p53 overexpression in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

BACKGROUND: Coastal South Carolina has a high incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCCE) among black residents. Overexpression and mutations of the p53 tumor suppressor gene have been noted in SCCE from other high-incidence regions. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of p53 overexpression in this region both in patients with SCCE and in normal subjects. METHODS: Normal and malignant tissue obtained at esophagoscopy and normal esophageal mucosa (NEM) from random autopsies were studied with monoclonal antibodies to the p53 gene product. Total cellular RNA was extracted from SCCE, reverse transcribed to complementary DNA, and a portion of the p53 gene was amplified via polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical studies on SCCE from nine patients showed that six (67%) were positive, two (22%) were negative, and one was indeterminate for p53 overexpression. The corresponding normal samples showed that three (33%) had p53-positive cells in the basal epithelial layer, whereas six did not. NEM from 18 random forensic cases displayed p53 overexpression in seven (39%). Eight of the nine tumors had p53 mutations. CONCLUSIONS: p53 overexpression and mutations are frequently found in SCCE from patients in coastal South Carolina. Overexpression in normal epithelium from random autopsy cases may indicate an inherited or acquired predisposition in this geographic region.

Pelagic paralysis.

Three conditions that may occur after consumption of seafood--puffer fish poisoning, ciguatera, and paralytic shellfish poisoning--are caused by a group of poisons that block voltage-gated sodium channels in myelinated and non-myelinated nerves. The conditions cannot be distinguished clinically and so constitute an entity for which the name pelagic paralysis is proposed. Variations in the clinical features can be accounted for by large differences in the amount of toxin present in the seafood.

Group evaluation of programs unites educators.

The Northwestern Washington Chapter of the American Society for Health Manpower Education and Training focused on alternative methods of educational programming to create a forum for planned constructive sharing of ideas and problem solving. This project served not only to enhance the existing program, which consists of a quarterly business meeting and educational events, but also to strengthen the cohesiveness of the membership

Prescription for a better British diet.

A new approach to establishing an upper or prescriptive level of recommended intakes of nutrients was devised for use in Britain. It was based on present food supplies in the UK, and the following measures were proposed to improve the national diet: moderate reductions in intakes of fat, sugar, meat, and alcohol; increased intakes of cereals, potatoes, and other vegetables and fruit; while intakes of milk and eggs and fish, pulses, and nuts were to remain unchanged. The proportions of food energy derived from protein would be increased, despite reduced meat consumption. Nutrient content of the diet may be expressed in terms of food groups or as nutrient concentrations per energy unit, which is particularly applicable to planning or prescribing diets for individuals or small groups. The suggested changes in the national diet are large enough to be meaningful, yet would not disrupt agricultural or trade policies if implemented over the next decade. Furthermore, the methods used to assess the recommended intakes of nutrients are flexible enough to be used both for planning and prescribing diets and for evaluating results of dietary surveys or histories.