Novel diterpenoid diacylglycerols from marine molluscs: potent morphogens and protein kinase C activators

Five novel 1,2-sn-diacylglycerols with diterpenoid acyl moieties in the sn-1 position were isolated and characterized, together with the corresponding 1,3-sn-diacylglycerols, from three species of dorid nudibranchs molluscs. Their potent activity as morphogens in vivo in the Hydra tentacle regeneration assay and their parallel activity as activators of rat brain protein kinase C (PKC) in vitro are reported here. Our findings promote the use of these compounds as useful molecular probes for both in vivo and in vitro studies on the participation of PKC in cell development.     

Laparoscopic identification of preperitoneal nerve anatomy in the inguinal area

The laparoscopic approach has recently been utilized for inguinal hernia repair. Nerve injuries are now being reported. The femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve and the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh appear most at risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of identifying these nerves laparoscopically on either a routine or selective basis. Twenty patients scheduled for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair were prospectively selected. An attempt was made to identify these nerves so that optimum placement of staples could occur. The femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve was identified in 19 of 20 patients and the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh in 18 of 20 patients. A review of 125 laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs revealed five nerve injuries (4%). Details are given and recommendations discussed. Knowledge of preperitoneal anatomy and awareness of the location of these nerves should lead to a safer dissection and more accurate application of staples, hopefully decreasing the incidence of nerve injury.     

Giuseppe Gradenigo and his contributions to audiology

Giuseppe Gradenigo (1859-1926) was an important figure in the development of Otology. Within this paper the authors consider his background and his particular contributions to the development of various aspects of audiology.     

Red-green colour blindness in the Tormes-Alberche Valley (Avila-Central Spain)

A population from a Central Spanish region (Tormes-Alberche Valley) has been investigated for the presence of red-green colour vision defects. A sample of 998 subjects (469 male and 529 female) was analyzed. To identify colour vision defects, Ishihara test plates were used. The red-green colour blindness percentage obtained was 4.69 +/- 0.976% for males (2.13% protan and 2.56% deutan types) and none of the females tested were found to be colour blind. These results are within the variation range of Mediterranean populations and lower than the usual frequencies among non-Mediterranean European samples.     

Antihyperglycemic activity of phenolics from Pterocarpus marsupium

Glucose levels in rats with hyperglycemia induced by streptozotocin were determined after i.p. administration of marsupsin (1), pterosupin (2), and pterostilbene (3), three important phenolic constituents of the heartwood of Pterocarpus marsupium. Marsupsin and pterostilbene significantly lowered the blood glucose level of hyperglycemic rats, and the effect was comparable to that of 1,1-dimethylbiguanide (metformin).