Streptococcal cellulitis following preparation of fresh raw seafood.

We describe three zoonotic streptococcal soft tissue infections resulting from fresh seafood contact. One was a localized thumb infection with Streptococcus iniae in an immunocompetent healthy young male resulting from a puncture wound from a crab pincer. The other two were cases of ascending upper limb cellulitis associated with bacteraemia in mastectomy patients. One of these infections was caused by S. iniae while the other was caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae, a species that has not been previously described as a cause of zoonotic infection. Hence when cleaning raw seafood, protective equipment should be used to minimize the risk of percutaneous injuries.

Proteolytic exposure of a cryptic site within collagen type IV is required for angiogenesis and tumor growth in vivo.

Evidence is provided that proteolytic cleavage of collagen type IV results in the exposure of a functionally important cryptic site hidden within its triple helical structure. Exposure of this cryptic site was associated with angiogenic, but not quiescent, blood vessels and was required for angiogenesis in vivo. Exposure of the HUIV26 epitope was associated with a loss of alpha1beta1 integrin binding and the gain of alphavbeta3 binding. A monoclonal antibody (HUIV26) directed to this site disrupts integrin-dependent endothelial cell interactions and potently inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth. Together, these studies suggest a novel mechanism by which proteolysis contributes to angiogenesis by exposing hidden regulatory elements within matrix-immobilized collagen type IV.

Liquid chromatographic determination of atropine in nerve gas antidotes and other dosage forms.

A simple and specific liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of atropine in nerve gas antidotes and several other dosage forms. The method is also used simultaneously to quantitate phenol, an antimicrobial agent present in nerve gas antidotes, and to monitor the level of tropic acid, a principal degradation product of atropine. The system uses a Spherisorb CN column and a mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.05M sodium phosphate monobasic (10 + 90), pH 4.0. The detection wavelength is 220 nm. The method was validated by testing for accuracy, linearity, reproducibility and precision. In addition, the proposed method was applied to 8 commercial preparations of atropine, including injectables, ophthalmic solutions, and ointments, and was found to be satisfactory and free from interferences from preservatives, such as benzyl alcohol, methylparaben, benzalkonium chloride and chlorobutanol, that are present in these formulations.

Liquid chromatographic determination of clidinium bromide and clidinium bromide-chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride combinations in capsules.

A specific liquid chromatographic method was developed for determination of clidinium bromide and clidinium bromide-chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride combinations in capsules. The procedure uses a Partisil 10 ODS-3 column and a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-0.3M ammonium phosphate (32 + 68) (pH = 4.3). The detection wavelength is 235 nm. Accuracy, reproducibility, and linearity were within accepted criteria. Four commercial samples of the single ingredient were tested; results compared favorably with the compendial method. Two commercial samples of the combination product were tested by the proposed method and results reported. The system was found to be free from any interferences from the 4 known related compounds of the 2 major components and is useful as a screening procedure for 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one-4-oxide, the principal degradation product of chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride.