduced dopaminergic excitation of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus.

Why patients with Alzheimer's disease may show increased sensitivity to tropicamide eye drops: role of locus coeruleus.

RATIONALE: Patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD) may show increased sensitivity to tropicamide, a muscarinic cholinoceptor antagonist. AD is associated with a severe loss of noradrenergic neurones in the locus coeruleus (LC), which can be "switched off" experimentally by the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine. The possibility arises that increased pupillary sensitivity to tropicamide in AD may be due to diminished LC activity. OBJECTIVE: To examine the hypothesis that clonidine may potentiate tropicamide-evoked mydriasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen healthy male volunteers participated in two experimental sessions (0.2 mg clonidine or placebo) conducted 1 week apart. In each session tropicamide (0.01% 10 microl x 2) was applied to the left eye and artificial tear (10 microl x 2) was applied to the right eye. Pupillary functions (resting pupil diameter and light and darkness reflexes), alertness and non-pupillary autonomic functions (blood pressure, heart rate, core temperature and salivary output) were measured. Data were analysed by ANOVA, with multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Tropicamide increased resting pupil diameter, velocity and amplitude of the darkness reflex response, and decreased recovery time of the light reflex response. Clonidine affected all these pupillary measures in the opposite direction with the exception of the recovery time. The mydriatic response to tropicamide was potentiated by pre-treatment with clonidine. Clonidine reduced critical flicker fusion frequency, subjective alertness, blood pressure, salivation and temperature. CONCLUSIONS: The potentiation of tropicamide-evoked pupil dilatation by clonidine may be due to the abolition of the increase in parasympathetically mediated pupil constriction due to reduced LC activity.

Gynaecologic cancer incidence, Kingston and St Andrew, Jamaica, 1973-1997, and gynaecologic cancer mortality, Jamaica, 1999

The incidence of gynaecologic cancers in women from Kingston and St Andrew for the period 1973-1997 were reviewed by analyzing data previously published by the Jamaica Cancer Registry. Gynaecologic cancer-related mortality statistics for the entire island for 1999 were compiled from data obtained from the Registrar General's Department (RGD) and the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). Data were compared to gynaecologic cancer statistics for women from the United States of America for 1973-1997. A total of 2862 gynaecologic cancers were registered for the years 1973-1997, which represents 26.8 of all female cancers from Kingston and St Andrew. Cervical cancer accounted for 62 of these gynaecologic cancers. The 268 cancer-related deaths (168 due to cervical cancer) registered in Jamaican women for 1999 represent approximately 15 of all female cancer-related deaths. The present incidence (27.9 per 100,000) and mortality rate (15.8 per 100,000) of cervical cancer are much higher than that documented for American women--both African Americans and Caucasians--and signify the limited success, to date, of efforts to decrease the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer by the implementation of cervical cancer screening programmes. For the time period reviewed, an increase was noted in the incidence of cancer of the corpus uteri while decreases were recorded for the incidence of choriocarcinoma, ovarian cancer and cancers arising from the vulva, vagina and fallopian tube

Gynaecologic cancer incidence, Kingston and St Andrew, Jamaica, 1973-1997, and gynaecologic cancer mortality, Jamaica, 1999.

The incidence of gynaecologic cancers in women from Kingston and St Andrew for the period 1973-1997 were reviewed by analyzing data previously published by the Jamaica Cancer Registry. Gynaecologic cancer-related mortality statistics for the entire island for 1999 were compiled from data obtained from the Registrar General's Department (RGD) and the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). Data were compared to gynaecologic cancer statistics for women from the United States of America for 1973-1997. A total of 2862 gynaecologic cancers were registered for the years 1973-1997, which represents 26.8% of all female cancers from Kingston and St Andrew. Cervical cancer accounted for 62% of these gynaecologic cancers. The 268 cancer-related deaths (168 due to cervical cancer) registered in Jamaican women for 1999 represent approximately 15% of all female cancer-related deaths. The present incidence (27.9 per 100,000) and mortality rate (15.8 per 100,000) of cervical cancer are much higher than that documented for American women--both African Americans and Caucasians--and signify the limited success, to date, of efforts to decrease the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer by the implementation of cervical cancer screening programmes. For the time period reviewed, an increase was noted in the incidence of cancer of the corpus uteri while decreases were recorded for the incidence of choriocarcinoma, ovarian cancer and cancers arising from the vulva, vagina and fallopian tube.

Jamaica cancer mortality statistics, 1999.

A total of 2697 cancer-related deaths were documented among Jamaicans for the year 1999, accounting for 17.7% of all deaths. Males accounted for 1466 and females for 1231. The age-adjusted cancer mortality rate was 171.7 per 100,000 for males, 122.0 per 100,000 for females and 140.5 per 100,000 for the total population. Leading cancer mortality sites for males were prostate, lung and stomach and in females, breast, cervix uteri and large bowel. Most deaths were recorded in the 55-64 and 65-74 year-age groups. Despite well-established cervical cancer screening programmes, the calculated mortality rate for cancer of the cervix uteri in Jamaican females (15.8 per 100,000) is approximately two and a half times that seen in African-American females.

Jamaica cancer mortality statistics, 1999

A total of 2697 cancer-related deaths were documented among Jamaicans for the year 1999, accounting for 17.7 of all deaths. Males accounted for 1466 and females for 1231. The age-adjusted cancer mortality rate was 171.7 per 100,000 for males, 122.0 per 100,000 for females and 140.5 per 100,000 for the total population. Leading cancer mortality sites for males were prostate, lung and stomach and in females, breast, cervix uteri and large bowel. Most deaths were recorded in the 55-64 and 65-74 year-age groups. Despite well-established cervical cancer screening programmes, the calculated mortality rate for cancer of the cervix uteri in Jamaican females (15.8 per 100,000) is approximately two and a half times that seen in African-American females.

Age-specific incidence of cancer in Kingston and St Andrew, Jamaica, 1993-1997.

A total of 4285 malignant neoplasms were recorded in Kingston and St. Andrew during the period 1993-1997, 2344 in females and 1941 in males. The crude incidence rate per 100,000 (CIR) for males was 121.6 and for females 129.2. Age standardized rates per 100,000 (ASR) were 156.7 and 176.7 for males and females respectively. In males, the leading sites for cancer were prostate (619 cases), bronchus (265 cases) and large bowel (144 cases) while in females the leading sites were breast (627 cases) cervix uteri (376 cases) and large bowel (204 cases). The crude and age standardized incidence rates have remained stable as compared to those for the previous five year period (1998-1992). The leading sites for both males and females have also been maintained in the same order but there was a marked increase in prostate cancer (ASR 56.4 versus 36). Invasive cervical cancer has shown no significant change in incidence (ASR 25.2 versus 26.3) but the rate for in-situ cancers has decreased (ASR 27.4 versus 43.8). The incidence of cancer of the female breast has remained relatively stable (ASR 43.2 versus 47.1). The trends exhibited by both prostate cancer and in-situ cervical cancer probably represent the influence of screening methods for prostate cancer and ablative management for low grade dysplastic lesions of the cervix uteri respectively.

Age - specific incidence of cancer in Kingston and St. Andrew, Jamaica, 1993-1997

A total of 4285 malignant neoplasms were recorded in Kingston and St. Andrew during the period 1993-1997. 2344 in females and 1941 in males. The crude incidence rate per 100,000 (CIR) for males was 121.6 and for females 129.2. Age standardized rates per 100,0000 (ASR) were 156.7 and 176.7 for males and females respectively. In males, the leading sites for cancer were prostate (619 cases), bronchus (265 cases) and large bowel (144 cases) while in females the leading sites were breast (627 cases) cervix uteri (376 cases) and large bowel (204 cases). The crude and age standardized incidence rates have remained stable as compared to those for the previous five year period (1988-1992). The leading sites for both males and females have also been maintained in the same order but there was a marked increase in prostate cancer (ASR 56.4 versus 36). Invasive cervial cancer has shown no significant change in incidence (ASR 25.2 versus 26.3) but the rate for in-situ cancers has decreased (ASR 27.4 versus 43.8). The incidence of cancer of the female breast has remained relatively stable (ASR 43.2 versus 47.1). The trends exhibited by both prostate cancer and in-situ cervical cancer probably represent the influence of screening methods for prostate cancer and ablative management for low grade dysplastic lesions of the cervix uteri respectively.(Au)

Age-specific incidence of cancer in Kingston and St Andrew, Jamaica, 1993-1997

A total of 4285 malignant neoplasms were recorded in Kingston and St. Andrew during the period 1993-1997, 2344 in females and 1941 in males. The crude incidence rate per 100,000 (CIR) for males was 121.6 and for females 129.2. Age standardized rates per 100,000 (ASR) were 156.7 and 176.7 for males and females respectively. In males, the leading sites for cancer were prostate (619 cases), bronchus (265 cases) and large bowel (144 cases) while in females the leading sites were breast (627 cases) cervix uteri (376 cases) and large bowel (204 cases). The crude and age standardized incidence rates have remained stable as compared to those for the previous five year period (1998-1992). The leading sites for both males and females have also been maintained in the same order but there was a marked increase in prostate cancer (ASR 56.4 versus 36). Invasive cervical cancer has shown no significant change in incidence (ASR 25.2 versus 26.3) but the rate for in-situ cancers has decreased (ASR 27.4 versus 43.8). The incidence of cancer of the female breast has remained relatively stable (ASR 43.2 versus 47.1). The trends exhibited by both prostate cancer and in-situ cervical cancer probably represent the influence of screening methods for prostate cancer and ablative management for low grade dysplastic lesions of the cervix uteri respectively.

Calcium-PS-dependent protein kinase C and surfactant protein A in isolated fetal rabbit type II alveolar cells and surfactant-related material.

The fetal lung secretes significant quantities of surfactant during late gestation to prepare for initiation of respiration at birth. However, the mechanism by which this occurs has not been determined. Since Ca2+-phosphatidylserine (PS)-dependent protein kinase C has been implicated in surfactant secretion in adult lung, the present study was done to determine whether this enzyme is also involved in the initiation of surfactant release from fetal type II cells. Type II cells isolated from gestational day-24 fetal rabbits were used. Cells were prelabelled with [32P] and [3H]choline and exposed to 4beta phorbol ester (10(-5) M) for 2 h. Secretion product and subcellular fractions were isolated by removing the culture medium, mixing with homogenate from adult rabbit lung, and subfractionating by centrifugation on a sucrose gradient. Samples of secretion product were also prepared for electron microscopy. Ca2+-PS-dependent protein kinase C was also assayed in some samples, and an add-back technique was used to determine whether enzyme activity in the intracellularly stored surfactant fraction was due to contamination. The results showed that material released by fetal type II cells after exposure to phorbol ester coprecipitated with adult rabbit lung lamellar bodies and microsomes. Morphologically, a range of forms, including lamellar-body-like structures, was detected. The released material originated largely from the lamellar body compartment of the fetal type II cells and displayed immunoreactivity with antibody to surfactant protein A (SP-A) at 35 and 70 kDa apparent molecular mass. Assay of protein kinase C in fetal type II cells showed that exposure to conditioned medium, which induces differentiation, increased activity. Incubation with phorbol ester induced translocation of activity to the microsomal fraction. Add-back assays suggested that protein kinase C activation by treatment with phorbol ester induced translocation of enzyme activity to the lamellar body fraction; none was detected prior to treatment. These results support a role for Ca2+-PS-dependent protein kinase C in initiation of surfactant release by interaction with the developing lamellar body compartment in fetal type II cells.

Even My Hair Won't Grow Straight.

ABSTRACT The author narrates the experience of growing her hair long after years of keeping it short, and ponders the "the socioculturo-sexual implications of hair growth." While her lesbian friends respond with curiosity and doubt, the rest of the world,Including her grandmother, wants to see long hair as a return to traditional (straight) femininity.

Age-specific incidence of cancer in Kingston and St. Andrew, Jamaica, 1988-1992.

During the period 1988-1992, a total of 4,030 malignant neoplasms were recorded in Kingston and St. Andrew, Jamaica. These comprised 1,829 in males and 2,201 in females. Histological confirmation was obtained in 83.4%. The crude incidence rate for males was 128.5, and 136.2 for females. The age-standardized rates (ASR) were 179.9 for males and 166.1 for females. Age-specific rates by site, sex and age are tabulated. Attention is drawn to increased incidence for cancers of prostate, larynx, bronchus and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in males. There was also an increase in female breast cancer (crude rate 36.0; ASR 47.1). Invasive cervix cancer has shown no significant change in incidence. Neoplasms of the body of the uterus have increased (crude rate 7.6; ASR 9.5). The rise in cancer of breast and body of uterus suggests that the influence of exogenous oestrogens should be considered.

Age-specific incidence of cancer in Kingston and St Andrew, Jamaica, 1988-1992

During the period 1988 - 1992, a total of 4,030 malignant neoplasms were recorded in Kingston and St. Andrew, Jamaica. These comprised 1,829 males and 2,201 in females. Histological confirmation was obtained in 83.4 percent. The crude incidence rate for males was 128.5, and 136.2 for females. The age-standardized rates (ASR) were 179.9 for males and 166.1 for females. Age-specifics rates by site, sex and age are tabulated. Attention is drawn to increased incidence for cancers of prostate, larynx, bronchus and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in males. There was also an increase in female breast cancer (crude rate 36.0; ASR 47.1). Invasive cervix cancer has shown no significant change in incidence. Neoplasms of the body of the uterus have increased (crude rate 7.6; ASR 9.5). The rise in cancer of breast and body of uterus suggests that the influence of exogenous oestrogens should be considered (AU)