Transfer factor in the treatment of herpes simplex types 1 and 2.

Transfer factor potentiates cellular immunity and induces interferon. It was because of these properties that transfer factor was tried in 17 patients with recurrent herpes simplex types 1 and 2. Transfer factor was administered in doses ranging from 5 to 10 U/m2 i. m. The interval between injections varied from 1 week to 3 months. 16 patients could be evaluated clinically in whom the recurrence rate decreased from 10.7 +/- 6.1 to 2.1 +/- 2.5 (mean SD). The reduction was statistically significant. 8 patients were completely free of disease while the other 8 had reduced number of episodes during the period of observation, 7 patients had abnormal T cell function as reflected by the low number of T cells or low lymphocyte transformation. Statistically significant improvement in the T cell function was observed. Delayed hypersensitivity skin test reactions also improved significantly.

Platinum analogs of clinical interest.

Eight platinum analogs including complexes containing two isomeric forms of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane have received preliminary clinical trials. Dosage and limiting toxicity have been identified for racemic malonato-1,2-diaminocyclohexaneplatinum(II) (PHM) and its trans(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane isomer (neo-PHM). Dosage and toxicity for racemic sulfato-1,2-diaminocyclohexaneplatinum(II) have been identified and preliminary dosage data for the trans(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane isomer are presented. Of the four remaining compounds, three have been abandoned due to toxicity or lack of promise as antitumor agents and the fourth is not being pursued actively at the present time. Further trials of PHM, and especially the neo-PHM isomer, in combination with standard agents seem indicated and are underway. The search for platinum analogs of clinical interest may yet identify analogs significantly superior in effectiveness and safety to cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II).

Bender-Gestalt test and background interference procedure in discernment of organic brain damage.

Although the Bender-Gestalt test has proven adequate in differentiating groups of organic from groups of nonorganic Ss, attempts at individual diagnosis have frequently met with failure. Canter's Background Interference Procedure was designed to increase the sensitivity of the Bender test to the discernment of organic brain damage. The purpose of this paper was to check the validity of the Canter procedure, and to investigate its applicability to Hain's scoring system for the Bender test. 20 brain-damaged patients, 20 schizophrenics and 20 nonorganic, non-brain-damaged patients were matched for age and intelligence. Each of these groups was further divided into outpatients and inpatients. All patients were administered the Bender test on the standard white paper, the WAIS vocabulary subtest, and again the Bender test, on paper for the Background Interference Procedure. Significant results were obtained with the Background Interference administration for both Pascal-Suttell's and Hain's scoring systems where the standard administration had failed to yield significance. The tentative criteria proposed by Canter for individual diagnosis, however, were adequate for Pascal-Suttell's scoring system but not for Hain's method. Possible explanations for this disagreement, as well as suggestions for further research, are offered.