Effects of estradiol, progestogens, and of tibolone on breast proliferation and apoptosis.

AIM: To study the effects of estrogen therapy, alone or combined with progestogens, and of tibolone on the expression of proliferation and apoptosis markers in normal breast tissue. METHODS: Thirty 250-day-old Wistar rats were castrated and 3 weeks later received one of the following treatments by gavage for 5 weeks: (1) estradiol benzoate; (2) estradiol benzoate + medroxyprogesterone acetate; (3) estradiol benzoate + norethisterone acetate; (4) estradiol benzoate + dydrogesterone; (5) tibolone; (6) placebo. Following treatment, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 was analyzed by quantitative immunohistochemistry in the breast tissue, and proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed semiquantitatively by microscopic imaging. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference among the groups for PCNA, caspase-3 and the caspase-3 : PCNA ratio. Tibolone was associated with the lowest proliferative activity, followed by estradiol benzoate + dydrogesterone; however, estradiol benzoate + dydrogesterone showed the greatest rate of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: The various progestogens can have more or less proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects than estradiol alone. Among the treatment schemes analyzed, the estradiol + dydrogesterone combination resulted in a higher apoptosis rate in relation to the proliferation rate and tibolone was associated with the lowest proliferation.

Homological scaffolds of brain functional networks.

Networks, as efficient representations of complex systems, have appealed to scientists for a long time and now permeate many areas of science, including neuroimaging (Bullmore and Sporns 2009 Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 10, 186-198. (doi:10.1038/nrn2618)). Traditionally, the structure of complex networks has been studied through their statistical properties and metrics concerned with node and link properties, e.g. degree-distribution, node centrality and modularity. Here, we study the characteristics of functional brain networks at the mesoscopic level from a novel perspective that highlights the role of inhomogeneities in the fabric of functional connections. This can be done by focusing on the features of a set of topological objects-homological cycles-associated with the weighted functional network. We leverage the detected topological information to define the homological scaffolds, a new set of objects designed to represent compactly the homological features of the correlation network and simultaneously make their homological properties amenable to networks theoretical methods. As a proof of principle,we apply these tools to compare resting state functional brain activity in 15 healthy volunteers after intravenous infusion of placebo and psilocybin-the main psychoactive component of magic mushrooms. The results show that the homological structure of the brain's functional patterns undergoes a dramatic change post-psilocybin, characterized by the appearance of many transient structures of low stability and of a small number of persistent ones that are not observed in the case of placebo.

Hernia through an iliac crest bone graft site: report of a case and review of the literature.

The iliac crest is a common donor site for autogenous bone graft as it offers the advantage of easy access and a relatively large and safe supply of bone. One of the less frequently reported complications of harvesting bone grafts from the iliac crest is a graft-site hernia. In the last decade less than 15 cases have been reported, however the true incidence of this complication is unknown. We report a case of iliac crest bone graft hernia in an obese diabetic female. The significant feature of this case was a large swelling six weeks postoperatively that was thought to be a hematoma. The actual diagnosis of hernia was made on the operating table during an attempt to evacuate the hematoma. Hence a high degree of suspicion is needed to diagnose a hernia following an iliac crest bone graft, particularly in obese patients and the suspicion should lead to confirmation by a CT scan.

Free radical scavenging and membrane protective effects of methanol extracts from Anthriscus cerefolium L. (Hoffm.) and Petroselinum crispum(Mill.) nym. ex A.W. Hill.

The antilipoperoxidant activity of Anthriscus cerefolium L. (Hoffm.), chervil, Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym. ex A. W. Hill., parsley extracts were evaluated with ascorbic acid induced lipid peroxidation on rat brain homogenates. These results are completed by the antiradical potential of these extracts against a solution of OH. radical. In all cases luteolin-7-O-glucoside was used as a reference material.

In vitro antioxidant activity of Anthriscus cerefolium L. (Hoffm.) extracts.

Standardised aqueous extracts of chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium L. Hoffm.) (Apiacae) were investigated for antioxidant effect. Numerous in vitro test methods were used to determine whether the extracts, from different vegetative parts (root, herb) had H-donor, metal binding, reductive, free radical scavenging and membrane protective activity. Apiin was used as a reference material. The herb extract showed better activity in all experiments than the root extract. The present results underline that the wateric chervil extracts have antioxidant and anti-lipoperoxidant activity.

[Investigation of the in vitro antioxidant effect of Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym. ex A. W. Hill]. / A Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym. ex A. W. Hill. in vitro antioxidáns hatásának vizsgálata.

Free radical reactions have excited excessive research in the past two decades. Since then it has been proven that these mechanisms may be important in the pathogenesis of certain diseases and aging. Many synthetic antioxidant components have shown toxic and/or mutagenic effects, which have directed most of the attention on the naturally occurring antioxidants. Their use has mainly centered around prevention, and the maintenance of health. Parsley, Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym. ex A. W. Hill belonging to the Apiaceae family, is a well-known spice and vegetable. Its herb and root are widely known for their effects on digestion, stomach, kidney, blood, and liver. The essential oil obtained from the fruit has also strong action on the central nervous system. Characteristic constituents are: flavonoids (apiin, luteolin-, apigenin-glycosides), essential oil (apiol, miriszticin), cumarines, (bergapten, imperatorin) and vitamin C. In our experimental work, various extracts prepared from different vegetative organs of parsley have been investigated. The chemical composition of the extracts and fractions were analyzed by chromatographic (GC, HPLC) and spectroscopic (UV, UV-VIS) techniques. We intended to provide evidence for the antioxidant activity of vegetable drugs and also studied the free radical scavenger activities by means of spectrophotometry (H-donor activity, reducing capability, chelat formation) and chemiluminometry. To prove the free radical scavenging effect of the extracts, the reduced intensity of the H2O2/.OH-isoluminol, microperoxidase system was studied in vitro. The highest correlation was found between the chemical property and the antioxidant effect of the flavonoid rich samples. At the same time it was also observed that the essential oil plays a significant role in the scavenging effect as well. More experiments are in progress to study the most promising compounds in the vegetative and generative organs of parsley.

[Determination of 23 elements in lady's thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertner)]. / A máriatövis (Silybum marianum L. Gaertner) elemtartami vizsgálatai.

23 elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, P, Pb, S, Ti, V, Zn) were measured in lady's thistle (Silybum marianum L.) herba and fructus by ICP-AES technique after digestion in teflon vessels. This is the first report about the content of these elements in the plant originated from Hungary. This measurements is important in view of plant physiology and pharmacology. Significant amounts of aluminium and iron were measured in lady's thistle herba. In the course of tea making, the relative concentration of some elements decreases because of the poor solubility of the compounds of these elements. The low concentration of these elements in teas in favourable in pharmacological aspect. No significant differences were found in boron, calcium, potassium and magnesium concentrations of lady's thistle fructus samples of different origin.

Locked nailing of the femur and tibia: minimizing operative difficulties.

The technique of closed intramedullary nailing has inherent operative difficulties and complications, which are especially evident and costly to the surgeon just beginning to become familiarized with the procedure. Practical advice about the techniques of closed femoral and tibial nailing to improve awareness of the possible problems is provided. The nailing procedure is analyzed in a step-by-step fashion from pre-operative planning to locking. Accurate pre-operative planning for the procedure to run smoothly is mandatory.

[Gas chromatographic analysis of cannabinoids on tandem columns]. / Kannabinoidok gázkromatográfiás vizsgálata tandem oszlopokon.

A simple, isotherm packed column gas chromatographic method was developed for the quantitative determination of neutral cannabinoids using 4-androstene-3,17-dion as internal standard. In order to achieve the best resolution and to avoid the evaluation of the disturbing hydrocarbon peaks a method was developed using "tandem" column made of 3% OV-1 (90%) and 3% OV-17 (10%) stationary phases. The psychotropic cannabinoids delta 1-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 1-THC) and delta 1(6)-tetrahydrocannabionol (delta 1(6)-THC), as well as, their main metabolites cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabichromene (CBC) were baseline separated except the cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN) pair, however for these compounds the separation was also satisfactory for the quantitative determinations. The Kováts retention indices were calculated for the most important cannabinoids and established the detection limits, respectively (20-50 ng range). The reproducibility was found excellent cv% = 1.06 for delta 1-THC and the analysis time was 55 minutes. The practical usefulness of the method was demonstrated by the comparative analyses on hashish- and fibre type hemps.

Radiological measurements in patellofemoral disorders. A review.

This paper analyzes some of the radiologic measurements used in the diagnosis and management of patellofemoral disorders. Measurements such as condylar width and height and patellar height from the true lateral view are helpful to determine the type and severity of intercondylar dysplasia. Skyline views provide information on the type and degree of patellar subluxation and dysplasia, especially of the medial aspect of the trochlear groove. In asymptomatic subjects, the trochlear angle does not exceed 140 degrees, and the lateral medial intercondylar ratio in dysplasia is > 1.7. Scanograms specifically assess the longitudinal axis of the lower limb. Computed tomography (CT) measurements for patellar subluxation do not provide significant additional information over that provided by skyline views. The average distance between the anterior tibial tuberosity and the trochlear groove is normally 13 mm, and a distance > 20 mm associated with knee pain should probably warrant surgery. Because of multiplanar facilities and exposure to nonionizing radiations, magnetic resonance imaging is progressively replacing CT scanning for quantitative and qualitative measurements, at least in a research environment. Its use in routine clinical practice is not yet warranted, given its high costs.

[Spectrophotometric and chromatographic investigation of bilberry anthocyanins for qualification purposes]. / A fekete áfonya termés antociánjainak spektrofotometriás és kromatográfiás vizsgálata minösítés céljából.

Analysis of the bilberry anthocyanin extracts of different origin (French, Polish, Roumanian and Italian) was performed for qualification and identification. Direct spectrophotometry was considered as simple, informative method for controlling the purity of the extracts and proving the presence of polyphenols with the estimation of the ratio A1 cm1% 535/A1 cm1% 280. Thin-layer chromatography is an appropriate technique for the separation of 5 to 6 constituents in the extracts for qualification and for the evaluation of compound-ratios by TLC-densitometry. The new RP-HPLC gradient procedure seemed to be the best method for the standardization of bilberry extracts by the separation and quantitative estimation of 12 anthocyanins. Therefore it is of great value in the standardization of anthocyanin extracts and crude drugs containing them.

[Instrumental analysis of medicinal plants and their drug products]. / Gyógynövények és drogjaik müszeres vizsgálatának lehetöségei.

The experiences obtained during the development of gas chromatographic and other (GC, TLC and infrared spectrophotometric) methods for the 7th edition of the Hungarian Pharmacopoeia for essential oils and drugs containing essential oils are summarized with emphasis on the selection of suitable internal standard for the gas chromatographic assays. The qualitative and quantitative estimation of bitter compounds and polyphenoles e.g. flavonoids and procyanidines by means of ultraviolet and infrared spectrophotometry and HPLC is also described. Some HPLC methods for the determination of anthocyan and carotinoid derivatives are also presented. These are not yet included in the pharmacopoeia but are successfully used for the analytical investigation of commercially available medicinal plants and drug products made thereof.

Influence of phaseolotoxin on the alkaloid accumulation in Datura innoxia Mill.

In crude protein extracts of aseptically grown plantlets of Datura innoxia ornithine carbamoyltransferase was detected. The ornithine carbamoyltransferase of plant extracts was inhibited by phaseolotoxin. The level of this inhibition was dependent on the concentration of the toxin applied. Subsequent accumulation of ornithine in plant vegetative parts was observed. Phaseolotoxin influenced both the vitability and alkaloid accumulation of treated plants.

Rectus sheath haematoma in a canoeist.

A 26-year-old male canoeist was referred with a 10-day history of abdominal pain, and a palpable mass in the left upper quadrant. No history of direct trauma was given. He was not taking any medication, and malignancy and inflammatory conditions were considered in the differential diagnosis. Ultrasonographic scan identified a mass originating in the rectus abdominis sheath. Ultrasonographically guided aspiration yielded some partially clotted blood, confirming the clinical diagnosis of rectus sheath haematoma. After conservative treatment, the patient resumed training, and is fully asymptomatic 1 year after discharge.

Inhibition of aluminium toxicity by magnesium and citric acid in tobacco tissue culture.

Using tobacco callus tissues the authors studied the antagonism of magnesium and aluminium, and the inhibition of aluminium toxicity by magnesium and citric acid, as expressed by their effect on growth and alkalod content. In response to an increase in the concentration of MgSO4 in the culture medium the fresh weight of the cultures significantly increased, while with an increase in Al2(SO4)3 growth decreased, 2 mM causing a high degree of inhibition. The toxic effect of aluminium was less marked when Mg was present at a concentration higher by an order (antagonistic inhibition). When citric acid was added to the culture medium, promoting complex formation with Al, the toxic effect of Al was not apparent. The nicotine content of the tissues was in each case inversely correlated with the magnitude of biomass formation.

Effect of hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration on uremic neuropathy.

This study was undertaken to compare the effect of 1 year hemodialysis (HD) or hemodiafiltration (HDF) treatment on peripheral neuropathy. Thus 21 of 42 patients on chronic HD (1-1.3 m2 cuprophane dialyzer, Qb 300 ml/min) were switched to HDF (1.3 m2 polysulfone dialyzer, Qb 400 ml/min, substitution volume 9-13 liters, ultrafiltration rate 60-70 ml/min), while the remaining patients were considered as a control group. Treatment time was scheduled both in HD and HDF to maintain adequate BUN levels in relation to protein catabolic rate. However, HDF provided a significantly greater weekly inulin (MW 5,000) clearance than HD (5.8 +/- 1.2 vs. 1.6 +/- 0.2 ml/min; p less than 0.001). HD and HDF groups were comparable for age, time on dialysis and starting electroneurographic parameters, which were on average within the normal range. After 1 year follow-up, creatinine, hematocrit, calcium, phosphate, PTH, BUN, protein catabolic rate and residual GFR were comparable in the two groups, whereas beta 2-microglobulin was significantly reduced in HDF patients (29 +/- 6.7 vs. 38.8 +/- 13.9 mg/l in HD patients, p less than 0.01). During the 1-year treatment, electroneurographic parameters did not change in HDF patients, whereas a significant decrease of ulnar motor nerve conduction velocity, ulnar muscle action potential amplitudes, median sensory nerve conduction velocity and peroneal muscle action potential amplitudes was detected in HD patients. We conclude that HDF might prevent the worsening of the electroneurographic indices occurring during chronic HD treatment, as it provides a more effective removal of middle and larger molecules than HD. The use of a more biocompatible membrane in HDF might further contribute to this favorable effect on uremic neuropathy.

[Quality control of essential oil of muscat sage (Salvia sclarea) during laboratory and industrial preparation. IV. Causes of color changes]. / A muskotályzsálya (Salvia sclarea) illóolajának minöségvizsgálata laboratóriumi és ipari elöállítás során. A színváltozás okairól.

Essential oils of muscat sage--of various habitats in different developmental stages as well as the essential oils prepared with half industrial and laboratorial procedures--have been studied. It has been found that compositions of essential oils do not differ significantly, the difference is only in such an extent that could be expected on the ground of environmental and ontogenetic effects. On the basis of tests it has been established that formation of brown oil is in connection with content of copper of apparatus (boiler, tube); Therefore applications of vessel and connections containing copper or copper impurities must be avoided in preparation of the clear essential oil.

[A case of meningococcal sepsis]. / Un caso di sepsi meningococcica.

We describe a 7-years boy by with a meningococcal sepsis due to Neisseria Meningitidis, with very serious evolution of cutaneous necrosis, initial D.I.C. and heart failure. The clinical picture do not improve with antibiotic therapy (CAF-penicillin), but the association ceftriaxone + tobramycin results in rapid improvement. The cutaneous necrosis, especially evident on gluteus, arms and legs, were treated locally with AgNO3 and penicillin-solution. After 4 weeks of treatment, also this cutaneous involvement improved and now the boy is healthy, without residual signs neither systemic nor cutaneous.