Three steroid-binding globulins, their localization in the brain and nose, and what they might be doing there.

Steroid-binding globulins (SBGs) such as sex hormone binding globulin, corticosteroid binding globulin, and vitamin-D binding protein are receiving increasing notice as being actively involved in steroid actions. This paper reviews data of all three of these SBGs, focusing on their presence and possible activity in the brain and nose. We have found all three proteins in the brain in limbic areas such as the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON) as well as other areas of the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and medial preoptic area. There is also evidence that all three are made in the PVN and SON, in conjunction with the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin. The localization of these three SBGs is more variable within areas of the main olfactory area and the vomeronasal organ. However, all three are found in the mucus of these areas, suggesting that one of their functions is to sequester aerosol steroids, such as pheromones, and deliver them to sensory cells and then to deeper sensory areas. In this manuscript, we present multiple models of SBG action including: A) SBG binding to a membrane receptor, B) this SBG receptor being associated with a larger protein complex including cytoplasmic steroid receptors, C) when the SBGs binds to their SBG receptors, second messengers within the cells respond, D) after SBG binding to its receptor, it releases its associated steroid into the membrane's lipid bilayer, from which it gains access into the cell only when bound by an internal protein, E) the SBG, possibly with its bound SBG receptor, is internalized into the cell from which it can gain access to numerous organelles and possibly the cell's nucleus or F) associate with intracellular steroid receptors, G) SBGs produced in target cells are released from those cells upon specific stimulation, and H) according to the Free Steroid Hypothesis steroids released from the extracellular SBG passively diffuse across the plasma membrane of the cell. These models move the area of steroid endocrinology forward by providing important paths of steroid activity within many steroid target cells.

Scalable robotic biofabrication of tissue spheroids.

Development of methods for scalable biofabrication of uniformly sized tissue spheroids is essential for tissue spheroid-based bioprinting of large size tissue and organ constructs. The most recent scalable technique for tissue spheroid fabrication employs a micromolded recessed template prepared in a non-adhesive hydrogel, wherein the cells loaded into the template self-assemble into tissue spheroids due to gravitational force. In this study, we present an improved version of this technique. A new mold was designed to enable generation of 61 microrecessions in each well of a 96-well plate. The microrecessions were seeded with cells using an EpMotion 5070 automated pipetting machine. After 48 h of incubation, tissue spheroids formed at the bottom of each microrecession. To assess the quality of constructs generated using this technology, 600 tissue spheroids made by this method were compared with 600 spheroids generated by the conventional hanging drop method. These analyses showed that tissue spheroids fabricated by the micromolded method are more uniform in diameter. Thus, use of micromolded recessions in a non-adhesive hydrogel, combined with automated cell seeding, is a reliable method for scalable robotic fabrication of uniform-sized tissue spheroids.

Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography with parallel gradients for separation of phenolic and flavone antioxidants.

Various combinations of PEG-silica, phenyl-silica and C18 columns in a single-column or serial (tandem) arrangement in the first dimension and a monolithic Chromolith column in the second dimension were tested for comprehensive two-dimensional (2D) LCxLC separation of phenolic and flavone natural antioxidants. The combinations of different stationary phase chemistries provided low selectivity correlations between the first-dimension and the second-dimension separation systems. Improvement in system orthogonality, bandwidths suppression, more regular band distribution over the whole 2D retention plane and increased peak capacity in different 2D setups was achieved by using gradients with matching profiles running in parallel in the two dimensions over the whole 2D separation time range. Instead of two sampling loops, two alternating trapping XTerra columns were used for sample fraction transfer from the first-dimension column to the second dimension. Stronger retention on the XTerra columns in comparison to PEG-silica or phenyl-silica columns in the first dimension allowed using focusing of sample fractions in narrow zones on the top of a trapping column and back-flushing into the second dimension in a very low volume of the mobile phase. This fraction transfer modulation provided significant bandwidth suppression in the second dimension. 2D systems with optimized stationary phase selectivity, parallel gradients and fraction transfer modulation using two trapping columns were applied for the analysis of natural antioxidants in beer and wine samples.

[Causes of recurrence after laparoscopic hiatal reconstruction]. / Laparoszkópos hiatus rekonstrukciók után fellépó recidívák okai.

The authors report our recurrent hiatal hernias occurred after laparoscopic hiatal reconstruction. The situation found during laparoscopic re-operations are illustrated on pictures. The show the methods against the recurrence.

[Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy in the treatment of achalasia]. / Laparoszkópos cardiomyotomia az achalasia kezelésében.

The laparoscopic cardiomyotomy (Heller) with Dor type anterior fundoplication is accepted for treatment of esophageal achalasia. Between December 1994 and December 1998, 21 patients with esophageal achalasia underwent laparoscopic Heller's operation with Dor's antireflux procedures after preoperative assessment which involved radiological, endoscopic and manometric investigations. Results were evaluated on the basis of our experiences and postoperative investigations. There were no intraoperative complications. Operating time was 40-90' (mean 65'). Conversion to laparotomy was not required. One patient had postoperative stenosis, and another had esophageal perforation which was treated. Postoperative manometry in all patients showed a decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Based on the obtained results it could be concluded that cardiomyotomy with Dor fundoplication through a laparoscopic approach leeds to good functional results and seems effective and safe procedure in the treatment of esophageal achalasia.

A stilbene from the roots of leuzea carthamoides

From the roots of Leuzea carthamoides, (E)-3,3'-dimethoxy-4, 4'-dihydroxystilbene (1) has been isolated and its structure elucidated by means of NMR spectroscopy, including HMQC and HMBC measurements, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography.

[Investigation of variation of the production of biological and chemical compounds of Hyssopus officinalis L]. / Hyssopus officinalis L. produkcióbiológiai és kémiai változékonyságának tanulmányozása.

Hyssopus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae family) has been cultivated in Central Europe for a long time. This essential oil containing species serves not only as spice but in many countries including Hungary, it is used as a folk medicine against certain respiratory diseases. Despite this fact, little is known about the variation of its productivity under Central European climatic conditions. The cultivated populations of hyssop can be characterised by a significant heterogenity. In the course of its breeding the uniformity of flower colour (e.g. blue form), and increase in the oil content are the main achievable purposes. The purpose of this work was to investigate both the variability of strains of different crigin and the time-dependent variations of its production parameters. The optimum of phytomass was obtained at the beginning of July. The essential oil content as well as compounds of the non volatile fractions were also investigated. The non volatile fractions for rosmarinic, caffeic acids were analysed mainly by TLC and densitometry. Both compounds were present in all samples and they are suitable for the characterisation of the plant. The essential oils were gained with Water Steam Distillation (WSD) and Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) with CO2. The oils were analysed by GC, GC-MS techniques. In the essential oil composition of the populations studied significant heterogenity could be observed. In the case of applying SFE extraction the oil composition is more uniform, similarly to the obtained by WSD adding hexane. The heterogenity can be experienced in the offsprings, too. If only the main four components (beta-pinene, limonene, pinocamphone, isopinocamphone) are regarded, among the offsprings clear and mixed lines alike can be found. Results of these experiments justify the necessity and usefulness of selection which is going on.

Laparoscopic fenestration of symptomatic solid spleen cyst with harmonic scalpel instrument.

The treatment of two operated solid splenic cysts has been reported by authors. Laparoscopic cyst fenestration has been demonstrated to be a useful alternative method to open surgery. The aim of the authors was to analyse the use of Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel in two spleen preserving procedures. Cysts were located in the superior and the anterior-inferior pole of the spleen. Cyst wall not covered by spleen tissues was removed, drain was left in the abdomen. In the demonstrating spleen cyst operation the advantages of HS instrument was the clean operating field, correct coagulation of cyst wall, short hospital stay. Authors believe that this new technology will make it easier and more desirable for surgeons to fenestrate symptomatic spleen cysts.

Laparoscopic hiatal reconstruction and use of harmonic scalpel instrument.

The method of laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia is accepted in surgery. Usually associated with Nissen fundoplication which is the most commonly performed antireflux operation. Within a ten-year period authors have done 90 antireflux operations, 52 was laparoscopic procedures. (30 operations for GERD, 10 for hiatal hernia, 12 for the combination of both.) A patient was submitted to operation with large hiatal hernia. He was treated laparoscopic way with success and good results. The Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel instrument helped their operation in many ways, and provided correct bloodless preparation of cardiac region. The authors demonstrate our procedure and the use of the Harmonic Scalpel. Their patient were completely pleased with the results after discharge, they are still under regular control.

Use of harmonic scalpel at laparoscopic cardiomyotomy. A new method.

The laparoscopic cardiomyotomy with anterior fundoplication (Heller-Dor procedure) is accepted for treatment of esophageal achalasia. The crucial point of the procedure is proper myotomy and avoid perforation of the esophagus. Hook cautery is widely accepted to dissect the oesophageal muscle. We'd like to demonstrate our experiences with a new device--Ultrasonically Activated Harmonic Scalpel-, witch was used at our operation for achalasia to make the cardiomyotomy. Between December 1993 and December 1996, 11 patients with esophageal achalasia underwent laparoscopic Heller's operation with Dor's antireflux procedures. In one patient we applied the Ultrasonically Activated Harmonic Scalpel (HS) to make the cardiomyotomy. The use of HS and results were evaluated. Application of the Harmonic Scalpel is effective for cardiomyotomy. It can be used more safe than electrocoagulation, because it cause less thermic lesion. It's easy to use at laparoscopic way. A perforation of the esophagus didn't occur. There was no intra-, or postoperative complications. After the operation the patient is free of complains. After our first operation, we have found, that Ultrasonically Activated Scalpel can be applied with safe and good results for the cardiomyotomy at laparoscopic operations for esophageal achalasia.

Use of harmonic scalpel for division of short gastric vessels at laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. A new method.

The essential of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is creating a loose and tension free wrap requiring mobilisation of the gastric fundus. Division of the short gastric vessels (SGV) is a standard component of that procedure which requires considerable part of the operation time, and despite of a careful dissection sometimes significant blood loss can be occurred. The Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel (HS) makes the process quicker safer and can cause less intraoperative complication. This study compares our original method of vessel control (at 10 cases, Group 1), to the Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel (at 10 cases, Group 2) Times for SGV division, estimated blood loss and intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated. In the favour for Group 2 a significant reduction was reached in the time required for division of SGV to mobilize the fundus. As the most common postoperative complication, the dysphagia concerns we found significant difference in the two groups and dysphagia was mild at Group 2. Application of HS provide safer, easier and faster division of SGV resulting significant savings of time and less prone to thermic trauma and recommended at LNF operations to avoid potential intra- and postoperative complications.

Results with collagen fleece coated with fibrin glue (TachoComb). A macroscopical and histological experimental study.

Diffuse bleeding from parenchymatous organs at conventional surgery is eliminated with the usual methods coagulation tamponade or styches. We performed experimental series at 9 dogs. After resection of spleen, liver, pancreas and kidney, the bleeding surface was covered by collagen fleece coated with fibrin glue (TachoComb). Postoperatively 7 days, 10 days, 14 days and 28 days we made a relaparotomy. Then the results were analyzed macroscopically and microscopically. In the abdominal cavity neither significant quantity of blood nor greater adhesions were detected. At all cases the fibrin glue was found on place were it was put before. Histologically a perfect wound healing experienced. The fibrin glue (TachoComb) using at diffuse parenchymatous organs' bleeding give a very good results when the wound area is at least 1 cm beyond the immediate wound margin and the fibrin glue is applied onto the wound and pressed on it for 4-5 minutes.

Splenic autotransplantation after abdominal trauma in childhood. Clinical and experimental data.

Splenectomy is known to increase the risk of overwhelming bacterial infection. There is a decrease in immunoglobulin IgM and T-lymphocytes, primary antibody response to antigen challenge is impaired, altered opsonic function an Tuftsin deficiency are noted. Splenic autotransplantation has been suggested as a method of preserving function and this concept is supported by experiments in animals. Prior to operation on humans the technique was thoroughly elaborated and practised in animal experiments (dogs). After splenectomy, 6-8 thin segments (Furka's "spleen chip") are placed in between the plates of the major omentum. Within the period of ten years out of 52 patients 11 children (4 girls, 7 boys) suffered from abdominal trauma underwent total splenectomy, and than autotransplantation in the Kenézy Hospital in Debrecen, Hungary. In several patients the postoperative follow-up radionuclide imaging, IgM, and Tuftsin levels, and the haematological changes (leukocytes, differential blood count, platelet count, iron level in serum) unambiguously confirmed the function of the splenic tissue.

Settlement network development policy and urbanisation in Hungary in the 20th century.

"The paper brings out the role of political economy in influencing the process of urbanisation and [the] structure of settlement network. This is demonstrated through an empirical study of Hungary during the twentieth century. Three phases get easily distinguished: pre-1949 or the period of changes in the state boundaries; 1949-89 or the period of state socialism; and post-1989 or the period of institutional reform. An interesting finding is that there was a bias in favour of large cities and county seats in allocation of development funds under all the regimes."

[Autologous spleen transplantation]. / Lép autotransplantatio.

Splenectomy is known to increase the risk of overwhelming bacterial infection. There is a decrease in immunoglobulin IgM, T-lymphocytes, impaired primary antibody response to antigen challenge, an altered opsonic function and a tuftsin deficiency. Splenic autotransplantation has been suggested as a method of preserving function and this concept is supported by experiments in animals (dogs). The study describes autotransplantation of the traumatized spleen in human beings for the preservation of splenic function. Eleven patients operated on for abdominal trauma in the Kenézy Hospital in Debrecen, required total splenectomy, than splenic autotransplantation. In these patients splenic slides were implanted in between two layers of omental pouch (Furka's "spleen chip"). In 10 patients the follow-up radionuclid imaging, the IgM level, and the tuftsin level unambiguously confirmed the functioning of the splenic tissue.

[Anastomosis of the total calyx system in solitary kidney with an ileal loop]. / Die Anastomose des gesamten Kelchsystems einer Solitärniere mit einer Ileumschlinge.

In a female patient with a solitary kidney the authors achieved a maximum drainage by means of an ileoneocystostomy comprehending the whole calyx system with lateral drainage between kidney and urinary bladder. The indication for this intervention was made in a much extended calyx system with stone formation, in which case the ureter and the urethra remained intact. The result of the operation and the function of the drainage were satisfactory after 2 years.

[Prenatal diagnosis of thoracopagus in the 19th week of pregnancy]. / Pränatale Diagnostik eines Thoracopagus in der 19. Schwangerschaftswoche.

A pair of conjoined twins (thoracopagus) was detected in the 19th week of pregnancy, by ultrasound. Serumalphafetoprotein was normal. Since the fetuses had only one heart, the pregnancy was terminated. The embryopathological investigation confirmed the prenatal diagnosis. Authors recommend the ultrasound screening of all pregnant women between the 16-20th week of gestation. This case is a good example of progressive care in the field of prenatal genetics.