Synthesis and antitumor activity of 5-(5′,6′-benzocoumaro-3′-yl)methylaminouracil hydrobromide and its liposomal medicinal form

The antitumor activity of 5-(5′,6′-benzocoumaro-3′-yl)methylaminouracil (BCMU) and its liposomal medicinal form was studied in comparison to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a well-known antitumor drug widely used in oncological practice. The half-lethal dose of BCMU is 14.8 ± 4.2 mg/kg, while the optimum effective dose of the drug is 6 mg/kg. In this dose, BCMU combines low toxicity with significant antitumor activity, which is manifested by increased tumor growth inhibition (TGI) at a 19% increase in the lifetime (LT) of experimental animals. The antitumor activity of the liposomal form of BCMU is quantitatively and qualitatively superior to that of the nonmodified compound and 5-FU, which is manifested by the most pronounced TGI value and by a significant LT increase. __________ Translated from Khimiko-Farmatsevticheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 40, No. 6, pp. 6–7, June, 2006.     

Ipsilateral Aymand’s and Richter’s hernia, complicated by necrosing fascitis

This study presents the case of a patient with necrobiosis or necrosing fascitis of the inguinal region, secondary to a complicated Amyand’s hernia with a concomitant ipsilateral Richter’s hernia. The patient was treated with open trans-abdominal surgery and hernia repair through the pre-peritoneal approach, plus anti-microbians, and thrice-daily wound cleansing and dressings to the inguinal region. Evolution was satisfactory. There are no reports in the literature of a case such as this.     

Influence of mattress characteristics on house dust mite allergen concentration

BACKGROUND: Exposure to a high level of house dust mite allergens (HDMAs) is considered as a risk factor for HDM sensitization and development of asthma in genetically disposed people. Mattresses are one of the most important sources of HDMA in people's living environment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between mattress characteristics and HDMA concentrations on mattresses. METHODS: Dust samples of mattress surfaces were taken to evaluate the level of Der p 1 allergen. All participants filled in a questionnaire about the type of mattress, the type of covering (upper layer) of the mattress, dwelling characteristics and cleaning habits. Humidity and temperature of the bedroom were measured at the time of dust sampling. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-eight questionnaires were filled in. Synthetic upper layer of the mattress was associated with a higher level of Der p 1 compared with cotton upper layer (2.6 vs. 0.8 microg/g Der p 1). Moreover, higher relative humidity (RH) was associated with significant higher concentrations and density of Der p 1. CONCLUSIONS: Two factors were associated with lower levels of Der p 1 found on mattresses, namely: a cotton upper layer of the mattress compared with a layer of synthetic material and lower RH at the time of sampling. As far as we know, the association between type of upper layer and concentration of Der p 1 has not been described before and could lead to the formulation of practical advices in order to reduce HDMA concentrations on mattresses.     

A comparison of placement methods using a two-in-one dentin pin

Experiments were performed to determine the effect of pin channel preparation with standard and reduction speed handpieces, and pin seating by hand and with motor drive. The greatest retention was achieved by preparation with a standard handpiece at 6000 rpm, and manual pin placement with a hand driver. The most consistent retention values were achieved using the reduction handpiece. All preparation and placement combinations examined produced a clinically acceptable result.     

Heparin cofactor II: an acute phase reactant in patients with deep vein thrombosis.

In human plasma, heparin cofactor II (HCII) is a thrombin inhibitor which displays similarities with antithrombin III (ATIII). As previously reported for hereditary ATIII deficiency, cases of recurrent thrombosis were reported in patients with hereditary HCII deficiency. Here, plasma HCII activity was studied in 372 patients with a history of thrombosis, classified according to their anticoagulant therapy. The mean plasma HCII level was significantly higher in patients with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) under heparin therapy than in patients with a history of thrombosis, who were studied more than 3 months after the acute event, and were either on, or had been on, oral anticoagulant therapy. HCII and fibrinogen were significantly correlated in all three groups of patients. These results were strengthened by those of a follow-up study in 23 patients with acute DVT. Changes in plasma HCII activity paralleled those of fibrinogen. This suggests that HCII might behave like an acute phase reactant in patients with thrombosis and that the measurement of its plasma level as a risk factor for thrombosis should be performed some time after the acute episode. In conclusion, the prevalence of HCII deficiency in patients with a history of thrombosis might have been underestimated in series which included patients with acute thrombosis.     

Vitamin B status and response to replacement therapy in patients with burning mouth syndrome.

The aim of the study was to determine, in a group of patients with therapy-resistant burning mouth syndrome (BMS), the possible deficiency of vitamins B1, B2, and B6 and the effect of proper vitamin replacement therapy. Sixteen individuals, aged 47 to 81 years, participated in the study. All underwent a base-line examination comprising anamnestic information, subjective assessment of symptoms, dietary registration, salivary analysis, and serum analysis of thiamine (B1), riboflavine (B2), and pyridoxine (B6). Fifteen individuals had low thiamine and/or riboflavine levels in accordance with suggested levels in the literature and were given replacement therapy. No effect on BMS of vitamin replacement therapy or placebo therapy could be demonstrated.