Apoptosis-related changes in plasma membrane glycoconjugates of peripheral blood lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis.

Control of apoptosis (apo) is very important for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, we found that an appearance of specific cell surface GC is attributable to apo and developed lectin-induced agglutination test for apo evaluation. The aim of current study was to estimate changes in surface GC expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of normal healthy donors (NHD) and patients with RA, measured by cell agglutination with the galactose-specific VAA lectin and by lectin-cytochemical analysis.

Estimation of vitamin needs--riboflavin, vitamin B6 and ascorbic acid-according to blood parameters and functional-cognitive and emotional indices in a selected well-established group of elderly in a home for the aged in Israel.

Objective: To evaluate the vitamin status and the effects of micronutrient supplementation as determined by biochemical assays and functional, cognitive and emotional tests in a selected well-established group of elderly people, average age above 80 years.

Methods: Dietary consumption was evaluated by in-person interview using a food frequency questionnaire. Medical, biochemical, nutritional, functional, cognitive and behavioral parameters were assessed in elderly subjects (n = 12) living in a home for the aged, at baseline and after 42 days of micronutrient supplementation.

Macronutrient consumption and nutritional status in a selected well-established group of elderly people in a home for the aged in Israel.

Objective: To evaluate the distribution pattern of the main macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates) and fiber in a selected well-established group of elderly people, average age above 80 years.

Method: Dietary consumption was evaluated in a well-established group of 21 elderly people in a home for the aged by in-person interview using a food frequency questionnaire.

Results: Daily energy intake was 1.

Evidence of abnormality of lymphocyte uroporphyrinogen synthase in family members of patients with lymphoproliferative diseases.

Patients with active lymphoproliferative diseases (LPD) were shown to have high activity of lymphocyte uroporphyrinogen synthase (L-UROS), the enzyme which converts porphobilinogen to uroporphyrinogen. The mean L-UROS activity of 64 first-degree relatives of patients with LPD was significantly higher than that of a control group and 45% of these relatives had pathological values of L-UROS. L-UROS activity was also determined in the spouses of 2 patients and was pathologically elevated in both.

Persistent lymphocytosis: an unusual feature in sarcoidosis.

Persistent lymphocytosis as a presenting sign in sarcoidosis is described in a 61-year-old man. Lymphocytosis is an unusual finding in sarcoidosis. The case presented seems to suggest that sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lymphocytosis.