Flavonoid and phenolic acid profile by LC-MS/MS and biological activity of crude extracts from Chenopodium hybridum aerial parts.

Extracts from leaves and stems of Chenopodium hybridum were characterised for the presence and quantity of flavonoids and phenolic acids by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Five flavonoids and eight phenolic acids were detected for the first time in aerial parts of this plant species, the most abundant compounds being rutin (2.80 µg/g DW), 3-kaempferol rutinoside (2.91 µg/g DW), 4-OH-benzoic (1.86 µg/g DW) and syringic acids (2.31 µg/g DW). Extracts were tested for anti-inflammatory/antiarthritic, antihyaluronidase and cytotoxic activities against human prostate cancer (Du145, PC3) and melanoma cell lines (A375, HTB140 and WM793) of different malignancy. None of the extracts protected bovine serum albumin from heat-induced denaturation. Antihyaluronidase effect at the tested concentration was higher than standard naringenin. Cytotoxic activity was generally low with an exception of the extract from the leaves, which was found most effective against prostate Du145 cell line with 98.28 ± 1.13% of dead cells at 100 µg/mL.

Prevalence of CTLA-4 polymorphism A49G in Ashkenazi Jews.

Type 1 diabetes has been associated with numerous genetic loci. One locus, IDD12, includes the gene for cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA-4). A polymorphism at position 49 in the CTLA-4 gene, causing a substitution of Thr --> Ala, has been associated with various autoimmune diseases, including diabetes. The frequency of the polymorphism in European and Oriental populations has been recorded, but the frequency among different ethnic groups within the United States has yet to be established. In the present study, we analyzed 100 DNA samples from Ashkenazi Jews to determine the polymorphism's prevalence in that population. The A/A genotype was found in 49% of individuals, 41% were heterozygous A/G, and 10% possessed the G/G genotype. The prevalence of the A/A genotype in Ashkenazi Jewish population is the highest reported to date. The incidence of the homozygous G/G genotype within Spanish controls, 8.8%, is the lowest, followed by the Ashkenazi general population. The frequency of the non-diabetes-associated A/A genotype shows a similarity to the frequency of the diabetes-susceptible HLA haplotype, DR4-DQ8. The low prevalence of the autoimmune-associated G allele among Ashkenazi Jewish and Spanish populations may explain a lower than expected incidence of diabetes in HLA-susceptible populations.

Pregnadienolone glycoside from wild garlic Allium ursinum L.

A thorough investigation of saponin fraction from the underground parts of wild garlic--Allium ursinum L. (Liliaceae) has led to the isolation of 3-[O-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)- alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-glucopyranoside-(1-->)]-3 beta-hydroxypregna-5,16-dien-20-one [1]. The structure of 1 was established by chemical and spectroscopic methods. Compound 1 is reported for the first time.

Prevalence of factor V Leiden in African-Americans.

Factor V Leiden (FVL) refers to a mutation on the clotting factor, Factor V. Protein C is a factor involved in the fibrinolytic pathway. Activated protein C (APC) normally degrades activated Factor V. The presence of the Leiden mutation on Factor V makes this protein resistant to degradation by APC, leading to a hypercoagulable state. Previous studies reported a prevalence of FVL in various populations between 0-6% and absent in Africans. We studied two factor V alleles from one hundred random blood samples submitted for CBC. DNA was extracted, PCR was performed for wild-type allele and Leiden mutation with GH internal control for both reactions, and agarose gel electrophoresis was performed. Of 100 samples, five were heterozygous for FVL, which is in accord with other reports. Interestingly, four of 70 samples (5.8%) from African-Americans were positive for the mutation. The study indicates an apparent prevalence of 5% in the Newark, New Jersey population, including African-Americans.

An examination of the variables associated with the adoption of a computerized innovation (an operating room simulation model).

The purpose of this study was to describe the variables that influenced senior staff to decide to adopt (or reject) a computerized innovation (Operating Room Simulation Model) and to describe the decision process at four hospitals. Rogers' Innovation-Decision Process Model (1983) and Model of the Innovation Process in Organizations (1983) formed the conceptual framework for this study. Five specific variables (relevant advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability), that were shown in the literature to increase the probability of an innovation to be adopted, were investigated. The results of this study indicated that there was a match between relevant advantage and adoption and no match between compatibility and adoption. There were insufficient data to determine if a match existed between complexity, trialability and observability with adoption of the Model. The links between the organizational variables (agenda setting, matching, decision) and adoption of the OR Simulation Model were not conclusive.

Functional graph model of a neural network.

A model representing neural networks is proposed. It uses the functional graphs notion defined by R. Jakubowski (1977). This is a system of nodes connected with functional edges between which binary relations can be defined. Multilayer artificial neural networks can easily be defined using functional edges to model neurons, and parametrized binary relations to model synaptic connections. Learning is also defined in terms of functional graphs. The proposed description can produce descriptions of whole classes of networks.

A comprehensive philosophy for nursing: the total approach.

The political, social, economic, and technological forces being experienced within health care today demand that we apply creative models and philosophies for the delivery of nursing services. This paper describes the application of a "Quality Management Model" and presents a "Philosophy of Nursing Quality" that incorporates the elements of quality, cost, caring and nursing in a holistic manner. Application of this Model and Philosophy could provide nurse managers the guidance required to survive the turbulent 90's. In combination, they maximize the potential for success for both the health care recipient and care provider.