Discoloration of indigo carmine using aqueous extracts from vegetables and vegetable residues as enzyme sources

Several vegetables and vegetable residues were used as sources of enzymes capable to discolor indigo carmine (IC), completely or partially. Complete discoloration was achieved with aqueous extracts of green pea seeds and peels of green pea, cucumber, and kohlrabi, as well as spring onion leaves. The source of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), pH, time, and aeration is fundamental for the discoloration process catalyzed by PPO. The PPO present in the aqueous extract of green pea seeds was able to degrade 3,000 ppm of IC at a pH of 7.6 and magnetic stirring at 1,800 rpm in about 36 h. In addition, at 1,800 rpm and a pH of 7.6, this extract discolored 300 ppm of IC in 1:40 h; in the presence of 10% NaCl, the discoloration was complete in 5:50 h, whereas it was completed in 4:30 h with 5% NaCl and 2% laundry soap.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in children with cystic fibrosis: An eradication protocol

A retrospective 12-year study (May 1988-July 2000) was undertaken in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) to evaluate 1) the magnitude of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in these children; 2) the clinical impact of MRSA on CF; and 3) the efficacy of an MRSA protocol aimed at the eradication of the carrier state. The study maneuver comprised of 1) surveillance cultures of throat/rectum to detect the MRSA carrier state; 2) life-long cephradine rather than flucloxacillin to lift selection pressure; 3) topical application of oral and nebulized vancomycin for 5 days to clear the carriage of MRSA; and 4) a strict antistaphylococcal hygiene program, including handwashing and device policy. Fifteen children with CF (11 boys, with median age 117 months) positive for MRSA were enrolled. The current prevalence of MRSA among children with CF in our hospital is 6.5%. Of 15 children identified, only 12 (18 episodes of MRSA colonization) were treated according to protocol. Median age of MRSA acquisition was 73 months (interquartile range, 43-134 months). In 7 patients (55%), MRSA was eradicated. Of a total of 18 MRSA episodes, the protocol was successful in 10 episodes. The mean period of MRSA-free status was 12 months (range, 6-36 months). Pulmonary function (measured by FEV(1)) was not affected (68% of predicted before treatment, and 68% of predicted after treatment). All children were oropharyngeal carriers of both MRSA and ceftazidime-resistant P. aeruginosa. We believe that an effort has to be made to limit MRSA in CF clinics for the following reasons: 1) MRSA carriage in any individual is an abnormal condition; 2) limitation of systemic vancomycin use is desirable; 3) MRSA carriage may be a contraindication for lung transplantation; and 4) epidemiologically, a CF unit with a substantial MRSA problem functions as a source of dissemination for other patients.

A familial syndrome with hypotonia, mental retardation and dysmorphic features resembling Cohen syndrome

Since its original description (2), many new cases of Cohen syndrome have been reported, most of them showing a quite variable expressivity. Autosomal recessive inheritance is widely accepted (MIM : 216550) (11), however, multiple instances of sporadic cases are observed. From a literature review (52 cases), we could determinate, in order of frequency, the most important clinical traits of the Cohen syndrome. We report here a father and two sons with dysmorphic features resembling Cohen syndrome and transmitting by an autosomal dominant mode.

[Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of WHR-1142A in the treatment of non-specific acute diarrhea]

A randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial of the safety and efficacy of lidamidine hydrochloride (WHR-1142A) in thirty patients with acute nonspecific diarrhea was conducted. During their 29-hour hospital treatment period, the average number of bowel movements for each ten patient treatment group was: placebo, 5.1: lidamidine hydrochloride (10 mg), 2.4; lidamidine hydrochloride (18 mg), 2.5. The average weight of the feces of the patients in each treatment group was: placebo, 576 grams; lidamidine hydrochloride (10 mg), 364 grams; lidamidine hydrochloride (18 mg), 435 grams. Time intervals between each of the first two doses were greater for those patients in the active treatment groups (lidamidine hydrochloride) when compared to the placebo group. Overall evaluation of therapy was rated by physician and patient at end of study: placebo, 10 of 10, not effective; lidamidine hydrochloride (10 mg), 10 of 10 (100%) effective; lidamidine hydrochloride (18 mg), 10 of 10 (100%) effective. Vital signs and laboratory values remained within normal ranges throughout the duration of study, and no clinically significant adverse effects were reported.