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PubMed2005

Total eosinophil cationic protein levels in induced sputum as a marker of changes in eosinophilic inflammation in a patient with allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: Counting eosinophils in induced sputum seems to be a better way to survey disease activity than indirect clinical assessments of airway inflammation, such as pulmonary function measurement. The conventional analysis of induced sputum, however, is time-consuming and requires skilled personnel, which have restricted its use. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether measuring eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels in the entire sputum sample could replace the method of counting eosinophils and measuring ECP levels in the supernatant only to establish a clinically more applicable method of studying the intraindividual changes in eosinophilic activity in induced sputum. METHODS: In 13 patients with mild, nonsymptomatic allergic asthma, sputum was induced before and 24 hours after allergen challenge. The entire sputum sample was diluted with 0.1% dithiothreitol, incubated, and divided into 2 parts. One part was processed according to the conventional method, and released ECP levels in the supernatant were measured. The second part was treated with a lysing reagent. Cell debris was separated, and total (intracellular and extracellular) ECP levels in the solution were measured. RESULTS: We found good correlation between total ECP levels in the entire sputum sample and released ECP levels in the supernatant before (r = 0.97) and 24 hours after (r = 0.99) allergen challenge (P < .01 for both). We also found a good correlation between the changes in total and released ECP levels (r = 0.99; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Total ECP concentration seems to reflect the eosinophilic inflammatory changes in asthma and might be a useful tool in clinical practice.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Bone marrow necrosis in bone marrow transplantation: the role of MR imaging.

We describe an ALL patient who developed extensive bone marrow necrosis at the time of relapse 2 months after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling. The excruciating and diffuse bone pain, fever and precipitous drop in peripheral blood counts were characteristic. This case illustrates the importance of repeat bone marrow biopsies for the diagnosis of disease relapse and the potential application of MR imaging in the assessment of patients with bone marrow necrosis.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

In vitro effect of 5-fluorouracil, verapamil and hyperthermia on the human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line ASPC-1.

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of verapamil (20 microM) and hyperthermia (42 degrees C) as modifiers of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) used at different concentrations, in inhibiting the growth of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. Combined verapamil and hyperthermia treatment significantly decreased cell count by 63.8% when compared to the control. Verapamil drastically enhanced the growth inhibitory effect of 5-FU at all concentrations. At high-concentration 5-FU (50 micrograms/ml), verapamil and hyperthermia had a synergistic growth-inhibitory effect and caused a significant decrease in cell count by 81.4% in comparison to the control. The modalities analyzed in this study require further investigation and have potential for clinical applicability to pancreatic cancer therapy in the future.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1990

A modified quantitative whole blood clot lysis method for general laboratory analysis of fibrinolysis.

Because fibrinolysis is now recognized as an important factor in hypercoagulable states, we have developed and characterized an easily performed, rapid, and quantitative screening test that assesses a patient's fibrinolytic activity. This modification of the dilute whole blood clotting time (DWBCT) counts the number of intact erythrocytes released from the clot formed in samples obtained before and after the application of a venous occlusion cuff. Samples were corrected for the plasma volume changes that occurred during venous occlusion. This test was performed on nine healthy volunteers. Specimens were diluted 1:1 with PBS, rapidly clotted with thrombin and incubated at 37 C. Starting thirty minutes after the thrombin was added and then at twenty minute intervals until 110 minutes, the number of RBCs released from the clot were counted using a Coulter S Plus counter. There were consistently more RBCs released at each time period after venous occlusion (p less than 0.001). Aliquots were also obtained for measuring PAI activity and TPA levels. PAI activity was lower post-cuff at every point (p less than 0.001). TPA level was higher at every point (p less than 0.001) post-cuff. The addition of exogenous TPA, activated protein C, or anti-PAI antibodies increased the amount of clot lysis; while the addition of anti-TPA antibodies and EACA each prevented the post-cuff increase. Unlike the euglobulin lysis time (ELT) this modified DWBCT (mDWBCT) measures the patients intact fibrinolytic system, including PAI and erythrocytes, in a quantitative fashion. Unlike either the ELT or the DWBCT the mDWBCT can be performed within two hours, so results are rapidly available for clinical decisions. These studies have demonstrated an easily performed, inexpensive, quantitative screening test of a patient's overall fibrinolytic system that reacts appropriately to pharmacologic manipulations.

Aminocaproic Acid↗
PubMed1992

[A 52-week dermal toxicity study of prednisolone farnesylate (PNF) gel in rats with a recovery period of 8 weeks].

The toxicity of Prednisolone farnesylate (PNF) gel, a synthetic glucocorticoid, was investigated in the Sprague-Dawley rat. PNF gel was administered dermally to the rats at doses of 0.125, 0.5 and 2.0 mg/kg/day for 52 weeks, then the drug was withdrawn for 8 weeks to evaluate the reversibility. The results are summarized as follows: 1. In the PNF gel 2.0 mg/kg/day group, thinning of the skin at the application site, slightly retarded body weight gains, a tendency toward a decrease in the white blood cell count, an elevation of serum GOT and GPT activity, free fatty acid level, and a decrease in alpha 1-globulin fraction were observed. In the pathological examinations, decreased organ weights of the thymus, spleen and adrenal glands, and thinning of the skin were observed. Histopathological examination revealed atrophy of the thymus and zona fasciculata of the adrenal glands, thinning of the skin with atrophied skin appendages, and hepatocellular hypertrophy with hypertrophied uncleus in the perilobular zone. 2. In the PNF gel 0.5 mg/kg/day group, thinning of the skin at the application site and a decrease in alpha 1-globulin fraction were observed. Histopathologically, thinning of the skin atrophied skin appendages was observed. 3. In the PNF gel 0.125 mg/kg/day group, there were no toxic signs induced by the drug. 4. After the 8-week recovery period, the changes in the skin were observed in the 2.0 mg/kg/day group, but the severity was lowered. The other changes disappeared and so it was demonstrated that the changes were reversible. 5. Based on these results, it was concluded that the overt toxic dose of PNF gel was 0.5 mg/kg/day and the non-toxic dose was 0.125 mg/kg/day in the present study.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed2005

An analysis of variables influencing the number of radiation overexposure events in Texas from 1970 to 2000.

Sources of radiation are used in a variety of modern work settings, including industrial, medical, research, and agricultural applications. Although regulatory controls exist to limit radiation exposures in these different settings, instances of radiation doses in excess of acceptable limits (referred to as overexposures) do occur. A unique study examined overexposure events in Texas over a 45-y period from 1956 to 2001. The primary purpose of the study was to characterize the factors associated with overexposure events. As part of this characterization, an interesting trend in the number of overexposures by year was observed, but not completely explained. The data revealed a dramatic increase in the number of overexposure events, followed by three apparent phases of decline. These declines are of particular interest because, while the increase and subsequent decrease in overexposures occurred, the number of permits to possess radiation sources in Texas generally increased over the same time period. This study focused on the identification of the factors that led to the trends in overexposure events. Data describing the reported overexposure events in Texas from 1970 to 2000 were obtained from the Texas Department of Health Bureau of Radiation Control (TDH BRC) and entered into a computerized database. With the assistance of senior members of the TDH BRC, the three primary factors influencing the number of overexposures were identified. These included domestic oil and gas exploration and production from 1970 to 2000, wherein sources of radiation are employed in various operations; the establishment of a training and certification requirement for industrial radiographers during the period of 1986 to 1988; and modification of the applicable regulations between 1992 and 1994. The generally accepted indicator of oil and gas exploration and production activity, known as "rig count," is the measure of the number of active oil and gas exploration and production platforms at any given time. Rig count is a parameter of particular interest in Texas because the state's economy is significantly tied to the market value of this important natural resource. The rig count parameter was shown to have a strong correlation with overexposure events (Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.82, p < 0.0001). Interestingly, the sources causing the overexposures indicate that the events stem primarily not from the oil and gas exploration activity itself, but rather from support activities in the form of industrial radiographic procedures. The number of overexposure events was also determined to be influenced by the imposition of the training requirement for radiographers and the modification of the applicable regulations (e.g., the elimination of the quarterly dose limit). The relative magnitude of these influences, however, was far overshadowed by the identified predominant predictor of rig count. The determination of rig count as the significant influencing factor in overexposure events is useful in possibly recognizing the potential for future occurrences of the same nature. This assessment also serves to highlight an apparent significant public health success story, as the number of overexposures per radioactive material licensee is shown to have declined significantly over the 30-y period of study. The factors contributing to this phenomenon are described to serve as a model for use in other settings.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2003

Intraoperative fluorouracil in endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy.

BACKGROUND: Although endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy (ELDCR) offers many advantages compared with conventional techniques, postoperative scarring leading to occlusion of the rhinostomy is more common with ELDCR. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether fluorouracil applied to the rhinostomy site intraoperatively has an effect on the outcome. PARTICIPANTS: We randomly allocated 155 consecutive patients (201 procedures) to a control group and a fluorouracil group. Patients and investigators were masked to the choice of treatment. METHODS: All patients underwent ELDCR. A pledget soaked in isotonic sodium chloride solution or 0.5-mg/mL fluorouracil, randomly allocated by the pharmacy, was applied to the rhinostomy site for 5 minutes at the time of surgery. Patients were followed up for 12 months and their symptoms were assessed at each visit. RESULTS: Among patients followed up for 12 months or longer, ELDCR procedures performed with topical application of fluorouracil to the rhinostomy site were successful in 65 (76%), compared with 52 (63%) for the control group. This was not statistically significant when patients who failed to attend follow-up at or after 12 months were not counted as successfully treated (P =.21, chi(2) test). Even if those who failed to attend for follow-up were counted as successes, the effect of fluorouracil did not reach significance at the.05 level (P =.08, chi(2) test). CONCLUSION: The topical application of fluorouracil failed to increase the patency rates in ELDCR.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1997

Effects of fleece soiling and skinning method on the microbiology of sheep carcases.

The fleece of sheep becomes soiled primarily on the abdomen and on the legs. A five-category scoring scale for soiling of the fleece was defined, with score 1 being clean and dry and score 5 being wet and heavily soiled with faecal material. Twenty sheep with each fleece score were slaughtered and dressed on a commercial 'inverted' slaughter line. Swab samples were taken from the shoulder and the abdomen of the carcases immediately after skinning, and total viable counts and the numbers of Enterobacteriaceae were determined. The condition of the fleece significantly affected the microbial load on these parts of the dressed carcase, with the carcases derived from sheep with increasingly dirty fleeces carrying up to 1000 times more microorganisms, and a higher proportion of the carcases being contaminated with Enterobacteriaceae. Modifications to the dressing procedure were made to try to reduce carcase contamination at the shoulder. The application of bulldog clips to prevent direct contact between the fleece and the underlying muscles resulted in higher counts on carcases with a fleece score of 3, probably owing to contamination from the hands of the slaughterman and the problems with ensuring that the clips were in place before contamination had occurred. Delaying the skinning of the shoulder until later in the pelt removal process achieved worthwhile reductions in the contamination of the shoulder of carcases with a fleece score of 4, although the total viable counts were still higher than carcases with a score of 3.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed1993

[Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in superficial bladder cancer--application to paraffin-embedded tissue sections].

It is important to know the proliferating ability and the malignant potential of each tumor. We studied 56 cases of pTa to pT1 superficial bladder tumors using immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and compared the results with the clinical course of each patient. We obtained the following results. 1) We detected the PCNA positive nuclei in all cases, and the PCNA positive rates varied within a range of 1.1-77.5% with a mean of 34.0%. 2) The PCNA positive rate showed no correlation with age, sex, duration of paraffin-embedded, or pathological stage, but showed a significant correlation with the number of tumors, pathological grade of malignancy, or non-recurrence rate. PCNA positive rate of Grade 1 cases (n = 19, 15.6%: mean) was significantly lower than those of Grade 2 cases (n = 27, 39.9%) or Grade 3 cases (n = 10, 53.1%) (P < 0.01). The recurrence rate of the cases with PCNA positive rates of more than 34% (n = 24) was significantly higher than that of the cases with a PCNA positive rate of less than 34% (n = 32) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the method of counting the rate of PCNA positive nuclei is considered to be very useful because of its applicability to paraffin-embedded tissue sections and the simple and rapid techniques. Our results in bladder cancer tissues suggest that this method may also be useful for investigating the proliferating ability and the malignant potential of tumors in general.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of the compact dry TC method with the standard pour plate method (AOAC official method 966.23) for determining aerobic colony counts in food samples: Performance-tested method.

Compact Dry TC qualifies as a rapid method kit for determining aerobic colony counts in foods. The plates are presterilized and contain culture medium and a cold-soluble gelling agent. The medium is rehydrated by inoculating 1 mL diluted sample into the center of the self-diffusible medium and allowing the solution to diffuse by capillary action. The plates can then be incubated and the colonies counted without any additional steps. The Compact Dry TC method was validated with 5 different raw meats. The performance tests were conducted at 35 degrees and 30 degrees C. In all required performance studies, no apparent differences were observed between the Compact Dry TC method and the Standard Pour Plate method (AOAC Official Method 966.23) for the detection level of aerobic microorganisms. For the accuracy claim (n = 60), a correlation factor of r2(35) = 0.9977 (35 degrees C) and r2(30) = 0.9932 (30 degrees C) could be assigned, as stated in the application for "Performance Tested Method." Quality consistency and storage robustness studies, showed no significant variations in plate count results with different production lots or plates of diverse storage age.

Bacteria, Aerobic↗
PubMed2005

An approach to determining applicability domains for QSAR group contribution models: an analysis of SRC KOWWIN.

QSAR model predictions are most reliable if they come from the models applicability domain. The Setubal Workshop report provides a conceptual guidance for defining a (Q)SAR applicability domain. However, an operational definition is necessary for applying this guidance in practice. It should also permit the design of an automatic (computerised) procedure for determining a models applicability domain. This paper attempts to address this need for models that use a large number of descriptors (for example, group contribution-based models). The high dimensionality of these models imposes specific computational restrictions on estimating the interpolation region. The Syracuse Research Corporation KOWWIN model for prediction of the n-octanol/water partition coefficient is analysed as a case study. This is a linear regression model that uses 508 fragment counts and correction factors as descriptors, and is based on the group contribution approach. We conclude that the applicability domain estimation by descriptor ranges, combined with Principal Component rotation as a data pre-processing step, is an acceptable compromise between estimation accuracy and the amount of data in the training set.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed1980

Measurement and differentiation of the cellular infiltrate in experimental toxic contact dermatitis.

Toxic (irritant) contact dermatitis was elicited by epicutaneous application of dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and croton oil in unsensitized guinea pigs. The course of the skin reaction was studied with the naked eye, low-power microscopy, and a method based on counting of infiltrating cells in the upper corium. A weakly toxic dose of DNCB (100 microgram/cm2) gave marked erythema and moderate swelling, more pronounced 6 h after application of the DNCB than at 24 h or 48 h. A significant increase in mononuclear cells in particular but also in neutrophil and eosinophil granulocytes was noted in the upper corium. A more strongly toxic dose (500 microgram/cm2) gave a similar visible reaction, this too most marked at 6 h, but here there was an increase in neutrophil granulocytes in particular. Over and above predominant mononuclear-cell infiltration, croton oil (10 microgram/cm2) caused a slight increase in basophil cells. The reaction thus resembled a contact allergic reaction. In the light of earlier findings in allergic contact reactions the results suggest that weak stimuli, toxic or allergenic, elicit a non-specific skin response. With stronger stimulation the histological picture is modified and the cellular response acquires a pattern characteristic of toxic or allergic contact dermatitis.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Efficacy of electrolyzed oxidizing water for inactivating Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes.

The efficacy of electrolyzed oxidizing water for inactivating Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated. A five-strain mixture of E. coli O157:H7, S. enteritidis, or L. monocytogenes of approximately 10(8) CFU/ml was inoculated in 9 ml of electrolyzed oxidizing water (treatment) or 9 ml of sterile, deionized water (control) and incubated at 4 or 23 degrees C for 0, 5, 10, and 15 min; at 35 degrees C for 0, 2, 4, and 6 min; or at 45 degrees C for 0, 1, 3, and 5 min. The surviving population of each pathogen at each sampling time was determined on tryptic soy agar. At 4 or 23 degrees C, an exposure time of 5 min reduced the populations of all three pathogens in the treatment samples by approximately 7 log CFU/ml, with complete inactivation by 10 min of exposure. A reduction of >/=7 log CFU/ml in the levels of the three pathogens occurred in the treatment samples incubated for 1 min at 45 degrees C or for 2 min at 35 degrees C. The bacterial counts of all three pathogens in control samples remained the same throughout the incubation at all four temperatures. Results indicate that electrolyzed oxidizing water may be a useful disinfectant, but appropriate applications need to be validated.

Colony Count, Microbial↗
PubMed1989

Synergistic effects of cis-platinum and cytosine arabinoside on ovarian carcinoma cell lines, demonstrated by dual-parameter flow cytometry.

Ovarian cancer tends to remain confined to the peritoneal cavity even after widespread dissemination. In order to test the in vitro cytotoxic effect of cis-platinum (CP) and cytosine arabinoside (ara-C), a combination which, in theory, is particularly suitable for intraperitoneal (IP) administration, ovarian cancer cells were exposed to each drug alone and in combination and then sampled serially for 336 hr with cell counts and flow cytometry (FCM). We used dual parameter FCM analysis to study changes in DNA and nuclear protein simultaneously. There was good correlation between the degree of cell kill noted in the counts and the duration of observed cytokinetic disturbances in all the treated series. CP and ara-C alone produced temporary cytotoxic and cytokinetic changes. Together, the two agents produced an enhanced CP effect which lasted 336 hr and was accompanied by continued evidence of cell kill in the counts. We conclude that CP and ara-C in vitro act synergistically on ovarian cancer to achieve a high level of cell kill after a single simultaneous application.

Cell Count↗
PubMed2004

Transcripts of neurokinin B and neurokinin 3 receptor in superovulated rat ovaries and increased number of corpora lutea as a non-specific effect of intraperitoneal agonist application.

Neurokinin B (NKB), a member of the tachykinin family, and its neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3-R) are preferentially found in the central nervous system. Others have recently reported on mRNA from this ligand-receptor system in the uterus and on NK3-R expression increasing with age. NKB and NK3-R mRNAs have also been noted in cumulus cells and oocytes from superovulated rats. Intact ovaries before and after puberty have not been studied. In this study, we stimulated 29-day-old rats by s.c. injections with gonadotropins for estrous cycle synchronization in order to elucidate the NKB-NK3-R system's expression and function in the ovary. Simultaneously, NaCl, the NK3-R agonist (Pro(7))-NKB, the antagonist SB 218795, or thiorphan, a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor of tachykinin degradation, were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 3 1/2 consecutive days. First, we demonstrated NKB and NK3-R transcripts in one rat ovary by RT-PCR. No significant mRNA differences were noted between immature ovaries and superovulated ovaries in any of the i.p. applications. Second, the possible role of NK3-R on the ovulatory process was verified by counting corpora lutea (CL) and CL cysts in serial sections of the other ovary derived from the four different groups and embedded in paraffin wax. CL and CL cysts were noted in greater numbers in the pharmacologically treated groups than in the saline-treated group. To validate possible drug effects on the peritoneum, we additionally studied pieces of the omentum majus and retroperitoneal fat tissue. Both tissues were heavily infiltrated by granulocytes similar to a non-specific inflammatory response. The saline-treated group as well as the pharmacologically treated groups appeared to develop this unexpected side effect to a similar degree. We conclude that transcripts of NKB and NK3-R are present before and after puberty in the rat ovary and appear to be expressed at similar levels which may indicate a role for the NKB-NK3-R system in follicle growth. The effect of increased CL formation after application of the NK3-R agonist i.p. is related to a non-specific response.

Animals↗