Breastfeeding perceptions in communities in Mangochi district in Malawi.

AIM: To investigate mothers' perceptions of breastfeeding and influences from their social network. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Mangochi district, Malawi where questionnaire data from 157 rural and 192 semi-urban mother-infant pairs were obtained. RESULTS: The proportion of mothers who thought that exclusive breastfeeding should last for 6 months and those who reported to have actually exclusively breastfed were 40.1% and 7.5% respectively. Of those who reported practising exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, 77.5% stated that exclusive breastfeeding should last for 6 months. This opinion was independently associated with giving birth in a Baby-Friendly facility, OR = 5.22; 95% CI (1.92-14.16). Among the mothers who thought that exclusive breastfeeding should last for less than 6 months, 43.9% reported having been influenced in their opinion by health workers. Infant crying was the most common (62.4%) reason for stopping exclusive breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: The findings illustrate the positive impact health workers can have, as well as the need to raise awareness of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding among both health workers and mothers. Furthermore, continued counselling of mothers on how to deal with stressful infant behaviour such as crying may assist to prolong exclusive breastfeeding.

Determination of intrinsic viscosity of poly(ethylene terephthalate) using infrared spectroscopy and multivariate calibration method.

A methodology was developed to determine the intrinsic viscosity of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and multivariate calibration (MVC) methods. Multivariate partial least squares calibration was applied to the spectra using mean centering and cross validation. The results were correlated to the intrinsic viscosities determined by the standard chemical method (ASTM D 4603-01) and a very good correlation for values in the range from 0.346 to 0.780dLg(-1) (relative viscosity values ca. 1.185-1.449) was observed. The spectrophotometer detector sensitivity and the humidity of the samples did not influence the results. The methodology developed is interesting because it does not produce hazardous wastes, avoids the use of time-consuming chemical methods and can rapidly predict the intrinsic viscosity of PET samples over a large range of values, which includes those of recycled materials.

Factors influencing acceptability of voluntary counselling and HIV-testing among pregnant women in Northern Tanzania.

Guided by the conceptual framework of the Health Belief Model, this study aimed to identify factors associated with pregnant women's expressed willingness to accept voluntary counselling and HIV-testing (VCT). A cross-sectional interview survey of 500 pregnant women, complemented by focus group discussions, was conducted in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. Constructs derived from the Health Belief Model explained 41.7% of women's willingness to accept VCT. Perceived high personal susceptibility to HIV/AIDS, barriers related to confidentiality and partner involvement, self-efficacy regarding alternative feeding methods and religion were all shown to be associated with willingness to accept VCT. The women's acceptance of VCT seems to depend upon their perceiving that VCT and alternative feeding strategies provide clear benefits, primarily for the child. Whether a positive attitude to VCT and alternative feeding strategies are transformed into actual behaviour depends on a set of complicated decisions in which several potential psychological consequences are assessed. Sharing the diagnosis with partners may not have the intended effect if there is a lack of sensitivity to the women's fear of blame and rejection. If pregnant women are to fully participate in and benefit from mother-to-child-transmission prevention efforts, their partners must be committed and involved in the process.

Exclusive breastfeeding in the era of AIDS.

The aim of this study was to describe breastfeeding practices, as well as what pregnant women know about breastfeeding and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, and explore factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding, especially in the presence of HIV/AIDS. A cross-sectional interview survey of 500 pregnant women was conducted in the Kilimanjaro region, supplemented by focus group discussions with pregnant women. Among the 309 mothers having previously breastfed, 85% had initiated breastfeeding within the first few hours postpartum, and 18% of newborns received some prelacteal food. Mean duration of breast-feeding was 23.7 months, but 46% of mothers had introduced other fluids early. Knowledge of HIV-transmission through breastfeeding was not associated with breastfeeding practices. Married women (odds ratio [OR] = .09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .04-.24) and those having knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding (OR = .08, 95% CI = .02-.31) were the least likely to end exclusive breastfeeding early. Exclusive breastfeeding is a rare practice, and MTCT of HIV may further complicate recommendations with regard to this practice.

Pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion with mitoxantrone in ovarian cancer.

PURPOSE: Theoretical data and experimental assumptions indicate that intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy may play a role in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis. The feasibility, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion with mitoxantrone were studied in patients with pretreated ovarian cancer. METHODS: After cytoreductive surgery, 11 patients underwent intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion with mitoxantrone. A heated (42-43 degrees C) solution of the drug (28 mg/m2) was recycled through a perfusion apparatus into the abdominal cavity for 90 min. Treatment was repeated every month for two to four cycles. In six patients blood and peritoneal perfusate samples were collected at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 h after drug administration and mitoxantrone was assayed by an HPLC method. RESULTS: Although treatment was generally well tolerated, all patients developed transient intestinal subocclusion. Maximal mitoxantrone plasma concentrations (Cmax), times to Cmax (Tpeak) and area under the curves (AUC) were highly variable between subjects (Cmax 14-337 ng/ml; Tpeak 0.5-8 h; AUC 222-4130 ng x ml(-1) x h). The plasma to peritoneal fluid AUC ratio was significantly higher during the second (0.177) than during the first cycle (0.066), suggesting a cycle-dependent increase in systemic bioavailability. Furthermore, when comparing present data with those reported previously, hyperthermic perfusion may have lowered the mitoxantrone levels in the peritoneal fluid without greatly influencing plasma levels. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal mitoxantrone administered under hyperthermia to advanced ovarian cancer patients is feasible and well tolerated. Mitoxantrone pharmacokinetics may be altered by repeated intraperitoneal administration (increased bioavailability) and by hyperthermic perfusion (possibly, increased peritoneal tissue uptake).

Proteases in gastrointestinal neoplastic diseases.

Cysteine and serine proteases are involved in cancer invasion and metastasis. In the past few years we investigated the tissue levels of these proteases in gastric cancer (GC), gastric precancerous changes (CAG), colorectal cancer (CRC) and the plasma and serum levels of proteases in several gastrointestinal tumours, using ELISA methods. Significantly higher antigen levels were found not only in GC tissue but also in CAG with respect to the levels found normal tissue; with respect to CAG, patients with dysplasia had higher levels than patients without dysplasia. The same findings were obtained in CRC. In general protease levels correlated with the major histomorphological parameters, such as grading and histotype in GC as well as in CRC. Tissue protease levels had a strong prognostic impact in GC, in which UPA was singled out by multivariate analysis as the major prognostic factor, and CRC. The plasma levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (UPA) and the serum levels of cathepsin B were significantly increased in patients with gastrointestinal tumours. In conclusions, cysteine and serine proteases may have a part not only in GC and CRC invasion and metastasis, but also in the progression of gastric precancerous changes into cancer. They are strong prognostic factors in GC and CRC. These proteases may also have a role as tumour markers in the early diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract tumours.

Identification of local Th2 and Th0 lymphocytes in vernal conjunctivitis by cytokine flow cytometry.

PURPOSE: Th2 lymphocytes may play a key role in the development of allergic diseases such as vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Cytokine flow cytometry of tear samples was used to identify the phenotypical and functional properties of lymphocytes at the actual site of the allergic reaction. METHODS: Tear and blood samples were obtained from patients affected by active VKC (n = 12) and from normal control subjects (n = 10). Tears were obtained after gentle scraping of the tarsal and bulbar conjunctiva. Tear and blood samples were placed in a solution of brefeldin-A, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), ionomycin, and RPMI for 4 hours and then processed for flow cytometry. Lymphocytes were marked with the monoclonal antibodies, anti-IFN-gamma and anti-interleukin (IL)-4. Levels of IL-4, IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-2R, total IgE, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), eosinophil protein X/neurotoxin (EPX), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also evaluated in serum. RESULTS: Expression of IL-4 was observed in 9.2%+/-9.5% of lymphocytes in tears of patients with VKC. Of the 12 patients with VKC, 8 (67%) had tear lymphocytes positive for IL-4 (Th2). Two patients (17%) had a double population of lymphocytes: One was positive for Th2, and the other was positive for both IL-4 and IFN-gamma (Th0). One patient (8%) was positive for IFN-gamma (Th1) only, and one patient was negative for both ILs. No differences in the percentage of Th2 lymphocytes were found between tarsal and limbal patients. The percentage of Th2 lymphocytes was significantly correlated with the severity of the disease. No positive lymphocytes were found in tears of control subjects. Eosinophils, serum IgE, ECP, and EPX were all significantly higher in VKC than in control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: In ocular allergic diseases, local lymphocytes expressed the Th2 phenotype and, to a lesser degree, the Th0 phenotype. Although results of systemic allergic markers can be inconclusive in patients with VKC, flow cytometry demonstrated a local lymphocyte phenotype that can account for the clinical and histologic abnormalities of VKC.

The role of cysteine and serine proteases in colorectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cathepsin B (CATB) and cathepsin L (CATL), which are cysteine proteases, urokinase-(UPA) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (TPA), both serine proteases, and their inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) are believed to play an important role in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) invasion and metastasis. The objective of this study was to measure CATB, CATL, UPA, TPA, and PAI-1 in the same cancerous tissue (CANCER) and in tissues obtained from a tumor free area (NORMAL) to compare their respective prognostic roles in patients with CRC. METHODS: CANCER and NORMAL samples were obtained from 60 CRC patients undergoing surgery (36 males and 24 females; mean age, 63.8 years [range, 27-85 years]). The antigen concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay method. The CANCER tissue also was examined in terms of major histomorphologic parameters such as differentiation, vascular invasion, degree of necrosis, and mucus production. RESULTS: Significantly higher antigen levels were found: 1) in CANCER versus NORMAL (with respect to CATL, UPA, and PAI-1, with significantly lower levels for TPA); 2) in CRC with versus without metastasis (CATB, CATL, and PAI-1); 3) in poorly versus well differentiated CRC (UPA and PAI-1); and 4) in advanced Dukes stages (PAI-1). CATB and CATL significantly correlated with UPA and PAI-1. Finally, CATL (P = 0.0001), UPA (P = 0.006), PAI-1 (P = 0.006), Dukes stage (P = 0.0001), presence of metastases (P = 0.003), and vascular invasion (P = 0.03) had a significant prognostic impact. CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous up-regulation of cysteine and serine proteases in CRC confirms their role in colorectal tumor biology and particularly in the process of invasion and metastasis. Together with Dukes stage, determinations of CATL, UPA, and PAI-1 have a major prognostic impact in patients with CRC.

[The role of cathepsins and the plasminogen activator/inhibitor system in colorectal cancer]. / A cathepsinek és a plasminogen activator/inhibitor rendszer viselkedése colorectalis carcinomában.

Cysteine proteases [Cathepsin B and L (CATB, CATL)] and the serine protease urokinase type plasminogen activator (UPA) with its inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) are thought to play an important part in colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis. To our knowledge, however, cathepsins and plasminogen activator/inhibitor system have not been evaluated in the same study. The authors using the ELISA method, determined the protease antigen concentrations in colorectal cancer tissue and in normal tissue distant from tumour, in 35 patients with colorectal cancer. They also evaluated the relationship that these proteases may have with the major histomorphological parameters and tumour staging. Significantly higher antigen levels were found: 1. in cancerous tissue vs. tumour free tissue (CATB, CATL, UPA, PAI-1); in colorectal cancer with vs. without metastasis (CATB, CATL, UPA, PAI-1); 3. in poorly vs. well differentiated tumours (CATB, UPA, PAI-1); 4. in advanced Dukes' stages (CATB, UPA, PAI-1). The simultaneous activation of cathepsins and plasminogen activator/inhibitor system in colorectal cancer confirms their role in colorectal tumor biology and particularly in the process of invasion and metastasis. Our results suggest the possible prognostic impact of these proteases in colorectal cancer.

Cytokines and the progression of liver damage in experimental bile duct ligation.

1. Cytokines are soluble factors whose action has been documented in physiological and pathological conditions. Some may be involved in the pathogenesis of cholestasis, whether of acute or chronic origin. 2. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1, interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) on cholestasis. Findings from Sprague-Dawley rats submitted to bile duct ligation for 1-28 days were compared with those from controls, which underwent laparotomy but not bile duct ligation. 3. Biochemical and morphological findings confirmed that the experimental procedure was successful. At the end of each follow-up period, the hepatic levels of the cytokines were determined and compared with liver histology findings. 4. The four cytokines studied showed different patterns of activation: hepatic levels of EGF, higher in the experimental than the control group, were comparable with the proliferative picture. The TGF-beta 1 pattern was correlated with data of periportal, perivenular and perineoductular fibrosis, confirming that this cytokine has a role in mediating the synthesis of matrix proteins. A fluctuating, phasic pattern was found for TNF in the experimental group, with high values on day 0, a decrease on the first and second postoperative days and then two peaks on days 8 and 14. Finally, immediately after surgical manipulation, high levels of IL-6 were found in the experimental group, followed by a decrease in levels until zero values were obtained. 5. This suggests that the obstructive condition produces several cytokine responses, each of which contributes to determine the cholestatic condition.

Inhibin B plasma concentrations in oligozoospermic subjects before and after therapy with follicle stimulating hormone.

The aim of this study was to investigate inhibin B and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion in a large group of oligozoospermic subjects affected by different degrees of testicular damage, before and after FSH treatment. A total of 135 oligozoospermic subjects (sperm count < 20 x 10(6)/ml) were evaluated for seminal parameters and FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and inhibin B plasma concentrations. Testicular structure was analysed with bilateral fine needle aspiration cytology. Inhibin B showed an inverse correlation with FSH, no correlation with sperm concentration and a significant relationship with intratesticular spermatid number, demonstrating that testicular spermatids play an important role in the control of inhibin B production. Twenty-five subjects with sperm counts < 10 x 10(6)/ml were treated with FSH; 11 of these had basal FSH and inhibin B plasma concentrations in the normal range (group A), while in seven subjects FSH was elevated (> 7 IU/l) with normal inhibin B (group B), and in seven patients FSH was high and inhibin B reduced (< 80 pg/ml) (group C). During treatment, in group A patients inhibin B plasma concentrations increased significantly after 2, 3 and 4 weeks of FSH administration and declined thereafter to pre-treatment concentrations. Groups B and C did not show any modification during the treatment. In the same period, in group A FSH increased significantly after 2, 3 and 4 weeks and subsequently declined. In groups B and C, FSH increased significantly after 2 weeks and remained elevated during the following period. The results of the present study confirm the significant inverse correlation between inhibin B and FSH plasma concentrations in subjects with disturbed spermatogenesis, and demonstrate that inhibin B reflects Sertoli cell function and their interaction with spermatids. FSH and inhibin B concentrations are an expression of the spermatogenic status of seminiferous tubules. FSH treatment seems to modify inhibin B plasma concentrations only in subjects with normal basal FSH and inhibin B, independently from the effects of this therapy on sperm production.

Portal but not peripheral serum levels of interleukin 6 could interfere with glucose metabolism in patients with pancreatic cancer.

UNLABELLED: Interleukin 6 (IL-6), an autocrine growth factor for many tumors, seems to favour tumor spread to the liver. Our aims were first to evaluate the pattern of portal and systemic IL-6 levels in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC, n = 18) and chronic pancreatitis (CP, n = 22) compared with controls (CS, n = 20); and second, to ascertain whether there was any relation between IL-6 levels and tumor spread or PC-associated Diabetes mellitus. For all subjects, a fasting serum sample was obtained from a cubital vein; a portal serum sample was obtained from nine PC and three CP patients. In cubital and portal sera we measured IL-6, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1b), CA 19-9, c-reactive protein (CRP) and amylase. Systemic IL-6 levels were significantly higher in PC patients than in CS. In PC, portal IL-6 levels were significantly higher than the corresponding systemic values. The same pattern was found in the three CP patients, whereas IL-1b, CA 19-9, CRP and amylase portal levels were the same as systemic values. No correlation was found between PC stage and systemic or portal IL-6 levels. Portal IL-6 levels were correlated with the corresponding fasting serum glucose values. A significant correlation was found between IL-6 values and CRP, ALT, total bilirubin, GGT and creatinine, but not amylase. IN CONCLUSION: (1) Portal IL-6, which is partly of pancreatic origin, is first metabolised in the liver; (2) Systemic IL-6 reflects hepatic and renal functions rather than local conditions in the pancreas; (3) IL-6 does not appear to influence PC spread; (4) IL-6, which is released in large amounts by the inflamed pancreas, may contribute to determining diabetes, thus interfering with the signal transducing pathways involved in glucose metabolism in liver cells.

[Measures to promote healthy dietary habits among schoolchildren]. / Tiltak for å fremme sunne kostvaner blant skoleelever.

The Norwegian National Nutrition Council has, over the past years, implemented a number of measures designed specifically to promote well-organized school meals and increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables among school children. These measures include the development of national guidelines for organizing school meals, economic support for trying out new methods of operating a school cafeteria, national campaigns to promote the traditional Norwegian packed lunch, open community meetings with political and administrative leaders at municipality level, the introduction of a system whereby pupils can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables at school, and advocacy through mass media. Results of an ongoing evaluation seem to indicate that these measures have had a positive effect on the organization of school meals. More young children are attended to by an adult during mealtimes, more pupils are allowed at least 20 minutes for their lunch break, and a growing number of secondary schools are introducing school cafeterias. However, only half of the total number of schools seem to be aware of the new guidelines, and much more work is required in order to ensure all students are provided with a well-organized school meal. Health personnel play a critical role in ensuring that this work is given political priority, also at the local level.

Transforming growth factor beta, fibrogenesis and hyperglycemia in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

UNLABELLED: It has been suggested that transforming growth factor beta (TGFb) mediates liver fibrosis, which can be monitored by the serum determination of the N-terminal peptide of type III procollagen (PIIIP) and laminin. Fibrosis is also an important phenomenon in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). In 23 patients with CP, 38 with liver cirrhosis (LC) and 20 healthy controls we compared the serum patterns of PIIIP, laminin and TGFb and assessed whether in CP these markers are correlated with exocrine and endocrine function. In patients with LC, PIIIP and laminin levels were significantly higher, whereas TGFb levels were significantly lower than those of controls. In CP patients, no significant variations were found for PIIIP and laminin, although levels were high in 7/23 and in 5/23 patients, respectively. TGFb levels in CP patients were higher than those in LC patients, levels being raised in 6/23 patients. In LC patients an inverse correlation was found between PIIIP and TGFb, whereas in CP patients, a direct correlation was found between TGFb and PIIIP. Moreover, in CP patients, there was also a positive correlation between TGFb and fasting serum glucose levels, while laminin was correlated with PABA test results. IN CONCLUSION: serum biochemical markers of liver fibrosis can be considered of limited value in assessing pancreatic fibrosis; in liver cirrhosis there may be a negative feed-back regulation between TGFb production and the fibrogenetic process; and in chronic pancreatitis TGFb appears to favor fibrosis on the one hand and the development of hyperglycemia on the other.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in gastric cancer: tissue expression and prognostic role.

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (UPA) and its inhibitor PAI-1 are thought to play an important part in gastric cancer (GC) invasion and metastasis. Little is known about the behavior and prognostic impact of the receptor for UPA (UPAR). The aims of the present study were: (1) to measure UPAR, UPA and PAI-1 levels in GC and in non-malignant tissue distant from the tumor (NORM); (2) to evaluate their relationship with histomorphological parameters; and (3) to determine their prognostic value. UPAR, UPA and PAI-1 levels were determined by ELISA in GC and NORM samples from 20 patients with GC undergoing surgery. The GC was also examined in terms of the presence (n = 10) or absence (n = 10) of metastasis, differentiation (five differentiated, 15 undifferentiated) and histotype. Survival was analysed using life table analysis. UPAR, UPA and PAI-1 were significantly higher in GC vs NORM, in the presence of metastasis (UPAR, UPA) and in undifferentiated GC (UPAR, PAI-1). UPAR significantly correlated with UPA and PAI-1. Low levels of UPAR (P = 0.04), UPA (P = 0.007) and PAI-1 (P = 0.02) were associated with a better survival. Our results demonstrate a sharp increase in UPAR in GC and suggest a prognostic role for it. The concomitant activation of UPAR, UPA and PAI-1 in GC confirm the important role of the plasminogen activator system in the process of invasion and metastasis.

Impaired fibrinolysis and increased protease levels in gastric and duodenal mucosa of patients with active duodenal ulcer.

OBJECTIVES: Cathepsin B and L (cysteine proteases), urokinase- and tissue-type plasminogen activators (serine proteases), and type-1 inhibitor are involved in gastric mucosal injury. We determined tissue protease levels in duodenal ulcer and their relationship to ulcer phase, bleeding tendency, Helicobacter pylori infection, and use of H2-blockers. METHODS: Endoscopic biopsies of antral and duodenal mucosa were obtained from 61 patients with active or healed duodenal ulcer and control subjects. Antigen concentrations were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of cathepsins, urokinase-type plasminogen activator, type-1 inhibitor, and significantly lower levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator were found in active ulcers. Bleeders had the highest cathepsins and urokinase-type plasminogen activator levels. Higher levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator, cathepsin B, and type-1 inhibitor were observed in Helicobacter pylori-positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that impaired fibrinolysis (tissue-type plasminogen activator), intramucosal proteases (cathepsins), tissue remodeling, and angiogenesis (urokinase-type plasminogen activator and type-1 inhibitor) are involved in duodenal ulcer formation and healing.

N-terminal peptide of type III procollagen: a possible predictor of colorectal carcinoma recurrence.

BACKGROUND: The first step of colorectal carcinoma spread depends on the ability of the tumor cells to degrade and invade the extracellular matrix (ECM). The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the serum pattern of laminin, C-terminal peptide of Type I (PIP), and N-terminal peptide of Type III (PIIIP) procollagens, markers of ECM synthesis, in the follow-up of patients after resection for colorectal carcinoma and to evaluate their role in predicting local recurrence or metastases. METHODS: A total of 32 patients who had undergone resection for colorectal carcinoma were followed for a median period of 24 months (range, 6-36 months). Every 3 months, laminin, PIP, and PIIIP were measured in the sera together with the tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA 19-9, and tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). Twenty-one patients (Group 1) had no signs of recurrence, whereas the remaining 11 (Group 2) developed hepatic (n = 7) or pulmonary (n = 4) metastases. RESULTS: No variations were observed in either group for laminin, CEA, CA 19-9, or TPA, whereas significant increases in PIP and PIIIP were observed in both groups 3 months after surgery. The increase in PIP and PIIIP at the 3-month follow-up was significantly greater in Group 1 than in Group 2. The difference between values at 3 months and basal values enabled a discrimination between Group 1 and Group 2, with a sensitivity of 36% and 91% and a specificity of 71% and 71% for PIP and PIIIP, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe PIIIP is useful as an early prognostic indicator of recurrence in the follow-up of patients who have undergone radical resection for colorectal carcinoma.

Simplified determination of combined residues of prochloraz and its metabolites in vegetable, fruit and wheat samples by gas chromatography.

This paper describes a gas chromatographic method for the determination of combined residues of prochloraz and its metabolites in various plant materials, including vegetables, fruits, seeds, grains and roots. The method is much simpler than previous ones as it does not require steam distillation; it consists of preliminary extraction of the sample, hydrolysis with pyridine hydrochloride in a test tube, extraction of the 2,4,6-trichlorophenol without the aid of steam distillation/continuous extraction, derivatization with diazomethane and gas chromatographic determination using electron-capture detection. The method is very rapid and can be done in a test tube; detection limit is from 0.01 to 0.50 mg/kg; recoveries are dependent on concentration of analyte and sample matrix; the determined values were found in the region of 72-102%.

Neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) in gastrointestinal neoplasias.

BACKGROUND: The neural adhesion molecule N-CAM, a membrane bound glycoprotein, seems to play an important role in the development of normal tissue architecture and in contact-dependent inhibition of cell growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the behaviour of circulating N-CAM in patients with pancreatic cancer (24 cases) and chronic pancreatitis (15 cases) and compared it with that of 20 controls, 6 patients with colon adenoma, 31 with colorectal cancer or 21 with gastric cancer and ascertained the influence of tumor stage and grade on the findings. RESULTS: N-CAM levels were significantly lower in patients with pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis than in the other groups studied. High levels were found only in few colorectal carcinoma patients (4/31). No correlation was found between tumor stage and N-CAM levels when pancreatic and colorectal cancer were considered. However, low N-CAM levels were found in 50% of advanced, but not in early gastric cancer. When pancreatic, colorectal and gastric cancer were considered, poorly differentiated (G3) had lower levels of N-CAM than well (G1) or moderately (G2) differentiated tumors. The variations found in circulating N-CAM were comparable to those in CEA but not to those in CA 19-9. CONCLUSIONS: a) perhaps because of its higher aggressiveness, pancreatic cancer is associated with low serum N-CAM levels unlike other gastrointestinal neoplasias; b) the association between aggressiveness and reduced N-CAM levels is borne out by the correlation found with the grade of differentiation; c) the reduced levels found in chronic pancreatitis suggest that this molecule plays a role in stromaparenchymal interactions, which might be altered in the presence of fibrotic phenomena.