Phenylethylamine and piperidine alkaloids in aloe species

Of the approximately 300 species of ALOE (Liliaceae) native to Africa and Arabia, leaf extracts of 224 species have been examined chromatographically for alkaloids using ninhydrin, Dragendorff's reagent, nitroprusside, and iodoplatinate as revealing agents. From these, 48 (21%) species contained compounds giving a strong colorimetric reaction with at least one of these reagents. Tyramine derivatives were identified in 18 species and piperidine derivatives in a further 6 species. The other coloured zones remain unidentified but often appeared to represent common amino acids. Some taxonomic correlations are suggested. The presence of the toxic hemlock alkaloids in aloes readily available for potential medicinal use by local inhabitants sounds a note of caution against the unthinking use of these otherwise useful plants.

Spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection shown by magnetic resonance imaging

We have reported a case of spontaneous dissection of the internal carotid artery, with MRI and angiographic findings. We conclude that MRI is a beneficial noninvasive test for the detection and study of carotid artery dissection.

Doppler flow velocity patterns of the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, hepatic vein, coronary sinus, and atrial septal defect: a guide for the echocardiographer

Pulsed-wave Doppler provides the echocardiographer the advantage of range resolution; confusion as to the source of Doppler shift information is unusual. One area of the heart that may lead to interpretive difficulties, however, is the right atrium because the right atrium receives blood flow from three venous sources and from the left atrium when an atrial septal defect is present. Our article presents information on the normal pulsed-wave Doppler spectral displays for the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, hepatic vein, and coronary sinus. Because it is clinically pertinent, methods on how to differentiate these normal venous flow patterns from atrial septal defect flow will be emphasized.

Age and gender differences in beliefs about personal power and injustice

College students and community-dwelling older adults were compared on Injustice and Personal Power scales and measures of religiosity. "Personal Power" scores varied significantly as a function of age and gender. These differences were attributable to a significantly lower belief in "Personal Power" for the group of older women. As predicted, "Injustice" scores were significantly higher for women than for men, reflecting a greater belief that conditions can be unjust. No significant difference between older and younger adults on "Injustice" scores was obtained. Significant positive correlations between measures of religiosity and "Injustice" scores were obtained, while religiosity was not significantly correlated with "Personal Power." This pattern of results suggests that there is value in utilizing separate measures of "Injustice" and "Personal Power" scores. Suggestions are made for examining further the complex relationship among demographic variables, belief in a just world, and measures of religiosity.

Visualization of the hepatic veins: new approaches for the echocardiographer

Visualization and cardiac Doppler interrogation of the hepatic veins has become an important and integral part of the routine echocardiographic examination. The challenge lies in adequate visualization of the hepatic veins by use of the standard subcostal approach. This article proposes alternate approaches when the standard view yields unsatisfactory visual and cardiac Doppler information.

The JH/LVOH method in the quantification of aortic regurgitation: how the cardiac sonographer may avoid an important potential pitfall

Color flow Doppler allows for methods in which to quantitate the severity of valvular regurgitation. In particular, the regurgitant jet height/left ventricular outflow tract height (JH/LVOH) method of quantitating the severity of aortic regurgitation has been validated and is routinely used in the adult echocardiography laboratory. A potential pitfall exists in the measurement of the LVOH. This article points out this potential source of error and, in addition, proposes steps that may be taken by the cardiac sonographer to avoid this potential measurement pitfall.

The determination of aortic valve area by the Gorlin formula: what the cardiac sonographer should know

The application of the Gorlin formula in the cardiac catheterization laboratory is the standard of reference for the determination of aortic valve area. The continuity equation now enables the cardiac sonographer to determine aortic valve area noninvasively in the echocardiography laboratory. The comparison of the results obtained by the two methods is inevitable. The cardiac sonographer should have a basic understanding of the theory and pitfalls of the Gorlin formula so that when conflicting results are obtained, the possible reasons why will be clear.

The evaluation of the abdominal aorta: a "how-to" for cardiac sonographers

A thorough evaluation of the abdominal aorta can be readily achieved by use of the standard views of the echocardiographic examination. The ultrasound evaluation of the abdominal aorta represents a logical extension of the standard echocardiographic examination of the adult patient. This article provides the information needed to carry out a complete ultrasound examination of the abdominal aorta including the anatomy, the vascular disease, and the steps involved in accomplishing the ultrasound examination of the abdominal aorta.

Effects of oral prostaglandins on indomethacin-induced renal failure in patients with cirrhosis and ascites

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as indomethacin, reduce production of renal prostaglandins and markedly impair renal function in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. To determine if simultaneous administration of oral prostaglandin analogs minimizes the renal impairment, 10 patients received indomethacin and either misoprostol or placebo in a double-blind, crossover study. Indomethacin reduced urinary sodium from 23 +/- 9 to 8 +/- 4 microEq/min in 4 hours. Misoprostol with indomethacin tended to prevent the fall in urinary sodium (from 35 +/- 15 to 46 +/- 21 microEq/min at 4 hours), but sodium excretion fell to the same level in both groups by 8 hours (6 +/- 3 microEq/min). Indomethacin reduced creatinine clearance in 4 hours by 49%; misoprostol plus indomethacin reduced creatinine clearance by only 34%. Misoprostol tended to minimize or delay the nephrotoxic effects of indomethacin, suggesting that more potent prostaglandin analogs may prevent the renal impairment induced by NSAID.

The role of the cardiac sonographer in the evaluation of the heart transplant recipient

The sonographer should have a basic understanding of the indications, surgical technique, survival rate, electrocardiographic findings, chest radiographic findings, and complications for orthotopic cardiac transplantation. The sonographer should also have a thorough understanding of the normal echocardiographic and Doppler findings in these patients and the possible echocardiographic and Doppler findings during acute early rejection. This article has presented those findings in a review form to enable the sonographer to consult the information presented before the echocardiographic and cardiac Doppler examination is carried out. In addition, a sample echocardiographic and cardiac Doppler worksheet has been provided.

Noninvasive hemodynamic assessment of intracardiac pressures and assessment of ventricular function with cardiac Doppler

Echocardiography has become the preferred noninvasive technique for cardiac evaluation. Cardiac anatomy and function can be easily determined by the use of echocardiography. With the addition of cardiac Doppler, intracardiac shunts, valvular stenosis and regurgitation, and systolic and diastolic function can be rapidly and accurately assessed. With the introduction of TEE, even the most difficult patients can now be assessed rapidly and with relative ease. With the development of newer ultrasound contrast agents, coronary anatomy may be assessed by echocardiography.

A cytogenetic analysis of the Punch-tudor region of chromosome 2R in Drosophila melanogaster

Eleven chromosomal deficiencies and several rearrangements in the Pu-tud region of chromosome 2R have been generated and examined cytologically. The Pu locus has been localized to chromosome bands 57C5-6 and tud to 57C7-8. Mutagenesis within the region defined by the deletion intervals has resulted in the isolation of 92 new lethal mutations. Seventy-six of these mutations have been separated into 16 complementation groups that have been ordered and placed cytologically by deletion mapping. All new alleles fully complement tud for both lethal and grandchildless phenotypes. The largest number of new mutations, a total of 25, are Pu alleles.

Barbaloin in aloe species

Barbaloin levels in the exudates from the leaves of 68 species of ALOE in the Kew collection have been determined by light absorption at 375 nm following separation by HPLC. The exudates from most species contained between 10-20% although a few concentrations of around 30% were found. The level in the leaf was usually around 1% of thedry weight in plants grown in glasshouses at Kew although some species were found to contain up to 5%. The highest concentrations of barbaloin were found in exudates from young mature leaves just below the apex and the level decreased in older leaves towards the base of the plant. Species in the natural groupings of the genus, Section ANGUIALOE and Group 4, all had appreciable concentrations of barbaloin in the leaf exudates. Species containing barbaloinwere distributed throughout the large heterogeneous Sections EUALOE and PACHYDENDRON with no apparent taxonomic significance.

Immediate effects of furosemide on renal hemodynamics in chronic liver disease with ascites

Furosemide occasionally causes azotemia in patients with ascites, independently of induced volume depletion. To define this effect, we measured renal clearances in patients with chronic liver disease and ascites and in nonascitic controls. Furosemide (80 mg i.v.) transiently increased p-aminohippurate clearance in controls (from 693 +/- 67 to 928 +/- 93 ml/min) and in 11 patients with ascites (from 418 +/- 81 to 526 +/- 80 ml/min). In contrast, in 13 patients with ascites, p-aminohippurate clearance fell by 34% (from 545 +/- 51 to 360 +/- 24 ml/min) within 20 min and by 41% within 60 min, and inulin clearance fell by 19% at 20 min and by 30% at 60 min. The renal effects lasted approximately 4 h. The renal response could not be predicted by renin activity, urinary prostaglandin excretion, urinary sodium, or clinical characteristics. In all 14 patients who received oral furosemide, p-aminohippurate clearance fell within 90 min (by 24%) and remained suppressed for at least 4 h. These immediate effects of furosemide on renal perfusion may contribute to azotemia in some patients with ascites.

The Aloe vera phenomenon: a review of the properties and modern uses of the leaf parenchyma gel

The mucilaginous gel from the parenchymatous cells in the leaf pulp of Aloe vera has been used since early times for a host of curative purposes. This gel should be distinguished clearly from the bitter yellow exudate originating from the bundle sheath cells, which is used for its purgative effects. Aloe vera gel has come to play a prominent role as a contemporary folk remedy, and numerous optimistic, and in some cases extravagant, claims have been made for its medicinal properties. Modern clinical use of the gel began in the 1930s, with reports of successful treatment of X-ray and radium burns, which led to further experimental studies using laboratory animals in the following decades. The reports of these experiments and the numerous favourable case histories did not give conclusive evidence, since although positive results were usually described, much of the work suffered from poor experimental design and insufficiently large test samples. In addition some conflicting or inconsistent results were obtained. With the recent resurgence of interest in Aloe vera gel, however, new experimental work has indicated the possibility of distinct physiological effects. Chemical analysis has shown the gel to contain various carbohydrate polymers, notably either glucomannans or pectic acid, along with a range of other organic and inorganic components. Although many physiological properties of the gel have been described, there is no certain correlation between these and the identified gel components.

A cystic lesion in a 55-year-old man

Images

Reversal of chlorsulfuron-induced inhibition of mitotic entry by isoleucine and valine

Pea (Pisum sativum L. cv Alaska) root tips were excised and cultured aseptically in White's medium. Cultures were treated immediately or after a 24 hour equilibration time with 28 nanomolar chlorsulfuron plus isoleucine and valine (each 0.1 millimolar), isoleucine and valine, or untreated. The percentage of mitotic figures in untreated control roots sampled immediately after excision showed a transitory drop and recovery within 24 hours (an excision effect). In chlorsulfuron-treated roots, the percentage of mitotic figures did not recover. In roots treated with chlorsulfuron plus isoleucine and valine, a complete recovery did occur. If roots were treated with chlorsulfuron 24 hours after excision, the percentage of mitotic figures was reduced to near 0 by 8 hours. In roots treated with chlorsulfuron plus isoleucine and valine, no reduction in mitotic figures occurred. The complete reversal of chlorsulfuron-inhibited mitotic entry by isoleucine and valine implicates these amino acids, in some manner, with the control of cell cycles progression.

Therapeutic trial of thromboxane synthesis inhibition in the hepatorenal syndrome

Urinary excretion of the vasoconstrictor metabolite thromboxane B2 is increased in some patients with the hepatorenal syndrome. To define the role of thromboxanes in this syndrome and to evaluate a potential treatment for the renal impairment, we administered the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor dazoxiben to 5 patients with alcoholic hepatitis and rapidly progressive renal failure. Dazoxiben 200 mg/day followed by 400 mg/day reduced urinary thromboxane B2 by approximately 50% without altering prostaglandin E2 or 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha and without improving creatinine clearance (6 +/- 2 to 6 +/- 3 ml/min). In 3 additional patients, a higher dose of dazoxiben of 600 mg/day reduced thromboxane B2 by approximately 75% without consistent improvement in renal function. Thus, as judged by selective thromboxane inhibition with dazoxiben, thromboxanes are unlikely to be the key renal vasoconstrictor factor in the hepatorenal syndrome.

Hemlock Alkaloids in Aloes. Occurrence and Distribution of gamma-Coniceine

The hemlock alkaloid gamma-coniceine was identified in a number of ALOE species, namely A. GILLILANDII, Reynolds A. BALLYI Reynolds, A. RUSPOLIANA Baker, A. IBITIENSIS Perrier and A. DELTOIDEODONTA Baker. Coniine was identified in A. VIGUIERI Perrier. The levels of gamma-coniceine are higher than those found in CONIUM MACULATUM L. Some species also contained trace amounts of conhydrinone and pseudoconhydrin. Three of the species are Madagascan endemics, one is restricted to Arabia, while the rest are remote from each other in East Africa. Some of the species are loosely related but there is no overall taxonomic affinity between them.

Phencyclidine-induced malignant hyperthermia causing submassive liver necrosis

This report describes three male patients arrested for aggressive and combative behavior, characteristic of phencyclidine intoxication, in whom severe hyperthermia, respiratory failure, and coma developed. Two days after the malignant hyperthermic event, serum transaminase levels rose acutely to extremely high levels with concomitant elevations in bilirubin levels and a fall in prothrombin activity. Liver biopsy specimens in two patients showed marked perivenular necrosis and collapse. No specific treatment was directed at the phencyclidine intoxication. Two of the three patients survived. Submassive liver necrosis caused by malignant hyperthermia is an unusual complication of phencyclidine abuse.

Skin color in the development of identity: a biopsychosocial model

The role of skin color in the development of identity has been studied by a variety of paradigms. This paper applies the biopsychosocial model to this problem, with the hope that systems hierarchies offer a way to understand how many variables have an impact on a single point. This model postulates that complex social interactions are the life setting for the individual whose development also reflects biological endowment, including the contributions of heredity and nurturance. The final personal integration of an adult understanding of skin color requires an active assertion by the individual. This model is explored through the writings of Jessie Fauset, a leading participant in the literary movement known as the Harlem Renaissance.

Kaposi's sarcoma following chemotherapy for testicular cancer in a homosexual man: demonstration of cytomegalovirus RNA in sarcoma cells

A 35-year-old white Jewish homosexual man who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy for an embryonal carcinoma of the testis subsequently developed Kaposi's sarcoma. The neoplasm involved the skin as well as visceral tissues. Tissue derived from a biopsy specimen of one of the skin lesions was used in the in situ hybridization technique for the detection of genetic material. Cytomegalovirus messenger RNA was identified in the neoplastic Kaposi cells in the skin. The significance of this finding is discussed.

A novel lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA-1): cellular distribution, quantitative expression, and structure

We have previously described a monoclonal antibody (MAb), M7/14, which blocks a variety of T cell functions, including CTL-mediated killing, the mixed lymphocyte response, and antigen-specific proliferation. The antigen defined by M7/14 has been designated lymphocyte function-associated antigen one (LFA-1). In this report, LFA-1 has been studied as to cell distribution, surface abundance, structure, and in comparison to other CTL surface antigens, LFA-1 is expressed on lymphoid cells of both the T and the B lineages and on a large fraction of bone marrow cells, but not on exudate macrophages or nonlymphoid tissues. T cells express more LFA-1 than B cells, both in the unstimulated and stimulated states. Compared with unstimulated spleen cells, cytolytic T lymphocyte cell preparations (CTLP) and Con A blasts, but not LPS blasts, show increased LFA-1 expression relative to H-2, and for T cell-containing populations, Lyt-2. M7/14 MAb binds to about 1.5 X 10(4) and 7 X 10(4) LFA-1 sites per average spleen cell or CTLP cell, respectively. M7/14 Mab binds to cTLP in quantitites of 2.5-fold and ies 10.4-fold less than H-2 and Thy-1 Mab, respectively; since the latter have little or no effect on CTL function, inhibition of killing by M7/14 MAb is specific for the LFA-1 surface site. M7/14 MAb and a blocking Lyt-2 MAb are bound in similar quantities of CTLP. LFA-1 is a glycoprotein and consists of 2 noncovalently linked polypeptide chains of 180,000 and 95,000 Mr. The same molecular species as on CTL is present on other T cells and on B cells. The molecular structure and cell distribution of LFA-1 clearly distinguishes it from Lyt-2,3, Ly-5, T145, and T11, which were previously suggested to be either associated with the function of and/or present on the surface of CTL.

A novel lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA-1): cellular distribution, quantitative expression, and structure

We have previously described a monoclonal antibody (MAb), M7/14, which blocks a variety of T cell functions, including CTL-mediated killing, the mixed lymphocyte response, and antigen-specific proliferation. The antigen defined by M7/14 has been designated lymphocyte function-associated antigen one (LFA-1). In this report, LFA-1 has been studied as to cell distribution, surface abundance, structure, and in comparison to other CTL surface antigens, LFA-1 is expressed on lymphoid cells of both the T and the B lineages and on a large fraction of bone marrow cells, but not on exudate macrophages or nonlymphoid tissues. T cells express more LFA-1 than B cells, both in the unstimulated and stimulated states. Compared with unstimulated spleen cells, cytolytic T lymphocyte cell preparations (CTLP) and Con A blasts, but not LPS blasts, show increased LFA-1 expression relative to H-2, and for T cell-containing populations, Lyt-2. M7/14 MAb binds to about 1.5 X 10(4) and 7 X 10(4) LFA-1 sites per average spleen cell or CTLP cell, respectively. M7/14 Mab binds to cTLP in quantitites of 2.5-fold and ies 10.4-fold less than H-2 and Thy-1 Mab, respectively; since the latter have little or no effect on CTL function, inhibition of killing by M7/14 MAb is specific for the LFA-1 surface site. M7/14 MAb and a blocking Lyt-2 MAb are bound in similar quantities of CTLP. LFA-1 is a glycoprotein and consists of 2 noncovalently linked polypeptide chains of 180,000 and 95,000 Mr. The same molecular species as on CTL is present on other T cells and on B cells. The molecular structure and cell distribution of LFA-1 clearly distinguishes it from Lyt-2,3, Ly-5, T145, and T11, which were previously suggested to be either associated with the function of and/or present on the surface of CTL.

Lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1): a surface antigen distinct from Lyt-2,3 that participates in T lymphocyte-mediated killing

Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) have been used to probe the relationship of cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) surface molecules to CTL function. Rat MAb to mouse CTL were generated. Twelve MAb so obtained gave preferential binding to T cells as compared to B cells, and three of these recognized previously undescribed surface polypeptides. These Mab and more broadly reactive and previously obtained MAb were tested for their ability to block CTL-mediated killing in the absence of complement. To ensure that any observed blocking was due to binding of MAb to the effector cell rather than the target cell, a xenogeneic mouse CTL anti-rat BN lymphoma target cell system was utilized (MAb and target cells both of rat origin). Of 24 MAb tested here, 21 had little or no effect on CTL function, including those to H-2, Thy-1, Lyt-1, Ly 5, Ly 6, Lgp 100, and at least six other defined antigens. We confirmed inhibition of killing with two MAb to Lyt-2,3. Another MAb, M7/14, gave profound and consistent blockade of CTL function. It was confirmed that M7/14 MAb blocks killing by binding to the mouse CTL and does not bind to the rat lymphoma target cells used for the CTL assay. The findings suggest that the antigen defined by M7/14, termed a lymphocyte function-associated antigen, LFA-1, participates in or is closely associated with the mechanism of CTL-mediated killing. LFA-1 contains two polypeptide chains of 180,000 and 95,000 Mr and is distinct from other described lymphocyte glycoproteins. LFA-1 thus represents both a previously undescribed lymphocyte surface antigen and molecular site for blockade of CTL-mediated killing.