Systemic infusion of exogenous ghrelin in male broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). The effect of pulse frequency, doses, and ghrelin forms on feed intake, average daily gain, corticosterone, and growth hormone concentrations

There is limited information on the effect of exogenous ghrelin infusion on feed intake (FI) in chickens. Therefore, male broilers were used in 3 factorial experiments to determine the relationships between doses (0, 1, or 4 nM; Dose), frequency (once every two h; 2 h), once every 4th h (4 h) or continuous infusion, and ghrelin forms including acylated-ghrelin (AG) and desacylated-ghrelin (DAG) on FI, ADG, and concentrations of corticosterone and Growth Hormone (GH). Treatments were delivered via a jugular cannula, using programmable pumps for 11 consecutive days. FI and ADG were recorded, and plasma was collected. Data were analyzed using a factorial design. In Experiment 1 the effect of AG pulse frequency and doses were evaluated. There was a linear decrease in FI (P = 0.002) and a linear increase in corticosterone (P = 0.033) and GH (P = 0.011) concentrations when AG was infused. However, ADG decreased with doses (P = 0.011) only when AG was given at 2 h. In Experiment 2 the effect of ghrelin forms and doses given at 2 h was evaluated. There was a linear decrease in FI when AG was infused and a linear increase in FI when DAG was infused (P < 0.05). Birds infused with DAG gained more weight than those infused with AG. There was a linear increase in corticosterone and GH concentrations only when AG was infused (P < 0.01). In Experiment 3 the effect of continuous infusion of 2 doses (0 and 1 nM) of AG and DAG were evaluated. There was a linear decrease in FI and ADG when AG (P < 0.001) was infused and a linear increase in FI and ADG when DAG was infused (P < 0.05). There was an increase in corticosterone concentrations only when AG was infused (P = 0.022). However, GH concentrations were not affected by treatments. We concluded that AG and DAG pulse frequency and doses had a differential effect on FI, ADG, corticosterone, and GH concentrations in broiler chickens.

Capromorelin, a ghrelin receptor agonist, increases feed intake and body weight gain in broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Ghrelin is a hormone that induces orexigenic effects in mammals. However, in avian species, there is scant and conflictive results on the effect of ghrelin on feed intake (FI). Therefore, we evaluated the effect of a ghrelin receptor agonist (capromorelin) on FI, ADG, water intake (WI), animal behavior and concentrations of ghrelin, glucose, growth hormone (GH) and insulin in broiler chickens. One-day-old male broilers were reared as recommended by the industry. At 4 wk of age (experimental day 0; D0), birds were blocked by weight and randomly assigned to 3 treatments in 2 identical trials. Control birds received a vehicle control solution containing 0 mg/kgBW/d of capromorelin. Birds in treatments 2 and 3 received capromorelin at target doses of 6 or 12 mg/kgBW/d of capromorelin (n = 27). FI and WI were measured 3 times a day at 0700 h (Period 1; P1), 1200 h (P2) and 1700 h (P3), while BW was recorded daily. Blood samples were collected on D-1 and D5. Bird behavior (pecking, sitting and standing) was evaluated for 9 h on D2. Data were analyzed using a randomized complete block design with repeated measures over time. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine linear and quadratic effects of increasing levels of capromorelin. Polynomial contrasts showed that capromorelin doses linearly increased FI (P = 0.002) and ADG (P = 0.019). There were no treatment, day or treatment x d interactions on glucose, ghrelin and GH concentrations. However, there was a treatment x d interaction (P = 0.041) on insulin concentrations. Concentrations of insulin were higher on D5 for the 0 and 12 mg/kgBW/d treatments as compared with D-1. Polynomial contrasts showed that capromorelin doses linearly increased number of pecks/h (P = 0.018). Per hour FI and WI was higher during P1 (i.e., 0700-1200) as compared to P2 and P3 (P < 0.001). Our observations suggest that capromorelin linearly increases feed intake; thus, the same effect of that reported in mammalian species.

Comparison of intrathecal bupivacaine-fentanyl and bupivacaine-butorphanol mixtures for lower limb orthopedic procedures

CONTEXT

Intrathecal use of butorphanol is less explored in human subjects.

AIMS

To compare the safety and efficacy of anesthesia and analgesia of intrathecal bupivacaine-butorphanol mixture with intrathecal bupivacaine-fentanyl mixture.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Tertiary level, teaching hospital. Prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty patients aged above 18 years, of ASA physical status 1 or 2, undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgeries were randomly allocated to two groups of 40 patients each. Patients in group A and group B received intrathecal 2.5 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%), with 25 μg of fentanyl and 25 μg of butorphanol, respectively.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Fisher's exact test and Chi square tests.

RESULTS

The times required for onset of sensory and motor blockade were comparable among the two groups. Significantly slower block regression to S2 level was observed in the group receiving intrathecal butorphanol as compared to intrathecal fentanyl (P=0.0230). A higher number of patients in group A requested for rescue analgesia during the postoperative period than in group B (9 versus 2; P=0.0238). The average times to first request for rescue analgesia were 308.6±14.9 minutes and 365.9±12.3 minutes in group A and B, respectively (P=0.0254).

CONCLUSIONS

Both 25 μg fentanyl and 25 μg butorphanol given intrathecally along with 12.5 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine provide effective anesthesia for lower limb surgeries. Intrathecal bupivacaine-butorphanol mixture provides longer duration of sensory blockade and superior analgesia than intrathecal fentanyl-bupivacaine mixture.

The comparative evaluation of intravenous with intramuscular clonidine for suppression of hemodynamic changes in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background:

Clonidine diminishes stress response by reducing circulating catecholamines and hence increases perioperative circulatory stability in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries. The aim of this study was to compare intravenous (IV) clonidine (2 μg/kg) with intramuscular (IM) clonidine (2 μg/kg) for attenuation of stress response in laproscopic surgeries.

Methods:

Eighty adult patients classified as ASA physical status I or II, aged between 20 and 60 years undergoing elective cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were enrolled for a prospective, randomized, and double-blind controlled trial. They received either IV clonidine (2 μg/kg) 15 min prior to the scheduled surgery (Group I) or IM clonidine (2 μg/kg) 60-90 min prior to the scheduled surgery (Group II). Hemodynamic variables (Heart rate, systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP)), SpO₂ and EtCO₂ were recorded at specific times - baseline, prior to induction, 1 min after intubation, before CO₂, insufflation, after CO₂ insufflation at 1,5,10,20,30,45,60 min, after release of CO₂, at 1 and 10 minutes after extubation. Secondary outcomes included evaluation of adverse effect profile of the two groups.

Results:

No significant difference was observed in the HR throughout the intraoperative period in between the two groups (P>0.05). There was statistically significant difference in SBP between the two groups starting from 1 minute after induction till 1 min after extubation (P<0.05) but not in DBP except at 1 minute after intubation (P=0.042). Significant difference in MAP was noted at 1 minute after intubation (P=0.004) and then from 5 minutes after CO₂ insufflation to 1 minute after extubation (P<0.05). Incidence of adverse effects were higher in group II (P=0.02) especially incidence of hypertension requiring treatment (0.006).

Conclusion:

We conclude that under the conditions of this study, hemodynamic parameters (SBP, DBP and MAP) were better maintained in the IV as compared to the IM route that had significantly higher incidence of hypertension requiring treatment.

Primary Vascular Occlusion in IRVAN (Idiopathic Retinal Vasculitis, Aneurysms, Neuroretinitis) Syndrome

IRVAN is a rare retinal vascular disease characterized by the presence of aneurysmal dilations along the retinal arteriolar tree. Visual loss occurs from sequelae to proliferative changes or due to severe macular exudation and rarely from secondary vascular occlusion following laser photocoagulation of the aneurysms. We herein report a patient with a primary vascular occlusion in a patient with IRVAN and suggest that such patients may already have a natural predisposition to develop a vascular occlusion.

Massive chondroid hamartoma of the lung clinically masquerading as bronchogenic carcinoma

Chondroid hamartomas of the lung are uncommon lesions which are generally small sized and asymptomatic. Herein we describe a case of a large-sized pulmonary chondroid hamartoma which clinically mimicked bronchogenic carcinoma. A large hilar growth was detected in the left lung on radiological studies. Left upper lobectomy was done. The growth was well defined with a lobulated bluish cut surface. Histopathology disclosed lobules of mature cartilage rimmed by long slit-like epithelial channels admixed with mature adipose tissue.

Mecamylamine suppresses Basal and nicotine-stimulated choroidal neovascularization

PURPOSE

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are best known for their role in neurotransmission, but they have recently been demonstrated on vascular endothelial cells. Acetylcholine is their endogenous ligand, but they are also stimulated by nicotine. By stimulating nAChR, nicotine promotes tumor angiogenesis as well as atherosclerotic plaque neovascularization. In this study, the authors investigated the role of nAChR in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

METHODS

The effect of the nonselective nAChR antagonist mecamylamine was tested on human retinal and choroidal endothelial cells in vitro and in a murine model of CNV.

RESULTS

Several nAChR isoforms were identified in retinal and choroidal microvascular endothelial cells, and the ability of these cells to form tubules when grown in growth factor-reduced basement membrane matrix and supplemented with VEGF was suppressed by the nAChR antagonist mecamylamine. Supplementation of the drinking water of mice with nicotine increased the size of CNV lesions at Bruch membrane rupture sites, an effect that was blocked by subcutaneous administration of mecamylamine (50 mg/kg/d) by an osmotic pump. In the absence of nicotine, CNV formation was suppressed by the infusion of 50 mg/kg/d mecamylamine or by topical application 0.1 or 1% mecamylamine to the cornea.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that endogenous activation of nAChR promotes CNV and that activation of nAChR by nicotine may contribute to the increased incidence of CNV seen in smokers with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Topically administered mecamylamine could provide an appealing new treatment approach for CNV.

Safety of neoadjuvant oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (N-FOLFOX) in patients undergoing resection of colorectal liver metastases (R-CLM). Interim results

14550

Background: Oxaliplatin-5-fluorouracil-leucovorin (FOLFOX) has significant activity against CRC in both the metastatic and adjuvant settings. Consequently, neoadjuvant FOLFOX (N-FOLFOX) is being investigated in R-CLM. This has raised concerns regarding the safety and rate of post-operative complications (P-OCs) with N-FOLFOX, specifically, development of sinusoidal dilatation (SD), fibrosis and steatosis. This single-center cohort study was conducted to prospectively evaluate safety of N-FOLFOX in R-CLM patients. Methods: Planned total sample size is 40 patients [20 N-FOLFOX; 20 no chemotherapy (N-C)]. The N-C group consists of patients undergoing surgery for other hepatic pathology. Normal liver was examined by light (LM) and electron (EM) microscopy for SD, perisinusoidal fibrosis, and steatosis/necrosis; severity was graded from 0 (absent) to 2. The rate of P-OCs, hospital stays, and liver function tests (LFTs) were assessed. Results: At the time of this analysis, 20 patients (10 N-FOLFOX; 10 N-C) have undergone surgery. In the N- FOLFOX group, median number of cycles of N-FOLFOX was 6, with 2 patients receiving only 4 cycles. The median time between completion of N-FOLFOX and surgery was 6 weeks. There were no statistical differences between N-FOLFOX and N-C groups in potentially confounding factors, including previous chemotherapy, alcohol consumption, medical history, or concomitant medications. Number of patients with SD was 8 in each group (all were grade 1 except for 1 patient in N-C who had grade 2). Steatosis was seen in 7 and 6 patients in N-FOLFOX, and N-C groups, respectively (2 patients in each group were grade 2; remaining were grade 1). Fibrosis was noted in only 1 patient in N-C group. No nodular regeneration was observed in either group. There was a subjective loss on EM of mitochondria and Golgi apparatus/body with N-FOLFOX. Median post-operative hospital stay was 12 days in both groups. Conclusions: N-FOLFOX appears to have no clinically significant deleterious effects on normal liver architecture, function, or recovery post-surgery in R-CLM patients. The study is ongoing to accrue up to 40 patients; updated data will be presented.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The alliance for cellular signaling plasmid collection: a flexible resource for protein localization studies and signaling pathway analysis

Cellular responses to inputs that vary both temporally and spatially are determined by complex relationships between the components of cell signaling networks. Analysis of these relationships requires access to a wide range of experimental reagents and techniques, including the ability to express the protein components of the model cells in a variety of contexts. As part of the Alliance for Cellular Signaling, we developed a robust method for cloning large numbers of signaling ORFs into Gateway entry vectors, and we created a wide range of compatible expression platforms for proteomics applications. To date, we have generated over 3000 plasmids that are available to the scientific community via the American Type Culture Collection. We have established a website at www.signaling-gateway.org/data/plasmid/ that allows users to browse, search, and blast Alliance for Cellular Signaling plasmids. The collection primarily contains murine signaling ORFs with an emphasis on kinases and G protein signaling genes. Here we describe the cloning, databasing, and application of this proteomics resource for large scale subcellular localization screens in mammalian cell lines.

Selected fruits reduce azoxymethane (AOM)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in Fisher 344 male rats

Phytochemicals contribute to the vibrant colors of fruits and it is suggested that the darker the fruit the higher the antioxidative or anticarcinogenic properties. In this study we investigated the possible effects of blueberries (BLU), blackberries (BLK), plums (PLM), mangoes (MAN), pomegranate juice (POJ), watermelon juice (WMJ) and cranberry juice (CBJ) on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in Fisher 344 male rats. Forty-eight male Fisher 344 rats were randomly assigned to eight groups (n=6). The groups were fed AIN-93G as a control (C) diet, the rats fed fruits received AIN-93G+5% fruits and the groups that were given fruits juices received 20% fruit juice instead of water. The rats received subcutaneous injections of AOM at 16 mg/kg body weight at seventh and eighth weeks of age. At 17th week of age, the rats were killed by CO(2) asphyxiation. Total ACF numbers (mean+/-SEM) in the rats fed CON, BLU, BLK, PLM, MNG, POJ, WMJ and CBJ were 171.67+/-5.6, 11.33+/-2.85, 24.0+/-0.58, 33.67+/-0.89, 28.67+/-1.33, 15.67+/-1.86, 24.33+/-3.92 and 39.0+/-15.31. Total glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity (mICROmol/mg) in the liver of the rats fed fruits (except BLK) and fruit juices were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the rats fed fruits and fruit juices compared with the control. Our findings suggest that among the fruits and fruit juices, BLU and POJ contributed to significant (P<0.05) reductions in the formation of AOM-induced ACF.

Flax seed oil and flax seed meal reduce the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in azoxymethane-induced colon cancer in Fisher 344 male rats

Flax seed oil and flax seed meal are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The objective of this study was to explicate the effects of feeding flax seed oil and flax seed meal on AOM-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in Fisher 344 male rats. Following an acclimatization period, rats were divided into six groups and fed AIN 93G diet Control (C), C+7 and 14% soybean oil (SBO), C+7 and 14% flax seed oil (FSO) and C+10 and 20% flax seed meal (FSM). All rats received 16 mg/kg body weight of AOM at 7 and 8 weeks of age. The rats were euthanized with CO2 at 17 weeks of age. FSM and FSO reduced the incidence of ACF which are putative precursor lesions in the development of colon cancer in the distal colon by 88% and 77%, in the proximal colon by 86% and 87% with a total reduction of 87.5% and 84%, respectively. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were significantly (P<0.05) higher in rats fed C+7 and 14% FSO and C+10 and 20% FSM, as compared to rats fed C+SBO diets. Results of this study showed that FSO and FSM reduced the incidence of AOM-induced ACF formation and may therefore be effective chemopreventive agents.

Red palm oil suppresses the formation of azoxymethane (AOM) induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in Fisher 344 male rats

Red palm oil (RPO) contains significant levels of carotenoids and Vitamin E. In this experiment we compared the inhibitory effects of RPO (7% and 14% levels) and soybean oil (7% and 14%) on azoxymethane (AOM) induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF). Thirty-two male Fisher 344 rats were randomly assigned to four groups. Two groups received AIN-93 G control (C) diet containing 7% and 14% soybean oil (SBO), respectively. Groups 3 and 4 received a treatment diet consisting of 7% and 14% RPO, respectively. The rats received subcutaneous injections of AOM at 16 mg/kg body weight at 7 and 8 weeks of age. At 17 weeks of age rats were killed by CO(2) asphyxiation. Numbers of ACF (mean+/-SE) in the proximal and distal colon were: 39.9 +/- 0.9, 53.8 +/- 2.8, 26.0 +/- 3.0, 27.5 +/- 1.5 and 118.2 +/- 1.7, 125.6 +/- 3.2, 41 +/- 7, 52.3 +/- 1.8 in rats fed 7% SBO, 14% SBO, 7% RPO and 14% RPO, respectively. The results of this study showed that RPO reduced the incidence of AOM induced ACF and may therefore have a beneficial effect in reducing the incidence of colon cancer.

Unravelling the signal-transduction network in B lymphocytes

The Alliance for Cellular Signaling has chosen the mouse B lymphocyte as a model system to understand basic principles that govern cellular signalling. Progress to that end has focused initially on establishing a reproducible experimental cell system and characterizing essential signalling responses. Although unravelling this complex network will take years, findings revealed in the interim will prove immensely useful to the scientific community at large.

Overview of the Alliance for Cellular Signaling

The Alliance for Cellular Signaling is a large-scale collaboration designed to answer global questions about signalling networks. Pathways will be studied intensively in two cells--B lymphocytes (the cells of the immune system) and cardiac myocytes--to facilitate quantitative modelling. One goal is to catalyse complementary research in individual laboratories; to facilitate this, all alliance data are freely available for use by the entire research community.

Dietary inulin suppresses azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci and colon tumors at the promotion stage in young Fisher 344 rats

This study was designed to determine the effect of 10% dietary long-chain inulin on the azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and small intestinal and colon tumors at the initiation (I), promotion (P) and I + P stages (20 rats per treatment) in Fisher 344 male weanling rats. After an acclimatization period of 1 wk, groups of Fisher 344 male weanling rats were assigned to consume AIN 93G diet (control) or AIN 93G diet containing 10% inulin. All the rats received 16 mg/kg body AOM dissolved in saline subcutaneously at 7 wk of age followed by a second injection at 8 wk of age. An additional group of five rats received only saline and consumed the control diet. The rats received the assigned diets until asphyxiation by CO(2) at 16 wk of age for the ACF experiment and 45 wk for the end-point tumor experiment. Feed intake, weight gain, diarrheal index, cecal weight, cecal pH, ACF and tumors in the colon were determined. Rats fed inulin had diarrhea after 2 wk of feeding and recovered by approximately 4 wk. Cecal weight was greater in rats fed inulin and cecal pH was lower. The inulin group had more than 66% fewer aberrant crypts and 60% fewer ACF compared with the control group. Tumor incidences in the small intestine and colon of rats in the control, I, P and I + P groups were: 78, 31, 0 and 11% and 90, 73, 69 and 50%, respectively. The corresponding values for the distal portion of the colon were 87, 63, 45 and 33%, respectively. Colon tumors per tumor-bearing rat were 4.2, 3.09, 1.36 and 1.2 for the control, I, P and I + P groups, respectively. All groups differed, P < 0.05. The results of this study indicate that dietary long-chain inulin suppresses AOM-induced ACF formation, an early preneoplastic marker of colon tumorigenesis in rats, and colon tumors, particularly at the promotion stage.

Dietary inulin suppresses azoxymethane-induced preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci in mature Fisher 344 rats

Preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are generally accepted as reliable markers for colon carcinogenesis in animal models. Rat model ACF studies, however, use younger rats, and there are no published reports on the suitability of adult rats for ACF studies. In this study, inulin, a known suppressor of azoxymethane (AOM)-induced ACF, was tested for its ability to suppress ACF formation in mature rats. After a 2-wk acclimation period, 12-mo-old Fisher 344 retired male breeders received two subcutaneous injections of AOM dissolved in saline at weekly intervals. In experiment 1, six groups received 0, 4, 8, 10, 12 and 16 mg AOM/kg body at each injection and were fed AIN-93M diet. In experiment 2, four groups of rats were fed 10 mg AOM/kg body at each injection based on the results of experiment 1, and were fed 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 g long-chain inulin diets/100 g. All the rats were killed after 11-wk feeding periods. In experiment 1, there was a significant (P < 0.05) AOM dose response on ACF formation. Rats fed >10 mg of AOM had greater (P < 0.05) mortality. In experiment 2, there was a significant increase in cecal weight and a decrease in cecal pH from 7.17 in the control group to 6.87, 6.61 and 5.76 in the groups fed inulin at 2.5, 5.0 and 10 g/100 g, respectively. Long-chain inulin dose-dependently reduced ACF incidence in the colon (P < 0.01). Compared with rats fed the control diet, the percentage reductions of ACF in rats fed 2.5, 5.0 and 10 g inulin diets/100 g were 25, 51, and 65, respectively. The results of this study indicate that mature rats can be used as models in ACF studies, and dietary long-chain inulin dose-dependently suppresses AOM-induced ACF formation in Fisher 344 mature male rats.

Neonatal audit in the United Arab Emirates: a country with a rapidly developing economy

We aimed to determine whether birth-weight-specific mortality rates and causes of neonatal death could identify interventions needed to reduce neonatal mortality rates. Data were collected from three hospitals responsible for 99% of births in Al-Ain Medical District. There were 8083 live births weighing >/= 500 g, of which 54 [0.67%] died. The mortality rate among very low-birth-weight infants was higher in this district than from centres with more advanced neonatal technology and resources. Problems of preterm births, lethal malformations and asphyxia accounted for 95% of deaths and half of the malformations were autosomal recessive syndromes. Improved management of lower-birth-weight infants, asphyxia and genetic counselling could lead to a further decline in neonatal mortality rates

Neonatal audit in the United Arab Emirates: a country with a rapidly developing economy

We aimed to determine whether birth-weight-specific mortality rates and causes of neonatal death could identify interventions needed to reduce neonatal mortality rates. Data were collected from three hospitals responsible for 99% of births in Al-Ain Medical District. There were 8083 live births weighing > or = 500 g, of which 54 (0.67%) died. The mortality rate among very low-birth-weight infants was higher in this district than from centres with more advanced neonatal technology and resources. Problems of preterm births, lethal malformations and asphyxia accounted for 95% of deaths and half of the malformations were autosomal recessive syndromes. Improved management of lower-birth-weight infants, asphyxia and genetic counselling could lead to a further decline in neonatal mortality rates.

Transabdominal gastroesophageal devascularization without esophageal transection for emergency treatment of variceal hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

The Suguira procedure is an effective non-shunting operation to treat life-threatening hemorrhage from esophageal or gastric varices. The goal of esophageal transection is interruption of submucosal varices, but this leads to high morbidity and mortality rates from esophageal fistulization.

AIM

To evaluate a variant of this procedure in which the esophagus is not transected, but the varices are underrun from outside the lumen.

METHODS

During the last four and a half years, we performed this modified gastroesophageal devascularization with or without splenectomy in 18 patients as emergency treatment of bleeding esophageal and gastric varices. The data were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Bleeding was controlled in all patients. Three patients with Child's class C disease undergoing emergency surgery died during the early postoperative period. Rebleeding rate was 17% (3 patients). The overall survival was 72.2% (13 of 18). No patient had encephalopathy over a mean follow up of 30 months.

CONCLUSION

Gastroesophageal devascularization with variceal under-running without esophageal transection is an effective and safe alternative to shunt surgery in the emergency situation.

Purification and characterization of a type II phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase from rat spleen and comparison with a PtdIns 4-kinase from lymphocytes

A PtdIns 4-kinase from rat spleen particulate fraction was purified to homogeneity and its molecular properties were compared with a PtdIns 4-kinase from splenic lymphocytes. The enzyme activity was solubilized from spleen particulate fraction with Triton X-100 and chromatographed sequentially on phosphocellulose, DEAE-sephacel, heparin acrylamide and hydroxyapatite columns. The purified enzyme preparation showed a 55 kDa band on SDS-PAGE with silver staining. Renaturation of the enzyme activity from SDS-PAGE showed that it comigrated with the 55 kDa protein. Characterization of the enzyme showed that it was a type II PtdIns 4-kinase. Polyclonal antibodies raised against PtdIns 4-kinase inhibited the enzyme activity in in vitro assays. Analysis of adult rat tissue particulate fractions on immunoblots showed restricted immunoreactivity among PtdIns 4-kinases. However, the immunoreactivity is conserved in lymphoid tissues from mouse to human, suggesting that lymphoid tissue has a distinct PtdIns 4-kinase. Activation of rat splenocytes with Con A showed two fold increase in PtdIns 4-kinase activity. Comparison of PtdIns 4-kinases from spleen and splenic lymphocytes showed identical chromatographic behaviour, molecular mass, immunoreactivity, K(m) values for PtdIns and inhibition by adenosine.

Gastric tuberculosis presenting with hematemesis

The stomach is rarely involved by tuberculosis. We report a patient with gastric tuberculosis who presented with exsanguinating hematemesis.

Cholecystectomy under regional anesthesia in a patient with total Kartagener's syndrome

A 41-year-old woman with complete Kartagener's syndrome developed cholecystitis in a left-sided gall bladder. Bilateral diffuse bronchiectasis ruled her unfit for general anesthesia; chronic cough, copious expectoration and dyspnea prevented her from lying down supine for more than a few minutes. Successful cholecystectomy was performed in a semi-reclined position using thoracic epidural anesthesia, the anatomy being the mirror image of that of a gall bladder in normal position. The gall bladder was full of stones and operative cholangiogram revealed a normal but transposed biliary system.

Cystadenoma with mesenchymal stroma mistaken for hepatic hydatid cyst

Hepatobiliary cystadenoma with mesenchymal stroma occurs uniquely in women, can be associated with other hepatobiliary anomalies, and has the potential for malignant transformation. We describe a case of hepatobiliary cystadenoma with mesenchymal stroma which was initially treated as hepatic hydatid cyst.

Design and synthesis of conformationally constrained analogues of 4-(3-butoxy-4-methoxybenzyl)imidazolidin-2-one (Ro 20-1724) as potent inhibitors of cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase

The synthesis and biological evaluation of cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE IV) inhibitors is described. The PDE IV inhibitor 4-(3-butoxy-4-methoxybenzyl)imidazolidin-2-one (Ro 20-1724, 2) was used as a template from which to design a set of rigid oxazolidinones, imidazolidinones, and pyrrolizidinones that mimic Ro 20-1724 but differ in the orientation of the carbonyl group. The endo isomer of each of these heterocycles was more potent than the exo isomer in an enzyme inhibition assay and a cellular assay, which measured TNF alpha secretion from activated human peripheral blood monocytes (HPBM). Imidazolidinone 4a inhibited human PDE IV with a Ki of 27 nM and TNF alpha secretion from HPBM with an IC50 of 290 nM. By comparison, Ro 20-1724 is significantly less active in these assays with activities of 1930 and 1800nM, respectively.

Giant mesenteric hemangioma

Hemangioma is a rare cause of mesenteric cysts. It usually occurs in infancy and childhood. We report an adult with a mesenteric hemangioma which presented as a mesenteric cyst.

Psychotherapy programme for psychiatry residents at nimhans - 1. A descriptive account

A formal, mandatory psychotherapy training programme for psychiatry residents at NIMHANS was started in 1983. It has made qualitatively encouraging progress. It has also focussed on issues demanding attention in the years to come. This paper is a descriptive account of the programme.

A comparative evaluation of metoprolol and methyldopa in the management of pregnancy induced hypertension

Thirty patients matched for age, parity, socioeconomic status and severity of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) were randomly allocated to treatment with metoprolol or methyldopa. The average fall in diastolic blood pressure was significant in the group treated with metoprolol as compared with the methyldopa group (p less than 0.01). There were 3 perinatal deaths in the methyldopa group and 1 in the metoprolol group; the mean birth weight of the babies was higher in cases treated with metoprolol. The results suggest metoprolol to be more efficacious with regard to control of hypertension and fetal outcome in cases of pregnancy induced hypertension.