Structural characterization of glassy phases in the system Na2O-Ga2O3-P2O5 by MAS-NMR, EXAFS and vibrational spectroscopy. I. Cations coordination

The cationic coordinations of phosphate based gallium sodium glasses in the system Na2O-Ga2O3-P2O5 have been studied by several techniques (71Ga and 23Na MAS-NMR, EXAFS and vibrational spectroscopies) in order to study the relationship between the structure and the chemical composition. We found that three different environments are available for the gallium ions while it is very difficult to get accurate information on the sodium coordinations. Our data show that in orthophosphate glasses, gallium is mainly tetrahedral but when the mean phosphate chain length increases, its coordination becomes more and more octahedral. In these glassy structure, it becomes then possible to dissolve large amounts of typically octahedral cations like Fe3+ or Cr3+.

Structural characterization of glassy phases in the system Na2O-Ga2O3-P2O5 by MAS and solution NMR and vibrational spectroscopy: II. Structure of the phosphate network

The structure of the phosphate network of glasses in the system Na2O-Ga2O3-P2O5 has been investigated as a function of the Na/Ga molar ratio and the phosphate composition corresponding to a mono, di, tri, tetra and meta phosphate stoichiometry. The glass is made of phosphate molecular groups of different lengths linked by the cations with rather ionic (Na) or more covalent (Ga) bonds except in the case of the orthophosphate composition for which we only found isolated PO4(3-) ions. The vibrational spectra are sensitive to composition variations but the band width and the couplings between the different groups prevent any quantitative determination. 31P MAS-NMR gives an in-situ information on the P environment in the glass but the signals are often large and ill defined so that the assignment is not at all straightforward. On the other hand, 31P solution NMR gives sharper signals, allowing more quantitative determinations but the dissolution process always introduces some indeterminacy on the real glass structure which can be minimized by a careful preparation of the solution.

Anti-cancer activity of 9-nitrocamptothecin liposome aerosol in mice

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Exclusion of chromosome 9 helps to identify mild variants of acromesomelic dysplasia Maroteaux type

Acromesomelic dysplasia Maroteaux type (AMDM) is an autosomal recessive disorder belonging to the group of acromesomelic dysplasias. AMDM is characterised by severe dwarfism with shortening of the middle and distal segments of the limbs. An AMDM gene has recently been mapped to human chromosome 9p13-q12 by homozygosity mapping in four consanguineous families. Here, we show linkage of the disease gene to chromosome 9p13-q12 in four of five consanguineous AMDM families and its exclusion in a fifth family with two children affected with a mild form of the disease. This study suggests that genetic heterogeneity accounts for the variable clinical and radiological severity of AMDM.

A rare cause of fetal ascites: A case report of Günther's disease

Despite an arsenal of ever-improving diagnostic tools, determining the precise etiology of fetal ascites is not always possible. We report a case history where moderately-severe fetal ascites was retrospectively determined to be due to Günther's disease (congenital erythropoietic porphyria). The infant was found to carry the mutation associated with the most severe disease phenotype in which fetal hydrops has been described.

Activities of the Pharmaceutical Technology Institute of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation with medicinal, insecticidal and insect repellent plants

In addition to original research, Far-Manguinhos, the Pharmaceutical Division of the Brazilian Ministry of Health's Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), devotes major attention to the finalising of products for use in public health campaigns or, under contract, for private industrial development. Emphasis is on standardisation, adequate supply, safety in use and efficacy. Among the products discussed in this summary of some of its activities in the chemical and pharmaceutical fields are medicinal plants Bidens pilosa, Cymbopogon citratus, Copaifera species, Mentha crispa, Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb. and other Phyllanthus species, insecticidal plants, Lonchocarpus urucu and Quassia amara, and the insect antifeedant plants Carapa guianensis and Pterodon emarginatus.

Aerosol delivery of liposomal all-trans-retinoic acid to the lungs

PURPOSE

To optimize the delivery of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) to lung tissue, we determined the potential of vehiculating the drug in liposomes (L-ATRA) and delivering it via aerosol. Liposomes may provide a means to prevent local irritation of lung tissue and reduce pulmonary toxicity, prolong therapeutic levels and generate high drug concentrations at the tumor sites. Cumulatively, this would result in reduced systemic toxicity and enhanced drug efficacy.

METHODS

Previous studies have shown that liposomes can serve as excellent carriers for otherwise poorly soluble ATRA. Delivery of ATRA to the lung tissue of mice was accomplished by nebulization of L-ATRA. The liposomes in the aerosol were relatively uniform (309 +/- 138 nm), stable, and retained the drug well.

RESULTS

The drug was effectively delivered at high concentrations (10 +/- 2 microg/g of tissue) to the lungs of mice and was retained for at least up to 96 h after a single exposure to L-ATRA aerosol. No appreciable levels of ATRA were detected in the blood or the liver of treated mice. The aerosol-delivered ATRA was biologically active as demonstrated by its ability to induce the expression of tissue-type transglutaminase.

CONCLUSION

Aerosol delivery of L-ATRA offers an effective way to deliver high levels of ATRA to the lung without apparent pulmonary toxic effects.

Cell ashing for trace element analysis: A new approach based on ultraviolet/ozone

We studied a new approach to cell ashing based on illuminating the specimens with a low-pressure mercury discharge lamp. We analyzed with synchrotron spectromicroscopy its effects on different physiological elements in neurobiological specimens. Our results demonstrate that carbon is removed, whereas phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and sulfur are retained and their relative concentrations are enhanced. Applied to trace elements, this technique will enhance their practical detectability.

High sensitivity quantitative analysis of cobalt uptake in rat cerebellar granule cells with and without excitatory amino acids

We quantified the effect of the excitatory amino acids kainate and glutamate on the uptake of cobalt in primary rat cerebellar granule neurons, by using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). We quantitatively demonstrated that Co2+ uptake, although enhanced by glutamate and kainate also takes place in the absence of excitatory amino acids. We also found that cobalt uptake is not significantly altered by the presence of glutamate receptor competitive or noncompetitive antagonists, indicating that cobalt uptake in granule neurons does not require glutamate receptor stimulation. Our results suggest, therefore, that Co2+ may enter the cell by passive diffusion through the plasma membrane.

Identical chromosome imbalance in two siblings born to a mother with a double reciprocal translocation

We report the case of a woman who carried two reciprocal translocations. Her karyotype was 46,XX,t(3;12)(q12;q21)(4;17)(p14;p13). She had two children, a phenotypically normal daughter (karyotype (46,XX,t(3;12)(q12;q21)) and a son with partial 4p trisomy (karyotype 46,XY,t(3;12) (q12;q21),-17,+maternal der(17)). She was pregnant with a female fetus who had the same karyotype as her son. She also reported a history of two spontaneous abortions. This viable recurrent abnormality was due to the maternal (4;17) translocation with meiotic segregation type 2:2 adjacent 1. In this case of the two reciprocal translocations carried by the mother, one led to imbalances, whereas the other remained balanced in the viable offspring.

Anterior crowns & porcelain laminate veneers: a conservative approach

The final results of this case were pleasing to the patient and the dentist (Fig.5). The diastemas had been closed (Fig. 6), and the bioesthetic symmetry and harmony had been restored (Fig. 7). The patient reported an increase in self confidence with his peers and professors, especially during assignments both at work and at the university. (Fig. 8) I want to especially thank Felipe Don Sanders, C.D.T. for his skill in producing the excellent laboratory work for this case.

Reversal of age-related deficient influenza virus-specific CTL responses and IFN-gamma production by monophosphoryl lipid A

Old and young Balb/c mice, 24--26 and 2--4 months old, respectively, were infected with a 0.1 LD50 of influenza A/Taiwan/1/86 (A/H1N1) virus by small particle aerosol. Lung virus titers were determined 4, 6, 8, 12, and 17 days later. Old mice had significantly higher virus titers than young mice (P < 0.05-0.0001) and shed virus up to Day 17, while young mice were free of virus by Day 12. Splenic MHC class I CD8+ CTL activity (P < 0.08--0.001) and IFN-gamma production (0.1-0.008) measured on Days 8, 12, and 17 were significantly lower among old mice than among young mice. Coadministration of liposomal influenza vaccine with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) resulted in enhanced CD8+ CTL response and IFN-gamma production among old mice (35 and 12,000 times, respectively). These results demonstrate that MPL stimulates CTL and Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma) in aged mice and may serve to reverse age-related CD8+ CTL deficiency and reduce severe influenza disease in elderly human populations.

Apparent segregation of null alleles ascribed to deletions of the ornithine transcarbamylase gene in congenital hyperammonaemia

Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is an X-linked disorder of the urea cycle mapped to chromosome Xp21.1. Here, we show that apparent segregation of null alleles at the OTC locus and flanking polymorphic loci mimicked false maternity or false paternity in three affected families. Based on these observations, we suggest giving consideration to gene deletion when dealing with segregation of null alleles in OTC deficiency.

Employee assistance programs: history and program description

1. The history and development of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can be traced back to the 1800s. There are currently over 10,000 EAPs in the United States. 2. Standards for program accreditation and counselor certification have been established for EAPs. The "core technology of Employee Assistance Programs" includes identification of behavioural problems based on job performance issues, expert consultation with supervisors, appropriate use of constructive confrontation, microlinkages with treatment providers and resources, macrolinkages between providers, resources, and work organizations, focus on substance abuse, and evaluation of employee success based on job performance. 3. Some EAPs take a broad brush approach, and incorporate health promotion and managed care functions.

[Megaloblastic anemia in children]

Megaloblastic anemia in children is mainly due to folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiencies. However dosages of these two vitamins must be performed before any vitamin supplementation or blood transfusions are given in order to establish precisely the etiologic diagnosis. A disorder in the metabolism of these vitamins must be considered in any infants in whom the onset of neurological abnormalities is associated with the characteristic hematological abnormalities. Imerslund's syndrome is a specific vitamin B12 malabsorption defect that warrants consideration as it is easy to recognize on the basis of the association of megaloblastic anemia and proteinuria. A possible drug-induced etiology must also be looked for. In the absence of vitamin deficiency, several rare etiologies must be considered. A macrocytosis, occasionally with megaloblastosis reflecting an abnormal erythropoiesis, may accompany an hemopathy, eventually malignant.

[Excessive water intake with intoxication as a manifestation of anorexia nervosa]

A case of anorexia nervosa revealed by water intoxication with severe hyponatremia is reported after a search of the literature demonstrated the rarity of such cases. Pathophysiological mechanisms involved are discussed. Hospitalization in a unit for adolescents in which pediatricians and psychiatrists work together allowed both prompt treatment of metabolic disorders and early management of anorexia nervosa, which is associated with improved prognosis.

[24 cases of human parvovirus B19 infection in children]

From January 1, 1987 through December 31, 1990, twenty-four pediatric patients with human parvovirus B19 (HPV B19) infection were seen. In every case the diagnosis was established by a positive capture immunoassay for IgM antibodies against the HPV B19. Four patients had hematologic manifestations, including one case of transient bone marrow aplasia revealing hereditary spherocytosis, one case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia with beta-thalassemia, and two cases of peripheral thrombocytopenia. Eight patients had skin lesions, with a morbilliform rash in six cases, erythema nodosum in one case, and Gianotti-Crosti syndrome in one case. No patients had erythema infectiosum. Seven patients developed joint manifestations: Henoch-Schönlein purpura in two cases, arthralgia in four cases, and polyarticular disease progressing to severe rheumatoid arthritis in a thirteen-year-old girl. Unremarkable symptoms of viral disease were seen in three patients. A five-month-old infant developed severe acute myocarditis. One patient with hepatitis A had acute liver failure. This study confirms the broad spectrum of clinical manifestations of HPV B19 infection. There were a number of unusual findings, including the high rate of joint manifestations (29%) and the severe course of some hematologic and myocardial manifestations. These results raise the question of whether the HPV B19 may be involved in the genesis of chronic juvenile arthritis.

Evaluation of some organic compounds on bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma cruzi

Accidental transmission of Chagas' disease to man by blood transfusion is a serious problem in Latin-America. This paper describes the testing of several synthetic, semi-synthetic, and natural compounds for their activity against blood trypomastigotes in vitro at 4 degrees C. The compounds embody several types of chemical structures: benzoquinone, naphthoquinone, anthracenequinone, phenanthrenequinone, imidazole, piperazine, quinoline, xanthene, and simple benzenic and naphthalenic derivatives. Some of them are for the first time tested against Trypanosoma cruzi. The toxic effect of these compounds on this parasite was done by two quite distinct sets of experiments. In one set, the compounds were added to infected blood as ethanolic solution. In this situation the most active one was a furan-1,2-naphthoquinone, in the same range as gentian violet, a new fact to be considered in the assessment of structure-activity relationships in this class of compounds. In other set, we tentatively evaluated the biological activity of water insoluble compounds by adding them in a pure form without solvent into infected blood. In this way some appear to be very active and it was postulated that the effectiveness of such compounds must result from interactions between them and specific blood components.

Perspective for the reproduction of antimalarial drugs in Brazil

There appears to be no chemical manufacture of antimalarial drugs in Brazil. Technology at the laboratory process level has been developed for chloroquine, mefloquine, pyrimethamine and cycloguanil, but not perfected nor scaled-up, largely for economic reasons and market uncertainty. Development of primaquine has been contracted but it will run into the same difficulty. Manufacturing capacity for sulfadoxine was registered in the SDI by Roche. A project to produce artemisinine and its derivatives is under way at UNICAMP-CPQBA but is hampered by low content in the plant. Proguanil could be produced easily, but apparently no attempt has been made to do so. Quinine is imported on a large scale mostly for soft-drink production. Since malarial treatment falls largely within the responsibility of the Government health authorities, manufacture of drugs in Brazil will depend on an assured medium-term purchase order made to a potential local manufacturer, since competition in the world market is scarcely viable at the present moment.

[The efficacy of smectite in acute infantile diarrhea, compared to a placebo and loperamide]

Fifty-six infants (aged 2 months to two years) with moderate to severe diarrhea were entered in a comparative therapeutic trial of smectite versus placebo or loperamide. Results showed that diarrhea resolved faster under smectite than under placebo and at least as fast under smectite as under loperamide. Tolerance of smectite is excellent as a result of the lack of any effect on intestinal motility.

Color discrimination testing reveals early printshop solvent neurotoxicity better than a neuropsychological test battery

Twenty standardized neuropsychological tests were compared to the Lanthony D-15 desaturated panel test of chromotopsia to determine which measures would most effectively discriminate solvent-exposed print workers from controls. All the workers of the printing services of Université du Québec a Montréal (N = 29) were assessed excepted one who refused to participate. Twenty-nine workers (employed on a full time basis) matched for occupation, age, sex, education, vocabulary, and written arithmetic (p >.13) with the print workers served as controls. Air samples revealed exposure to ethanol, perchloroethylene, methyl chloride, xylene, toluene, and stoddard solvent in the print shop. None of the 20 neuropsychological measures yielded a statistically significant decrement in the print workers. On the other hand, the Lanthony D-15 test revealed a significant group difference (p <.01) and a highly significant interaction between job category within the print shop and dyschromatopsia (p <.001) - the graphists, photocopiers, and printers/binders manifesting increasing severity of impairment as a function of increasing magnitude, and/or type, of dose. The results were interpreted to mean that in a cohort of printers with low seniority (10.42 years) such as this one, neuro-opthalmotoxic effects can be observed earlier than putative neuropsychotoxic effects with the tools at hand.

Antiviral therapy with small particle aerosols

The generation and use of small particle aqueous aerosols (1.23 microns aerodynamic mass median diameter, GSD = 2.0 microns) containing ribavirin is described. Administered via aerosol, ribavirin will be deposited rather uniformly on the surface of the nasopharynx, the tracheobronchial tree and in the pulmonary area. Examples of aerosol-delivered dosages found to be effective in the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus infection and influenza A and B virus infections are as follows: 12.8 mg of ribavirin/hour for a 6-month-old infant weighing 7.5 kg, and 56.2 kg of ribavirin/hour for a 25-year-old adult weighing 62.5 kg. Drugs which are relatively insoluble in aqueous solutions can also be administered in small particle aerosol by using liposomes as a vehicle. The preparation of enviroxime, a potent anti-rhinovirus drug, in liposomes for aerosol use is reported here. Its antiviral activity in liposomes was found to be undiminished, but its cellular toxicity was greatly reduced. It was well-tolerated by normal volunteers and studies are planned to determine its clinical efficacy.

Activity of some naphthoquinones on blood stream forms of Trypanosoma cruzi

Accidental transmission of Chagas disease to man by blood transfusion is a serious problem in Latin America. This paper describes the testing of several naphthoquinones, some of which were active against blood trypomastigotes in vitro at 4 degrees C and might therefore warrant further study for preventing transmission of Chagas disease by blood transfusion.

[Value of continuous Doppler velocimetry for the diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus]

A study of the curve of wave Doppler ultrasonography of 3 arterial axes (carotid, subclavian and femoral) was performed in 32 children in whom the diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus was suspected. A continuous 8 MHz wave directional ultrasonic Doppler apparatus was used. At the level of subclavian and femoral arteries, patent ductus arteriosus is associated with a negative holodiastolic wave on the curve. At the carotid level, disappearance of the physiologic diastolic elevation may be the only change observed. Three groups were studied (1) 15 premature neonates with isolated murmur, (2) 15 premature neonates with respiratory distress and (3) 2 older children. In group 2, diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus relies on clinical signs. A good correlation between Doppler and clinical data and/or TM ultrasonography was observed in 93% of cases.

The shared field: a precursor stage in the development of a psychotherapeutic alliance with the hospitalized chronic schizophrenic patient

Psychotherapeutic work with chronic schizophrenic patients is difficult for both patient and therapist. Such patients lack many of the capacities necessary to participate in psychotherapy: motivation, observing ego, the ability to communicate verbally about thoughts and feelings, the capacity to sustain a relationship. Treatment of such patients may require phases in which such capacities are nurtured until the patient is able to form a therapeutic alliance of the ordinary kind. This paper discusses the ways in which hospitalization can be helpful during pre-alliance phases of psychotherapeutic work, through the provision of a protected setting and a team approach, in conjunction with individual psychotherapy. A perspective is offered for conceptualizing the early relationship between patient and hospital staff as a stage in the development of an alliance.