Covered stent graft for treatment of carotid artery stenosis with post-stenotic aneurysm

Several bare metals, self-expanding stents have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat carotid stenosis, but no covered stents have been particularly examined or approved for carotid or cerebrovascular applications. Nonetheless, there are a number of potentially useful applications for covered stents in the brachiocephalic, carotid, and even intracranial arteries. As with currently accepted applications for bare metal carotid stents, the use of covered stents in carotid arteries has been reserved for patients who are at high risk for complications with open surgical management of their specific problem. The present case report emphasizes the safety and efficacy of covered stent in complex carotid artery reconstruction entailing stenosis and aneurysmal dilatation and through light on its impact on minimizing the risk of ischemic complications associated with endovascular or surgical carotid sacrifice.

Ovarian vein surgical ablation versus endovascular technique for treatment of pelvic vein incompetence

OBJECTIVE

Chronic pelvic pain in women is a disorder brought on by pelvic vein incompetence (PVI). In this prospective, randomized study, the effects of percutaneous coil embolization and surgical ovarian vein ligation and division combined with retrograde sclerotherapy were compared with regard to ovarian vein occlusion, improvement of pelvic congestion symptoms, and their influence on estradiol level after intervention.

METHODS

A total of 50 patients with PVI were enrolled, with a mean age of 31.9 ± 4.7 years and a pain score of 9 (range, 0-10; from 0 [no pain] to 10 [the highest level of pain]). Both percutaneous coil embolization of ovarian veins (endovascular group) and surgical ovarian vein ablation with retrograde sclerotherapy were offered to the patients at random.

RESULTS

In the open group, the pain level decreased to 2, whereas in the endovascular group, it decreased to 1 (range, 0-10). Estradiol levels were 224 (range, 9-612) in the open group and 478 (range, 18-613) in the endovascular group before the intervention, with no significant change (P = .1120). After 1 week of intervention, estradiol levels in the open group were 89 (range, 18-243) and 124 (range, 22-298) in the endovascular group, respectively, with statistical insignificance (P = .225). After 1 month of intervention, the endovascular group's estradiol level was 101 (range, 20-196) and the open group's was 89 (range, 15-190) (P = .382). After 3 months of intervention, the open group's estradiol level was 78 (range, 12-132) and the endovascular group's was 65 (range, 18-110) (P = .045).

CONCLUSIONS

In addressing PVI, both methods seemed to have promising results. Nevertheless, endovascular management was more effective at decreasing estrogen levels and relieving discomfort. Three months should be the time at which estradiol levels are measured, because this is when they are at their lowest. In both the open and endovascular groups as well as in the pooled data, there was a significant association between estradiol level from before the intervention and improvement in pain scores (P = .005). Because it was linked to a lower pain score, the high preoperative estradiol level can be used to predict postintervention improvement.

The Efficacy of BloodSTOP iX, Surgicel, and Gelfoam in Vascular Operations: First-in-Human Head-to-Head Study

This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of 3 different hemostatic agents in vascular surgeries in humans. Twenty-four patients were enrolled in the present study with 40 vascular anastomoses including 16 aortic and 24 femoral. The patients were randomized (computer-based) to either BloodSTOP iX, Gelfoam, or Surgicel. The hemostatic agent was applied at the site of the vascular anastomosis before declamping. The site of anastomosis was then observed for bleeding from the suture line for 2 min. If any bleeding was detected, blood was then collected for 5 min, and the time needed to stop bleeding was measured. A suction drain was fixed in the surgical bed to collect serous fluid postoperatively more than 48 h afterward. The volume of blood collected in 5 min was significantly lower in the BloodSTOP group compared with the other 2 hemostatics. There was a significant reduction in the mean time needed to stop bleeding from the anastomotic surface in the BloodSTOP group compared with the Surgicel and Gelfoam groups. In addition, Surgicel showed the highest rate of complication (46.2%) compared with BloodSTOP (7%). BloodSTOP iX dramatically reduced bleeding volume and time compared with the other hemostatic agents. Furthermore, it showed a lower complication rate and did not interfere with the healing process at the application sites.

Development, preparation, and evaluation of a novel non-adjuvanted polyvalent dermatophytes vaccine

Ringworm is a worldwide distributed contagious disease infecting both man and animals that constitute an economic, zoonotic, and health problem concern all over the world. During the last decade, attention has been directed to vaccination as an ideal approach to the control of such diseases. In the present study, non-adjuvanted polyvalent vaccines were prepared from locally isolated hot and virulent dermatophyte species, namely Trichophyton verrucosum (T. verrucosum), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (T. mentagrophytes), and Microsporum canis (M. canis) were immunologically evaluated. The prepared vaccine evaluation was focused on the aspects of immunogenicity and protective efficacy using guinea pigs. Both in its living or inactivated forms, the vaccine-induced significant humoral and cell-mediated immune responses and achieve proper protection of guinea pigs against challenging infections with homologous and heterologous dermatophyte strains. On the other hand, investigations on dermatophyte exo-keratinases showed that it was better produced and more expressed in a mineral-based medium containing pure keratin (3 g/L) than in the same medium with human hair supplementation (2.6 g/L). The maximum dermatophyte productivity of exo-keratinases was found to be between 18 and 21 days post-incubation. Using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), two fractions with molecular weights of 40 kDa (fraction I) and 28 kDa (fraction II) have been identified in the culture filtrate of the three involved dermatophyte species. Both fractions demonstrated keratinolytic activity. The specific activity of the isolated keratinases (number of Keratinase units (KU)/mg protein) was stronger in fraction I, where it reached 18.75, 15.38, and 14 KU/mg protein as compared to 12.9, 8.74, and 12 KU/mg protein in fraction II of T. verrucosum, T. mentagrophytes, and M. canis, respectively. The dermatophyte exo-keratinases proved to be immunogenic as they stimulated high keratinase-specific antibody titers and induced strong delayed skin hypersensitivity reactions in vaccinated animals. Anti-keratinase-specific IgG was detected in sera of guinea pigs immunized with the inactivated or living polyvalent dermatophyte vaccines by a homemade enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using dermatophyte exo-keratinases as coating antigen. The intradermal injection of dermatophyte exo-keratinases induced specific delayed skin reactions in guinea pigs immunized with the inactivated or the living polyvalent dermatophyte vaccines. The intradermal injection of dermatophyte exo-keratinases in the control non-sensitized guinea pigs was associated with itching, swelling, and bloody scar formation, however, no skin indurations were formed. The development of those post-exo-keratinases injection reactions in the control non-sensitized apparently healthy guinea pigs group, suggests an exo-keratinases possible role in the pathogenesis of dermatophytosis.

Surgical Fixation of Jugular Bulb Abnormalities Associated With Phelebectasia in Patients With Vascular Tinnitus

Internal jugular phlebectasia is a rare entity in which there is a fusiform dilatation of the internal jugular vein (IJV), usually presenting as a neck mass or tinnitus. The jugular bulb (JB) is an enlarged confluence connecting the sigmoid sinus and the IJV. It has been suggested that JB abnormality might also cause vertigo and pulsatile tinnitus. This prospective interventional study involved 15 patients with pulsatile tinnitus associated with internal jugular phlebectasia. Four patients presented with recurrent vertigo attacks. IJV diameter at rest ranged from 11 to 18 mm. Eight patients have had inner ear bone dehiscence, and 40% had high JB. All cases were treated by surgical fixation using a ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft extending from the costoclavicular joint to the sigmoid sinus under fluoroscopic guidance. Tinnitus disappeared immediately postoperatively in all cases, followed by the disappearance of vertigo on the fourth day. Two cases reported thrombosis of the graft in the sixth and seventh months but maintained symptomatic improvement. Recurrence was reported in 2 cases while the grafts were patent. Surgical fixation by replacing the jugular vein and bulb with a synthetic graft may offer an excellent surgical option for relieving vascular tinnitus, especially in these young patients in whom endovascular therapy may not be a durable treatment.

Positive effects of dietary probiotics on immune response and gut morphometry in broiler chickens

n experiment was performed with a total of 280 one-day old SPF broiler chicks to evaluate the effects of probiotics, alone or in combination, on growth performance, gut morphometry and immune response to fowl cholera vaccination. The birds were randomly divided into seven groups each of 40 chicks and the experiment lasted for 42 days. The probiotic microorganisms that were offered via water included Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cervisiae. Significant increase in the food conversion rate was recorded in group 4 that received probiotic mixture composed of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis. Also, significantly high geometric mean titre (GMT) of P. multocida specific-antibodies and lowest morbidity and mortality rates post P. multocida challenge were recorded in this group. The effect of different probiotics on the morphometric changes in the gut tissues was determined, where significant increase in the duodenal and ileum villus height and average crypt depth were recorded in probiotic treated chicks compared to the negative control. The increase in the gut villi height is proved to be associated with increased absorption capability of nutients from the intestine.

Development of immunochromatographic lateral flow test for rapid detection of Clostridium perfringens α, β and ε toxins in clinical samples

In the present work a lateral flow immunochromatographic test (LFT) for rapid detection of Clostri­dium perfringens toxins types, alpha (α), beta (β) and epsilon (ε) in clinical samples was developed. C. perfringens toxins were prepared, purified and inactivated with 0.2% formalin. Polyclonal antibodies specific to C. perfringens toxins types α, β and ε toxoids were prepared in rabbits and guinea pigs. The toxoid specific polyclonal antibodies prepared in rabbits were labelled with gold chloride nanoparticles. The prepared toxin specific rabbit and guinea pigs antibodies and goat anti-rabbit antibodies were utilised in development of a lateral flow immunochromatographic test and the latter - evaluated for detection of C. perfringens α, β and ε toxins in clinical samples. The sensitivity and specificity and accuracy of the developed LFT were determined by comparison with a commercially available ELISA used for detection of these toxins. The prepared LFT was capable to detect C. perfringens α, β and ε toxins in quantities of 2 μg/ml, 250 ng/ml and 60 ng/ml, respectively. One hundred poultry suspected faecal samples was examined both with the prepared LFT and commercial ELISA to test the validity of developed LFT. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the LFT for detection of C. perfringens toxins were 81%, 95.2% and 90%, respectively, for α toxin, 76.6%, 98.5% and 72%, respectively, for β toxin and 66.6%, 98.8% and 95%, respectively, for ε toxin.

Hybrid retrieval of embolized device in abdominal aorta after transcatheter closure of large patent ductus arteriosus

Patients with a large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can have several presentations. Many will be asymptomatic, some could develop severe pulmonary hypertension, and others can develop Eisenmenger syndrome. We have presented a case in which a PDA correction device was embolized to the abdominal aorta, 2 months after transcatheter closure of a large PDA. The patient presented with an acute abdomen. In the management of the case, we implemented a hybrid technique in the process of device retrieval. Transbrachial access and a lower abdominal midline incision were accomplished to dislodge the device from the supraceliac aorta to the aortic bifurcation. The Amplatzer Ductal Occluder (St Jude Medical Inc, St Paul, Minn) was extracted through a small arteriotomy of the distal abdominal aorta. The procedure was followed by a dramatic improvement of the ischemic liver and bowel, evidenced by the vanishing of the cyanotic hue of the liver and normalization of the bluish discoloration of the intestine.

Thromboangiitis obliterans: Aggressive angioplasty provides a potential solution (randomized pilot study)

Background

Thromboangiitis obliterans is an inflammatory disease affecting both medium- and small-sized vessels. Vasodilators, antiplatelets were proposed for treatment but the effect was minimal.

Objective

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of balloon angioplasty on patients with Buerger's disease compared to medical treatment.

Methods

Between January 2006 and December 2016, 82 patients with Buerger's disease were enrolled in the study, of whom 52 were randomized to the aggressive endovascular intervention and 30 were randomized medically by cilostazol and aspirin as a control group. In all, 23% of the patients presented with severe claudication, 50% with ischemic rest pain and 27% with ischemic ulcers. Randomization was done using the opaque envelope method. Allocation concealment was maintained to ensure no selection bias. Patient groups were compared for the duration of ulcer healing, ankle-brachial index, peak systolic velocity changes and transcutaneous oximetry (TcPO2) level for 30 months.

Results

No major procedural complications occurred in the endovascular group. Angiographic success was achieved in 100% of supragenicular lesions but in 90% of infrapopliteal lesions. The endovascular group showed a statistically significant improvement in the ulcer healing size and duration at 6 months after the procedure with a mean time of 3 ± 0.9 months compared to 5.8 ± 1.69 months for the medical treatment group (p < 0.001), the mean TcPO2 from 27.23 ± 16.75 mm Hg (range: 0-56 mm Hg) before the procedure to 71.32 ± 12.94 mm Hg (range: 52-92 mm Hg) following revascularization (p < 0.01). The mean ankle-brachial index significantly improved from 0.54 ± 0.14 preoperatively to 0.82 ± 0.08 at final follow-up (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The endovascular therapy should be considered as an effective, safe, minimally invasive method in the light of the promising results after a modification of the standard technique.

p63α and γ Induce TAU Phosphorylation in Cultured Mammalian Cells

Here we show by western blotting that transcriptionally active isoforms of p63 (p63α and p63γ) induce the phosphorylation of human 2N4R tau at the tau-1/AT8 epitope in HEK293a cells; a phospho-epitope increased in Alzheimer's disease. Confocal microscopy shows that tau and p63α are spatially separated intracellularly. Tau was found in the cytoskeletal compartment, whilst p63α was located in the nucleus, indicating that the effects of p63 on tau phosphorylation are indirectly mediated. Tau phosphorylation occurred independently of the known tau kinases, protein kinase C delta (PKCδ), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38), glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT) and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) and the tau protein phosphatases (PP), PP1 and PP2A-Aα/β. Considering that p63 and tau are both associated with developmental processes, these findings have ramifications for neuronal development and synaptic plasticity and also neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.

Pyrimidines. Part II: Synthesis of novel pyrimidines, 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidin-7-ones and pyrimidino[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazin-8-ones for their antimicrobial and anticancer activities

Five main classes of novel pyrimidine derivatives have been synthesized; namely 6-substituted phenyl-5-cyano-3-methyl-2-phenacylhydrazino-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-4-ones 4a-e; 6-substituted phenyl-2-arylidene hydra-zino-5-cyano-3-methyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-4-ones 5a-i; 6-substituted phenyl-2-acylhydrazino-5-cyano-3-methyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-4-ones 7a-d, 8a-e and 9a-c; three novel series of 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a] pyrimidones 10a,b, 11a-d and 12a-d and 6-substituted phenyl-7-cyano-9-methyl-3-phenyl or 4-chlorophenyl-4,9-dihydropyrimido[2,1-c][1,2,4] triazin-8-ones 13a-c. Besides, the azide compound 2-azido-5-cyano-3-methyl-6-phenyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-4-one 6 was also synthesized. The prepared compounds were tested for antimicrobial and anticancer activity. Compounds 4b and 4d showed promising activity against Escherichia coli. Compounds 3c, 5c, 5e, 5g and 7b were active in the three cell line antitumor one dose primary assay and were evaluated in the 60 human tumor full panel cell line invitro screening. Compound 5c showed promising activity against all types of leukemia especially leukemia K-562 and leukemia SR with GI50 = 1.61 and 2.63 mmol/l respectively.

Synthesis of novel pyrimidine-2,4-diones and 2-thioxo-pyrimidine-4-ones as potential anticancer and antimicrobial agents

Two novel series of pyrimidine derivatives have been prepared, namely; 3,6-disubstituted perhydropyrimidine-2,4-diones 8a-l as well as 3,6-disubstituted 2-thioxo-perhydropyrimidine-4-ones 9a-k. The anticancer as well antimicrobial activities of these compounds and their open-chain counterparts have been determined.

Thioglycolic acid and pyrazole derivatives of 4(3H)-quinazolinone: synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation

New derivatives of 4(3H)-quinazolinone were synthesized and evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. The derivatives are: 3-Aryl-2-[3-aryl-1-(carboxymethylthio)-3-oxopropyl)]-4(3H)-quinazolinones 2a-f; 3-Aryl-2-(3-aryl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-4(3H)-quinazolinones 3a-f; 3-Aryl-2-(1,3-diaryl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-4(3H)-quinazolinones 4a-f; 3-Aryl-2-(3-aryl-1-thiocarbamoyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-4(3H)-quinazolinones 5a-f; 3-Aryl-2-[3-aryl-1-(carboxymethylthio)-3-hydroxyiminopropyl)]-4(3H)- quinazolinones 6a-f; and 3-Aryl-2-[3-aryl-1-(carboxymethy- lthio)-3-thiocarbamoyliminopropyl)]-4(3H)-quinazolinones 7a-f. Some of the tested compounds showed activity comparable to that of the standard references used.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of novel pyrazole, pyrazoline, pyrazolinone and pyrazolidinedione derivatives of benzimidazole

Four novel series of pyrazolylbenzimidazole derivatives have been prepared, namely 2-[(1-substituted phenyl-3,5-dimethyl-4-pyrazolyl)methyl]benzimidazole 5a-d 2-[(1-substituted phenyl-3-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-4-pyrazolyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazoles 6a-d; 2-[(1-substituted phenyl-3,5-dioxopyrazolidin-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazoles 7a-d and 2-[(4-(1-phenyl-5-aryl-4,5-dihydro-3-pyrazolyl)phenylaminoacetyl]thio- methyl)-benzimidazoles 12a-e. The antimicrobial testing of the prepared compounds was performed using Escherichia Coli (NCTC 5933) as Gram-negative bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 4163) as gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans (NCTC 5310) as yeast like fungi. The most potent compound was the pyrazolone 6a which exhibits interesting antibacterial activity against the gram-negative bacteria E. coli.

Synthesis and antimicrobial testing of 4H-1,2,4-triazole, 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole and 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazine derivatives of 1H-benzimidazole

Three novel series of benzimidazole derivatives namely 6-substituted 3-[1-(2-alkyl-1 H-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4] thiadiazoles 5a-h, 6-substituted 3-[1-(2-alkyl-1H-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-7H-1,2,4 -triazolo[3,4-b]-[1,3,4]thiadiazines 6a-j and 6-thioxo-3-[1-(2-alkyl-1H-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-5,6-dihydro-1,2,4 -triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]-thiadiazoles 7a, b have been prepared by cyclization of the key intermediate 1-[(4-amino-5-mercapto-4 H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methyl]-2-alkyl-1 H-benzimidazoles 3a, b. Furthermore, 1-[(4-arylideneamino-5-mercapto- 4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-methyl]-2-alkyl- 1 H-benzimidazoles 4a-h have been prepared and some of them were cyclized to 6-substituted 3-[1-(2-alkyl-1H-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-1,2,4-triazolo [3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles 5d, h using thionyl chloride. The prepared compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity in vitro; they showed moderate activity.

Synthesis and antimicrobial testing of novel oxadiazolylbenzimidazole derivatives

Three novel series of oxadiazolylbenzimidazole derivatives have been prepared, namely 1-[(2-alkylthio or aralkylthio-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)methyl]-2-alkyl-1 H-benzimidazoles 3a-f; 1-[(3-substituted aminomethyl-2-thioxo-2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)methyl ]-2-alkyl-1 H-benzimidazoles 4a-f and 1-[(2-substituted amino-1,3,4-oxidiazol-5-yl)methyl]-2-alkyl-1 H-benzimidazoles 6a-j. The antimicrobial testing of the prepared compounds was performed, some of them showed week activity.

Ultrastructure of resting and rh-GMCSF-treated human macrophages derived from blood monocytes

The ultrastructure of cultured blood monocyte-derived human macrophages was investigated and correlated under the effect of different doses of rh-GMCSF (dose 1 = 25 IU/ml, dose 2 = 125 IU/ml and dose 3 = 250 IU/ml). Resting macrophages showed irregular cell borders and pseudopodia pushed out in all directions. Their cytoplasm depicted rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex in the perinuclear area. Lipid globules, primary lysosomes and mitochondria were characteristically prominent. rh-GMCSF-stimulated macrophages were more voluminous and their nuclei were irregular in outline, with predominance of euochromatin over heterochromatin. The cytoplasm was overcrowded by an increasing number of organelles including lysosomes, phagolysosomes and mitochondria. Golgi complex demonstrated a wide-spread distribution along the cells, with profound membrane expansion and cisternal dilatation; especially, in cells treated with dose 2. Electron dense osmiophilic deposits (collapsed membranes) were seen in association with lipid globules, which were commonly polarized at cell peripheries. Most of these changes were dose dependent. However, cells treated with dose 3 manifested additionally well-developed centrioles, inapparent nuclear membrane, display of microfilaments and well-established adhesions. The demonstrated ultrastructural changes in rh-GMCSF-treated human macrophages indicated pronounced activation, which supports the reported clinical effect of this cytokine.

Enhancement of leishmanicidal activity of human macrophages against Leishmania major and Leishmania donovani infection using recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor

The in vitro effect of recombinant human Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (rh-GMCSF) on the leishmanicidal activity and superoxide anion productivity of macrophages derived from human blood monocytes (MOs) were investigated. MOs treated with 25, 125, or 250 U/mL of rh-GMCSF for 72 h prior to infection with leishmania parasites, manifested significant dose-dependent increase in its leishmanicidal activities against Leishmania major and Leishmania donovani parasites. The percentage of increase in leishmanicidal activity of L. major-infected MOs were 22.71, 64.34 and 81.34, respectively while in L. donovani-infected MOs, it reached 3.01, 32.28 and 74.38, respectively. Treatment of leishmania-infected MOs with rh-GMCSF (250 U/mL) for different periods of time up to 96 hours, induced a significant time-dependent reduction in the percentage of infected cells and the parasitic load (No. of amastigotes/100 MOs). After 96 h of treatment with rh-GMCSF, the percentages of reduction in the infection rates were 82.45 in L.major-infected MOs (p < 0.001) and 39.65 in L. donovani-infected cells (p < 0.01). The percentage of reduction in the parasitic load reached 90.82 (p < 0.001) and 36.6 (p < 0.05) in MOs infected with L. major and L. donovani, respectively. The priming effect of rh-GMCSF on superoxide anion production by human MOs stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was both dose-dependent and time-dependent. In 72 hour-old human MOs, the maximum superoxide anion release was generated by MOs primed for 45 min with 500 U/mL of rh-GMCSF. These cells produced 8.960 +/- 2.075 nmol/5 x 10(4) MOs/ 180 min as compared to 4.563 +/- 1.773 nmol/5 x 10(4) unprimed cell control/180 min (p < 0.001).

Effect of rh-GMCSF and rh-GCSF on oxygen free radical production by human neutrophils and blood monocyte-derived human macrophages

The in vitro effect of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (rh-GMCSF) and recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rh-GCSF) on oxygen free radical (OFR) generation by human neutrophils and blood monocytes derived human macrophages stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate was investigated and compared. The production of OFR by neutrophils and macrophages was time dependent, and the maximum release of OFR by neutrophils and macrophages was measured 90 and 180 min after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate, respectively. The priming effects or rh-GMCSF and rh-GCSF on OFR production by human neutrophils and macrophages was dose dependent. The maximum generation of OFR by neutrophils occurred when primed with 1,000 U/ml of rh-GMCSF and reached 2.383 +/- 0.191 nmol/10(5) neutrophils/90 min as compared with 1.072 +/- 0.113 nmol/10(5) neutrophils/90 min in the unprimed controls. This represents a 122.20% increase in OFR generation (p < 0.001). However, the percentage of maximum increase in OFR production was 57.84 when neutrophils were primed with a concentration of 5,000 U of rh-GCSF/ml. In 72-hour-old human macrophages, much higher levels of OFR production as compared with neutrophils were measured following stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate. The maximum generation of OFR was measured in macrophages primed for 45 min with 500 U/ml of rh-GMCSF. These cells produced 8.960 +/- 2.075 nmol/5 x 10(4) macrophage/180 min as compared with 4.563 +/- 1.773 nmol/5 x 10(4) unprimed macrophages/180 min (p < 0.001). In macrophages primed with rh-GCSF, however, the maximum OFR production was induced by a dose of 5,000 U/ml and reached 6.902 +/- 1.463 nmol/5 x 10(4) macrophages/180 min as compared with 4.563 +/- 1.773 nmol/5 x 10(4) macrophages/180 min in the unprimed controls (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the priming effect of rh-GMCSF on OFR generation by human macrophages and neutrophils was more potent than that of rh-GCSF, both in the extent of augmentation and in the dose required to produce maximum OFR generation.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents: novel pyrazolyl-, 1,2-oxazolyl-, and 1,3-diazinyl derivatives of 4(3H)-quinazolinones

Four novel series of 4(3H)-quinazolinone derivatives have been prepared by cyclization of the key intermediates 3-aryl-2-(3-aryl-3-oxopropenyl)-4-(3H)-quinazolinones with different reagents: 3-aryl-1-iminocarbamoyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-4(3H)-quinazolines, 3-aryl-2-(3-aryl-1-thiocarbamoyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-4(3H)-quinazolines, 3-aryl-2-(3-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1,2-oxazol-5-yl)-4(3H)-quinazolinones , and 3-aryl-2-(4-aryl-2-thioxo-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1,3-diazin-6-yl )-4(3H)- quinazolinones. The antiinflammatory activity of representatives of these compounds is comparable to or higher than that of proquazone.

Ocular histoplasmosis due to Histoplasma farciminosum in Egyptian donkeys

In this study 19 donkeys suffering from face excoriations below the medial canthas and lesions in the lacrymal apparatus were subjected to clinical radiological and microbiological investigations. Also histopathological examination of biopsy materials from ocular lesions were made. Eleven out of 19 donkeys (57.9%) showed specific lesions in the lacrymal apparatus. Mycological examination revealed the isolation of Histoplasma cells from 10 out of 19 examined cases. The isolated Histoplasma culture, although not completely identical to H. farciminosum, was more related to this than to other Histoplasma species. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of marked tissue infiltration by lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages. Also the fungal organism appeared as double-contoured yeast cells lying within macrophages and giant cells.

(+/-)alpha-Phenyl-beta-(3,4-dimethoxy)- and (+/-)alpha-phenyl-beta -(3,4-dihydroxy)phenethylamines: potential probes for nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-ion channel molecule from torpedo electric organ

The synthesis of some N-methyl, N-alkyl derivatives of (+/-)alpha-phenyl-beta-(3,4-dimethoxy)- and (+/-)alpha-phenyl-beta-(3,4-dihydroxy)-phenethylamines was achieved. These compounds were shown to bear certain structural features of acetylcholine (ACh), as well as phencyclidine (PCP). The latter was reported to act as a specific probe for the nicotinic ACh receptor-ion channel molecule from Torpedo electric organ. Biochemical binding studies revealed that for the nicotinic ACh receptor, the 3,4-dimethoxy derivatives behaved as blockers for the binding interaction of [3H]ACh, whereas the 3,4-dihydroxy analogues stimulated such binding. On the other hand, all of the tested phenethylamines exhibited potent blockade towards [3H]PCP binding interactions. The results indicated that the tested compounds might be applied as potential probes for the ACh receptor-ion channel molecule.

Preparation and antidiabetic activity of new substituted 3,5-diarylpyrazolesulfonylurea derivatives. II: Structure-activity relationship

Four series of substituted p-(3,5-diaryl-2-pyrazoline-1) benzenesulfonylurea and thiourea derivatives, along with their corresponding substituted p-(3,5-diarylpyrazole-1) benzenesulfonylurea and thiourea derivatives, were prepared for evaluation as hypoglycemic agents. Preliminary biological testing revealed that the new compounds possess potent hypoglycemic activity.

Studies on histoplasmosis farciminosi (epizootic lymphangitis) in Egypt. Isolation of Histoplasma farciminosum from cases of histoplasmosis farciminosi in horses and its morphological characteristics

Isolation of Histoplasma farciminosum from five horses, showing typical signs of histoplasmosis farciminosi (epizootic lymphangitis) was successfully attempted. The mycelial form of H. farciminosum was isolated on Sabouraud dextrose agar enriched with 2.5% glycerol, brain heart infusion (BHI) agar enriched with 10% horse blood and PPLO dextrose glycerol agar. The last medium proved to be the most effective, both for primary isolation and subculturing of the fungus. It was found that on primary isolation, the lag phase of the mycelial form of the fungus was relatively long, involving 4-8 weeks at 25 degrees C. Colonies of the mycelial form of H. farciminosum appeared on subculture as a yellowish, light brown to deep brown, convoluted, waxy, cauliflower-like growth tending to form scant aerial growth. Conversion of the mycelial form to the yeast form of H. farciminosum was successful by subculturing either on BHI agar with 5% blood or on Pine's medium and incubating at 35-37 degrees C. Complete conversion to the yeast form was achieved only after 4-5 repeated serial transfers onto fresh media every 8 days. The yeast colonies were flat, raised, slightly or deeply wrinkled, white to light gray to grayish brown, and were pasty in consistency.

alpha-Phenyl-beta-(3,4-dimethoxy)phenethylamines: novel inhibitors of choline acetyltransferase from Torpedo electric organ

Some derivatives of alpha-phenyl-beta-(3,4-dimethoxy)phenethylamine that might bear a certain conformational resemblance to choline were prepared. The in vitro inhibition of choline acetyltransferase from Torpedo electric organ was investigated. These compounds gave variable degrees of inhibition; the most potent inhibitor was, N,N,N,-trimethyl-alpha-phenyl-beta-(3,4-dimethoxy)phenethylammonium++ + iodide, with an I50 of 1.3 X 10(-5) M. The inhibition of choline acetyltransferase from Spodoptera littoralis larval brains was also determined for comparative study. The aforementioned compound has an I50 of 9 X 10(-6) M on choline acetyltransferase from this source.

Synthesis of new 8-(5-substituted amino-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl) and 8-(5-substituted amino-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl) methoxyquinolines with antibilharzial activity

Several 5-substituted amino-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl and 5-substituted amino-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl derivatives with different 8-hydroxyquinoline moieties in the 2-position were prepared and tested for their antiparasitic activity. Preliminary biological tests on mice experimentally infested with Schistosoma mansoni revealed that the new compounds show moderate schistosomicidal activity.

Antidiabetic activity of some 1-substituted 3,5-dimethylpyrazoles

Several new 1-substituted 3,5-dimethylpyrazoles were prepared for testing as hypoglycemic agents. A number of these containing para-substituted 1-carbonylphenylurea and para-substituted 1-carbamoylbenzenesulfonylurea derivatives were found to possess potent hypoglycemic activity.

Synthesis and antidiabetic activity of some sulfonylurea derivatives of 3,5-disubstituted pyrazoles

Two series of 3,5-disubstituted pyrazolesulfonylurea derivatives were prepared and evaluated as hypoglycemic agents. Preliminary biological testing revealed that the new compounds possess potent hypoglycemic activity.

Synthesis and antidiabetic activity of some sulfonylurea derivatives of 3,4,5-trisubstituted pyrazoles

Three series of 3,4,5-trisubstituted pyrazolesulfonylurea derivatives were prepared and evaluated as hypoglycemic agents. Preliminary biological testing revealed that the new compounds possess moderate hypoglycemic activity.

Preparation and antidiabetic activity of cyclic sulfonylthiourea derivatives

3-Substituted 5-methyl-1-(p-[(3,5-dimethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-, 5-methyl-1-(p-[(5-methyl-3-carboxy)pyrazol-1-yl]-, 1-(p-[(3-methyl-5-phenyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-, and 1-(p-[(3-methyl-4-bromo-5-phenyl)pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonyl)-2-thiohydantoin and their 5-methyl-2-thiohydantoin and 5,6-dihydro-4(3H)-oxo-2(1H)-pyrimidinethione derivatives were prepared for evaluation as hypoglycemic agents. Biological testing showed that some of these compounds possessed antidiabetic activity.