Composition of the essential oils of Ocimum canum, O. gratissimum and O. minimum

The essential oils of OCIMUM CANUM, O. GRATISSIMUM and O. MINIMUM grown in S. Tomé, where they are used in Traditional Medicine mainly as febrifuge and for the treatment of respiratory diseases, were investigated. The essential oils were obtained from the aerial parts by hydrodistillation and subsequently analysed by GC, GC-MS and (13)C-NMR. (13)C-NMR SPECTROSCOPY proved to be an important tool, which can be very useful in the identification of most of the constituents. Major compounds in the volatile oil of O. GROTISSIMUM were thymol (48.1%) and P-cymene (12.5%). The essential oil of O. CANUM was characterized by its high content of TRANS-METHYL cinnamate (79.7%), whereas the most important oil constituent of O. MINIMUM was linalool (52.7%).

Role of the conserved C-terminal region of thyroid hormone receptor-alpha in ligand-dependent transcriptional activation

The ligand binding domain (LBD) of thyroid hormone (T3) receptors contains subdomains that participate in transcriptional activation, hormone-relieved repression and dimerization. A sequence conserved within the nuclear receptor superfamily is found at positions 397-405 of the 408-amino acid chicken T3 receptor-alpha (cTR alpha) and is deleted in the related avian v-erbA. Since v-erbA exhibits compromised ligand binding and transcriptional activation, this conserved region may play a role in ligand-dependent transcriptional activation. Transfections reveal that cTR alpha(1-392) and site-directed mutants cTR alpha(L398R) and cTR alpha(F399E) are inactive, while cTR alpha(1-403) displays reduced ligand-dependent transcriptional activity. The loss of transcriptional activity in cTR alpha(1-392) is not caused by impaired DNA binding or receptor dimer formation. Proteolytic protection assays reveal that both transcriptionally active and inactive cTR alpha derivatives undergo T3-mediated conformational changes. Gal4 chimeras containing the final 16, 35 or 44 amino acids of cTR alpha indicate that the conserved C-terminal region does not function as an independent transactivation domain. Our results are consistent with a model in which ligand plays a structural role to position the conserved C-terminal regions of cTR alpha and related receptors in a transcriptionally active conformation.

Feasibility of transurethral resection for muscle infiltrating carcinoma of the bladder: long-term followup of a prospective study

PURPOSE

We analyzed the long-term results of radical transurethral resection for the treatment of a large series of patients with muscle infiltrating bladder cancer entered into a prospective study to determine progression predictive factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 133 patients with invasive bladder cancer treated by radical transurethral resection who had negative biopsies of the muscle layer of the tumor bed. Followup was more than 5 years for all subjects and more than 10 years in 59 (44.4%). A comparative nonrandomized study was performed of a control group of 76 patients with invasive pathological stage pT2-3a, N0-3 bladder cancer treated by cystectomy. In those patients treated by radical transurethral resection univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to establish clinical progression predictive factors.

RESULTS

At 5 and 10 years of followup cause specific survival rates were 80.5 and 74.5%, and bladder preservation rates were 82.7 and 79.6%, respectively. No significant difference was noted in terms of cause specific survival, with respect to the control group. The initial presence of associated bladder carcinoma in situ was the only independent progression predictive factor.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with invasive bladder cancer radical transurethral resection is justified when the tumor is clinically limited to the muscular layer and when all biopsies of the periphery and depth of the tumor bed show muscular tissue negative for tumor cells. Patients with initial associated bladder carcinoma in situ should not be excluded from this treatment but endovesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin immunotherapy should be administered and a closer followup is recommended.

[Partial pericardectomy using videothoracoscopy]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess the validity of videothoracoscopy in the treatment of chronic pericardial effusions.

STUDY PATIENTS

We studied 13 consecutive patients with chronic pericardial effusions and an indication for surgical treatment. The patients, 10 female and 3 male, had a mean age of 48 years (21-72 years). Eleven patients had recurrent pericardial effusion and two patients had anterior mediastinal masses of unknown etiology and a large pericardial effusion.

METHODS

A videothoracoscopy was performed in every patient, under general anesthesia with a double-lumen endotracheal tube. The thoracic cavity was inspected, the pericardial effusion was drained and a partial pericardectomy was performed.

RESULTS

There was no postoperative mortality or morbidity. Average duration of postoperative thoracic drain and postoperative stay were, 1.2 and 2.4 days respectively. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 48 months (mean 23.3 months). One patient died due to progression of his malignant disease. There were no cases of recurrent pericardial effusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Video assisted pericardectomy is a safe technique that should be considered in the treatment of chronic pericardial effusions.

Dissecting the mechanism of torso receptor activation

Regulated activation of receptor tyrosine kinases depends both on the presence of the receptors at the cell surface and on the availability of their ligands. In Drosophila the torso (tor) tyrosine kinase receptor is distributed along the surface of the embryo but it is only activated at the poles by a diffusible extracellular ligand generated at each pole which is trapped by the receptor, thereby impeding further diffusion. However, it is not well understood how this signal is generated, although it is known to depend on the activity of many genes such as torso-like (tsl) and trunk (trk). To further investigate the mechanism involved in the local activation of the tor receptor we have altered the normal expression of the tsl protein by generating females in which the tsl gene is expressed in the oocyte under the control of the tor promoter rather than in the ovarian follicle cells. Analysis of the phenotypes generated by this hybrid gene and its interactions with mutations in other genes in the pathway has enabled us to further dissect the mechanism of tor receptor activation and to define more precisely the role of the different genes acting in this process.

ventral veinless, a POU domain transcription factor, regulates different transduction pathways required for tracheal branching in Drosophila

Cell migration is an important step in a variety of developmental processes in many multicellular organisms. A particularly appropriate model to address the study of cell migration is the tracheal system of Drosophila, whose formation occurs by migration and fusion from clusters of ectodermal cells specified in each side of ten embryonic segments. Morphogenesis of the tracheal tree requires the activity of many genes, among them breathless (btl) and ventral veinless (vvl) whose mutations abolish tracheal cell migration. Activation of the btl receptor by branchless (bnl), its putative ligand, exerts an instructive role in the process of guiding tracheal cell migration. vvl has been shown to be required for the maintenance of btl expression during tracheal tree formation. Here we show that, in addition, vvl is independently required for the specific expression in the tracheal cells of thick veins (tkv) and rhomboid (rho), two genes whose mutations disrupt only particular branches of the tracheal system. Indeed, we show that expression in the tracheal cells of an activated form of tkv, the putative decapentaplegic (dpp) receptor, is able to induce shifts in their migration, asserting the role of the dpp pathway in establishing the branching pattern of the tracheal tree. In addition, by ubiquitous expression of the btl and tkv genes in vvl mutant embryos we show that both genes contribute to vvl function. These results indicate that through activation of its target genes, vvl makes the tracheal cells competent to further signalling and suggest that the btl transduction pathway could collaborate with other transduction pathways also regulated by vvl to specify the tracheal branching pattern.

Descending necrotising mediastinitis--successful treatment using a radical approach

Descending necrotising mediastinitis has been linked with significant morbidity and mortality. We report two recent cases and discuss the surgical management of this serious disease. Complete thoracic drainage was achieved through a median stemotomy, allowing a fast recovery.

Transesophageal echocardiography on the presurgical and postsurgical evaluation of a coronary arteriovenous fistula

A 52-year-old man with a symptomatic condition-a huge left coronary artery fistula simulating a cor triatriatum sinister on transthoracic echocardiography-was referred to our center for surgery. Coronary angiography unequivocally established the diagnosis of a left coronary artery fistula and contrast opacification of the right atrium was observed. However, as a result of the size of the fistula, the entry site could not be defined with certainty. A transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was then performed, and the opening site was clearly identified in the postero-lateral wall of the right atrium. After the surgical treatment transesophageal echocardiography was repeated, and it was confirmed that the surgical treatment had succeeded.

[Minimally invasive coronary surgery. Thoracostomy-assisted thoracotomy. Apropos a case]

CLINICAL CASE PRESENTATION: Male, 62 years old with progressive angina. Positive stress test. At catheterization a proximal 90% stenosis of the LAD was found. Not suitable for PTCA.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Double lumen endotracheal tube was inserted. Position was 30 degrees right lateral decubitus. The thoracoscope was introduced through the 7th intercostal space and a minithoracotomy was done. The internal mammary artery (IMA) was dissected partially through direct vision and partially with the help of the thoracoscope. The IMA graft was implanted to the LAD without cardiopulmonary bypass with a segmentary occlusion of the vessel with tourniquets.

EVOLUTION

Thoracic drainage 575 cc, CK/MB 311/5, final hematocrit 37%. No blood transfusion. Dismissed on the 5th postoperative day.

Variation in the number of activated torso receptors correlates with differential gene expression

Activation of receptor tyrosine kinases triggers many developmental decisions, yet we do not understand how activation of a single receptor can be transduced into different cell responses. The torso pathway in Drosophila provides a model to address this issue since it generates more than one response in the embryo. The torso receptor tyrosine kinase is activated at the embryonic poles under the control of trunk, a protein with similarities to several types of extracellular growth factors. Activation of torso is responsible for the development of a variety of structures, whose appearance can be correlated with activation of at least two different genes along the terminal region. In this study we have analyzed mutations in torso and trunk that express low levels of the respective proteins. We show that different amounts of torso or trunk molecules correlate with the expression of different zygotic genes, implicating changes in the number of activated torso molecules as one of the mechanisms defining differential gene expression. We suggest that variation in the number of activated receptors at the cell surface is a general mechanism that leads to differential gene expression and thus the generation of different cell responses.

[Surgical repair of free wall rupture after myocardial infarction]

Between August 1992 and July 1995 five patients with cardiac free wall rupture after acute myocardial infarction underwent surgical treatment in Centro de Cirurgia Torácica do Hospital de S. João. The diagnosis was suggested by the hemodynamic changes and in four patients confirmed with echocardiography and pericardiocentesis. All patients survived and were discharged from the hospital. Medical treatment with inotropic drugs, pericardiocentesis and intraaortic balloon counterpulsation allows hemodynamic stabilization but only early surgery may assure survival.

Synthesis and characterization of metal(II)-8-quinolinsulfonamidato (sa-) complexes (M = Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn). Crystal structure of [Zn(sa)2(NH3)]NH3 complex. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitory properties

A new sulfonamide, 8-quinolinsulfonamide(Hsa), has been prepared and examined as a chelating agent towards metal(II) ions. The spectroscopic properties of the M(II) sulfonamidato complexes has been studied. The inhibitory properties of the ligand and the synthesised complexes were tested. The crystal structure of the [Zn(sa)2(NH3)].NH3 complex was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data of the zinc(II) complex: a = 16.217(4)A, b = 8.041(1)A, c = 15.606(4)A, beta = 95.75(1) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 2024.6(7)A3. The refinement of the structure based on 6047 reflections attained to R = 0.049 and Rw = 0.052. The zinc(II) ion is surrounded by four N atoms of two sulfonamidato ligands and one N atom of an ammonia molecule in an trigonal bipyramid arrangement.

[Videothoracoscopy in the surgical treatment of pneumothorax: report of 46 cases]

We report our 3-years experience with video-thoracoscopy for pneumothorax. Forty-six endoscopies (34 men, 12 women; mean age 27 +/- 9 years) were performed. Patients were under general anesthesia and intubation was selective. The conventional approach was used, with 3 incisions through which the camera and endoscopic instruments were inserted. Results were good in 39 (84.7%) patients. Pneumothorax recurred in 4 (8.7%) patients during the 3 years of follow-up. Thoracotomy was performed in 3 patients, because of lack of lung expansion in 1, persistent leak in another and encapsulated empyema in the third. Mean hospital stay after surgery was 7.3 days. Video-thoracoscopy can be considered a good therapeutic alternative to thoracotomy in the surgical treatment of patients with pneumothorax.

Intrapericardial paraganglioma

We describe the case of an intrapericardial pheochromocytoma located in the anterior surface of the heart and spreading over the pulmonary trunk. Under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) the tumor was removed. "En bloc" resection of the anterior wall of the right ventricular infundibulum and the pulmonary trunk was performed, with implantation of a fresh aortic homograft in the pulmonary position to avoid free pulmonary regurgitation.

Cardiac myxomas: surgical treatment and long-term results

Twenty-six patients have undergone a resection of a cardiac myxoma since 1977. There were five males and 21 females, of age range 14-81 years (mean 50 years). Symptoms included congestive heart failure, emboli, palpitations and syncope. The tumours were located in the left atrium (21 patients), right atrium (four) and right ventricle (one). The hospital mortality rate was 3.8%. Late outcome was known for 24 of 25 (96%) patients. The total follow-up is now 2116 months (mean 88 (range 2-204) months per patient). One patient (4%) died of colonic malignancy 4 years after surgery. Long-term results were satisfactory. Echocardiographic information supporting the absence of recurrence was known for all 23 patients, evaluated at an average of 80 (range 2-196) months postoperatively. Surgical resection is the correct treatment for cardiac myxoma and is imperative following the diagnosis.

Similarities between trunk and spätzle, putative extracellular ligands specifying body pattern in Drosophila

The basic body plan of Drosophila is specified by four determinant systems that organize pattern along the anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes. Two of these systems (anterior and posterior) depend on localized mRNAs. In contrast, the other two (ventral and terminal) require locally generated extracellular ligands that are transduced, respectively, by the transmembrane receptors Toll and torso (tor). The ligand for the Toll receptor is thought to be spätzle (spz), a secreted protein that is activated by proteolytic cleavage. Here we report that trunk (trk), a gene required for activity of the tor receptor, encodes a protein that resembles spz in several respects. In particular, the sequence suggests that trk is a secreted protein and that it contains an internal site for proteolytic cleavage. Furthermore, the carboxy-terminal domain of trk has a similar arrangement of cysteines to that of spz. We propose that trk encodes an extracellular ligand involved in specifying terminal body pattern and suggest by analogy with spz that a cleaved form of trk constitutes the ligand for the tor receptor.

Ventral veinless, the gene encoding the Cf1a transcription factor, links positional information and cell differentiation during embryonic and imaginal development in Drosophila melanogaster

The ventral veinless gene (vvl) encodes the previously identified Cf1a protein, a transcription factor containing a POU-domain. During embryonic development vvl function is required for the formation of the tracheal tree and in the patterning of the ventral ectoderm. During imaginal development vvl is required for cell proliferation and the differentiation of the wing veins. vvl expression is restricted to the regions where its function is required, and is dependent on the coordinate activities of signalling molecules such as decapentaplegic, wingless and hedgehog. vvl interacts with other genes involved in vein differentiation, including veinlet, thick veins, torpedo, decapentaplegic and Notch suggesting that vvl function may affect several cell-to-cell communication pathways. We propose that the gene vvl integrates information from different signalling molecules and regulates the expression of specific cell differentiation genes during tracheal development and vein differentiation.

A 10-amino-acid sequence in the N-terminal A/B domain of thyroid hormone receptor alpha is essential for transcriptional activation and interaction with the general transcription factor TFIIB

The effects of the thyroid hormone (3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine [T3]) on gene transcription are mediated by nuclear T3 receptors (T3Rs). alpha- and beta-isoform T3Rs (T3R alpha and -beta) are expressed from different genes and are members of a superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors that also includes the receptors for steroid hormones, vitamin D, and retinoids. Although T3 activates transcription by mediating a conformational change in the C-terminal approximately 220-amino-acid ligand-binding domain (LBD), the fundamental mechanisms of T3R-mediated transcriptional activation remain to be determined. We found that deletion of the 50-amino-acid N-terminal A/B domain of chicken T3R alpha (cT3R alpha) decreases T3-dependent stimulation of genes regulated by native thyroid hormone response elements about 10- to 20-fold. The requirement of the A/B region for transcriptional activation was mapped to amino acids 21 to 30, which contain a cluster of five basic amino acids. The A/B region of cT3R alpha is not required for T3 binding or for DNA binding of the receptor as a heterodimer with retinoid X receptor. In vitro binding studies indicate that the N-terminal region of cT3R alpha interacts efficiently with TFIIB and that this interaction requires amino acids 21 to 30 of the A/B region. In contrast, the LBD interacts poorly with TFIIB. The region of TFIIB primarily involved in the binding of cT3R alpha includes an amphipathic alpha helix contained within residues 178 to 201. Analysis using a fusion protein containing the DNA-binding domain of GAL4 and the entire A/B region of cT3R alpha suggests that this region does not contain an intrinsic activation domain. These and other studies indicate that cT3R alpha mediates at least some of its effects through TFIIB in vivo and that the N-terminal region of DNA-bound cT3R alpha acts to recruit and/or stabilize the binding of TFIIB to the transcription complex. T3 stimulation could then result from ligand-mediated changes in the LBD which may lead to the interaction of other factors with cT3R alpha, TFIIB, and/or other components involved in the initiation of transcription.

[Lung resection surgery in patients with functional limits]

To determine whether there exists in our area concordance between forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) estimated before surgery by ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy and real values after surgery in patients undergoing pneumonectomy and lobectomy. Prospective descriptive study. We studied 15 patients undergoing pneumonectomy (M/F 14:1, age 62 +/- 7.5 years) and 11 undergoing lobectomy (M/F 11:0 age 66 +/- 3.5 years) in the thoracic surgery unit of Hospital de Cruces between 1 March 1990 and 1 March 1993. The FEV1 of all patients before surgery was under 2.1 liters. Tumors were malignant in 23 patients and benign in 3. Ventilation/perfusion gammagrams were obtained for all patients before surgery in order to predict the loss of function after resection of the parenchyma. Two months after surgery spirometric testing was done. The FEV1 calculated based on the results of scintigraphy was compared to the real FEV1 after resection by way of graphic concordance and by calculation of a within-group correlation coefficient. A correlation coefficient of 0.82 (p < 0.001) was obtained for FEV1 estimated by ventilation and real FEV1 in patients who underwent pneumonectomy, indicating good concordance. The correlation coefficient was 0.59 (p < 0.001) indicating moderate agreement between FEV1 estimated by perfusion and real FEV1 after resection. Correlation was statistically insignificant in lobectomy patients (0.28 by the method of Ali and 0.35 by Wernly's; p = 0.19 and 0.13, respectively). Ventilation scintigraphy offers an acceptably reliable prediction of FEV1 after lung resection. The reliability of measurements estimated by scintigraphy in lobectomized patients is not acceptable.