Activities of flavonoids for the cleavage of DNA in the presence of Cu(II): correlation with generation of active oxygen species.

The activities of several flavonoids and the related nonflavonoid compound epicatechin were compared with respect to Cu(II)-induced strand scission of DNA by using two different assays. The same series of compounds was used to study the stoichiometry of Cu(II) reduction in the absence of DNA. The compounds were compared for their ability to generate superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and the Cu(II)-dependent production of hydroxyl radicals. Flavonoids were examined to assess the production of a charge-transfer complex with Cu and the rate of decay of the complexes were compared. All the compounds tested had some ability to cause DNA strand scission in the presence of Cu(II), with myricetin being the most active and galangin the least active. The ability to cause such scission correlated with the rate of decay of the charge-transfer complex, the ability to generate active oxygen species and with the stoichiometry of Cu(II) binding. Analysis of the data in the light of the structural differences between the flavonoids led to a discussion of alternative Cu(II)-sequestering mechanisms.     

CongenitaI Polycystic Disease of the Brain: Report of an Unusual Case

Multiple congenital supratentorial intracerebral cysts occurred in a newborn infant. The cysts, of varying size, content and lining, occupied the cerebral hemispheres. They formed a mosaic pattern on CT scan and left no trace of a recognisable ventricular system. Multiple surgical procedures were performed during the first year of life, and at one year the child was very well and asymptomatic, with two functioning shunts.     

The relationship between maternal needs and priorities in a neonatal intensive care environment

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the nature and organization of maternal needs and priorities in a neonatal unit. BACKGROUND: The relationship between maternal needs and priorities appears to be an under studied area in neonatal nursing. METHODS: A quantitative survey was carried out based on 209 mothers with premature infants. Two self-assessment schedules were used: critical care maternal needs inventory (J. Leske, Heart and Lung 15, 27-42) and a ranking scale. The data were analysed with multivariate analysis. FINDINGS: Data analysis revealed clear priorities in maternal needs. In particular the need for accurate infant related information was a priority for 93% of the mothers. Good communication practices with professionals were also valued. The mothers displayed altruistic behaviour, and self-related needs took second place. It is proposed that maternal needs demonstrate a hierarchical organization. CONCLUSION: It is important for nurses to consider the individual needs of the mothers, simply because the satisfaction of these needs is essential for maternal well-being.     

Plasmid profiling of epidemic staphylococci from around 1960: a comparison of epidemiological techniques.

Plasmid profiles have been established for 68 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from 13 episodes of epidemic spread in hospital wards between 1958 and 1962. Despite the original lack of care in preservation of strains the profiles give, in general, the same epidemiological patterns as were established originally on the basis of phage type, antibiotic sensitivity, ward and date of isolation.     

Diminution in Kerosene-Mediated Induction of Drug Metabolizing Enzymes by Asbestos in Rat Lungs

Abstract: In order to determine the pulmonary toxicity of kerosene and its ignition product (soot) in asbestos exposed subjects, the activities of phase I and phase II drug metabolizing enzymes in rat lungs after single intratracheal coexposure to Indian chrysotile asbestos and kerosene or its soot and Indian chrysotile were assayed. Exposure to kerosene or its soot resulted in a significant increase in the level of microsomal cytochrome P-450 and the activity of P-450 dependent monooxygenase, benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase, as well as in the activities of microsomal epoxide hydrase and cytosolic glutathione-S-transferase (GST). However, in chrysotile exposed animals a reverse pattern in these parameters was recorded. The co-exposure to chrysotile and kerosene or chrysotile and soot led to a significant depletion in cytochrome P-450 level and a decrease in the activities of benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase, epoxide hydrase and GST when compared to kerosene and soot controls, respectively. These results suggest that asbestos by altering the pulmonary drug metabolizing enzyme system may increase the toxic potential of kerosene and its ignition product in the respiratory system.     

Pharmacokinetics of two alternative dosage forms for cyclosporine: liposomes and intralipid

Cyclosporine (CsA), commercially available as iv or oral Sandimmune, is a potent immunosuppressant which can induce dose-related nephrotoxocity. In addition, the iv product contains a solubilizing agent, Cremophore EL, which in itself is reported to be nephrotoxic and can induce, in sensitized patients, anaphylactic reactions. Solubilization of CsA with liposomes or lipid emulsions could provide a suitable alternative dosage form for iv administration. With this in mind, male New Zealand white rabbits were given iv CsA (10 mg/kg) in three different dosage forms: (1) CsA:liposomes; (2) CsA:Intralipid (soybean oil and phospholipids); and (3) the commercially available Sandimmune (cyclosporine). The CsA concentration in whole blood samples was analyzed by HPLC. The terminal disposition half-life of CsA (t1/2 beta) ranged from 400 to 475 min and was not statistically different among the three groups. However, the distribution characteristics of CsA changed dramatically depending on the dosage form. The volume of distribution of CsA at steady state (Vdss) in Sandimmune was 2.7 +/- 0.2 L/kg and was significantly lower than that of either Intralipid (10.6 +/- 2.7 L/kg) or liposomes (7.4 +/- 2.3 L/kg). A significantly lower total body clearance (TBC) of CsA also was seen for Sandimmune (12.7 +/- 0.3 mL/min/kg) as compared with that of either Intralipid (24.4 +/- 8.2 mL/min/kg) or liposomes (18.9 +/- 3.9 mL/min/kg). Since CsA is extensively bound to lipoproteins, it is surprising that both test vehicles showed a different distribution pattern.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Recombinant activated factor VII for intractable bleeding post splenectomy in a patient with myeloproliferative disorder.

Recombinant activated factor VII has been Food and Drug Administration approved to treat hemorrhages in hemophiliac patients with inhibitors and in acquired hemophilia patients. Recombinant activated factor VII use has also been considered for the management of uncontrolled bleeding in a number of congenital and acquired hemostatic abnormalities. The myeloproliferative disorders are a group of clonal hematologic diseases where, frequently, abnormal platelet function is considered a hallmark. This is the first case report addressing the clinical benefit of off-label use of recombinant activated factor VII in an attempt to control intractable bleeding in a patient with a myeloproliferative disorder after splenectomy.     

Evaluating clinical educators: an employer's perspective

An Australian school of nursing's attempt to introduce an evaluation process required by management for clinical educators involved in undergraduate preregistration education is discussed Reliance on student feedback and clinical agencies' perceptions of the quality of teaching were seen as inadequate mechanisms for evaluation The evaluation process adopted incorporated observation of the educators together with self-reflection on their performance We conclude that post-briefings were poorly used and generally not reflective Educators relied heavily on their clinical skills and used a limited range of teaching strategies Whilst evaluation of clinical educators was time consuming and therefore costly, it is argued that it is essential to the integrity of the course The evaluation process has provided direction for support and development of clinical educators within the context of the curriculum