Studies in antimalarials: N'-aryl-N<SUP>5</SUP>-alkyl-biguanides

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Studies in antimalarials-some sulpha biguanide derivatives

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Directed Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Is a Sensitive System for the Identification of Novel Hox Gene Effectors

The evolutionarily conserved Hox family of homeodomain transcription factors plays fundamental roles in regulating cell specification along the anterior posterior axis during development of all bilaterian animals by controlling cell fate choices in a highly localized, extracellular signal and cell context dependent manner. Some studies have established downstream target genes in specific systems but their identification is insufficient to explain either the ability of Hox genes to direct homeotic transformations or the breadth of their patterning potential. To begin delineating Hox gene function in neural development we used a mouse ES cell based system that combines efficient neural differentiation with inducible Hoxb1 expression. Gene expression profiling suggested that Hoxb1 acted as both activator and repressor in the short term but predominantly as a repressor in the long run. Activated and repressed genes segregated in distinct processes suggesting that, in the context examined, Hoxb1 blocked differentiation while activating genes related to early developmental processes, wnt and cell surface receptor linked signal transduction and cell-to-cell communication. To further elucidate aspects of Hoxb1 function we used loss and gain of function approaches in the mouse and chick embryos. We show that Hoxb1 acts as an activator to establish the full expression domain of CRABPI and II in rhombomere 4 and as a repressor to restrict expression of Lhx5 and Lhx9. Thus the Hoxb1 patterning activity includes the regulation of the cellular response to retinoic acid and the delay of the expression of genes that commit cells to neural differentiation. The results of this study show that ES neural differentiation and inducible Hox gene expression can be used as a sensitive model system to systematically identify Hox novel target genes, delineate their interactions with signaling pathways in dictating cell fate and define the extent of functional overlap among different Hox genes

Chikungunya virus in Canada: A case report highlighting the need for increased global health education

This article presents a previously reported case involving the first Canadian patient to acquire Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection after travelling to a newly endemic region in the Americas. The specific history and clinical presentation of this patient is examined, including the treatment and complete resolution of the patient’s symptoms. A brief overview of the general disease course and diagnosis of CHIKV is provided. This case emphasizes the importance of global health education in Canadian medical curricula. The current standards of global health education in Canadian medical schools are briefly reviewed and recommendations based on expert opinions are provided. Although such programs exist, their implementation was found to be variable between schools and increased attention and standardization is currently required

Emergency lateral canthotomy and cantholysis to relieve intraocular pressure following severe motor vehicle collision

A young woman displayed a dilated and fixed pupil following a motor vehicle collision with blunt force trauma to face. This was associated with drastically elevated intraocular pressure and proptosis. It was believed that a retrobulbar bleed was causing ocular compartment syndrome, an ischemic condition whereby elevated pressure within the orbit occludes blood flow to the retina and ocular nerves. This is a rare ocular emergency, and must be promptly treated to prevent permanent damage. Ophthalmology was consulted by telephone to confirm the diagnosis and direct treatment. A lateral canthotomy and cantholysis was performed under guidance from Ophthalmology and free open access medical education resources. The trauma team managed to save the eye, with visual acuity remaining near normal. In this report, the mechanism of orbital compartment syndrome is explained, and the lateral canthotomy and cantholysis procedure is outlined. This case highlights the importance of telephone consultation and easily accessible medical education resources in the acute care of rare conditions that may arise following trauma

Studies in antimalarials-sulphabiguanide derivatives

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Harvesting, isolation and differentiation of rat adipose-derived stem cells

Background: Adipose tissue is one of the most attractive sources of stem cells because it can be easily harvested and yields a greater stromal cell density. The multilineage potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) demonstrates their significant impact within the field of tissue engineering, with studies successfully demonstrating the ability to produce a range of tissue types. However, although a broad spectrum of applications has already been suggested, many important scientific and medical questions remain unanswered before the clinical application of ADSCs in humans. Importantly, clarification of the biology and identification of the differences of ADSCs from various areas of the body is required. In this continuous endeavor, research in rat models plays an important role in the development of new knowledge. Methods: A literature review was done to summarize all information regarding harvesting, isolation, expansion, cryopreservation and differentiation of rat ADSCs. A Wistar rat model was also used to describe harvesting sites of adipose tissue, and to characterize the ADSCs using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and phase contrast microscopy. Aims: To discuss all relevant considerations for harvesting, culture, differentiation and phenotypic characterization of ADSCs, to provide a comprehensive roadmap of this process, to identify the differences between ADSCs obtained from various adipose tissues of the rat, and to provide FT-IR spectroscopy marker bands that could be used as fingerprints to differentiate the types of adipose tissues. © 2018 Bentham Science Publishers