Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of stereoisomeric analogues of ifosfamide

Analogues of ifosfamide (IPA): racemic bromofosfamide (+/-)-(R,S)-KM 135, racemic chlorobromofosfamide (+/-)-(R,S)-CBM 4a and levorotatory enantiomer of chlorobromofosfamide (-)-(S)-CBM 11 belong to the known group of oxazaphosphorines. Antitumor activity of those three selected compounds, investigated in the Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences in Wroc?aw against L1210 leukemia, Lewis lung carcinoma and B16 melanoma tumor model system showed cytostatic activity higher than the referential - ifosfamide [1]. These interesting data prompted us to conduct the preclinical pharmacokinetic studies in rats.     

Predictor of transplanted kidney deterioration following pregnancy--daily urine protein loss or serum creatinine concentration?

The study was concerned with assay of alpha 1.2-microglobulins (MGs) and pregnancy-associated alpha 1.2-glucoproteins (PAGs) which are considered nonspecific markers. The study group included 52 patients with gastric precancer and 40 patients with gastric tumors. A correlation was established between MG levels and carcinogenesis which may be interpreted as an indicator of malignant transformation of chronic ulcer or metastasis development following radical surgery for stomach cancer.     

Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) in diagnosis of anemia

In iron deficiency, zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) is produced instead of heme, and the ZPP concentration in erythrocytes increased (normal value < 2.3 micrograms ZPP/g Hb). The ZPP level and comparison with the other normally used tests in iron deficiency in the group of the patients with iron deficiency, ACD, MDS, AML, plasmocytoma was investigated. The ZPP level was determined by hematofluorometry in samples from 96 patients. Thirty five patients with iron depletion showed decreased both serum ferritin (median 5.9 ng/ml), and hemoglobin level (median 9.8 g/dl) with significantly increased ZPP level (median 8.5 micrograms/gHb). An increased level of ZPP (median 3.95 micrograms/gHb) with normal level of ferritin (median 24 ng/ml) and iron (median 50 (g/dl) in the serum of patients with ACD was determined. Measurement of ZPP level in the combination with ferritin and peripheral blood morphology allows to classify the degree of iron deficiency. The ZPP levels higher than 4.55 micrograms/gHb confirms iron deficiency in the group of anaemic patients.     

Division of the human claustrum according to its architectonics and morphometric parameters

The topography and cytoarchitectonics of the claustrum as well as morphometric parameters of its neurons were studied in 10 human brains obtained from patients without any detectable neuropathological changes. We distinguished four parts of the claustrum: dorsal, orbital, temporal and paraamygdalar. The dorsal and orbital parts contain larger cells, than those of the temporal and paraamygdalar parts, although these differences were statistically non significant. The highest neuronal density was observed in the paraamygdalar part. The nucleus and nucleus@cell body area ratio was significantly smaller in the dorsal part than in other parts of the claustrum. We described three types of neurons in the claustrum: (1) medium-sized either fusiform or triangular cells with darkly stained cytoplasm; they predominate in the dorsal and temporal parts, (2) medium-sized as well as large cells, either multipolar or pyramidal-like with lightly stained cytoplasm; they are most numerous in the orbital and paraamygdalar parts, (3) small, multipolar or oval neurons with darkly stained ring of cytoplasm; these types of neurons are uniformly distributed throughout all parts of the claustrum. The subdivision of the human claustrum is in accordance with our observations that each of these parts possesses connections with different cortical regions.     

Early cellular and humoral response after vascular prosthesis implantation in the arterial system]

The aim of the study was to determine the level of leukocytes activation after the implantation of vascular graft. As an experimental model we used 20 dogs. The aorto-iliac unilateral graft (dacron 6 mm) was implanted to all animals. The adhesion and migration of the leukocytes was estimated postoperatively by scintigraphy using Tc99 labeled leukocytes. The increased migration and adhesion was found in both proximal and distal anastomoses till the 30th postoperative day and it was more intensive in the distal anastomosis.     

Interhemispheric extracranial and intracranial tumor of parietal area (chondromyxoid fibroma) in a 13-year-old child with 7 years of follow-up

A case of extra-intracranial, parietal chondromyxoid fibroma in a 13-year old girl operated successfully and followed by 7-years observation is presented. Apart from infrequent occurrence of the tumour diagnostic difficulties due to atypical cranial location are emphasized.