Isolation of the covalent binary complex of 5-fluorodeoxyuridylate and thymidylate synthetase by trichloroacetic acid precipitation

Strong chemical evidence for the existence of a covalent binary complex between 5-fluorodeoxyuridylate and thymidylate synthetase was provided by the isolation of the complex by trichloroacetic acid precipitation. This result together with that of a control experiment with N-ethymaleimide inactivated thymidylate synthetase demonstrated that only nucleotide covalently bound to the protein survived repeated washings of the precipitate. Under the conditions used, a maximum binding stoichiometry of about 0.9 was obtained for the covalent binary complex, Kd = 1.1 X 10(-5) M. Also, a binding ratio of 1.7 was obtained for the methylenetetrahydrofolate-5-fluorodeoxyuridylate-thymidylate synthetase ternary complex.

Some features of the spasmogenic actions of acetylcholine and histamine in guinea-pig isolated trachealis

Intracellular electrophysiological recording showed that acetylcholine (1 mumol l-1) and histamine (2 mumol l-1) depolarized trachealis cells and often increased the frequency of slow waves. Higher concentrations of these agents caused greater depolarization and abolition of slow waves. Marked depolarization was often associated with the appearance of electrical 'noise'. These electrical phenomena were accompanied by tonic tension development in a contiguous segment of trachea. Electrical 'noise' and tension evoked by high concentrations of acetylcholine or histamine could be dissipated by washing the agonist from the tissue. Acetylcholine-induced 'noise' was resistant to tetrodotoxin (3 mumol l-1) and to hexamethonium (1 mmol l-1). Neither acetylcholine (10-1,000 mumol l-1) nor histamine (2-200 mumol l-1) increased the lanthanum-resistant calcium fraction of muscle-containing strips of trachea. It is concluded that, while developing tension under the influence of acetylcholine or histamine, trachealis cells depolarize markedly but there is relatively little cellular influx of Ca2+.

Preparation of (-)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate using immobilized dihydrofolate reductase

Dihydrofolate reductase from methotrexate-resistant Lactobacillus casei was immobilized on carbodiimide-activated CH-Sepharose. The immobilized enzyme was utilized in the synthesis of (-)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate from dihydrofolate and NADPH in a batchwise reaction system. The products of the reaction, (-)-tetrahydrofolate and NADP+, were separated on a Sephadex G-10 column equilibrated with 50 mM NH4HCO3 containing beta-mercaptoethanol and ethanol. The tetrahydrofolate was then characterized by ultraviolet and circular dichroic spectra and its reactivity as a cofactor in the thymidylate synthetase reaction.

Uracil, 2,4-dichlorophenol and diphenylether derivatives with antimicrobial activity

For possible antimicrobial activity, 5-chlorosulphonyl-chloride uracil, 6-chlorosulphonyl-2,4-dichlorophenol and 4,4'-dichlorosulphonyldiphenylether were condensed with amines, hydrazine hydrate, amino acids and amino acid esters.

Circulating granulocyte and macrophage progenitor cells in primary and secondary myelofibrosis

Patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and myelofibrosis secondary to carcinoma (SMF) were compared with regard to circulating granulocyte macrophage progenitor cells (CFU-GM) using in vitro tissue culture techniques. Although increased numbers of CFU-GM had previously been well documented in PMF, few patients with the secondary variety had been studied. Our data indicate that there is an increase in circulating CFU-GM in patients with SMF but it is significantly lower than in those with PMF. It is suggested that in both conditions disruption of the marrow microvascular system results in a release of CFU-GM to the circulation. In PMF stem cell colonization of the spleen with its consequent myeloid metaplasia may be responsible for the additional increase in CFU-GM. The determination of CFU-GM numbers may provide additional data to help to distinguish PMF and SMF in atypical cases where the distinction is unclear.

Acquired Gaucher's cells in Hodgkin's disease

A patient with Hodgkin's disease associated with low glucocerebrosidase levels in the peripheral leukocytes, and Gaucher's cells in the bone marrow and lymph nodes, is described. After MOPP therapy, complete remission of Hodgkin's disease was accompanied by normalization of the glucocerebrosidase level and disappearance of Gaucher's cells. This observation appears unique when compared with the four cases of combined Hodgkin's and Gaucher's disease reported in earlier literature in which Gaucher's disease remained unchanged after chemotherapy. We conclude that our patient had Hodgkin's disease and acquired Gaucher's cells with diminished glucocerebrosidase levels, rather than a combination of Hodgkin's disease and Gaucher's disease.

Results of a phase II protocol for evaluation of new chemotherapeutic regimens in patients with inoperable non-small cell lung carcinoma (EST-2575, generation I)

Two hundred and eighty-four patients with inoperable non-small cell lung carcinoma were randomized by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group to receive one of seven primary chemotherapy regimens: cyclophosphamide and methotrexate; Baker's antifol; vincristine, bleomycin, and methotrexate; melphalan; cyclophosphamide and CCNU (control arm); 5-FU procarbazine; and hexamethylmelamine, doxorubicin, and methotrexate (HAM). Patients with disease progression were eligible for treatment with VM-26 or ascorbic acid. HAM resulted in higher response rates than cyclophosphamide and CCNU in patients with adenocarcinoma (32%) and large cell carcinoma (23%). It was not tested in patients with squamous cell carcinoma. In terms of survival, HAM was significantly better than cyclophosphamide and CCNU in patients with limited disease. Its toxicity was predominantly hematologic and gastrointestinal. This regimen is being further evaluated by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group in patients with inoperable non-small cell lung carcinoma. Crossover therapy with VM-26 or ascorbic acid had no therapeutic benefit.

Study of the effects of a long acting injectable-progesterone on the ovarian and uterine histomorphology of the androgenised female rats of Long-Evans strain

The study was aimed at determining the possible role of long acting progesterone-DMPA in effecting reversal of the effect of TP on neonatally treated female Long-Evans rats. Five day-old female litters injected with 1.25 mg. TP went into persistent estrous on attaining maturity. DMPA when given in proper dosage and time reverted the condition.

Platelet aggregation as a sign of septicemia in thermal injury. A prospective study

Serial measurements of coagulation activity, platelet counts, and platelet aggregation were done in patients with full-thickness burns involving 25% or more of body surface area to detect specific changes that might correlate with the onset of septicemia. Mean and maximal values for prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, activities of factor V and factor VIII, and concentrations of fibrinogen and fibrinogen-related antigens observed in the presence of bacterial septicemia did not differ significantly from those observed in the absence of septicemia. Mean platelet counts were significantly less with sepsis, but values in individual subjects were not indicative of the presence of septicemia. By contrast, platelet aggregation in response to adenosine diphosphate, epinephrine, and collagen always became severely abnormal with the onset of septicemia but not in the absence of sepsis.

Effect of oral contraceptive agents on vitamin nutrition status

Effects of low estrogen combination type oral contraceptives on some of the biochemical parameters used for assessing vitamin nutritional status were investigated in a group of women who had used the pill for 6 to 12 months. Another group of women was examined initially and then at one or more points of time within the first 6 months of treatment. Following changes were observed in women treated with oral contraceptives: 1) increased excretion of kynurenic acid and xanthurenic acid following tryptophan load; 2) increased EGOT activity and also an increase in vitro stimulation of EGOT with added PALP; 3) increased plasma vitamin A levels; 4) fall in erythrocyte folate levels; 5) fall in erythrocyte transketolase activity with no change in vitro stimulation with TPP; and 6) fall in erythrocyte riboflavin concentration associated with a decrease in erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity and increase in vitro stimulation with FAD. Most of these changes were observed during the first few cycles of oral contraceptive treatment.

New laser applications in geodetic and engineering surveys

Large engineering constructions and first-order geodetic control nets often require a relative accuracy of 10(-6)or better in positioning of survey points. A team from the University of New Brunswick has developed new instruments for precision alignment surveys and for engineering and geodetic leveling which satisfy the demands for accuracy. Prototypes of integrating centering detectors have been designed and constructed which allow alignment of laser beams with an accuracy of 0.2 sec of arc in a turbulent atmosphere over distances of a few kilometers. Two types of laser plummets have been developed to set a laser beam in a vertical direction with an accuracy of 0.5 sec of arc or better. A He-Ne laser has been adapted to a conventional self-aligning level giving a standard error of 0.7 mm/km in determination of a difference in elevation. A new type of laser level has been constructed which gives new possibilities for precision leveling.

Pulmonary Hydatid Cysts and Tuberculosis in a Child – A Case Report

A 7 years old male child presented with history of cough, fever, haemoptysis and chest pain for 2 years. On examination he was moderately pale and wasted. Respiratory system examination revealed features of consolidation in both lungs. His provisional diagnosis was pulmonary tuberculosis. TC was 1500/cumm ESR- 70mm in first hour, MT was negative and sputum for AFB was also negative. Radiological finding of chest revealed two large well defined dense opacities in both mid and lower zones of both lungs and there was no calcification or air fluid level. CT scan of chest showed large irregular enhancing mass lesion having air fluid level in right lower zone, well defined cystic lesions in both lungs, no calcification was seen. On the basis of xray and CT scan report we reviewed our diagnosis as pulmonary hydatid disease. Tablet albendazole was started preoperatively. The cyst was removed surgically and specimen was sent for histopathology. Report showed hydatid cyst and pulmonary tuberculosis. So confirmed diagnosis was Hydatid cyst and pulmonary tuberculosis.He was treated with antitubercular drugs and continuation of tablet Albendazole for 6 months. He was followed up regularly and was doing well. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v29i2.7956 (J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2011; 29: 102-105)

Fast-track Cardiac Surgery in Children: Feasibility in Bangladeshi Setting

Background: Fast-track recovery protocols in cardiac surgery is gaining worldwide popularity and have contributed to significant reductions in the postoperative hospital stay and cost without any increase in postoperative mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to find out the feasibility of fast track paediatric cardiac surgery in Bangladeshi setting. Method: It was a prospective study conducted in National Institute of Cardio-vascular Diseases, Dhaka, from July 2009 to June 2010. All patients, between 3 to 18 years, underwent surgical closure of atrial or ventricular septal defect under cardio-pulmonary bypass. 20 patients from our unit served as fast track group and 30 patients from other units of the same hospital served as conventional group. Fast track patients were extubated in less than 6 hours after surgery, shifted from ICU in less than 24 hours and geared up to discharge home within 3 days of surgery. Result: 18 (90%) of the 20 patient of the fast track group were discharged within 3 days of surgery, 2 patients cannot be discharged within this time frame. Mean post operative hospital stay for study group was 3.1 days, whereas the mean hospital stay in the control group was 7.5 days. Follow-up was 100% complete at 30 days. There was no major in-hospital or out-of-hospital complications in either group. No patient was readmitted at our centre or elsewhere for any complication arising from this process. Conclusion: Fast tracking is feasible and safe in low-risk paediatric open-heart surgery in Bangladeshi scenario. A multidisciplinary approach with a set protocol is required to achieve this goal in a safe and reproducible manner. Keywords: Cardiac surgery; Congenital heart disease; Fast track; Hospital discharge. DOI: 10.3329/cardio.v3i1.6427Cardiovasc. j. 2010; 3(1): 50-54