Cinnamtannin B1 activity on adipocytes formation

In attempt to discover a small active compound that could promote adipogenesis, we investigated the ability of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) extracts to stimulate 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, In this study, we designed an experiment by replacing insulin with cinnamon extracts. The differentiated of 3T3-L1 adipocytes were monitored using oil red O staining method. Induction of adipocyte formation by cinnamtannin B1 or water extract gave the similar effects to insulin activity in adipogenesis.

In vitro inhibitory effect of rubraxanthone isolated from Garcinia parvifolia on platelet-activating factor receptor binding

Rubraxanthone and isocowanol isolated from Garcinia parvifolia Miq. were investigated for their inhibitory effects on platelet-activating factor (PAF) binding to rabbit platelets using 3H-PAF as a ligand. Rubraxanthone showed a strong inhibition with IC 50 value of 18.2 microM. The IC 50 values of macluraxanthone, 6-deoxyjacareubin, 2-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-1,3,5-trihydroxyxanthone, 2-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-1,3,5,6-tetrahydroxyxanthone and 1,3,5-trihydroxy-6,6'-dimethylpyrano(2',3':6,7)-4-(1,1-dimethylprop-2-enyl)-xanthone were also determined for comparison. In the course of our study on structure-activity relationship of xanthones, the results revealed that a geranyl group substituted at C-8 was beneficial to the binding while a hydroxylated prenyl group at C-4 resulted in a significant loss in binding to the PAF receptor.

Identification of sterol-independent regulatory elements in the human ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 promoter: role of Sp1/3, E-box binding factors, and an oncostatin M-responsive element

The ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) shows a differentiation-, cAMP-, and sterol-dependent up-regulation in human monocytes. As part of an ongoing study, we investigated the proximal promoter regions that are highly conserved between the human and murine ABCA1 genes. Using reporter gene assays, we show here that a TATA box 24 bp upstream of the transcription initiation site is essential for promoter activity in RAW 264.7 and HepG2 cells, whereas further enhancement of transcriptional activity is mediated by the -175 bp promoter region. Gel shift assays revealed in vitro binding of Sp1 to a -91 GnC motif as well as binding of Sp1 and Sp3 to a -157 GnC promoter region. In co-transfection experiments using Drosophila S2 cells, we demonstrate that Sp3 competes with Sp1 for binding to the -157 GnC motif and acts as a repressor. On the other hand, overexpression of Sp1 increased ABCA1 mRNA expression in HeLa cells and enhanced cellular cholesterol and phospholipid efflux in RAW 246.7 macrophages. We also show here that the conserved E-box at position -140 binds upstream stimulatory factors 1 and 2 and hepatic nuclear factor 1alpha and that mutagenesis of the E-box enhanced constitutive ABCA1 expression in RAW 264.7 cells, implying a role for this element in silencing ABCA1 expression. Besides the functional importance for basal gene expression, we have identified that the core promoter region (-175 to +224) is also responsible for the induction of ABCA1 by the cytokine oncostatin M, resulting in a rapid increase in ABCA1 mRNA levels in HepG2 cells. Interestingly, this oncostatin M-induced expression is not dependent on the currently known sequence motifs in the ABCA1 promoter. In conclusion, a functional complex of cis-elements within the proximal human ABCA1 promoter associated with the transcription factors Sp1/3, upstream stimulatory factors 1 and 2, and hepatic nuclear factor 1alpha has been characterized, which allows a subtle tissue-specific regulation of ABCA1 gene expression.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by oral fluconazole

BACKGROUND

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a generalized, nonfollicular, pustular eruption of the skin associated with fever and leukocytosis. The cause of AGEP has mainly been attributed to drugs.

OBJECTIVE

We report a unique case of AGEP in a 75-year-old male caused by oral fluconazole. We include clinical as well as histological illustrations of our case.

CONCLUSION

Based on a current literature search using the MEDLINE electronic database, this is the first reported case of AGEP arising from use of oral fluconazole. The clinical presentation, clinical course, and histology are consistent with prior reports of AGEP resulting from other drugs. AGEP should be considered a possible complication of oral fluconazole treatment.

The changing emphasis of disasters in Bangladesh NGOs

Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, affected by cyclones and floods, as well as chronic hazards such as arsenic poisoning. NGOs have played a major role in bringing concerns related to risk management on to the national agenda and promoting a shift of focus from mere relief response to disaster mitigation and preparedness. The government has, after earlier scepticism, now accepted NGOs as major partners in these tasks. Innovative approaches, such as the use of microfinance, have been applied; many of which are related to preserving the gains of development efforts as part of rehabilitation. NGOs have pressured for better coordination with government. Improved structures are now approved, but it is still too early to judge their impact. Despite progress, neither NGOs nor governmental agencies have clearly defined roles in the effort to link disaster management priorities. This will ensure that longer-term development efforts build on local capacities and reduce vulnerabilities.

[Cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung. A case report]

We report one case of congenital cystic adenomatoïd malformation of the lung (C.A.A.M.) diagnosed at 24 weeks of gestation with cocommitant fetal hydraps. The diagnosis of (C.A.A.M.) type I was confirmed histologically.

Insights into the contemporary epidemiology and outpatient management of congestive heart failure

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the epidemiology, prognosis, and patterns of practice in patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) treated and followed at a specialized clinic.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study of consecutive patients referred to and followed up in a specialized heart failure clinic between September 1989 and March 1996.

RESULTS

Of the 628 patients referred, 566 were confirmed to have CHF. Mean duration of follow-up was 518 +/- 490 days (range 1 to 2192 days). Vital status was available for 99.3% of patients. Mean age at enrollment was 66 years, 68% were men, 67% had an ischemic cause of heart disease, and 78% had systolic dysfunction. Patients with preserved systolic function were older, more often female, had higher mean systolic blood pressures, and a lower prevalence of ischemic heart disease, ventricular arrhythmias, or impaired renal function when compared with those with systolic dysfunction (all P </=.001). Although there was a significant negative trend in survival with decreasing ejection fraction (P =. 03), the survival experience of those with CHF and preserved systolic function did not significantly differ from those with systolic failure (P =.25). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed increased mortality risk was associated with increasing age, New York Heart Association class IV, ischemic cause of disease, elevated serum creatinine level, use of diuretics, and systolic dysfunction, whereas use of beta-blockers was associated with reduced risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that a specialized outpatient clinic can improve practice patterns in patients with CHF. The high mortality risk in CHF with preserved systolic function suggests the need to find efficacious (and effective) therapies for this condition.

Reproductive capacity of round spermatids compared with mature spermatozoa in a population of azoospermic men

The present study aims to evaluate the injection of testicular round spermatids from patients with complete failure of spermiogenesis compared with that of mature epididymal and testicular spermatozoa. Over a period of 8 months, 188 azoospermic patients were evaluated with a view to their inclusion in our intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) programme. All patients had had a previous testicular biopsy; 38 had pure obstructive azoospermia, while 150 had non-obstructive azoospermia. Mature spermatozoa were found in 93 patients, whereas spermatozoa were entirely absent, with a predominance of round spermatids in 87. In eight patients, spermatids could not be found and therefore their cycles were cancelled. There was an early appearance of the two pronuclei stage in the round spermatid group compared with the mature spermatozoa group of patients (10.2 and 16 h respectively). The fertilization rate was also significantly lower (P = 0.00001) in the round spermatid group. The numbers of embryos developed and of embryo transfers in the round spermatid injection group were significantly lower compared with the mature spermatozoa injection group (P = 0.05 and 0.0001 respectively). No pregnancies resulted from round spermatid injection, while 18 pregnancies were achieved from the injection of mature spermatozoa. In conclusion, injection of round spermatids from patients with complete failure of spermiogenesis resulted in a significantly lower fertilization rate and a higher developmental arrest compared with injection of mature spermatozoa. With no pregnancies achieved, one may question the unusual variability of reported success rates and stress the need for further research in order to improve the outcome of this novel technique.

Physiologic responses of cross-linked hemoglobin in endotoxin-treated rats

Purified human cross-linked hemoglobin (alpha alpha Hb) as well as recombinant human hemoglobin is undergoing clinical trials in the setting of acute blood loss and perioperative hemodilution. We have previously demonstrated that in rabbits with circulating plasma Hb, such as alpha alpha Hb, infusion of endotoxin (LPS) impairs myocardial contractility which results in hypotension, tissue hypoperfusion and increased mortality. The untoward cardiovascular effects occurring after the combined infusion of LPS and alpha alpha Hb in this model are similar to those reported for other agents that inhibit nitric oxide (NO) availability. To determine if the deleterious effects of alpha alpha Hb and LPS were species specific, we performed similar studies in rats. Anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats received LPS (4 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg) alone or in combination with alpha alpha Hb (0.7 g/kg). Mean arterial blood pressures (MAP) increased in the group that received alpha alpha Hb alone (105 +/- 8 to 120 +/- 7 mm Hg, p = 0.2) and a decrease was noted in the groups that received low dose LPS (4 mg/kg, p = 0.5) and high dose LPS (40 mg/kg, p = 0.016). MAP in rats treated with the LPS at either dose combined with alpha alpha Hb remained unchanged. Levels of urine nitrite, which was measured as a surrogate marker for plasma NO, were significantly decreased at 2 hr in groups that received the combination of alpha alpha Hb and LPS at 4 mg/kg (p = 0.022) and 40 mg/kg (p = 0.003). No significant decrease was observed in animals treated only with alpha alpha Hb (p = 0.21) or LPS (4 mg/kg; p = 0.78 and 40 mg/kg; p = 0.65). Survival was evaluated during 72 hr in animals that were infused with high dose LPS (40 mg/kg) alone or in combination with alpha alpha Hb and then allowed to recover. The survival of rats treated with LPS alone or the combination was 29% at the end of 24 hr and was 100% for rats receiving only alpha alpha Hb. The data suggest that the toxicity of alpha alpha Hb appears to be a species specific phenomenon.

Description of a novel FR1 IgH PCR strategy and its comparison with three other strategies for the detection of clonality in B cell malignancies

PCR amplification of IgH gene V-D-J junctional variability (IgH PCR) is increasingly replacing Southern analysis for the detection of clonal lymphoid populations in cases presenting diagnostic difficulties. In order to determine the most efficient strategy, we have compared three known methods, using consensus primers against the VH FR3 or FR2 (FR256) regions, or a mix of six primers against the FR1 region (FR1f), with a new approach using a consensus primer against FR1 (FR1c), never previously described for diagnostic purposes, on DNA from 89 monoclonal B-cell proliferations (16 ALL, 28 CLL/PLL, 15 myelomas, 30 NHL). We obtained a detection rate of 70% for FR3, 64% for FR1f and 77% and 78% for FR256 and FR1c, respectively. Polyclonal lymphocytes and mature T cell malignancies tested negative for all systems. Differences in the detection rate were related not only to the choice of VH primer but also the JH primer(s) used and the pathological subtype. All strategies led to adequate detection of leukaemic DNA, whereas the detection rate in myeloma varied between strategies from 47 to 80% and that of follicular lymphoma from 13 to 63%. The lowest detection rates were observed in follicular lymphoma and in mature CD5 negative proliferations, reflecting the probable correlation between somatic mutation and PCR false-negativity. The combined use of FR1c and FR256 allowed detection in at least one system of 92% of cases overall and at least 75% in all pathological subtypes, thus providing a simple, reliable and rapid non-radioactive system for the detection of B cell clonality.

Partial purification and kinetic properties of human placental cytosolic aspartate transaminase

Human placental cytoplasmic aspartate transaminase was purified 404-fold by heat treatment, ammonium sulfate fractionation, dialysis and DEAE-Sephadex chromatography. The pH optimum of the enzyme was 6.8 in either phosphate or cacodylate buffer. The Km values of alpha-ketoglutarate and L-aspartate were 2.06 and 22.5 mM, respectively. A 78% inhibition of the enzyme was noted at 4 mM concentration of maleate which inhibited the enzyme upon competing with alpha-ketoglutarate with a Ki value of 1.72 mM. The kinetic properties of this enzyme are compared with those of the enzyme from various mammalian and other sources. The data are discussed in terms of the probable effectiveness of this enzyme in catabolizing L-aspartate in placenta especially after the consumption of a high protein diet by the pregnant mother.

Transient ischemic attacks: electrophysiological (conventional and topographic EEG) and radiological (CCT) evaluation

The value of electrophysiological tests: conventional electroencephalography (EEG), topographic EEG analysis as well as computerized tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and evaluation of 25 patients with manifestations of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) in the domain of the carotid system was assessed. Normal CT was the rule in TIA patients except in 8% of the cases, where nonspecific changes of brain atrophy were described. Conventional EEG, topographic EEG and spectral analysis could detect abnormalities in 48%, 80% and 64% of TIA cases respectively. None of the abnormal EEG records could be missed by topographic EEG analysis. 32% of the records were diagnosed as abnormal by topographic EEG, while conventional EEG failed to detect abnormalities. Spectral analysis of the EEG results revealed a significant decrease regarding mean high limit alpha percent power, and a significant increase regarding mean low and high limit theta percent power, as well as a significant increase of the mean high limit of the slow activities (delta + theta)/fast activities (alpha + beta) percent power ratio in the TIA group as compared to the normal control group.

Use of oven-dried blood for in vitro feeding of tsetse flies

Comparison of the survival, fecundity and offspring size of Glossina palpalis palpalis females fed reconstituted oven-dried blood, fresh, frozen/thawed, or reconstituted freeze-dried blood showed that oven-drying at 45 degrees C does not diminish the nutritional quality of blood. The significance of this finding is discussed with a view to optimizing costs and conditions of blood-diet storage and transportation in the context of mass-rearing of tsetse flies.