Assessing sexuality attitudes and behaviors and correlates of alcohol and drugs.

The association between sexual abstinence and use of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana was examined in data from questionnaires completed by 874 students in Grades 6 through 8 at six urban schools. These students participated in a program that implemented and evaluated an educational program on abstinence sexuality. It focused on raising self-esteem, improving communication skills, and learning to set life goals. The evaluation instrument contained items assessing sexuality and attitudes toward behaviors related to drug use. Use of each drug (alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana) was significantly (p < .00001) and positively associated with self-report of having experienced sexual intercourse and expectation of having intercourse during the next year.

Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 transcription by chemical cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors.

Cyclin-dependent kinases (cdk's) have recently been suggested to regulate human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transcription. Previously, we have shown that expression of one cdk inhibitor, p21/Waf1, is abrogated in HIV-1 latently infected cells. Based on this result, we investigated the transcription of HIV-1 in the presence of chemical drugs that specifically inhibited cdk activity and functionally mimicked p21/Waf1 activity. HIV-1 production in virally integrated lymphocytic and monocytic cell lines, such as ACH(2), 8E5, and U1, as well as activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells infected with syncytium-inducing (SI) or non-syncytium-inducing (NSI) HIV-1 strains, were all inhibited by Roscovitine, a purine derivative that reversibly competes for the ATP binding site present in cdk's. The decrease in viral progeny in the HIV-1-infected cells was correlated with a decrease in the transcription of HIV-1 RNAs in cells treated with Roscovitine and not with the non-cdk general cell cycle inhibitors, such as hydroxyurea (G(1)/S blocker) or nocodazole (M-phase blocker). Cyclin A- and E-associated histone H1 kinases, as well as cdk 7 and 9 activities, were all inhibited in the presence of Roscovitine. The 50% inhibitory concentration of Roscovitine on cdk's 9 and 7 was determined to be approximately 0.6 microM. Roscovitine could selectively sensitize HIV-1-infected cells to apoptosis at concentrations that did not impede the growth and proliferation of uninfected cells. Apoptosis induced by Roscovitine was found in both latent and activated infected cells, as evident by Annexin V staining and the cleavage of the PARP protein by caspase-3. More importantly, contrary to many apoptosis-inducing agents, where the apoptosis of HIV-1-infected cells accompanies production and release of infectious HIV-1 viral particles, Roscovitine treatment selectively killed HIV-1-infected cells without virion release. Collectively, our data suggest that cdk's are required for efficient HIV-1 transcription and, therefore, we propose specific cdk inhibitors as potential antiviral agents in the treatment of AIDS.

An investigation into digital imaging in assessing cosmetic outcome after breast surgery.

This study investigates post-operative photographic assessment in determining the cosmetic outcome of 74 breast cancer patients who underwent a breast lumpectomy and radiotherapy. Using 10 of these patients picked at random, comparison was made between a conventional photographic print, a print produced from a digital image, and a digital image viewed on a computer screen in terms of personal preference for clinical assessment. The cosmetic outcome scores obtained on the basis of these images were compared with cosmetic outcome scores obtained by direct observation both by the clinician and by the patient. In the analysis of image preference, conventional prints scored highest, but each of the image types was considered to be acceptable for assessing breast cosmesis. Statistical analysis of the cosmetic outcome scores proved that there was a significant correlation between the scores obtained from the images and the scores obtained by direct observation both by the clinician and by the patient.

Sexuality attitudes and behaviors of self-described very religious urban students in middle school.

Data from a survey of 869 students aged 11 to 15 years and attending six urban middle schools were analyzed to identify differences in sex attitudes and behaviors between self-reported very religious students and their less religious peers. The two groups were demographically similar. They differed on only two attitude items, one suggesting that intercourse was a normal part of teenage dating and the other suggesting intercourse was alright if the two people were in love. The groups did not differ in their estimation of their peers' sexual activity or attitude or in terms of their own intercourse behavior or future intentions.

Twenty-four hour plasma profile of sustained-release isosorbide mononitrate in healthy volunteers and in patients with chronic stable angina. Two open label trials.

AIMS: The plasma profile of a single dose of isosorbide mononitrate 25 mg (Elantan LA25) in healthy volunteers and in angina patients was examined. METHODS: In volunteers and patients, blood samples for pharmacokinetics were obtained pre-dosing and at intervals for 24 h after dosing. RESULTS: This formulation exhibited rapid absorption and plasma levels were maintained at > 100 ng ml-1 for up to 9 to 12 h. CONCLUSIONS: A comparison of the pharmacokinetics of Elantan LA25 in volunteers and patients indicates that the profiles are similar.