A rapid and sensitive quantitation of Amitraz in plasma by gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection and its application for pharmacokinetics

We report a simple, sensitive, and rapid quantitation of Amitraz in plasma after Extrelut-3 column extraction by gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection (GC-NPD). The plasma sample was diluted four-fold with borate buffer (0.01M, pH 11), put into an Extrelut-3 column, left for 15 min, and then eluted with 15 mL of n-hexane. The n-hexane eluate was evaporated under nitrogen gas flow at room temperature. The residue was reconstituted with 0.1 mL of acetone containing nitrazepam as an internal standard. A 2-microL aliquot was injected into a wide-bore capillary column GC-NPD. The detection limit was 0.5 ng/mL and linearity was obtained in the range of 1-200 ng/mL. Amitraz in the buffer at pH 11 remained stable in a freezer for one week at -20 degrees C. The GC-NPD method was found useful in studying the pharmacokinetics of a single dose intravenous administration of Amitraz to a dog.     

Nucleotide sequence of dengue type 3 virus genomic RNA encoding viral structural proteins

Complementary DNAs to the 5 proximal region of the dengue virus type 3 RNA were cloned into bacterial plasmids and the nucleotide sequence of 3,000 bases from the 5 terminus of the genome were determined by DNA and RNA sequencing methods using dideoxy chain-termination reactions. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence thus obtained with those of other flavivirus genomes revealed significant homology existing in nucleotide sequence of the flavivirus genomes. When we compared amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence with those of other flaviviruses, this genome region was found to include sequences encoding three viral structural proteins C, M, and E and a part of the viral nonstructural protein NS1 in this order in addition to the 5-noncoding sequence. The characteristics and functions of these proteins were discussed based on the deduced amino acid sequences and their hydrophobic profiles. The genetic relationship of flaviviruses was also discussed based on the genetic variation observed in their genomes.     

Increase in choroidal blood flow in rabbits with endothelin-1 induced transient complete obstruction of retinal vessels

Background: In a previous paper, we reported that retinal blood flow (RBF) ceased immediately after injection of 1 nmol endothelin-1 (ET-1) and no recovery of RBF was detected for at least 50 min. In this study, we confirmed the same duration of RBF cessation and measured choroidal blood flow (CBF) for 180 min. Methods: We measured CBF in a rabbit model of transient complete obstruction of retinal vessels induced by intravitreal injection of a high dose of ET-1, using the hydrogen clearance method. We also investigated the effects of intravitreal injection of ET-1 on intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure, pulse rate and blood gases. Results: CBF was significantly greater in the ET-1-injected eyes than in the control eyes 40–130 min after injection of ET-1 (P < 0.05). The maximal CBF ratio in the ET-1-injected eyes was 128 ± 7.4% at 40 min. CBF decreased to the pre-injection level at 140 min after the injection of ET-1. There was no significant change in blood pressure, pulse rate and blood gases throughout this experiment, and there was no significant difference in IOP between ET-1-injected eyes and control eyes. Conclusion: It seems likely that the increase in CBF resulted from some local mechanisms of control that compensated for the decrease in RBF induced by intravitreal injection of ET-1. This model may be useful for investigation of the regulatory system of intraocular circulation, including endothelin receptors.     

A classification of shock based on hemodynamic profiles

Shock is a syndrome of numerous etiologies. The treatment of shock syndrome depends on the etiology and circulatory pathophysiology. From the viewpoint of circulatory physiology, the mechanism of circulatory failure can be attributed to three factors: blood volume; cardiac contractility; and vascular resistance. Balloon-tipped pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheters can distinguish between these factors in the clinical setting and allows physicians to treat shock patients most appropriately and logically. The author proposes a treatment-oriented classification of shock based on Swan-Ganz catheter findings and divides shock into three types: hypovolemic; cardiogenic; and low-resistant shock. All clinicians who treat shock must have qualified knowledge of and experience in handling this beneficial but invasive monitoring device.     

A lethal osteochondrodysplasia with mesomelic brachymelia, round pelvis, and congenital hepatic fibrosis: two siblings born to consanguineous parents

We report a hitherto unknown, lethal osteochondrodysplasia in two Japanese siblings born to consanguineous parents. The skeletal abnormalities are characterised by mesomelic brachymelia with bowed forearms, a round pelvis with shortened greater sciatic notches, an ossification defect of the pubic bones, and absence of ossification centers in the cervical vertebral bodies. The associated visceral anomalies comprised periportal fibrosis and cystic dysplasia of the intrahepatic bile ducts, pancreatic ductal ectasia, a simple renal cyst, microcephaly with multifocal laminar necrosis and ectopic gray matter, dysplastic tracheobronchial cartilage, abnormal lobulation of the lung, diaphragmatic hernia, and stenotic pulmonary valve. Thrombocytopenia was present but megakaryocytes were slightly increased in the bone marrow. The patients showed various dysmorphic features including aniridia, a long palpebral fissure, prominent nasal bridge, beaked nose, flat philtrum, low-set fleshy ears, micrognathia with submucosal cleft palate, and multiple joint contractures. Received: 23 May 1997 Accepted: 27 June 1997     

Nationwide survey on complementary and alternative medicine in cancer patients in Japan.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients with cancer in Japan, and to compare the characteristics of CAM users and CAM nonusers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire on cancer CAM and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were delivered to 6,607 patients who were treated in 16 cancer centers and 40 palliative care units. RESULTS: There were 3,461 available replies for a response rate of 52.4%. The prevalence of CAM use was 44.6% (1,382 of 3,100) in cancer patients and 25.5% (92 of 361) in noncancer patients with benign tumors. Multiple logistic regression analysis determined that history of chemotherapy, institute (palliative care units), higher education, an altered outlook on life after cancer diagnosis, primary cancer site, and younger age were strongly associated with CAM use in cancer patients. Most of the CAM users with cancer (96.2%) used products such as mushrooms, herbs, and shark cartilage. The motivation for most CAM use was recommendation from family members or friends (77.7%) rather than personal choice (23.3%). Positive effects were experienced by 24.3% of CAM users with cancer, although all of them received conventional cancer therapy concurrently. Adverse reactions were reported by 5.3% of cancer patients. CAM products were used without sufficient information by 57.3% of users with cancer and without a consultation with a doctor by 60.7% of users. CONCLUSION: This survey revealed a high prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients, without sufficient information or consultation with their physicians. Oncologists should not ignore the CAM products used by their patients because of a lack of proven efficacy and safety.     

Hemoperitoneum associated with uterine fibroids: A case report

Introduction:Uterine fibroids, which are common benign tumors, rarely cause acute complications. We herein report a case of hemoperitoneum associated with uterine fibroid that could be diagnosed preoperatively with contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT).Patient concerns:A 48-year-old woman with uterine fibroid developed extremely severe lower abdominal pain on the first day of her menstrual period.Diagnosis:Ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT revealed a uterine fibroid and extravasation from the dilated vessels of the uterine fibroid.Intervention:Emergent abdominal hysterectomy was performed.Outcomes:The total amount of bleeding was 4,600 mL. Intraoperative blood salvage (1,357 mL), 6 units of red blood cells, 4 units of fresh frozen plasma, and 20 units of platelet concentrates were transfused. The postoperative course was uneventful. Pathological examination confirmed a benign uterine fibroid.Conclusion:CT could be useful to determine a diagnosis for bleeding from ruptured subserosal uterine fibroid.