Improved visualization of head and neck tumors has been demonstrated with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using standard plastic radiation therapy immobilization casts and an MR positive surface marker system developed in this institution, we have utilized MRI as an adjunct to the simulation of complex radiation treatments for tumors of the head and neck. This technique includes an indirect display of field margins and/or isodose curves over selected MR images. The lack of induced artifact from the immobilization cast, improved delineation of tumor extension from normal anatomy and the ability to image in arbitrary planes without changing patient positioning favor the use of MR over CT for radiation therapy planning in the head and neck, while ensuring reproducibility of the treatment plan at subsequent therapy sessions.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Interactions of the third component of human complement (C3) with tumour cells: evidence for presence of C3b acceptor sites and direct activation of C3 by tumour cells.

The interaction of C3 with different tumour cell lines was investigated. Our results indicated that nearly all the cell lines had C3b acceptors on their membranes. The binding of C3b was visualized by the detection of this protein on the cell surface with fluoresceinated anti-C3c serum. The involvement of proteases in the activation of C3 was demonstrated: complement-membrane fluorescence occurred in the presence of EDTA but was completely abolished with epsilon-aminocaproic acid. Experiments performed with purified C3 led to the conclusion that the protease activity might be the initial event for the activation of the alternative pathway by tumour cells.

Burkitt Lymphoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The MMPI as a predictor of outcome in low-back surgery.

Between 1965 and 1975, 103 low-back patients were rated preoperatively for general level of functioning, and each completed a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) test. Following surgery, patients were rated in terms of treatment effectiveness at 6 months and 1 year. The MMPI hypochondriasis and hysteria scales were moderately related to surgical success, as were the severity of initial restriction in the level of functioning and the number of operations performed during the study. However, the MMPI profiles were strikingly similar for all patients. Factors which were not predictive of surgical outcome included age, sex, duration of symptoms, number of back surgeries prior to entering this clinic, and the degree of pathologic condition discovered at operation. The failure to find a potent prediction scheme confirms that MMPI information must be used with considerable caution in treatment planning and only as an adjunct to other clinical and psychological data.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

African-American women who always use condoms: attitudes, knowledge about AIDS, and sexual behavior.

Given the alarming increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including AIDS, among African-American women, it is apparent that many people are engaging in sexual intercourse without using condoms. The current study examined the interrelationships among attitudes about condom use, knowledge about AIDS, sexual behavior, and drug use among 121 adult African-American women who varied in their intentions to use condoms: 21 (17%) were classified as Steady Users, 75 (62%) did not use condoms but they had High Intentions to, while 25 (21%) did not use condoms and had Low Intentions to use them. Results indicate that the three groups did not differ in their overall knowledge about AIDS or their attitudes toward using condoms as contraceptives. Significant group differences were noted for other scales that assessed attitudes about condoms. Attitudes about the use of condoms were very similar for the Steady Users and the women in the High Intentions group. However, these two groups were significantly (p < .01) different in their belief that condoms are uncomfortable and interrupt sex. Women with Low Intentions to use condoms had significantly (p < .05) more intense angry reactions regarding the negotiation of condom use and significantly more negative attitudes about the use of condoms than women in the other groups. The three groups were not differentiated by drug use, previous treatment for STDs, or their perceived risk for being exposed to AIDS. The present study is cross-sectional in nature and future research using better methodology is needed to establish causal relationships.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Disseminated lupus erythematosus and hereditary C2 deficiency].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Selective deficiencies in complement component : a family with hereditary C2 deficiency.

We report herein a new case of C2 deficiency in a patient with systemic lupus. The subject and one of her brothers, who shows no clinical manifestations, are hymozygous C2 deficient. All other family members are heterozygous for the C2 deficiency. Gene for C2 deficiency (C2d) was shown to be inherited with HLA-A9, B7/Bfs and HLA-A10, B27/Bfs haplotypes. This association has not previously been described.

Adolescent↗