Gene therapy of uterine leiomyoma: adenovirus-mediated herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir treatment inhibits growth of human and rat leiomyoma cells in vitro and in a nude mouse model.

Uterine leiomyomas (LM) affect a high percentage of reproductive-age women. They develop as discrete, well-defined tumors that are easily accessible with imaging techniques--making this disease ideal for localized gene therapy approaches. In this study, we determined the efficacy of adenovirus-mediated herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene transfer in combination with ganciclovir (Ad-TK/GCV) as a potential therapy for LM. Rat ELT-3 LM cells and human LM cells were transfected with different multiplicity of infections (10-100 plaque forming units [PFU]/cell) of Ad-TK and treated with GCV (5, 10, or 20 microg/ml) for 5 days. To test the bystander effect, Ad-TK-transfected ELT-3 cells (100 PFU/cell) or LM cells (10 PFU/cell) were cocultured with corresponding nontransfected cells at increasing percentages and treated with GCV followed by cell counting. In ELT-3 cells transfected with Ad-TK/GCV (10, 20, 50, or 100 PFU/cell), the cell count was reduced by 24, 42, 77, and 87%, respectively, compared with the control cells (transfected with Ad-Lac Z/GCV). Similarly, in LM cells transfected with Ad-TK/GCV (10, 50, or 100 PFU/cell), the cell count was reduced by 31, 62, and 82%, respectively, compared with the control. A strong bystander effect was noted in both ELT-3 and LM cells with significant killing (p = 0.001) at a ratio of infected:uninfected cells of only 1:99 and maximal killing at 1:4. This study demonstrates the potential efficacy of the Ad-TK/GCV gene therapy approach as a viable nonsurgical alternative treatment for uterine LM.

Tobacco cessation in a population over age 15 years: a community-based survey in Alexandria.

A survey of 2120 adults in Alexandria, Egypt, studied the determinants and patterns of tobacco cessation among ever smokers. Ever smokers were 30.7% of respondents; only 3.5% had given up smoking (quit ratio of 11.4%). The quit ratio was significantly lower for ex-daily smokers (7.5%) than for ex-occasional smokers (44.8%). Among current smokers, 56.3% were between the contemplation and preparatory phases for quitting, whereas 25.1% were in the action phase of attempting to quit, for an average duration of 2.5 months, before relapsing. Health concerns were the motive for all ex-smokers and 95.0% of attempters, but craving for nicotine was the commonest reason for relapse. Tobacco cessation was predicted by older age of tobacco initiation, shorter duration of use, presence of health problems and a perception of the benefits of quitting.

Tobacco cessation in a population over age 15 years: a community-based survey in Alexandria

A survey of 2120 adults in Alexandria, Egypt, studied the determinants and patterns of tobacco cessation among ever smokers. Ever smokers were 30.7% of respondents; only 3.5% had given up smoking [quit ratio of 11.4%]. The quit ratio was significantly lower for ex-daily smokers [7.5%] than for ex-occasional smokers [44.8%]. Among current smokers, 56.3% were between the contemplation and preparatory phases for quitting, whereas 25.1% were in the action phase of attempting to quit, for an average duration of 2.5 months, before relapsing. Health concerns were the motive for all ex-smokers and 95.0% of attempters, but craving for nicotine was the commonest reason for relapse. Tobacco cessation was predicted by older age of tobacco initiation, shorter duration of use, presence of health problems and a perception of the benefits of quitting

Current and never smokers: differentials in characteristics, knowledge and perceptions.

A cross-sectional interview survey of tobacco use was conducted in Alexandria, Egypt, comparing current smokers with never smokers. Among men, the risk of current tobacco use was significantly higher among married participants (OR = 1.74), especially those with low educational or occupational status. In contrast, although few women smoked, tobacco use was significantly higher among those holding a university degree (OR = 15.33). Never smokers were significantly more knowledgeable than current smokers about tobacco-related health hazards. Never smokers had significantly better perceptions of the danger of tobacco use, susceptibility to health-related hazards and the benefits of being tobacco-free. Multivariate analysis revealed that tobacco use is independently predicted by participants' sex, age and educational attainment as well as their perceptions.

Current and never smokers: differentials in characteristics, knowledge and perceptions

A cross-sectional interview survey of tobacco use was conducted in Alexandria, Egypt, comparing current smokers with never smokers. Among men, the risk of current tobacco use was significantly higher among married participants [OR = 1.74], especially those with low educational or occupational status. In contrast, although few women smoked, tobacco use was significantly higher among those holding a university degree [OR = 15.33]. Never smokers were significantly more knowledgeable than current smokers about tobacco-related health hazards. Never smokers had significantly better perceptions of the danger of tobacco use, susceptibility to health-related hazards and the benefits of being tobacco-free. Multivariate analysis revealed that tobacco use is independently predicted by participants' sex, age and educational attainment as well as their perceptions

Prevalence of smoking and age of initiation in Alexandria, Egypt.

A cross-sectional survey on tobacco use in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, used an interview questionnaire based on World Health Organization guidelines. The study in 2000 included 2120 participants aged 15 to 86 years. More than a quarter (27.2%) were current smokers (25.5% daily smokers and 1.7% occasional smokers) and 3.5% were ex-smokers. Current smokers spent 23.1% of their family income on tobacco. The prevalence of current smoking was significantly higher among men (48.5%) than women (1.5%) and the mean age of initiation of smoking was lower among men (18.1 years) than women (22.6 years). The high prevalence of tobacco use among men is of concern, so too is the likelihood that tobacco use will increase among women. Further research is needed into factors that prevent people from starting smoking and assist them stopping smoking.

Prevalence of smoking and age of initiation in Alexandria, Egypt

A cross-sectional survey on tobacco use in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, used an interview questionnaire based on World Health Organization guidelines. The study in 2000 included 2120 participants aged 15 to 86 years. More than a quarter [27.2%] were current smokers [25.5% daily smokers and 1.7% occasional smokers] and 3.5% were ex-smokers. Current smokers spent 23.1% of their family income on tobacco. The prevalence of current smoking was significantly higher among men [48.5%] than women [1.5%] and the mean age of initiation of smoking was lower among men [18.1 years] than women [22.6 years].The high prevalence of tobacco use among men is of concern, so too is the likelihood that tobacco use will increase among women. Further research is needed into factors that prevent people from starting smoking and assist them stopping smoking

Variation in the response to ductal obstruction of feline submandibular and sublingual salivary glands and the importance of the innervation.

A variable response following ductal ligation of feline salivary glands corresponds to the human condition but contrasts with a predictable atrophy in obstructed salivary glands of rodents popularly used as a model for human salivary problems. The present investigation is concerned with a possible reason for the variable response, namely the preservation of the innervation. Ducts of feline submandibular and sublingual salivary glands were ligated with or without the inclusion of the chorda tympani. Inclusion led to a delayed initial response followed by progressive atrophy until the parenchyma was extremely atrophic, whereas avoidance of the chorda led to the variable response in which variable numbers of acini of a similar form to normal persisted. The results establish the atrophic effect of inclusion of the chorda tympani in ductal ligation and indicate the caution that should be exercised in the extrapolation of the rodent model to the human condition.

The effects of ductal obstruction on the acinar cells of the parotid of cat.

Twenty-nine parotids ligated for between 1 and 365 days were examined by light and electron microscopy. Major changes in the acini were seen at 4 days and included vacuolation, disintegration, extravasation, apoptosis, phagy and a reduction in number and size of secretory granules. There was a further reduction in secretory granules from 7 to 12 days, but acinar cells persisted even up to 365 days, some contained a luminal concentration of small secretory granules and occasionally acinar cells of a similar appearance to normal were found. These findings contrast with a reported absence of acinar cells from the obstructed parotid of rat and show that parotid acinar cells are able to persist and retain an appearance indicative of secretory activity.