Cytostatic activity of some essential oils against HEp-2 cells

Samples of different essential oils have been tested for their cytostatic activity. The samples of cinnamon and clove essential oils showed a strong in vitro activity against HEp-2 cells.     

Serum and ascitic concentration of C3, C4 and protein in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

BACKGROUND: Lower concentration of ascitic or serum complement (C3, C4) or protein has been reported to participate in the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). In Taiwan, the etiology of hepatic cirrhosis is mainly post-hepatic and SBP is the common complication. This study aims to determine the role of protein and complements in the pathogenesis of SBP. METHODS: 119 cirrhotic patients were divided into two groups, 30 SBP and 89 non-SBP. The concentrations of ascitic and serum complement and protein were measured for comparison. RESULTS: The ascitic and serum C3, C4 and protein levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in patients with SBP than in non-SBP patients. No significant differences were noted in the ascites/serum ratio of C3, C4 and protein in patient with or without SBP. CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of ascitic and serum protein and complements, C3 and C4, may be prone to develop SBP in our patients mostly with post-hepatitic cirrhosis.     

Kidney tumors in Africa. Incidence and anatomo-clinical aspects. Apropos of 123 observed cases at the Central Hospital and at the University Hospital Center in Cameroon

123 renal tumours, among which 4 benign, were observed in 13 years. Renal tumours have a low incidence in Africa and are mostly seen in young patients. Nephroblastoma is the most frequent of these tumours. The clinical and paraclinical aspects of these tumours have nothing particular but the diagnosis is usually late.     

Murine intranasal challenge model for the study of Campylobacter pathogenesis and immunity

Campylobacter jejuni infection of mice initiated by intranasal administration was investigated as a potential model for studies of pathogenesis and immunity. By using a standard challenge (5 x 10(9) CFU), C. jejuni 81-176 was more virulent for BALB/c (72% mortality) than for C3H/Hej (50%), CBA/CAJ (30%), or C58/J (0%). Intranasal challenge of BALB/c was used to compare the relative virulence of three reference strains; C.jejuni 81-176 was more virulent (killing 83% of challenged mice) than C. jejuni HC (0%) or C. coli VC-167 (0%). The course of intranasally initiated C. jejuni 81-176 infection in BALB/c was determined. C. jejuni was recovered from the lungs, intestinal tract, liver, and spleen at 4 h after challenge, the first interval evaluated. After this initial interval, three distinct patterns of infection were recognized: (i) a progressive decline in number of C. jejuni CFU (stomach, blood, lungs), (ii) decline followed by a second peak in the number of organisms recovered at 2 or 3 days postchallenge (intestine, liver, mesenteric lymph nodes), and (iii) persistence of approximately the same number of C.jejuni CFU during the course of the experiment (spleen). Intranasally induced infection initiated with a sublethal number of bacteria or intranasal immunization with killed Campylobacter preparations resulted in both the generation of Campylobacter antigen-specific immune responses and an acquired resistance to homologous rechallenge. The model was used to evaluate the relative virulence of nine low-in vitro-passage (no more than five passages) isolates of C. jejuni species from patients with diarrhea. The patient isolates were differentially virulent for mice; one killed all exposed mice, three were avirulent (no deaths) and the remainder showed an intermediate virulence, killing 17 to 33%. Mouse virulence of Campylobacter strains showed a trend toward isolates originating from individuals with watery diarrhea; however, no association was found between mouse virulence and other signs or symptoms. There were no observed relationships between mouse virulence and bacterial Lior serotype or Fla polymorphic group. Intranasal challenge of BALB/c with C. jejuni is a useful model for the study of infection and vaccination-acquired immunity to this agent.     

Quantification of orotic acid in dried filter-paper urine samples by stable isotope dilution

A rapid, sensitive, and specific method for quantification of orotic acid from dried filter-paper urine samples is described. The method involves stable isotope dilution with 1,3-[15N2]orotic acid analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The assay is sufficiently sensitive to be used with solvent extraction techniques commonly used for urinary organic acid analysis. Extraction efficiencies of both native and isotopic orotic acid from dried filter paper and from water were 31% and 28%, respectively. The concentration of orotic acid in dried filter-paper urine specimens from 50 healthy controls was 1.1 +/- 0.67 (mean +/- SD) mmol/mol of urinary creatinine. The same 50 urine samples, analyzed directly from a 5-mL aliquot of liquid urine, gave values of 0.93 +/- 0.51. The correlation coefficient between the results obtained by the two different collection methods was 0.87. Age-related reference values in filter-paper samples are also reported. The concentrations, which are normalized to urinary creatinine, decrease with age. This method is applicable to rapid screening for urea cycle disorders and may also be used for carrier testing of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency.     

Ketomethylenebestatin: synthesis and aminopeptidase inhibition

The synthesis of (6R,5S,2RS)-6-amino-5-hydroxy-2-isobutyl-4-oxo-7- phenylheptanoic acid (9), a carbaanalogue of the aminopeptidase (AP) inhibitor bestatin (1) is described. This synthesis was carried out by a malonic ester alkylation with the suitably protected halomethyl ketone of (2S,3R)-AHPBA*), followed by a second alkylation with isobutyl bromide of the resulting 4-ketodiester, and subsequent decarboxylation and deprotection. The inhibitory potencies of the 1:1 diastereomeric mixture 9 against AP-B, AP-M and Leu-AP were approximately 10-fold lower than those of bestatin.     

Success of glucocorticoid replacement therapy on fertility in two adult males with 21-CAH homozygote classic form

A normal gonadal maturation with normal fertility are some of the major goals of long-term replacement therapy in adult males with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). We describe here two young men, G.O. (case A, 23 years old) and S.S.(case B, 24 years old), both with a well defined diagnosis of CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency classic homozygote form (21-CAH). In case A the diagnosis of the 21-CAH classic virilizing form was made at 3 years of age. The patient has undergone glucocorticoid therapy and is now 170 cm tall; all his hormonal findings are within the normal range. The semen analysis has shown a good fertility potential, with a slight modification when the patient decided to discontinue the therapy. In case B the diagnosis of the 21-CAH salt wasting form was performed at 9 days of age. The patient was initially treated with i.v. normal saline solution and a daily i.m. injection of hydrocortisone and, subsequently, with mineral and glucocorticoid replacement therapy po. A satisfactory adult stature (165 cm) was attained. The patient is still on therapy, with a good hormonal profile. The semen analysis has shown an apparently normal fertility. In conclusion, our experience in adult males with 21-CAH, who have been administered prompt and adequate replacement therapy, shows that these patients can attain normal quality of life, satisfactory growth and development, normal sexual maturation and activity, and adequate sperm fertilizing ability, thereby supporting the usefulness of continuing this therapy during adult age.     

Experience in the morbidity associated with double-J catheter indwelling and its management

Placement of internal ureteral stents for internal urinary diversion and prevention of urological complications has been well established. However, indwelling stents have occasionally been associated with patient morbidity and intolerance. A total of 255 patients while the internal ureteral stent had been used were analyzed. The symptoms including urinary frequency (42.0%), hematuria (41.6%) and suprapubic pain (20.4%), loin pain (17.3%) and micturition pain (16.9%) accounted for the major complaints of the stent indwelling patients. The major complications, i.e. stent migration, heavy encrustation, pyelonephritis, fragmentation, intolerance and penetration of collecting structure, were occasionally observed. These complications increase secondary morbidity in patients. The double-J stents should be used carefully with regard to the prevention and treatment of untoward conditions as early as possible.     

Norplant: nursing's responsibility in procreative rights

Trained nurse practitioners can insert the contraceptive implant system Norplant. Courts may call on nurse practitioners to insert Norplant in poor women. Legislative and prosecutorial initiatives to coerce low-income women and female parolees to use contraceptives should not become law. Offering incentives to poor women is another form of involuntary fertility control. Eugenics and the sterilization campaign of the past form the basis for judicial and legislative initiatives to coerce women to accept Norplant. Providers have inserted Norplant in women from other countries without the women knowing the side effects. Often medical personnel do not remove Norplant when women request its removal. Nurses have historically played a public policy role in reproductive rights. They have promoted procreative rights through their roles as educators/counselors, advocators, empowerers, and practitioners. Nursing's power and expertise help protect against punitive government intrusion in reproductive rights and make sure that contraceptive breakthroughs (e.g., Norplant) strengthen procreative choices. They can guide the development of sound public policy. Norplant is not the answer to poverty, child abuse, or drug abuse. Nursing research can help policymakers become more responsive to the contraceptive and reproductive rights of everyone.