The impact of chronic Trimethylamine N-oxide administration on liver oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis

TMAO, a gut microbiota derived byproduct, has been associated with various cardiometabolic diseases by promoting oxidative stress and inflammation. The liver is the main organ for TMAO production and chronic exposure to high doses of TMAO could alter its function. In this study, we evaluated the effect of chronic exposure of high TMAO doses on liver oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. TMAO was administered daily via gastric gavage to laboratory rats for 3 months. Blood was drawn for the quantification of TMAO, and liver tissues were harvested for the assessment of oxidative stress (MDA, GSH, GSSG, GPx, CAT, and 8-oxo-dG) and inflammation by quantification of IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-10, TGF-β, NOS and COX-2 expression. The evaluation of fibrosis was made by Western blot analysis of α-SMA and Collagen-3 protein expression. Histological investigation and immunohistochemical staining of iNOS were performed in order to assess the liver damage. After 3 months of TMAO exposure, TMAO serum levels enhanced in parallel with increases in MDA and GSSG levels in liver tissue and lower values of GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio as well as a decrease in GPx and CAT activities. Inflammation was also highlighted, with enhanced iNOS, COX-2, and IL-10 expression, without structural changes and without induction of liver fibrosis.

Chronic oral trimethylamine-N-oxide administration induces experimental incipient atherosclerosis in non-genetically modified mice

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall involving inflammation, redox imbalance, and impaired cholesterol transport. A high level of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) produced by meat and fat metabolism are involved in atherosclerosis development, but the exact relationship with inflammation is not completely clear. The study aimed to identify a possible association between TMAO; atherosclerotic changes in the aortic root; oxidative stress; and inflammation quantified by highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) levels. TMAO dihydrate was administered via gastric gavage to 20 male Wistar rats for 90 days; one separate group received vehicle. The TMAO-treated animals were divided into two groups: one group received a low dose of TMAO (20 mg/day) and the other group received a high dose of TMAO (40 mg/day). Malondialdehyde (MDA), proinflammatory markers - IL-1β, TNF-α, and hsCRP, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose were assessed 30 and 90 days after TMAO administration. Additionally, conventional histopathology and immunohistochemistry for collagen I distribution were performed. MDA, hsCRP, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels increased after 90 days of TMAO administration in conjunction with significant changes suggestive of incipient atherosclerosis and inflammation of the aortic root. The increase was higher in the group treated with 40 mg/day TMAO compared with the group treated with 20 mg/day TMAO. Additionally, blood levels of TMAO were significantly correlated with hsCRP, TNF-α, IL-1β levels, but also with MDA, low HDL-cholesterol levels, and high triglyceride levels. The increase in MDA and inflammatory cytokines and modification of lipid metabolism markers may explain the pro-atherogenic effect of TMAO.

The comparative effects of Resveratrol and Curcumin in combination with photodynamic therapy

Background and aim

Photodynamic therapy, PDT, is a promising option among the local treatments with oncolytic potential. Although the basic principle is simple, its intricate mechanisms allow for a broad range of optimization methods. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of Resveratrol and Curcumin as adjuvants of PDT on experimental tumors.

Methods

Sixty-six Wistar male rats were divided into 11 groups: control, Curcumin (CUR), Resveratrol (RES) alone or followed by irradiation (IR) (CUR+IR and RES+IR, respectively), 5,10,15,20-tetra-sulphonato-phenyl-porphyrin (TSPP), TSPP+IR (PDT), and CUR or RES administered prior to or after PDT (CUR+TSPP+IR, RES+TSPP+IR, TSPP+IR+CUR, TSPP+IR+RES).

Results

Both CUR and RES significantly decreased lipid peroxidation, while RES also showed an increase in glutathione (GSH) levels, especially when it was administered before PDT (p<0.01). Both antioxidants decreased cyclooxygenase (COX)2 expression, to a minimum when they administered prior to PDT (p<0.001 and p<0.01) while nitric oxide synthase (NOS)2 expression diminished in the combined regimen, particularly in RES associated with PDT. CUR and RES induced similar changes in terms of cell death, but CUR seemed to be more efficient on tumor necrosis and showed a higher apoptotic index when was administered after PDT (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Both RES and CUR in association with PDT decreased oxidative stress, diminished the COX2 and NOS2 expressions and increased cell death by positively influencing the necrotic rate and apoptotic index, particularly when CUR was administered after PDT. The results show that CUR is a promising class to study in PDT optimization and further invites to exploit its promises.

Neurobehavioral and Ultrastructural Changes Induced by Phytosynthesized Silver-Nanoparticle Toxicity in an In Vivo Rat Model

(1) Background: The study aimed to assess neurobehavioral, ultrastructural, and biochemical changes induced by silver nanoparticles synthesized with Cornus mas L. extract (AgNPs-CM) in rat brains. (2) Methods: The study included 36 male adult rats divided into three groups. Over a period of 45 days, AgNPs-CM (0.8 and 1.5 mg/kg b.w.) were administered daily by gavage to two of the groups, while the control group received the vehicle used for AgNP. After treatment, OFT and EPM tests were conducted in order to assess neurobehavioral changes. Six of the animals from each group were sacrificed immediately after completion of treatment, while the remaining six were allowed to recuperate for an additional 15 days. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), GFAP immunohistochemistry, and evaluation of TNFα, IL-6, MDA, and CAT activity were performed on the frontal cortex and hippocampus. (3) Results: Treated animals displayed a dose- and time-dependent increase in anxiety-like behavior and severe ultrastructural changes in neurons, astrocytes, and capillaries in both brain regions. Immunohistochemistry displayed astrogliosis with altered cell morphology. TNFα, IL-6, MDA, and CAT activity were significantly altered, depending on brain region and time post exposure. (4) Conclusions: AgNPs-CM induced neurobehavioral changes and severe cell lesions that continued to escalate after cessation of exposure.

Effects of silver nanoparticles functionalized with Cornus mas L. extract on architecture and apoptosis in rat testicle

Aim: To assess ultrastructural changes, alterations in matrix metalloproteinase activity and apoptosis induced by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the rat testicle. Materials & methods: For 45 days, two groups of animals received different doses of AgNPs (0.8 and 1.5 mg/kg b.w.), and a control group was given the buffer used as vehicle for AgNPs. At 7 and 15 days post-treatment, transmission electron microscopy, TUNEL assay, evaluation of NFkB, pNFkB, p53, Bcl-2 and Nrf2 expressions were performed on the removed testes. Results: Transmission electron microscopy revealed severe ultrastructural changes of interstitial tissue and seminiferous epithelium sustained by positive signal for apoptosis. The promatrix metalloproteinase-2 activity and NFkB, Bcl-2 expressions were increased, mainly at 7 days. Conclusion: AgNPs induced severe cell lesions identified even a long time after the exposure.

Chemo-mapping and biochemical-modulatory and antioxidant/prooxidant effect of Galium verum extract during acute restraint and dark stress in female rats

Galium verum is a well-known medicinal plant which is used in various pathologies. G. verum extracts are characterized here using chromatography, where among the rich pool of phenolic acids of flavonoids two known anti-stress modulators, chlorogenic acid and rutin are identified in high quantities. Additionally, the extracts are characterized using a series of in vitro assays (EPR, DPPH, TPC and TEAC). Considering the chemical findings, the potential beneficial effects of the G. verum extract are explored here in a living organism exposed to stress induced oxidative damages. Thus, the biochemical-modulatory and antioxidant roles of two doses of G. verum extract are examined in animals exposed to acute restraint and dark stress (S). The animals were divided in groups [control, S, SG1 (exposed to 25 mg G. verum extract), SG2 (50 mg extract)]. Increased levels of lipid peroxidation (TBARS from 4.43 to 8.06 nmol/mL), corticosterone from 0.43 to 1.96 μg/dL and epinephrine from 44.43 to 126.7 μg/mL, as well as decreased antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD/CAT) were observed in the S group. The G. verum extract afforded a near-normal equilibrium within the biochemical parameters of animals exposed to RS, by reducing oxidative damage (TBARS at a 3.73 nmol/mL; CS at 0.90 μg/dL; EP at 63.72 μg/mL) and by restoring the antioxidant balance.

Abdominal muscle size and symmetry at rest and during abdominal hollowing exercises in healthy control subjects

The symmetry of, and physical characteristics influencing, the thickness of the lateral abdominal muscles at rest and during abdominal exercises were examined in 57 healthy subjects (20 men, 37 women; aged 22-62 years). M-mode ultrasound images were recorded from the abdominal muscles at rest and during abdominal hollowing exercises in hook-lying. The fascial lines bordering the transvs. abdominis, obliquus internus and obliquus externus were digitized and the absolute thickness, relative thickness (% of total lateral thickness) and contraction ratio (thickness during hollowing/thickness at rest), as well as the asymmetry (difference between sides expressed as a percent of the smallest value for the two sides) for each of these parameters were determined for each muscle. Both at rest and during hollowing, obliquus internus was the thickest and transvs. abdominis the thinnest muscle. There were no significant differences between left and right sides for group mean thicknesses of any muscle; however, individual asymmetries were evident, with mean values for the different muscles ranging from 11% to 26%; asymmetry was much less for the contraction ratios (mean % side differences, 5-14% depending on muscle). Body mass was the most significant positive predictor of absolute muscle thickness, for all muscles at rest and during hollowing, accounting for 30-44% variance. Body mass index explained 20-30% variance in transvs. abdominis contraction ratio (negative relationship). The influence of these confounders must be considered in comparative studies of healthy controls and back pain patients, unless groups are very carefully matched. Asymmetries observed in patients should be interpreted with caution, as they are also common in healthy subjects.

Multidisciplinary treatment for chronic pain: a systematic review of interventions and outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To provide an overview of the effectiveness of multidisciplinary treatments of chronic pain and investigate about their differential effects on outcome in various pain conditions and of different multidisciplinary treatments, settings or durations.

METHODS

In this article, the authors performed a systematic review of all currently available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) fulfilling the inclusion criteria, by using a recently developed rating system aimed to assess the strength of evidence with regard to the methodological quality of the trials.

RESULTS

Compared with other non-disciplinary treatments, moderate evidence of higher effectiveness for multidisciplinary interventions was shown. In contrast to no treatment or standard medical treatment, strong evidence was detected in favour of multidisciplinary treatments. The evidence that comprehensive inpatient programmes were more beneficial that outpatient programmes was moderate. Fibromyalgia and chronic back pain patients tended to profit more substantially than patients with diverse origins or chronic pain diagnoses. No evidence was found that treatment variables, such as duration or programme components, were influential for the success of the intervention.

CONCLUSION

A standard of multidisciplinary programmes should be internationally established to guarantee generally good outcomes in the treatment of chronic pain. Our results highlight the lack of quality of design, execution or reporting of many of the RCTs included in this article. Future studies should more specifically focus on differential effects of treatment components and patient variables, allowing the identification of subgroups, which most probably would profit from multidisciplinary pain programmes.

A prospective open-label treatment trial of olanzapine monotherapy in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of olanzapine in the treatment of acute mania in children and adolescents.

METHODS

This was an 8-week, open-label, prospective study of olanzapine monotherapy (dose range 2.5-20 mg/day) involving 23 bipolar youths (manic, mixed, or hypomanic; 5-14 years old). Weekly assessments were made using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Clinical Global Impressions Severity Scale (CGI-S), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, and Children's Depression Rating Scale. Adverse events were assessed through self-reports, vital sign and weight monitoring, laboratory analytes, and extrapyramidal symptom rating scales (Barnes Akathisia Scale, Simpson-Angus Scale, and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale).

RESULTS

Twenty-two of the 23 youths (96%) completed the study. Olanzapine treatment was associated with significant improvement in mean YMRS score (-19.0 +/- 9.2, p < 0.001). Using predefined criteria for improvement of > or = 30% decline in the YMRS and a CGI-S Mania score of < or = 3 at endpoint, the overall response rate was 61%. Overall, olanzapine was well tolerated, and extrapyramidal symptom measures were not significantly different from baseline. Body weight increased significantly over the study (5.0 +/- 2.3 kg, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Open-label olanzapine treatment was efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of acute mania in youths with bipolar disorder. Future placebo-controlled, double-blind studies are warranted.

Application of a lectin from the mushroom Polysporus squamosus for the histochemical detection of the NeuAcalpha2,6Galbeta1,4Glc/GlcNAc sequence of N-linked oligosaccharides: a comparison with the Sambucus nigra lectin

The lectin from the mushroom Polysporus squamosus (PSL) has an extended carbohydrate combining site, which exhibits a high specificity and affinity toward the NeuAc5alpha2,6Galbeta1,4Glc/GlcNAc trisaccharide sequence of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides. Therefore, PSL should be a superior reagent to the lectin from Sambucus nigra (SNA), which does not discriminate between alpha2,6-linked NeuAc5 present either in asparagine- or serine/threonine-linked oligosaccharides. We have prepared a digoxigenin-conjugated PSL and applied it for histochemistry and blotting. We observed a more restricted staining pattern by PSL as compared to SNA in paraffin sections from different rat organs. Pretreatment of sections with N-glycanase F abolished PSL staining indicating that it interacts only with asparagine-linked oligosaccharides. Furthermore, PSL staining was neuraminidase sensitive. In contrast, SNA staining was only partially sensitive to N-glycanase F pretreatment demonstrating that it was in part due to alpha2,6-linked NeuAc5 present in serine/threonine-linked oligosaccharides. The most striking observation in this regard was that PSL, in contrast to SNA, did not stain the mucus of sheep submandibular gland, which is extremely rich in serine/threonine-linked Neu5Acalpha2,6N-acetylgalactosamine. Furthermore, in some tissues neuraminidase pretreatment resulted in increased intensity of SNA staining probably due to binding to exposed terminal N-acetylgalactosamine residues. Collectively, these results indicate that PSL is a useful tool for the histochemical detection of alpha2,6-linked NeuAc5 in asparagine-linked oligosaccharides.

Efficacy of olanzapine in acute bipolar mania: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The Olanzipine HGGW Study Group

BACKGROUND

We compared the efficacy and safety of olanzapine vs placebo for the treatment of acute bipolar mania.

METHODS

Four-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel study. A total of 115 patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of bipolar disorder, manic or mixed, were randomized to olanzapine, 5 to 20 mg/d (n = 55), or placebo (n = 60). The primary efficacy measure was the Young-Mania Rating Scale (Y-MRS) total score. Response and euthymia were defined, a priori, as at least a 50% improvement from baseline to end point and as a score of no less than 12 at end point in the Y-MRS total score, respectively. Safety was assessed using adverse events, Extrapyramidal Symptom (EPS) rating scales, laboratory values, electrocardiograms, vital signs, and weight change.

RESULTS

Olanzapine-treated patients demonstrated a statistically significant greater mean (+/- SD) improvement in Y-MRS total score than placebo-treated patients (-14.8 +/- 12.5 and -8.1 +/- 12.7, respectively; P<.001), which was evident at the first postbaseline observation 1 week after randomization and was maintained throughout the study (last observation carried forward). Olanzapine-treated patients demonstrated a higher rate of response (65% vs 43%, respectively; P =.02) and euthymia (61% vs 36%, respectively; P =. 01) than placebo-treated patients. There were no statistically significant differences in EPSs between groups. However, olanzapine-treated patients had a statistically significant greater mean (+/- SD) weight gain than placebo-treated patients (2.1 +/- 2.8 vs 0.45 +/- 2.3 kg, respectively) and also experienced more treatment-emergent somnolence (21 patients [38.2%] vs 5 [8.3% ], respectively).

CONCLUSION

Olanzapine demonstrated greater efficacy than placebo in the treatment of acute bipolar mania and was generally well tolerated.

Nonunion of the mandible: an analysis of contributing factors

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to review our experience of nonunion of mandible fractures and to compare this information with the past and present literature. The analysis also evaluated risk factors and those conditions that lead to nonunion so that the complication may be better managed and possible avoided.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of mandible fractures in a major medical center was carried out on patients treated from 1994 through 1998. The nonunion cases were evaluated for factors such as age, sex, race, cause of fracture, location of fracture, delay until the patient obtained treatment, teeth in the fracture line, use of antibiotics, multiplicity of fractures, degree of fragmentation, medical problems, and drug and alcohol abuse. The adequacy of reduction and appropriateness of the fixation techniques were evaluated by analysis of the postoperative imaging studies. Postoperative occlusion and patient compliance were also included in the evaluation.

RESULTS

Of the 906 patients with 1,432 mandible fractures, there were 25 nonunion complications, for an incidence of 2.8%. Most patients with nonunion were men who had received the fracture as a result of an altercation. The nonunion was frequently noted in the body, and was almost twice as common (39% vs 17.6%) in patients with multiple fractures than in a randomly selected group who did not have the complication. Delayed treatment was noted in 8 of the patients, and teeth were present in the fracture line in another 8. Alcohol and drug abuse were prevalent, and 1 of 5 of the patients removed their fixation devices. Eight patients were believed to be stabilized inadequately, and 1 patient also had a poor reduction. Osteomyelitis was a common complication.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of nonunion appears to be unchanged over time regardless of the varied and presumably advanced methods of fixation and reduction. Multiple fractures were a contributory factor, and the body of the mandible appeared to be a common site. Many patients had osteomyelitis associated with the nonunion. Inadequate stabilization or reduction were important causes. Other suspected contributory factors included failure to provide antibiotics, delay in treatment, teeth in the fracture line, alcohol and drug abuse, inexperience of the surgeon, and lack of patient compliance.

Thomsen-Friedenreich glycotope is expressed in developing and normal kidney but not in renal neoplasms

The Thomsen-Friedenreich glycotope (TF) is considered a general carcinoma autoantigen and is therefore of importance in cancer diagnosis and immunotherapy. We report the distribution of the TF glycotope in developing and adult human kidney and renal neoplasms. A monoclonal antibody and the lectin amaranthin were used to study the TF and its sialylated, masked form by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. In developing kidney, the TF was restricted to the loop of Henle, distal tubules, and peripheral collecting ducts, whereas its sialylated form was detectable in all epithelial differentiations derived from the 2 embryonic anlagen, the metanephrogenic blastema being unreactive. This pattern was essentially preserved in adult kidney, with TF labeling beginning in the thick ascending limb and extending into the collecting ducts of outer medulla. The sialylated TF glycotope was additionally observed in ascending thin limbs. The TF was exclusively expressed in the luminal cell surface and hence was inaccessible to immune reactions. Analysis of a spectrum of renal neoplasms failed to detect the TF, with the exception of occasional staining of tubules in nephroblastoma. Moreover, the sialylated TF was only detectable in oncocytoma, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, cystic nephroma, nephroblastoma, and nephroblastomatosis complex and occasionally in type 1 papillary renal cell carcinoma. Thus, the TF and its sialylated form are expressed in normal developing and adult kidney. However, the TF does not seem to represent a tumor-associated glycotope in human kidney, nor does it appear to be of value in diagnosis and immunotherapy of renal neoplasms.

Specialized expression of simple O-glycans along the rat kidney nephron

Glycosyltransferases can exhibit tissue-specific expression. By histochemistry glycosyltransferases and their products can be localized to specific cell types in organs of complex cellular composition. We have applied the lectin Amaranthin, having a nominal specificity for Galbeta1,3GalNAcR and Neu5Ac2,3Galbeta1, 3GalNAcalpha-R, and a monoclonal antibody raised against Galbeta1, 3GalNAcalphaR to examine the distribution of these simple O-glycans in adult rat kidney. The monoclonal antibody stained ascending thin limbs of Henle, distal convoluted tubules, and collecting ducts of cortex and outer medulla. Remarkably, the ascending thick limb of Henle, located between ascending thin limb and distal convoluted tubules, was unreactive. However, Amaranthin staining was detectable in ascending thick limbs of Henle, in addition to the structures positive with the monoclonal antibody. In kidney extracts, two bands of approximately 160 kDa and >210 kDa were reactive with both Amaranthin and the monoclonal antibody. One band at approximately 200 kDa, and a smear at approximately 100 kDa, were reactive only with Amaranthin. Our data show that in rat kidney simple O-linked glycans are expressed in a highly specialized manner along the renal tubule and can be detected only on a few glycoproteins. This may reflect a cell-type-specific expression of the corresponding glycosyltransferases.

Differentiation-related expression of the Thomsen-Friedenreich glycotope in developing human lung and in lung carcinoma: lack of association with malignancy

BACKGROUND

It has been proposed that the Thomsen-Friedenreich glycotope represents a general carcinoma-associated antigen and a candidate for the development of a tumor vaccine. However, the expression of the unmasked and masked (sialylated) forms in lung carcinomas, as well as in developing and adult human lung, has not been documented sufficiently.

METHODS

Sections from 82 lung carcinomas, including squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, and large cell and small cell carcinomas, as well as sections of developing and adult human lung were studied using the lectin amaranthin and a monoclonal antibody.

RESULTS

All lung carcinomas but one bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma were unreactive for the Thomsen-Friedenreich glycotope, whereas its sialylated form was detectable in well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas, including bronchiolo-alveolar carcinomas. Both unmasked and masked Thomsen-Friedenreich glycotopes were undetectable in large cell and small cell lung carcinomas. In all developmental stages of lung, the Thomsen-Friedenreich glycotope was expressed only in epithelia of the most peripheral parts of the bronchial tree, whereas its sialylated form was expressed in epithelia of all parts of the bronchial tree. In adult lung, the Thomsen-Friedenreich glycotope was expressed in pneumocytes, whereas its sialylated form was expressed ubiquitously in all epithelia.

CONCLUSIONS

The Thomsen-Friedenreich glycotope in human lung represents a differentiation antigen, rather than a carcinoma-associated antigen. The sialylated form is expressed constitutively in both developing and adult lung and well-differentiated lung carcinomas. Thus, the Thomsen-Friedenreich glycotope is of limited value in the diagnosis of lung carcinoma, and there is no rationale for a Thomsen-Friedenreich glycotope-based immunotherapy for patients with this disease.

Olanzapine versus placebo in the treatment of acute mania. Olanzapine HGEH Study Group

OBJECTIVE

The primary intent of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of olanzapine and placebo in the treatment of acute mania.

METHOD

The design involved a random-assignment, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study of 3 weeks' duration. After a 2- to 4-day screening period, qualified patients were assigned to either olanzapine (N = 70) or placebo (N = 69). Patients began double-blind therapy with either olanzapine, 10 mg, or placebo given once per day. After the first day of treatment, the daily dose could be adjusted upward or downward, as clinically indicated, by one capsule (olanzapine, 5 mg/day) within the allowed range of one to four capsules. The primary efficacy measure in the protocol was defined as a change from baseline to endpoint in total score on the Young Mania Rating Scale. Clinical response was defined a priori as a decrease of 50% or more from baseline in Young Mania Rating Scale total score.

RESULTS

The olanzapine group experienced significantly greater mean improvement in Young Mania Rating Scale total score than the placebo group. On the basis of the clinical response criteria, significantly more olanzapine-treated patients (48.6%) responded than those assigned to placebo (24.2%). Somnolence, dizziness, dry mouth, and weight gain occurred significantly more often with olanzapine. There were no statistically significant differences between the olanzapine-treated and placebo-treated patients with respect to measures of parkinsonism, akathisia, and dyskinesias. No discontinuations of treatment due to adverse events occurred in the olanzapine treatment group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this study suggest that compared with placebo, olanzapine has superior efficacy for the symptoms of acute mania.

Postcolumn radionuclide detection of low-energy beta emitters in capillary electrophoresis

A postcolumn radionuclide detection system for capillary electrophoresis (CE) is described. Eluant from an electrophoresis capillary is directed onto a peptide binding membrane that has been previously coated with a solid scintillator. The membrane is moved in a preselected pattern relative to the fixed capillary outlet during electrophoresis. Light emission from scintillation is imaged onto a charge-coupled device (CCD) using a series of 35-mm camera lenses. Detection of two low-energy beta- emitters (35S and 3H) not previously reported for capillary electrophoresis is demonstrated. The separation efficiencies are similar to those obtained with on-line UV detection. The response for 35S-labeled methionine is linear (r2 = 0.996) from 66 amol to 11 fmol. Detection limits are 88 zmol (0.03 Bq) for 32P-labeled analytes, 17 amol (0.94 Bq) for 35S-labeled analytes, and 8 fmol (8.5 Bq) for 3H-labeled analytes.

Heart metabolic modifications induced by nifedipine treatment in normo- and hypertensive Wistar rats

Male Wistar rats weighing 150 +/- 10 g at the beginning of the experiment were used. The animals were divided in to four groups: control group (C); Hypertensive group (H) (Hypertension induced by subcutaneously injecting desoxycorticosterone acetate: 14 mg/kg b. w./day and intragastric tubage administration of 30% sodium chloride: 3 g NaCl/kg b. w./day for 4 weeks); normotensive group receiving Nifedipine (N) (0.5 mg/Kg b. w./day); hypertensive group receiving Nifedipine (HN) (hypertension was induced as in group H and Nifedipine dose was as in group N). We observed that hypertensive status as well as Nifedipine treatment caused an increase of preference of rat heart muscle to utilize its glycogen as carbohydrate energy source instead of added glucose to incubation medium.

[A psychological profile of subjects from industrial sectors with cardiovascular diseases interviewed via the H. J. Eysenck questionnaire]

Authors in the literature are unanimous in considering type A personality as an individual characteristic susceptible to cardiovascular risk. The latter, in its turn, is regarded, after H. J. Eysenck [4], as an association of the scores of extroversion and neurosis. Starting from this assumption, we set out to outline a profile of the cardiovascular patient using the "Eysenck" questionnaire. The study population included 126 industrial workers compared to a matching control set. The resulting profile displayed neurotic components within an ego perpetually frustrated in its needs of well-being, emotional satisfaction and rewarding social relations (-1,dark blue, Lüscher colour test in its shortened variant). Stress and introversion foster neuroticism and encourage the ego in its compulsive quest for autonomy, "eccentric" behaviour in actual situations and egocentric attitudes in reserve. Findings suggest that the "H. J. Eysenck" test for introversion-extroversion and neuroticism, as well as the Lüscher colour test (the shortened variant) are likely to be useful predictive tools in cardiovascular disease.

Hydrocortisone action on the thiol groups of the thymus

The total (T) proteic (P) and non proteic (NP)-SH groups in the thymus of male Wistar rats were assayed and the P/NP ratio calculated. Hydrocortisone was administered to the experimental groups as follows: 1, 6, 15 and 45 mg/100 g body weight. Up to a dose of 6 mg HC, the thiol groups decrease progressively, especially the NP groups. At higher doses, the first two--SH groups (T and P) continue to decrease quantitatively, whereas the NP thiol groups notably increase. In the author's opinion, this is due to the exacerbating stages encountered during stress.

Hormonal influences upon the in vitro glucose uptake in the thymus of adrenalectomized rats

The experiments carried out on male albino Wistar rats weighing 100 g show that following adrenalectomy the in vitro glucose uptake in the thymus may be influenced by a series of hormones. The inhibitory action of hydrocortisone upon this phenomenon is intensified, while desoxycorticosterone acetate brings the glucose uptake back to the level found in the normal rat's thymus. Insulin stimulates markedly the glucose consumption in the thymus, while in the glands of adrenalectomized rats it reduces the inhibitory effect of both hydrocortisone and desoxycorticosterone acetate.

In vitro activity of oxolinic acid and nalidixic acid against common urinary pathogens: a comparative study

A study was carried out to compare the sensitivity of 500 bacterial strains, isolated from patients with urinary tract infections, to oxolinic acid and nalidixic acid. The results showed that whilst both antibacterial agents were similar in their bacterial spectrum they were not identical in terms of cross-sensitivity or resistance. Where there was a difference in sensitivity, this was always in flavour of oxolinic acid and was particularly evident in the case of Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Klebsiella, Proteus (especially P. rettgeri), and to a lesser extent Citrobacter.