Heterotrophic bacteria community and pollution indicators of mussel--farm impact in the Gulf of Gaeta (Tyrrhenian Sea)

Field studies were carried out to determine and compare the impact of organic loads due to the biodeposition of a mussel farm on the water quality and sediment in a coastal area of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Western Mediterranean). A total of five environmental and five microbial parameters were examined from March, 1997 to February, 1998 on a monthly basis at three stations: the first was located under the mussel farm, the second located at about 40 m away from the mussel farm, while the third designed as a control was at about 1-km. No clear changes in the physical characteristics of the water masses were observed, comparing the three sampling sites and the water column generally showed homogeneous conditions (in terms of temperature and salinity). Changes in density of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, Escherichia coli and Enterococci in the water column are apparently independent from changes in environmental parameters. At all stations a constant significant correlation between temperature and presumptive Vibrio parahaemolyticus was reported suggesting that this abiotic factor exerted a major control on this bacterial group and its distribution in the water column is not related to the biodeposition of the mussel farm. The major impact identified was on the sediment where variations in bacterial abundance was observed. In the Mussel station sediment enrichment of organic compounds, and the consequent modification of the characteristics of the benthic environment, determined an increase in aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, and particularly of vibrios density (on average about 60%), suggesting that these bacteria are good indicators of organic enrichment.

Potentiation by propofol of the response of rat submandibular acinar cells to purinergic agonists

The effect of propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) on the intracellular concentration of calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) and on the response of rat submandibular acini to purinergic agonists was studied. By itself, propofol (60 to 200 microM) slowly increased the [Ca(2+)](i) without affecting the production of inositol phosphates. The increase of the [Ca(2+)](i) involved for about 50% the mobilization of thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular calcium pools. The rest of the calcium originated from a pool distinct from mitochondria. Propofol also increased the uptake of extracellular calcium but not manganese by a mechanism inhibited by nickel. The variation of the [Ca(2+)](i) by propofol provoked a decrease of cell volume measured by light scattering. Propofol increased the effect of a maximal concentration of extracellular ATP on the [Ca(2+)](i). This interaction could be observed when propofol and ATP were added simultaneously to the medium but not when propofol had been removed from the medium before adding ATP. Among ATP analogs, propofol only increased the response to benzoyl-ATP (Bz-ATP). The blockade of P2X(7) receptors with oxidized ATP or Coomassie blue did not prevent the interaction between propofol and ATP. The effect of propofol could also be observed even when the concentration of ATP(4-) was decreased by extracellular magnesium to such a level that only P2X(4) receptors could possibly be activated by the nucleotide. Propofol had no effect on the uptake of manganese, the formation of pores and the activation of phospholipase D in response to a P2X(7) agonist. These results exclude an interaction with this receptor. It is concluded that, in rat submandibular acini, propofol can increase the [Ca(2+)](i) and decrease the cell volume. Propofol can also modulate the activation of P2X(4) receptors by extracellular nucleotides. These effects are observed at concentrations of propofol reached during the induction of anesthesia and might explain why hypersalivation has been reported as one of the side-effects of propofol.

Estimation of pediatric patient weight by EMT-PS

To determine paramedics' experience, comfort, and accuracy in the estimation of pediatric weights, paramedics were surveyed regarding their experience and training in estimating pediatric weights and then were presented with four children and asked to estimate their weights and to calculate the first round of i.v. epinephrine dose for asystole according to protocol. Twenty paramedics participated, with 55% stating they were uncomfortable on pediatric calls; 15 of 20 (75%) stated they were uncomfortable estimating children's weights. The majority of estimations were within 50% of the actual weights. Based on weight estimations, the epinephrine doses were calculated correctly in 88% of all cases. In 10% of cases, the epinephrine dose was incorrect by a factor of 10 times the appropriate dose. The weight range using the Broselow tape was determined correctly by all participants, with 95% correctly reporting the correct dose of epinephrine. Overall, paramedics were accurate in estimating pediatric weights, and use of the Broselow tape improved the precision of these estimations.

Hypertensive brain stem encephalopathy: clinically silent massive edema of the pons

Hypertensive encephalopathy is a medical emergency whose clinical manifestations are associated with bilateral parieto-occipital lesions. We describe a case of hypertensive brainstem encephalopathy in which high blood pressure was accompanied only by nuchal headaches of violent onset. T2-weighted magnetic resonance images showed hyperintensity and edema of the pons without any parietooccipital lesions, but with hyperintense lesions at the level of the basal nuclei, insula and temporal lobes. The lesions rapidly regressed once the hypertension had been controlled.

[Identification of patients with acute myocardial infarction that may be discharged early: prospective evaluation with simple clinical and instrumental indicators]

BACKGROUND

The hospital stay for "uncomplicated" acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is often too long. A reduction in the length of hospitalization, if proven to be safe, is advantageous in terms of costs and health organization. Accordingly the aims of the present, prospective study, were to evaluate: 1) the patients with AMI eligible for early discharge; 2) the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events within 2 weeks of myocardial infarction; 3) the incidence of cardiovascular mortality at 6-month follow-up.

METHODS

On the fifth day after AMI, 331 of 526 patients, consecutively admitted to our coronary care unit between March 1997 and August 1999, were assigned to "complicated" and "uncomplicated" AMI groups, according to clinical and non-invasive criteria. Uncomplicated myocardial infarction eligible for early discharge was defined in patients < 75 years, as the absence of a high risk personality, stroke, left bundle branch block, transient myocardial ischemia after the first 24 hours from AMI, clinical signs or echocardiographic evidence of left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction < 40%), ventricular fibrillation, sustained ventricular tachycardia, symptomatic bradyarrhythmias after the first 48 hours from AMI, cardioversion or defibrillation (after the first 48 hours) or the need for coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting. Uncomplicated patients were discharged on the sixth day after AMI (hospital stay 6.5+/-0.72 days). A symptom-limited ergometric stress test was planned in the uncomplicated group 14 days after AMI. "Hard" (death, reinfarction) and "non-hard" (unstable angina, myocardial revascularization) adverse cardiovascular events were monitored at 2 weeks of follow-up, and cardiovascular mortality at 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Four (1.2%) hard (0.3% exitus and 0.9% reinfarction) and 7 (2.1%) non-hard adverse events occurred among patients with uncomplicated AMI at 2 weeks of follow-up. Patients with uncomplicated AMI who developed adverse events, presented during the primary coronary event creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB serum levels which were significantly lower than those observed in patients who did not present adverse events. In the complicated group (hospital stay 9.9+/-1.79 days), from day 6 to 14 after AMI, 65 (33%) hard and non-hard events occurred. A significant reduction in mortality between the uncomplicated and complicated group (2.11 vs 27.17%, p < 0.0001) was observed at 6-month follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant difference for age and thrombolytic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This first Italian prospective study demonstrated the possibility of identifying, 5 days after AMI and on the basis of simple criteria and without a stress test, a low risk population of patients eligible for early discharge.

[Baropodometric examination for complete diagnosis of patients with cranio-cervico-mandibular disorders]

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between craniomandibular disorders and postural alterations using baropodometric examination.

METHODS

All tests were carried out in the Department of Dentistry at Sassari University in a population of patients with cranio-cervico-mandibular disorders (CCMD) of various types and severity. A total of 10 subjects (mean age approximately 30 years) with this pathology were evaluated over 7 months. All patients were treated using the following protocol: objective functional and clinical examination, radiographic tests, occlusal treatment using acrylic resin plate, baropodometric test with static and dynamic posture assessment, with eyes open and closed, before and after treatment with orthesis.

RESULTS

An improved postural position was observed in 80% of cases, of which 30% showed an improvement in both static and dynamic posture, 20% only in static and 30% only in dynamic; these results highlighted the importance of baropodometric analysis in the correct treatment of patients with CCMD and postural disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the need for a holistic approach to odontostomatological disciplines and the importance of a modern preventive and/or therapeutic approach to orthodontic problems and CCMD, especially when fixed or removable biomechanical devices are used.

Exercise-associated hyponatremia in marathon runners: a two-year experience

This study was conducted to better define the pathophysiology, risk factors, and therapeutic approach to exercise-associated hyponatremia. Medical records from all participants in the 1998 Suzuki Rock 'N' Roll Marathon who presented to 14 Emergency Departments (EDs) were retrospectively reviewed to identify risk factors for the development of hyponatremia. Hyponatremic patients were compared to other runners with regard to race time and to other marathon participants seen in the ED with regard to gender, clinical signs of dehydration, and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). An original treatment algorithm incorporating the early use of hypertonic saline (HTS) was evaluated prospectively in our own ED for participants in the 1999 marathon to evaluate improvements in sodium correction rate and incidence of complications. A total of 26 patients from the 1998 and 1999 marathons were hyponatremic [serum sodium (SNa) < or =135 mEq/L] including 15 with severe hyponatremia (SNa < or = 125 mEq/L). Three developed seizures and required intubation and admission to an intensive care unit. Hyponatremic patients were more likely to be female, use NSAIDS, and have slower finishing times. Hyponatremic runners reported drinking "as much as possible" during and after the race and were less likely to have clinical signs of dehydration. An inverse relationship between initial SNa and time of presentation was observed, with late presentation predicting lower SNa values. The use of HTS in selected 1999 patients resulted in faster SNa correction times and fewer complications than observed for 1998 patients. It is concluded that the development of exercise-associated hyponatremia is associated with excessive fluid consumption during and after extreme athletic events. Additional risk factors include female gender, slower race times, and NSAID use. The use of HTS in selected patients seems to be safe and efficacious.

Modulation by propranolol of the uptake of ethidium bromide by rat submandibular acinar cells exposed to a P2X(7) agonist or to maitotoxin

We have compared the formation of pores in rat submandibular acinar cells in response to 2',3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl) adenosine 5'-triphosphate (Bz-ATP) and maitotoxin. Bz-ATP (100 microM) permeabilized the cells to ethidium bromide. The uptake of ethidium increased to 29+/-1% of maximal uptake in 10 min. DL-Propranolol (300 microM) inhibited the Bz-ATP-induced uptake of ethidium bromide by 40% without affecting the P2X(7)-gated cation channel. The inhibitory effect of DL-propranolol on the formation of pores by Bz-ATP was reproduced by D-propranolol, an optical isomer with very poor beta-blocking activity. Tenidap, an antiinflammatory drug, enhanced the permeabilization in response to Bz-ATP. Propanolol inhibited the response to tenidap plus Bz-ATP. The effect of propranolol was reproduced by labetolol, a beta-adrenergic antagonist with membrane-stabilizing properties, but not by atenolol, which blocks beta-adrenergic receptors but has no effect on the stability of the membrane. In the presence of extracellular calcium, maitotoxin also increased the uptake of ethidium bromide. Tenidap had no effect on this response, which was delayed by propranolol. In conclusion, we have shown that propranolol, in a range of 10-300 microM, inhibits the pore-forming activity of the P2X(7) receptor without affecting the opening of the cation channel coupled to this receptor. This inhibition is not related to its beta-adrenergic blocking activity but rather to its membrane-stabilizing properties. Propranolol also delays the uptake of ethidium bromide in response to maitotoxin. This is in agreement with the current view that P2X(7) agonists and maitotoxin share a common pore.

Latanoprost exerts neuroprotective activity in vitro and in vivo

Prostaglandins may influence cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) and nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity, thus interfering with ischemia-induced neurotoxic processes. The prostaglandin synthetic derivative, latanoprost was tested in different in vivo and in vitro models of neuronal damage in order to study its influence on these processes. Ischemia was induced in rats by bilateral occlusion of the carotid arteries for 30 min. Latanoprost (0.01 mg x kg(-1)per die, i.p. for 3 days) or the ionotropic glutamate receptors antagonist, MK-801 (0.1 mg x kg(-1)per die, i.p. for 3 days) were equal in preventing lactate accumulation in retinal tissue of animals subjected to acute ischemia. Similar results were obtained in animals with retinal ischemia induced by increasing intraocular pressure to 120 mm Hg for 45 min. PGF2alpha, PGE2, latanoprost and acid of latanoprost (PhXA85) reduced the release of LDH from primary cultures of human retinal cells in vitro subjected to glutamate (10 microM) or hypoxia/re-oxygenation exposure. This effect was observed only at concentrations of 1-0.01 microM for PGF2alpha and PGE2, and of 0.1-0.001 microM for latanoprost (0.01 microM-0.1 nM for PhXA85). The COX-2 activity in cultured retinal cells exposed to glutamate was measured as PGE2 production when latanoprost was applied compared to arachidonic acid (AA) at different molar concentrations. The COX-2 activity was reduced by arachidonic acid (0.1-0.01 microM) as well as by latanoprost (0.1-0.001 microM) and PhXA85 (0.01-0.001 microM) in retinal cells exposed to glutamate. Inhibition of inducible NO synthase was also found with the same drug concentrations. These results suggest that latanoprost exerts a neuroprotective activity in vitro and in vivo. This effect seems to be present only at low concentrations of the drug. A negative feedback on neuronal COX-2 activity may be possibly involved.

Combination chemotherapy with mitoxantrone, methotrexate, and mitomycin (MMM regimen) in malignant pleural mesothelioma: a phase II study

The prognosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma is poor, with a median survival time from diagnosis of 7 to 17 months. At present there is no standardized treatment of this neoplasia. Between July 1995 and January 1999, 22 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma were enrolled in our study. The characteristics of patients were: 16 men and 6 women; median age 61 years (range, 49-77 years); stage (according to Butchart): 8 patients stage I, 10 stage II, 2 stage III, and 2 stage IV; cytologic diagnosis in 5 cases and histologic diagnosis in 17 cases. The treatment consisted of mitoxantrone 10 mg/m2 intravenous (IV) or intrapleural (IPL), methotrexate 35 mg/m2 IV, and mitomycin 7 mg/m2 IV on day 1 and repeated every 3 weeks, with mitomycin in alternate cycles (MMM regimen). One complete response (4.5%) (42 months of duration) and 6 partial responses (27.3%) (5, 5, 7, 9, 14, and 19 months of duration) were achieved; the overall response rate (ORR) was 31.8% (95% CI, 12.4-51.3%); 7 patients were stable under this treatment (31.8%). According to the pathologic type, ORR for the only epithelial type was 39.9% (95% CI, 15.2-64.8%). Median time to progression was 6 months (range, 1-22). The overall median survival time was 13.5 months (range, 1-50); the median survival time of responders significantly differed from that of nonresponders (18.0 versus 8.5 months; p = 0.017). This treatment produced a considerable clinical benefit, with improvement of dyspnea (68.4%) and pain (33.3%); 15 of 19 patients (78.9%) with pleural effusion at the time of diagnosis showed an important reduction in pleural fluid during chemotherapy. Hematologic toxicity was the main side effect; World Health Organization grade III to IV of neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia were observed in 81.8%, 13.6%, and 22.7% of patients, respectively. From the data presented here, this regimen can be considered active in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Development of an analytical system for the simultaneous determination of anabolic macrocyclic lactones in aquatic environmental samples

An analytical procedure that enables routine analysis for trace determination of six anabolic macrocyclic lactones (zearalenone, alpha- and beta-zearalenol, zearalanone, zeranol, and taleranol) in sewage treatment plant (STP) samples has been developed. The method uses solid-phase extraction, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with on-line tandem mass spectrometry using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (LC/APCI-MS/MS). The extraction of these compounds from filtered water samples was performed off-line with C(18) solid-phase cartridges. The detection was achieved by isocratic reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an heated nebulizer (HN) APCI interface operating in negative ion mode. Mean recovery of the analytes in STP effluent samples generally exceeded 81%. This method was used to determine the occurrence of target analytes in the aquatic environment. In the selected STP effluent samples, zearalenone and alpha-zearalenol were detected in the ng/L range.

Development of a method based on accelerated solvent extraction and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for determination of arylphenoxypropionic herbicides in soil

A sensitive and specific analytical procedure for determining arylphenoxypropionic herbicides in soil samples, using Ionspray ionization (ISI) liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), is presented. Arylphenoxypropionic acids are a new class of herbicides used for selective removal of most grass species from any non-grass crop, commercialized as herbicide esters. Previous studies have shown that the esters undergo fast hydrolysis in the presence of vegetable tissues and soil bacteria, yelding the corresponding free acid. The feasibility of rapidly extracting arylphenoxypropionic herbicides from soil by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) techniques was evaluated. Four different soil samples were fortified with target compounds at levels of 5 and 20 ng/g by following a procedure able to mimic weathered soils. Herbicides were extracted by a methanol/water (80:20 v/v) solution (0.12 M) of NaCl at 90 degrees C. After clean-up using graphitized carbon black (GCB) as absorbent, the extract was analyzed by HPLC/ISI-MS. The effect of concentration of acid in the mobile phase on the response of ISI-MS was investigated. The effects of varying the orifice plate voltage on the production of diagnostic fragment ions, and on the response of the MS detector, were also investigated. The ISI-MS response was linearly related to the amounts of analytes injected between 1 and 200 ng. The limit of detection (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) of the method for the pesticides in soil samples was estimated to be less than 1 ng/g.

Effect of metal mixtures on Salmonella enteritidis viability in synthetic sewage

We sought to determine the effect of 26 multiple metals solutions, containing Cd, Pb, As and/or Ni, on the viability of Salmonella enteritidis. We used the direct viable count effected by immunofluorescence technique (IFA-DVC) in comparison with the culturable cell count. The metals concentrations were prepared considering the single as well as the overall limits provided by Italian regulation on the water pollution. The mixtures containing nickel showed always toxicity more elevated than other metal solutions tested. Thus we consider too high the nickel law limit. The interactions among the elements, causing generally toxicity decrease, are very well assessable by IFA-DVC test. This method permits to calculate the lethal concentrations of toxicants on bacteria that play a pivotal role on the ecosystem components.

Emergency department patient knowledge of medications

Therapeutic decisions made by Emergency Physicians are often influenced by which prescribed medications are being taken by patients. We sought to assess Emergency Department (ED) patients' knowledge of their medications by using a survey. A convenience sample of adult ED patients was surveyed verbally by a research assistant. Two-hundred patients were enrolled. Only 48% of patients could recall or produce a list or the actual bottles of all of their medications, 39% knew the times they take their medications, and only 24% knew all the dosages. Seventeen percent brought a list or the actual medication bottles with them to the ED. Patients who had a primary care physician knew all their medications 51% of the time, compared to 43% who did not have a physician. Fifty-one percent of insured patients compared to 38% of non-insured patients could identify all of their medications. Although knowledge of medications is often critical for decision making in the ED, a significant number of patients are unable to provide this information.

Spatial cognition in children. II. Visuospatial and constructional skills in developmental reading disability

Cognitive models for developmental dyslexia are nowadays centered on the hypothesis of a specific deficit within the phonologic module of the language system. To ascertain whether defects of spatial cognition are associated with developmental reading disability, we investigated a sample of 43 school children (aged 8-9 years) found to be reading impaired during a wide screening survey for developmental dyslexia in the province of Naples, Italy. After one year all children were tested again and only 9/43 still presented reading impairment, while the remaining had achieved a variable range of spontaneous recovery. A detailed analysis was performed on all children to characterize their cognitive performances using on one hand classical conventional tests for constructional praxis, visuospatial cognition, and visuospatial memory and on the other a specific neuropsychological battery for constructional disorders. The results of our study demonstrated that children with long-lasting reading impairment exhibited normal performances on spatial cognition tasks. Moreover, one single child was found with relevant visuospatial deficits pointing to the possible existence of a visuospatial subtype for developmental dyslexia.

Corneal oedemas: diagnosis and surgical planning with ultrasound biomicroscopy

We used the Humphrey Ultrasound Biomicroscope (UBM System 840 by Zeiss-Humprey Instruments, San Leandro, Calif. USA) to study various corneal oedemas and leucomas. This UBM system, using a high-resolution probe of 50 Mhz, has an axial and lateral resolution of about 50 micrometer. We analysed 36 eyes divided into two groups, 27 (group A) affected by corneal oedema caused by traumatic-mechanic or phlogistic-toxic lesions, 9 (group B) affected by postsurgery oedema. Thanks to its high-resolution power, we could study their pathogenesis and their clinical evolution and so arrange a suitable therapy and perform an accurate follow-up of these pathologies.

Ultrasound-biomicroscopic evaluation of filtering blebs after laser suture lysis trabeculectomy

Sometimes in glaucomatous patients treated with trabeculectomy there is no correlation between bleb shape and intra-ocular pressure (IOP). In this study we evaluated the ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) features of filtering blebs after laser suture lysis (LSL) trabeculectomy in order to analyse whether its ultrasound-biomicroscopic image can predict the function (IOP).

METHODS

The Humphrey ultrasound biomicroscope, using a high-frequency (50-Mhz) probe, provides high-resolution images of filtering blebs. A total of 103 filtering blebs after LSL trabeculectomy were analysed by UBM. Taking into account the characteristics of internal reflectivity and scleral flap, we classified the blebs into three groups (good, fair, poor) that indicate the bleb function and correlated this UBM pattern with the IOP control (good, borderline, failure).

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant corelation between the UBM classification of function and the IOP control level. Both well-functioning and failed trabeculectomies could be identified by UBM. The UBM images of eyes with good IOP control are characterized by better visibility of the route under the scleral flap and a low reflectivity inside the bleb.

CONCLUSIONS

In accordance with previous studies, we believe that UBM can be a useful method to study and explain the mechanisms of filtering structures and, together with IOP control, to evaluate the bleb function.

Biphenylsulfonamide endothelin receptor antagonists. 2. Discovery of 4'-oxazolyl biphenylsulfonamides as a new class of potent, highly selective ET(A) antagonists

The synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of a series of 4'-oxazolyl-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)[1, 1'-biphenyl]-2-sulfonamide derivatives as endothelin-A (ET(A)) receptor antagonists are described. The data reveal a remarkable improvement in potency and metabolic stability when the 4'-position of the biphenylsulfonamide is substituted with an oxazole ring. Additional 2'-substitution of an acylaminomethyl group further increased the binding activity and provided one of the first subnanomolar ET(A)-selective antagonists in the biphenylsulfonamide series (17, ET(A) K(i) = 0.2 nM). Among the compounds described, 3 (N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-4'-(2-oxazolyl)[1, 1'-biphenyl]-2-sulfonamide; BMS-193884) had the optimum pharmacological profile and was therefore selected as a clinical candidate for studies in congestive heart failure.

Adrenomedullin and ocular inflammation in the rabbit

Adrenomedullin administered peripherally in the rabbit (at doses of 1.25, 2.5 and 5 microg/kg ) caused a dose-dependent conjunctival hyperemia accompanied by an increase of inflammatory cell number and prostaglandin E(2) concentration in the aqueous humor, and of uveal vascular response and myeloperoxidase activity. The inflammatory effect of the peptide, injected at the dose of 5 microg/kg, was abolished by pretreatment with the inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methylester (50 mg/kg, i.v.). Moreover, the i.v. pretreatment with the calcitonin gene-related peptide 8-37 fragment (calcitonin gene-related peptide, CGRP-(8-37), 2.5 microg/kg), receptor antagonist of CGRP, did not inhibit the conjunctival hyperemia. In contrast, the i.v. pretreatment with the adrenomedullin receptor antagonist, adrenomedullin-(22-52) fragment (2.5 microg/kg), abolished adrenomedullin-induced ocular inflammation. These results suggest that adrenomedullin causes conjunctival hyperemia, and this effect involves the nitric oxide system acting through specific adrenomedullin receptors.

Extraction methods and bioautography for evaluation of medicinal plant antimicrobial activity

A comparative study on the antimicrobial properties of extracts from medicinal plants obtained by two different methods was carried out. The screening of the antimicrobial activity of extracts from six plants was conducted by a disc diffusion test against Gram-positive, -negative and fungal organisms. The most active extracts (inhibition diameter >/=12 mm) were assayed for the minimum inhibitory concentration and submitted to phytochemical screening by thin-layer chromatography and bioautography. The results obtained indicate that the diethyl ether extracts were the most efficient antimicrobial compounds. The activity was more pronounced against Gram-positive and fungal organisms than against Gram-negative bacteria. Bioautography showed that the antimicrobial activity was probably due to flavonoids and terpenes.

Solid-phase extraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography-ionspray interface-mass spectrometry for monitoring of herbicides in environmental water

In this work we developed a sensitive and specific multiresidue method, based on reversed-phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, with an ionspray interface (LC-ISI-MS), for determining 52 of most representative compounds of herbicides in water samples. The procedure used involved passing 0.5 l of surface water, 2 l of ground water and 4 l of drinking water samples, respectively, through a 0.5 g graphitized carbon black (GCB) extraction cartridge. Base-neutral and acid herbicides were differential eluted from GCB cartridge and follow analyzed by HPLC-ISI-MS apparatus. A conventional 4.6-mm-ID reversed-phase LC C18 column, operating with a mobile phase flow-rate of 1 ml/min, was used to chromatograph the analytes. A flow of 100 microl/min of the column effluent was diverted to the ISI source. The study demonstrates the sensitivity of the technique, with detection limit under 10 ng/l in drinking water samples. Performance data for the method such as recovery and precision are also reported.

Antimicrobial activity of Mitracarpus scaber extract and isolated constituents

The antimicrobial activity of a methanol extract and isolated constituents of Mitracarpus scaber, a species used in folk medicine by West African native people, was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans strains. The mitracarpus methanol extract possesses both antibacterial and antimycotic activities (minimum inhibitory concentration-MIC 31.25 and 62.50 microg ml-, respectively). This extract was subsequently fractioned and monitored by bioassays leading to the isolation of seven compounds screened for antibacterial and antimycotic activities. Among these compounds, gallic acid and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid inhibited the growth of Staph. aureus (MIC 3.90 and 0.97 microg ml-). 4-Methoxyacetophenone and 3,4,5-trimethoxyacetophenone effectively inhibited C. albicans (MIC 1.95 microg ml-). The other compounds (kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, rutin and psoralen) which were also isolated showed low antibacterial and antimycotic activities (125-500 microg ml-).

A case of central nervous system vasculitis related to an episode of Guillain-Barrè syndrome

The authors report their knowledge about an uncommon case of isolated vasculitis, restricted to the left sylvian artery during an auto-immune Guillain-Barrè syndrome (GBS), sustained by cytomegalovirus (CMV). An acute cardiopulmonary failure requiring a ventilator and vasopressor support manifested, notwithstanding plasma exchanging and immune-modulating therapy. An IgM-enriched formula administration coincided with a rapid amelioration of GBS and vasculitis to a complete recovery the next month after her discharge to a rehabilitation centre.

Trace analysis of estrogenic chemicals in sewage effluent using liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid, selective, sensitive, and reproducible method for the analysis of environmental estrogens, either natural or synthetic, present in samples from sewage treatment works (STW) has been developed. Isolation of these compounds from STWs was performed by applying a simple extraction procedure using an ENVI-CARB cartridge (a graphitized non porous carbon black) as the solid-phase extraction (SPE) system. Liquid chromatography coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and tandem mass spectrometry was used for detection. For the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, the [M + H](+) ion of estrone and the [M + H-H(2)O](+) ions of 17beta-estradiol, estriol and 17alpha-ethynylestradiol were selected as the precursors for collisionally induced dissociation (CID). The average recoveries from sewage final effluent samples ranged from 84 to 93% for low levels, and from 89 to 95% for high levels. The precision of the method ranged from 11 to 8% for low level and from 9 to 7% for high level samples. The lower level of quantitation for these estrogens in STW samples was determined at 0.5 ng/L for 17beta-estradiol and 17alpha-ethynylestradiol, and 1 ng/L for estrone and estriol, based on 1-L aliquots of sewage treatment works water, using the optimum tuning parameters for each individual selected precursor ion/product ion transition. Compared to a previous gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method for the analysis of ten STW samples, this method was shown to provide higher sensitivity and lower time consumption.

Regulation by P2 agonists of the intracellular calcium concentration in epithelial cells freshly isolated from rat trachea

Epithelial cells were isolated from rat trachea by incubation of the organ in a calcium-free medium. The intracellular concentration of calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) was measured with the calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye fura2. In resting conditions, the cells maintained a low [Ca(2+)](i) in spite of the presence of millimolar concentration of calcium in the incubation medium. These cells had retained intracellular stores of calcium which were emptied after exposure of the cells to thapsigargin, an inhibitor of intracellular calcium ATPases. Substance P (125 nM) transiently increased 2.5-fold the [Ca(2+)](i). ATP (1 mM) doubled the [Ca(2+)](i) after a few seconds and further induced a sustained increase of the [Ca(2+)](i). Coomassie blue fully blocked the response to ATP and extracellular magnesium only inhibited the delayed response to ATP. Among purinergic analogs, only benzoyl-ATP (Bz-ATP), an agonist on P2X ionotropic purinergic receptors, reproduced the response to ATP. UTP and 2-methylthioATP (two agonists on P2Y metabotropic purinergic receptors) transiently increased the [Ca(2+)](i). Thapsigargin, ATP and Bz-ATP increased the uptake of extracellular calcium. RT-PCR analysis revealed that two metabotropic receptors (P2Y(1) and P2Y(2)) and two ionotropic receptors (P2X(4) and P2X(7)) were expressed by the cells present in the suspension. It is concluded that purinergic agonists can modulate the response of rat tracheal epithelial cells by several mechanisms. The activation of metabotropic receptors should mobilize intracellular IP(3)-sensitive calcium pools. The activation of the ionotropic receptors should not only open a non-specific cation channel leading to the entry of calcium but should also induce the formation of pores in cells expressing the P2X(7) receptors, which could be deleterious to these cells.

Purines, a new class of agonists in salivary glands?

The response of rat submandibular glands to extracellular purines was tested. In crude cellular suspensions, ATP increased the [Ca2+]i mostly by promoting uptake of extracellular calcium. ATP caused the pHi to drop, a response blocked by chloride channel inhibitors. ATP also inhibited the basal and isoproterenol-stimulated activity of the Na+ -K+ -2Cl-cotransporter. These effects were reproduced by benzoyl-ATP, an agonist of ionotropic purinoceptors. In pure ductal suspensions, ATP activated a metabotropic P2Y1 purinergic receptor coupled to phospholipase C and opened a non-specific cation channel coupled to a P2X7 receptor. Activation of these receptors stimulated a Ca2+ -dependent and a Ca2+ -independent phospholipase A2, the latter resulting in kallikrein secretion. We conclude that purinergic agonists can modulate the activity of both acinar and ductal phases of secretion. Activation of metabotropic receptors coupled to phospholipase C could lead to responses resembling those to muscarinic or adrenergic agonists. Activation of ionotropic receptors could stimulate new intracellular responses also involved in secretory function.

Fatty acid profiles in pigmented and non-pigmented strains of S. marcescens

Wild, pigmented strains of Serratia marcescens and their non-pigmented mutants were compared on the basis of fatty acid profiles and lipid content. Classic biochemical tests show only minor differences, as well as fatty acid ratio C18:C16. The total amount of lipid synthesized and the saturated/unsaturated fatty acids ratio disclose a sharp total lipid reduction and a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in the pigmented strains, placing them in separated clusters compared with the nonpigmented mutants. It is hypothesized that the synthesis of the polyacetate required for the completion of the prodigiosin molecule may result in waste of methyl groups and thus affect the total amount of lipids.

Uptake and retention of Vibrio cholerae non-O1, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Vibrio harvey by mussels in seawater

Vibrio cholerae non O1 is known to persist in estuarine and freshwater environments. Experiments evaluated the amount of microorganisms accumulated in mussels maintained in static seawater, contaminated with 10(4) to 10(6) cells/ml and the depuration time required in circulating water. Accumulation and retention times were compared with those for Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio harvey. E. coli and S. typhi accumulated to a greater extent and were released from mussels more quickly than vibrios which became undetectable 2 to 3 days later than E. coli. Seasonal seawater temperatures (14 to 21 degrees C) had a limited influence on depuration but vibrios appear to be retained with more efficacy over 16 degrees C while E. coli and S. typhi were eliminated to a greater extent. When mussels were contaminated with mixed culture, vibrios appeared to predominate on E. coli, while no interference was observed between E. coli and S. typhi.

[Chlamydia trachomatis conjunctivitis in the newborn]

Infections of the conjunctiva are frequent in the neonatal period. While Neisseria gonorrhoea and chemical agents were considered as the main etiologies of ophtalmiae neonatorum in the past, Chlamydia trachomatis is today a major cause of neonatal conjunctivitis. Thus in a study of 180 uni-or bilateral neonatal conjunctivitis the authors found a prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection of 41%. The importance of the etiological diagnosis of neonatal conjunctivitis is emphasized, in order to define a specific treatment. Etiological diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infection is based upon immunofluorescence and molecular diagnosis techniques (PCR, LCR). Prevention of neonatal Chlamydia trachomatis conjunctivitis relies upon screening and treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in pregnant women and their partners. Treatment requires oral macrolides, the topical treatment being ineffective.

Nasopharyngeal electrode recording of somatosensory evoked potentials as an indicator in brain death

Median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials were recorded in 28 comatose patients, eight of whom were progressing from coma to eventual brain death and in 11 brain dead patients using electrodes over the scalp, neck and nasopharynx (nasopharyngeal electrode). This recording technique was used to assess the different derivation of brainstem P14 wave activity. It showed that in the midfrontal scalp to the nasopharynx derivation a clear P14 was present in all comatose patients. This component disappeared during the passage from coma to brain death. In a separate group, simultaneous direct recordings in the vicinity of the dorsal column nuclei and with a nasopharyngeal electrode were made in five patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures at the craniocervical junction with the same somatosensory evoked potential monitor. We found that the P14 recorded with the nasopharyngeal electrode in the neurosurgical patients corresponded in latency and morphology with the P14 recorded directly on the surface of the craniocervical junction and more specifically in the vicinity of the nucleus cuneatus. The nasopharyngeal electrode provides non-invasive access to the ventral brainstem at the medullo-pontine level and the disappearance of the P14 shows a clear sign of involvement of the craniocervical junction in brain dead patients. Our study showed that with a simple montage the nasopharyngeal electrode is an effective non-invasive monitor for brainstem activity and can be used as an early diagnostic indicator of brainstem death.

Calcium bioavailability and parathyroid hormone acute changes after oral intake of dairy and nondairy products in healthy volunteers

This study was designed to compare calcium bioavailability and serum parathyroid hormone acute changes after oral intake of 500 mg of elemental calcium from liquid milk, yogurt, calcium-citrate-enriched powdered milk or a calcium carbonate pill; or after intake of soybean imitation-milk. After a 12-h fast, blood samples were drawn both at baseline and 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after an oral intake of the above-mentioned products, which were ingested together with a light neutral breakfast. The administration order of the study products was randomly assigned to each of 19 healthy young volunteers (11 females, 8 males). The baseline serum concentrations of ionized calcium, phosphorus and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were normal. Calcium-citrate-enriched powdered milk induced a significant increase in serum ionized calcium (p<0.001) and a significant and continuous decrease in serum iPTH concentration (p<0. 001). Yogurt and the calcium carbonate pill induced a similar but less significant effect, increasing serum ionized calcium (p<0.05) and decreasing serum iPTH (p<0.01). Liquid milk only induced a significant change in serum ionized calcium and iPTH concentration during the first 2 h; this effect was lost during the following 2 h. In conclusion, our study suggests the possibility that the addition of calcium citrate to powered milk may improve calcium bioavailability and enhance the inhibitory effect on serum iPTH in the assayed conditions.

alpha-Methyl-p-tyrosine inhibits latanoprost-induced melanogenesis in vitro

The PGF2alpha derivative, latanoprost, is a recent anti-glaucoma drug that has been reported to induce a discrete incidence of increased iris pigmentation in men. The present experiments were made in order to study whether this phenomenon could be influenced by the tyrosinase inhibitor, alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. Melanin content, melanin production and tyrosinase activity of cultured uveal melanocytes derived from irides of brown or brown-blue color were measured after adding latanoprost at different molar concentration with or without alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (10(-5)m). It was shown that latanoprost stimulated melanin content, melanin production and tyrosinase activity in a molar range between 10(-7) and 10(-5)m in uveal melanocytes derived from irides of both brown and brown-blue color. The effect seemed to be more pronounced in melanocytes derived from irides of brown-blue color. The adding of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine completely prevented latanoprost-induced stimulation of melanin production in uveal melanocytes derived from irides of both colors. These results suggest that latanoprost-induced stimulation of melanin production, follows the metabolic pathway involving tyrosinase activity and may be relevant for the therapeutic application of latanoprost in glaucoma in order to reduce its side-effect resulting in increased iris pigmentation.

Activation by P2X7 agonists of two phospholipases A2 (PLA2) in ductal cells of rat submandibular gland. Coupling of the calcium-independent PLA2 with kallikrein secretion

Isolated ductal cells of rat submandibular gland phospholipid pools were labeled with [3H]arachidonic acid (AA). The tracer was incorporated preferentially to phosphatidylcholine (46% of the lipidic fraction). Extracellular ATP induced the release of [3H]AA to the extracellular medium in a time- and dose-dependent manner (EC50 = 220 microM). Among other agents tested, only 2', 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine 5'-triphosphate (Bz-ATP) was able to mimic the effect of ATP (EC50 = 15 microM), without activation of phospholipase C. The purinergic antagonists oxidized ATP, suramin, and Coomassie Blue partly inhibited the response to 1 mM ATP and 100 microM Bz-ATP; the response was also blocked by the addition of Mg2+ or Ni2+. Expression of P2X7 receptor mRNA in these cells was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In the presence of extracellular calcium, the phospholipase A2 inhibitor 2-(p-amylcinnamoyl)amino-4-chlorobenzoic acid (a nonspecific inhibitor), arachidonyl trifluoromethylketone (AACOCF3, an inhibitor of the calcium-dependent cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2)), and bromoenol lactone (an inhibitor of the calcium-independent PLA2 (iPLA2)) inhibited the release of [3H]AA induced by ATP and Bz-ATP. In the absence of extracellular calcium, the release of [3H]AA in response to the purinergic agonists was still observed; this response was not affected by AACOCF3 and completely blocked by bromoenol lactone. ATP and Bz-ATP stimulated a calcium-independent secretion of kallikrein, which could be blocked by BEL but which was enhanced by AACOCF3. It is concluded that the P2X7 receptor in ductal cells is coupled to kallikrein secretion through a calcium-dependent cPLA2 and a calcium-independent iPLA2.

Do quantitative changes in pain intensity correlate with pain relief and satisfaction?

OBJECTIVE

To correlate measured pain intensity (PI) changes with pain relief and satisfaction with pain management.

METHODS

A prospective single-group repeated-measures design study. A heterogeneous group of patients were asked to record their levels of PI at initial presentation and at ED release using a numerical descriptor scale (NDS) and a visual analog scale (VAS). At release, a 5-point pain relief scale and a pain management satisfaction survey were also completed.

RESULTS

A convenience sample of 81 patients were enrolled over the study period. The average reduction in PI for all patients was 33%. A 5%, 30%, and 57% reduction in PI correlated with "no," "some/partial," and "significant/complete" relief, respectively (p < 0.001). However, when patients were divided into 2 groups based on their initial PI scores, patients with moderate/severe pain (NDS > 5) required a reduction of 35% and 84% in PI to achieve "some/partial" and "significant/complete" relief, respectively. Patients in less pain (NDS < or = 5) needed 25% and 29% reductions in PI for the same categories (p=0.8). Patients were generally satisfied with their pain management. There was a positive association between pain relief and satisfaction with pain management.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant association between changes in PI and pain relief. Greater reductions in PI are required for patients presenting with more severe initial pain to achieve relief compared with those who have lesser initial PI. While there is a linear relationship between increasing pain relief and satisfaction, relief of pain appears to only partially contribute to overall satisfaction with pain management.

Effects of sulfinpyrazone on retinal damage induced by experimental diabetes mellitus in rabbits

The protective activity of the phenylbutazone derivative, sulfinpyrazone on retinal lesions has been assessed in rabbits with severe streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Sulfinpyrazone (8 mg kg-1 per day per os) was administered in diabetic animals in two different experimental procedures: for 135 days in a preventive approach (beginning on the day of initial hyperglicaemia); and for 30 days in a therapeutic approach (beginning on the day of appearance of severe retinal damage). The drug treatment made either with the preventive or the therapeutic approach reduced the incidence of serious retinal lesions and increased that of light lesions as assessed by a biomicroscopic method. Biochemical analyses showed that experimental diabetes was accompanied by sustained decrease in glucose and pyruvate and an increase of the lactate content in the retina. A decrease of alpha-ketoglutarate and citrate and an increase of succinate were also observed along with a decrease of ATP, ADP and an increase in AMP. Either the preventive or the therapeutic approach was followed by an increased pyruvate and ATP content and decreased lactate and AMP content in the retinal tissue. It is possible that this drug acts on the retinal tissue by inhibiting platelet aggregation and protecting vasal endothelium with the consequent suppression of the release of vasoactive substances that facilitate platelet adhesion.

Differential sensitivity to nickel and SK&F96365 of second messenger-operated and receptor-operated calcium channels in rat submandibular ductal cells

The intracellular concentration of calcium ([Ca2+]i) of rat submandibular ductal cells was measured with the intracellular fluorescent dye Fura-2. Carbachol (100 microM) and ATP (1 mM) both increased the [Ca2+]i. The late response to ATP was blocked by 0.5 mM Ni2+. This concentration of Ni2+ also blocked the increase of the [Ca2+]i and the uptake of manganese and calcium in response to 2'- and 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl) adenosine 5'-triphosphate (BzATP, 100 microM), a specific agonist of P2X receptors from salivary glands. The increase of the [Ca2+]i in response to 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-triphosphate (2-MeSATP, 100 microM) a specific P2Y agonist in salivary glands or to a muscarinic agonist (carbachol) was not affected by 0.5 mM Ni2+. Only higher concentrations of Ni2+ (in the millimolar range) inhibited the uptake of extracellular calcium in response to carbachol. SK&F96365, a blocker of store-operated calcium channels, inhibited the uptake of extracellular calcium in response to carbachol without affecting the response to BzATP. It is concluded that at low concentrations (below 0.5 mM), Ni2+ inhibits the non-specific cation channel coupled to P2X receptors. The uptake of extracellular calcium by store-operated calcium channels is inhibited by higher concentrations of Ni2+ and by SK&F96365.

Determination of aryloxyphenoxypropionic acid herbicides in water using different solid-phase extraction procedures and liquid chromatography-diode array detection

For isolation and trace enrichment of aryloxyphenoxypropionic acid (ArPP) herbicides from drinking, spring, and ground water a sensitive, robust method is presented. A 1-2 1 volume of aqueous samples was passed through a disposable solid-phase extraction cartridge, packed with 500 mg of Carbograph-1 at a flow-rate of 100 ml/min. After washing, ArPPs are selectively eluted with 8 ml of dichloromethane-methanol (80:20, v/v) with 50 mmol/1 formic acid and evaporated to dryness. The mixture was reconstituted with 250 microliters of water-acetonitrile (75:25; v/v) acidified with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid and 100 microliters was injected into the high-performance liquid chromatography system. The ArPPs were separated via a binary gradient of water and a mixture of methanol-acetonitrile. Detection and confirmation were performed by diode array detection. Recovery of the six acid herbicides ranged between 90% and 98%. The limits of detection of ArPPs were 7-20 ng/l for drinking water and 16-36 ng/l for spring water. In terms of recovery and selectivity the effectiveness of Carbograph-1 cartridges was compared with that of LiChrolut-EN cartridges and polystyrene-divinylbenzene Empore disks. Relevant parameters such as pH and flow-rate for solid-phase extraction with divinylbenzene resins were optimized.

Activation of the Na+-K+(NH4+)-2Cl(-)- cotransporter from rat submandibular glands in response to VIP

A cellular suspension from rat submandibular glands was prepared with collagenase. The intracellular pH (pHi) was estimated with 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxy-ethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). After exposure to NH4Cl, the pHi transiently increased (diffusion of NH3) and then dropped (influx of NH4+). Isoproterenol increased 2.5-fold the rate of NH4+ influx; bumetanide, an inhibitor of the Na+-K+-2Cl(-)-cotransporter blocked the response to isoproterenol, confirming that the beta-adrenergic agonist stimulated the cotransporter. Forskolin (1 micromol/L) mimicked the response to isoproterenol. VIP (1 nmol/L(-1) micromol/L) also increased the activity of the cotransporter. Cyclic AMP rather than calcium was the mediator of this activation since 1) carbachol which increased the [Ca2+]i fivefold increased the uptake of NH4+ by only 50%; 2) only high concentrations of VIP significantly increased the [Ca2+]i; 3) incubation in the presence of EGTA had no effect on the response to VIP; 4) low concentrations (nmol/L) of the neuropeptide increased the intracellular level of cAMP; and 5) the stimulation of the cotransporter by VIP, forskolin, and isoproterenol was inhibited by H8, an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. It is concluded that the Na+-K+-2Cl(-)-cotransporter of rat submandibular glands is activated by isoproterenol, forskolin, and neuropeptides of the VIP family by a mechanism involving cAMP-dependent processes. The activation of the cotransporter by VIP could partly explain the potentiating effect of VIP on the response to sialagogues like substance P or muscarinic agonists.

Use of a microquantity enzyme immunoassay in a large-scale study of measles, mumps and rubella immunity in Italy

The seroprevalence of antibodies to measles, mumps, and rubella viruses (MMR) was determined in 1498 subjects in Catania, Italy, ranging in age from 1 month to 25 years. The study population was divided into seven age groups and screened by enzyme immunoassay using microquantities (10 microl) of whole blood collected by fingerprick on filter paper discs. The results showed that seroconversion for measles (87.6%) and mumps (73.2%) occurred between 6 and 10 years of age. The seroprevalence of antibodies to rubella virus increased slowly through the age groups, reaching the highest rate (93.3%) between 16 and 20 years of age. Passively transmitted maternal antibodies to mumps and rubella were absent in babies between 5 and 8 months of age, and a few cases positive for measles antibodies were found among babies 6 and 7 months of age. The enzyme immunoassay was demonstrated to be suitable for low-cost large-scale screening for MMR immunity. The rate of vaccine failure was also evaluated and found to be 9.5% for the measles virus, 12.9% for the mumps virus and 0.0% for the rubella virus.

Simultaneous determination of imidazolinone herbicides from soil and natural waters using soil column extraction and off-line solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography with UV detection or liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectroscopy

This paper describes the simultaneous quantification of the imidazolinone herbicides (IMIs) imazapyr, m-imazamethabenz, p-imazamethabenz, m,p-imazamethabenz-methyl, imazethapyr, and imazaquin in two types of samples. (a) Groundwater, lake water, and river water samples were enriched by off-line solid-phase extraction with a Carbograph-1 cartridge and analyzed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography using a UV detector (lambda = 240 nm). The overall recoveries of IMIs extracted from 1 L of groundwater (fortified with 500-100 ng/L), 0.5 L of lake water (fortified with 500-100 ng/L), and 0.5 L of river water (fortified with 1000-200 ng/L) samples were not lower than 89%. The mean relative standard deviation (RSD) was 5.1% (ranging from 4.1% to 6.8%) in natural water. The detection limits were 30-39 ng/L in groundwater, 43-51 ng/L in lake water, and 55-67 ng/L in river water. The method involves confirmatory analysis by LC/ES-MS in full-scan mode. The dependence of the ion signal intensities on proton concentration in the mobile phase was investigated with a view to optimizing the sensitivity of the ES-MS detector. When LC/ES-MS was used, the limit of detection, calculated from extracted-ion current profiles (EICPs), was 4-7 ng/L for ground-water and 9-13 ng/L for river water. (b) Soil sample analysis utilized combined soil column extraction (SCE) and off-line solid phase extraction (SPE) for sample preparation, analyzing with LC/ES-MS under selected ion monitoring (SIM). Several different extractants were evaluated for the purpose of SCE optimization. The system that best optimizes the extractability IMIs from the soil was found to be the mixture CH3OH/(NH4)2CO3 (0.1 M, 50:50 v/v). The effect of IMI concentration in the matrix on recovery was evaluated. The total recovery of each IMI from soil at each of the two levels investigated ranged from 87% to 95%. Under three ion SIM conditions, the limit of detection (S/N = 3) was 0.1-0.05 ng/g in soil samples.

Percept-genesis of the mother-child separation theme among panic and asthma patients

A stimulus portraying a mother figure who is leaving a baby alone on the floor (Separation Theme) was presented tachistoscopically at increasing exposure times, according to the method of the Defense Mechanism Test, to three sex-matched groups of 31 normal subjects, 31 patients with bronchial asthma, and 31 patients with Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia. The frequency of several codings was significantly higher in both clinical groups compared with normal controls. Asthma patients were characterized by reports of the child seen as a statue and of contact or fusion between mother and child. Agoraphobic patients employed different strategies, centered on the mother rather than on the child and mainly represented by the denial of mother's action, e.g., she is not leaving, she is entering. The findings support the hypothesis of a difference in defensive organization between neurotic and psychosomatic patients.

Characterization of specific corticosterone binding sites in adrenal cortex plasma membrane and their localization by autoradiographic studies

Specific corticosterone binding to calf adrenal cortex plasma membrane was measured using the biologically active radioligand [3H]corticosterone. Corticosterone binding was found to be time-dependent, saturable and reversible, and was reduced by more than 70% when membranes were pretreated with proteases. The population of corticosterone binding sites in calf adrenal cortex plasma membrane was homogeneous and displayed the following characteristics: equilibrium dissociation constant Kd = 77 +/- 8 nM and maximum specific binding capacity Bmax = 70,378 +/- 6,385 fmol/mg protein. The relative affinities of several structural analogues of steroids were deduced from competition assays. From these experiments we can conclude that the plasma membrane binding site characterized is selective for corticosterone and progesterone derivatives, and different from nuclear glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, estrogen and progestin receptors. Likewise, this corticosterone binding site is independent of mineralocorticoid and Na+, K(+)-ATPase digitalis receptors. From autoradiographic studies we suggest these corticosterone binding sites are located in the whole adrenal cortex.