Intestinal activity visualized on radionuclide cisternography in patients with cerebrospinal fluid leak.

Several methods are used in conjunction with radionuclide cisternography for detecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea or otorrhea, including positioning of the patient to induce drainage, placing cotton pledgets in the nostrils and ears for scintillation counting, and increasing the CSF pressure within the subarachnoid space. Presented here are three surgically proven cases of CSF leak where intestinal activity was detected at different intervals following the lumbar intrathecal administration of indium-111-DTPA for radionuclide cisternography. We recommend the addition of an abdominal image during radionuclide cisternography for CSF liquorrhea.

Bioactive oleanolic acid saponins and other constituents from the roots of Viguiera decurrens.

The bisdesmoside oleanolic acid saponin, 3-0-(methyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosiduronoate)-28-0-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-oleanolate along with nine known compounds (two diterpenic acids, one chromene, three triterpenes, one steroidal glycoside, and two monodesmoside oleanolic acid saponins), were obtained from Viguiera decurrens roots. The chemical structure of the bisdesmoside oleanolic saponin was determined by chemical and NMR spectral evidence. A mixture of monodesmoside saponins displayed cytotoxic activity against P388 and COLON cell lines (ED50= 2.3 and 3.6 microg/ml, respectively). Two of the known compounds showed insecticidal activity against the Mexican bean beetle larvae (Epilachna varivestis).

Biochemically active sesquiterpene lactones from Ratibida mexicana.

Bioactivity-directed fractionation of the methanol extract of the roots of Ratibida mexicana resulted in the isolation of two bioactive sesquiterpene lactones, isoalloalantolactone and elema-1,3,11-trien-8,12-olide. Both compounds caused a significant inhibition of the radicle growth of Amaranthus hypochondriacus and Echinochloa crus-galli, exerted moderate cytotoxic activity against three different solid tumour cell lines and inhibited significantly the radial growth of three phytopathogenic fungi. Isoalloalantolactone also caused the inhibition of ATP synthesis, proton uptake and electron transport (basal, phosphorylating and uncoupled) from water to methylviologen, therefore acting as a Hill's reaction inhibitor. The lactone did not affect photosystem I but inhibited photosystem II. The site of inhibition of isoalloalantolactone is located in the span of P680 to QA redox enzymes because the uncoupled electron transport from water to silicomolybdate and, from DPC to DCIP are inhibited approximately to the same extent.

Patients receiving glutamine-supplemented intravenous feedings report an improvement in mood.

Nutritional effects have traditionally focused on outcomes, such as nitrogen balance, wound healing, or muscle strength. Little emphasis has been placed on how biochemical or physical improvements translate into functional changes as perceived by the patient. Because glutamine (GLN)-supplemented nutrition promotes protein synthesis and improves nitrogen balance, we assessed the mood of individuals participating in a randomized controlled blinded trial receiving GLN solutions. Patients (n = 23) undergoing marrow transplantation were randomized by the research pharmacist to receive either standard total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (control) or GLN-containing TPN (40 g of glutamine total). The solutions were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and were administered until the patient was eating 50% of estimated requirements. Before TPN and on admission to the hospital, the patient completed the Profile of Mood States questionnaire, a standardized test quantifying the degree of tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, and confusion. The patient completed the questionnaire again at the end of TPN near discharge. The tests were scored and the change from baseline for each mood for both groups of patients was calculated at the completion of TPN. The scores for vigor in the control group (delta scores) decreased over the course of hospitalization as would be expected with a serious illness. The group receiving glutamine TPN, however, essentially showed little change in vigor from baseline and the delta score was significantly different from the control group (delta vigor score -0.85 +/- 2.1 in the glutamine group vs. -5.90 +/- 1.7 in the control group; p = .07).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of glutamine supplementation on circulating lymphocytes after bone marrow transplantation: a pilot study.

Glutamine (Gln) is an important nutrient substrate for lymphocytes and macrophages in vitro. This pilot study evaluated effects of Gln supplementation on circulating lymphocytes and lymphocyte subsets after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Adult patients received either parenteral nutrition supplemented by L-Gln (Gln-PN) or standard Gln-free PN after BMT. Leukocyte and total lymphocyte counts were determined during hospitalization, and flow cytometry studies of peripheral mononuclear cells were performed 1 to 2 weeks after hospital discharge. The Gln-PN group demonstrated a higher percentage of blood lymphocytes during hospitalization. At flow cytometry, patients who received Gln-PN had an increased total lymphocyte count (332 +/- 50 versus 590 +/- 71 cells/microL, P = 0.010); greater numbers of total T lymphocytes (54 +/- 19 versus 229 +/- 70 cells/microL, P = 0.030); and higher CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood compared with controls. Gln-PN may support lymphocyte recovery after BMT.

Interferences from bivalent cations in the determination of selenium by hydride-generation and atomic-absorption spectrometry: a discussion of the claim that the metal ions are reduced to the metallic state by sodium borohydride.

The cause of interference by bivalent cations in the determination of selenium by hydridegeneration and atomic-absorption is still the subject of debate. It is suggested that these ions react with sodium borohydride to produce the metal borides and not, as generally supposed, the elemental metals. The metal borides are known to be highly reactive and could cause decomposition of the selenium hydride before it reaches the detection unit.

On the storage of the sodium borohydride solution used in the hydride-generation atomic-absorption technique.

A critical examination has been made of the stability of sodium borohydride solutions on storage at room temperature and at 4 degrees in a refrigerator, by comparison of the reductive power for selenium(IV) in a hydride-generator, with that of a freshly prepared solution. No significant change in reactivity appeared to be caused by storage for a period of three weeks, and there seems no need to use freshly prepared solutions for analytical work.

Critical examination of some common reagents for reducing selenium species in chemical analysis.

In an attempt to resolve apparently conflicting statements in the literature, a study has been made of the action of various reductants on selenium(VI) and selenium(IV). Chloride in hot non-oxidizing acid medium will reduce Se(VI) to Se(IV) but not further. Sulphur dioxide will reduce Se(IV) to Se, but has no effect on Se(VI). Hydrazinium salts reduce both Se(VI) and Se(VI) to Se, but hydroxylammonium salts reduce only Se(IV) to Se. Hydrogen peroxide partially reduces Se(VI) to Se(IV) but not further. If chloride is also present [to reduce Se(VI) to Se(IV)], sulphur dioxide or hydroxylammonium salts can then reduce the Se(IV) to Se, and this combined effect has led to some confusion in interpretation of experimental observations.

Determination of iodine in seaweed and table salt by an indirect atomic-absorption method.

Decomposition methods based on fusion with alkali are discussed, with respect to the determination of iodine in biological material. It is shown that sodium hydroxide can be used for the decomposition of seaweed without loss of iodine. In spite of the oxidizing conditions, the iodine will be present as iodide in the final ash. The iodide can be determined by an indirect atomic-absorption method, based on the reaction between iodide and mercury(II), with determination of mercury by cold vapour atomic-absorption spectrometry. The basis of the method is discussed, and it is shown that the use of tin(II) as reductant is essential. The effect of the oxidation state of the iodine on the sensitivity of the method is pointed out. High concentrations of chloride interfere, but it is still possible to determine iodide in iodinated table salt.

Hallucinogenic plants of the Tarahumara.

Plants used by the Mexican Tarahumara Indians to alter their perception are discussed from an ethnobotanical viewpoint. Reports from earlier workers are reviewed. Recent field work has corroborated many of the early observations. In addition, five Tarahumara plants are reported for the first time as hallucinogenic. They include species of Coryphantha, Echinocereus, Mammillaria, and Scirpus. Other plants are suspected of producing hallucinations or are associated with hallucinogenic plants.

A study of four medicinal plant complexes of Mexico and adjacent United States.

A survey of medicinal herbs in markets of central and northern Mexico and southwestern United States revealed the existence of plant complexes of different species sharing common names, morphological and aromatic characteristics, and uses. Four complexes (with the "label" species listed first) discussed include: "cachani" with Roldana sessilifolia, Iostephane madrensis, Liatris punctata, Psacalium sp., and Potentilla sp.; "chuchupate" with Ligusticum porteri and Myroxylon balsamum; "hierba anís" with Tagetes lucida, T. filifolia, T. micrantha, Artemisia dracunculus, Pimpinella anisum, and Illicium verum; and "matarique" with Psacalium decompositum, P. peltatum, P. sinuatum, P. sp., and Acourtia thurberi. The distribution analysis of utilization and natural occurrence of plants in each complex indicated the presence of a dominant or "label" plant whose use extended beyond its natural range and which had substitutes derived from local plants that were not registered far beyond their respective natural ranges.

A study of the medical ethnobotany of the Zuni Indians of New Mexico.

This paper examines the medical ethnobotany of the Zuni Indians of west-central New Mexico. Historically, these people were hunters and gatherers, and later, farmers and sheepherders. They developed an extensive knowledge of the local flora and a complex religious rite and system of medical practice. Now, as customs and values of Western societies encroach upon their lifestyle, the Zuni's knowledge of the medicinal use of plants is in danger of being forgotten. Field work conducted during the summers of 1977 and 1978 with the Zuni involved interviews with 27 Zuni medicine men and elders and the collection of 138 plant species. For 49 species a medicinal use was described. These remedies were examined in detail to determine their pharmacological and physiological action and their cultural significance. A total of 31 medicinal plants collected in this study were not mentioned in the Zuni ethnobotanical study by Stevenson over 60 years earlier. This may reflect a difficulty in recording all the plant remedies of a culture rather than an acquisition of new remedies since that time. The use of herbal remedies today and the knowledge of their use in the past has diminished.

Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the Mexican medicinal plant Packera candidissima (Asteraceae: Senecioneae).

A study of the hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) contained in Packera candidissima (Greene) Weber & Löve (Senecio candidissimus Greene), a Mexican medicinal plant used for the treatment of kidney ailments and noted for its antiseptic properties, is reported. Analysis by TLC and GC-MS have shown the presence in high levels of both PAs and their N-oxides in the root (0.76% dry weight) and the aerial parts (0.36% dry weight) of the plant material. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of senecionine, integerrimine, retrorsine, and usaramine in the aerial parts. The root was found to contain senkirkine as the major component. These results indicate that users of this herb are at high risk of poisoning, especially members of certain cultural groups in Northern Mexico and the Hispanic population in the southwestern United States. In addition, two sesquiterpenes, neoadenostylone and epineoadenostylone were identified from the neutral extracts of this plant material. The 6 alpha-angeloyloxy-9-oxo-delta 10(1)-furanoeremophilane is reported for the first time as a natural product.

Vasoactive effects of aqueous extracts from five Mexican medicinal plants on isolated rat aorta.

The present investigation describes the effects of aqueous extracts from Chiranthodendron pentadactylon flowers, Galphimia glauca leaves and flowers, Ipomoea stans roots, Juglans regia leaves and Taxodium mucronatum aerial parts on isolated rat thoracic aorta precontracted by noradrenaline (NA). In all cases, the aqueous extracts (0.5-12 mg/ml) significantly inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, the maximal contractile response induced by NA in rat aorta. The most active extract was that of G. glauca flowers. These findings indicate that the active principle(s) present in the crude extracts can exert a vasorelaxant effect.

Cactus alkaloids. XLVII. N alpha-dimethylhistamine, a hypotensive component of Echinocereus triglochidiatus.

Echinocereus triglochidiatus Engelm. var. neomexicanus (Standley) Standley ex W. T. Marshall is believed to cause psychotropic effects when consumed by the Mexican Tarahumara Indians. A phytochemical study was initiated with E. triglochidiatus Engelm. var. paucispinus Engelm. ex W. T. Marshall, which is more abundant in Texas. In the fractionated extracts three compounds, detected by thin-layer chromatography, were positive to Ehrlich's reagent, indicating the possible presence of indole alkaloids; however, a non-Erhlich positive alkaloid was crystallized as the dihydrochloride and subsequently identified (spectrometrically and via synthesis as N alpha, N alpha-dimethylhistamine dihydrochloride. The same compound was then detected chromatographically in the neomexicanus variety. This compound has peripheral hypotensive effects similar to histamine, and this action may help to explain the alleged psychotrophic effects of the cactus.

Perception of service needs by parents with intellectual disability, their significant others and their service workers.

It is well recognized in the literature that parents with intellectual disability require support and social services. There is growing interest in these services being responsive to parent-identified concerns, particularly as it has been suggested that parents' concerns may differ from those reported by service workers, family members, or friends. In the Australian study reported here, the views of parents with intellectual disability, their significant others and service workers were sought on parents' service needs on 20 items incorporating child care, social and community living, and domestic skills. There were significant differences in the perceptions of the parents, workers, and significant others on the help parents needed. Several gaps in services were also identified. From the parents' perspective, their greatest unmet needs were in the community participation area, specifically with help to explore work options, to know what community services are available and how to access these, and to meet people and make friends.

Day surgery for older people (70+): selection versus outcome effects.

As length of Australian hospital stays decreased, concerns were raised about benefits of shorter stays for older people. We investigated personal characteristics, perceived health outcomes (SF-36) and service use of day-only and other patients aged 70+, at one and 12 weeks after hospital discharge. Day-only patients were younger, had better self-reported health, were selected for orthopaedic, gastrointestinal and ophthalmic procedures and used similar levels of formal and informal services after discharge as people with longer stays. There was no evidence of ill effects of day surgery for older people, but improved selection and information giving procedures can improve outcomes.

Phenological and geographical influence in the concentration of selected bioactive 4-phenylcoumarins and chlorogenic acid in Hintonia latiflora leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hintonia latiflora is a Mexican medicinal plant with well-documented ethnomedical record comprising more than 400 years; in modern Mexico is used for treating several maladies such as diabetes and gastric ulcers. Although the pharmacological actions of the stem-bark and leaves have been demonstrated, the phenological and geographical effect on the concentration of active principles remains unexplored. AIM OF THE STUDY: The main goals of this study were to analyze the amount of selected 4-phenylcoumarins and chlorogenic acid in the leaves in order to assess the best harvesting period, and consequently their pharmacological efficacy. In addition, the preclinical antidiabetic efficacy of the infusion of the leaves was corroborated using standard pharmacological tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aqueous extracts from the leaves of Hintonia latiflora were prepared by infusion. For phenological and geographical comparison, leaves of Hintonia latiflora were collected in two different regions in Chihuahua and Michoacán. The material was analyzed by UPLC applying an analytical method that developed and validated for this purpose following the ICH guidelines. Investigation of the antidiabetic action was accomplished using an acute hypoglycemic test and oral glucose and sucrose tolerance tests. RESULTS: The validated analytical method was successfully applied for quantifying chlorogenic acid (1) and 4-phenylcoumarins (2-5) in the leaves of 12 different batches (1-12) during one-year period, and seven different batches for each geographical region; the concentration of the metabolites at the phenological cycle was significantly different, their concentration increased during the pre-senescence phase whereas in the leaf renovation stage the highest concentration of 2-5 was reached. The overall analysis of the active compounds concentration between the two populations investigated seems to be less important than the phenological variations. The aqueous extract of the leaves of Hintonia latiflora exerted its antidiabetic effect by different mechanisms showing comparable effect to the organic extract. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present investigation reveal that the best harvest season for the leaves of Hintonia latiflora is between the leaves renovation and senescence stages avoiding the flowering period. In addition, no significant differences were found among the two different geographical populations analyzed. The infusions of the leaves, rich in 4-phenylcoumarins and chlorogenic acid, showed comparable antidiabetic action than the organic extract.

Gastroprotective effect of Hintonia latiflora and Hintonia standleyana aqueous extracts and compounds.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The stem-barks of Hintonia latiflora and Hintonia standleyana, locally known as "copalchi", are used for treating several maladies such as diabetes and gastrointestinal complaints, including gastric ulcers. Although the antidiabetic properties have been demonstrated, the gastroprotective action remains unexplored. AIM OF THE STUDY: The main goals of this study were to establish the potential acute toxicity and the gastroprotective activity of aqueous extracts and compounds from Hintonia latiflora and Hintonia standleyana in order to demonstrate their preclinical efficacy for the treatment of gastric ulcers in Mexican folk medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aqueous extracts from the stem-barks (HLSB and HSSB) and leaves (HLL and HSL) from Hintonia latiflora and Hintonia standleyana were prepared by infusion. Investigation of the acute toxicity was accomplished by the Lorke method. The gastroprotective effect was assessed by means of a conventional ethanol-induced gastric injury model in rats using carbenoxolone as positive control. 5-O-[ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-7-methoxy-3',4'-dihydroxy-4-phenylcoumarin (1) and chlorogenic acid (2) were also assayed. Preliminary mechanism of action of the tested compounds was analyzed using the same pharmacological models but pretreating the animals with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) and indomethacin. RESULTS: Investigation of the acute toxicity revealed that infusions of the leaves and stem-barks of both Hintonia species were not toxic to mice (LD(50)>5000 mg/kg in all cases). HLSB, HSSB, HLL and HSL provoked a significant gastroprotective effect [80.5±3.35% (ED(50)=184.7 mg/kg), 80.26±3.96%, 75.1±7.26% (ED(50)=109.1 mg/kg), 76.85±3.17% (ED(50)=149.7 mg/kg) of gastroprotection respectively]. Compounds 1 and 2, present in all the extracts, were also active [68.85±8.4% (ED(50)=15 mg/kg), 74.04±4.4% (ED(50)=26 mg/kg) of gastroprotection respectively] and their mode of action involved non-protein sulfhydryl endogenous (NP-SH) compounds, since only pretreatment with NEM inhibited their gastroprotective action. CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation tends to support the ethnomedical use of HLSB, HSSB for treating gastric ulceration. Since HLL and HSL were also active, the leaves could be use alternatively, which in terms of natural resources conservation is an outstanding finding, considering that the plant populations of both Hintonia are scarce and in danger of extinction. Mainly two compounds (1 and 2) are important active principles of the plants.