Extraction of valerenic acids from valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) rhizomes

Extraction of valerenic acids (valerenic, acetoxyvalerenic and hydroxyvalerenic) from dry ground rhizomes of valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) was studied. The effect of ethanol concentration in the solvent, extraction temperature and drug particle size on extraction kinetics were investigated and the optimum values of these process parameters were determined for the case of intensively stirred two-phase dispersion. It was found that increased processing temperature favors extraction kinetics, but provokes moderate degradation of valerenic acids.     

Cromopertubación con difusión de azul de metileno hacia los vasos uterinos

We presenta an inusual case of passage of methylene blue to uterine vessels during chromopertubacion after laparoscopic extirpation ovarian endometrioma. We have revised the literature on the sugest secundary complication related to this diagnostic procedure.     

SEROLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THYMUS AND SPLEEN GRAFTS

Thymus and spleen grafts from neonatal C57BL mice were implanted beneath the kidney capsule of (A x C57BL) F₁ hybrids. At various intervals after implantation, the grafts were analyzed serologically. Cells of each graft were tested for the presence of cells of host origin, TL (thymus-leukemia) antigenicity, and sensitivity to the cytotoxic effect of guinea pig serum (GPS). Thymus grafts showed partial repopulation by host cells 11 days after grafting, and some grafts were completely repopulated by host cells 13 days after grafting. All thymus grafts were fully repopulated 18 days after grafting. With one exception, thymus grafts contained no significant number of TL-positive cells within 14 days after grafting. TL-positive cells appeared in thymus grafts examined 15 days after implantation, and their number increased up to the 18th day after implantation. Cells residing in thymus grafts remained sensitive to GPS throughout the period of observation. The acquisition of thymus-distinctive serological properties by host cells repopulating thymus grafts was similar in intact and in thymectomized recipients. Spleen grafts were completely repopulated by host cells as early as 8 days after grafting. The cells residing in spleen grafts remained TL-negative throughout the period of observation, and were refractory to the cytotoxic effect of GPS. It is thus apparent that, while both spleen and thymus grafts are invaded by TL-negative cells, only those entering the thymus acquire the antigen. The nature of the process by which the thymus endows thymus-distinctive properties on cells entering it is discussed.     

Neurotrophins promote revascularization by local recruitment of TrkB+ endothelial cells and systemic mobilization of hematopoietic progenitors

The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is required for the maintenance of cardiac vessel wall stability during embryonic development through direct angiogenic actions on endothelial cells expressing the tropomysin receptor kinase B (TrkB). However, the role of BDNF and a related neurotrophin ligand, neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), in the regulation of revascularization of the adult tissues is unknown. To study the potential angiogenic capacity of BDNF in mediating the neovascularization of ischemic and non-ischemic adult mouse tissues, we utilized a hindlimb ischemia and a subcutaneous Matrigel model. Recruitment of endothelial cells and promotion of channel formation within the Matrigel plug by BDNF and NT-4 was comparable to that induced by VEGF-A. The introduction of BDNF into non-ischemic ears or ischemic limbs induced neoangiogenesis, with a 2-fold increase in the capillary density. Remarkably, treatment with BDNF progressively increased blood flow in the ischemic limb over 21 days, similar to treatment with VEGF-A. The mechanism by which BDNF enhances capillary formation is mediated in part through local activation of the TrkB receptor and also by recruitment of Sca-1+CD11b+ pro-angiogenic hematopoietic cells. BDNF induces a potent direct chemokinetic action on subsets of marrow-derived Sca-1+ hematopoietic cells co-expressing TrkB. These studies suggest that local regional delivery of BDNF may provide a novel mechanism for inducing neoangiogenesis through both direct actions on local TrkB-expressing endothelial cells in skeletal muscle and recruitment of specific subsets of TrkB+ bone marrow-derived hematopoietic cells to provide peri-endothelial support for the newly formed vessels.     

Hepatitis B virus DNA prediction rules for hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B

After hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion, hepatitis B may become inactive or progress to HBeAg-negative hepatitis with persistent or intermittent alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. The aim of this study was to prospectively identify factors predictive of the clinical course in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Patients were stratified by ALT and HBeAg status and followed every 3 months for up to 5 years. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis using the change from normal ALT to elevated ALT as endpoints were performed to determine factors associated with ALT elevation/normalization. Seventy-four HBeAg-negative and 32 HBeAg-positive patients were prospectively evaluated. For HBeAg-negative patients, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was predictive of future ALT. Only 1 patient with normal ALT and an HBV DNA value lower than 10,000 copies/mL developed an elevated ALT within the subsequent year, whereas 67% with an HBV DNA value greater than 100,000 copies/mL had a rise in ALT above normal within 1 year. Patients with a previous history of ALT elevation and longer follow-up at all levels of HBV DNA were more likely to experience ALT elevations. For HBeAg-negative patients with elevated ALT and all HBeAg-positive patients, HBV DNA did not predict future ALT. Other viral and host factors were not predictive of future ALT. CONCLUSION: HBeAg-negative CHB has a fluctuating course. HBV DNA values lower than 10,000 copies/mL predict persistently normal ALT for at least 1 year. Patients with HBV DNA values between 10,000 and 100,000 copies/mL can safely be followed at 6 monthly intervals, whereas HBV DNA values greater than 100,000 copies/mL are highly predictive of future ALT elevation and should prompt regular follow-up.     

Species-specific effect of proteins secreted by cultured pre-pubertal rat Sertoli cells on natural killer cell activity.

The effect of proteins secreted by cultured pre-pubertal rat Sertoli cells (pSCP) on natural killer (NK) cell activity of rat, mice and guinea pig splenocytes and human peripheral blood lymphocytes was estimated. The results indicate that pSCP inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, NK cell activity of mice, guinea pig and human lymphocytes but did not suppress lysis of YAC-1 target cells by rat NK cells. Species-specific differences in the effect of pSCP on NK cell activity probably result from differences in the binding of proteins within the effector cells. These data indicate that in the pre-pubertal period of gonadal development immature Sertoli cells synthesize a factor/s which might contribute to the maintenance of specific testis immunological environment.     

Hurricane emergency planning by home health providers serving the poor

Five agencies providing home health care to indigent populations in New Orleans, Louisiana were evaluated in terms of emergency planning and implementation. This was to help improve response to community disasters for indigent populations. Preparation for Hurricane Katrina was examined looking at interaction with local and state departments of health. It was found that the state dept of health provided leadership in making the emergency plans, but not in implementation. Local departments of health appeared to have very little responsibility in emergency planning. Although every agency had a plan, when it came to implementation there was lack of coordination and breakdown in communication at all government levels. Recommendations for future policy include: 1) early evacuation of special needs patients; 2) improved training of staff to include practice drills; 3) improve communication systems; and, 4) increased funding of state and local departments of health to provide training.