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K Stine

Publications and source records attributed to K Stine.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Evaluation of immune parameters in propanil-exposed farm families.

The rice herbicide propanil induces alterations in the mouse immune system, causing significant decreases in T cell-dependent and T cell-independent antibody responses. This postemergent herbicide is used extensively in rice production in the Mississippi River delta region of the southern United States. The aerial application and airborne drift of propanil may pose health concerns to exposed farm families living adjacent to sprayed rice fields. To determine if aerial spraying of propanil increases risks of altered immune responses in families bordering rice fields, immune parameters were assessed during a 2-year study. Families living within 100 yards of rice fields were compared in a case control study to farm families whose homes exceeded 1 mile from any rice field. Blood was analyzed in adults (n = 56) and children (n = 52) at three time intervals: (1) preseason, prior to propanil application; (2) 5-7 days after aerial application of propanil to rice fields; and (3) postseason, following harvest. Exposed adults and children were compared with controls for a number of immune parameters. Total cell count and the percentage of various lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, CD4+ helper cells, and CD8+ suppressor cells) and natural killer (NK) cells, mitogen-induced cell proliferation, cytokine (IL-2+) production, and NK cell function were assessed. A comparison of immune function between exposed and nonexposed farm families showed no significant differences, possibly related to propanil exposure. However, some immune test parameters changed as a function of season rather than propanil exposure. The data indicate that individuals living next to rice fields are not at increased risk of altered immune function due to propanil exposure.

Adolescent↗

Papanicolaou test screening and prevalence of genital human papillomavirus among women who have sex with women.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine frequency of and attitudes toward Papanicolaou (Pap) test screening in women who have sex with women (WSW) and to determine prevalence of genital human papillomavirus (HPV). METHODS: Women were eligible if they reported having engaged in sex with another woman in the preceding year Medical and sexual histories were obtained. Cervical specimens for Pap tests and cervical and vaginal specimens for HPV DNA testing were collected. RESULTS: HPV DNA was detected in 31 of 248 WSW (13%). Women who had never had sex with men were less likely to have undergone pelvic examinations and had fewer recent Pap tests. Reasons for not undergoing Pap tests included lack of insurance, previous adverse experiences, and belief that Pap tests were unnecessary. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the occurrence of genital HPV, WSW do not receive adequate Pap test screening. Pap test screening recommendations should not differ for WSW, regardless of sexual history with men.

Adult↗

Genital human papillomavirus infection in women who have sex with women: a review.

Sexual transmission of human papillomavirus between women has been postulated on the basis of reports of abnormal Papanicolaou smears in women who reported no prior sex with men and by studies using amplified deoxyribonucleic acid technology for human papillomavirus detection. To review the current knowledge of the epidemiology of human papillomavirus and the Papanicolaou smear screening practices among women who have sex with women, studies were identified from a search of the MEDLINE database from January 1980-June 1999. Several factors, including prior or concurrent sex with men and sexual behaviors between women, validate the possibility of human papillomavirus infection among women who have sex with women, and data support that human papillomavirus transmission also occurs. Limited data indicate that the frequency of routine Papanicolaou smear screening among women who have sex with women may be suboptimal relative to heterosexual women. Education of women who have sex with women and the providers of their health care should counter any assumptions that sex between women confers no risk of human papillomavirus transmission. Women who have sex with women should receive Papanicolaou smear screening in accord with current guidelines.

Female↗

Successful treatment of disseminated Fusarium infection in an immunocompromised child.

We report the first know case of disseminated fungal infection due to Fusarium proliferatum in a bone marrow transplant recipient to our knowledge. Fusarium was cultured from the blood, a paranasal sinus, and necrotic skin lesions. The isolate was sensitive to amphotericin B and on further sensitivity testing, synergy was demonstrated using rifampin in combination with amphotericin B. The patient had this infection while she was receiving alternate-day amphotericin, rifampin, and 5-flucytosine (5-FC) therapy. The infection was documented within 48 h of discontinuing daily granulocyte transfusions, which she had received for 3 weeks. The 5-FC was discontinued when sensitivities showed the organism resistant. After 6 weeks of treatment she showed complete remission of the infection, although neutrophil counts remained below 0.25 X 10(9)/L. From this case and from a review of the literature, it appears that synergic antifungal agents combined with leukocyte transfusions may be beneficial in the successful treatment of fusariosis in the compromised host.

Amphotericin B↗

Management of human immunodeficiency virus-associated thrombocytopenia with intravenous gamma globulin.

A 17-month-old boy in whom immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) was the presenting manifestation of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is being successfully managed with intermittent high-dose intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) allowing maintenance of hemostatic platelet counts while avoiding the immunosuppression associated with other therapeutic modalities used to treat ITP. He continues to demonstrate marked responsiveness to IVIG, and has been maintained on weekly or bimonthly infusions for 12 months. The serendipitous documentation of HIV infection prior to IVIG therapy for immune-mediated thrombocytopenia in this child documents the importance of HIV testing prior to IVIG therapy to prevent erroneous assignment of IVIG as the vehicle responsible for transmission of HIV infection. This case history also documents the importance of HIV testing in the diagnostic evaluation of immune-mediated thrombocytopenias.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Treatment of trilateral retinoblastoma with vincristine and cyclophosphamide.

Current therapy for patients with trilateral retinoblastoma, consisting primarily of surgical intervention and radiotherapy, has resulted in no long-term survivors. The use of adjuvant chemotherapy has not improved this outcome. After observing a tumor response to cyclophosphamide in a patient with suprasellar retinoblastoma, we treated a subsequent patient with trilateral retinoblastoma with both vincristine and cyclophosphamide. Objective tumor regression resulted. Although the tumor ultimately progressed in both patients, these findings suggest that vincristine and cyclophosphamide are active in patients with intracranial (trilateral) retinoblastoma.

Cyclophosphamide↗