A routine method for the simultaneous measurement of retinol, α-tocopherol and five carotenoids in human plasma by reverse phase HPLC

We describe a simple isocratic HPLC method for the accurate and precise measurement of retinol, α-tocopherol and the major carotenoids in plasma using UV detection. Reference ranges for retinol, α-tocopherol and five carotenoids are determined in a healthy population group. The most abundant carotenoids found in plasma were β-carotene, lycopene, lutein and cryptoxanthin. Retinol, α-tocopherol and carotenoids were determined simultaneously using two internal standards, retinol acetate for retinol and tocopherol acetate for α-tocopherol and carotenoids. The use of echinenone as an internal standard for carotenoids was investigated. The protective effect of an antioxidant (ascorbic acid) on the stability of samples and extracted material is documented. The method is useful for the routine measurement of plasma retinol, α-tocopherol and carotenoids and could also be used in large scale epidemiological studies.     

Expression of blood group A antigens in human bone marrow cells

We have studied the appearance of blood group A-activity during hematopoiesis in human bone marrow cells by the use of the blood group A-specific lectin from Vicia cracca. Cells that bound the lectin were identified using antiserum against the lectin followed by rosetting with protein A-containing Staphylococcus aureus cells. Only cells of the erythroid lineage from blood group A individuals formed staphylococcal rosettes. A-activity occurred in basophilic normoblasts and later stages of erythropoiesis, whereas pronormoblasts were negative. The appearance of blood group A-activity coincided roughly with the onset of hemoglobin synthesis and slightly later than the expression of the major sialoglycoprotein of erythrocytes, glycophorin A. Glycophorin A did not, however, contain blood group A-activity when analyzed by immunoprecipitation and gel electrophoresis.     

Effect of region assignment on relative renal blood flow estimates using radionuclides

To determine the value of the initial phase of the Tc-99m DTPA renogram in the direct estimation of relative renal blood flow in dogs, the ratios of the slopes of renal time-activity curves were compared with the ratios of measured blood flow. Radionuclide results were dependent on region-of-interest (ROI) and background ROI assignment, and correlated well with measured relative flow only with a maximum renal outline region. Curve slope ratios correlated well with measured flow ratios with and without background correction, while 1- to 2-minute uptake ratios correlated well only when corrected for background.     

Magnetic Resonance Urography in Obstructive Uropathy

Background

Urinary obstruction is one of the few reversible causes of renal failure. Early diagnosis and treatment can salvage the kidney. Presently intravenous urography, ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are in vogue to detect the cause and demonstrate the site of obstruction.

Methods

An evaluation of imaging technique in obstructive uropathy was undertaken in a group of 25 patients.

Result and Conclusion

Magnetic resonance urography delivered highest accuracy amongst the techniques studied.Key Words: Magnetic resonance urography     

Vector databank in the Indian armed forces

Background: Medical intelligence of disease vectors deals with understanding vector distribution and control.     

Ex-servicemen medical aid group (ESMAG) : The hidden force

Natural calamities such as cyclones, floods and earthquakes are common occurrences in the Indian sub continent which require super human effort to contain damage to men and material. Such events put the dedication, endurance capabilities and organizational skills available in the country to a litmus test. It is not surprising therefore, that the Armed Forces are often asked to spearhead the relief work in such disaster situations. So far, the potential for utilization of disciplined and trained exservicemen population for such situations has remained untapped due to the lack of an organizational framework. A concept of tapping this large pool of trained manpower is presented.     

Magnetic resonance urography in obstructive uropathy

Background: Urinary obstruction is one of the few reversible causes of renal failure. Early diagnosis and treatment can salvage the kidney. Presently intravenous urography, ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are in vogue to detect the cause and demonstrate the site of obstruction.     

脐血间充质干细胞分离培养的理论研究与应用

目的:间充质干细胞具有多向分化潜能,在一定的实验条件控制下可分化为骨、软骨、肌肉、神经、肝和内皮等多种细胞,本文在于进一步综合分析脐血间充质干细胞的优化分离培养条件。资料来源:应用计算机检索Medline、PubMed数据库1980-01/2006-12期间有关脐血间充质干细胞分离培养的文献,检索词“mesenchymal stem cells,human umbilical cord blood(HUCB),isolation,culture”,并限定文章语言种类为English。同时计算机检索CNKI,万方数据库1990-01/2006-12期间相关文献,限定文章语言种类为中文,检索词“间充质干细胞,脐血,分离,培养”。并手工查阅相关书籍。资料选择:检索有关脐血间充质干细胞分离培养的综述和实验论据,参考综合各文献中脐血间充质干细胞培养的方法条件,选择比较典型和比较新颖的文献进行综合。资料提炼:共检索到79篇有关脐血间充质干细胞分离纯化、培养扩增的文献,纳入30篇。资料综合:国内外有大量的实验证实,间充质干细胞具有肯定的支持造血功能,而且在一定实验条件控制下可分化为骨、软骨、脂肪、肌腱、肌肉、神经、基质、肝、内皮等多种细胞。脐血来源间充质干细胞具有低免疫原性等很多优点已成为干细胞研究领域的热点,目前分离培养间充质干细胞的方法多样,日趋成熟,但仍存在许多不足,需进一步探索间充质干细胞的分离纯化技术。结论:目前已经建立了多种脐血间充质干细胞分离纯化培养扩增的方法,为其在细胞工程和组织工程的应用提供了基础。