2-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl glycerol hexaacetate from Ruellia brittoniana

An extract of the whole plant of Ruellia brittoniana has afforded the new glycoside 2-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl glycerol hexaacetate [1]. Its structure and absolute configuration were deduced by spectroscopic methods and X-ray crystallographic analysis.     

RNAi phenotype profiling of kinases identifies potential therapeutic targets in Ewing's sarcoma

Background  

Ewing's sarcomas are aggressive musculoskeletal tumors occurring most frequently in the long and flat bones as a solitary lesion mostly during the teen-age years of life. With current treatments, significant number of patients relapse and survival is poor for those with metastatic disease. As part of novel target discovery in Ewing's sarcoma, we applied RNAi mediated phenotypic profiling to identify kinase targets involved in growth and survival of Ewing's sarcoma cells.     

Defining outcomes for β‐cell replacement therapy in the treatment of diabetes: a consensus report on the Igls criteria from the IPITA/EPITA opinion leaders workshop

β‐cell replacement therapy, available currently as pancreas or islet transplantation, has developed without a clear definition of graft functional and clinical outcomes. The International Pancreas & Islet Transplant Association (IPITA) and European Pancreas & Islet Transplantation Association (EPITA) held a workshop to develop consensus for an IPITA/EPITA Statement on the definition of function and failure of current and future forms of β‐cell replacement therapy. There was consensus that β‐cell replacement therapy could be considered as a treatment for β‐cell failure, regardless of etiology and without requiring undetectable C‐peptide, accompanied by glycemic instability with either problematic hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Glycemic control should be assessed at a minimum by glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) and the occurrence of severe hypoglycemia. Optimal β‐cell graft function is defined by near‐normal glycemic control [HbA_1c ≤ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol)] without severe hypoglycemia or requirement for insulin or other antihyperglycemic therapy, and with an increase over pretransplant measurement of C‐peptide. Good β‐cell graft function requires HbA_1c < 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) without severe hypoglycemia and with a significant (>50%) reduction in insulin requirements and restoration of clinically significant C‐peptide production. Marginal β‐cell graft function is defined by failure to achieve HbA_1c < 7.0% (53 mmol/mol), the occurrence of any severe hypoglycemia, or less than 50% reduction in insulin requirements when there is restoration of clinically significant C‐peptide production documented by improvement in hypoglycemia awareness/severity, or glycemic variability/lability. A failed β‐cell graft is defined by the absence of any evidence for clinically significant C‐peptide production. Optimal and good functional outcomes are considered successful clinical outcomes.     

Ultrasonic Scalpel for Hemostasis in Pacemaker‐Dependent Patients During Open‐Heart Surgery

Abstract We successfully used the ultrasonically activated scalpel to secure hemostasis in a temporary pacemaker‐dependent patient following repair of Ebstein's anomaly. The advantages of using this modality are briefly discussed. (J Card Surg 2010;25:357‐358)     

Lasers for tattoo removal: a review

Tattoos have existed and have been used as an expression of art by man for ages—and so have the techniques to remove them. Lasers based on the principle of selective photothermolysis are now being used to remove black as well as colorful tattoos with varying successes. The commonly used lasers for tattoo removal are the Q-switched 694-nm ruby laser, the Q-switched 755-nm alexandrite laser, the 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser, and the 532-nm Nd:YAG laser. Newer techniques and methods are evolving in tattoo removal with lasers. Choosing the right laser for the right tattoo color is necessary for a successful outcome. Our review aims to understand the principles of laser tattoo removal and their applications for different types and colors of tattoos. The review also highlights the complications that can occur such as dyspigmentation, allergic reactions, epidermal debris, ink darkening, and so on, in this process and how to prevent them.