Fertility and Hatchability of Pekin and Muscovy Duck Eggs and Performance of Their Ducklings

Five hundred ten duck eggs of Pekin and each of Muscovy duck eggs were incubated to determine fertility and hatchability. The eggs were cleaned and stored at 18-21oC for 6 days prior to setting in the incubator. The eggs were incubated in a forced-draft electric incubator and the hatching performances were recorded. Ninety Pekin and ninety Muscovy day-old ducklings were randomly selected from the hatched ducklings for a growth trial. Each breed was divided into three replications and each replication had 30 ducklings. They were reared up to 10 weeks of age. Fertility of Muscovy duck eggs tended to be higher (P>0.05) than that of Pekin duck eggs. Hatchability of Pekin egg on fertile egg was higher (P<0.05) than that of Muscovy eggs. But, dead in shell of Muscovy duckling was higher (P<0.05) than that of Pekin duckling. Feed consumption was higher (P<0.01) in Muscovy ducklings than that of Pekin ducklings. Feed conversion was slightly higher (P>0.05) in Muscovy ducklings than that of Pekin. At 10 weeks of age, Muscovy ducklings were slightly heavier (P>0.05) than that of Pekin. It was concluded that the fertility of Pekin and Muscovy ducks are more or less similar while hatchability is higher in Pekin ducks. Muscovy ducks are superior in respect of feed conversion and growth rate.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v20i1-2.16859 Progress. Agric. 20(1 & 2): 93 – 98, 2009

Comparative Study of Antidiabetic Activity of Hexane-Extract of Lemon Peel (Limon citrus) and Glimepiride in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes is classified as a metabolic disorder manifested by elevated level of glucose in the blood. An attempt has been made to compare the antidiabetic activity of hexane extract of lemon peel (Citrus Limon) with that of a marketed product, glimepiride, in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The study was performed by the measurement of blood glucose level using a glucometer. It was found that the hexane extract of lemon peel showed antidiabetic activity comparable to that of glimepiride. It can thus be inferred that the extract of lemon peel possesses significant antidiabetic activity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12577 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 131-134, 2012

Neurofibroma of paranasal sinuses - a case report

Primary neurogenic tumors in nose and paranasal sinuses are unusual entities. The majority of the reported cases have dealt with neurilemmomas and isolated neurofibromas are extremely rare. Here a case of neurofibroma of the paranasal sinuses is described.

Fasting glycaemic and lipidaemic status in acute coronary syndrome patients within 24 hours of onset of chest pain

This is a descriptive type of cross sectional study done in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital during the period of June 2008 to November 2009 to estimate and analyze the fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting lipid profile of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients within 24 hours of onset of chest pain. Total 50 patients of either sex diagnosed as acute coronary syndrome whose fasting blood sample would have been collected within 24 hours of chest pain were included. Among 50 patients 42(84%) were male and 8(16%) were female. Age range was 30-80 years with a mean ± SD of 50.74 ± 12.05 years. Among 50 ACS patients, 9 patients (18%) suffered from unstable angina (US), 2(4%) from non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 39(78%) suffered from ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Study results revealed 41(82%) patients had euglycemia (70-110 mg/dl), 2(4%) patients had impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (110-125 mg/dl), and 7(14%) patients had hyperglycemia (>126 mg/dl). Dyslipidemia found in 38(76%) patients. Among them total cholesterol (TC) >200mg/dl in 14(28%), decreased level of HDL-C (< 40 mg/dl in male and <50mg/dl in female) in 22(44%), increased level LDL-C ≥ 130 mg/dl in 13(26%), and TG >150 mg/dl was found in 16(32%) patients.

Pattern of congenital heart diseases

This prospective observational study was done to find out the frequency of various forms of congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosed by echocardiography. During the study period (January 2002 to December 2005) 2050 patients were screened by echocardiography. All patients were evaluated by cardiologists and had chest radiograph, electrocardiogram and echocardiography. Total 2050 patients were studied and among them 1071 had congenital heart disease. Male was 561(52.38%) and female was 510(47.62%). Atrial septal defect (ASD) was 374(34.92%), ventricular septal defect (VSD) was 318(29.69%), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) 83(7.75%), pulmonary stenosis (PS) 58(5.42%), tetralogy of Fallot 162(15.13%), transposition of great vessels (TGA) 16(1.49%), Ebstein anomaly 5(0.4%), coarctation of aorta 1(0.09%) and single ventricle 2(0.19%). This distribution is more or less similar to that reported in studies at home and abroad. In this study atrial septal defect (ASD) was the commonest in acyanotic CHD and tetralogy of Fallot was the commonest cyanotic CHD.

Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia presenting as atrophic rhinitis

Ectodermal dysplasia is a complex group of familial disorders with numerous clinical characteristics, with an incidence of 7 in 10000 born alive children. Ectodermal dysplasia affects structures of ectodermal origin like the skin and its appendages as well as other non-ectodermal structures. The most common sites of involvement are the defects in the skin, hair, teeth, nails and sweat glands,which are of ectodermal origin. Though the dermatologists and paediatricians often manage such cases, we report one case of ectodermal dysplasia presenting with atrophic rhinitis.

Outcome of pregnancy in patients with congenital heart diseases

This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcome of pregnancies in women with congenital heart diseases. In this study 50 pregnant women age between 20-45 years with congenital heart diseases were included. Twenty two (44%) were presented with atrial septal defect, 12(24%) with ventricular septal defect, 5(10%) were with patent ductus arteriosus, 6(12%) with Fallot's tetralogy, 2(4%) with pulmonary stenosis, 2(4%) with Eisenmenger syndrome, 1(2%) with dextrocardia. Shortness of breath (60%) was the main presenting complaint. Normal vaginal delivery (52%) was done in majority of cases. Spontaneous abortion occurred in 16% of pregnancies. Major complications were heart failure 16%, arrhythmias 21%, cardiovascular mortality 4%, preeclampsia 4%, and eclampsia 2%. Premature birth 16%, fetal demise 4%, neonatal death 2% and cardiac anomaly at birth 2% were also observed. The outcome of pregnancy in women with congenital heart diseases is favourable with considerable maternal and neonatal complications.

Valvular heart disease in pregnancy: maternal and fetal outcome

The aim of this study was to evaluate the maternal and fetal outcome of pregnancy in Valvular Heart Disease (VHD). A better understanding of the effects of valvular abnormalities on pregnancy outcome is of value for risk assessment and the design of a therapeutic plan from the available information of a series of patient. A multicenter prospective study was carried out over a period of 5 years (2005-2009) involving 60 pregnant patients with valvular heart disease. Thirty eight patients (64%) had single valve involvement and mitral stenosis was the most predominant lesion (50%). Ten patients (16.7%) had undergone interventional and surgical correction prior to the pregnancy. Fourteen (24%) patients were identified as a NYHA class III-IV. Women with VHD had 8.35% pulmonary edema, 15.03% developed different types arrhythmia. The incidence of preterm birth and small for gestational age newborn was 11.69% and 13.36% respectively. There was one (1.67%) maternal death. Pregnancy in women with valvular heart disease is associated with remarkable unfavourable effect on maternal and fetal outcome which are related to severity of disease.

Carbonyl reductase 1 protects pancreatic β-cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in glucotoxicity and glucolipotoxicity

Carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1) plays an important role in the detoxification of reactive lipid aldehydes. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of pancreatic β-cell failure. However, the functional role of CBR1 in pancreatic β-cell failure has not been studied yet. Therefore, we investigated the role of CBR1 in pancreatic β-cell failure under glucotoxic and glucolipotoxic conditions. Under both conditions, knockdown of CBR1 by specific siRNA increased β-cell apoptosis, expression of lipogenic enzymes (such as ACC, FAS, and ABCA1), intracellular lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, ER stress, and nuclear SREBP1c, but decreased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In contrast, overexpression of CBR1 showed the opposite effects. The antioxidants N-acetyl-l-cysteine and Tiron, as well as the FAS inhibitor cerulenin, reversed the effects of CBR1 knockdown. Interestingly, the expression level and enzyme activity of CBR1 were significantly decreased in pancreatic islets of db/db mice, compared with those of wild-type mice. In conclusion, CBR1 protects pancreatic β-cells against oxidative stress and promotes their survival in glucotoxicity and glucolipotoxicity.

Ethnobotanical, phytochemical and toxicological studies of Xanthium strumarium L

The present study describes the ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and toxicological evaluations of Xanthium strumarium L. growing in Bangladesh. In toxicity evaluation on rats, the methanol extract of seedlings showed mortality, while both seedling and mature plant extracts raised the serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase values and produced significant abnormalities in the histopathology of liver and kidney of rats. On the other hand, the aqueous soluble fraction of methanol extract of mature plant (LC50 = 0.352 microg/mL) and methanol crude extract of seedlings (LC50 = 0.656 microg/mL) demonstrated significant toxicity in the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. A total of four compounds were purified and characterized as stigmasterol (1), 11-hydroxy-11-carboxy-4-oxo-1(5),2(Z)-xanthadien-12,8-olide (2), daucosterol (3) and lasidiol-10-anisate (4). The present study suggests that X. strumarium is toxic to animal.

Balloon mitral valvuloplasty: immediate and short term haemodynamic and clinical outcome

This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Cardiology, University Cardiac Center, Banghabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, to evaluate the short term clinical and haemodynamic outcome of Balloon mitral valvuloplasty in mitral stenosis. Total 100 patients underwent percutaneous mitral commissurotomy out of which 60 cases had pure mitral stenosis and 40 patients had concomitant other nonsignificant valvular disease. Mitral valve dilatation increases in mitral valve area from 0.5+/-0.22 to 1.80+/-0.41 cm2. Mitral valve mean pressure gradient decline from 24.0+/-6.48 mm of Hg to 6.1+/-3.0 mm of Hg: mean left arterial pressure decline from 21.40+/-4.80 mm of Hg to 6.50+/-2.82 mm of Hg (p<0.001). The pulmonary artery systolic pressure decreased from 78.7+/-20.34 mm of Hg to 30.18+/-10.8 mm of Hg (p<0.001). Procedural success, as defined final mitral valve area>1.5 cm2 or>50% increase in area, was achieved in 95% patients. Serious complications occurred in 2(2%) patients and no death occurred in the study. Minor complications such as vasovagal reaction (03%), balloon rupture without sequelae (1%), hypotension, Seizure etc. during the procedure were also noted. Although percutaneous transvenous mistral commissurotomy appears to be effective at relieving the hemodynamic effects of rheumatic mitral stenosis, it is not without risk. In properly selected patients, however, it appears to have low morbidity and mortality. The overall results of this study demonstrate that the short term clinical and haemodynamic outcome of the procedure were excellent and the incidence of related complications were reasonable.

The effect of composite pig islet-human endothelial cell grafts on the instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction

Instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) causes rapid islet loss in portal vein islet transplantation. Endothelial cells are known to protect against complement-mediated lysis and activation of coagulation. We tested composite pig islet-human endothelial cell grafts as a strategy to overcome IBMIR. Porcine islets were cocultured with human endothelial cells in specially modified culture medium composed of M199 and M200 for 1-9 days. A positive control group, negative control group, and the endothelial cell-coated group were examined with an in vitro tubing loop assay using human blood. The endothelial cell-coated group was subdivided and analyzed by degree of surface coverage by endothelial cells (< or = 50% vs. > 50%) or coculture time (< 5 days vs. > or = 5 days). Platelet consumption and complement and coagulation activation were assessed by platelet count, C3a, and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), respectively. After 60-min incubation in human blood, the endothelial cell-coated group showed platelet consumption inhibition and low C3a and TAT assay results compared to uncoated controls. When the endothelial cell-coated group was subdivided by degree of surface coverage, the < or = 50% coated group showed less platelet consumption and less activation of complement and coagulation compared with the positive control (uncoated) group. On analysis by coculture time, only the subgroup cocultured for < 5 days showed the same protective effect. Human endothelial cell-coated pig islets, especially the partially coated and short-term cocultured pig islet-human endothelial cell composites, reduced all components of IBMIR. If the optimal endothelial cell-islet coculture method could be identified, human endothelial cell coating of pig islets would offer new strategies to improve xenogenic islet transplantation outcomes.

New salirepin derivatives from Symplocos racemosa

The phytochemical investigation of the n-butanol soluble fraction of the bark of stem of Symplocos racemosa Roxb. yielded two new phenolic glycosides of salirepin series, symplocuronic acid (1) and sympocemoside (2), while salirepin (3) was isolated for the first time from this plant. The structures of the new compounds were identified by 1D and 2D NMR techniques along with other spectral evidences and by comparison with the published data of closely related compounds.

[Calcified aortal stenosis and osteoporosis: bone metabolism of systemic calcium metabolism in the elderly]

AIM

To examine bone tissue, systemic calcium metabolism and bone remodeling in patients with calcified aortal stenosis of degenerative origin (DAS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The examination of 310 patients (mean age 73.2 years) was made with application of questioning, echocardiography, double energetic x-ray absorptionmetry, measurements of C-telopeptides, osteocalcin, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone with solid phase enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

Bone tissue mineral density (BTMD) was abnormal in 71% of examinees (osteopenia--40%, osteoporosis--31%). Vitamin D concentration under 50 nmol/l was in 76.3%, parathyroid hormone elevated above 100 pg/ml in 15.8% patients.

CONCLUSION

The severity of lumbar spine affection depended on severity of calcinosis of aortic valve, was associated with lowering of osteosynthetic activity and was not associated with the presence of osteoporosis risk factors, constitutional parameters, calcium metabolism changes. This suggests the existance of a special form of BTMD disorder in elderly patients with aortal stenosis.

Chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer - Analysis of a prospective, randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy in advanced head and neck cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomised, prospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary academic referral center.

PATIENTS

One hundred and eighty patients of advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

INTERVENTION

PATIENTS were randomized into two arms. The study arm (CT-RT arm) received 3 cycles of anterior chemotherapy with Inj. Cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) on D(1) and Inj 5F.U. 700 mg/m(2) on D(1)-D(4) at an interval of 21 days, followed by external radiation. The control arm (RT arm) received external radiotherapy only. The dose of Radiotherapy was 64 to 68 Gy in conventional fractionation.

RESULTS

PATIENTS of CT-RT showed better tumour control locally than patients who received only RT. Toxicities were commoner in CT-RT arm but they were manageable. 5 year survival is higher in the CT-RT arm (21% vs 16%; p value> 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Anterior chemotherapy with Cisplatin and 5F.U. is associated with good clinical response which is translated into increased survival along with acceptable toxicities.

Evaluation of results of radiotherapy alone vs combined surgery and postoperative radiotherapy in carcinoma external auditory canal-10 years review

Forty-one patients of external auditory canal (EAC) cancer attended the Department of Radiotherapy (RT), Medical College Hospital, Kolkata during the period from 1987 to 1996. Majority were above 50 years of age with slight female preponderance. Out of 41 patients 36 patients completed the full course of treatment of which 12 patients underwent combined modality treatment (RT 50-55 Gy plus surgery) and 24 patients received primary RT alone (55-60 Gy). Radiation therapy was given in standard fractionation schedule. Retrospective analysis revealed complete response in 8/12 (66.7%) in combined modality treatment group and in 3/24 (12.5%) in RT alone group. The actuarial 2 year survival was 19%. following RT alone, 85% following combined modality, 70% in early lesions and 18% in advanced lesions. The study suggests, surgical resection followed by postoperative irradiation is an effective method and better treatment option than RT alone as primary treatment modality for carcinoma of EAC.

A new structural alternative in benzo[b]furans for antimicrobial activity

Two series of 2-substituted and three new diacetyl benzofurans were synthesized through palladium-catalyzed reactions and their in vitro antimicrobial spectra were assessed. The compounds demonstrated mild to significant growth inhibition against antibiotic-susceptible standard and clinically isolated strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as human fungal pathogens. Ampicillin and kanamycin were used as references for antibacterial screening; nystatin and amphotericin B were used for antifungal screening. Varying substitution at the benzofuran moiety and subsequent antimicrobial screening identified the C-3-acetyl functionality as a new structural alternative for optimal antimicrobial property in the benzofuran class of compounds.

Neolignan and megastigmane glycosides from the leaves of Pterospermum semisagittatum

Three compounds namely, (7S,8R)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol-9'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), 10-hydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-3-one-9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2) and 9-hydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-3-one-10-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) were isolated from the methanol extract of Pterospermum semisagittatum. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. While glycosides 2 and 3 appear to be new, this is the third report of isolation of compound 1 from any natural source.

Antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of extractives from Ravenia spectabilis

A methanolic extract of Ravenia spectabilis, an isolated alkaloid, arborinine plus a fraction comprising arborinine and gamma-fagarine (VLC), showed mild to significant in vitro antibacterial activity. In a brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the extract and the fraction were found to exhibit moderate cytotoxicity having LC50 of 76.26 microg/ml and 14.98 microg/ml, respectively.

Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of extractives from Wedelia calendulacea

The cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts of Wedelia calendulacea were assayed by brine shrimp lethality bioassay and standardized disk diffusion method against 19 bacterial strains. Three diterpenes isolated from the plant were also evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activities. The LC50 for the crude extracts against the brine shrimp nauplii were found to be 4.59 microg/ml, 7.99 microg/ml and 14.88 microg/ml, respectively, whereas the positive control, vincristine sulfate showed an LC50 of 0.58 microg/ml. Among the crude extracts and pure compounds tested, (-)-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid isolated from the chloroform extract showed the highest inhibitory activity against most of the bacterial strains with mean zone of inhibition of 10-21 mm at 200 microg/disc.

Analgesic, antiinflammatory and CNS depressant activities of sesquiterpenes and a flavonoid glycoside from Polygonum viscosum

Analgesic, antiinflammatory and CNS depressant activities of four sesquiterpenes, viscosumic acid, viscozulenic acid, viscoazucine and viscoazulone, and a flavonoid glycoside, quercetin-3-O-(6''-feruloyl)-beta-D-galactopyranoside isolated form the aerial parts of Polygonum viscosum (Polygonaceae) have been assessed. All test compounds exhibited CNS depressant activity in open field test, all but viscoazulone showed analgesic activity in Eddy's hot plate test, all sesquiterpenes inhibited acetic acid induced abdominal writhing in mice, and all but viscoazucine and the flavonoid glycoside exhibited mild to moderate antiinflammatory effect on carrageenan induced rat paw edema.

Triterpene constituents from the leaves of Melicope indica

Phytochemical investigation of a petroleum ether extract of Melicope indica afforded two unusual pentacyclic triterpenes viz. neohop-13(18)-en-3alpha-ol (1) and fern-8(9)-en-3beta-ol (2) and the ubiquitous steroids, stigmasterol and sitosterol. The structures of 1 and 2 were independently elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR data and confirmed by comparison with those of related compounds. While compound 1 is a new natural product, this is the first report of occurrence of fern-8(9)-en-3beta-ol (2) from the genus Melicope.

Antimicrobial and cytotoxic constituents of Loranthus globosus

(+)-Catechin, 3,4-dimethoxycinnamyl alcohol and 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamyl alcohol were isolated from the barks of Loranthus globosus. All compounds showed significant antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities.

Antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of extractives from Uvaria hamiltonii stem bark

The extracts as well as piperolactum C, goniopedaline, 6beta-hydroxystigmasta-4,22-dien-3-one and a mixture of cis- and trans-4-hydroxymelleins obtained from Uvaria hamiltonii stem bark exhibited mild to moderate in vitro antibacterial activity. The results obtained were compared with a standard antibiotic, kanamycin. In a brine shrimp lethality bioassay the pet-ether, dichloromethane, methanol extracts and a major alkaloid, piperolactum C were found to exhibit mild to moderate cytotoxicity.

Lunamarin C, a new terpenoid coumarin from Clausena heptaphylla

The petroleum ether extract of the leaves of Clausena heptaphylla afforded a new coumarin, lunamarin C (1). Its structure was determined by extensive analysis of spectral data, including 2D NMR and by comparison with structurally related compounds, lunamarins A (2) and B (3).

Further sesquiterpenes from Polygonum viscosum (Polygonaceae)

Two new sesquiterpenes, 4-methoxycarbonyl-7-(1-methylethyl)-6-oxo-3,3a,7,8,8a-pentahydroazulene-1-carboxylic acid (viscoazusone) and 1,4-dimethoxy-carbonyl-7-(1-methylethyl)-6-oxo-3,3a,7,8,8a-pentahydroazulene (viscoazulone), were isolated from the whole plant of Polygonum viscosum. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic means.

Cytokine-dependent gp130 receptor subunit regulates rat modified axial-pattern epigastric flap

We investigated axial-pattern flap survival by modulating the cytokine receptor component, gp130, to elucidate the mechanism of the cytokine receptor modulation subsequently leading to the initiation of local angiogenesis and blood-flow augmentation. Fifty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The flap size was 8 x 8 cm, with the medial middle branch of the superficial epigastric artery as the only nutrient supply vessel. Group 1 received only a control vehicle, group 2 received leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF), cDNA treated, group 3 received combined treatment of LIF and anti-gp130 antibody, and group 4 was the anti-gp130-treated group. All groups received 0.1 mL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) via 30-gauge needle injected into the proximal site of the femoral artery after distal sites of the bifurcated femoral artery to epigastric artery and vein were clamped. All clamps were removed after 10 min of incubation of the injected agents. During the first 3 postoperative days, the flap survival was significantly more improved in the anti-gp130-treated and combined-treated groups than in the control (88 +/- 1.5% and 77 +/- 5.3 vs. 45 +/- 7.8, respectively, p <.01). Laser blood flowmetry on day 3 showed a significant increase of blood flow in three different flap sites in anti-gp130-treated and combined-treated groups than in the other groups (p <.001). Microangiography showed remarkable differences between all four groups. The anti-gp130-treated flap showed augmented vessel formation at the base of the pedicle, which elongated the vessel interconnection up to the distal area. Strong gp130 transcripts and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were observed in all groups, as determined using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The intensity of VEGF expression was the strongest in the anti-gp130-treated group. Attenuation of the gp130 receptor subunit can improve axial-pattern flap survival along with angiogenesis.

Absolute stereochemistry and anti-HIV activity of minquartynoic acid, a polyacetylene from Ochanostachys amentacea

Anti-HIV bioassay-guided fractionation of an organic extract of Ochanostachys amentacea provided an HIV-inhibitory polyacetylenic acid. The identity of this compound was established as (-)-17-hydroxy-9,11,13,15-octadecatetraynoic acid (1), also known as minquartynoic acid, by comparison of its physical and spectral data with previously reported values. Analysis of Mosher's ester derivatives of the methyl ester of 1 allowed assignment of S absolute stereochemistry to the lone chiral center. In an in vitro XTT-based anti-HIV assay, 2-5 micrograms/mL of minquartynoic acid (1) effectively inhibited human lymphoblastoid cell killing by HIV-1.

New cytotoxic N-methylated beta-carboline alkaloids from the marine ascidian Eudistoma gilboverde

Bioassay-guided fractionation of an extract of the marine ascidian Eudistoma gilboverde provided three new beta-carboline alkaloids identified as 2-methyleudistomin D (1), 2-methyleudistomin J (2), and 14-methyleudistomidin C (3). Six known metabolites, eudistomins C, D (4), E, J (5), K, and L, were also isolated and characterized. The structures of the new metabolites were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and by comparison of their spectral data with related literature values. Of the three new compounds, 14-methyleudistomidin C (3) exhibited the most potent cytotoxic activity with IC(50)'s of < 1.0 microg/mL against four different human tumor cell lines.

Chondropsin D, a new 37-membered-ring macrolide lactam from the marine sponge Chondropsis species

Chondropsin D (2), a new 37-membered-ring macrolide lactam, was isolated as a minor constituent of an aqueous extract of the marine sponge Chondropsis sp. This sponge sample had previously been the source of chondropsins A (1) and B, two novel polyketide-derived macrolides with potent cytotoxic activity. The structure of 2 was initially deduced from analysis of spectral data. This assignment was supported by the observation that chondropsin A (1), which contains a 35-membered macrocyclic ring, could be converted to chondropsin D (2) by a base-catalyzed intramolecular transesterification reaction. Rearrangement of the methylated derivative of chondropsin A (3) to the corresponding methylated analogue of chondropsin D (4) confirmed the structure of 2.

A new isoquinoline alkaloid from the marine sponge Haliclona species

Two isoquinoline alkaloids, including the new compound 1, were isolated from the cytotoxic fractions of an aqueous extract of the marine sponge Haliclona sp. The structures of these compounds were established as 1-hydroxymethyl-7-methoxyisoquinolin-6-ol (1) and mimosamycin (2) by conventional spectroscopic methods and by comparison with related compounds. Mimosamycin (2) was the principal cytotoxin with an IC(50) of approximately 10 microg/mL against melanoma and ovarian human tumor cell lines.

Thoracic vascular injuries: a major problem in trauma

OBJECTIVE

We present a review of our experience in the management of thoracic vascular injuries during the past 10 years in one of Sweden's busiest emergency departments, with morbidity and mortality as the main outcome measures.

DESIGN

Of eight patients who sustained chest trauma with thoracic vascular injuries, six presented with shock. Angiography was the gold standard in diagnosing aortic and subclavian injuries.

RESULTS

Lesions of the inferior vena cava, left internal mammary artery, and intercostal vessels were detected only at surgery. Two patients died of exsanguination. Managing thoracic vascular injuries is still difficult and challenging for thoracic and trauma surgeons.

CONCLUSION

Early thoracotomy is important for salvage of patients with chest-wall vascular injury. Despite our limited experience, which is characteristic for Scandinavian and European countries, our results were satisfactory.

Antibacterial activity of Vitex trifolia

The petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of Vitex trifolia leaves exhibited moderate inhibiting activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Isolation and structure elucidation of viscoazucine, a novel sesquiterpene from Polygonum viscosum

A new sesquiterpene, 1,4-dimethoxycarbonyl-7-(1-methylethyl)- 3,3a,6,7,8,8a-hexahydroazulene (viscoazucine) (1), and a known flavone, 3',5,7-trihydoxy-3,4',5'-trimethoxyflavone (4), have been isolated from Polygonum viscosum. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, notably UV, MS and NMR.

Antibacterial activity of Clausena heptaphylla

The antibacterial activity of different crude extracts of Clausena heptaphylla leaves as well as three purified coumarins, obtained from the cold methanol extract, is reported.

Cardiovascular Injuries associated with Sternal Fractures

OBJECTIVE

To find out if the presence of a sternal fracture indicates cardiac and aortic injuries and to clarify the difference between a retrosternal haematoma and widened mediastinum.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Teaching hospital, Sweden.

SUBJECTS

418 patients with blunt chest trauma of whom 29 had a fractured sternum (11 with retrosternal haematoma and 18 without) and 389 did not (7 with widened mediastinum and 382 without).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Definitions, risk factors, morbidity, and mortality.

RESULTS

Retrosternal haematomas were found adjacent to many fractures and ranged in size from a few mm to 2 cm. They were more common in fractures of the body of sternum. There was no significant difference in the number of associated lesions between patients with sternal fractures with or without a retrosternal haematoma. Conversely, patients with a widened mediastinum had a higher injury severity score, longer hospital stay (p < 0.0001), and more associated lesions (p < 0.05) than those with retrosternal haematomas. Six patients still had pain 1 month after injury of whom two had injury-related long-term disability because of pain. No serious cardiac or aortic injuries were detected in this series. The early mortality in our study was 2/29 in patients with sternal fractures and 1/7 in patients with widened mediastinum.

CONCLUSIONS

Sternal fractures are more common than previously reported. An aggressive approach including early operative reduction is recommended even for a stable fracture to reduce the overhelming pain. Sternal fracture with or without retrosternal heamatoma is not a reliable indicator of cardiac and aortic injuries, while mediastinal widening is still a fairly reliable clue that should indicate further investigation.

Dammarane derivatives from the dried fruits of Forsythia suspensa

Anti-inflammatory activity guided fractionation of the n-hexane soluble fraction of a 70% aqueous methanolic extract of the dried fruits of Forsythia suspensa afforded two new triterpenes. The structures of these compounds were elucidated as 3beta-acetyl-20,25-epoxydammarane-24alpha-ol (1) and 3beta-acetyl-20,25-epoxydammarane-24beta-ol (2) on the basis of spectral data interpretation as well as by comparison with those of structurally similar compounds.

Antibacterial activity of Barringtonia racemosa

The antibacterial activity of the ethanol extract of Barringtonia racemosa roots, its chloroform soluble fraction and, a there from an isolated clerodane diterpenoid is reported.

Microspinosamide, a new HIV-inhibitory cyclic depsipeptide from the marine sponge Sidonops microspinosa

Microspinosamide (1), a new cyclic depsipeptide incorporating 13 amino acid residues, was isolated from extracts of an Indonesian collection of the marine sponge Sidonops microspinosa. Its structure was elucidated by extensive NMR and mass spectral analyses, and by chemical degradation and derivatization studies. The tridecapeptide 1 incorporates numerous uncommon amino acids, and it is the first naturally occurring peptide to contain a beta-hydroxy-p-bromophenylalanine residue. Microspinosamide (1) inhibited the cytopathic effect of HIV-1 infection in an XTT-based in vitro assay with an EC(50) value of approximately 0.2 microg/mL.

Antiulcer activity of Mikania cordata

The alkaloidal fraction obtained from an ethanolic extract of the leaves of Mikania cordata exhibited significant in vivo antiulcer activity in diclofenac sodium-induced gastric erosions in Long Evans rats.

Leukemia inhibitory factor enhances bone formation in calvarial bone defect

For bone defect reconstruction, locally administered cytokine plasmid was examined. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) can bind to the osteoblast cell surface and induce bone formation both in vitro and in vivo. The authors investigated the local mouse LIF complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) plasmid in the pcDNA 3 expression vector, which is promoted by cytomegalovirus and is stabilized by bovine growth hormone polyadenylation, with a gelatin sponge carrier. A total of 150 male Wistar rats were used. They were divided into three groups. Group 1 (N = 30) was treated with the gelatin carrier of the pcDNA 3 vector, group 2 (N = 90) was treated with three different doses of LIF cDNA (0.1, 1, and 10 micrograms) in the pcDNA 3-vector plasmid along with the gelatin carrier, and group 3 (N = 30) was treated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein -2. Ten animals in each group were euthanized at 1, 3, and 5 weeks postoperatively. Animals treated with LIF cDNA showed significantly enhanced bone mineral density (p < 0.05), as confirmed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), in 3 weeks compared with the control vehicle. By 3 weeks, the number of fibroblast-like cells and collagen fibers decreased, whereas the osteoblast-like cells increased inversely, as revealed during histological examination. LIF messenger ribonucleic acid demonstrated by in situ hybridization was observed most markedly in osteocytes of the LIF cDNA-treated group. Also, LIF peptide was detected in the same cell type by immunohistochemistry. Locally administered LIF cDNA plasmid in a gelatin carrier can increase bone density significantly, with subsequent bone formation, probably via osteocyte activation.

Evaluation of antitumor activity of some medicinal plants of Bangladesh by potato disk bioassay

The antitumor activity of the ethanolic extracts of 12 medicinal plants of Bangladesh, including the vincristine-vinblastine producing Catharanthus roseus was studied using the potato disk bioassay technique. Among these, 10 plant extracts at 25.0-microgram/disc exhibited significant inhibition of crown gall tumors caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

Antitumor activity of epifriedelanol from Vitis trifolia

The isolation and NMR spectral data of epifriedelanol from Vitis trifolia are reported. It demonstrated antitumor activity in a potato disc bioassay.

HIV-inhibitory diterpenoid from Anisomeles indica

The 1H- and 13C-NMR spectral data of ovatodiolide (1), a diterpenoid from Anisomeles indica, and its anti-HIV activity are reported.

Antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of Miliusa velutina

Goniothalamusin and two mixtures, acetogenins-A and acetogenins-B, isolated from a petroleum ether extract of the stem bark of Miliusa velutina exhibited significant antibacterial and cytotoxic activities.

Nomenclature, classification, and signficance of traumatic extrapleural hematoma

BACKGROUND

Extrapleural hematoma has been found mostly in single case reports as diagnoses with different names. Although huge extrapleural hematoma can cause ventilatory and circulatory disturbances and even death, it has received almost no attention in the literature. Certain basic and modern facts need to be clarified regarding the definition, classification, and significance of extrapleural hematoma in the practice of chest trauma.

METHODS

A 10-year retrospective study was undertaken to analyze the incidence, diagnosis, management, morbidity, and mortality of patients with chest trauma and a documented extrapleural hematoma.

RESULTS

The incidence of traumatic extrapleural hematoma was 34 of 477, 7.1%. The incidence of thoracic lesions was 86 of 34 = 2.5 lesions per patient, whereas the incidence of extrathoracic lesions was 30 of 34 = 0.9 lesions per patient. Associated rib fractures were found in 30 of 34, 88.2%. More than half of the patients had an associated hemothorax. A thoracotomy was used successfully to remove a huge hematoma in one patient.

CONCLUSION

Extrapleural hematoma has been found to be more common than previously reported. Nomenclature and classification are suggested. One of the common injuries to the chest, particularly rib fracture, hemothorax, lung contusion, or pneumothorax might provide the surgeon with a reliable clinical clue that the patient is at inordinate risk to have associated extrapleural hematoma. A formal or mini-thoracotomy is the recommended procedure in cases of huge hematomas.