Short communication: antiviral activity of subcritical water extract of Brassica juncea against influenza virus A/H1N1 in nonfat milk.

Subcritical water extract (SWE) of Brassica juncea was studied for antiviral effects against influenza virus A/H1N1 and for the possibility of application as a nonfat milk supplement for use as an "antiviral food." At maximum nontoxic concentrations, SWE had higher antiviral activity against influenza virus A/H1N1 than n-hexane, ethanol, or hot water (80°C) extracts. Addition of 0.5mg/mL of B. juncea SWE to culture medium led to 50.35% cell viability (% antiviral activity) for Madin-Darby canine kidney cells infected with influenza virus A/H1N1. Nonfat milk supplemented with 0.28mg/mL of B. juncea SWE showed 39.62% antiviral activity against influenza virus A/H1N1. Thus, the use of B. juncea SWE as a food supplement might aid in protection from influenza viral infection.

Ribozymes as potential anti-HIV-1 therapeutic agents.

Certain RNA molecules, called ribozymes, possess enzymatic, self-cleaving activity. The cleavage reaction is catalytic and no energy source is required. Ribozymes of the "hammerhead" motif were identified in plant RNA pathogens. These ribozymes possess unique secondary (and possibly tertiary) structures critical for their cleavage ability. The present study shows precise cleavage of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) sequences in a cell-free system by hammerhead ribozymes. In addition to the cell-free studies, human cells stably expressing a hammerhead ribozyme targeted to HIV-1 gag transcripts have been constructed. When these cells were challenged with HIV-1, a substantial reduction in the level of HIV-1 gag RNA relative to that in nonribozyme-expressing cells, was observed. The reduction in gag RNA was reflected in a reduction in antigen p24 levels. These results suggest the feasibility of developing ribozymes as therapeutic agents against human pathogens such as HIV-1.

Action of Azotobacter vinelandii poly-beta-D-mannuronic acid C-5-epimerase on synthetic D-glucuronans.

Eleven different glucans (wheat starch, potato amylopectin, potato amylose, pullulan, alternan, regular comb dextran, alpha-cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, CM-cellulose, chitin, and chitosan) that had their C-6 primary alcohol groups oxidized to carboxyl groups by reaction with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine oxoammonium ion (TEMPO), were reacted with Azotobacter vinelandii poly-beta-(1-->4)-D-mannuronic acid C-5-epimerase. All of the oxidized polysaccharides reacted with the C-5-epimerase, as evidenced by comparing: (1) differences in the relative viscosities; (2) differences in the carbazole reaction; (3) differences in their susceptibility to acid hydrolysis, and (4) differences in their ability to form calcium gels, before and after reaction. We further show the formation of L-iduronic acid from D-glucuronic acid for oxidized and epimerized amylose by 2D NOESY and COSY + 1H NMR.

Intramedullary nailing for chronic tibial stress fractures. A review of five cases.

Chronic tibial stress fracture is an unusual condition that is primarily seen in athletes and military personnel. Recurrent or recalcitrant stress fractures can be career-ending because they require lengthy nonoperative treatment. We performed a retrospective review of five patients who underwent intramedullary tibial nailing for recalcitrant stress fractures at Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, from 1991 to 1994. Interviews were used to survey the patient's history and outcome. We reviewed each case regarding preoperative symptoms, preoperative treatment, surgery performed, radiographic findings, and functional outcome. In each case there were several similarities in symptoms and, most notably, radiographic findings and failure of nonoperative therapy for more than 1 year. Each patient had an unusually narrow medullary canal, a thickened anterior cortex, and a linear unicortical fracture line on the anterior or tension side. Although functional results varied, all patients reported improvement in their symptoms and could return to limited running. There were two excellent results (defined as unlimited pain-free running and resolved tibial pain) and three good results. We believe intramedullary tibial nailing should be considered for treating chronic stress fractures of the midanterior tibia that are recalcitrant to nonoperative therapy in a selected group of patients.

Whole lake addition of cadmium-109: radiotracer accumulation in the mussel population in the first season.

Cadmium with the radiotracer 109Cd was added to the epilimnion of Precambrian Shield Lake 382 in the Experimental Lakes Area, northwestern Ontario to monitor pathways of Cd from water to abiotic and biotic components, to quantify Cd accumulation and distribution in biota and to evaluate adverse biological and ecological effects. This experiment will permit evaluation of the adequacy of the water quality guidelines of 0.2 microgram Cd l-1 in protecting aquatic life in softwater lakes. As part of the whole-lake experiment, we monitored the activities of 109Cd in various body parts of the floater mussel Anodonta grandis grandis to determine accumulation and distribution of Cd. Additions of Cd from 23 June to the end of October 1987 (a total of 900 g Cd and 89 mCi of 109Cd) increased the total [Cd] in the water from 1.6 to about 85 ng l-1. Cadmium-109 was accumulated in body parts of the mussels, in increasing concentration: mantle less than foot less than gill less than visceral mass less than kidney. After 4 months exposure to the increased water [Cd], the mussels had increased body burden of Cd by an estimated 5-9 times. At the latter increase, the population of 7330 +/- 2100 mussels in the lake contained an estimated 0.011-0.020% of the added 109Cd.

Dexamethasone inhibition of the development of dysplastic bony lesions in LP/J mice.

Inbred LP/J mice have been observed to spontaneously develop abnormal bony lesions of the ossicles and otic capsule that progress throughout the life of the animals. This genetically inherited murine disorder produces bony lesions that share some gross and histologic features with bony lesions seen in human tympanosclerosis. Previous studies on LP/J mice have demonstrated evidence of immunologically mediated injury in the progression of the newly forming bony lesions. This study was designed to examine the effects of dexamethasone on the development of the bony lesions in LP/J mice. The purpose was to attempt to elucidate the relationship of the immunologic injury observed in earlier studies and the progression of the dysplastic bony lesions. The results show that LP/J mice treated with dexamethasone developed significantly fewer dysplastic bony lesions compared to the age-matched, saline-treated controls. There was also a statistically significant difference in the quantity and cellularity of the middle ear effusions between the experimental and control animals.

Pediatric percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy by J-tube extension through a preexisting gastrostomy site: a preliminary report.

A prematurely born 5-year-old boy with chronic lung disease, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, repeated aspiration pneumonia, and stroke underwent percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ) to alleviate repeated aspiration pneumonia. Studies, including 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, 99mTc gastric emptying time, upper gastroesophageal barium radiography, and endoscopic examinations showed severe gastroesophageal reflux and prolonged gastric emptying. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was performed first, followed by placement of a polyurethane J-tube (9 French) through the preexisting gastrostomy site. We passed the style-guided J-tube through the pyloric ring endoscopically and advanced it to the jejunum. The position of the J-tube was confirmed by radiologic study. Feeding with an elemental formula, 20 mL/hour, commenced immediately after the procedure, and the rate was gradually increased to 50 mL/hour. No further episodes of aspiration pneumonia have occurred since J-tube placement. Our initial experience with jejunal feeding through a PEJ is encouraging.

Radiation does from medical in-vivo prompt gamma-ray activation using a mobile nuclear reactor.

A method of medical diagnosis of toxic elements, using a neutron beam from a mobile nuclear reactor to perform partial-body in-vivo prompt gamma-ray activation technique, has been developed. Both neutron and gamma-ray dose equivalents in an irradiated phantom and around medical researchers were measured and evaluated. Neutron flux at various kinetic energies was measured using an activation foil technique, and the neutron dose equivalents at tissues of risk inside the irradiated phantom were calculated by neutron transport code. Gamma-ray dose equivalents inside the irradiated phantom and around the nuclear reactor were measured by thermoluminescent dosimeters. The risk associated with the neutron and gamma radiation dose equivalents received by both the irradiated phantom and medical researchers were evaluated in detail. The radiation safety of the in-vivo medical diagnosis using the mobile nuclear reactor, under the context of radiation protection guidelines, is discussed.

[Evaluation of linear attenuation coefficients for enamel and dentin using film densitometry].

The linear attenuation coefficient (mu) is an important coefficient in the study of diagnostic radiology. The mu values of dentin and enamel were rarely reported because they are thin and tightly connected to each other and are difficult to measure by thermoluminescent dosimeters or ion chambers. In this work, we used film densitometry to measure the radiation dose before and after they transmitted the 2 mm thickness tooth slice and used this data to calculate the mu values of enamel and dentin. The results show that the mu values of enamel at 70, 80, 90kVp are 2.97 +/- 0.71, 2.85 +/- 0.07, 2.70 +/- 0.16 cm-1, respectively. The mu values of dentin at 70, 80, 90kVp are 2.12 +/- 0.92, 1.81 +/- 0.23, 1.89 +/- 0.42 cm-1, respectively. The mu values may be affected by the equivalent energy of an x-ray generator operated under different kVp conditions and also by the density and calcification degree of the enamel and dentin. Nevertheless, the results obtained in this study still can severe as a reference for researchers.

Attenuation of x-ray in muscle and alveolar bone during mandibular premolar periapical radiographic procedure.

The main purpose of this study is to find out the degree of attenuation when the x-ray entrances the skin and reaches the film at the bone area near the mandibular premolar root apex. In this study we used thermaluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) to measure the entrance dose and exit dose directly at the area of interest and calculated the penetration value P. We also simulated the attenuation process and calculated the P value in similar conditions. The results indicate that the mean P value of direct measurement from patient is 0.071 +/- 0.018 (60kVp, HVL = 1.5mm Al), while that for theoretical calculation is 0.06458 at 27keV. We concluded that P value of direct measurement can match with the theoretical value and further studies in jaw bone density and other related portions is worthwhile.

Isolation of Eikenella corrodens from polymicrobial hepatic abscess: report of one case.

Eikenella corrodens is a rare cause of hepatic abscess. We report a case of a hepatic abscess caused by (1) Bacteroides fragilis, (2) Streptococcus constellatus and (3) E. corrodens, which illustrates potential problems of antibiotic coverage due to the presence of Eikenella species. The infection followed an episode of acute gastroenteritis and the clinical course appeared indolent evolving over one week. Besides empirical antibiotics, initial percutaneous aspiration was performed and yielded pus which grew E. corrodens concomitantly with Streptococcus species. E. corrodens was sensitive to penicillin but resistant to clindamycin and metronidazole. But B. fragilis was resistant to penicillin. So the antibiotics were switched to amoxicillin/clavulanate. Unfortunately fever persisted and the abscess increased in size. Therefore echo-guided percutaneous drainage with pigtail catheter was installed. Fever subsided 5 days later. After 21 days treatment of antibiotics, the patient was discharged in good condition despite having some sterile fluid in the residual abscess cavity. Two months after discharge the follow-up echogram confirmed complete resolution of the residual abscess. This patient shows us the existence of E. corrodens in pediatric patients, especially when the hepatic abscess is very likely from the spread of an oral or abdominal infection.

Effects of riboflavin photosensitization on the changes of isoflavones in soymilk.

Effects of riboflavin photosensitization on the distribution of isoflavones in commercially available soymilk were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Total isoflavones (TI) in soymilk with riboflavin (1000 ppm, w/v) under light were significantly different from those stored in the dark for 24 h (P < 0.05), while TI in samples with 0 and 1000 ppm added riboflavin were not significant from each other in dark conditions (P > 0.05). To test the effects of the concentration of riboflavin on TI, soymilk was mixed with riboflavin to make 0, 100, 250, and 500 ppm (w/v) and stored under light at 25 degrees C for 24 h. TI in soymilk with 100 ppm riboflavin under light significantly decreased by 13.5% for 24 h (P < 0.05) compared to control samples and were not significantly different from those with 250 or 500 ppm samples (P > 0.05). Daidzin and genistin were predominant isoflavones in soymilk, and the rate of photo degradation of genistin was higher than that of daidzin for 24 h in soymilk under riboflavin photosensitization.

Physicochemical properties of partially oxidized corn starch from bromide-free TEMPO-mediated reaction.

This study was conducted to determine the optimal temperature and time for the regiospecific oxidation of primary alcohol groups in corn starch with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyl oxoammonium ion (TEMPO) and sodium hyphochlorite (NaOCl). The study also elucidated the molecular structure of fully oxidized corn starch (FOCS) prepared at optimum temperature and physicochemical properties of the partially (10%, 20%, and 30%) oxidized corn starches (POCS). The reaction time rapidly decreased up to 30 degrees C, and then gradually decreased. Selectivity, yield, and viscosity were drastically reduced at temperatures higher than 35 to 40 degrees C. Optimal oxidation temperature for the production of FOCS was determined as 35 degrees C. Regiospecific oxidation of the primary alcohol group without oxidation of the secondary alcohol group was confirmed in (13)C-NMR and IR spectra. Water-binding capacity, swelling power, solubility power, and transmittance of POCS increased as the degree of oxidation increased. Hardness, gumminess, and chewiness of corn starch gel containing POCS were not significantly different from those of native corn starch gel at 1-d storage, but the values of the starch gel containing POCS were smaller than those of the native starch gel after 1-d storage. However, springiness and cohesiveness did not differ significantly among the samples regardless of storage time.

Physicochemical properties of cellulose selectively oxidized with the 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyl oxoammonium ion.

This study examined the characteristics of the oxidation reaction on the primary alcohol groups in cellulose involving the 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyl oxoammonium ion (TEMPO) and determined the optimum conditions for the preparation of oxidized cellulose (OC). The applicability of OC in polysaccharide systems was also investigated. The effects of TEMPO, sodium bromide (NaBr), and temperature on the oxidation reaction time, yield, and selectivity for primary alcohol groups were examined using response surface methodology (RSM). The reaction time decreased with increases in the temperature and the levels of TEMPO and NaBr. The yield increased with the level of NaBr and decreased as the temperature increased. Selectivity increased with the temperature and decreased as the levels of TEMPO and NaBr increased. The optimum levels of TEMPO and NaBr and the optimum temperature for the production of OC were determined as 0.3 mM/100 mM anhydroglucose unit (AGU), 50 mM/100 mM AGU, and 25 degrees C, respectively. The water and oil binding capacity and viscosity of cellulose increased with oxidation. Wheat starch containing OC exhibited a decreased initial pasting temperature and setback, but increased peak viscosity, gelatinization, and retrogradation enthalpy (DeltaH). The hardness of the wheat starch gel decreased significantly upon the addition of OC.

Measurement of the activity of polyuronic acid C-5 epimerases.

A relatively simple assay procedure for measuring the reactions catalyzed by polyuronic acid C-5 epimerases has been developed. Action of C-5 epimerases inverts the C-6 carboxyl group of polyuronic acids converting beta-linked residues into alpha-linked residues or vice versa. The assay takes advantage of the greater susceptibility of the acid hydrolysis of alpha-glycosidic linkages than beta-glycosidic linkages. The method involves the partial acid hydrolysis of the polyuronic acid before and after reaction with the C-5 epimerase. The greater or lesser amounts of uronic acid released (solubilized) before and after reaction of the C-5 epimerase are a measure of the amount of alpha- or beta-glycosidic linkages that are formed and a measure of the amount of catalysis by the enzyme.

Full thickness graft of haemangiomatous skin.

A case is presented which confirms that the abnormal vascular pattern of a port wine stain persists when it is transferred as a full thickness skin graft.

Continuous glycerolysis of olive oil by Chromobacterium viscosum lipase immobilized in liposome in reversed micelles.

Chromobacterium viscosum lipase which has adsorbed on liposome and solubilized in microemulsion droplets of glycerol containing a little amount of water could catalyze the glycerolysis of olive oil. Studies on the continuous glycerolysis of olive oil by the immobilized enzyme was done at 37 degrees C in continuous stirred vessel bioreactor with polysulfone membrane. The effect of the flow rate of substrate (olive oil) in isooctane on the conversion and composition of the outlet was investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The conversion increased with decrease in the flow rate. And we studied the effect of water content in the glycerol-water-lipase solution on the glycerolysis reaction. The conversion to desirable products, mono- and di-olein, was improved without a substantial production of oleic acid at lower water concentrations, i.e., below 8.0% (w/v) which corresponds to a w(o) value of 0.97. At water concentration higher than 8.0% (w/v), the amount of free fatty acid was dramatically increased. Higher operational stability of the enzyme reactor, and the half-line of the enzyme continuous reaction was about 7 weeks.

Complications from silicon-polymer intubulation of nerves.

Three cases are reported to illustrate the potential danger of silicon-polymer intubulation of nerve for either nerve repair or following neurolysis. Since silicon-polymer intubulation of nerve is now a proven model for producing chronic nerve compression, its use clinically may be contraindicated where neural regeneration is the desired goal.