A novel urinary sialoglycoprotein as the inhibitor of interleukin-1.

An inhibitor of interleukin-1 (IL-1) was purified to homogeneity from febrile human urine by using a sequence of ammonium sulphate fractionation, DEAE-cellulose chromatography and gel filtration on a column of ACA 54. The inhibitor was a sialoglycoprotein and its molecular weight, examined by SDS-PAGE, was found to be 30 kD. It was acidic in nature and its isoelectric point, determined by electrofocusing on thin-layer polyacrylamide gels, was found to be 3.5-3.6. The inhibitor was sensitive to the action of sialidase from Vibrio cholerae as the enzyme treated material was electrofocused at a higher pH range (4.5-5.2). The inhibitor contained 10% sialic acid as estimated by the Thiobarbituric acid assay. It interacted with the lectins jacalin and concanavalin A, suggesting the presence of carbohydrate moieties such as galactose and mannose. The inhibitor did not block the specific binding of IL-1 to cells, nor did it directly bind IL-1. Early rejection urine from a kidney transplant patient was also found to contain the 30 kD IL-1 inhibitor protein. This was visualised by immunoblotting using specific antibody raised against the 30 kD IL-1 inhibitor isolated from the urine of febrile patients.     

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food service staff regarding food hygiene in Shiraz, Iran.

BACKGROUND: The practice of safety measures by the food service staff in hospitals is necessary for the prevention of food-borne outbreaks. Hospitalized patients are more vulnerable to potential hazards, and neglecting these principles can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food service staff regarding food hygiene in government and private hospitals in Shiraz, Iran. Two questionnaires were designed, one for food service staff and the other for supervisors. Thirty-one hospitals were approached, and the response rate was 99.5%. Four models were developed regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices, and a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Comparison among the government and private hospitals was done. RESULTS: This study showed that personnel had little knowledge regarding the pathogens that cause food-borne diseases and the correct temperature for the storage of hot or cold ready-to-eat foods. Older personnel had better attitudes and practices. Females practiced safety measures less often than did males. Personnel working in hospitals with fewer than 300 beds also had better practices. Most of the personnel had positive attitudes, but disparity between attitude and practice was noted. CONCLUSION: There is a dire need for education and increased awareness among food service staff regarding safe food handling practices.     

Effect of a 21 day Daniel Fast on metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk factors in men and women

Background  

Dietary modification via caloric restriction is associated with multiple effects related to improved metabolic and cardiovascular health. However, a mandated reduction in kilocalories is not well-tolerated by many individuals, limiting the long-term application of such a plan. The Daniel Fast is a widely utilized fast based on the Biblical book of Daniel. It involves a 21 day ad libitum food intake period, devoid of animal products and preservatives, and inclusive of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of the Daniel Fast to improve markers of metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk.     

Design and fabrication of pulmonary embolism phantom for planar and SPECT V/Q imaging quality assurance

Planar and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scintigraphy are the two main modalities for pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis via lung ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scans. This study aims to develop an anatomical lung phantom for the quality assurance (QA) of V/Q scans using planar and SPECT imaging. The phantom consists of two hollow anatomical lung cavities and 20 solid anatomical bronchopulmonary segments. The phantom functions as a PE simulator by enabling an interchangeable perfusion defect, represented by a solid anatomical bronchopulmonary segment, to be introduced into each of the lung cavities. These cavities are filled with expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads immersed in a ^99mTc solution, which simulates the alveoli. The anatomical ‘dead space’ due to the solid introduced segment represents a perfusion defect in lung V/Q scans. In this study, a sample anatomical PE event was simulated. The phantom was prepared with a perfusion defect within the posterior basal segment in the left lung. Images were acquired for subsequent qualitative analysis. This study has demonstrated promising results in the simulation of PE events in lungs. Further development is warranted for the phantom to be used as a viable QA tool in V/Q lung scanning using planar or SPECT imaging.     

Antihyperglycemic Effect of Trigonella Foenum-Graecum (Fenugreek) Seed Extract in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats and Its Use in Diabetes Mellitus: A Brief Qualitative Phytochemical and Acute Toxicity Test on the Extract

The effects of ethanol extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) seeds on the blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats at different doses (2g/kg, 1g/kg, 0.5g/kg and 0.1g/kg) were studied. The hypoglycemic effect of extract was compared with that of the standard antidiabetic drug (glimepiride, 4mg/kg) single dose. The extract showed significant activity against the diabetic state induced by alloxan but the intensity of hypoglycemic effect varied from dose to dose. The most effective dose recognized was 1g/kg but that is still lower than the standard antidiabetic drug. No acute toxicity was observed for ethanol extract of T. foenum-graecum seed when it was administered orally at high dose level (3 g/kg body weight), which is higher than effective antihyperglycemic dose, and closely observed for 24 hrs for any mortality and next 10 days for any delayed toxic effects on gross behavioral activities. Phytochemical group tests were also accomplished and presence of alkaloids, steroids and carbohydrates were recognized in the extract.     

A Prospective Study of Cutaneous Manifestations of Spinal Dysraphism from India

Abstract: Recognition of cutaneous markers of spinal dysraphism is important to prevent the morbidity associated with underlying spinal anomalies. To investigate the frequency and type of cutaneous stigmata in different forms of spinal dysraphism and to assess the role of ultrasonography and/or magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing spinal dysraphism at two pediatric dermatology tertiary care centers. Over a 4‐year period, all pediatric patients presenting to the dermatology clinic with dorsal midline cutaneous stigmata were evaluated clinically and with imaging studies (radiography, ultrasonographic examination and magnetic resonance imaging/Doppler). Surgical interventions were planned in conjunction with neurosurgery and orthopedic specialists. On examination, 245 (4.2%) had 285 cutaneous stigmata. Of the 180 patients evaluated with radiography, ultrasonographic examination and magnetic resonance imaging, 50 patients (28%) had spinal dysraphism (with 64 cutaneous stigmata). The most common stigmata associated with occult spinal dysraphism were lipoma (10) and dimples (12) and in open spinal dysraphism lipomeningomyelocoele (10) and meningomyelocoele (10). Statistically, lipomeningomyelocoele/myelomeningocoele, atypical dimples and port‐wine stains were most associated with spinal dysraphism (p < 0.001). In 80 children less than 6 months of age, radiography with ultrasonographic examination revealed an SD in 16, while magnetic resonance imaging was diagnostic in four cases. Ultrasonographic examination performed fairly well in children less than 6 months and in cases of flat cutaneous stigmata it missed only 5% of cases, but in cases with bulky overlying masses (lipoma, hemangioma) it missed 15% of cases.     

Modification of Wright’s technique for C2 translaminar screw fixation: technical note

Purpose  

To describe a modification of Wright’s technique for C2 translaminar screw fixation.     

Treatment of drug‐eluting stent restenosis: An emerging challenge

Drug eluting stent (DES) restenosis has emerged as a significant clinical entity owing to the increasing use of DES in complex lesions and patients. However, to date, there is a paucity of studies that have addressed the management of DES restenosis and the resulting outcome, leaving the interventional cardiologist with a therapeutic dilemma. The purpose of this paper is therefore to provide a consise review of available data's dealing with the treatment of DES restenosis, including the outcome of patients treated for DES restenosis, the prognostic importance of the angiographic pattern and the available therapeutic modalities. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.