By virtue of the different elution patterns of vindoline, catharanthine, vincristine and vinblastine present in the leaves of Catharanthus roseus plants, a Symmetry C18 column provided a better resolution for all of these compounds as compared with other C18 columns. The binary gradient system with a linear gradient profile, employed in a method developed using a Symmetry C18 column, gave excellent peak symmetry, resolution and reproducibility. Detection was performed at 220 nm which presented better absorptivity for these indole alkaloids giving a minimum detection limit of 0.5 microgram. Photodiode array detection was used to determine the homogeneity and purity of each compound. The described analysis is rapid and economical to perform as small amounts of solvent are consumed per analysis, and the method will find application where a large number of samples are to be analysed as, for example, in crop improvement studies where plants need to be selected regularly on the basis of alkaloid production.

Apocynaceae↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of an interleukin-5 blocking monoclonal antibody on eosinophils, airway hyper-responsiveness, and the late asthmatic response.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is essential for the formation of eosinophils, which are thought to have a major role in the pathogenesis of asthma and other allergic diseases. We aimed to assess the effects of monoclonal antibody to IL-5 on blood and sputum eosinophils, airway hyper-responsiveness, and the late asthmatic reaction to inhaled allergen in patients with mild asthma. METHODS: We did a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial, in which a single intravenous infusion of humanised (IgG-K) monoclonal antibody to IL-5 (SB-240563) was given at doses of 2.5 mg/kg (n=8) or 10.0 mg/kg (n=8). The effects of treatment on responses to inhaled allergen challenge, sputum eosinophils, and airway hyper-responsiveness to histamine were measured at weeks 1 and 4 with monitoring of blood eosinophil counts for up to 16 weeks. FINDINGS: Monoclonal antibody against IL-5 lowered the mean blood eosinophil count at day 29 from 0.25x10(9)/L (95% CI 0.16-0.34) in the placebo group to 0.04x10(9)/L (0.00-0.07) in the 10 mg/kg group (p<0.0001), and prevented the blood eosinophilia that follows allergen challenge. After inhaled allergen challenge, 9 days after treatment, the percentage sputum eosinophils were 12.2% in the placebo group and lowered to 0.9% (-1.2 to 3.0; p=0.0076) in the 10 mg/kg group, and this effect persisted at day 30 after the dose. There was no significant effect of monoclonal antibody to IL-5 on the late asthmatic response or on airway hyper-responsiveness to histamine. INTERPRETATION: A single dose of monoclonal antibody to IL-5 decreased blood eosinophils for up to 16 weeks and sputum eosinophils at 4 weeks, which has considerable therapeutic potential for asthma and allergy. However, our findings question the role of eosinophils in mediating the late asthmatic response and causing airway hyper-responsiveness.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Dermal toxicity due to industrial chemicals.

The dermal toxicity due to industrial chemicals is well recognised. They may be the cause of skin irritation and skin sensitization. Some of the chemicals may result in dermal reactions such as changes in skinfold thickness, cellular degeneration and necrosis. The absorption through the skin may also cause penetration of chemicals into the organism causing systemic effects.

Chemical Industry↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Experimental pulmonary fluorosis.

An experimental study was undertaken to observe effects of fluoride ingestion on lung tissue. The study was conducted on 15 albino rabbits of either sex and experimental fluorosis was induced by daily oral administration of sodium fluoride (NaF) solution. Rabbits were divided into three groups according to the quantity of fluoride ingestion: Group A: rabbits fed with 10 mg/kg/day NaF, Group B: 20 mg/kg/day NaF; and Group C: controls. After six months, the rabbits were sacrificed and their lung tissue was submitted for histopathological examination and fluoride content estimation. On gross examination, pale areas on the surface and dark brown congested areas on cut-section of lungs were seen in rabbits of groups A and B. Histopathological changes of alveolar haemorrhage, congestion, edema fluid, necrosis of alveolar epithelium, distortion of alveolar architecture and desquamation of epithelium of respiratory tract with damage to tracheal cartilage were observed in these groups. These changes were more marked in group B rabbits. Fluoride content of lung tissue homogenate was significantly higher in groups A and B (mean 1.206 ppm and 1.978 ppm respectively) as compared to control (0.1585 ppm). It was concluded that prolonged fluoride ingestion damages pulmonary tissues of rabbits. To the best of our knowledge, effect of chronic fluoride ingestion on lungs has not been reported in the literature, therefore, we had undertaken this study to analyse the effect of chronic fluoride ingestion on lungs.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Early enteral nutrition after surgical treatment of gut perforations: a prospective randomised study.

BACKGROUND: Withholding enteral feeds after an elective gastrointestinal surgery is based on the hypothesis that this period of "nil by mouth" provides rest to the gut and promotes healing. AIMS: To assess whether early postoperative naso-gastric tube feeding in the form of a balanced diet formula is safe in and beneficial to patients who have undergone surgical intervention for perforation of the gut. SETTING: A surgical unit of a Medical College Hospital. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: Prospective randomised open control study. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Patients undergoing surgical intervention for peritonitis following perforation of the gut were randomised to the study group receiving feedings of a balanced diet formula through a naso-gastric tube from the second postoperative day, or the control group in which patients were managed with the conventional regimen of intravenous fluid administration. The groups were compared for incidence and duration of complications, biochemical measurements and other characteristics like weight loss/gain. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi square test and "T" test. RESULTS: One hundred patients were enrolled in each group. 88% subjects in the study group achieved positive nitrogen balance on the eighth postoperative day as compared to none in the conventionally managed group. The relative risks (95% confidence interval) of morbidity from wound infection, wound dehiscence, pneumonia, leakage of anastomoses and septicaemia were 0.66 (0.407-1.091), 0.44 (0.141-1.396), 0.70 (0.431-1.135), 0.54 (0.224-1.293) and 0.66 (0.374-1.503) respectively. Average loss of weight between the first and tenth day was 3.10 kg in the study group as compared to 5.10 kg in the conventionally managed group ("P" value < 0.001, 95% Confidence Interval - 2.46 - 1.54). CONCLUSION: Early enteral nutrition is safe and is associated with beneficial effects such as lower weight loss, early achievement of positive nitrogen balance as compared to the conventional regimen of feeding in operated cases of gut perforation.

Enteral Nutrition↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Level of serum and renal histamine and diamine oxidase activity in lead acetate treated rats.

The levels of histamine and Diamine oxidase activity in renal tissue and serum were determined in lead acetate treated rats. The results show a significant lowering in the level of renal histamine with a rise in diamine oxidase activity in serum as well as in renal tissue.

Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing)↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Preventive effects of nickel on cadmium hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

The effect of nickel on cadmium nephro-toxicity and hepato-toxicity in rats was investigated. The administration of nickel (6 mg per kg, i.p., three days) or cadmium (6 mg per kg, i.m., once) significantly enhanced the urinary excretion of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), amino acids, and proteins. In addition, it increased the activity of serum ALP, GOT, and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT). These biochemical alterations in urine and serum were used as a measure of kidney and liver damage. Cadmium-induced enzymuria, proteinuria, amino aciduria and increase in the activity of serum enzymes were significantly less marked in animals pretreated with nickel than in controls. However, the accumulation of cadmium in kidneys and liver and its urinary excretion were unaffected by nickel pretreatment. The results suggest protection by nickel against cadmium nephro- and hepato-toxicity.

Alanine Transaminase↗