Serum markers in skin melanoma--preliminary study.

Skin melanoma presents the strongest metastatic capacity and the highest mortality rate of all types of skin cancer, being one of the most aggressive forms of human cancer. Although melanoma represents only 4% of skin cancers, it accounts for 80% of skin cancer deaths. The aim of this study was the investigation of two specific serum markers for melanoma: S100B and melanoma inhibitory activity in relation to disease development.

Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Romania.

In order to assess the seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Romania and to define associated risk factors, a cross-sectional, observational study was performed in 13 districts during 1999. Sera from healthy blood donors (1,598) and from forestry workers (1,048) were tested. A two-step testing strategy was used in which sera were tested for anti-B.

Interactions between Borrelia burgdorferi and eukaryote cells: comparative ultrastructural aspects.

In the present study, mammalian VERO cells, human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) were coincubated with B31 Borrelia burgdorferi strain (Bb) and examined by transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that the spirochete adheres to the mammalian cells mainly by the apical pole and less frequently by the lateral wall. In VERO cells and MPM cell penetration is accomplished especially by cytoplasmic membrane destruction, the spirochete appearing free in the cytoplasm, but also by phagocytosis.

Action of some proteic and carbohydrate components of Symphytum officinale upon normal and neoplastic cells.

The crude watery extract of Symphytum officinale and certain proteic and carbohydrate components isolated from it were studied for their effect upon the in vivo and in vitro proliferation of Ehrlich ascites cells, EL-4 cell line and of human T lymphocytes and upon the respiratory burst of human PMN granulocytes stimulated via Fc receptors. The results indicate that the crude extract and its proteic fraction stimulate the in vivo proliferation of the studied neoplastic cells and exert an antimitotic effect on human T lymphocytes in vitro stimulated with PHA. The vegetal preparations have remarkable effects on the respiratory burst of the granulocytes non-stimulated and stimulated via Fc receptors.