The effect of sulforaphane on perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in rats.

Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic insult (HII) is one of the main devastating causes of morbidity and mortality in newborns. HII induces brain injury which evolves to neurological sequelae later in life. Hypothermia is the only therapeutic approach available capable of diminishing brain impairment after HII. Finding a novel therapeutic method to reduce the severity of brain injury and its consequences is critical in neonatology. The present paper aimed to evaluate the effect of sulforaphane (SFN) pre-treatment on glucose metabolism, neurodegeneration, and functional outcome at the acute, sub-acute, and sub-chronic time intervals in the experimental model of perinatal hypoxic-ischemic insult in rats. To estimate the effect of SFN on brain glucose uptake we have performed 18F-deoxyglucose (FDG) microCT/PET. The activity of FDG was determined in the hippocampus and sensorimotor cortex. Neurodegeneration was assessed by histological analysis of Nissl-stained brain sections. To investigate functional outcomes a battery of behavioral tests was employed. We have shown that although SFN possesses a protective effect on glucose uptake in the ischemic hippocampus 24 h and 1 week after HII, no effect has been observed in the motor cortex. We have further shown that the ischemic hippocampal formation tends to be thinner in HIE and SFN treatment tends to reverse this pattern. We have observed subtle chronic movement deficit after HII detected by ladder rung walking test with no protective effect of SFN. SFN should be thus considered as a potent neuroprotective drug with the capability to interfere with pathophysiological processes triggered by perinatal hypoxic-ischemic insult.

Molecular structure retrieval directly from laboratory-frame photoelectron spectra in laser-induced electron diffraction.

Ubiquitous to most molecular scattering methods is the challenge to retrieve bond distance and angle from the scattering signals since this requires convergence of pattern matching algorithms or fitting methods. This problem is typically exacerbated when imaging larger molecules or for dynamic systems with little a priori knowledge. Here, we employ laser-induced electron diffraction (LIED) which is a powerful means to determine the precise atomic configuration of an isolated gas-phase molecule with picometre spatial and attosecond temporal precision. We introduce a simple molecular retrieval method, which is based only on the identification of critical points in the oscillating molecular interference scattering signal that is extracted directly from the laboratory-frame photoelectron spectrum. The method is compared with a Fourier-based retrieval method, and we show that both methods correctly retrieve the asymmetrically stretched and bent field-dressed configuration of the asymmetric top molecule carbonyl sulfide (OCS), which is confirmed by our quantum-classical calculations.

Analysis of peripheral blood chemiluminescence in horses.

The aim of this study was to analyze the chemiluminescence (CL) of peripheral blood in clinically healthy horses of different sexes and ages. The tests were carried out on 119 half- -breed horses, representing various forms of use (66 recreational horses and 53 sport horses). The test material was peripheral blood, which was collected under resting conditions, i.e. before physical activity related to the use of these animals. In the blood samples, spontaneous and stimulated CL with zymosan and phorbol myristate acetate were determined. It has been found that regular training effort increases the blood's pro-oxidative potential, which was demonstrated by significantly higher (p⟨0.05) CL values in sport horses compared to recreational animals. Analysis of the results did not show any statistically significant correlation between sex or age of the horses with chemiluminescence values in peripheral blood. The result of the research suggests the need to optimize the results of blood CL measurements, taking into account the number of neutrophils and the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood of tested animals. Analysis of non-optimized blood CL results may lead to premature conclusions.

Effects of flunixin meglumine on selected clinicopathologic variables, and serum testosterone concentration in stallions after endotoxin administration.

Four clinically normal stallions were infused intravenously with endotoxin (LPS) from Escherichia coli 055:B5 at a dose of 0.3 microg/kg b.w. and four stallions were treated with flunixin meglumine (FM) as a single intravenous injection at a dose of 1.1 mg/kg b.w., 5 min after the infusion of LPS. In response to endotoxin infusion, stallions' reaction was fever (increased rectal and scrotal skin temperature), increased heart rate (HR) and leucopenia. Administration of endotoxin also influenced the level of testosterone (decrease at 3-24 h and increase at 48-72 h after LPS administration) in the blood serum. FM treatment prevented an endotoxin-induced increase in rectal and scrotal skin temperature, HR, with no influence on the decrease of leucocytes. Administration of FM only had a significant effect on the latter changes (at 24-72 h) of serum testosterone concentration after addition of endotoxin.

Haematological parameters of the Polish Primitive Horses.

Average values of chosen haematological parameters have been described in a population of 90 clinically normal Polish Primitive Horses. The comparison of the results with values given in literature for horses as a whole and for other breeds enabled us to state that Polish Primitive Horses' blood is characterized by relatively low values of RBC, PCV, segmented neutrophils and monocytes, and high percentage of lymphocytes. It was demonstrated that values of some blood parameters of examined animals are similar to typical results obtained for primitive and cold-blooded horses. Moreover, it was proved that age, sex, and season have influence upon many blood parameters' values of the Polish Primitive Horses. More precise evaluation of results received with that breed will be possible when that influence is taken into consideration.

Effects of three anthelmintics on the tegument of Hymenolepis fraterna (Cestoda).

The in vivo effects of the anthelmintics taenifugin, VUFB 14170 and VUFB 15269 on the tegument of Hymenolepis fraterna have been examined by SEM, TEM and cytochemistry. The drugs were given to H. fraterna-infected mice on the 14th day post-infection in a single oral dose of 150, 200 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. By 72 h post-treatment, the drug-induced pathomorphological changes in the tegument indicated that all three drugs had a significant effect. Changes were most pronounced on the brush border and in the intercellular material. On the apical surface, there was blebbing as well as accumulation of membrane fragments over the microthrix tips and erosion of the brush border. The intercellular material was changed in structure, showing increased electron density in some areas and oedema of the intercellular spaces in other areas. There were also fractures of the tegument of variable depth, sometimes reaching to the parenchyma. These results suggest altered tegumental integrity and, occasionally, complete disruption of the selective permeability barrier created by the normal tegument. This suggestion is further supported by the penetration of ruthenium red into some tegumental areas and its distribution into the intercellular spaces, down to the parenchyma. The intrategumental lysosomes also appeared to be significantly activated. There was evidence of autophagy in both distal cytoplasm and tegumental cells. Mature and gravid proglottides were more susceptible to drug damage than those in the anterior strobila and neck.

[The effect of terguride on contractility of rat uterine strips]. / Vliv terguridu na kontraktilitu krysího delozního prouzku.

The effects of terguride on the uterotonic activity of rat's uterine stria were investigated by means of a standardized isometric method of measuring in vitro the contractility of uterine muscles. The uterotonic activity of the given preparation depends on its concentration and on the phase of uterine cycle. The uterotonic activity makes 71.4 U.mg-1 in the range of terguride concentrations from 10(-7) to 10(-5) mg per ml. Used at higher concentrations, the uterotonic activity of terguride is very low. Spontaneous contractions are moderated and the tone of uterus is decreased by terguride administration.

[Preparation of derivatives of 3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propanic acid and a study of its biological activity]. / Príprava derivátu kyseliny 3-(3,4-dimetoxyfenyl)propenové a sledování jejich biologické aktivity.

From 3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propenic acid chloride and substituted amines and hydrazides, the appropriate amides and hydrazides (Table 1) were synthesized at 60-80 degrees C in the medium of benzene or toluene. The reaction of this chloride with benzaldehyde hydrazone at 70-80 degrees C yielded N,N'-bis[3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propenoyl]hydrazine (VIII). At ambient temperature the benzylidene hydrazide of 3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propenic acid (VII) and a small amount of compound VIII were isolated. In the reaction of 3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propenic acid chloride with benzylidene hydrazide (VII) at 70-80 degrees C, compound VIII was obtained (Scheme 1). Compounds I, VII, VIII and IX possessed higher indices of increase in fortnight tests of the first degree in the roosters of meat hybrides compared to the negative control, but the indices of conversion were unfavourable. The compounds did not reach the efficacy of the avoparcin standard. Derivatives II and VI possessed 67.5 and 63.5%, respectively, of anthelmintic activity of levamisol against Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. The prepared compounds were not antibacterially effective and they were not mutagenic in the tests following the method of Ames, either.

[Derivatives of thioallophanic acid with anthelmintic activity]. / Deriváty thioallofanové kyseliny s anthelmintickou úcinností.

A reaction of potassium thiocyanate with methyl and ethyl ester of chloroformic acid (I-II) resulted in methoxy- and ethoxycarbonyl isothiocyanates which through an addition reaction with various primary and secondary amines, diamines and hydrazines yielded the perinently substituted esters of thioallophanic acid (III-XXI). The obtained agents were tested for anthelmintic and anticoccidial effects.

[Post-traumatic intramural duodenal hematoma as a cause of high ileus in a child]. / Poúrazový intramurální hematom duodena jako prícina vysokého ileu u dítete.

The authors describe the case of an intramural duodenal haematoma caused a high ileus after a seven-day post-traumatic interval. The authors recommend surgical revision, in particular in children because the mechanism of injury is the same in intramural haematoma and in duodenal perforation. Only thus it is possible to prevena a fatal course, while the operation is easy and healing after drainage of the haematoma is rapid.

[Malignant duodenocolic fistula]. / Maligní duodenokolické pístele.

The authors describe rare complications of advanced colorectal carcinoma--duodenocolic fistulae, which unless removed by surgery, soon kill the patient. The authors draw attention to the clinical picture where rapidly developing dehydration, anaemia and general cachexia predominate. After short-term preoperative preparation (adequate parenteral nutrition, transfusion of blood and blood derivatives, antibiotics etc.), the authors recommend, consistent with data in the literature, radical surgery, i.e. right-sided pancreatectomy with right-sided hemicolectomy or at least right-sided hemicolectomy with excision of the fistula on the duodenum and intense postoperative care. Bypass operations are recommended as palliative operations where radical operation is not possible for some reason. A malignant duodenocolic fistula as a complication of an advanced malignant disease in a very exhausted patient may fail even after a radical, technically perfect operation and intense preoperative and postoperative care.

[5,6-bis-(3-alkoxy-carbonyl thio-ureido) benzimidazoles with anthelmintic activity]. / 5,6-bis(3-alkoxykarbonylthioureido) benzimidazoly s anthelmintickou úcinností.

The reaction of potassium thiocyanate with the methyl- and ethyl esters of chloroformic acid (V-VI) in acetone resulted in methoxy- and ethoxycarbonylisothiocyanates which were converted without isolation by means of an addition reaction with 2-alkyl-5,6-diaminobenzimidazoles (I-IV) into the pertinent 2-alkyl-5,6-bis (3-alkoxycarbonyl-2-thioureido) benzimidazoles (VII-XV). The substances obtained were tested for anthelmintic and anticoccidial effectiveness. In anthelmintic screening, substances VIII, IX, XI, XII, XIV and XV were significantly effective against the taenia Hymenolepis nana.

[Replantation of the forearm]. / Replantace predloktí.

The authors describe the case of a practical amputation of the proximal portion of the left forearm which occurred at a time when the development of microsurgical technique was in its initial stages in the CSSR and which was resolved at he level of a district institute of national health. The authors describe the surgical procedure, postoperative treatment and complications. The authors discuss general principles which should be respected in the event of similar injuries under present conditions.

Tissue reaction after subcutaneous injection of Taenia saginata oncospheres.

After subcutaneous injection of T. saginata oncospheres, a slight swelling is visible at the site of injection first after 13 days. Conspicuous projecting nodes appear after 3-4 weeks. Histological examinations of the site of injection revealed the following changes: On days 3 and 4 p.i.--edema, focal necrosis and haemorrhage, exudation of leukocytes, activation of monocytes and fibroblasts. On day 7 p.i.--in addition to edema and foci of eosinophiles, a striking activation of monocytes and fibroblasts, focal accumulation of macrophages, proliferation of blood capillaries and formation of collagen. On day 10 p.i.--eosinophiles and light macrophages around the larvae, fibroplastic granulation tissue at the periphery and collagenous connective tissue abundant. Hyperplasia of lymphoid tissue starts to appear at this time. On days 13-14 p.i.--a large amount of newly formed connective tissue in granulation tissue, diffuse infiltration of eosinophiles and hyperplasia of lymphatic tissue. On days 19-34 p.i.--haemorrhage around the cysticerci, activation of macrophages, phagocytizing erythrocytes. Endothelia of blood capillaries proliferate; lymphatic follicles are formed at the periphery of nodular affection which appears after inoculation of oncospheres. On day 34 p.i.--distinct formation of a pseudocyst. At the period from 53th to 61st day after injection, there is a mature collagenous connective tissue among the cysts, but still strongly infiltrated with cells. Clusters of siderophages are visible in connective tissue septa between the cysts.