Intimidación escolar: concordancia entre la percepción de los cuidadores y sus hijos / Bullying at school: Agreement between caregivers' and children's perception

Introducción. La intimidación escolar suele mantenerse oculta a los adultos, lo que genera desconocimiento por su parte. Objetivo. Describir la percepciónde los cuidadores y de sus hijos, y evaluar su concordancia ante situaciones de intimidación escolar. Métodos. Estudio transversal en niños/as de 8-12 años de escuelas estatales y sus cuidadores. Se utilizó el cuestionario sobre preconcepciones de intimidación y maltrato entre iguales (PRECONCIMEI) (versión niños/cuidadores). Variables estudiadas: magnitud de la intimidación, causas de la intimidación, participación del niño/a en situaciones de intimidación, comunicación en situaciones de intimidación. Se realizó un análisis univariado, bivariado y cálculo de concordancia con índice Kappa. Resultados. Participaron 529 parejas niño/a-cuidador. El 35% de los cuidadores refirió que, en la escuela de sus hijos/as, ocurrían situaciones de intimidación; 133 (25%) niños/as manifestaron estar involucrados: 70 (13%) por recibir intimidación; 40 (8%) por ejercerla y 23 (4%) por recibirla y ejercerla. De los 63 cuidadores de niños/as que manifestaron ejercer intimidación, el 78% no consideró a sus hijos como capaces de ejercerla. El 69,9% (65/93) de los niños que recibían o ejercían y recibían maltrato respondieron que " si sufriera intimidación, lo contaría a su familia". Empero, el 89,2% (83/93) de los cuidadores consideró que su hijo/a les contaría en caso de estar involucrado en tales situaciones. El 62,6% (57/91) de las parejas cuidadores-niños/as tuvo concordancia en una comunicación positiva (Kappa= -0,04). Conclusiones. Se halló discordancia entre niños/as y sus cuidadores en relación con la frecuencia y comunicación de situaciones de intimidación. Pocos cuidadores cuyos niños/as refirieron participar en estas situaciones consideraron que esto podría ocurrir.

Introduction. Bullying at school is usually kept secret from adults, making them unaware of the situation. Objective. To describe caregivers' and children's perception and assess their agreement in terms of bullying situations. Methods. Cross-sectional study in children aged 8-12 years old attending public schools and their caregivers. The questionnaire on preconceptions of intimidation and bullying among peers (PRECONCIMEI) (child/caregiver version) was used. Studied outcome measures: Scale of bullying, causes ofbullying, child involvement in bullying, communication inbullying situations. Univariate and bivariate analyses were done and agreement was estimated using the Kappa index. Results. A total of 529 child/caregiver dyads participated. Among caregivers, 35% stated that bullying occurred in their children's schools. Among children, 133 (25%) admitted to being involved: 70 (13%) were victims of bullying, 40 (8%) were bullies, and 23 (4%) were bullied and perpetrated bullying. Among the 63 caregivers of children who admitted to be bullies, 78% did not consider their children capable of perpetrating bullying. Among children who were bullied or who both suffered bullying and bullied others, 69.9% (65/93) indicated that " if they were the victims of bullying, they would tell their family." However, 89.2% (83/93) of caregivers considered that their children would tell them if they were ever involved in these situations. Agreement was observed in terms of a positive communication (Kappa = -0.04) between 62.6% (57/91) of the child/caregiver dyads. Conclusions. Disagreement was observed between children and their caregivers in relation to the frequency and communication ofbullying situations. Few caregivers whose children admitted to being involved in these situations believed it was a possibility.

Bullying at school: Agreement between caregivers' and children's perception. / Intimidación escolar: concordancia entre la percepción de los cuidadores y sus hijos.

INTRODUCTION: Bullying at school is usually kept secret from adults, making them unaware of the situation. OBJECTIVE: To describe caregivers' and children's perception and assess their agreement in terms of bullying situations. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in children aged 8-12 years old attending public schools and their caregivers. The questionnaire on preconceptions of intimidation and bullying among peers (PRECONCIMEI) (child/caregiver version) was used. Studied outcome measures: Scale of bullying, causes of bullying, child involvement in bullying, communication in bullying situations. Univariate and bivariate analyses were done and agreement was estimated using the Kappa index. RESULTS: A total of 529 child/caregiver dyads participated. Among caregivers, 35% stated that bullying occurred in their children's schools. Among children, 133 (25%) admitted to being involved: 70 (13%) were victims of bullying, 40 (8%) were bullies, and 23 (4%) were bullied and perpetrated bullying. Among the 63 caregivers of children who admitted to be bullies, 78% did not consider their children capable of perpetrating bullying. Among children who were bullied or who both suffered bullying and bullied others, 69.9% (65/93) indicated that "if they were the victims of bullying, they would tell their family." However, 89.2% (83/93) of caregivers considered that their children would tell them if they were ever involved in these situations. Agreement was observed in terms of a positive communication (Kappa = -0.04) between 62.6% (57/91) of the child/caregiver dyads school bullying. CONCLUSIONS: Disagreement was observed between children and their caregivers in relation to the frequency and communication of bullying situations. Few caregivers whose children admitted to being involved in these situations believed it was a possibility.

Introducción. La intimidación escolar suele mantenerse oculta a los adultos, lo que genera desconocimiento por su parte. Objetivo.Describir la percepción de los cuidadores y de sus hijos, y evaluar su concordancia ante situaciones de intimidación escolar. Métodos. Estudio transversal en niños/as de 8-12 años de escuelas estatales y sus cuidadores. Se utilizó el cuestionario sobre preconcepciones de intimidación y maltrato entre iguales (PRECONCIMEI) (versión niños/cuidadores). Variables estudiadas: magnitud de la intimidación, causas de la intimidación, participación del niño/a en situaciones de intimidación, comunicación en situaciones de intimidación. Se realizó un análisis univariado, bivariado y cálculo de concordancia con índice Kappa. Resultados. Participaron 529 parejas niño/acuidador. El 35% de los cuidadores refirió que, en la escuela de sus hijos/as, ocurrían situaciones de intimidación; 133 (25%) niños/as manifestaron estar involucrados: 70 (13%) por recibir intimidación; 40 (8%) por ejercerla y 23 (4%) por recibirla y ejercerla. De los 63 cuidadores de niños/as que manifestaron ejercer intimidación, el 78% no consideró a sus hijos como capaces de ejercerla. El 69,9% (65/93) de los niños que recibían o ejercían y recibían maltrato respondieron que "si sufriera intimidación, lo contaría a su familia". Empero, el 89,2% (83/93) de los cuidadores consideró que su hijo/a les contaría en caso de estar involucrado en tales situaciones. El 62,6% (57/91) de las parejas cuidadores-niños/as tuvo concordancia en una comunicación positiva (Kappa= -0,04). Conclusiones.Se halló discordancia entre niños/ as y sus cuidadores en relación con la frecuencia y comunicación de situaciones de intimidación. Pocos cuidadores cuyos niños/as refirieron participar en estas situaciones consideraron que esto podría ocurrir.

Degeneración walleriana bilateral de las fibras pontocerebelosas secundaria a ictus pontinos: presentación de 4 casos / Bilateral wallerian degeneration of the pontocerebellar fibers secondary to pontine stroke: a report of 4 cases

La degeneración walleriana es una desmielinización de los axones neuronales distales por una daño proximal de cualquier etiología.Se presentan los hallazgos de resonancia magnética en 4 pacientes con ictus de tronco y signos de degeneración walleriana de los haces pontocerebelosos. Para ello se revisan las resonancias magnéticas de 4 pacientes con lesiones pontinas en fase subaguda o crónica, y las alteraciones de señal en los pedúnculos cerebelosos medios. Los hallazgos en las secuencias potenciadas en T2 y en difusión se relacionan con el tiempo de evolución y la etiología del ictus (AU)

Wallerian degeneration occurs after demyelination of the distal neuronal axons due to proximal damage of any type.AbstractWe present the magnetic resonance findings in four patients with brainstem stroke and signs of Wallerian degeneration in the pontocerebellar tracts.AbstractWe reviewed the magnetic resonance studies in four patients with subacute or chronic stage pontine lesions and the signal alterations at the level of the medial cerebellar peduncles. We correlated the findings in T2-weighted sequences and diffusion-weighted sequences with the time of evolution and etiology of the stroke (AU)

[Bilateral wallerian degeneration of the pontocerebellar fibers secondary to pontine stroke: a report of 4 cases]. / Degeneración walleriana bilateral de las fibras pontocerebelosas secundaria a ictus pontinos: presentación de 4 casos.

Wallerian degeneration occurs after demyelination of the distal neuronal axons due to proximal damage of any type. We present the magnetic resonance findings in four patients with brainstem stroke and signs of Wallerian degeneration in the pontocerebellar tracts. We reviewed the magnetic resonance studies in four patients with subacute or chronic stage pontine lesions and the signal alterations at the level of the medial cerebellar peduncles. We correlated the findings in T2-weighted sequences and diffusion-weighted sequences with the time of evolution and etiology of the stroke.

Prevalencia de asma y su impacto en la calidad de vida de los adolescentes escolarizados de la ciudad / Asthma prevalence and its impact on the quality of life of school adolescents in the city

Antecedentes. La presencia de asma o su combinación con otros factores afectaría la calidad de vida de los adolescentes. No habría estudios que contemplen estas asociaciones en la ciudad. Objetivo. Describir la frecuencia de asma, factores asociados y su impacto en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) en adolescentes de 13 a 18 años de la ciudad. Material y métodos. Encuesta a adolescentes de escuelas públicas y privadas durante el año 2008, que empleó un muestreo por conglomerados en 2 etapas y un cuestionario autoadministrado. La prevalencia de asma se midió con la metodología ISAAC, y la CVRS por medio de la versión argentina KIDSCREEN-52. Se analizaron los factores asociados a asma por medio de la prueba del χ2 y regresión logística múltiple. Se estratificó el análisis de la CVRS en presencia y ausencia de asma, controlando por género y presencia de adicciones. Resultados. Se encuestó a 2.566 adolescentes. La prevalencia de asma fue 15% (379/2.566): 9% (221/2.566) con síntomas indicadores de asma (SIA) y 6% (158/2.566) con asma declarada. El 10% presentó condiciones con elevada sospecha de asma. Las puntuaciones medias en asmáticos fueron más bajas que en los no asmáticos en todas las dimensiones de la CVRS, aunque las diferencias no fueron significativas. Los adolescentes con asma y adicciones presentaron las puntuaciones más bajas, particularmente en la percepción sobre bienestar físico y el estado de ánimo. Asma se relacionó con baja percepción del estado de ánimo, aún controlando por otras variables. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de asma en adolescentes de la ciudad puede considerarse como intermedia a nivel global, regional y nacional, aunque existiría una proporción elevada de casos con subdiagnóstico. El asma se relacionó con una baja percepción del estado de ánimo.(AU)

Background. The presence of asthma or its combination with other factors, affect the quality of life of adolescents. There wouldn´t be studies that consider these associations in the city. Objective. To describe the prevalence of asthma, associated factors and their impact on quality of life related to health (HRQOL) in adolescents 13 to 18 years in the city. Methods. A survey of adolescents in public and private schools in 2008 that used a cluster sampling in two stages and a self-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of asthma was measured using the ISAAC methodology and HRQL by Argentina's version KIDSCREEN-52. The factors associated with asthma were analyzed by the χ2 test and multiple logistic regression. Stratified analysis of HRQOL in the presence and absence of asthma, controlling for gender and presence of addictions. Results. 2.566 adolescents were surveyed. Prevalence of asthma: 15% (379/2.566) - 9% (221/2.566) with SIA and 6% (158/2.566) with asthma declared. 10% had conditions with high suspicion of asthma. The mean scores were lower in asthmatics than in non-asthmatics in all dimensions of HRQOL, although the differences were not significant. Adolescents with asthma and addictions had the lowest scores, particularly in the perception of physical and mood. Asthma was associated with low perception of mood, even when controlling for other variables. Conclusions. The prevalence of asthma in adolescents in the city can be regarded as intermediate global, regional and national levels, although there would be a high proportion of cases with subdiagnosis. Asthma was associated with a low perception of mood.(AU)

Estudio comparativo de la morbilidad por asma entre la población de distintas zonas de Bahía Blanca y la de toda la ciudad / Comparative study of the morbidity for asthma between the population of different zones of Bahía Blanca and that of the whole city

Antecedentes. En Bahía Blanca se incrementaron las industrias petroquímicas, las empresas cerealeras y el parque automotor. La Municipalidad realiza estudios epidemiológicos con el propósito de conocer la prevalencia de las enfermedades, determinar los factores de riesgo y comprobar diferencias y asociaciones. Se consideraron áreas de mayor riesgo para padecer enfermedad respiratoria a la zona de Ingeniero White (industrial-portuaria) y al centro, por estudios anteriores y por los resultados de mediciones de los contaminates comunes. Objetivo. Comparar las prevalencias de asma, síntomas indicadores de asma (SIA), rinitis, enfermedades de la piel y trastornos del oído en distitnas áreas, con la prevalencia observada en toda la ciudad. Metodolgía. Los estudios a comparar son de corte transversal por encuesta domiciliaria de propósitos múltiples. Se utilizó la estandarización indirecta ajustando por edad, para estimar una razón estandarizada de prevalencia relacionando la proporción de casos esperados en cada barrio, comparando con los casos hallados en la ciudad. Resultados. Las prevalencias de enfermedades respiratorias observadas en Ingeriero White y en el Centro fueron dos y 1,43 veces mayores a las esperadas, respectivamente. La prevalencia de asma fue superior a la esperada en los cuatro barrios, más notoriamente en Ingeniero White. Los SIA resultaron dos veces por encima de lo esperado en Ingeniero White y 1.27 vecen en el Centro. En esta zona los casos de rinitis, enfermedades de la piel e hipoacusias fueron cinco, cuatro y 3,5 veces superiores a los esperados. Conclusiones. Residir en Ingeniero White y en el Centro significa mayor riesgo para padecer asma, rinitis, enfermedades de la piel e hipoacusia. Se debe considerar el impacto de los contaminantes conocidos.(AU)

Estudio comparativo de la morbilidad por asma entre la población de distintas zonas de Bahía Blanca y la de toda la ciudad / Comparative study of the morbidity for asthma between the population of different zones of Bahía Blanca and that of the whole city

Antecedentes. En Bahía Blanca se incrementaron las industrias petroquímicas, las empresas cerealeras y el parque automotor. La Municipalidad realiza estudios epidemiológicos con el propósito de conocer la prevalencia de las enfermedades, determinar los factores de riesgo y comprobar diferencias y asociaciones. Se consideraron áreas de mayor riesgo para padecer enfermedad respiratoria a la zona de Ingeniero White (industrial-portuaria) y al centro, por estudios anteriores y por los resultados de mediciones de los contaminates comunes. Objetivo. Comparar las prevalencias de asma, síntomas indicadores de asma (SIA), rinitis, enfermedades de la piel y trastornos del oído en distitnas áreas, con la prevalencia observada en toda la ciudad. Metodolgía. Los estudios a comparar son de corte transversal por encuesta domiciliaria de propósitos múltiples. Se utilizó la estandarización indirecta ajustando por edad, para estimar una razón estandarizada de prevalencia relacionando la proporción de casos esperados en cada barrio, comparando con los casos hallados en la ciudad. Resultados. Las prevalencias de enfermedades respiratorias observadas en Ingeriero White y en el Centro fueron dos y 1,43 veces mayores a las esperadas, respectivamente. La prevalencia de asma fue superior a la esperada en los cuatro barrios, más notoriamente en Ingeniero White. Los SIA resultaron dos veces por encima de lo esperado en Ingeniero White y 1.27 vecen en el Centro. En esta zona los casos de rinitis, enfermedades de la piel e hipoacusias fueron cinco, cuatro y 3,5 veces superiores a los esperados. Conclusiones. Residir en Ingeniero White y en el Centro significa mayor riesgo para padecer asma, rinitis, enfermedades de la piel e hipoacusia. Se debe considerar el impacto de los contaminantes conocidos.

[Embolization in peripheral artery bleeding with Onyx]. / Embolización de sangrados arteriales periféricos con Onyx.

OBJECTIVE: This study describes use of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) dissolved in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and mixed with tantalum powder to achieve radiopacity as an effective, safe, and manageable embolic agent in endovascular treatment of artery haemorrhages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with pseudoaneurysms secondary to biopsy, or surgery were treated, 11 musculoskeletal arteries, 9 visceral (4 gastroduodenal arteries). A diagnostic angiographic procedure that showed the artery lesion was always performed. Embolization was performed immediately, followed by post-embolization angiographic control. Transcatheter embolization was always performed, using a coaxial system consisting of a 4F hydrophilic guide catheter with 0.038" diameter, a microcatheter compatible with DMSO administration (Rebar microcatheter), and a microguide. All cases progressed with acute hemorrhagic syndrome of variable intensity. There were nine cases with hemorrhagic shock. RESULTS: All cases were satisfactorily resolved without recurrence of bleeding during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience with selective embolization of spontaneous or traumatic artery bleeding with Onyx has been excellent due to its simple, rapid, and safe use.

Embolización de sangrados arteriales periféricos con Onyx / Embolization in peripheral artery bleeding with Onyx

Objetivo. Describimos el uso del copolímero de alcohol etilen-vinílico (EVOH), disuelto en sulfóxido de dimetilo (DMSO) y mezclado con polvo de tantalio para hacerlo radioopaco, como agente embolígeno en el tratamiento endovascular de los traumatismos arteriales. Material y métodos. Hemos tratado 20 pacientes con pseudoaneurismas secundarios a biopsias o cirugía en 11 arterias musculoesqueléticas y 9 arterias viscerales (4 gastroduodenales). En todos los casos se realizó un estudio angiográfico diagnóstico que demostró la lesión arterial y de forma inmediata se realizó la embolización, así como el control angiográfico posembolización. La embolización se ha realizado con un sistema coaxial compuesto por un catéter guía hidrofílico del 4F con luz 0,038", un microcatéter compatible con la administración de DMSO y una microguía. Todos los casos han cursado con un síndrome hemorrágico agudo de diferente intensidad, 9 de ellos con shock hemorrágico. Resultados. El éxito técnico y clínico fue del 100%, sin recidivas del sangrado durante el seguimiento. Conclusiones. La embolización selectiva de sangrados arteriales con Onyx es eficaz, fácil, rápida y segura dadas sus propiedades, que lo hacen sencillo en el manejo

Objective. This study describes use of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) dissolved in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and mixed with tantalum powder to achieve radiopacity as an effective, safe, and manageable embolic agent in endovascular treatment of artery haemorrhages. Materials and methods. Twenty patients with pseudoaneurysms secondary to biopsy, or surgery were treated, 11 musculoskeletal arteries, 9 visceral (4 gastroduodenal arteries). A diagnostic angiographic procedure that showed the artery lesion was always performed. Embolization was performedimmediately, followed by post-embolization angiographiccontrol. Transcatheter embolization was always performed,using a coaxial system consisting of a 4F hydrophilicguide catheter with 0.038” diameter, a microcatheter compatible with DMSO administration (Rebar microcatheter), and a microguide. All cases progressed with acute hemorrhagic syndrome of variable intensity. There were nine cases with hemorrhagic shock.Results. All cases were satisfactorily resolved without recurrence of bleeding during follow-up. Conclusions. Our experience with selective embolization of spontaneous or traumatic artery bleeding with Onyx hasbeen excellent due to its simple, rapid, and safe use

Prevalencia de enfermedad respiratoria en la población de la ciudad de Bahía Blanca / Prevalence of respiratory diseases in the population of the city of Bahia Blanca

Antecedentes. Se encuentran en el partido empresas químicas, petroquímicas y granarias. Están registrados 130.000 vehículos. Se realizaron estudios sobre prevalencia de enfermedades y factores de riesgo en distintas zonas . No se conoce la prevalencia de enfermedades respiratorias en la ciudad. Objetivos. Describir la frecuencia de asma, rinitis y factores de riesgo. Efectuar comparaciones. Metodología. Estudio de corte transversal por modalidad de encuesta de propósitos múltiples en hogares. Para la estimación del n se utilizó la prevalencia de asma ( 4 %), encontrada en estudios previos, un error absoluto de 0.8 % (ER=20 %) y un nivel de confianza del 95 %. Se efectuó un muestreo por conglomerados con submuestreo, con probabilidades proporcionales a su tamaño, aplicando el efecto de diseño (deff = 2). Se utilizó el cuestionario usado en otros estudios. Resultados. Se encuestaron 1447 viviendas, n = 4766 personas. El 18% refirió padecer algún tipo de enfermedad respiratoria. Rinitis 12,7% (607/4766), síntomas indicadores de asma (SIA) 3,4% (163/4766) y asma 2,6% (125/4766). El 19,8% padecía SIA con rinitis (OR = 3,57; IC95%: 2,30-5,54) y el 17,8% de los que referían asma padecían rinitis (OR = 3,04; IC95%: 1,83-5,07). La prevalencia de tabaquismo fue de 20%, encontrándose asociación entre inhalar humo y SIA. Se halló asociación entre obesidad y rinitis. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de asma y rinitis fue similar a la hallada en Argentina. La frecuencia de SIA fue notoriamente inferior. La prevalencia de asma en la ciudad sería del 6%. Se ratifica el subdiagnóstico de asma hecho que contribuye a los tratamientos inadecuados referidos. La comparación con los resultados de los estudios anteriores, ratificarán o no la existencia de áreas de mayor riesgo para padecer enfermedad respiratoria(AU)

Background. In the place there are chemical, petrochemical and granaries companies. There are registrered 130.000 vehicles. Studies were realized on prevalence of diseases and factors of risk in different zones. There is not known the prevalence of respiratory diseases in the city. Proposes. To describe the frequency of asthma, rinitis and factors of risk. To carry out comparisons. Methodology. Study of transverse cut for modality of survey of multiple proposes in homes. For the estimation of n there was in use the prevalence of asthma (4%), found in previous studies, a mean error of 0.8 % (ER = 20%) and a confidence level of 95%. A sampling was effected by conglomerates with subsampling, by proportional probabilities to its size, applying the effect of design (deff=2). The questionnaire applyed was used in other studies. Results. There were polled 1447 housings, n = 4766 persons. The 18% answered to suffer some kind of respiratory disease. Rhinitis: 12.7% (607/4766), Symptoms Indicators of Asthma (SIA): 3.4% (163/4766) and asthma: 2.6% (125/4766). The 19.8% was suffering SIA with rhinitis ­OR = 3.57 (95% CI: 2.30-5.54 )­ and 17.8% of those who were recounting asthma they were suffering rhinitis ­OR = 3.04 (95% CI: 1.83-5.07)­. The prevalence of smoking was 20%, being association between inhaling smoke and SIA. Association was situated among obesity and rhinitis. Conclusions. The prevalence of asthma and rhinitis was similar to found in Argentina. SIA's frequency was glaringly low. The prevalence of asthma in the city would be 6 %. There is corroborated the made subdiagnosis of asthma that its ratified to the inadequate above-mentioned treatments. The comparison with the results of the previous studies, they will corroborated or not the existence of areas of major risk to suffer respiratory disease. (AU)

Intra-CSF administered recombinant adenovirus causes an immune response-mediated toxicity.

High doses of adenotk were injected into the cerebrospinal fluid of rats and nonhuman primates (Macaca mulatta). Vector administration was followed by ganciclovir administration for 14 days. Despite the absence of clinical symptoms, analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and histopathological examination of the central nervous system (CNS) of the monkeys (3 weeks after vector injection) were consistent with a viral meningitis. Immunohistochemical analysis of the inflammatory infiltrates in the monkeys revealed the presence of T and B lymphocytes, indicating a combined cellular and humoral immune response to the vector. This latter was supported by the finding of intrathecal anti-adenovirus antibody synthesis. Rats receiving high intrathecal adenotk doses showed a transient and dose-dependent clinical toxicity consisting of lethargy, hyperemic eyes and weight loss. Histopathological examination of the meninges showed a shift from polymorphonuclear infiltrates during the first post-injection days to clusters of mononuclear cells after 7 days. Acute toxicity is probably related to the early, innate immune response to the vector. In a separate experiment, high levels of IL-8 and IL-6, were measured during the first 2-3 post-injection days in the CSF of two monkeys which received intrathecal adenoLacZ. Therefore, these cytokines seem to play an important role in initiating the nonspecific immune response. In one monkey which received adenotk, recombinant adenovirus was cultured from serum samples obtained at the 7th post-injection day. At this time-point, no vector could be isolated from CSF samples. Based on these preclinical data, we recommend careful dose finding for clinical studies that aim to treat patients with leptomeningeal metastases.

Amphetamine acts as a channel blocker of the acetylcholine receptor.

Non-competitive inhibitors (NCIs) of the nicotinic receptors (AChR) comprise a wide range of compounds. The chemical scaffold of amphetamine is similar to those of some NCIs. We investigated the effects of amphetamine (1-100 microM) on the muscle AChR by recording single-channel currents. The drug reduces the duration of the open state in a concentration-dependent manner and causes the appearance of brief closings, resembling the action of open-channel blockers. The forward rate constant for the blocking process is of the order of 10(7) M(-1) s(-1) and the blocking process is voltage dependent. The results are consistent with the steric block of the open channel as the primary action of amphetamine. At high drug concentrations the mechanism of inhibition deviates from that of classical open-channel blockers.

IL-1/IL-3 gene therapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in rats using 'cracked' adenoproducer cells.

Cytokine gene therapy was studied in established L42 tumours in syngeneic rats. L42 is a transplantable non-immunogenic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Genes coding for human interleukin-1 alpha and for rat interleukin-3 beta were transferred by injecting producer cells of recombinant adenovirus vectors into the tumour in attempts to achieve high concentrations of the cytokines inside the tumor without systemic toxicity. Limited tumour growth delay was obtained with viable producer cells. For logistic reasons stocks of pooled frozen producer cells allowed intensive treatment of groups of tumour bearing rats. The cells were lysed by thawing before administration. Ten daily injections of such 'cracked' producer cells induced reproducible tumour responses. These were due to local release of cytokines, not to systemic effects. Growth retardation also occurred in contralateral tumours which were not injected. When rats carrying established tumours were vaccinated with lysates of tumours collected during treatment with 'cracked' producer cells, significant tumour growth retardation was obtained. We speculate that both cytokines, if produced at sufficiently high concentrations in tumours, induce inflammation which in turn initiates an immune response against tumours growing at a distant site. These findings seem to justify further exploration of IL-1 and IL-3 gene transfer for the treatment of cancers.

The role of Candida sp isolated from bronchoscopic samples in nonneutropenic patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical significance of Candida sp isolated from bronchoscopic samples in patients with suspected pneumonia. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was performed in all nonneutropenic adult patients with Candida sp isolates from respiratory secretions obtained by bronchoscopy over a 5-year period (1991 to 1995). Potential risk factors, therapeutic decisions, and outcome were recorded. Microbiological findings, chest radiograph reports, and pathologic material were reviewed. Isolates were classified as definite, probable, or indeterminate contamination, or as definite pulmonary candidiasis, on the basis of histologic findings, therapeutic decisions, and outcome. SETTING: A 600-bed teaching hospital with 16 beds in a medical-surgical ICU. PATIENTS: Thirty-seven consecutive patients with positive cultures for Candida sp from respiratory samples obtained by bronchoscopy were evaluated. Thirty-two of these 37 patients (86.5%) received antibiotic therapy prior to sampling, and 23 (62.2%) were intubated. RESULTS: Contamination was classified as definite in 3 patients (8.1%) and probable in 30 others (81.0%). Contamination was indeterminate in two cases (5.4%). Two additional patients (5.4%) received antifungal agents for systemic candidiasis. No cases of pulmonary candidiasis could be demonstrated, although 24 of 28 patients showed protected specimen brush cultures > or = 10(3) cfu/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Nonneutropenic patients with isolation of Candida sp from bronchoscopic samples, even in high concentrations, are unlikely to have invasive candidiasis. Indication for initiation of antifungal therapy should be based on histologic evidence or identification from sterile specimens.

Cloning, biological characterization and high-level expression of rat interleukin-3 using recombinant adenovirus: description of a new splicing variant.

In the present study, we describe the cloning and sequence analysis of rat IL-3. Two different mRNA isoforms were isolated after transfection of COS cells with the cytokine genomic sequences. One of the isoforms has been predicted before by Cohen et al. (1986), and the other one is identical except that it encodes a protein with an insertion of three amino acids at position 56. As names for the two isoforms, we propose IL-3alpha for the predicted and IL-3beta for the novel molecule. IL-3beta mRNA was detected as the predominant isoform in rat lymphocytes in vivo. High levels of the cytokine were obtained after infection of human cells (A549) with a recombinant adenovirus harboring rIL-3beta cDNA (IG.Ad.CMV.IL-3beta). The biological properties of the IL-3beta protein were tested in a FDC-P1 proliferation assay and in a hematopoietic progenitor colony forming assay. To assess in-vivo bioactivity, lysed 293 cells containing IG.Ad.CMV.rIL-3beta virus were injected subcutaneously into F344 rats. Stimulation of hematopoiesis and leucocytosis were observed during the treatment. After subcutaneous injections of the lysed adeno-producer cells in mice, the only effect observed was a cellular infiltration at the site of injection, confirming the poor cross-reactivity between the two species. The biological properties in vitro and in vivo demonstrate that the cDNA sequences of IL-3beta presented here encode active rat IL-3 protein.