The crucial role of Campylobacter jejuni genes in anti-ganglioside antibody induction in Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Molecular mimicry of Campylobacter jejuni lipo-oligosaccharides (LOS) with gangliosides in nervous tissue is considered to induce cross-reactive antibodies that lead to Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), an acute polyneuropathy. To determine whether specific bacterial genes are crucial for the biosynthesis of ganglioside-like structures and the induction of anti-ganglioside antibodies, we characterized the C. jejuni LOS biosynthesis gene locus in GBS-associated and control strains.

Absolute bioavailability of fluoride from disodium monofluorophosphate and enteric-coated sodium fluoride tablets.

Objectives: The absolute bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of two fluoride formulations were investigated in 13 healthy volunteers, aged 61-70 years.

Methods: The following formulations were administered, under fasting conditions, in a single-dose three-way cross-over design: tablets of 76 mg disodium monofluoro phosphate (MFP, equivalent to 10.0 mg F- ion), enteric-coated (e.

Hemodialysis as a potential method for the decontamination of persons exposed to radiocesium.

Radiocesium may be deposited in the environment as a result of accidents in nuclear installations, for example, as in Chernobyl. Significant internal contamination with radiocesium poses a serious risk to human health, and, therefore, expedient removal is essential to reduce the radiation body burden. In vitro hemodialysis was tested as a potential method to remove radiocesium from a pasteurized plasma solution of bovine or human blood.

The influence of extracorporeal clearance techniques on elimination of radiocesium after internal contamination.

Radiocesium, an isotope released after nuclear accidents such as Chernobyl, causes damage to the health of humans after internal contamination. As a result of an internal deposit of radiocesium these persons are continuously irradiated and noxious effects may occur. Removal of this internal radiation source will reduce immediate (short-term) and future damage (long-term).

Withdrawal or withholding of treatment at the end of life. Results of a nationwide study.

Background: Decisions to withhold or withdraw treatment (nontreatment decisions) become increasingly important because they have to be made more frequently and more explicitly. This nationwide study provides information on the occurrence and background of these nontreatment decisions.

Methods: Three studies were undertaken: interviews with 405 physicians, 5197 answered questionnaires concerning deceased persons, and information about 2257 deaths collected by a prospective study.