Angiostatin generating capacity and anti-tumour effects of D-penicillamine and plasminogen activators

Background  

Upregulation of endogenous angiostatin levels may constitute a novel anti-angiogenic, and therefore anti-tumor therapy. In vitro, angiostatin generation is a two-step process, starting with the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin by plasminogen activators (PAs). Next, plasmin excises angiostatin from other plasmin molecules, a process requiring a donor of a free sulfhydryl group. In previous studies, it has been demonstrated that administration of PA in combination with the free sulfhydryl donor (FSD) agents captopril or N-acetyl cysteine, resulted in angiostatin generation, and anti-angiogenic and anti-tumour activity in murine models.     

The relationship between sleep and behavior in autism spectrum disorder (ASD): a review

Although there is evidence that significant sleep problems are common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and that poor sleep exacerbates problematic daytime behavior, such relationships have received very little attention in both research and clinical practice. Treatment guidelines to help manage challenging behaviors in ASD fail to mention sleep at all, or they present a very limited account. Moreover, limited attention is given to children with low-functioning autism, those individuals who often experience the most severe sleep disruption and behavioral problems. This paper describes the nature of sleep difficulties in ASD and highlights the complexities of sleep disruption in individuals with low-functioning autism. It is proposed that profiling ASD children based on the nature of their sleep disruption might help to understand symptom and behavioral profiles (or vice versa) and therefore lead to better-targeted interventions. This paper concludes with a discussion of the limitations of current knowledge and proposes areas that are important for future research. Treating disordered sleep in ASD has great potential to improve daytime behavior and family functioning in this vulnerable population.     

Renal allografts in acute rejection: evaluation using duplex sonography

Sixty-nine duplex sonographic studies were performed in 24 patients who had received renal allografts. After a prospective qualitative analysis of the Doppler waveforms, results were correlated with biopsy material and each patient's clinical course. Increased pulsatility of the Doppler waveform of intrarenal arterial flow constituted an abnormal study, indicating acute rejection. Overall sensitivity varied with the histologic form of rejection, with a 60% sensitivity for acute interstitial rejection with or without vascular rejection and an 82% sensitivity for acute vascular rejection. Overall specificity was 95% and 96%, respectively. Early rejection was also accurately detected in three patients less than 48 hours following kidney transplantation. Duplex sonography has a useful role in evaluating posttransplantation renal failure. Abnormal study results may obviate the need for biopsy and help in guiding clinical management.     

四氢卟啉锰的放射性肺损伤保护作用的实验研究

目的用大鼠放射性肺损伤模型评价仿SOD化合物四氢卟啉锰(MnTE-2-PyP)的放射性肺损伤保护作用.方法 150～160 g Fish-344雌性大鼠随机进入实验组,用4 MV X射线、单次照射右全肺28 Gy,照射前15～30 min腹腔内注射MnTE-2-PyP 6 mg/kg.治疗后每两周观测呼吸频率和转化生长因子(TGF-β1)水平,在出现明显呼吸困难伴有明显体重下降时终止观察,否则6个月后终止观察.肺组织进行羟脯胺酸含量、TGF-β1蛋白表达和肺纤维化评分等检测.结果在加MnTE-2-PyP者能明显延迟呼吸频率发生改变的时间(延迟3周)和降低呼吸频率改变的幅度(低30%)(P<0.01).在单纯照射组,有3只大鼠在第12～14周出现明显呼吸困难给予终止观察,而在放射加MnTE-2-PyP者仅为1只(14周以后).单纯照射组较之照射加MnTE-2-PyP组,每克湿肺和干肺的羟脯胺酸含量分别为(6.76±0.38) mg/g与(5.20±0.55) mg/g(t=2.35,P<0.05)和(28.80±2.04) mg/g与(24.12±2.40) mg/g(t=2.26,P<0.05);肺组织纤维化评分分别为5.82±0.34与3.60±0.15(P<0.05);在12周的血浆TGF-β1相对含量分别为(3.10±0.50) ng/ml和(1.34±0.63) ng/ml(t=2.41,P=0.029).另外,放射加MnTE-2-PyP组的肺组织TGF-β1蛋白表达也比单纯照射组明显减少.结论 MnTE-2-PyP能增加肺组织对放射性损伤的耐受,可能是一潜在的放射性损伤保护剂.     

Fatal bronchospasm after oral ingestion of isphagula

We report the case of a 40-year-old asthmatic who suffered fatal bronchospasm following oral injestion of a laxative containing isphagula.     

Colorectal carcinoma: detection with indium-111 anticarcinoembryonic- antigen monoclonal antibody ZCE-025

A phase I and II clinical trial with indium-111-labeled anticarcinoembryonic-antigen monoclonal antibody ZCE-025 (In-111 ZCE-025) was initiated. Fifteen patients with colorectal tumors underwent external scintigraphy following the administration of 5.5 mCi (203.5 MBq) In-111 ZCE-025 at doses of 2.5-80.0 mg. Eighteen of 20 documented tumor sites, excluding those in the liver, were detected with In-111 ZCE-025. Lesions less than 1.5 cm could not be detected. Twenty-five percent of liver metastases exhibited positive accumulation of In-111 ZCE-025 at doses of 40-80 mg. No side effects were encountered. Because of the high detection rate of lymph node metastases from colorectal carcinoma with In-111 ZCE-025, this technique may be helpful in preoperative staging of patients with colorectal tumors, as well as in distinguishing recurrent tumors from postoperative or postradiation changes seen on computed tomography scans or other radiologic images.