Herpes zoster ophthalmicus in an otherwise healthy 7 years child

A 07 years otherwise healthy child, non vaccinated for chickenpox and with a history of chickenpox infection at 02 years of age presented with red colored lesions in right upper lid, right side of forehead, vertex and right side of nose and defective vision in right eye in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, 20 days after the appearance of blister in the same region. On examination granulation tissue was present on the same area. There was no hair and skin over that area. Lesion was strictly limited to right side of midline. Eyelashes of right upper lid were absent and there was defective closure of eyelids. Best corrected visual acuity of right eye was 3/60 and of left eye was 6/6. There was ciliary congestion of right eye with haziness of cornea at interpalpebral region of right eye. Corneal sensitivity was reduced and there was uniform fluorescein staining at central part of cornea. Mild flare and cells were present in anterior chamber. Fundus examination revealed no abnormality. He was treated with systemic acyclovir, antibiotics, topical acyclovir, antibiotic and atropine. Corneal ulcer and skin lesions were healed, but the patient developed cicatricial ectropion of right upper lid and best corrected visual acuity of right eye was reduced to 6/60 due to corneal opacity. So early diagnosis and treatment of herpes zoster ophthalmicus is mandatory to prevent sight threatening complications.

A phase I study of TPI287: A third generation taxane administered weekly in patients with advanced cancer

2575

Background: TPI 287 is an investigational taxane designed to not be a substrate for mdr-1 and to bind to mutant tubulin. In preclinical studies, TPI 287 demonstrated activity against multiple human tumor xenografts in nude mice, including xenografts that expressed mdr-1 and that were resistant to other taxanes. The safety and tolerability of TPI 287 when administered weekly for 3 weeks followed by a 1 week rest (4 week cycle) was examined in this Phase 1 dose escalation study in patients (pts) with advanced neoplasms. Materials and Methods: TPI 287 was administered over 1 hour weekly for 3 weeks followed by 1 week of no treatment. Treatment cohorts consisted of 3 pts and were expanded to 6 pts in the face of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT); pts could remain on study until the development of progressive disease or an intolerable adverse event. DLT was defined as Gr 4 heme toxicity lasting 7 days; febrile neutropenia, Gr 3 thrombocytopenia with bleeding, Gr 3 elevation of transaminases lasting 7 days or any other Gr 3/4 toxicity other than nausea or vomiting. Results: 25 pts (M:F 16:9, median age 60, range 24 - 86) were enrolled in 7 dose levels ranging from 7–185 mg/m2. Pts’ cancers included colorectal (6 pts); NSCLC (2); prostate (2); squamous cell carcinoma (2) and 1 pt each with cervical, breast, ovarian, gastric, pancreatic, bladder endometrial, NSCLC, SCLC, glioblastoma, melanoma, renal cell and hepatocellular carcinoma. All pts but 1 had received prior chemotherapy (median no. prior treatments: 3 (range, 1–7). Drug related adverse events included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, anorexia, rash, anemia and peripheral neuropathy. 1 pt., who was inadvertently treated with inadequate marrow reserve, experienced Gr 4 neutropenia and died of sepsis. DLT of Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy has been observed. PK data to date reveal that AUC is generally dose linear. At a dose of 127.5 mg/m2, clearance was 30.2 + 11.9 L/hr/m2 and t1/2 8.6 + 1.3 hrs. Results are similar with non-compartmental methods and 2-compartment modeling. Conclusions: TPI 287 can be safely administered in doses of up to 127.5 mg/m2 weekly x 3.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Day-care management of children with severe malnutrition in an urban health clinic in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Management of severely malnourished children with associated complications relies on hospital-based treatment. Implementation of a standardized protocol at the Dhaka Hospital, ICDDR,B reduced case fatality approximately 50%. We developed and prospectively evaluated a day-care clinic approach that provided antibiotics, micronutrients and feeding during the day with continued care by parents at home at night as an alternative to hospitalization. Severely malnourished children aged 6-23 months denied admission to hospital were enrolled at Radda Clinic, Dhaka and received protocolized management with antibiotics, micronutrients and milk-based diet from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm each day, while mothers were educated on continuation of care at home. They were transitioned to the day-care nutrition rehabilitation (NR) unit of Radda Clinic following resolution of acute illness, received NR diet (Khichuri, halwa and milk-based) daily until children attained 80% weight-for-length. From February 2001 to November 2003, 264 children were enrolled; 52% were boys and 78%, 21% and 1% had marasmus, marasmus-kwashiorkor and kwashiorkor, respectively. Only 13% had severe malnutrition alone while 35% had pneumonia, 35% had diarrhea and 17% had both pneumonia and diarrhea. The mean (SD) duration of acute and NR phases were 8 (4) and 14 (13) days, respectively. Children gained weight [mean (SD) g/kg day] more rapidly during acute 10 (7) than NR phase 6 (5). Successful management was possible in 82% (95% CI 77-86%) children, 12% discontinued treatment and 6% referred to hospitals. Only one child died during NR phase. Severely malnourished children can be successfully managed at existing day-care clinics using a protocolized approach.

Health and nutritional status of children of adolescent mothers: experience from a diarrhoeal disease hospital in Bangladesh

AIM

The study aimed at assessing clinical and nutritional features and socioeconomic characteristics of the first birth-order children (1-48 months) of adolescent mothers.

METHODS

Five hundred and thirty-nine first birth-order children of both sexes, aged 1-48 month(s) were studied. All study children had adolescent mothers aged < or =19 years (when attending hospital), who attended (as a patient) the Dhaka hospital of ICDDR, B during 2000-2005. A similar group of children (n = 540) of mothers aged 25-29 years (when attending hospital) constituted the comparison group.

RESULTS

Malnutrition indicated by underweight [OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.7-3.1, p < 0.001], stunting [OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5-2.8, p < 0.001], wasting [OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.7, p = 0.001], infancy (<12 months old) [OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.1-3.9, p < 0.001], duration of hospitalization (> or =48 h) [OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2, p = 0.001], DPT immunization [OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.5, p = 0.001] and maternal illiteracy (no formal schooling) [OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.0, p = 0.007] were significantly associated with children of adolescent mothers, after adjusting for co-variates in the logistic regression analysis. Similar results were also observed when different indices of malnutrition (stunting, underweight or wasting) were added separately to the different models.

CONCLUSION

Children of adolescent mothers are likely to be more malnourished, have lesser opportunities for DPT immunization and have longer duration of hospitalization. Adolescent mothers were also more likely to be illiterate. Therefore, the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies will be required to reduce morbidity and improve the health and nutrition status of both children and their adolescent mothers.

Validation of the LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of mevalonic acid in human plasma and determination of the matrix effect

A simple, specific, and sufficiently sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (negative-ion electrospray ionization) methodology to determine mevalonic acid (MVA) in human plasma is described, and its application to the analysis of rat plasma MVA levels after rosuvastatin administration is demonstrated. The method was validated over the linearity range of 0.5-50.0 ng/ml (r(2) > 0.99) using deuterated MVA as an internal standard. The lower limit of quantification was 0.5 ng/ml. The assay procedure involved the isolation of MVA from plasma samples using solid-phase extraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a HyPurity Advance column with a mobile phase consisting of ammonium formate buffer (10 mM, pH 8.0) and acetonitrile (70:30, v/v). Excellent precision and accuracy were observed. MVA and deuterated mevalonolactone were stable in water and plasma under different storage and processing conditions. The recovery observed was low, which was attributable to a significant matrix effect. A significant decrease (30-40%; P < 0.05) was observed in rat plasma MVA levels after rosuvastatin administration.

High dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue as a part of combined modality therapy in stage IIIB inflammatory breast cancer

10694

Background: Despite the improvements related to introduction of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the prognosis of patients with inflammatory breast cancer remains poor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, feasibility and outcomes of high dose chemotherapy in this group of patients. Methods: Between June 1991 and January 1999, twenty eight patients with pathologically confirmed inflammatory breast cancer were consecutively enrolled in this study. All patients were rendered free of clinically evident disease by using chemotherapy (adjuvant, neoadjuvant or both) either alone or in combination with surgery. Following stem cell collection patients received HD-CT with thiotepa 250mg/m2 days 1, 2 & 3(total dose of 750mg/m2), mitoxantrone 40mg/m2 on day 1 and carboplatin 333mg/m2 on days 1, 2 & 3 ( total dose of 1gm/m2). Previously stored stem cells were infused on the seventh day of HD-CT chemotherapy. Eligible patients received radiation to the chest wall and tamoxifen for 5 years. Results: With median duration of follow-up of 46.9 months( range 15.1–177.2), the median overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were 42.5 months (range 9.7–135.7) and 34.8 months (range 3.3–135.7), respectively. The multivariate analysis showed a significantly better EFS and OS in patients with estrogen receptor (ER) positive tumors ( P value ≥ 0.003). Mucositis and Infection were the most severe non-hematological toxicities. Grade four cardiac and pulmonary toxicities developed in one patient. There was no transplant related mortality. One patient developed myelodysplastic syndrome. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that high dose chemotherapy with thiotepa, mitoxantrone and carboplatin is a safe and efficacious regimen in patients with stage IIIB inflammatory breast cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A Q7D phase I study of TPI 287, a novel taxane, in advanced malignancies: Imaging studies, pharmacokinetics (PK) and circulating tumor cell (CTC) quantitation

12008

Background: Taxanes have demonstrated activity across a broad range of cancers, but resistance remains an issue. TPI 287 is a third generation taxane designed to overcome issues of resistance secondary to mdr and mutant tubulin. The purpose of this Phase I study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose and pharmacokinetics of IV TPI 287. Methods: Phase I study: TPI 287 is administered IV on days 1, 8, 15 of a 28 day cycle (Q7D) with at least 3 patients treated per dose escalation, in a typical phase I design. Dosing began at 7 mg/m2 and has advanced to the fifth cohort of patients, who are being treated at a dose of 85 mg/m2. Tumor response is assessed after every second cycle via imaging and tumor measurements. Samples are collected for PK analysis and circulating tumor cell (CTC) quantitation. Results: Sixteen pts have been enrolled (9 males, median years = 60.11; 7 females, median years = 50.71: median number of previous chemotherapies = 4). Diagnoses included colorectal (4), prostate (3), breast, kidney, cervical, brain, lung, osteosarcoma, basal cell, endometrial, ovarian cancers. Of 16 pts, 8 and 5 have completed 1, 2 cycles, respectively. Only one drug related grade 3 adverse event (hypersensitivity reaction) occurred, at 14 mg/m2. No other reported toxicities are related to TPI 287. PK and CTC studies are ongoing. Conclusions: These initial results show that TPI 287 is well tolerated at a dose up to 56 mg/m2 administered Q7D, and dose escalation continues.

[Table: see text]

Extended-interval gentamicin administration in malnourished children

Malnourished children have several physiologic abnormalities that can affect drug distribution and elimination. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of a once-daily dose of gentamicin compared with conventional thrice-daily dosing in malnourished children. To our knowledge, it has not been investigated in this population so far. A total of 310 malnourished children of either gender aged 6 months to 5 years with diarrhea and pneumonia were randomized to receive intramuscular gentamicin 5 mg/kg/day once-daily (OD) (n=148) or the same total daily amount given in three divided doses (TD) (n=162) in addition to ceftriaxone 75 mg/kg/day. After 48 h at steady state, gentamicin pharmacokinetics was assessed by fluorescence polarization immunoassay in a subgroup of 59 children and 43 children in the OD and TD groups, respectively. The groups were equivalent in baseline demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics. Good and partial clinical responses occurred in 64 per cent vs. 54 per cent and 25 per cent vs. 27 per cent in the OD and the TD children, respectively (p=NS for both comparisons). Five patients in each treatment group died. Renal toxicity defined by change in serum creatinine was not observed in any patient from either group. In the OD group, mean+/-SD serum gentamicin concentrations at 1 (peak), 3, 5, 8, 23, and 24 (trough value) hours after the dose were 11.7+/-4.1, 4.4+/-1.2, 2.08+/-0.9, 1.01+/-0.6, 0.31+/-0.09 and 0.29+/-0.07 mg/l respectively. In the TD group, mean +/-SD serum gentamicin concentration at 1 hour (peak) was 4.7+/-1.8 mg/l and the trough concentration was 0.48+/-0.21 mg/l. In OD group, the gentamicin trough concentration was significantly lower (p<0.001) and the peak concentration was significantly higher (p<0.001) compared to TD group. The results of this study indicate that once-daily gentamicin is effective and safe in malnourished children. Widespread implementation of once-daily dosing in malnourished children is appropriate and will reduce number of intramuscular injections and hospital costs.

Long-term effects of brief acute stress on cellular signaling and hippocampal LTP

In a previous study, we reported that a brief exposure to swim stress transforms an electrically induced, protein synthesis-independent early long-term potentiation (early LTP) into a protein synthesis-dependent late LTP ["reinforcement of LTP" in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG)] (Korz and Frey, 2003). This transformation depends on activation of mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) by corticosterone, and on intact basolateral amygdala (BLA) function. Here, we demonstrate that a brief swim experience results in lasting changes in levels of hippocampal cellular signaling molecules that are known to be involved in the induction of late LTP. Within the DG, MRs were rapidly upregulated, whereas glucocorticoid receptor (GR) levels were elevated with a 3 h delay. Levels of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase 2 (pMAPK2) and p38 MAPK, as well as phosphorylated calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (pCaMKII) were enhanced shortly after swim stress and remained elevated until 24 h, whereas levels of phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) remained unchanged. MR and GR were upregulated with a longer delay within the CA1 region, whereas levels of pMAPK2 and p38MAPK were rapidly increased, but the former returned to basal levels after 3 h. Levels of pCREB and pCaMKII were maintained in an enhanced state after swim stress. DG-LTP reinforcement requires a serotonergic but not dopaminergic heterosynaptic receptor activation that probably mediates the BLA-dependent modulation of LTP under stress. Thus, molecular alterations induced by specific stress resemble late LTP-related molecular changes. These changes, in interaction with stress-specific heterosynaptic processes, may support the transformation of early LTP into late LTP. The results contribute to the understanding of the rapid consolidation of cellular and possibly systemic memories triggered by stress.

Comparison of an aprepitant regimen with a multiple-day ondansetron regimen, both with dexamethasone, for antiemetic efficacy in high-dose cisplatin treatment

BACKGROUND

We compared an aprepitant regimen with a control regimen of ondansetron + dexamethasone given for 4 days.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients scheduled to receive cisplatin > or =70 mg/m(2) were randomized to either the aprepitant regimen (aprepitant, ondansetron and dexamethasone on day 1; aprepitant and dexamethasone on days 2-3; dexamethasone on day 4) or control regimen (ondansetron + dexamethasone on days 1-4). Patients recorded vomiting, nausea and rescue therapy use. The primary end point was complete response (no vomiting and no use of rescue therapy) in the overall phase (days 1-5 post-cisplatin).

RESULTS

Complete response rates were higher in the aprepitant than control group in the overall (72% versus 61%; P = 0.003), acute (day 1; 88% versus 79%; P = 0.005) and delayed phases (days 2-5; 74% versus 63%; P = 0.004), as were rates of no vomiting (overall 77% versus 62%, P < or = 0.001; acute 89% versus 81%, P = 0.004; delayed 79% versus 64%, P < or = 0.001). Rates of no rescue therapy were similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with an antiemetic regimen in which ondansetron + dexamethasone were given for 4 days, the aprepitant regimen was superior in the acute, delayed and overall phases of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The aprepitant regimen should be considered a new standard of antiemetic therapy for cisplatin-treated patients. www.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NTC00090207.

Rho family GTPases are activated during HGF-stimulated prostate cancer-cell scattering

An important process in embryogenesis and cancer-cell metastasis is the conversion of epithelial cells to a migratory phenotype, a phenomenon known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (E-MT). To achieve E-MT, cells dissociate from neighbouring cells and adopt a migratory morphology. This transition requires remodelling of their cell shape and substratum adhesions; activities that require extensive reorganisation of the actin cytoskeleton. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced scattering of Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells is a routinely used model of E-MT, in which actin cytoskeletal rearrangement is known to be dependent on Rho family GTPases. We have developed a novel model of HGF-induced E-MT using the human prostate cancer cell line, DU145. This model overcomes the limitation of using a canine cell line and facilitates the study of E-MT in human cancer. We demonstrate for the first time the scattering response of individual DU145 cells to HGF in real time and have characterised changes in actin cytoskeletal organisation and cell adhesions as these cells respond to HGF. HGF-induced scattering of DU145 cells is dependent on the activity of Rho family GTPases, and using this model, we are able to demonstrate for the first time that endogenous Cdc42 is activated downstream of HGF. Furthermore we have also shown that the response of DU145 cells to HGF is dependent on a phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase pathway.

Plasticity-specific phosphorylation of CaMKII, MAP-kinases and CREB during late-LTP in rat hippocampal slices in vitro

Processes of learning, memory formation and functional plasticity, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) are associated with activity changes of alphaCaMKII, MAPKs and CREB proteins. Little is known on the temporal regulation of the phosphorylation states of these proteins during late-LTP, a period which requires the synthesis of new macromolecules and has been postulated to correlate with the consolidation of a memory trace at the cellular level. We now present data from hippocampal slices in vitro obtained from adult rats that describe such specific phosphorylation changes of the above mentioned three molecules during early- and late-LTP. We detail that LTP induction and its maintenance reveals a delayed onset of continuous CREB phosphorylation with two separate peaks at 45 min and 6 h before it decays back to baseline phosphorylation levels; whereas alphaCaMKII and MAPK2 remain in a specific, but enhanced phosphorylation state throughout the induction, early- and late-LTP. These LTP-regulated phosphorylation events were NMDAR-dependent and upon the activity of a translated serine-threonine kinase. Interestingly, only the late enhancement of pCREB was clearly dependent on protein synthesis. Our data extend results describing the regulation of alphaCaMKII, MAPKs and CREB phosphorylation during early stages of LTP, suggesting a specific role of these enzymes also during phases of LTP consolidation in adult animals.

Phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) and cAMP-level regulation within different tissue fractions of rat hippocampal slices during long-term potentiation in vitro

Molecular events associated with mnemonic processes and neuronal plasticity are postulated to result in functional changes in synaptic structure. One possible site is the post-synaptic density, where activity-dependent changes modulate signal transduction cascades. In this report, we detail spatial-temporal changes for phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) proteins and their substrate cAMP within three neuronal fractions during early and late long-term potentiation (LTP). The cAMP-dependent protein kinase A cascade--which can be regulated by distinct PDE4B activity--is required for mnemonic processes as well as mechanisms of neuronal plasticity, such as those during the maintenance or late-LTP. Fluorescence in situ hybridization studies (FISH) identified no translocation of PDE4B3 from the soma after late-LTP induction indicating a subtle, local control of PDE4B activity. Protein changes were detected within the PSD-enriched fraction. From these results, we conclude that either the changes in PDE4B are due to modulation of pre-existing mRNA, or that the protein is specifically translocated to activated synaptic structures. Furthermore, we report late changes in cAMP levels in the somato-dendritic fraction and discuss this result with the increased PDE4B1/3 doublet in the PSD-enriched fraction.

Long-term survival of patients with resistant lymphoma treated with tandem stem cell transplant

Dose-intensive chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support is commonly used in resistant/refractory cases of Hodgkin's disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of tandem transplantation in these patients. We used non cross-resistant conditioning regimens with thiotepa, mitoxantrone and carboplatin (TMJ) followed by ifosphamide, carboplatin and etoposide (ICE) with autologous stem cell rescue in an attempt to maximize dose intensity and achieve long-term remission. Seventy-six patients were included in this study. Twenty-nine patients with HD and 47 with NHL underwent autologous stem cell transplant using TMJ as the conditioning regimen for the first transplant. Of these, 49 patients proceeded to the second transplant using ICE as the conditioning regimen. In 57 patients, only peripheral blood cells were used and in 11 patients both bone marrow and peripheral stem cells were used. Twelve patients died due to treatment-related toxicity. On an intent to treat basis, 32.14% of patients with HD refractory to initial or subsequent therapy survived long term as opposed to 12.76% of patients with NHL. With a median follow-up of 83 months (range 25 - 110 months), the median disease-free survival of patients with HD was 7 months, as opposed to 2 months for patients with NHL. Multivariate analysis identified that patients with HD had a superior outcome if they were less than 35 years of age and did not have B symptoms. Dose-intensive chemotherapy with tandem transplantation is an option in patients with resistant/refractory lymphoma who have very limited treatment options and poor prognosis.

The utility of a multimedia education program for prostate cancer patients: a formative evaluation

A multimedia program (MMP) was developed to educate patients with prostate cancer about their disease. A within-subjects design was used to investigate the changes in levels of cancer-related knowledge, psychosocial functioning, treatment decision-making role and information needs immediately after browsing the MMP. The participants were 67 men recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Psychosocial functioning was assessed with 20 items describing common emotional states and coping strategies employed by cancer patients. Treatment decision-making role was assessed with the Control Preference Scale. A principle component analysis of the 20 psychosocial items yielded three components: distress, positive approach and nonacceptance. After browsing the MMP significant increases in knowledge and reductions in distress were reported. Marital status was significantly associated with knowledge gain. Married men and those attending the study session with their spouse displayed a significant shift towards a more active role in treatment decisions. The majority of information needs were fulfilled by the MMP; however, information related to the likelihood of a cure, treatment side effects, coping strategies and aetiology were not completely satisfied by the MMP. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future work on the design and evaluation of the MMP are discussed.

Comparative effect of different types of food on the bioavailability of cefaclor extended release tablet

This randomized, six-treatment, six-period, six sequence, single dose, crossover pharmacokinetic study assessed the effect of different types of food on the bioavailability of 500-mg cefaclor extended release tablet in 23 healthy male volunteers. A single dose of cefaclor extended release 500-mg tablet was administered at six occasions: after overnight fasting, after two vegetarian (high-fat and low-fat), two non-vegetarian (high-fat and low-fat) and rice diets. Serial blood samples were collected up to 12 h after dose. Serum cefaclor concentrations were determined by a validated HPLC method. An almost equivalent increase in both Cmax and AUC was observed with both high-fat non-vegetarian and low-fat vegetarian breakfasts. However, when MIC90 values, a pharmacodynamic end-point were compared, the low-fat vegetarian diet fared better than the high-fat non-vegetarian diet. The results obtained favor low-fat vegetarian diet (breakfast) to be taken with cefaclor extended release tablet to achieve maximum benefit in terms of clinical efficacy.

Regulation of the phosphodiesterase PDE4B3-isotype during long-term potentiation in the area dentata in vivo

Hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) is the most prominent cellular model underlying learning and memory formation. However, which cellular processes are involved in maintaining LTP remains largely unknown. We have previously detailed temporal modulations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and a cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase, PDE4B3, after LTP-induction and its maintenance in hippocampal area CA1 in vitro. To test whether other hippocampal sub-structures are characterised by similar mechanisms, tissue from the area dentata of freely moving rats was analysed at different LTP-time points. The tissue was fractionated into three components, where PDE4B-levels and cAMP-concentrations were measured. In contrast with data obtained in area CA1, we now detail an LTP-specific translational, but not transcriptional regulation of PDE4B3 within the first 8 h after tetanization and present spatio-temporal changes of PDE4B proteins and cAMP that is LTP-specific.

The effect of four different types of food on the bioavailability of cefaclor

This randomized, open-label, balanced, five-treatment, five-period, five-sequence, single-dose and crossover pharmacokinetic study assessed the effect of different types of food on the bioavailability of cefaclor in 18 healthy male volunteers. A single dose of cefaclor, 250-mg capsule was administered at five occasions: after overnight fasting, after two vegetarian (high-fat and low-fat) diets and two non-vegetarian (high-fat and low-fat) diets. Serial blood samples were collected upto 8 h post dose. Serum cefaclor concentrations were determined by a validated HPLC method. AUC values were not significantly affected by food intake, but the T(max) was prolonged and C(max) was decreased, depending on the type of meal. The non-vegetarian diets affected the rate of absorption of cefaclor more than the vegetarian diets. The least decrease in C(max) was produced by low-fat vegetarian diet, while the maximum decrease was produced by high-fat non-vegetarian diet. The results of this study indicate that while the rate of absorption of cefaclor is significantly decreased, the extent of absorption and the rate of elimination are not significantly decreased in the presence of food. As compared to high-fat non-vegetarian diet, the time above MIC50 concentration was significantly increased by low-fat vegetarian diet. The implications of these findings for the large vegetarian Indian population are considerable.

Cell cycle specificity of apoptosis during treatment of leukaemias

This review summarizes our observations on the mechanism of induction of apoptosis in vitro in leukaemic cell lines and in vivo in patients with leukaemia undergoing chemotherapy, in relation to the cell cycle. Multiparameter flow cytometric methods allowed us to identify apoptotic cells and position them with respect to their cell cycle phase. Several antitumor agents of different classes have been characterized in terms of the cell cycle phase specificity of induction of apoptosis. Three types of apoptosis could be distinguished in relation to the initial damage to the cell vis-a-vis cell cycle position: (1) homo-phase apoptosis where the cells underwent apoptosis during the same phase in which they were initially affected; (2) homo-cycle apoptosis, where the cells underwent apoptosis during the same cell cycle in which they were initially affected, i.e., prior to or during the first mitosis, and (3) post-mitotic apoptosis, where cells underwent apoptosis during the cell cycle(s) subsequent to that in which the cell was initially affected, most likely at the G1 or G2 checkpoints of these cycle(s). Four ranges of drug concentration can be distinguished in vitro for most drugs, where either: (1) no immediate effects; (2) cytostasis or post-mitotic apoptosis; (3) homo-cycle or homo-phase apoptosis; or (4) necrosis are observed. Analysis of cell death of blast cells from peripheral blood or bone marrow of over 250 leukaemia patients (AML, ALL, CML in blast crisis) treated with various drugs during routine chemotherapy reveals that in the case of DNA topoisomerase inhibitors (e.g., mitoxantrone, VP-16) apoptosis is often rapid (peaks at 1-2 days after drug administration) and has features of homo-phase apoptosis. In contrast, cell death observed after administration of paclitaxel (taxol) or cytarabine (cytosine arabinoside) occurs later and has features of post-mitotic apoptosis: the cells divide but die in G1 of the subsequent cycle(s).

Pharmacokinetic differences of some generic tablet gliclazide 80 mg on Pakistani population

The goal of rational drug therapy is to produce a desired pharmacological response in an acceptable and predictable manner while minimizing the occurrence of undesired events. The Pharmacokinetics of different generics of tablet gliclazide 80 mg was investigated on healthy (10 x 2), Pakistani subjects. For this exploration an open-label, randomized, two-period crossover (Balanced in Complete Block Design) study, was conducted The out come of the said study suggests that all generics were found analogous regarding pharmacokinetic behavior in-spite of having different excipients, concentration of excipients, sources of raw material, manufacturing process, machinery, resources and also inter individual variation of the study. Results of the study also undoubtedly advocate that generics manufactured in different manufacturing units of Pakistan are near to the standard formulation and produce comparable results. No significant differences in pharmacokinetics parameters were observed, however, minor differences might narrate with inter individual variation in human volunteers and in different generic as well as different pharmaceutical unit.

Demand-based water options for arsenic mitigation: an experience from rural Bangladesh

A supply of safe drinking water is a recognized global concern. The arsenic contamination of groundwater in Bangladesh and other countries has furthered this concern. Lack of appropriate water options is one of the main barriers to the supply of safe drinking water for 30-60 million people who are exposed to the risk of drinking arsenic-contaminated water in Bangladesh. This paper describes the experience from a water supply programme for arsenic mitigation based on demand and participation of 30,000 rural people in Srinagar, a subdistrict of Bangladesh. About 85% of the 912 tubewell water samples tested had an arsenic content higher than 0.05 mg/l. The project promoted 11 options including groundwater, surface-water and rainwater-harvesting household-based options as well as community managed technologies. Most people, particularly women, wanted piped water, and hand-operated deep tubewells were also requested. Four cluster-based motorized piped water systems, 20 home-based arsenic-removal options (two types) and an arsenic-removal filter plant were installed. The public contributed about 49, 25 and 20% of the installation costs of piped water, home-based options and filter options, respectively, and 100% of all operation and maintenance costs. The household options and filter plant were abandoned within a few weeks. Reportedly, those options required too much attention, discharged small volumes of water at low rates, were difficult to maintain, and discharged poor-quality water. The proportion of families (54%) that drank arsenic-contaminated water during the final survey was significantly lower than in the baseline survey (87%). For arsenic-affected areas, it is recommended that a cluster-based piped water system be given proper consideration when selecting appropriate water options rather than household-based options or the development of new low-cost options.

Management of dengue by the WHO guided national guidelines

A total of 90 adult patients of Dengue admitted in Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka during the period from July 2002 to December 2002 were studied to see the presentation, spectrum of disease and outcome of management. Majority (52%) of cases was in the age group 21-30 years. Out of 90 patients 74 patients (82.22%) were male and 16 (17.78%) were female. Maximum number of cases (43%) was found in the month of August. Most of the cases (77%) were from Dhaka City. Classical type of Dengue fever was the commonest (80%) variety. Thrombocytopenia was found in 80% cases. Platelet count came down below 10000/cumm only in 1.1% of the patients. The patients were diagnosed mainly by clinical criteria. Serological tests were done only in selected cases. Majority (80%) of the patients was managed by sponging, paracetamol and Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS). Blood transfusion was required in 18% cases and platelet concentrate was given only in 1.1% cases. There was no mortality in this study.

The cost-effectiveness of health education in improving knowledge and awareness about intestinal parasites in rural Bangladesh

The impact of regular health education in improving knowledge, attitude and practices in the control of intestinal parasites was examined in four rural areas of Bangladesh; two areas received health education and the other two areas were controls. By the end of the 18-month study households receiving health education showed highly significant improvements in knowledge, water and sanitation facilities and personal hygiene compared with households in the control areas. Improving knowledge by 1% cost between US dollars 0.75 and 0.82 per household, while a 1% improvement in personal hygiene cost between US dollars 1.10 and 1.32 per household and water and sanitation between US dollars 1.39 and 1.52 per household.

Expression of the specific type IV phosphodiesterase gene PDE4B3 during different phases of long-term potentiation in single hippocampal slices of rats in vitro

Hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), the most prominent cellular model for learning and memory formation, consists of phases: early-LTP (<4 h) and late-LTP (>4 h), with the latter dependent upon protein translation and transcription. To explore the molecular processes that might be specifically regulated during late-LTP, we have modified standard electrophysiological and molecular biological methods, which allowed the cloning of activated genes and their products from single hippocampal slices in vitro 8 h after LTP induction. From one such screen we identified a specific type IV phosphodiesterase gene, PDE4B3, the first cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase to be associated with LTP. Previous studies documented an integral role for the cAMP-PKA system in late-LTP and recently, inhibition of cAMP degradation facilitates LTP and ameliorates mnemonic deficits. We now report that PDE4B3 is modulated during LTP phases. Its activation is NMDA-receptor dependent and its transcription is transiently up-regulated 2 h after tetanization. Protein expression peaks 6 h after LTP induction and is rapidly down-regulated at 8 h, whereas cAMP levels decrease during LTP phases. Immunohistochemical studies identified that the majority of type IV phosphodiesterase protein staining is localized to the cell bodies and dendrites of neurones in hippocampal CA1.

Simultaneous bilateral internal carotid and vertebral artery dissection following chiropractic manipulation: case report and review of the literature

Single-vessel cervical arterial dissections typically occur in young adults and are a common cause of cerebral ischemia and stroke. Although the pathogenesis of multivessel dissection is unclear, it is thought to be a consequence of underlying collagen vascular disease. We present a 34-year-old previously healthy man who developed bilateral internal carotid and vertebral artery dissection following chiropractic manipulation.

Terminally differentiated SH-SY5Y cells provide a model system for studying neuroprotective effects of dopamine agonists

We characterized undifferentiated (UN) and three differentiation conditions of the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line for phenotypic markers of dopaminergic cells, sensitivity to the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinium ion (MPP+), the requirement to utilize the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) for MPP+ toxicity, and the neuroprotective effects of pramipexole. Cells were differentiated with retinoic acid (RA), 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), and RA followed by TPA (RA/TPA). RA/TPA treated cells exhibited the highest levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and DAT but lower levels of vesicular monoamine transporter. The kinetics of [3H]DA uptake and [3H]MPP+ uptake to DAT in RA/TPA differentiated cells were similar to that of rat and mouse caudate-putamen synaptosomes. RA/TPA differentiated cells evidenced high sensitivity to the neurotoxic effects of MPP+ (0.03 to 3.0 mM), and the neurotoxic effects of MPP+ were blocked with the DAT inhibitor 1-(2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl)-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (GBR 12909). DA-induced cell death was not more sensitive in RA vs RA/TPA differentiated cells and was not inhibited by transporter inhibitors. RA/TPA differentiated cells exhibited 3-fold and 6-fold higher levels, respectively, of DA D2 and D3 receptors than UN or RA differentiated cells. Pretreatment with pramipexole was protective against MPP+ in the RA/TPA differentiated cells but not in undifferentiated or RA differentiated cells. The neuroprotective effect of pramipexole was concentration-dependent and dopamine D2/D3 receptor dependent. In contrast, protection by pramipexole against DA was not DA receptor dependent. Further characterization of the neuroprotective effects of DA agonists in this model system can provide unique information about DA receptor dependent and independent mechanisms of neuroprotection.

Sulforaphane and its metabolite mediate growth arrest and apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells

The relation between the consumption of cruciferous vegetables and reduced prostate cancer occurrence has been documented, although the responsible phytochemicals are unknown. The effects of sulforaphane (SFN) which occurs as the precursor glucosinolate in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, and its metabolite N-acetylcysteine conjugate (SFN-NAC) on prostate cancer cells were investigated. SFN and SFN-NAC were analyzed with the androgen-dependent human prostate cancer LNCaP cell line model. Cell growth and apoptosis were determined with the expression of androgen receptor and prostate specific antigen, DNA synthesis, cell cycle progression, DNA strand breaks and caspase activation to ascertain the effects and mechanism. SFN and SFN-NAC were demonstrated for the first time to mediate a dose-dependent apoptosis and growth arrest in the prostate cancer cells. Caspases were activated and DNA strand breaks were detected in apoptotic cells. The expression of phosphorylated and dephosphorylated androgen receptors, and the production of prostate specific antigen were attenuated. The expression of cyclin D1 and DNA synthesis were inhibited along with G1 cell cycle block, causing decreased cell density and growth. SFN and its metabolite SFN-NAC have similar activities to induce growth arrest and apoptosis, indicating that the effects of SFN are maintained through the metabolic processes. SFN as a dietary component of cruciferous vegetables active in the prevention of prostate cancer is discussed.

Performance of an extended aeration-microfiltration (EAM) reactor in treating high strength industrial wastewater

A laboratory study was conducted on an Extended Aeration-Microfiltration (EAM) reactor in treating a food industry wastewater. The reactor contained horizontally laid hollow fibre microfiltration (MF) units that were fully submerged. The MF units were connected to a peristaltic pump that was used to extract permeate continuously under suction pressure. Continuous aeration from beneath the modules provided the crossflow effect to the MF units. Active activated sludge was used in the start-up where the sludge was mixed together with the feed water at a Food/Microorganisms (F/M) value of about 0.1. Primary effluent with Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values ranged between 1,500 and 3,000 mg/l was used as feed water. The EAM reactor was operated for nearly three months without initiating cleaning of the MF units. A suction pressure of 0.9 bar and Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) of over 5,500 mg/l were reached when nearing the end of the three month operation period. Permeate COD and turbidity reduction of over 97% and 99% respectively, were achieved. Prior to this, the MF module arrangements were studied; where vertically arranged modules were found to perform poorly as compared to the horizontally laid modules, in terms of clean water permeate flux.

Intravenous bolus topotecan in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome

We treated 16 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes with 24 courses of bolus topotecan. Patients received topotecan as a daily 15 minute infusion for 5 days at 3 dose levels (4.0 mg/m2/d, 2.0 mg/m2/d or 2.5 mg/m2/d). There was one complete response and one partial response (overall response rate 12%). Toxicity included myelosuppression, diarrhea, ileus and mucositis. There were 3 treatment-related deaths. The results of this schedule of topotecan appeared to be inferior to that reported with infusional topotecan in patients with MDS.

Prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibody in pregnant women of Karachi

BACKGROUND

This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of HEV in Karachi.

METHODS

Prevalence of hepatitis E antibody in pregnant women was carried out in 65 pregnant women. They had history of acute viral hepatitis while 15 control pregnant women were included having no history of jaundice.

RESULTS

The statistical outcome of the present study indicates prevalence of HEV as 57% in pregnant women with jaundice. Majority of the patients (85%) were from lower socio-economic strata., with mean age of 25 years. All these patients had hemoglobin less than 10 gm%. The mean ALT level in HEV positive cases was 452 IU/L over a range of 102-5328. It was also observed that HEV affected more women in the last trimester (62%) and in primigravida (67%). It was observed that it was more common in last trimester and in primigravida. Majority of the patients (85%) were from lower socio-economic strata.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study proved the presence of HEV in pregnant women and confirmed that HEV is endemic in Karachi. The study confirms that it occurs in last trimester and in young adult.

Secondary acute myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplasia without abnormalities of chromosome 11q23 following treatment of acute leukemia with topoisomerase II-based chemotherapy

Therapy-related MDS and AML are complications of intensive chemotherapy regimens. Traditionally, patients exposed to topoisomerase II inhibitors are reported to develop secondary AML with abnormalities of chromosome 11q23. We evaluated the long-term hematologic toxicity of topoisomerase II-intensive high-dose mitoxantrone-based chemotherapy in 163 newly diagnosed acute leukemia patients treated over an 8 year period. Nine (5.5%) patients developed new cytogenetic abnormalities. Four patients developed MDS with progression to AML, three patients developed new abnormalities at the time of relapse, and three patients (including one of the former patients) had changes that were not associated with hematologic disease. The abnormalities most frequently involved chromosomes 7q, 20q, 1q, and 13q. Despite the use of topoisomerase II-intensive treatment, no patient developed an abnormality involving chromosome 11q23. Spontaneous resolution of some changes and prolonged persistence of others in the absence of hematologic disease indicates that some cytogenetic changes are not sufficient to promote leukemogenesis.

Production of safe therapeutic feeds from contaminated water supplies

We have assessed the effectiveness of using an osmotic sachet for safe rehydration of therapeutic milk from contaminated water supplies in a poor urban area of Bangladesh. 35 women were given sachets to hydrate in their homes and comparison of the hydration water and the reconstituted milk showed that the high bacterial contamination reported in the domestic water supply was removed by use of the sachet. The mean rehydration time was 4.5 h (range 3.4-5.5). This rehydration method could have a role in the preparation of therapeutic feeds where microbiological contamination of the environment is a serious problem and availability of adequate water is not a limiting factor.

Mixed aneurysmal and obstructive coronary artery disease causing acute myocardial infarction in a young woman with Takayasu's arteritis

Takayasu's disease is a chronic inflammatory pathology of the aorta and its main branches. The present report describes a rare presentation of the disease in a young woman who presented with anterior myocardial infarction, and was subsequently found to have mixed aneurysmal and obstructive coronary artery disease involving the left anterior descending artery and its diagonal branches. Issues surrounding the management of coronary artery disease in this patient are discussed.

Mometasone furoate: efficacy and safety in moderate asthma compared with beclomethasone dipropionate

BACKGROUND

Mometasone furoate (MF) is a new inhaled glucocorticoid administered by dry powder inhaler (DPI).

OBJECTIVE

MF-DPI was evaluated for safety and efficacy and compared with placebo DPI and beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) administered by metered dose inhaler (MDI) in the treatment of patients with moderate persistent asthma.

METHODS

Eligible patients (n = 227), 13 to 75 years of age, maintained on inhaled glucocorticoids before entering the trial, were randomized to receive: MF-DPI, 100 microg, twice daily, MF-DPI, 200 microg, twice daily, BDP MDI, 168 microg, twice daily, or placebo in a 12-week, multicenter, double-blind study.

RESULTS

At endpoint, FEV1 (primary efficacy variable) significantly improved for all three active treatments compared with placebo (P < .01, all comparisons). The response to MF-DPI, 200 microg, twice daily treatment was approximately twice as large as the response to MF-DPI, 100 microg, twice daily or BDP MDI treatment, although the differences between these groups did not reach statistical significance. Secondary efficacy variables including PEFR, asthma symptoms, nocturnal awakenings, and albuterol use showed similar trends. The MF-DPI, 100 microg, twice daily and BDP MDI, 168 microg, twice daily treatment groups produced comparable results for all efficacy variables.

CONCLUSIONS

MF-DPI, 100 microg and 200 microg, twice daily were well-tolerated and significantly improved lung function and symptom control in the treatment of patients with moderate persistent asthma. In this study, MF-DPI, 200 microg, twice daily seemed to be the most effective dosage.

Evaluation of topotecan and etoposide for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: correlation of topoisomerase-DNA complex formation with clinical response

BACKGROUND

Topotecan, a topoisomerase I inhibitor, acts by stabilizing the topoisomerase DNA cleavage complex. Etoposide, a topoisomerase II inhibitor, mediates antitumor activity by stabilizing cleavage complex formed between topoisomerase II and DNA. These two agents have therapeutic activity in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The authors report Phase I data of topotecan and etoposide combination for patients with recurrent or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma and correlation of topoisomerase-DNA complex formation to clinical response.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with recurrent or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma were treated at four dose levels of topotecan (1 mg/m(2)/day to 2.5 mg/m(2)/day). Topotecan was given at a 30-minute infusion daily with etoposide 150 mg/m(2)/day, both for 5 days. Topoisomerase-DNA covalent complex formation was measured using in vivo link assay, whereas topoisomerase I, IIalpha, and IIbeta in RNA expression levels were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in blood samples. The relation of these levels to clinical response was studied.

RESULTS

The maximum tolerated dose of topotecan was 2.0 mg/m(2)/day for 5 days. Oropharyngeal mucositis was dose-limiting. Of 21 examinable patients, 3 patients achieved complete remission, and 5 patients achieved partial remission. Of six untreated patients who experienced a recurrence, three had complete remission, and the other three had partial remission. Drug-induced topoisomerase-DNA complex formation was observed throughout the treatment in blood samples of all the patients who responded. However, only 4 of 13 patients, who did not respond, formed covalent complex at all time points. This was statistically significant (P = 0.024). In all patients, expression levels of topoisomerase I and IIbeta mRNA remained similar to pretreatment levels, whereas topoisomerase IIalpha mRNA levels decreased dramatically by the third day.

CONCLUSION

The recommended Phase II dose of topotecan with etoposide of 150 mg/m(2)/day for 5 days was 2.0 mg/m(2)/day for 5 days. Topoisomerase-DNA complex formation correlated with response to treatment.

Management of severe malnutrition and diarrhea

Children with severe malnutrition and diarrhea have high mortality rates that have been attributed to faulty case-management. Health workers are often unaware of the unique treatment requirements of severely malnourished children resulting in improper case-management. Moreover, the lack of prescriptive guidelines promotes the exercise of discretion in case-management that is often detrimental. Appropriate feeding from the start of treatment, routine micronutrient supplementation, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, less use of intravenous fluids for rehydration, and careful management of complications are factors that can reduce death, morbidity and cost of treating children with severe malnutrition and acute illnesses including diarrhea. In this paper is discussed a standardized protocol based upon the above mentioned factors for the management of severely malnourished children with acute illnesses including diarrhea. Implementation of the protocol resulted in a 47% reduction in mortality in these children.

Characterization of the New Jersey lead hazard control workforce

Individuals performing lead evaluation and abatement activities in New Jersey must complete certified training, an examination, and have a state permit card. Key demographic information was collected and summarized to describe this newly emerging lead workforce, to enhance lead training, to identify education and outreach needs, and to promote environmental justice. Summarizing these data also will assist other states implementing similar lead training and certification programs. As of June 30, 1998, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) issued 2,370 permits to individuals in six disciplines. The lead workforce s average age was 38 years and 88 percent male. Most females were in the Inspector/Risk Assessor and Worker-Housing and Public Buildings (HPB) disciplines. Eighty percent of the workforce resided in New Jersey. Whites and Asians/Pacific Islanders were more educated than Hispanics or Blacks and a greater proportion of them were employed in the more skilled disciplines. Inadequate work experience may have prevented Blacks from qualifying for the more skilled disciplines; for Hispanics, there was also a language barrier. Twenty-nine percent of Workers and Supervisors had children less than six years of age residing in their household, which was higher than comparable state rates. The proportion of households with children under six years of age were similar for Black (32 percent), Hispanic (30 percent), and White (27 percent) households. The number of children less than six years of age per Black and Hispanic permittee was significantly higher than for Whites. Take-home lead issues and possible initiatives to promote minorities in the more skilled disciplines are discussed.

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus infections among drug addicts in Bangladesh

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among 266 drug users attending a drug-addiction treatment centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 1996 to April 1997. Of the 266 addicts, 129 were injectable drug users (IDUs), and 137 were non-injectable drug users (non-IDUs). The seroprevalences of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV antibodies among the IDUs were 8 (6.2%), 41 (31.8%), 15 (11.6%), and 32 (24.8%), and among the non-IDUs were 6 (4.4%), 33 (24.1%), 9 (6.6%), and 8 (5.8%) respectively. None of the drug users were positive for anti-HIV antibody. Although the prevalence of HBV infection did not significantly differ between the IDUs and the non-IDUs, the prevalence of HCV infection was significantly higher among the IDUs. Among the IDUs, the prevalence of both HBV and HCV infections was associated with sharing of needles and longer duration of injectable drugs used. The seroprevalence of HBV infection in both IDUs and non-IDUs was significantly higher among those who had a history of extramarital and premarital sex. The prevalence of HCV infection was not associated with sexual promiscuity. There was no association between the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections and age. Active preventive programmes focusing on educational campaigns among the youths against substance abuse should be undertaken.