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For a number of European countries, an examination was made of the relationship between mortality from motor vehicle accidents and certain demographic and transport factors. such as vehicles per inhabitant, length of road network per area, percentage of total population in large towns, percentage of young ( − 19 yr) and old (65 + yr) in total population, etc. The statistical analysis was carried out using a multiple regression technique. It was estimated that the factors studied, account for about 3/5 of the observed variation in mortality from motor vehicle accidents in European countries in 1970.

To investigate the effect of long term hashish use on T-lymphocytes we have measured the incorporation of 14C-thymidine by peripheral blood lymphocytes, unstimulated and stimulated by phytohemagglutinin, as well as the proportion and number of E-rosettes in 12 healthy male chronic users of the drug before and after a smoking session, and in 15 control subjects. The results show that hashish smoking does not impair the response of lymphocytes to PHA, at least at the concentration of PHA used. Furthermore there is a possibility that among chronic users a hashish smoking session may have a slight stimulatory effect.

Jeune syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by skeletal abnormalities of the thorax and extremities, is associated with respiratory distress in infancy, hepatic fibrosis in some instances, and renal failure that may develop later. We report here one additional feature, pancreatic fibrosis. The association of pancreatic fibrosis with Jeune syndrome has been previously described, but it has not been appreciated as a stable and important manifestation of this disorder.

A method for screening human lead exposure was validated by using fingernail lead concentrations in comparison with blood lead concentrations of 40 children and 44 adults. A multiple regression analysis performed in the above sets of measurements revealed two statistical equations with which one could determine the blood lead concentrations from the corresponding nail lead concentrations in both groups.

The prevalence of gallstones in Athens in 1973 was studied in an autopsy survey that covered 1,448 subjects of all ages and both sexes. Gallstones were found in 5.2% of all subjects and in 6.2% of subjects older than 40 years. The prevalence was higher in females and considerably higher in persons who died from cirrhosis of the liver or from ischaemic heart disease.

The possible fluctuation of leukocytes and plasma lipids, 30 – 60 min after smoking hashish, was studied. Total phospholipid content in both leukocytes and plasma was increased in a similar way to the total lipid content after smoking hashish. Differences in most of the phospholipid classes in leukocytes and plasma before and after smoking hashish were observed while the values in controls and chronic users of the drug before smoking hashish were found to be relatively close. Findings are discussed in relation to the pharmacological action of the drug on liver lipid metabolism.

Low serum zinc levels and high urinary zinc excretion were found in 25 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma. Twenty of them underwent successful removal of the tumor by lobectomy or pneumonectomy; in the other 5 patients surgical exploration revealed unresectable pulmonary lesions. The latter had significantly lower serum zinc and higher urinary zinc levels than the patients in whom surgical removal of the tumor could be performed. Tumor resection was followed by restoration of serum and urinary zinc to normal. In contrast, in the inoperable patients a further decrease in serum zinc and no significant change in urinary zinc excretion were noted 15 days after thoracic exploration. In both patient groups a significant negative correlation existed between preoperatively obtained values of serum and urinary zinc. Hypozincemia in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma may result from an increase in urinary zinc losses, probably related to a decrease in zinc binding to plasma proteins. Determination of serum and urinary zinc may be useful in evaluating the prognosis of primary lung cancer.

Purpose: Apoptosis is a morphologically distinct form of programmed cell death that plays a major role in cellular development and homeostasis. In this study, we examined the role that apoptosis may have in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Methods: We examined immunohistochemically 20 normal carotid arteries and the carotid arteries of 86 patients (mean age, 68 years; range, 52 to 80 years) who underwent atherectomy for primary atherosclerosis. The expression of two genes, BCL2, which inhibits apoptosis, and BAX, which induces apoptosis, was examined and correlated to the presence of risk factors that included hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. Results: BAX expression was found in 26 of 86 cases (30%), and no immunoreactivity was found in the normal carotid specimens. BCL2 expression was not seen in any examined tissues (atherosclerotic or normal carotid arteries). Of the 26 patients who expressed the BAX gene, 22 were hypertensive (85%), and hypertension (>160/95 mm Hg) was present in 25 of 60 patients (41%) who did not express the BAX gene (p < 0.01). No significant correlation was found between the expression of the BAX gene and other risk factors (smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus) or presenting symptoms. Conclusions: In a significant number of stenosed carotid arteries (30%), we found no evidence of apoptosis suggested by the presence of BAX expression. Hypertension was more prevalent in those patients with BAX gene expression than in those patients without BAX gene expression. BCL2 expression, which inhibits apoptosis, was not found. Further study of this phenomenon may contribute to the discovery of new treatments for atherosclerosis. (J Vasc Surg 1998;27:733-9.)

The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe and Mg in fingernails of 212 normal children, 109 males and 103 females, 6–11 years old, were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. A wide scatter of results in all trace element determinations in fingernails was found. Nevertheless, it was noted that the petrographical composition of the region influences the trace element concentration in fingernails. An age variation was observed for Cu and Fe. Nail concentrations of the same trace elements were significantly higher in male than in female children.

Blood lead (Pb-b) concentrations, hematocrit (Ht), and hemoglobin (Hb) were determined in three groups of men working in different parts of a cable-producing factory. All three parameters examined, i.e., Pb-b, Ht, and Hb, in the above groups were found to be within "normal" limits. However, within each group of men studied, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between Pb-b concentrations and Ht and Hb values. This finding indicates that any increase in Pb-b concentration, even within the "normal" values, may result in a decrease of hematocrit and hemoglobin values of the same subjects.

(1983). Percutaneous Paraquat Intoxication. Journal of Toxicology: Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 3-5.

The possible effect of delta 9-THC on human erythrocyte phospholipids of chronic hashish users was studied. Changes in individual phospholipids concentrations were observed in heavy hashish users after smoking the drug. Results are discussed in relation to the possible alterations of enzymatic mechanisms which require the presence of essential for their activation phospholipids.

Salicylates are teratogens in animals, but their teratogenicity in man remains controverted. The possibility that massive oral intake in the first 3 months of pregnancy may induce malformations has not been eliminated. We report a second case of cyclopia associated with daily maternal ingestion of up to 4 g of acetylsalicylic acid in the first trimester.

The psychometric intelligence and the blood lead (PbB) of 509 children living near a lead smelter in Lavrion, Greece, were evaluated. The mean PbB was 23.7 μg/dl and the range 7.4–63.9 μg/dl. After controlling for 17 variables, including parent IQ, with a multiple linear regression model, it was found that PbB was significantly associated with full-scale IQ of the WISC-R (b = -0.270, p = 0.000069). Verbal and performance IQs were almost equally affected. The adjusted full-scale IQ difference between ‘high’ (>45 μg/dl) and ‘low’ PbB children was 9.1 units. The dose-response curve showed evidence of a threshold at the level of about 25 μg/dl PbB.

Low serum zinc levels and high urinary zinc excretion were found in 25 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma. Twenty of them underwent successful removal of the tumor by lobectomy or pneumonectomy; in the other 5 patients surgical exploration revealed unresectable pulmonary lesions. The latter had significantly lower serum zinc and higher urinary zinc levels than the patients in whom surgical removal of the tumor could be performed. Tumor resection was followed by restoration of serum and urinary zinc to normal. In contrast, in the inoperable patients a further decrease in serum zinc and no significant change in urinary zinc excretion were noted 15 days after thoracic exploration. In both patient groups a significant negative correlation existed between preoperatively obtained values of serum and urinary zinc. Hypozincemia in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma may result from an increase in urinary zinc losses, probably related to a decrease in zinc binding to plasma proteins. Determination of serum and urinary zinc may be useful in evaluating the prognosis of primary lung cancer.

An attempt was made to investigate the possible action of delta 9-THC on HDL-Lipid composition. Significant changes were observed in the serum total lipids, triglycerides and HDL subfractions after hashish smoking. The results are discussed in relation to the possible alterations of some enzymatic mechanisms regulating lipid metabolism in hashish users.

The results of an analysis of red cell individual phospho-lipid fatty acids are presented in patients suffering from β-thalassemia minor. A significant decrease of each of the following sphingomyelin fatty acids was found: 16:0, 18:1, 18:2, 22:0, 24:0. Phosphatidylcholine fatty acids showed an increase of 16:0, 18:2, 22:0, and 22:1 and a decrease of 18:0 and 20: 4. Changes of phosphatidylserine fatty acids, an increase of 14:0, 16: 0, 18:0, 18:2, and 22:1, and a decrease of 20:4, 24:0, and 24:1, were observed. An increase of 14:0, 16:0 and a decrease of 18:1, 20:4, and 24:1 phosphatidylethanolamine fatty acids were found. The considerable changes observed in individual phospholipid fatty acids, especially long chain unsaturated ones and primarily arachidonic acid (20: 4), indicate a tendency for red cell peroxidation and thus an increased predisposition to hemolysis.

A 13 year-old boy with Wilson's disease was treated with zinc sulphate per os for 4 years. This treatment, which was effective and non toxic, could substitute for penicillamine as long term treatment of Wilson's disease.

To investigate the effect of long term hashish use on T-lymphocytes we have measured the incorporation of14C-thymidine by peripheral blood lymphocytes, unstimulated and stimulated by phytohemagglutinin, as well as the proportion and number of E-rosettes in 12 healthy male chronic users of the drug before and after a smoking session, and in 15 control subjects. The results show that hashish smoking does not impair the response of lymphocytes to PHA, at least at the concentration of PHA used. Furthermore there is a possibility that among chronic users a hashish smoking session may have a slight stimulatory effect. © 1978 Springer-Verlag.

The variations in concentration of ATP and 2,3 DPG, and in lactic acid production as a function of time, were measured in the erythrocytes of heavy hashish smokers. Results indicate that the most remarkable reduction in concentration of the compounds examined occurred at 30 and 45 min after hashish smoking. The findings are discussed in connection with the possible influence of hashish components, especiallyΔ9-THC, on the erythrocyte glycolytic pathway.

Epidemiologic characteristics were studied in a sample of 50 patients with pancreatic cancer admitted at various hospitals of Athens during an 18-month period, and in 206 controls hospitalized during the same period with diagnoses other than cancer, and disorders of liver or pancreas. Trace elements (Cu, Zn, Mg) were determined in all cancer cases and in 63 controls by the Perkin-Elmer model 306 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The main findings were as follows: Cancer of the pancreas was associated with cigarette smoking (relative risk 2.7; P less than 0.05), diabetes mellitus (relative risk 2.1; P less than 0.05), and cholelithiasis (relative risk 3.5; P less than 0.05), but not with alcohol drinking (relative risk 0.7; P less than 0.20) and some other variables. There was a statistically significant increase of serum copper in patients suffering from pancreatic cancer in comparison with noncancer hospital controls. No consistent differences were found with respect to zinc and magnesium.

The concentration of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in erythrocytes was determined in 369 male and 376 female normal subjects, 1 to 86 years of age, derived from the Greek population. It was inversely correlated (P less than 0.01) with age. Persons over age 60 showed a decrease (P less than 0.05) in 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentrations as compared those 1-20 years of age.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate was determined in the erythrocytes of 17 diabetic and 18 obese patients. Results for obese subjects were significantly (P < .01) different from those obtained for 21 healthy subjects. Results for obese and diabetic patients also differed significantly (P < .01), but not those for diabetic and healthy subjects. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, or bicarbonate measurements did not differ among the three groups.

An attempt was made to investigate the possible action of Δ9-THC on HDL-Lipid composition. Significant changes were observed in the serum total lipids, triglycerides and HDL subfractions after hashish smoking. The results are discussed in relation to the possible alterations of some enzymatic mechanisms regulating lipid metabolism in hashish users. © 1985.

Exposure of children of the Greek town of Lavrion to lead and cadmium has been evaluated by determination of the levels of lead (PbB) and cadmium (CdB) in the blood of 514 children living in the town. The Lavrion area is heavily polluted by lead owing to the presence of a large lead-zinc mining and smelting industrial complex. The industrial PbB level (geometric mean) was 21.7 micrograms dl-1 (range 7.4-79.8 micrograms dl-1). The CdB levels were, on average, 0.36 micrograms l-1 (range 0.1-3.1 micrograms l-1). The results were evaluated with respect to a number of constitutional, social and environmental variables, such as age, gender, distance of the school from the lead-zinc mining and smelting complex, and occupation and education of the father.

The authors describe an intoxication by Atractylis gummifera in a 7-year old boy who drunk an extract made from the plant's root as traditional medicine. He was admitted to the Hospital 2 days after ingestion, in coma stage II, with epigastric pain, vomiting and general anxiety. Laboratory findings showed severe hepatocellular damage and acute renal failure. In spite of all treatment and therapeutic efforts, the boy died 8 days after admission. A postmortem histopathological study of the liver confirmed the panlobular hepatic necrosis and allowed the differential diagnosis of the intoxication from Reye syndrome.

A young mother had a stillborn infant at 33 weeks' gestation, the pregnancy complicated by polyhydramnios. The parents were unrelated, healthy, and both had a normal karyotype. The infant had multiple malformations such as ankylosis, facial anomalies, and pulmonary hypoplasia. A severe gastroschisis and agenesis of the right leg were also present. The neuropathologic findings were those of marked atrophy of anterior horn motor cells in the spinal cord and neurogenic muscle atrophy. This is a case of Pena-Shokeir syndrome with two additional features: gastroschisis and agenesis of the right leg. This syndrome represents a lethal form of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, and the essential neuropathologic findings are marked reduction in the number of spinal motor cells and neurogenic muscle atrophy.

A method for screening human lead exposure was validated by using fingernail lead concentrations in comparison with blood lead concentrations of 40 children and 44 adults. A multiple regression analysis performed in the above sets of measurements revealed two statistical equations with which one could determine the blood lead concentrations from the corresponding nail lead concentrations in both groups. © 1986 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.