Globulixanthones A and B,two new cytotoxic xanthones with isoprenoid groups from the root bark of Symphonia globulifera

Bioassay-guided fractionation of a root bark extract of Symphonia globulifera has yielded, in addition to stigmasterol, two new xanthones with isoprenoid units, named globulixanthones A (1) and B (2). The structures of these compounds have been elucidated by spectroscopic means. They possess significant cytotoxicity in vitro against the KB cell line.     

Myocardial angiogenesis resulting in functional communications with the left cavity induced by intramyocardial high-frequency ablation: histomorphology of immediate and long-term effects in pigs

A previous study in rabbit hearts demonstrated the feasibility of creating transmyocardial channels by application of temperature-regulated high-frequency (HF) energy. Feasibility of creating non-transmural channels using a transvascular approach was tested in 14 pigs which were followed for 1 h, and 3 and 9 weeks (group A, B and C). Myocardial channels were found to be highly reproducible and patent in more than two thirds in group A. Channels were replaced by connective tissue during follow-up which contained newly formed small vessels. A functional communication between the left ventricular cavum and newly formed vessels of the channel remnants could be demonstrated in one heart of group C. Thus, intramyocardial HF ablation can be performed with high reproducibility to induce local angiogenesis.     

Neurologic complications of anthrax: a review of the literature

A review of the literature suggests that the major neurologic symptom complex of infection by Bacillus anthracis is a fulminant and rapidly fatal hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis and that the reported initial mode of entry can be via the cutaneous or inhalation route. For febrile patients with acute neurologic deterioration with associated findings of dark necrotic pustules on the extremities, gram-positive rods in the cerebrospinal fluid, and multifocal areas of unexplained intracerebral hemorrhage on computed tomographic scans, anthrax should be considered within the differential diagnosis. A low cerebrospinal fluid glucose level has been reported, with gram-positive rods often noted on the gram stain of the cerebrospinal fluid in severely affected patients. Reports indicate that death usually occurs within a week.     

The structure of affective symptoms in a sample of young adults

Symptoms of bipolar disorders include depression and mania. The term "bipolar" implies states that are opposite to each other. Construing scales that define mania and depression as opposite ends of one dimension cannot account for the existence of mixed symptoms. One self-report instrument, the Internal State Scale (ISS), combines both dimensions in one measure. However, the ISS only assesses internal subjective states and does not tap other typical and more objective symptoms of (hypo-) mania. To explore the factorial structure of affective symptoms in a general population sample, we extended the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), adding items to assess manic symptoms as described in DSM-IV. The scale was completed by 2,059 young adults. The results for the original CES-D are comparable to prior studies. Factor-analysis for the extended CES-D revealed two factors in women and men: most manic symptoms loaded high on a factor "euphoria-activation," whereas the other factor included all typical dysphoric-depressive symptoms, but also included the "manic symptoms" of distractibility and irritability. Our results support a two-factor model of bipolar symptoms in the general population with irritability being more closely associated with dysphoria than euphoria. The implications and limitations of the present results are discussed.