Uptake characteristics of loracarbef and cephalexin in the Caco-2 cell culture model: effects of the proton gradient and possible presence of a distinctive second component

The mechanisms of apical (AP) uptake of cephalexin (CEPH) and loracarbef (LOR) in the absence or presence of an (extemally imposed) proton gradient were determined using well-stirred diffusion chambers that minimize the effects of the unstirred water layer. The results indicated that, compared to AP uptake in the presence of an imposed proton gradient, AP uptake in the absence of an imposed proton gradient had higher K(m) values and lower Jmax values. Furthermore, when inhibition studies were performed in the absence of a proton gradient, only natural peptides were effective, whereas the peptide analogs (e.g., enalapril) were not. In addition to the effects of concentration and competitive inhibitors, the results also indicated that (1) the AP uptake of both drugs was decreased more than 60% by FCCP, regardless of whether the proton gradient was present or absent; (2) effects of protein kinase C promoter were dependent upon the presence of a proton gradient; and (3) AP uptake in the presence of an imposed proton gradient was not affected by feeding restriction, whereas AP uptake in the absence of an imposed proton gradient was. These results showed for the first time that two substrates with similar AP uptake characteristics in the presence of an imposed proton gradient may not share those characteristics in the absence of an imposed proton gradient. Taken together, these results suggest that the AP uptake component that functions in the absence of an imposed proton gradient is distinctly different from the one that functions in the presence of an imposed proton gradient. Data generated from the present study and those in the literature lend support to the hypothesis that this distinctive component represents the second binding site on the AP peptide transporter. However, an alternative hypothesis that there are two AP peptide transporters remains to be disapproved.     

Laser therapy of Barrett''s mucosa

Midden and Dahl, in a recent paper, have presented important data on the inactivation of bacteria by singlet oxygen. In analyzing the data, use was made of a theory published earlier by the present author. The purpose of this paper is to point out that theory and experiment can be brought into better agreement by assuming that the interaction of singlet oxygen with the bacteria takes place in an essentially lipid environment rather than aqueous.     

Epoxidation of olefines with PDMS membranes containing zeolite occluded manganese diimine complexes

A new composite catalyst for selective epoxidation of olefins with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) is reported. The catalyst contains manganese diimine complexes (cis-Mn bis-2,2′-Bipyridyl), occluded within a NaY zeolite, in turn incorporated in a polydimethylsiloxane membrane (cis-[Mn(bpy)₂]²⁺-NaY-PDMS). The three-step synthesis consists of a Mn²⁺exchange of NaY, ligand sorption to form cis-[Mn(bpy)₂]²⁺-NaY and incorporation of the latter in a PDMS membrane. The major differences between [Mn(bpy)₂]²⁺-NaY as such and occluded in PDMS are observed in the sorption and catalytic characteristics. With the membrane system, the use of a solvent becomes obsolete. Whereas optimal cyclohexene oxidation with [Mn(bpy)₂]²⁺-NaY occurs with hydrogen peroxide in acetone, tBuOOH proves to be a better oxidant for [Mn(bpy)₂]²⁺-NaY-PDMS. The reactions in batch and fed-batch reactors are discussed. A simple regeneration procedure, monitored by FT-IR spectroscopy is proposed.     

Use of acetabular models in planning complex acetabular reconstructions

The number of patients requiring revision total hip arthroplasty continues to increase each year. Accurate preoperative planning is a key factor in obtaining a good result. Radiographs provide little information concerning the actual extent of the acetabular defects. Computed tomography-generated models of the acetabulum can provide the surgeon with accurate information concerning the size and location of the defects. Evaluation of radiographs and models in 24 cases showed that radiographs alone failed to detect all 13 anterior wall defects (P < .001), 8 of 18 posterior wall defects (44.4%, P < .001), and 8 of 19 segmental central defects (42%, P < .001), all of which were easily identified with the models. This study showed that preoperative planning based on the foam models accurately predicted the actual implant used in 22 of 24 cases (92%).     

A new eicosapentaenoic acid formed from arachidonic acid in the coralline red algaeBossiella orbigniana

Aqueous extracts of the coralline red algaeBossiella orbigniana have been shown to catalyze the enzymatic oxidation of arachidonic acid to a previously unreported ω6 eicosapentaenoic acid product. This unique fatty acid contains a conjugated tetraene with absorption maxima at 293, 306, and 321 nm, and was identified by spectral methods as 5(Z),8(Z),10(E),12(E),14(Z)-eicosapentaenoic acid. The compound was given the trivial name bosseopentaenoic acid. Under experimental conditions, production of bosseopentaenoic acid was linear up to 2 hr and dioxygen was consumed. Bosseopentaenoic acid, along with several other conjugated tetraenes, was also present in the algae endogenously as revealed by a comparison of the ultraviolet (UV) spectra and the high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) pattern of the purified product and the organic extract ofBossiella.     

The detection and documentation of trace wound patterns by use of an alternative light source

This article is a discussion of the use of narrow-band light sources coupled with cameras equipped with band-pass filters to document patterned injuries on human skin. Several case reports are included.     

Intrathecal narcotics for labor analgesia

Intrathecal narcotics are a relatively recent addition to the list of analgesic options that are available for the management of labor pain. Pain during the first stage of labor is related to repetitive uterine contractions and resultant cervical dilatation, while pain during the second stage is due to stretching of the perineum. Traditionally, continuous epidural analgesia has been used as the reference standard for providing comfort during labor. Intrathecal narcotics represent a safe and effective alternative that provides significant, rapid relief of labor pain during the first stage of labor. The drugs most often used for intrathecal administration include sufentanil, fentanyl, meperidine and morphine. Use of intrathecal narcotics does not significantly affect the natural progression of labor, and no adverse fetal outcomes have been reported.     

Immunohistochemical and molecular characterization of the rat 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II enzyme

Mineralocorticoid action is facilitated by 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II (11 beta HSD2), which metabolizes glucocorticoids and allows aldosterone to bind to the nonselective mineralocorticoid receptor. We have recently demonstrated the presence of the 11 beta HSD2 protein in a wide range of human epithelia, suggesting that it is the sole isoform endowing specificity in man. In the present study we have used an immunopurified polyclonal antibody (RAH23) raised against a C-terminal peptide derived from the cloned rat 11 beta HSD2 protein to perform immunohistochemical and molecular analysis in rat tissues. In frozen sections of rat kidney, strong staining was seen with the RAH23 antibody in the distal tubule; weaker staining was observed in the thick ascending loop of Henle and the medullary and papillary collecting ducts. Punctate cortical staining was observed in the fetus at 20 days gestation and in 8-day-old rats, with a noticeable increase in the staining pattern at 16 days of age. The kidney did not attain the adult pattern of staining until 28 days of age. Epithelia of ileum and colon also stained with RAH23, as did excretory ducts of the submandibular gland. Intrahepatic and excretory bile ducts displayed strong immunoreactivity in the epithelial lining. Rat adrenal glands showed evidence of the 11 beta HSD2 antigen in the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis, but not in the zona glomerulosa or medulla. Western blot analysis with the RAH23 antibody revealed strong bands in the kidney, colon, adrenal gland, and submandibular gland at 40 kDa, colinear with the migration of the cloned 11 beta HSD2 enzyme. A band of medium intensity was also seen at this size in the pancreas, whereas a band of moderate intensity was seen in the bile duct, and weaker bands were noticed in the stomach, small intestine, and liver, with a diffuse band at 36-42 kDa in the prostate. Strong bands were seen in the pancreas and prostate at 78 kDa, with weaker signals in the colon, adrenal, stomach, and bile duct. A number of tissues also displayed multiple bands at about 30 kDa. Enzymatic assays on tissue homogenates showed extensive conversion of corticosterone to its 11-dehydro product in an NAD-dependent manner in the submandibular gland, adrenal gland, and kidney, but not in the pancreas or prostate. This study confirms the ubiquitous presence of 11 beta HSD2 in sodium-transporting epithelia, demonstrates the high level of 11 beta HSD2 protein and enzyme activity in the rat adrenal, and suggests a possible role for the enzyme in the biliary system. Further studies are required to determine the relevance of the various molecular species to the activity, latency, and processing of the enzyme.     

Management of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal stenosis in children

Nasopharyngeal stenosis and oropharyngeal stenosis are rare and challenging problems in the pediatric population. The most common etiology is currently the surgical trauma associated with adenotonsillectomy. Stenosis can vary from a thin band to a complete obstructing cicatrix. Presenting symptoms range from mild hyponasal speech to severe airway obstruction. We present a series of eight children with varying degrees of stenosis and associated symptoms. Choice of treatment varied with the severity of disease. In our series, successful interventions included triamcinolone acetonide injection, lysis of adhesions, rotational and advancement mucosal flaps, and jejunal free flap. Preoperative evaluation and individualized surgical repair are essential for successful treatment.